God Loved the World (ELW 323, focus on verse 2)
1 God loved the world so that he gave
his only Son the lost to save,
that all who would in Him believe
should everlasting life receive.
2 Christ Jesus is the ground of faith,
who was made flesh and suffered death;
all who confide in Christ alone
are built on this chief cornerstone.
3 If you are ill, if death draws near,
this truth your troubled heart can cheer:
Christ Jesus rescues us from death;
that is the firmest ground of faith.
4 Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son
forgives all sins that you have done,
and justified by Jesus’ blood,
your baptism grants the highest good.
5 All glory to the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To you, O blessed Trinity,
be praise now and eternally!
Devotion
Foundations can seem inconsequential. Once the structures are complete, we no longer see what they are built on. Our attention is captured by the splendor of what has been constructed. We are distracted by all that is now possible because the system is in place. But foundations do matter.
Surprisingly, the ground of our faith is a suffering servant, one who was despised and rejected. If someone is challenging your faith in Jesus, take heart. The reigning power does not come with military might, political posture, or cynical campaigns. Jesus’ power outstrips that of any leader, past or present. However, this power came through emptying himself to become a servant, suffering a humiliating public execution. His communication team is a ragtag community of outcasts who choose to proclaim the promises of the creator God. This is something God alone has chosen to do in Jesus.
Prayer
Creator God, plant my feet on the firm foundation that is Jesus Christ, crucified, the Risen One who demonstrates your love by quenching our thirsts with living water. Amen.