(Jesus said) "For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost." Luke 19:10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
One of the differences between African and American culture is that in Africa it is normal to say, "I am lost. Please direct me to such and such place." On the other hand, it is often considered strange for an American man to ask for directions.
When it comes to Christ the reverse is true, however. A person begins by admitting he or she is lost. This fact is made clear in the Gospel Jesus proclaims: He is seeking those who are lost. Until a person realizes he or she hasn't got a clue where they're going, it isn't very likely they will be asking for directions.
The purpose of Christ's coming -- and of His cross and the empty tomb of His resurrection -- is to find and redeem the lost, to draw sinners to Himself. In Christ alone we have our salvation and our ultimate direction. God is still seeking those who are lost. Through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit He reaches out, guiding those who cling to Him in faith back into His loving will for their lives.
And it is among those without direction who are lost that we must come alongside as God works through us -- His search and rescue team -- sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, make us a part of Your search and rescue team, so that through us more people may be restored to Your eternal purpose for their lives. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Biography of Author: This devotion is based on a text submitted by a volunteer with the Lutheran Hour Ministries' office in Uganda, known locally there as Lutheran Media Ministry. Established in Kampala in 1996, this ministry reaches people in this country of nearly 30 million using Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping the Saints (ETS), the This is the Life television series, and through seasonal Gospel productions performed by the Lutheran Mission Choir.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 67, 71 Philippians 2
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