Happiness in Being God’s People
Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 33:26-29
Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord?
God's people are a blessed and happy people. They know the joy of having new life in Christ, and they have the sure hope of living eternally with him.
For all who belong to the people of God, it is good to be reminded of these words of Moses to God’s people Israel. Moses wanted the people to remember how privileged they were, so he said, in effect, “Blessed are you, Israel! Who can be compared to you? The Lord himself has saved you.”
God’s people are blessed because they have been chosen by God from eternity. They are the object of God's loving care in all circumstances.
Salvation is the greatest of all gifts. It is a gift of eternal consequences. It is an expensive gift that all the riches in the world could not buy. This gift cost God the life of his own Son, Jesus Christ. And through this costly gift God freely gives us salvation.
We cannot do anything to earn or accomplish salvation; nor do we deserve it in any way. God is pleased to give it to us by his merciful grace. Salvation and new life are an undeserved favor.
The happiness of God's people lies in this capital truth: we are saved by the Lord!
We praise your name, O God, for in your gift of salvation, full and free, we are truly and completely blessed! Thank you for loving us so much and for making us your people. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
About the author — Hernandes Lopes
Hernandes became the Portuguese ministry leader for Today's sister Portuguese ministry in 2010. He also serves as the director of the organization Luz Para o Caminho (Light for the Way), an organization formed in partnership between ReFrame and the Presbyterian
Church of Brazil. Hernandes has authored more than 160 books and is a popular and respected conference speaker in Brazil. Hernandes graduated from Seminário Presbiteriano do Sul in Brazil and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in
Jackson, MS.
Hernandes and his wife, Tinha, have two adult children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!