Daily Devotionals

A Gift, an Offer, and a Promise

Posted in Comfort

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 

Recently I attended a funeral for someone my age I have known most of my life.

 

The funeral homily was based on what the deceased had requested to be preached only a few days before his unexpected departure from this world.

 

I wasn’t certain what a homily was, so I Googled it.

 

A homily is a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction.

 

This was a very difficult time for the family, and they certainly needed spiritual edification. One of the most fundamental and popular Bible verses was presented as requested in a new light.

 

In John 3:16, God gives us a gift of a Savior, an offer to believe in Jesus, and a promise that if we do, we will have eternal life (and no more suffering).

 

Our pastoral prayer at Eastminster each Sunday always provides spiritual edification to those who are suffering. Our God is a great and powerful healer and physician. We are encouraged by His gift, His offer, and His promise both in times when we feel the need for spiritual edification and times when we share joy.

 

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the best gift of all, your Son Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer. Please help each of us to provide spiritual comfort to those we meet in the common daily walk of life we share. Thank you for our spiritual leaders that provide spiritual edification in both times of sadness and joy. Amen

 

Submitted by:  Fred Hanna