10 September 2021
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.
1 Timothy 1:1-2,12-14, (NRSV)
In today’s reading, the author (either Paul or one of his apostles) begins by proclaiming that God, in the person of Jesus, is the real Saviour. At that time, the term “Saviour” had been appropriated by the Roman Emperor. Ephesus, the place to which this letter was sent, was highly influenced by the cult of the Emperor and so it was important that the community understood whom to regard as their real Saviour. The author goes on to emphasise the great mercy he had received from God despite his former sins. He did not have to do anything to deserve this grace given freely by God his Saviour.
- Why do you suppose the author of this letter wanted the people to know about his past life?
- Is there anything that would disqualify a person from serving God?
Pray for those who feel that they do not deserve God’s mercy.
