March 30, 2020 - AND THEY LAUGHED?

Day 90 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 14:1-15:19; Psalm 84; Luke 8:40-56)

AND THEY LAUGHED?

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” (Luke 8:49-50 ESV)

What comforting words from our Lord. “Do not fear; only believe...” Followers of Jesus know that we can trust the Lord to mean what He says. So, are setting aside your fears and trusting in the Lord instead? 

Jesus then proved that you can trust what He says: “54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.” You can trust Him too!

And now for the rest of the story. Just before Jesus raised the girl back to life Jesus was ridiculed. “52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.” 

Jesus, the Lord of life, was laughed at when He gave His divine prognosis. Many laugh at Jesus today. They refuse to acknowledge Him as the only hope for this sin-sick world. They laugh at the idea that He can give real comfort and lead us through the challenges of life.

But we do not laugh. Like Martha in yesterday’s Gospel lesson we declare that we believe that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God” and our source of eternal hope and comfort.

1. Jesus, grant that balm and healing
    In Your holy wounds I find,
    Ev'ry hour that I am feeling
    Pains of body and of mind.
    Should some evil thought within
    Tempt my treach'rous heart to sin,
    Show the peril, and from sinning
    Keep me from its first beginning.

5. O my God, my rock and tower,
    Grant that in Your death I trust,
    Knowing death has lost its power
   Since You crushed it in the dust.
   Savior, let Your agony
    Ever help and comfort me;
    When I die be my protection,
    Light and life and resurrection. Amen.
   (“Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing,” Lutheran Service Book #4210)

REMINDER: You can watch St. Paul’s recent virtual worship services by using this link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9

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 2020 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!