The last straw’s legacy

Ruth Kennedy December 29, 2023 1 3

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Titus 3: 4-7 (NIVUK)

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Apparently, cows can overeat on straw, not that this is something I have seen! I can imagine an all-you-can-eat buffet of straw laid out in front of them! When we overeat, it isn’t particularly great or comfortable, is it?! Maybe we have overindulged this Christmas? Perhaps we just thoroughly enjoyed a meal of some favourite, tastiest foods without over-eating. But no doubt we have probably taken a moment to enjoy some delicious morsels in one way or another.

This passage is so full and rich, isn’t it! Reading it is like sitting to enjoy a long, delicious multi-course meal of the tastiest foods… like Christmas! There is God’s kindness and love, our Saviour and His mercy. This means our salvation is not based on our tasks, actions or ‘doings’ but on His grace and love alone. Then there’s the washing and rebirth, our renewal of life. And then there’s the Holy Spirit. And there’s more! The sheer generosity of God, our justification where we are made right in God’s perspective, and our position as heirs to the Kingdom of God in the new life we have. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s topped off with the hope of eternal life!

What a feast!

Maybe you found more?

Read it again, devour it, chew it over and let this word of God satisfy your every hunger. You can’t overeat on God's word and it is a wonderful feast to fuel us up for the new year just around the corner.

Prayer:

We cannot live by bread alone Lord, we need every word from your mouth. Reveal the wonders of the feast from this scripture today Holy Spirit. Let your word settle deep down in us so we are well-fed for the year ahead of us.

Out of your kindness and mercy, bless those who are hungry with nourishing food today. Miraculously multiply what they have into an overflowing abundance.

From your heart of love God, bless those who live with constant abundance with a generous heart to share. Miraculously multiply opportunities to care for others with a compulsion to act and do good.

Father, thank you for your word to us today.

Amen.