"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
Thursday, June 1, 2023 - Day 152 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 6:16–30; Psalm 119:161–176; Acts 4:1–22)
WHAT A TEACHER!
“Behold, God is exalted in his power, who is a teacher like him.” (Job 36:22 ESV)
When I was a freshman in high school, we had a teacher who commanded our attention with his gruff and no-nonsense demeanor. When he finished a point and said, “See, huh?”, we were all paying close attention. We knew he was serious about what he wanted us to learn. And we also knew that he really cared about us and wanted God’s best for us!
Job has a similar experience with his Teacher, almighty God. The lesson this Teacher is delivering is one of trust and faith and obedience. His demeanor, too, appears to be gruff and no-nonsense. Job’s friend, Elihu, is reminding Job of the Almighty’s greatness and, therefore, His right to test Job so severely. He also is reminding Job of God’s goodness and the blessings He bestows on the faithful.
When you find yourself in periods of peril, times of testing, and seasons of struggle, remember the goodness of your divine Teacher in sending His Son to pay for the times you were less than faithful. Remember that He really cares for you and wants nothing but His best for you! Remember His goodness and the blessings He bestows on you ... forgiveness, reconciliation, purpose, and, in His perfect time, heaven!
If thou but trust in God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #750)
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Amen. (Psalm 25:5 ESV)
Listen to your Teacher today!
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:
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!
I love the old hymns and they always fit so well with your daily theme. Thanks
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