July 18, 2023
Today’s Reading: Romans 8:12-17
Daily Lectionary: Joshua 5:1-6, Acts 10:1-17
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Slavery isn’t something we really think of today in terms of ourselves. If slavery is ever mentioned it’s usually associated with our country’s past or even things like the slavery of people or the Israelites in the Bible. However, as our devotion in Roman’s 7 showed us, we are addicted to our sins. To be an addict is to be a slave to whatever controls us. As Paul points out we are never able to free ourselves from our sins and in those sins the Law of God brings terror and shame for what we have done.
Sin is the worst kind of slavery for us to endure, and unfortunately every human being finds themselves bound up in sin’s chains. This is why we need Jesus. Jesus is the one who knew no sin, no slavery, no addiction to sin, and yet took on our sins in order that we might be set free. When Jesus takes away sin is that He doesn’t simply take our sins away like we take the garbage to the garbage can. Jesus immerses Himself into our sins, He takes on the shame, the guilt and weight of our sins and the Father’s wrath and anger over sin. He is slave to us and our sins as Paul says in Philippians; “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
In your Baptism you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons. In those Holy and blessed waters you are cleansed in the Blood of Jesus which forgives your debt to the Father. Because of that you no longer live in a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of freedom and life. That word “sons” doesn’t mean that there are no “daughters”. This term “sons” is in reference to those who receive an inheritance. In the ancient days the first born son was always the recipient of the inheritance from his father. What Paul is saying is that all Christians, male and female, are the first to receive the inheritance your heavenly Father has promised for you. Jesus becomes the last as He breaks loose your chains of sin and death and sets you free to live in His forgiveness and love. Because of that adoption you are now part of the family of God, no longer a slave to sin. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Your great love for this hath striven That we may, from sin made free, Live with You eternally. Your dear Son Himself has given And extends His gracious call, To His Supper leads us all. (LSB 559:2)
-Pastor Kent Schaaf is Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey.
Study Christ’s words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.
