September 6 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Luke 2:25–32

Devotional

Jacob waits for God’s salvation. For sure, salvation is a reality. We know that very well. But there is also damnation. Frankly, it needs to be said, that we have deserved damnation because of our sins. Only grace can save our life. If there is no grace, the time will come that we will have to cry out, “Lost, eternally lost!”

Jacob had a bad name. But we all have a bad name. We are all called “sinner.” This is an awful name before God and as such we cannot stand before Him, neither can we appear before God. With such a name we dare not die. With this name, “sinner,” we are lost and wretched. Something needs to happen to us before we die. We must be changed; we must be renewed. Our guilt must be forgiven. It will not be the worst thing when in a little while our grave lies open, but the worst thing will be when our guilt is then open before God. Let it be known that salvation does not begin on the other side of the grave, but on this side! Jacob had in his life a foretaste of heavenly delight. After death, Jacob did not meet an unknown God. He went through life with God and he left this life with God.

What expectation is there in a life without God? Maybe you have been confined to a sickbed for a long time. Maybe you are lonely or sad, or mourning or oppressed. Is it not true that we are miserable people when afflictions befall us? This will especially be the case when the final blow of death is given. Is it not terrible to be alone in life and to be alone in death?

And yet, today it is still the day of salvation. It is the time of grace. This is the time that the Savior is still waiting for lost, miserable people. The more you see your wretchedness, the closer you are to His salvation. The more wicked you find your name to be, the more valuable the name of Jesus will be for you.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.