St. Johns News

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:21-24

Fellowship

Daily Devotion – October 29, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 3:21-24

See series: Devotions

God wants to have fellowship with us. He wants us to live with him and experience his love and blessings. Finally, he wants to bring us to his heavenly glory. He has one requirement—we must be righteous. We must have the “rightness” that makes us acceptable to God. Setting the standard, God declares, “Be perfect.” We are to be and do everything according to what meets his approval. And what meets the approval of the holy God is nothing less than perfection.

Try as we may to reach that level of rightness by striving to do what God commands and avoiding what he forbids in his law—we are faced with the fact that it is impossible. The truth is that all of us “fall short” of the perfection that God requires. On our own, we are helpless and headed for an eternal separation from God and all of his blessings.

Oh, how we need saving! God knew that, and in mercy, he acted. He came into our world and freed us from the tangled mess of our sin by suffering for us the punishment we deserved. And he gave us his own perfection so that God now counts us as perfectly right. We meet God’s approval because Jesus has covered us with his righteousness. What we could never produce on our own, God has freely given to us.

Jesus did exactly what we needed him to do: he saved us. Trusting in Jesus, we have life with God and will enjoy fellowship with him forever!

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 376)
Jesus, your blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress;
Mid flaming worlds, in these arrayed, with joy shall I lift up my head.
Bold shall I stand in that great day—who can a word against me say?
Fully through you absolved I am from sin and fear, from guilt and shame. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:34-40

Saving Love

Daily Devotion – October 28, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 22:34-40

See series: Devotions

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had developed a system of 613 laws. They identified this number of laws in the first five books of the Bible and divided the list into two categories: those commands in which God told the people to do something (248 laws) and those that prohibited the people from doing something (365 laws). They also stipulated which commands were binding and nonbinding. Then they spent a lot of their time debating whether their divisions and rankings were accurate.

In order to test Jesus (they really wanted to humiliate him), they got one of their smartest men to ask Jesus to weigh in on the debate of determining the greatest of God’s commandments. It was easy for Jesus to answer. God’s will is for people to love him and for people to love others. All of God’s commands are fulfilled by love.

This kind of love is not something we formulate on our own, though. The love God commands us to express toward him and others flows out of the relationship that we have with God through faith in Jesus. When we come to know the love of God that moved him to send Jesus to rescue us from eternal death, the Holy Spirit empowers us to love God for all that he has done for us and motivates us to express our love for God by loving others.

How can you demonstrate your love for God today? How can you demonstrate love for the people around you today? God give you the wisdom and willingness to do both!

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill my heart with the knowledge of God’s saving love through Jesus, my Savior. Help me to love the Lord my God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind, and love others as myself. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Then [Jesus] said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Matthew 22:21

Not Two But One

Daily Devotion – October 27, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 22:21

See series: Devotions

The Christian lives in two kingdoms. The Christian lives as a citizen of God’s kingdom of power under governing authorities established by God to provide peace and order for his earthly life. The Christian lives as a citizen of God’s kingdom of grace under God’s gracious rule as a child of God through faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Because we, as Christians, live in these two kingdoms, it would be easy to think that we live in separate spheres—the sacred and the secular. We might say, “I’m a citizen living in this place under these governing authorities. That is what I do Monday through Saturday. There is nothing sacred about being a citizen of this kingdom. I am also a child of God under God’s gracious care and rule. I enjoy his forgiveness and love, but that’s really what I do on Sundays. That’s my spiritual life, my soul. That really doesn’t impact my life in the world.”

Yet Jesus would tell us otherwise. After all, he lived as a citizen of the world and of heaven at the same time. He submitted to the governing authorities. He paid taxes. He showed them respect and honor, yet he also lived in submission to his heavenly Father’s will to save our souls.

We, too, are citizens of this world, but at the same time, citizens of heaven. These are not separate identities—one Christian and one citizen. As believers made new in Christ, we bring the kingdom of heaven with us into our lives as citizens of communities and countries. We serve God, but at the same time, we also serve our neighbor. We model for the people around us how this can be. As citizens of both of God’s kingdoms, we can be a blessing to our neighbors, our communities, and our country. May God help us to live as his citizens now and for eternity!

Prayer:
O Lord of nations, as I live out my life as a citizen of this world, help me to see myself first and foremost as a citizen of heaven. Through me in these holy callings, bless my community and country with your grace. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Matthew 22:18-21

Jesus Cuts Through the Confusion

Daily Devotion – October 26, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 22:18-21

See series: Devotions

One spring day in Jerusalem, an unlikely group of people came to Jesus. They weren’t there to seek his wisdom or hear God’s Word. Instead, they were there to trap Jesus. This wasn’t the first time, but what was unusual was who made up this particular group—heavily religious Pharisees alongside heavily political Herodians. While they typically opposed each other, they were united in how much they despised Jesus. They asked Jesus about paying taxes to the hated Romans, who ruled the region. They wanted to trap Jesus in his words to either get him in trouble with the authorities or the crowds who hung on his every word.

How would Jesus answer? He had them bring him the coin used to pay that tax—a coin that bore the face of the Roman emperor on one side and a religious title claiming Caesar’s divine status on the other. Jesus called out his enemies for their trap and then told them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

What was Jesus saying? The political realm under the authority of rulers and government has its own role and purpose, which is limited to earthly life. The divine realm of God has its own role and purpose, which extends over every soul from this life to eternity. Even though the Caesar embossed on the coin claimed divine status, his authority came from and was limited by God, who rules over church and state. In saying these things, Jesus cut through the political confusion. He recognized the authority of government but also God’s supremacy over all things.

That clear answer cuts through our own confusion. We live as citizens with feet in both kingdoms under government authority and God’s divine supremacy. We give what we owe to both, trusting in our Savior, who gave himself for us and our salvation.

Prayer:
O Lord of nations, cut through the confusion of our politically charged world and fix my eyes on you, my light and salvation. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Romans 13:4,5

God Wants Me to Do What?

Daily Devotion – October 25, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 13:4,5

See series: Devotions

The word “submit” is not an easy word. To some, the word “submit” might even be considered insulting. “Submit” has a variety of meanings, from handing in an assignment or completing a form to surrendering to an enemy or giving in to an opponent. In some contexts, the word “submit” can make one think of giving in to an oppressor or surrendering to slavery.

Yet the apostle Paul calls us to “submit” to the governing authorities. Why? What does Paul mean here? Our responsibility to the government is to willingly admit that since God has established this authority over us, we will willingly obey that authority with honor and respect.

But that’s not so easy. Earthly government is far from perfect, made worse by the fact that it’s populated by sinners like us. Still, that doesn’t give us the right to say to God, “I refuse to show respect and honor for what you’ve put into place for my good!”

While we live under imperfect governing authorities, we look to Jesus, who perfectly lived as a citizen of church and state in our place. We look to Jesus, who faced injustice at the hands of the governing authorities he had established, even as he continued to respect and honor them. We look to Jesus, who faced God’s punishment for our sins, so God would declare us not guilty and set us free from submitting to sin’s slavery. With our eyes on Jesus, we can then respect and honor those whom God has placed in authority over us.

Prayer:
O Lord of nations, grant me wisdom, patience, and peace as I live out my life as your child in a sinful world. Move me to respect and honor those you have placed over me in authority. Enable our leaders to serve in a respectful and honorable way. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1

Who Is in Charge?

Daily Devotion – October 24, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 13:1

See series: Devotions

“Who’s in charge here?” No one likes uncertainty. Whether in a familiar or unfamiliar setting, we like to know who is in charge, who is running things, who has the authority. With someone in charge, things can run rather smoothly as planned. Without someone in charge, depending on the scale of the situation, disorder, chaos, or even anarchy can result.

Our God is a God of order, not disorder. He wanted peace and order in the world he had created, so God established government. Our God did not want life in our world to devolve into anarchy. God established government to maintain order in society for us to live with one another in peace while curbing criminal behavior with the threat of punishment and force. This is for our good, and God blesses us when the government carries out this task.

Yet there is a limit to the authority that our God has given to the government. Rules and laws protect our bodily life and property, but the government’s authority is limited to earthly matters. The government does not have power over our eternal destiny. Only our gracious God holds that authority.

We would be wise to remember this when we are tempted to look to government for something more than earthly matters. Candidates and political parties make all kinds of promises, so we are tempted to think that if only this leader or that political party were in charge, life would be the way we want it. We dare not forget that our God, who created the universe and government, is the One who gives authority to those who serve in government. They have no authority apart from him. This is especially good for us to remember when we recall that forms of government are man-made and sinful human beings serve in government. So when you look out at the political landscape, remember to look to the One who is truly in charge for your good.

Prayer:
O Lord of nations, you give authority to earthly rulers and government. You can also take it away. Grant wisdom and humility to our leaders and all who serve in government. Through their work as your servants, bless our land with peace and prosperity. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1

We Live In Two Kingdoms

Daily Devotion – October 23, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 13:1

See series: Devotions

Where do you live? Where are you a citizen? It’s important to know your citizenship. There is a certain pride in being a citizen of your country. There are often benefits to being a citizen, but did you know that a person can also be a “dual citizen,” having citizenship in two different countries at the same time?

That’s a good picture of the spiritual reality for Christians. They are “dual citizens” of God’s kingdom of grace and his kingdom of power. They live in two kingdoms, both overseen by our gracious God.

On the one hand, all who believe in Jesus as their Savior live in God’s kingdom of grace. God uses the liberating grace of the good news of Jesus to release us from sin and its condemnation. We get to enjoy all of the blessings that come with being citizens of this kingdom—forgiveness, joy, peace, and eternal life through Christ our Savior. Yet we also have responsibilities. God sends us out into the world to share his saving gospel with others and to serve others in Christlike love.

Yet we are also citizens of God’s kingdom of power. God’s kingdom of power focuses on how we behave and live with the people in our communities and countries. We live under governments that seek to establish order through laws while punishing those who disobey those laws. As citizens of that kingdom, we enjoy the blessings that God provides through government.

In a sense, God has made us dual citizens—citizens of God’s kingdom of grace and his kingdom of power. With God’s help, we live with feet firmly planted in both, living as recipients of God’s freeing grace while serving him and our neighbor in our homes, congregations, communities, and countries.

Prayer:
O Lord of nations, in your wisdom, you have made me a citizen of your kingdoms of grace and power. In all things wherever I live, help me to live in service to you and my neighbor, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1

Established by God

Daily Devotion – October 22, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 13:1

See series: Devotions

God established governing authorities because human beings are not perfect. Sin doesn’t just affect our relationship with God; it affects our relationship with each other. Sinful humanity needs an institution to keep the peace, and God established the governing authorities to make the sin-infested world a safer place to live.

This is why the government does so much that is good. You experience that good whenever you drive on a highway or enjoy police protection. It’s a great blessing to worship and speak your faith without government interference. When God’s servants in government do their job, God’s servants in his kingdom can do theirs.

But sin always corrupts, and the governing authorities are no exception. The government often ignores God, who established it, and oppresses people rather than serves them. Jesus experienced affliction under government authority. He was unjustly arrested, tried, beaten, and crucified—all at the government’s command.

Why did Jesus endure it? Because he loves you. He perfectly submitted to the governing authorities and demonstrated that he was in complete control. Government gone wrong sent Jesus to the cross, and that is exactly where he wanted to go. Even bad government is part of God’s plan to save sinners because it sent Jesus to Calvary to complete his work of salvation for us.

Governing authorities are not perfect, but they are a gift from God. Government is a gift for this life from the Savior, who will still be King of kings and Lord of lords when all earthly governments have passed away.

Prayer:
Gracious Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of government. Bless and guide all who make, administer, enforce, and judge our laws, so that I may live in peace until I enter your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servant, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Romans 13:4

God’s Servant To Do Us Good

Daily Devotion – October 21, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 13:4

See series: Devotions

The U.S. pledge of allegiance reads, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God…” Some might think that the phrase “one nation under God” is a uniquely American characteristic. But the same phrase could be said of Canada, France, Peru, Zambia, and every other country in the world. All nations, all governments, and all authorities are under God. No authority exists except that which God has established (Romans 13:1).

Our verse today reminds us why God established the governing authorities. Governing authorities are God’s servants to do us good. Ponder the comfort in that phrase “God’s servants to do us good.” All kings and kingdoms serve the eternal King. God remains in firm control “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:21). He rules over everything for the good of his church (Ephesians 1:22). Jesus bought the church with his blood, made her holy through the waters of baptism, and rules to gather and bring her safely to his heavenly kingdom.

Ponder the good God provides through his servants. In addition to caring for our souls and eternity, our God also cares for our bodies and lives. He seeks to provide care, order, and protection for life in a sinful and evil world. He has servants who serve these good purposes by punishing wrong-doing and promoting and doing good.

Will we see failures, weaknesses, and evil in God’s servants who are to do us good? Yes, just as we see these things in our own hearts and lives. This is why we ponder God’s perfect servant most of all. God sent his own perfect Son into this world who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). God’s perfect servant Jesus gives us peace as we live in this temporary kingdom and look forward to his eternal kingdom.

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for the good you provide me through your governing servants and through your perfect servant, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.