August 8, 2018 - WHY?

Day 220 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2018 Numbers 33:37-56; Psalm 37:23-40; John 13:1-20)

“What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” (John 13:7 ESV)

Life’s biggest question is “why.” There are many times in life when we cannot figure why certain things happen. Simon Peter could not understand why Jesus would want to wash his feet. Jesus’ answer was, in effect, just wait and see. Later they would learn that they were called to serve the Lord by serving people.

“What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” When you are faced with circumstances in your life that you cannot understand, remember Jesus’ words to Peter. While you may be grieving the loss of a loved one, or have come to realize that your dreams will not materialize, or whatever other heartaches and disappointments of life you may find yourself dealing with, remember that God is in control.

The hymn writer encourages us to deal with life’s “whys” in this way:

  1. Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
      We will follow calm and fearless.  
Guide us by Thy hand to our fatherland.

  2. If the way be drear, if the foe be near, 
Let not faithless fears o'ertake us;
      Let not faith and hope forsake us; 
For through many a woe to our home we go.

  3. When we seek relief from a long-felt grief;  
When temptations come alluring,
      Make us patient and enduring;  
Show us that bright shore where we weep no more.

  4. Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won.  
Heavenly Leader still direct us,
      Still support, control, protect us, 
Till we safely stand in our fatherland.
(“Jesus, Lead Thou On,” Lutheran Service Book, #718)

Lord Jesus, be with me today, especially if I get confused and find it hard to understand. Remind me that You are leading me, and that I can trust You no matter what my earthly circumstances may be. Yes, remind me of where You are ultimately leading me.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!