Today’s Bible Verses:
1 John 2:1 ESV

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

The beauty of 1 John 2:1 is in its assurance and comfort. The writer, John, addresses us affectionately as "my little children," reminding us that, in Christ, we are beloved members of God’s family. The purpose of his letter is to encourage us to strive for a life free from sin, reflecting the love and holiness of our Savior.

Yet John knows the human heart—its struggles and frailties. He acknowledges that, despite our best efforts, we may stumble. In these times, he reassures us of God’s grace. We are not left alone in our failings; we have an advocate—and not just any advocate—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Jesus is the perfect advocate because He is both our sinless Savior and one who fully understands our weaknesses. He intercedes on our behalf, not based on our righteousness but on His. By His death and resurrection, He has paid the price for our sins and now stands as our defense before the Father.

In Lutheran theology, this verse resonates with the concept of sola gratia (grace alone). We are reminded that our relationship with God is not something we earn but a gift through Jesus. Even when we fall short, God’s grace through Jesus is sufficient. His advocacy brings us back into fellowship with the Father, calling us to repentance and renewal.

Today, let us rest assured that Jesus stands beside us as our advocate, continually offering us His grace. May we respond by seeking to walk in His light, trusting that He will forgive us when we fail, lift us when we stumble, and strengthen us to live faithfully.

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Gracious Father, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus, my advocate before You. Forgive me when I fall into sin, and renew my heart to desire what is good and holy. 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.

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A Song for Today