Day 3 Devotional

Day 3/October 27 Devotion

Reflection by Rev. Ben Hogue
Associate Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington D.C.

I often ponder the words ‘get to’ and ‘have to’ with my Confirmation students, especially when it comes to the idea of grace. I ask, “You have been given this incredible gift. You don’t have to do anything with it, but you get to. So, what are you going to do with it?” Usually blank stares. But recently one student sheepishly looked up and said, “Live?” “Yes! LIVE!” I shrieked! My excitement seemed to have shocked the class. Just as God has called us into relationship, God sends us out to live as forgiven, beloved, grace-fueled sinners/saints. Even now. Even during a global pandemic. Even amid hurt and suffering. Even among the division and noise of this political season. How do we live in this moment?

John 10:10b

Rev. Howard Thurman once said, “Don’t ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.” The world needs you, especially you and especially right now, to come alive! The world needs you to be fueled by what the Spirit has placed on your heart, to be propelled by the fires of justice and mercy, and live — sustained by the love of God through Jesus Christ. After all, what did Jesus tell us? That he came so that we may have life…and not just have life, have it abundantly! (John 10:10b) So let us continue our journey, yes, toward election day but especially together as forgiven and beloved children of God living life abundant! ​

Questions to Ponder

  1. Following the advice of Rev. Thurman, what makes you come alive? And what are you doing about it?
  2. What do you feel the world needs you to come alive for? How will that be embodied during these final days in the election season?
  3. Today, what is one thing you can do to live in response to God’s grace that saves?

Silence for Reflection

Prayer

Merciful and loving God, you bring us to life in Christ, even when we are dead in our sins. We come to you alive with hearts that are stirring and souls that are aching. Be with us this day as we live in response to the grace you have given, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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