Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries - Thursday, 30 January
2014 “Mutts”
The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love
that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full
acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am
the foremost.--1 Timothy 1:14-15
Many of our Daily Devotion subscribers currently have, or have
had, a lovable pet. Dogs, cats, birds, fish and, in the case of my grandson,
Keenan, a leopard-lizard named, "Freddie." Now if I have left out
your favored sloth or sheep, please don't be offended. The omission was a
matter of space not personal distaste.
That's the good news. The bad news is if you are a dog owner,
make that a "mutt" owner, for 137 years your pet has been banned from
the Westminster Dog Show. That's right. For over a century and a quarter,
Westminster has refused mixed breeds and catered only to the blue bloods, the
elite of dogdom.
Now, more good news. This year Westminster is allowing
mixed-breed competitors. No, these mutts can't take "Best of Show,"
but they will be able to compete in the agility trials. Those who are avid fans
of Westminster say this is a very, big deal.
So, there you have it. The good and the bad news concerning what
is happening in the world of dogs.
But that is hardly the end of this devotion. This devotion
wishes to share the best news of all. That best news is this: God loves you and
has sent His Son into this world to redeem you.
Jesus lived His life, died His death, and rose from the dead not
just to save those who are rich and famous. He gave Himself not just for the
purpose of rescuing those who had a title in front of or behind their names. He
didn't come to redeem only those who could trace their family lineage and coat
of arms to some remote ancestor.
Jesus came to seek and save the mutts of humanity. By that I
mean people who are relatively obscure and of little interest to the reporters
of the news. Jesus Himself said so. He said He had come to seek and save those
who were ill in spirit; He had come to seek and save the lost. The apostles
agree. Paul said Jesus had come to save sinners, even the chief of sinners like
himself.
Now you may think you know that already, and it is quite
possible you do.
Still, it is something worth remembering when you are feeling
nobody cares about you and life is passing you by. It is something to hold on
to when you think you are neglected and "if it weren't for bad news in
your life, there would be no news at all."
At such times I pray you will recall how God's Son left the high
throne of heaven and became one of us. Here He spent every moment of His life
doing that which was necessary to rescue you from your sins and make sure you
would have a forever home in heaven.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are times when I feel life is
against me, and there is nobody who cares whether I live or die. At such
moments may I rejoice in the Good News that says You care. You cared enough to
send Your Son to save my soul. For that best news may I find hope and
happiness. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
660 Mason Ridge Center
St. Louis, MO 63141 United States
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