Month: June 2022

He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:59,60

Jesus Wants Top Billing

Daily Devotion – June 30, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:59,60

See series: Devotions

When actors begin their careers, they don’t generally get the lead part after one audition. Instead, they endure years of playing insignificant roles before their big break. Most never get one. For every actor you can name, there are thousands whose names you’ll never know. It’s difficult—almost impossible—to get top billing. Most don’t ever see their name in bold letters over everyone else’s on the movie poster or theater marquee. That’s only reserved for the very best.

When Jesus walked the earth, plenty of people were willing to follow him, but only to a certain point. St. Luke tells us in his gospel that there were large crowds traveling with Jesus (14:25), but they only wanted him to play the part of a movie extra in their lives. Yes, he could be a part of their lives but not the essential part. They weren’t ready to give him top billing, the starring role.

But Jesus isn’t interested in having disciples who are only willing to give him an insignificant role in their life story. He wants us to give him top billing. When he saw that large crowd following him, he told them in no uncertain terms what he expects. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26,27).

Of course, Jesus doesn’t really want us to hate anyone, any more than he wanted to keep his would-be disciple in Luke 9 from attending his father’s funeral. But Jesus does want us to understand this: nothing in our lives can outrank him and his saving Word. He must have top billing because he and his Word alone grant us the certain hope of everlasting life. That’s what Jesus has won for you and for all people, and he doesn’t want you to trade it for anything.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to give you and your Word top billing 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.

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.

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Luke 9:57,58

Jesus Calls Us to Be All In

Daily Devotion – June 29, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:57,58

See series: Devotions

Once upon a time, I had grade school friends who were very important to me. We would ride bikes together, play hours of ball, go to the movies, and sleepover at one another’s homes. At times, my life revolved around them. They were that important.

And now they’re gone. We didn’t have a falling out. We just grew apart. We went to different schools and moved away from our hometown. At one time, we were so committed to one another, but no more. And that’s okay. God didn’t insist that we be committed to one another for the rest of our lives.

But it’s different when it comes to my wife. She and I have been friends for almost 25 years now and married for about 20 years. Unlike the relationships I had with my schoolmates, my wife and I made promises to one another before God. We promised to be faithful to one another as long as we both shall live. In other words, God has called us to be all in. It can’t be halfway or even 99 percent. It requires 100 percent commitment because being married to a sinner is hard. Just ask my wife how hard it is!

When Jesus once had a man say to him, “I will follow you wherever you go,” he seemed to be expressing 100 percent commitment to the Savior. What music to Jesus’ ears! But Jesus wanted this man to realize what following him meant. “Foxes have dens and birds have nests,” he replied, “but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” In other words, following Jesus in this world is no walk in the park; it’s a challenge. Yes, it’s an all-in proposition that requires us to deny ourselves and take up cross and follow him (Mark 8:34).

Yes, it’s difficult, but not impossible. And why? Because Jesus is 100 percent all in. Even when we’re unfaithful to him, he remains faithful to us. And that will never change. He’s promised to be our Savior-friend forever.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, empower me to be faithful to you by marveling at your faithfulness to 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.

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.

And [Jesus] sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him. But the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.
Luke 9:52-56

Jesus Is Zealously Patient

Daily Devotion – June 28, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:52-56

See series: Devotions

Believe it or not, Jesus has not always been welcomed with open arms.

This man from Bethlehem is God from all eternity. By his powerful Word he created all things and gives life to all things, including us (John 1:1-4). Then he assumed our broken humanity— “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14)—in order to win forgiveness and eternal rescue from death for everyone. What’s not to like?

But by nature, we all reject Jesus—lock, stock, and barrel. Yes, we turn our backs on our only Creator and Savior. “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, and his own did not receive him” (John 1:10,11).

You might think our refusal of Jesus’ amazing gifts and unparalleled love would leave him hopping mad. Jesus would have every right and reason to seek revenge for our rebellious response and leave us in the dust forever. That’s what his disciples, James and John, suggested he do to the Samaritans when they refused to open their hearts and homes to him as the Savior journeyed to Jerusalem to sacrifice himself on a cross for the world’s sins. “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” they asked.

But Jesus didn’t seek revenge, instead he zealously pursued patience. Rather than striking these people with lightning, he rebuked his disciples and urged them to have patient and merciful hearts toward sinners. The same kind of patience and mercy that he had so often shown to James and John. Yes, the same patience he shows to you and me.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to be loving and patient toward others, just as you are forever patient with 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.

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.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51

Determined to Save

Daily Devotion – June 27, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:51

See series: Devotions

There are different ways to describe people who are deeply committed to their mission. Sometimes they are called pit bulls, or maybe it is said of them that they have a laser focus. They’re the type of self-starters who carry out their assigned duties with no holds barred, and give 110 percent. Or perhaps they are described as true believers and people who are willing to do anything to get the job done right and on time. The point of all these descriptions is simple and straightforward: these folks are not halfway committed to their cause, they are bound and determined. Nothing and no one is going to stop them.

We might not naturally picture Jesus that way, as someone stepping over anyone who gets in his way to fulfill his mission. It’s more likely that we picture him the way Christian artists have traditionally portrayed him, as a soft, gentle, good shepherd type who wouldn’t hurt a flea. But while it’s true that Jesus is the world’s ultra-gentle Good Shepherd, who carries his lambs close to his heart (Isaiah 40:11), he’s also the mightiest of warriors, a singular soldier in God’s salvation army. He has a mission, and he is bound a determined to fulfill it.

That’s how St. Luke pictures Jesus for us today, as a man who “resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” And why was he going there? To die for the sins of the entire world.

Being bound and determined to face your death is not at all natural for human beings, especially when it promises to include the kind of brutality that Jesus’ death entailed. But not only was Jesus willing to endure that kind of death, he was bound and determined to do so.

And why? Because of his unchanging and unconditional love for you and me and every sinner. Yes, Jesus is bound and determined to save us not because we’ve deserved it; but because we need him to do it so desperately.

And nothing will stop him from carrying out his saving mission perfectly.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for being so bound and determined to save me and all sinners. Lead me always to trust in your unfailing love and salvation. 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.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51

Detours

Daily Devotion – June 26, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:51

See series: Devotions

Rod was getting more anxious by the moment. He began to wonder if he was ever going to reach his final destination. The miles continued to mount after he followed the designated detour. As a result, he couldn’t rid himself of the feeling, “Am I going in the right direction?”

When the time came for Jesus to go to Jerusalem, there were many detours he could have taken. The disciples certainly wanted more time with him. There were more people to be healed and helped. There was even the very real temptation for Jesus to avoid his capture and crucifixion. Jesus refused to take any of these detours, and as Luke records, “He resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Nothing could have kept him from accomplishing the work his Father set before him. There was never a doubt in his mind if he was going in the right direction.

Jesus’ refusal to even consider a detour is a cause for celebration in your life. Jesus not only came to your rescue but also walked the path you could never have walked. Because of his selfless love he now invites and makes it possible for you to walk on the path to heaven.

His path takes you past the detours of disillusionment, disobedience, and death. His path leads you safely past guilt, disappointment, and despair. Because Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem according to his Father’s will, you can now safely and confidently remain on a heavenward journey.

Certainly, your life will be filled with distractions and detours. It would be easy for you to stray. However, your Savior comes to the rescue. Not only does he bring you back to the right path, he also lovingly keeps you going in the right direction. It is because of what Jesus has done and continues to do that you can rejoice and say: “Wherever you lead, Lord, I will follow.”

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 439):
Lord, take my hand and lead me along life’s way;
Direct, protect, and feed me from day to day.
Without your grace and favor I go astray;
So, take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way.

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.

God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Daily Devotion – June 25, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:7

See series: Devotions

Do you ever feel timid or weak in your spiritual struggles?

Fifty days after Jesus rose from the dead, God sent his Holy Spirit to his believers. Wouldn’t it be strange if the Holy Spirit made the disciples more timid? More fearful? More hesitant? Wouldn’t it be strange if it turned out that the Holy Spirit was a spineless, powerless, timid spirit? Wouldn’t it be strange if the Holy Spirit led us to cave in or give up in our spiritual struggles?

The Bible teaches us what kind of spirit the Holy Spirit is and what kind of spirit he produces inside us— “a spirit not of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.”

A spirit of power. The power God used to make the universe. The power that God used to raise his Son from the dead after paying for our sins. That power is at work in us by his Holy Spirit.

A spirit of love. This power at work in us is not power over financial problems, health problems, or social problems. It’s power to resist the devil, to put off the sinful nature’s anger, hate, and envy. It’s power to love as Christ has loved us.

A spirit of self-discipline. Our sinful nature wants to run rampant. The devil tempts us to indulge self. But the Holy Spirit gives us power to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus.

When you feel weak in faith, helpless against the devil, or fearful in the face of life’s challenges, remember this, the Holy Spirit is not weak or timid. And your spirit, given by the Holy Spirit in you, is a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. As God gave you forgiveness of all your sins by Christ’s death, as God gave you eternal life in heaven by Christ’s resurrection from the dead, God also gives you the Holy Spirit. Trust him to help you and empower you in your spiritual struggles.

Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for your love and forgiveness through Jesus. Empower me by your Spirit to be strong in faith in Jesus and to deny myself and follow Jesus. 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.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:9,10

Jesus Crushes Evil

Daily Devotion – June 24, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:9,10

See series: Devotions

When you think about it, the Christian faith doesn’t make a lot of sense. Sin, which comes so naturally to every human being, is out of bounds? And the guilt of any sin is enough to earn a one-way ticket to the opposite of everything good? And despite our best efforts, we can’t scrub that guilt off? And the only way out of guilt and into peace is through the actions of a Jewish carpenter who lived under Roman occupation far away and long ago?

It didn’t make any more natural sense to Paul, Timothy, or any who followed Jesus because of them. This trust and the resultant holy living are supernatural—the work of the Holy Spirit. The Christian faith is something no one could have thought up on their own. So, the apostle Paul tells us, it was revealed from the Holy Spirit through the words of the Bible.

And what has been revealed? Grace given before your parents gave you a name, victory over death, a vibrant life that will never end. And all of this won for you and given to you by a hero named Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have won. Your victory is my victory. Lead me in that new reality that I might live for you. 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.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:8

Connected to Jesus

Daily Devotion – June 23, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:8

See series: Devotions

He was a pastor in a country where Christianity was illegal. So, he went by his initial “L”—not his real name—for safety. He drove a truck full of Bibles to distribute them in rural villages—illegal. He ran Sunday Schools where children were taught Jesus—illegal. He ran worship services and taught Bible studies outside the state-controlled church—illegal. Things got really bad, so he boarded a plane in search of asylum. Before the plane took off, authorities boarded and removed “L.” He wasn’t under arrest, but he also wasn’t free to go.

The apostle Paul knew what it was to suffer for sharing God’s Word. In this case, he was writing to his friend, Timothy, from prison. But telling others about Jesus was so important that no amount of suffering would stop him from doing so.

Has suffering, or the fear of it, stopped you from living and sharing your faith in Jesus? In America, the consequences of being an “outed” Christian do not include imprisonment or torture. But have you allowed the fear of what might happen keep you from telling others about Jesus?

It’s easy to do. And it’s why we need a sacrifice who suffered for our sake. A Savior who was not ashamed to be counted among the fearful so that he might rescue people like you.

Because he did, suffering for my faith becomes a chance to be connected to Jesus, to be the mirror that reflects the love of my Savior to a dying world. Just like “L,” just like Paul.

For the closing prayer today, let’s use the words of Ignatius of Antioch. Ignatius was an early Christian, so early that he learned about Jesus under the apostle John. May his prayer be our prayer as we face suffering.

Prayer:
“Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ. 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.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6,7

God-given Gifts

Daily Devotion – June 22, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:6,7

See series: Devotions

God has made me a learner, self-assured, eager for the input of others, value-driven, and able to put things and people in the places that set them up for success. How has God gifted you? Has he made you comfortable in front of crowds? Hard-working? Attentive to detail? A careful thinker? He has made you: body, soul, and mind. That means you have characteristics as unique to you as that birthmark behind your left elbow. Those gifts that he’s given to you have been laid at your feet for a purpose, “for the good of those who love him.”

That was certainly true of Timothy. He had gifts. And his spiritual father, Paul, saw them and encouraged them. “Fan them into flames,” he told Timothy. Don’t be content just to have them, but cultivate them, develop them, and lean into them. “They have been given to you; now make the most of them!”

Are you asking, “How do I fan my gifts into flame?” Fair question. Maybe the acronym ILPF will help (Identify – Learn – Practice – Feedback). Identify those gifts that you have. Maybe that’s a reputable assessment or asking a trusted mentor, “What do you see in me?” Then, learn about those gifts. What are they like? Who else has them? What is the danger of misusing them? Next, practice. You don’t get good at anything without endless cycles of trying and failing. That’s practice. And finally, get feedback. Ask those close to you, “I tried to use my gift. How do you think it went? What should I think about the next time?” As you live in your God-given gifts, watch as the Lord carries out his will.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for these gifts I have. I know they are from you. Help me to use them in a way that builds your kingdom. 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.

Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
2 Timothy 1:4,5

From Generation to Generation

Daily Devotion – June 21, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:4,5

See series: Devotions

I remember visiting my grandparents every summer. They were farmers who lived in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. One reason I loved to visit was the copious amounts of ice cream my Grandma Eunice had hidden away for us. Another reason was the chance to ride big machines. But do you know what I remember, to this day, even more than push pops or tractors? I remember my Grandfather Lois read to us from his Bible after breakfast. He never read for very long, and it was never a big deal. But in those few minutes of reading, he modeled for the family what was important, and even a seasoned Christian regularly gets into God’s Word.

Young Pastor Timothy had models in his life too. A grandmother and mother who prioritized a relationship with the living God. Women who passed their faith down to their son and grandson. Their faith meant so much to them that they gave it to those they loved most. And look what God accomplished in that generational gift! How many more generations have come to faith because Lois and Eunice passed down their faith!

Maybe you never had that: a family that spent time in God’s Word—maybe you didn’t even go to church growing up. Maybe your family went to church, but that was the extent of “Jesus talk” during the week. That’s not easy, but you aren’t alone. God has a habit of calling the unlikely into his kingdom and making them family.

One final thought, consider this your calling to be a Lois or Eunice to the children in your life—to your kids, your grandkids, a niece or nephew, or the kids in your classroom. What you and I believe is too good to not pass on.

Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for giving me a family of faith, for those who have played spiritual mom and dad in my life. Keep them safe from harm and temptation. Give me opportunities to pass on what I believe to the next generation. 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.