Devotional thoughts for Friday

Friday 24. October 2014 

Trinity 18 

And the disciples asked Jesus: "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must arrive?" Jesus answered: "Elijah does arrive, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already arrived, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands." (Matthew 17,10-12 ESV) 

The disciples understood that when Jesus was talking about Elijah He was referring to John the Baptizer. John had been sent before Jesus to prepare the way, just as Elijah had been sent to prepare the way for the LORD. John preached repentance and baptism. John's message was a message of the law. Confess your sins, amend your life, for the Christ is about to arrive. 

Jesus then arrived. He followed in John's footsteps preaching repentance . But Jesus went further. Jesus preached the gospel. Jesus forgave people of their sin. Jesus mingled and ate with the sinners. Jesus ate and mingled with the scribes and Pharisees too. He called all to repent, confess their sin and receive His absolution. 

This struck a flat note with the scribes and Pharisees. They considered themselves righteous under the law. Many of them challenged Jesus at every turn. The sinners, however, received the gospel with joy. They now had the certainty that God loved them and was merciful to them. They were certain of their forgiveness and salvation. 

Jesus wants us to have this same certainty too. His word is preached so that we realize that yes, we are sinners, but Jesus has redeemed us. Our sin is forgiven. Righteousness is ours as a gift of grace that is received by faith. 

Prayer: O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your Beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the Voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.  Amen. (L21, Treasury of Daily Prayer)