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This devotion pairs with this weekend’s Lutheran Hour sermon, which can be found at lhm.org.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3)
This weekend, many Christian churches will celebrate “All Saints Day.” We will remember inspiring Christians who have gone before us, examples from the past. This is a good thing to do. We often learn best by example. We need role models, people who inspire us to be our best. At the same time, these words from the apostle John help us remember that none of us Christians are the mature saints that we will be one day, that is, on the Day when Jesus returns to make all things new and raise us from death.
Martin Luther once expressed this truth in a clear and beautiful way. It was the year 1520, shortly after Luther’s teaching had been condemned by the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church at the time. One question debated was, “Can any Christian, even the saintliest of the saints, ever attain full maturity or perfection in this life ?” Luther echoed Scripture and said “No.” With John’s words and many other Bible passages in mind, Luther explained: “This life, therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way. The process is not yet finished, but is actively going on. This is not the goal but it is the right road. At present, everything does not gleam and sparkle, but everything is being cleansed” (Luther’s Works, vol. 32, p. 24).
What we will be has not yet appeared. But what we are, even now, is God’s adopted kids, His children. And we’re growing up, as kids do. We’re practicing and failing, saying sorry, being forgiven, trying again. We are not yet what we will be. That’s why we still need the Bible. Even if you’ve read it all the way through multiple times, you’re not done with it, and it’s not done with you. You are God’s child. And children need words to grow—many words—words of care and correction, words of welcome and warning, words of protection and pardon.
Later in the third chapter of John’s first letter, he will say that we are what we are because “God’s seed abides” in us (1 John 3:9b). God has planted the seed of His Word in our hearts. And one day He will grow us into mighty and towering oaks of righteousness (see Isaiah 61:3). Some days, you will look back and celebrate all the growth you’ve had in the last season. Some days, you may feel like a flimsy sapling or tender seedling. Others, you might wonder if you’re still an acorn. Wherever you fall, remember that in Jesus—crucified, risen, ruling, and returning—you’re already an oak, a saint, a child of God.
WE PRAY: Dear Father, what love You have lavished on us that we should be called Your children. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.
Reflection Questions:
- Notice all the vivid metaphors Luther employs in his explanation—which one speaks to you?
- Which side of John’s message do you need most today—the truth about who you already are (by grace), or the encouragement to keep growing and struggling (by grace)?
- How have you noticed spiritual growth in your life this last year?
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