Thursday, September 10, 2026

Scripture

“If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8

Reflections

We’re claimed.  That makes all the difference in the world.

Animal shelters throughout our country typically have a hard time finding homes for all their pets.  When COVID-19 broke out and people started to realize they’d be working from home, the animal shelters were emptied.  Abandoned pets were claimed.  They had people who took them into their homes and loved them.  And, as pet owners know, the pets return that love.

Without God, we are basically left on our own, for all practical purposes abandoned.  Yet in holy baptism, our heavenly Father adopts us as his own.  We are claimed by Him.  We belong to Him.  Nothing is going to change that.  He takes tremendous joy in us.  He loves us unconditionally.  Lest there be any doubt, look to the cross.  He wants us to know he loves us—even when it kills him.

Returning that love comes naturally.  It is hard to imagine knowing that kind of love without loving him in return.  If you think the love between a pet and its owner is special, imagine how much more special our relationship is with our heavenly Father.

We’re not always cute like puppies.  Still, God sees beyond that.  We belong to God.  Nothing is going to change that.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for claiming me as your own.  Keep me mindful that you are my greatest source of joy in this life.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Romans 14:1-12