Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
Read Romans 13:11-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; Verse 12the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; Verse 13let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Verse 14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Devotion
In the midst of the city of peace, there, the thrones of judgment are set up, the thrones of justice. We can call them God's mercy seat. The judgment that is uttered is one of mercy. God's immeasurable goodness is revealed and shared with us, a goodness that completely transforms our lives. No longer are we lost in the ways of self-centered desire, in the pursuit of our own happiness, in drunkenness and addiction that make the world and the neighbor all about "me." God's mercy opens the door, breaks down the walls, calms our fear and says: now is the time, know that I am with you; in baptism you have been already clothed in Jesus Christ. Jesus is your life. Your identity is found in his abundant mercy that dispels the darkness.
Prayer
God of peace, shape our life, hold us in your mercy that is stronger than any darkness. Amen.