Bible Readings and Devotion for October 14, 2020
Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:
Devotion for October 14, 2020
By Pastor David Tinker
Uniforms matter. These both help us identify various persons in their roles and helps each individual to understand his or her role in a situation. In Galatians 3:27 we read about the uniform of a Christian. Paul notes, “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Our uniform is that of Jesus himself.
This uniform of being a follower of Jesus helps us to see that we are called and empowered to grow into the person God redeemed us to become. This uniform casts the vision for what life is to be like. We look to the way of Jesus and the teachings of the Apostles. We seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We strive to honor the Lord as we love God, love neighbor, love one another, and tell the world what Jesus has done.
As a symbolic action related to this which we have done in various ways is the use of baptismal garments. These are sometimes even literal garments which are worn by the person being baptized. Some families use a gown of some sort for their young child. Others have a white dress or suit for the child. With older youth and adults some churches will have the baptismal candidate wear an alb or robe, similar to what a pastor or worship leader would wear.
Sometimes these are simple additions to one’s clothing to remind the person of his or her baptism. This often takes the form of a stole like item.
In all these things, the goal is to help the person being baptized and the congregation to remember their calling. They are all called to utilize God’s abundant resources to grow into the faithful person for whom God has done so much in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin. Grant that we who are reborn to new life in him may live in righteousness and holiness all our days, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Martin Luther Lutheran Church 