Day by Day with Martin Luther

Read: Ezra 8:1-23 1st Peter 1:1-12

Readings for All Saints Day: Rev. 7:9-17, 1st John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12

“In Him We Live”

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.”

[Romans 11:36]

Why would we ever want to boast, Paul means to say when “all things” that have being – obviously also all our wisdom and abilities derive not from themselves, but they both have their beginning from Him, are preserved through Him, and must continue in Him? He says, “In Him we live and move and have our being” [Acts 17:28]. That is, we are and can do, that we live and have peace and protection – in short, whatever good or evil happens to us – happens not by chance and accidently, but everything comes from and through His divine counsel and good pleasure. He cares for us as for His people and sheep: He rules us, gives us good things, helps us in danger, preserves us, etc. Therefore, all glory and praise are due to Him alone before all creatures.