Sometimes I can hardly believe that I get to study the Scriptures for my own encouragement everyday and then share with others what I have learned. What a gift from God! But, as if that were not enough, I even get paid to do this. How humbling! Being the in the Ministry is a gift from God.
I've been reading through Luther's Commentary on Genesis and find gems every time I turn a page. Here's one from today's reading on Genesis 22:16: "By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord."
Enjoy!
"Our trust will be perfect when life and death, glory and shame, adversity and good fortune will be alike to us. But we shall not attain this through speculation; it will have to be learned in trial and prayer... God does not lie when He swears and when He promises the greatest blessings, life, and deliverance from sin and hell, and when He so firmly assures every one of us: 'You, human being, shall surely live, or I Myself shall not live. Hell has been overcome and destroyed for you, or I Myself shall be destroyed and cease to be God. Indeed, in order that you may have no doubt, you have My Son given to you as a gift.'
"To believe these most glorious promises and to expect these blessings from God with firm confidence is true faith. And God wants our hearts to be aroused to this confidence not only by the examples of Abraham and others - and not only by His promises - but also because He has given His own dear Son for us, to be a gift and a pledge of heavenly blessings." Martin Luther, AE 4, page 149
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