Read Leviticus 9

Read Romans 9

Study with me Monday!

No Condemnation!

Read Leviticus 8

Today in Leviticus we see the beginning of the ordination of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. As their sin is atoned for by a gruesome sacrifice, we are reminded of Jesus' gruesome and bloody sacrifice that atones for our sins. Also, God ordains the priests to speak God's Word to the people, to pray for them, and to offer sacrifices for them. Still today God ordains servants to serve on behalf of God's people. And so, we are thankful for pastors (and yes, pastors are thankful for pastors, because pastors need pastors too!) who faithfully speak of God's forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus. They also pray for the people, serve them, and teach them the Word. God is gracious to put in place servants to encourage us in our faith-walk.

Read Romans 8

Oh, there is so much we could meditate on in this chapter! How gracious God is to give us all this Good News in one chapter! And this chapter has not gone unnoticed by the Christian world.

J. S. Bach wrote a motet called "Jesu Meine Freude." In this motet he used the hymn we know as "Jesus Priceless Treasure" (LSB 743). This hymn is basically an emotional love song to our Savior. But Bach does something interesting in his motet. Right in the middle of the love song he plants Romans 8:1, which in the ESV is, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Bach is telling all the singers and the hearers that we love because Jesus first love us and gave himself as the sacrifice for our sin. The source of our love and joy and eternal happiness is Jesus, who suffered the condemnation for us. Though we deserved it, there is now no condemnation for us.

And Paul builds on this Good News in the rest of this chapter as he assures us of (and encourages us toward) the new life we have in the Spirit (v. 1-11), promises us that we are heirs with Christ (v. 12-17), assures us of future glory (v. 18-30), teaches us that the Spirit intercedes for us in our grief and weakness (v. 26-27), tells us that God works out all things for our good (v. 28), and that nothing can separate us from God's love (v. 31-39), and assures us that we are conquerors through Jesus (v. 37). Thanks be to God!

Another great hymn for your meditation today is "Through Jesus' Blood and Merit" LSB 746. It is based on Romans 8. I encourage you to sing it today.

Ask Yourself:

What tends to get me discouraged? What verse from Romans 8 can I memorize to help me?

Who around me seems frustrated? Who is going through a hard time? How can I encourage them with Romans 8?

How does this chapter of the Bible help put things in perspective for me?

Pray:

Father, by Your Spirit, direct our hearts to Christ, where true joys are found. Comfort us when we are afraid. Lead us to see You as our dear Father and to see ourselves as Your dear children. Never leave us or forsake us. Turn our complaints into prayers and our condemnation into glory. keep us in Your love to the end. Amen.

(compiled from prayers in TLSB, p. 1924-1926)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Rescue from this Body of Death

Read Leviticus 7

Read Romans 7

What a comfort that Paul struggled too. I am not happy that he still sinned, but I am comforted knowing that disciples of Jesus, even the great "super-apostle" Paul, is saint and sinner at the same time. Paul acknowledged that there was internal war within him. Disgusted with himself, he desired to live for the Lord and stop sinning altogether, but the sin in him still did works of death.

I too know the frustration and disgust. How I like to get up in the morning and determine to be a loving husband, a caring and careful pastor, patient with my children, strong, helpful, and the like. How I want to show all the fruits of the Spirit, to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, and self-controlled. How I like to get up in the morning and pray Luther's morning prayer, where I ask God to "keep me this day also from sin and every evil."

But at the end of the day, the list of what I accomplished looks far different from what I set out to do. No wonder Luther in his evening prayer teaches us to pray, "forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong." Luther must have known the frustration too.

It's a constant battle, an everyday struggle. The good I do is because Christ lives in me (Thank you, Lord!). The bad I do is because sin still is in me. What a wretch I am. Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Jesus will. Thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ! He has kept the law perfectly on my behalf. And his Spirit is stronger than my sin. He is still at work within me to help me to resist temptation, to fight against the sinful nature, to defeat the devil.

Yes, victory is mine (and yours). We have victory from this body of death. We will have everlasting life. Thanks be to God!

Ask Yourself:

What are my struggles? What sins tend to tempt me?

How can I better rely on God's strength today?

What can I do to help others rejoice in this rescue of Jesus Christ?

Pray:

But since my strength will nevermore suffice me
To crucify desires that still entice me,
To all good deeds O let Thy Spirit win me
And reign within me!

And when, dear Lord, before Thy throne in heaven
To me the crown of joy at last is given,
Where sweetest hymns Thy saints forever raise Thee,
I, too, shall praise Thee.

(LSB 439:11, 15, Public Domain)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Baptized into Christ!

Read Leviticus 6

Read Romans 6

I cling firmly to my baptism. It is easy to become discouraged by troubles and trials. It is easy to feel guilty and worthless. It is easy to become frustrated with the self (and we'll see Paul frustrated with his own sinful flesh in tomorrow's reading).

But even still, I am set free from death. I am buried with Christ in baptism, therefore my sin dies with him. I am raised with Christ in baptism, therefore I have a new life now, and eternal life in heaven promised to me. This has daily implications as I drown my sin each day in a remembrance of baptism and rise, forgiven by Christ, to a new life for him.

Try this every morning. Cross yourself and say the words that were spoken over you in your baptism, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." See yourself as a child of God. Then seek to live for him.

To encourage you (and me) today, here are some verses from a great baptismal hymn:

God's own child I gladly say it:
I am baptized into Christ!
He, because I could not pay it,
Gave my full redemption price.
Do I need earth's treasures many?
I have one worth more than any
That brought me salvation free
Lasting to eternity!

Sin, disturb my soul no longer:
I am baptized into Christ!
I have comfort even stronger:
Jesus' cleansing sacrifice.
Should a guilty conscience seize me
Since my Baptism did release me
In a dear forgiving flood,
Sprinkling me with Jesus' blood?

Satan, hear this proclamation:
I am baptized into Christ!
Drop your ugly accusation,
I am not so soon enticed.
Now that to the font I've traveled,
All your might has come unraveled,
And, against your tyranny,
God, my Lord, unites with me!

(LSB 594:1-3)

I encourage you to pull out your hymnal and meditate on the rest of the hymn as well. Thanks be to God!

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Peace with God

Read Leviticus 5

Read Romans 5

The part of the reading today that I wanted to pick up on (though we could talk about a variety of things) is what Paul says about what our justification means in practical application. It means new life in Christ (victory over the death we inherited from Adam). It also means peace with God.

If we understand that our sinful nature makes us enemies of God, hostile to his will and his ways, then we rejoice that through Jesus Christ we have peace and reconciliation. Peace with God means no fear of punishment, no fear of hell. Peace with God means ultimate and eternal joy in heaven. Peace with God means (as Paul would soon say) that if God is for us, who can be against us?

And this comforts us in our present sufferings. Yes, we must suffer for a little while. We must pick up our cross and follow Jesus. But at the same time we have a true hope, a living hope. We have peace even in this world of turmoil. We know that if we should face pains, problems, strife and struggles, disease and death, we can still have peace with God. For the Christian this suffering produces endurance, and character, and hope. We are more than conquers. Though we can and do suffer greatly, we will overcome.

We meditate on a hymn of Paul Gerhardt:

Why should cross and trial grieve me?
Christ is near
With his cheer;
Never will He leave me.
Who can rob me of the heaven
That God's Son
For me won
When His life was given?

When life's troubles rise to meet me,
Though their weight
May be great,
They will not defeat me.
God, my loving Savior, sends them;
He who knows
All my woes
Knows how best to end them.

God gives me my days of gladness,
And I will
Trust Him still
When He sends me sadness.
God is good;
His love attends me
Day by day,
Come what may,
Guides me and defends me.

Pray:

Gracious God, grant me faith like Paul Gerhardt to confidently cling to your power and love in the midst of suffering and adversity. Guard and defend me always. Amen.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

By Faith

Read Leviticus 4

What is interesting here is that this reading starts out (v. 1-12) providing for a way for the high priest to atone for his own sin. Because the priests and even the high priest are humans, they were all sinful. But we are told in Hebrews that Jesus is the High Priest who is sinless. He does not need to atone for his own sin (See Hebrews 7:27). Therefore, he can offer himself as the sacrifice, once for all, for the forgiveness of us all. Jesus is the Victim, Jesus is the Priest. And we are made right with God through him.

Read Romans 4

In this chapter Paul begins to make a big deal about this faith. He goes back to Abraham and talks about how he is justified by faith. He points out (and we saw this when we studied Genesis in September and October) that Abraham was given the promise in Ch. 12, then in Ch. 15 we hear that Abraham believes and it was "credited to him as righteousness." Then it is in Ch. 17 that Abraham is given the sign of the covenant, circumcision. Therefore, faith came first. Abraham was already in a covenant relationship with God, already a recipient of the promise before Abraham did any works of the law (that is, being circumcised).

Therefore, we are not justified by the law, Paul says, but by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Paul will continue to build on this idea all the way throughout the book. In chapter 8 we'll see that there is now no condemnation for "those who are in Christ Jesus."

That means you and me. I'm glad it doesn't depend upon works. Not that I don't want good works, I do. And not that I am going to use this free gift of God as an excuse to sin. No! Some accused Paul of preaching that it was ok to do that. But Paul said in our reading yesterday that their condemnation is just (3:8). We should not go on doing evil. But I am glad it doesn't depend upon works because I have so many sins and so few good works. How do I know how many works are good enough for God. So, yes, I'm glad that I am saved in spite of what I've done.

Our salvation is all by grace through faith. It doesn't matter if we are blood-descendants of Abraham or not. It doesn't matter if we are circumcised or not. It doesn't matter if we are male or female, slave or free, Jew or Gentile. It is by grace through faith.

Tomorrow, Paul will build on this and explain some of the practical benefits of being a child of God by grace through faith.

Until then, we rejoice in the free gift of our salvation!

Pray:

Pray from your heart today. That God for saving you, despite all your sin and all your failings. thank God that Jesus took the pain and punishment of our death and hell for us. Pray that the Holy Spirit would enable you to always appreciate this gift and live in Christ to God's glory. Ask God to help you seize every opportunity today to let the light of Christ shine.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Benefit of Circumcision

Read Leviticus 3

(There is a helpful chart, by the way, in the Lutheran Study Bible on p. 171 regarding all the different offerings, what was sacrificed and how and what the purpose was. This helps us to keep it all straight as we read about the various instructions. We remember most of all that the sacrifices pointed forward to our Savior Jesus, whose blood would be shed for our redemption).

Read Romans 3

Paul is very careful here to lump all people together in some ways. Jews and Gentiles alike are sinful. No one is righteous by nature, Paul argues. All people, then, Jew and Gentile alike, are saved by the grace of God apart from the works of the law.

We Lutherans understand this well. We know that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We rejoice that we are justified freely by the grace of God.

So what, then, does it mean when Paul says there is an advantage to being a Jew and being circumcised? The value is not in salvation, but in understanding and appreciating the full plan of God's salvation. The Jews could understand the Old Testament in a way that new Gentiles would not (though hopefully they would learn - and, in fact, we do today). The Jews could understand that circumcision was a sign that was given to Abraham and the covenant people to remind them that from their people, the promised "offspring," or better said the promised "seed" of the woman would come and redeem them. Yes, promised to Adam and Eve, the seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head. So, God gave Israel a sign on their reproductive organs to remind them of the coming offspring.

So, there is not any salvation advantage to being circumcised in the time after Christ, but understanding it's purpose and the wonderful plan of God has advantage - much in every way!

Who can know the mind of God? How unsearchable are his judgments! His ways are not our ways, and his thoughts much higher than our thoughts. What a strange and wonderful sign. What a strange and wonderful salvation is accomplished through the cross. Though we were not righteous, God saved us by his grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Believing Jew and believing Gentile alike, we are his through Jesus Christ. Our sins - forgiven. Amen!

Pray:

Loving Father, thank You for Your grace and faithfulness. Thank you for Your salvation. Empower me by Your Spirit to be faithful to You. Empower me to share Your gift with others. Amen.

Study with me Monday,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Read Leviticus 2

Read Romans 2

Read Leviticus 1

Read Romans 1

Ashes, Ashes, We All Rise Up

On this Ash Wednesday, we finish the Gospel of Mark. The reading is very fitting for today, as we'll see. Tomorrow we need a new book (or two). We've read Genesis and Exodus. Next on the docket is Leviticus. I'm not going to lie to you, it is a difficult book to read. So let's pair it with Romans. Romans will give us plenty of application and depth. There is that in Leviticus too, but it is harder to get to, harder to relate to for beginning readers of the Bible and experienced ones alike. So, tomorrow, Leviticus and Romans. But for today:

Read Mark 16

Today many of us will receive on our foreheads a sign of mortality and of repentance - an ashen blemish. We are dust. To dust we shall return. We are sinful. The wages of sin is death.

Today is the second most somber day in the church year. Second only to Good Friday, our mood in worship this day is quiet and contemplative. We call to mind our many sins and offenses against God. As John in his epistle says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves" and "If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:8, 10).

So, let us not deceive ourselves or make God and his Word out to be lies. Let us instead admit that we have sin. I know, it's not a popular notion that we offend God daily. I heard a TV preacher once confess that she used to go to church where she would have to say she was a "poor miserable sinner." But now, she said, she has gotten past the doom and gloom and is now instead living the new life with joy. While there is a lot to be said about joyfully living by the power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot do that without first confessing that we are poor miserable sinners. Otherwise, we make God a liar, and we take the credit for our improved life (because of our positivity).

So with proper repentance we examine ourselves in light of the Ten Commandments. Pull out your Catechism, or turn to Exodus 20, or find the 10 Commandments here, and examine yourself. See your sin. Confess it.

Then take heart. The ashes we will wear today are in the shape of the cross to remind us that Jesus died that we might live. And there's more. In Mark 16 we read today that Jesus died for our everlasting life. You see, death could not keep Jesus. He rose, just as he said. His resurrection was proclaimed by angels, by faithful women, but other disciples and witnesses, by many who saw Jesus after the resurrection. He broke death's bonds. Though we wear ashes for a time, and though our bodies will turn to dust, we have the assurance of eternal life. Jesus tells us today, "Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). And we joyfully respond, "Grant this, Lord, unto us all!"

Yes, we rejoice that in Jesus our sins are forgiven, our lives made new. No matter that I've broken every command of God, Jesus has forgiven every sin! Now, in response to such great love we set out to keep the commandments. No, we don't go on sinning intentionally, cheapening grace and making a mockery of God's Word and Jesus' bloody death. No, we turn from sin. And joyfully live as a forgiven and renewed poor miserable sinner.

And instead of falling (and staying) down as the children's chant goes, we could chant instead, "Ashes, Ashes, We All Rise Up!" Amen.

Pray:

O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken
That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?
Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession,
What dark transgression?

The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;
The sinful child of man may live in gladness;
Man forfeited his life and is acquitted;
God is committed.

(LSB 439:1, 5, Public Domain)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

My History

Read Psalm 77

Read Mark 15

Every Christian goes through periods of weakness. We all have tough times. We all get frustrated - and not just with the world. We get frustrated with God.

In Psalm 77, the author Asaph is going through such a time. He even wonders as he lies awake at night in his bed if God has forgotten to be merciful and gracious (v. 9).

What brings Asaph out of his weakness? What calms his frustrated and fearful heart? What is it that enables him to say, "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders"? (v. 13-14).

What helps Asaph in his hour of need is remembering his salvation history. Asaph realizes that Israel's history is his own history. He recounts to himself how God parted the waters of the Red Sea and allowed Israel to pass through, led "like a flock." (v. 20). This psalm is very interesting too because he praises the mighty work of God not just be recalling it, but very poetically describes how waters were terrified of God, and lightning flashed like arrows across the sky, and the like.

Now, Asaph wasn't there. But he realizes that God's salvation of Israel is his own history. It is a promise that God would rescue him, deliver him, and bring him to the Promised Land.

The crossing of the Red Sea, we are taught by Scripture to understand, is a foreshadowing of the rescue that the Messiah would bring. And so it is that today in Mark 15 we read our own salvation history.

You see, we too are weak and get frustrated. And so, what will bring us out of our weakness? What calms our frustrated and fearful heart? What is it that enables us to say, "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders"? (v. 13-14). It is this account of our Savior, our Christ, our Messiah being the sacrifice for sin on the cross.

You see, his death and subsequent resurrection is not just ancient history, 1st century history, or Israel's history. It is MY history. It is the account of my own salvation. It is my rescue, my deliverance from sin, death, and the devil. It is the assurance that I will reach the Promised Land.

Now isn't that comforting?

Ask Yourself:

What frustrates me today? What causes me to worry, be afraid, or lose sleep today?

What are my momentary afflictions compared to the assurance of eternal peace and joy in the Promised Land?

What can I do today to readjust my focus?

Pray:

For our prayer today we use some words from Psalm 77:

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people." Amen.

Study with me tomorrow, and share this Bible study tool with a friend,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Watch and Pray

Read Psalm 76

Read Mark 14

"Watch and pray," our Lord tells Peter, "that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Oh, how true these words prove to be, not just to Peter, but to us as well. If we were to rise in the morning and plan out our entire day, of course we would plan to be Godly - to be loving, patient, kind, and so forth. We would certainly determine to show forth all the fruits of the Spirit. We would certainly not plan to fall into sin of any kind.

Yet, while the spirit is willing, our sinful flesh is weak. And so it is that in our human sin-fallen weakness we can make some poor choices - some intentionally, some inadvertently like the disciples who fell asleep.

So what fights against temptation? Jesus tells us to "Watch and Pray." To be watchful is to be mindful of that tricky devil. It is to know and identify temptation when it comes around. It is to know God's Word so that we would easily know right from wrong. It is to be ready in season and out of season. To pray - well, we know what that means. We realize that our salvation is because of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the benefits of those applied to us. Our salvation is nothing we have won for ourselves. And we cannot protect ourselves either. So we pray that God would watch over us, that he would provide a way out of temptation as he has promised (and seeing the way out is part of our watchfulness), and we pray that God would rescue us, strengthen us, and make us ready for the continual spiritual battle that awaits.

You know you. You know how you are weak. You can be sure that the Devil will attack these areas. Be on guard!

The Good News is that though we are like Jesus' disciples, Jesus continues on the cross anyway for us, to forgive us and wash away those sins. Jesus gives us his Spirit to live a new life. We are no longer slaves of the Devil, but now we have power to resist him, power to do better, power to live for God's glory. Because Jesus perfectly watched and prayed so he would fall into no sin, we now by his Spirit can do the same. Thanks be to God.

Ask Yourself:

What temptations regularly assault me? Do I pray about them?

Have I shared my struggles with another trusted Christian? Why might I do this?

How can I better say no to temptation today?

Pray:

Rise, my soul, to watch and pray, from thy sleep awaken;
Be not by the evil day unawares be taken.
For the foe, well we know, oft his harvest reapeth,
While the Christian sleepeth.

Watch against the devil’s snares lest asleep he find thee;
For indeed no pains he spares to deceive and blind thee.
Satan’s prey oft are they who secure are sleeping
And no watch are keeping.

But while watching, also pray to the Lord unceasing,
He will free thee, be thy Stay, strength and faith increasing.
O Lord, bless in distress and let nothing swerve me
From the will to serve Thee.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

An Excellent Wife

Read Mark 13

Read Proverbs 31:10-31

Some people are offended by this the last bit of wisdom from the book of Proverbs. I think they are offended because they perceive this to be saying, "Here is the woman's place!" Ha! They don't have understanding. The author of this section of Scripture (whoever he might be) obviously has an excellent wife and is giving her the praise she is due.

This section of Scripture instructs Godly men in what to look for in a spouse. And what, exactly, is that? The Lutheran Study Bible sums it up pretty well, "Everything she does is for her family and, by extension, her community. She lives and works for the well-being and livelihood of others. She is not interested in promoting her own self-worth, but her worth is demonstrated by her service, which is ultimately motivated by her love for God. Such a woman should be treasured and honored" (TLSB p. 1046, emphasis added).

And she should also be praised! I have an excellent wife. So let me cite parts of this proverb and give thanks to God by honoring my wife. If you have an excellent wife or husband, give thanks to God along with me. If you have a husband or wife who is not Godly, then pray that God would strengthen you to win them over with your love and faithful example (1 Cor. 7:12-16). If you are still waiting for a Godly husband or wife, then patiently bear this cross. God will do what is best and will answer your prayer in time. You can do plenty to live for the Lord in the meantime (1 Cor. 7:32-35).

But, if you are interested in hearing about my excellent wife, read on. Happy Valentine's Day, my love!

"The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain." My wife is trustworthy and faithful. She is true to me and does what she says.

"She does him good, and not harm." Thanks for not strangling me, though I know sometimes I deserve it!

"She provides food for her household." She is an excellent cook. And she does the grocery shopping. Thanks!

"She considers a field and buys it." Ok, she hasn't bought one yet. But, she does take care of a lot of the business of the household, carefully researching, and guiding us to make good investments and purchases.

"Her lamp does not go out at night." Thanks for folding laundry while I'm snoring on the couch!

"She opens her hand to the poor." She is compassionate and kind. She is a help to those in need.

"She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet." Ok, she hates snow. But she makes sure the boys have clothes that fit, hats, gloves, coats, and mittens!

"She makes bed coverings for herself." Well, she bought ours. Brown and light blue. Very nice.

"She laughs at the time to come." Ok, she worries some. But she is always prepared!

She opens her mouth with wisdom." She is almost always right. Even when I'm right, she's right. : )

"She does not eat the bread of idleness." She is always busy - a hard worker!

"Her children rise up and call her blessed." They better, or they will hear from their father! Oh, and now is a good time to praise my grandmothers (now in Glory), also my mother for her selfless and unconditional love, and also my mother-in-law - all Godly women! I'm am blessed by them all.

"Her husband...praises her." Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all! I love you!

"A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates."

Amen! Thanks be to God!

The Widow's Offering

Read Proverbs 31:1-9

Read Mark 12

When Mark writes of Jesus praising the widow's offering, he carefully places this text after Jesus' condemnation of the hypocritical, showy actions of the scribes. The two accounts are very much related. God can see the heart. Humans can be fooled by externals, but God sees right through.

The scribes have a holy look - long prayers (which are just for show, not true prayers of the heart), long robes, greetings and honors of all kinds. But Jesus sees a corrupt heart. They take advantage of poor widows. They seek their own honor and praise rather than desiring to honor God with their lives.

But the widow: she is an example to us all. Her heart is true and devoted. She trusts not in earthly possessions. She is a careful steward of what God has given her. She doesn't have many material things to manage, just two little coins. What difference could those coins make in the Kingdom of God? An enormous difference. God is not so much concerned about the amount, but the attitude, the joyful, giving heart. God is not impressed by a show, but by a humble, trusting faith. This woman, who was faithful with a little, will be given much. She understood the loving nature of God. And this woman who trusted her God was able to keep on this occasion the first and greatest commandment, which we hear today (v. 30): "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

So, more than being a good steward, this widow is an example of Godly love. It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 13. So what if we surrender our body to flames!? If we have not love, we gain nothing by it. So what if we have knowledge to understand mysteries, and the ability to speak in tongues of men and angels!? If we have not love, we are nothing - just noise like a clanging cymbal.

But the widow, a sinner also made a saint by our loving God, shows great love.

And we sinners are made saints by our loving God who sent his Son into the world to perfectly love his Father and to love his neighbor and give himself up for us on the cross. Yes, Jesus forgives our unloving actions and gives us new hearts, the very heart of God, so that we may love the Lord and love one another.

Then this love will lead us to do all sorts of kind and selfless things. It will affect how we manage every part of our life - even our smallest coins.

May the Spirit of God continue to teach us to love!

Ask Yourself:

How can I show my love for God today?

How can I show my love for others today?

Pray:

Jesus, Thy boundless love to me
No thought can reach, no tongue declare;
Unite my thankful heart to Thee,
And reign without a rival there!
Thine wholly, Thine alone I am;
Be Thou alone my constant flame.

O grant that nothing in my soul
May dwell, but Thy pure love alone;
Oh, may Thy love possess me whole,
My joy, my treasure, and my crown!
All coldness from my heart remove;
My ev'ry act, word, thought be love.

This love unwearied I pursue
And dauntlessly to Thee aspire.
Oh, my Thy love my hope renew,
Burn in my soul like heav'nly fire!
And day and night, be all my care
To guard this sacred treasure there.

(LSB 683:1-3, Public Domain)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Ready Or Not, Here I Come!

Read Proverbs 30:15-33

Read Mark 11

What can we learn from the lesson of the withered fig tree? Well, it's kind of like the child's game Hide and Seek. When the seeker is ready, the child yells loudly, "Ready or not, here I come!" And the search begins.

When Jesus curses the fig tree he is teaching his disciples (including us) that judgment is coming. God looks for fruit. Each of our lives is in God's hands. We have our "time of grace" so to speak. When our time is up, Jesus comes for us. In a sense he says, "Ready or not, here I come!" And he is looking for fruit.

What does this look like? It could be that we die of "natural" causes in our old age. It could be that we are taken suddenly now. It could be that God will permit a disaster that will claim many at one time, though we can not understand his ways (and we should be careful not to speak for God, giving reasons for what he does or allows). It could be that the Last Day comes, and Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. So, in a sense, it is "Ready or not, here I come!" When Jesus comes, will he find fruit?

We baptized believers need not fear. This should be no cause for alarm. We understand that we are saved by the sacrificial death of Jesus, our sins are forgiven, we have new life in the Spirit, and we do abide in Jesus, and he in us, and therefore we bear much fruit (John 15). And we earnestly seek to continue to repent of our sins and strive to do better as we live for God's glory, honor, and praise.

And we will be reminded to be alert by readings such as these, even reminders in our secular world. The other day the alarm woke me up. The song that was playing when it turned on was (I think by Nickelback) "If Today Was Your Last Day." The song is about seizing the moment - not necessarily Christian message, but not necessarily bad either. As a child of God I thought about that upon waking. What would I do today if it was my last day?

I concluded that I would go to church (it was a Sunday) as planned, serve my family in the afternoon as planned, spend an enjoyable time with Christian friends at a Superbowl party as planned, and live for the Lord in whatever opportunities presented themselves, and I was content with that. "Ready or not, here I come" doesn't need to send us into a panic, but for those of us with fruitful lives, it does remind us that we don't really have time for sin, for greed, for coveting, for laziness, for selfish gain, for anything that would prevent us from producing the fruitful life of faith.

Ready or not, Jesus is coming to take us home to heaven. So, my friends, remain in the Word, remain in Jesus, and you will bear much fruit!

Ask Yourself:

What useless or sinful activities can I or should I cut out of my day so I can be more fruitful?

What good deeds (fruit) can I add into my regular routine?

What can I do to help my family do the same?

Pray:

Rooted deep in Christ our Master,
Christ our pattern and our goal,
Teach us, as the years fly faster,
Goodness, faith, and self-control.

Fruitful trees, the Spirit's tending,
May we grow till harvests cease;
Till we taste, in life unending,
Heaven's love and joy and peace.

(LSB 691:3-4)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

With Man, It Is Impossible

Read Proverbs 30:1-14

Most encouraging in this reading from Proverbs today are the verses that clearly point to Jesus Christ. Agur (and we don't really know who he is) speaks prophetically about the Holy One of God, whom we would later know to be Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, the Christ. Agur points out that wisdom is knowledge of Him (v. 3). He even speaks in a riddle form to lead us to the right question concerning the One True God: "What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!" (v. 4). His name is Yahweh, the Covenant God of Israel (OT) and the Church (NT). His Son is Jesus Christ, the beginning and the end, the very wisdom of God. And we have assurance that the Word of God concerning Him and all of us, will prove to be right. "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (v. 5). What encouragement for us CHRISTians. Jesus is the answer. He is wisdom. His Word is true. In fact, he is the Word of God incarnate. By His death he defeats death. By His resurrection we too have everlasting life.

Read Mark 10

There are so many things we could talk about here, but the point I would like to make concerns Jesus' conversation with the rich man. His point is not just that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God (because many are seduced into materialism rather than faith in Jesus). His point is that it is difficult for anyone to enter. That's why the disciples are afraid and discouraged and ask how it is possible for anyone to be saved? Jesus' answer clearly shows that the work of conversion and salvation is God's, and His alone.

With man, salvation is impossible. This is why Luther says, "I believe that I CANNOT by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel..." We make the same confession.

And this is also why our witness to the world matters. The truth is, we have the Gospel, which is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Yes, there is a hell, and people are bound for it, just like we were. But this same Gospel that called us to faith also, "calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth," (thanks, Luther!). So, we are to be about spreading this Gospel. Sometimes this means first calling comfortable sinners to repentance before we share the Good News. Sometimes, people are already prepared so we can comfort afflicted sinners with the Good News.

With man, salvation is impossible. But with God, it is not only possible, but it happens all over the world. God does the impossible even through me as I share the Gospel!

Ask Yourself:

Of those around me, who is comfortable in their wicked ways? How can I be a good influence to them, even showing them the error of their sinful ways?

Of those around me, who is hurting and afflicted and ready to hear the Good News of Jesus' love? How can I share that Good News with them?

What else can I do today to help and support others as they share the Good News?

Pray:

O Lord, you give me opportunities to boldly speak your Word. Give me also the words to say and the courage to say it. You have called me by the Gospel and given me salvation. I rejoice and thank you! Now also use me to call others by the Gospel. Amen.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Lord, I Believe!

Read Proverbs 29:15-27

Read Mark 9

Well, it's neat to read about the Transfiguration of Jesus when we are only a few days away from celebrating Transfiguration Sunday in church. This Sunday it is appointed to hear from St. Luke. So, reading this in Mark will give us another perspective on the event.

Jesus' glory shines through today. Normally he keeps his glory hidden behind human flesh. But now, neither his skin nor his clothes can hide his divine brilliance. What is whiter than bleach-white? Something that doesn't just reflect white light, but actually shines, giving off its own light. Yes, Jesus glows with a pure, bright white light. Dazzling!

But we cannot see it! We can behold it with eyes of faith, but his shining is hidden in the past from our physical eyes. And so, it is so easy for us to forget God's glorious presence. It is easy for us to doubt his power. It is easy for us to get afraid.

In order to overcome these doubts, fears, and worries, Luther liked to pray the prayer of the father in our reading today, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (v. 24). I find this to be a helpful prayer too. Jesus has given us so many gracious promises. Yet we are wimpy in our prayers, and we say with our lack of faith, "Lord, if you can..."

"If you can!" Jesus replies, "If you can! All things are possible for him who believes." Of course it is possible for God! We are assured over and over in Scripture that it is so! And Jesus says that all things are possible for us who believe as well. Who believe in Jesus, we should add. Belief accomplishes nothing unless the object of that belief is Jesus. I can't believe in myself. I can't believe in my own power to bring about my hopes and dreams. I must believe in Jesus. He will accomplish his Will.

And so, if I wake in the middle of the night, and am struck by the haunting absurdity of death, I remind myself of Jesus' promises and pray, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief," that is, "Strengthen my faith to believe your Word and to find comfort in the shadow of death." When I am deeply troubled over people I care about who turn their backs on God, I pray, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief," that is, "Lord, I know you promise to work on them with your Spirit; keep them in their baptismal grace, and use me to call them to repentance." When I face challenges and struggles of all kinds and become frustrated or weary, I pray, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief," that is, "Lord, you promise I can do all things with your strength; energize me, help me, support me, and use me to do mighty things for you."

And my encouragement is this: Jesus has done the impossible already. He has done more than cast out demons. He allowed his divine brilliance and his human flesh to be nailed to the cross, to suffer, to bleed and die so that he could defeat the Devil, conquer Death, and triumph over Sin. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!

Ask Yourself:

What promises of God do I have trouble believing?

What areas in my life of trust do I have trouble living out?

What can I do better today to remind myself to trust God, rely on his strength, and live for him?

Pray:

Lord Jesus Christ, True God and yet True Man, you have done the impossible for me. You took my sin upon yourself, you died the horrible death that should have been mine and suffered the hell that was stored up for me. Now, you give to me victory. You give me strength, hope, joy, and the assurance of everlasting life. Help me to trust ever in you. Conquer also the doubts, worries, and fears within me, that holding fast to you more and more I would have confidence to do your bidding. Guide me in your ways, and bring me safely to everlasting life. Amen.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Means of Grace

Read Proverbs 29:1-14

Read Mark 8

Wow! Mark 8 is loaded with good stuff. I encourage you to take some time to ponder the significance of each section.

What I want to focus on is something that we would probably call "gross." Jesus heals a man by putting spit on his eyes. Yuck!

Now, human spit can do many things. It begins to digest our food. It can start to work stains out of clothes. It can wipe jelly off your kid's cheek. And when expelled onto someone else, it can start a fist fight.

Spit can do many things. But it CANNOT heal. Unless it's Jesus' spit, that is. Jesus is fully human and also fully divine. The cool thing is that Jesus can do divine works through his human nature. In other words, as God, he can give his spit healing power. Which is what he chooses to do here in Mark 8:22-26. We could probably call it "holy spit," but maybe we shouldn't so that we're not misunderstood. : )

Similarly, Jesus would soon go to the cross and do a divine work through his human nature. It is something we would call "gross." He lets his body be whipped, tortured, stretched out and nailed to a cross, and then hung on those spikes to die. Yuck! That's a lot of blood.

And human blood is good for many things. But it CANNOT heal our sin-sick souls - unless it's Jesus' blood, of course. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Yes, right after Jesus shows that his human spit can heal, he begins to talk about his death and resurrection (v. 31) where his human blood will forgive us. Yes, all our sins are washed away. We are made new. Whole.

Since we have such a wonderful, powerful, and loving Savior, we are eager to deny self, take up our cross and follow Jesus (v. 34). Thanks be to God.

Ask Yourself:

What sacrifices have I made to follow Jesus?

Has my cross really been that hard to bear? Do I carry my cross alone?

Do I skeptically ask God for signs like the Pharisees, or do I trust his promises?

Pray:

"Lord, open our eyes to see You and Your ways. Help us to recognize and confess You clearly as our great physician. Amen." (TLSB p. 1673).

Then pray concerning the things on your heart...


Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Read Proverbs 28:15-28

Mark 7

Faith vs. Unbelief

Read Proverbs 28:1-14


Read Mark 6

We have a stark contrast between the first half of this chapter and the second half. In the first half, we see a saddening lack of faith. We see that Jesus is rejected in his own town. The people's lack of faith in him is surprising - so much so that we are are shocked when Mark says, "He could do no mighty work there," (v. 5). This doesn't teach us of Jesus' power (we know he is all powerful), but it teaches us of the peoples' lack of faith. We learn that where there is no faith in Jesus, then there should be no expecting of goodness and displays of divine power. Jesus himself "marveled because of their unbelief." (v. 6)

Jesus then sends out the twelve, with instructions on what they should do when rejected. Then we hear of John the Baptist beheaded. There are evil and wicked people in this world. And they lack faith. They oppose Jesus and his disciples. This drives home the point that God's grace is resistible.

But look what happens where faith exists! Even a few in the opposing town of Nazareth are healed (v.5). The twelve disciples are not always rejected as they go out. Rather they are able to heal and cast out demons (v. 13). Then also believing and faithful people are miraculously provided for as Jesus multiplies fish and loaves. And this Jesus, who walks on the water, has power over the weather and also over all sickness. Many people at Gennesaret believed that if they even touched the fringe of his garment, they would be made well.

See what miracles come when we believe in Jesus! Needs are provided for. Sicknesses are healed. "But," you might argue, "Jesus does not always heal us. Jesus does not always calm the storm. Jesus does not always multiply our bread (or dollars). Jesus does not always rescue us out of our suffering." Fair enough. But do not forget that Jesus has healed our sin-sickness! Jesus has quieted the raving Devil and his horde of demons! Jesus has provided the one thing needful, our salvation! Jesus has rescued us from sin, death, and hell! Aren't these the greater miracles?

Yes. And he has done these for us. And the faith that was given to us by the Spirit of God through the means of grace, this faith has enabled us to receive these miracles with joy and thanksgiving. "Sola Fide," Luther would say. Faith alone.

And so it is that we sing in the hymn "Salvation Unto Us Has Come":

Faith clings to Jesus' cross alone
And rests in Him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known,
With love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify;
Works serve our neighbor and supply
The proof that faith is living.

(LSB 555:9).

Pray:

All blessing, honor, thanks, and praise
To Father, Son, and Spirit,
The God who saved us by His grace;
All glory to His merit.
O triune God in heav'n above,
You have revealed Your saving love;
Your blessed name we hallow.

(LSB 555:10)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Over Demons, Disease and Death

Read Proverbs 27:14-27

Read Mark 5

Today's chapter from Mark shows us three powerful miracles to encourage us.

In the first we see a legion of demons that torment a man while empowering him with super-human strength. Nothing could bind him. No chains, no shackles, nothing. That is, until Jesus shows up. Then this strong man comes cowering before Jesus, and the demons beg not to be tormented by Him. They beg to be allowed to enter the pigs. Their time of destruction and doom is coming. But for now, Jesus allows them to leave. Our conversion was very much like the conversion of this man. Maybe we didn't have a legion of demons in us, but by nature we were blind, dead in our transgressions, and an enemy of God. The Holy Spirit rescued us through the means of grace, not by any effort of our own. Like this man, then, we can go and tell "how much the Lord has done" for us.

In the second miracle we see a woman of great faith reaching for Jesus. She cannot be healed by doctors. But she knows that if she only grazes Jesus' garment with her hand she will be healed. And in fact, this is what happens to her. Our clinging to Jesus, our looking to him in times of trouble, our beseeching his mercy in prayer is a reaction like this woman's. She has faith. She responds in faith. We have faith, with trust, prayer, and faithful service, we respond in faith too. We know Jesus has the power to heal, to help, to rescue.

In the third miracle Jesus helps even after it seems like it is too late. Jesus has defeated a legion of demons. He overcome the woman's incurable disease. Now he gains victory over death. He speaks to a dead girl and says, "arise." We can expect to hear these words too. We know that he will be with us all throughout life. Even as he has given us new life, and has come to our aid all throughout this earthly life, he also when he returns will say to us "arise," and we will. We can be confident. Not only have we seen (in the Word) Jesus raise others from the dead, but we have also seen that death cannot contain Him. No chains of the grave, no shackles of death, nothing could hold him. And we who are baptized into his death are also united with him in his resurrection.

Thanks be to God!

Pray:

"Lord, rescue us from the power of Satan, and draw us from the grave through Your resurrection. May we learn joyfully to tell our neighbors what good things the Lord has done. Amen." (TLSB p. 1665).

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Growing Kingdom

Read Proverbs 27:1-13

Read Mark 4

In today's reading, Mark goes quickly from one teaching to the next, one parable to the next. Today we have several parables of Jesus followed by the calming of the storm. The last two before Jesus calms the storm have to do with how the kingdom of God grows. (We see the growth theme in the parable of the Sower too, but that is about growth on the individual level, not on the kingdom level).

In the "Parable of the Seed Growing," which is sometimes called the "Parable of the Automatic Action of the Soil," we see much encouragement that speaks to our situation. In America Christianity is declining. We face so many subtle and blatant lies of the Devil. People are being deceived more and more. Morality is on a steady digression. Faith (true Christian faith, not some generic, spiritual "faith" that everyone talks about these days) - faith is weakening.

But this parable encourages us by reminding us that we may not know how the seed sprouts and grows, but it does. Just as the earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear, so also the Kingdom of God spreads and grows.

Here is a good explanation: "God's kingdom grows mysteriously of itself, at its own pace, and through the power of the Word. This reality often causes frustration among those who eagerly long for a rapid expansion of the Kingdom, and all the more as we only have a short-term view of things. But God's kingdom grows according to His plan and timetable. And it is a great blessing that things ultimately depend on Him and not us, for only He is able to bring home a great harvest for eternal life." (TLSB, p. 1663).

And the parable of the Mustard Seed reminds us that the Kingdom of God continues to grow - if not here, then certainly elsewhere. We must not give up sharing the Word, because God is at work wherever his Word is sown.

As we pray in the Lord's prayer, God's kingdom will come. So we pray that it may come to us also, and that God would use us for his purposes in his kingdom. Jesus, by his death and resurrection, has forgiven our sins, and baptized us into his kingdom. He desires to do the same for others. We get to be part of that as we spread his Word. Thanks be to God!

Ask Yourself:

What frustrates me about the world I live in as I try to share his Word?

Do I get discouraged when others turn a deaf ear to God's Word? What can I remember to help give me hope?

How can I better share God's Word with those around me?

Pray:

"Lord, as You have begun a good work by planting Your kingdom in our world, bring it to a full harvest in Your own good time. Amen." (TLSB p. 1663).

My Mother and My Brothers!

Read Proverbs 26:17-28

Read Mark 3

Jesus does not disrespect his family - his mother and brothers. (And the word "brothers" may also include "sisters," we don't know for sure). We know that he loves them as he loves all people. We know that he always kept the 4th commandment perfectly - always honoring father and mother. We know he kept the 5th commandment perfectly - never hurting or harming his fellow family members. We know he loved them perfectly.

But Jesus in verses 33-35 gives an answer that sounds harsh to them. He ignores his family, but strangers his family!

But really, if we understand that he truly does love them, and in fact, truly loves us, then we do not see his answer as harsh. His very love for us compels him to answer so. We are not left out of his eternal family. Rather, we are included! The very Son of God and Son of Man is pleased to take on human form and call us his brothers and sisters!

He doesn't judge us as our sins deserve (though those who reject the saving gift of faith of the Holy Spirit will face punishment, as Jesus points out in verses 28-29). He didn't come down to terrify and destroy. No. He came to help. To heal. To make us whole. To do good. Sinful humans followed their own ways over showing love (which is why the Pharisees wouldn't tolerate Jesus doing good on the Sabbath, verses 1-6). Yet Jesus' love overcomes our lack of love.

And now, baptized into God's family, Jesus is my Brother. Amazing Grace!

Ask Yourself:

How do I follow my own heart rather than doing good toward someone else?

Who do I know that is rejecting faith in Jesus? What can I do about it?

How can I let the fact that Jesus calls me his brother or sister impact me today?

Pray: From "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light"

All blessing, thanks, and praise to Thee,
Lord Jesus Christ, be given:
Thou hast my Brother deigned to be,
Thou Lord of earth and heaven.
Help me throughout this day of grace
To praise Thy love and seek Thy face;
And when I stand before Thee
Forever to adore Thee.

(LSB 378:3)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!

Who Is the Son of Man?

Read Proverbs 26:1-16

Read Mark 2

It is amazing how quickly Mark jumps into his Gospel and begins relating the events in rapid fire succession. One of my college professors liked to call Mark "The Gospel of Hurried Excitement." So, in chapter 2 we have four distinct narrative accounts: the healing of the paralytic, Jesus calling Levi (Matthew), question about fasting, and the Lord of the Sabbath. In this chapter (and really throughout the whole book) Mark tells true stories to teach us just who this Jesus is.

Mark begins his whole Gospel by declaring that Jesus is the Son of God (1:1). And in the Gospel, Jesus continually refers to himself as the Son of Man. What exactly do these terms mean? Well, today we see that this Son of God and Son of Man has the authority to forgive sins and to heal (story 1), is a friend of sinners and calls them to a new and better life (story 2), is the promised Bridegroom (story 3), and has authority over the Sabbath day (story 4).

He sure covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time, doesn't he?

And what do we take from all this? Well, we could focus on any of them and apply them to our lives. What are your thoughts? Feel welcome to post them. Me? I like to think about how Jesus came to befriend sinners and call them to a new and better life. Having the authority to forgive sins, he calls us with the Gospel out of sin. He breaks its power in our lives. With authority he calls us to "follow" him.

I am glad to be his disciple. Though the road is sometimes difficult, the Companion on the journey makes the travels easy. Though the road can be dirty and treacherous, the destination at the end makes it all worthwhile. How good it is to follow Jesus!

Pray:

Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure,
Through a world that would deceive us
And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading,
Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father's bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide;
I shall follow where You guide.

Let us suffer here with Jesus
And with patience bear our cross.
Joy will follow all our sadness;
Where He is, there is no loss.
Though today we sow no laughter,
We shall reap celestial joy;
All discomforts that annoy
Shall give way to mirth hereafter.
Jesus here I share Your woe;
Help me there Your joy to know.

(LSB 685:1-2)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!