This week’s devotions are based on the introduction week of “Explore God” (WATCH HERE)
Semper paratus.
Long before the United States Coast Guard adopted this phrase as their motto and the song by the same name was penned in 1928, the phrase was used by the Apostle Peter. Just for fun and anyone who knows Latin, here’s 1 Peter 3:15 from the Latin Vulgate:
Dominum autem Christum sanctificate in cordibus vestris parati semper ad satisfactionem omni poscenti vos rationem de ea quae in vobis est spe
And the translation:
But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy everyone that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.
Anyone who understands the importance of their work will take time to prepare themselves so that whenever they are called on to perform, they can function at their best.
Military…trains for months and years to be ready for any mission they are sent on.
Sports…athletes train for years to give their best contribution to the team when they are asked to perform.
Musicians…practice tirelessly so they can play the finest of music when a concert calls.
The list goes on. Everyone who understands the importance of their craft and realizes the privilege they have to participate in that craft prepares so they are semper paratus…always prepared.
So Peter realizes and passes on to us the importance of being prepared to “satisfy everyone that asketh you a reason of that hope which is you.” (Got to love the King James English!)
So are you prepared? If someone would ask you today the reason you find hope in Jesus, what would you say? Would you be clear or fumble through it?
The great thing about being prepared to give a reason for the hope we have is simply as soon as God’s Spirit works a confident trust in Jesus as your Savior and you realize that instead of heading to hell you are heading to heaven, you have everything you need to be ready to give a reason for the hope you have!
Perhaps it’s as simple as taking time today to ask the question, “What difference does it make in my life that I am a Christian?” “What hope do I have because of Jesus that others in the world don’t?”
Over the next weeks our “Explore God” series is intended to do two things. First solidify in our own hearts and minds answers to life’s key questions. And second to be better prepared to give an answer to all who ask these questions of us. I pray the messages and the devotions are a blessing to you!
PRAYER: Lord God, thank you for all the hope you have given me through Jesus your Son. Help me semper paratus to give a reason for the hope you have given to me when ever someone asks. AMEN.