Devotion: All Saints’ Day

Sometimes God “enlightens” me profoundly to understand His words. He uses many creative, unique ways to get me to listen.

I live next to a cemetery, and as I write this, another funeral procession goes by to remind me that death is near. People have taken time out of their day to grieve and celebrate the life of a dear one. At Sheridan, I regularly work with planning funeral luncheons, where I often witness laughter mixed with tears as loved ones share a meal together. And as God would have it, I happened to be the reader of this scripture on Sunday, just so I would have the words familiar in my feeble brain. Then, just to make sure I was paying attention, many weeks ago, I had volunteered to help this past Sunday afternoon for a Day of the Dead celebration at the State Historical Museum. I witnessed so many young families and others honoring the memory of the dead with bright colors, singing and dancing. In this season of All Saints’, the connection to death was all around me.

So what was God’s message to me? Honor and remember the Saints in my life! But even more, live a saintly life! That’s the hard part. Martin Luther proclaimed that we are both saint and sinner. I’ve got the sinner part down; no problem there. The saint role however pushes me to be like the examples God has placed in my life.

We have an inheritance to share. And how do we share it? Look to the Saints. They welcomed strangers, volunteered, donated clothing, food, money, and they listened to the heartaches of others. They studied God’s words. They showed love to all. They prayed. They weren’t perfect and neither are we. But if your heart is enlightened, you will feel the hope of His calling.

Dear Jesus Christ, thank you for giving me examples in my life. Help me to understand Your power and love. Remind me that I am a saint when I am tempted to only see the sinner. Amen.

Written by Cindy Swanson