...And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Just a few days ago, the church celebrated Epiphany. That is the day we are assured that Jesus came to save not just the chosen of Israel, but all nations and races.
On Thursday, the world remembered the birthday of Elvis Presley.
Surprisingly, I can think of a connection between those two days. Many years ago, Elvis was feeling sick. One of his staff checked up on him and found him in his music room playing the song, "How Great Thou Art."
When Elvis stopped singing, his staffer asked him how he felt. The reply, coming from one of the most famous and popular men in the world, is surprising. He said only one word: "Alone."
Pretty hard to believe, isn't it. Over the years, millions of people have made a pilgrimage to visit Elvis' home. Anything he ever touched has become a piece of valuable memorabilia.
Even so, Elvis felt alone. If that's true for "the king", how much more might it not be true for us regular folks?
This is why I ask: "How do you feel?" If the answer is "alone", I hope you realize that Jesus Christ has made that concept obsolete. Jesus left the glories of heaven to become One of us. With the completion of His redemptive work and His wondrous resurrection, we have been given a Friend, Who will never leave us or forsake us.
True, human companions, fame, money, and possessions will all someday fade and disappear, but the love of the Savior and His ongoing presence assures us we cannot be an isolated island in a sea of people.
When a Christian really, truly believes that, he will make the lyrics to that song his own. He will be able to sing with enthusiasm, "How Great Thou Art."
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, because of Your grace so freely given, I have been saved. Now, in this New Year, allow everything I do, think, and say to echo that truth: "How Great Thou Art!" Thank You for Your unchanging love and grace. Because of You, I cannot be alone. 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: Job 3-4 Matthew 8:1-17
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