"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Sunday, February 25, 2024 - Day 56 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Numbers 14,15; Mark 6:1-32)
NOURISHMENT AND REST FOR YOUR SOUL
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. (Mark 6:32 ESV)
Jesus shows He concern for His disciples as invites them to seek a meal and some rest.
Physical food and rest are necessary to recharge our bodies. Likewise, spiritual food and rest are necessary to recharge our souls. While the disciples went off to a desolate place for refreshment, we are called to spiritual places that are anything but desolate.
In our churches we find nourishment and rest for our souls as we listen to the One who said:
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew1:29 ESV)
David echoed the blessings of our houses of worship when he wrote:
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 121:1 ESV)
What makes the house of the Lord so special is that He meets us there and feeds our souls with His Word and Sacraments. What blessed rest comes to those who hear His words of reconciliation and forgiveness:
“Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
I love Your kingdom, Lord,
The house of Your abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.
(I love Your kingdom, Lord, Lutheran Service Book #651 v. 1)
Lord Jesus, thank You for the nourishment and rest You provide my soul in Your house. Let nothing keep me from the weekly treasures Your serve me there in the form of Your holy Word and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Please grant that many more people may join us in Your house or on line. Amen.
"See" you at the Communion rail this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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