Posts

The Best Truth of All: Forgiven and Free :: Romans 3:19-28

By
[Introduction] There is nothing more precious than a newborn baby. There is no better feeling than cradling one. No one more beautiful in all of creation. When we look at them, newborns all seem to be so innocent, so pure ... their tiny fingers wrapped around your knuckle. They don’t dwell on yesterday’s regrets or plan for tomorrow’s anxieties. They’re untouched by cynicism and hate. Physically, they are astonishingly fragile ... a bobbing head, wispy velvety skin.  Knowing they are completely helpless, our instinct to protect them manifests with a fierce strength that we often forget we have. And for once in our life, with a newborn in our arms ... cuddled next to our heart ... we stop thinking about ourselves, and we start actually guarding, protecting, and treasuring our neighbor as ourself.  1. [We are born in sin.] But a reality quickly sets in. That sweet child in your arms ... the one who seemingly has never lied, never lashed out, never schemed ... is already carryi...
Read more

No Better Job Than Sharing the Word of Peace :: Luke 10:1-9

By
[Introduction] Sharing peace. Can there possibly be a better job in the world than this?  This is exactly the work Jesus gave seventy-two disciples to do in our Gospel reading.  Go , he told them, and share peace in every house that receives you (v3-5). Don’t worry about what it’ll cost or what you’ll wear (v 4). ... Just keeping going, he told them, even when someone tries to get in your way. If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. If not, your peace will be returned to you (v 6). ... Go , he told them. Remind everyone that the Kingdom of God [has come and, in fact, continues to] come upon you (v 9). He will bring you peace. Seriously, now ... Could there be a better job than that? I certainly can’t imagine one.  So let’s consider the means by which we share peace, and remember where it comes from.  1. Today we are observing the Feast of Saint Luke, the beloved physician and co-worker of the Apostle Paul. None of the Gospel writers share the w...
Read more

Forgiveness Is Our Most Pressing Need :: Matthew 9:1-8

By
When Jesus saw their corrupted thoughts, he said, ‘Why do you reflect on wickedness in your hearts?  [Catechism] For the past month, we’ve been walking through the Ten Commandments. Given our Gospel reading from Matthew 9, we continue that journey today.  Please turn now to Page 321 in your [Lutheran Service Book], and join me in confessing our faithful doctrine on the Fifth Commandment. As the Head of the Family should teach them in a simple way to his household. What is the Fifth Commandment? You shall not murder (Ex 20:13, Dt 5:17 ESV). What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we may not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need. 5. It would seem the Fifth Commandment ... Don’t commit murder ... is the easiest of the Ten to keep. I mean, how hard can it be?  In Missouri, there are only two degrees of murder. Both include “knowingly causing the death of another person.” ... So don’t choose a victim. Don’t cho...
Read more

The Honor Is Now All Yours :: Matthew 22:34-46

By
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus questioned them, saying, ‘What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The [son] of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies beneath your feet’? If then David calls him Lord, how is [he] his son?’ And no one was able to answer him a word, nor was anyone bold enough from that day to question him any longer (vv 41-46). [Introduction] What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he? These were the questions Jesus asked the Pharisees after they tried to interrogate him. And they are fundamental questions we need to be able to answer reverently and correctly. The Pharisees did not answer the first question. But we will. The answer they gave to the second question ... Whose son is he? ... was faithless. Theirs was incomplete. Christ is not just David’s Son. He is not just an heir to the thr...
Read more

Remember How He Gives Us Real Rest :: Luke 14:1-11

By
And it came to pass, [Jesus] entered into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees during the Sabbath to eat bread, and they were scrutinizing him. And behold, one man with edema was before him. In response to this, Jesus said to the law experts and Pharisees, ‘Is it permissible during the Sabbath to give therapy or not?’ But they were silent. And having received [the man], [Jesus] healed and dismissed him. And to [the Pharisees and law experts he said, ‘Which of you, [when your] son or ox falls into a well, will not immediately pull him up during the Sabbath day?’ And they did not have the strength to answer against these things (vv 1-6). [Prayer] We thank you, Heavenly Father, that you have given us time to hear your Holy Word. Grant that in fear and love of you, we may set aside our work to receive your gifts and be refreshed and renewed with your peace and quietness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [Catechism] The last two weeks we turned our devotional focus toward th...
Read more