If you have never read through the Heidelberg catechism I would highly recommend a read through. There is some great stuff in there. One of the biggest difference, in my opinion, between this and other documents of the reformation is the way it speaks to ones emotions. It seems less concerned with the theological exactness that is the Westminster Shorter Catechism, but doesn’t go light on theology either.
Question 1. What is your only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
For many of us, what comfort we can have in this life is of top concern with the present financial crisis causing disruption all around. I don’t know many people who feel secure in their jobs, or in their plans for the next few years. I know I certainly don’t. It is very easy to spend out days worrying about what might happen, and what we need to do to guard against those “maybes.”
Working for a client who has had major budget cuts over its whole company, and who has brought in a competitor is enough to keep you awake at night. As I read this yesterday I was reminded of the sweet comfort that is the providence of God. Knowing that not a single hair on my head can fall without my Father allowing it can bring great comfort in such a disruptive time (especially if you are like me losing more hair by the hour. I guess God just thinks of me more than most).
It is a great reminder of how his hand is guiding us all.
Like I said if you haven’t read through the catechism you should take a look. It is well worth the read. There is some very devotional stuff in here.
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