This is the atheist’s argument against putting one’s faith in the God of the Bible. They argue that anyone who depends on anything other than themselves is feeble.
Medically speaking, a crutch is a tool the injured use for support. Only the wounded need crutches. But here’s the thing: somehow, someway, we are all wounded. We all need help. Some just choose crutches other than Christianity.
When we don’t feel good about ourselves, where do we turn for assurance? We have enough options to choose from: earthly goods, food, alcohol, drugs, money, work. The problem with many such crutches is that they offer only temporary reprieve and often only mask much deeper issues of the heart.
The heart of the issue is that we are all sinners in desperate need of saving. And the only one who has the power to help us is Jesus Christ. He took up our infirmities. He carried our sorrows. And by his wounds, we are healed.
God graciously allows us to go through hardship so that we seek the only one who can help. When we seek Jesus in our struggles, he finds us in his Word.
You say, “I’m too tired.” … Jesus says, “I will give you rest.”
You say, “I’m all alone.” … Jesus says, “I am with you always.”
You say, “I don’t know where to turn.” … Jesus says, “I am the way.”
You say, “I’ve had enough.” … Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
You say, “I’m afraid.” … Jesus says, “My peace I give you.”
You say, “I can’t forgive myself.” … Jesus says, “I forgive you.”
You say, “I have my doubts.” … Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me will never be put to shame.”
One famous Christian named Saint Augustine, reacting to the sufficiency of Jesus, observed, “Lord, you created us for yourself. And our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”
What was his point? Nothing satisfies like Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
God, you are my refuge and my strength, a helper who can always be found in time of trouble. I gladly count on you as my crutch. Amen.
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:1,2
Thieves don’t send you a “save the date” card in the mail when they are planning to break into your place and take things. They wait until you’re not home, or until they think you’re asleep. They often like the cover of darkness. The point is that they want to be unexpected.
It seems a little strange that God would compare himself to a thief. He says, “I’m not going to send you a ‘save the date’ card for the day Jesus returns to judge this world. You’ll just have to be ready for it to come at any time.”
God does this for a couple of good reasons. One reason is so that you are not taken in by charlatans who claim that they know the date that Jesus is returning for judgment day. Some of them are foolish enough to set an exact day, but more of them predict a year or a season, and if you believe them, you might be tempted to do some strange things in anticipation.
Another reason God does not tell us the date of judgment day is that he knows us. If we think we have time before something, we procrastinate. But if we know we have to be ready any time, we are moved to get our acts together.
How do you get your act together for judgment day? Repent, and believe the good news that Jesus is your Savior. Trust in him and not in anything that you have done for your salvation. Be sure to tell the people you love so they can be ready too.
Prayer:
Whether my death or judgment day comes first, Lord Jesus, keep me always ready for your salvation. Amen.
There is such a thing as eternal punishment. It’s for anyone who is not perfect. Heaven is perfect, and nothing unclean or impure will ever enter there. Eternal means eternal, so eternal punishment outside of heaven doesn’t just come to an end. It’s not a pleasant thought. Hell is not a pleasant place.
Hell is a place of eternal punishment prepared for the devil and his demons outside of the presence of God. Human beings don’t have to go there as long as they’re righteous. That means perfectly holy in every thought and action throughout life.
It’s a tall order. In fact, if you’re honest with yourself, you know you’ve already blown it. Even if you’ve never done anything majorly bad in the eyes of society, you know perfectly well you’re not perfect.
But God did not want you to suffer eternal punishment. So he sent his Son, Jesus, to live the perfect life that you could not live. Jesus was perfectly holy. His righteousness was complete and pure. Then, when he suffered the punishment that he did not deserve by dying on the cross, he declared that he did that for you. And through faith in him, he gave you his righteousness. God made the one who had no sin be sin for us so that in him, we become the righteousness of God. Jesus is the Lord our righteousness.
Now, on judgment day, through faith in Jesus, you will go right to eternal life in heaven. You have the righteousness of Jesus—not your own—as your ticket to heaven, and nothing can take that away from you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness. You took on you what was mine and gave me what was yours. I will thank and praise you forever. Amen.
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Matthew 25:34
Today many countries celebrate their military veterans. Whether it’s called Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, or Veterans Day, it’s a time to honor all those who have served their country in war or peace, dead or alive, although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.
Christians honor Jesus for a similar reason. He was willing to sacrifice himself in order to win a great victory for us. Ever since the creation of the world, Jesus wanted us to live with him forever in heaven. It didn’t look good since we were going to be born sinful and could not enter a perfect heaven that way. But Jesus took care of that by being born without sin and then remaining sinless throughout his life until he sacrificed himself and took the punishment for our sin. He volunteered to serve in this way, even though he was King over the entire universe. That was quite a sacrifice!
Many veterans make the sacrifices they do so that their families and communities can remain in peace and safety. They know that peace is won in this world only with blood and sacrifice.
Jesus won peace for us with his blood and his sacrifice. He did all that so that he could say to us on judgment day, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Take your inheritance. Come with me to heaven. Live in eternal peace and safety.”
Prayer:
We honor your service for us, Lord Jesus, today and every day. Amen.
He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25:32,33
People worry about the day they will face their maker the day this world comes to an end. They wonder if a movie of their life will play, and everyone will see the bad things they have done. They wonder if they will have the right words to say when they are called on to give an account of their lives.
Jesus instructs people who believe in him not to worry about judgment day. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, and he will not forget about them or abandon them. He knows precisely who his sheep are, and he promises to be with them all the way through the process of judgment day.
When Jesus returns in glory with his angels, he will sit on his throne and send his angels throughout the earth to gather up his sheep. Those who have died will have their souls reunited with their bodies, and their bodies will be restored, never to die again. Those who are still alive will have their bodies glorified, and then they will be picked by the angels to be taken to the place where Jesus is judging.
The angels will not confuse right and left. Those who trust in Jesus will be on his right, and he will give them eternal life. Those who do not believe in him will be on his left, and he will give them the eternal death that they deserve. There will be no movies and no long line of people guessing what the right words are. For those who are followers of Jesus, there will only be the relief of leaving a sin-filled world to spend eternity at the side of their loving Lord. No wonder there is no reason to worry!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd. Send your angels and guide me safely to your right hand on judgment day, then onward into heaven. Amen.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him. Matthew 25:31,32
Judges are important for any society that seeks justice. They are responsible for seeing to it that every person is treated equally and fairly. Judges are important.
Jesus said that when he returns one day, there will be a courtroom of sorts, and there will be a judge sitting on a throne. All the angels will be with him, but none of them will be more important than the judge on that throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, but no one from those nations will be more important than he is, no matter how important those people were in life on earth. The judge will be the most important person there. He will hold the power of eternal life and eternal death.
When Jesus says that the judge will be the Son of Man, he is referring to himself. Although Jesus is the God of this universe, he became a human being, so he is called the Son of Man. Long before he was born, he ruled over the earth, and on judgment day, it will be obvious that he still does, even though he humbled himself to be the son of a woman.
As a perfectly just judge, Jesus would have had to find every person guilty of disobeying his holy Word because every single one of us has—over and over again. But, thankfully, when he came to this earth the first time, he took the punishment for our disobedience. He will not forget this when we stand before him on the Last Day. All who trust in his saving work will be found not guilty and spend eternity with him and his angels. How wonderful to know that on that wonder-filled day, we will not need to be afraid!
Prayer:
Calm my fears about death and judgment day, dear Lord. Let your saving work give me unshakable confidence. Amen.
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.
Please note: Worship Update Plans (Updated Sept. 2020. bulletin pages 14) Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 virus cases testing positive in our area, worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing, refrain from singing, and wear masks that cover both mouth and nose.
Thank you for your consideration.
PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
M: O Lord – our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter – we are assembled in your presence to hear your holy Word. We pray that you would open our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of your Word we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 209 Day of Wrath, Oh, Day of Mourning
*Sung by soloist.
Please stand.
INVOCATION
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
M: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
C: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
M: Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
C: Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his holy life and innocent death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection.
M: Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Lord God Almighty, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that we may always look forward to the end of this present evil age and to the day of your righteous judgement. Keep us steadfast in true and living faith and present us at last holy and blameless before you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Be seated.
✠T H E W O R D✠
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Daniel 7:9,10
9 “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
PSALM OF THE DAY 90
*For your personal devotion at home.
Refrain
In ev’ry age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place*
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,*
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
For a thousand years in your sight are like a day
that has just gone by,*
or like a watch in the night.
Refrain
You have set our iniquities before you,*
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
You turn mortals back to dust.*
You sweep them away in the sleep of death.
The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;*
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow.
Teach us to number our days aright,*
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Refrain
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,*
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,*
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Refrain
SECOND LESSON1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
VERSE OF THE DAY Matthew 24:42
P: Alleluia! Watch, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Alleluia!
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Please be seated.
HYMN 731 The King Will Come at Ages’s End
*Sung by soloist.
SERMONETTEMatthew 25:31-46
“In the End, Trust Makes the Difference”
Those who trust in Jesus ask, “Why do you praise me?”
Those who trust in themselves ask, “Why do you punish me?”
APOSTLES’ CREED
*For your personal devotion at home.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker or heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
*Read responsively.Intercessory prayers listed on page 12.
M: Eternal Lord, you speak to us in words of love and light and power. Fill us with peace today as we ponder the good news that you forgive our sins in Christ. Guide our lives today as we see clearly the path you have laid out for us. Work in us today through your Spirit that our thoughts, words, and actions glorify you and serve our neighbor.
C: Fill us with the Word we have heard today and move us to believe it and live it.
M: Provide courage and compassion to all who preach and teach your Word. Take away their fear of criticism and contention and make them bold to say what you say. Fill them with a love like yours and lead them to announce the forgiveness of sins as your free gift to us and all people.
C: Move us to love all ministers of the Word wherever they serve.
M: Forgive us for the times we hear your Word but fail to live it in our lives. Break down the apathy that lurks in us and leads us to ignore eternal realities. Convict us with your law and then fill us so full of your gospel that we overflow with zeal to do your will.
C: Give us thankful hearts to live and love with joy.
M: Guard and guide us as we live in a society that despises what you say about marriage. Lead husbands and wives to love each other with commitment, respect, and patience. Move parents to grasp the eternal value of keeping their children close to Jesus even when their children grow up.
C: Protect us from the evil that surrounds us; give us pure hearts and minds.
M: Provide your divine compass for those who govern us by making laws and setting policies. Give us respect for those who protect us from crime and aggression. Lead us to value the rights of our fellow citizens and to care for those who cannot care for themselves.
C: Bless our land with peace and prosperity so that the gospel may be proclaimed to all.
M: Give us passion to share the story of your love with our family and friends. Overcome unbelief and open the hearts of people everywhere to believe the good news that Jesus has forgiven their sins and opened the gates of heaven.
C: Fill us with joy over every sinner who repents and comes to trust in your grace.
M: Extend your healing power to those who are sick and suffering in body or mind. (Pour out your special blessing on…here name the person and the cause of the petition.) Fill eager minds with wisdom to discover new ways to treat disease and illness. Give patience and compassion to those who care for the sick and dying.
C: Lift the eyes of the dying to your love in Christ.
M: Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
M: Eternal Lord, you guide the world with your mighty power and love all people because your Son lived and died and rose again. Hear our prayers, spoken and in silence, and answer them in your wisdom and grace.
C: In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
*Spoken by congregation.
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.
HOLY COMMUNION LITURGY
*Read by pastor.
Please be seated for the distribution.
At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & 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. See page 13 for communion schedule and distribution information.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
M: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
Be seated.
CLOSING HYMN 382My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
*Sung by soloist.
✠A N N O U N C E M E N T S✠
November 8 – November 14
Sun.
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.
St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.
9:00 a.m.
Pastors Study Club – Peace, Wautoma
6:00 p.m.
Hands In Prayer meeting at St. John’s
6:30 p.m.
Joint Council meeting at Emmanuel
Tues.
6:30 p.m.
Bible Study at Emmanuel
Wed.
Veteran’s Day
9:00 a.m.
School Picture Day
11:40 a.m.
St. John’s School and Little Lambs Early Release
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
4:30 p.m.
St. John’s Worship (indoors)
Next week’s theme:- November 15, 2020 3rd Sunday of End Times:“Saints Triumphant”
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship
10:00 a.m.
St. John’s Worship
Last Judgment
Second Sunday of End Time – A
God’s Word for Today
In the end of the world, Jesus will come back in glory to judge both the living and the dead. He warns us that no one knows the time or date of his coming. He could come at any time. So, the question is: Are you ready?
First Lesson (Daniel 7:9,10)
1. Who is the “Ancient of Days”?
2. What are the books that were opened?
Second Lesson (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
3. What does it mean that Jesus will come like a “thief in the night”?
4. How have we been made ready for his coming?
5. Verse 11 tells us to encourage one another with the message that Jesus is coming in judgment. How is that a comforting message?
Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)
6. Who are the sheep that are on Jesus’ right and the goats that are on his left?
7. Here Jesus seems to be saying that those who are saved are those who have done good works and lived good lives. In other parts of Scripture we are told that we are saved by faith and not by good works. Explain.
Answers:
1. The “Ancient of Days” is our eternal God. He is described in these verses as the powerful and holy one who will judge the world.
2. The Bible speaks of two kinds of books being opened on the Judgment Day. The first books are those that contain everything we have ever done in our lives – the evidence for our judgment. The other is the book of life in which is written the names of all those who are saved – all who have believed in Jesus as their Savior (cf. Revelation 20:11-15).
3. Just as a thief would never come when someone is expecting him, so also the return of Jesus. Many have tried to predict the end of the world, yet Jesus will come when nobody expects him. It could be in five minutes. It could be in a thousand years. Only God knows.
4. Through faith in Jesus, we have been justified, i.e., declared innocent of all charges. By believing in Jesus, we are ready for his coming. Paul in this reading encourages us to remain alert. We do this by nourishing our faith constantly with the Word and Sacraments.
5. Though Jesus will condemn all sinners, we have the confidence that through faith in him we have been declared innocent. For us, Judgment Day will be the day of our deliverance. We will be glorified and sent off to spend an eternity of perfection with God. That is truly a comforting message.
6. The sheep are those who will be saved, i.e., all those who believed in Jesus. The goats are those who did not believe in him and are therefore condemned.
7. We are saved by God’s undeserved love, through faith in Jesus. We are not saved because of the lives we live or the works we do. That said, however, through faith in Jesus we now want to and are enabled to do works of service and love. These works are evidence of the faith in our hearts. Jesus in these verses speaks of our works of service as evidence of our saving faith.
O God, Great and Almighty Creator,
We thank and praise You for the freedom we enjoy in our country and pray that our liberties will continue to be protected.
Thank You for America’s heroes, that have fought for our freedoms and who have faithfully served our country. We honor all of our veterans, for their sacrifices and for their courage and integrity.
As we celebrate these freedoms, we ask Your blessing on those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country. Bless their families and comfort them with the thankful prayers of a grateful nation.
We thank You for our veterans, past and present. Through the efforts of these individuals, help us continue to promote justice in all nations.
Amen.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montello & Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mecan
Worship Updates – September 2020
WORSHIP SERVICES
Saturdays @ 4:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Sunday @ 8:00 am Emmanuel sanctuary (Emmanuel members)
Sunday @ 10:00 am St. John’s sanctuary (St. John’s members 55 and older)
Online worship services continue found at www.stjohnsmontello.org
Groups should be 50 or less indoors. Saturday @ 4:30 pm will be an outdoor service on the lawn behind the parking lot of St. John’s. In case of inclement weather, we will move to the sanctuary.
Providing a safe worship experience is a high priority for the leaders in our congregations. Christ’s love also compels us to consider the needs of others before our own. In humility we want to protect the health and safety of our bodies and of others. Because the virus continues to spread, and because of the science regarding singing and speaking, the following policies will be continued:
Please use the hand sanitizer upon arrival at the worship service.
Masks will be worn at all indoor services. Masks are available at both churches.
Designated seating will be provided indoors to provide for social distancing.
Please bring lawn chairs for the outdoor service.
Services will be shortened to a length of approximately 40 minutes.
The congregation is asked to not sing. A soloist will sing the hymns and any liturgical responses.
Continuous communion will be practiced on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month. Family units are encouraged to commune together.
The congregations should exit the sanctuary from the back at the end of the service, taking all belongings including the bulletin along with them.
The sanctuary will be cleaned and sanitized between services.
**We will abide by any state or local mandates that may change any of these policies
As we hold firmly to the truths of scripture, we know that God continues to keep his promises to us. He has promised the wonderful spiritual blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation. He has not, however, promised that things will always remain the same. In the words of our synod president, Mark Schroeder, “we recommit ourselves–as individuals, as congregations, and as a synod–to the mission that God has called us to carry out, trusting that he will bless us in that work.” Let us work together as we move forward as a congregation. Let us help, support, and encourage each other as we gather around God’s Word.
Question or Concerns? Contact your Elders or Pastor
Emmanuel Elders: Darrell Buchholz (608) 215-7871, Wayne Stelter (608) 369-1790
St. John’s Elders: Jerre Duerr (608) 697-8706, Jay Eisermann (608) 297-8171, James Wachholz (608) 369-4006, Pastor Pete Zietlow (608) 408-7830
I am constantly amazed at the bravery of the men and women in our armed forces. What is it like to walk down a street, knowing at any moment an RPG could come careening into your squad and blast you to pieces? What is it like to get up every day to patrol that same street, with that same danger lurking in the shadows? Their training and their equipment help them. They know they need to be the fastest, strongest, smartest soldiers out there. Their lives depend on it. They cannot let their guard down for an instant.
Don’t we approach life the same way? I need to be bigger, faster, stronger, and smarter than the people around me. If anyone tries to cut in line in front of me; I’ll let him know where the back of the line is!
Jesus didn’t strap a flack vest on his followers, teach them hand to hand combat, and then give them 120 pounds of ammo, machine guns, and combat knives. He sent them out into the mean, ugly, God-hating, Christian-persecuting world with only a woolly lambskin!
Not quite. But he told them they would be sheep, surrounded by the biggest, baddest, meanest wolves they ever saw.
How could they survive? Jesus was with them. He was the one behind the “I am sending you.” Instead of trusting a snarl to put someone in his place or an insurance policy to cover losses, they could trust Jesus to look after them. After all, he pulled them from the fires of hell. He walked down the street to the cross and took the full force of God’s fiercest wrath over their sins.
He’s done the same for you. Whether it is the dark of night or the light of a new day, there’s no need to fear. We can show love to others and accept all the vulnerability that comes with being Christians. We know our Shepherd will care for his sheep—no matter how the wolves may snarl.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, although I know I am like a sheep among wolves in this world, I also know you are with me and will watch over me. Grant me the peace that comes with knowing this. Amen.
Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. Revelation 14:6
For lovers of history, it is a dream location. If you drive through central Wyoming along State Highway 220, you can’t miss it. From the proper angle, it looks like a giant cereal bowl turned upside down. It is called “Independence Rock.” Independence Rock is 12 stories high. If you get out of your car and walk around the base, you’ll be walking for more than a mile. During the 1800s, Independence Rock was a major landmark along the Oregon Trail. Pioneers in covered wagons knew that if they could reach it by the Fourth of July, they were on schedule to finish their journey and get settled before winter. Many carved their names into the rock. You can still see their names today.
But for those who love history, here’s something about Independence Rock that is, perhaps, the most powerful. If you climb to the top and look around, you’ll see virtually no evidence of 21st Century civilization. There are no towns, no gas stations, no motels. In fact, if you climb back down and travel a bit further, what you will find are the ruts left by the covered wagons from so many years ago.
In a world where rapid change is the norm, it is a comfort for some to know that there are still some places that have changed very little.
Such a sense of comfort, however, is nothing in comparison to the comfort that comes from something that is truly permanent—the permanence that comes from the eternal gospel about Jesus Christ.
No matter how old you get, no matter what changes you see, the eternal gospel remains the same. No matter how many times you have failed, no matter how often you have disappointed others, the eternal gospel remains the same. No matter how heavy the guilt from your past, no matter how chaotic your present or how uncertain your future, the eternal gospel remains the same. The gospel message that God came to this earth in the person of Jesus Christ, that he lived and died as your Substitute to wash away your wrongs, that he raised himself back to life to assure you that all is well—every part of that message remains the same. None of it will ever change.
And that is a beautiful thing to know.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the same yesterday and today and forever, and so is your gospel. For this priceless comfort, I thank and praise you. Amen.
“Where are you going?” Mom yelled. “To Jenna’s,” yelled her daughter from the open car door in the driveway. “Be safe,” Mom yelled back as a parting thought.
“Be safe.” Ever notice how much of our life is about safety? It surrounds us. Factories hang banners that say, “Safety first.” We dedicate months to learn about “Fire Safety.” We put safeguards on our computers and locks on our doors. We store our valuables in safety deposit boxes. After basic physiological needs such as air, water, and food, some psychologists list safety as our next sought need.
Perhaps the reason we put so much emphasis on safety is that we know many of the places we go aren’t always “safe.” The highway isn’t always safe for the inexperienced driver. The computer isn’t always safe from hackers. And valuables get stolen.
But there’s one place that such things don’t ever happen. There’s one place that’s always safe: God’s heavenly kingdom, which the Bible says, “On no day will its gates ever be shut” (Revelation 21:25). In other words, there are no needs for locks or safes in heaven. It is completely safe.
What a beautiful thing to look forward to! As we near the end of 2020, we will reflect on many things that affected our safety this year. A virus threatened our health safety. Fires and hurricanes threatened our physical safety. Violence of various types threatened our community safety. But one day, it’s all going to end. One day, every follower of Jesus—every person who trusts in the full and free forgiveness he won on the cross—will be in the Savior’s arms, where they will be completely and forever safe. May this promise from God give you peace and comfort this day.
Prayer:
Lord, in the midst of turmoil, direct my eyes to my safe future at your side. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
