April 9 -- "Surrender: The Logical Choice"

 

Today’s Reading: Romans 12 

Whenever we see the word “therefore” in Scripture, it’s like a signpost telling us to stop and look back. "Therefore" is a connecting word—it links what is about to be said with what has already been established. It’s the writer’s way of saying, “In light of everything I just told you, here’s how you should respond.”

Chapter 12 is a turning point in Paul’s letter to the Romans, shifting from deep doctrine to practical discipleship. Paul begins this chapter with “I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God…” That therefore isn’t just a filler word; it’s pointing us back to everything Paul has been teaching in the first eleven chapters. He’s spent all that time laying out the depth of God’s mercy: Starting with how we were lost in sin  (3:23) But because Jesus paid the price for our salvation by His death on the cross (5:8) And because Now we are saved by grace through faith (10:9) And because our salvation has brought us peace with God and freed us from the power of sin (5:1, 6:14) And because we have been grafted in to God's “olive tree” and made part of His eternal covenant (11:17) And because nothing can separate us from the love of God (8:38-39)

Now -THEREFORE-our only reasonable response is to surrender ourselves completely to Him. Paul calls this a “living sacrifice”—not a one-time offering on an altar but a daily, ongoing surrender of our lives to God. God isn’t asking for empty religion; He’s asking for real relationship.  He doesn’t just want an hour on Sunday—He wants your heart, your mind, your daily life. Your job, your family, your choices—every part of you can be an offering to Him. This means seeking His will in everything, pursuing holiness, and living in a way that honors Him.

It’s not about perfection but about direction.  Are you walking toward Jesus? Or away from Him? Surrender isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily choice.  Each morning, offer yourself anew: “Lord, this life belongs to You.” Give Him your thoughts, your plans, your fears.  Let His mercy motivate you to live differently. Today, take a step—whether that’s spending time in His Word, serving someone in need, or letting go of a habit that doesn’t honor Him.

After all, in light of all that He has done for you, this is the only reasonable, logical, and fitting choice you can make.

May the Lord fill your heart with the wonder of His mercy, stirring within you a joyful surrender. May you walk in His will, fully alive in His purpose, and may your surrendered life bring Him glory.