January 2020 – Page 3 – St. John's Evangelical

BULLETIN 01/12/20- 1st Sunday after the Epiphany

January 12, 2020January 12, 2020 Kerry

1^st Sunday after the Epiphany

January 12, 2020

10:00 a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949 Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949

XW E L C O M E T O O U R C H U R C H X We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located in the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and link-way at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more, as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Welcome to God’s house! May God bless our worship together.

Pastor Peter Zietlow

XG O D ’ S W O R D F O R T O D A Y X Jesus is Revealed as Our Perfect Substitute – “Why did Jesus need to be baptized? I thought baptism was for sinners?” That’s a common question among Christians. It doesn’t make sense that our Savior, who was perfectly sinless, would need to be baptized, and yet he was. Why? Because Jesus had come to be our perfect substitute, and he is revealed as such in his baptism. God laid on him the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). Even from birth, he endured the effects of our sin. Jesus wasn’t a sinner himself, but he was carrying our sin, pain, and sorrow (Is 53:4). He needed the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness, just as if he were a sinner himself. Jesus received those promises in baptism, just like we do.

608.297.2866 www.stjohnsmontello.org Like us on Facebook

X A S E R V I C E O F M O R N I N G P R A I S E X

Morning Praise, composed by Marty Haugen, is based on the historic service called “Matins.” Joined to Christ, our risen Lord, we glorify God as we rise to the activities of this new day.

PASTOR’S GREETING

OPENING HYMN 710 Jesus, Once With Sinners Numbered

Please stand

COME, OH, COME, LET US SING TO THE LORD

An arrangement of Psalm 95, this song of praise reminds us of the many blessings that come to us from the hands of our Creator God.

Pastor and congregation join in singing the refrain and the verses.

Please be seated

PSALM 45 hymnal page 83

Cantor sings the first line, congregation sings the second line, everyone sings the refrains and Gloria.

XT H E W O R D X

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 42: 1-7 Summary: I will put my Spirit on Him

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.”

This is what God the LORD says– he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

EPISTLE READING Acts 10:34-38

Summary: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached– how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

VERSE OF THE DAY Mark 1:11

Alleluia. You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL READING Matthew 3: 13-17 (today’s sermon text)

Summary: The baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY 89 To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord

SERMON Matthew 3: 13-17

“Jesus’ Baptism and Ours”

1. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness

2. We were baptized to wear his righteousness

Please stand

YOU ARE GOD, WE PRAISE YOU Te Deum

Pastor and congregation join in singing the refrain and the verses.

Refrain

Please be seated

X O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S X

THE OFFERING

During the offering, please greet one another and sign the friendship register.

Please stand

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Prayer for the Baptism of our Lord and Intercessory Prayers (bulletin pg. 13) are spoken by pastor.

P: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie

L: Pastor C: Congregation

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom

and the power and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

At St. John’s and Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service.

Please be seated

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS 358 How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

90:1-3 The People that in Darkness Sat

Please stand

PRAYER FOR GRACE

L: Pastor C: Congregation

L: ♫ O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have

brought us safely to this new day. Defend us with your mighty power, and

grant that this day we neither fall into sin nor run into any kind of danger;

and in all we do, direct us to what is right in your sight, through Jesus Christ,

your Son, our Lord.

BLESSING

Please be seated

CLOSING HYMN 90: 4, 5 The People that in Darkness Sat

As you leave today’s service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or pastor.

Announcements

Activities for the week of January 12 – January 18

Sun.	8:00 A.M.	Emmanuel Worship
	8:30 A.M.	St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	10:00 A.M.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	9:00 A.M.	Pastor’s Study Club at Mt. Zion – Ripon
	6:30 P.M.	Choir at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.	6:00 P.M.	Joint Worship Committee meeting at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.	Men’s Bible Study at St. John’s
Wed.	8:00 A.M.	St. John’s School Chapel
	10:00 A.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	1:40 P.M.	St. John’s School & Little Lambs early release
	2:15 P.M.	Public School Teen Confirmation at St. John’s
	4:00 P.M.	St. John’s School Faculty Bible Study
	6:30 P.M.	St. John’s Worship
	6:30 P.M.	Women’s Bible Study at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.	Bible Information Class at St. John’s
Thurs.	8:00 A.M.	St. John’s School Teen Confirmation
	6:00 P.M.	Griefshare at St. John’s lower level begins (week 2)
Fri.
Sat.
*Theme for Next Sunday January 19 , 2020* The 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany: “Christ Is the Savior of All”
8:00 A.M.	Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.	St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.	St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.	St. John’s Worship

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Wyatt Beahm (William and Alyssa Beahm’s infant son), Pastor Raymond Cox (Marjorie Fabian’s brother), Gene Crook, Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Harold Fandrey, Lilah Farrell, Roger Hillmer, Xzander Jahr, Melvin Johnson (Beth’s son), Cathy Kolpanen (relative of Tim & Patty Schultz), Chris Krause (Gordy and Linda’s son), Robert Lederer (Jackie and Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Delvin Mittelsteadt, Steve Parrish, Peggy Russell (Elsa’s daughter-in-law), Kathryn Sigrist (Pastor Gary & Orlene Johnson’s daughter), Doris Smith, Jennifer Strauss, Marvis Wegner, Richard Winkler – (added this week: Gene Crook, Richard Winkler)

– For our communicants at St. John’s

THANK YOU Thank you to Jean Sheller, Kay Maass, and Edith Duesterhoeft for their generous donations toward the purchase of the wreaths gracing the front doors of St. John’s. And thanks to all the others who offered. It’s a beautiful way of welcoming everyone into our church. And a special thank you to Ashley Henke, who uses her creativity and skill to fashion those lovely wreaths.

THANK YOU In loving memory of Raymond Zacharias, a donation was given towards St. John’s front doors repair from family and friends. Thank you.

LADIES AND MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Women’s will resume on Wednesday evenings at 6:30PM, men’s will resume on Tuesdays at 6:30PM. Come study a series of topics: Past Lessons = Present Peace = Future Hope, Basic Bible Stories for Faith and Life.

OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN UP The sign up for your 2019 offering statement is located in St. John’s link way. Please sign up if you wish to receive yours.

2020 OFFERING ENVELOPES Please pick up your 2020 offering envelopes in St. John’s link way today! Don’t have any? Call the office 297-2866 and Ciara will gladly help you out.

GRIEFSHARE The next 13-week session will begin Thursday, January 9^th in St. John’s lower level.

ACH What is ACH? Automated Clearing House. Interested in having your church offering automatically deposited? Stop by the office or Information Room and fill out your application today.

MEDITATIONS & FORWARD IN CHRIST New “Meditations” and “Forward in Christ” WELS daily devotional booklets and WELS monthly devotional magazine are available in the church Informational Room. Help yourself!

ART FOR DINNER SAVE THE DATE Saturday, February 22^nd at 5:00pm.

Join us for a night of fellowship, dinner, basket raffles and a silent auction of the children’s art projects.

A few things to think about:

Complete informational packets will be sent home with each school family tomorrow.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Jan. 13^th and will be $25 each. A free hot dog meal will be available for kids 13 years and under. Deadline to purchase is Monday, Feb. 17^th. Stop by the office today.
If there is anyone that would like to help with art projects, set up, all the above… please feel free to contact: Megan Jaster- 608-369-3456 mj.jastersag@outlook.com or Ciara Neuhauser 608-369-0901 ciaraneuhauser24@gmail.com. The more the merrier!!

MEMBERS OF ST. JOHNS AND SCHOOL FAMILIES This past summer the St. Johns council authorized the borrowing of $10,000 from the church’s line of credit to replace and refurbish the school boilers. As some may be aware, there have been a number of issues from the last couple years keeping the boilers running and the school heated and it could no longer be repaired. This project was completed late last fall. This also means that the church officially is borrowing money from its line of credit. If you wish to donate to help paying off the loan, please go ahead and do so. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Look to the information room for where this project is at with regards to being paid off and where the other projects on the board are at with funding. (many thanks to our generous members for donating!)

WELS NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LUTHERAN LEADERSHIP WELS Congregational Services will host the first WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership at the Sheraton Grand in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 21-23. The conference will have five keynote presentations that deal with major cultural challenges before every WELS congregation. Twenty-five breakout sessions will deal with issues specific to certain congregations, including overcoming a consumer mentality in church, Christian apologetics, increasing volunteerism, retaining and gaining young members, fully utilizing the gifts of women in ministry, equipping members for personal evangelism, having a “high-expectations” church, strategic planning, using social media for outreach, operating a financially sustainable elementary school, and more. Learn more at register at lutheranleadership.com.

LET’S CELEBRATE Our school has been invited to participate in the WLA Let’s Celebrate Day on Sunday, Jan. 26. This day focuses on the blessings of Christian education, and we have the opportunity to showcase our school as well as support the WLA Federation. Three of the federation grade schools will be providing entertainment, while WLA bands and choirs will also be performing. We will be singing a couple songs to provide about 15 minutes of entertainment. We are asking all K-8 families to join us for this exciting day. Please respond to let us know that we can plan on your children attending. The entertainment portion of the day goes from about noon to 3:00. There will be many other activities going on throughout the school that day, so it gives you a good opportunity to become familiar with the school. Please note that we are also singing in church here at St. John’s that morning. Again, please let your teacher know that you can attend. Thank you!

Pies and tortes needed . . . lots of them! The WLA Boys Basketball team is off to a great start to their season. As a gesture of fan appreciation they will again be serving pie and ice cream this year at Let’s Celebrate. Would you be willing to make the pies or tortes? If so, plan on delivering your dessert to WLA Saturday, January 25th or Sunday morning, January 26th. Contact Jessi Schwartz jessi@fonddulaclaw.com or Jenny Nell at JennyNell13@yahoo.com with any questions, comments or concerns. THANK YOU!

Attendance	Emmanuel	St. John’s
1-5 1-8	81	132 3
St. John’s Altar Committee January 2020	Elaine Kelm & Carolyn Rosenthal

Emm/Usher Schedule

January 12

Emm Don Stelter, Bob Ferber, Paul Dahlke

SJ Don Smith; Chief, Zeb Zuehls , Mark Emond, Ben Emond, Kevin Kaul,

January 19

Emm Darrell Buchholz, Jim Stuempges, Joe Heller

SJ Kenon Smith; Chief, Corey Kaul, Ken Borzick, Paul Van Treeck,

Haiden Van Treeck

January 26

Emm DuWayne Sommerfeld, Noah Buchholz, Gary Wegner

SJ James Wachholz ; Chief, James Henke, Matt Borzick, Nolan Van Treeck,

Martin Schmanke

February 2

Emm Darrell Buchholz, Bruce Stelter, Brian Ninnemann,

comm. assist. Lucas Stelter

SJ Don Smith ; Chief, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann,

Jerre Duerr

February 9

Emm DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Wuerch, Paul Dahlke

SJ Kenon Smith ; Chief, Joe Zauner Sr., Joe Zauner Jr., Jon Vote, Joe Vote

●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Please Sign Our Guest Register Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website link: www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830 E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1^st& 2^nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3^rd-5^th Grade Teacher Ms. Rachel Naumann: (847) 913-2135 Principal & 6^th – 8^th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow: 616-822-6689 Church & School Secretary Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866 Altar Ladies: Elaine Kelm: (920) 344-0025 & Carolyn Rosenthal: 589-5036 Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949 Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org ●●●

Hold your Hand – January 12, 2020

January 12, 2020 Kerry

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.”
Isaiah 42:6

Hold your Hand

Daily Devotion – January 12, 2020

Devotion based on Isaiah 42:6

See series: Devotions

Remember the Beatles tune? “I wanna’ hold your hand?” Holding hands is an intimate gesture. It expresses love and affection without using words. Humans appreciate a personal touch.

Our Bible reading for today pictures a parent taking a child by the hand. Can you picture it? The parent and toddler need to cross the street. So the parent takes the toddler by the hand, guiding, protecting.

So, whose hand is being held in this Bible verse? Surprisingly, the picture is that God the Father is the parent, and it’s Jesus’ hand that is being held. It reminds us that Jesus—the true God—became truly human, with our human weaknesses and needs. And so, God the Father guided him, protected him, indeed, “held his hand” as he walked Jesus through life and finally to his death on the cross. The Father was guiding, protecting, holding the Son through it all.

But to what end? It was all for YOUR benefit and MINE. It was all so that forgiveness and eternal life could be won for YOU and ME. The Father held the hand of the Son; guiding, directing, and caring for him but ultimately with your best interests in mind.

And so now? Now God the Father—because of the work of God the Son—can look at you and say, “I wanna’ hold your hand, too!”

Prayer:
Thank you, Father, for holding Jesus’ hand so that he was able to win my salvation. Comfort me today with the assurance that, whatever comes my way, you are holding my hand through it all. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

We Cannot Keep Quiet – January 11, 2020

January 11, 2020 Kerry

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
Isaiah 62:1-2

We Cannot Keep Quiet

Daily Devotion – January 11, 2020

Devotion based on Isaiah 62:1-2

See series: Devotions

Have you ever had such important news that you couldn’t keep quiet about it? How much twittering and chatting and posting happen when a favorite team wins a championship?

When anything political happens the talking heads hardly stop to take a breath. When your 6-year-old gets a new Lego set you can be sure everyone will know about it. Presents, football games, politics… in the grand scheme of things, they matter so little, yet they garner so much of our time and excitement.

The prophet Isaiah had the same truly incredible news. News that was so good he could not keep silent. The news was not political but spiritual. The news was that God would make his people glorious.

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

God gives us the gift of salvation. That means he takes away our sins and gives us Jesus’ righteousness as our own. We are glorious, not because of our own glory, but because Jesus’ glory makes us glorious.

Isn’t that great news? It’s better than any championship, political turn of events, or Lego set. Like the prophet Isaiah, we cannot keep quiet about it. We want everyone to know what Jesus has done for them. Whom can you tell today?

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

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

A Mission to Accomplish – January 10, 2020

January 10, 2020 Kerry

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
Matthew 2:12,13

A Mission to Accomplish

Daily Devotion – January 10, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 2:12,13

See series: Devotions

After the Magi visited Jesus in Bethlehem, God gave them a dream warning them not to return to King Herod in Jerusalem. Herod had told the Magi to return and tell him where the King of the Jews had been born so that he could worship as well. But Herod had no intention of worshiping Jesus. He intended to kill him. The Magi heeded God’s warning and returned home by another route. When they failed to return to Jerusalem, Herod flew into a rage. He ordered that every boy in Bethlehem two years old or younger be slaughtered, figuring that in this way he would be sure to eliminate this new King that was challenging him.

God rescued Jesus from Herod’s homicidal plans by having the Magi bypass Jerusalem on their journey home. He also rescued Jesus by commanding Jesus’ stepfather Joseph to take him and his mother Mary to safety in Egypt. God did all this because Jesus had a very important mission to accomplish. Jesus had been born to save all people from their sins. In order to do that, Jesus needed to live a perfect life, not just for a couple of years, but for thirty-three years. Jesus needed to die, but not as a young child at the hands of murderous King Herod. He needed to die as an adult on a cross on a hill outside Jerusalem.

God’s intense desire for the eternal salvation of all people led him to warn the Magi about Herod’s deceitful scheme. And for that, we can be eternally grateful. Because God protected the young Jesus in the way that he did, Jesus did indeed live to accomplish his mission. He lived, died, and rose again for us and all people so that through faith in him we might live in his kingdom forever.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, all praise to you for accomplishing your mission as our Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

The King Worthy of Our Worship – January 9, 2020

January 9, 2020 Kerry

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11

The King Worthy of Our Worship

Daily Devotion – January 9, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 2:11

See series: Devotions

When was the last time you looked at a baby registry, either for yourself or for someone else? What kinds of things did you see listed there? Most likely, you saw a lot of very practical things that the new parents could use in taking care of their new baby. Perhaps there were diapers, bottles, blankets, washcloths, onesies, books, and even a few toys.

But have you ever seen a baby registry that listed gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Probably not. For us, those three things don’t seem all that practical for taking care of a young child, unless you sold them and used the proceeds to buy other things that you might need.

However, those were the gifts that the Magi gave to Jesus when they finally found him. And they were extremely appropriate gifts, given what the Magi knew about who Jesus was. The Magi understood that this child, whom they had traveled a very long distance to see, was more than just a child. He was God’s promised Messiah. He was their Savior. As their Savior, he was worthy of all their worship, which they gave him as they bowed down before him. And he was worthy of their best, which they gave him as they opened their treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

We who have seen much more of what Jesus did as God’s chosen Messiah have even more reason to give him our worship. We, after all, know exactly how Jesus fulfilled his mission as our Savior. We have seen the perfect life he lived on our behalf. We have seen the death he died to pay for all our sins. We have seen his glorious resurrection, through which God declared that Jesus’ saving work was complete. For all that and more, we cannot help but join the Magi in worshiping Jesus and giving him our best. He most certainly is worthy of every bit of worship we can give him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, to you I give myself in worship, for you are worthy of all honor and praise. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Promised by God – January 8, 2020

January 8, 2020 Kerry

When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Matthew 2:4-6

Promised by God

Daily Devotion – January 8, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 2:4-6

See series: Devotions

Jerusalem seemed to be the logical place for the Magi to look for the one who was born King of the Jews. After all, where but in the capital city would a king be born? But the newborn King of the Jews was not to be found in Jerusalem. So where would the Magi find him?

Herod called together all the religious scholars and asked them if they knew where this new king, this Messiah, was supposed to be born. The religious scholars knew immediately where the new king was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they told Herod.

How did they know? Had they received some special revelation from God? Had they overheard people talking about some strange events that had happened in Bethlehem some months ago? No. They knew where the Messiah was to be born because they had read the Old Testament. There, in the book of Micah, God had said, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).

If what the Magi said was true and this new King of the Jews had been born, then he must be in Bethlehem, for that is what God had promised. And, of course, that was exactly correct. Jesus had been born in Bethlehem, just as God had promised. This was just one of the many, many promises of God that Jesus fulfilled throughout his life. And when you take all these fulfilled promises together, they can only mean one thing. Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as King of the Jews, truly is the Messiah God promised to send. He truly is our Savior.

Prayer:
All praise and thanks to you, Lord Jesus, born for me in Bethlehem just as God promised; you truly are my Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

A Different Kind of King – January 7, 2020

January 7, 2020 Kerry

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
Matthew 2:3

A Different Kind of King

Daily Devotion – January 7, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 2:3

See series: Devotions

Herod the Great ruled the region of Judea from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C. He is known for his many great building projects, including his massive expansion of the temple complex in Jerusalem. He was also famously jealous and paranoid. Whenever he suspected that someone was becoming a threat to his power, he wasted no time in having that person killed. Victims of his murderous paranoia included his brother-in-law, mother-in-law, wife, and three of his sons.

So, it is no wonder that when Herod heard that some new King of the Jews had been born, he was disturbed. It also is no wonder that all Jerusalem was troubled right along with him. The people of Jerusalem knew what Herod was capable of. They knew that news of the birth of some supposed rival to Herod’s throne could not mean anything good.

Neither Herod nor the people of Jerusalem had any reason to be disturbed, however. The one who was born King of the Jews posed no threat to Herod’s rule over Judea. In fact, this newborn king had no designs at all on holding any sort of earthly authority. He was a King, to be sure. But he was a different kind of king than Herod was. Herod was an earthly king ruling an earthly kingdom. Jesus, the king whom the Magi were seeking, was a heavenly King ruling a heavenly kingdom.

Jesus’s kingdom does not occupy any territory that you can locate on a map. Rather, his kingdom is his rule in the hearts of his people through faith. His kingdom is established in a person’s heart when the Holy Spirit, working through the good news of Jesus, leads that person to trust in Jesus as their Savior. And Jesus’ kingdom spreads, not through military conquest, but as more and more people hear the good news of Jesus and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, also come to trust in Jesus as their Savior.

Jesus’ kingdom has extended to you also, as God the Holy Spirit has led you to trust in Jesus as your Savior. Through faith in Jesus, you are a member of his kingdom and a citizen of heaven.

Prayer:
King Jesus, reign always in my heart through faith. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Born King of All – January 6, 2020

January 6, 2020 Kerry

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1,2

Born King of All

Daily Devotion – January 6, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 2:1,2

See series: Devotions

Elizabeth II is the queen of the United Kingdom and the countries in its Commonwealth. Therefore, if you are a citizen of one of those countries, Elizabeth II is your queen. However, if you’re not a citizen of one of those countries, she’s not your queen.

When the Magi came to Jerusalem, they were looking for Jesus, “the one who has been born king of the Jews.” The Bible doesn’t tell us what nationality the Magi were. But since they came from “the east” (perhaps from Persia or Arabia), people have always assumed that they were not Jewish. So, why did these non-Jewish Magi travel so far to worship this king of the Jews?

The answer lies in the fact that while Jesus was indeed born king of the Jews, his kingdom was not limited only to the Jews. Jesus also came to be the King and Savior of all people, regardless of their nationality. The citizens of his kingdom were all those from every nation on earth who trusted in him as their Savior.

The Magi recognized this about Jesus. They recognized that even though they were not Jews, the one who was born king of the Jews was also born to be their King. He was born to be their Savior. They trusted that the forgiveness of sins that this king of the Jews would win was also for them. They knew that through faith in him, they too were citizens of his kingdom, regardless of their nationality.

Jesus also was born to be your king. It doesn’t matter who your ancestors were. It doesn’t matter what earthly citizenship you now hold. If you are a member of the human race, then King Jesus was born for you. He was born to be your Savior. The forgiveness he came to win he also won for you. Through faith in him, you are a citizen of his kingdom, for he was born King of all.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I praise you that you came to be the King of all people, including me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

A Painful Memory Can be a Blessing – January 5, 2020

January 5, 2020 Kerry

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.
Ephesians 3:8

A Painful Memory Can be a Blessing

Daily Devotion – January 5, 2020

Devotion based on Ephesians 3:8

See series: Devotions

Have you ever had a memory from your past that’s so painful you close your eyes and cringe whenever you think about it? For some, such memories are so powerful that they fill themselves with anything to deaden the hurt: alcohol, pills, pleasure, TV, mindless busyness. Do you have such a memory? Perhaps something from your past is haunting you right now.

If so, sit down for a moment next to the apostle Paul. It seems that Paul grappled with the same thing. In spite of all that the Lord did through Paul’s amazing ministry, Paul still considered himself “the least of all God’s people.” Let’s be clear: Paul did not say this just so he could appear gracious or humble before his readers. Elsewhere in his writings, Paul said the same thing. And he also explained why. You see, through the years Paul had never shaken the searing memories of what he had done before becoming a Christian. For that reason, the reality of his own sinfulness never left his side.

But there was the beauty that because Paul was now forgiven in Christ, even his painful memories were a blessing. Whenever they haunted him, they also served to highlight God’s grace in Paul’s life. It was God’s undeserved love for a sinner like Paul that continually filled him with gratitude and peace. And it was this gratitude and peace that helped inspire Paul to follow his Lord for the rest of his life.

Do you have a memory from your past that can sometimes paralyze you with pain and regret? Join the club. But consider what else that memory does. In Christ, that memory spotlights the Lord’s grace, his undeserved love, in your life. In him, you are forgiven. In him, you possess a peace that no bad memory can ever take away.

Remember that as you begin this new year. And thank your Lord that he can turn even your painful memory into a blessing.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have allowed painful memories to prevent me from seeing you. Use my painful memories to remind me of your grace in my life. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

The Time for Jesus – January 4, 2020

January 4, 2020 Kerry

When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.
Galatians 4:4

The Time for Jesus

Daily Devotion – January 4, 2020

Devotion based on Galatians 4:4

See series: Devotions

What a mess things were at the time of Jesus’ birth! The Jewish people in Palestine had to live under the iron fist of Herod the Great, a cruel king who had actually put his own sons to death to retain his power. And the tyranny did not stop there.

Beyond Herod was the boot of the Roman Empire, known for its willingness to crucify thousands at one time in the name of keeping order. Then there were religious factions in the Jewish leadership—from the Pharisees, who were all about retaining religious laws and traditions of their people, to the Sadducees, who wanted to do what was necessary to get along with the Romans. There was a wide disparity between the upper, middle, and lower classes of Jewish society—a disparity that was ongoing and a disparity that created its own tension.

Finally, over the years a terrible distortion developed over what the promised Messiah was supposed to do. Many assumed he was supposed to bring political and social change. Few seemed to understand their need for a Savior from sin.

But in spite of the mess, brutality, unrest, ignorance, cynicism, and trouble, God chose this moment in time to send his Son. He did so because he determined that the time had come.

As it was 2,000 years ago, so it is this moment. The time for Jesus is now. In spite of what is dominating the headlines, in spite of the noise, in spite of what is demanding your attention in your personal world, the time for Jesus is now. The time is now to come to him in repentance and to bask in the forgiveness he purchased at Calvary’s cross. The time is now to tell others what you have heard and seen about the Savior God sent for us when the time had fully come.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into the mess of this world in order to save it. Thank you for coming into the mess of this world to save me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.