There’s an old Looney Tunes cartoon involving two dogs—Chester and Spike. Chester was a small, jumpy, scrawny puppy. He would easily lose in an alley fight with almost any other animal. Yet Chester was always confident as he walked through life. Why? Because he was never far from his friend Spike. Spike was a big, strong bulldog. As long as Spike was close, Chester felt safe, knowing his big friend would always be there for him in his time of need.
There are times when we might feel like Spike—strong enough to face any challenge life throws at us. But I think we more often know how it feels to be Chester—vulnerable and weak to the many challenges we meet each day in our families, on our job, and maybe especially in our hearts.
Jesus knows this about us. It’s why he offered the prayer he did in John chapter 17. Jesus prayed that your Father in heaven would keep you safe by being for you what Spike was to Chester.
And he will. Your Father in heaven accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for sins on the cross. So there is nothing standing between you and your God. He is right beside you so that you can walk through life as the fictional Chester did—confident that you will always be cared for in your times of need.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, watch over and protect me by your almighty power. Amen.
[Jesus said] I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John 17:14,15
“Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is.” So wrote C.S. Lewis in his famous book, Mere Christianity. He was correct. This world is not our home. Heaven is our home. Jesus knew this better than anyone. Jesus knew from personal experience how difficult it is for God’s people to live in a world ravaged by sin and under constant attack by Satan. That is why Jesus prayed for his disciples the night before he went to his death. He knew his disciples would face temptation and persecution and poverty and imprisonment.
Knowing this, we might expect Jesus to pray for his disciples to be delivered from this world. Why not just ask the Father to whisk them right to heaven so they could avoid all the evil and opposition that the devil throws against Jesus’ followers? The reason Jesus prayed as he did was that he had work for his disciples to do. They would take the good news of forgiveness and eternal life to the ends of the earth. So, rather than ask the Father to take them out of this world, Jesus prayed that his Father protect them.
Jesus asks his Father to do the same for all of his followers, including you. He knows about every temptation you are facing. He knows about every trial you are undergoing. He knows about every trouble you are enduring. He knows that temptations, trials, and troubles are part of living in this sin-filled world. But he does not ask his Father to take you out of this world. There is work for you to do. You have people to love and serve. You have God’s good news to share. Your heavenly Father will answer Jesus’ prayer. He will give you strength to do this work and protect you from the devil until your Father DOES, in his time, take you home to heaven.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I humbly ask you to protect me from the evil one that I may carry out the important work you have given me to do. Amen.
Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15
It is always interesting to watch teenagers try to find their place among their peers. There is that constant struggle of determining whether they are part of the ‘in’ group, or if they are on the outside. If they are a part of the group, they have the inside scoop on everything important that is happening. If they are not, the important news and happenings of their world pass right around them.
As Jesus spoke to his disciples, he called them friends. He didn’t leave them wondering whether they were in the know or not. As friends, they had the inside scoop. Everything Jesus learned from his Father he made known to his friends. He revealed that he is the Son of God. He explained that he came to seek and save the lost. He even foretold how he would save them. He said, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise” (Mark 9:31).
Just as Jesus made it clear where his disciples stood, so Jesus doesn’t leave his followers today wondering if they are part of the group. He also calls them his friends. He gives them the inside scoop. As they sit down to read his Word, the Bible, they hear everything that Jesus learned from his Father and made known to his disciples. They also can hear Jesus explain who he is, the reason he came, and how he saved the world from eternal death by dying for it.
Friend, listen to Jesus. Learn from him. Trust that what he says is true. And discover all the comfort of being called a friend of Jesus.
Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, thank you for revealing all of the truths about you and for being willing to call even a sinner like me your friend. Amen.
The Ascended Lord, Our Great High Priest, Prepares His Church for Its Work
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
May 15, 2021
4:30p.m. St. John’s
May 16, 2021
8:00a.m. Emmanuel
10:00a.m. St. John’s
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us on this wonderful Mother’s Day! May God bless and fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together today.
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES † Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel 10:00a.m. at St. John’s
† Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.
UPDATED COVID-19 PROTOCOL Emmanuel and St. John’s Joint Councils approved the following updates, effective Sunday, May 23, 2021: 1) Wearing masks and social distancing is still encouraged. 2) All pews at both churches will be open for seating. 3) Parish members are free to worship at either Emmanuel or St. John’s. 4) Congregational singing will be resumed at all worship services; soloists are discontinued. 5) Saturday outdoor worship will be held once monthly, June-September, pending Worship Committee approval.
HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAYToday’s theme: The 7th Sunday of Easter – He Watches Over Me – Our ascended Lord watches over his Church. He intercedes for us with the Father. He protects us with his power. He guides us with his Holy Word of truth.
†P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.
OPENING HYMN CW 232, “Lord of My Life, Whose Tender Care”
† S E R V I C E O F W O R D †
Please stand.
M: The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
C: And also with you.
CONFESSION OF SINS
We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.
M:We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.
C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
M:God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
C: Amen.
PRAYER AND PRAISE
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
OH, TASTE AND SEE
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Let us pray.
Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right hand. Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow where he has gone; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings
†T H E W O R D †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
FIRST LESSON Acts 1:15-26
Summary:Preparation by the disciples for witnessing to the world
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters,[a] the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:
“‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’[b]
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
PSALM 8
* Sing refrains and verses in unison.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!*
You have set your glory above the heavens.
When I consider your heavens,*
the work of your fingers,
what is man that you are mindful of him,*
the Son of Man that you care for him?
Refrain
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings*
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands;*
you put everything under his feet.
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
EPISTLE LESSON 1 John 4:13-21
Summary:We love because he first loved us
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
VERSE OF THE DAY John 14:18
M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Alleluia.
Please stand
GOSPEL LESSON John 17:11-19 (today’s sermon text)
Summary:Jesus prays that his disciples may be protected and sent out into the world
I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[a] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by[b] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[c] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Please be seated.
HYMNOF THE DAY CW 359, “Jesus, My Great High Priest”
SERMON John 17:11-19
“O LORD! SET US APART BY YOUR TRUTH!”
That we may have what You want us to have (13)
That we may be what You want us to be (14-17)
That we may do what You want us to do (18-19)
Please stand.
APOSTLES’ CREED
All: 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.
Please be seated.
†O F F E R I N G S O F G I F T S & P R A Y E R S †
THE OFFERING
Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord. Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained. Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. The plate is located in the church entryway.
PRAYERS
The Offering Prayer, Ascension Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see
announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
All: 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.
HYMN CW 469:1-4, “Take My Life and Let It Be”
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.
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.
The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Please be seated.
CLOSING HYMN CW 469:5, 6, “Take My Life and Let It Be”
Next week’s theme:- May 23, 2021 The Day of Pentecost: The Spirit Gives Life
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.
St. John’s Worship with communion
† C H U R C H N E W S †
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Cheri Borzick, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Roberta Davison (Beth John’s daughter), Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Kathy North, Rhett Petersen (Dan Finger’s friend), Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, Jeff Reimer & son Tim, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Sally Elmer, Thomas Marcelain, LuAnn Reber, Tim Reimer) – For the family of our Emmanuel member Pat Bornick called to her eternal home on Monday (5/10) at the age of 86 – For Armed Forces Day (5/15 – “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD. I SHALL NOT WANT…” On Monday (5/10/21) our loving Good Shepherd Jesus Christ called to his side in heaven the soul of our Emmanuel–Mecan member Pat Bornick. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Wednesday (5/19) at Emmanuel–Mecan. 10am visitation. 11am funeral. committal at a later date. “…AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.” (Psalm 23 that Pat and I recited together at the close of our 5/6 communion visit) – www.wachholzandsons.com
UPDATED COVID 19 PROTOCOL Emmanuel and St. John’s Joint Councils approved the following updates, effective Sunday, May 23, 2021: 1) Wearing masks and social distancing is still encouraged. 2) All pews at both churches will be open for seating. 3) Parish members are free to worship at either Emmanuel or St. John’s. 4) Congregational singing will be resumed at all worship services; soloists are discontinued. 5) Saturday outdoor worship will be held once monthly, June-September, pending Worship Committee approval.
ATTENTION ST. JOHN’S AND EMMANUEL MEMBERS: Starting Sunday, May 16 @ 6:30pm, there will be adult softball on the baseball diamond behind St. John’s. This is open to men and women who have graduated high school (recently or a long time ago!). We are not preparing for a future event, just gathering in fellowship and activity during the warmer months of the year. Come out and enjoy the season and meeting together!
GRIEFSHARE This Thursday, May 20 at 6:00p.m., the Griefshare group will be showing the movie “I Still Believe”. All Griefshare members are invited and may bring a guest. If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from this, please come! Please RSVP to Mark Emond 608-697-1600. Pizza will also be provided!
CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office. Thanks!
CROSSES Located in the link way of St. John’s and parish hall of Emmanuel are interactive wooden crosses made by our Emmanuel member Gene Crook. Thank you, Gene! If you would like one to take home, please help yourself. Pentecost season scarves and descriptive cards are available for pickup! We would also like to thank LuAnn Zieman, our St. John’s member, and a few other ladies who took the time to put these crosses together.
ST. JOHN’S LADIES, PLEASE VOTE! All confirmed women are eligible to vote for officers on the International Board of Directors of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) and for mission projects for 2021-2022. A voting station is located in the linkway today. Voting ends on Sunday, May 23. Results of this voting will be announced at the virtual LWMS Convention, June 24-27. If you have questions, please contact Reporter Linda Wachholz. Your vote is very much appreciated!
LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from: Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach EventsSchool Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System
† S C H O O L N E W S †
LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office, church Information Room or from Director Lynn Sellnow.
PRESCHOOL END OF THE YEAR The school board has approved a gathering for preschool students and families at the end of the year. The 4K students will “graduate” and all Little Lambs will present a program and receive a certificate. The program is called “I Can Go and Tell.” We will have a gathering after the program with refreshments. You may invite a few family members to attend the event. It will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 6:00 pm. The program will take place in church and the reception will be either in the church basement or in the gym. I hope you can join us!
KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION The kindergartners will graduate at the closing service of the school year on Friday, May 28, in the morning. The closing service will take place in church toward the end of the morning. (Time to be determined.) The kindergartners will sing a song and receive their kindergarten diploma. There will be a cookout following the service for all students and family members. Make plans to attend now. It will be here before you know it!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ART FOR DINNER WINNERSCookbook cover: Keira Breiwa, Rhett Gimnick, Rilyn Henke, Johanna Jaster, Connor Riesselmann and Nolan Van Treeck Individual who sold the most cookbooks: Keira Breiwa, 4th grade (28 cookbooks!) Classroom that sold the most cookbooks: Miss Tindall’s 3rd-5th grade (61 cookbooks!) Each winner received a prize bag full of goodies and the 3rd-5th graders received a pizza and ice cream party. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Art For Dinner fundraiser! Stay tuned for when to pick up your cookbook, apparel/accessories and for our totals raised this year.
FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Breakfast and lunch included! The offer is good until May. Meals will be dropped off on Wednesdays at St. John’s.
CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office. Thanks!
LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from: Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach EventsSchool Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System
He Watches Over Me
Seventh Sunday of Easter – B
God’s Word for Today
Our ascended Lord watches over his Church. He intercedes for us with the Father. He protects us with his power. He guides us with his Holy Word of truth.
First Lesson (Acts 1:15-26)
1. This takes place soon after Jesus’ ascension and before Pentecost. What did Peter propose to the early believers?
2. The disciples let God choose who would take Judas’ place. Explain.
Second Lesson (1 John 4:13-21)
3. According to verse 15, how can we know that God lives in us?
4. What does our love for God lead us to do?
5. Verse 18 says that there is no fear in love. So, if I am afraid at some point, have I lost my faith?
Gospel (John 17:11b-19)
6. Jesus prayed these words on the night before he died. It is commonly known as his High Priestly prayer. For what things did Jesus pray?
7. What did Jesus mean when he said, “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth”?
Answers:
1. That they choose a replacement for Judas the Betrayer. He suggested that they choose a man who had been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry.
2. Even though the disciple’s “chose” the final two candidates, they did it prayerfully according to the criteria mentioned above. Then they prayed and cast lots. The lot fell to Matthias. This was not luck, but rather God’s decision.
3. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we know and trust that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. Therefore our trust in Jesus is proof that God dwells within us.
4. Out of thanks for God’s love we seek to show love to others.
5. Our faith, which trusts solely in God’s love, does not fear anything. Faith says boldly with the Apostle Paul, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Our trust in God’s love shows no fear. Yet we are at the same time sinners and saints. Our sinful nature does doubt. Our sinful nature does fear. The life of a Christian is a struggle against that sinful nature. Moments of fear and doubt should not drive us to despair of our salvation, but rather to the loving promises of our Savior God who strengthens our faith and takes away our fears.
6. Because he was leaving, Jesus asked God to watch over his disciples and protect them.
7. To sanctify means to “set apart” for God and for holiness. God through his Word and the faith worked by that Word sets apart believers for himself. We are in the world, but we are not of it. Heaven is our home. Jesus prayed that God would continue to keep them from sin, the devil and the evil of this world through his Holy Word. God continues to set us apart through that same Word of truth.
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
5-8
11
5-9
44
181
5-12
17
5-13
8
St. John’s Altar Committee for May 2021:Kay Maass&Jennie Utke
●●● Welcome To Our Visitors!Find & Like us on FacebookVisit our website:www.stjohnsmontello.orgPastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail:zietlowPL6@hotmail.comLittle Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816 K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021Principal & 6th – 8th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow:616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.orgChurch & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866 Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949 Church & School E-mail:scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org ●●●
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:22,23
When bosses go away for a while, you assume that they are relaxing somewhere on a sandy beach, or at least doing whatever it is you think bosses do when they go on vacation. Are they thinking about you, the workers? You doubt it.
What is Jesus doing right now? He’s not appearing to people the way he did for those forty days after he rose from the dead. Instead, he ascended into heaven, and the Bible says that he is getting a place ready for his followers there. What a nice thing for the boss to be doing!
But that’s not all he’s doing. In case you ever doubted that someone who sacrificed himself on a cross could actually be the boss, the Bible says that God the Father declared him still to be in charge of everything for the sake of the church.
This shouldn’t surprise us. The church has important work to do, speaking the Word of God, and Jesus is interested in that work. But you might not realize who the church is. When you believe in Jesus, you are the church. And Jesus is interested in everything you do.
In fact, he is arranging things just for you. He is in charge of everything so he can make sure you are okay. He is using what you do to make sure that other people are okay. Because of Jesus’ great mercy, he is forgiving and loving you, inspiring you to forgive and love other people.
The boss will be back soon. In the meantime, he is helping you keep up the good work.
Prayer:
Now to him who is able, according to the power that is at work within us, to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10,11
Today the Christian Church remembers how Jesus ascended into heaven forty days after he rose from the dead. He had appeared to over 500 people during those forty days, and it was clear that he was alive. Would he keep appearing to them? It was a legitimate question on the minds of the people who saw Jesus ascend into the sky until a cloud hid him from their sight.
Two angels addressed what was on their minds. They said that Jesus had gone to heaven. And there would be no doubt about how he would return. It would not be in secret. It would not be to redo what he had already done.
When Jesus returns, it will be judgment day. He will appear in the sky quite visibly. Angels will accompany him. Souls from heaven will accompany him. Their bodies will rise from the dead, glorified, and the souls will reoccupy those glorified bodies. Those who are still alive will be gathered by the angels from around the world and brought to the place where Jesus is visibly returning.
You will be there. You will know it is judgment day. Jesus will return in the same way that those people saw him go into heaven. You can trust that at that moment, God will keep the promise the angel made, the one that says, “whoever believes in him will have eternal life.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when you return for judgment day, let me see you with joy as my Savior. Amen.
How do the speakers at a high school and college graduation boil down everything that happened during those years of education into something that captures all of it and holds the attention of the crowd? Many of them do not even try. They tell a few jokes, maybe a story, and then go for a memorable sentence general enough that most graduates can apply it to their lives.
When Jesus was about to ascend into heaven, he had his turn to boil down three years of education for his disciples into something that could apply to every one of their lives from that time forward. Here’s what he told them: repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all nations.
Repentance was necessary for every one of them, and it was necessary for every person to whom they would speak. Repentance is sorrow for sin and trust in God’s promises, and it is just as necessary for the nations today as it was back then.
Forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus is the key message of Christians. Nothing is more important. When the name of Jesus is put on something, it belongs to him, and he has put it on people from nations all around the world. They belong to him, and they have forgiveness of sins from him.
This has been a crazy school year. All around the world, graduation speakers are trying to summarize it. But you don’t have to be graduating this year to appreciate something that can be applied to every life as most important: repentance and forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, as I continue on the path of life, give me repentance and forgiveness of sins through faith in your name. Amen.
Dig down deep enough, and we can find something unlovable about anyone. Sometimes we don’t have to dig too far. It’s obvious. How can we ever find the strength to love people who are difficult to love?
Dear friends, God loves us. He knows unlovable things about each of us, and he still loves us so much that he sent his one and only Son to be our Savior. When we are feeling unlovable or unloved, we can return to that comfort. God still loves us, and his opinion counts more than any other in the universe.
Dear friends, God also loves those other people. He sent his Son for them as well. Taking his opinion into account, we realize that it’s pretty bad if we withhold our love from people God loves. So we take the confidence we have from being loved by God and make ourselves vulnerable to love the people he has put into our lives.
Because we are frail humans, we may struggle with the proper way to express our love in any given situation. But it’s worth the struggle to figure out the best ways to demonstrate our love for one another. When we fail, it’s an appropriate act of love to apologize and ask for forgiveness. When others fail and apologize, it is an act of love to forgive them.
We love them because he first loved us. Whenever we are not feeling it, return to that truth, and pray for strength.
Prayer:
Lord God, strengthen my love for you and for others, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
People want to know what love is. Teenagers want to know if their strong feelings for another person are puppy love, infatuation, or the real thing. People who have been burned in relationships wonder whether they were ever actually in love. On one day, the memes about love resonate, and the next day they ring hollow.
Do you want to know what real love is? Take a look at the attitudes and actions of God.
God loves you. He wants you to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. He is committed to the best for you. He knows the real you, the times you have disappointed him. He knows your weaknesses and failings. That doesn’t stop him from loving you.
While you were still a sinner, Jesus died for you. His death was a sacrifice because he didn’t have to do it. The Son of God could have continued living in glory for eternity. Instead, he took on a human body and a human soul, then suffered hell so that you wouldn’t have to. He let that body and soul separate in death, paying the complete price for your sins.
Some people want the best for you and are committed to you, but no one else has done what God has done for you. Even your gratitude and love for God are not the best example of love.
This is love: God loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Now you know what love is. But people don’t just want to know love. They want to experience it. In Jesus, you have experienced it, and you can heal from every harmful human relationship that has fallen short of perfect love.
Prayer:
Jesus, you are all compassion, pure love without boundaries. Enter my trembling heart and make me confident in your continuous perfect love. Amen.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. . . . Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:13-18,23,24
Our Bible passage for today gives us some remarkably comforting information. For example, it assures you that you are not a random accident of evolution. No, God personally knit you together in your mother’s womb. The end result is something fantastic, unique, and special.
As a special creation of God, God assures you that he knows the exact amount of days you will live on this earth. During your life, God has a specific plan mapped out just for YOU. When you stray from the plan, God pulls you back. And when you stray again, God does not leave you. He stays with you. He uses his Word to correct and comfort you.
Together with the writer of today’s Bible reading, you can say: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to treasure the physical life you have given to me as a gift. Even more so, help me to treasure the spiritual and eternal life you give to me as a gift through faith in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
