March 1 - Introduction to preparation
Preparation is an essential part of life. Our children go to school for years as a vital part of their preparation for adult life. We prepare for holidays, graduations, weddings and all sorts of other family celebrations.
Spiritual preparation is also of utmost importance. For generations, some Reformed Churches had special services of preparation before administering the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper, although sadly this excellent custom has fallen into disuse in many churches. If your church still observes a preparatory Sunday, count yourself blessed. In a personal way we prepare for a new day, or to bring a day to its close, with family and private devotions, and I hope that this booklet will be a help and encouragement in this.
Next month, we Christians will mark some of the most important days on the Christian calendar: Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter. It is my hope and intention that, using this daily devotional in this month of March, in the Year of our Lord 2023, we will prepare spiritually to remember these high points in our Saviour's earthly ministry, upon which our very salvation is established.
May God grant a blessing to all who use these devotionals to reflect on the Scriptures and to lift up faithful hearts in prayer.
Preparing by Walking
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” - 1 John 2:6
Scripture reading: 1 John 2:1-11
Life is portrayed as a journey in a number of Scriptural passages. All of us are walking down a path with an eternal destination. Sadly, many walk down the broad highway that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). Our calling as Christians is to walk the narrow path that leads to life. As we prepare to mark the great events of Jesus' earthly ministry: Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter, we do well to consider our walk of life. The Lord gave His life to save us and calls us to follow Him. How? John's inspired answer is that we “ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
Throughout his letter, John mentions how Jesus walked to save us. He lived as the atoning sacrifice (I John 2:2). We too are called to walk the path of sacrifice. What have you sacrificed for Jesus? Our Lord perfectly obeyed the Father's will. Jesus walked the path of righteousness (I John 2:29). Do you? Or are your feet on the path of worldly pleasure? God calls you to walk in obedient righteousness.
Jesus also walked the path of love (I John 3:16). His love was real and enabled Him to give His life for His people's salvation. How real is your love? Do you love others enough to forgive them and bear with their weaknesses? Do you love the Lord enough to serve Him and build up His church? Those who walk as Jesus did, love God above all and their neighbour as themselves.
Suggestions for prayer
Ask the Holy Spirit to work in your heart so that you will truly reflect the sacrifice, righteousness and love of your Master, as you follow Him. Pray that you will be well prepared not only to mark the great events of Jesus' earthly ministry, but for a full life of discipleship.
Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...
