Day 91 - JUDGES 6-7 & Luke 8:1-21
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:11-15 ESV)
Do you see yourself in this parable? What kind of soil are you?
● Path - Faithless
● Rock - Rootless
● Thorns - Fruitless
● Good - Fruitful
Paul encourages us to...
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
Blessings come to those who read and heed God’s Word. We get to read the Bible in our private devotions at home. We get to grow further in our understanding of God’s Word in worship and in Bible studies at church. And why is this so important?
We get to be “those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.”
The fruit that “holding fast” to God’s Word produces is the forgiveness of our sins, the guarantee of heaven, and peace and direction for our daily lives.
Dear Lord, thank You for planting Your saving Word into my heart. May I be good soil for You, patiently and faithfully living my life for You. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 90 - JUDGES 3-5 & Luke 7:31-50
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:47-50 ESV)
All we know about the past of the woman in this account is that she was from the city and she was known as a sinner. What we know about her present is that she came to Jesus with a contrite heart shown in her actions of washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. And how did Jesus respond?
“Your sins are forgiven... Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
So what is the secret to peace? It is so very simple.
REPENT AND BELIEVE!
Dear Lord, thank You for the example of the woman who washed Your feet with her tears. Please grant me Your peace as I, too, repent and believe. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 89 - JUDGES 1-2 & Luke 7:1-30
And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. (Luke 7:6-10 ESV)
“But say the word, and let my servant be healed.” These words spoken by a kind Roman centurion moved Jesus to respond: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And the servant is healed. Faith in Jesus results in a miracle from Jesus.
“Just say the word.” When someone says these words, they are letting you know that they are there for you. In church, God comes to you with His powerful Word. In fact, the main focus in the Divine Service is God serving you with His Word and Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper).
So, when you walk into church next Sunday, I hope that you will have this in mind. “Lord, just say the word.” In other words, ask the Lord to feed your soul with His Word as you hear it read, as you sing it, and as the pastor explains and proclaims it in the sermon.
Dear Lord, please speak to me through Your Word as I hear it in church and as I study the Bible during the week. Open my ears to hear of my sin and of Your plan to forgive my sins and promise me eternal life in heaven. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 89 - JUDGES 1-2 & Luke 7:1-30
"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:37-38 ESV)
Jesus is teaching us to be...
● nonjudgmental
● forgiving and
● giving.
He then promises that we will receive the same in return. Of course, the ultimate motivation for following these directions is to simply to...
● obey
● serve and
● glorify God.
Jesus clearly wants us to know that when we live for Him by living for others, we can’t lose. He put it this way in Matthew’s Gospel:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ” (Matthew 6:33)
Lord Jesus, help me to be nonjudgmental, forgiving and giving. May my motivation be Your dyeing love for me. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 87 - Joshua 21-22 & Luke 6:1-26
And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:9-11 ESV)
The dog that bites his master as he gives his pet some food, the kind religious prisoner who rescues his pursuer only to be killed for his beliefs, and the compassionate Savior who heals a man’s withered hand all have something in common. They proved that, many times, no good deed goes unpunished.
“Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discusssed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Jesus has compassion on a man whose life and livelihood were greatly hampered by his withered hand. The only problem, in the eyes of His enemies, was that the Lord did this “work” on the Sabbath. His kind miracle filled them with anger and with a desire to get back at Him. His kindness would not go unpunished if they had anything to say about it.
They certainly had plenty to say!
“Crucify him... His blood be on us and on our children.” (Matthew 23:23-25)
Jesus’ good deed of healing on the Sabbath did not go unpunished. As unfair as this is, it was all part of God the Father’s plan for our salvation. Thank God our kind and compassionate Jesus was punished on the cross for us!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for healing the withered hand on the Sabbath, showing Your divinity. Thank You even more for healing my sin-withered soul. Regardless of how some may be negatively rewarded for acts of kindness, please guide me and empower me to continue to serve You by sharing Your kindness with others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 86 - Joshua 19-20 & Luke 5:17-39
And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. (Luke 5:18-25 ESV)
The point of this miracle is not the hole in the roof. It is not even the fact that the man walked away from the house to which he had been carried. The main point of this miracle is that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Of course, we Christians do not doubt this since we believe that Jesus is both the Son of God and the Son of Man.
“Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
● This is the awesome news we get to hear week in and week out when we gather in churches.
● This is the good news we get to share with other sinners who need our Jesus just as desperately as we do.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for healing the paralyzed man’s body and soul. Thank You for forgiving me too. Please use me to share Your forgiveness with others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 85 - Joshua 16-18 & Luke 5:1-16
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken... And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:9-11 ESV)
Simon and his fishing buddies had just experienced a frustrating and futile fishing trip. Jesus told them to “Put out in the deep and let down your nets.” They did as they were told, and soon their nets were full and breaking. They called to their friends in another boat, and soon both boats began to sink. Peter’s next words reveal that he got the message. ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.”
Jesus then teaches us an important rule about witnessing to others.
“Do not be afraid...”
Do not be afraid! God has a job for you and me to do. We get to tell others about Him and His plan to forgive sinners and promise us heaven. Although our fearful human tendency is to not stand up for Him, we do have His promise:
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 ESV)
So, do not be afraid, just fish. Just share the good news about Jesus whenever and with whomever you can.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for my Baptism and the gift of saving faith You have bestowed upon me. Thank you also for calling me to fish for men, to share Your story with others who need You as desperately as I do. Please use me to reach more souls for You and for eternity. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 84 - Joshua 14-15 & Luke 4:33-44
“And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.” (Luke 4:38-39 ESV)
Peter’s mother-in-law was ill, perhaps seriously ill. “They appealed to him (Jesus) on her behalf.” Most likely this is referring to Peter and Mrs. Peter. They did what God’s children are told to do.
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)
Did you notice that Christ’s healing is immediate and complete?
“And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.”
When our DIVINE PHYSICIAN grants healing to us today, many times it involves an extended period of rehab, often spent away from home in a facility that specializes in this crucial part of the healing process. Not so with Jesus. He heals the woman, and immediately she gets to work.
While we don’t often see that kind of complete healing immediately granted to us, we can look forward to exactly that kind of immediate healing from all of lives woes.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4 ESV)
Yes, the healing of heaven and the beginning of eternal life will be complete and immediate for the believer in Christ... THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for answering my prayers for healing in a way that is best for me. Thank You even more, for promising me that the best is yet to come for all who repent and believe. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 83 - Joshua 11-13 & Luke 4:1-32
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll (Isaiah) and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21 ESV)
When Jesus returned home to Nazareth, His first stop was the local synagogue where He shared the words of today’s devotion. His concluding words let His hearers know that He is the One, the promised Messiah. Look again at what the Messiah came to do.
● Proclaim good news to the poor.
● Proclaim liberty to the captives.
● Provide recovery of sight to the blind.
● Set at liberty those who are oppressed.
● Proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
Jesus did come to proclaim the mercy of His Father to the poor, captive, blind and oppressed. However, the ultimate mission His Father sent Him on involved a cross, and bitter suffering and death as our substitute. We now receive the Lord’s favor through faith in Jesus who has set us free, liberating us from sin, death and the devil.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the promised One, the Messiah, my Lord and Savior. May all that I do and say today glorify Your name and be used by the Holy Spirit to witness to others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 82 - Joshua 9-10 & Luke 3
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22 ESV)
God the Father speaks at the Baptism of His Son.
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
The Father was pleased with Jesus that day, and He was pleased with His Son when He spread out His arms on the cross and fulfilled the Father’s plan for the salvation of the world!
Hear all about the Father’s great plan for your salvation when your Bible today and when you attend church this weekend. And when you are reminded again of all that Jesus has done for you, you, too, will be pleased with Him.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for pleasing Your Father by following His amazing plan for the salvation of the world. Thank You for forgiving me and for preparing my place in heaven for me. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 81 - Joshua 7-8 & Luke 2:25-52
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” (Luke 2:46-49 ESV)
Jesus’ mother and stepfather had spent three anxious days searching for Him. They finally found Him in the temple, amazing the Bible scholars with His knowledge. This should not be surprising since He is God, the author of Scripture.
He also teaches by example the blessing of being in church. His words are to be our words.
“Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”
What blessings are ours when we spend time being fed with God’s Word and Sacrament. May you be blessed every week as you gather in church and are fed with the Good News of the forgiveness of your sins bestowed on you through Jesus!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for showing us how important it is to be in Your Father’s house. Please bless me with Your forgiveness, faith and obedience when I make my weekly visits to church. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 80 - Joshua 4-6 & Luke 2:1-24
15 On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times... 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city.”... 20 So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. (Joshua 6:15-20 ESV)
Check the following link for a children’s version of this account:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3QUS4B0iaM
Joshua obeyed God’s unique battle-plan for the capture of Jericho, and the children of Israel were blessed with an astounding victory.
God had another unique battle plan where He would defeat mankind’s enemies of sin, death and the devil. He didn’t use trumpets and marching. He used a cross and His only Son.
Almighty God, thank You for the story of Your victory over Jericho. Thank You even more for Christ’s victory of sin, death and the devil when He died on the cross for me. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 79 - Joshua 1-3 & Luke 1:57-80
Luke 1:66 ff “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The scene is quite dramatic. Elizabeth had just given birth to John (later referred to as John the Baptizer). Eight days later the relatives ask Elizabeth what the baby will be named. They don’t understand her answer. They have no relatives named John. Her husband, Zechariah, who has been silent for the past nine months, writes on a tablet, “His name is John.” And then something really amazing happens – the mute man begins to speak.
What is even more amazing is what his first words were – “And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.” He proclaimed that his son was set aside for unique service to the Lord.
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins...
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit.
John would be the forerunner of Jesus, calling his hearers to “behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29 ESV)
God had a plan for John’s life, and He has a plan for your life too. What is His plan for you? The answer is found in listening to God as He teaches you and directs you in the Bible. The answer is also found in listening to the advice of other Christians (parents, grandparents, teachers and pastors).
Heavenly Father, as You revealed Your plan for John’s life, so let me know what You want me to do with the rest of my life. As You lead me through each day, grant me the comfort and assurance that come from sins forgiven and heaven guaranteed. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 78 - Deuteronomy 33-34 & Luke 1:24-56
And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb....“For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:41&44 ESV)
Our verse for today states, “The baby leaped.” These words give us several precious insights.
● The baby in Mary’s womb is very special (He is Jesus, the long-promised Messiah).
● Little John, in Elizabeth’s womb, was moved to leap in the presence of his cousin and Savior.
● Life is life in the womb (we believe from the moment of conception).
We hear nothing of Elizabeth anywhere other than Luke 1. We do hear much, much more about Mary, the mother of our Lord. While she is filled with joy both here and at the birth of Jesus, there will be a time when she will experience the opposite, as foretold by Simeon.
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” (Luke 2:34&35 ESV) Mary’s soul would be pierced as she witnessed the crucifixion of her son.
John leaped in utero at the in utero presence of the One who would die for him. The womb is a powerful place, a blessed place, an honored place.
May we spiritually leap with joy as we remember that Jesus accomplished the complete removal of our sins when He died that first Good Friday. And may we leap with joy for every life protected in utero, born physically, and then born spiritually through Baptism.
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to this earth as a baby so that You could die on the cross for me and for all sinners. Help me to do all that I can to protect and promote Your gifts of physical and spiritual life. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 77 - Deuteronomy 31-32 & Luke 1:1-23
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)
Moses spoke these words to Israel, God’s people, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land where they would not be welcome by the inhabitants. But God promised to defeat these enemies and bless His people.
We, too, have a promised land to look forward to – the eternal promised land of heaven. We, too, have to deal with formidable enemies – the enemies of sin, death and the devil. Once again, God promises to defeat our enemies in preparation for entrance into heaven. And this He did on Mt. Calvary by means of the cross and the Lamb. What joy we can have in facing the future knowing that Jesus shed His blood to redeem us and to make us heirs of heaven!
However, Christians often face opposition and persecution. In North Korea, fellow believers in Christ were killed for possessing Bibles. The early church experienced this kind of cruel hatred, as the picture portrays. Yet they could be strong and courageous because they believed in God’s promise that heaven was theirs because of their faith in Christ. In Christ they could face a horrible death. They could be strong and courageous in Christ.
Most of do not know that kind of persecution, yet these words are for us too: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Whatever challenges you are facing today, know that the Lord is with you.
● He will NEVER turn His back on you!
● Your Baptism assures you of this.
● Christ’s body and blood, given and shed for you, assure you of this.
● The words of absolution heard in the Divine Service assure you of this.
● So, don’t be afraid.
● You are not alone.
● God is with you no matter your circumstances may be!
Heavenly Father, thank You for my Baptism and the faith You have given me in Jesus. Please keep me strong and courageous in Christ no matter what challenges and trials I face in this life. Constantly remind me that You will never leave me or forsake me. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 76 - Deuteronomy 29-30 & Mark 16
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16 ESV)
Patrick was a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century, a time when that country knew only paganism. His efforts were greatly blessed as the Lord led many Druids to Christianity. Patrick died on March 17, 461, making today St. Patrick’s Day. However, I am sure that he would not be pleased with how the day has become a day for merely the wearing of the green and drinking.
Patrick was concerned with the souls of a people that had kidnapped him at the age of 16 and dragged him from Great Britain to Ireland. Several years later he escaped and began preparing for the priesthood and his eventual role as a missionary to the Irish
In our verse for today, Jesus says “go and tell,” which is what Patrick did.
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
The Lord then gives us the ultimate motivation for such service.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Heaven and hell are in the balance. People either are saved through faith in Christ, or they are lost and damned for not believing in Christ.
How do we respond when we hear God’s command to “go and tell” today? My prayer is that we also obey.
Dear Jesus, thank You for calling me to saving faith in You. Please use me to go and tell others so that they can also be saved and not condemned. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 75 - Deuteronomy 28 & Mark 15:27-47
And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33-34 ESV)
Who can truly grasp the depth of the Father’s love for sinners that led Him to forsake His beloved Son? And yet, that is exactly what happened as Jesus experienced the hell of crucifixion. Hell, the torment of damnation, prompted Jesus to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Those are the words that I deserve to cry out as I suffer for my sins of thought, word and deed. They come out of Jesus’ mouth instead.
♬ Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
It is my sins for which Thou, Lord, must languish;
Yea, all the wrath, the woe, Thou dost inherit,
This I do merit.
(The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #439, stanza 3 ESV)
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my place on the cross and for crying out in forsakenness so that I can spend eternity praising You in heaven. Please continue to forgive my sins and strengthen my faith. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 74 - Deuteronomy 26-27 & Mark 15:1-26
And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. (Mark 15:14-15 ESV)
Not much is know about Barabbas other than that he was a murder who had participated in a Jewish uprising against Roman tyranny (Luke 23:19). Nothing is known of how he responded to being released instead of Jesus. We can only imagine his relief to find himself free... free from the just penalty for his crimes.
This is exactly what Jesus has done for you and me. He has taken our place and paid the price for our insurrection against God. Hanging on the cross, Christ cried out the words that should be on our lips eternally in hell: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34 ESV)
This is so hard to understand.
● How could God the Father love sinners like us so much that He would send His only Son to the cruel cross?
● How could Jesus love us so much that He would take the terror of hell on Himself so that all people of all time could go free?
It was just mentioned that all people could go free because of Jesus and His cross. All could, but few do. Jesus paid the price for the sins of all people. We who have been given the wonderful gift of faith, forgiveness and the promise of heaven have a job to do: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16 ESV)
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You so much for taking my place and for freeing me from the punishment I deserve. Fill me with such thankfulness for this gift, and with such love for those who do not have it, that I live the rest of my life sharing Your great love with as many of them as I can. Amen.
Remember what Jesus has done for you, and share Him with others!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 73 - Deuteronomy 23-25 & Mark 14:52-72
And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39 ESV)
The sad fact in the lives of so many people is that they do not know what the centurion at the foot of Jesus’ cross knew. Many are heading for eternal death in hell because they do know that Jesus is the Son of God and their Savior from sin.
Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question shows that he, too, knew the truth about Jesus.
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 16:15-17 ESV)
The Father was working on Mt. Calvary. He was working His miracle of salvation for all who, like the centurion, stand at the foot of the cross and behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Truly Jesus is the Son of God!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your miracle of salvation fulfilled by sending Your Son to Calvary’s cross. Thank You for the miracle of my Baptism when You gave me the gift of saving faith. Please help me to never forget how Jesus died for me. In His saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 72 - Deuteronomy 20-22 & Mark 14:26-50
And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:35-36 ESV)
He was in agony. His bitter suffering that would lead to His innocent and cruel death had begun. His sweat was like drops of blood. The emotional and spiritual burden was almost unbearable. So Jesus prayed for relief. There are several important truths revealed here.
● Jesus truly suffered for us!
● God the Father’s plan for the salvation of sinful mankind would be fulfilled.
● We learn how to pray, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
This is exactly what He teaches us in the Lord’s prayer: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
It goes against our selfish human nature to submit our will to someone other than ourselves. But look at how it turned out for Jesus,“who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
The Father’s will is your salvation. Follow Him. Obey Him. Trust Him. Love Him.
Lord Jesus, thank You for drinking the bitter cup of suffering for my sake. Please help me to see the wisdom of yielding to the Father’s will in my life as well. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 71 - Deuteronomy 17-19 & Mark 14:1-25
And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. (Mark 14:22-24 ESV)
What a precious gift the Lord instituted on the night when He was betrayed! Maundy Thursday is a blessed stop on our Lenten journey, for in, with and under simple bread and wine, the Lord feeds us sinners His very body and blood.
In my years of service as a pastor, I have observed how deeply God’s people are moved with the forgiveness and the strengthening of their faith that the Lord bestows in this meal.
♬ O Lord, we praise Thee, bless Thee, and adore Thee,
In thanksgiving bow before Thee.
Thou with Thy body and Thy blood didst nourish
Our weak souls that they may flourish.
O Lord, have mercy!
May Thy body, Lord, born of Mary,
That our sins and sorrows did carry,
And Thy blood for us plead
In all trial, fear, and need:
O Lord, have mercy!
(O Lord, We Praise Thee, The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #617)
Lord, may Your body and Your blood be for my soul the highest good. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 70 - Deuteronomy 14-16 & Mark 13:14-37
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come... Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” (Mark 13:32-37 ESV)
Throughout the years there have been many false prophets who have predicted Judgment Day. Biblically illiterate followers have sold their belongings and quit their jobs in anticipation of meeting the Lord on the date promised. How devastatingly disappointed they must have been when the date came and passed. If they would have read and believed what Jesus says about the end of the world, they would not have been duped.
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Knowing that the signs of the times seem to indicate that the end is coming soon, how should we occupy our remaining time on this earth? Luther answers: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” What he is saying is that we should be about living out the vocations and lives God has given us. At the same time, he would surely also echo Jesus’ warning:
“Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.... And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
♬ The world is very evil,
The times are waxing late;
Be sober and keep vigil,
The Judge is at the gate;
The Judge that comes in mercy,
The Judge that comes with might,
To terminate the evil,
To diadem the right.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, Concordia Publishing House, 1941, #605)
Almighty God, may I be found prepared when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. To this end, mercifully continue to feed me with Your word of Law that condemns me and Your word of Gospel that reveals how Jesus paid for all of my sins on the cross. May I spend my remaining time on earth in Your service, sharing You with other sinners who need Your mercy just as desperately as I do. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow
(DON’T FORGET TO SET YOU CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR TONIGHT.)
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 69 - Deuteronomy 11-13 & Mark 13:1-13
“But be on your guard... And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:9&13 ESV)
Jesus warns us, “But be on your guard.” He highlights some very negative things we Christians will face in the last days. He concludes with a statement that is the opposite of what we would like to hear: “And you will be hated by all for my name's sake.”
Most people would prefer to the words of an old Beatles hit. “All you need is love.”
The truth is, human love is not all we need. All we really need is Jesus. He is the only One everyone needs. He alone is THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE. Jesus is the only One who died for sinners like us. May you be blessed as you take His encouragement to heart.
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Dear Lord Jesus, help me to endure to the end no matter how hard it gets. Remind me that even if others may hate me, You will always love. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
