BULLETIN- January 6, 2019

The Light of Wisdom:

A Service for Epiphany

epiphany_wise_men

Where is the wise person? … Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:20

January 6, 2019

8 a.m. Emmanuel

10 a.m. St. John’s

Pastor Peter Zietlow

Pastor’s Greeting

What does “Epiphany” mean? It comes from the Greek epiphaneia, which means “shining forth,” “manifestation,” or “revelation.” The Epiphany of our Lord is the Christian festival that celebrates the many ways through signs, miracles, and preaching that Jesus revealed Himself to the world as Christ, God incarnate, and King of Kings.

Four incidents that manifested the mission and divinity of Christ are commemorated during the season of Epiphany: First, the visit of the Magi; second, the baptism of Jesus; third, the miracle at Cana; and fourth, the Transfiguration. Today we celebrate the visit of the Magi or wise men, who were gentiles, which is why we often think of Epiphany as the Christmas of the gentiles.

Congregational Hymn Hymn 83, As With Gladness Men of Old, Verses 1, 3, 4, 5

As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold, As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore your followers be.

As they offered gifts most rare at your cradle, rude and bare,

So may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin’s alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to you, our heav’nly King.

Holy Jesus, ev’ry day keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide, where no clouds your glory hide.

In the heav’nly country bright need they no created light; You its light, its joy, its crown, you its sun which goes not down.

There forever may we sing alleluias to our King!

The Responsive Reading (from Psalm 111:1-4, 9-10) spoken responsively by the Pastor and the congregation.

P: Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

C: Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.

P: Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

C: He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.

P: He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever.

C: Holy and awesome is his name!

P: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.

C: His praise endures forever!

The Confession and Absolution is spoken responsively by the Pastor and the congregation.

P: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but so often we forsake that wisdom and seek the foolishness and temptations of the world. Let us confess our sins to God and ask his forgiveness.

C: Almighty God, we turn away from the wisdom of your holy Word and instead follow the temptations of the devil, the world, and our own sinful desires. We sin against you each day in our thoughts, words, and actions. Have mercy on us and forgive us for the sake of Jesus our Lord.

P: Christ our Lord, the Child of Bethlehem, was born to save us. He carried our sins in his own body to the cross. For his sake and by his command, I announce to you that your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. His praise endures forever!

The Prayer of the Day

Lord Jesus, Light of the world, a bright star proclaimed your birth and led the wise men to find and worship you, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Lead us by your holy Word that we too might be filled with your wisdom and walk in your light. Teach us by your Spirit to love and serve others in your name. As the star announced your birth, may we too proclaim the good news of your birth, life, death, and resurrection to a world trapped by its own foolish wisdom and lost in the darkness of sin. Amen

The Old Testament Reading Isaiah 60:1-6

1“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. 2See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4“Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. 5Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. 6Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

Congregational Hymn, Hymn 82, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise, Verses 1 and 5

Songs of thankfulness and praise, Jesus, Lord, to you we raise,

Manifested by the star to the Magi from afar,

Branch of royal David’s stem, in your birth at Bethlehem.

Anthems be to you addressed, God in man made manifest.

Grant us grace to see you, Lord, mirrored in your holy Word.

May our lives and all we do imitate and honor you

That we all like you may be at your great epiphany

And may praise you, ever blest, God in man made manifest.

The Epistle Reading, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Verse of the Day

Alleluia. We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Alleluia. (Matthew 2:2b)

C: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! (Hymnal p. 18)

Stand for the Gospel Reading, Matthew 2:1-12

C: Glory be to you, O Lord! (Hymnal p. 18)

1After 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.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 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.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 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.12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! (Hymnal p. 18)

Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of 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.

The Sermon Hymn, Hymn 92, “Brightest and Best”, Verses 1, 3


Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid. Star of the East, the Horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Shall we not yield him in costly devotion Rarest of fragrances, tribute divine, Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?

The Sermon “The Epiphany Star Sheds New Light on Our Life” Matthew 2:1-12 (The Gospel Lesson)

1. This Star is a joy to follow (1-10) 2. This Star is an honor to worship (11a) 3. This Star makes it a privilege to give (11b)

Congregational Hymn, Hymn 92 “Brightest and Best”, Verses 4 and 5

Vainly we bring him the finest of off’rings, Vainly with gifts would his favor secure, Richer by far is the praise that the heart brings; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid. Star of the East, the Horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

The Offering (Greet one another and sign the register.)

Intercessory Prayers

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, George Chapman, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Reinold Eckelberg, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Mike Farrell, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Arden “Bill” Klimke, Linda Krause, Pete Laun, Lilly Mann, LuAnn Reber, Frankie Russell, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son & daughter in-law), Al & Darlene Schmidt (Dawn Marcelain & Candace Sonnenberg’s parents), Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Amanda Stalker, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Paul Weldon, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: )

– For teachers called at the 12/16 SJ Voters meeting: Michael & Megan Allard–principal/teacher & K4,K5 teacher respectively & Michelle Myers–grade 1 & 2 teacher

– For our communicants at Emmanuel

Prayer

As the wise ones of old came bearing gifts, so we come to you, God, with our gifts. Accept and transform them in the light of the gospel, that the world might believe and come to know Him whom to know is life eternal, Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen

Note: At Emmanuel…

Holy Communion Liturgy, hymnal pages 35 & 36a

Distribution Hymn 311 “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness”

The Blessing

Gracious God, let your servants depart in peace; your word has been fulfilled. We have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all people as a light to reveal you to the nations.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen

The Closing Hymn, Hymn 87 Hail, O Source of Every Blessing, 3 verses

Hail, O Source of ev’ry blessing, Father of our human race! Gentiles now, your grace possessing, in your courts obtain a place; Grateful now, we fall before you, in your Church rejoice to live, See your glory and adore you, thankful for the grace you give.

Once far off but now invited, we approach your sacred throne, In your covenant united, reconciled, redeemed, made one. Now revealed to eastern sages, see the star of mercy shine, Myst’ry hid in former ages, myst’ry great of love divine.

Hail, O all-inviting Savior! Gentiles now their off’rings bring, In your temples seek your favor, Jesus Christ, our Lord and King. May we, body, soul, and spirit, live devoted to your praise, Glorious realms of bliss inherit, grateful anthems ever raise.

016

Announcements

THEME FOR NEXT SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 2019

Epiphany 1: “The Baptism of our Lord”

-Pastor Tom Klusmeyer from Camp Phillip leads services

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OFJANUARY 6-JANUARY 12

Sun.

8:00 A.M.

Emmanuel Worship with communion

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

Mon.

6:00 P.M.

Hands in Prayer at St. John’s

6:30 P.M.

Bible Information Class at St. John’s

6:30 P.M.

Choir at St. John’s

7:30 P.M.

Adult Bible Study at St. John’s

Tues.

9:00 A.M.

St. John’s Elders meeting

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

6:30 P.M.

St. John’s Worship

Thurs.

8:00 A.M.

St. John’s School Teen Confirmation

10:00 P.M.

Montello Care Center Devotion

6:00 P.M.

St. John’s School Board meeting

Fri.

Sat.

SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 2019

Epiphany 1: “The Baptism of our Lord”

-Pastor Tom Klusmeyer from Camp Phillip leads services

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 with communion

2019 OFFERING ENVELOPES are ready for pick up in the link way at St. John’s. PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM UNTIL JANUARY 2019! If you did not receive a box and would like to, please let Ciara know at the office (297-2866) or there is a sign up in the link way.

2018 OFFERING STATEMENT SIGN UP is now available in the link way. Please pick your statement up in the link way as well.

ART FOR DINNER

It’s that time of the year, Art for Dinner will be held Saturday, February 2nd ,at 5:00p.m. in the Montello High School community room. This is our 4th Annual Fundraiser to help improve our school. This year the money raised will go to our Athletic Fund (funds will cover things such as new uniforms, tournament fees, updated equipment, etc.) We need your help! Please consider purchasing a ticket and enjoying the evening or consider making a donation. We are also looking for donations of items for our basket raffle. If you would be able to donate a basket already made up, any type of items, or services, gift cards, or products! If you know of any businesses that would be willing to donate, please ask them as well. Please have all donations turned into the office by Wednesday, January 30th. If you would like to work on projects at home or in the classroom, please feel free to do so and we would love to include them in our silent auction fundraiser. Any other family (Grandmas, Dads, Uncles, Cousins) art projects are welcome as well. God has blessed many of us with lots of different talents! We are very excited to be having this fundraiser and with your help, we are hoping that it will be a great success! Please help spread the word to anyone you think would like to support our school! Any questions, contact:

Megan Jaster- 608-369-3456 mj.jastersag@outlook.com or

Ciara Neuhauser 608-369-0901 ciaraneuhauser24@gmail.com

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member): “I don’t know why some people change churches. What difference does it make which one you stay home from?”

MEN’S TUESDAY BIBLE CLASS The Men’s Bible Class will resume on Tuesday, January 8, at 6:30PM.

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY AT ST. JOHN’S resumes 1/7 at 7:30p.m. & 1/9 at 10:00a.m.

Usher Schedule

January 6

E

SJ

Wayne Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Paul Dahlke, comm. assist. Darrel Buchholz

James Wachholz; Chief, Paul Van Treeck, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall

January 13

E

SJ

Lucas Stelter, Bob Ferber, Joe Heller

Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr

January 20

E

SJ

Don Stelter, Jim Stuempges, DuWayne Sommerfeld

Jack Yates; Chief, Robin Smith, Del Henke, Joe Zauner, Gordon Krause

January 27

E

SJ

Brian Ninnemann, Noah Buchholz, Gary Wagner

Don Smith; Chief, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock

February 3

E

SJ

Darrel Buchholz, Bruce Stelter, Brian Ninnemann, comm. assist. Lucas Stelter

Kenon Smith; Chief, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith

February 10

E

SJ

DuWayne Sommerfeld, Paul Wuerch, Paul Dahlke

Cal Kapp; Chief, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul

February 17

E

SJ

Wayne Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, Joe Heller

James Wachholz; Chief, Scott Ritz, Ken Borzick, Ben Emond, Thomas Wojtalewicz

February 24

E

SJ

Lucas Stelter, Warren Buchholz, DuWayne Sommerfeld

Dennis Wacholtz; Chief, James Henke, Paul Van Treeck, Martin Schmanke, Lee Ollendorf

St. John’s Greeters Schedule

January 6

Aaron Kendall & Christopher Smith

January 13

Scott & Debbie Ritz

January 20

Karl Whitrock & Elsa Russell

January 27

Jim & Diane Eisermann

February 3

Harold & Judy Fandrey

February 10

Kenon & Mary Smith

February 17

Al & Carolyn Rosenthal

February 24

Dixie Wagner & Bernice Wegner

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

12-30 12-31 1-1

61 37

117 22

St. John’s Altar Committee:

January 2019

Elaine Kelm

&

Carolyn Rosenthal

Welcome To Our Visitors!

Please Sign Our Guest Register

Visit our website link at: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Like & find us on Facebook

Pastor Peter Zietlow Office (608) 297-2321

Cell & Text (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowpl6@hotmail.com

Teacher Karin Stellick (920) 342-3689

Teacher Sara Borck (858) 731-7919

Teacher Rachel Naumann (847) 913-2135

Teacher Cassie Doering (920) 723-8986

Parish/School Secretary Ciara Neuhauser (608) 297-2866

Altar Ladies Elaine Kelm (920) 344-0025 &

Carolyn Rosenthal 589-5036

Mail to: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949

OR scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

A Promise Kept – January 4, 2019

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
Luke 1:69-75

A Promise Kept


Daily Devotion – January 4, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 1:69-75

See series: Devotions

Each New Year, millions of people make a promise to improve something about themselves. Each New Year, millions of people break those promises within a couple of days.

I don’t know how serious you are about New Year’s resolutions, but they seem to be promises that aren’t taken too seriously by people who aren’t very serious about improving something in their lives.

Zechariah lived in the same world we do. He knew how sin infects a person. He also experienced the fickle nature of the promises of man. When an angel came to Zechariah to deliver the good news that his son John would prepare the way for the Savior, he doubted God’s promise.

How easy it can be to doubt our God. When things don’t go as planned, when we experience heartache and loss, we might assume our God has forgotten us, left us, maybe even forsaken us.

But despite our doubt, God keeps his promises. God kept his promise and sent a son to doubting Zechariah and Zechariah rejoiced, “He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David…the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies.”

Because God kept his promise, Zechariah knew God’s love for him, knew God had not forsaken him. Because God kept his promise of a Savior to us, we know God has not forgotten us. He has given us hope and a future—an eternal future. Praise God for his promise of salvation!

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, we praise you for keeping your promise of a Savior. Remind us of your love and faithfulness every day of our lives so that we never doubt you. In Jesus’ name we ask this, Amen.

 

 

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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A Lasting Joy – January 3, 2019

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.”
Luke 1:68

A Lasting Joy


Daily Devotion – January 3, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 1:68

See series: Devotions

For most of us, Christmas is over. In all likelihood, the presents are unwrapped; the pretty paper is in the garbage can. And take a good look at your Christmas tree, because in a week or so, it will be gone. Many of us are getting back to school and work, back to our regular lives. In order for the joy of Christmas to last, it needs to mean so much more to us than trees, presents, and nicely decorated homes. As we put away Christmas for another year, Zechariah’s words are an important reminder: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.”

Zechariah was a new dad. He and Elizabeth had just had their first son, John. One can understand the joy of a new parent at the birth of their first child. But how quickly that new joy can wear off. Time goes by and it becomes evident that neither child nor parent is perfect. Sin infects us all.

So for Zechariah, his joy had to be based on more, and it was. God had revealed to him that his son, John the Baptist, would be the forerunner of the promised Messiah, Jesus!

Zechariah could see something far greater at work here than just the birth of his own child. His son was preparing the way for someone who would change every life that has ever walked the face of this earth, someone who would change Zechariah’s life too, long after his son was old and grown.

God gave us a gift that lasts! At Christmas, he says to you, “Here is my Son, born in poverty in a manger who will live among you and die for you. Because of him, you will know that I have done everything necessary to draw you to myself. Your sin is forgiven. Your debt is paid. You are my child!” What a gift!

So, put away your Christmas decorations, take down the trees. But remember the gift of joy he gives us to last the whole year through!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for the gift of joy you give to us and our families. As we enter into a new year, fill our hearts with the joy of the Christ child in all we say and do. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

 

 

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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Our Brother Frees Us Forever – January 2, 2019

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2:14-15

Our Brother Frees Us Forever


Daily Devotion – January 2, 2019

Devotion based on Hebrews 2:14-15

See series: Devotions

The man sat in my office and said, “Pastor, I’m afraid to die.” He lived in fear of what would happen when his heart stopped beating and his lungs stopped working. He’s not the only one. Many people live in fear of death. But they don’t have to.

There was a reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesus came to be your substitute. He needed to have a human body to serve as your substitute. He had to have a heart that pumped blood, a brain that functioned on oxygen, a body that was fueled by nutrients. He had to experience weariness and a need for rest. Only with a real human body could Jesus live a perfect life in your place.

And, only with a real human body could Jesus die in your place. Jesus died to make death powerless. One day your heart won’t pump, your brain won’t think, and your lungs won’t breathe. But, death will have no power over you. The grave will not be able to confine you. You will be with the Lord. Because this is true, death does not need to terrify you. Jesus’ perfect life and innocent death replace the fear of death with the hope of eternal life.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you came to free me from my fear of death by defeating it for me. When Satan tries to make me afraid of death, remind me of your power over him. Amen.

 

 

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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A Brother Like No Other – January 1, 2019

In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
Hebrews 2:10-11

A Brother Like No Other


Daily Devotion – January 1, 2019

Devotion based on Hebrews 2:10-11

See series: Devotions

“I wish I had a brother to play with me,” said the boy who dribbled the basketball on the court alone. “I wish I had a brother to stand up for me,” said the girl who dreaded the bullies on the bus. Maybe you have said, heard, or thought those words. Perhaps you have gone through life and wondered what it would be like to have a brother.

But you and I have a brother. And, “Jesus is not ashamed to call (us) brothers.” Can you believe it? Think of how ashamed parents are when their child misbehaves in church. Think of how ashamed an upstanding member of a community is when his sister is arrested for dealing drugs. Think of how ashamed a child is when her father speaks rudely to the waitress at the restaurant. Even we, sinful human beings, are ashamed of our relatives when they say and do things that are shameful.

Yet, Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters. How can this be? Think of all the shameful things you have thought, said, and done. How could Jesus not be ashamed of you?

The author of the letter to the Hebrews tells us. Jesus suffered for your sins. He washed them all away with his blood. You are now perfect in God’s sight. There is no longer anything of which he would be ashamed. You are his brother or sister. And, he is thrilled about it!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you came into this world to sacrifice yourself for my sin. Though I’ve given you every reason to be ashamed of me, in love you died and rose for me. Thank you for making me a member of your family! Amen.

 

 

DailyCreative Commons License Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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Powered by WPeMatico