Daily Devotions
Don't laugh at the Lord - July 30, 2010
Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."
Genesis 18:10-14
Impossible! When the Lord told 99-year-old Abraham that next year his 89-year-old wife Sarah would have a child, she laughed at the thought of such an impossible thing actually happening. We might laugh too. In fact, just about anyone would laugh. Such things just don't happen, especially for women who are past the age of child bearing. Yet there were two people who did not laugh: the Lord and Abraham.
The Lord was not laughing or pulling a prank. The Lord was going to make it very clear that this special son of Abraham and Sarah would be the one from whom a very special descendant would finally come—Jesus who would save all people from their sins. That's no laughing matter. And Abraham was not laughing. He understood and believed this promise of God for God can do anything and nothing is too hard for him.
Have you ever been in an "impossible situation"? Did you ever feel that there was no solution? At one time or another, we have all faced difficult or near impossible situations. The truth remains that nothing is impossible for God. He will accomplish his will, even if he does so in ways that we cannot fathom.
In the case of the author of this devotion, the doctors told my parents that they would never have children. After adopting two children, my parents then had two of their own! Then, two months after their 25th wedding anniversary, I was born. Don't laugh, I'm not! I'm very thankful that God does what even the best doctors see as "impossible."
Think about the other "impossible things" that God does. He forgives all our sins. He makes us his children through the waters of Holy Baptism. He has given us the sure hope of heaven. He's promised to never leave or forsake us. No, we don't laugh at the impossible; we rejoice that God accomplishes the impossible.
Take a look back in your life. Look at the many times God has already done the impossible for you. Count the many blessings he's brought your way in your parents, friends, family . . . in the times that he's come to you with his words of peace and forgiveness. Look ahead to the hope of heaven which he holds before your eyes. Look and rejoice how often God easily accomplishes the impossible.
Lord Jesus, thank you for accomplishing the impossible, including my eternal salvation. Thank you for opening the door of heaven. Help me to never laugh at or doubt your promises. Give me an ever-growing and stronger faith so that I may cling tightly to your promises. Amen.
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Matthew 28:20b - July 29, 2010
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20b
Jesus' love for us was so great that he came to earth, leaving his glorious heavenly home to live humbly among us. He came to take our place. He took upon himself the frightful burden of our sin and allowed it to crush him by a cruel death on the cross. Victoriously, he rose from the dead proving that he is the world’s Savior. He did all this for us that we might live forever with God. Though our Savior has ascended into heaven, he has not left us. He promises that he will always be with us.
His abiding presence is a great comfort. He knows the problems and hardships we face. He knows the difficulties we have as we strive to do his work on earth. That's why he assures us that he will never leave us alone. Jesus is the all-powerful God who is always present wherever we are, guiding and upholding us. He is with us in our homes, in hospitals, in schools, in churches, at our work places. He is always present to continually strengthen, comfort, assure and support us. Therefore, we can live confidently in the peace of the forgiveness of sins that we have through him, and we can work diligently to do his work of making disciples for him by sharing the gospel.
Jesus is with you; have no doubt about it. You can face today and the rest of all your days with the certainty that your Savior loves you and is leading you step by step closer to the last day when he will take you to be with him in heaven!
(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 588):
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide me!
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me!
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide me!
___________________________________________
With this devotion, the series on the Gospel of Matthew comes to a close. I pray that the message of God’s Word that we studied from this Gospel has been a blessing for you. Beginning next week, we will start another devotional series based on the Old Testament book of Ruth. Watch for these devotions every Tuesday and Thursday, and continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
Pastor Michael Hintz
WELS Evangelism
evangelism@wels.net
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A wrong relationship made right - July 28, 2010
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation."
Colossians 1:21-22
How would you rate your relationship with God on a scale of 1 through 10? How would GOD rate it? Many people never bother to ask God what he has to say about his relationship with them. They think it is their prerogative to determine whether their relationship with God is good, bad or ugly. Some think everything is OK between them and God. Others think God is out to get them and wants nothing good for them.
What does GOD have to say? First, he tells us that our evil behavior alienated us from him. God cannot and will not abide sin. We have sinned. Our evil behavior made us God's enemies. We don't want to hear this, but whether we want to hear it or not is irrelevant. God has declared it to be true.
But God does not want to be our enemy. He loves us. So he sent his Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for our sins. All of our evil behavior was washed away by Jesus' blood on the cross. Now God sees us as holy, sinless, perfect people. We are no longer God's enemies. We have been reconciled to him.
Now, how would you rate your relationship with God on a scale of 1 through 10? Thank God that through Jesus he has taken you from a really a 0 to a 10!
Lord Jesus, I know that without your help I would be alienated from God because of my sins. I can never thank you enough for reconciling me to my Maker. Give me peace and joy this day knowing that I am no longer God’s enemy but his beloved and forgiven child. Amen.
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Matthew 28:18-20a - July 27, 2010
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
Matthew 28:18-20a
The theme that has driven Matthew's Gospel account along is this: Jesus Christ is the Messiah in whom all Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled. Since God has convinced us of this great truth, what are we to do? In the concluding scene of Matthew’s Gospel, we are given direction by Jesus to go and make more disciples.
Disciples are followers of Jesus who have come to faith in him as their Savior. We can’t make disciples on our own. So Jesus gives us the means. He tells us to baptize in the name of the Triune God. Because of the Word of God connected to the water of baptism, it washes away sin and saves people (1 Peter 3:21). Through the Word and the water, God claims people as his own and gives them forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation.
Jesus also wants us to teach everything he commanded. We are to proclaim to everyone the full message of God, not adding our own ideas, or taking away from its truth, or changing its meaning (Revelation 22:18-19). By the power of the Word of God, people are brought to faith in Jesus. By continuing to hear and learn the Word, they are sustained and edified in their saving faith.
The good news of Jesus Christ – the gospel – offers and gives God's forgiveness and eternal life to people through baptism and the teaching of God’s Word. By the power of the gospel, God makes disciples of Jesus.
The mission that Jesus gives his church is to deliver the message of the gospel to people near and far. Knowing the love of our Savior and filled with the joy of his salvation, how intently we will strive to carry out his will!.
Jesus, lead me to dedicate myself to fulfilling your will of spreading the gospel. Open my eyes to opportunities that I have personally to tell people about the salvation you won for them, and give me the courage and the words to speak. Use me also to help my church in proclaiming the gospel to many people in the community and beyond. Amen.
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Listen first and then serve - July 26, 2010
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41-42
A reader asked Emily Post, "What is the correct procedure when one is invited to the White House and has a previous engagement?" She answered, "An invitation to lunch or dine at the White House is a command, and automatically cancels any other engagement."
Now what is the correct procedure when one is invited to know and learn from Jesus, but there are previous engagements? The invitation to meet with Jesus automatically cancels any other engagement.
A friend of Jesus named Martha needed to learn this. She thought that her devoted service to Jesus came ahead of her devoted listening to Jesus' teaching. Her sister Mary better understood her priorities.
Jesus and his disciples came to visit the sisters in Bethany, not far from Jerusalem. The sisters prepared places for the disciples to rest, to eat, to wash, and to enjoy their friendship. Martha got busy. They had so much to do. But Mary did not help Martha with this work. Instead, Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to what he said. She chose to hear Jesus first and serve him later. Martha chose to serve Jesus first. Would she have any time left later to hear Jesus? Only if she got all her duties done!
Jesus said, "Mary has chosen what is better."
Someone once said that you could summarize all the world's religions in two words: "do" and "done." The "do" religions tell followers to do all kinds of works in order to obtain blessings from God. Service to God comes first. The "done" religion says Jesus did all your work for you. Listening to this good news about Jesus comes first.
Jesus has given us the "done" religion. Our service to God, no matter how constant and devoted, will never merit his favor. Why? Even the good things we do have the taint of sin, marking them as unholy and unworthy before a perfect God.
Jesus' work had no taint of sin. Indeed, he came to take away all of our sins. On his cross he did not say, "I did as much as I could . . . now you do the rest." He said, "It is finished!" Because of that great message, we will listen to Jesus first, then serve him later out of thanks and love for what he has done.
Jesus, teach me to make listening to you my highest priority. Then fill me with your wisdom and love to serve you faithfully. Amen.
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Is following God's Word too difficult? - July 23, 2010
Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Have you ever started reading the Bible from cover to cover? The first book, Genesis, thrills you with all that God has made. It's an action packed book: the flood, the tower of Babel, following Abraham and his children down into Egypt. Then you read about the glorious majestic rescue and return to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses in the book of Exodus. Yet not long afterward, in Numbers and Leviticus, one almost seems to get lost in all the laws and regulations. One could rightly ask, "Who could follow all these and keep them perfectly?" Perhaps one would conclude that following God's Word is too difficult.
God instituted those laws for his purposes—one of which was to point people ahead to Jesus—the only one who could keep all of them perfectly. As Moses bids farewell to the children of Israel, he reminds the people of this wonderful gospel promise—a promise that was neither difficult nor hidden from them. Each time the Scriptures were read, each time they offered sacrifices, each time they came to worship—they heard the message of God's grace and forgiveness through the coming Messiah.
That's the power of the gospel. God's gospel answers that question, "Is God's Word is too difficult to follow?" On the one hand, we see that we can't follow it completely. We've fallen short time and again. Yet we see Jesus who did it for us because he loves us. Now, freely and fully forgiven, our focus is on doing God's will out of thanksgiving and love! Moved by God's love, we strive to follow God's Word and live according to his will.
Helping our neighbor by retrieving his trash can on a windy day . . . doing our homework to the best of our abilities . . . washing the dishes and putting away the laundry . . . driving the speed limit . . . changing that diaper in the middle of the night . . . visiting an elderly person who is in a nursing home . . . the list goes on and on of ways we can honor God and follow his will. Notice again, it's not difficult at all, especially when God's Word is continually on our minds and in our hearts.
This certainly gives us the encouragement to be reading our Bibles, to strive for that daily devotion time, to be regular in worship each week. This is what Moses means when he says that the Word of God is near you; it's in your heart and on your minds. As we read and hear his Word, God strengthens our faith, assures us of his forgiveness, and empowers us to daily live for him—something which is by no means difficult—rather it's a joy.
Lord God, keep me in your Word every day that I may more and more love and serve both you and others. Thank you for forgiving all my sins and making me your child. Amen.
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Matthew 28:16-18 - July 22, 2010
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
Matthew 28:16-18
Jesus came to this earth to fulfill the will of his heavenly Father. He carried out all that was necessary to save sinful, fallen mankind. When his work of redemption was completed, he returned to his glorious heavenly home. As Jesus left this earth, he wanted the good news of
salvation to be spread throughout the whole world. Jesus’ greatest desire is for people to hear about all that he accomplished for them, and by hearing the gospel come to faith in him as their Savior from sin and death.
Jesus did not plan to stay on earth and spread the gospel. He did not plan to send angels from heaven to do the work of evangelism. He planned to direct his believers to tell the good news of salvation. He wanted his followers to pass down from generation to generation the precious truth of eternal life until he would come back and take all his believers to be with him in heaven.
Jesus' plan does not fail because he has all authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus is King of all creation. Jesus is the supreme commander of his army of believers and directs the conquest of his gospel in every nation of the earth. With that authority, he commissions his followers to be his missionaries. There's no question as to what Jesus wants us to do. There is no option. He enlists us in his service to proclaim the truth of salvation to everyone. Backed by the ultimate authority of the Son of God, we shall work faithfully and confidently to fulfill our mission to proclaim the name of Jesus who lived, died, and rose, because it is absolutely true that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Jesus, your name proclaims you to be the Savior of all people. Give me the strength to live to the honor of your name and help me share the glorious message of salvation with others. Amen.
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Living in the light - July 21, 2010
"The Father . . . has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Colossians 1:12-14
Five-year old Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn't want to go in alone. "It's dark in there and I'm scared." She asked again, and he persisted. Finally she said, "It's OK—Jesus will be in there with you." Johnny walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave when all at once an idea came, and he said: "Jesus, if you're in there, would you hand me that can of tomato soup?" (Charles Allen, Victory in the Valleys)
Many people, like Johnny, are afraid of the dark. It is frightening not to know what's out there waiting for you, what might jump out to grab you.
Those who do not know Jesus spend their lives in spiritual darkness. They don't know what is waiting for them when they face death one day. They don't know what tragedy might jump out to grab them on any given day. All of us were born this way. We did not know who God is or how we might know him.
Since we cannot find God, he finds us. He reaches out to us in the darkness and pulls us into the light of Jesus Christ. Seeing Jesus means seeing God. In Jesus we see that God loves us and forgives us. We no longer need to be afraid of what is waiting for us when we face death. We have eternal life. We no longer need to fear what will happen in this life. We have an all-powerful Lord who loves us. How good it is to live in the light!
Heavenly Father, thank you for rescuing me from the darkness of sin and unbelief. Bathe me in the light of your truth until I see you face to face. Amen.
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Matthew 28:11-15 - July 20, 2010
While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.
When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
Matthew 28:11-15
When God speaks, it is always the truth. In a prayer to his heavenly Father, Jesus stated, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). God has revealed his word of truth to us in the Bible. Though written by human beings, the Bible is actually God’s word. One of writers of the Bible explained, “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words” (1 Corinthians 2:13).
On the other hand, when God's enemies speak, they must resort to lies or fraud to defend their unbelief. The religious leaders of the people refused to believe that Jesus was sent by God to save the world of people from sin and death. In their estimation, Jesus was a false Messiah and a real threat to their authority. So they opposed him throughout his ministry and eventually had him arrested, tried, and executed. They were wrong, however, to think that their encounter with Jesus was over when his lifeless body was laid in the tomb and closed by a large stone.
Early on Sunday morning, the third day since the death and burial of Jesus, the Roman guards hurried from the tomb to tell them “everything that had happened.” They told about the violent earthquake and that they saw an angel of the Lord roll back the stone from the tomb. The sight of that brilliant heavenly being was so breathtaking that it caused those burly men to faint and collapse feebly to the ground.
The reaction of the religious leaders is interesting. We’d expect them to scoff at the soldier’s report, asserting that the earthquake was just coincidence and dismissing the account of the angel as nonsense. Even if they thought there might be some validity to the report, why didn’t they send someone to the tomb to investigate? Instead, they immediately called a closed meeting and devised a plan to cover up the whole matter with a lie. They knew the truth. Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he predicted. Their response to that great truth was to mask it with a monstrous lie, and bribe the soldiers to spread it.
Jesus rose from the dead. That’s no lie. God proclaims that truth in the Bible. Jesus’ resurrection assures us that he is the Savior whom God sent to free us from the guilt of our sins and give us eternal life. He is risen! He is risen indeed! That’s truth, not to deny, but to believe.
God, fill my heart with your truth centered in Jesus my Savior and risen Lord. Lead me to love your word and rejoice in my blessed relationship with you through Jesus. Amen
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Jesus' work, not ours, has saved us - July 19, 2010
"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Luke 10:36-37
How do you see yourself? Do you think you stand above the common crowd of sinful people? Do you find that when you compare your life to the way other people live, you believe that your behavior is better, perhaps more God-pleasing? Do you confess that you need a Savior from your sins or do you already stand convinced that you good enough for God?
An expert in the law of Israel approached Jesus. He considered himself superior to others. He believed he had already kept the greater part of God's law—loving God with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind. He wanted Jesus to confirm that he had also loved his neighbor as God required.
So he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied by telling the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Who would help the man who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead? A Jewish priest? A Jewish Levite? That's what could be expected from those religious leaders, but instead they passed by the needy man. The one who did stop to help was a foreigner; he was a Samaritan who mercifully and lovingly provided for the stranger who desperately needed help.
Jesus asked the expert to confirm that the Samaritan rather than the Jewish priest and Levite in the story had loved his neighbor. "Who was a neighbor?" Jesus asked. The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
"Go and do likewise," Jesus concluded. The expert said nothing more. We don't know if he fully understood Jesus' teaching. Did he reflect upon the story to see his own sin, how he kept failing to love and help people, all people as God commanded? Did he return to Jesus later with a cry for mercy, "Lord, save me?"
What we don't know about that man, we do know about ourselves. We have failed to love God and others perfectly as God demands, and for our sin we deserve God's wrath and punishment. All our acts cannot save us, but Jesus' work—not ours—has saved us. He loved God and all people according to the holiness God demanded of us. He loved us and gave his life as the sacrifice for all sinners to save us from the condemnation we deserve.
Because Jesus has loved us in this way, we are moved to love all other people and mercifully help them in their needs. In love for our Savior, we will heed his command, "Go and do likewise."
Merciful Savior, grant that your marvelous grace may lead me to trust in your merits, not my own. Guide me to love and honor you by serving the needs of my neighbor. Amen.
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Rejoice - July 16, 2010
"Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her. For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance." For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes.
Isaiah 66:10–14
A river is a fascinating element that coils itself through the countryside. Usually the waters will flow, quietly glistening in the sun. Sometimes the bank of the river will creep closer and closer to the middle as the waters drop. Other times the waters will rush upward, overrunning the banks and flooding the countryside. It is the latter picture the Lord uses to describe his grace that he pours out on his church throughout the ages—Jerusalem as it is called in these verses.
As one who believes in Jesus as your Savior, you are a member of his church. There are times that you rejoice with the church. When people learn about Jesus as their Savior from sin and become members of his church, your heart is gladdened. When people receive the assurance of the forgiveness of sins, your heart is overjoyed. But there are also times when you mourn over the church. When believers endure hardships or trials, you are saddened. When persecution rears its ugly head, you grieve. But in all of these scenarios, your God says to those in the church: "Rejoice."
He can say that because in each of these scenarios, his grace continues to overflow over his church like a flooding river. When someone comes to faith in Jesus, they join his church as an heir of eternal life (Galatians 3:26). When the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, the church receives peace from God. When hardship strikes in its many forms, God's protective hand preserves his beloved (Psalm 91). As persecution rains down on the church, God as a refuge and strength will not fall (Psalm 46). Through his Word, God gives his church this comfort and much more. And you also can rejoice, for you are a member of his church.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you build and preserve your church. In mercy you called me into your church and continue to preserve me as a member of your church. Continue to pour your peace over me, that I may continually rejoice. Amen.
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Matthew 28:10 - July 15, 2010
Then Jesus said to the women, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Matthew 28:10
"Do not be afraid." If the person speaking that sentence doesn't have the ability to change the situation that causes fear, then it is a mere wish and isn't a solid source of comfort. But when Jesus speaks those words, our fears are calmed because he changes things.
The women came to Jesus' tomb with fearful hearts. They were afraid to live because, if the authorities killed Jesus, what might they do to them who were his followers? But even more, they were afraid to die. How could they face death with any kind of hope if Jesus was lying lifeless in the grave?
But Jesus was not dead and gone; he was alive and appeared to the women. And the first words he spoke—"Do not be afraid." No more did the women have to be afraid to live because Jesus proved by his resurrection from the dead that he is the Son of God. He was not overcome by the powers of worldly evil; he lives and promises to help and protect his followers against all the resistance and opposition that they face in their life as Christians.
"Do not be afraid," Jesus said to the women. The living Savior removed their fear of dying. Coming forth from the grave, Jesus proved his victory over the power of sin and the hold of death.
The same living Savior appears to you through his Word, and he says, "Do not be afraid." Because of his death for you and his resurrection from the dead, you can live in the confidence and comfort that he guards you in life and frees you from death.
Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, 152:1,5,7)
I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead; he lives, my ever-living Head!
He lives to silence all my fears; he lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart; he lives all blessings to impart.
He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there.
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We know how it will end - July 14, 2010
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:8
One of the movies I remember seeing on TV as a kid was the movie, "Ben-Hur," starring Charleton Heston. The movie follows the life of a man by the name of Judah Ben-Hur during the time of Jesus. Out of jealousy, a former friend accuses Ben-Hur of a crime he didn't commit and manages to have him sentenced to a life of slavery and his family to prison. After many years of twists and turns, Ben-Hur finds himself in a dangerous chariot race competing against the same former friend—the very man responsible for ruining his life and the life of his family. The former friend is determined to do anything to get Ben-Hur killed or injured in the race. But Ben-Hur, influenced by a new Teacher from Nazareth, is determined not to give in to revenge but simply to run the race.
Years later, it was time for the closing devotion at a church conference I was attending. The pastor for the closing devotion stepped to the front. He spoke very little. In essence, he said this: "You and I, as Christians, approach life very differently from the people of this world. Keep that in mind as we watch the following." And with that, he turned to a large video screen and played the famous chariot race scene from the movie, "Ben-Hur."
There they were again: Ben-Hur and his former friend. We watched as Ben-Hur's bitter rival knocked one competitor after another out of the race, using every lethal trick at his disposal. Then he bore down on Ben-Hur. But his obsession was his undoing. He lost the race and lost his life. Ben-Hur finished the race and was victorious.
For each of us there, the devotion's point was clear. When you and I, as God's forgiven people in Christ, entrust ourselves to the Lord's will for our lives, we know how the race is going to end. The race will be difficult. It will be painful and hard. But we know how it will end.
And that's all we need to know.
Lord Jesus, the race we run is often difficult and hard. But in you we know how it’s going to end. Keep our eyes on you, your forgiveness, and your will for our lives. Amen.
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Matthew 28:8-9 - July 13, 2010
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
Matthew 28:8-9
During his ministry, Jesus predicted his death and resurrection. He told the church leaders of his day, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (John 2:19). He explained to his disciples, "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again" (Luke 24:7).
Do you see how much was on the line when the lifeless body of Jesus was laid in the tomb on Good Friday afternoon? His claim to be able to reverse the course of death was at stake. On the third day, on Easter morning, Jesus backed up his claim by rising from the dead.
The death and resurrection of Jesus are facts that are coupled together for our peace and comfort. Good Friday and Easter, the cross and the open grave go together. On Good Friday Jesus met the problem of sin head-on. He bore the guilt of all people and it crushed him to death. But on Easter, he rose victoriously to life. The penalty of sin was paid; death was defeated.
When the women hurried from the tomb, they were thrilled by the angel's message. They were still frightened, but they had the message that Jesus is risen. Then suddenly Jesus appeared to them. Their reaction was to fall at his feet and worship him. Our reaction to Jesus who died and rose is the same. Christ's resurrection is the foundation of our reconciliation with God and the assurance of our own resurrection. We can say, "Because Christ rose, we are forgiven by God. Because Christ rose, we too confidently expect to rise."
Without Christ's resurrection, what is our past but a trail of unforgiven sin? Without Christ's resurrection, what is our present but a meaningless jumble of incidents and accidents, of cycles and circles, without point or purpose in anything? Without Christ's resurrection, what is our future but a road we must travel knowing that the certainty of death with all its uncertainties is waiting for us at the end?
The comforting assurance we have is with Jesus Christ. He died to take away the fear of dying. He didn't stay dead, and we won't, either. Jesus has given us faith, hope, love, and he has given us eternal life.
Worship him!
Praise to you, dear Jesus, for your death that freed me from the punishment of sin, and for your resurrection that assures me of my own resurrection. Keep me faithful to you and finally awaken me to the glory of life with you forever. Amen.
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Lasting Joy- July 12, 2010
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:20
Bob woke up feeling satisfied. He worked hard for a couple of days and earned an extra day off. Now, he was ready to enjoy himself. Although he savored his previous accomplishments, he looked forward to the things he would really enjoy. The list was long, but during breakfast he narrowed it down significantly. Now he was really excited.
His excitement was diminished slightly when his wife said, “Don’t forget to take the car to the mechanic.” Little did he realize this was only the beginning of a steady stream of delays and disappointments. At the end of the day, his wife asked, “Did you enjoy your day off?” All Bob could say, was, “Don’t ask.”
I can understand Bob's disappointment. I have watched excitement evaporate as plans fell apart. I have gone from the heights of enthusiasm to the depths of frustration. In my day to day routine and my encounters with people, I have come to expect this. I don’t expect it from the Lord. So why is it that I am disappointed with the Lord? Why am I dismayed when the Lord seems inattentive? Why am I sad when he seems silent?
Jesus speaks to my disappointment when he addressed his disciples’ excitement. They had just completed a special assignment. They couldn’t believe what they had done, and they were ready to experience more of the same. Jesus tempered their excitement by helping them understand what gives lasting joy.
Jesus’ lesson is one I need to learn well. It is easy for me to be filled with joy when everything goes right. My plans fall into place. My prayers are answered. My life is good, so the Lord is good. This changes when my plans fall apart, my prayers go unanswered, and my life is hard. Life is challenging, so is the Lord bad?
Although my conclusion may be logical, it is dangerous. Jesus alerts me to this danger, and changes the focus of my life and the source of my joy. He shifts me from accomplishments I can readily see to those I tend to overlook. His words are clear, “rejoice because your name is written in heaven.”
The joys of this world are elusive and easily lost. When I look to them as my source of joy, I will be disappointed. When I look to Jesus and the gift of his precious work, I will never be disappointed. Frustrations, temptations and difficulties may come. Satan may rage and ferociously attack me. Friends may abandon me and the world may forget me. Still, the Lord knows my name and has it recorded in heaven. Even in the darkest of times, there is hope and joy.
The disciples thought lasting joy would be found in their accomplishments. They were mistaken. I can make the same mistake. I need to remember Jesus has offered me lasting joy by securing my place in heaven. He has secured that joy through his precious work.
O dearest Jesus, thank you for giving me lasting joy. Help me look to all you have done for me as the source of that joy, and my confidence of heaven. Amen.
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You are not alone in your faith - July 9, 2010
[Elijah] replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." The LORD said to him . . . "I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."
1 Kings 19:14,15,18
Elijah was a prophet of the Lord who lived at a time when it was very difficult to be a prophet for the Lord. Elijah explains why as he says, "The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." It can be hard when you think you are the only one left who believes in the true God. It can be difficult when you don't have others who can encourage you in your life of faith. You can hear that struggle in the words of Elijah.
Imagine Elijah's surprise when he hears the Lord say, "I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." Elijah wasn't alone. There were others who remained faithful to the true God. They hadn't rejected God's covenant. They didn't persecute the prophets of God. They were encouraged as Elijah spoke the word of God as his prophet, and they were able to encourage Elijah through the unity they shared in their faith in the Lord.
When God called you to faith, he didn't call you to be all alone in your faith. He also gave you brothers and sisters in Jesus who share the same faith you have. They are able to encourage you in your faith when you gather together to worship your Savior and share your joys and burdens with one another. If you do gather at a church with others, enjoy the encouragement you receive in your faith. If you do not have a church home, take a moment to find a church near you at www.whataboutjesus.com (click on church locator) so that you are not alone and may be encouraged in your faith.
Dearest Jesus, you made me your own when you called me to faith. Give me the strength to encourage others in their faith. Give me the opportunity to be encouraged in my faith by others. In your name I pray. Amen.
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Matthew 28:1-7 - July 8, 2010
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
Matthew 28:1-7
In the early hours of the morning, the women came to the tomb of Jesus. Carrying the grief of the crucifixion and the seeming loss of all they hoped for in a Savior, they were weary and discouraged. They were ready to settle for just anointing the dead body of Jesus. The Bible tells us that they began to discuss how they would gain access into the tomb of Jesus. Who would roll away the large stone that had been placed at the mouth of the sepulcher? How would they be able to anoint the body of Jesus? Surely they were not expecting to find the tomb open.
But it was open. God sent an angel to roll back the stone. It was not to let Jesus out but, rather, to show that Jesus was not there. He was gone. He had risen from death.
With the open tomb of Jesus, God proclaims that he accepted the sacrifice Jesus offered on the cross to pay for the sins of the world. Every person who ever lived, or ever will live, is invited to the open tomb to be assured that God has forgiven their sins through Jesus. Jesus' resurrection is the evidence of God's wondrous love for sinners. He not only lived for us and died to take the punishment for our sins, but he proved by his open tomb that all he promised is true—most importantly that as he lives, he gives life to all who come to him!
Dear Jesus, I rejoice at the good news of your resurrection for it is my assurance that you are my Savior from the condemnation of sin and the power of eternal death. Draw me to you that by the power of your resurrection I have life with God now and forever. Amen.
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A Life of Conflict - July 7, 2010
The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other.
Galatians 5:17
What comfort is there in the tomb of Christ?
It’s common thought that life for Christians ought to become easier, troubles should fade away, and there would be a great sense of peace that settles into everything they feel and think.
The Apostle Paul would disagree.
The reality is that, in many ways, the exact opposite is true. The moment the Holy Spirit brings you to faith in Jesus, a conflict begins in your heart – a conflict between the Holy Spirit who has entered your heart and between your sinful nature with which you were born.
This conflict is total. The Holy Spirit and your sinful nature agree on nothing. As Paul says, “The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other.”
And make no mistake. This conflict is not some polite, parlor-game debate about ethics and theology. It is a fierce, bitter, ferocious, violent cage-match for the ownership of your soul. In addition, this conflict does not merely last a few months or years. It is life-long. It ends only when you die.
Is such a life of conflict worth it? No doubt, there are times we get tired of the fight. And there are plenty of times when we lose battles. But when we stop and remember what we possess through faith in Jesus Christ – forgiveness of sin, peace with God, deliverance in every difficult moment, eternal life in heaven; when we stop and remember what we have, we know the answer.
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Spirit for the lifelong conflict in my heart. Remind me of all the wonderful things I possess through faith in you. Amen.
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Matthew 27:62-66 - July 6, 2010
The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
Matthew 27:62-66
What comfort is there in the tomb of Christ?
The filled tomb, Friday evening, Saturday, and early Sunday morning, is a tomb that fulfills Jesus' own prophecy. He declared, "Everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise" (Luke 18:31-33).
The filled tomb is clear testimony that Jesus died on the cross; he did not faint or swoon. He died. The filled tomb, though terrible, though horrifying, is nevertheless the gospel—good news for us.
The gospel of the filled tomb is the message of God's ultimate love. It is the ultimate conclusion of "gave" in John 3:16, for God "gave" his one and only Son. God the Father gave his Son. God the Son gave up his life. The filled tomb is a comfort to us, but it is only a comfort because it is no longer full. Its contents, a corpse, laid there lifeless for three days. But on the third day, Jesus rose! He lives!
Through him, we have eternal life. Our sins are covered. Our death sentence for sin has been completely paid by him. He proved it by coming out of the tomb, alive. The filled tomb is a message that we cherish, because it is no longer full.
Savior Jesus, your filled tomb for three days fills me with the peace that I am reconciled to God by your death for me. And your empty tomb empties me of the fear of death. Accept my praise for the good news of comfort and joy that your tomb proclaims to me about your death and resurrection. Hallelujah! Amen.
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No regrets - July 5, 2010
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Luke 9:52
It's hard to switch to a new pair of shoes. Although they are new and better looking, they don't feel the same. They may be stiff. They may rub your feet in the wrong places. They need to be broken in. So a struggle arises. Do I stay with the "old reliables," or do I make the switch? Part of me wants to remain with what is comfortable. Part of me says I need to make the change.
Switching to something new and different is difficult. There will always be a time of learning and transition. It will feel strange, even uncomfortable. All the while there will be pull to go back to what is familiar and comfortable.
This is the very issue Jesus addressed to his followers. People wanted to have it all. Yes, they wanted to follow Jesus, but they weren't ready to leave their old life behind.
It is a dilemma I face. Jesus has completely changed me. Through his sacrifice on the cross and his triumph over the grave, he has given me a new life. No longer are my thoughts and actions dominated by sin and controlled by Satan. Jesus has made me his and established himself as my loving Lord and merciful Master. With this change I now serve Jesus in love and thanks.
There is only one complication. While part of me rejoices in my new life, another part of me bristles at the change. Like the switch to a new pair of shoes, this new life creates a struggle. Do I remain in it, or do I return to my old ways? The old ways—gratifying my sinful self—are familiar, comfortable, even natural. The new life in Christ may seem confining, uncomfortable, even unnatural. So what do I do?
Jesus helps me live without fear or regret. He helps me understand what my new life means, now and for eternity. It is his power that gives me the strength to take hold of the new life he has given. It is his love that makes me look forward to the opportunities my new life offers. It is his promise that keeps me faithful and looking forward to a lifetime of blessings now, and an eternity of blessings in heaven.
It is only because of Jesus that I can live with no regrets.
O blessed Jesus, you have given me a new life. Help me clearly see what you offer through your suffering and death. Then, give me the strength to leave the old sinful ways behind, and faithfully follow you with no regrets. Amen.
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