Salvation In No Other Name

A Lenten Devotional - Listen to the audio version.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" Acts 4:12 (NIV).

When I sat down to write this Lenten devotional, the Christmas decorations and carols of "Go tell it on the Mountain" had just been put away for another year. How fitting that it was January 6, Epiphany, the day we remember the kings who came to worship the Christ child. When those ancient kings returned home, they shared the good news message that Jesus was born, and told others of their need of the long awaited and Promised Savior.

God's people know we need a Savior. But doesn't everyone know this at some level, that something is missing, and then set about conducting their lives seeking a savior that will satisfy their lack?

Workaholics, shopaholics, or thrill-seekers, do they not try harder to obtain that extra something to fill their souls—to save them from their emptiness? Drug-addicts, do they not use the drugs to dull the ache that never goes away, to save them from their despair? Adulterers, do they not look for partners who will save them from their dull and lonely marriages? Thieves and liars, do they not steal or lie to save themselves from the perceived lack in their lives? The greedy, do they not crave more and more to satisfy that missing something? The controlling, do they not orchestrate their lives to be their own savior?

Our sins, insecurities, anxieties, and fears reveal the deeper need of our souls. People need The Savior, the only One who can fill that God-shaped void in us all! This is why we must tell the good news of God's love, and remind ourselves of it too. God took on human flesh to die on the cross to save us from our sins. He took the punishment we deserve for sinning against him. This Gospel message: the good news that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to restore his creation and give us abundant life—not only for eternity, but here and now—is desperately needed in our world today. Jesus is the One who fills our empty lives with purpose and lifts the despairing out of the pit; he is a friend to the lonely, and promises to provide all our needs—he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Scriptures remind us that no good thing does he withhold from those who walk with him. Yes, we must go tell this Good News, over the hills and everywhere!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Tune my heart and mind to recognize when I look to anything or anyone else to save me. Help me continually turn back to you for my salvation. Thank you for loving me, forgiving me, and giving me new life. I desire to be your faithful image-bearer in the world today. Amen.

Teach the Salvation Message to Children
Life of Jesus Bible Lessons

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