DEVOTION: “Baptismal Hope”

TEXT: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

THEME: We have hope in the promise of eternal life through our Savior, Jesus Christ

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: What a joyous day it is for a husband and wife at the birth of their tiny baby. That new child, so innocent and tiny, seems so perfect in the new parent's eyes. Yet, that child is born a sinner and will someday perish because of that sinfulness. When we realize this, our joy fades and we lose hope for this new baby; but through baptism, Jesus puts the hope and joy back into the birth of each child.

We were born from our mother's womb to someday physically die; but through baptism and faith in Jesus, we experience a "new birth" and share in the promise of eternal life in heaven. We have this promise from God, our Father, who give us hope for the future through His son Jesus Christ.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND APPLICATION:

· Why does life feel hopeless at times?

· When was your baptism or "new birth?"

· How do you profess Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?

SHORT PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for being the giver of all good and perfect gifts. Especially, thank you for the best gift of all, your son Jesus. We praise you for giving us hope and joy where we had none and thank you for the hope we have of eternal life in heaven through Jesus. Because of you, Lord, the fear of death is gone. What a comfort and security Your love brings to our lives. We praise and thank you Lord. Amen.

Devotion by: Glen E. Dawursk, Jr. – www.Yuthguy.com