"Today's Devotion" For April 30, 2005
Read: Jude 17-23; Colossians 2:1-19
MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." (Jude 20-21)
Have you considered how marvelous a creation the human body is? It's an intricate combination of pumps, plumbing, infrastructure, and intelligence. The human heart is an engineering marvel, designed to pump, non-stop, for almost a hundred years. In order to fight disease, the body manufactures any number of antibodies and develops immunities as well. Assisted by medical science through the development of vaccines, antibiotics, surgical procedures, as well as various types of therapies and treatments, the human body is capable of withstanding intense suffering, pain, deprivation, and hardship. With the proper diet and exercise, according to medical professionals, the body's ability to fight off disease and illness, and even ward off the vagaries of old age, can be greatly enhanced.
The New Testament describes the Church as the Body of Christ. It, too, is a marvelous creation of God through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By the power of God's Word and Spirit the Body of Christ lives to serve Him and others in Jesus' name, to worship and praise the Creator, and to share the love of God in Jesus Christ with the world. Yet, just as the human body is subjected to physical suffering, illness, disease, frustration, and unhealthy practices and diets, so also is the Body of Christ. Although redeemed and restored to God through Christ, we are still sinners and subject to all the problems that Sin brings into our lives. Jude understood that issue and echoes what the Apostle Paul had said a number of times before as he does in Colossians 2. Regardless of the marvels of the Body of Christ, there are, within the Church, those who would bring illness, disease and infection upon that Body. There are those who would attempt to poison our hearts and minds and drive us away from God and His love for us in Christ. These attempts are not usually frontal assaults, but sneak up on us, just like the common cold, which, left to its own devices can turn into pneumonia.
Jude and Paul both encourage us, the members of the Body of Christ, to be alert and prepared for the assaults of Sin and unbelief upon the Church. We know that the human body needs the proper diet and exercise for physical health, the proper mental stimulation for mental health, and the proper support for emotional health. Both Jude and Paul also remind us that the Body of Christ also needs the proper spiritual diet and exercise for its spiritual health and growth as well. The spiritual diet and exercise for the Body of Christ is in the Word of God. Worship, Bible Study, prayer, acts of love and kindness, telling others about Jesus, living a life that is pleasing to God--all these are both the diet for strengthening our faith and the exercise that builds us up in faith so we might persevere no matter the temptation that would lead us away from Jesus. By such engaging in such spiritual "dieting and exercise," the Church will not only persevere in the face of false teaching, but it will also "rescue" others who have been plagued with doubts or who have been led astray by such teaching. Today is a good day to be reminded once again that we are in need of the nourishment of God's Word so that we can be ready and full of life when Jesus comes again.
Prayer: Father, I know that I'm not as faithful to Your Word and promises in Jesus Christ as I could be. Each day I'm tempted to speak and act in ways contrary to Your Will and purpose for me. I'm tempted by the allure of the world around me to get in "lock-step" with society and culture so that I don't stand out like a sore thumb. Just as I'm often not very diligent about having a healthy diet or engaging in regular exercise to keep my body healthy and strong, so also does my spiritual diet and exercise tend to suffer. Lead me to be in Your Word daily so that I might be fed with Your pure spiritual food and strengthened in my faith. Guide me to exercise my faith as I discover and take the opportunities You give to share Your love in Christ with others who are still don't know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Keep me faithful and trusting in You for all things so that I might not be led astray by false teaching, but hold fast to the truth so that I may lead others away from false teaching and into the truth of Your love in Christ; in Whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Loving At All Costs
"Today's Devotion" For April 29, 2005
Read: Mark 12:28-34; Luke 18:18-29
LOVING AT ALL COSTS
"When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth." (Lk.18:23)
As we listen to newscasts and read newspapers a trend in the stories emerges. While there are occasional accounts of goodness, it can be argued that there are more accounts of the evil people do to one another than anything else. An article in today's local paper noted that the insurgents in Iraq can only achieve control through fear because no one buys their ideas. Whatever the cause or reason, physical violence is just one part of the evil that visits itself upon the human race. In addition to the physical violence done to people we also hear about people being stripped of their life's savings by unscrupulous company financial tactics, of people facing discrimination due to people's economic, religious, racial, or lifestyle differences. The picture that's painted for us when we see these things happening to ourselves and others is that human life isn't worth very much and one's dignity is of no concern. When we add in all the other problems that affect society because of drugs, alcohol, sex, abortion, gambling, and other addictions, it's hard not to feel that there is no hope and human life is worthless.
It's hard to love those who perpetrate evil upon others. It's also hard to love those who do things that hurt themselves and others. Certainly it goes without saying that none of us would condone certain lifestyles or actions that are unquestionably contrary to God's Will. At the same time however, as Christians, we also don't condone hating, mistreating, abusing, defaming, or otherwise harming those who are involved in such things. It comes down to recognizing and accepting the truth that Christ died for EVERYONE, regardless of who or what they are. That's how great the Father's love is, and, as our two readings for today point out, His love leads us to love as He does. It's certain that hatred never changes one's heart for the better because hatred always leads to further animosity and disdain for others. On the other hand, the Gospel of God's love in Christ does change hearts and lives for the better, for it brings them into a loving, forgiven relationship with the Father. We may not condone certain lifestyles and behaviors, but we still need to share God's love with those who are in such situations so they too can repent and believe the Gospel.
The expert in the law, according to Mark, seemed to understand, at least on the surface, what it truly means to love God. Yet, Jesus makes it clear that this man was close to losing his salvation because he didn't understand that mercy toward the neighbor is the desired outcome of loving God above everything. To love God above all things means loving our neighbor as ourselves as well. The rich young ruler placed his salvation in jeopardy because his love excluded loving God above all things. Both needed to understand that loving God and one's neighbor go hand in hand. It's a reminder we need, too. It costs to love. It cost God the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary. Through that act of selfless love, grace, and mercy, our compassionate God has forgiven all our sins and we are set free from the bondage of Sin to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves. The cost of love is putting God and others ahead of ourselves and, thus, being concerned and loving even to those who aren't "lovable."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have loved me so much that, even when I wasn't "lovable," lost in sin and unbelief, You sent Your Only Son, Jesus Christ, to free me from Sin and make me Your child. Help me to appreciate that that salvation is for all people, no matter how "unlovable" they may be. Remind me that only You can make someone "lovable" in Christ, and that, as You have loved me, You also give me the faith to love You above all things and love my neighbor as myself. Lead me to exercise that love in such a way, that I might reach the "unlovable" with Christ's love and lead them to You and their salvation in Christ; in Whose name I pray. Amen.
******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Mark 12:28-34; Luke 18:18-29
LOVING AT ALL COSTS
"When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth." (Lk.18:23)
As we listen to newscasts and read newspapers a trend in the stories emerges. While there are occasional accounts of goodness, it can be argued that there are more accounts of the evil people do to one another than anything else. An article in today's local paper noted that the insurgents in Iraq can only achieve control through fear because no one buys their ideas. Whatever the cause or reason, physical violence is just one part of the evil that visits itself upon the human race. In addition to the physical violence done to people we also hear about people being stripped of their life's savings by unscrupulous company financial tactics, of people facing discrimination due to people's economic, religious, racial, or lifestyle differences. The picture that's painted for us when we see these things happening to ourselves and others is that human life isn't worth very much and one's dignity is of no concern. When we add in all the other problems that affect society because of drugs, alcohol, sex, abortion, gambling, and other addictions, it's hard not to feel that there is no hope and human life is worthless.
It's hard to love those who perpetrate evil upon others. It's also hard to love those who do things that hurt themselves and others. Certainly it goes without saying that none of us would condone certain lifestyles or actions that are unquestionably contrary to God's Will. At the same time however, as Christians, we also don't condone hating, mistreating, abusing, defaming, or otherwise harming those who are involved in such things. It comes down to recognizing and accepting the truth that Christ died for EVERYONE, regardless of who or what they are. That's how great the Father's love is, and, as our two readings for today point out, His love leads us to love as He does. It's certain that hatred never changes one's heart for the better because hatred always leads to further animosity and disdain for others. On the other hand, the Gospel of God's love in Christ does change hearts and lives for the better, for it brings them into a loving, forgiven relationship with the Father. We may not condone certain lifestyles and behaviors, but we still need to share God's love with those who are in such situations so they too can repent and believe the Gospel.
The expert in the law, according to Mark, seemed to understand, at least on the surface, what it truly means to love God. Yet, Jesus makes it clear that this man was close to losing his salvation because he didn't understand that mercy toward the neighbor is the desired outcome of loving God above everything. To love God above all things means loving our neighbor as ourselves as well. The rich young ruler placed his salvation in jeopardy because his love excluded loving God above all things. Both needed to understand that loving God and one's neighbor go hand in hand. It's a reminder we need, too. It costs to love. It cost God the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary. Through that act of selfless love, grace, and mercy, our compassionate God has forgiven all our sins and we are set free from the bondage of Sin to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves. The cost of love is putting God and others ahead of ourselves and, thus, being concerned and loving even to those who aren't "lovable."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have loved me so much that, even when I wasn't "lovable," lost in sin and unbelief, You sent Your Only Son, Jesus Christ, to free me from Sin and make me Your child. Help me to appreciate that that salvation is for all people, no matter how "unlovable" they may be. Remind me that only You can make someone "lovable" in Christ, and that, as You have loved me, You also give me the faith to love You above all things and love my neighbor as myself. Lead me to exercise that love in such a way, that I might reach the "unlovable" with Christ's love and lead them to You and their salvation in Christ; in Whose name I pray. Amen.
******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
We Are Valuable To God
"Today's Devotion" For April 28, 2005
Read: Isaiah 43:1-3; Psalm 8
WE ARE VALUABLE TO GOD
"But now, this is what the Lord says--He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.'" (Is. 43:1)
It seems to me that I remember that the human body, all told, had a "street value" of about ninety-eight cents. Despite what we might think of our own worth, it seems that all the minerals and substances that comprise our bodies aren't worth very much. I suppose that if we take inflation into consideration, each of us might be worth $1.98 or maybe even $2.98. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, as far as the material value of our bodies is concerned, we're just not worth a whole “heckuva” lot. In the City of Milwaukee, if I heard the number correctly on the news, we've already had five suspects die from police gunfire since the beginning of the year. That doesn't count the seven-year old girl shot and killed by young men chasing after and shooting at another man running away with his daughter in his arms. On top of that this city is already looking to exceed last year's homicide rate according to the most up-to-date statistics. Looking at the murders and mayhem committed on our cities' streets, not to speak of around the world, it seems pretty obvious that life is a very cheap commodity and of little use, at least for some. Abortion, euthanasia, chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons, terrorist acts and threats of war continue to bombard us with the idea that human life isn't worth much.
What a different picture of the value of life we get from God! Our Creator sees us as much more valuable and worthwhile than the murder and mayhem statistics would have us believe we are. It's God who defines our value. To Him we're not simply the minerals and other substances that make up our bodies. We have value because He has created us in His image and likeness. We are physical, spiritual, and thinking creatures. We are His special creation for He didn't just speak the Word and we came into being, but He personally formed us from the dust of the ground, breathed into our nostrils the breath of life, and we became living beings having souls (Gen. 2). Our Father in heaven who has created us doesn't care about our looks, our beauty, or our physique. He doesn't place value on us because of our prestige, or lack thereof. He could care less if we are among the very brightest or the least intelligent. He doesn't count us worthy or unworthy just because we're young or old, rich or poor, hale and hearty or sick and weak, whether we're in the womb or in the twilight of our lives.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He who is our Creator and seeks only our good, puts the highest possible value on us and every human being of every time and place. To show how valuable humanity is to Him, our Father in heaven deemed us worth the very sacrifice of His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross. His suffering and death paid the ultimate, final sacrifice for the sins of the world. His resurrection is God's loving declaration that Christ's sacrifice for our sins is once and for all time complete. Jesus has redeemed us, bought us back, from the curse of Sin, Death, and Satan. He has fulfilled the Law of God perfectly for us, in our place. He, who knows us from our mothers' wombs (Ps. 139:13) has declared us to be His very own. We are the very work of His hands, hands that became human flesh and were stretched out on the Cross for us, paying the price for our sins. No matter who we are, what we've done, what we look like, or how we think, He loves us and has declared us to be precious in His sight. He wants us to hear His call to us through the prophet Isaiah, and rejoice that nothing the world can do to us can reduce our value to Him for we are worth the very Blood of Christ on the Cross. We are valuable to God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would keep me ever mindful that the only One whose opinion about my worth matters is You. Forgive me for those times where I see myself and others as not worthy of life as I treat myself and others with contempt, failing to care for myself and others in a manner that is pleasing to You. As Jesus gave His life on the Cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world, lead me to give my life in the service of others. Guide me to live a life filled with the knowledge that I am precious in Your sight. Help me to share that reality with others so they, too, might come to know how valuable they really are to You, their Creator and Redeemer. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
***************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Isaiah 43:1-3; Psalm 8
WE ARE VALUABLE TO GOD
"But now, this is what the Lord says--He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.'" (Is. 43:1)
It seems to me that I remember that the human body, all told, had a "street value" of about ninety-eight cents. Despite what we might think of our own worth, it seems that all the minerals and substances that comprise our bodies aren't worth very much. I suppose that if we take inflation into consideration, each of us might be worth $1.98 or maybe even $2.98. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, as far as the material value of our bodies is concerned, we're just not worth a whole “heckuva” lot. In the City of Milwaukee, if I heard the number correctly on the news, we've already had five suspects die from police gunfire since the beginning of the year. That doesn't count the seven-year old girl shot and killed by young men chasing after and shooting at another man running away with his daughter in his arms. On top of that this city is already looking to exceed last year's homicide rate according to the most up-to-date statistics. Looking at the murders and mayhem committed on our cities' streets, not to speak of around the world, it seems pretty obvious that life is a very cheap commodity and of little use, at least for some. Abortion, euthanasia, chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons, terrorist acts and threats of war continue to bombard us with the idea that human life isn't worth much.
What a different picture of the value of life we get from God! Our Creator sees us as much more valuable and worthwhile than the murder and mayhem statistics would have us believe we are. It's God who defines our value. To Him we're not simply the minerals and other substances that make up our bodies. We have value because He has created us in His image and likeness. We are physical, spiritual, and thinking creatures. We are His special creation for He didn't just speak the Word and we came into being, but He personally formed us from the dust of the ground, breathed into our nostrils the breath of life, and we became living beings having souls (Gen. 2). Our Father in heaven who has created us doesn't care about our looks, our beauty, or our physique. He doesn't place value on us because of our prestige, or lack thereof. He could care less if we are among the very brightest or the least intelligent. He doesn't count us worthy or unworthy just because we're young or old, rich or poor, hale and hearty or sick and weak, whether we're in the womb or in the twilight of our lives.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He who is our Creator and seeks only our good, puts the highest possible value on us and every human being of every time and place. To show how valuable humanity is to Him, our Father in heaven deemed us worth the very sacrifice of His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross. His suffering and death paid the ultimate, final sacrifice for the sins of the world. His resurrection is God's loving declaration that Christ's sacrifice for our sins is once and for all time complete. Jesus has redeemed us, bought us back, from the curse of Sin, Death, and Satan. He has fulfilled the Law of God perfectly for us, in our place. He, who knows us from our mothers' wombs (Ps. 139:13) has declared us to be His very own. We are the very work of His hands, hands that became human flesh and were stretched out on the Cross for us, paying the price for our sins. No matter who we are, what we've done, what we look like, or how we think, He loves us and has declared us to be precious in His sight. He wants us to hear His call to us through the prophet Isaiah, and rejoice that nothing the world can do to us can reduce our value to Him for we are worth the very Blood of Christ on the Cross. We are valuable to God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would keep me ever mindful that the only One whose opinion about my worth matters is You. Forgive me for those times where I see myself and others as not worthy of life as I treat myself and others with contempt, failing to care for myself and others in a manner that is pleasing to You. As Jesus gave His life on the Cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world, lead me to give my life in the service of others. Guide me to live a life filled with the knowledge that I am precious in Your sight. Help me to share that reality with others so they, too, might come to know how valuable they really are to You, their Creator and Redeemer. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
***************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Repent And Believe For Heaven Is Near
"Today's Devotion" For April 27, 2005
Read: Matthew 12:38-45; II Peter 2:1-22
REPENT AND BELIEVE FOR HEAVEN IS NEAR
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Mt. 4:17)
If you want to start an argument, just tell someone they're not good enough to get into heaven on their own merits. If you want to push it to the brink of life threatening disaster, tell that same person that heaven is a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. That person is either going to hit you, run screaming away because he or she thinks you're crazy, or they're going to laugh you to scorn. To the mind of sinful humanity, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Cross are either gross foolishness, or incredible wisdom impossible to be grasped by human thought. Yet the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Cross are not foolish by any means. God's message of salvation is very simple: repent of your sins, believe that Christ Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world from sin, and by faith in Him your sins are forgiven and the hope and promise of eternal life in heaven is yours. Three times in Matthew 12 Jesus asserts that He is the true revelation of the Father's plan of salvation (vv.6, 41, 42). To the scribes and Pharisees that was foolishness and they demanded proof by demanding a sign. As with all people who demand proof that God's promises are sure and certain, the scribes and Pharisees wanted some sort of proof of what Jesus was saying so their own repentance and faith might be unnecessary.
Theirs was a foolish position. Jesus makes that very clear to them. He points out that the Gentiles, like the people of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba, will condemn their unbelief because those people had believed the sign of Jonah and Solomon's wisdom and repented. While Jonah's and Solomon's messages of repentance and turning to God were believed by Gentiles, the leaders of God's people, Israel, refused to believe the signs and message of repentance of the very Son of God, the Messiah, Himself. The picture Jesus paints of the man who had been cleansed of an unclean spirit is a reflection of Israel and its leaders. Just as the man who was delivered from evil but failed to change his life, so it is, Jesus says, with the chosen people and all who refuse the Gospel. Evil will return and have its way in even greater measure when God is rejected and kept out of one's life. Such were the dire consequences facing Israel and its leaders because of their rejection of the Christ.
We are just as much in need of this message today. The world around us is lost in Sin and unbelief and has the same desperate need of the message of faith and repentance as did Israel in Jesus' day. In the same way, we Christians need to be careful that we don't become complacent in our faith and forget our need for daily contrition, repentance and forgiveness. Each day it's important for us to hear the message of the Gospel so that we are strengthened in our faith, receive courage for living, and live joyously with the hope of heaven in our hearts. It's essential for us to be in the Word daily so that our spiritual house doesn't become empty, swept clean, and opened to the advances of Satan. Repent and believe the Gospel is a message we need to heed each day. We belong to Christ and we want to stay that way for eternity.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, it's just as easy for me to become as complacent about my relationship with You as the scribes and Pharisees were. It's very easy to take my relationship with You for granted. Even though I believe Your promises in the Gospel and believe the power of the Cross, I'm also capable of allowing Sin to have its way with me and lead me to live foolishly without You. Each day I need to exercise the "repent and believe" of the Gospel in my life. By Your amazing grace keep me ever firm in my faith toward You and lead me to continue diligently in Your Word that Your Spirit may keep me in You and I may serve You faithfully throughout my life. Let my life of faith and trust in You be a living witness to the importance of the foolishness of the Cross so that I may touch the lives of others with the Gospel so they may believe in You and be saved also. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 12:38-45; II Peter 2:1-22
REPENT AND BELIEVE FOR HEAVEN IS NEAR
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Mt. 4:17)
If you want to start an argument, just tell someone they're not good enough to get into heaven on their own merits. If you want to push it to the brink of life threatening disaster, tell that same person that heaven is a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. That person is either going to hit you, run screaming away because he or she thinks you're crazy, or they're going to laugh you to scorn. To the mind of sinful humanity, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Cross are either gross foolishness, or incredible wisdom impossible to be grasped by human thought. Yet the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Cross are not foolish by any means. God's message of salvation is very simple: repent of your sins, believe that Christ Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world from sin, and by faith in Him your sins are forgiven and the hope and promise of eternal life in heaven is yours. Three times in Matthew 12 Jesus asserts that He is the true revelation of the Father's plan of salvation (vv.6, 41, 42). To the scribes and Pharisees that was foolishness and they demanded proof by demanding a sign. As with all people who demand proof that God's promises are sure and certain, the scribes and Pharisees wanted some sort of proof of what Jesus was saying so their own repentance and faith might be unnecessary.
Theirs was a foolish position. Jesus makes that very clear to them. He points out that the Gentiles, like the people of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba, will condemn their unbelief because those people had believed the sign of Jonah and Solomon's wisdom and repented. While Jonah's and Solomon's messages of repentance and turning to God were believed by Gentiles, the leaders of God's people, Israel, refused to believe the signs and message of repentance of the very Son of God, the Messiah, Himself. The picture Jesus paints of the man who had been cleansed of an unclean spirit is a reflection of Israel and its leaders. Just as the man who was delivered from evil but failed to change his life, so it is, Jesus says, with the chosen people and all who refuse the Gospel. Evil will return and have its way in even greater measure when God is rejected and kept out of one's life. Such were the dire consequences facing Israel and its leaders because of their rejection of the Christ.
We are just as much in need of this message today. The world around us is lost in Sin and unbelief and has the same desperate need of the message of faith and repentance as did Israel in Jesus' day. In the same way, we Christians need to be careful that we don't become complacent in our faith and forget our need for daily contrition, repentance and forgiveness. Each day it's important for us to hear the message of the Gospel so that we are strengthened in our faith, receive courage for living, and live joyously with the hope of heaven in our hearts. It's essential for us to be in the Word daily so that our spiritual house doesn't become empty, swept clean, and opened to the advances of Satan. Repent and believe the Gospel is a message we need to heed each day. We belong to Christ and we want to stay that way for eternity.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, it's just as easy for me to become as complacent about my relationship with You as the scribes and Pharisees were. It's very easy to take my relationship with You for granted. Even though I believe Your promises in the Gospel and believe the power of the Cross, I'm also capable of allowing Sin to have its way with me and lead me to live foolishly without You. Each day I need to exercise the "repent and believe" of the Gospel in my life. By Your amazing grace keep me ever firm in my faith toward You and lead me to continue diligently in Your Word that Your Spirit may keep me in You and I may serve You faithfully throughout my life. Let my life of faith and trust in You be a living witness to the importance of the foolishness of the Cross so that I may touch the lives of others with the Gospel so they may believe in You and be saved also. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Pay Attention To God's Direction
"Today's Devotion" For April 26, 2005
Read: II Peter 3:1-9; Psalm 19
PAY ATTENTION TO GOD'S DIRECTION
"He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (II Pet. 3:9b)
There's an old saying that, "Women are bad at giving directions, and men are bad about asking for directions." The first part may be true of many, I suppose, but I can tell you it's not true for my wife. On the other hand, I can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt that the second part is absolutely true, at least ninety-five percent of the time. It's taken me a lot of years to admit sometimes even the maps are wrong and I have to stop and ask directions. Two things have transpired in addition. I'm no longer able to see as well as I'd like, so I can't read the small print on the map without assistance--which is impossible to do while driving (I know, I know, I shouldn't read a map while driving anyhow--O the foolishness of youth!). In the second place, my wife is really good at map reading and getting me where I need to go, so I depend a whole lot on her navigation skills to get to our destination. In short, I really do need a lot of help to get where I want to go.
There was a bus traveling in circles, hopelessly lost for nearly an hour. The passengers repeatedly urged the driver to stop and ask for directions so they could get home. Ignoring their pleas, the driver continued to search for the right road. He just wouldn't admit that he was lost. Finally, after passing a red barn for the third time, one passenger could no longer stand it. "Stop. Look. Listen. You're lost. Admit it. Turn around and check your directions," he blurted. The angry and frustrated driver hit the brakes, made a U-turn and pulled into the nearest service station to ask directions. That's when he found the way home.
How about you and me? Are we headed in the right direction in our lives? No doubt it can be said that there isn't anyone who really wants to admit being lost when it comes to the direction of their lives. Often, however, we are and we require a "kick in the rear" or a "two- by-four 'cross side the head" to get our attention and wake us up to the reality that we're headed the wrong way. God, however, knows better than we do. Throughout the Old Testament He sent the prophets to get His people's attention--often to no avail. That same stubborn refusal to pay attention to God's direction persisted to the days of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself, both of whom came preaching. "Repent (that is turn around)! Recognize that you're spiritually lost. Pay attention to God's direction!"
Seeking God's direction is something necessary for us on a daily basis. In order for our lives to be headed in the right direction, it's necessary for us to be spiritually headed in the right direction. If we want to be headed on the path to eternal life with Christ, we need to keep that path in front of us every day. Sin leads us off in so many wrong directions it's easy to get lost and stop following Jesus' path. Daily contrition (sorrow over our sins) and repentance is essential in our walk with Jesus. Martin Luther advises us that, upon arising every morning, we should make the sign of the Cross to remind us that God has declared us to be His own in Holy Baptism and that we have the power of His Spirit to lead us in the paths of righteousness in our daily living. He further advises us that each night, before we go to sleep, it's a good thing to get on our knees and pray, "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner."
It's okay to ask for spiritual direction. Paying attention to God's direction isn't natural for us, but it is essential for life with Him. There isn't one person who doesn't need His direction for living because while the road is straight, but narrow, as Jesus notes for us, our sense of direction is totally distorted by Sin. Only God's Word and Spirit can put us back on the road to eternal life and keep us there. Together may all of God's people be encouraging of each other and, being blessed by God by the sharing of His Word, may we help one another to "pay attention to God's direction."
Prayer: Father, it's my nature to think I can handle my path through life without consulting You for direction. My sinful pride gets in the way of humble faithfulness and I tend to think I've got all the answers. I too often find out I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going until it's too late to avoid painful consequences. Forgive me for being so spiritually "dunderheaded." By the power of Your Word and Spirit lead me to daily seek Your Will and direction for my life. Help me to pay attention to Your direction so that I might be a living example of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to those around me. As I live my life guided by Your direction, let Christ's love live in me so that others might see Jesus through me and "turn around and get directions" to eternal life with You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: II Peter 3:1-9; Psalm 19
PAY ATTENTION TO GOD'S DIRECTION
"He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (II Pet. 3:9b)
There's an old saying that, "Women are bad at giving directions, and men are bad about asking for directions." The first part may be true of many, I suppose, but I can tell you it's not true for my wife. On the other hand, I can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt that the second part is absolutely true, at least ninety-five percent of the time. It's taken me a lot of years to admit sometimes even the maps are wrong and I have to stop and ask directions. Two things have transpired in addition. I'm no longer able to see as well as I'd like, so I can't read the small print on the map without assistance--which is impossible to do while driving (I know, I know, I shouldn't read a map while driving anyhow--O the foolishness of youth!). In the second place, my wife is really good at map reading and getting me where I need to go, so I depend a whole lot on her navigation skills to get to our destination. In short, I really do need a lot of help to get where I want to go.
There was a bus traveling in circles, hopelessly lost for nearly an hour. The passengers repeatedly urged the driver to stop and ask for directions so they could get home. Ignoring their pleas, the driver continued to search for the right road. He just wouldn't admit that he was lost. Finally, after passing a red barn for the third time, one passenger could no longer stand it. "Stop. Look. Listen. You're lost. Admit it. Turn around and check your directions," he blurted. The angry and frustrated driver hit the brakes, made a U-turn and pulled into the nearest service station to ask directions. That's when he found the way home.
How about you and me? Are we headed in the right direction in our lives? No doubt it can be said that there isn't anyone who really wants to admit being lost when it comes to the direction of their lives. Often, however, we are and we require a "kick in the rear" or a "two- by-four 'cross side the head" to get our attention and wake us up to the reality that we're headed the wrong way. God, however, knows better than we do. Throughout the Old Testament He sent the prophets to get His people's attention--often to no avail. That same stubborn refusal to pay attention to God's direction persisted to the days of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself, both of whom came preaching. "Repent (that is turn around)! Recognize that you're spiritually lost. Pay attention to God's direction!"
Seeking God's direction is something necessary for us on a daily basis. In order for our lives to be headed in the right direction, it's necessary for us to be spiritually headed in the right direction. If we want to be headed on the path to eternal life with Christ, we need to keep that path in front of us every day. Sin leads us off in so many wrong directions it's easy to get lost and stop following Jesus' path. Daily contrition (sorrow over our sins) and repentance is essential in our walk with Jesus. Martin Luther advises us that, upon arising every morning, we should make the sign of the Cross to remind us that God has declared us to be His own in Holy Baptism and that we have the power of His Spirit to lead us in the paths of righteousness in our daily living. He further advises us that each night, before we go to sleep, it's a good thing to get on our knees and pray, "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner."
It's okay to ask for spiritual direction. Paying attention to God's direction isn't natural for us, but it is essential for life with Him. There isn't one person who doesn't need His direction for living because while the road is straight, but narrow, as Jesus notes for us, our sense of direction is totally distorted by Sin. Only God's Word and Spirit can put us back on the road to eternal life and keep us there. Together may all of God's people be encouraging of each other and, being blessed by God by the sharing of His Word, may we help one another to "pay attention to God's direction."
Prayer: Father, it's my nature to think I can handle my path through life without consulting You for direction. My sinful pride gets in the way of humble faithfulness and I tend to think I've got all the answers. I too often find out I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going until it's too late to avoid painful consequences. Forgive me for being so spiritually "dunderheaded." By the power of Your Word and Spirit lead me to daily seek Your Will and direction for my life. Help me to pay attention to Your direction so that I might be a living example of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to those around me. As I live my life guided by Your direction, let Christ's love live in me so that others might see Jesus through me and "turn around and get directions" to eternal life with You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Created To Do God's Will
"Today's Devotion" For April 25, 2005
Read: I John 2:15-17; Romans 1:18-32
CREATED TO DO GOD'S WILL
"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (I Jn. 2:17)
What a wonderful creation the world is! Just look around at the earth and you'll see some pretty phenomenal things. God's creation is magnificent, a thing of beauty, and a marvelous blessing. I stand awestruck at the magnificent way God has created the plants and the animals. Observing rivers, streams, and creeks meandering and wandering throughout the landscape reflects the ongoing nature of God's creation as these ever moving bodies of water continue to carve niches in the earth. The power of the oceans and the calm of the lakes show the power of God's hand in nature. His majesty and his glory are reflected in mountain ranges. Gazing at the stars, feeling the warmth of the sun, and observing the effect of the moon on everything from tides to human behavior, it's not too difficult to realize God's eternal, ever-present nature.
In sharp contrast to the marvels of Creation and the power of God reflected in the Creation, stands all the things we human beings, created and blessed by God, have invented to harness all the power of God's Creation. We've harnessed many of the principles of physics in order to provide transportation to the store, across oceans, through the air, and to the moon. Everyday the principles of chemistry which continue to keep God's creation green (the chemical reaction called photosynthesis), immunize people from diseases (vaccines), and heal the sick (medicines) continue to guide us to new understandings of God's created order. The principles of science in general and the creative energy which God gave each of us specifically, provide our world with wondrous inventions and magnificent artistry. By using these gifts and blessings, we're able to participate with our Father in heaven in His Creation and His preservation of His Creation.
Sadly, despite all of these wonderful blessings from the creating hand of God, our world is still filled with great evil which would seek to destroy all of God's Creation, especially humanity. Since the Fall into Sin (Gen. 3), human beings have misused and abused God's Creation. As St. Paul notes in his letter to the Romans, rather than people using the blessings of Creation for the good of others, sinful human beings have abused Creation and have worshiped it rather than its Creator. Humanity carries on the Sin of Adam and Eve, losing sight of God's will and allowing Sin to disrupt both our lives and the environment in which we live. We allow our egos and our accomplishments in harnessing the forces of nature to get in the way of the Will of God. We're also warned by John to avoid the trap of allowing our ambitions, desires, lusts, and cravings to take first place in our lives, and thus displace God..
Putting our focus on the "here and now" is one of the most challenges that Sin places at our feet. We human beings find it to be so very easy to put our focus on what we want rather than what God wants; focusing on the present and immediate gratification rather than the future when we're received into our Father's house in heaven, where we will live for all eternity because of Jesus Christ. By God's grace and mercy, we are changed, our thinking cleared, so that we don't focus our felt needs and ambitious desires for what we human beings consider success. God sends His Spirit to us each day in His Word and in our Baptisms so that we might know and live in His love as forgiven and restored creatures of our Creator. Living in that love of God in Jesus Christ, our lives are re-created each and every day so that we might live in God's forgiveness, be filled with care and concern for others, and focus our lives on sharing Christ's love with others who are still lost and dying in their Sin. We plan our lives around our felt needs and ambitious desires to be achievers. Yet God only expects us to know and live in His love, so that we might live forgiven lives, full of caring and concern for others. We share His love with others as we have received it so that others might know the same hope of eternal life in heaven just as we have received.
Prayer: Father, doing Your will is really hard at times. I'm tempted by the "pleasure" and "prestige" this world can give me. The world presents them so appealingly that they sure look good to me. As I face those temptations each day, give me, I pray, the faith and wisdom I need to overcome all temptation and focus my life on doing Your Will and sharing Your love in Christ with a lost and fallen world. Hear me, gracious Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I John 2:15-17; Romans 1:18-32
CREATED TO DO GOD'S WILL
"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (I Jn. 2:17)
What a wonderful creation the world is! Just look around at the earth and you'll see some pretty phenomenal things. God's creation is magnificent, a thing of beauty, and a marvelous blessing. I stand awestruck at the magnificent way God has created the plants and the animals. Observing rivers, streams, and creeks meandering and wandering throughout the landscape reflects the ongoing nature of God's creation as these ever moving bodies of water continue to carve niches in the earth. The power of the oceans and the calm of the lakes show the power of God's hand in nature. His majesty and his glory are reflected in mountain ranges. Gazing at the stars, feeling the warmth of the sun, and observing the effect of the moon on everything from tides to human behavior, it's not too difficult to realize God's eternal, ever-present nature.
In sharp contrast to the marvels of Creation and the power of God reflected in the Creation, stands all the things we human beings, created and blessed by God, have invented to harness all the power of God's Creation. We've harnessed many of the principles of physics in order to provide transportation to the store, across oceans, through the air, and to the moon. Everyday the principles of chemistry which continue to keep God's creation green (the chemical reaction called photosynthesis), immunize people from diseases (vaccines), and heal the sick (medicines) continue to guide us to new understandings of God's created order. The principles of science in general and the creative energy which God gave each of us specifically, provide our world with wondrous inventions and magnificent artistry. By using these gifts and blessings, we're able to participate with our Father in heaven in His Creation and His preservation of His Creation.
Sadly, despite all of these wonderful blessings from the creating hand of God, our world is still filled with great evil which would seek to destroy all of God's Creation, especially humanity. Since the Fall into Sin (Gen. 3), human beings have misused and abused God's Creation. As St. Paul notes in his letter to the Romans, rather than people using the blessings of Creation for the good of others, sinful human beings have abused Creation and have worshiped it rather than its Creator. Humanity carries on the Sin of Adam and Eve, losing sight of God's will and allowing Sin to disrupt both our lives and the environment in which we live. We allow our egos and our accomplishments in harnessing the forces of nature to get in the way of the Will of God. We're also warned by John to avoid the trap of allowing our ambitions, desires, lusts, and cravings to take first place in our lives, and thus displace God..
Putting our focus on the "here and now" is one of the most challenges that Sin places at our feet. We human beings find it to be so very easy to put our focus on what we want rather than what God wants; focusing on the present and immediate gratification rather than the future when we're received into our Father's house in heaven, where we will live for all eternity because of Jesus Christ. By God's grace and mercy, we are changed, our thinking cleared, so that we don't focus our felt needs and ambitious desires for what we human beings consider success. God sends His Spirit to us each day in His Word and in our Baptisms so that we might know and live in His love as forgiven and restored creatures of our Creator. Living in that love of God in Jesus Christ, our lives are re-created each and every day so that we might live in God's forgiveness, be filled with care and concern for others, and focus our lives on sharing Christ's love with others who are still lost and dying in their Sin. We plan our lives around our felt needs and ambitious desires to be achievers. Yet God only expects us to know and live in His love, so that we might live forgiven lives, full of caring and concern for others. We share His love with others as we have received it so that others might know the same hope of eternal life in heaven just as we have received.
Prayer: Father, doing Your will is really hard at times. I'm tempted by the "pleasure" and "prestige" this world can give me. The world presents them so appealingly that they sure look good to me. As I face those temptations each day, give me, I pray, the faith and wisdom I need to overcome all temptation and focus my life on doing Your Will and sharing Your love in Christ with a lost and fallen world. Hear me, gracious Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Keeping Heaven In Sight
"Today's Devotion" For April 23, 2005
Read: John 14:1-7; Revelation 21:1-5
KEEPING HEAVEN IN SIGHT
"There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4)
A Sunday School teacher once asked her fourth grade class to describe how each of them viewed heaven. Some of the children’s response are quite amazing:
1) "Only good people go to heaven. The others go to where it's hot all the time, like Florida."
2) "Maybe I'll die someday, but I hope I don't die on my birthday, because it's no fun to celebrate your birthday when you're dead."
3) "When you die, you don't have to do homework in heaven, unless your teacher is there too."
As I read these wonderfully simple and humorous descriptions of heaven, I was reminded how vital and important it is for us to be certain of the reality of heaven for our lives. Last night I went to the funeral home because a cousin had died earlier this week at the age of 84. While talking with his older son, a man my age, he noted that his dad had suffered from his heart condition for some time. He had been at a hospice, but wanted to come home where he continued to receive hospice care and the care of his daughter. It made him more comfortable and he died peacefully. Then my cousin Ronnie said something even more important. He told me that his dad had prayed every day that God would call him home to heaven.
So often our world considers heaven, and its converse, hell, to be nonsense and simply fables. Too many people forget the faith of their childhoods and grow cynical and unable to believe in heaven, much less hell. While the children's responses to their teacher's question weren't what we might call "classic theology," they were theological nevertheless. Sadly, as these and other children grow up, their faith in Jesus doesn't always come with them and heaven becomes simply another "feel good" idea. As we look around at the people with whom we work, play, and have contact each day it would be interesting to know how many of them truly know and understand the marvelous promises of God in Christ, that their sins are forgiven by faith in Him, and that they have a sure and certain assurance of eternal life with God in heaven.
It was good to hear that my cousin had not forgotten where his real home is. His confident trust in Jesus had been evident as long as I'd known him, particularly as I was growing up. His final days were a testimony to his family and friends of that faith and confidence. In our daily walk of faith, that same assurance of heaven is ours as well. While still living on this earth we have the confident assurance that we also live in our Father's Kingdom, and that our ultimate, final home is in Jesus' arms in heaven. Filled with the hope and peace that faith in Christ brings into our lives, we live for Him each day, reaching out with confidence and hope to others who don't know Him or His love. Living in a complex, complicated, and cynical world, having the confidence of heaven by faith in Christ is a special treasure and a marvelous blessing. In our daily walk of faith, that confidence fills our lives and gives us the courage to live for Jesus, for the benefit of others and the glory of our Father in heaven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as You have promised to prepare a place for me and all Your saints in heaven, help me to remain faithful to You that I may claim the "crown of life that doesn't fade away." Lead me to live each day faithfully so that others might see Your love, grace, and mercy through me and be brought to a saving knowledge of You. When problems, sorrows, pain, trials and tribulations arise, help me to take comfort and strength in not only Your love for me, but also the fact that Heaven is my home and nothing can keep me from it. Hear my pray O Lord. Amen.
********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: John 14:1-7; Revelation 21:1-5
KEEPING HEAVEN IN SIGHT
"There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4)
A Sunday School teacher once asked her fourth grade class to describe how each of them viewed heaven. Some of the children’s response are quite amazing:
1) "Only good people go to heaven. The others go to where it's hot all the time, like Florida."
2) "Maybe I'll die someday, but I hope I don't die on my birthday, because it's no fun to celebrate your birthday when you're dead."
3) "When you die, you don't have to do homework in heaven, unless your teacher is there too."
As I read these wonderfully simple and humorous descriptions of heaven, I was reminded how vital and important it is for us to be certain of the reality of heaven for our lives. Last night I went to the funeral home because a cousin had died earlier this week at the age of 84. While talking with his older son, a man my age, he noted that his dad had suffered from his heart condition for some time. He had been at a hospice, but wanted to come home where he continued to receive hospice care and the care of his daughter. It made him more comfortable and he died peacefully. Then my cousin Ronnie said something even more important. He told me that his dad had prayed every day that God would call him home to heaven.
So often our world considers heaven, and its converse, hell, to be nonsense and simply fables. Too many people forget the faith of their childhoods and grow cynical and unable to believe in heaven, much less hell. While the children's responses to their teacher's question weren't what we might call "classic theology," they were theological nevertheless. Sadly, as these and other children grow up, their faith in Jesus doesn't always come with them and heaven becomes simply another "feel good" idea. As we look around at the people with whom we work, play, and have contact each day it would be interesting to know how many of them truly know and understand the marvelous promises of God in Christ, that their sins are forgiven by faith in Him, and that they have a sure and certain assurance of eternal life with God in heaven.
It was good to hear that my cousin had not forgotten where his real home is. His confident trust in Jesus had been evident as long as I'd known him, particularly as I was growing up. His final days were a testimony to his family and friends of that faith and confidence. In our daily walk of faith, that same assurance of heaven is ours as well. While still living on this earth we have the confident assurance that we also live in our Father's Kingdom, and that our ultimate, final home is in Jesus' arms in heaven. Filled with the hope and peace that faith in Christ brings into our lives, we live for Him each day, reaching out with confidence and hope to others who don't know Him or His love. Living in a complex, complicated, and cynical world, having the confidence of heaven by faith in Christ is a special treasure and a marvelous blessing. In our daily walk of faith, that confidence fills our lives and gives us the courage to live for Jesus, for the benefit of others and the glory of our Father in heaven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as You have promised to prepare a place for me and all Your saints in heaven, help me to remain faithful to You that I may claim the "crown of life that doesn't fade away." Lead me to live each day faithfully so that others might see Your love, grace, and mercy through me and be brought to a saving knowledge of You. When problems, sorrows, pain, trials and tribulations arise, help me to take comfort and strength in not only Your love for me, but also the fact that Heaven is my home and nothing can keep me from it. Hear my pray O Lord. Amen.
********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Conquering Our Fears Through Him Who Loves Us
"Today's Devotion" For April 22, 2005
Read: Matthew 6:19-34; Romans 8:31-39
CONQUERORING OUR FEARS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVES US
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Rom. 8:37)
In the early days of our nation's history a traveler came to the banks of the Mississippi River. It was early winter and the traveler faced a decision as to whether or not he could cross the river on the ice that covered it. There was no bridge. It was his only option unless he wished to remain where he was. The one overriding concern he had, of course, was whether or not the ice was too thin to support his safe crossing. Needing to get across the river, however, the traveler began to gingerly pick his way across the ice, creeping along cautiously on his hands and knees. About halfway across he heard singing behind him. Looking to see where the singing was coming from, he was amazed to see a man coming out of the dusk driving a horse-drawn load of coal across the ice all the while singing merrily along his way. The traveler was flabbergasted. While there he was on his hands and knees trembling with fear that the ice would break under his weight, in front of him, as if whisked along by the winter's wind, a man, a horse, a load of coal, and a sleigh were all being held up by the same ice on which he was creeping.
We're often like the traveler when it comes to trusting God's promises. We face uncertainties in our lives and instead of trusting that God will see us through them, we end up on our hands and knees crawling gingerly along through life, afraid of what might come next. We end up afraid to step boldly forth and appropriate God's promises for ourselves. The end result is that we very often fail to truly appreciate one of God's most precious promises to us--the forgiveness of sins that is ours in Jesus Christ. We often don't truly appreciate or comprehend the daily miracle of God's love to us in Jesus Christ.. We have a nagging tendency to depend upon ourselves rather than trusting God to deliver us from every evil and to provide for us under even the most dangerous and trying of circumstances. Sadly, however, we’re often most guilty of forgetting His promises when everything is going smoothly in our lives. Strangely enough, when things are going the best they've ever gone, that seems to be the time when we're the most likely to creep along upon God's promises, as if too much of a good thing must mean that the “other shoe is about to drop.”
Jesus understands our weakness of faith. He knows our doubts and our insecurities. He knows and understands that we often don't think about Him until things get really tough. Even then, He understands that it still takes us a long time to completely put ourselves into His loving care and trust His promises and His love. Regardless of all our failures to live boldly in God's promises our God and Lord still forgives us of all of our sins. Jesus' loving call to us is still "Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt.11:28). With confidence born of faith in Jesus, God's own gift to us by the power of His Word and Spirit, we are certain that we can overcome anything that would keep us from His love. We are "more than conquerors" through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. In Christ we live lives of confident faith, filled with confident days of service to others in Jesus' name.
Prayer: Father, I thank You continuing to carry out Your promises in my life, regardless of my doubts and fears. You have given me the very faith You require of me for my salvation. In Jesus, even when I'm filled with doubts and fears, You give me Your forgiveness of all my sins and strengthen me in faith so that I might live confidently and boldly for You. Help me to be an effective and fearless witness of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others each day of my life. Help me stand on Your promises with confident joy, reflecting the image of Christ Jesus to others so they come to know Him and Your love through me. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 6:19-34; Romans 8:31-39
CONQUERORING OUR FEARS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVES US
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Rom. 8:37)
In the early days of our nation's history a traveler came to the banks of the Mississippi River. It was early winter and the traveler faced a decision as to whether or not he could cross the river on the ice that covered it. There was no bridge. It was his only option unless he wished to remain where he was. The one overriding concern he had, of course, was whether or not the ice was too thin to support his safe crossing. Needing to get across the river, however, the traveler began to gingerly pick his way across the ice, creeping along cautiously on his hands and knees. About halfway across he heard singing behind him. Looking to see where the singing was coming from, he was amazed to see a man coming out of the dusk driving a horse-drawn load of coal across the ice all the while singing merrily along his way. The traveler was flabbergasted. While there he was on his hands and knees trembling with fear that the ice would break under his weight, in front of him, as if whisked along by the winter's wind, a man, a horse, a load of coal, and a sleigh were all being held up by the same ice on which he was creeping.
We're often like the traveler when it comes to trusting God's promises. We face uncertainties in our lives and instead of trusting that God will see us through them, we end up on our hands and knees crawling gingerly along through life, afraid of what might come next. We end up afraid to step boldly forth and appropriate God's promises for ourselves. The end result is that we very often fail to truly appreciate one of God's most precious promises to us--the forgiveness of sins that is ours in Jesus Christ. We often don't truly appreciate or comprehend the daily miracle of God's love to us in Jesus Christ.. We have a nagging tendency to depend upon ourselves rather than trusting God to deliver us from every evil and to provide for us under even the most dangerous and trying of circumstances. Sadly, however, we’re often most guilty of forgetting His promises when everything is going smoothly in our lives. Strangely enough, when things are going the best they've ever gone, that seems to be the time when we're the most likely to creep along upon God's promises, as if too much of a good thing must mean that the “other shoe is about to drop.”
Jesus understands our weakness of faith. He knows our doubts and our insecurities. He knows and understands that we often don't think about Him until things get really tough. Even then, He understands that it still takes us a long time to completely put ourselves into His loving care and trust His promises and His love. Regardless of all our failures to live boldly in God's promises our God and Lord still forgives us of all of our sins. Jesus' loving call to us is still "Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt.11:28). With confidence born of faith in Jesus, God's own gift to us by the power of His Word and Spirit, we are certain that we can overcome anything that would keep us from His love. We are "more than conquerors" through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. In Christ we live lives of confident faith, filled with confident days of service to others in Jesus' name.
Prayer: Father, I thank You continuing to carry out Your promises in my life, regardless of my doubts and fears. You have given me the very faith You require of me for my salvation. In Jesus, even when I'm filled with doubts and fears, You give me Your forgiveness of all my sins and strengthen me in faith so that I might live confidently and boldly for You. Help me to be an effective and fearless witness of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others each day of my life. Help me stand on Your promises with confident joy, reflecting the image of Christ Jesus to others so they come to know Him and Your love through me. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Having Conversations About Faith In Jesus
"Today's Devotion" For April 21, 2005
Read: Luke 7:1-10; Hebrews 11:1-12:7
HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT FAITH IN JESUS
"'I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.'" (Lk.7:10)
I don't want to belabor the fact that the Roman Catholic Church has a new pope, Pope Benedict XVI. It's in all the newspapers and the media is still "analyzing" the election and ascension of the former Cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger to that position. One of the continuing refrains I've heard, amidst all the accolades and criticisms concerning his election, is that he is considered a man of great faith in Christ. A youth minister from a nearby community was interviewed because he had been a theology student of Cardinal Ratzinger years ago in Germany and he commented on the Pope's ability to explain complexities of faith simply in addition to having a great faith. It seems to me that what's important about these reports isn't the information pertaining to the new pope, but the conversations about the Christian faith that are occurring around the world because of his election. It seems that people are both curious and envious when it comes to questions of faith and what they perceive to be "great faith" in others. A Lutheran pastor, Pastor Donald Ehlers speaks to this as he recounts the following: "Some years ago a woman come to me about a personal problem. During our conversation she said to me, 'You must have a great faith!' 'Why do you say that?' I asked. 'Because you are a pastor' she answered. I was embarrassed. If she only knew how often I have envied the faith of others! In every congregation I have served there have been certain members with a great faith. They have endured so much, yet they cling to the Lord. I admire their faith!"
Jesus often carried on conversations about faith. For Him, it was important to point to the faith of others as examples for those yearning for a relationship with God. Throughout the Gospels there are accounts of the incredible faith of different people, from the Canaanite woman seeking Jesus' help in healing her daughter, to the woman suffering from an "issue of blood," to the Centurion in today's account from Luke who wished to have his servant healed. Jesus admired and rewarded great faith. He not only notes the faith of those who call upon Him for help to others, but He also responds to their faithfulness by hearing and answering their prayers. As in many cases of great faith described in the Gospels, Luke points out that the Centurion was a Gentile and, thus, not one of the chosen people of Israel. He had no claim by birth or birthright to Jesus' promises, yet he trusted and believed that Jesus, the Christ, had come to redeem him as well. He joins the ranks of those who, throughout the Old Testament Scriptures had faithfully clung to God's promises of salvation. Many of those who believed were, notably, Gentiles as well. In true faith they endured great hardships because they put their trust in God's deliverance. Having conversations about faith in Jesus leads us to look for examples of faith from which we can gain encouragement and hope in our lives. In so doing we follow in the footsteps of people fo faith throughout the Scriptures, as the writer to the Hebrews notes in the reading for today.
To truly believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior from Sin is to have a faith that has substance and saves from Sin, Death, and Satan. Such faith in Christ gives us confidence that the grave can't hold us and that eternal life, totally restored to our Father in heaven, is the very sure and certain promise of our gracious and loving God. Saving faith assures us that our God and Father is at all times present in our lives and provides us with everything we need for our lives and living. Having "faith conversations about Jesus" means living our faith for the world to see, for as we live in Christ and He in us others will see Jesus through and in us. Following the examples of the men and women of faith throughout the Scriptures, we realize that living out our faith leads to "faith conversations about Jesus" as people seek to know why we, as God's redeemed children in Christ, rejoice in suffering, face trials and challenges with courage, and daily give thanks for God's blessings even in difficult times and circumstances. We have the tremendous privilege and responsibility to engage in such "faith conversation about Jesus" so that others might receive what we have received--the forgiveness of sins and the hope and promise of eternal life with Christ.
Prayer: Gracious Father, as You have granted me saving faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, lead me to live it in such a way that I might be an example of faith-filled living to others. Remind me each day that, as I live by faith in Christ and am blessed in my relationship with You through Him, I am engaged in "faith conversations about Jesus" with everyone I meet. By the power of Your Word and Spirit lead me to boldly proclaim my faith in Jesus with my life and my speech. Let others see Jesus in me, so that, being so introduced to Him, they might be blessed with the gift of faith so that others might see Jesus in them as well. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
******************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Luke 7:1-10; Hebrews 11:1-12:7
HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT FAITH IN JESUS
"'I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.'" (Lk.7:10)
I don't want to belabor the fact that the Roman Catholic Church has a new pope, Pope Benedict XVI. It's in all the newspapers and the media is still "analyzing" the election and ascension of the former Cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger to that position. One of the continuing refrains I've heard, amidst all the accolades and criticisms concerning his election, is that he is considered a man of great faith in Christ. A youth minister from a nearby community was interviewed because he had been a theology student of Cardinal Ratzinger years ago in Germany and he commented on the Pope's ability to explain complexities of faith simply in addition to having a great faith. It seems to me that what's important about these reports isn't the information pertaining to the new pope, but the conversations about the Christian faith that are occurring around the world because of his election. It seems that people are both curious and envious when it comes to questions of faith and what they perceive to be "great faith" in others. A Lutheran pastor, Pastor Donald Ehlers speaks to this as he recounts the following: "Some years ago a woman come to me about a personal problem. During our conversation she said to me, 'You must have a great faith!' 'Why do you say that?' I asked. 'Because you are a pastor' she answered. I was embarrassed. If she only knew how often I have envied the faith of others! In every congregation I have served there have been certain members with a great faith. They have endured so much, yet they cling to the Lord. I admire their faith!"
Jesus often carried on conversations about faith. For Him, it was important to point to the faith of others as examples for those yearning for a relationship with God. Throughout the Gospels there are accounts of the incredible faith of different people, from the Canaanite woman seeking Jesus' help in healing her daughter, to the woman suffering from an "issue of blood," to the Centurion in today's account from Luke who wished to have his servant healed. Jesus admired and rewarded great faith. He not only notes the faith of those who call upon Him for help to others, but He also responds to their faithfulness by hearing and answering their prayers. As in many cases of great faith described in the Gospels, Luke points out that the Centurion was a Gentile and, thus, not one of the chosen people of Israel. He had no claim by birth or birthright to Jesus' promises, yet he trusted and believed that Jesus, the Christ, had come to redeem him as well. He joins the ranks of those who, throughout the Old Testament Scriptures had faithfully clung to God's promises of salvation. Many of those who believed were, notably, Gentiles as well. In true faith they endured great hardships because they put their trust in God's deliverance. Having conversations about faith in Jesus leads us to look for examples of faith from which we can gain encouragement and hope in our lives. In so doing we follow in the footsteps of people fo faith throughout the Scriptures, as the writer to the Hebrews notes in the reading for today.
To truly believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior from Sin is to have a faith that has substance and saves from Sin, Death, and Satan. Such faith in Christ gives us confidence that the grave can't hold us and that eternal life, totally restored to our Father in heaven, is the very sure and certain promise of our gracious and loving God. Saving faith assures us that our God and Father is at all times present in our lives and provides us with everything we need for our lives and living. Having "faith conversations about Jesus" means living our faith for the world to see, for as we live in Christ and He in us others will see Jesus through and in us. Following the examples of the men and women of faith throughout the Scriptures, we realize that living out our faith leads to "faith conversations about Jesus" as people seek to know why we, as God's redeemed children in Christ, rejoice in suffering, face trials and challenges with courage, and daily give thanks for God's blessings even in difficult times and circumstances. We have the tremendous privilege and responsibility to engage in such "faith conversation about Jesus" so that others might receive what we have received--the forgiveness of sins and the hope and promise of eternal life with Christ.
Prayer: Gracious Father, as You have granted me saving faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, lead me to live it in such a way that I might be an example of faith-filled living to others. Remind me each day that, as I live by faith in Christ and am blessed in my relationship with You through Him, I am engaged in "faith conversations about Jesus" with everyone I meet. By the power of Your Word and Spirit lead me to boldly proclaim my faith in Jesus with my life and my speech. Let others see Jesus in me, so that, being so introduced to Him, they might be blessed with the gift of faith so that others might see Jesus in them as well. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
******************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Heart Of Faith - Feet Of Clay
"Today's Devotion" For April 20, 2005
Read: Matthew 16:13-23; Psalm 31
HEART OF FAITH - FEET OF CLAY
"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' And Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'" (Mt. 16:15, 16)
It has been a long held tradition, especially within the Roman Catholic Church, that the Apostle Peter was the first pope, the Vicar of Christ's Church on earth. Yesterday, very early in the papal conclave at the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in Rome, 115 assembled cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, all under the age of 80, elected a new pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany. He's considered Peter's 265th successor and has taken the papal name of Pope Benedict XVI. What's so very interesting about this man's selection is how people are responding to him. Some laud and praise the selection as one which will keep church traditions and doctrines strong. Some acknowledge him to be a friend of and supporter of bringing the world's religions together. At the same time he's being judged as too harsh, an enemy of the ordination of women, full of hatred for gay people, and a denigrator of other, non-Roman Catholic Christians whom he has claimed are deficient as Christians. Depending on one’s perspective, the new pope could be seen as a man with a “heart of faith, but feet of clay,” or just another powerful person.
Our attention is drawn by these events to the very text on which the whole idea of the Papacy rests. Matthew has been writing about what it means to know Jesus and faithfully live as a disciple in Him. Jesus' ministry has taken Him all over and people were responding in a variety of ways, from the hatred of the Pharisees and Sadducees and their teachings contrary to the Word of God, to those who had seen Jesus' miracles and were enthralled by Him. His question, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" draws our attention to the fact that people draw all kinds of conclusions about God and His salvation in Christ, but not from the source of all truth. His disciples had heard all kinds of answers as to whom people thought Jesus was, including John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. In our own day Jesus is seen as an itinerant rabbi, a good man, a prophet of sorts, and a myriad of other things (not all of them benign or kind). Just as in His day, the world still doesn't recognize Him as the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Thus, Jesus' follow up question to the disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" is of just as great importance today as well. He gets His answer from Peter gushing forth his great confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." It's a powerful confession of faith. Jesus acknowledges Peter's confession and notes that such faith and knowledge of Him is the result of the Father's revelation to Peter and to all who believe. Focusing on that confession, and playing on Peter's name, which is "Petros" in the Greek ("Rock"), Jesus reminds us that it is only by faith that we know Him and His love for us, and that such faith is God's work in us. Peter stands as a reminder to us that we can only know God's love and forgiveness in Jesus' Christ through the power of His Word and Spirit.
Yet, the account doesn't stop here. While Peter's heart of faith is shared with us as encouragement for our own confession of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord, we are also introduced to his and our feet of clay. It's the realty of Sin in our lives. The same man who so boldly and confidently made such a powerful confession of faith, upon which an institution was founded and has remained in place over the lifetimes of 264 men, also wavered and became a hindrance to Jesus' purpose and mission of going to the Cross for the sins of the world. Peter's confession of faith and his subsequent attempt to hinder Jesus' mission remind us that, even though we are His redeemed people, we have hearts of faith and feet of clay. As with Peter, our Lord Jesus Christ firmly addresses our sins and our lack of faith, while at the same time uplifting us by the power of the Word and Spirit, so that we also know His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Each day of our lives we live with hearts of faith carried along by feet of clay. And each day of our lives, our Father in heaven establishes us on the "rock" of faith so that we can overcome our feet of clay and share His love in Christ with others.
Prayer: Father, I'm reminded by the events of the day that Your hand is constantly at work in this world, and most especially in my life. In the midst of the pain and anguish of Sin in my life, You give me the firm and faithful assurance that in Christ Jesus my sins are forgiven and I have the hope and promise of eternal life. You continually strengthen my faith by Your Word and the Sacraments so that I might overcome my "feet of clay,'" living in Your forgiveness and sharing Christ's love with others. Let my life stand securely and firmly with Peter and all the saints on earth and in heaven on the "rock" of faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Lead me to reach out to others with the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ so that, despite their "feet of clay," they might have hearts full of faith, hope, and love for all eternity. In the precious, most holy name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 16:13-23; Psalm 31
HEART OF FAITH - FEET OF CLAY
"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' And Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'" (Mt. 16:15, 16)
It has been a long held tradition, especially within the Roman Catholic Church, that the Apostle Peter was the first pope, the Vicar of Christ's Church on earth. Yesterday, very early in the papal conclave at the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in Rome, 115 assembled cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, all under the age of 80, elected a new pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany. He's considered Peter's 265th successor and has taken the papal name of Pope Benedict XVI. What's so very interesting about this man's selection is how people are responding to him. Some laud and praise the selection as one which will keep church traditions and doctrines strong. Some acknowledge him to be a friend of and supporter of bringing the world's religions together. At the same time he's being judged as too harsh, an enemy of the ordination of women, full of hatred for gay people, and a denigrator of other, non-Roman Catholic Christians whom he has claimed are deficient as Christians. Depending on one’s perspective, the new pope could be seen as a man with a “heart of faith, but feet of clay,” or just another powerful person.
Our attention is drawn by these events to the very text on which the whole idea of the Papacy rests. Matthew has been writing about what it means to know Jesus and faithfully live as a disciple in Him. Jesus' ministry has taken Him all over and people were responding in a variety of ways, from the hatred of the Pharisees and Sadducees and their teachings contrary to the Word of God, to those who had seen Jesus' miracles and were enthralled by Him. His question, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" draws our attention to the fact that people draw all kinds of conclusions about God and His salvation in Christ, but not from the source of all truth. His disciples had heard all kinds of answers as to whom people thought Jesus was, including John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. In our own day Jesus is seen as an itinerant rabbi, a good man, a prophet of sorts, and a myriad of other things (not all of them benign or kind). Just as in His day, the world still doesn't recognize Him as the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Thus, Jesus' follow up question to the disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" is of just as great importance today as well. He gets His answer from Peter gushing forth his great confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." It's a powerful confession of faith. Jesus acknowledges Peter's confession and notes that such faith and knowledge of Him is the result of the Father's revelation to Peter and to all who believe. Focusing on that confession, and playing on Peter's name, which is "Petros" in the Greek ("Rock"), Jesus reminds us that it is only by faith that we know Him and His love for us, and that such faith is God's work in us. Peter stands as a reminder to us that we can only know God's love and forgiveness in Jesus' Christ through the power of His Word and Spirit.
Yet, the account doesn't stop here. While Peter's heart of faith is shared with us as encouragement for our own confession of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord, we are also introduced to his and our feet of clay. It's the realty of Sin in our lives. The same man who so boldly and confidently made such a powerful confession of faith, upon which an institution was founded and has remained in place over the lifetimes of 264 men, also wavered and became a hindrance to Jesus' purpose and mission of going to the Cross for the sins of the world. Peter's confession of faith and his subsequent attempt to hinder Jesus' mission remind us that, even though we are His redeemed people, we have hearts of faith and feet of clay. As with Peter, our Lord Jesus Christ firmly addresses our sins and our lack of faith, while at the same time uplifting us by the power of the Word and Spirit, so that we also know His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Each day of our lives we live with hearts of faith carried along by feet of clay. And each day of our lives, our Father in heaven establishes us on the "rock" of faith so that we can overcome our feet of clay and share His love in Christ with others.
Prayer: Father, I'm reminded by the events of the day that Your hand is constantly at work in this world, and most especially in my life. In the midst of the pain and anguish of Sin in my life, You give me the firm and faithful assurance that in Christ Jesus my sins are forgiven and I have the hope and promise of eternal life. You continually strengthen my faith by Your Word and the Sacraments so that I might overcome my "feet of clay,'" living in Your forgiveness and sharing Christ's love with others. Let my life stand securely and firmly with Peter and all the saints on earth and in heaven on the "rock" of faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Lead me to reach out to others with the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ so that, despite their "feet of clay," they might have hearts full of faith, hope, and love for all eternity. In the precious, most holy name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Don't Let Sin Fester
"Today's Devotion" For April 19, 2005
Read: Matthew 18:15-20; Psalm 86
DON'T LET SIN FESTER
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." (Mt. 18:15)
Has it ever happened to you that someone said something about you behind your back that cast aspersions on your character? Have you ever had someone do something that hurt you but you don't want to confront them with your pain? No doubt there aren't too people who haven't experienced something like this in their lives. What becomes problematic, however, isn't so much that someone has sinned against another, but that the person wronged ends up holding a grudge. Throughout the history of the world this has been true for individuals and nations. When nations hold grudges there are consequences that reverberate throughout the world. When people hold grudges the consequences often touch the lives of those to whom they are the closest. Not dealing with perceived or real wrong done to us or to others can lead to a festering sore which leads to spiritual destruction.
Christians are not immune from such "festering sores" due to unforgiven and unrepentant sin. Often the worst places for gossip that casts aspersions on other people are Christian congregations. We have received God's grace, mercy, and love in Christ--freely given without any merit or worthiness on our part--and yet we let our tongues get away from us and use them to hurt others. In the very place where the Good News of salvation from Sin, death, and Satan is proclaimed, among the very people that have been blessed by God's Word and Spirit and brought into a forgiven relationship with Him in Jesus Christ, it seems that Sin and Satan work overtime to put barriers between the God's people so that they find themselves at odds with one another. It's one thing to disagree with a position, a statement, or a point of view taken by another; it's an entirely other thing to seek to harm that person emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or personally because there's a disagreement.
Jesus was very aware of that challenge facing His disciples. He was very aware that those who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior would have a great deal of difficulty dealing with the issues of repentance and forgiveness among each other. His counsel is that we seek to confront our sins and those of our brothers and sisters in Him so that repentance can be sought, forgiveness can be offered, and love can grow among God's redeemed children. Rather than allowing the wounds that Sin causes between brothers and sisters in Christ to fester and become points of contention, our Lord calls us to lovingly and graciously reach out to one another and seek to heal the rifts and wounds that Sin causes among us. He calls us to live in His forgiveness and share that forgiveness with one another so that we might not only be restored to our Father in Heaven, but also restored to each other.
If we let sin fester among us it can only cause us pain and suffering. Just as any wound that festers and doesn't heal puts our lives and well-being in danger, so also do the open, spiritual wounds that Sin causes among us. Redeemed by Christ we have the power of God's Word and Spirit which bring His forgiveness into our lives and give us the strength of faith and love to share that forgiveness with others… willingly...gladly...prayerfully...joyfully. Such forgiving and loving in Jesus' name can only serve to strengthen our bonds to one another in the Body of Christ.
Prayer: Father, as You have forgiven me all my sins for the sake of Jesus, help me to also forgive my brothers and sisters who sin against me. As I have received Your forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love, so also give me the strength of faith and a compassionate heart to reach out to those who have sinned against me and lead them to repentance and forgiveness. Keep me from the tendency to let the sins others have committed against me fester and grow until I, too, am guilty of sinning against them. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, gracious Father, lead me to acknowledge my own sins before You and any of my brothers and sisters in Christ that I may sin against. Lead me to live a life of daily contrition and repentance so that I may fully live in Your forgiveness and share that same forgiveness with others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 18:15-20; Psalm 86
DON'T LET SIN FESTER
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." (Mt. 18:15)
Has it ever happened to you that someone said something about you behind your back that cast aspersions on your character? Have you ever had someone do something that hurt you but you don't want to confront them with your pain? No doubt there aren't too people who haven't experienced something like this in their lives. What becomes problematic, however, isn't so much that someone has sinned against another, but that the person wronged ends up holding a grudge. Throughout the history of the world this has been true for individuals and nations. When nations hold grudges there are consequences that reverberate throughout the world. When people hold grudges the consequences often touch the lives of those to whom they are the closest. Not dealing with perceived or real wrong done to us or to others can lead to a festering sore which leads to spiritual destruction.
Christians are not immune from such "festering sores" due to unforgiven and unrepentant sin. Often the worst places for gossip that casts aspersions on other people are Christian congregations. We have received God's grace, mercy, and love in Christ--freely given without any merit or worthiness on our part--and yet we let our tongues get away from us and use them to hurt others. In the very place where the Good News of salvation from Sin, death, and Satan is proclaimed, among the very people that have been blessed by God's Word and Spirit and brought into a forgiven relationship with Him in Jesus Christ, it seems that Sin and Satan work overtime to put barriers between the God's people so that they find themselves at odds with one another. It's one thing to disagree with a position, a statement, or a point of view taken by another; it's an entirely other thing to seek to harm that person emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or personally because there's a disagreement.
Jesus was very aware of that challenge facing His disciples. He was very aware that those who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior would have a great deal of difficulty dealing with the issues of repentance and forgiveness among each other. His counsel is that we seek to confront our sins and those of our brothers and sisters in Him so that repentance can be sought, forgiveness can be offered, and love can grow among God's redeemed children. Rather than allowing the wounds that Sin causes between brothers and sisters in Christ to fester and become points of contention, our Lord calls us to lovingly and graciously reach out to one another and seek to heal the rifts and wounds that Sin causes among us. He calls us to live in His forgiveness and share that forgiveness with one another so that we might not only be restored to our Father in Heaven, but also restored to each other.
If we let sin fester among us it can only cause us pain and suffering. Just as any wound that festers and doesn't heal puts our lives and well-being in danger, so also do the open, spiritual wounds that Sin causes among us. Redeemed by Christ we have the power of God's Word and Spirit which bring His forgiveness into our lives and give us the strength of faith and love to share that forgiveness with others… willingly...gladly...prayerfully...joyfully. Such forgiving and loving in Jesus' name can only serve to strengthen our bonds to one another in the Body of Christ.
Prayer: Father, as You have forgiven me all my sins for the sake of Jesus, help me to also forgive my brothers and sisters who sin against me. As I have received Your forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love, so also give me the strength of faith and a compassionate heart to reach out to those who have sinned against me and lead them to repentance and forgiveness. Keep me from the tendency to let the sins others have committed against me fester and grow until I, too, am guilty of sinning against them. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, gracious Father, lead me to acknowledge my own sins before You and any of my brothers and sisters in Christ that I may sin against. Lead me to live a life of daily contrition and repentance so that I may fully live in Your forgiveness and share that same forgiveness with others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
The Devil Isn't Science Fiction
"Today's Devotion" For April 18, 2005
Read: Revelation 12:1-17; I Peter 5:8-11
THE DEVIL ISN'T SCIENCE FICTION
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..." (I Pet. 5:8-9a)
There's a new television series called "Revelations." I've seen the previews, although I've chosen not to watch the program. The very name of the series is intriguing, not to speak of the religious overtones that are heavily advertised in the promos. I'm not certain if this program is classified as "Science Fiction" or "Horror," but it seems that anything that's ever related to the devil and evil ends up in one of those two categories. From what I've seen of the promos, "Revelations" is more "Science Fiction" than "Horror." Most likely, we can also be pretty certain that "Revelations" isn't going to emphasize Christ's victory over Satan or deliver the message of the Gospel.
In this day and age, evil and the devil are not considered real or viable "ideas" for rational, thinking people. Such things are the stuff of horror and science fiction novels and movies. Authors like Stephen King have made a name for themselves with such novels and movies. Then we find such a television series as "Charmed" where three sisters, who are "good" witches, fight evil and demons on a regular basis. Then there's the major "vampire and demon" series', "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel." Interestingly enough, in all three of these programs, there are "good" and "bad" witches, "good" and "bad" demons, and "good" and "bad" vampires. While the truth is that there is evil in the world and demons and the devil do exist, such programmatic offerings on television and movies which portray such characters serve to numb people to the reality of evil and the devil. People tend to pass the devil off as a "Science Fiction" character rather than the very real threat to humanity's life with God he really is.
John's vision from Jesus in Revelation makes it abundantly clear that the devil is working "overtime" to destroy God's people. Because of the picture language that's used, the picture of "an enormous red dragon," the reality of the devil's evil intentions toward God's children is often misunderstood and ignored. Peter also warns us of the devil's intent, encouraging us to stand firmly in faith in Jesus Christ, because He alone has defeated the devil, once and for all time.
The devil isn't "Science Fiction." He's very real and the sworn enemy of God and Christ's Church. He works diligently and tirelessly each day to try to draw us away from Jesus, often because we ignore or pooh-pooh his existence and presence in the world. He's furious that he's been defeated by Jesus and he seeks to find ways to draw us away from God. Yet, by God's grace and mercy in Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection we have the strength of faith and the power of God's Word to overcome the devil and face any evil that may come our way. Our sins are forgiven each day and the one who seeks to accuse us before God has no power over us. We rejoice with the "loud voice in heaven" that "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down" (Rev. 12:10).
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ that is mine because You have drawn me to Yourself and made me Your very own child through the washing of Holy Baptism. As I live for You in this world, I pray that You would never let me take evil and the devil for granted, but always be vigilant and alert for his attempts to lead me away from You. Help me to be an effective witness of Your love for the world in Jesus Christ so that others might not be led away from You by the devil to die forever, but that they would turn to You in Jesus Christ, and live forever with You in heaven. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Revelation 12:1-17; I Peter 5:8-11
THE DEVIL ISN'T SCIENCE FICTION
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..." (I Pet. 5:8-9a)
There's a new television series called "Revelations." I've seen the previews, although I've chosen not to watch the program. The very name of the series is intriguing, not to speak of the religious overtones that are heavily advertised in the promos. I'm not certain if this program is classified as "Science Fiction" or "Horror," but it seems that anything that's ever related to the devil and evil ends up in one of those two categories. From what I've seen of the promos, "Revelations" is more "Science Fiction" than "Horror." Most likely, we can also be pretty certain that "Revelations" isn't going to emphasize Christ's victory over Satan or deliver the message of the Gospel.
In this day and age, evil and the devil are not considered real or viable "ideas" for rational, thinking people. Such things are the stuff of horror and science fiction novels and movies. Authors like Stephen King have made a name for themselves with such novels and movies. Then we find such a television series as "Charmed" where three sisters, who are "good" witches, fight evil and demons on a regular basis. Then there's the major "vampire and demon" series', "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel." Interestingly enough, in all three of these programs, there are "good" and "bad" witches, "good" and "bad" demons, and "good" and "bad" vampires. While the truth is that there is evil in the world and demons and the devil do exist, such programmatic offerings on television and movies which portray such characters serve to numb people to the reality of evil and the devil. People tend to pass the devil off as a "Science Fiction" character rather than the very real threat to humanity's life with God he really is.
John's vision from Jesus in Revelation makes it abundantly clear that the devil is working "overtime" to destroy God's people. Because of the picture language that's used, the picture of "an enormous red dragon," the reality of the devil's evil intentions toward God's children is often misunderstood and ignored. Peter also warns us of the devil's intent, encouraging us to stand firmly in faith in Jesus Christ, because He alone has defeated the devil, once and for all time.
The devil isn't "Science Fiction." He's very real and the sworn enemy of God and Christ's Church. He works diligently and tirelessly each day to try to draw us away from Jesus, often because we ignore or pooh-pooh his existence and presence in the world. He's furious that he's been defeated by Jesus and he seeks to find ways to draw us away from God. Yet, by God's grace and mercy in Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection we have the strength of faith and the power of God's Word to overcome the devil and face any evil that may come our way. Our sins are forgiven each day and the one who seeks to accuse us before God has no power over us. We rejoice with the "loud voice in heaven" that "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down" (Rev. 12:10).
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ that is mine because You have drawn me to Yourself and made me Your very own child through the washing of Holy Baptism. As I live for You in this world, I pray that You would never let me take evil and the devil for granted, but always be vigilant and alert for his attempts to lead me away from You. Help me to be an effective witness of Your love for the world in Jesus Christ so that others might not be led away from You by the devil to die forever, but that they would turn to You in Jesus Christ, and live forever with You in heaven. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
A New Birth And A Living Hope In Christ
"Today's Devotion" For April 16, 2005
Read: I Peter 1:3-9; II Samuel 23:1-5
A NEW BIRTH AND A LIVING HOPE IN CHRIST
"In His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade-kept in heaven for you." (I Pet.1:3b-4)
As I noted a couple of days ago a pastor went to heaven earlier this week. He was the father of a couple of friends of mine, both of whom are also pastors. Last night I went to the church this pastor-father had pastored for many, many years for the visitation. I had the opportunity to share the sadness of my friends at the loss of their father and the joy they have that he's now with Jesus in heaven. Staring at death as I viewed the body in the casket, I realized once again that I'm kind of hung up on life. I like living. Life is a marvelous, wonderful thing. As I look around me I see birds, animals, the greening of the earth in the spring and the coloring of the leaves in the fall, the bright, warm summer days, and the cold, blustery, snowy days of winter, the fish jumping in the lake, and I hear the sounds of bullfrogs--I could go on and on--all of which remind me how beautiful life is. God's creation is a marvelous thing, and in spite of the fact that people do their level best to destroy it with pollution, litter, and other indignities, living as a part of God's creation is a wonderful, marvelous opportunity and privilege..
Unfortunately, living on this earth is a transitory thing. No matter that we may live as long as a hundred or so years (only a relatively few of the billions of people on earth), we still are all going to die unless Jesus returns on the Judgment Day before we die. Death is the result of Sin, not only separating us from life, but also putting a barrier up between us and God. While it's a sad thing that we must die and leave God's beautiful creation, it's not the end of our world. In Jesus' death on the Cross in order to take away the curse of Sin, Death, and Satan, and their power over our lives, we have God's promise that we will live with Him forever. The very faith we need in Jesus Christ as our Savior from Sin and the Lord of the Universe is God's own gift to us. There is an inheritance reserved for us in heaven which can't be affected by pollution, litter, or any other destructive force. It's something we await with eager longing.
A little boy came home from school one day with a high fever. His father thought it was nothing more than a cold or the flu, but the little boy rapidly deteriorated. The father rushed him to the doctor who finally diagnosed a virulent form of meningitis. The doctor finally could no longer avoid letting the father know that his son was going to die. Loving his son with all his heart, the father kept a death vigil at the little boy's hospital bed. In the middle of the day it was apparent that his son was rapidly losing his strength and his brain was getting cloudy. "Daddy," he said, "It's getting dark, very dark." A little later he said, "Daddy, I guess it's time to go to sleep, isn't it?" The father responded, "Yes, Son, it's time for you to go to sleep." The father fluffed his pillows, tucked him in, and laid his hand on his head. "Good night, Daddy," the boy said, "I'll see you in the morning." Then he closed his eyes and stepped into heaven. As he tells this story, the father always closes it saying, "I can't wait till morning." May our Lord lead us to be eagerly "waiting for the morning" when we will see Him in heaven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, don't let me get so hung up on living on this earth that I fail to realize my home is in heaven. Help me to relish and enjoy the life You have given me and to live it in such a way that I serve You faithfully, serve others in your name, and put every gift and ability You've given me to the very best use. Don't let me fear death but let me live a life that rejoices in Your blessings and waits for the morning when I will be with You in heaven. Hear my prayer precious Savior and grant it for Your name's sake. Amen.
*******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I Peter 1:3-9; II Samuel 23:1-5
A NEW BIRTH AND A LIVING HOPE IN CHRIST
"In His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade-kept in heaven for you." (I Pet.1:3b-4)
As I noted a couple of days ago a pastor went to heaven earlier this week. He was the father of a couple of friends of mine, both of whom are also pastors. Last night I went to the church this pastor-father had pastored for many, many years for the visitation. I had the opportunity to share the sadness of my friends at the loss of their father and the joy they have that he's now with Jesus in heaven. Staring at death as I viewed the body in the casket, I realized once again that I'm kind of hung up on life. I like living. Life is a marvelous, wonderful thing. As I look around me I see birds, animals, the greening of the earth in the spring and the coloring of the leaves in the fall, the bright, warm summer days, and the cold, blustery, snowy days of winter, the fish jumping in the lake, and I hear the sounds of bullfrogs--I could go on and on--all of which remind me how beautiful life is. God's creation is a marvelous thing, and in spite of the fact that people do their level best to destroy it with pollution, litter, and other indignities, living as a part of God's creation is a wonderful, marvelous opportunity and privilege..
Unfortunately, living on this earth is a transitory thing. No matter that we may live as long as a hundred or so years (only a relatively few of the billions of people on earth), we still are all going to die unless Jesus returns on the Judgment Day before we die. Death is the result of Sin, not only separating us from life, but also putting a barrier up between us and God. While it's a sad thing that we must die and leave God's beautiful creation, it's not the end of our world. In Jesus' death on the Cross in order to take away the curse of Sin, Death, and Satan, and their power over our lives, we have God's promise that we will live with Him forever. The very faith we need in Jesus Christ as our Savior from Sin and the Lord of the Universe is God's own gift to us. There is an inheritance reserved for us in heaven which can't be affected by pollution, litter, or any other destructive force. It's something we await with eager longing.
A little boy came home from school one day with a high fever. His father thought it was nothing more than a cold or the flu, but the little boy rapidly deteriorated. The father rushed him to the doctor who finally diagnosed a virulent form of meningitis. The doctor finally could no longer avoid letting the father know that his son was going to die. Loving his son with all his heart, the father kept a death vigil at the little boy's hospital bed. In the middle of the day it was apparent that his son was rapidly losing his strength and his brain was getting cloudy. "Daddy," he said, "It's getting dark, very dark." A little later he said, "Daddy, I guess it's time to go to sleep, isn't it?" The father responded, "Yes, Son, it's time for you to go to sleep." The father fluffed his pillows, tucked him in, and laid his hand on his head. "Good night, Daddy," the boy said, "I'll see you in the morning." Then he closed his eyes and stepped into heaven. As he tells this story, the father always closes it saying, "I can't wait till morning." May our Lord lead us to be eagerly "waiting for the morning" when we will see Him in heaven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, don't let me get so hung up on living on this earth that I fail to realize my home is in heaven. Help me to relish and enjoy the life You have given me and to live it in such a way that I serve You faithfully, serve others in your name, and put every gift and ability You've given me to the very best use. Don't let me fear death but let me live a life that rejoices in Your blessings and waits for the morning when I will be with You in heaven. Hear my prayer precious Savior and grant it for Your name's sake. Amen.
*******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, April 15, 2005
God's Bond Of Love For The World In Christ
"Today's Devotion" For April 15, 2005
Read: I John 4:7-21; I Corinthians 13
GOD'S BOND OF LOVE FOR THE WORLD IN CHRIST
"'For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'" (Jn.3:16)
An old legend tells about a giant eagle which swooped into a poor mountain village and carried off an infant. Greatly troubled and anxious for the baby's life, the whole town followed the eagle with the hope of somehow saving the child. Unfortunately the eagle perched on the highest crag of a mountain and left the people despairing for the child's life. One brave soul, a sailor home on leave, attempted the climb but was forced to abandon the effort by the cold and the danger. A burly lumberjack, used to the hardships of the outdoors and familiar with mountain climbing made the attempt; yet, he was also defeated by the mountain and returned, beaten, to the village. Finally a poor, frail, peasant woman began the ascent. One shelf of rock at a time she slowly but surely climbed to the top of the mountain and reached the cliff where the baby had been deposited by the eagle. As the townspeople watched helplessly, frightened for her life, the woman slowly came down the mountain carrying the baby in her arms. At the bottom of her triumphant descent she was met by her friends and neighbors with shouts of joy and relief.
The obvious question is asked: Why did this frail, peasant woman succeed at something others far more "capable" than her were not able to accomplish? In the face of the obvious failure of others to reach the top, how was it possible for her to save the baby? The answer may seem obvious to you; may be not. For you see, there was a special bond between the woman and the baby--she was the baby's mother. Her love was so great, the bond so intense, that she was unwilling to be beaten back by any challenge or scared off by any danger. All she could see was her little one in danger and so she accomplished what was impossible for others.
As we look at the history of the world since humanity's Fall into Sin in the Garden of Eden, we see a pantheon of personages who have sought to save themselves and the others from the ravages of Sin. People have continually sought to overcome and do away with pain and sorrow, suffering and tribulation, and every malady known to humanity--not recognizing or understanding the evil that is the foundation for all such things in the world. Millions of self- appointed "saviors" have tried to save us from ourselves. None have succeeded; their efforts have been of avail. The ravages of Sin which are a part of our lives because of the Fall in Eden can't be overcome by anyone else than the One Who has a bond with us even greater than the mother's bond with her child.
Only our Father in heaven loves us in such a way. As our Creator, He has a bond with us that can't be compared with any other bond known to us. Only He has the power to overcome the power of Sin, Death, and Satan. That power is made evident as we see His great love at work in our hearts by the power of His Word and Spirit. God became one of us in the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the single, most powerful statement of His love for us and our bond with Him. Because of that great love in Christ, we have been set free from captivity to Sin, death, and the devil. His love at work in our hearts leads us to do great things in His service to the world and become marvelous blessings to those around us. Our lives, lived in His love today and everyday, are filled with opportunities to accomplish great things for Him. By the power of His Word and Spirit we are led to realize this and step forth confidently and boldly into whatever circumstances of life may come our way. We have been set free in our Father's saving love in Jesus Christ to soar on "eagles' wings," high above the fray, not captive to Sin and the world, but free to be His beloved children and witnesses to His love.
Prayer: Father, Your love is so marvelous and wonderful that it's truly beyond my comprehension. I cannot fathom it, but I'm grateful for it. Help me to take refuge in Christ, my Lord and Savior, and, trusting that I am safely in His arms, boldly declare, in word and deed, Your saving love for all the world. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I John 4:7-21; I Corinthians 13
GOD'S BOND OF LOVE FOR THE WORLD IN CHRIST
"'For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'" (Jn.3:16)
An old legend tells about a giant eagle which swooped into a poor mountain village and carried off an infant. Greatly troubled and anxious for the baby's life, the whole town followed the eagle with the hope of somehow saving the child. Unfortunately the eagle perched on the highest crag of a mountain and left the people despairing for the child's life. One brave soul, a sailor home on leave, attempted the climb but was forced to abandon the effort by the cold and the danger. A burly lumberjack, used to the hardships of the outdoors and familiar with mountain climbing made the attempt; yet, he was also defeated by the mountain and returned, beaten, to the village. Finally a poor, frail, peasant woman began the ascent. One shelf of rock at a time she slowly but surely climbed to the top of the mountain and reached the cliff where the baby had been deposited by the eagle. As the townspeople watched helplessly, frightened for her life, the woman slowly came down the mountain carrying the baby in her arms. At the bottom of her triumphant descent she was met by her friends and neighbors with shouts of joy and relief.
The obvious question is asked: Why did this frail, peasant woman succeed at something others far more "capable" than her were not able to accomplish? In the face of the obvious failure of others to reach the top, how was it possible for her to save the baby? The answer may seem obvious to you; may be not. For you see, there was a special bond between the woman and the baby--she was the baby's mother. Her love was so great, the bond so intense, that she was unwilling to be beaten back by any challenge or scared off by any danger. All she could see was her little one in danger and so she accomplished what was impossible for others.
As we look at the history of the world since humanity's Fall into Sin in the Garden of Eden, we see a pantheon of personages who have sought to save themselves and the others from the ravages of Sin. People have continually sought to overcome and do away with pain and sorrow, suffering and tribulation, and every malady known to humanity--not recognizing or understanding the evil that is the foundation for all such things in the world. Millions of self- appointed "saviors" have tried to save us from ourselves. None have succeeded; their efforts have been of avail. The ravages of Sin which are a part of our lives because of the Fall in Eden can't be overcome by anyone else than the One Who has a bond with us even greater than the mother's bond with her child.
Only our Father in heaven loves us in such a way. As our Creator, He has a bond with us that can't be compared with any other bond known to us. Only He has the power to overcome the power of Sin, Death, and Satan. That power is made evident as we see His great love at work in our hearts by the power of His Word and Spirit. God became one of us in the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the single, most powerful statement of His love for us and our bond with Him. Because of that great love in Christ, we have been set free from captivity to Sin, death, and the devil. His love at work in our hearts leads us to do great things in His service to the world and become marvelous blessings to those around us. Our lives, lived in His love today and everyday, are filled with opportunities to accomplish great things for Him. By the power of His Word and Spirit we are led to realize this and step forth confidently and boldly into whatever circumstances of life may come our way. We have been set free in our Father's saving love in Jesus Christ to soar on "eagles' wings," high above the fray, not captive to Sin and the world, but free to be His beloved children and witnesses to His love.
Prayer: Father, Your love is so marvelous and wonderful that it's truly beyond my comprehension. I cannot fathom it, but I'm grateful for it. Help me to take refuge in Christ, my Lord and Savior, and, trusting that I am safely in His arms, boldly declare, in word and deed, Your saving love for all the world. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Facing The "Inevitabilities" Of Life
"Today's Devotion" For April 14, 2005
Read: Matthew 6:25-33
Psalm 91
FACING THE "INEVITABILITIES" OF LIFE
"For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies." (Ps. 57:10)
At this time of year, the old axiom "there's nothing certain except death and taxes" comes home to roost among us once again. Tomorrow is "Tax Day" in the United States. By midnight tomorrow evening every wage earner in this country is supposed to have either filed their income tax forms for 2004 or filed an extension to file and/or pay later. It's an "inevitability" that's come to be expected each year at this time. Earlier this week, good friend, colleague, and fellow pastor's father, also a pastor, succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer's and in death was called home to heaven, into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He went the "inevitable" way of all flesh, just as you and I will also, one day, go. In a certain sense, therefore, from a human perspective, that old axiom concerning "death and taxes" is very, very real. Yet, as certain and "inevitable" as "death and taxes" might seem to us, we human beings have a need for something much more certain and uplifting that the "inevitability" of death and taxes.
As a whole, we human beings don't like uncertainty. No matter how adventurous a person might be, there are certain constants that are needed for people to be "grounded." High impact sports people, X-Games competitors, and a host of other "risk takers" follow constant patterns of preparation for participating and competing in their events--proper training, scheduled dietary practices, proper equipment, safety checks, etc. Such persons, just like the rest of us, still want a place to "hang their hats," a place they can call home for security, safety, and assurance. It's doubtful that any sane person would deny that they're going to die some day. And, unless someone's totally impoverished and has no job, it's doubtful they believe that can last too long without paying taxes. For most people who earn a living, or own a home, or drive a car, or buy groceries, or go to a restaurant, or buy clothing, or,.......well, you know.......they're pretty certain that they're going to pay taxes( I guess even the most impoverished do pay some taxes if they buy even one item-so that blows that idea).
As inevitable as "death and taxes" might seem to be, if we were to seek certainty for our lives in such events our lives would be deeply empty and terribly impoverished. To have real certainty in our lives is to know God's love for us in Jesus Christ. God's grace, mercy, and love is certain to us everyday. He is always faithful to us and His promises to us, regardless of our unfaithfulness and disobedience to Him. In Jesus Christ, we have the certainty, by faith, that our sins are forgiven and that we have the hope and promise of eternal life. Jesus' own words in Matthew for today are a reminder and a promise that our Father in heaven knows our every need and gives us each day's necessities inevitably and certainly. Our Creator is deeply involved in His creation. God isn't floating out in the "ether" someplace, looking down on us, and just letting things happen. He is deeply involved in our lives, guarding and keeping His children, sending His angels "to keep us in all our ways," and sending His Spirit to strengthen our faith and assure us of His love. Even more grand and wonderful, if that's possible, is that God even give "daily bread" and blessings to those who don't love Him or know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In truth, our Father in heaven is "inevitably faithful" and His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness are our precious gifts each and every day.
What follows next is redundant. Yet, such redundancy is important for emphasis, for we forget so soon. When the "inevitabilities" of life approach, and all the uncertainties that they bring to bear stare us in the face, whether we have doubts about people loving or caring about us, worries about health, taxes, dying, our families, spouses, children, and friends, or anything and everything else for that matter, we can be certain about one thing--every moment of every day--God's love for this world and for us who believe is real and will never end. He has forgiven us of all our sins in Jesus. He has promised to supply our every need. He has promised to take us to be with Him in heaven. Compared to the certainty of God's love and His promises, "death and taxes" just don't hold any water.
Prayer: Father, I live with a great deal of uncertainty each and every day. I really don't want to admit to it, and I really do my best to ignore it. Yet, inevitably, as I read and listen to the media, experience life, and have contact with people each day, the uncertainties, to one degree or another, crop up. Yet, in Your Word You very clearly tell me to "be anxious for nothing." You very clearly tell me that Your blessings are new and plentiful every morning. You very clearly tell me that You love me and nothing can pluck me out of Your hand. Thank You, O God, for such promises and assurances, for it's in them that I hope and it's in them that I live life to the full. In Christ, my Lord and Savior's name, I pray. Amen.
******************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 6:25-33
Psalm 91
FACING THE "INEVITABILITIES" OF LIFE
"For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies." (Ps. 57:10)
At this time of year, the old axiom "there's nothing certain except death and taxes" comes home to roost among us once again. Tomorrow is "Tax Day" in the United States. By midnight tomorrow evening every wage earner in this country is supposed to have either filed their income tax forms for 2004 or filed an extension to file and/or pay later. It's an "inevitability" that's come to be expected each year at this time. Earlier this week, good friend, colleague, and fellow pastor's father, also a pastor, succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer's and in death was called home to heaven, into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He went the "inevitable" way of all flesh, just as you and I will also, one day, go. In a certain sense, therefore, from a human perspective, that old axiom concerning "death and taxes" is very, very real. Yet, as certain and "inevitable" as "death and taxes" might seem to us, we human beings have a need for something much more certain and uplifting that the "inevitability" of death and taxes.
As a whole, we human beings don't like uncertainty. No matter how adventurous a person might be, there are certain constants that are needed for people to be "grounded." High impact sports people, X-Games competitors, and a host of other "risk takers" follow constant patterns of preparation for participating and competing in their events--proper training, scheduled dietary practices, proper equipment, safety checks, etc. Such persons, just like the rest of us, still want a place to "hang their hats," a place they can call home for security, safety, and assurance. It's doubtful that any sane person would deny that they're going to die some day. And, unless someone's totally impoverished and has no job, it's doubtful they believe that can last too long without paying taxes. For most people who earn a living, or own a home, or drive a car, or buy groceries, or go to a restaurant, or buy clothing, or,.......well, you know.......they're pretty certain that they're going to pay taxes( I guess even the most impoverished do pay some taxes if they buy even one item-so that blows that idea).
As inevitable as "death and taxes" might seem to be, if we were to seek certainty for our lives in such events our lives would be deeply empty and terribly impoverished. To have real certainty in our lives is to know God's love for us in Jesus Christ. God's grace, mercy, and love is certain to us everyday. He is always faithful to us and His promises to us, regardless of our unfaithfulness and disobedience to Him. In Jesus Christ, we have the certainty, by faith, that our sins are forgiven and that we have the hope and promise of eternal life. Jesus' own words in Matthew for today are a reminder and a promise that our Father in heaven knows our every need and gives us each day's necessities inevitably and certainly. Our Creator is deeply involved in His creation. God isn't floating out in the "ether" someplace, looking down on us, and just letting things happen. He is deeply involved in our lives, guarding and keeping His children, sending His angels "to keep us in all our ways," and sending His Spirit to strengthen our faith and assure us of His love. Even more grand and wonderful, if that's possible, is that God even give "daily bread" and blessings to those who don't love Him or know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In truth, our Father in heaven is "inevitably faithful" and His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness are our precious gifts each and every day.
What follows next is redundant. Yet, such redundancy is important for emphasis, for we forget so soon. When the "inevitabilities" of life approach, and all the uncertainties that they bring to bear stare us in the face, whether we have doubts about people loving or caring about us, worries about health, taxes, dying, our families, spouses, children, and friends, or anything and everything else for that matter, we can be certain about one thing--every moment of every day--God's love for this world and for us who believe is real and will never end. He has forgiven us of all our sins in Jesus. He has promised to supply our every need. He has promised to take us to be with Him in heaven. Compared to the certainty of God's love and His promises, "death and taxes" just don't hold any water.
Prayer: Father, I live with a great deal of uncertainty each and every day. I really don't want to admit to it, and I really do my best to ignore it. Yet, inevitably, as I read and listen to the media, experience life, and have contact with people each day, the uncertainties, to one degree or another, crop up. Yet, in Your Word You very clearly tell me to "be anxious for nothing." You very clearly tell me that Your blessings are new and plentiful every morning. You very clearly tell me that You love me and nothing can pluck me out of Your hand. Thank You, O God, for such promises and assurances, for it's in them that I hope and it's in them that I live life to the full. In Christ, my Lord and Savior's name, I pray. Amen.
******************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Freed From The Burdens Of A Lifetime
"Today's Devotion" For April 13, 2005
Read: John 8:31-36; Isaiah 53
FREED FROM THE BURDENS OF A LIFETIME
"I tell you the truth, anyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)
In the 17th Century allegory of the Christian faith, "The Pilgrim's Progress," the main character is a man named "Christian." "Christian" has a problem. It's a weighty problem. It follows him wherever he goes. It's a debilitating millstone around his neck, which burdens him twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. His entire life is spent working to get out from under this load, but nothing seems to help. His entire life is enslaved by the burden he carries. We discover, as we read further, that "Christian's" burden is that of Sin. As the allegory moves along through all the scenes of "Christian's" life, it eventually takes us, with "Christian," to a place where a fence surrounds Jesus' Cross. Without a thought, "Christian" drops the burden he's been carrying all his life. It just drops off his back. His life begins anew. The allegory's image is clear. The only solution to the enslaving burden of Sin is to lay it at the Cross.
We're in the midst of another Easter festival season. Yet we still live in a guilt-ridden, guilt- driven world. We're surrounded by people, organizations, causes, alternative lifestyles, political "realities" and circumstances which play upon our guilt in order to get us to support their positions or lifestyles. Someone or something, some movement or organization always seems to want to move us where they'd like us to go, drive us to do what they want us to do, or get us to think the way they want us to think. Why we've even got groups which would have us believe that it's "our fault" that terrorists exist in the world. Some would have us believe that the fanatics threatening the freedom and peace of the Iraqi, Afghan, and other Middle Eastern peoples would go away if only "we" weren't involved in the process of building peace and freedom for others. It's a "guilt trip" that's being sold and people are buying into daily.
Of course, we don't have to look outside of ourselves to see the burden of guilt that Sin lays on each of us. It doesn't matter where people are in their lives, regrets over past behaviors and guilt-ridden consciences are commonplace. It seems that the older people get, the heavier the burden and the more difficult it is to let it go. I'm reminded of a fellow pastor who recently told me that he's going to counseling because he's burdened by "the guilt trip" his parents laid on him while he was growing up, over forty years ago. Each of us knows someone, if not the person we see in the mirror every day, who is carrying around some burden, some millstone, some regret, or some guilt that weighs heavily upon them. It may be personal, it may be family, it may have to do with their work--no matter. It's a burden that needs to be released, as "Christian's" was in "The Pilgrim's Progress," at the foot of the Cross. For until that release happens, our thinking is colored, our abilities to act for the good of others and in service to God is hindered, and we end up living our lives in ways contrary to God's Will for us.
Yet we are comforted and encouraged by Jesus' words: "Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt.11:28). Our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to free us from the burdens of Sin. He came to set us free from the slavery Sin visits upon us and the guilt that it hangs around our necks like a millstone. We've recently celebrated Jesus' victory over Sin, Death, and Satan. He overcame death and the grave so that we might receive God's forgiveness and love. Jesus carried our burdens of Sin and guilt so that we might be free from the slavery of Sin. His resurrection assures us that His sacrifice is both complete and acceptable to our Father in heaven. By faith in Christ, our Lord and Savior, we receive His precious forgiveness so that, like the weary "Christian" in "The Pilgrim's Progress," we can lay the enslaving burden of our Sin and guilt at the foot of the Cross, and leave it there forever. Our Lord Jesus Christ bore that burden for us, and still reaches out to take that burden from us each and every day of our lives. He wants us to be free to live in Him and for Him--at peace with God and humanity.
Don't let anyone cloud your mind and heart by playing on your guilt. Leave it at the foot of the Cross for Jesus to bear and you will live a life of love and service, free to serve God and others in a God-pleasing manner. Your heart and mind will be clear and your eyes will see what is truly important before God. After all, we are "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, that we may walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). We are free because the "Son has set (us) free."
Prayer: Father, it's all too easy for me to get hung up on my sins and failings. All too often I get sidetracked from what is truly Your purpose for my life by the burdens of Sin and guilt I fail to lay at the foot of the Cross. Father, I pray that You would send Your Spirit upon me in abundant measure that I may daily lay my sins at Jesus' Cross, fully trusting that He has borne my guilt and sorrow over Sin upon Himself, and I am forgiven and redeemed in His blood and righteousness. Lead me in repentance to live life free from sin and guilt and, as one of Your forgiven and baptized children, help me to live each day with joy and peace in service to You and others in Your name. In the name of my risen Savior, even Jesus Christ the Lord, I pray. Amen.
*************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: John 8:31-36; Isaiah 53
FREED FROM THE BURDENS OF A LIFETIME
"I tell you the truth, anyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)
In the 17th Century allegory of the Christian faith, "The Pilgrim's Progress," the main character is a man named "Christian." "Christian" has a problem. It's a weighty problem. It follows him wherever he goes. It's a debilitating millstone around his neck, which burdens him twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. His entire life is spent working to get out from under this load, but nothing seems to help. His entire life is enslaved by the burden he carries. We discover, as we read further, that "Christian's" burden is that of Sin. As the allegory moves along through all the scenes of "Christian's" life, it eventually takes us, with "Christian," to a place where a fence surrounds Jesus' Cross. Without a thought, "Christian" drops the burden he's been carrying all his life. It just drops off his back. His life begins anew. The allegory's image is clear. The only solution to the enslaving burden of Sin is to lay it at the Cross.
We're in the midst of another Easter festival season. Yet we still live in a guilt-ridden, guilt- driven world. We're surrounded by people, organizations, causes, alternative lifestyles, political "realities" and circumstances which play upon our guilt in order to get us to support their positions or lifestyles. Someone or something, some movement or organization always seems to want to move us where they'd like us to go, drive us to do what they want us to do, or get us to think the way they want us to think. Why we've even got groups which would have us believe that it's "our fault" that terrorists exist in the world. Some would have us believe that the fanatics threatening the freedom and peace of the Iraqi, Afghan, and other Middle Eastern peoples would go away if only "we" weren't involved in the process of building peace and freedom for others. It's a "guilt trip" that's being sold and people are buying into daily.
Of course, we don't have to look outside of ourselves to see the burden of guilt that Sin lays on each of us. It doesn't matter where people are in their lives, regrets over past behaviors and guilt-ridden consciences are commonplace. It seems that the older people get, the heavier the burden and the more difficult it is to let it go. I'm reminded of a fellow pastor who recently told me that he's going to counseling because he's burdened by "the guilt trip" his parents laid on him while he was growing up, over forty years ago. Each of us knows someone, if not the person we see in the mirror every day, who is carrying around some burden, some millstone, some regret, or some guilt that weighs heavily upon them. It may be personal, it may be family, it may have to do with their work--no matter. It's a burden that needs to be released, as "Christian's" was in "The Pilgrim's Progress," at the foot of the Cross. For until that release happens, our thinking is colored, our abilities to act for the good of others and in service to God is hindered, and we end up living our lives in ways contrary to God's Will for us.
Yet we are comforted and encouraged by Jesus' words: "Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt.11:28). Our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to free us from the burdens of Sin. He came to set us free from the slavery Sin visits upon us and the guilt that it hangs around our necks like a millstone. We've recently celebrated Jesus' victory over Sin, Death, and Satan. He overcame death and the grave so that we might receive God's forgiveness and love. Jesus carried our burdens of Sin and guilt so that we might be free from the slavery of Sin. His resurrection assures us that His sacrifice is both complete and acceptable to our Father in heaven. By faith in Christ, our Lord and Savior, we receive His precious forgiveness so that, like the weary "Christian" in "The Pilgrim's Progress," we can lay the enslaving burden of our Sin and guilt at the foot of the Cross, and leave it there forever. Our Lord Jesus Christ bore that burden for us, and still reaches out to take that burden from us each and every day of our lives. He wants us to be free to live in Him and for Him--at peace with God and humanity.
Don't let anyone cloud your mind and heart by playing on your guilt. Leave it at the foot of the Cross for Jesus to bear and you will live a life of love and service, free to serve God and others in a God-pleasing manner. Your heart and mind will be clear and your eyes will see what is truly important before God. After all, we are "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, that we may walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). We are free because the "Son has set (us) free."
Prayer: Father, it's all too easy for me to get hung up on my sins and failings. All too often I get sidetracked from what is truly Your purpose for my life by the burdens of Sin and guilt I fail to lay at the foot of the Cross. Father, I pray that You would send Your Spirit upon me in abundant measure that I may daily lay my sins at Jesus' Cross, fully trusting that He has borne my guilt and sorrow over Sin upon Himself, and I am forgiven and redeemed in His blood and righteousness. Lead me in repentance to live life free from sin and guilt and, as one of Your forgiven and baptized children, help me to live each day with joy and peace in service to You and others in Your name. In the name of my risen Savior, even Jesus Christ the Lord, I pray. Amen.
*************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
What Is The Cost Of Love?
"Today's Devotion" For April 12, 2005
Read: Mark 12:28-34; Luke 18:18-29
WHAT IS THE COST OF LOVE?
"When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth." (Lk. 18:23)
As we listen to newscasts and read newspapers a trend in the stories emerges. Usually we're hearing about things that have gone wrong. We could reasonably argue, that while there are occasional stories about the good things people have done, there are more frequently accounts of the terrible things that happen and the evil people do to one another. One of the local "News at Ten" channels recently has been advertising a more balanced approach to the news, but, to be honest, I've not personally seen that they're not reporting any differently than they always have been. Violence and bad things sell. There's a prurient interest among human beings to hear about bad things. As a people, things like physical violence, people being stripped of their life's savings by scam artists, police misconduct, discrimination, and religious, moral, or ethical lapses all seem to get our attention before "good" news, because such news is considered "exciting" and far more interesting than "good" news. It seems as if we human beings are more willing to hear about things that reduce the value of human life and take away one's dignity, than those things that uplift and show respect for others.
Now don't get me wrong. Certainly we need to know when others are being hurt or harmed so we can do something about it, even if it just means not behaving in the same way toward others. Certain lifestyles or actions are definitively contrary to the Will of God, and should not be condoned. Yet as a Christian I can't condone hatred, maltreatment, abuse, defamation of character, or any other such harm that others might wish to put on those who practice "alternative lifestyles" or act in ways not in keeping with God's Will. As a Christian I want to know about things that are hurting others so that I can at least pray for them and about things that are happening that God might provide relief. For you and me, as we face the world and hear the news of the day, our lives are lived in the recognition and faith that Christ died for EVERYONE, regardless of who or what they are. That's how great the Father's love is, and, as our two readings for today point out, His love leads us to love as He does. Hatred never changes one's heart for the better. It only destroys. Yet God's love in Christ, declared to us in the Gospel, changes hearts, gives life, and plants seeds of hope in troubled hearts and lives. .
The expert in the law came close to losing his salvation because he was focused on loving God above everything, to the exclusion of his neighbor. The rich young ruler placed his salvation in jeopardy because his love excluded loving God above all things. Both needed to understand that loving God and one's neighbor go hand in hand. You and I need this same reminder every day of our lives. Loving others is costly. It cost God the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary. Yet, God was willing that such a terrible price be paid so that He could redeem the world from Sin. Through the unselfish, loving, and gracious act of Christ, suffering and dying on the Cross for the sins of the world, the forgiveness of sins came into the world for all who repent. Through that selfless act of love and mercy, we are freed through faith in Jesus' blood and righteousness to love God above all things and our neighbors as ourselves. The cost of love is putting God and others ahead of ourselves and, thus, being concerned for and loving to even those who aren't "loveable."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have loved me so much that, even when I wasn't "loveable," lost in sin and unbelief, You sent Your Only Son, Jesus Christ, to free me from Sin and make me Your child. Help me to appreciate that that salvation is for all people, no matter how "unlovable" they may be. Remind me that only You can make someone "loveable" in Christ, and that, as You have loved me, You also give me the faith to love You above all things and love my neighbor as myself. Lead me to exercise that love in such a way, that I might reach the "unlovable" with Christ's love and lead them to You and their salvation in Christ; in Whose name I pray. Amen.
******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Mark 12:28-34; Luke 18:18-29
WHAT IS THE COST OF LOVE?
"When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth." (Lk. 18:23)
As we listen to newscasts and read newspapers a trend in the stories emerges. Usually we're hearing about things that have gone wrong. We could reasonably argue, that while there are occasional stories about the good things people have done, there are more frequently accounts of the terrible things that happen and the evil people do to one another. One of the local "News at Ten" channels recently has been advertising a more balanced approach to the news, but, to be honest, I've not personally seen that they're not reporting any differently than they always have been. Violence and bad things sell. There's a prurient interest among human beings to hear about bad things. As a people, things like physical violence, people being stripped of their life's savings by scam artists, police misconduct, discrimination, and religious, moral, or ethical lapses all seem to get our attention before "good" news, because such news is considered "exciting" and far more interesting than "good" news. It seems as if we human beings are more willing to hear about things that reduce the value of human life and take away one's dignity, than those things that uplift and show respect for others.
Now don't get me wrong. Certainly we need to know when others are being hurt or harmed so we can do something about it, even if it just means not behaving in the same way toward others. Certain lifestyles or actions are definitively contrary to the Will of God, and should not be condoned. Yet as a Christian I can't condone hatred, maltreatment, abuse, defamation of character, or any other such harm that others might wish to put on those who practice "alternative lifestyles" or act in ways not in keeping with God's Will. As a Christian I want to know about things that are hurting others so that I can at least pray for them and about things that are happening that God might provide relief. For you and me, as we face the world and hear the news of the day, our lives are lived in the recognition and faith that Christ died for EVERYONE, regardless of who or what they are. That's how great the Father's love is, and, as our two readings for today point out, His love leads us to love as He does. Hatred never changes one's heart for the better. It only destroys. Yet God's love in Christ, declared to us in the Gospel, changes hearts, gives life, and plants seeds of hope in troubled hearts and lives. .
The expert in the law came close to losing his salvation because he was focused on loving God above everything, to the exclusion of his neighbor. The rich young ruler placed his salvation in jeopardy because his love excluded loving God above all things. Both needed to understand that loving God and one's neighbor go hand in hand. You and I need this same reminder every day of our lives. Loving others is costly. It cost God the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary. Yet, God was willing that such a terrible price be paid so that He could redeem the world from Sin. Through the unselfish, loving, and gracious act of Christ, suffering and dying on the Cross for the sins of the world, the forgiveness of sins came into the world for all who repent. Through that selfless act of love and mercy, we are freed through faith in Jesus' blood and righteousness to love God above all things and our neighbors as ourselves. The cost of love is putting God and others ahead of ourselves and, thus, being concerned for and loving to even those who aren't "loveable."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have loved me so much that, even when I wasn't "loveable," lost in sin and unbelief, You sent Your Only Son, Jesus Christ, to free me from Sin and make me Your child. Help me to appreciate that that salvation is for all people, no matter how "unlovable" they may be. Remind me that only You can make someone "loveable" in Christ, and that, as You have loved me, You also give me the faith to love You above all things and love my neighbor as myself. Lead me to exercise that love in such a way, that I might reach the "unlovable" with Christ's love and lead them to You and their salvation in Christ; in Whose name I pray. Amen.
******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, April 11, 2005
A Special Wedding Invitation From God
"Today's Devotion" For April 11, 2005
Read: Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:4-9
A SPECIAL WEDDING INVITATION FROM GOD
"'For many are called, but few are chosen.'"(Mt. 22:14)
Do you like to attend weddings? Sitting on the kitchen table are two wedding invitations for weddings my wife and I are invited to attend. One is for a cousin and the other for a very good, close friend's daughter. Both are on the same day, and, while at different times so that we could, possibly make the attempt to celebrate with both couples and their friends and families, one wedding is in Illinois, the other in Milwaukee. We can't get to both of them, and so we've had to choose one. Of course, we'll be attending the cousin's wedding, which is the one the farthest away. I can't say it doesn't present a bit of a dilemma because I have a closer relationship with my friend and colleague than I do with my cousin. Besides, to go to my cousin's wedding requires longer travel, more expense, and a longer day. But, she is family, and thus has to take the first priority.
With this dilemma in mind, Jesus' parable about the "Wedding Feast" takes on a whole new meaning. The whole point of the parable is that God, in His grace, mercy, and love had chosen the people of Israel to be His very own people set aside from the world to be a beacon of His love to the world. Over the long haul of history, God had continually promised through the Prophets that He would send a Messiah to redeem Israel. That Messiah turned out to be Jesus Christ, God's Son made human flesh. Through the Prophets, the Father had continually called His chosen people to repentance and faith. He continually protected them from their enemies, setting them apart as His People, over and over again. Yet, when the Christ, the Messiah, came and they were called to believe in Him as their hope and salvation--the invitation to the "Wedding Feast"--they ignored Him and God's invitation.
Instead, it seems as if the "other invitation" sitting on the table was more compelling and appealing, as is often the case for all of us. The world's options are often more inviting and require less effort to fulfill than those received from God. It's a dilemma, powered by Sin, which sets us at odds with God on a daily basis. Scripture reminds us that since the days of Abraham, God's invitation to the "Wedding Feast" of His Son had been regularly sent out to His people. Yet, the invitation to the "wedding in the family" wasn't as appealing as the other invitations that God's people continually received. Over and over again the invitation was made to prepare for Christ's coming, for the "Wedding Feast" to come, and over and over again the invitation was ignored. Finally, His patience sorely tested, God determines that those He has chosen don't care to attend and sends out His Word and His invitation to strangers, people who had often been despised by Israel. These strangers respond with joy, preparing themselves for the "Bridegroom's" coming. Still, as is so often true wherever the Gospel is heard, even among those strangers there are those who believe they can enter the "Wedding Feast" without truly believing and following God's will.
The upshot of all this is that God had called you and me to Christ. He has invited us, by faith, to the "Marriage Feast of the Lamb." He has chosen us, not we, Him. His grace has set us free and clothed us in the "wedding garment" of the righteousness of Christ. Our sins are forgiven and we are called and freed to serve Him obediently and faithfully. Our response in faith and action indicates our election as one of the chosen few. We give God thanks and praise that He has called us and made us His own. What a great joy it is to be one of the chosen few, chosen by God to receive His forgiveness, joy, and peace in Christ Jesus, the Church's Bridegroom and the salvation of the world.
Prayer: Father, You have been so gracious and merciful to me. You have called me to be one of Your very own people in Christ Jesus. You have granted me faith in Christ, my Lord and Savior, and clothed me in "His blood and righteousness." Help me to live in Your grace and mercy in such a way that through me You issue Your invitation to salvation to others. Thank You, Father, for all Your patience, forgiveness, and love. In Christ, my Lord's name, I pray. Amen.
**************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:4-9
A SPECIAL WEDDING INVITATION FROM GOD
"'For many are called, but few are chosen.'"(Mt. 22:14)
Do you like to attend weddings? Sitting on the kitchen table are two wedding invitations for weddings my wife and I are invited to attend. One is for a cousin and the other for a very good, close friend's daughter. Both are on the same day, and, while at different times so that we could, possibly make the attempt to celebrate with both couples and their friends and families, one wedding is in Illinois, the other in Milwaukee. We can't get to both of them, and so we've had to choose one. Of course, we'll be attending the cousin's wedding, which is the one the farthest away. I can't say it doesn't present a bit of a dilemma because I have a closer relationship with my friend and colleague than I do with my cousin. Besides, to go to my cousin's wedding requires longer travel, more expense, and a longer day. But, she is family, and thus has to take the first priority.
With this dilemma in mind, Jesus' parable about the "Wedding Feast" takes on a whole new meaning. The whole point of the parable is that God, in His grace, mercy, and love had chosen the people of Israel to be His very own people set aside from the world to be a beacon of His love to the world. Over the long haul of history, God had continually promised through the Prophets that He would send a Messiah to redeem Israel. That Messiah turned out to be Jesus Christ, God's Son made human flesh. Through the Prophets, the Father had continually called His chosen people to repentance and faith. He continually protected them from their enemies, setting them apart as His People, over and over again. Yet, when the Christ, the Messiah, came and they were called to believe in Him as their hope and salvation--the invitation to the "Wedding Feast"--they ignored Him and God's invitation.
Instead, it seems as if the "other invitation" sitting on the table was more compelling and appealing, as is often the case for all of us. The world's options are often more inviting and require less effort to fulfill than those received from God. It's a dilemma, powered by Sin, which sets us at odds with God on a daily basis. Scripture reminds us that since the days of Abraham, God's invitation to the "Wedding Feast" of His Son had been regularly sent out to His people. Yet, the invitation to the "wedding in the family" wasn't as appealing as the other invitations that God's people continually received. Over and over again the invitation was made to prepare for Christ's coming, for the "Wedding Feast" to come, and over and over again the invitation was ignored. Finally, His patience sorely tested, God determines that those He has chosen don't care to attend and sends out His Word and His invitation to strangers, people who had often been despised by Israel. These strangers respond with joy, preparing themselves for the "Bridegroom's" coming. Still, as is so often true wherever the Gospel is heard, even among those strangers there are those who believe they can enter the "Wedding Feast" without truly believing and following God's will.
The upshot of all this is that God had called you and me to Christ. He has invited us, by faith, to the "Marriage Feast of the Lamb." He has chosen us, not we, Him. His grace has set us free and clothed us in the "wedding garment" of the righteousness of Christ. Our sins are forgiven and we are called and freed to serve Him obediently and faithfully. Our response in faith and action indicates our election as one of the chosen few. We give God thanks and praise that He has called us and made us His own. What a great joy it is to be one of the chosen few, chosen by God to receive His forgiveness, joy, and peace in Christ Jesus, the Church's Bridegroom and the salvation of the world.
Prayer: Father, You have been so gracious and merciful to me. You have called me to be one of Your very own people in Christ Jesus. You have granted me faith in Christ, my Lord and Savior, and clothed me in "His blood and righteousness." Help me to live in Your grace and mercy in such a way that through me You issue Your invitation to salvation to others. Thank You, Father, for all Your patience, forgiveness, and love. In Christ, my Lord's name, I pray. Amen.
**************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
No Matter What, God Doesn't Forget His People
"Today's Devotion" For April 9, 2005
Read: Genesis 6:1-8:1; Psalm 111
NO MATTER WHAT, GOD DOESN'T FORGET HIS PEOPLE
"But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him on the ark, and He sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded."(Gen. 8:1)
The story of the Flood is often ignored by Christians and non-Christians alike. For many it's just a myth or fairy tale. If you don't believe in the inerrancy and truth of the Scriptures, I suppose it's just as easy to discount the Flood as it is to discount Creation and settle for evolution. On the other hand, for God's people the account of the Flood is intended to be a source of great joy and comfort. It points us to the magnificent mercy and grace of God and that even in the worst possible of circumstances, He doesn't forget His people.
Noah's time, as described in Genesis, was a terribly evil time in the world's history. The evil that permeated the earth was so intense and intolerable that God felt compelled to destroy every living thing except Noah, his family, the fish, the birds, wild animals, and livestock He placed on the ark. After forty days and nights of water gushing out of every possible location it could come from, both from above and from below, the earth was flooded over even its highest mountain peak. That depth of flood water remained in place for almost an entire year. Only then did the waters recede and dry land appear once again. Personally, I can't begin to imagine the emotions of Noah and his family cooped up with all those animals in the ark for that length of time. Having been on a lone ship at sea, with nothing but water as far as the eye can see, I can tell you that it's an inhospitable and uninhabitable environment. Add the animals along with no apparent hope for land in sight and Noah and his family faced a most difficult situation. Truly the result of Man's sin was never more evident to any group of human beings. Although Scripture doesn't specifically state it, we can imagine that after awhile Noah and his family felt a bit alone and forgotten. And who could blame them!
And then Scripture tells us that God "remembered them," and, not only them, but also the other creatures of His creation. He causes a wind to come up and begin to dry the earth. The waters receded and Noah, his family, and all the creatures in the ark eventually were able to get back on dry land. God remembered them. God remembers us. There's nothing so terrible that can happen that will cause God to forget us. So much has He remembered and loved this world that He promised never to destroy it again by means of such a flood. So much has He remembered and loved this world that He promised salvation and has brought it into reality in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Our sins are forgiven and the "flood" of sin and unbelief all around us is overcome by the power of the Gospel. We are His. We can be certain, beyond a shadow of any doubt that, no matter what, God doesn't forget His people.
Prayer: Father, there are so many things that can go wrong in my life that, at times, I'm so overwhelmed by them that I feel abandoned and forgotten. Forgive me for such feelings for they often reflect the weakness of my faith and trust in You. Remind me by Your Word and Spirit that You will never forget me, as You didn't forget Noah and all creatures on the ark. Strengthen me in my faith, that trusting that I am always in Your sight I may be a bold and faithful witness to Your love in Christ Jesus to a lost and dying world. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Genesis 6:1-8:1; Psalm 111
NO MATTER WHAT, GOD DOESN'T FORGET HIS PEOPLE
"But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him on the ark, and He sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded."(Gen. 8:1)
The story of the Flood is often ignored by Christians and non-Christians alike. For many it's just a myth or fairy tale. If you don't believe in the inerrancy and truth of the Scriptures, I suppose it's just as easy to discount the Flood as it is to discount Creation and settle for evolution. On the other hand, for God's people the account of the Flood is intended to be a source of great joy and comfort. It points us to the magnificent mercy and grace of God and that even in the worst possible of circumstances, He doesn't forget His people.
Noah's time, as described in Genesis, was a terribly evil time in the world's history. The evil that permeated the earth was so intense and intolerable that God felt compelled to destroy every living thing except Noah, his family, the fish, the birds, wild animals, and livestock He placed on the ark. After forty days and nights of water gushing out of every possible location it could come from, both from above and from below, the earth was flooded over even its highest mountain peak. That depth of flood water remained in place for almost an entire year. Only then did the waters recede and dry land appear once again. Personally, I can't begin to imagine the emotions of Noah and his family cooped up with all those animals in the ark for that length of time. Having been on a lone ship at sea, with nothing but water as far as the eye can see, I can tell you that it's an inhospitable and uninhabitable environment. Add the animals along with no apparent hope for land in sight and Noah and his family faced a most difficult situation. Truly the result of Man's sin was never more evident to any group of human beings. Although Scripture doesn't specifically state it, we can imagine that after awhile Noah and his family felt a bit alone and forgotten. And who could blame them!
And then Scripture tells us that God "remembered them," and, not only them, but also the other creatures of His creation. He causes a wind to come up and begin to dry the earth. The waters receded and Noah, his family, and all the creatures in the ark eventually were able to get back on dry land. God remembered them. God remembers us. There's nothing so terrible that can happen that will cause God to forget us. So much has He remembered and loved this world that He promised never to destroy it again by means of such a flood. So much has He remembered and loved this world that He promised salvation and has brought it into reality in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Our sins are forgiven and the "flood" of sin and unbelief all around us is overcome by the power of the Gospel. We are His. We can be certain, beyond a shadow of any doubt that, no matter what, God doesn't forget His people.
Prayer: Father, there are so many things that can go wrong in my life that, at times, I'm so overwhelmed by them that I feel abandoned and forgotten. Forgive me for such feelings for they often reflect the weakness of my faith and trust in You. Remind me by Your Word and Spirit that You will never forget me, as You didn't forget Noah and all creatures on the ark. Strengthen me in my faith, that trusting that I am always in Your sight I may be a bold and faithful witness to Your love in Christ Jesus to a lost and dying world. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, April 08, 2005
We Are, In The End, Finally Accountable
"Today's Devotion" For April 8, 2005
Read: Matthew 25:1-13; II Corinthians 5:1-10
WE ARE, IN THE END, FINALLY ACCOUNTABLE
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him, for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (II Cor. 5:10)
Today is the funeral for Pope John Paul II in Rome. It's a day of sadness, to be sure, especially for a billion people around the world who claim the Roman Catholic Church as their denomination. It's a day, also, for rejoicing if the pure message of the Gospel of salvation through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ comes through loudly and clearly to everyone attending, watching, or hearing the funeral mass. In the end, after all the pomp and circumstance, the trappings of office, the world-wide tours, the accolades and a place in the world's history, the person whose body is being laid to rest this day is, after all is said and done, a man from Poland by the name of Karol Wojtyla. He was a man for whom Jesus suffered, died, and rose again, just as He did for the whole world.
The beautiful, young woman was wheeled into the emergency room of the local hospital. She had been in a traffic accident with her husband. Both of them were in critical condition and emergency room personnel were working feverishly to save their lives. But, within a few minutes of arriving at the hospital, both died. They had just celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary and left three young children without parents. By all human standards this was tragedy. Yet, the greater tragedy occurred after they died. Arriving at the "Pearly Gates" before St. Peter, they both sought admission into heaven. Peter welcomed the young wife and mother, but turned her husband away. The young man protested but Peter would not budge. After escorting the young woman through the "Pearly Gates" Peter came back to the husband. The husband begged Peter to let him into heaven, and when Peter wouldn't, he asked him why not. Listen to what Peter told him.
"In the ten years you were married to your wife, you set foot in a church only on Christmas, Easter, and when your children were baptized. You forbade her to give her heartfelt offerings to her Lord. You were greedy, possessive, and abusive. You treated her and your children shabbily. You didn't treat others any better. Yet, in spite of all this, your wife never once missed worshiping on Sunday morning, bringing the children with her. She freely gave her time to help the sick and shut-ins, and spent time helping in your children's classrooms. She went to Bible Study regularly and was always at the Lord's Table. On a daily basis, she prayed for you and your well being and that God would bless you. She fully trusted in Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection as the full payment before God for her sins, for your sins, and the sins of your children. During all this time you were relying on her goodness to rub off on you and pave the way until you decided it was time to get back in touch with God. Sorry, but it doesn't work that way. Heaven is not your final destination."
It doesn't matter if you’re a man named Karol Wojtyla, who was known to the world as Pope John Paul II, a loving wife and mother, such as described above, a faithful husband and father, or someone like the husband described above. No one will enter into eternal life in Christ based upon their merits or those of others. Sadly, it's too often true that people depend on the goodness of others to compensate for their lack of spiritual life and relationship with God. Yet Jesus wants all of us to be like the "five wise virgins" and keep our "oil" stocked, ready for His return. No one can stand before the Judgment Seat of God for us. We will either stand alone because we have pushed God aside and rejected His love, or we will stand side by side with Jesus, Whose blood and righteousness has atoned for our sins before God. We are, after all, held accountable in the end for our lives. A life lived in Christ is a life that lives forever.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as You have died to take away my sins, so also live in me and with me that I may live in and for You. Help me to live a life that shares Your love with others; a life that reflects the righteousness You have purchased for me with Your life's blood. Since I will be held accountable in the end for my life and work, lead me to live that life in You and work for You in service to others. Hear me, dearest Lord Jesus. Amen.
*****************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 25:1-13; II Corinthians 5:1-10
WE ARE, IN THE END, FINALLY ACCOUNTABLE
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him, for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (II Cor. 5:10)
Today is the funeral for Pope John Paul II in Rome. It's a day of sadness, to be sure, especially for a billion people around the world who claim the Roman Catholic Church as their denomination. It's a day, also, for rejoicing if the pure message of the Gospel of salvation through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ comes through loudly and clearly to everyone attending, watching, or hearing the funeral mass. In the end, after all the pomp and circumstance, the trappings of office, the world-wide tours, the accolades and a place in the world's history, the person whose body is being laid to rest this day is, after all is said and done, a man from Poland by the name of Karol Wojtyla. He was a man for whom Jesus suffered, died, and rose again, just as He did for the whole world.
The beautiful, young woman was wheeled into the emergency room of the local hospital. She had been in a traffic accident with her husband. Both of them were in critical condition and emergency room personnel were working feverishly to save their lives. But, within a few minutes of arriving at the hospital, both died. They had just celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary and left three young children without parents. By all human standards this was tragedy. Yet, the greater tragedy occurred after they died. Arriving at the "Pearly Gates" before St. Peter, they both sought admission into heaven. Peter welcomed the young wife and mother, but turned her husband away. The young man protested but Peter would not budge. After escorting the young woman through the "Pearly Gates" Peter came back to the husband. The husband begged Peter to let him into heaven, and when Peter wouldn't, he asked him why not. Listen to what Peter told him.
"In the ten years you were married to your wife, you set foot in a church only on Christmas, Easter, and when your children were baptized. You forbade her to give her heartfelt offerings to her Lord. You were greedy, possessive, and abusive. You treated her and your children shabbily. You didn't treat others any better. Yet, in spite of all this, your wife never once missed worshiping on Sunday morning, bringing the children with her. She freely gave her time to help the sick and shut-ins, and spent time helping in your children's classrooms. She went to Bible Study regularly and was always at the Lord's Table. On a daily basis, she prayed for you and your well being and that God would bless you. She fully trusted in Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection as the full payment before God for her sins, for your sins, and the sins of your children. During all this time you were relying on her goodness to rub off on you and pave the way until you decided it was time to get back in touch with God. Sorry, but it doesn't work that way. Heaven is not your final destination."
It doesn't matter if you’re a man named Karol Wojtyla, who was known to the world as Pope John Paul II, a loving wife and mother, such as described above, a faithful husband and father, or someone like the husband described above. No one will enter into eternal life in Christ based upon their merits or those of others. Sadly, it's too often true that people depend on the goodness of others to compensate for their lack of spiritual life and relationship with God. Yet Jesus wants all of us to be like the "five wise virgins" and keep our "oil" stocked, ready for His return. No one can stand before the Judgment Seat of God for us. We will either stand alone because we have pushed God aside and rejected His love, or we will stand side by side with Jesus, Whose blood and righteousness has atoned for our sins before God. We are, after all, held accountable in the end for our lives. A life lived in Christ is a life that lives forever.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as You have died to take away my sins, so also live in me and with me that I may live in and for You. Help me to live a life that shares Your love with others; a life that reflects the righteousness You have purchased for me with Your life's blood. Since I will be held accountable in the end for my life and work, lead me to live that life in You and work for You in service to others. Hear me, dearest Lord Jesus. Amen.
*****************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Christ's Love Embraces Human Suffering
"Today's Devotion" For April 7, 2005
Read: I Corinthians 13; Psalm 36
CHRIST'S LOVE EMBRACES HUMAN SUFFERING
"Love...always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (I Cor. 13:4a, 7, 8a,13)
The doctor, an oncologist, went to visit a little girl dying of cancer. The girl was eight-years old. She was in excruciating pain almost constantly. No drugs could ease the burden any longer. The doctor, who had her own eight-year old daughter at home in bed, healthy and happy, full of life and the joy of living, could only express her own feelings of this little girl's suffering as "unjust, unfair, and unreasonable." Her own inability to stem the onslaught of the cancer, much less ease the girl's pain, was a heavy burden. Yet she was able to gain strength and confidence from the overpowering presence of the little girl's grandmother lying in bed beside her dying granddaughter. Her huge body embraced the inhuman suffering of her little granddaughter. The doctor's own words say a lot, "I stood in awe, for I knew I was standing on holy ground. The suffering of little children is horrifying beyond words. I will never forget the great, gentle arms and body of this grandmother. She never spoke a word while I was there. She was holding and participating in suffering that she could not relieve, and somehow her silent presence was relieving it."
If we're at all conscious of the world around us we see suffering and the ravages of Sin in the lives of people. People are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They're lonely, depressed, homesick, and uncertain of the future. Alcohol, drugs, sex, and suicide all seem to answers to the pain people are feeling. Some turn into thrill seeking, risking their lives by doing intentionally high risk things in order to feel "alive" or to "prove themselves" to others. Feeling hopeless and helpless to do anything to change their situations in life, people are turning to these "escapes" to try, in some small way, to forget or end the pain in their lives.
For such people, the need to know God's love for them in Jesus Christ is so great that they're almost ready to "kill" themselves to obtain it. These are people sorely in need of the "agape" of God--His unselfish, all-encompassing love--which St. Paul describes in I Corinthians 13. We are people who have experienced God's "agape" for us in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross in our place, because of our sin. We are people who believe and know that their sins are forgiven and that God understands and has experienced every need, sorrow, and pain we've ever had. We believe that in His "agape" He gives us all that we need, as we need it, and often more than we need. Just as Jesus did for us, so also does He call for us who believe in Him, to "get into bed" with those in need of His love and "embrace the inhuman suffering" of their lives because of Sin, just as He has done for us. Our compassion, persistence, friendship, and Christ-like examples can make all the difference in the lives of those dying in their sins, for through each of us God touches others with His love in Christ. We can "be there" for those in need of Christ's love and forgiveness, just as the little girl's grandmother was "there" for her. Through the miracle of God's love and the power of His Spirit, we can help "bear" another's pain and relieve it.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You entered into my world and my life by sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to take on human flesh, put Himself under Your Law, and fulfill Your Will perfectly in my place. Jesus' suffering and death brought into Your heart every pain and sorrow that we human beings can ever experience. You know it all full well and have entered into my life with Your full and complete presence. Your love both surrounds me and embraces me. Your power enfolds me. Your forgiveness of my sins comforts me and gives me hope. As I have experienced Your love in Jesus, please also help me to see those who are hurting and in need of that same love and forgiveness You've given to me, and help to lead them to Jesus any way I can. Let my life be a living witness to Jesus, so that my example, my actions, my caring, and my prayers might help me to touch others with Your love. Father, I pray that You would send Your Spirit to work through me today that I may be an instrument of Your peace and a bearer of Your love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I Corinthians 13; Psalm 36
CHRIST'S LOVE EMBRACES HUMAN SUFFERING
"Love...always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (I Cor. 13:4a, 7, 8a,13)
The doctor, an oncologist, went to visit a little girl dying of cancer. The girl was eight-years old. She was in excruciating pain almost constantly. No drugs could ease the burden any longer. The doctor, who had her own eight-year old daughter at home in bed, healthy and happy, full of life and the joy of living, could only express her own feelings of this little girl's suffering as "unjust, unfair, and unreasonable." Her own inability to stem the onslaught of the cancer, much less ease the girl's pain, was a heavy burden. Yet she was able to gain strength and confidence from the overpowering presence of the little girl's grandmother lying in bed beside her dying granddaughter. Her huge body embraced the inhuman suffering of her little granddaughter. The doctor's own words say a lot, "I stood in awe, for I knew I was standing on holy ground. The suffering of little children is horrifying beyond words. I will never forget the great, gentle arms and body of this grandmother. She never spoke a word while I was there. She was holding and participating in suffering that she could not relieve, and somehow her silent presence was relieving it."
If we're at all conscious of the world around us we see suffering and the ravages of Sin in the lives of people. People are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They're lonely, depressed, homesick, and uncertain of the future. Alcohol, drugs, sex, and suicide all seem to answers to the pain people are feeling. Some turn into thrill seeking, risking their lives by doing intentionally high risk things in order to feel "alive" or to "prove themselves" to others. Feeling hopeless and helpless to do anything to change their situations in life, people are turning to these "escapes" to try, in some small way, to forget or end the pain in their lives.
For such people, the need to know God's love for them in Jesus Christ is so great that they're almost ready to "kill" themselves to obtain it. These are people sorely in need of the "agape" of God--His unselfish, all-encompassing love--which St. Paul describes in I Corinthians 13. We are people who have experienced God's "agape" for us in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross in our place, because of our sin. We are people who believe and know that their sins are forgiven and that God understands and has experienced every need, sorrow, and pain we've ever had. We believe that in His "agape" He gives us all that we need, as we need it, and often more than we need. Just as Jesus did for us, so also does He call for us who believe in Him, to "get into bed" with those in need of His love and "embrace the inhuman suffering" of their lives because of Sin, just as He has done for us. Our compassion, persistence, friendship, and Christ-like examples can make all the difference in the lives of those dying in their sins, for through each of us God touches others with His love in Christ. We can "be there" for those in need of Christ's love and forgiveness, just as the little girl's grandmother was "there" for her. Through the miracle of God's love and the power of His Spirit, we can help "bear" another's pain and relieve it.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You entered into my world and my life by sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to take on human flesh, put Himself under Your Law, and fulfill Your Will perfectly in my place. Jesus' suffering and death brought into Your heart every pain and sorrow that we human beings can ever experience. You know it all full well and have entered into my life with Your full and complete presence. Your love both surrounds me and embraces me. Your power enfolds me. Your forgiveness of my sins comforts me and gives me hope. As I have experienced Your love in Jesus, please also help me to see those who are hurting and in need of that same love and forgiveness You've given to me, and help to lead them to Jesus any way I can. Let my life be a living witness to Jesus, so that my example, my actions, my caring, and my prayers might help me to touch others with Your love. Father, I pray that You would send Your Spirit to work through me today that I may be an instrument of Your peace and a bearer of Your love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
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