Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness, and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works.
Titus 2:13–14, LSB
Jesus didn’t die on the Cross so we could continue living like everyone else. He died that we would turn away from worldliness and turn toward Him. We, also, know that He will once again return. In this second coming, sin will be removed from all of creation. This includes us. Until that time, we are called to ourselves apart and act differently in the knowledge of our salvation. We are meant to seek after things that will bring glory to God with the knowledge that we are forgiven of our shortcomings. It isn’t that good works will save us, but in our service to our neighbor, they may come to know Christ our Savior and Lord. As we live our lives as people of the Word and in the Word, we will be purified because of the revelation that is brought in our faithful reading. The Word of God never falls flat and it will always bring some change. Sadly, that change may be a rejection of God for those who do not wish to submit to our Lord. For those that are called to our Lord, it will be the door to purification of mind, body, and soul all to the glory of God in order to do that which He has called us to do. In this promise, let us find peace.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.