The Day Is at Hand

Daily Reading: Romans 12-13

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light... Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13.12-14)

Devotional Thought: When Paul wrote Romans, there was a sense of growing unease concerning Christians in society.  Due to their connection to the Jews, Christians had enjoyed some immunity from Roman persecution.  But the Church’s tie to Judaism was unraveling, and the government became suspicious toward this “radical” group.  It would only be a few short years after Paul wrote this letter that persecution of Christians became the official Roman position.  On top of that, the return of Christ – which had been anticipated within a generation of his ascension – had been delayed and Christians were scrambling to understand what this meant.  Some had given up all inhibitions and were engaged in sinful behavior that would make a Mediterranean sailor blush!  Into that dark night, Paul said, “The day is at hand.”

The news is not very encouraging these days either.  While the world scrambles to fight a global pandemic, leaders of all political persuasions are fomenting suspicion and division.  Social media is filled with hatred and accusations.  People are being shut out and canceled for disagreeing with the powerful elite controlling our information.  But right when it seems that this world is getting darker and darker, we are reminded to look for a glimmer of light in the east: “The night is far gone; the day is at hand!”

Don’t give in to despair or division, to fear or fury.  The Bible is still true.  God is still reigning.  The day is at hand, and Jesus is coming again!  So, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Prayer: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created... To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" Amen. (Revelation 5.12-13)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 22.12-19

12 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me;

13 they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast;

15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.

16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—

17 I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me;

18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!