Today's Devotion

Devotion - May 18, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Acts 11:19-21

Scattered by the Wind!

Last fall our lawn was sprayed to kill the dandelions. This year our lawn was filled with them. Last fall I cleaned out our garden and didn’t plant anything. This spring the garden area was filled with weeds. The reason? Seeds were blown by the wind and deposited all over our yard. We would never have known except those seeds took root and began to grow.

The spread of the good news about Jesus happens in a similar way. Although it’s not the physical wind that blows, the Spirit of God blows when and where he wishes. For the early believers, the impetus for scattering the seeds of the gospel was the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem. What seemed like a hardship and tragic situation, led individuals out of Jerusalem into the surrounding areas. Wherever they went, they planted gospel seeds, “telling them the good news about Jesus.” The result? “…a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”

Are you open to where God might “scatter” you to connect you with someone who needs to hear the “good news about the Lord Jesus?” As you travel on your next business trip, plan your next vacation, drive for the next field trip or contemplate a major move, are you open to God’s Spirit scattering the good news of Jesus through you? The place where God has you today and the place he will take you tomorrow is a place where he wants to use you to connect a soul to the saving message of Jesus.

Your confidence? “The Lord’s hand was with them…” You are not alone. Even if the reason for a move or transition is painful, know that just as the wind blows seeds to plant them, so the Spirit scatters God’s people to plant the gospel message in the hearts of people all around.

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes to see individuals around me wherever I am today that need the good news about Jesus. Grant me your Spirit to embolden me to speak, trusting you are with me and will work through the words you give me to speak. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - May 18, 2012

Devotion - May 17, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.”

Genesis 17:17-21

Prayers of the Bible - Expressing the Desires of the Heart

God called Abraham and promised to make him the “father of many nations.” Most importantly, God promised that from his descendants would come the one who would be a blessing for all peoples on earth—the Savior, Jesus Christ. But as the years passed, Abraham wondered how God would fulfill his promises since he remained childless. In sinful weakness, Abraham took matters into his own hands and had a son with Hagar, his wife's maid. However, God intervened and told Abraham clearly that the the promises he made would not be fulfilled through Ishmael. Even at ages that were well passed childbearing years, God declared that Abraham and his wife Sarah would have a son born to them. Abraham laughed with joy that God’s promise would be fulfilled soon. At the same time, his thoughts turned toward his son, Ishmael, now that it was very clear that God’s covenant was not going to be fulfilled through him. Abraham’s love for Ishmael prompted him to speak his heart's desire to God: "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!"

God's answer was, "Yes, but..." He told Abraham, "Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him."

When someone answers "Yes, BUT..." it makes me cringe. Usually it makes me cringe because I realize that the answer is going to be different than what I want. For Abraham it meant that Ishmael would not be the one through whom the covenant would be fulfilled, yet he would be blessed.

God's plan was different from Abraham's plan. God was faithful to his promise and he was going to make sure that the lineage of the Messiah would be accomplished by his power and not by man's scheming. God was going to use Isaac and his descendants to carry out his plan.

Like Abraham, we always have the freedom to express our heart's desire to the Lord. But like Abraham, we must learn to accept God's answers in the realization that he has a better plan.

Prayer:

Lord, I love you with all my heart. Give me an undivided heart which gladly accepts your answers to my prayers. Amen.

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Devotion - May 17, 2012

Devotion - May 16, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

1 John 4:7-12

God’s Love Changes Our Lives

“Dad, how come every song is about love?” Even my 11 year-old daughter recognizes that there is no topic quite as popular as love. It’s the theme of an entire genre of movies, the driving force behind many poems, and the basis for interesting conversations at work. Love. We can’t seem to get it off our minds. Yet do we really know what love is?

The apostle John says that “God is love.” He explains, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” God’s love is more than an abstraction, more than a feeling, more than a philosophical concept. It is a definite reality in Jesus Christ. Here we see what love really is. In Christ we learn that God’s love is sacrificial, unconditional and totally undeserving. God loved sinners so much that he sent his one and only Son to suffer and die for us, so that we might have life with him forever. This is love. It reaches down from heaven and changes our lives.

Those who know the love of God want to love others. At the end of the wedding ceremony the pastor sometimes tells the bridegroom, “You may kiss the bride.” The groom usually doesn’t feel like this is some burdensome obligation that he has to carry out. Instead he rejoices because it’s exactly what he wants to do! It’s kind of the same when John encourages believers to love one another. Since we have experienced God’s love in our lives through Jesus Christ, since we know that he has forgiven our sins and made us his children, this is exactly what we want to do. We want to love others as God has loved us. Amazingly, when we do, others might see God’s love in us. They might see this love and wonder about its source. It’s then that we can point others to God who loved us enough to send his Son to die for the sins of the world.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for demonstrating your love for us in Jesus Christ. Help us throw off our selfish sinful nature and to love others as you have loved us. May this lead others to see your love! Amen.

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Devotion - May 16, 2012

Devotion - May 15, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?

1 Thessalonians 2:19

Another Joy Story—You!

One of the great joys that I have as a pastor is working full-time to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to people. And just like a farmer who sows seed in his field is pleased to see the green sprouts shooting up, maturing and bearing fruit, so it is with me. As I share God’s joy-filled message of salvation with people, I rejoice to see the miracle of spiritual life that God works in them by means of his Word.

The apostle Paul expressed this truth beautifully in his letter to his Christian friends at Thessalonica. He wrote to them, “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?” Paul rejoiced that the gospel which he preached in that city took root in the hearts of those people. They had come to know Jesus and loved him. They demonstrated their faith by their Christian service, and they lived in the hope of the glory of heaven.

For this reason Paul rejoiced because the good news of Jesus created saving faith and bore wonderful fruit in the lives of the Christians at Thessalonica. They were a joy story for him. Just as people to whom I have the privilege of telling the Word are my joy. Like you! The Word of God that you read and hear through these daily devotions works in your life to draw you close to God, fill you with the peace of his forgiveness, comforts you with his abiding presence, strengthens you with his promises, compels you to love and serve him and others, and assures you with eternal hope.

Yes! You are a joy story, too!

Prayer:

My Prayer for You (Philippians 1:3-6):
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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Devotion - May 15, 2012

Devotion - May 14, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love.”

John 15:9

A Close Knit Family

Anyone who knew the Smith family was amazed at how close knit they were. The parents were actively engaged in their children’s activities. The children genuinely appreciated their parent’s company. This closeness was seen in everything they did. From going to worship on Sunday mornings to going on vacations in the summer, they made certain they remained close. Even when they sat down for dinner in the evening, they did not allow any distractions. There were no televisions or radios playing, no texts received, and no phone calls answered.

While most people considered their closeness an exception, the Smiths regarded it as normal. When pressed for their reason, they simply said, “It is important, so we make it happen.”

Today families are being fractured and forced into many different directions. Is there any wonder why the goal to remain close knit is a priority? Is there any wonder why it is even more important to pursue this goal as a member of God’s family?

God the Father went to great lengths to adopt me and bring me into his family. When I had no thought of loving him, he loved me and even sent his Son to reveal it. This meant Jesus had to live a life of total obedience and complete faithfulness which ended with his death on the cross. In this way, Jesus accomplished everything God the Father required for my rescue from sin and its punishment. Jesus also accomplished what was needed for me to be called God’s child and a member of his family.

As a part of God’s family I need to take Jesus’ words to heart. He says, “Remain in my love.” If there is anything that will keep me closely knit to my heavenly Father and his family, it is Jesus’ love. It is this love which binds me to every believer, as well as to my Father. It is this love which guards me when the devil tries to lead me astray. It is this love which opens my eyes to the importance of daily repentance, forgiveness, prayer and the study of his Word. It is this love which comforts me with the promise of a blessed reunion in heaven. There I will be reunited with all the members of God’s family, and I will live with my heavenly Father and my loving Savior forever.

While I may desire a close knit family for this life, I may or may not attain it. In contrast, because of God’s love in Jesus, I know I can remain a close knit member of God’s family.

Prayer:

O gracious Lord, I thank you for making me your child through faith in Jesus. I also ask you to keep me close to you in this life until I join you in heaven. Amen.

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Devotion - May 14, 2012

Devotion - May 11, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” . . .

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:26-39

I coach softball for young girls who are 12-14 years old. It is a recreational league, so some of the girls have never played softball before. It is my job to try to “meet the new players where they are at”. I have to figure out how much they know about softball and help them grow as players. I teach everything from the basics of how to throw and catch properly to the fundamental rules of the game. I explain how to get someone out, how to score a run and, finally, how to win a game. It is actually quite satisfying to open a new door of fun and understanding to the girls.

In this reading from Acts chapter 8, the Lord sent Philip to literally meet an Ethiopian official where he was at. The Lord sent Philip on the road to Gaza where a man from Africa was traveling. As Philip walked near the chariot he also “met the man where he was at” spiritually. Philip heard the man reading from the Old Testament book of Isaiah and asked him questions about his reading. The man was not too proud to ask for help. He welcomed Philip into his chariot and the adventure of exploring God’s Word began.

One fundamental truth that Philip started with was that all the books of the Bible point to Jesus. The man from Ethiopia was reading from the 53rd chapter of the book of Isaiah where the Old Testament prophet described the suffering that the Christ would have to endure to pay for our debt of sin. God would punish Jesus as our substitute and he would die. Philip explained how Jesus perfectly fulfilled that prophecy. And surely he told the man the wonderful truth that Jesus rose from the dead and that all who believe in him are saved. What a great message!

Another important truth he shared was the blessing and necessity of God’s gift of baptism. God uses the picture of water washing away dirt to show how he washes away sin through baptism. The Ethiopian man confessed his need for baptism to wash away his sins. He believed in Jesus and desired the blessings promised by God in baptism. It was no surprise that this man requested baptism when they came to a place where there was water.

Philip met this man from Ethiopia where he was at and taught him the fundamentals of the Christian faith. The man left with not only a better understanding of the Bible, but with joy that came from a heart filled with faith through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Where are you at today? Do you need someone to meet you where you are at? I would encourage you to start by reading a Bible and if you have questions you can find help online at www.whataboutjesus.com. Let the Lord meet you where you are at, you won’t be disappointed.

Prayer:

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:4-5).

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Devotion - May 11, 2012

Devotion - May 10, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

The jailer… asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

Acts 16:30-33

A Joy Story – A Jailer Is Set Free

Paul and Silas were in the city of Philippi. They had been jailed for proclaiming the gospel. Rather than demanding to see an attorney or singing the jailhouse blues, they demonstrated their faith by praising God with hymns and prayers. It was truly a unique experience for their fellow prisoners and, as we learn, it had an impact on their jailer as well.

About midnight an earthquake shook the city of Philippi. The jail was so rattled by the tremor that the cell doors opened. The jailer feared that his prisoners had escaped. He knew that the consequence of losing a prisoner was a death sentence or him. Absent faith, and therefore hope, he saw only one course to take. He drew his sword and was about to end his own life, when Paul stopped him. The apostle told him that the prisoners had not fled. No one had escaped. Everyone was present and accounted for. The jailer had nothing to fear from the authorities, but that didn’t remove the fear of a Judge greater than the Roman government.

A second quake occurred. Not one that shook the earth, but one that awakened in the jailer the great need of forgiveness for his sins! The need of some means by which he might appease the divine Judge. The jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” He didn’t know his Savior; didn’t understand that it was not about his doing something, but learning what God had already done for him. There was a void in his life that needed to be filled; a chasm that separated him from God. He was searching for the means of being rescued from the guilt of his sin.

The jailer didn’t have to wait long for the rescue. Two redeemed sinners, who understood his need, spoke the answer that every soul needs to hear: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” The stream of living water that brings life and hope to spiritually dead and desolate hearts poured forth from the apostles’ mouths. “They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.” Freedom from bondage to sin! Freedom from the power of the devil! Freedom from the fear of punishment! Now that’s a joy story. And it is intended for you, too!

Prayer:

(Psalm 106:4-5):
Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. Amen.

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Devotion - May 10, 2012

Devotion - May 9, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18

More than a Song

If you know the music of the 1970’s, you know the late John Denver. During that decade, John Denver wrote and sang one hit song after another, songs like “Rocky Mountain High” and “Country Roads.” Perhaps his most enduring is “Annie’s Song,” written to his wife.

By Denver’s own admission, he was unfaithful to Annie. After a period of separation, they reconciled and were ready to move forward again as husband and wife. It was during this time that Denver’s emotions moved him to write and sing what he was feeling. It is said that it took him all of about ten minutes. In ten minutes’ time, “Annie’s Song” was born.

But it was just a song. Denver’s unfaithfulness continued. Eventually, that and other issues ended their marriage.

It’s one thing to sing about love. To demonstrate it with actions is something else. It’s one thing to talk about faithfulness. To live it is something else.

It’s one thing to open up a hymnal and sing about our love for Jesus. To show our love for him by how we treat those around us – that’s something else. For that reason, you and I must confess the many times we have failed our Lord; the many times we have sung the song and nothing more.

That’s why Jesus’ love for us was more than a song. It was action. It was commitment. It was faithfulness to the end. Because it was, he went to the cross in our place. He paid the debt of our sin in full. He did what had to be done.

As a result, you and I are forgiven. The stain of our failure is gone. We are at peace with God. And with it he gives us his Spirit, so that our love for him may now begin to blossom and grow.

So we move beyond a song, beyond words, and we love with actions. Just as Jesus loves us.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you love me. Move me to love you in my actions toward others. Amen.

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Devotion - May 9, 2012

Devotion - May 8, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

Philippians 4:22

A Joy Story - An Innocent Man Finds Purpose in Prison

The apostle Paul was innocent of any wrongdoing. Yet he was arrested and imprisoned, even faced possible execution all because he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. Did he complain? Was he filled with self-pity? Did he doubt God? No. He rejoiced! He was filled with joy because he saw God’s purpose for him. The Lord had put him where he was at that very moment in time. And God always has a reason wherever he leads his children. Paul illustrates one of those reasons in these words near the end of his letter to the Christians in Philippi: “All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” Yes! It’s a joy story. A Christian bearing the good news about Jesus finds in his imprisonment, not sorrow, but purpose. He was a missionary who discovered a new field into which God’s gospel could be sowed for a harvest of souls—and this field reached into the home of the pagan emperor of Rome.

Think what that means for you! Look around you. Maybe you’re in a stressful work environment. Maybe you’re a person who is surrounded by unfriendly neighbors. Maybe you’re just one Christian in a family of unbelievers! God has placed you right where he wants you to be at this very time for a specific reason. Look around you again! See God’s purpose for your life. Open your eyes and ears, and when the time is right open your mouth and speak. Tell those people around you what Jesus has done for you and also for them. Watch with expectation the power of that message which can change those who are dead in their sin and unbelief into those who are spiritually alive in Christ.

The joy of our lives is Jesus. He is our Savior who sacrificed his life that we may live forever with God. This joy is so wonderful that we want others to share it with us. So we look for opportunities that God gives us to tell our joy stories of Jesus!

Prayer:

Lord, it is your will that all come to a knowledge of the truth. Use me to bring the message of salvation to people so that they may be brought to saving faith in Jesus. Help me be your witness even under difficult circumstances. Amen.

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Devotion - May 8, 2012

Devotion - May 7, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 07 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Vines, Branches and Fruit

I need Jesus for everything in my life. This truth is made abundantly clear when he says, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” The point of the illustration is one I need to take seriously. Just as a branch gets everything it needs for life by its connection to a vine, so I need to be connected to Jesus to receive everything I need for life.

While the picture may be simple, its implications are sweeping. Without Jesus I have nothing, and I can do nothing. I have no true peace, no real joy, no full forgiveness, and no heavenly hope. Without Jesus I am without God’s promise of protection and guidance, and I have no one to be my mediator and advocate. Without Jesus I can do nothing to please God or merit his favor.

This is why I need to understand the importance of a close relationship with Jesus. Again, it is like a vine and branch. Without a good graft to the vine, the branch will wither and die. So I need to be carefully and securely grafted to Jesus. This is more than a passing acquaintance or a general knowledge of some facts. It means I know from the Bible what he has done for me, and will continue do for me. It also means I can trust him implicitly and without hesitation. The result of being so closely grafted to Jesus is that I will naturally produce the “fruit” which he desires. This is more than the humanitarian good the world requires and praises. This fruit is the very work which pleases him and which reflects his own unselfish love for me.

This is why I need Jesus to be the most important thing in my life, and why I can never doubt the necessity of his presence or his power. The moment I am tempted to have doubts or question the importance of his presence, I need to recall his words – “without me you can do nothing.”

With a simple picture of vines, branches and fruit Jesus presents a beautiful lesson on what he offers me for this life, as well as for eternal life. I need to learn that lesson well. I also need to rely on Jesus for everything, just as a branch relies on the vine.

Prayer:

O gracious Lord, I rejoice because you offer me life and strength and help. Give me the trust I need to rely on every gift you provide in your love. Then, let me serve you in goodness and love as long as you give me life here on earth. Amen.

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Devotion - May 7, 2012

Devotion - May 4, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.” Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 4:23-31

“I fight authority; authority always wins.” When John Mellencamp penned these lyrics he struck a chord with many people. We bristle under authority. We don’t like to be told what to do. Whether it is a child being scolded by parents, a student being reprimanded in the principal’s office, a speeding citizen being pulled over by the highway patrol, or a worker answering to his boss, a part of us always wants to fight authority.

We may chafe under human authority, but our selfish sinful nature will always fight against God’s authority. The apostles Peter and John were arrested for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. The authorities in government and the church were fighting against the authority of the Son of God. This fight did not surprise the Christians of that day. They expected it. In the second Psalm King David used words like “rage, plot, and take their stand” to show the vehement opposition that many would have against God’s authority.

Our battle against God’s authority probably has not led us to shed any blood. We have never been so blatant as to call for the death of God or the arrest of his servants. But our sinful nature will always be God’s enemy. We break God’s law. We oppose his principles. We stand in defiance of his statutes. We adopt lifestyles that separate us from God. In a very real way we take our stand against God.

The Lord had a plan to reassert his authority, but it was not with lightning bolts or threats of violence. It was with his great love. God demonstrates his power in the cross of Jesus where he paid for our sin. God shows his power in the empty tomb which could not hold the risen Savior. The early Christians knew that they needed to testify to the truth of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. They knew that through the good news of Jesus, God would again assert his rightful place as the ruler of the world, and, just as importantly, the ruler of our hearts.

Today God’s mercy calls us to bow our heads, our hearts and maybe even our knees before him. Confess your sin. Confess your sinful unwillingness to submit to his authority. Look once more at Jesus, the Anointed One. In Jesus we see God’s love and power and authority. Embrace your Savior King who has already embraced you.

Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank you for those who share the good news of Jesus despite the threats that come from those who hate you. Continue to work through your Word to change the hearts and lives of your people. Lead us and guide us as our loving King. Amen.

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Devotion - May 4, 2012

Devotion - May 3, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 03 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

The woman came and knelt before Jesus. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”

Matthew 15:25-28a

A Joy Story – Faith Is Rewarded

My wife and I have two dogs which we love very much. They are well cared for. Believe me! They lack nothing! And they are also very confident of our love for them. They don’t worry about where their next meal is coming from, or even when! And if there is something they want, they are quite determined in making sure that we know about it! Rarely if ever do they give up before they obtain what they want. In fact, our dogs’ trust in our ability to take care of their needs is almost, without fail, rewarded.

In the words of Scripture before us today, we hear a brief conversation between a Canaanite woman and Jesus. She came to him with a need that she was confident he could—and would—satisfy. Her daughter was “suffering terribly from demon possession” (Matthew 15:22). “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me,” she cried out to Jesus. But he didn’t answer her. His disciples suggested that he send her away, but she would have none of that. With great persistence she went to her knees and repeated her plea, “Lord, help me!” Finally, Jesus responded, but not as we would expect. Jesus said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”

When my wife makes popcorn, our pet dogs are right there waiting patiently. They are also persistent. They don’t give up until they receive a little reward for their perseverance. They also linger beneath the table in our kitchen when we eat, filled with hope that something will manage to descend to the floor. As my wife often says, “They live in hope.” And I can assure you that their hope does not disappoint them.

Jesus’ words—harsh as they seem—gave hope to that woman. She understood in his words a willingness to provide for her needs. “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

The Canaanite woman’s account in the Bible is a joy story. “Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’” Jesus loved that woman very much and helped her. And this teaches us that faith in Jesus’ ability and his desire to respond to our needs, both small and great, is not in vain. Jesus loves us and will help! His greatest helpful act was to save us from the punishment of our sins through his death for us. Now faith in Jesus assures us of everlasting life with God. Trusting in Jesus as our Savior makes our life and faith a joy story, too!

Prayer:

Jesus, the most important thing for me is to have faith in you as my Savior. Through testing and trials lead me to cling to the precious promises of your Word so that my faith will be sustained until the end when you will take me to the glory of heaven. Amen.

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Devotion - May 3, 2012

Devotion - May 2, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 02 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are.

1 John 3:1

CHILD OF GOD

Tim Hansel, in his book, Holy Sweat, tells the story of a walk he once took with his young son. The two of them were out in the country, climbing around on some small, rocky cliffs. Tim had his back to his son for a few moments. Suddenly he heard his boy yell, “Hey Dad! Catch me!” Tim whirled around and looked up just in time to catch his son. You see, his son had yelled, “Hey Dad!” and then he had jumped.

Tim was so shocked at first that he could hardly talk. Finally, when he found his voice, he blurted out, “Zac! Can you give me one good reason why you did that?” His son responded with a calm voice. He said, “Sure, because you’re my dad.”

Think about that for a moment. As far as the boy was concerned, his dad was trustworthy. Therefore, no matter what the circumstance, he trusted that his dad would always catch him. He knew who his father was, and that was that.

Now let’s talk about you. As you read or listen to these words, what kind of fear are you carrying around in the pit of your stomach? Is it fear about something at work? Fear about a lab result you’re waiting for? Fear about what others think of you? Is it fear about money? Fear of looking foolish? Fear of getting old? Fear of being alone?

Remember who your Father is. God sacrificed his own Son to adopt you into his family. Then he raised his Son to life to assure you he meant what he said.

Does this mean you should jump off a rocky cliff and expect someone to catch you? No, not at all! But it does mean that God will never drop you. It does mean you are his forgiven child. It does mean you can finally stop being afraid.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, through faith in Jesus I am your child. Because of who you are, I am safe, I am secure, I am never alone. Fill me with your Spirit. Drive out my fears. Empower me to live my life fully for you. Amen.

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Devotion - May 2, 2012

Devotion - May 1, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 01 May 2012 06:01:00 +0000

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.

Genesis 3:15

A Joy Story: The Devil’s Deed Is Overcome with a Promise

Who, besides the villain, doesn’t love the underdog, the downtrodden, that one, who seemingly hasn’t a chance of coming out on top? But then, who can even think of loving the greatest category of underdogs—namely sinners? Sinners are unlovable! They are selfish, rebellious, merciless, mean-spirited, wicked, liars and cheats, and the list can go on and on of all the reasons why sinners are so unlovable. That includes each of us.

But God loves sinners! He has from the very beginning. When Satan tempted Adam and Eve to sin against God, they deliberately disobeyed God and justly deserved the divine sentence of eternal death on themselves and the whole human race. But God demonstrated his great love not only for Adam and Eve, but also for all their descendants. He made a promise! He would send a Savior to suffer the punishment for the sins of all people!

The Bible says, “Love covers over a multitude of sins” and God’s perfect love covers over every sin. Without compromising his justice, God presented his eternal plan for the salvation of sinners. One born of the woman—that’s Jesus—would “crush [Satan’s] head.” Yes, Satan would “strike his heel”—Jesus would suffer and die—but by his death and resurrection Jesus would rescue all humanity from the power of the devil and free them from the curse of sin.

This promise of God, spoken right after Adam and Eve had sinned, is commonly called “the first Gospel.” It revealed God’s eternal plan of salvation. It was a promise that, like a flower not yet seen on the plant from which it will grow, is nevertheless coming into bud. It would be fulfilled! The promise would one day flower and flourish. This was the hope of the people in the Old Testament. Finally, God fulfilled his promise and in his love for all people sent Jesus into the world to save us. Our gracious God took the sad story of man’s fall, and changed the outcome into good news for us. The devil’s horrifying deed was overcome by the power of God’s sweet promise. Now that’s a true story that fills our life with real joy!

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for your great love that moved you to promise and send your Son to rescue us from the power of Satan. Fill our hearts with the joy of knowing Jesus as our Savior from sin and death. Amen.

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Devotion - May 1, 2012

Devotion - April 30, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.”

John 10:11-12

Have you ever had a situation where you said, “This is too much; I’m out of here; they are not paying me enough to do this”?

Imagine you are hired for minimum wage to tend sheep. You figure it shouldn’t be too difficult. How hard is watching sheep? But you fail to read the fine print of your job description: Must be willing to lay down your life for the sheep.

One evening while on duty, you are faced with a pack of hungry wolves. Do you stay and protect the sheep, even if it means you might be injured or worse? Or do you say, “I’m out of here”? And you take off leaving the sheep defenseless. Some shepherd you turn out to be!

In stark contrast, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

The sheep Jesus lays down his life for is you – a weak, wandering, defenseless sheep. Many would question if you were worth it, even yourself. But obviously you were to him. Look at the cross where Jesus died for you.

The wolves that attacked and killed Jesus instead of you are sin, death and the devil. Jesus could have said, “I’m out of here,” when facing those wolves. But he loved you and cared for you so much that he wouldn’t forsake you. He was willing to save you at all costs, even it if meant his life. And that’s what he did.

A lot of times when we say, “This is too much; I’m out of here; they are not paying me enough to do this,” it reflects our feelings about life. It’s so easy to want to quit, to give up, to run away. But knowing what you know about your Good Shepherd gives you a new resolve. You live for the one who laid down his life for you and saved you from sin, death and the devil.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for saving my life. I couldn’t have a better Shepherd. Amen.

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Devotion - April 30, 2012

Devotion - April 27, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’” Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:8-12

Christ is My Capstone!

The skill of laying a stone foundation is a rare find these days. With all of our advancements in building materials and equipment, things like steel beams and poured concrete foundations with rebar ensure that the buildings we construct will stand the test of time. However, in Jesus’ day, stonework was a true art and skill, one which was absolutely necessary so that buildings would last.

Builders needed a perfectly square cornerstone to start the building project so that in all three directions – right, left and up – the building would be square and come together. In the same way, wherever there was an archway, there needed to be a keystone or capstone which held it all together. How often don’t you see ancient ruins where the arch is still standing even though the walls have crumbled?

Whether you use the word cornerstone or capstone or keystone, they all work perfectly to describe Jesus. He is the foundation of our faith. When our faith and beliefs are in line with him, we know our faith is resting on solid ground. Jesus is also the keystone of our faith. He holds his church together forever. It will stand the test of time.

Peter was under attack for healing a crippled person. They challenged how he was able to do that miracle. In his reply, he points to Christ who was not only the source and power behind the miracle, but also the foundation of his faith and eternal salvation. This joy led Peter to make the transition from a defense of Jesus to a law and gospel presentation. His hope was that God would lead them to repent and believe in Jesus as well!

With sharp law, he pointed out their sin. They crucified Christ, but God raised him from the dead. They rejected him, but now he is the foundation of faith. Salvation is not found in works or rituals, but through faith in Jesus alone. Repent and believe the good news.

This same message works today. Law and gospel are the tools God has given to us. Every person needs to repent of their sin and unbelief. God hears our plea, “Lord have mercy on me a sinner.” Then God’s wonderful healing balm of the gospel assures us that we are forgiven for the sake of Jesus our Savior… and that forgiveness rest squarely and surely on the foundation of Christ Jesus crucified and risen. In truth, there is no other name, no other person, no other way in which we can be saved.

What a joy! You know the way. You know the capstone. You know that Christ is the cornerstone of your faith. May God bless you as you share this truth which will indeed stand the test of time and eternity!

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal - 528:1):
Christ is our cornerstone; on him alone we build.
With his true saints alone the courts of heav’n are filled.
On his great love, our hopes we place of present grace and joys above. Amen.

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Devotion - April 27, 2012

Devotion - April 26, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

1 Peter 3:15b

Hope's Testimony

Remember cramming (studying) for an exam? Trying to somehow embed your resistant memory with all those details written in the textbook or recorded in your class notes? You knew that if you didn't have a grasp on most of the material, you'd bring home the news of a less than desirable test score, or perhaps even a failing grade.

Peter isn't talking about a test when he says, "Always be prepared to give an answer." He's talking about an opportunity! A God-given one! The Lord brings into your presence, or opens a door to someone who doesn't know what is yours—hope in Jesus! When your unbelieving neighbors see your life for Christ, they may become curious. "What accounts for this obvious joy?" "Where does this generosity of patience and love come from?" "Why are you so filled with hope?" Ah! Opportunity!

This is a passage that addresses the subject of witnessing! Of evangelizing! Of sharing the Good News that has delivered a sure and certain hope to you, and is meant for everyone! And the apostle says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

Are you prepared to do so? You may be more prepared than you think! You know what Jesus has done for you. You know why he died on the cross. You know the meaning of his resurrection. You know that eternal life is already yours. You know that he is coming again to judge everyone. You know that those who die in Christ are blessed. And that means you also know that those who die without Jesus have no hope.

"We believe," Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians, "and therefore speak." Christian hope needs to find expression. The questions of our unbelieving friends need answering. The love of Christ compels us to share our hope. They must hear the Gospel!

Prayer:

Lord, open my lips to share my hope in you. Amen.

Confidently Sharing Jesus with Friends is a resource to help you talk to people you know about Jesus.

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Devotion - April 26, 2012

Devotion - April 25, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:8-9

A while back there was a piece on a TV news magazine about a woman who appeared stable and well-adjusted in every way. She held a responsible job. She was nicely dressed. She was gracious and cordial in her demeanor. She held a terrible secret, however. The secret was that she was keeping hundreds of cats in her home. Video footage from the city health department was shocking. The interior was in ruins. Officials reported that the stench was indescribable.

Most shocking of all, though, was the woman’s sense of absolute denial. She had no grasp of the sickening thing she had produced within her house. In fact, during an interview she even described herself as “a clean freak.”

That woman’s self-deception is a lot like our attitude towards sin. You and I don’t mind admitting that we’re sinful in a generic kind of way (“Nobody’s perfect.” “We’ve all done things we’re not proud of,” – you know the routine). When it comes to confronting the real-life failures in our lives, however, you and I often plug our noses and ignore the terrible stench of our own sin.

But the answer is not self-deception. The answer is Jesus. Confess your sins – thoughts, words and actions that oppose God’s perfect will and make you unclean in his sight. Trust God’s faithful word that through faith in your Savior Jesus you are freely forgiven and completely clean before God.

And from now on, no more self-deception.

Prayer:

O Lord, my God, I called to you for help, and you answered me. I thank you for the love you have shown me in Jesus Christ, my Savior. Through him you have rescued me from the guilt of my sin and given me the peace of forgiveness. Help me fight against temptation, correct whatever wrongs I can, and serve you and those around me with love and good works. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Devotion - April 25, 2012

Devotion - April 24, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Hebrews 6:19

Hope's Steadfastness

We live in a time of rapid change. From technology to transportation, from medical treatment to moral values, from energy development to educational institutions, from the ways we work to the ways we relax—things change! It can be unsettling! We want, we need, something that doesn't change. Something we can rely on! Something that will be there for us, always!

The inspired writer of Hebrews tells us that we have this. It is the "hope" on which our soul is anchored. That hope is ours in a Savior slain for sins, and risen for our rescue from eternal death.

This solid hope gives us comfort, when all around us the world is changing. One of our hymns captures this truth:

In ev'ry high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.
When ev'ry earthly prop gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, hymn 382, from verses 2 & 3)

Our hope is steadfast. It is "firm and secure!" This same writer of Hebrews tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Yes! The One, in whom our hope is anchored, is changeless. Nothing can, or ever will, replace him. Nothing can, or ever will, change what he has done to redeem us. Nothing can, or ever will, alter his attitude of love toward you and me. Our hope in Jesus is truly steadfast!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I experience many changes in life, but in you I have hope that will never change. I praise you for giving me a firm and secure anchor for my soul. Amen.

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Devotion - April 24, 2012

Devotion - April 23, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

While the disciples were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Luke 24:36-49

What bothers you? What troubles you? What scares you? What has you on edge?

On the surface, your answer might be the economy, the election in November, Iran. More personally, your answer might be your marriage, your family, your job. But in the depth of your heart, isn’t your answer the guilt you carry, the doubts you have, the faith you lack?

You wonder, “Is Jesus for real? Can I believe him? Why am I so weak? How do I move forward?” These are the questions the disciples struggled with too.

But what does the Bible proclaim? Christ crucified for sin. Christ risen in victory. Forgiveness won. And it’s not too good to be true! This good news comes from your living Savior. He gives exactly what you need down deep. Not peace on the surface of things, but peace for your soul.

Now you can move forward.

Prayer:

Lord, console me with your peace. Amen.

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Devotion - April 23, 2012

Devotion - April 20, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

Acts 3:12-20

Look To Jesus

When the people who had gathered at the temple for prayer saw a beggar—a man they knew to be crippled from birth, a man they had seen begging daily at the temple gate—when they saw him walking and jumping and praising God, they were astonished. They came running to see what had happened. Peter used the opportunity to direct them to Jesus. He pointed out that this beggar’s complete healing was granted by Jesus. In doing so he also led the people to consider what Jesus meant for their lives. And he leads us to think about what Jesus means for us.

Look in the mirror (for sure the mirror of God’s law; maybe also the mirror on your wall) as you say these words: “You handed Jesus over to be killed… You disowned him before Pilate… You disowned the Holy and Righteous One… You killed the author of life.”

It’s easy to point a finger at others, especially those who lived 2000 years ago. But I need to look at myself. I need to look at my life and conduct. I sinned again today, just as I did yesterday, and the day before. I didn’t want to, but I did. So I am responsible. I am guilty. I am a sinner deserving condemnation because of the way I treated Jesus. It is because of me, my sin, that Jesus died on the cross.

But God glorified him. God raised Jesus from the dead. God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets. This Suffering Servant is our Savior! It wasn’t just because of us that Jesus died; it was for us that Jesus died. He suffered and died to take away our sin, to heal us, to set us free! We can walk, we can leap, we can praise God until Jesus comes again to take his believers to live with him in eternal glory.

In repentance and faith, look in the mirror again. Know that your sins have been wiped out. Know that times of refreshing have come. Know that you are forgiven, renewed, at peace. Look in the mirror again (not the mirror of the law; the mirror on your wall) as you say these words: “You are a perfect and holy child of God, bought with the blood of Jesus.”

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, in you I am forgiven and refreshed. May I always cling to you, my perfect Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - April 20, 2012

Devotion - April 19, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.

Colossians 1:3-6a

Hope's Value

There was a song in an old movie that spoke of ant with high hopes. Everyone knows "an ant can't," the song tells the story, "move a rubber tree plant." Then comes the refrain, "But he had high hopes.” The audience is then left with the picture of a hope-filled ant really moving a rubber tree plant, rather than being frustrated by an immovable object, or being crushed by the weight on its back. "Can't" is quickly erased from our minds. Hope is seen overcoming the impossible.

Writing to Christians, the apostle Paul expresses unending thanks to God for the "faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel."

Faith, hope and love! These three go together. Faith and love in the hearts of Christians spring up from the hope of heaven promised us in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The despairing gloom of sin’s dark clouds that overshadow this world in which we live are swept away to let in the light of the Son, because he has given us hope. He endured the punishment for our sins. He rose victorious over death. He defeated Satan, and opened heaven's gate for us. Now, nothing, not even death, can darken our bright future, because our hope is stored up for us already in heaven.

Maybe an ant can't move a rubber tree plant, but our Lord Jesus still does the impossible! In him, we have received the highest of hopes!

Prayer:

Dear Savior, cause my faith and love to spring up from hope in the glorious good news of all that you have done for me on earth and have prepared for me in heaven. Amen.

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Devotion - April 19, 2012

Devotion - April 18, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

1 John 5:1-6

The man wrote to the newspaper columnist: “My wife died two years ago. Now I have been diagnosed as terminal. My son does not know that my wife was pregnant with him when I met her. He thinks he is really my son. Should I tell him before I die?”

The newspaper columnist responded: “Yes. It is important for him to know the truth.”

It is important for us to know the truth about Jesus. Is he really the Son of God and not just the son of Mary? God the Father said Jesus was really his Son as the water of Jesus’ baptism dripped from his head. Jesus called God his Father as the blood dripped down his brow and he hung on the cross. Jesus proved that he really is divine when he rose from the dead.

It is important for others to know the truth about Jesus. Is he really the Savior who was promised for hundreds of years, the Christ? The Holy Spirit leads us to believe that he is. He lived for us, overcoming the temptations of the world. His perfect life counts for us before God the Father. He died for us, and our sins are forgiven through that death, because it was the appropriate punishment for our sins.

It is important for us to live the truth about Jesus. He has made us real children of God, accepted into the family. Now we have family values. The Holy Spirit leads us to love God, and to show that love by obeying his commands. The world tells us to follow our own commands, but we overcome the world by following Jesus instead.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, lead me to follow you as I live a life of faith and love. Amen.

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Devotion - April 18, 2012

Devotion - April 17, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

Hope's Source

The old song was right in lyrically telling us, "You gotta have hope!" Who can live without hope? If there's no hope of a better tomorrow, why go there? If there's no hope beyond the end of our days, then life has but one purpose and that's to please oneself—a hopeless task for anyone who has ever tried. But where can we find true hope? From what well can we draw the water that will quench our despairing thirst with enduring hope? What source will open up our eyes to see a glorious future so that all our days are filled with hope?

The Lord's inspired apostle gives us the answer to these questions. Paul tells us that "everything" in the Bible was written "that we might have hope." Where else will you find release from your sins? Where else can you go to meet God and listen to his voice? From what other source can you learn everything that God has done for you and be certain about it, so that you might have hope? In the Scriptures alone is the message of the cross and your rescue from eternal death. In the Scriptures alone is the hopeful message of God's gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation. Only in the Scriptures is found the way to heaven—the life and work of Jesus Christ!

Yes! You gotta have hope! And thanks be to God who gives us hope in everything he tells us in the Scriptures.

Prayer:

Lord, lead me daily to the source of hope—your living and enduring Word. Amen.

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Devotion - April 17, 2012

Devotion - April 16, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.

John 20:19-20a

How secure are you? Is your job safe, or is there a lay-off coming? How about your health? Or what if you had a serious car accident, or your home caught on fire, or what if ... ?

Important questions, but in reality they are insignificant in comparison to, "What is my relationship to God?" Or to put it a different way, "When I die, where will I go—to heaven, or hell?" Now THOSE questions simply HAVE to be answered, or there will be a nagging sense of worry, emptiness, insecurity.

The problem is, as we look into our hearts and minds, we're not helped. Have we been perfectly patient with those around us; have we always been an example of Christ-like love toward others? Or do we rather see in ourselves a rash of impatience, unkindness and selfishness? That’s more insecurity!

The disciples understood insecurity. They locked themselves in a room; they had no idea what was going to happen next, no idea where their life was going, just no idea. And then…Jesus miraculously appeared and stood among them.

And what did he do? He showed them his hands and his side. Those pierced hands and side were proof that the disciples were forgiven; Jesus’ suffering on the cross and death was full payment for all their sins. The crucified and now risen Lord Jesus was proof that the favor of God was upon them and heaven was open for them!"

"Look!" Jesus says also to you. "Look at my hands, look at my side! You're forgiven! Loved by God! Heaven is your home! And you have my peace!"

Prayer:

Jesus, my risen Savior, often I'm nervous and afraid. Forgive me! Focus my attention on your pierced hands and side, that I might see clearly that my sins are forgiven and you have opened heaven for me. Fill me with your peace. Amen.

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Devotion - April 16, 2012

Devotion - April 13, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever.

The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.

Isaiah 25:6-9

The Fun of Life

True or False? God takes all the fun out of life. Do you believe that? Some people do. They think that God (or religion or Christianity) exists to deprive people of pleasure by restricting human behavior with “you shalls” and “you shall nots”.

God does not take the fun out of life. God puts the fun in life. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Satan takes the fun out of life. Satan takes true fun from us. He tempts us with sinful pleasure instead of godly pleasure. Have you fallen for his lies? He baits the trap with tasty morsels of greed, lust, indulgence or unfaithfulness. These sins leave the bitter taste of regret and remorse. His poisoned plate make us sick.

God does not take the fun out of life. He makes life a celebration of his grace. He invites us to his healthy, joyful dinner. Join him on the mountain for his feast of rich food and aged wine. By this imagery the prophet Isaiah depicts a blessed meeting place for God and his people. God welcomes his people to a mountain retreat where he surrounds them with his love and provides a feast of his blessings. His people respond with trust and praise.

The host of this feast is Jesus, the Savior of the world. With his sacrifice for the sins of all he destroyed the shroud that enfolded all people. By rising from the dead he swallowed up death forever. Best of all, this feast goes on forever. Satan, the demons and all unbelievers cannot get a drop of water to cool their tongues in hell. God’s people, those who believe in Jesus, enjoy a heavenly banquet that never ends.

You want to have fun? Join the LORD Almighty at his feast. He serves you richly with the gospel of salvation through Jesus. "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."

Prayer:

Dear LORD Almighty, with pleasure we come to your feast to celebrate the gift of grace in our Savior Jesus. Help us to appreciate and enjoy the fun of your love and the gladness of your blessings through Jesus. Amen.

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Devotion - April 13, 2012

Devotion - April 12, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

When I was a youngster, my parents bought a large poster picturing a young child eating spaghetti. Either to get attention or just to be silly, as little children often are, the little one had taken the whole bowl of spaghetti and dumped it over his head.

Of course, after beginning to "wear" his supper, the child discovered that it wasn't the pleasant experience he anticipated. So he was now sitting there, covered with spaghetti and sauce, crying his eyes out. Printed at the bottom of the poster was "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Yes, life can be messy. Unfortunately, we often cause the messes ourselves, because of our own sinfulness.

Yet, we rejoice!

How can that be? We rejoice because of Jesus. Jesus' death washed away our sins. And Jesus' resurrection guarantees that we, too, will get out of the grave someday. Guaranteed. No doubt about it. Trusting in him, we WILL go to heaven because of Jesus' wonderful work of salvation.

On every day of our life we can rely on the fact that Jesus died for us and that he rose from the dead. It's true. It's done. We rejoice! Even when there's some spaghetti sauce running down our face!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, when you rose victorious from the grave you gave me a day of great rejoicing. Fill me with the joy of the unending day of eternity that you are preparing for me in the glory of heaven. Amen.

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Devotion - April 12, 2012

Devotion - April 11, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death."

1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Eternal Hope

Making us God’s children by faith through the waters of Baptism…giving us a good conscience by freeing us from the guilt of sin…making all things work together for our good…letting nothing separate us from the love of God…giving us his Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith…giving us his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus does so much for us in this life.

But if our relationship with Jesus ended in this life and death separated us from God forever, then we would be “pitied more than all men.” Why? Because the goal that God has for us is heaven. All the blessings that Jesus gives us now are part of God’s plan to bring us to live with him forever. If we cannot get out of death’s clasp, then all the blessings that Christ gives us in this life would ultimately become a vain memory.

But praise God! Death has lost its power over us. Christ has destroyed death by rising from the dead himself. What a joyous celebration Christ’s resurrection brings to our hearts! For we know that since Christ has risen, so shall we. As a result, our hope in Christ goes beyond the grave. Through faith in Jesus Christ we have eternal life!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, my living Savior, thank you for all the blessings you give me in my life. Keep me close to you so that by your glorious resurrection from the dead I may also share in the fulfilled hope of eternal life in heaven. Amen.

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Devotion - April 11, 2012

Devotion - April 10, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

Psalm 16:9-10

Occasionally we hear the unfortunate report of a mine collapse. We pray for the safety and rescue of the miners, but our prayers are not always answered the way we would like. It is especially hard when they can't get the miners out, dead or alive. The mine is too dangerous. They can't even go in and try to find the bodies. They have to abandon the mine and the miners inside.

Without Jesus and his resurrection we would be like those miners. We would be trapped in our own graves with no hope of rescue. But the Lord will not abandon us to our graves. He initiated a rescue operation through his Son. Jesus suffered the punishment for our sins and paid the penalty of death for us. His body was placed into the tomb, but the Lord did not abandon his Son, the Holy One. His body rested in the grave for three days and then just as promised the almighty Lord raised Jesus from dead.

Our risen Savior said, “Because I live, you also will live.” By his own resurrection, we are assured that the Lord will save us from our graves—we will make it out alive!

The Lord did not abandon Jesus to the grave. He will not abandon you either.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, keep my mind fixed on your glorious victory over death so that I may know the joy of your resurrection and the hope that it brings. Amen.

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Devotion - April 10, 2012

Devotion - April 9, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

"Don't be alarmed," the angel said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'

Mark 16:6-7

Specifically For You

How did Peter feel on Good Friday? Just watching Jesus go through all his suffering must have been bad enough, but to know that he had denied knowing Jesus had to make him feel awful. Even worse, he had denied Jesus three times. More than that, Jesus had warned him plainly in advance that he was going to do it! How did Peter feel? So horrible that he wept bitterly.

Then on Easter Sunday, the women who arrived at Jesus’ empty tomb are given a clear instruction by the angel. "Go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'Jesus is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" Tell Peter. Tell Peter specifically. Why? Because Peter really needed to hear it! Peter really needed to hear that his sins were forgiven, that he had a risen Savior who still loved him and who always would love him.

You and I are no different than Peter. We're sinful human beings, just like he was. We've denied Jesus in our own ways, whether by blatant statements (like Peter), or not letting our light of faith shine, or failing to trust God fully, or neglecting God’s Word, or other actions sinful before God and offensive to people. We've failed. We've sinned. We're "Peter."

Jesus’ resurrection is God’s good news for you. You have a risen Savior! Jesus died and rose again from the dead to assure you that your sins are all forgiven. You have a living Savior who loves you specially.

Prayer:

Risen Lord Jesus, fill my heart with the peace of the forgiveness of sins accomplished by your death and guaranteed by your resurrection from the dead. Assure me of your special love to take away my doubts and fears. Amen.

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Devotion - April 9, 2012

Devotion - April 6, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:4-6

Look Again

A prisoner on death row. A convict being prepared for lethal injection. A man on a cross…

He must have been a very bad man. He must have done something terrible. He must be getting what he deserves…

Is that what we see happening on a hill outside Jerusalem?

From the perspective of a first century observer, standing at the cross of Jesus, what do you see? A man on a cross. But not just any man. He is supposed to be some sort of spiritual leader. Yet he is a man condemned. A man suffering. A man dying. A man separated from God! God has stricken him. God has smitten him. God has afflicted him. He must be getting what he deserves.

But wait. Look again.

From the perspective of the 700 BC prophet Isaiah, looking at the cross of Jesus, what do you see? A man on a cross. But this is no ordinary man. This is the Son of God, the promised Suffering Servant, the Savior. He is not getting what he deserves; he is sinless, perfect, holy. He is getting what we deserve. He is being pierced for our transgressions. He is being crushed for our iniquities. He is wounded and punished for us.

Now. Once more. Look again.

From the place where you stand or sit or kneel today, pondering the cross of Jesus, what do you see? Your infirmities taken up. Your sorrows carried. Your transgressions, your iniquities, your punishment—on him. And because he is the sinless, suffering, serving, saving Son of God, you see peace, healing, forgiveness.

Look again. You have peace, healing, forgiveness. In Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, bless me as I look again upon your cross, pondering all that it means for the world and for me. Amen.

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Devotion - April 6, 2012

Devotion - April 5, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Luke 23:44-46

Jesus willingly gave up his life. The work of salvation for which he came was over and complete. He paid the full penalty for the world’s sin that God required. Very calmly, filled with peace, he said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” He died with a prayer on his lips, words from Psalm 31:5. This was a common Jewish prayer used in the evening. People prayed that God would guard them while they slept during the night and wake them to a new day of life with him. Jesus viewed his death like sleep and confidently committed his spirit to his heavenly Father for safekeeping until it would be reunited with his body in three short days to a new, glorious life.

When Jesus died on the cross, he took the sting out of death. It is no longer something to dread. We can die, knowing that we are not lost and condemned in the darkness of divine judgment. Instead, because of Jesus we enjoy the light of God’s favor and forgiveness.

That was the truth that God expressed when he tore in two the temple curtain. That large curtain hung in front of the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary of the temple which represented the presence of God on earth. By the curtain God communicated to the people, “You may come this far but no farther. No sinful person can approach the holy God on his own and live.” Only once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, God allowed the high priest of the people to go behind the curtain. The high priest brought the blood of animals to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the people.

But Jesus our High Priest came before God with a much better sacrifice—his own holy, precious blood. Accepting his Son’s perfect sacrifice, God removed the curtain once and for all because the barrier of sin that separated God from people since the Garden of Eden had now been torn down and destroyed. Jesus reconciled us with God. Through our Savior we have the freedom of full access to the Almighty. We can die without fear or dread, because we have the assurance that God is our Father and that he loves us and cares for us. We can die in the confidence that our heavenly Father will safely keep our souls with him, and on the last day he will reunite our body and soul. When it comes to the time of our last breath, we can die in peace like Jesus because through him we will live in triumph and glory that will never end!

Prayer:

Teach me, dear Jesus, to live in thankful appreciation for your great sacrifice, and help me to die in the blessed peace that I have with my heavenly Father through you. Amen.

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Devotion - April 5, 2012

Devotion - April 4, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who…became obedient to death – even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-6, 8

THE REASON TO KEEP GOING

In the state house at Albany, New York, there is a small artifact that tells a big story. It’s a letter written by President Abraham Lincoln. The letter grants a full pardon to a soldier found guilty of desertion. The soldier’s name is Roswell McIntyre. The letter is dated October 4, 1864.

As you read the letter, you can’t help but notice some additional scribbling on the lower left of the page. It’s this additional scribbling that completes the story. This extra note on the letter is dated 1865. It reads, “Taken from the body of R. McIntyre at the battle of Five Forks, Va.”

That’s the story of Roswell McIntyre. He was a man guilty of desertion. But instead of disgrace and punishment, he received a full pardon from his president. He was so grateful for that pardon that he carried it with him for the rest of the war. It kept him going. It empowered him to stand and fight. It empowered him to remain a faithful soldier to the end.

It’s no accident that God’s Word compares our lives as Christians to those of soldiers. The spiritual dangers are great. The temptation to desert our Lord can be fierce. And, truth be told, you and I must confess that there have been many times we have run away from following the Lord’s will for our lives. For such desertion you and I deserve God’s abandonment.

But because of Jesus, we have received a full pardon instead. Because of the cross, our failures are washed away. Through faith in him we are forgiven, and not condemned.

Keep that pardon with you. Pull it out and read it every day. Remember who you are in your Savior. It will keep you going. It will keep you faithful to the moment he takes you home.

Prayer:

Dearest Jesus, in you I stand completely forgiven. Empower me to fight the good fight. Empower me to be faithful to the end. Amen.

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Devotion - April 4, 2012

Devotion - April 3, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”

John 19:30

In one of his last breaths on the cross, Jesus shouted triumphantly, “It is finished.”

Jesus finished the work of keeping God's holy Law. In his lifetime he did not break a single one of God's Commandments in thought, desire, word or deed. The perfect obedience of Christ is a vital truth for us. God credits us with the perfection of Jesus. “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22). Relying on the finished work of Jesus, we stand before God acceptable in his sight because we are clothed in the righteousness of his perfect Son.

Jesus finished suffering the punishment for the sins of the world. God required his Son to pay the wages of sin, and Jesus endured the condemnation that we deserved. “The punishment that brought us peace was upon him” (Isaiah 53:5).

Jesus finished the great work of redemption. He accomplished all that the Father sent him to do for us. He paid the enormous debt for all the world's sins with his holy, precious blood. He finished the greatest transaction of all time. We often hear of business transactions which run into millions and billions of dollars, but all of these are practically nothing compared to the price Jesus paid to redeem sinful mankind. If the price of one soul is worth more in God's eyes than all the treasures of the world, what must be the price of all the souls of everyone from the time of Adam to the Last Day? Yet when Jesus cried out, "It is finished," that enormous price was paid in full.

Whenever you are troubled by your sins, listen again to your Savior say, “It is finished.” Whenever Satan tempts you to think that you are not good enough for God, listen again to your Savior say, “It is finished.” When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, listen to your Savior’s victorious cry, “It is finished.”

Prayer:

Dear Savior Jesus Christ, with your triumphant cry of victory from the cross you brought to a close your great work of redeeming us from our sins. May our hearts never stray from you and may we never cease praising you! Amen.

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Devotion - April 3, 2012

Devotion - April 2, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?”’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.

Mark 11:1-7

Glory in Humility

Jesus offers a striking contrast regarding himself and his ministry. He tells the disciples sight unseen where to find a donkey and its colt (Matthew 21:2), and what its owners were going to say. This was a clear display of his power as true God. In contrast, Jesus chose to ride into Jerusalem on that colt, just as it had been prophesied (Zechariah 9:9). This was a clear display of his humility as true man. It was this contrast of power and humility which made Jesus perfectly equipped to be the Savior of all.

On Palm Sunday Jesus entered Jerusalem to the welcoming cries of “Hosanna!” People were ready to receive him as king and heir to David’s throne. By the end of the week, their exhilaration was replaced with disappointment because Jesus didn’t rise to their expectations. Instead of a large well-equipped army, Jesus had a rag tag band of followers. Instead of a chariot led by spirited horses, he had a beast of burden. Instead of parading the prestige of his kingdom, he displayed his humility. But this was how Jesus chose to reveal his glory.

It was this display of glory in humility that assures me that my rescue is complete and certain. Jesus came to suffer humiliation and die at the hands of his enemies. While many regard this as a sign of weakness, it actually revealed his glory. He was willing to humble himself to become my Substitute. As such he endured my shame, my mockery, my punishment, even my death. He subjected himself to humility so that I could receive glory.

In his humiliation Jesus undertook the battle I couldn’t fight. He engaged the devil, death and the grave, and endured their shame and torment. When he rose from the grave, he proclaimed the victory was complete and the enemy was vanquished.

Because of Jesus I know I am free from the devil’s tyranny. I am free from the fear of death. I am even free to enjoy a life of blessing now, and forever in heaven. I can live with this unshakable confidence because it is mine through faith in Jesus and his precious work. How blessed I am to know that Jesus covered his glory with humility to lift me up from my humility to enjoy his glory.

Prayer:

O gracious Lord, you were mocked, sentenced and crucified because of my shameful and sinful life. Yet through your humility I see your glory as my God and Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - April 2, 2012

Devotion - March 30, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Whenever you complete a contract, it is important to review the fine print. You don’t want to be surprised by something in the fine print, nor do you want to be caught in something you don’t want because of the fine print. The fine print has gained such a negative reputation that often times one will wonder just what the fine print is hiding that will ruin that contract.

As we read about a new covenant that the Lord was making with the house of Israel, was there small print hiding something? Indeed not! This is where the beauty of the Lord’s new covenant shines. In a standard covenant or contract, each party is responsible for something. For instance, one person agrees to pay a set amount for a car, the other person agrees to transfer ownership of that car. But the Lord’s new covenant is different. Only one party acts to put it into effect. The Lord promises to forgive the wickedness of people and remember their sins no more. There is no small print that conditions the covenant. The Lord does it all entirely just as he says.

Not only does the Lord fulfill his word completely, his new covenant is not limited to just some people. This is a covenant that describes the grace of the Lord—his undeserved love that he pours out on the whole world. In his grace he sent Jesus to the cross to make payment for the sins of all. In grace he placed on Jesus the punishment that sinners deserve, and by his Son’s sacrifice on the cross God “forgives their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

That covenant of the Lord, signed with the blood of Jesus, is true and unchanging. The Lord is faithful to his word. Through Jesus he has forgiven you and freed you from your sin—each and every one of them. Have the fullest confidence in his word. And trusting in Jesus, enjoy the completest comfort in the gracious covenant that the Lord has established. There is no small print to ruin it.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, in your mercy you made a new covenant with me even though I have done nothing to deserve it. Allow me to give you glory for your grace in my life each and every day. Amen.

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Devotion - March 30, 2012

Devotion - March 29, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.

John 19:28-29

Jesus hung on the cross nearly six hours. The end of his mission had come. He knew “that all was now complete.” Jesus had successfully crushed Satan. He offered the perfect sacrifice to redeem sinners from the destruction of hell. He accomplished all that his heavenly Father sent him to do—to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

Oh, the intense physical suffering Jesus bore on the cross! The nail wounds. The crown of thorns. The whip lacerations. Exhaustion. And the agonizing thirst. That intense thirst of our crucified Savior was prophesied a thousand years before. The Lord himself spoke in Psalm 22, “My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.” And again in Psalm 69, “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.”

Every word of prophecy about Jesus, right down to the thirst that he had on the cross, was completely fulfilled. That says to us clearly: Jesus is the Promised One! He did everything God said he would. He completed 100% of the prophesies about him. Therefore, the truth is that Jesus is the One whom God promised to send to save the world from sin. He is the only Savior this world will ever have, and ever needs!

Prayer:

Jesus, rule in my heart by faith so my thirst for salvation is quenched. You alone are my Savior who suffered on the cross to redeem me from the devil and hell, and give me eternal life with God. Keep me faithful to you. Amen.

For a series of articles on the fulfillment of God’s promises of salvation through Jesus, go to: http://whataboutjesus.com/jesus-who/promises-made-kept.

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Devotion - March 29, 2012

Devotion - March 28, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Hebrews 5:7-9

God Hears and Helps

Ever have a bad day? Of course! On this side of heaven there will be lots of them.

The words of God at the beginning of this devotion were written to Hebrew Christians who were having bad days. These Christians had converted from the Jewish faith to the Christian faith. The result? They were being persecuted by family and friends. They were being strongly and forcefully encouraged to go back to their old Jewish roots, to give up on Christianity, to forsake Christ or risk the loss of family and friendships, and possibly even their homes and lives.

Someone else once had a very bad day. As he knelt in the garden, Jesus knew what lay ahead of him when he would soon be wrongfully arrested and endure scorn and spit, beatings and blows, false accusations and a frightening crucifixion. So in the Garden of Gethsemane “he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death.” Jesus earnestly prayed and pleaded to the one and only God who could deliver him. In his agony he cried aloud and shed tears. “And he was heard.”

Even though the Father’s answer was “No” to sparing Jesus from the cross, yet the Father heard him. The Father sent an angel to strengthen him. Jesus knew that he couldn’t avoid going to Calvary’s cross to suffer for our sins. He knew he had to submit to his Father’s will to be punished for us, to bear the curse of our sin – God’s fearsome wrath. In his Father’s strength, in obedience to his Father’s will, and filled with love for us Jesus rose to meet those who would arrest him and torture him.

In your bad days, even when you beg and plead in your prayers, even when you cry aloud and shed your tears, know, dear Christian, that God hears. Even if the answer is “No” or “Not yet” your heavenly Father hears. If you have to endure the bad days that come your way, the ridicule and scorn of others, the persecution of friends who have turned on you, or the pains and sorrows of life on earth, know that God hears.

And know that God also helps. Through his Word he gives you strength to endure. He speaks to you in the Bible and assures you that even the bad days are still serving your good (see Romans 8:28). Even in the bad days, you know he still loves you as you see Christ suffering and dying on Calvary’s cross for your sin, for your rebellion, for your lack of confidence, for your misplaced trust, and for all the sins of which you are guilty and ashamed. Be assured…God hears and God helps.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me always to know that you hear and you help. When bad days come my way, strengthen me. Help me to submit to your will, always knowing that you turn even the bad days into good for me. Jesus’ worst day is proof. Amen.

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Devotion - March 28, 2012

Devotion - March 27, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46

While Jesus hung from the cross, the sky turned dark. From twelve noon to about three in the afternoon, it was completely dark. Then Jesus cried out loudly, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Why would God forsake his own dear Son? The answer lies in my heart and in yours. Look within your heart honestly, and you will find sin. I find it in my heart. I want to excuse it. I want to minimize it. I want to think that my sin is not as bad as someone else’s. But I am a sinner. So are you. Our sins separate us from God. He is holy and perfect and demands that we also be holy and perfect. But we are not. Our anger, our pride, our selfishness and our greed all make us enemies of God. He should turn his back on us and forsake us because of our sin. He should abandon us to what we deserve—eternal punishment.

Why then did God abandon his own dear Son? He abandoned his Son because Jesus took our place. He endured what we deserve. He was our substitute. God forsook his Son because he loves us. All our sins were there on Jesus. He suffered for them. That means that God turned away from his Son in judgment because Jesus carried our sins. Yes, we should be forsaken by God because of our sins. But God forsook his own Son instead so he would never have to leave us. God punished his own Son with the damnation of hell so that we could taste the glories of heaven.

Prayer:

O Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, who suffered the anguish and death that I as a sinner deserve, give me a deeper understanding and a greater appreciation for the love you have for me. Fill my heart with joy and boldness to confess you as my Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - March 27, 2012

Devotion - March 26, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

John 12:23

The dictionary’s synonyms of the word “glory” include words like these: adore, exalt, wonder, brilliance, grandeur, beauty. These words are all true of Jesus, but his glory comes “backwards-and-upside-down” from the way much of our society and the people around us believe it should come. Glory comes with fame and honor, not in shame and dishonor. Glory comes as a winner, not as a loser. Glory comes with power and authority, not in weakness and humiliation.

So captivating is this drive for glory that you might find yourself engaged in it right now in your life where you live. Look at how different Jesus is.

“The hour has come”…for the Son of Man to be crushed under the pressure of lifting a lifetime of your sins and a history of the world’s sins, making his sweat pores drip blood…“and to be glorified.”

“The hour has come”…for the Son of Man to feel the sticky, slimy saliva of his friend wet his cheek in betrayal and 142 eyes of the court to sear him with glares of hatred and revenge…“and to be glorified.”

“The hour has come”…for the Son of Man to feel the blunt force of raw knuckles and calloused hands; to experience inch long thorns penetrating his scalp; to sense cold metal and hear the sound of a hammer driving him into the wood of a cross…“and to be glorified.”

“The hour has come”…for the Son of Man to know the pain of abandonment and hell so that you will never have to know it and to have the cold, damp slab of a death stone pressed against his skin…“and to be glorified.”

“The hour has come”…for the Son of Man to experience the breath of life whisk back into his lungs; grab the belt of triumph and step out into the light of day…“and to be glorified.”

The Son of Man has come to this hour for you. He opened up and embraced this hour…these moments…this moment so that he could embrace you in the moment you die in the light of eternal life.

The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Prayer:

Father, glorify Jesus’ name. Glorify me through Jesus and his moments of glory. Bring me safely through this life to the glory of heaven where I may glorify the One whose blood has saved me. This prayer is in the name of the Son of Man. Amen.

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Devotion - March 26, 2012

Devotion - March 23, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

The Israelites traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people. The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.

Numbers 21:4-9

Heart Problems

What does it take to make you impatient? A long wait with a growling stomach while at the restaurant? A locked door or a long line when you head to the restroom with a full bladder?

The Israelites grew impatient with God and with Moses. It was taking too long to get to the Promised Land! They wanted different food! They were thirsty! God had been graciously taking care of them and providing for their needs, but now they were impatient. They were convinced that the problem did not rest in their hearts but in the hardships that surrounded them. They replaced gratitude with entitlement and complaints. Requests became demands.

Sometimes God uses hardships to show the ingratitude and hardness of our hearts. Often we slip into the same attitude that the Israelites voiced with their grumbling complaints. Our sinful nature convinces us that the problem doesn’t lie in our hearts, but in God’s stingy and sub-par care of us. “God owes us!” we wrongly reason. “I would be happy if only God would…” With the Israelites, we need to confess that our grumbling ingratitude is sin against God.

Venomous snakes brought the Israelites to their senses. The Israelites realized and confessed that they sinned when they spoke against the LORD and against Moses. In mercy and grace, God lovingly provided help and healing. God told Moses to make a snake and put it up on a pole. When people looked at it, they were healed.

Over 1,400 years later, Jesus was talking with a man named Nicodemus who needed to know how God would deal with his and all people’s sin. Jesus referred back to the snake God told Moses to make and hoist up on a pole. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). Jesus, the Son of Man, was lifted up on the cross. He suffered the punishment of all people’s sin. When people look to him—when the Holy Spirit leads them to trust in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation—they have eternal life.

Through faith in Jesus, God gives this spiritual and eternal healing to you. Praise and thanks to God for life through Jesus!

Prayer:

LORD God, forgive me for all the times ingratitude has bubbled up in my heart and spills out in complaints and grumbling. Thank you for graciously giving me exactly what I need—forgiveness and eternal life through your Son, Jesus. No matter what circumstances you allow me to experience, give me a grateful and joyful heart. Amen.

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Devotion - March 23, 2012

Devotion - March 22, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

John 19:26-27

Six weeks after Jesus was born, a man named Simeon said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34-35). Three decades later, Mary felt the sharp edge of that sword pierce her heart as she witnessed the agony of her son on the cross.

In spite of his great physical anguish on the cross and weight of the all the world’s sin on his soul, Jesus did not forget his mother. He fulfilled his responsibility to see that she was cared for. Jesus instructed the disciple whom he loved— the apostle John— to look after her and provide for her needs as long as she lived. Right up to end of his life, Jesus continued to keep God’s law perfectly. In his dying breath, he fulfilled the Fourth Commandment by honoring his mother.

That’s the kind of Savior we need—one who obeyed God’s will perfectly and lived completely without sin. Only a perfect Savior could assume our faults and failings, our wrongs and weaknesses, our depravity and immorality. Only the guiltless one could take the place of the guilty and make his unblemished sacrifice count for them. That the kind of perfect Savior we need and that’s the kind we have in Jesus!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are my perfect Savior. In love you took my sin and suffered the death I deserved. Lead me to honor you and live to your glory. Amen.

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Devotion - March 22, 2012

Devotion - March 21, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:4-10

God is Active in Your Life

When life seems rather boring or routine, we might think God is not active in our life. If our life seems to crash and burn, it may seem that God is not involved in our life. When we’re so busy rushing about, we could assume that we are responsible for all that happens and that God is not around. If you think that way, you’re dead wrong.

Look at God’s Word for today and see God at work in our lives. We were once spiritually dead in sin and on the road to hell. But then God stepped into our lives and made us spiritually alive. God saved us. In fact, God already sees us sitting with Christ in heaven above. God worked faith in our spiritually lifeless hearts so that we believe. God’s gifts of grace and faith were not a result of our work or effort so that we could boast about what we have accomplished. It was, and is, God at work in our lives. God has created and worked in us our talents and abilities. And until we join him in heaven, God gives us a life-long series of opportunities to put those God-given talents and abilities to use in the good works we do for others and to serve him.

And God didn’t do this because we are such wonderful people and so deserving of it. No! We were spiritually dead and full of sin. All of God’s activity in our life is because of God’s grace and mercy.
• It was God’s rich mercy that made us alive when we were spiritually dead.
• It was God’s grace that saved us.
• Nothing can compare to the riches of God’s grace given to us in Jesus Christ who came to live, die and rise again for us.
• This grace and our own faith are gifts from God to us.

God not active in our lives? He was active in our lives before we were born when he sent Christ to save us through his life, death and resurrection. He is active in our lives now with his gifts of faith and the good works he prepares for us to do every day. He will be active in our lives as he gives us more opportunities to do good and when he seats us with him in heaven above.

Thank God that in his gracious mercy and love he is active in your life every day in more ways than you could ever imagine! Thank God that he gives you opportunities to respond to his loving activity in your life with the good works you do for him and those around you!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me always to see your gracious activity in my life. Then help me respond every day to your grace with a life of love and good works. Amen.

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Devotion - March 21, 2012

Devotion - March 20, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43

There were three crosses on Calvary. Jesus was crucified in between two criminals. As Isaiah prophesied, “He was numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). At first both of those condemned criminals joined with the crowd in taunting Jesus. But on that dreadful day as time passed and one of those crucified men observed how the innocent Jesus willingly endured the injustice of vicious words and atrocious deeds, a great change took place in his heart. When the other thief continued to taunt Jesus, he rebuked him: “Don’t you fear God since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:40-41).

The condemned man openly confessed that he was guilty of the crimes he committed and justly deserved the punishment he was receiving. As he faced an imminent death, his spirit must have shuddered to think of standing before God whose holy judgment would condemn him to a death far worse than crucifixion. But there was Jesus right next to him. Jesus, his Savior! “Remember me,” he pleaded for Jesus to rescue him from the death he deserved from God. The repentant man placed his full trust in Jesus to save him from the judgment of eternal punishment, from hell itself.

Oh, what sweet words came from the lips of Jesus: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus comforted the man that when his eyes closed in death that very day, he would not stand before God fearing his wrath. Instead, he would walk with God as his friend sharing in the joy of his eternal blessings. The man would have life eternal with his Savior and all believers in the glory of heaven.

These words of Jesus from the cross bring us great comfort, too. Guilty of sin, we deserve the judgment of God to be separated from him in the everlasting suffering of hell. But that is why the center cross on Calvary is so important. God laid our eternal punishment on his Son. Trusting in him as our Savior, we have the assurance of eternal life with him in the glory of heaven! He will remember us and fulfill his promise to take us there.

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 588):
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

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Devotion - March 20, 2012

Devotion - March 19, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, …God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. …This is the verdict: Light has come into the world.”

John 3:14,16,19

Be an “All-In” Christian

It is seen in so many places. Tim Tebow has it on his eye-black. So whether tossing, “Tebowing” or tackling…there it is.

In-N-Out Burger has it on its drink cups. So whether your flavor is root beer, cola, or a chocolate shake…there it is.

Forever 21 has it on the bottom of their yellow merchandise bags. So whether your latest fashion sense says hipster, flip-flops, or spring dress…there it is. John 3:16. So many places to be found…maybe it’s too commonplace. Maybe it has lost its impact.

Did you do it? It would be easy to…so, did you? Did you blow by Jesus’ words with the thought: “heard that before”? As you hear Jesus announce his suffering, death and resurrection, maybe you weren’t stunned in the meaningful way you should be. You’ve heard and confessed Jesus’ announcement so many times and see it in so many places that your eyes glaze over and your hearts become numb to the utter shock of these historical facts. And then Jesus stuns you, and he leaves you with gaping jaw and saucer-wide eyes. Jesus tells you, “The Son of Man must be lifted up.” And the blaring question you must ask: Why on earth is it necessary for Jesus to do that? Why is it necessary for the Son of Man to suffer hell and die on a cross? Why?

Because it was more necessary in God’s heart to cleanse you of sin and have you in a future, uninterrupted glory than to enjoy his Son in a continuous, uninterrupted glory from eternity! Because—even though it is your natural instinct to guard your children and loved ones from pain—it was God’s natural instinct to bring his Son pain to rescue you from the pain you deserve as a sinner! Necessary…that’s no “blow-by” word!

Necessary…that is how astonishingly the Father of the heavenly lights loves you! Wonder and appreciate anew…and be an “all-in” Christian.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, the necessity of your sacrifice speaks volumes of yours and your Father’s love for me. Help me to appreciate it anew. Like you were “all-in” for me, help me be “all-in” for you. Amen.

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Devotion - March 19, 2012

Devotion - March 16, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

And God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
"You shall have no other gods before me.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
"You shall not murder.
"You shall not commit adultery.
"You shall not steal.
"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Exodus 20:1-17

Someone has made a rule, and now you need to follow it. Do you always like being told what you can or cannot do? What if it is something you really enjoy or need? Does it matter who told you the rule (what if you heard it from a 3-year-old?)

When your friend has the latest and greatest tech gadget, is coveting (jealously and sinfully wanting it) really wrong? God says, “You shall not steal or covet.” When your body just “has needs” is sexual sin really wrong? God says, “You shall not commit adultery.” When it seems obvious to you that your parents don’t know what’s right or best, do you really need to honor them? God says, “Honor your father and mother.” Does God really care if you use his name as an exclamation mark (you were really excited after all)? “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God,” God says.

This is what God says. These aren’t rules some pastors or parents sat down and created. This wasn’t Moses’ opinion. About 1,500 years before Jesus was born, God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and to the people of Israel. When they read them, they knew that this is what God says. The Israelites were bound to obey; these were God’s commands for them. We are still bound to obey God’s commands for us.

And, when we fail to do what God commands us, we keep listening to God. God says in his Word, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Prayer:

LORD God, because you love me, you command me what to do and not do. Forgive me for the many times and different ways I have failed to do what you have commanded. Thank you for the forgiveness Jesus won for me with his perfect life, innocent death and victorious resurrection. As I live with the confidence that you have forgiven me, give me strength and wisdom to think and act like you have commanded me. Amen.

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Devotion - March 16, 2012

Devotion - March 15, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34

As the soldiers drove nails through his hands and feet to the cross, Jesus did not pray to his heavenly Father for help to bear the immense pain. Nor did he ask his Father to avenge his enemies for all his innocent suffering. Instead, with his first statement from the cross, we see the true heart of our Savior. “Father, forgive them,” Jesus said. He prayed that his Father would show mercy to those who were inflicting death on him. He prayed for their forgiveness because he was dying to take away the guilt of their sin.

Jesus’ prayer is for us, too. He knows our sins: the times we have let other things in this world and in our lives come before God, the times we have misused his name and neglected his Word, the times we have disobeyed our parents and been disrespectful to those in authority, the times we have hurt somebody by what we have said or done, the times we have belittled God’s gifts of sex and marriage, the times we have stolen or lied or gossiped or coveted something that didn’t belong to us. Jesus had all of that in mind—all of those things for which we deserve God’s disdain and destruction, and our Savior pleads, “Father, forgive them!”

Not only do we hear Jesus pray for our forgiveness, but we also see him pay for our forgiveness. Hanging on the cross that day, he accepted all the wrath of God directed against all the sins of the world. He was the sacrificial Lamb of God who took away your sins, my sins, the sins of everyone. Because of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf, God does not count our sins against us. Fully and freely he forgives us through Jesus. Oh, how that leads us to love God our Savior!

Prayer:

Dearest Jesus, it was my sin too that led you to sacrifice yourself on the cross. Assure me that all my sins are taken away by your death for me. Stir up my love for you and fill my heart with the peace of God’s forgiveness. Amen.

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Devotion - March 15, 2012

Devotion - March 14, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:25

HUMAN WISDOM VS THE GOSPEL

Author David Platt, in his book, Radical, tells the story of what happened when he was standing outside of a Buddhist temple in Indonesia. As he stood there, he got into a conversation with two people—a Buddhist leader and a Muslim leader. Both of them embraced what seemed to be very reasonable belief. They believed that, while there were superficial differences among the major religions, all of them basically taught the same thing. Then they asked David Platt what he thought.

He said, “It sounds as though you both picture God…at the top of a mountain. It seems as if you believe that we are all at the bottom of the mountain, and I may take one route up the mountain, you may take another, and in the end we will all end up in the same place.”

To this the Buddhist and the Muslim said, “Exactly! You understand!”

But then he leaned in and said, “Now let me ask you a question. What would you think if I told you that the God at the top of the mountain actually came down to where we are? What would you think if I told you that God doesn’t wait for people to find their way to him, but instead he comes to us?”

They both thought for a moment and then responded, “That would be great!”

David Platt then replied, “Let me introduce you to Jesus.”

Current human wisdom believes that all forms of spirituality are essentially the same. Such a belief seems logical. Without question it’s very convenient. And it’s dead wrong.

Never forget how radical the message of the Gospel really is. It’s not about our getting up to God. It’s about God coming down to us. It’s not about making ourselves holy before God. It’s about God living a holy life in our place. And it’s not about cleansing ourselves of our wrongs. It’s about God going to the cross to wash our sins away.

When it comes to human reason versus the Gospel, the Gospel wins every time. Thank God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Gospel. Thank you for your Son. In him alone I stand forgiven. Amen.

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Devotion - March 14, 2012

Devotion - March 13, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Be strong and courageous; do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Following in someone's footsteps is hard. It's hard if those footsteps left behind some pretty big prints. Have you ever had a situation where you replaced somebody at work and you heard a person say, "John never did it that way." Or, maybe you've come into a situation where everyone loved the person you are replacing and you wonder how you're going to be able to pick up where they left off.

Joshua was replacing Moses who was an outstanding leader. Imagine replacing a man who stood up to an Egyptian Pharaoh, a man whom God used to part the Red Sea, a man whom God used to give the people the Ten Commandments. And now, as the people were on the cusp of receiving the land God had promised them, a land that still had other people inhabiting it who wouldn't just give it to them, the people of Israel would not have Moses, the only leader they'd ever known.

If you were Joshua at that time, would you have been intimidated? Would you have felt pressure to live up to your predecessor, and perhaps doubt that you could ever do it? That’s when God came to Joshua and gave him a much needed confidence-boost. God emphasized for Joshua to "be strong and courageous." And he could be that way because the powerful, faithful God that was with Moses, promised that he would be with Joshua as well. He promised, "For the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

God wanted Joshua to focus on his promise. And this is where God wants us to focus as well. When we feel intimidated, when we are worried about the challenges ahead, remember where you get your strength. The God of Moses and Joshua. Your God.

The LORD is also with you. Trust in your God to lead you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, teach me to always lean on you for strength and guidance, for in you, and in you alone, I am given the right direction. Amen.

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Devotion - March 13, 2012

Devotion - March 12, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

After Jesus was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

John 2:32

Putting It All Together

Bob loved puzzles. He loved the challenge of putting them together. He also loved the results. Once he even remarked, “The bigger and more difficult, the better.” So when his friend gave him a five thousand piece puzzle with no “straight edges,” he was ecstatic.

The disciples had to deal with their own “puzzle.” They witnessed what Jesus did. They listened to his testimony. Still, it didn’t always make sense because they couldn’t put all the pieces together. At least, not until after Jesus rose from the dead. Following Jesus’ victory over death and the grave, the disciples finally understood and believed.

There are times when I find myself in the same quandary as the disciples. I am familiar with the facts, but I remain uncertain. I know what Jesus says, but how can I be sure? So the truth looms like a complex, multi-piece puzzle. And I question how it goes together.

It is important that I have a complete picture of Jesus. Therefore, it is important that I rely on the sure source of help God has revealed in the Bible. Through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit reveals truth to me and leads me to believe it and live by it.

When I rely on the guidance God has provided, the picture of Jesus becomes clear for me. I will see his authority in the miracles he accomplished. I will also see his humble obedience in every thing he endured. Because of the Bible’s divine testimony I know Jesus is my Savior and my Substitute. As such, he endured the shame and mockery I deserved. He suffered the crucifixion and death my disobedience demanded. He even defeated the power of the devil so that I can enjoy a life with God’s presence and blessing.

Puzzles can be challenging because it is hard to see how all the pieces fit together. The puzzle of my life is even more challenging. There will always be times when I am unsure and confused because the pieces don’t always fit together. There is one place where I can be certain all the pieces will fit together, and that is with the Lord. Because of what God has said and done, I know every piece of the puzzle comes together in Jesus. He is my comfort for this life, and my confidence for eternal life.

Prayer:

O gracious Lord, I thank you for the gift of your pure Word. Send me your Holy Spirit so that I not only know the truth, but also put my complete confidence in it. Amen!

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Devotion - March 12, 2012