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 Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 7:25 am
Church Is Great
By: Adam R. Rinehart
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
"Hello, I actually have a question. I can't find a church that I am interested in that is in my area. I DO believe in Jesus but will I go to heaven even if I don't go to church?"
What a great question! I think that there are a lot of people that are asking the same question. In response to your question, I do feel that you would go to heaven, but I am afraid that you are missing out on one of the joys of being a Christian and that is the fellowship and encouragement of other believers. To neglect meeting with other Christians is like neglecting to put fertilizer on a plant, and you take the chance of not growing at all. When we gather together as a church, we are to gather together to share our faith, and strengthen each other in the Lord.
Maybe you are facing spiritual struggles, maybe you are facing false teachers who really do not care about your faith, and would rather see you just lay there and die than pick you up and really see you grow in your faith and in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Going to church should encourage you during those times. It should also be there to teach you how to worship the Lord. Something I tend to lack in myself sometimes.
We need to want to have a relationship with Christ, and we need to grow in Him. One of the easiest ways to grow in your relationship with Him is to go to church. Second, Read God's Word, Third, Obey God and our parents, Finally, Witness, and tell other people about Jesus and what He did for us on the cross in order for us to have the wonderful opportunity to go to heaven.
If you are not going to church because you don't have a ride, then ask someone. If you are not going to church because of getting out of bed to get there, then find a church that has a Saturday Night service. I know that a lot of churches are going to that. There is no excuse for you not to be in a church somewhere being encouraged in your walk with Christ.
In conclusion, I would say that yes that you would go to heaven if you did not go to church, but it is going to be a lot harder to grow in your relationship with Christ because you need the fertilizer of encouragement and exhortation that going to church gives you. I would challenge you today to continue in church, your relationship with Christ depends on it. May God's Grace Abound In You.
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Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 12:24 pm
Devotional Reading for:
1/26/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Titus 2
Psalm 33
The Gospel Is Taught
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Titus 2:1
False teaching has always divided the Church. St. Paul explained to a fellow pastor, Titus, how to deal with people who weren’t always sure what to believe or how to act. He wrote, “Teach what accords with sound doctrine.”
For Paul and Titus, the Gospel was not about our actions, but about Jesus’ actions. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for sinners bring us to contrition and faith, raise us from death to life, and train us to live the Christian life. The Gospel was first learned, then lived.
Sometimes we rush to live out the Gospel before we have learned it. Satan tempts us to build our lives without a firm foundation. But in Paul’s Letter to Titus, it’s clear that sound doctrine is the basis for Christian living. Teaching drives the Church, because the Church’s teaching always points to Christ.
Pastors like Titus teach that Christ lived and died for us, defeating sin and death, and that He rose again to give us His forgiveness and life. To us, He delivers His forgiveness in Word and Sacraments. These works of God accord with sound doctrine, and they give us life.
Father, thank You for sound doctrine that points to Christ's work for us. Amen.
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Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 12:29 pm
Devotional Reading for:
1/27/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Luke 4:1-13
Psalm 121
Embracing Temptation?
And lead us not into temptation. Matthew 6:13
Seventeenth-century Lutheran pastor Johann Gerhard wrote that a stern conflict with temptation can actually be good for Christians if it brings them nearer to God. It sounds foolish. Why would we rejoice in our temptations, even after they pass?
To Gerhard, temptation offered an opportunity for Christians to rest in Christ. Every moment that we are aware of our utter helplessness in the face of sin is a moment in which we can rely on Jesus. The life of faith is full of such moments.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” But the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh will not listen to our prayers. We will face temptation whether God leads us there or not. Because God does not tempt us, we rely on Him to protect and deliver us whenever we are tempted. He does this through Christ, who overcame temptation on our behalf.
Gerhard teaches us that our temptations are not moments for us to cower in fear. They are merely preparations for the inevitable victory in Christ. We share our temptations with Christ Himself. Because He overcame His temptations, we rest securely in His promises, even as temptation assails us.
Father, when temptations come, strengthen us to rest securely in the sure promises of Christ. Amen.
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Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:22 am
Devotional Reading for:
1/28/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
1 Peter 5:6-11
Psalm 7
A Mother’s Protection
But deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:13
When a young animal is born, it doesn’t wander off on its own. The baby instinctively knows its mother is the best protection from predators that seek to devour it.
When God marks us as His children in our Baptism, we get an enemy more powerful than any other. Today’s reading tells us, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (v. cool . But in His mercy, God has not left us to defend ourselves. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He established His Church to serve as our spiritual mother. In and through the Church, He gives us the protection we need against the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh. He gives it to us in His Word and Sacraments.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Deliver us from evil,” and we need not wonder how the Father will do that. He will do it through the Church, where the Gospel of forgiveness and eternal life is proclaimed through His holy, life-giving Word; where the water of Holy Baptism washes us clean in a blessed, life-giving flood; and where Christ’s body and blood are served in a heavenly, life-giving banquet.
Dear Jesus, thank You for the spiritual protection You give us through our mother, the Church, where You deliver us from evil and give us life and salvation. Amen.
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Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:54 am
Keep Your Resolutions!
Any goal worth reaching requires a strategy. All great athletes have a strategy. Imagine Tiger Woods as a child aimlessly hitting golf balls across the green. Didn't happen that way, did it? His dad created specific strategies to help his son learn the required skills and follow-through needed to be a successful golfer. Whenever his dad took him to a golf course, they went with a strategy.
It works the same with resolutions. Anyone can aimlessly make a half-hearted pledge. But God wants His disciples to solidify their pledges into resolutions that equal lifestyle change. So let's keep on keeping on with our A to Z strategy on maintaining your resolutions.
O: Optimistic. Always remain optimistic! Even when you feel you can't go on. How can you do this? Memorize a Scripture that will help! Start with this one from The Living Bible: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
P: Pray daily about your resolution. God is even more concerned about it than you are! That's right! He wants you to be victorious. So keep your resolution right at the top of your prayer list, and pray daily.
Q: Quit doing things that hinder your ability to keep your resolution. For instance, if you've resolved to make better grades this year, quit leaving your books in your locket. Quit putting off your homework. Quit talking during class. Quit anything that's holding you back from being successful with your resolution.
R: Repeat progress. If getting up at 5 a.m. works in helping you get your jogging done, do it! If you can memorize Scripture better in the afternoon, do it then. Whatever works, repeat it!
S: Surround yourself with positive people who can cheer you on to victory. If you've resolved not to attend any more R-rated movies, terrific! But it would be wise to surround yourself with people who have similar morals. Why continue to hang out with students who will tempt you?
Know It!
Not everyone will applaud your determination to keep your resolutions. Some of your friends may get angry because you're not doing the same stuff with them any longer. Expect flack, and continue to draw strength from your growing relationship with Christ.
Read It!
1 Peter 4:1-3; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 John 5:1-4.
Pray It!
Jesus, it hurts when others give me a hard time about my standards. Help me toughen my spiritual skin. Guide me to the point where I care more about what You think than what my friends think.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:59 am
Devotional Reading for:
1/29/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
2 Kings 5:1-15
Psalm 65
No Ordinary Water
He saved us . . . according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
Naaman commanded the Syrian army, but he could not command his leprosy to go away. His situation was hopeless until God’s Word came to him through the prophet Elisha: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean” (2 Kings 5:10).
Elisha’s simple instructions didn’t sit well with
Naaman, who was accustomed to the trappings of power. He expected to be healed by an elaborate ceremony—not by an ordinary bath in ordinary water.
We often react to God’s promises just like Naaman did. Scripture tells us that Baptism—a seemingly
ordinary bath in ordinary water—saves us (1 Peter 3:21). St. Paul calls Baptism “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” When we doubt God’s promise in our Baptism, we are no better than Naaman. Mercifully, God—Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit—heals us just as He healed Naaman: He washes us with ordinary water connected to His Word, to give us forgiveness of sin, faith in Him, trust in His Word, and life in His name.
Lord, strengthen our faith in Your promises, especially the promise of forgiveness and life in the water of Holy Baptism. Amen.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:56 pm
You Can Do It!
When Michael Jordan was a high school sophomore, he tried out for the varsity basketball team and was cut. But he made a resolution that he'd make the varsity squad the following year. He took that resolution seriously and practiced hour upon hour every single day.
You know the rest of the story. He not only made his high school varsity basketball team, but also went to college on a basketball scholarship, played pro and is still known as the world's greatest player.
It's not enough to simply make a resolution; we've gotta follow through. And to follow through, we need a strategy. So let's get back to our A to Z strategy on keeping your resolutions.
T: Track your progress. If you've resolved to read the Bible through in one year, mark off the chapters as you read them. Or if you're exercising, create a chart that you can put stickers on. Any kind of graph or progress report can serve as motivation to continue your success.
U: Understand you're not perfect. You'll probably mess up. You'll skip a day of Bible-reading; you'll eat that second piece of cake; you'll watch too much TV, you'll forget to do your homework. Understand it's okay to fail - as long as you commit that failure to Christ. He doesn't want you to stay down. He wants to pick you up and get you back on track. Let Him.
V: Visualize victory! Imagine how great you'll feel next year at this time when you've brought your science grade up from a D to a B-. Imagine how good it will fee to say you read the whole Bible through in one year. Or you lost that 10 pounds. Or you read those 28 novels. Or you brought five friends to church. Or you led three teens to Christ. Visualize your victory and success in one year.
W: Write it down. Make time to actually write out your New Year's resolutions. Don't simply think about it. Write it out. And then rewrite it the next day. They copy it the following day. By writing the same thing over and over and over again, you're pounding your goal into your mind and your thoughts. Write it down and hang it up, stick in on your mirror, stuff it inside your wallet or post it inside your locker. But write it down!
Know It!
Like Michael Jordan, your resolution may require daily work. And that will mean making some sacrifices. Are you willing to make sacrifices if necessary? What, specifically, will you need to deny yourself in order to reach your goal and keep your resolution?
Read It!
1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Pray It!
Lord, I admit it's tough for me to deny myself some of the things I need to give up to keep my resolution. It's hard taking a step back from some of my friends who don't share my faith. It's not easy to stop doing the same things with them any longer. But I realize You have a high calling on my life. And, Jesus, I want to answer Your call.
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:41 pm
Devotional Reading for:
1/30/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
2 Samuel 12:1-13
Psalm 51
Absolution, Not Karma
The LORD also has put away your sin. 2 Samuel 12:13
What goes around comes around.” Our culture takes comfort in the idea that the world is a just place, and the bad guys will pay in the end.
King David had committed adultery and murder. He had rejected the true God for the god of his own pleasure. But when the prophet Nathan spoke to him, David recognized his sin and confessed his guilt.
When Nathan heard the confession, he didn’t wait for David to prove his repentance, nor did he demand acts of sacrifice. Nathan simply told David that he was forgiven.
God does not declare forgiveness to kings alone.
He declares it to us too. God uses men like Nathan to lead us to contrition and to pronounce His absolution to us. Our pastor’s words of forgiveness are as sure and certain as Christ’s words because they have Christ’s command and promise (John 20:21–23).
In Confession and Absolution, Jesus turns the idea of karma on its head. What goes around does not come around for the Christian; we are
forgiven because our punishment has already come around—on Christ. Bless God! He does not give us karma; He gives us mercy.
Heavenly Father, reveal our sin to us so we may confess it and hear Your words of forgiveness. Amen.
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:51 pm
Keeping Your Strategy
Actor Buddy Ebsen (who became famous as Jed Clampett in the TV series, “The Beverly Hillbillies” and later starred in TV's “Barnaby Jones”) was originally cast to play the role of the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. He had to give up the role, however, because he experienced an allergic reaction to the aluminum dust that was used to powder his face as part of his Tin Man costume. (The role was then given to Jack Haley.)
Imagine how difficult it must have been for Buddy Ebsen to walk away from such a great role - a fun part in a movie that families could enjoy together. He gave it up, but later received incredible praise, fame and accolades for future roles.
Sometimes, we too, have to give up something we desperately want in order to get something better. As we wind down with our A to Z strategy for keeping your resolutions, ask God if there's anything you need to give Him in order to make your resolution stick. It may be hard to give up what you want now, but God has something much better in store for you!
X: Xenophile: (Yep, it really is in the dictionary.) It means “One who is attracted to foreign things.” Don't allow yourself to be attracted to the things of this world. This is merely a temporary dwelling place. Your real home is not of this world. Set your sights - as well as your resolution - on something that's eternal . . . the power of Jesus Christ.
Y: Yield every single area of your life to the authority of Jesus Christ. Not just the area you want to change - but yield your will to His will. Ask Him to help you live in total obedience to His Lordship.
Z: Zealously attack your resolution. That means to go after it whole-heartedly. Don't make any half-hearted, weak-kneed promises. Be zealous about your decision, and it will show up in your results.
Know It!
Yes, God wants to make you a winner with your resolutions, but He also dreams much bigger for you! He wants to give you a brand-new touch. That's why total surrender to Him is so important!
Read It!
Isaiah 43:19; Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Timothy 1:18-19.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, show me daily what more I can give to You to grow deeper in my relationship with You. When I struggle with giving You what You ask for, please remind me that You know best. Help me to trust You, Lord, in all situations.
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Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:34 am
Devotional Reading for:
1/31/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Matthew 26:26-28
Psalm 81
Food, Not Feelings
This is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28 KJV
When we tell children to eat their vegetables, they often respond, “I don’t feel like it.” Even when they’re famished, they let their feelings determine whether they eat. It’s a parent’s job to teach children that
vegetables are good for them, whether they feel like eating them or not.
Even as adults, we, too, often turn to our feelings in important matters. The devil wants us to rely on emotion, especially in our relationship with God. He knows that when we look inside ourselves, we will find nothing but weakness and will begin to doubt God’s promises.
On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took account of our weakness and misgivings. Just as parents tell children to eat their vegetables, Jesus tells us to eat and drink His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. His Supper is the vehicle by which He delivers forgiveness to us. His body and blood give life and salvation because He has promised they do, whether we feel forgiven or not.
Lord, by Your holy body and blood, put forgiveness, life, and salvation into our mouths at Your Table. Even when our faith is weak, let Your Word of testament and promise be strong. Amen.
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Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:54 pm
Paid In Full
A young many was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could easily afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As graduation day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box.
Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young mans name embosses in gold.
Angrily, he rose and said to his father, “With all your money, you give me a Bible?” And he stormed out of the house.
Many years passed, and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family but knew his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day years earlier.
Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still gift- wrapped Bible just as he had left it years ago. With tears running down his face, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse of Scripture: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11).
As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation and the words “Paid in Full.”
How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?
(Author unknown)
Know It!
God, as your loving, heavenly Father, wants to bless you. He loves to give gifts to His children. Can you trust Him to know your needs and desires even better than you do?
Read It!
Deuteronomy 7:13; Psalm 72:15; Ezekiel 34:26; Acts 20:35.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I know You're not a giant Santa Claus with a bag of goodies. But I am beginning to realize that You will bless those who follow Your path. I want to follow Your path, Jesus - not just to get blessings - but because I love You and trust that You know what's best for my life. Thank You so much for the incredible blessings You've already given me. I love Your faithfulness, Lord.
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Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:50 am
Devotional Reading for:
2/1/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Genesis 8:13-22
Psalm 29
Foolish Tulips
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease. Genesis 8:22
I fall for it every February. The sun warms the flower beds on the south side of the house, and the tulips poke through. It’s too early, too cold, I think. They’re not going to make it. Foolish tulips.
Every year, they make it. Foolish me. Tulips may miss a year now and then if the weather’s odd, but it’s certain that winter will end, because God promised that seasons won’t cease as long as the earth remains. Spring’s a sure thing because God says so. Easter’s coming too, just a Lent away. We’ll sing our alleluias and rejoice that Jesus, who died for our sins, emerged from the earth—rose from the tomb. He lives forever and promises to raise His people up to everlasting life.
Many cheapen Easter, saying the resurrection is just a myth. That’s foolish. Instead, you rejoice because you hear the Word. Tulips rise because God promised. Jesus is risen from the dead because God says so, and He says that forgiveness and eternal life are yours with these words: “I baptize you in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” You’re God’s. He says so. That’s not foolish at all.
Almighty God, thank You for Your certain promise of grace and everlasting life for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
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Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:11 pm
God's Peace
Jesus' disciples had spent three years in His company. They'd seen Him move with intense purpose and obedience to the leading of God Almighty. They watched as Jesus stopped along the road to give sight to a man blind from birth. They were amazed when He opened the ears of a deaf person and stood in awe as the man's auditory senses came to life. They had witnessed Jesus bringing dead people back to life!
They'd heard His stirring messages as He held the attention of thousands, eaten His fish buffet that began with only a few fish and a few slices of bread. The disciples had learned to pray from Jesus. They had cried together, laughed together and talked of His approaching Kingdom. They were proud to be among the chosen 12 recruited by Christ Himself to spread the news of the saving gospel.
Though Jesus talked about His approaching death - and even predicted His crucifixion - His disciples still didn't “get it.” They thought His Kingdom was going to be set up on earth. They all looked forward to ruling with Him as He freed His people from Roman law.
So when Jesus was arrested, they ran like scared rabbits. Hey, this wasn't part of the plan, they thought. What about the kingdom? He said He'd set us free! What's happening?
When their Lord was crucified, the disciples were devastated. Now what? We've given up everything to follow Him! We left our careers, our friends, our homes. Now what? He's dead!
Imagine the doubt and confusion. Imagine the turmoil, the huge knots in their stomachs. Imagine the fear - If the government crucified Him . . . they may come after us, too!
Picture it: They're all huddled together somewhere in a little upstairs room. And into the confusion . . . right in the midst of the despair and fear and hopelessness . . . into the center of doubt . . . walks Jesus Christ. In the flesh!
We would imagine He might say, “You guys just don't get it, do you? I told you over and over again that I was going to die. But I also told you I'd conquer death and rise out of the grave after three days. Why didn't You believe me?
“And about the Kingdom thing - we went over it again and again - My Kingdom is not of this earth. When I talked about setting you free, I wasn't talking about freedom from Roman law. I was talking about something much deeper and more confining. I was talking about sin! Do you get it now? Is it starting to sink in?”
Jesus didn't say anything close to that. Instead, He simply spoke words of peace. Wow. Imagine how that must have comforted the hearts of His followers!
Know It!
Jesus does want you to “get it” spiritually. He wants you to understand His Word and His plan. But He won't come down on you when you're confused. Instead, He offers incredible peace. In the midst of your doubt and confusion and fear, He offers peace!
Read It!
John 14:27; John 16:33; Romans 8:6; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
Pray It!
Lord, I desperately need Your peace right now. I'm so glad Your peace isn't temporary. Please fill me with Your eternal peace. And when doubts fill my mind, may I be overwhelmed with Your peace.
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Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:53 am
Quiz Time
What kind of PEACE does Jesus give? (Mark all that apply.)
a. A piece of this, a piece of that.
b. Everlasting.
c. Deep.
d. The expensive kind.
e. Peace like a river, or an ocean, or a fountain, or something big and bubbly like that.
f. Genuine.
BEHIND LOCKED DOORS, in the midst of fear and confusion, Jesus appeared offering peace, This tells me that
a. Jesus understands me way better than I can imagine.
b. When my world is falling apart, He can put it back together.
c. There's no emotion I experience that He doesn't know about and understand.
d. That's just like my Jesus - showing up in the most unlikely of places.
Thomas wasn't with the DISCIPLES when they first met together after the resurrection and Jesus appeared among them. WHY do you think he was absent?
a. He was weird.
b. No one ever knew where Thomas was.
c. He was thinking things through; sorting everything out.
d. He had no idea Jesus would raise Himself from the dead. He thought his time with Christ was finished.
e. He was probably feeding sheep somewhere.
How did Jesus handle Thomas' doubts?
a. With anger.
b. Gently.
c. By giving him the evidence Thomas needed.
d. By ignoring him.
When you struggle with spiritual doubts, what helps?
a. Friends who understand.
b. Talking to Jesus.
c. Running or other physical activity.
d. Spending time alone and thinking things through.
e. Talking with adults you trust spiritually (parents, youth leader, pastor, Sunday school teacher, etc.).
f. Reading the Bible.
g. Thinking back and remembering God's faithfulness to me in the past.
h. Journaling.
When you're insecure, angry, confused or filled with doubts, Jesus wants to walk right through EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOUR EMOTIONS and stand with you! The Creator of the universe focuses His attnetion on YOU! How does that make you feel?
a. Whew!
b. Why can't I remember that when my world is actually caving in?
c. Very taken care of.
d. Secure.
e. Relieved.
f. Honored.
g. Undeserving.
Know It!
Jesus is willing and able to come through your locked doors and stand with you! When your world caves in, ask for a fresh touch of His peace.
Read It!
Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 29:11; Psalm 34:14; Psalm 37:11; Psalm 119: 165; 2 Thesssalonians 1:2.
Pray It!
Jesus, when I feel as though my world is falling apart, remind me of Your great faithfulness in the past. Teach me how to live and cultivate peace.
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Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:57 am
Devotional Reading for:
2/2/2008
The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord
Associated Scripture Readings:
Luke 2:22-40
Psalm 84
Seeing Jesus
My eyes have seen Your salvation. Luke 2:30
Sent by the Holy Spirit, Simeon waited at the temple for the Christ. In the bustle of daily temple life, he spotted a young couple with a Son. Simeon made his way to the trio, took the Baby in his arms, and sang his well-known song: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word” (v. 29).
It must have looked strange to passersby as Simeon declared that a helpless infant was the salvation of the world. (For all we know, Simeon directed his prayer straight at the Baby in his arms, and rightly so!) But by faith, Simeon knew that this Baby would redeem us from our sin. Jesus did so by dying on the cross for us all.
In many Lutheran churches, we sing Simeon’s song, the Nunc Dimittis, just after we receive the Lord’s Supper. We do so for a good reason: just as Simeon held the Savior’s infant body in his hands, so we have received Jesus’ body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is as really present with us as He was with Simeon. Apart from faith, it sounds ridiculous. But by faith, you know: your crucified and risen Savior visits you according to His Word, and so you are prepared to depart in peace.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your faithful presence and grace, now and forever. Amen.
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