"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)
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Day 59 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Numbers 21,25; Mark 7:14-37-8:21)
ARE YOU LISTENING?
And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. (Mark 7:32-36 ESV)
The deaf mute had a great need, but there were no medical specialists available to help him. Then Jesus came on the scene, and the man had hope. The man’s friends petition Jesus on behalf of their friend. You have a friend named Jesus who petitions God the Father on your behalf.
Just as the man’s greatest need was to hear, so our greatest need is to hear God’s Word. Only in God’s Word do we find the offer of forgiveness and hope for the future. We find these treasures in Jesus, of whom God the Father said, “listen to Him.”
Listen, listen, God is calling
through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.
(Listen, Listen, God Is Calling, Lutheran Service Book #833)
ARE YOU LISTENING?
Heavenly Father, please keep my ears open to You and Your word of Law that calls me to repentance, and Your word of Gospel that calls me to faith in my Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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