Today's Devotion

Matthew 24:26-35 - March 9, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:01:00 +0000

"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. "Immediately after the distress of those days 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

Matthew 24:26-35

Toward the end of World War II, the people of Warsaw, Poland were picking through the rubble of their city. Bombs and shells had leveled virtually every building, until only a few chimneys remained standing; grotesque and useless obelisks against the iron gray sky. But the Poles looked up in wonder at one wall of a building that was still standing. It was the only remaining wall of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The wall bore a sign with letters that were still clearly legible even after the many bombardments: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

There will come a day when there will be even greater destruction than any war has inflicted. On the last day, God will dismantle his created universe: he will extinguish the light of the sun as easily as blowing out a candle; the universe will be taken apart as easily as pulling apart the pieces of jigsaw puzzle. The Bible says, "The heavens will disappear with a roar" (2 Peter 3:10), "and the sky [will be] rolled up like a scroll." (Isaiah 34:4)

But Jesus’ Word will not pass away, even when all of creation disintegrates at the command of God. Just as he said, Jesus will appear, and his coming will not be hidden or secret, but visible to all. It will be as obvious as a lightning flash in the dark of night. Everyone will see him, even those who pierced him (Revelation 1:7). Those who rejected him in unbelief will cringe in terror at the sight of him who will appear in the fullness of his divine glory. But when believers see him on that day, all their hopes will be fulfilled. The Son of God who had humbled himself for their salvation, shall return in glory and fulfill his promise to take them to be with him in heaven. Troubles and trials of earthly existence will be left behind and forgotten. All the time spent worrying about what tomorrow might bring will be over. Every believer from every corner of the earth, from every age gone by, will be gathered by God’s angels to be with the Lord forever.

For those in Jesus, the end of the world is a door that opens into the infinity of the joy and blessings that he has prepared for them in heaven. So declares the Word of God that will never pass away.

Prayer:

Savior Jesus, increase my confidence in your unfailing promise that you will come back and take me to heaven. Teach me not to fear the events of the end of world because you are my Savior who has taken away my sin and assured me that I have life with God forever. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 24:26-35 - Mar. 9, 2010

God's Perspective - March 8, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them – do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Luke 13:1-5

Should God see things the same way I do? I might be tempted to think he should. Really bad people should be punished more severely. Really good people should be awarded more generously. There is only one problem. When I try to make God into something that makes sense to me, I make God out to be someone that he is not.

The Lord needs to see things from his perspective, and then, act accordingly. This was Jesus’ point when he addressed those who had questions about the people who experienced tragedies. The obvious conclusion was that they must have done something really bad to suffer in this way. Jesus corrects this faulty observation by returning to God’s perspective.

Jesus used words that were simple and direct. Don’t worry about those who died, rather worry about yourself. His concluding words were emphatic: “Repent or perish.” Jesus offered God’s perspective in a “nutshell.” He doesn’t fret about who is better or worse. He doesn’t agonize over which sin is greater or lesser. His perspective is to the point: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 6:23).

God’s perspective is what I need to take to heart. Instead of worrying if others are really bad, or if they are worse than I am, I need to recognize my personal accountability. I need to be in a right relationship with God. I also need to understand its God’s perspective that I be perfect (Matthew 5:48). God accepts nothing less.

The only way I can be declared perfect is through Jesus. As I repent of my sin, I need to draw on the holiness he secured for me through his perfect life, his innocent death, and his victorious resurrection. Then, and only then, can I stand before God as he desires.

Repent or perish. Looking at my life from God’s perspective is terrifying. It leaves no room for alternatives or arguments. This is exactly the way God intended it, and it makes me recognize the undeniable truth: I am powerless to change my sinful situation; I am incapable of attaining the perfection God demands; I am in desperate need of a Savior. Mercifully, God provided that Savior by sending his Son, Jesus Christ. As I repent of my sin and look to him for forgiveness, I will not perish, but I will have eternal life.

Prayer:

O gracious Lord, open my eyes to see my sin and guilt. Then, point me to the Savior you have provided. Purify me and make me yours for this life, and for eternal life. Amen!

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Devotion - God's Perspective - Mar. 8, 2010

The LORD’s Call to Repentance - March 5, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you.”

Jeremiah 26:12,13

What do you do when your child runs out into a busy street? Do you ignore it? Of course not. When you see your child run into that busy street, you call her back. You call her back because you love her.

Our heavenly Father loves us perfectly. When we sin against him, he calls us back because he knows that sin is always harmful to us. At first, sin may seem fun, just like playing in a busy street might seem fun at first. But as long as we play in the street of sin, we are in danger of losing our life – our eternal life. So, loving Father that he is, God calls us to repentance.

God has always done this for his people. In Old Testament times he sent prophets like Jeremiah to call his people to repentance. Jeremiah told the people of his day, “Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you.” However, instead of heeding God’s warning, the people wanted to put Jeremiah to death.

What will you do when God sends his messenger to warn you about your sin? He may use a friend, a family member, or a pastor. Will you attack the messenger rather than listening to the message? Will you say something like, “Who are you to tell me what to do? You’re not so perfect yourself!”

We pray that God forgive us for the times we have not listened to his messengers when they have warned us about our sin. We pray for God to help us turn from our sin when he calls us to repentance. And we pray that God grant us the confidence to know that when we turn back to him, he is waiting with open arms and a forgiving heart..

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, your death on the cross has paid for my sin. May this truth give me confidence to turn from my sin, knowing that when I do, you will be there to welcome me with open arms. Amen.

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Devotion - The LORD’s Call to Repentance - Mar. 5, 2010

Matthew 24:15-25 - Mar. 4, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:01:00 +0000

"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel -- let the reader understand -- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now -- and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect -- if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.

Matthew 24:15-25

In the verses we have for our devotion today, first Jesus is speaking about terrible times that will overcome people living in Jerusalem and the surrounding region. His reference is probably to the destruction of Jerusalem by Roman legions that took place about 40 years after Jesus ascended into heaven.

His advice for people living in Jerusalem when that horrific event comes was to flee for their lives. They shouldn’t even take the time to retrieve personal possessions from their homes. They should just run as fast and as far as they can. For that reason it would be especially difficult for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

But Jesus’ warning about the destruction of Jerusalem also points to the end of the world which will be ushered in by times of great distress, too. In fact, Jesus says that the stress of those final days will be so great that no one would survive. But in mercy God will cut that time short so that his faithful people are not overcome by the evil times.

Through it all, we must remember that there is no human power that can rescue us from the destruction at the end of the world. We can’t run fast enough or get away far enough to escape it. Our only hope is Jesus. He suffered and died to free us from the fear of facing the final day of God’s judgment. He rescued us from the eternal destruction that we were headed for because of our sin. He is our Savior through whom we have peace and joy with God – even in these last days..

Prayer:

Calm my heart, Jesus, with the comfort of your love. Take away my fears with the assurance of your salvation and your promise of life eternal with God. Help me live in hope and joy by faith in you as my dear Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 24:15-25 - Mar. 4, 2010

Our Lowly Bodies - Mar. 3, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:01:00 +0000

The Lord Jesus Christ…will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:20

A handful of you will live your lives free from serious illness or injury. And when you die, you will die quietly in your sleep. For the rest of us, however, it’s simply a matter of time before each of us experiences the hard truth that our bodies are frail, weak and lowly vessels.

All it takes is one nasty bacterium, one malignant cell, one stubborn virus. All it takes is a second of inattention behind the wheel or a moment of distraction at the worksite, and before you know what’s happening, you find yourself lying in a hospital bed with barely enough strength to sit up. It’s then that you understand how vulnerable your body really is. And if you manage to avoid all this, there is always the slow-motion collision your body has with old age.

No matter how fit we are, no matter how strong or athletic or vigorous we are, the bodies we have are still lowly bodies. They are lowly and weak because of sin.

When the Son of God entered our time and space, he took on a human body; he became a human being. In that body he lived a sinless life on our behalf. Then he allowed sinners to nail his body to a cross. On that cross, Jesus’ body carried the sins of the whole world and paid for them in full. And three days later Jesus rose from death, his body glorified.

What does this mean for us? God’s Word says that “the Lord Jesus Christ…will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Remember this when you look in the mirror and see your frailty. Remember this when you’re lying on a hospital bed. Remember this when you feel too weak to leave your home. Remember this when the body of a beloved Christian wears out and dies.

In this fallen world, our bodies are lowly bodies. But for the Christian, the world to come will be different. God’s Word says so.

Prayer:

Sustain us, Lord, as we grapple with our lowly bodies in this fallen world. Thank you for your promise to transform our lowly bodies to be like yours. Amen.

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Devotion - Our Lowly Bodies - Mar. 3, 2010

Matthew 24:9-14 - Mar. 2, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:01:00 +0000

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Matthew 24:9-14

Jesus continued to answer the questions of the disciples: When will the end of the world happen? What will be the signs? The signs, Jesus said, will be very hard on us. People will turn away from the Christian faith. Christians will be hated by people because of their faith. False prophets will appear and lead many away from the truth of God’s Word. As the end of time approaches ungodliness will increase as the love of God in people’s hearts decreases.

All of these signs were already evident within years – almost within months – of Jesus' death and resurrection. The disciples later understood, as we should, that the end times began when Jesus left the earth at his ascension into heaven. From that time, up to the present, and into the future until the actual Last Day – these are the end times. Yes, we are living in them now.

But we still have work to do. Jesus also told the disciples that "the gospel...will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations." There’s hardly a region on earth that hasn't had some contact with the gospel in the past two thousand years. Although this sign is already completed (or very close to being completed), that doesn't mean we should stop reaching out with the message of salvation. There are people near each one of us who need Jesus. The end itself may happen at any time, "like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2). But when it does, we want to have brought as many people as we could to the cross of Jesus Christ.

The message of Jesus is the power that brings people to faith in him as their Savior and keeps them firm in that faith so that they are prepared to meet their Lord when the end finally does come. That's why we say with the Apostle Paul, "Pray that I might proclaim it clearly, as I should." (Colossians 4:4).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, take away any fear that I have about the end of the world and the circumstances that lead up to it. Lead me to trust in your promises to guard me in my faith and guide me on my way to the glory of eternal life that you have won for me by your death and resurrection. Help me to share the message of your salvation with people that I know. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 24:9-14 - Mar. 2, 2010

I must keep going. - Mar. 1, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Jesus replied, “I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal. In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day – for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!”

Luke 13:31-33

“It looks dangerous to me.” As Bob studied the rope bridge, he saw the frayed ends and missing boards. So his advice was simple, “Let’s turn back.” In contrast to Bob’s timid nature, John expressed complete confidence. He knew the bridge was going to support their weight because he had just used the bridge a week earlier. So he started across the bridge and invited his friend, “Let’s keep going!”

Jesus faced a similar decision. Should I turn back, or should I keep going? He knew what was in store for him if he pressed on (Luke 13:33). His decision was revealed in his resolve: “I must keep going.”

Jesus knew what he was here to do (John 3:16-17). It was a ministry entrusted to him by his Father. He also knew how it was going to end. Still, he accepted the work, and did not turn away from the cost. Through every obstacle and challenge, as well as through every temptation, he persevered.

“I must keep going.” With these words I come to understand the commitment Jesus had for my rescue. He was going to do everything necessary to free me from the punishment my sin demanded and the hopelessness I would have without him. The only thing that could help me was his death. Because Jesus was willing to die on the cross, I am free. Free from the punishment I deserved, and free from Satan’s tyranny over my life. It is this freedom in which I now live.

As I live in this freedom I need to recognize the challenges that confront me. Satan does not give up his claim on me. My flesh continues to be weak and timid. Even the world increases its pressures and distractions. This unholy alliance seeks to make me give up my faith in Jesus, and give up the freedom he secured for me.

“I must keep going.” It not only becomes my goal for life, it also becomes my source of help. When I am tempted to stop following my Savior, or when I am tempted to give up, I need to look to Jesus. I need to see him on his journey to Jerusalem and the cross. I need to see him living and dying for me. I need to trust that he never gave up on me. It is this knowledge that becomes my reason to persevere. It is my courage, my power and my conviction to say: “I must keep going.”

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal: 467)

May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day,
By his love and power inspiring all I do or say.

May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus as I onward go.

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Devotion - Luke 13:31-33- Mar. 1, 2010

Remember. Remember. Remember. - Feb. 26, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders.

Deuteronomy 26:7-8

It's not a good idea to "live in the past." Living in the past can cripple us as we try to move into the future.

But a proper look to the past can be quite valuable. Today’s Bible reading goes back to the time that God was leading his people out of Egypt to the land he had promised them. When they got settled in the land, God instructed the people to bring an offering to the tabernacle, and speak some words of remembrance – words that recalled how God brought them out of slavery in Egypt and to the Promised Land. Why were they to speak these words of remembrance?

Because as they remembered the great things which God had done for them in the past, they would be filled with confidence for the future, for the God who had rescued them in the past would certainly walk with them into their future. The look back would keep them humble – God had rescued them; they had not rescued themselves. The look back would be empowering – on their side they had the Almighty God, the One who'd loved them enough to rescue them.

And what's true for them is true for you, too. You have a God who has rescued you! God has fully accomplished your salvation. He sent his Son, Jesus who died on the cross to rescue you from the guilt and condemnation for your sins. Through Jesus, God is on your side! He loves you, and will keep on walking with you day-by-day.

This is good news to always remember, remember, remember!

Prayer:

O Savior, forgive me for so quickly forgetting. Remind me that you've rescued me, so that I might be filled with confidence, and might humbly and joyously move into the future, with you at my side. Amen.

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Devotion - Deuteronomy 26:7-8- Feb. 26, 2010

Matthew 24:1-8 - Feb. 25, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Matthew 24:1-8

The disciples asked Jesus questions about the end of the world and signs that would indicate that it is approaching – questions that come to our minds, too. Throughout this chapter of Matthew, Jesus will answer those questions to give the disciples – and us – information about the end times, courage during the end times, and confidence in what awaits us after the end times.

Jesus warns of some who will come and claim to be the savior that all should look to. But those liars are false Christs who set themselves up in the place of Jesus Christ, either by name, by authority or by power.

Jesus also describes signs in society: there will be wars and rumors of wars – and such things must happen. Physical signs of the end will include famines, earthquakes, and nations opposed to one another. Jesus calls all these things the "beginning of birth pains." When a woman goes into labor, birth pains generally start quite a time before the actual delivery. Those initial pains are a sign, though, of the eventual birth of the child.

The signs of the end times that Jesus describes are happening right now. In fact, they have been happening for centuries, even millennia. The point that Jesus is making for people of all generations, yes even for us right now, is to be ready, be aware, and be on the alert. The end is coming.

Birth pains for a woman often grow more intense and difficult as delivery gets closer. But when her baby is born, the experience of labor pains is replaced with wonderful joy (John 16:21). Likewise, Jesus explains, the end times will be difficult. In fact, they will grow even more difficult as the last day approaches, but they will end. For believers in Jesus, what lies beyond is unimaginable joy, because Jesus just didn't talk about these things, he also opened heaven for us by his death and resurrection. Because of our Savior Jesus, we have nothing to fear about the end of the world because it is our beginning of forever in the bliss of heaven.

Prayer:

Jesus, take away my fear of the difficulty and destruction that will happen as the end of the world approaches. Comfort me with your promise that you will let nothing separate me from your love and will come back to take me to be with you in the glory of heaven. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 24:1-8- Feb. 25, 2010

Matching Hearts and Mouths - Feb. 24, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:8-13

Whether you blog it over breakfast, podcast it on your jog, or just enjoy it with a bag of chips on the couch at ten o’clock, the week’s political news brings a lot of double-talk. Political figures are harpooned again and again for flip-flopping like fish out of water. The stances of many on issues seem to change opportunistically. It’s one facet of our political tension in America, regardless of our party-leanings. We’re frustrated with people whose mouths don’t match up with what’s in their hearts.

It’s not just political figures who are opportunistic with the motions of their mouths. Sometimes we have spiritual double-talk of a sort. We sit in the car, stuck on the 405 at 4:05, going only four or five at best. The motions of our mouths speak a tired despair over our day and what we’ve not got done and never will. Also, the guilt of our sins hangs on us and hampers us, almost like running overloaded with baggage through a crowded terminal to catch a connecting flight. We think and say things like: “If I just adjust things a little bit, I can carry this load better and make it work.” “If I only try this or that, I’ll feel better about myself.” The Apostle Paul would say that kind of speech doesn’t match up with what we’ve claimed in our hearts.

We, who believe, have in our hearts “the word of faith.” The word of faith is important because it’s the message of trust in the Lord. We trust in a God who did everything necessary to save us: Jesus died and rose. Sin is paid; death is done. By faith, the trust that God does that work of salvation is in our hearts. Paul says it reaches our mouths, too: “It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Take your guilt and shortfalls and drop them at Jesus’ feet; set down the bags, and speak from the heart the truth of who you are: the Lord’s own, bought with Christ’s blood, saved. There is no difference; whatever the problem, whatever your background, let your mouth confess who you are. You are saved by Jesus’ work; your work is simply to confess your joyous confidence in him.

Prayer:

Lord God, I praise you for working faith in my heart that clings to Jesus who died to pay for my sins and rose to give me victory over death. Help me to confess with my mouth that I am confident of my salvation in Jesus through whom you have chosen me to be your very own. Amen.

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Devotion - Matching Hearts and Mouths - Feb. 24, 2010

Matthew 23:37-39 - Feb. 23, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Matthew 23:37-39

The entire chapter of Matthew 23 is a number of stern warnings that Jesus spoke against those who rejected him in unbelief, especially the religious leaders. If you read through those passages (Matthew 23:1-36), you will see that Jesus spoke very strongly against those who opposed him. His reason for the woes that he pronounced was not to antagonize his enemies. No, he spoke as firmly as he did because he truly loved them! Yes, he wanted them to see that the confidence that they were putting in themselves for salvation was very dangerous. They could not save themselves from condemnation in hell by their attempts to live as righteously as possible. Jesus wanted to correct them. He wanted them to put their faith in him as their Savior so that they would not fall under the eternal judgment of God. He wanted them to have eternal life with
God by trusting in him as their Savior.

Oh, the great extent of Jesus’ love for people! He wants all to come to the knowledge of God’s truth and be saved from the curse of sin. He reaches out to gather people into the protective care of his boundless goodness and fills them with the fullness of life. He calls upon them to turn from the emptiness and hopelessness they have without him. How sad and sorrowful he is when they refuse, because when judgment finally comes, they will be separated from God forever.

Jesus is our Savior. His death was the sacrifice that God accepted as payment for all of our sins. There’s nothing more for us to do for the forgiveness of sins and the joy of life with God. Jesus did it all. Believe it.

Prayer:

Jesus, how greatly you love me to willingly die to take away the guilt of my sins! Fill my heart with confident trust in you alone for salvation and eternal life. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 23:37-39 - Feb. 23, 2010

Overcoming Temptation - Feb. 22, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time

Luke 4:1-13

The prophet Zechariah penned the words, “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered” (Zechariah 13:7). His words pointed to the day when Jesus was arrested and led off to trial and crucifixion. His disciples abandoned him. When their shepherd was struck down, the disciples scattered.

But throughout Jesus’ life there were other times that the devil tried to strike him down. This reading from Luke 4 is just one example. The devil knew that if he could lead Jesus into just one sin, God’s entire plan for saving mankind would fall. If Jesus fell, all of us would fall with him. So Satan tempted Jesus to sin.

The first of these temptations doesn’t seem to be that terribly bad to me. After all, Jesus was true man and true God. Because he was man, he was hungry. Because he was true God, he could do something about it. So what would it hurt if he were to change a stone into bread? After all, on other days he changed water into wine and even fed over 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two small fish. What harm could a little miracle do?

But in all of these temptations Jesus recognized what the devil was trying to do. He was trying to get Jesus to act selfishly. He tempted Jesus to be self-serving and to fill his self-centered desire for food, for power, and for a sign from God. Jesus would have none of it. He saw through the devil’s temptations and responded with the Word of God. By resisting temptation, Jesus continued to be our sinless substitute. Jesus was focused on you and me. He came to give his life for ours to take away our sin.

Having been forgiven and strengthened by Jesus, we are also ready to face the temptations of the devil. Our best defense is the Word of God which helps us see through the devil’s lies and schemes. It is also our answer to the difficult questions we face and the guiding light in our lives.

Our Savior faced the devil and defeated him. With the strength that Jesus gives, we are ready to face him, too.

Prayer:

Savior Jesus, strengthen me against the temptations of the devil. Build me up in your Word that I may humbly trust in your almighty power to help me overcome his lying schemes. Direct me to live according to your will in thankfulness for the victory you won over Satan to give me life and salvation. Amen.

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Devotion - Overcoming Temptation - Feb. 22, 2010

Gazing into the face of God - Feb. 19, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him."

Exodus 34:29-30

There's a famous work of art by Michaelangelo, in which Moses is pictured with horns on his head. Why is that? It's because the Hebrew word for "shine" is the same as the word for "horn," and apparently the Bible which Michaelangelo used had translated it as "horn."

While that's just a bit of (interesting?) trivia, there's an important truth behind it. The word "horn" denotes "power, majesty, authority."

Now think about this scene: Moses' face is shining because he's been in the presence of God. What kind of power, what kind of authority would it take to be able to cause that to happen? Why, it would take amazing power, stupendous power! And God has that kind of power.

Do you and I fully realize the amazing power of our God? Do we comprehend his majesty? Do we approach life in such a way as to make it clear that we recognize God's power, God's majesty? The Israelites - when they gazed at Moses' face - were afraid! How much more would we fear if we were to gaze into the face of God himself! At Jesus' transfiguration, Peter, James and John got a taste of it, as Jesus gave them a glimpse of his full glory. They were terrified!

But thank God that Jesus walked back down that Mount of Transfiguration. He again veiled his glory, exchanging it for the amazing humility of going to the cross to win salvation for us. The amazing grace of God!

That amazing grace of God is yours, for he won forgiveness for you. And so someday you and I will get to gaze into that face of God, and we will get to do so without fear. Will our faces shine, too? We'll find out.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for failing to appreciate your full glory. Fill me with appreciation for your saving love, that you were willing to lay aside your glory to save me. Lead me to reflect your glory in my life now, and to look forward to that day when you'll receive me into eternal glory. Amen.

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Devotion - Gazing into the Face of God - Feb. 19, 2010

Matthew 22:41-46 - Feb. 18, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." ' If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Matthew 22:41-46

The Holy Spirit had this incident in Jesus’ life recorded because God wants to teach us something important about our Savior so that we may grow in our saving faith and our spiritual knowledge.

Several days before this occurrence, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, and the people sang: “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:9). The crowd acknowledged that he was the Messiah whom God had promised to send.

Now Jesus confronted some of the religious leaders – the Pharisees – who didn’t believe that Jesus was that promised Messiah. They readily had to answer, though, as they had been duly taught, that the Messiah would be a descendant of the great King David. And there was no doubt that Jesus fulfilled that qualification.

But Jesus goes on to teach that there is more to the identification of the Messiah. David identified his famous descendant as his Lord! Speaking by the power of the Holy Spirit, David pointed out that the Messiah would not only be his son – a true man, he would also be his Lord – true God. In one and the same person, the Messiah would be both man and God!

And that’s exactly who Jesus is. He was born of the virgin Mary who was descendant of King David. Yet God is his Father, and he is God’s eternal Son. So he is both David’s son and his Lord, both true man and true God.

That’s the kind of Savior we need. Jesus was both man and God to live under God’s law and keep it perfectly for us. Jesus was both man and God to make his death count for us so that we are free from the curse of sin and the condemnation of hell. Jesus is the Messiah who alone accomplished our salvation!

Prayer:

Jesus, I praise you for revealing yourself as the promised Savior. Lead me to confidently trust in you as both true God and true man who accomplished my salvation by your perfect life and your sacrificial death for me. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 22:41-46 - Feb. 18, 2010

If God had a Facebook page… - Feb. 17, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6

Face it, a good number of the people you know are on Facebook. They’re chatting and sharing and updating constantly. They’re letting the world in on their lives one profile update at a time. Now, what if God had a Facebook page? With what sort of things would he fill it? Would his profile have a Bible verse of the day? If God had a Facebook page, how many friends would he have, and would you be among them?

People fill out a Facebook profile in order to stay connected with friends and to let the world know who they are. If God had a Facebook page, you can be sure it would be for the same reasons. To do those things, his page would be undoubtedly all about his Son, Jesus. There’s a reason for that. The Apostle Paul said that God “made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

Paul’s words remind us that the world feels it can know and be friends with God in many different ways. But without Jesus, God calls all those ways blindness. God reveals in the Bible the one way to know him: through Jesus, his Son. You see, God demands that his friends be just like him. He even says that all who aren’t like him will be separated from him and have punishment coming. But God also wants everyone to be his friend, so he worked out a way that all who aren’t like him could be.

Now, picture the face of Jesus. When we see Jesus; we see just what God wants in a friend. When we see Jesus; we see the way God makes those who aren’t like him to be his friends. Jesus lived perfectly, just like God. Though innocent, Jesus died on the cross. Jesus bore the guilt for all those who aren’t perfect like God. And that’s all of us!

Know the face of Jesus and understand the perfection God wants in life. Know the face of Jesus and understand the perfection God sees despite your imperfection. Know the face of Jesus and understand God’s love as it shines in your heart and lights up your life. In Jesus, you have the daily comfort of knowing who God is and how he stays connected to you.

If God had a Facebook page…by faith in Jesus, you would be his friend.

Prayer:

Glorious God in heaven, help me today to see the face of your Son Jesus through the Bible. Reassure me there of your great love and friendship through him. Amen.

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Devotion - If God Had a Facebook Page - Feb. 17, 2010

Matthew 22:34-40 - Feb. 16, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 22:34-40

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had developed a system of 613 laws. They identified this number of laws in the first five books of the Bible and divided the list into two categories: those commands in which God told the people to do something (248 laws) and those that prohibited the people from doing something (365 laws). They also stipulated which commands were binding and nonbinding. Then they spent a lot of their time debating whether their divisions and rankings were accurate.

In order to test Jesus (they really wanted to humiliate him), they got one of their smartest guys to ask Jesus to weigh in on the debate of determining the greatest of God’s commandments. It was easy for Jesus to answer. He based his answer on the fact that God voices his will for all people in the commandments. And God’s will is for people love him and for people love others. All of God’s commands are fulfilled by love.

That kind of love is not something we formulate on our own, though. The love that God commands us to express toward him and toward others flows out of the relationship that we have with God through faith in Jesus. When we come to know the love of God that moved him to send Jesus to rescue us from eternal death, the Holy Spirit empowers us to love God for all that he has done for us, and motivates us to express our love for God by loving others.

The Bible says: “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” (1 John 4:9-11).

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, fill my heart with the knowledge of God’s saving love through Jesus my Savior. Help me to love the Lord my God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind, and love others as myself. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 22:34-40 - Feb. 16, 2010

Mountain Top Experiences - Feb. 15, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters -- one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.

Luke 9:28-36

Sometimes in our lives we have what are called “mountain top experiences.” They are experiences that are so great we never want them to end. Some brides and grooms feel that way on their wedding day. They are surrounded by the people that they love the most. They look their best. Everyone is happy and smiling. They never want the day to end. But it does end. It has to end. They need the wedding day to end so that they can get on with their married life and the future that awaits them.

In this lesson from Luke chapter 8, Jesus and three of his closest followers had a mountain top experience. For a moment the disciples where given a glimpse of Jesus in his greatness as the Son of God. It was awesome. Jesus’ clothes were as bright as a flash of lightning. Jesus conferred with Moses and Elijah, two of the great figures from the Old Testament. Peter didn’t want the experience to end. This is why he proposed that they build three shelters. He was hoping to capture and hold the greatness of this incredible moment.

But like all other mountain top experiences, this moment had to end. Jesus knew that he had very important work waiting for him on a different mountain. That was Mount Calvary, the mountain on which he would be crucified for the sins of all people. It was important for Jesus’ disciples and us to remember both mountains. The mountain on which Jesus showed his glory reminds us that he is the true Son of God. Mount Calvary reminds us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who willingly gave his life to make the payment for your sins and the sins of the entire world.

This week the season of Lent begins. It is a time when we focus on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. As we focus on his passion, let us not forget his great power. He is the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I worship you as the glorious Son of God who came from heaven to sacrifice yourself as the Lamb of God to take away the guilt of my sins. Bless me with the truth of your word and the joy of your salvation. Amen.

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Devotion - Mountain Top Experiences - Feb. 15, 2010

Unexpected! - Feb. 12, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:1-8

Red lights are fine. Blue lights are nice. But when they are together and flashing in your rearview mirror, your heart races and your mind reacts, “Woe is me! I am ruined! Speeding ticket…points on my record…increase in insurance…” When face to face with one who could punish, fear takes over.

Isaiah’s reaction was no different when confronted, not with a speeding ticket, but a vision of the Lord, seated on his throne with his robe filling the temple. Three times the word “Holy” resonates in the vision. Smoke filled the room. Isaiah’s first reaction when faced with the power and holiness of the Almighty God was the exclamation, “Woe to me! I am ruined!”

While we haven’t been confronted with a personal vision of the Almighty, one day we too will “meet our Maker.” Fear takes over. He is holy. We are not. He can punish. We are at his mercy.

What do you think Isaiah felt as the burning coal was brought to his lips? Was it punishment? His ruin? He soon experienced the unexpected. With the coal the Lord purified Isaiah. He did not punish him as his sins deserved. Isaiah was told, “Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

This is the great reality of the LORD Almighty. He has every right to punish us for our sin, but his love brings not the coal of judgment, but the coal of purification. Because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, he assures us “your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” What relief! What joy! Like the joy and relief if the officer did the unexpected when he came to your car window and said, “While I clocked you fifteen miles per hour over the speed limit, I will pay your fine. Your record is clear.”

No wonder Isaiah then answered the Lord’s call, “Here am I. Send me!” May our response to God’s unexpected grace be the same! “Send me! I will live for you!”

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, purify my heart and life with your grace and mercy. Use me today to spread your glory and grace to others I know. Amen.

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Devotion - Unexpected - Feb. 12, 2010

Matthew 22:30 - Feb. 11, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

Matthew 22:30

As believers in Jesus, what will it be like after our bodies are raised from the dead on the Last Day? What kind of experience will it be? Jesus gives us a glimpse of what it will be like. He tells us that we will live like the heavenly angels.

That means that we will be immortal; we will not be subject to dying and death. Jesus says that his believers will go to heaven and “they can no longer die, for they are like the angels” (Luke 20:36). God will not allow death to touch us there. And where death does not exist, sin and evil can never enter. God will give us a life in heaven that is perfectly holy and happy, and that wonderful bliss will continue without end.

In heaven we will also be like the angels in the relationship that we will have with one another. Marriage and family ties which we have now are institutions which God gave for this world only. Jesus makes it clear that when we get to heaven, we will no longer have the same relationships that we have here on earth. No doubt we will know and recognize each other in heaven. That, indeed, will be part of the joy. But earthly family ties will no longer be important. What will be important, and a source of real joy is that we will be united into one perfect family – God's holy family.

That's what we have to look forward to – and how eagerly we await the second coming of Jesus to take us from this sinful world to the perfect home of his heavenly Father.

Prayer:

Jesus, you are the reason that I can be confident of going to heaven. Through your perfect life, God has declared me worthy for his family. And your death was the complete payment for my sins so that I can count on entering heaven when I die. Keep me watchful and waiting for your return when you will take me to be with you in eternal bliss. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 22:30 - Feb. 11, 2010

It Is Time to Grow Up - Feb. 10, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Brothers, stop thinking like children.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Imagine a large eagle’s nest high on a rocky cliff. Inside are several young eagles. So far their lives have been easy. Their mother brings them food. They are safe from predators. And the lining of their nest is nice and soft with feathers and fur.

But it’s time for them to leave. It’s time for them to grow up. The problem is that, with such a comfortable nest, they don’t want to leave and grow up. They want to remain children in their soft and easy little world.

And so the mother eagle does what she always does. She stirs up the nest. She uses her powerful talons to pull out all the softness, exposing all the sharp branches, thorns and rocks that lie underneath. She makes the nest uncomfortable. In this way she gets her children to stop thinking like children. They grow up and go away from their nest.

My sinful nature loves to think like an immature child. It loves to avoid responsibility. It loves to keep pet sins. It loves to be lazy and impatient and self-absorbed. Most of all it loves to avoid painful truth. No doubt yours does, too.

Thank God for Jesus. Thank God that Jesus lived a life of perfect maturity on my behalf. And thank God that he faced the cross with courage to pay for my every childish moment.

And thank God, also, for those times when he stirs up my nest. For even the discomfort he allows into my life can be his way of getting me to realize that it’s time to mature in some way. It’s time to grow up. And with my Savior beside me, I can.

Prayer:

Father, I confess to you all my moments of sinful immaturity. Thank you for sending your Son to wash me clean. Empower me by your Gospel to grow and mature in my walk with you. Amen.

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Devotion - It Is Time to Grow Up - Feb. 10, 2010

Matthew 22:23-33 - Feb. 9, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?" Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.

Matthew 22:23-33

The Sadducees were prominent religious leaders of Jesus’ day who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. They did not come to learn from Jesus, but to question him so that they might find fault with his teaching and discredit him before the people. Their question of whose wife the seven-times-married woman would be in the resurrection stemmed from a law that God gave his Old Testament people through Moses (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). God set down that law to protect widows and to guarantee continuance of a deceased man's family line.

Jesus confronted their unbelief about the resurrection from the dead with the truth of the Scriptures. He took them back to the account of the burning bush, the scene at which God called Moses to be the leader of his people to lead them out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. God revealed himself to Moses by saying: "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." At the time of Moses, Abraham and Isaac and Jacob has been dead already for hundreds of years. Yet when God spoke to Moses, he didn’t say that he was their God, but "I am" their God. Therefore Jesus declares that the Lord "is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."

The God of the living declares that he will raise the dead to life. Jesus said, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out” (John 5:28-29). God is all-powerful and faithful to his word. He can and will keep his promise of raising the dead to life. Not only does Jesus make that clear in his word, it is proved by his own resurrection from the dead. The Bible declares, “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also” (1 Corinthians 6:14).

Trusting in Jesus as our Savior from sin and death, we can declare confidently: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)

Prayer:

Jesus, fill my heart with the peace that my sins are forgiven through your death. Strengthen me in the confident hope that as you rose from the dead, you will also call me forth from the grave to live with you forever. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 22:23-33 - Feb. 9, 2010

Just Another Fish Story - Feb. 8, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Jesus said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

Luke 5:4-6

Russ remarked, “I have heard fish stories before, but this one beats them all.” There was no way he was going to believe his friend’s story. “Trust me,” John said, “This is no fish story.” Russ wasn’t convinced. It wasn’t until he saw the pictures and the mounted fish that Russ finally believed John wasn’t exaggerating.

Peter and the other disciples were like Russ. They were professionals and they knew better. So when Jesus told them to put out into deep water, they thought that it wouldn’t accomplish anything. In spite of their reservations, they decided to do what Jesus told them.

Much to their amazement, the impossible happened. The catch was beyond their wildest dreams. Suddenly the truth terrified them. They just experienced a miracle, and they recognized they were in the presence of God (Luke 5:8-9).

As I consider this account, I am confronted by conflicting conclusions. I can reject the account as an exaggeration – just another fish story. On the other hand, I can believe the account is a true event in the life of Jesus and his disciples.

If I choose to reject the miracle, as well as the response of the disciples, I may gain a small piece of self-satisfaction, but what do I lose in exchange? In contrast, if I put my confidence in Luke’s inspired account of Jesus’ miracle, what do I gain?

The bottom line is this. I cannot afford to pick and choose what I like or what I don’t like. That process leaves me with nothing. I need to believe everything Luke records regarding Jesus, and I need to believe it is the truth.

Luke’s Gospel is a carefully investigated account of the life of Jesus (Luke 1:1-4). It is also a true account because he wrote by the power of God the Holy Spirit. Because it is true, it eliminates fear. It erases doubt. It declares forgiveness. It proclaims peace. It eases pain. It offers a purpose for life. It gives me every reason to follow Jesus without hesitation (Luke 5:11).

Luke went to great lengths to record the facts of Jesus’ life and ministry and to share that truth with me. It is because his efforts were guided by the Holy Spirit that I can have complete confidence in what has been recorded. It is also because of God’s undeserved love that I can answer a most urgent question: “Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” (Luke 24:26) Based on the truth of Luke’s detailed account, I can say, “Absolutely! And, he did it for me!”

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, love is not about me. It’s about others. Forgive my failures. Empower me to love as you have loved me. Amen.

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Devotion - Just Another Fish Story - Feb. 8, 2010

Stop Making Excuses! - Feb. 5, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Jeremiah 1:4-10

“But…I can’t.” “But…that’s too hard!” “But…I don’t know how.” “But…someone else can do it better than I can.” How often during our day do we focus on our limitations and make excuses why we didn’t do something or why we can’t do something. Unfortunately, these same excuses transfer from the daily activities of life to the important spiritual matters of life. Excuses abound. “But…I don’t have time for church right now.” “But…it’s all too confusing to figure out.” “But…when my kids get older then I’ll think about those things.” “But…” The list goes on.

The prophet Jeremiah had a direct call from the Lord to be his spokesman to the people of Israel. Granted, he was going to have a rough task and a very difficult message for the people to hear. However, the first thing he did was make an excuse, “I do not know how to speak.” Our sinful human nature resists the call of God.

Not many can claim a direct call from God, but we all can claim making excuses in response to God’s will. A friend brings up a spiritual discussion to which we say, “I don’t want to talk about it.” A family member invites us to come with them to church. We say, “It’s my day to sleep in.” Our child asks us about God and who he is and we say, “Go ask your mother.” A fellow church member asks us to serve and we say, “I don’t have the time.”

We can only marvel that God in his love continues to reach out to us. He didn’t cast Jeremiah aside for his excuses, but rather reminds him that he has nothing to fear. The all-powerful God, who knew him before he knew himself, was present with him.

Today God wants to remind you of two things when you are tempted to make excuses and steer away from his call. One, you are part of the Lord’s plan. He knew you before you were formed in the womb and he desires that you, now outside of the womb, come to know and believe in him. And, two, with that reality in mind, he wants us to understand that life is not about me as an individual, rather we are here on this earth to carry out the Lord’s purpose.

So stop making excuses. The Lord is calling you to believe in his Son, Jesus and live for him. Discover more about him in his Word. For help and guidance, go online to www.whataboutjesus.com and learn more about Jesus.

Enjoy living for your Lord today!

Prayer:

Lord, keep my sinful nature from resisting your precious call to faith and your will to live out my faith in you. Empower me today to stop making excuses and see every aspect of my life as an opportunity to glorify you. Amen.

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Devotion - Stop Making Excuses - Feb. 5, 2010

Matthew 22:15-22 - Feb 4, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Jesus in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Matthew 22:15-22

The Pharisees were strong Jewish nationalists, and the Herodians, as the name implies, were followers of King Herod, the ruler who was placed in power by the Romans. The Herodians were collaborators, people who sold out their own nation to their enemies. The Pharisees had great contempt for the Herodians, but even with that, they were willing to cooperate with them against Jesus. So they devised a “perfect” trap. If Jesus said no to paying taxes to Caesar, the Herodians would have him arrested and executed for treason. If he said yes, the Pharisees hoped to turn the people against him by showing that he wasn't loyal to his own nation.

Jesus' answer stopped the Herodians and the Pharisees' disciples in their tracks. His words were direct; right to the point: The coin's got Caesar's picture – let him have it. Jesus was underscoring that God establishes earthly governments. The Bible says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1-2). God wants to bless people on earth through earthly governments by maintenance of law and order in society. God’s will is that governments exert their authority to keep the peace – especially so that his saving word can be spread to all nations. So the Bible teaches, “You pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing” (Romans 13:6).

Jesus went on to say, “Give to God what is God's.” As followers of Jesus, we are not only citizens under an earthly government, but we are also citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom. Therefore, on the one hand, we will dutifully obey the governing authorities God has placed over us, while on the other hand, we will live to serve Jesus in great appreciation for his boundless love by which we are saved from the curse of sin and blessed with eternal life.

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 469):
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.

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Devotion - Matthew 22:15-22 - Feb. 4, 2010

It’s not about me - Feb. 3, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Love… is not self-seeking.

1 Corinthians 13:5

It was not a very long piece on the TV news. I don’t even recall the mother’s name. But what she does and why she is doing it I will not soon forget.

The news piece is about the disastrous earthquake in Haiti and its aftermath. It centers on a mother and her young children. Their small house is now rubble. The mother does not know what they are going to eat. She does not know what they are going to drink. She does not know where they are going to live. And she finds herself surrounded by thousands of people who are wondering the same thing.

At present she and her children are living in the open, sitting and resting on a blanket. But as she sits with her children the mother is doing a strange thing. She’s continually smiling and talking cheerfully.

Someone from the news crew finally asks her why she’s smiling so much. Her response is sober and direct. “It’s for my children,” she says.

Footage like that quickly reminds us what love is. Love is not about me. It’s not about my needs. It’s not about indulging my fears or fulfilling my dreams or protecting my self-esteem. It’s about others.

The old, sinful self inside me does not like that. It does not like that one bit. Left to my own instincts my life would be all about me until there would be nothing left but me. And ultimately there I would exist: isolated, alone, in the outer darkness of hell.

But Jesus came. He came for me. He lived a perfect life for me. He suffered and died for my every failure. And now he lives for me. Because of him, my life is different. I am different. My slavery to self is done. And now I can really love because through Jesus it’s not about me. It’s about others.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, love is not about me. It’s about others. Forgive my failures. Empower me to love as you have loved me. Amen.

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Devotion - It’s Not About Me - Feb. 3, 2010

Matthew 22:11-14 - Feb. 2, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

"But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are invited, but few are chosen."

Matthew 22:11-14

The Wedding Banquet -- Part 2

This man had accepted the invitation to the king’s wedding banquet and came by the grace of the king. But when the king entered the hall, he discovered that this man was not wearing a wedding garment. It is said that in antiquity a nobleman would give to his invited guests beautiful garments. To honor the nobleman, guests would wear what they had been given – no doubt those clothes were much better than their own and they would be happy to appear before the nobleman dressed in clothes which would meet with his approval.

But Jesus describes a man who appeared before the king in his own clothes, perhaps shabby and unkempt at that – remember that he had been invited off the street. Instead of accepting the free gift of a beautiful garment and wearing it, he thought that he would be acceptable in his own clothes. But admission to the banquet required royal garments. As a result of his insolence, he was cast out.

Jesus is making a strong point for us to ponder and remember. It is not by the filthy rags of our own self-righteousness that we can abide in the presence of God. If people trust in their own good deeds to enter heaven, they will be cast out. Instead of sharing in the joyous feast of salvation, they will have an eternity of utter sorrow and bitterness, separated from God’s love forever.

Admission to the wedding banquet of God is only with the clothing that he provides. That clothing is the robe of righteousness given to us freely by God’s grace through faith in Jesus our Savior. That garment of righteousness was woven for us when Jesus lived a perfect life under the law for us, and completed when he took the guilt of our sins on himself and died for them. And that rich, wonderful garment was presented to you and me when the Holy Spirit brought us to faith in Jesus through the gospel.

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 376):
Jesus, your blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress;
Mid flaming worlds, in these arrayed, with joy shall I lift up my head
When from the dust of death I rise to claim my mansion in the skies,
E’en then this shall be all my plea: Jesus has lived and died for me.

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Devotion - Matthew 22:11-14 - Feb. 2, 2010

Dealing with the Truth - Feb. 1, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Jesus stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Luke 4:16-21

Sometimes it is hard to accept the truth. A visit to the doctor results in a diagnosis that was never contemplated. A trip to the mechanic reveals more work is required than what the car is worth. A seemingly simple service call requires major repairs. When I am faced with a difficult truth, how do I respond? My first response might be denial. “This can’t be true.” Another response might be a search for hope. “Are you sure?” A final response might be reluctantly accepting the inevitable. “I guess I will have to deal with it.”

In the Gospel of Luke Jesus offers a startling revelation. Although he offered it as the truth, it was not received as such. Many rejected what Jesus said. They couldn’t deal with it, so they went to the point of trying to push Jesus off a cliff (Luke 4:28, 29). Even though many rejected the truth Jesus offered, it still didn’t diminish his testimony, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” So, how do I deal with the truth that Jesus offers?

Jesus’ proclamation is clear and simple. He declares that he is the one God promised to send. He is the one who rescues us and brings us God’s favor (Luke 4:17-19).

It is hard to deal with this truth. If Jesus is who he declares, then it means I desperately need the work he came to do. It means I am dead in my sins. It also means I am blinded by the blackness of my heart. It even means I am by nature opposed to God. It would be easier to deny this truth than to deal with it. But if I deny it, I also reject what Jesus came to offer.

I need to deal with the truth that it is impossible for me to change my condition. In dealing with this truth, I also need to recognize what Jesus did for me. This is also the truth. He opens my eyes to see the forgiveness he secured. He breaks through the blackness of my heart with the penetrating light of his love. He reconciles me to God and brings me into his family. This is the truth I need to hear, and to which I need to cling.

Sometimes it is hard to deal with the truth. There will be times when I choose not to deal with it. There will also be times when I will be forced to deal with it. There is one truth I will always want to hear. That is the truth Jesus provides. It is the truth I want to hear and believe, because I need Jesus to be the one God the Father sent to fulfill Scriptures. I also need him to be my one and only Savior.

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 282):
Lord, open now my heart to hear, and through your Word to me draw near.
Let me your Word e’er pure retain; let me your child and heir remain.
Your Word inspires my heart within; your Word grants healing from my sin.
Your Word has power to guide and bless; your Word brings peace and happiness.

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Devotion - Dealing with the Truth - Feb. 1, 2010

Freedom! - Jan. 29, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.

Isaiah 61:1-2

“Freedom!” Perhaps you recall Mel Gibson screaming out that word in one of the final scenes of the movie, Braveheart. He quite literally gave all he had so that the people of his nation would be free from England’s rule. He lost his life, war continued, perhaps there were times of relative freedom and peace; yet any quick study of history reveals continued struggles and battles.

Has your soul ever cried out for “freedom?” Have you ever wanted to be completely free from a nagging or guilty conscience? No matter how hard you fight or how long you try you can never seem to win that battle. The memory of your past sins and faults never seems to set you free.

In our reading, Isaiah shouts, “Freedom!” Isaiah foretells the work of the coming Savior Jesus. Because of the Lord’s great love and favor, he punished Jesus in your place. Jesus suffered and died on that cross as your substitute. The result is free and full forgiveness for each and every one of your sins. That’s freedom! That’s the good news that binds up even the most broken heart. Like a beam of sunshine, these words pierce the darkness of the prison of sin.

Now you and I can shout out loud each day, “I am free!” We can step forward into each week with a fresh and clean conscience, confident in the Lord’s proclamation of forgiveness through faith in Jesus. And, like a wonderful gift, what better way to say thanks to God for our new found freedom than to shout it out and share the good news with others.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for wiping away my sin and giving me a fresh start. Help me to live for you each day so that I can show my thanks to you in my words and actions. Help me shine forth your love to others who are still searching for freedom from their sins. Amen.

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Devotion - Freedom - Jan. 29, 2010

Matthew 22:1-10 - Jan. 28, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' But they paid no attention and went off -- one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

Matthew 22:1-10

The feast is prepared. The King has spared no expense to lavish the banquet table with the best food. So he sends out the invitation, “Come to the wedding banquet.” The King in this parable of Jesus is the heavenly Father. In his love for all people, he has completely prepared their salvation. Now God calls sinners to enjoy the blessings of his grace: the peace of full forgiveness, joy of being children of God, the sure hope of heaven.

The call to come to taste of the feast went first to those “who had been invited.” These were the Jews. Jesus is summing up years of God’s patient love for his Old Testament chosen people. They had been called to be his special possession, to taste of the grace and blessings of God like no other people. But for the most part, they refused to come even after many attempts by the gracious King of heaven and earth to bring them into his kingdom and share in the feast of eternal life. Instead of valuing the honor of being included in the King’s love, they were more interested in earthly pursuits. Jesus says, “They paid no attention and went off--one to his field, another to his business.” Others treated with contempt those who came to announce the free invitation. God’s patience finally came to an end with those who stubbornly refused his love.

God loves people, and he prepared heaven for people to be with him forever. God is determined to have his house full of wedding guest to taste the sumptuous feast of eternity in heaven. So he commands his servants to go, to keep going everywhere, and invite people. They announce to everyone that heaven is a free gift for them out of the goodness of God’s heart. It is completely prepared, a full course feast for eternity in the house of God.

This is where you come into Jesus’ parable. God is inviting you to be present at the wedding banquet of his Son. What will you do? Like those who refused God’s invitation with their minds on earthly pursuits, will your jobs come first, or your family, or relaxation or entertainment? God is waiting patiently for you to come and taste of the feast of salvation. There is nothing to pay; it’s free. There is nothing to do; everything is already done. Come and taste and see that the Lord is good!

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! … These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:9)

Prayer:

Praise to you, my heavenly Father, for preparing the feast of salvation through Jesus. Fill my heart with the peace of full forgiveness of my sins and satisfy my spirit with the joy of salvation and the hope of heaven. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 22:1-10 - Jan. 28, 2010

Working as a Unit - Jan. 27, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Even if you don’t enjoy watching professional football, you can’t escape the hoopla moving forward to the Super Bowl. On February 7 in Miami, the Super Bowl will determine the greatest team for this NFL season.

If the best team wins, it will prove right all who favored them as the greatest team. If the “underdog” pulls off the upset, their victory will shine brighter and their glory becomes greater because they exceeded expectations.

How do NFL teams achieve greatness? In football brute strength, great talent, experience and a bit of trickery may win the day. But a team with less strength, talent and experience can be the victor by working together as a team.

The winning Super Bowl team and the body of Christ have many things in common. Different parts of the team have different talents. Individually, members of the team can boast of great things. However, unless they work together as a unit, the talent gets wasted.

The apostle Paul says, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts.” The body describes the Church that Jesus Christ created. He serves as the head of the body while his faithful people make up the body parts.

The Head led the way in love. He sacrificed his own body on the tree of the cross to atone for the sins of the world. Without this gift, the body would have no life. Jesus rose from death and keeps the body alive with his love.

The apostle Paul identifies a special gift that made and keeps the body living in Christ. “We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body.” The Holy Spirit uses the power of God’s Word connected with the waters of Baptism to create faith in our hearts and make us members of Christ’s Church – his body.

The parts of the body work as a unit using the power of God through his Word. The body anticipates victory. God is on our side. The body uses the brute strength of God’s Word. The talents and experiences of the members that God provides give the body wisdom for the battle.

With excellent coordination and appreciation for each other’s gifts, the body works as a unit. With God’s help, the body achieves the Master’s goals—working to win more souls for Jesus, defeating the traps and temptations of Satan, and bringing glory to God the Father with honorable and good lives.

May the best team win! Connected to Jesus by faith, you’re on it!

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, bring me closer in unity and love to the members of Christ’s body. Make our service as a unit a glorious testament to the love of Christ who guides us. Amen.

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Devotion - Working as a Unit - Jan. 27, 2010

Matthew 21:37-43 - Jan. 26, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Last of all, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said. "But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance.' So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" "He will bring those wretches to a wretched end," they replied, "and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

Matthew 21:37-43

Previously in the words of this parable Jesus described how God chose the nation of Israel to be his people and blessed them; he sent prophets to them to give them his word – especially his promise that from them the Savior of the world would come. But the leaders of the people rejected the prophets’ message and even killed some of those messengers from God.

At last, Jesus describes in his parable that the landowner decides to send his son to the tenants. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance.' Jesus’ was speaking straight at the Jewish leaders of his day. They were going beyond the sin of their forefathers who killed the prophets of God. They were plotting to kill God’s Son! “Come, let’s kill him” echo the words Caiaphas spoke before the Jewish high court: “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." ... So from that day on they plotted to take his life. (John 11:50,53)

Those leaders did not think that Jesus was essential, so they threw him out of their belief system and had him killed. But that One whom they rejected was chosen by God to be the sum and substance of the church, as it was written: The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes (Psalm 118:22, 23). Jesus Christ is the Lord of heaven who came to save the world from sin, death, and hell. He is the only way to salvation.

Jesus Christ is the head of the church. Put your trust and hope in him alone for the Bible teaches: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 536):
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head, you are her one foundation.
In you she trusts, before you bows, and waits for your salvation.
Built on this rock secure, your church shall endure
Though all the world decay and all things pass away.
Oh, hear, oh, hear us, Jesus!

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Devotion - Matthew 21:37-43 - Jan. 26, 2010

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus - Jan. 25, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Luke 4:14-21

All eyes are on you. What do you say? Do you tell a joke? Share some intriguing insights on the political and economic conditions in faraway places? Tell a personal story that has people chuckling or tearing up?

All eyes were fixed on Jesus. He was in his hometown’s synagogue (their local place of worship.) He read a section of God’s Word from the prophet Isaiah. They were waiting for what he would say. All eyes were fixed on Jesus.

“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” he declared. That might not mean much when it hits your eyes and ears, but Jesus’ 1st Century audience knew what he was saying. The section of Isaiah that Jesus had just read to them talked about the promised Savior. He was clearly telling them: “I am the promised Messiah, the Savior, the Son of God.”

What did they do with that information? Was this man who had grown up before their eyes really the Savior, the Son of God? Many of them totally and emphatically rejected Jesus’ message. In fact, a few verses later it is reported that the people of Jesus’ hometown unsuccessfully tried to kill Jesus.

Jesus delivers the same message to you. Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world, the Son of God. What do you do with that information? Don’t disregard it or dump it on the trash heap. Instead, trust this good news. Jesus is your Savior from sin and eternal death. He is the Son of God who rescued you and rules all things for you.

Trust this good news and explore it even more. Pick up a Bible and read more about Jesus. Perhaps start with one of the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Make public worship a regular part of your weekly routine (just like it was for Jesus.) Dig even deeper into God’s Word – join a Bible study that leads you to know more and more about your Savior. There, in the Bible is God’s message for you. And, when God, your Savior, speaks up – listen and trust him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to be my Savior. Help me to trust in him and his saving work more and more. Lead me to study your holy Word. Work through your Word and increase my knowledge and love of you. Amen.

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Devotion - Fix Your Eyes on Jesus - Jan. 25, 2010

I just can’t keep quiet. - Jan. 22, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 04:25:27 +0000

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your righteousness.

Isaiah 62:1-2

Have you ever had such important news that you couldn’t keep quiet about it? How much twittering and chatting and posting happened when Alabama won the college championship (good or bad)? When anything political happens and those talking heads hardly stop to take a breath … when your 6-year-old gets a new Lego set, you can be sure everyone will know about it. Presents, football games, politics… in the grand scheme of things, they matter so little yet they garner so much of our time and excitement.

As Isaiah writes, he too has some incredible news about which he cannot keep silent. The topic is not political but spiritual, it’s God’s gift of righteousness. Nothing compares to the holiness of God. Nothing comes close to the brightness of the salvation of the Lord – and it’s God’s gift to you.

What makes this gift so amazing and brilliant is the fact that we, by nature, are anything but brilliant and shining. Our sins make us filthy in God’s sight. The rude words we speak, the selfish things we do, the silent lust and greed in our hearts should all rightly merit God’s wrath and eternal punishment. Yet instead of eternal separation, it’s a different “S” word for those who put their faith and hope in Jesus: SALVATION!

God gives us the gift of salvation. That means he takes away our sins and gives us Jesus’ righteousness as our own. Nations will see your righteousness… not ours, but Christ’s righteousness, holiness and perfection. This is real. This is newsworthy. This is news that matters. You can’t keep quiet about this.

Keep your eyes open for someone who needs to hear this news. Don’t be afraid to share the message. Let it be heard so that God’s salvation may be known by more and more people.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for the incredible gift of salvation. Help me to treasure this gift each day and open my mouth so that I too may share the good news which you have for all people. Amen.

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Devotion - I Just Can’t Keep Quiet - Jan. 22, 2010

Matthew 21:33-36 - Jan. 21, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Matthew 21:33-36

Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way.

From our previous study of this parable, we noted how Jesus describes in the first sentence that God graciously chose the nation of Israel to be his own people and richly blessed them. Continuing with the parable, Jesus points to more blessings which God gave his people before the time of Christ. Jesus says, “Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey.” Jesus was referring to the religious leaders who were given the responsibility of caring for God’s Old Testament church and watching out for the spiritual welfare of the people. The fruit which God looked for from his church was repentance, faith, and a people who gladly worshiped him and lived according to his Word. But those leaders of the church were unfaithful. They didn’t follow God’s Word, and they led the people away from it. God sent his servant-prophets to preach his Word to the people so that they would bear fruits of repentance. But those wicked leaders discredited those messengers of God, mistreated them, and even killed them. Jesus’ parable realistically assessed unfaithful Israel’s scorn toward God’s mercy, grace and patience. Often the Word of God which the prophets brought was ignored and the messengers were despised.

Israel despised God’s Word and the messengers that brought it. And for that reason God brought his judgment on them, though God was patient with them and faithful to his promise to bring the Savior from the nation of Israel. Today God also sends his messengers to preach and teach his Word, and God’s true people listen to his Word. They treasure it with their whole heart. They read and diligently learn it. God’s people have a desire to grow in the Word, and do so by spending time in the Word. They are people who place themselves under the authority of the Word and apply its truth to their lives. God’s people are people of the Word. Jesus said, “He who belongs to God hears what God says” (John 8:47). People of God, listen to his Word!

Prayer:

Lord, make your word a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Guide me with your life-giving truths that I may grow in my understanding of your love and live in glad response to your rich blessings. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 21:33-36 - Jan. 21, 2010

For the Common Good - Jan. 20, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:7

Identity politics describes the clamor of single-issue groups hoping to gain attention, funding and action for their causes. They often identify themselves as in the minority, needing special protection.

They perceive the need to shout louder or make a fuss in order to advance their cause. Victory comes when the powers and authorities respond with help, support or the granting of special rights.

In America identity politics has worked quite well. If you get what you want, that means success. If getting what you want means denying other s what they want, self-interest prevails – making one’s own needs the highest priority.

The Holy Spirit guides his Christians in a completely different way. To each one the manifestation of the Spirit comes for the common good.

Self-interest gives way to selflessness. Shouting for my rights gives way to looking to the needs of others ahead of my own. Not caring what happens to others gives way to loving them as myself.

Jesus perfected this model because he lived a perfect life. Jesus lived in complete selflessness. He came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

Jesus’ selfless love forgives us for our selfishness. His sacrificial love makes us want to sacrifice for others.

The Holy Spirit supplies the followers of Jesus with gifts to accomplish this. Every Christian has these gifts in varying measures. The use of those gifts has one simple theme: for the common good.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, teach me the humble, selfless, loving way of Jesus. Guide me to use my gifts in service to others for the common good. Amen.

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Devotion - For the Common Good - Jan. 20, 2010

Matthew 21:3 - Jan. 19, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower.”

Matthew 21:3

It was Tuesday of Holy Week. Jesus was in Jerusalem, just three days before his death. He had overturned the tables of the money changers and thrown them out of the Temple area. He spent time teaching the people. His enemies, the religious leaders, challenged his authority to do such things. In response Jesus spoke this parable by which he described the gracious way God dealt with the Old Testament nation of Israel.

The landowner is God. The vineyard is Israel. Jesus illustrates how God established the nation Israel and chose them to be his very own people. They weren’t better than other nations on earth, nor did they make themselves God’s people. Out of grace, God chose them. In his parable Jesus describes how the landowner cared for and provided for his vineyard. He put a wall around it, to protect it from being trampled by animals. So God surrounded his people with his power and protected them from being overrun by their enemies. As Jesus continued the details of God’s grace in the parable he says that the owner of the vineyard dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. The point Jesus was making is that God spared no amount of love on his chosen people. He supplied everything they needed for their spiritual welfare. All these blessings of God’s grace! Yet, most of God’s Old Testament chosen people spurned his love. They despised their privileged status and turned away from God to idols.

All this holds an important lesson for us. It is not by any merit or worthiness in us that we are members of God’s family. He laid his choice on you and me by his grace alone. And our God supplies all we need for our spiritual welfare. He has given us his gospel - the complete revelation of Jesus Christ as our Savior. Among everything that we have and own in this world, our greatest treasure is the love of God. How privileged we are that he has chosen us to be his own forever! Think about that for your life. No matter what difficulties or disappointments you face, or challenges and concerns you have, you are special in the eyes of God. He loves you for by faith in Jesus you are his own dear child whom he will guard and keep.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for displaying your power in such clear ways throughout your life. Help me to trust in you and your power – for forgiveness of my sins, for all my daily needs and for true and lasting peace. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 21:3 - Jan. 19, 2010

How Did He Do That? - Jan. 18, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

John 2:1-11

How embarrassing! The new bride and groom were celebrating with family and friends. The celebration was probably slated to stretch for a week or so. Their marriage had just begun and they already ran into a problem. The wine ran out! Jesus had a simple solution. He instructed the servants to fill six 20 to 30 gallon stone water jars with WATER. Water? Perhaps it’s today’s health drink of choice, but it wasn’t the wedding celebration drink of choice in Jesus’ day. The servants obeyed Jesus and filled those 6 stone jars with water. And then miraculously Jesus changed that simple, ordinary water into choice wine.

This is true God in action. Jesus was just beginning his public ministry. Many people probably recognized Jesus as a super nice guy and held him as a friend, but it’s likely that many did not see him as the Son of God who came from heaven to save the world from sin and death. Do you have the same tendency to treat Jesus as something other than or less than true God? Do you look to him only for some wise words? Do you see him just as a really nice guy who you’d like to be more like? Is Jesus only a good friend?

Jesus is true God. Jesus did miracles. He made things happen that went against the laws of nature. Jesus could do miracles because he is the all-powerful God. In John 2, Jesus changed water into wine. His disciples saw his display of divine power and they put their faith in him. They would see Jesus do even more powerful miracles. He would heal and feed. Jesus would raise the dead back to life. Jesus himself would even die and rise from death back to life. Jesus did these things because he is true God.

Jesus is still true God and still all-powerful. Along with being your friend and a perfectly nice man and supremely wise, Jesus is your all-powerful Savior and God. By his power, he forgives your sins, and daily provides for you. Put your faith in him.

Prayer:

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Devotion - How Did He Do That? - Jan. 18, 2010

The LORD looks at the heart. - Jan. 15, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

The LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

Samuel had a difficult task before him. He was to go and anoint a new king because the current king, Saul, had abandoned the Lord. So the Lord told Samuel to go to the house of Jesse. There he would anoint the next king of Israel. So Samuel went and when he saw Jesse’s oldest son, he was impressed and thought that this fine looking young man would be the next king. That is when the Lord rebuked him with the words that our Bible devotion is focusing on today.

It is so easy to do the same thing as Samuel. It is easy to look at the appearance and make our judgments based on what we see. We can do the same thing when it comes to our relationship with God. We can look at what we do, or what we say, and begin to think to ourselves that we aren’t all that bad; especially when we compare ourselves to other people. Except “the LORD does not look at the things man looks at…the LORD looks at the heart.” In human hearts he sees a pool of selfish, self-centered sin. He sees hearts that want to dwell on themselves over everything else.

Because God saw sin-filled hearts, he determined that he was going to send his Son to take care of that problem. So Jesus came into the world to remove the sin that was inside our hearts. He did so by using his blood to wash our dirty hearts and make them pure. Then Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts as the Spirit plants and nurtures the faith that trust in Jesus. So also Jesus sends his Holy Spirit into your heart through his Word. As you trust in Jesus’ cleansing blood for your sinful heart, the Holy Spirit continues to nurture your faith by the power of the gospel.

Samuel’s trip to Jesse’s family was not in vain. The very last son of Jesse was a boy named David. As the Lord looked into David’s heart, he saw a boy who trusted in his Lord and loved him with all his heart. This is what the Lord was looking for, so he had Samuel anoint David as the next king of Israel. As the Lord looks into our hearts, may he also find hearts that trust in our Savior Jesus and are filled with love for him

Prayer:

Jesus, your precious blood cleanses me of all sin. With the pure heart that you created in me, give me the ability to trust you in all things and love you above all things. Amen.

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Devotion - The LORD Looks at the Heart - Jan. 15, 2010

Matthew 21:28-32 - Jan. 14, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, `Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' "`I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, `I will, sir,' but he did not go. "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Matthew 21:28-32

The father in Jesus’ story is God the Father. The beckoning of his children to go and work in his vineyard is God's gospel invitation to all people to believe in Jesus as their Savior. This is the will of God and the most important "work" which he calls us to do. As Jesus said, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent" (John 6:29).

Jesus says that one of the father’s sons obediently answered, "I will, sir." But he didn't go. Jesus identified this disobedient son of his parable with the religious leaders of his day. They appeared to be willing workers of God. But when John the Baptist preached repentance and faith in Jesus, they rejected him as the promised Christ and plotted to put him to death. In stubborn unbelief, they refused to enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus spoke about another son whose answer and conduct differed greatly from his brother. When asked by his father to work in the vineyard, he answered flatly, "I will not." But later that son regretted his disobedience, and Jesus says, "he changed his mind and went."

Jesus draws the comparison. The son who at first refused and then changed his mind represents "the tax collectors and prostitutes." Their lives of sinful disobedience against the will of God were evident to all. But even these were God's children. He was their Maker; they his creatures. God didn't want his children to fall under eternal condemnation for their sins. So he invited them to believe in the Savior he sent by the preaching of John the Baptist. He pointed to Jesus as the One whom God sent to bear the guilt of sin, and he implored the people to trust in him as their Savior from the wrath of God which they deserved. The preaching of John cut deep into the hearts of the "sinners" who heard him. They repented and believed in Jesus. They were baptized by John and entered the kingdom of their heavenly Father by grace through faith in Christ.

Who did the will of the Father? It wasn't the son who first said "yes" and then didn't go. The one who did the Father's will was the son who, even though he disobeyed at first, regretted his conduct and went to work – these are sinners who repent of their sin and believe in Jesus as their only way to heaven. This is the kind of child that God our Father wants us to be, to gladly hear his gracious invitation to eternal life in Jesus and, abandoning all self-righteousness, put our complete trust in Jesus as our Savior. Such a one does the will of his Father and is truly blessed!

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 446):

I am trusting you, Lord Jesus, trusting only you,
Trusting you for full salvation, free and true.

I am trusting you, Lord Jesus; never let me fall.
I am trusting you forever and for all.

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Devotion - Matthew 21:28-32 - Jan. 14, 2010

The Meaning of Mercy - Jan. 13, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

Matthew 21:23-27

In the early 1800’s, Napoleon Bonaparte ruled as emperor of France. His word was final. A woman appeared before him one day. She was seeking a pardon for her son.

Napoleon explained to her why this was not possible: Her son was guilty of committing a serious crime not once but twice. Under the law of the land, he had been sentenced to death.

But the mother persevered. “I plead for mercy for my son,” she said.

“But your son does not deserve mercy,” pronounced the emperor. It was then that this mother got to the heart of the matter. “You are correct,” she said. “My son does not deserve mercy. But if he did, it would not be mercy. And mercy is all I ask for.”

“Then I will have mercy,” Napoleon said. He spared her son’s life.

This woman understood the meaning of mercy. The Apostle Paul did too. Paul said that, with the arrival of Jesus Christ, “God saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” The Son of God invaded our time and space to conduct a rescue mission. He rescued us from the curse of our own sin. He did this through the perfect life and innocent death he lived and died on our behalf.

But why? Here is where Paul gets to the heart of the matter. God did this not because we deserved it; not because he saw us as diamonds in the rough; not because we’ve done something that made us sparkle in his eyes. He did it because of his mercy.

It’s his mercy through Jesus Christ that makes your relationship with God so secure. It doesn’t depend upon what you have done for God. It depends on what the Savior, in mercy, has done for you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, in my moments of anxiety and doubt, fill me with your Holy Spirit. Through your Word, remind me that my relationship with you rests not on what I do for you, but upon your mercy. Amen.

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Devotion - The Meaning of Mercy - Jan. 13, 2010

Matthew 21:23-27 - Jan. 12, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Matthew 21:23-27

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?" Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism-where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men'-we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet." So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

These verses record some of Jesus’ activity in Jerusalem just a few days before he was crucified. He entered the temple courts and taught the people. He wanted all to know why he had come. His impending arrest, trial, and crucifixion was looming but in love for the people he continued teaching the truth that all sinners need to learn, that he was their Savior who had come to sacrifice his life for their sin and rescue them from eternal death.

Not all believed him. The religious leaders challenged Jesus because they did not accept him as the Son of God sent from heaven. If they had, they would not have questioned his authority by which he taught and conducted his ministry. They should have seen that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and accepted John the Baptist’s witness that he was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). But stubbornly they rejected the truth about Jesus; their hearts were darkened and eyes blinded by unbelief.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem on that day to teach the people, he still enters our lives to teach us through his Word. He instructs us to believe that he is the Son of God who came from heaven in complete fulfillment of all God’s promises. The most important truth that he wants us to learn and live by is that he is our Savior who died for us to give us eternal life with God. He cleansed us from sin by his blood and overcame death by his resurrection.

Jesus teaches the truth of God’s love. You can count on him for forgiveness. You can rely on him for every need. You can place your hope in him for life filled with God’s eternal blessings. He teaches you what’s really important. Are you listening?

Prayer:

Teach me, Jesus, that I may know you better as my Savior and follow you more closely as my Lord. Instruct me with your Word so that I may love you more dearly, believe you more firmly, and live more faithfully according to your will. Amen.

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Devotion - Matthew 21:23-27 - Jan. 12, 2010

15 Minutes of Fame - Jan. 11, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Luke 3:21-22

There is an old saying that predicts everyone will have their fifteen minutes of fame. This might be in a positive sense. It may also be in a negative sense. In either case, the individual is catapulted into the spotlight. What is equally interesting is what happens when that brief time of fame is over. Usually the person’s name is forgotten except as an answer to a trivia question.

Luke’s Gospel provides the account of two individuals. One is John the Baptist. The other is Jesus. In his prime, John was well recognized. People came in droves to see and hear him. This was his time of fame. Because of his popularity many thought he was the Messiah whom God had promised. He wasn’t, and eventually he faded from the scene.

In contrast to John was Jesus. With his baptism, Jesus was brought into the spotlight. What follows demands my undivided attention and trust. Jesus was baptized by John, but not to have his sins forgiven. He was sinless. Neither did Jesus come to John for the gift of faith baptism offers. Jesus was the faithful Son of God the Father. Jesus was baptized to signal the beginning of his service to all people as their Savior. It was his baptism that thrust him into the spotlight of his time of fame.

What is amazing is that Jesus’ fame didn’t fade away. Instead he continued to draw more and more attention to himself. Through his miraculous works, through his powerful preaching, and through his unselfish acts of love and service, he kept himself in front of people.

Jesus did this so people would come to know that he was the Savior God had promised and provided. It is a lesson to which I need to pay careful attention. It is also one I need to trust without compromise. Jesus did everything God promised. Consequently, I can put my trust in him without fear of disappointment.

I can trust Jesus for the faithfulness I lack, because he was perfectly faithful. I can trust Jesus for the forgiveness I need, because he obediently secured it. I can trust Jesus for the help I need, because he is always near. Jesus is the sure and certain answer God provides for all my needs.

Some would argue Jesus’ “fifteen minutes” of fame began and ended the day he was baptized. That is hardly the truth. Certainly his public fame began with his baptism. Still, it continued throughout his life, his death, his resurrection from the grave, and his return to heaven. Because Jesus’ fame and glory has never failed the test of time, I know what is mine: I have the joy and peace of eternal life waiting for me through my glorious Savior.

Prayer:

O precious Savior Jesus Christ, I rejoice in your coming to this earth. I also rejoice because you undertook the precious work of my rescue. Continue to keep me in your mercy. Strengthen my faith. Finally, give me the goal of faith which is life in heaven. All this I ask in your precious name. Amen.

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Devotion - 15 Minutes of Fame - Jan. 11, 2010

An Everlasting Covenant - Jan. 8, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said… “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Genesis 17:1, 4-7

In the past, the Lord made contracts, or covenants with his people. When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord renewed the covenant he made a quarter century before. Abram and his wife would have a son, even though his wife was barren and he was 99. Not only would they have a child, but many nations would come from him. Kings would also be among his descendants.

The Lord then gave Abram the assurance that this covenant would take place. Only instead of signing his name to it, he changed Abram’s name as an assurance that what was promised would happen. So the Lord changed his name from Abram, which means ‘exalted father’, to Abraham, which means ‘father of many nations’. What a testimony this name change would be to everyone Abraham met. He would be able to explain that God changed his name in anticipation of the promise that would be fulfilled in the future!

Many different nations did come from Abraham. But it wasn’t until almost 2000 years after God made this covenant with Abraham that the Lord completed it. One of Abraham’s many descendents was born. He was a king by the name of Jesus. Jesus came to fight the battle against evil and win the victory over death. He brought peace between God and people through the forgiveness of sins, and he establishes his kingdom in the hearts of people as he turns them to faith in him as their Savior.

Through Jesus we also become descendents of Abraham, spiritual children who trust in God by faith, just as Abraham lived by faith. As spiritual descendents of Abraham, we share in the everlasting covenant the Lord made that he is our God. What a comfort it is to know that the God who fulfilled his covenant with Abraham by making him the father of many nations is the same God who is our God through the forgiveness of sins given through Jesus!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise and thank you for fulfilling your covenant with Abraham by sending Jesus to be my Savior and King. Give me the peaceful assurance that he rules in my heart by faith to guard and guide me as one of your own dear children. Amen.

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Devotion - An Everlasting Covenant - Jan. 8, 2010

The Perfect Gift - Jan. 7, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Then Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.

Luke 2:51

What was the best gift you received for Christmas, or on your birthday, or for your anniversary, or in connection with some other special occasion? Was it just what you hoped for? Sometimes we receive a gift that is exactly what we wanted and after opening it we say, “It’s perfect!”

Unfortunately, even the best gifts don’t last forever. We grow tired of toys and games. New clothes wear out or become unfashionable. Things break or get lost. We discover that perfect gifts aren’t so perfect.

Except Jesus. Jesus is God’s perfect gift to us. Jesus perfectly obeyed God’s holy law, including being obedient to his earthly mother and father. Think of it – the all-knowing, all-powerful, God obeyed his sinful human parents. He did this, not because they were always right or because they were always fair, but because it was his heavenly Father’s will. Children are to obey their parents. So Jesus did. Perfectly.

Can we say the same? Not one of us can. We have all been guilty of disobeying our parents and others that God puts in authority over us. That’s why we needed Jesus. We needed Jesus to do for us what we were supposed to do. Jesus obeyed for all the times we have disobeyed. Jesus honored his parents for all the times we dishonored ours. His perfect life is God’s gift to us so that when God looks at us he sees Jesus’ perfection. He sees children who are worthy of his heavenly kingdom, and through faith in Jesus he freely gives them the gift of an “inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 3:4)

Even the best gifts you receive will lose their luster eventually. But not Jesus. He is the perfect gift.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for doing what I have failed to do. Give me the strength and humility to honor those you have placed in authority over me. Amen.

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Devotion - The Perfect Gift - Jan. 7, 2010

TIMING - Jan. 6, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son.

Galatians 4:4

Picture a choir singing, “Silent Night.” Each choir member knows the words. Each choir member knows the melody. Each choir member even knows when to sing loudly and softly. But imagine if each choir member sang the song at a different speed. And now further imagine if each choir member held each note for a different length of time. Instead of a thing of beauty, you’d have dissonant sounds of chaos. The entire song would fall apart.

In a Christmas carol like “Silent Night,” timing is everything.

It’s the same when it comes to God’s timing for Jesus’ birth.

“When the time had fully come, God sent his Son,” the Bible tells us. Immediately after our first parents had fallen into sin, God promised to send a Savior. But he fulfilled that promise according to his own pace. Over thousands of years, he carefully guided history until the timing was just right. Then he sent his Son.

Once in a great while you and I can recognize God’s timing in our own lives. More often than not, however, our human perspective is so small that we just don’t see it.

Make no mistake, however. God is guiding your life just as carefully. Time and again he has made it clear that the Answer to life is not within you. Time and again he has brought you into contact with the only Savior from sin you’ve got. Or think about this: it is no accident that this devotion from God’s Word is entering your mind and heart at this very moment.

God’s timing for Jesus’ birth was perfect. Trust his timing in your life, too.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son into this world at just the right time. Move me to trust your timing in my life as well. Amen.

Devotion - Timing - Jan. 6, 2010

Matthew 21:18-22 - Jan. 5, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Matthew 21:18-22

As Jesus and his disciples walked into Jerusalem five days before he was crucified, Jesus saw a fig tree full of leaves, a promising sign that there would be fruit among its branches. When he went to pick a fig, he found none. "May you never bear fruit again!" Jesus said. The tree immediately withered. The fig tree was an object lesson for the disciples. As the disciples listened and watched during Holy Week, they would see the religious leaders of the Jews who were all leaves but no fruit. As religious and upright as they appeared, they rejected Jesus. That rejection would bring judgment. Unbelievers may look attractive as the fig tree did, but without fruit bearing faith in Jesus, they fall under the judgment of God.

Yet Jesus adds a positive twist to the lesson of the fig tree. He talks about a faith that can move mountains. Jesus challenged his disciples because in the next five days he was going to do something that would require such faith. As the Lamb of God, he would take away the sin of the world. He would go down into the depths of hell and claim a victory for them. He would experience death and live again on the third day. The benefits of his work would be for all people, but only believers would claim them. Only believers have faith that moves the mountains of guilt and casts away the fears of death and hell.

Do you believe that Jesus did these things for you? Have you built a mountain of sins that burden your conscience? Have you tried to ignore them or make up for them by your own effort? You can't do it. Believe that Jesus died for those sins. Then stand back and watch the mountain move.

Is your life burdened with a mountain of sorrow because you've stood over so many graves? Jesus died and rose again. And because he lives, we will live also. Believe this and watch the mountain move.

Are you frustrated with life? Has one too many setbacks filled your heart with a mountain of despair? Believe that God does not forsake you and will always do what is right. And that God will do what it takes to bring his children home. Then stand back and watch the mountain move.

Are you burdened by a single sin that seems impossible to overcome? You've tried but it's like walking up a slippery slope, taking one step forward and sliding back two. Look to Jesus and trust in his power to help you overcome temptation, because you know that mountains are no match for God!

Only Jesus can give us a faith that can move mountains. He lived and died and rose again to make such a faith possible!

Prayer:

Jesus, in the midst of the difficulties and temptations that I face daily, give me a stronger faith and lead me to call upon you in every time of need, trusting that you will always protect and help me to prosper according to your loving will. Amen.

Devotion - Matthew 21:18-22 - Jan. 5, 2010

God be Praised! - Jan. 4, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.

Luke 1:68

It had been a year since Joel’s wife had died, but he was still bitter. He couldn’t get over the mix of emotions he had. He knew he shouldn’t blame God, or even be mad at him. Still, the feelings persisted. All his friends were concerned, but they didn’t know what to say anymore.

One day Joel was going through some papers on his wife’s writing desk. There he saw a hand written letter. He was floored when he saw it was addressed to him. With great care he felt the edges of the stationery. He savored the moment. Finally, he worked up the courage to read its message. As he digested the carefully crafted letter, each word became a ray of sunshine that broke through the darkness of his grief. The letter came to an end with the words, “Praise God” and a reference to Luke chapter 1.

Without hesitation he opened his Bible searching for the reference. It had been a year since he even thought about reading it. The words jumped off the page and touched him in a way they had never done before. Joel began sobbing because he had forgotten what the Lord had meant to his wife, and especially, what the Lord had done for him.

It is easy to lose sight of God’s compassion. Enduring stress. Sudden sickness. Prolonged pain. Imminent death. Each one seeks to rob me of the reason I have to praise the Lord. Zechariah’s words are eye opening. Not only has God come into my life and redeemed me, he has been faithful to his promises (Luke 1:70), he has delivered me from all my enemies (Luke 1:71), he has shown me mercy (Luke 1:72); he has rescued me from fear (Luke 1:74), and he has declared me holy and without sin (Luke 1:75). I may think the Lord has forgotten me, or possibly forsaken me. I may even be mad at him. It doesn’t change God’s great love for me.

This is what I need to remember in times of doubt or despair. I need to look to Jesus and what he has done for me. He came to this earth to free me from fear. He suffered to release me from despair. He died to free me from being rejected by God for my sin. Jesus gives me comfort and hope. He gives me every reason to praise him as my Lord, my God, and my Savior.

Joel changed his mind about God, because he came to understand God’s undeserved love in Jesus. As I understand that same love more and more, the same change will take place in me. I will come to the same conclusion to which Zechariah came, and to which countless other believers have come: God be praised!

Prayer:

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal - 235):

Praise the Almighty; my soul adore him! Yes, I will laud him until death.
With songs and anthems I’ll come before him as long as he allows me breath.
From him my life and all things came; bless, O my soul, his holy name.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Devotion - God be Praised - Jan. 4, 2010

Grow in the Lord - Jan. 1, 2010

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:30:00 +0000

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.

1 Samuel 2:26

Today marks the beginning of a new year. This year new dreams will develop. New resolutions will be written down. New goals will be dreamed up. You will grow in wisdom. You will see children increase their knowledge. You will see people develop in the school of hard knocks.

As we look into Scripture, we also see people who grew over the years. Samuel was one of those. He grew up in the house of the high priest in Israel where he learned about his Lord. He served the Lord as he worked for the high priest. Most notable about the youth of Samuel is the description that “Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.”

As you start a new year, have you given thought about how you will continue to grow in stature and favor before the Lord? You grow as you hold on to the promises of God. Some of these promises include the promise of forgiveness for your sins, the promise of God who protects you and cares for you, the promise of God who remains with you in every situation. In addition to holding on to these promises, you also grow in stature and favor with the Lord as you live in response to the promises God has made.

So we are encouraged, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:16-17).

As you mark the beginning of a new year, take the time to also look into the Word of God. Continue to grow in your faith as you make use of his Word and apply it to your life.

Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, you have called me to faith in Jesus and kept me in that faith. As I begin a new year, continue to make my faith grow. Amen.

Devotion - Grow in the Lord - Jan. 1, 2010

Jesus is in charge. - Dec. 31, 2009

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:30:00 +0000

God seated Christ at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 1:20-23

With all the negative news in 2009, especially connected with the economic downturn, many people are glad to see this year fade into history. But what will it be like as we cross the threshold into a new year? What’s going to happen that will greatly impact our lives? It may worry us, even frighten us to imagine what 2010 holds. But God’s Word today reminds us that Jesus is in charge.

After Jesus finished the work of salvation, he ascended to heaven, and “God seated Christ at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” God’s right hand is not a special place far, far away in the sky somewhere. The right hand of God describes the almighty power of God which he uses to govern all of his creation. So the fact that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God means that he is executing the almighty power of God everywhere. He is with us wherever we go, guiding and protecting, guarding and keeping us.

God gave Jesus the position “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.”

Jesus has complete charge of the universe; he is in the position of the highest authority and holds rule over all things. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. And what makes those truths so significant as we walk into the future is that he exercises his almighty power for the good of his believers. He rules over everything for his church.

Jesus is worthy of worship because he is our Savior who freed us from the curse of our sins and gives us eternal life. This same Savior who was willing to come and humble himself to death for us is now the supreme ruler over all things on earth and in heaven forever. And his great interest is getting us from here to there, from this life to the next, from earth to heaven. He continues to use his almighty power to make that happen. Even when things seem to be going all wrong and when troubles threaten, Jesus is still in charge of everything for our good in 2010 and beyond.

Prayer:

Jesus, my loving Savior and almighty God, guide me safely in the days and years ahead protecting me from harm and danger, accident and illness. Preserve me also in my faith against temptation and sin. Fill me with confidence and peace that as I face the future you are in charge of everything for my eternal welfare. Amen.

Devotion - Jesus is in charge - Dec. 31, 2009

Matthew 21:14-17 - Dec. 30, 2009

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:30:00 +0000

The blind and the lame came to Jesus at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?" And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

Matthew 21:14-17

It was not just the money changers and the merchants that desecrated the temple in Jerusalem. God himself had come in the flesh, in the person of Jesus, to be with his people. But the leaders of the temple did not accept him. However, other people did accept him. The blind and the lame came to him to be healed. Children praised him as the Messiah. "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they shouted.

The leaders offered Jesus no praise, and they didn't want others to worship him either. They even asked him to keep the children quiet so that their songs of praise would not be heard. But Jesus said, "Have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?” Why should Jesus not accept their praise? Jesus was the one who made such genuine, childlike faith possible. The blind and the lame saw him as their only hope. The children worshiped him as the promised Savior.

But the leaders denied that Jesus was the long-awaited Savior that God has promised and pictured in the Old Testament Scriptures. They disregarded the complete way that Jesus fulfilled every word of the prophets – from his life’s activity to his life-giving teachings. The more they separated themselves from the Word of God, the more difficult it was – even impossible – for them to put their faith in God and the fulfillment of his Word.

That’s an important lesson for us to take to heart. God’s Word connects us to Jesus. If we get careless about the use of his Word or start ignoring it, we strain our connection with Jesus and the life-giving blessings that God wants us to have. And if we continue in our spiritual apathy, it can lead to defiance of his precious Word to the point where we can separate ourselves from Jesus by unbelief and fall under the eternal judgment of God.

That certainly isn’t what God wants for us! He’s given us his Word to work faith in our hearts in Jesus as our Savior and to preserve us in that saving faith until the end of our lives. His Word is vital for our lives. We need to always give it the important priority that it deserves.

For several years, these daily devotions have been offered to communicate God’s precious Word to you and to bless your life with the guidance and comfort that God reveals to us in his Word, especially through his Son, Jesus Christ. May the new year that we are about to enter hold for you many blessings from God as you continue listening to his Word and in faith follow him as your Savior. Happy New Year!

Prayer:

Years come and go, but you, Lord, are ever the same. Because of your faithfulness, I am confident of your loving kindness through Jesus. Speak to me through your Word to comfort me in troubles, guide me through difficulties, and lead me along the way you want me to go. I pray in the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Devotion - Matthew 21:14-17 - Dec. 30, 2009