St. Johns News

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Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-6

Family Matters

For many people, these are days of preparation and travel to be with family for Christmas. Most will describe this as an essential and very enjoyable part of the Christmas celebration.

Similarly, the reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem was a family matter. His parents had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because “they were of the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). In the very town that hundreds of years earlier David was anointed the king of Israel, came the one who would fulfill that promise.

Jesus had a family. The apostle Paul wrote, “As to his human nature (he) was a descendant of David.” He “became flesh” (John 1:14). He became true man so he could live and experience life like one of us. He also “through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God” (Romans 1:4). Jesus wasn’t just another human member of David’s family tree; he is God himself.

The result? We also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. We have another family to celebrate with this Christmas—all those who realized their need for a Savior, and in whose hearts God’s Spirit has worked a conviction that Jesus is their Savior and Lord.

While we enjoy time with our families this Christmas, may we also rejoice that we can trace our spiritual roots back to the Babe of Bethlehem and celebrate with the family of believers our joy in Jesus, who came into this world to be our Savior.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, bless my Christmas worship this year and my time together with family as we come together to celebrate your birth. Fill me with the awe of your miraculous birth and the joy that comes from believing that you are my God and Savior. Amen.

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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.

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Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James 5:8

Be Patient

‘I can’t wait!’ That’s a common cry this time of year. Children have been adding items to their Christmas lists for weeks. Waiting another week to see what they may get seems unbearable. It’s just as hard for students to wait for the Christmas break. It’s equally difficult to wait when you are holding a ticket to visit relatives over the Christmas holiday. It doesn’t matter how long you stare at the calendar; there are no shortcuts. Waiting requires patience.

The Bible acknowledges that patience isn’t a natural virtue in any of us. It’s especially true when life isn’t going right. When you are afflicted with sickness or are being mistreated, waiting for relief is just about the hardest thing to do. It would be much more natural to grumble and complain when your health is poor. When you aren’t being treated fairly, it’s much easier to lash out or criticize someone else to make them feel as lousy as you feel.

So, the Bible tells you to be patient. That’s how God wants you to handle your frustrations and challenges in life. Sometimes you can’t overcome that sickness or get rid of that mistreatment. Yet you can still place your trust in God during those difficult times and wait for God to do his job. God did his biggest job when he sent Jesus to this earth on that first Christmas. Jesus took on himself all the abuse and mistreatment he never deserved. Jesus suffered for all the world’s spiritual sickness. Jesus took away the punishment for all our complaining, grumbling, and stinging criticisms of others. The results of Jesus’ work mean peace and forgiveness for believing hearts.

‘I can’t wait!’ can be your motto for the return of Jesus. You don’t have to count down the days on the calendar. You can wait with patience because Jesus brings more than presents, a brief visit, or a break from school. You can stand firm and eagerly wait for the blessings Jesus has in store for you when he comes back to take you home to heaven.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, fill my life with your love and forgiveness so I can patiently endure earthly struggles while I wait for you to come back and bring me your eternal blessings. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

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Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:10-11

A Lesson in Perseverance

Advent is a season of waiting. We wait for Christmas, we wait for family to arrive, we wait in checkout lines, and sometimes we wait for God to do something that makes sense of what we’re going through. Waiting can be hard, especially when it’s mixed with pain or uncertainty.

James points us to people who knew that kind of waiting well: the prophets who spoke for God, and especially Job. Job’s life was shattered in a single season. It’s hard for us to imagine all that he lost. All ten of his children were killed in a windstorm, his wealth was stolen, and his health broken.

His friends accused him of bringing it on himself, and even his wife told him to give up. But Job didn’t give up on God, even when God felt silent. He cried out, questioned, and lamented, but he kept talking to God.

And in time, God restored Job’s life in ways Job never expected. Not because Job earned it, but because “the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

God teaches us to wait with trust, even when the light seems far away. God is still writing your story even when it feels like the pages have run out. The baby in Bethlehem, Jesus our Savior, is proof that God’s compassion comes through waiting. Joy can follow pain, and life can rise from loss.

If you find yourself in a season that feels more like Job’s than Christmas morning, remember the Lord is still full of compassion and mercy. He has not forgotten you, and he never will.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to wait with faith in you. When my heart grows weary or questions rise, remind me that you are full of compassion and mercy. Help me trust that your story for my life isn’t over yet. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

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The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Isaiah 35:1-2

God Makes the Desert Bloom

In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars.

But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space.

That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life.

God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life.

Prayer:

Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

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Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Matthew 11:11

Made Great by Jesus

John the Baptist was no ordinary man. He was courageous, faithful, and unwavering in his mission. He spoke God’s truth without fear, even when it landed him in prison. He received a beautiful compliment from Jesus: “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” That’s an incredible commendation!

And yet, Jesus adds something surprising: “whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” How can that be? John was a prophet chosen by God. He baptized Jesus. He prepared the way for the Messiah. How could anyone be greater than that?

The answer is that John looked forward to what we now live in. John pointed ahead to the Savior who was to come. We get to see what John only glimpsed from a distance. We know the full story. We see how Jesus carried our sins to the cross, rose from the dead, and opened heaven’s door to all who believe.

Greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about status, reputation, or how much you do for God. It’s about what Jesus has done for you. The least person who trusts in Christ, clinging to his forgiveness and grace, will live in eternal glory in heaven. That person stands on the finished work of Jesus.

So, if you ever feel small or unimportant, remember who you are in God’s eyes. You are part of something infinitely greater. You belong to the kingdom John was waiting for, the kingdom Jesus won for you.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me into your kingdom. When I feel small or unworthy, remind me that my worth comes from you. Help me live with the confidence that I am yours, now and forever. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

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Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Matthew 11:4-6

Good News Proclaimed to You

The disciples of John the Baptist brought a question of doubt to Jesus. Was Jesus really the Messiah, or should they expect someone else? John the Baptist sat in prison, and it didn’t look like God’s kingdom was advancing.

Jesus’ answer was both gentle and firm. He pointed to the Bible and quoted prophecies about the coming Savior from the book of Isaiah. Jesus told them to report what they saw and heard. The blind see, the lame walk. People are cleansed; the deaf hear. God’s promises about the Savior were being fulfilled even if it wasn’t the way or the timeline John or his disciples expected.

We can relate to John. We see others receiving their miracles and their answers to prayers. We wonder, “When will God act for me? When will he answer my prayer?” It’s easy to stumble when God seems silent or slow to respond.

But notice what Jesus includes last: “the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” That’s us. We are poor in spirit, weary, doubting at times, and unable to fix ourselves or earn our way to heaven. The good news is that Jesus came for us. Jesus brings us forgiveness for our sins. Jesus doesn’t turn us away because of our doubts. God has accomplished everything for our salvation.

We are blessed, not because life always goes as planned, but because Jesus did not stumble in his mission. He lived perfectly where we have failed, and through his cross and resurrection, he gives us faith that can withstand the brokenness of this world.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting me in my doubt and disappointment. Help me to trust your Word and your work, even when I can’t see what you’re doing. Remind me that your good news is for me too. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

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Matthew 11:2-3
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Matthew 11:2-3

Carry Your Doubt to Jesus

Christmas is almost here! That means expectations are sky high. Children expect every toy on their wish list to be under the tree. Parents expect children to be happy and thankful for the gifts they’ve received, even if not every gift is crossed off their list. Employees expect a fat bonus from their employers. Employers expect their workers to meet every end-of-the-year deadline and quota. This time of year, we expect celebrations, cookies, and core family memories.

Yet rarely does the season called “the most wonderful time of the year” live up to the name. The calendar is packed, the to-do list never ends, and it feels like you’re barely getting by. “The most stressful time of the year” might be a more accurate name. Beneath the glittery decorations and bright lights is the realization that most of these expectations will not be met.

John the Baptist knew that feeling. Once a fiery preacher in the wilderness, John now sat in a dark dungeon prison. It was the last place his disciples expected him to be. John preached about repentance and judgment. He spoke about axes being at the root of trees and wheat being separated from chaff. In other words, he foretold the coming judgment of God on the wicked. Yet now John was in the prison cell of one of the most wicked rulers of that time. It seemed like things had gotten twisted.

So, John told his followers to carry the question to Jesus, “Are you the one… or should we expect someone else?”

Even from prison, John was teaching his disciples and us what to do with our questions of doubt when expectations are not met. Take them to Jesus. Bring your unmet expectations to Jesus. Bring your doubt to Jesus. He won’t shoo you away or dismiss you or utter some pious platitudes. Jesus will not condemn you; he will answer your doubts.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are gracious and forgiving. Forgive me for my doubts and give me a faith that trusts in you through all things and above all things. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

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Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.
Isaiah 35:3-7

God’s Coming with a Vengeance

One group of people tries to annihilate another. Terrorists kill the innocent. A child is molested. Some question: Why doesn’t God step in … if there is a God? I can add to that. There are plenty of people who sin against God without fear of punishment. There are people who laugh at the idea of facing God’s judgment for their sins. Why doesn’t God step in?

The prophet Isaiah talks about God coming “with vengeance” and “divine retribution.” And the prophet says that the result of God’s coming with “divine retribution” is that “the lame leap like a deer,” “the eyes of the blind are open.” All kinds of good things happen. It sounds like a happy vengeance.

The coming of God is the happiest of all events because he comes to save you. God comes to tackle a sinful world—not by destroying it, but by saving it. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled when Jesus came and died for the sins of the world. Jesus did the only thing that really helps for sin. He paid the penalty for it. He washed it away in his blood shed on the cross.

The whole world can rejoice because the promised Savior has come with vengeance to free us from the guilt of our sin. With eyes and ears open to the good news of Jesus, we jump and shout for joy because his salvation flows into our hearts with life-giving power and hope.

Prayer:

Oh, Lord, our God, I thank you for coming to save this sinful world by offering yourself for me and the sins of the whole world. Help me to see your salvation and rejoice in it every day. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

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A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD—and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. . . In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.
Isaiah 11:1-3,10

Put Your Hope in Jesus

Have you ever heard of nurse logs? They are dead tree trunks, like stumps. Yet, those dead trees are still thriving. The decaying surface of the dead tree creates a perfect growing medium for a tiny seed, for a shoot. The decaying tree becomes a nursemaid, a nurse-tree, to the new tree generation.

Out of the stump of Jesse, a shoot, a Branch came up; it was the baby Jesus. Like a tiny shoot, his beginnings were humble. A little twig from a small town. Born in a stable with only shepherds and livestock to greet him. Born helpless and dependent on others. But despite the humble beginnings, this Branch was special.

Jesus, the living shoot, comes up out of the dead stump, bringing life out of death. By his perfect life and his death on the cross, Jesus saves us from eternal death! By taking our sins on himself, he freed us from guilt and gave us his perfection! Jesus’ death is our death. His life is our life. His righteousness is our righteousness.

Does your life feel like a stump? Have you been cut down by the axe of adversity? Have the problems of this life chopped you down at the knees? All is not lost. There is hope in the Root of Jesse. There is hope in Jesus. He offers you his life and his perfection. He offers you everything! He offers you peace and rest, which you’ll find nowhere else. Put your hope in Jesus. Trust in him for everything! It will be glorious. You have God’s Word on that!

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, Righteous Branch, send your Holy Spirit into my heart through the power of your Word so I can enjoy your perfect rest. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.