URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 17 September 2025
1 Timothy 1: 12 – 17
I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection
Six years ago, my partner brought home some special chocolates and hid them away for a special occasion. When I remembered them, he had to admit he had eaten them all! We are all too inclined towards grudges and holding people’s sins against them. For some people, their sins follow them throughout their lives in society. I know of someone recently released from prison after a long sentence for a serious crime. Though this person is deemed to have been rehabilitated and is determined to give back to society and live lawfully, they still have to declare their crime. This has a lasting impact on their ability to find accommodation or employment. No chance of putting it behind them and having a fresh start.
How different it is with God. The witness of Paul, formerly Saul, testifies to this so clearly. “A blasphemer, a persecutor and a man of violence”, he had been responsible for hounding out and killing followers of Christ, most notably Stephen whom he had stoned to death. Yet God not only forgave him, but called him to spread the good news and bring people to Christ.
‘Amazing Grace…that saved a wretch like me,’ wrote John Newton, a former slave trader. ‘The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives’ are the words of Fanny Crosby.
This reading epitomises the hope we have in Christ. We cannot help but sin; maybe not committing serious crime but acknowledging that every time I break the speed limit, I am gambling willingly with the harm I could cause someone with my car just for the sake of getting there that bit quicker. Every time I judge someone on appearances, I am not loving my neighbour as I should. But God sees us, loves us, forgives us, and uses us, giving us countless fresh starts through Christ. Amazing Grace indeed! Now to work on forgiving my partner for the chocolate theft!
Prayer
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.
It is beyond our understanding, And yet it is true.
You bear no grudges, you sent your son into the world to save us.
You judge, but are not judgemental, and on that we depend.
Why, even vilest offender is pardoned as they accept that forgiveness and turn to you.
Even as we thank you, help us make the most of the fresh start you give us.
Amen.