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Divine Imperatives September 2 Devotional

by David Joynt on September 02, 2023


LUKE 23:34 | 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.

 

A last great incentive for reconciliation is the power it has to help us become more like God. God is patient, kind, and seeks reconciliation with His rebellious children. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. This makes the all-powerful God vulnerable, for human beings can resist His love and forgiveness, and reject His friendship. But these rejections, though painful, never turn our Lord toward cold-hearted responses.

 

The imitation of God has the greatest reward, that we come to resemble His Son, who forgave His enemies on the cross.

 

The kingdom is built as more people become more like Christ. Do you agree?

 

 

Gracious God,

May I resemble You today in my words and attitudes, even if I must deal with others who are spiteful or angry.

Amen.

 

About the Author
David Joynt

Dave Joynt began his service as a pastor at Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley, Arizona in September 2014. This meant a move away from the Northeast, where he has a long history, growing up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and then serving congregations in Delaware and New Jersey for a total of 23 years.

Dave was nurtured in a great church in Bethlehem where his parents, Anne and Carey, served as elders. He graduated in classics from Lehigh University where his Father taught, and then from Oxford, where he met his wife Julia. Ordained in 1988, he completed a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1993.

He and Julia have a son, Tristan, and a daughter, Madeleine.

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