Read Deuteronomy 22
Read Luke 20
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Like a Child
Read Deuteronomy 20
Read Luke 18
Someone might be curious, "How do we receive the kingdom like a child?" Well, we could describe a child in many ways. Our world likes to think of them as sweet and innocent, kind of like blank slates....and humanly speaking, that's true.
But that's not what Jesus means. Children are completely dependent. They rely on others for everything. My 5 year old and my 2 year old would not survive long without someone to care for them. Sure, they are learning some self help and self care skills, but they can't do enough for themselves yet. And they've been growing and learning for a while. Our reading today says that they were bringing "infants" to Jesus. Babies. Newborns. Little tiny people who rely on their parents for EVERYTHING. This is the characteristic that Jesus is talking about.
We must become completely dependent on God for everything. In truth, we are dependent on him for everything, but we must realize it, trust him, and look to him for everything - not just for our physical needs, but also for our spiritual.
In case some still doubt what Jesus is saying, Luke drives the point home as he records Jesus' conversation with the rich man. After that encounter, the disciples ask who can be saved. Jesus' answer is clear. No one can be saved by their own doing or strength. He says it is impossible with man.
But with God - now that's a different story. With God all things are possible. Though we are completely helpless, weak, incapable, needy, and dependent spiritually (like newborn infants are completely dependent physically) God was pleased to have mercy on us and care for us. That's why Jesus went to the cross, stripped, beaten, abused, mocked, spit upon, spiked to the cross, and harassed until he died. He endured all that so that we infants might live. And not just live here, but live for eternity.
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Lord, I am completely dependent upon you. I am in need, helpless, weak, and incapable of helping myself. Have mercy on me. Wash away my sins. Grant me eternal life and salvation. Continue to provide for all my needs of body and soul now and for eternity. Thank you for your undeserved, unfailing love. I am yours forever. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Luke 18
Someone might be curious, "How do we receive the kingdom like a child?" Well, we could describe a child in many ways. Our world likes to think of them as sweet and innocent, kind of like blank slates....and humanly speaking, that's true.
But that's not what Jesus means. Children are completely dependent. They rely on others for everything. My 5 year old and my 2 year old would not survive long without someone to care for them. Sure, they are learning some self help and self care skills, but they can't do enough for themselves yet. And they've been growing and learning for a while. Our reading today says that they were bringing "infants" to Jesus. Babies. Newborns. Little tiny people who rely on their parents for EVERYTHING. This is the characteristic that Jesus is talking about.
We must become completely dependent on God for everything. In truth, we are dependent on him for everything, but we must realize it, trust him, and look to him for everything - not just for our physical needs, but also for our spiritual.
In case some still doubt what Jesus is saying, Luke drives the point home as he records Jesus' conversation with the rich man. After that encounter, the disciples ask who can be saved. Jesus' answer is clear. No one can be saved by their own doing or strength. He says it is impossible with man.
But with God - now that's a different story. With God all things are possible. Though we are completely helpless, weak, incapable, needy, and dependent spiritually (like newborn infants are completely dependent physically) God was pleased to have mercy on us and care for us. That's why Jesus went to the cross, stripped, beaten, abused, mocked, spit upon, spiked to the cross, and harassed until he died. He endured all that so that we infants might live. And not just live here, but live for eternity.
Thanks be to God!
Pray:
Lord, I am completely dependent upon you. I am in need, helpless, weak, and incapable of helping myself. Have mercy on me. Wash away my sins. Grant me eternal life and salvation. Continue to provide for all my needs of body and soul now and for eternity. Thank you for your undeserved, unfailing love. I am yours forever. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Prophet Like Moses
Read Deuteronomy 18
Read Luke 16
Today Moses prophesies, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen." And we see in the history of Israel that this prophesy indeed comes true. God continued to inspire prophets to speak His Word, and like Moses they spoke faithfully and truthfully. In little ways, this prophecy of Moses is fulfilled in them.
But even more so, this prophecy is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the Prophet who is greater than Moses. In fact, Jesus would indeed declare himself to be greater than Moses. Not only does he keep the Law God gave to Moses, but he is also the fulfillment of the covenant, of Israel's history, of the Promised Land, of the whole Old Testament. Jesus is the long-expected Prophet who would not only speak the Word of God, but who actually is the Word of God Incarnate - the Logos (in the Greek).
And Jesus would proclaim the Gospel, the message of Salvation, and then make that salvation a reality in his death and resurrection. Truly we rejoice today to read Moses' prophecy, and we thank God that Jesus came, lived, died, rose, preached the Word, and continues to proclaim the Word through his faithful people (pastors and laity) today. What a blessing that we can still listen to the voice of the Prophet, even as Moses encourages us.
And what an interesting thing that we read Luke 16 today too. Jesus rightly points out at the end of it that people in this life have Moses and the prophets. We ought to listen to them. Jesus also says that even if someone rises from the dead, some will refuse to listen. In fact, we see this to be the case. Jesus rose from the dead, and some have refused to believe his message.
But we believe, and give God thanks. And we know that the Holy Spirit works in power to convert and transform the lost. Therefore, let us keep proclaiming the Word to those around us.
And to God be the glory!
Pray:
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son
And bring to naught all He has done.
(LSB 655:1)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Luke 16
Today Moses prophesies, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen." And we see in the history of Israel that this prophesy indeed comes true. God continued to inspire prophets to speak His Word, and like Moses they spoke faithfully and truthfully. In little ways, this prophecy of Moses is fulfilled in them.
But even more so, this prophecy is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the Prophet who is greater than Moses. In fact, Jesus would indeed declare himself to be greater than Moses. Not only does he keep the Law God gave to Moses, but he is also the fulfillment of the covenant, of Israel's history, of the Promised Land, of the whole Old Testament. Jesus is the long-expected Prophet who would not only speak the Word of God, but who actually is the Word of God Incarnate - the Logos (in the Greek).
And Jesus would proclaim the Gospel, the message of Salvation, and then make that salvation a reality in his death and resurrection. Truly we rejoice today to read Moses' prophecy, and we thank God that Jesus came, lived, died, rose, preached the Word, and continues to proclaim the Word through his faithful people (pastors and laity) today. What a blessing that we can still listen to the voice of the Prophet, even as Moses encourages us.
And what an interesting thing that we read Luke 16 today too. Jesus rightly points out at the end of it that people in this life have Moses and the prophets. We ought to listen to them. Jesus also says that even if someone rises from the dead, some will refuse to listen. In fact, we see this to be the case. Jesus rose from the dead, and some have refused to believe his message.
But we believe, and give God thanks. And we know that the Holy Spirit works in power to convert and transform the lost. Therefore, let us keep proclaiming the Word to those around us.
And to God be the glory!
Pray:
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son
And bring to naught all He has done.
(LSB 655:1)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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