God’s Glory Seen in His Grace
Today’s Bible Verse:
Romans 3:23 ESV
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
In this brief yet profound verse, Saint Paul lays bare a universal truth: every human being, regardless of age, status, or background, has sinned and falls short of God's glory. This reality can feel heavy but also brings us to a pivotal moment of grace.
Understanding that "all have sinned" reminds us of our shared humanity. We live in a world where the effects of sin are visible everywhere—broken relationships, injustice, and despair. It can be easy to point fingers and judge others, forgetting that we, too, have missed the mark. This verse invites us to look inward, acknowledging our faults and shortcomings.
Yet, as Lutherans, we know this acknowledgment is not the end of the story. Paul doesn’t leave us in despair. This awareness of sin is crucial to recognizing our need for a Savior. It compels us to seek God's mercy, reminding us that while we may fall short, God’s grace is abundant.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word that reminds me of our human frailty. Help me to see my sin clearly, not to dwell in shame but to turn to You for forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Photo above is licensed through Unsplash+