...And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Most of us like to think we have a special part in shaping the things which are happening around us.
That was the discovery of a food-processing firm that marketed a cake mix a number of years ago. The mix required that the cook only add water to produce a creamy batter and a fine cake.
The cake didn't sell, and the company couldn't understand why. Eventually they brought in a research team to do some investigation. The problem was this: the kitchen cooks felt uncomfortable doing nothing more than adding water.
The process seemed TOO simple. Folks felt they had to DO something if a cake was going to have any value or be any good. With that information, the company fixed the cake's formula and made it so the cook had to add one egg.
Almost immediately, the mix achieved great success. People were pleased; they had become involved with what was happening.
Unfortunately, the same desire for involvement doesn't apply to salvation. The truth is: Jesus has done all that was necessary to save us. Through His perfect life, His substitutionary suffering, and His death upon the cross, He has done it all. Now, by the Holy Spirit's power, we have been brought to faith and are kept there.
In cake mix terms, we don't even have to add an egg to be given heaven.
Which is why Luther was right when he said, "for all of which it is my duty to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him."
Jesus has done it all.
This is most certainly true.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for sending Your Son to save me; for bestowing Your Spirit to call and keep me. While I cannot do anything to win salvation, I can sing the praises of what You have done. May I do that today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 62-64 Romans 12
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