Read Numbers 33
Read Acts 23
Why are we so afraid? Why do we get so worried and so worked up? Yes, the future is unknown to us, the path uncertain, the way unfamiliar. No, we don't know what tomorrow may bring, or even what will occur an hour from now. And Yes, there could be trouble and hardship ahead. Let me rephrase that...there will be trouble and hardship ahead. But there will also be courage, strength, endurance, preservation, and providence.
Today, the risen Lord Jesus appears to Paul and says, "Take courage!" Jesus says he will preserve Paul so that Paul would make it safely to Rome to proclaim the Good News there.
Do you think Paul was encouraged? You bet! Do you think that we should also take courage! Absolutely! To illustrate God's protection and care for his people we read today a number of things that should encourage us:
God delivers Israel from Egypt. God parts the sea and allows Israel safe passage. God carries them safely, though they travel and camp for 40 years. God assures them they will cross the Jordan and posses the land (and we will certainly see this come to pass).
We also see today that God rescues Paul from a riot of Sadducees and Pharisees (in a somewhat comical way). We see God rescue him from a plot to kill him (I wonder how long those godless murderers kept their vow to God Almighty and went without food or water...). And we see God begin to move Paul toward Rome, as he promised he would.
Can we look back in our life and see the hand of God? Do we have assurances that he will be with us in the future to help and protect and provide? Then why do we worry or fear?!?
Take courage. The Risen Christ is with you too.
Ask Yourself:
What fears or cares or worries weigh on my heart today?
What promises of God speak to me today?
What can I do to remind myself to worry less and trust more?
Pray:
Pray from your heart today concerning all that is weighing on you. Ask God to give you the courage. Then say "Amen!" with confidence knowing that God hears and answers your prayers. God is pleased to give you all that is good!
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Defense
Read Numbers 32
Read Acts 22
Here we see Paul defend two things: himself and the message of Jesus Christ. In both cases Paul does this shrewdly, carefully, courageously.
It is not a selfish thing for Paul to defend himself. No, Paul is not interested in saving his own skin so that he can live a life of ease and self-indulgence. Paul wants to live so that he can continue to "die to himself," to die according to the sinful nature, and live for Christ. He wants to keep living on earth because it meant fruitful labor for the Lord and for those who would hear the Word he proclaimed.
If we should face accusation and persecution, it is no sin to speak a defense of yourself. Yes, Jesus says turn the other cheek, but the point there is not to retaliate. It is acceptable to speak a defense concerning yourself and preserve your livelihood best you can. However, if you are prepared to defend yourself, are you also prepared to wholly devote your life to the Lord? - to live and to die for him?
Paul also speaks a defense of the faith. As Christians we are constantly engaged in Apologetics, that is, a defense of the faith. We explain, we clarify, we give examples, we point to historical, geological, scientific evidence, we proclaim the Word, we do all we can to persuade, convince, and ultimately to glorify our crucified and risen Savior.
In this anti-Christ and anti-Christian society, we often find ourselves defending the faith and defending ourselves. As we do, perhaps we should keep in mind Jesus' instructions that we should be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). So we live in God's ways, keep a clean conscience, use our wisdom and resources best we can, be careful and thoughtful, grow in knowledge and understanding, and be strong in the power of the Lord and the strength of his might.
And at the Last, Jesus will stand on the earth, and we can lay our (spiritual) weapons down. How we long for that day!
Pray:
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
(LSB 733:2, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 22
Here we see Paul defend two things: himself and the message of Jesus Christ. In both cases Paul does this shrewdly, carefully, courageously.
It is not a selfish thing for Paul to defend himself. No, Paul is not interested in saving his own skin so that he can live a life of ease and self-indulgence. Paul wants to live so that he can continue to "die to himself," to die according to the sinful nature, and live for Christ. He wants to keep living on earth because it meant fruitful labor for the Lord and for those who would hear the Word he proclaimed.
If we should face accusation and persecution, it is no sin to speak a defense of yourself. Yes, Jesus says turn the other cheek, but the point there is not to retaliate. It is acceptable to speak a defense concerning yourself and preserve your livelihood best you can. However, if you are prepared to defend yourself, are you also prepared to wholly devote your life to the Lord? - to live and to die for him?
Paul also speaks a defense of the faith. As Christians we are constantly engaged in Apologetics, that is, a defense of the faith. We explain, we clarify, we give examples, we point to historical, geological, scientific evidence, we proclaim the Word, we do all we can to persuade, convince, and ultimately to glorify our crucified and risen Savior.
In this anti-Christ and anti-Christian society, we often find ourselves defending the faith and defending ourselves. As we do, perhaps we should keep in mind Jesus' instructions that we should be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). So we live in God's ways, keep a clean conscience, use our wisdom and resources best we can, be careful and thoughtful, grow in knowledge and understanding, and be strong in the power of the Lord and the strength of his might.
And at the Last, Jesus will stand on the earth, and we can lay our (spiritual) weapons down. How we long for that day!
Pray:
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
(LSB 733:2, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
All Things to All People
Read Numbers 31
Read Acts 21
Why would Paul, who boldly and powerfully proclaims that we are free from the law, allow himself to be put under a Jewish vow and follow the Jewish customs? I find that remarkable. Some might be quick to accuse Paul of being two-faced, or inconsistent, or hypocritical. Some might, but not James (the leader of the church in Jerusalem) and the other pastors. They are the ones who asked him to do it.
And why did Paul agree? Because he had to be subordinate? No. Paul explains why himself in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 " 19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
He acted in a very Jewish way and voluntarily put himself under Jewish law so that he might win the Jews. Think about that. Paul willingly allowed himself to be inconvenienced for the sake of those he was trying to save. Paul went out of his way to try not to cause offense. He went out of his way to ensure that they would listen to him. In fact, in chapter 22 we'll see Paul preach a sermon to these enraged Jews, and he purposely tries not to inflame them that he might keep their attention as long as possible and communicate as much as he possibly can.
Now in the end, it was God's plan that the unruly crowd there would set events in motion to carry Paul to Rome, but it is remarkable how Paul tries everything he can to win the Jews in Jerusalem.
Do we try so hard? Are we willing to be inconvenienced? Are we willing to go out of our way? Do we try to communicate as much as possible? Do we try to become like the people around us as much as possible (not falling into their sinful lifestyles, however) so that we might win some for Christ?
Of course, not always. But the same Jesus who forgave murderous Saul and changed him to the Apostle Paul forgives and changes us. And Jesus will help us to bear witness concerning himself. So, grateful for the forgiveness and strength we have in Jesus, we can see in Paul an example we are eager to follow.
With that in mind...
Ask Yourself:
Who in my life do I need to reach with the saving message of Christ?
What can I do to reach them - even if it inconveniences me?
Pray:
O Lord, help me like the Apostle Paul to become all things to all people that I might reach some. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 21
Why would Paul, who boldly and powerfully proclaims that we are free from the law, allow himself to be put under a Jewish vow and follow the Jewish customs? I find that remarkable. Some might be quick to accuse Paul of being two-faced, or inconsistent, or hypocritical. Some might, but not James (the leader of the church in Jerusalem) and the other pastors. They are the ones who asked him to do it.
And why did Paul agree? Because he had to be subordinate? No. Paul explains why himself in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 " 19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
He acted in a very Jewish way and voluntarily put himself under Jewish law so that he might win the Jews. Think about that. Paul willingly allowed himself to be inconvenienced for the sake of those he was trying to save. Paul went out of his way to try not to cause offense. He went out of his way to ensure that they would listen to him. In fact, in chapter 22 we'll see Paul preach a sermon to these enraged Jews, and he purposely tries not to inflame them that he might keep their attention as long as possible and communicate as much as he possibly can.
Now in the end, it was God's plan that the unruly crowd there would set events in motion to carry Paul to Rome, but it is remarkable how Paul tries everything he can to win the Jews in Jerusalem.
Do we try so hard? Are we willing to be inconvenienced? Are we willing to go out of our way? Do we try to communicate as much as possible? Do we try to become like the people around us as much as possible (not falling into their sinful lifestyles, however) so that we might win some for Christ?
Of course, not always. But the same Jesus who forgave murderous Saul and changed him to the Apostle Paul forgives and changes us. And Jesus will help us to bear witness concerning himself. So, grateful for the forgiveness and strength we have in Jesus, we can see in Paul an example we are eager to follow.
With that in mind...
Ask Yourself:
Who in my life do I need to reach with the saving message of Christ?
What can I do to reach them - even if it inconveniences me?
Pray:
O Lord, help me like the Apostle Paul to become all things to all people that I might reach some. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Exception, not the Rule
Read Numbers 30
Read Acts 20
The account of Eutychus is an incredible story. It's a story that I've used in a joking manner before ("Yes, people have dozed off during a sermon of mine, but at least I never killed anyone by going on and on like Paul!") but really if we stop there it is a shame. Obviously of all the major events in Paul's travels, Luke thought this one important to include.
One thing (and probably not the only) we can draw from this story is that we can see that God is powerful and mighty, and he does conquer death. Paul was proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus, and it is this risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who has the power over death and grants Eutychus a resurrection. Who can blame God for permitting Eutychus to fall to his death? Eutychus would surely confess himself after he is raised that it was for God's glory and that all might firmly trust in his name. And who can blame God for permitting other afflictions in our life? We too will surley confess ourselves that it is for God's glory. We will glorify him in the next life. I pray we don't wait until then.
Yes, we too can firmly trust in his name, even when we see that extraordinary miracles are the exception, not the rule. Yes, sadly, we Christians have to suffer the loss of loved ones. Wouldn't it be great if gathered around the body of a deceased fellow believer we could command that person to rise! But this is not the way God ordinarily works. Not that God couldn't raise the dead - he can, and he will! But God is pleased to call his people home to heaven. God is pleased to comfort those who mourn and strengthen them to trust in him. God is pleased to help us through affliction and to use those trials to draw us closer to him.
So, we would like to command all our problems to go away, just as Paul commanded Eutychus in the name of Jesus to rise up. But that is not the ordinary way. So, trusting that God can conquer death, we wait patiently for the Last Day and the resurrection of all flesh. Trusting that God can heal, we wait patiently in the hospital bed for help. Trusting that God is love, we willingly bear our crosses for him.
And by the account of Eutychus we are graciously reminded that God is powerful. Help me, O Lord, for I trust in You!
Pray:
"Dear Jesus, thank You for Your resurrection from the dead, which guarantees our resurrection. Through Your Holy Spirit, grant us faith always to remember that physical death is not the end of true life with You. Amen." (TLSB, p. 1879)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 20
The account of Eutychus is an incredible story. It's a story that I've used in a joking manner before ("Yes, people have dozed off during a sermon of mine, but at least I never killed anyone by going on and on like Paul!") but really if we stop there it is a shame. Obviously of all the major events in Paul's travels, Luke thought this one important to include.
One thing (and probably not the only) we can draw from this story is that we can see that God is powerful and mighty, and he does conquer death. Paul was proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus, and it is this risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who has the power over death and grants Eutychus a resurrection. Who can blame God for permitting Eutychus to fall to his death? Eutychus would surely confess himself after he is raised that it was for God's glory and that all might firmly trust in his name. And who can blame God for permitting other afflictions in our life? We too will surley confess ourselves that it is for God's glory. We will glorify him in the next life. I pray we don't wait until then.
Yes, we too can firmly trust in his name, even when we see that extraordinary miracles are the exception, not the rule. Yes, sadly, we Christians have to suffer the loss of loved ones. Wouldn't it be great if gathered around the body of a deceased fellow believer we could command that person to rise! But this is not the way God ordinarily works. Not that God couldn't raise the dead - he can, and he will! But God is pleased to call his people home to heaven. God is pleased to comfort those who mourn and strengthen them to trust in him. God is pleased to help us through affliction and to use those trials to draw us closer to him.
So, we would like to command all our problems to go away, just as Paul commanded Eutychus in the name of Jesus to rise up. But that is not the ordinary way. So, trusting that God can conquer death, we wait patiently for the Last Day and the resurrection of all flesh. Trusting that God can heal, we wait patiently in the hospital bed for help. Trusting that God is love, we willingly bear our crosses for him.
And by the account of Eutychus we are graciously reminded that God is powerful. Help me, O Lord, for I trust in You!
Pray:
"Dear Jesus, thank You for Your resurrection from the dead, which guarantees our resurrection. Through Your Holy Spirit, grant us faith always to remember that physical death is not the end of true life with You. Amen." (TLSB, p. 1879)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Not a Magic Formula
Read Numbers 29
Read Acts 19
The account of the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:11-20 is almost humorous to me. God is doing great miracles through Paul, so some "itinerant Jewish exorcists" (I wonder how many of those wandered around those days) decide to try a new magic formula. They see Paul performs miracles, so they try casting out demons using the name of Jesus that Paul was proclaiming. It's as if they saw a magician say "abracadabra" and do a neat trick, so they are trying out the magic words.
They end up leaving beaten and naked. What a shameful ending to what they hoped would be a wonderful (and profitable!) trick.
Why could Paul perform miracles "in the name of Jesus" but the sons of Sceva couldn't do a miracle "in the name of Jesus" and were humiliated? Well, the sons of Sceva had no faith. They didn't really believe in who Jesus was or what he did. And the evil spirit knew that they had no real strength and overpowered them.
Though this story is almost humorous for us, there is a lesson. We should be careful to ponder God's Word and the Christian life, to believe firmly in Christ, to understand what we say and do, and live for God's glory. Too often we might pray the Lord's Prayer, or hear "Take eat, the body of Christ for you," or engage in some meaningful activity in the Christian life and forget the significance. Not that that puts us on the same level as the sons of Sceva, but we should remember not to treat God's Word like magic formulas. There is great depth in God's Word and in the faithful response of the disciple, but it is so easy just to go through the motions and expect results.
So, instead, we should examine ourselves, root our sin, confess any misplaced trust or worries or doubts, and believe in Jesus. We have victory in him. Nothing can overpower him, and so if we are in Christ, nothing can overpower us either.
In the end, the fiasco with the sons of Sceva led to the glorifying of Jesus' name. We can rejoice that in spite of the sin in this world (including our sin), the name of Jesus continues to be proclaimed and to give life.
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Pray from your heart today, asking God to help you to ponder the faith and take it seriously. Ask him to help you live for him today.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 19
The account of the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:11-20 is almost humorous to me. God is doing great miracles through Paul, so some "itinerant Jewish exorcists" (I wonder how many of those wandered around those days) decide to try a new magic formula. They see Paul performs miracles, so they try casting out demons using the name of Jesus that Paul was proclaiming. It's as if they saw a magician say "abracadabra" and do a neat trick, so they are trying out the magic words.
They end up leaving beaten and naked. What a shameful ending to what they hoped would be a wonderful (and profitable!) trick.
Why could Paul perform miracles "in the name of Jesus" but the sons of Sceva couldn't do a miracle "in the name of Jesus" and were humiliated? Well, the sons of Sceva had no faith. They didn't really believe in who Jesus was or what he did. And the evil spirit knew that they had no real strength and overpowered them.
Though this story is almost humorous for us, there is a lesson. We should be careful to ponder God's Word and the Christian life, to believe firmly in Christ, to understand what we say and do, and live for God's glory. Too often we might pray the Lord's Prayer, or hear "Take eat, the body of Christ for you," or engage in some meaningful activity in the Christian life and forget the significance. Not that that puts us on the same level as the sons of Sceva, but we should remember not to treat God's Word like magic formulas. There is great depth in God's Word and in the faithful response of the disciple, but it is so easy just to go through the motions and expect results.
So, instead, we should examine ourselves, root our sin, confess any misplaced trust or worries or doubts, and believe in Jesus. We have victory in him. Nothing can overpower him, and so if we are in Christ, nothing can overpower us either.
In the end, the fiasco with the sons of Sceva led to the glorifying of Jesus' name. We can rejoice that in spite of the sin in this world (including our sin), the name of Jesus continues to be proclaimed and to give life.
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Pray from your heart today, asking God to help you to ponder the faith and take it seriously. Ask him to help you live for him today.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
My Goals
Welcome, fellow Bereans! (Don't know what I mean by that? You will after you read our chapter in Acts.) It is another new day of God's grace. He certainly renews his mercies every morning. To him be all glory, honor, and praise.
We Pray: Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is read, heard, or proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Read Numbers 27
Read Acts 17
In our reading today, Paul and Silas have three very different experiences. In Thessalonica they experience a great deal of trouble and faced strong opposition. They would have been dragged off and imprisoned if they were found. But being hidden from the authorities they were kept safe and then secretly sent away. We know their work there (though difficult) was fruitful. Paul would write letters to the church in Thessalonica. Obviously some had come to believe! It is my goal to be faithful in opposition.
In Berea they encountered a crowd that was open to their message. And they were open to the message because they were "examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (v. 11). They found that Paul and Silas were preaching a message that was consistent with Scripture (what we call the Old Testament). It was consistent and even more so, fulfilled it. Many in Berea came to believe. It is my goal always to be a Berean, that is, to be one who daily studies the Word of God.
In Athens they encounter another different crowd. They are open minded (maybe too open minded) philosophers. Some would spend the whole day listening to new ideas, views, thoughts, or expressions. Paul then has an opportunity to preach the Word. We see a very different kind of sermon from Paul (even if we only have a snippet of it, we can tell it is different). He starts with what he knows they will be comfortable with and accept. He "meets them where they are," so to speak. But he doesn't leave the message generic or wishy-washy. No! He gets to the need for repentance and the coming judgment. And he proclaims the message of Jesus who was raised from the dead. There is probably more Law here than Gospel. (They weren't yet ready for the Gospel, for they were still unrepentant). Paul mentions the resurrection not for comfort, but to wake sinners up to the reality that the Risen Lord triumphs over evil, and over evil people. Therefore we need to repent! Here again Paul's work is fruitful, and some come to believe in him. It is my goal to be able to reach out to all different kinds of people with the full message of salvation.
These are my goals. I pray they are yours too. We maybe can't speak like angels. We maybe can't preach like Paul. But we can tell the love of Jesus. We can say he died for all.
So, searching the Scriptures daily, being faithful even in opposition, and reaching out to all different kinds of people, may we be used mightily by our Mighty God.
Pray:
"Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth of Your Word. May it be 'a lamp to my feet and a light to my path'. May the Good News of Jesus Christ, the King of kings, continue to turn this world upside down, since it is the power by which we are saved. Guide Your people to engage the world with this message. Amen."
(prayer adapted from prayers in TLSB, p. 1871-1872).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
We Pray: Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is read, heard, or proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Read Numbers 27
Read Acts 17
In our reading today, Paul and Silas have three very different experiences. In Thessalonica they experience a great deal of trouble and faced strong opposition. They would have been dragged off and imprisoned if they were found. But being hidden from the authorities they were kept safe and then secretly sent away. We know their work there (though difficult) was fruitful. Paul would write letters to the church in Thessalonica. Obviously some had come to believe! It is my goal to be faithful in opposition.
In Berea they encountered a crowd that was open to their message. And they were open to the message because they were "examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (v. 11). They found that Paul and Silas were preaching a message that was consistent with Scripture (what we call the Old Testament). It was consistent and even more so, fulfilled it. Many in Berea came to believe. It is my goal always to be a Berean, that is, to be one who daily studies the Word of God.
In Athens they encounter another different crowd. They are open minded (maybe too open minded) philosophers. Some would spend the whole day listening to new ideas, views, thoughts, or expressions. Paul then has an opportunity to preach the Word. We see a very different kind of sermon from Paul (even if we only have a snippet of it, we can tell it is different). He starts with what he knows they will be comfortable with and accept. He "meets them where they are," so to speak. But he doesn't leave the message generic or wishy-washy. No! He gets to the need for repentance and the coming judgment. And he proclaims the message of Jesus who was raised from the dead. There is probably more Law here than Gospel. (They weren't yet ready for the Gospel, for they were still unrepentant). Paul mentions the resurrection not for comfort, but to wake sinners up to the reality that the Risen Lord triumphs over evil, and over evil people. Therefore we need to repent! Here again Paul's work is fruitful, and some come to believe in him. It is my goal to be able to reach out to all different kinds of people with the full message of salvation.
These are my goals. I pray they are yours too. We maybe can't speak like angels. We maybe can't preach like Paul. But we can tell the love of Jesus. We can say he died for all.
So, searching the Scriptures daily, being faithful even in opposition, and reaching out to all different kinds of people, may we be used mightily by our Mighty God.
Pray:
"Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth of Your Word. May it be 'a lamp to my feet and a light to my path'. May the Good News of Jesus Christ, the King of kings, continue to turn this world upside down, since it is the power by which we are saved. Guide Your people to engage the world with this message. Amen."
(prayer adapted from prayers in TLSB, p. 1871-1872).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
God's Mysterious Ways
Read Numbers 26
Read Acts 16
How easy it is to be befuddled and confused about what God is doing! Such a strange turn of events for Paul and Silas. They must trust that God's will is being done even when they are jailed, mistreated, and beaten. I'm sure they expected God to act. I'm sure they didn't expect an earthquake, the conversion of the jailer, and the embarrassed apology of the magistrates. I'm sure they did give God great thanks, however.
Paul and Silas did not enjoy the pain of the beating or the unpleasant lodging, but that did not stop them from glorifying God. Singing hymns and proclaiming the Good News, they continued to live as disciples of Jesus ought to live. And though they may have wondered what God was up to, pondering the mysterious ways of God, they didn't wait to give him the glory. And what did it mean for the jailer? This strange turn of events meant salvation for him and for his entire family. They all came to believe and all were baptized.
Why in the world does God allow trials and adversity into my life? I may never know "why" this or "why" that, but like Paul and Silas I can continue to sing hymns and proclaim the Good News even in affliction. What strange turn of events might come into my life? And how will they conclude? God only knows. But I can hope and pray that along the way my living for Jesus will mean salvation for others. Maybe not for a jailer and his family, but maybe for a coworker, a friend, a family member. Who knows "where" the strange events in life may take me. Or, rather, who knows whom I will encounter in all the twists and turns of life (even if I stay in the same spot)? God knows. And God can use me.
It is so easy to become discouraged or frustrated. It is easy to worry or doubt. It is easy to become afraid. Let this story of Paul and Silas in prison remind us that God is at work. Maybe there is no supernatural earthquake to open the prison bars of life, but there are opportunities to glory God and proclaim the Good News of a crucified and risen Savior! Everyday we have the chance to impact others with that Gospel. So may we do just that.
And may we be encouraged that no matter what this life throws at us, God has his ways. They may be mysterious. But he has his ways.
Sing or Ponder today:
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
Faith sees a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessings on your head.
(LSB 765, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 16
How easy it is to be befuddled and confused about what God is doing! Such a strange turn of events for Paul and Silas. They must trust that God's will is being done even when they are jailed, mistreated, and beaten. I'm sure they expected God to act. I'm sure they didn't expect an earthquake, the conversion of the jailer, and the embarrassed apology of the magistrates. I'm sure they did give God great thanks, however.
Paul and Silas did not enjoy the pain of the beating or the unpleasant lodging, but that did not stop them from glorifying God. Singing hymns and proclaiming the Good News, they continued to live as disciples of Jesus ought to live. And though they may have wondered what God was up to, pondering the mysterious ways of God, they didn't wait to give him the glory. And what did it mean for the jailer? This strange turn of events meant salvation for him and for his entire family. They all came to believe and all were baptized.
Why in the world does God allow trials and adversity into my life? I may never know "why" this or "why" that, but like Paul and Silas I can continue to sing hymns and proclaim the Good News even in affliction. What strange turn of events might come into my life? And how will they conclude? God only knows. But I can hope and pray that along the way my living for Jesus will mean salvation for others. Maybe not for a jailer and his family, but maybe for a coworker, a friend, a family member. Who knows "where" the strange events in life may take me. Or, rather, who knows whom I will encounter in all the twists and turns of life (even if I stay in the same spot)? God knows. And God can use me.
It is so easy to become discouraged or frustrated. It is easy to worry or doubt. It is easy to become afraid. Let this story of Paul and Silas in prison remind us that God is at work. Maybe there is no supernatural earthquake to open the prison bars of life, but there are opportunities to glory God and proclaim the Good News of a crucified and risen Savior! Everyday we have the chance to impact others with that Gospel. So may we do just that.
And may we be encouraged that no matter what this life throws at us, God has his ways. They may be mysterious. But he has his ways.
Sing or Ponder today:
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
Faith sees a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessings on your head.
(LSB 765, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
"Saved through the Grace of the Lord Jesus"
Read Numbers 25
Read Acts 15
Today, I thought I would comment on the chapter from Acts. I like to think of the council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 as a big Pastors' Conference to sort out true doctrine from heresy.
You see, the early church is still trying to figure out how Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles are supposed to live, interact, and be a church together. In Antioch, Paul and Barnabas were debating Jewish Christians who were insisting that circumcision was necessary for salvation. Paul and Barnabas no doubt argued that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But that didn't seem to settle it in Antioch. So they sent Paul and Barnabas to the church headquarters in Jerusalem to talk with the apostles and pastors (elders) and see what they had to say.
Peter says it clearly, "Why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?" - namely, the yoke and false teaching that our works righteousness can save us. "But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they [the Gentiles] will." Then they dispatch representatives and a letter to settle the matter in Antioch.
But this is a struggle that still continues. Maybe we don't debate circumcision, but in our personal lives we are constantly labeling other people as "Christian" or "Not-very-Christian." While its true that the Word of God declares some actions to be Godly and some sinful, we cannot act as if someone has to be perfect before we can regard them as a Christian. If that were necessary, then we wouldn't be saved either. (And even Paul and Barnabas today have a sharp disagreement. They were sinners too).
But it is so easy to behold the actions of another and think "That wasn't a very Christian thing to do!" as if Christians weren't sinners. Quite the contrary, Christians do all sorts of sinful things. Not that we rejoice in sin, revel in it, or excuse it. No, we always seek to defeat the power of sin. But when it comes to how we relate to other Christians, it is best to remember that we are sinful too. Others will sin against us, but as Christians we are called to forgive them, remember the "log" in our own eye, so to speak, and to rejoice that those sinners and us are all "saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus," as Peter said.
He gave his life for me. He gave his life for you. We have forgiveness, and strength to live as brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the ability to forgive one another and live in love. Now that's a very Christian thing to do.
Thanks be to God.
Ask Yourself:
What fellow Christian do I love to judge and dislike?
What should my attitude be to that individual?
Why should I be humble about my own righteousness? How can I find the strength to love other sinful Christians?
Pray:
Lord, help me to be humble, recognizing that all I contribute on my own is sin. Help me to be humble recognizing that everything good I do is done by you through me. Lord, help me to be forgiving, loving, and patient with other Christians. Give me opportunities to help them with God's Word. Let me be gentle as I correct or instruct. Help me to be encouraging and to lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 15
Today, I thought I would comment on the chapter from Acts. I like to think of the council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 as a big Pastors' Conference to sort out true doctrine from heresy.
You see, the early church is still trying to figure out how Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles are supposed to live, interact, and be a church together. In Antioch, Paul and Barnabas were debating Jewish Christians who were insisting that circumcision was necessary for salvation. Paul and Barnabas no doubt argued that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But that didn't seem to settle it in Antioch. So they sent Paul and Barnabas to the church headquarters in Jerusalem to talk with the apostles and pastors (elders) and see what they had to say.
Peter says it clearly, "Why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?" - namely, the yoke and false teaching that our works righteousness can save us. "But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they [the Gentiles] will." Then they dispatch representatives and a letter to settle the matter in Antioch.
But this is a struggle that still continues. Maybe we don't debate circumcision, but in our personal lives we are constantly labeling other people as "Christian" or "Not-very-Christian." While its true that the Word of God declares some actions to be Godly and some sinful, we cannot act as if someone has to be perfect before we can regard them as a Christian. If that were necessary, then we wouldn't be saved either. (And even Paul and Barnabas today have a sharp disagreement. They were sinners too).
But it is so easy to behold the actions of another and think "That wasn't a very Christian thing to do!" as if Christians weren't sinners. Quite the contrary, Christians do all sorts of sinful things. Not that we rejoice in sin, revel in it, or excuse it. No, we always seek to defeat the power of sin. But when it comes to how we relate to other Christians, it is best to remember that we are sinful too. Others will sin against us, but as Christians we are called to forgive them, remember the "log" in our own eye, so to speak, and to rejoice that those sinners and us are all "saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus," as Peter said.
He gave his life for me. He gave his life for you. We have forgiveness, and strength to live as brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the ability to forgive one another and live in love. Now that's a very Christian thing to do.
Thanks be to God.
Ask Yourself:
What fellow Christian do I love to judge and dislike?
What should my attitude be to that individual?
Why should I be humble about my own righteousness? How can I find the strength to love other sinful Christians?
Pray:
Lord, help me to be humble, recognizing that all I contribute on my own is sin. Help me to be humble recognizing that everything good I do is done by you through me. Lord, help me to be forgiving, loving, and patient with other Christians. Give me opportunities to help them with God's Word. Let me be gentle as I correct or instruct. Help me to be encouraging and to lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Star of Jacob
It is good to be back! I was on vacation for a little while, that's why I had no comments posted. Hopefully you all kept up with your Bible reading, though! Such interesting things we see in Numbers and in Acts! And most importantly, we see Christ proclaimed. Christ is preached boldly by the disciples at the very beginning of the New Testament church. But Christ is also boldly proclaimed in the book of Numbers. We see a clear, deep, and profound proclamation in our numbers reading today. That is where I focus my comments. So, on with the reading...
Read Acts 14
Read Numbers 24
In our reading today, we see the account of Balak and Balaam continue. Basically, Balak the King of Moab hires Balaam to curse Israel. You see, the people have become afraid of Israel. They weren't the biggest nation around, but God was leading Israel so that nothing could stop them. Moab heard of how the Amorites were destroyed by Israel, and they became afraid.
But when Balaam is hired to curse Israel, he opens his mouth, and what comes out is a blessing. It is almost humorous how he is unable to speak a word against God's chosen people. Balak becomes more and more agitated, then more and more furious. And today we read the final blessing, and it is one that strongly points forward to Christ.
Balaam even indicates that he is prophesying a future triumph. He tells Balak that he will speak of things that will happen in the "latter days." Balaam sees someone who is "not now" and "not near," but someone who would definitely come to be a king. "A scepter shall rise out of Israel, and it shall crush the forehead of Moab" and so on. And Balaam calls this king a "star...out of Jacob."
Indeed, when Christ was born, a star announced his birth and led the magi (who maybe knew this prophecy) to the manger of the King of Kings. Yes he, a humble baby, held all the power of the world. And he came to defeat the wicked and crush the enemy, as Balaam prophesied.
And this King would himself be a star, a shining light. He proclaims, "I AM the light of the world!" He is a light no darkness has overcome. And all the forces of evil and darkness would be crushed under his feet.
Yes, this King would win victory - but in a most astonishing way! Jesus allowed himself to be crucified so that dying, he would defeat death. And taking on our sin, he broke sin's power. And allowing himself to suffer hell, he stormed its gates and overcame.
This is Good News for you and I. It would be bad news if we opposed Christ, but because we are his precious people (by grace through faith), we are assured that we have rescue from the power of darkness. We have rescue now, and final salvation at the end.
A Star has risen out of Jacob, and he is Christ the Lord! Thanks be to God.
Pray:
"Lord, we thank You for Your faithfulness fulfilled in Christ. Rule us by Your beloved Word. Amen." (TLSB p. 257).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Acts 14
Read Numbers 24
In our reading today, we see the account of Balak and Balaam continue. Basically, Balak the King of Moab hires Balaam to curse Israel. You see, the people have become afraid of Israel. They weren't the biggest nation around, but God was leading Israel so that nothing could stop them. Moab heard of how the Amorites were destroyed by Israel, and they became afraid.
But when Balaam is hired to curse Israel, he opens his mouth, and what comes out is a blessing. It is almost humorous how he is unable to speak a word against God's chosen people. Balak becomes more and more agitated, then more and more furious. And today we read the final blessing, and it is one that strongly points forward to Christ.
Balaam even indicates that he is prophesying a future triumph. He tells Balak that he will speak of things that will happen in the "latter days." Balaam sees someone who is "not now" and "not near," but someone who would definitely come to be a king. "A scepter shall rise out of Israel, and it shall crush the forehead of Moab" and so on. And Balaam calls this king a "star...out of Jacob."
Indeed, when Christ was born, a star announced his birth and led the magi (who maybe knew this prophecy) to the manger of the King of Kings. Yes he, a humble baby, held all the power of the world. And he came to defeat the wicked and crush the enemy, as Balaam prophesied.
And this King would himself be a star, a shining light. He proclaims, "I AM the light of the world!" He is a light no darkness has overcome. And all the forces of evil and darkness would be crushed under his feet.
Yes, this King would win victory - but in a most astonishing way! Jesus allowed himself to be crucified so that dying, he would defeat death. And taking on our sin, he broke sin's power. And allowing himself to suffer hell, he stormed its gates and overcame.
This is Good News for you and I. It would be bad news if we opposed Christ, but because we are his precious people (by grace through faith), we are assured that we have rescue from the power of darkness. We have rescue now, and final salvation at the end.
A Star has risen out of Jacob, and he is Christ the Lord! Thanks be to God.
Pray:
"Lord, we thank You for Your faithfulness fulfilled in Christ. Rule us by Your beloved Word. Amen." (TLSB p. 257).
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I am thrilled that we have a couple additional followers! Welcome to this Bible study tool. I pray that you will be blessed by God's Word daily even as I am. We are currently about 6 months of the way through a 2 year study of the Bible. After that 2 years we will have read the whole Bible, and (hopefully) had some useful, God-pleasing discussion.
This might be bad timing on my part (since we just have new readers joining us), but I am going to take a break from providing any kind of commentary or devotional thoughts for about a week and a half. Please know that the posts WILL CONTINUE, and the links will be provided for you. I encourage all of you to keep reading and to continue providing questions or comments, as you learn from or share with one another. I will keep up in the reading too, I'm just taking a break from the comments. I will begin posting devotional thoughts again on the 19th or 20th.
I know you will keep reading the Bible even without my comments because, hey, it's God's Word! His Word is living and active. His Word is the power of salvation for everyone who believes. His Word endures forever.
With those comments made, we now commence with the reading of Scripture:
Read Numbers 13
Read Acts 3
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
This might be bad timing on my part (since we just have new readers joining us), but I am going to take a break from providing any kind of commentary or devotional thoughts for about a week and a half. Please know that the posts WILL CONTINUE, and the links will be provided for you. I encourage all of you to keep reading and to continue providing questions or comments, as you learn from or share with one another. I will keep up in the reading too, I'm just taking a break from the comments. I will begin posting devotional thoughts again on the 19th or 20th.
I know you will keep reading the Bible even without my comments because, hey, it's God's Word! His Word is living and active. His Word is the power of salvation for everyone who believes. His Word endures forever.
With those comments made, we now commence with the reading of Scripture:
Read Numbers 13
Read Acts 3
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Scatter the Enemy!
Read Psalm 87
Read Numbers 10
In Numbers 10 we read that the ark of the covenant sets forth in front of the people to lead them in their journey. And Moses prays, "Arise, Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you" (v. 35). The ark, where God Himself was pleased to make his dwelling and be present with his grace and protection, goes before the people to scatter the enemies and lead them to the Promised Land.
How appropriate for today! On this day before Easter, the Christian Church holds the Easter Vigil and prays for the Light of Christ to "scatter the darkness." We know that though His light is hidden from the disciples' eyes temporarily as His body lay in the tomb, His light has not gone out. He is passing through death, to scatter the darkness of the grave, and bring eternal light even there.
As we follow our Lord Jesus (as the Israelites followed the ark) we are led through death into eternal life. Jesus' rest in the grave sanctifies our graves as well. His rising to new life promises us who follow Him by faith that we too will rise from our graves. Jesus is the firstfruits, we are the rest of the harvest to eternal life. Christ Triumphant goes before us. He razes hell. He rends Death's iron chains. He breaks through sin and pain. He scatters the enemy!
To conclude our meditation today, some words from Paul Gerhardt's wonderful Easter hymn, "Awake, My Heart, with Gladness":
Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate'er He passes through.
He rends death's iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain;
He shatters hell's grim thrall;
I follow Him through all.
He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found in script of gold:
"Who there My cross has shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified."
(LSB 467:6-7)
Monday we continue with Numbers and begin the book of Acts.
A blessed Easter celebration to you all,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Numbers 10
In Numbers 10 we read that the ark of the covenant sets forth in front of the people to lead them in their journey. And Moses prays, "Arise, Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you" (v. 35). The ark, where God Himself was pleased to make his dwelling and be present with his grace and protection, goes before the people to scatter the enemies and lead them to the Promised Land.
How appropriate for today! On this day before Easter, the Christian Church holds the Easter Vigil and prays for the Light of Christ to "scatter the darkness." We know that though His light is hidden from the disciples' eyes temporarily as His body lay in the tomb, His light has not gone out. He is passing through death, to scatter the darkness of the grave, and bring eternal light even there.
As we follow our Lord Jesus (as the Israelites followed the ark) we are led through death into eternal life. Jesus' rest in the grave sanctifies our graves as well. His rising to new life promises us who follow Him by faith that we too will rise from our graves. Jesus is the firstfruits, we are the rest of the harvest to eternal life. Christ Triumphant goes before us. He razes hell. He rends Death's iron chains. He breaks through sin and pain. He scatters the enemy!
To conclude our meditation today, some words from Paul Gerhardt's wonderful Easter hymn, "Awake, My Heart, with Gladness":
Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate'er He passes through.
He rends death's iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain;
He shatters hell's grim thrall;
I follow Him through all.
He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found in script of gold:
"Who there My cross has shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified."
(LSB 467:6-7)
Monday we continue with Numbers and begin the book of Acts.
A blessed Easter celebration to you all,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Friday, April 2, 2010
O Sacred Head Now Wounded - Good Friday
O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.
What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.
Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish that once was bright as morn!
Now from Thy cheeks has vanished their color once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished the splendor that was there.
Grim death, with cruel rigor, hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigor, Thy strength in this sad strife.
My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!
What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.
My Shepherd, now receive me; my Guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me, O source of gifts divine.
Thy lips have often fed me with words of truth and love;
Thy Spirit oft hath led me to heavenly joys above.
Here I will stand beside Thee, from Thee I will not part;
O Savior, do not chide me! When breaks Thy loving heart,
When soul and body languish in death’s cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish, Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.
The joy can never be spoken, above all joys beside,
When in Thy body broken I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of Life, desiring Thy glory now to see,
Beside Thy cross expiring, I’d breathe my soul to Thee.
My Savior, be Thou near me when death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me, forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish, oh, leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish by virtue of Thine own!
Be Thou my consolation, my shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy passion when my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee, upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfolds Thee. Who dieth thus dies well.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Passover Meal
Read Psalm 86
Read Numbers 9
Ok, I didn't plan this, but our reading in Numbers 9 speaks about how Israel celebrated the Passover while they traveled toward the promised land. And today is Maundy Thursday, the evening in which Jesus was betrayed. It is also the evening he ate the Passover with the disciples. Very fitting.
In our reading today, God shows himself to be gracious by permitting those who were defiled and unclean, and those who were on a journey, to celebrate the Passover one month late. But he definitely makes it clear that they certainly are to celebrate it. They should not just throw up their hands and say, "oh well!"
How much more should we also be eager to take the Lord's Supper. Yes, the Passover, with it's unleavened bread, and wine, and bitter herbs, prefigured and foreshadowed the bread and wine of holy communion through which Jesus gives his body and blood. It also foreshadows the bitter suffering and death of Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God.
Yes, we should be eager to take the Lord's Supper. Luther wrote some questions and answers with which the Christian can examine himself before taking Communion. And one of the questions he asks is something like (and I'm paraphrasing here) "What should someone do if he feels no need to take Communion?" and the answer is something like (again, paraphrasing), "He should pinch himself and see if he still has flesh and blood." You see, as long as we are in this world and in this life we are going to have our share of troubles and adversities, so we need the strength. We'll also have our share of sins, so we need the forgiveness. How gracious God is that he provides a way to deliver that forgiveness and new life!
And tonight, after he institutes His Supper, we follow our Lord to Gethsemane. After agonizing in prayer there, we see him surrounded by soldiers and arrested and taken to an unfair trial. As our Psalm said today, "O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life" (Psalm 86:14).
Meditate:
Tomorrow I'll just post a hymn for our Good Friday meditation. We'll study again Saturday, and Easter Monday we'll start studying the book of Acts along with Numbers.
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Numbers 9
Ok, I didn't plan this, but our reading in Numbers 9 speaks about how Israel celebrated the Passover while they traveled toward the promised land. And today is Maundy Thursday, the evening in which Jesus was betrayed. It is also the evening he ate the Passover with the disciples. Very fitting.
In our reading today, God shows himself to be gracious by permitting those who were defiled and unclean, and those who were on a journey, to celebrate the Passover one month late. But he definitely makes it clear that they certainly are to celebrate it. They should not just throw up their hands and say, "oh well!"
How much more should we also be eager to take the Lord's Supper. Yes, the Passover, with it's unleavened bread, and wine, and bitter herbs, prefigured and foreshadowed the bread and wine of holy communion through which Jesus gives his body and blood. It also foreshadows the bitter suffering and death of Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God.
Yes, we should be eager to take the Lord's Supper. Luther wrote some questions and answers with which the Christian can examine himself before taking Communion. And one of the questions he asks is something like (and I'm paraphrasing here) "What should someone do if he feels no need to take Communion?" and the answer is something like (again, paraphrasing), "He should pinch himself and see if he still has flesh and blood." You see, as long as we are in this world and in this life we are going to have our share of troubles and adversities, so we need the strength. We'll also have our share of sins, so we need the forgiveness. How gracious God is that he provides a way to deliver that forgiveness and new life!
And tonight, after he institutes His Supper, we follow our Lord to Gethsemane. After agonizing in prayer there, we see him surrounded by soldiers and arrested and taken to an unfair trial. As our Psalm said today, "O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life" (Psalm 86:14).
Meditate:
Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, watch with Him one bitter hour,
Turn not from His griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
See Him at the judgment hall, beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall! O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn of Christ to bear the cross.
Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete.
“It is finished!” hear Him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die.
Early hasten to the tomb where they laid His breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom. Who has taken Him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes; Savior, teach us so to rise.
Tomorrow I'll just post a hymn for our Good Friday meditation. We'll study again Saturday, and Easter Monday we'll start studying the book of Acts along with Numbers.
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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