daily devo: "GOING GOd’S WAY"
Rev. Reuben K. Youngdahl, grandfather to Eric Youngdahl and Senior Pastor of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church from 1938-1968, was widely known and respected for his pastoral leadership and his uplifting messages of God's love. These messages were published into devotional books so that people might find hope in the promises found in Jesus Christ.
One of his many books was titled, "Going God’s Way.” Pastor Youngdahl issues the challenge for people to go ahead and live today in the faithfulness of God. In his words: “Live each day by itself. Begin and end each one in communion with God. Life’s meaning will be made clear, and its challenge will summon you to follow the way of the Lord, and claim the triumphant life He is able to give you.”
April 3
On Tiptoe for Christ’s Coming
“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.” -Psalm 33.20
One day Saint Paul prayed this brief prayer which is a model for those who love the Lord and await His soon return: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” A little later on we find him writing to Saint Timothy saying, “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
Let us think about Paul’s personal circumstances at the time of this prayer. This brave soldier of Jesus Christ had nearly finished his earthly warfare. About thirty years had passed since on the road to Damascus he had seen heaven’s light, and heard the voice through the blinding light say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” From that soul-shaking moment on he had fought the good fight. He had kept the faith. He had run with patience the race set before him. And the secret of the great victory he puts very simply. He kept “looking to Jesus.”
Think of Paul’s suffering. He had endured stoning and dank prison cell, hunger and nakedness, perils by land and sea; and as he now writes, he was a prisoner at Rome chained to a soldier. Wherever he moved hand or foot, there was the clank of the chain, and the grim presence of the Roman guard, to remind him that he was awaiting death. Yet he could say, “I am already on the point of being sacrificed.”
What was the secret of his life? How come he did not fear death? It was because he longingly awaited the coming of Jesus and the crown of victory. For him death was the sweet chariot to bring him into the immediate presence of his Lord. He longed for the reward of an everlasting peace which he knew would be his. His imprisonment could only end in the glorious liberty of the children of God.
We who have faith to believe that “in everything God works for good with those who love him,” can share Paul’s poise and confidence, since for us, too, that day will be filled with peace and joy of believing.
TODAY’S THOUGHT: Faith gives you to look at life through the eyes of Jesus.
