I Received the Living God, ELW 477
Refrain
I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy.
I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy.
1 Jesus said:
I am the bread, kneaded long to give you life; you who will partake of me need not ever fear to die.
Refrain
2 Jesus said:
I am the way, and my Father longs for you; so I come to bring you home to be one with us anew.
Refrain
3 Jesus said:
I am the truth; come and follow close to me.
You will know me in your heart, and my word shall make you free.
Refrain
4 Jesus said:
I am the life, far from whom no thing can grow, but receive this living bread, and my Spirit you shall know.
Refrain
Devotion
The texts this week have all focused on transformation. The central transformation in our faith is in the person of Jesus Christ. Whether it was transforming water into wine, a few fish into many, fishers of fish to fishers of men, Saul to Paul or death into life, Christ’s ministry worked transformation. And it still does! These transformations were not only for Jesus and those who surrounded him during the times of the Bible. Jesus is working transformations in us, today, as well. We who are burdened are now free. We, with ignorant spirits, will now know the truth. We who are old are made new. We who fear death are given life. Jesus is in the business of transformation and our transformation began before we were even aware. Jesus knows the pain and frustration that this life gives. He transforms that pain into a living faith and a sure trust that we will always live for, with and by Him.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being in the business of transformation. In a world that beckons and threatens us to conform ourselves to its standards, our comfort comes from knowing that you instead transform us through your promises. Give us the strength to trust in you and have faith that you are constantly at work in us. Amen.