Verse
2 Corinthians 6:2 – "For He says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Meditation
God’s call to repentance and faith is never for some distant future; it is always for now. The Apostle Paul urges his hearers not to delay, for the day of salvation is already upon them. God, in His mercy, has acted—Christ has come, has borne sin, has conquered death, and now the invitation stands open. Too often, the sinful heart hesitates, waiting for a better moment, a more convenient time to turn fully to the Lord. But delaying only hardens the heart. The Gospel does not bid us to prepare ourselves and then come; it calls us to come now, as we are, for Christ alone is our preparation. Today is the day of grace. Today is the time to repent, to believe, to rest in the finished work of Christ. His invitation is not uncertain, nor is His promise wavering. He has spoken, He has acted, and He bids us receive His mercy without hesitation. To delay is to risk everything; to trust Him now is to gain everything.
Old Testament
Isaiah 55:6 – "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near."
The prophet’s words echo the urgency of Paul’s message. The time to seek the Lord is now, for His grace is present and His salvation is at hand.
Collect
O Lord, whose mercy calls us to repentance and life, grant that we may not harden our hearts but trust in Your salvation today, that receiving Your grace in this favorable time, we may rejoice in the fullness of Your kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Hymn Verse
“Today Your mercy calls us
To wash away our sin.
However great our trespass,
Whatever we have been,
However long from mercy
Our hearts have turned away,
Your precious blood can cleanse us
And make us white today.” (LSB 915:1)
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