October 17th, 2011
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Because of His Mercy

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Opening Prayer

Dear God, charge my entire being with currents of gratitude. May I find many opportunities to bless Your name today.

Read TITUS 3:1-15

[1] Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. [3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior 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 Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. [8] This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. [9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. [11] You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. [12] As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. [13] Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. [14] Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. [15] Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

Gratitude is the wellspring of Christian worship: “… psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Col. 3:16).

Think Further

Just in case Paul’s comments about Cretan culture seemed to imply moral superiority, he shows that the Gospel is the great leveler of all claims to merit anything from God. To “cretinize” may have meant to deceive, but Paul includes himself in his description of fallen human behavior. “We, too, were … deceived” (3). As in Crete, much of our so-called freedom is slavery to self-indulgence and whatever feels good, and such behavior undermines community (“malice and envy,” v. 3).

With one little Greek (or English) word Paul begins to describe God’s extraordinary intervention: “But … God” (4). The word for God’s love used here gives us our word “philanthropy.” God is the great philanthropist. He gives out of generosity, not in response to merit, for we have no merit; we receive mercy only in Christ. This salvation is not just the minimum necessary for us to escape judgment. We are not merely washed clean of our sin; instead, the renewing Spirit is “poured out” (Acts 2:17,33) on us generously. This is why Paul expects moral change. Deceived and disobedient slaves have become heirs of God, through grace. The church in Crete is young and immature, but once the Gospel gets hold of it, just see what God can do!

This rich description of our salvation is not just a wonderful piece of doctrine. It is an outburst of praise. The sense of gratitude, almost incredulity, at the depth of God’s mercy, is palpable. Throughout his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul interjects short statements of doctrine, not so much as pieces of instruction but as acts of worship. To the very end of his ministry he never lost his sense of wonder at the grace of God.

Apply

It was said that Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Evaluate your life with this “goodness” marker. How is it spent? Cooperate with the Spirit in any needed changes.

Closing prayer

All thanks and praise to You, my wondrous, most gracious God. May my life reflect Your goodness

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