"Today's Devotion" For February 28, 2005
Read: Matthew 10:5-16
Acts 8:4-25
JESUS IS OUR "MISSION CONTROL"
"As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'"(Mt.10:7)
When we hear the term "mission control" many of us will have our thoughts pointed to the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA). The word image brings up pictures of astronauts, space vehicles, space stations, space walks, probes sent to other planets in the solar system, and everything else we connect with the exploration of outer space. Humanity's insatiable desire to move beyond the pale of earth into the broad unknown of the universe represented by outer space is a reflection of an apparently innate need for human beings to throw of the "shackles" of earth. "Mission Control" has become the focal point of those desires to break the bonds of earth. That same purpose, to break the "shackles of earth" in a spiritual sense, was the motivation for Jesus' sending out of the 12 apostles to share the message that the "Kingdom of Heaven is near."
For the Twelve Apostles, whose number representatives to us the twelve tribes of Israel, their mission was to preach the message that "The kingdom of heaven is near." Jesus' own mission was to declare that same truth and point to Himself as God's redemption for the world. The Twelve, holding to that mission, went forth in faith and confidence, without any elaborate preparations, certainly not of the order found in the space program at NASA. They were to live by the response of the people to the message of the Gospel, freely sharing God's love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, in the same way as they had freely received that same love and forgiveness themselves. Empowered by the power of God's Word and Spirit, working according to Jesus' own command, they went about preaching, healing, and driving out demons. They, themselves, came back amazed at what transpired on their journeys, as the power of God's Word touched the lives of many, changed the lives of many, and drove demons away. Their "Mission Control," the Lord Jesus Christ, sent them to share God's peace with all who received the words of the Kingdom, and bring them the assurance that God would provide for their every need, both in body and spirit.
In no less a manner does our Lord Jesus Christ call us to the same sacrificial, faithful, bold mission work in the world today. By faith we live in the presence of our God and Father every moment of every day of our lives. Nothing we do, think, or say goes unnoticed by Him. He knows our every want and desire, our every need and trial. Everyday we receive His grace, mercy, and love so that we might be living witnesses of His gift of salvation in Christ to the whole world, starting in our own corner of it. We not only live in His forgiveness but we share it with others everyday as well. Our mission in life, guided by God's Word and Spirit, through faith in Christ, is to share the Good News of salvation with all who don't as yet believe. With Christ in control of the mission we can be confident that we will receive what we need to do reach others for Him each day of our lives. As He sent the Twelve, so He sends us. The mission hasn't changed. The purpose of a disciple is no less today than it was when Jesus walked the earth. Because Jesus' is in control of the mission, we are also certain it will succeed, and that we are well prepared to carry it out--protected in His arms.
Prayer: Father, I know that I'm often a reluctant witness to Your love for me and all the world in Jesus. In Christ, You call me to go and share Your Gospel without anything other than Your promises to be with me. By human standards, it's very dangerous to go on a mission for You, because I have no control over the situation. Yet, in Christ Jesus I fully trust and believe Your promises that You will never leave me or forsake me, and that Your Holy Spirit will provide me with the words to say in true witness to the Gospel of salvation in Christ, as they are necessary to be said. Remind me that You are always in control of the mission and that it will always succeed according to Your purpose and Will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Living According To God's "Worldview"
"Today's Devotion" For February 26, 2005
Read: Titus 2:1-15
Psalm 111
LIVING ACCORDING TO GOD'S “WORLDVIEW”
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever." (Ps. 111:10)
I was listening to a discussion on the radio yesterday afternoon. It was a talk show where people were calling in and discussing issues of war and peace, the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, politics in general, national security, terrorism, and a host of other, related ideas and circumstances. I'm always struck by the myriad of opinions and conceptualizations about the reality of life as we know it in our nation and the world. I was struck, as was the show's host, that a caller's concern that peace at all costs is preferable to liberty and freedom. This particular caller used Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as proponents of peace above liberty and freedom. As far as Gandhi and Dr. King, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to agree with the caller, but I can certainly say that I'm certain that Jesus didn't think in terms of earthly peace as the caller implied.
The reality of life on earth, where Sin abounds, is that there will be wars and rumors of wars as long as the earth exists (Mt. 24:6) according to our Lord Himself. What causes the most grief between people, it seems to me, is the completely different worldviews that exist between Christians, adherents of other religions, and non-believers. Non-believers and some Christians hold that there is a sharp divide between the secular and the sacred. The two shouldn't mix and one has no bearing on the other. For those who adhere to other religions such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism (to name a few), life revolves around their religious beliefs unless they are a part of a more "secularized" branch of their religions. We see aspects of that type of worldview playing out in the development of Afghanistan and Iraq. It's certainly evident in the "theocracy" developed in Iran. To a certain degree, such an approach to community and national living puts God's people to shame because, as some writers have been pointing out quite vigorously of late, Christians tend to compartmentalize the sacred and the secular, as if they have no connection whatsoever.
Paul's instructions to Titus point to a completely different approach to Christian living and a worldview that sees life through God's eyes. Such a worldview is a result of the "fear of the Lord," and a "good understanding of His commandments" (Ps. 111:10). God's wisdom leads us to know the forgiveness of all our sins through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. His wisdom assures us that we are free to live in a loving relationship with God. His wisdom assures us that His peace is upon us and we're no longer His enemies and in bondage to Sin, but His dearly beloved children, free to live with Him and for Him in all of life. Holding to God's worldview we live out His love for us in all aspects of life as we live, work, and witness to people of all beliefs and worldviews. To live in a free and saving relationship with God, at peace with Him, is to live at the same time in the world, but not be of the world. Living according to God's “worldview,” our speech, our actions, our work habits, our responses to others, regardless of their actions toward us, and how we take care of ourselves and all of God's gifts means living undifferentiated "secular" and "sacred" lives. There's no better witness for Christ, nor any greater influence for good in this world.
Prayer: Father, it's quite obvious to me that I'm susceptible to separating certain parts of me life from Your control. Following the leading of the world, it's very easy to slip into a "secular" mode, as if my whole life isn't lived in Your presence. While I may "go to sleep" on You and ignore Your commandments, I'm so very grateful that You never "sleep" and are always there to lift me up when I'm foolish, and keep me encourage me when I'm afraid to live for You. You have established Your peace with me through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior. It's His blood and righteousness, and not my life and living, that have brought Your peace and freedom into my life. Help me to live my life, as Paul encourages Titus to live an teach, so that others might see in all my actions, words, and living, that I am Your child and that Christ has died for all. In His precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Titus 2:1-15
Psalm 111
LIVING ACCORDING TO GOD'S “WORLDVIEW”
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever." (Ps. 111:10)
I was listening to a discussion on the radio yesterday afternoon. It was a talk show where people were calling in and discussing issues of war and peace, the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, politics in general, national security, terrorism, and a host of other, related ideas and circumstances. I'm always struck by the myriad of opinions and conceptualizations about the reality of life as we know it in our nation and the world. I was struck, as was the show's host, that a caller's concern that peace at all costs is preferable to liberty and freedom. This particular caller used Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as proponents of peace above liberty and freedom. As far as Gandhi and Dr. King, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to agree with the caller, but I can certainly say that I'm certain that Jesus didn't think in terms of earthly peace as the caller implied.
The reality of life on earth, where Sin abounds, is that there will be wars and rumors of wars as long as the earth exists (Mt. 24:6) according to our Lord Himself. What causes the most grief between people, it seems to me, is the completely different worldviews that exist between Christians, adherents of other religions, and non-believers. Non-believers and some Christians hold that there is a sharp divide between the secular and the sacred. The two shouldn't mix and one has no bearing on the other. For those who adhere to other religions such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism (to name a few), life revolves around their religious beliefs unless they are a part of a more "secularized" branch of their religions. We see aspects of that type of worldview playing out in the development of Afghanistan and Iraq. It's certainly evident in the "theocracy" developed in Iran. To a certain degree, such an approach to community and national living puts God's people to shame because, as some writers have been pointing out quite vigorously of late, Christians tend to compartmentalize the sacred and the secular, as if they have no connection whatsoever.
Paul's instructions to Titus point to a completely different approach to Christian living and a worldview that sees life through God's eyes. Such a worldview is a result of the "fear of the Lord," and a "good understanding of His commandments" (Ps. 111:10). God's wisdom leads us to know the forgiveness of all our sins through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. His wisdom assures us that we are free to live in a loving relationship with God. His wisdom assures us that His peace is upon us and we're no longer His enemies and in bondage to Sin, but His dearly beloved children, free to live with Him and for Him in all of life. Holding to God's worldview we live out His love for us in all aspects of life as we live, work, and witness to people of all beliefs and worldviews. To live in a free and saving relationship with God, at peace with Him, is to live at the same time in the world, but not be of the world. Living according to God's “worldview,” our speech, our actions, our work habits, our responses to others, regardless of their actions toward us, and how we take care of ourselves and all of God's gifts means living undifferentiated "secular" and "sacred" lives. There's no better witness for Christ, nor any greater influence for good in this world.
Prayer: Father, it's quite obvious to me that I'm susceptible to separating certain parts of me life from Your control. Following the leading of the world, it's very easy to slip into a "secular" mode, as if my whole life isn't lived in Your presence. While I may "go to sleep" on You and ignore Your commandments, I'm so very grateful that You never "sleep" and are always there to lift me up when I'm foolish, and keep me encourage me when I'm afraid to live for You. You have established Your peace with me through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior. It's His blood and righteousness, and not my life and living, that have brought Your peace and freedom into my life. Help me to live my life, as Paul encourages Titus to live an teach, so that others might see in all my actions, words, and living, that I am Your child and that Christ has died for all. In His precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Living In Safety and Security
"Today's Devotion" For February 25, 2005
Read: II Timothy 4:1-18
Psalm 30
LIVING IN SAFETY AND SECURITY
"The fear of man brings a snare. But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." (Pr. 29:25)
Well, it seems as if diplomatic efforts have failed. According to today's news reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the agreement that will send nuclear fuel to Iran for its new nuclear power plants. One part of the world is fearful that Iran will use the spent fuel rods to somehow manufacture nuclear weapons material despite whatever safeguards the Russian agreement puts on them. Of course the Iranian government claims no such aspirations--gaining nuclear weaponry--but another group of nations isn't so sure. As I listened to various talk shows and news reports today, there was a palpable fear that Iran could very well be on its way to wreaking havoc in the world with more than just its exportation of terrorism.
The world around us is often held hostage to fear. Because of the things that people choose to do to each other, fear is very much a part of living. In Milwaukee, where I live, the murder rate has already exceeded last year's rate, which had been the lowest in 20-years or so. Some people are afraid of the Police Department because the beating of a man back in November by off-duty police officers hasn't been solved as yet. At the same time, our troops in Iraq are facing mounting insurgency, as the insurgents do their best to sow fear among the civilian populace. As I read these and other accounts of people's security and safety being challenged, it becomes very evident that what the Proverbs say, "The fear of man brings a snare," is really very true. When we fear what others can do to us, might do to us, or will do to us, our attention turns away from God and to ourselves and those whom we fear. Such fear gives Sin and those who would bring us harm, control over our emotions, our thinking, and, often, even our lives. This is how Satan does his work as he continues to try to pull God's people away from Him.
St. Paul echoes the thoughts of the Proverb (29:25), when he encourages Timothy to be diligent, in good times and bad, in his proclamation of the Gospel and his faithfulness to God. By the power of God's Word and Spirit, we are able, just as Timothy, to focus on God and not be distracted by the world's attempts to hold us in its grasp. Paul, himself, knew what it was to be assailed by fear on every side and be able, with the Lord's help to overcome it and stay focused on God's love and forgiveness in Jesus. He writes, "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me...And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (2 Tim. 4:17). Moreover, Paul also speaks confidently of Jesus' continued presence and deliverance, no matter what was to come, "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom" (2 Tim. 4:18). With St. Paul, we, too, understand that living in safety and security means focusing on God's love for us in Christ. It means knowing beyond any doubt that no matter what others might do to us, nothing can separate us from His love.
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me that being afraid of what others might do to me is of no consequence. As You hold me in Your almighty arms, I know for certain that nothing can pull me away from Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ. I'm safe in Your arms from everything that would prove harmful to me in body and soul. Though I may experience physical distress or harm in my life at the hands of others, I'm certain that nothing can take me away from Your love. Help me to be a faithful and courageous witness of Your forgiveness and love in Christ to the world around me, so that others might release their fear of others and trust in You for all things. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: II Timothy 4:1-18
Psalm 30
LIVING IN SAFETY AND SECURITY
"The fear of man brings a snare. But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." (Pr. 29:25)
Well, it seems as if diplomatic efforts have failed. According to today's news reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the agreement that will send nuclear fuel to Iran for its new nuclear power plants. One part of the world is fearful that Iran will use the spent fuel rods to somehow manufacture nuclear weapons material despite whatever safeguards the Russian agreement puts on them. Of course the Iranian government claims no such aspirations--gaining nuclear weaponry--but another group of nations isn't so sure. As I listened to various talk shows and news reports today, there was a palpable fear that Iran could very well be on its way to wreaking havoc in the world with more than just its exportation of terrorism.
The world around us is often held hostage to fear. Because of the things that people choose to do to each other, fear is very much a part of living. In Milwaukee, where I live, the murder rate has already exceeded last year's rate, which had been the lowest in 20-years or so. Some people are afraid of the Police Department because the beating of a man back in November by off-duty police officers hasn't been solved as yet. At the same time, our troops in Iraq are facing mounting insurgency, as the insurgents do their best to sow fear among the civilian populace. As I read these and other accounts of people's security and safety being challenged, it becomes very evident that what the Proverbs say, "The fear of man brings a snare," is really very true. When we fear what others can do to us, might do to us, or will do to us, our attention turns away from God and to ourselves and those whom we fear. Such fear gives Sin and those who would bring us harm, control over our emotions, our thinking, and, often, even our lives. This is how Satan does his work as he continues to try to pull God's people away from Him.
St. Paul echoes the thoughts of the Proverb (29:25), when he encourages Timothy to be diligent, in good times and bad, in his proclamation of the Gospel and his faithfulness to God. By the power of God's Word and Spirit, we are able, just as Timothy, to focus on God and not be distracted by the world's attempts to hold us in its grasp. Paul, himself, knew what it was to be assailed by fear on every side and be able, with the Lord's help to overcome it and stay focused on God's love and forgiveness in Jesus. He writes, "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me...And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (2 Tim. 4:17). Moreover, Paul also speaks confidently of Jesus' continued presence and deliverance, no matter what was to come, "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom" (2 Tim. 4:18). With St. Paul, we, too, understand that living in safety and security means focusing on God's love for us in Christ. It means knowing beyond any doubt that no matter what others might do to us, nothing can separate us from His love.
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me that being afraid of what others might do to me is of no consequence. As You hold me in Your almighty arms, I know for certain that nothing can pull me away from Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ. I'm safe in Your arms from everything that would prove harmful to me in body and soul. Though I may experience physical distress or harm in my life at the hands of others, I'm certain that nothing can take me away from Your love. Help me to be a faithful and courageous witness of Your forgiveness and love in Christ to the world around me, so that others might release their fear of others and trust in You for all things. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Boldly Living Our Faith
"Today's Devotion" For February 24, 2005
Read: Jeremiah 1:4-8
I Timothy 4:1-16
BOLDLY LIVING OUR FAITH
"Do not say, 'I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord." (Jer. 1:7, 8)
Living in the "land of the free and the home of the brave" is supposed to mean that people are free to worship as they please, believe in God or not, and speak their minds concerning religion and their beliefs. Yet, in recent years, Christians have come under increasing scrutiny for what they believe and how they live. In a recent case in Philadelphia, a Christian group was arrested and indicted for speaking out and protesting against homosexual marriages. The judge threw the case out of court, declaring that the Ku Klux Klan can march all over the country, the Nazis can march in Skokie, but Christians aren't allowed to protest what they believe is behavior contrary to God's Word.
It's important for us to realize that this isn't a new phenomenon. The prophet Jeremiah experienced the same challenge in his day. People weren't happy with what he had to say and he suffered greatly for his faithfulness to God's Will. Elisha felt terribly alone in Israel, assuming that there wasn't anyone left who trusted in God, until God reminded him that He had set aside faithful people to Himself in Israel and then, through Elisha, brought His mighty power to bear on the prophets of Baal. Throughout the Old Testament we see account after account of God's people, even the prophets, suffering for what they believed. That same persecution occurred for Jesus, the Apostles, and the Early Church, as is so clearly described in the Revelation of St. John. As long as there's Sin in the world (which means until the Judgment Day), God's people will suffer for what they believe. Jesus' own words in the Sermon on the Mount clearly point to this reality when He says, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Mt. 5, 11, 12).
Living a Christian life is fraught with difficulties. We don't leave God at church, nor do we leave Him at home. Unlike society's idea that God and religion don't belong in the public sphere, Christians believe and understand that their lives encompass all they are in Jesus Christ. As God's redeemed children, we live life with the understanding that we take Jesus with us everywhere we go and include Him in everything we do and say. He is the One who guides our plans and gives us purpose in our lives, whether at home, in church, at work, at school, at leisure, in politics, or wherever He might lead us to be witness of God's grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Christ. God's encouragement to Jeremiah (Jer. 1) and His encouragement to Timothy through the Apostle Paul (I Tim. 4) is also for our benefit as the people of God in this time and place in history.
We are redeemed from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan by Jesus Christ. We have the hope and sure promise of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God by faith in Jesus, no matter what happens to us in this world. We are held in the very palm of God's hand and have the power of His Word and Spirit living in us in Holy Baptism each moment of our lives so that we can boldly live our faith in any and all circumstances of life. We take courage and have peace and joy in God's promise to be with us, to support us in our lives of faith, and to shield us from every snare that the Evil One would put up to take us away from God's love in Christ. In Jesus, we are strengthened each day to boldly live as the people of God, sharing the Word boldly and faithfully so that others might hear and believe, and be saved.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your marvelous patience with me. So often I'm reluctant to speak up for the truth of Your Word and for what's good and right in Your eyes. I have too often compromised my living and speaking with the world's standards so that I might "fit in" better with everyone else. Forgive me for such unfaithfulness to You. Send Your Spirit upon me in abundant measure each and every day, that I might speak and live boldly for Jesus and be a strong and faithful witness so that others might hear and believe. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Jeremiah 1:4-8
I Timothy 4:1-16
BOLDLY LIVING OUR FAITH
"Do not say, 'I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord." (Jer. 1:7, 8)
Living in the "land of the free and the home of the brave" is supposed to mean that people are free to worship as they please, believe in God or not, and speak their minds concerning religion and their beliefs. Yet, in recent years, Christians have come under increasing scrutiny for what they believe and how they live. In a recent case in Philadelphia, a Christian group was arrested and indicted for speaking out and protesting against homosexual marriages. The judge threw the case out of court, declaring that the Ku Klux Klan can march all over the country, the Nazis can march in Skokie, but Christians aren't allowed to protest what they believe is behavior contrary to God's Word.
It's important for us to realize that this isn't a new phenomenon. The prophet Jeremiah experienced the same challenge in his day. People weren't happy with what he had to say and he suffered greatly for his faithfulness to God's Will. Elisha felt terribly alone in Israel, assuming that there wasn't anyone left who trusted in God, until God reminded him that He had set aside faithful people to Himself in Israel and then, through Elisha, brought His mighty power to bear on the prophets of Baal. Throughout the Old Testament we see account after account of God's people, even the prophets, suffering for what they believed. That same persecution occurred for Jesus, the Apostles, and the Early Church, as is so clearly described in the Revelation of St. John. As long as there's Sin in the world (which means until the Judgment Day), God's people will suffer for what they believe. Jesus' own words in the Sermon on the Mount clearly point to this reality when He says, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Mt. 5, 11, 12).
Living a Christian life is fraught with difficulties. We don't leave God at church, nor do we leave Him at home. Unlike society's idea that God and religion don't belong in the public sphere, Christians believe and understand that their lives encompass all they are in Jesus Christ. As God's redeemed children, we live life with the understanding that we take Jesus with us everywhere we go and include Him in everything we do and say. He is the One who guides our plans and gives us purpose in our lives, whether at home, in church, at work, at school, at leisure, in politics, or wherever He might lead us to be witness of God's grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Christ. God's encouragement to Jeremiah (Jer. 1) and His encouragement to Timothy through the Apostle Paul (I Tim. 4) is also for our benefit as the people of God in this time and place in history.
We are redeemed from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan by Jesus Christ. We have the hope and sure promise of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God by faith in Jesus, no matter what happens to us in this world. We are held in the very palm of God's hand and have the power of His Word and Spirit living in us in Holy Baptism each moment of our lives so that we can boldly live our faith in any and all circumstances of life. We take courage and have peace and joy in God's promise to be with us, to support us in our lives of faith, and to shield us from every snare that the Evil One would put up to take us away from God's love in Christ. In Jesus, we are strengthened each day to boldly live as the people of God, sharing the Word boldly and faithfully so that others might hear and believe, and be saved.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your marvelous patience with me. So often I'm reluctant to speak up for the truth of Your Word and for what's good and right in Your eyes. I have too often compromised my living and speaking with the world's standards so that I might "fit in" better with everyone else. Forgive me for such unfaithfulness to You. Send Your Spirit upon me in abundant measure each and every day, that I might speak and live boldly for Jesus and be a strong and faithful witness so that others might hear and believe. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Truly Healed
"Today's Devotion" For February 23, 2005
Read: Mark 2:1-12
Psalm 20
TRULY HEALED
"Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk?'" (Mk. 2:9)
The news is not good. According to the latest reports there's a potential epidemic of HIV and AIDS getting ready to strike all over the world. It seems that the HIV virus has mutated into a more virulent form, one which even the "chemical cocktails" currently used for treatment won't be able to slow down. According to the reports I've recently read in the newspapers, it seems that the people most susceptible to this new strain of HIV will be "gay" men who, according to the most recent reports, appear to be growing more promiscuous and avoiding abstinence and "safe" relations. What's more important is that the epidemic isn't expected to remain within the "gay" population. Scientists aren't confident that they can find a "cure" or effective treatment for this new strain.
Another major medical and health challenge is facing the world and the United States at this time as well. According to what I read in Monday's newspaper, it seems that there's a new strain of avian flu virus which is expected to mutate into a potential more virulent form of human flu virus than has ever been seen before. Scientists are scrambling to be prepared to meet the challenge, but based on current medical science, they appear to have grave doubts as to whether an effective "retrovirus" can be developed to combat the disease. We're being warned to be alert for this flu to come our way.
At the U. S. Army's Walter Reed Medical Center and at the U. S. Navy's Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, wounded military personnel arrive on a daily basis from the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of these men and women will recover from their wounds and injuries and return to duty or civilian life in due time. Others, unfortunately, are in the hospital for long stays for multiple surgeries, recovery regimes, physical therapy, and prosthesis fittings. Their return to duty or civilian life any time soon is in grave doubt. What has happened to them will affect them for the rest of their lives. Total healing and recovery is, in many of their cases, not very likely.
No matter which medical circumstance we face from those noted above (and many others that afflict human beings), the one thing that we can be certain about is that absolute and total healing or eradication of diseases isn't very realistic thinking. Human beings are going to be subject to pain, suffering, injury, illness, and disease for as long as the earth exists. God's intention at Creation was that we would live in a perfectly healthy and blessed relationship with Him forever. When Adam and Eve disobeyed Him in the Garden of Eden that whole intention went out the window. From that moment on, our live, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually have been subjected to all sorts of decay and disease.
Matthew brings this reality of life to light as he recounts, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jesus' encounter with the paralyzed man of Capernaum. Greatly loved by his friends, this man, after great effort on the part of those friends, was lowered through the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching. Jesus' immediate response was to go to the very heart of the man's condition--his sinful nature. Instead of healing his obvious physical infirmity, Jesus' heals his spiritual infirmity. The scribes present in the house listening to Jesus couldn't get past Jesus' declaration of forgiveness to the man. Their thoughts betrayed their unbelief and Jesus address them, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk?'" (Mk. 2:9).
The reality of sickness, disease, illness, and the loss of limbs and permanent physical injury will always be with us. We can never escape the ravages of sin and evil that affect the human body. Yet we can take hope and comfort in the truth that Jesus is our Savior and Lord, Who has redeemed us from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan. We no longer are held hostage to these by faith in Christ. While Jesus had the power to tell the paralytic to get up and walk, and he did, it's a power that we don't have. But Jesus also had the power to forgive the man's sins so that the righteousness of Christ might rest on him. By faith in Him, as we bear witness to the Gospel, we are also recipients of the power to forgive sins and provide spiritual healing, in Christ, to others. While we may not be able to stop AIDS, prevent a flu epidemic, or restore lost limbs, we are able to share God's healing grace and mercy in Christ with others. We are truly healed in Christ of the most terrible, most devastating, and most eternal of all maladies known to humanity--our sins. That's what being truly healed really means, and it's a message needed by the whole world.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that in Christ You have healed me of the most devastating of all diseases--Sin. Because of Your forgiveness in Christ, I am able to live a life that is full of health, well-being, peace, and joy, not because my life is perfect but because I have received Your love, grace, and mercy. Lead me to share that same healing with others as I share Your forgiveness with those who sin against me. Strengthen me in my faith that I may live a life that is truly healed and filled with life and hope to share with those in need of Your love and healing of their sins in Jesus; in Whose precious name I pray. Amen.
************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Mark 2:1-12
Psalm 20
TRULY HEALED
"Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk?'" (Mk. 2:9)
The news is not good. According to the latest reports there's a potential epidemic of HIV and AIDS getting ready to strike all over the world. It seems that the HIV virus has mutated into a more virulent form, one which even the "chemical cocktails" currently used for treatment won't be able to slow down. According to the reports I've recently read in the newspapers, it seems that the people most susceptible to this new strain of HIV will be "gay" men who, according to the most recent reports, appear to be growing more promiscuous and avoiding abstinence and "safe" relations. What's more important is that the epidemic isn't expected to remain within the "gay" population. Scientists aren't confident that they can find a "cure" or effective treatment for this new strain.
Another major medical and health challenge is facing the world and the United States at this time as well. According to what I read in Monday's newspaper, it seems that there's a new strain of avian flu virus which is expected to mutate into a potential more virulent form of human flu virus than has ever been seen before. Scientists are scrambling to be prepared to meet the challenge, but based on current medical science, they appear to have grave doubts as to whether an effective "retrovirus" can be developed to combat the disease. We're being warned to be alert for this flu to come our way.
At the U. S. Army's Walter Reed Medical Center and at the U. S. Navy's Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, wounded military personnel arrive on a daily basis from the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of these men and women will recover from their wounds and injuries and return to duty or civilian life in due time. Others, unfortunately, are in the hospital for long stays for multiple surgeries, recovery regimes, physical therapy, and prosthesis fittings. Their return to duty or civilian life any time soon is in grave doubt. What has happened to them will affect them for the rest of their lives. Total healing and recovery is, in many of their cases, not very likely.
No matter which medical circumstance we face from those noted above (and many others that afflict human beings), the one thing that we can be certain about is that absolute and total healing or eradication of diseases isn't very realistic thinking. Human beings are going to be subject to pain, suffering, injury, illness, and disease for as long as the earth exists. God's intention at Creation was that we would live in a perfectly healthy and blessed relationship with Him forever. When Adam and Eve disobeyed Him in the Garden of Eden that whole intention went out the window. From that moment on, our live, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually have been subjected to all sorts of decay and disease.
Matthew brings this reality of life to light as he recounts, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jesus' encounter with the paralyzed man of Capernaum. Greatly loved by his friends, this man, after great effort on the part of those friends, was lowered through the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching. Jesus' immediate response was to go to the very heart of the man's condition--his sinful nature. Instead of healing his obvious physical infirmity, Jesus' heals his spiritual infirmity. The scribes present in the house listening to Jesus couldn't get past Jesus' declaration of forgiveness to the man. Their thoughts betrayed their unbelief and Jesus address them, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk?'" (Mk. 2:9).
The reality of sickness, disease, illness, and the loss of limbs and permanent physical injury will always be with us. We can never escape the ravages of sin and evil that affect the human body. Yet we can take hope and comfort in the truth that Jesus is our Savior and Lord, Who has redeemed us from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan. We no longer are held hostage to these by faith in Christ. While Jesus had the power to tell the paralytic to get up and walk, and he did, it's a power that we don't have. But Jesus also had the power to forgive the man's sins so that the righteousness of Christ might rest on him. By faith in Him, as we bear witness to the Gospel, we are also recipients of the power to forgive sins and provide spiritual healing, in Christ, to others. While we may not be able to stop AIDS, prevent a flu epidemic, or restore lost limbs, we are able to share God's healing grace and mercy in Christ with others. We are truly healed in Christ of the most terrible, most devastating, and most eternal of all maladies known to humanity--our sins. That's what being truly healed really means, and it's a message needed by the whole world.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that in Christ You have healed me of the most devastating of all diseases--Sin. Because of Your forgiveness in Christ, I am able to live a life that is full of health, well-being, peace, and joy, not because my life is perfect but because I have received Your love, grace, and mercy. Lead me to share that same healing with others as I share Your forgiveness with those who sin against me. Strengthen me in my faith that I may live a life that is truly healed and filled with life and hope to share with those in need of Your love and healing of their sins in Jesus; in Whose precious name I pray. Amen.
************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Living With Change
"Today's Devotion" For February 22, 2005
Read: James 1:12-18
Psalm 102
LIVING WITH CHANGE
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6)
We live in a world that believes change is a good thing. In some circles, it seems that change, just for the sake of change, is considered to be progress. Leaders who embrace change are considered at the top of the heap. Businesses, organizations, and even churches see change as inevitable and essential to growth and development. The bookstores and internet malls are filled with self-help books, tapes, and videos intent on leading people to "sea" changes in their lives so they can be more cutting-edge and achieve greater success. It's not unusual for politicians to tell the nation that changes need to take place in our social and legal systems, the most recent being Social Security which is causing no end of debate, point and counterpoint. Why, we even spend every four years deciding if we like the direction the nation is going or if we need a change in leadership to move us a different way. Changing our minds because we have doubts about earlier decisions seems to be inevitable.
I don't know about you, but I'm not always a big fan of change. Sometimes change scares me. Over the years, I'm certain that each of us can recognize how we've changed and are different persons from who and what we were in our youth, or when we first got married, or when we had our first child, or when we first experienced ill health, retirement, and a myriad of other changes that have taken place in our lives. The problem with living with change is that change often surprises us--what changes isn't necessarily what we hope for. The only thing we can be certain about with change is that it's going to occur, whether for good or ill, whether we're ready for it or not. Living with the "change and decay in all around I see," as the hymn writer says in a line from the hymn, "Abide With Me," is the inevitable result of the nature of Sin in the world.
Unfortunately, the change that's had the most effect on the world was the Fall into Sin in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That event forever changed the relationship between human beings and their Creator. The loss of that relationship has plagued humanity ever since. Only the constancy of the grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness of God has never failed or changed. His promise to send a Savior to redeem us from Sin, remained constant and certain throughout history. While civilizations rose and fell, people lived and died, and the struggle between Satan and God continued, God's promise of salvation and His constant grace and mercy never wavered or failed. As the Apostle James writes, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17).
God never changes. In a world full of turmoil, hatred, frustration, economic schizophrenia, terrorism, injustice, war, and any of a number of maladies that affect human existence, He is the one sure and certain constant Who brings hope and peace to our lives. From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed Him and all of Creation was plunged into the continuing nightmare of Sin and unbelief, God's promise to redeem us and change us back into the creatures He intended us to be has been sure, certain, and unfailing. Throughout history God continued to remind humanity of His promised redemption. In Jesus Christ He finally brought that redemption to fruition--and through it He changed the world. In Christ we have been restored to God. He who is unchanging has changed us so that we might again know Him as our Father and have the certain hope of life with Him forever. In the end, because God has changed us in Christ, we're able to "endure" the temptations and changes that occur around us each day, confident that He who never changes will, by His grace, give us the "crown of life" (James 1:12).
Prayer: Father, as I face the ever changing face of the world around me, I'm often left grasping for something constant and certain in my life. Often I find myself clinging to habits and ideas that have been a part of me, whether for good or for ill, because they're familiar. What's also certain, Father, is that many of those habits and ideas pull me farther away from You and Your love for me. Thank Your for having changed me through the washing of Holy Baptism so that I have been restored to You through Jesus Christ. You have changed me so that I might be Your own dear child, and You give me a sure and constant hope and joy in my relationship with You. Help me to live with the certainty of Your love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, so that I might be an agent for change in the world, a true witness to Your unchanging love, grace, mercy and forgiveness to the world. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: James 1:12-18
Psalm 102
LIVING WITH CHANGE
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6)
We live in a world that believes change is a good thing. In some circles, it seems that change, just for the sake of change, is considered to be progress. Leaders who embrace change are considered at the top of the heap. Businesses, organizations, and even churches see change as inevitable and essential to growth and development. The bookstores and internet malls are filled with self-help books, tapes, and videos intent on leading people to "sea" changes in their lives so they can be more cutting-edge and achieve greater success. It's not unusual for politicians to tell the nation that changes need to take place in our social and legal systems, the most recent being Social Security which is causing no end of debate, point and counterpoint. Why, we even spend every four years deciding if we like the direction the nation is going or if we need a change in leadership to move us a different way. Changing our minds because we have doubts about earlier decisions seems to be inevitable.
I don't know about you, but I'm not always a big fan of change. Sometimes change scares me. Over the years, I'm certain that each of us can recognize how we've changed and are different persons from who and what we were in our youth, or when we first got married, or when we had our first child, or when we first experienced ill health, retirement, and a myriad of other changes that have taken place in our lives. The problem with living with change is that change often surprises us--what changes isn't necessarily what we hope for. The only thing we can be certain about with change is that it's going to occur, whether for good or ill, whether we're ready for it or not. Living with the "change and decay in all around I see," as the hymn writer says in a line from the hymn, "Abide With Me," is the inevitable result of the nature of Sin in the world.
Unfortunately, the change that's had the most effect on the world was the Fall into Sin in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That event forever changed the relationship between human beings and their Creator. The loss of that relationship has plagued humanity ever since. Only the constancy of the grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness of God has never failed or changed. His promise to send a Savior to redeem us from Sin, remained constant and certain throughout history. While civilizations rose and fell, people lived and died, and the struggle between Satan and God continued, God's promise of salvation and His constant grace and mercy never wavered or failed. As the Apostle James writes, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17).
God never changes. In a world full of turmoil, hatred, frustration, economic schizophrenia, terrorism, injustice, war, and any of a number of maladies that affect human existence, He is the one sure and certain constant Who brings hope and peace to our lives. From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed Him and all of Creation was plunged into the continuing nightmare of Sin and unbelief, God's promise to redeem us and change us back into the creatures He intended us to be has been sure, certain, and unfailing. Throughout history God continued to remind humanity of His promised redemption. In Jesus Christ He finally brought that redemption to fruition--and through it He changed the world. In Christ we have been restored to God. He who is unchanging has changed us so that we might again know Him as our Father and have the certain hope of life with Him forever. In the end, because God has changed us in Christ, we're able to "endure" the temptations and changes that occur around us each day, confident that He who never changes will, by His grace, give us the "crown of life" (James 1:12).
Prayer: Father, as I face the ever changing face of the world around me, I'm often left grasping for something constant and certain in my life. Often I find myself clinging to habits and ideas that have been a part of me, whether for good or for ill, because they're familiar. What's also certain, Father, is that many of those habits and ideas pull me farther away from You and Your love for me. Thank Your for having changed me through the washing of Holy Baptism so that I have been restored to You through Jesus Christ. You have changed me so that I might be Your own dear child, and You give me a sure and constant hope and joy in my relationship with You. Help me to live with the certainty of Your love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, so that I might be an agent for change in the world, a true witness to Your unchanging love, grace, mercy and forgiveness to the world. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, February 21, 2005
You Are Very Special To God
"Today's Devotion" For February 21, 2005
Read: I Peter 2:9-12
Isaiah 43:1-21
YOU ARE VERY SPECIAL TO GOD
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God..."(I Pet. 2:9)
How special do you feel? Now there's a loaded question. For some of us that might seem to be a ridiculous question. For others, it's a question with profound and deep emotional connections. How we might answer such a question, I suppose, might depend upon our day, week, or month and what's been happening in our lives. Perhaps a good friend, family member, spouse, or roommate has done something very caring. Maybe someone has given you flowers, sent you a note, given you a hug and/or a kiss as their way of saying "Thanks" for something you did, or just to say "I care about you!" Under such circumstances you might feel "very special." Of course, given the nature of the world we live in, answering the question of "How special do you feel?" may elicit a response that is the result of someone having just have ridiculed you, put you down, or behaved in a generally nasty manner toward you. Since such treatment would have brought up feelings of frustration, anger, insecurity, and/or guilt, you might feel more like "dirt" than someone "special."
It's easy to get caught up with how others treat us. It's not so hard to feel "special" when someone treats us in a wonderful manner. It's also not so hard to feel like "dirt" when someone treats us in an unloving manner. Yet, while on one hand we feel wonderful because someone has treated us in a loving way, and on the other hand we feel like "dirt" because someone has been unloving toward us, perhaps what's really important is "How special are we to God?" It's really easy to miss this question and God's answer in Jesus Christ, because our sinful nature seeks the approval of others before it even thinks about what God thinks about us. We really need to ask ourselves if it's really important for us to care that someone has read us the riot act and had a scathing commentary about our ancestry. While our sinful nature tells us that what others think about us is important, God gives us a different perspective.
When Jesus came to this earth to suffer and die for our sins, God declared to us how very special we are to Him. He further confirms how special we are to Him by choosing us and making us His very own people in Jesus Christ. Peter reminds us that He has called us "out of darkness into His marvelous light" (v. 9b), all so that we might proclaim His praises. He has made us His special people without our deserving it or earning it in any way. He has put us where we can provide a witness in word and deed to those around us who do not believe in Jesus. Peter encourages us to live as special people, as servants of God, so that unbelievers, "though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us" (v.12). To our heavenly Father, each of us is "very special."
Prayer: Father, too often I measure myself and my value based upon the standards of the world and how others might treat me or see me. Forgive me for forgetting that the only standards that count are Yours, and Your standards are focused in Christ. It's through His righteousness that You see me and have declared me holy and righteous before You. Help me to understand how very special I am in Your eyes and lead me to respond in humble gratitude by living a God-pleasing life as an example to the world of Your mercy and grace. Hear me, O Father, for the sake of Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I Peter 2:9-12
Isaiah 43:1-21
YOU ARE VERY SPECIAL TO GOD
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God..."(I Pet. 2:9)
How special do you feel? Now there's a loaded question. For some of us that might seem to be a ridiculous question. For others, it's a question with profound and deep emotional connections. How we might answer such a question, I suppose, might depend upon our day, week, or month and what's been happening in our lives. Perhaps a good friend, family member, spouse, or roommate has done something very caring. Maybe someone has given you flowers, sent you a note, given you a hug and/or a kiss as their way of saying "Thanks" for something you did, or just to say "I care about you!" Under such circumstances you might feel "very special." Of course, given the nature of the world we live in, answering the question of "How special do you feel?" may elicit a response that is the result of someone having just have ridiculed you, put you down, or behaved in a generally nasty manner toward you. Since such treatment would have brought up feelings of frustration, anger, insecurity, and/or guilt, you might feel more like "dirt" than someone "special."
It's easy to get caught up with how others treat us. It's not so hard to feel "special" when someone treats us in a wonderful manner. It's also not so hard to feel like "dirt" when someone treats us in an unloving manner. Yet, while on one hand we feel wonderful because someone has treated us in a loving way, and on the other hand we feel like "dirt" because someone has been unloving toward us, perhaps what's really important is "How special are we to God?" It's really easy to miss this question and God's answer in Jesus Christ, because our sinful nature seeks the approval of others before it even thinks about what God thinks about us. We really need to ask ourselves if it's really important for us to care that someone has read us the riot act and had a scathing commentary about our ancestry. While our sinful nature tells us that what others think about us is important, God gives us a different perspective.
When Jesus came to this earth to suffer and die for our sins, God declared to us how very special we are to Him. He further confirms how special we are to Him by choosing us and making us His very own people in Jesus Christ. Peter reminds us that He has called us "out of darkness into His marvelous light" (v. 9b), all so that we might proclaim His praises. He has made us His special people without our deserving it or earning it in any way. He has put us where we can provide a witness in word and deed to those around us who do not believe in Jesus. Peter encourages us to live as special people, as servants of God, so that unbelievers, "though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us" (v.12). To our heavenly Father, each of us is "very special."
Prayer: Father, too often I measure myself and my value based upon the standards of the world and how others might treat me or see me. Forgive me for forgetting that the only standards that count are Yours, and Your standards are focused in Christ. It's through His righteousness that You see me and have declared me holy and righteous before You. Help me to understand how very special I am in Your eyes and lead me to respond in humble gratitude by living a God-pleasing life as an example to the world of Your mercy and grace. Hear me, O Father, for the sake of Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
To Truly Know the Truth
"Today's Devotion" For February 19, 2005
Read: John 16:5-15
Psalm 25:1-15
TO TRULY KNOW THE TRUTH
"'But when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.'"(Jn.16:13a)
One of the more famous--or infamous, depending on your perspective--questions found in the Bible is Pilate's question to Jesus, "What is truth?" It's obvious from the text that Pilate was suffering great anxiety at having to deal with Jesus and his accusers. Pilate was certain Jesus was innocent of the charges leveled against Him, yet he wasn't getting any help from Jesus so that he could free Him. Pilate's question in this situation is reflective of the same anxiety behind the same question found continually in our world. It's a question posed by human beings doing their level best to make sense out of a world "gone mad." It's a question posed by those on every side of an issue, each of whom is certain that their answer to a challenge, problem, or dilemma is the "truth." Such is the reality of living in the world of academia, the political arena, the realm of foreign policy, the business world, and even one's personal life. All to frequently truth takes on a life of its own, with many different opinions based on the same evidence combining to form contradictory "truths," confusing students, scholars, professors, politicians, professionals, and individuals alike.
While one scientist looks at the fossil record and sees the creating hand of God, another scientist looks at the same record and declares a breakthrough in "evolutionary theory." A business loses a lucrative contract to a competitor and, while seeking to discover the reason behind such a loss, the marketing department blames it on one set of factors that they couldn't control, while at the same time the customer service department blames it on other factors they couldn't control and competing "truths" concerning the reality of a lost client ensue. A wife is certain her husband is "staring" at another woman, but her husband is equally adamant that he's staring at a painting on the wall, opening up a Pandora's box of competing "truths" which can lead to the break up of a marriage. So much is left open to interpretation as we observe everyday events in our world, that each person can lay claim to knowing the "truth" about something and in some way be correct. Such is the reality of the effect of Sin on the world and in each of our lives.
When it comes to spiritual things and knowing God, competing "truths" are everywhere. Depending upon what someone's "religion" says about the meaning of salvation, competing "truths" emerge to provide constant confusion in the hearts and minds of people in need of God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. To be so confused plays into Satan's hands. That's why, in order to really know the "Truth" concerning God's plan of salvation and His love for His Creation requires that He declare Himself to us. No one can clearly know the truth of God's plan of salvation, His redemptive activity on behalf of humanity, and the forgiveness of sins and hope He gives in Jesus Christ without God making that revelation clear and plain. In Jesus Christ, God has blessed His redeemed children with the fullest revelation of the only Truth that makes any difference or has any substance and meaning for life. By the power of His Word and Spirit, through the washing of Holy Baptism, God has clearly revealed the "truth" Pilate sought--it's found in Jesus Christ.
As Jesus told His disciples, there will be no ambiguity possible with the Holy Spirit, because He will lead God's people into all truth. Through the Word, the Spirit reveals God's truth about His love, grace, and mercy toward us in Jesus Christ. Through the Word we become aware of the truth that God has created everything and continues to work in this world, caring for His creation and continuing to create good things through us. Through the Word there are no ambiguous "truths" about our salvation, only the certainty that by faith in Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven and we have the sure hope of eternal life with God in heaven. While there may be all kinds of uncertain "truths" all around us, we can be certain that this is a faithful (true) saying, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." If you want to know the truth that sets you free--there it is!
Prayer: Father, by the power of Your Word and Spirit You have revealed Yourself to me. You made Yourself truly known when Christ took on my human flesh and lived an obedient and holy life in my place, even taking on the punishment I so richly deserve for my disobedience to Your Will on the Cross. Truly there is no ambiguity as to what's true or not when it comes to Your love and forgiveness to me in Christ. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, working through my Baptism, lead me to walk confidently each day in the sure and certain truth that Jesus came because of Your love for humanity to save sinners, of which I am one. Through the washing of Holy Baptism and the power of Your Word and Spirit, You have made me Your very own child and have promised to keep me in You unto life everlasting. Help me to weigh all claims of "truth" against the truth of Your love for me and the revelation of Your continual presence in the world. I pray all this in the precious name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Read: John 16:5-15
Psalm 25:1-15
TO TRULY KNOW THE TRUTH
"'But when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.'"(Jn.16:13a)
One of the more famous--or infamous, depending on your perspective--questions found in the Bible is Pilate's question to Jesus, "What is truth?" It's obvious from the text that Pilate was suffering great anxiety at having to deal with Jesus and his accusers. Pilate was certain Jesus was innocent of the charges leveled against Him, yet he wasn't getting any help from Jesus so that he could free Him. Pilate's question in this situation is reflective of the same anxiety behind the same question found continually in our world. It's a question posed by human beings doing their level best to make sense out of a world "gone mad." It's a question posed by those on every side of an issue, each of whom is certain that their answer to a challenge, problem, or dilemma is the "truth." Such is the reality of living in the world of academia, the political arena, the realm of foreign policy, the business world, and even one's personal life. All to frequently truth takes on a life of its own, with many different opinions based on the same evidence combining to form contradictory "truths," confusing students, scholars, professors, politicians, professionals, and individuals alike.
While one scientist looks at the fossil record and sees the creating hand of God, another scientist looks at the same record and declares a breakthrough in "evolutionary theory." A business loses a lucrative contract to a competitor and, while seeking to discover the reason behind such a loss, the marketing department blames it on one set of factors that they couldn't control, while at the same time the customer service department blames it on other factors they couldn't control and competing "truths" concerning the reality of a lost client ensue. A wife is certain her husband is "staring" at another woman, but her husband is equally adamant that he's staring at a painting on the wall, opening up a Pandora's box of competing "truths" which can lead to the break up of a marriage. So much is left open to interpretation as we observe everyday events in our world, that each person can lay claim to knowing the "truth" about something and in some way be correct. Such is the reality of the effect of Sin on the world and in each of our lives.
When it comes to spiritual things and knowing God, competing "truths" are everywhere. Depending upon what someone's "religion" says about the meaning of salvation, competing "truths" emerge to provide constant confusion in the hearts and minds of people in need of God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. To be so confused plays into Satan's hands. That's why, in order to really know the "Truth" concerning God's plan of salvation and His love for His Creation requires that He declare Himself to us. No one can clearly know the truth of God's plan of salvation, His redemptive activity on behalf of humanity, and the forgiveness of sins and hope He gives in Jesus Christ without God making that revelation clear and plain. In Jesus Christ, God has blessed His redeemed children with the fullest revelation of the only Truth that makes any difference or has any substance and meaning for life. By the power of His Word and Spirit, through the washing of Holy Baptism, God has clearly revealed the "truth" Pilate sought--it's found in Jesus Christ.
As Jesus told His disciples, there will be no ambiguity possible with the Holy Spirit, because He will lead God's people into all truth. Through the Word, the Spirit reveals God's truth about His love, grace, and mercy toward us in Jesus Christ. Through the Word we become aware of the truth that God has created everything and continues to work in this world, caring for His creation and continuing to create good things through us. Through the Word there are no ambiguous "truths" about our salvation, only the certainty that by faith in Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven and we have the sure hope of eternal life with God in heaven. While there may be all kinds of uncertain "truths" all around us, we can be certain that this is a faithful (true) saying, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." If you want to know the truth that sets you free--there it is!
Prayer: Father, by the power of Your Word and Spirit You have revealed Yourself to me. You made Yourself truly known when Christ took on my human flesh and lived an obedient and holy life in my place, even taking on the punishment I so richly deserve for my disobedience to Your Will on the Cross. Truly there is no ambiguity as to what's true or not when it comes to Your love and forgiveness to me in Christ. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, working through my Baptism, lead me to walk confidently each day in the sure and certain truth that Jesus came because of Your love for humanity to save sinners, of which I am one. Through the washing of Holy Baptism and the power of Your Word and Spirit, You have made me Your very own child and have promised to keep me in You unto life everlasting. Help me to weigh all claims of "truth" against the truth of Your love for me and the revelation of Your continual presence in the world. I pray all this in the precious name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Seeing Jesus Clearly
"Today's Devotion" For February 18, 2005
Read: Isaiah 40:1-13
Psalm 98
SEEING JESUS CLEARLY
"...and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove onHim. And a voice from Heaven said, "This is My Son, Whom Ilove; with Him I am well pleased."(Mt. 3:16-17)
The events surrounding Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist have profound meaning for life and living. Jesus' willingness to be baptized by John as a "sign of repentance," when such an act for our Lord was personally unnecessary, is an act of obedience of incredible proportions. In this single act of obedience to the Will of the Father, Jesus identifies Himself with sinful humanity and puts Himself into our shoes in a most defining way. By this act of obedience and love, Jesus' confirms that He is in fact the Savior of the world and our Substitute before the throne of God's grace.
We're not told for certain whether there was a crowd at this baptismal event, although Luke's account (Lk.3:21) suggests there were at least some people present. Matthew tells us that the heavens opened when Jesus came out of the water, His Father declared Him to be His beloved Son in which He was well pleased, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove (a symbol of God's peace extended to sinful humanity through Christ). We know that John saw and heard this phenomenon, as he testifies in John 1:32. Perhaps God graciously allowed other persons present to see this marvelous testimony that their Messiah had come. Whatever the situation with the crowd, the next day John could say plainly and boldly to all who would listen, and see, that Jesus is "the Lamb of God, who takes away the Sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29).
While almost two millennia removed from this event, God clearly wants us to be aware of both its occurrence and its very real meaning for us in our lives of faith. We have the testimony of John, the washing of Holy Baptism, and the power of the Word and Spirit, which have revealed, and continue to reveal to us our Savior from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan. We are led to plainly see that Jesus Christ is our Savior from Sin and the Lord of Life who has overcome death and the grave for us. We have seen and heard the testimony of our Father in heaven about who Jesus is, so that in our daily lives, as He daily forgives our sins and strengthens our faith in Him, we may be empowered to live in His love and share His peace with the world. In times of trouble, despair, frustration, depression, the death of a loved one, and all the myriad challenges and stumbling blocks to faith and a relationship with God that come to us in our lives, God's loving kindness becomes evident each day in Jesus. We have peace with God because we know and believe that Jesus is "the Lamb of God, who takes away the Sin of the world." Our eyes are opened by God's Spirit so that we see Jesus plainly, might share His love boldly, and be blessed in our living in Him.
Prayer: Father, You revealed Jesus to me when You brought me into Your kingdom in Holy Baptism. Each day, as I spend time with You in the Your Word, You help me by Your Holy Spirit to see plainly Your love, grace, mercy and forgivness that is mine in Christ. Forgive me, Father, for so often ignoringYou and forgetting these blessings. Help me to live a life that not only reflects Your love for me in Jesus, but also shares that love with others so that Jesus might be clearly revealed to others through me. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright (c) 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Isaiah 40:1-13
Psalm 98
SEEING JESUS CLEARLY
"...and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove onHim. And a voice from Heaven said, "This is My Son, Whom Ilove; with Him I am well pleased."(Mt. 3:16-17)
The events surrounding Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist have profound meaning for life and living. Jesus' willingness to be baptized by John as a "sign of repentance," when such an act for our Lord was personally unnecessary, is an act of obedience of incredible proportions. In this single act of obedience to the Will of the Father, Jesus identifies Himself with sinful humanity and puts Himself into our shoes in a most defining way. By this act of obedience and love, Jesus' confirms that He is in fact the Savior of the world and our Substitute before the throne of God's grace.
We're not told for certain whether there was a crowd at this baptismal event, although Luke's account (Lk.3:21) suggests there were at least some people present. Matthew tells us that the heavens opened when Jesus came out of the water, His Father declared Him to be His beloved Son in which He was well pleased, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove (a symbol of God's peace extended to sinful humanity through Christ). We know that John saw and heard this phenomenon, as he testifies in John 1:32. Perhaps God graciously allowed other persons present to see this marvelous testimony that their Messiah had come. Whatever the situation with the crowd, the next day John could say plainly and boldly to all who would listen, and see, that Jesus is "the Lamb of God, who takes away the Sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29).
While almost two millennia removed from this event, God clearly wants us to be aware of both its occurrence and its very real meaning for us in our lives of faith. We have the testimony of John, the washing of Holy Baptism, and the power of the Word and Spirit, which have revealed, and continue to reveal to us our Savior from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan. We are led to plainly see that Jesus Christ is our Savior from Sin and the Lord of Life who has overcome death and the grave for us. We have seen and heard the testimony of our Father in heaven about who Jesus is, so that in our daily lives, as He daily forgives our sins and strengthens our faith in Him, we may be empowered to live in His love and share His peace with the world. In times of trouble, despair, frustration, depression, the death of a loved one, and all the myriad challenges and stumbling blocks to faith and a relationship with God that come to us in our lives, God's loving kindness becomes evident each day in Jesus. We have peace with God because we know and believe that Jesus is "the Lamb of God, who takes away the Sin of the world." Our eyes are opened by God's Spirit so that we see Jesus plainly, might share His love boldly, and be blessed in our living in Him.
Prayer: Father, You revealed Jesus to me when You brought me into Your kingdom in Holy Baptism. Each day, as I spend time with You in the Your Word, You help me by Your Holy Spirit to see plainly Your love, grace, mercy and forgivness that is mine in Christ. Forgive me, Father, for so often ignoringYou and forgetting these blessings. Help me to live a life that not only reflects Your love for me in Jesus, but also shares that love with others so that Jesus might be clearly revealed to others through me. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright (c) 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Receiving God's Reward
"Today's Devotion" For February 17, 2005
Read: Matthew 6:16-18
II Samuel 12:13-23
RECEIVING GOD’S REWARD
"...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Mt. 6:18b)
"No good deed goes unpunished." Now that doesn't seem right, does it? Of course we realize that whoever coined that phrase was saying it "tongue-in-cheek." All too often, after someone has done something good and worthwhile for someone, an organization, or a cause, and something goes wrong, the giver ends up being associated with the failure. It's a "risk" that seems to be a part of giving. Of course, many are willing to take this "risk" given that we live in a world where there are often great rewards for good deeds performed, heroic acts accomplished, and political favors rendered. When people make any type of sacrifice for the "good of the cause" it's quite reasonable to expect they'll receive a reward and will advertise their "sacrifice" for all the world to see. The reward might be money, fame, fortune, power, or any number of other coveted rewards.
In Matthew's Gospel reading for today, Jesus draws our attention to the third pillar of Jewish piety, fasting. From the Old Testament we learn that God wanted people to fast on the Day of Atonement as a sign of repentance and sorrow over sin. In the II Samuel 12 reading today, David gives us an example of the intent of fasting--repentance and sorrow over one's sin, seeking God's mercy, and, ultimately, His forgiveness. Unfortunately, in Jesus' day, fasting had become a visible practice of self-congratulation and self-promotion as to one's piety and religiosity. Those who were fasting did so openly, putting on ashes and donning sackcloth, looking gaunt and not cleaning up, and generally setting themselves up as paragons of pious and religious fervor. It wasn't so different from those who have recently announced what they're "giving up for Lent," as we've entered this year's Lenten observance. The whole idea of repentance and sorrow for one's sins has been replaced by the idea that others need to know the "faster" is "religious" and making "sacrifices" for God.
Fasting had become an act and display of meritorious proportions to the people of Israel. It flew in the face of its intended purpose to express sorrow over sin and urgency in prayer. The intended focus of fasting was to focus one's attention on God and His Will. When people fasted with the intention of gaining sympathy, or attention, or accolades for their "piety" from others, the spiritual value of fasting was non-existent. At the same time, those who fasted with a focus on seeking God's Will and paying attention to their relationship with God, gained great spiritual, emotional, and psychological benefits from the practice.
Redeemed in Christ, we hear and heed Jesus' call to live a life that is pleasing and right in the eyes of our Father in heaven. He died on the Cross, bearing our sins upon His own head, so that we might have every opportunity to receive the Father's grace, mercy, love and forgiveness through Him. Redeemed in Christ, the Christian's life is motivated by faith and love for others in Jesus' name. Because of God's great and marvelous grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness toward us, we respond with prayer and sacrificial giving and living in Jesus' name. We live our lives serving others in Jesus' name, sharing God's great love in Christ with them. We take advantage of every opportunity God gives us to deepen our relationship with Him by serving others, and we do so without fanfare or the desire to be noticed by others. Our "sacrifice" of ourselves in response to God's sacrifice for us in Christ, provides us with a marvelous spiritual exercise that strengthens our faith, our service to God, and our witness to salvation in Christ to others.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for giving me ways to practice my faith and to be strengthened in my relationship with You. Let me never put my devotion to You on display for others to be impressed. Lead me, rather, to perform my personal acts of devotion and sacrifice so that they are known only to You. Help me to see and understand how important it is to receive Your reward to me, and how useless and meaningless is the recognition of others. In Jesus' name precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
**************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 6:16-18
II Samuel 12:13-23
RECEIVING GOD’S REWARD
"...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Mt. 6:18b)
"No good deed goes unpunished." Now that doesn't seem right, does it? Of course we realize that whoever coined that phrase was saying it "tongue-in-cheek." All too often, after someone has done something good and worthwhile for someone, an organization, or a cause, and something goes wrong, the giver ends up being associated with the failure. It's a "risk" that seems to be a part of giving. Of course, many are willing to take this "risk" given that we live in a world where there are often great rewards for good deeds performed, heroic acts accomplished, and political favors rendered. When people make any type of sacrifice for the "good of the cause" it's quite reasonable to expect they'll receive a reward and will advertise their "sacrifice" for all the world to see. The reward might be money, fame, fortune, power, or any number of other coveted rewards.
In Matthew's Gospel reading for today, Jesus draws our attention to the third pillar of Jewish piety, fasting. From the Old Testament we learn that God wanted people to fast on the Day of Atonement as a sign of repentance and sorrow over sin. In the II Samuel 12 reading today, David gives us an example of the intent of fasting--repentance and sorrow over one's sin, seeking God's mercy, and, ultimately, His forgiveness. Unfortunately, in Jesus' day, fasting had become a visible practice of self-congratulation and self-promotion as to one's piety and religiosity. Those who were fasting did so openly, putting on ashes and donning sackcloth, looking gaunt and not cleaning up, and generally setting themselves up as paragons of pious and religious fervor. It wasn't so different from those who have recently announced what they're "giving up for Lent," as we've entered this year's Lenten observance. The whole idea of repentance and sorrow for one's sins has been replaced by the idea that others need to know the "faster" is "religious" and making "sacrifices" for God.
Fasting had become an act and display of meritorious proportions to the people of Israel. It flew in the face of its intended purpose to express sorrow over sin and urgency in prayer. The intended focus of fasting was to focus one's attention on God and His Will. When people fasted with the intention of gaining sympathy, or attention, or accolades for their "piety" from others, the spiritual value of fasting was non-existent. At the same time, those who fasted with a focus on seeking God's Will and paying attention to their relationship with God, gained great spiritual, emotional, and psychological benefits from the practice.
Redeemed in Christ, we hear and heed Jesus' call to live a life that is pleasing and right in the eyes of our Father in heaven. He died on the Cross, bearing our sins upon His own head, so that we might have every opportunity to receive the Father's grace, mercy, love and forgiveness through Him. Redeemed in Christ, the Christian's life is motivated by faith and love for others in Jesus' name. Because of God's great and marvelous grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness toward us, we respond with prayer and sacrificial giving and living in Jesus' name. We live our lives serving others in Jesus' name, sharing God's great love in Christ with them. We take advantage of every opportunity God gives us to deepen our relationship with Him by serving others, and we do so without fanfare or the desire to be noticed by others. Our "sacrifice" of ourselves in response to God's sacrifice for us in Christ, provides us with a marvelous spiritual exercise that strengthens our faith, our service to God, and our witness to salvation in Christ to others.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for giving me ways to practice my faith and to be strengthened in my relationship with You. Let me never put my devotion to You on display for others to be impressed. Lead me, rather, to perform my personal acts of devotion and sacrifice so that they are known only to You. Help me to see and understand how important it is to receive Your reward to me, and how useless and meaningless is the recognition of others. In Jesus' name precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
**************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Living God's Compassion
"Today's Devotion" For February 16, 2005
Read: I Peter 3:8-17
Psalm 103
LIVING GOD'S COMPASSION
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love." (Psalm 103:8)
Have you ever heard someone say, "I have no compassion for such people?" Maybe you've said such a thing yourself. I have to admit that I certainly have felt that way about others, even going so far as to state that I have no compassion for them because of their attitude or behavior or both. Such a lack of compassion is often focused on politicians with whom we don't agree, people who can't seem to stay out of trouble, those who are chronically unemployed, and even the poor, especially those who live in poverty. For political, economic, or ideological reasons people often lack compassion for others, whether at home or abroad, often taking the position that people get what they deserve.
Now I won't argue with that perspective, except to say that we're not quite so willing to apply that same standard to ourselves. Our sinful human nature, being what it is, tends to look askance at what others do or fail to do, but we're willing to mitigate our own behavior. Example after example of such behavior is everywhere on the national scene as we hear politicians accusing their political opponents of lack of integrity even though they, themselves, have consistently shown the same quality. Such behavior isn't restricted to politicians. Consider the clergy who preach against sexual evils while they are participating in such behavior themselves. There are myriad examples of how people, you and I, are willing to point the finger at others and hold them accountable, while turning a blind eye to our own culpability.
It's easy for us to point a finger at others because it helps to keep the spotlight off of us. It's something we're so good at that compassion is frequently only a "nice" idea, something "nice" to talk about, but hardly something we practice on a consistent basis. If God were to deal with us the way we deal with one another, we'd be in really big trouble--an eternity of trouble--totally and permanently separated from Him forever. Yet God's love for us, His children, is so great that His great mercy and compassion come forth every moment of our lives. His infinite patience and love, as He displayed them in the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, reflect the most perfect compassion we can ever know. It's God's gracious compassion to us that lifts us out of our despair, frees us from finger pointing, and leads us to repentance and life.
One of the most prominent questions that confronts people these days is "What's my purpose in life?" For those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior from Sin, that same question is asked in this way, "What purpose does God have for my life?" In essence these questions are one and the same, because all of life is a gift from God and is lived in His presence, whether someone believes in Him or not. Following the example of our Father in heaven, as displayed in the life of Christ Jesus, our purpose in life is to share His compassion for sinners-the Good News that Christ died for our sins and rose again that all who believe in Him "should not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn. 3:16). As we have experienced that compassion in Holy Baptism through which God made us His very own redeemed children, working faith in Christ in our hearts by the power of His Word and Spirit, so also do we live that compassion in our lives. By faith we then seek to lead people to Jesus so they, too, might experience God's compassion for themselves and reflect that compassion to others.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You have had such great compassion on me, in spite of my sins, so that You have called me to faith in Christ so that my sins are forgiven. When You forgive, Father, You remember my sins no more. Help me to have that same compassion toward others, being ready at all times to forgive those who sin against me, and being ready at all times to exhibit compassion to those in need of Your love--just as You have had compassion on me. In the precious name of Christ Jesus my Savior and Lord I pray. Amen.
*********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I Peter 3:8-17
Psalm 103
LIVING GOD'S COMPASSION
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love." (Psalm 103:8)
Have you ever heard someone say, "I have no compassion for such people?" Maybe you've said such a thing yourself. I have to admit that I certainly have felt that way about others, even going so far as to state that I have no compassion for them because of their attitude or behavior or both. Such a lack of compassion is often focused on politicians with whom we don't agree, people who can't seem to stay out of trouble, those who are chronically unemployed, and even the poor, especially those who live in poverty. For political, economic, or ideological reasons people often lack compassion for others, whether at home or abroad, often taking the position that people get what they deserve.
Now I won't argue with that perspective, except to say that we're not quite so willing to apply that same standard to ourselves. Our sinful human nature, being what it is, tends to look askance at what others do or fail to do, but we're willing to mitigate our own behavior. Example after example of such behavior is everywhere on the national scene as we hear politicians accusing their political opponents of lack of integrity even though they, themselves, have consistently shown the same quality. Such behavior isn't restricted to politicians. Consider the clergy who preach against sexual evils while they are participating in such behavior themselves. There are myriad examples of how people, you and I, are willing to point the finger at others and hold them accountable, while turning a blind eye to our own culpability.
It's easy for us to point a finger at others because it helps to keep the spotlight off of us. It's something we're so good at that compassion is frequently only a "nice" idea, something "nice" to talk about, but hardly something we practice on a consistent basis. If God were to deal with us the way we deal with one another, we'd be in really big trouble--an eternity of trouble--totally and permanently separated from Him forever. Yet God's love for us, His children, is so great that His great mercy and compassion come forth every moment of our lives. His infinite patience and love, as He displayed them in the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, reflect the most perfect compassion we can ever know. It's God's gracious compassion to us that lifts us out of our despair, frees us from finger pointing, and leads us to repentance and life.
One of the most prominent questions that confronts people these days is "What's my purpose in life?" For those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior from Sin, that same question is asked in this way, "What purpose does God have for my life?" In essence these questions are one and the same, because all of life is a gift from God and is lived in His presence, whether someone believes in Him or not. Following the example of our Father in heaven, as displayed in the life of Christ Jesus, our purpose in life is to share His compassion for sinners-the Good News that Christ died for our sins and rose again that all who believe in Him "should not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn. 3:16). As we have experienced that compassion in Holy Baptism through which God made us His very own redeemed children, working faith in Christ in our hearts by the power of His Word and Spirit, so also do we live that compassion in our lives. By faith we then seek to lead people to Jesus so they, too, might experience God's compassion for themselves and reflect that compassion to others.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You have had such great compassion on me, in spite of my sins, so that You have called me to faith in Christ so that my sins are forgiven. When You forgive, Father, You remember my sins no more. Help me to have that same compassion toward others, being ready at all times to forgive those who sin against me, and being ready at all times to exhibit compassion to those in need of Your love--just as You have had compassion on me. In the precious name of Christ Jesus my Savior and Lord I pray. Amen.
*********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
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