Glorious Appearing

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Scripture: Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Devotion

            Today’s scripture is from the book of Titus. Titus is a tiny letter tucked in at the end of the letters of Paul. It barely gets any attention at all from the church. When was the last time you heard a sermon or sat through a Sunday school lesson on Titus? Yet, we find in Titus encouragement to live Christ based lives. It is worth spending a few days of our meditation to consider the hidden treasure that Paul has left us here in this letter to one of his co-workers.

            The first thing we notice as we read the letter to Titus is that Paul goes out of his way to encourage the young pastor in his walk with the Lord. In verse 11 Paul speaks of Jesus as the grace of God that the world has been waiting for. The salvation of God is on offer here with no strings attached. This salvation helps us avoid falling for temptation to do evil that is all around us calling us with its tempting song. The Lord helps us to live in a way that pleases the Lord.

            Indeed, we wait for an excellent hope from heaven. The return in glory of our Savior Jesus Christ is in view here. We await a time when Jesus will put an end to all the evil that tempts us from day to day and make us a people that are ready and willing to do his will. We are to be thankful that Jesus has saved us, and we are to wait patiently for his return in glory to claim us as his own children.

            The book of Titus is full of encouragement like this. Paul urges his fellow worker to be diligent in keeping the flock gathered around him safe from all harm. The letter encourages us likewise to be hopeful and to wait expectantly the return of Jesus and his establishment of his kingdom to rule over all the peoples of the earth. Let us pray that Jesus returns soon.

Prayer:

            Dear Jesus, we your children wait patiently and obediently for your return in glory. Help us to be your faithful servants while we await your return. May we be found to be building your kingdom. Help us to see that your will is done through our lives even before your return. Teach us to pray for your kingdom to come soon. May you find us faithful people working in the world, bringing peace and harmony wherever we are. Amen.

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