The Ninevites believed God . . . When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:5
The prophet Jonah preached in Israel when many were living wicked lives and worshipping false gods. Jonah called the people to come back to the Lord, but they refused. He even warned that if they didn’t end their wicked ways, the Lord would send the Assyrian army to conquer them.
And then one day, the Lord told Jonah, “Go to Nineveh and preach to the people there.” Nineveh was the capital of Assyria! God wanted Jonah to preach to Israel’s enemy to call them to turn from their wickedness and serve the Lord.
Jonah didn’t want to do what God commanded. He was afraid that the Ninevites would believe him and turn from their sins and that God would have mercy on them. He didn’t want God to have mercy on Israel’s enemy. He wanted God to punish them for their sins and for being the enemy of his people. But it didn’t happen. Instead, just as Jonah feared, the Ninevites listened to his warning, turned from their sins, and were saved. God was merciful to them.
Like Jonah, it is easy for us to think that some people are not worthy of God’s mercy. The truth is—no one is worthy of God’s mercy. The fact that we are not worthy is precisely why God needs to be merciful. And, thankfully, he is. Through the soul-saving life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God promises us forgiveness and eternal life with him.
What remarkable mercy God showed the Ninevites. What remarkable mercy he has shown us!
Prayer:
God, I praise you for your boundless mercy. Amen.
“Follow the Leader” is a popular game with children. One child leads the other children around the area where they are playing. Each of the other children tries to do exactly what the leader is doing—walking a certain way, navigating around obstacles, or doing whatever the leader chooses. The more creative the leader, the more challenging and fun the game can be.
Simon and Andrew were fishermen, a good middle-class job in first-century Palestine. Then one day, they heard about a prophet named John. They went to listen to him and were intrigued by what he said. His message held such promise. The kingdom of God is near, he told them. The Savior God has promised is on his way! Get ready! Believing John’s message, Simon and Andrew became his followers.
But John was eventually arrested and thrown into prison because of what he taught. Now whom would Simon and Andrew follow? Who would be their leader?
The question was soon answered when Jesus called out to them one day as they were fishing. “Come, follow me.” And what did they do? They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t ask for time to think about it. They believed he was their Savior. They left everything to listen to him, to worship him, and to serve him. They followed him.
Jesus wants us to follow him too. He knows it won’t always be easy. Not everyone will like what we say and do when we imitate him. But it will be worth it! Following Jesus means following the one who forgives our sins and promises us eternal life in heaven. It means following the one who gives our lives meaning, purpose, and hope. And that is a leader worth following.
Prayer:
Jesus, in your Word, you call me to follow you. Help me to trust your promises and to follow you in faith. Amen.
[Elisha] took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. 1 Kings 19:21
In the book, Where the Red Fern Grows, a boy learns to build a raccoon trap by putting a shiny object down in a hole and driving nails in at an angle around that hole. The raccoon is attracted to the shiny object and reaches into the hole to grab it. With its fist clenched around the object, refusing to let go, the raccoon is unable to pull its paw out past the nails.
Do we sometimes get trapped by the shiny but empty things of this world—spending money to feel powerful, drinking to drown sorrows, sacrificing faith to gain friends?
In our Bible reading for today, we hear about a man named Elisha, who was willing to give up the things of this world in order to follow God. When the prophet Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha and called him to be trained as a prophet, Elisha showed his total commitment to the Lord by burning his plow and slaughtering his oxen. He was willing to let go of his home, job, and family to do the work that the Lord had called him to do.
Although God may not have called you to be a prophet, he does call on you to follow him. As your Creator and the only one who can provide forgiveness for your sins and eternal life in heaven, he deserves your full commitment. And because he is a faithful and loving God, you can be sure he is worth following.
So, like Elisha, do not let anything keep you from following him. Let go of everything and anything that would stop you. And follow him to the heaven his Son, Jesus, has won for you.
Prayer:
Lord, create in me a desire for you above all things. Amen.
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church 313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949
Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830.
ONLINE SERVICE/PRINTED BULLETIN OR SPLIT SCREEN If you’re watching our worship services on-line and want to also follow along with the bulletin, you can just print the bulletin out and watch it together with the service. Or you can do a “split screen.” This means you would click the menu button on the top right corner of your screen, click “new window” and then open a second window to our website and recorded service page. Click “bulletin can be accessed here” and now you have two windows. Make each window half-size, so that you have a split screen–one side for the service and one side for the bulletin.
GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The Lord’s Call Changes Hearts and Lives – Is God calling you today to sell everything you have, give it away, and move to a foreign country to be a penniless missionary? His Word does not say that. God does call some people to public ministry. He sends some far from home. He gives some of his ministers hard assignments. Note: He calls all believers by our baptisms to be ready to leave anything for him. He left everything for us. He gave his holy life for us.
† 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 thankfulness of praise.
Worshipers are kindly asked to maintain social distancing and wear masks. Thank you for your consideration. Please refer to our church website or our church Information Room for a full description of our special COVID protocol.
The congregation is welcome to join in singing the closing hymn. Anyone who wishes to leave prior may do so.
PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
M: Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we say and do. Through the good news of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, come to us. Forgive our sins, strengthen our faith. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and our lives with peace and joy. Live in us that we might live for you and tell others about you in word and deed. Bless our worship. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 470 Praise to You and Adoration
*Sung by soloist.
Please stand.
INVOCATION
M: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship fo the Holy Spirit be with you.
C: And also with you.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
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 OF THE DAY
P: Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated.
† T H E W O R D †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
THE FIRST LESSON Jonah 3: 1-5, 10
Summary: God called Jonah and Nineveh to repentance and showed the power of his Word.
Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”
Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
PSALM OF THE DAY 62
*For your personal devotion at home.
Refrain
The mighty Lord is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
My soul finds rest in God alone;*
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;*
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;*
my hope comes from him.
Refrain
Though your riches increase,*
do not set your heart on them.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;*
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;*
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
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
THE SECOND LESSON 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Summary: The call of Christ to follow him is the call to see him as our all in all.
What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
VERSE OF THE DAY Matthew 2:2b
P: Alleluia! Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing every disease. Alleluia.
Please stand.
GOSPELLESSON Mark 1:14-20
Summary: Jesu calls his first disciples. “Come follow me.”
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Please be seated.
HYMN 85 O God from God, O Light from Light
*Sung by soloist.
SERMONJonah 1:1-5, 10
When God Says All, He means All!
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
*Spoken by congregation.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
Words of Institution
Distribution
Thanksgiving
Please be seated.
At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service. See page 13 for communion schedule and distribution information.
CLOSING PRAYER
P: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
Next week’s theme:- January 31, 2021The 4th Sunday after the Epiphany:The Authority of Jesus’ Words and Works
8:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Worship
9:00 a.m.
Emmanuel Council meeting
10:00 a.m.
St. John’s Worship
11:00 a.m.
St. John’s Voters meeting
Church News
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor) – For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Pat Bornick, Glenn Buchholz, Bob Buehrens, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Ben Coyle (Sue brown’s nephew), Gene & Sharon Crook, Liola Crown, Jerre Duerr, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Wesley & brother Xzander Jahr, Eleanor Kendall, Geri Kerl, Betty Kozlowski, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Jenell Mann, Lilly Mann, Delvin Mittelsteadt, Kathy Ninneman, Barbara Petrick, Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer, David Scharf, Roxanne Schmanke, Doris Smith, Carol Stempniak, Jennifer Strauss, Ramona Wacholtz (Dennis’ wife), Dixie Wagner, John Wildt, Harold & brother Paul Wuerch – (added this week: Ramona Wacholtz) – For President Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday (1/20) – For our communicants
2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES are ready for pick up in St. John’s link way.If you weren’t assigned a box and you would like one, please call Ciara in the office 608-297-2866 or let Pastor Zietlow know.
2020 OFFERING STATEMENTS Each member will receive a statement via snail mail. No need to sign up.
ST. JOHN’S VOTERS MEETING Save the date! Next Sunday, January 31 following our 10:00a.m. service.
OFFERING PLATE Just a reminder that the offering plate is located in the entry way (front doors) at St. John’s. We care about your health and safety and are currently still not passing the plates around. You may also mail in your offering at 313 E Montello St. Thank you!
GREIFSHARE A 13-week session of Griefshare will begin next week Thursday, January 28 at 6:00pm in the lower level of St. John’s. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mark Emond (608) 697-1600. Please bring a mask and we will practice social distancing.
EMMANUEL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING February 7 following our 8:00a.m. service.
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING St. John’s and Emmanuel Joint Council approved the congregations of singing the closing hymn. The hymn is limited to 1 or 2 verses. If you wish to leave prior to the closing hymn, feel free to do so.
Church News
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are being sought to assist with delivery of weekly worship DVDs to our shut in members. For details or to volunteer to assist, please contact either James Wachholz 608-369-4006 or Gary Wegner 920-295-3456.
SATURDAY WORSHIP Come worship with us on Saturdays at St. John’s at 4:30pm indoors. All are invited. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing.
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 following those Sundays sing “continuous flow” and “pew communion” distribution methods. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or an Elder at church or at your home.
ACH OFFERING What is ACH? Automated Clearing House is an electronic payments network use by individuals, businesses, financial institutions and government organizations. The network functions as an efficient, electronic alternative to paper checks. It allows funds to be electronically debited or credited to a checking account, savings account, financial institution general ledger account or credited to a loan account.Please pick your form up in the Information Room or the office and get started today!
School news
UPDATED SCHOOL COVID POLICY If a student or teacher tests positive, the entire school will move to two weeks virtual education. When parents who have not been in the school test positive, the school leadership will assess absences due to illness or quarantine as necessary for the health and safety of our student body and families. If a classroom or the entire school needs to go virtual, it will be for a period of two weeks.
FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY Hello School Families! Please find the link on our school Facebook page to sign up for free meals. Pick up is on Tuesday from 4:30-5:30p at the public school. Even if we are physically in school, you may still signup. Breakfast and lunch included!
SCHOOL WISHLISTS Little Lambs Stacking Pegboard Set $19.99Geoboards $20.30
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade iPad covers
3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Handheld Vaccuum – $47.31Document camera – $69.00Magnetic book holder – $23.79Stadium seats – $49.99
6th , 7th & 8th Grade Tuition Assistance
New Bible Study Opportunity
Tuesday, January 12 – Tuesday, February 16, 2021
6:30pm to 7:30ish pm
In-Person at Emmanuel, Mecan
Recorded for Viewing via an email link and church website
Topic: A Survival Guide for the Believer – Reading the 1st Letter of Peter
The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged. It was the persecution they were encountering because of their faith, and the day-in day-out struggle of being a believer in an overwhelmingly unbelieving world.
A much older and more mature Peter exhorted them to stand strong. He repeatedly reminded them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven.
Peter explained how Christians can respond when they suffer and struggle because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance.
Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s AD but is as current and relevant of 2021.
“Come now, let us reasontogether, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18)
Jesus is Revealed by Preaching Repentance
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany – B
God’s Word for Today
How do unbelievers come to find out about Jesus? Does the Holy Spirit just strike them with lightning one day and bring them to faith? No. Paul tells us that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Ro 10:17). We can’t expect others to come to faith in Jesus if we remain silent. We’re reminded that Jesus is revealed by preaching repentance.
First Lesson (Jonah 3:1-5,10)
What message did Jonah have for Nineveh?
What is repentance?
What fruit of repentance did the people of Nineveh show?
Second Lesson (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)
What does Paul mean, “the time is short” (v 29)?
What Christian attitude should we have as we look toward the Last Day?
Gospel (Mark 1:14-20)
What message did Jesus proclaim?
Did Jesus preach his message of repentance by himself?
Answers:
Jonah preached a message of repentance.
Normally when the Scriptures use the word “repentance” it not only means that people are sorry for their sins, but that they believe that God forgives them in Jesus. Repentance, then, includes both sorrow over sin and faith that our sins are forgiven. St. Paul explains: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret” (2 Co 7:10).
They declared a fast and put on sackcloth.
Jesus will soon be returning on the Last Day.
We should live with a penitent attitude, expecting that Jesus will return at any moment. Paul warns that we should not become “engrossed” in the things and people of this world.
Jesus preached: “Repent and believe the good news!” Here Jesus uses the “repent” in a more narrow way, referring only to sorrow over sin.
No. He began to call his disciples to proclaim that message, too. What faith they showed by dropping everything and following Jesus!
Attendance
Emmanuel
St. John’s
1-16
16
1-17
29
58
St. John’s Altar Committee January 2021
Kathy North&Lucy Laun
●●● Welcome To Our Visitors! Find & Like us on Facebook Visit our website:www.stjohnsmontello.org Pastor 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: 262-352-7021 Principal & 6th – 8th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow:616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org Church & 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 ●●●
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14,15
Timing is everything. Someone looking to start a new business needs to recognize the factors that might interfere with the success of their business. A lemonade stand or ice cream shop isn’t likely to take off in the middle of a Midwestern winter.
What about expanding a preaching and teaching ministry when the previous guy was just put in prison for preaching and teaching? That’s basically what Jesus did.
His predecessor, John, was in jail. John’s message had been clear and consistent: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” But many weren’t willing to admit their sins or their need for God’s forgiveness. And they didn’t like John pointing out how they had disobeyed God. This was especially true of the local king named Herod. So the king had John arrested.
This would probably be a time for anyone thinking of preaching a similar message to lay low. Give it time. Maybe people would be more receptive to listening in the future.
But instead, “Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
By all worldly measures, it was not a good time. But Jesus doesn’t measure by worldly measures. Jesus saw people who needed to hear the good news that God had kept his promises to mankind. God had sent someone to free them from the punishment that their sins deserved. God had sent someone to release them from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor by their own actions. That someone was Jesus himself.
The news was too good to wait! Jesus came to save sinners. He knew that the sinners he came to save would resist and oppose him, but he wouldn’t give up. He wouldn’t turn back or keep quiet. He loved sinners too much.
He still does. He still calls out to you and me today too, “Repent and believe the good news!”
Prayer:
Jesus, lead me to repent of my sins and trust the good news that in you, my sins are forgiven. Amen.
“The test is on Friday.” “There are eight seconds left, and we are down by two.” “Monday, I make my presentation before the board.” “My dinner guests will be here in 25 minutes.”
Deadlines are something we know all about. When “crunch time” hits, we know we need to get very focused on the task at hand. Everything needs to be in order before time runs out.
The Bible encourages us to live every part of our lives with such focus. The “deadline” is at hand in a very literal sense. The cares and tasks of this life can tempt us to forget, but death or Jesus’ return could come at any moment. God blesses us with many things in our lives—spouses, possessions, earthly peace, and happiness. But even these are misused if they become the end goal of our existence.
Thank God that he sent his Son, Jesus, who never once lost track of the task at hand. His steady steps toward a certain death were all made in your place. Know that this is why God accepts you. Fix your eyes on your Savior and focus on the heavenly home that Jesus bought for you. He was determined to be your substitute and pay the price of your sin by shedding his blood. So when God in his wisdom brings you to the last deadline of life, there’s nothing to be anxious about. God has made you ready by faith in Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord, work in my heart to prepare it for your return. Amen.
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22
They were simple, first-century fishermen, just blue-collar workers going about their blue-collar jobs. Until, one day, Jesus called out and said, “Come, follow me.” They knew of Jesus. They had seen him before and had even witnessed his first miracle. But they could not possibly know what they were in for by following him. They would see him heal the lame, give sight to the blind, and even raise the dead. They would hear him preach and teach like no one before. They would see him arrested, beaten, and nailed to a cross. And they would see him alive again three days later. It would be a journey of highs and lows that they could never have imagined that day when he first called them to follow him.
The same Jesus who called Peter and Andrew, James, and John, calls for you to follow him. Follow his words and promises. Follow his will for your life. Follow him in good times and bad; when it is easy and when it is not. Follow him in everything you do this day and every day yet to come. Like those first-century fishermen, you cannot possibly know what it will mean to follow Jesus.
But you will be so glad you did. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is a light shining in this dark world, helping you make sense of it all and see who you really are and who your God really is. Follow him through the twists and turns of this life, and he will lead you to the heaven he bought for you with his blood.
Follow Jesus. You will be eternally thankful you did!
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I realize that following you will not always be easy. But I know it will always be best. Grant me the willingness and strength to follow you through this life and into the next. Amen.
So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15
I know quite a few people who used to be Christians but have lost their faith. Some of them stopped believing when they went off to college. Their professors said that Christianity was foolish and they didn’t want to be known as fools, so they denied Christ. Or classmates told them that the Bible is hateful towards LGBTQ people. They didn’t want to be hateful, so they gave up on Christianity. Others started watching YouTube videos that taught that science has disproven God. They didn’t want to be anti-scientific, so they abandoned Jesus.
Each person left Christianity for different reasons. But they all had this one thing in common. None of them were feeding their faith. None of them were actively going to church and speaking with their pastor and other Christians. Jesus predicted that these people would fall when he told the parable of “The Sower and the Seed.” In his story, Jesus compares our faith to a plant. If our faith is not “fed” and “watered,” it will dry up or get choked out by the weeds of life.
That’s why Paul told his congregation in Thessalonica to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” Paul knew that it is not enough to just hear the Word of God once. Followers of Jesus need to actively take hold of it, absorbing Biblical sermons, and meditating on what Paul and the other Biblical authors wrote down.
Wherever you might be in your relationship with the Lord, stand firm in the message of God’s love for you in Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Lord God, lead me to stand firm and hold fast to your precious Word. Don’t let the devil or anything in this world snatch me from your hand. Amen.
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13,14
How does a person become a Christian? Do they need to have an emotional experience in a worship service? Do they need to have all their questions answered? Do they become Christian after they see good examples of other believers?
Those experiences can be important turning points that lead people to be open in hearing the message of Jesus. But one of Jesus’ followers, a man named Paul, said that Christians are made through the “sanctifying work of the Spirit.” That means God, the Holy Spirit, works in a person to want to know and believe in Jesus.
A great Christian reformer named Martin Luther had a tremendous experience that opened him up to the Gospel. But when he explained how a person comes to faith, he didn’t focus on the outward experience. He said it was through the work of God on the inside.
Luther wrote, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel…”
That’s why Christians ought to be the humblest people on the planet. Christians don’t come to believe in Jesus as their Savior because of their own intelligence or worthiness. They are not better than anyone else. God, the Holy Spirit, gave them the gift of faith through his mighty power.
If you call yourself a Christian, live a life of humility and thankfulness. If you are still struggling to believe, I pray that the Holy Spirit would move you to see Jesus as your God and Savior.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, work in my heart to trust that what you tell me in your Word, the Bible, is true, especially when you tell me that Jesus is my one and only Savior and hope for eternal life with you. Amen.
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