The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:14-15
Many of our Daily Devotion subscribers currently have, or have had, a lovable pet. Dogs, cats, birds, fish and, in the case of my grandson, Keenan, a leopard-lizard named, "Freddie." Now if I have left out your favored sloth or sheep, please don't be offended. The omission was a matter of space not personal distaste.
That's the good news. The bad news is if you are a dog owner, make that a "mutt" owner, for 137 years your pet has been banned from the Westminster Dog Show. That's right. For over a century and a quarter, Westminster has refused mixed breeds and catered only to the blue bloods, the elite of dogdom.
Now, more good news. This year Westminster is allowing mixed-breed competitors. No, these mutts can't take "Best of Show," but they will be able to compete in the agility trials. Those who are avid fans of Westminster say this is a very, big deal.
So, there you have it. The good and the bad news concerning what is happening in the world of dogs.
But that is hardly the end of this devotion. This devotion wishes to share the best news of all. That best news is this: God loves you and has sent His Son into this world to redeem you.
Jesus lived His life, died His death, and rose from the dead not just to save those who are rich and famous. He gave Himself not just for the purpose of rescuing those who had a title in front of or behind their names. He didn't come to redeem only those who could trace their family lineage and coat of arms to some remote ancestor.
Jesus came to seek and save the mutts of humanity. By that I mean people who are relatively obscure and of little interest to the reporters of the news. Jesus Himself said so. He said He had come to seek and save those who were ill in spirit; He had come to seek and save the lost. The apostles agree. Paul said Jesus had come to save sinners, even the chief of sinners like himself.
Now you may think you know that already, and it is quite possible you do.
Still, it is something worth remembering when you are feeling nobody cares about you and life is passing you by. It is something to hold on to when you think you are neglected and "if it weren't for bad news in your life, there would be no news at all."
At such times I pray you will recall how God's Son left the high throne of heaven and became one of us. Here He spent every moment of His life doing that which was necessary to rescue you from your sins and make sure you would have a forever home in heaven.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are times when I feel life is against me, and there is nobody who cares whether I live or die. At such moments may I rejoice in the Good News that says You care. You cared enough to send Your Son to save my soul. For that best news may I find hope and happiness. 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: Genesis 31-32 Matthew 20:1-16
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