Month: March 2023

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 11, 2023

Luke 8:16-18

A Lamp on a stand

“This little light of mine.”

During my years in ministry, I sometimes led a Wednesday morning chapel service for the children in our school.

One of their favorite songs was “This little light of mine.”

Let’s take a few moments to read it or sing it aloud if you know the tune. 😊

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine

All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood

I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine all the time, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine all the time, let it shine.

Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine

Harry Dixon Loes – 1920

“This Little Light of Mine is a simple yet powerful gospel Christmas song, which speaks to the importance of sharing our faith in others and letting our light shine in the darkness.” (Christmassongsandcarols.com) 

Interestingly enough, in today’s reading/parable, Jesus shares much the same lesson as the song does.

************************The Point*******************

Let’s take a few moments to read today’s lesson from Luke 8:16-18.

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have, will be taken from them.” Luke 8:16-18

When Jesus talks about lighting a lamp, He’s talking about God’s word. We should never hide His Word as followers and believers in Jesus Christ. God’s word is meant to be shared, not hidden from people.

As followers of Jesus, we are to let God’s word shine. That means we share it with everyone who will listen. We do this because God’s word gives people hope. We live in a dark world full of hate, wars, and evil. God’s word brings light to that dark world.

In our reading, Jesus said,

“Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have, will be taken from them.” Luke 8:18

When we listen to and believe what Jesus says and teaches us, we will gain even more understanding of His plan for salvation. But those of us who decline to listen to His Word lose even what we already have. When we don’t listen, we put greater and greater distance between the Savior of the World and us.

As for my family and me:

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine

Amen

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 10, 2023

Luke 8:4-15

The Parable of the Sower

“How green does your garden grow?”

I admit I am anything but the best gardener in the world. However, the one area I keep up with is the four ½ whiskey barrels I have in the front of the house. I water the plants, add fertilizer, pull weeds, and add new plants when needed.

To be honest, I do not overly maintain my lawn in the winter months. This is because the grass goes dormant (even though I live in Florida) and doesn’t grow at all for several months.

I would be amiss if I didn’t include my neighbor’s landscape masterpiece. He has very little lawn, and what he does have is there because the homeowner’s association told him he had to have “Some lawn” out front.

He putters in his garden at least six days a week. So, when I go for walks early in the morning, it’s like walking through an elegant and organized jungle landscape. He does a great job on the maintenance of his garden.

I would be amiss if I didn’t share my pride and joy. Yes, it’s a pine tree (I like to call it my year-long, live Christmas Tree). I planted it a few days after moving into our home in 2007. When I planted it, the pine was just under two feet tall. Now it is about 25”.

Today Jesus shares a parable about farming and gardening. But, of course, parables are generally not about what they seem to be.

*************************The Point***********************

In today’s reading from Luke, Jesus shares what is known as the Parable of the Sower. Let’s check it out.

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.“

“While a large crowd was gathering, and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this Parable: 

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still, other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 

He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others, I speak in parables, so that,

“‘though seeing, they may not see;

though hearing, they may not understand.’ (8:10 Isaiah 6:9)

 “This is the meaning of the Parable: The seed is the Word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the Word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the Word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing, they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. But, the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the Word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

Luke 8:1-15

As chapter eight of Luke begins, we find Jesus traveling from town to town, along with the twelve, proclaiming the Good News. Also traveling with the group were several women who supported Jesus and His Apostles. They likely supported them by preparing meals and such. But they also helped support Jesus’ ministry financially.

Two of the women mentioned, Joanna and Mary Magdalene, are also part of the group of women who went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body.

“The word parable was used in the Old Testament to describe any kind of saying that was not to be taken literally. It included similes, fables, stories, and riddles.” New Bible Commentary, 21^st Century Edition, Luke, Pp. 993.”

The Parable in the above reading is not really about a farmer. Instead, it is about spreading God’s Word. Jesus could have been referring to himself as the farmer at that time. Today, the farmer could be a Pastor, Priest, or any minister who shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As I prepared this devotion, I thought of my former Pastor and myself when I was in full-time ministry.

In the Parable, Jesus categorizes those who hear His Word into four different groups.

The first group has the devil take the Word away before it can root. Perhaps these are people with very little or no church background. Because they have no religious foundation to build on, they are easily led astray into worldly endeavors.

Like some I have known, the second group accepts God’s Word. But, unfortunately, they are not rooted in the Faith. As soon as problems come along in their lives, they fall away. When what they should do, is turn to God for strength and perseverance.

The third group loses or, at times, loses sight of their Faith. These are people who allow worry to overwhelm them. These are also people that get bogged down by stuff. What’s stuff? Money and the many material distractions the world has to offer.

Finally, some hear God’s Word and do something with it. These people are the fertile field Jesus talks about. They are the folks who read, listen to and understand the Gospel. They will spread the Good news and show God’s love for others by helping, loving, sharing, and caring for them.

Several paragraphs ago, I said this.

“As I prepared this devotion, I thought of my former Pastor and myself when I was in full-time ministry.”

You see, everyone in ministry fails many times. God’s Word and even caring actions are often shown to others. But like the first three areas, the farmer’s seeds were scattered, and these people fell away from Faith and God for various reasons.

So why do Pastors, preachers, laypeople, and retired youth ministers like me keep at it? We know at times, the things we say and do in Jesus’ name will fall on deaf ears, or people will fall away from the Faith after a time.

This is a fact. It happened to Jesus, and it happens today to the spreaders of Christ’s Gospel.

Yet, Pastors, ministers, and lay people keep spreading the Good News, preaching on Sunday, and having youth nights. Why? Because we know a certain amount of people will listen. A certain amount of people will have Faith and become Christ’s followers.

Here’s one of my favorite verses regarding the above subject. These are Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 3:6:

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

When we share the Gospel with others, that’s all we can do; share the Gospel. As a called church worker, I can’t make anyone believe or come to Faith. It is God’s Holy Spirit who makes the seeds we plant grow. Some will not listen or are seduced by the world. But those who hear will learn and believe, and then they will share The Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 9, 2023

Luke 7:36-50

Jesus anointed by a sinful woman

“Hospitality”

During my years as a church youth director, my wife Kathy and I hosted many parties. One of our mainstays each year was a Superbowl Party. Every year and each group enjoyed the party in their own way. As you can see above, we always had plenty of snacks and soda.

There were always plenty of alternatives for the students if they didn’t want to watch the game.

Some of them actually watched the game. (Oh, and we always keep our Christmas decorations up till March or April). We’ve always considered ourselves good hosts, always taking care of the needs of our guests before our own.

In today’s story, we find Jesus reclining and eating at the home of a Pharisee. But, all is not as it seems. His host, Simon, is not what he appears to be.

******************The Point****************

As I mentioned above, Jesus has been invited to have dinner at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. Considering all the negative things Jesus has to say about the Pharisees throughout the Gospels, this might appear to be an olive branch offering of peace. But, it is anything but that.

“When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, 

“Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman,  “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 7:36-50

In today’s story, Jesus had been invited to the home of a Pharisee to dine. This was probably not a dinner for two. There would have been additional people present. The story makes no mention that Jesus’ 12 Apostles were with Him. As they had already become His close followers and were named in chapter 6, I like to believe this was a large social gathering and that they were there too.

Also, at large gatherings where food was being served, it was not uncommon for the less fortunate who had not been invited to attend (possibly sneak in). This fact gives us a better understanding of why the sinful woman may have been at the Pharisees’ home.

At the beginning of the reading, it appears the Pharisee may have been good intentioned by inviting Jesus to his home to dine. Unfortunately, that is unlikely because of Jesus’ past and future encounters with Pharisees. It is more likely that He was invited so that the host would hopefully find fault in His teaching and could then criticize Him.

Also, the reading tells us that the Pharisee did not give Jesus the common courtesies that were the norm for the day when He arrived. For example, neither the Pharisee nor one of his servants washed Jesus’ feet as He entered the house. This was a tradition as the city streets were dirty, dusty, and had animal waste.

In addition, kissing a visitor to your home as they entered was a tradition. This was not done.

After hearing the Pharisees’ thoughts, Jesus shares the parable of the two in debt to a money lender. Jesus’ point was that the woman who came into the dining area and washed His feet with her hair and anointed his feet and head with perfume was like the man who owed the most money.

Jesus put the Pharisee in his place when He compared the woman (some theologians believe it was Mary Magdalene) to him. She washed Jesus’ feet, but the Pharisee did not. The woman kissed his feet, but the Pharisee did not kiss Jesus. She anointed Jesus’ feet with oil, and the Pharisee did none of these things for His guest.

The woman in the story probably had already realized the error of her ways, whatever her sins may have been. She had already accepted the Gospel message of forgiveness. For her, it was essential to come to Jesus and show her love for Him in the ways she did.

Finally, Jesus says, “I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

The second part of the above statement was aimed at the Pharisee.

Then just to put an exclamation point on all that He had said so far, Jesus looked at the woman and said,

“Your sins are forgiven.”

Then Jesus gives this woman a final blessing.

“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

One can only imagine what a devasting blow this entire scene was for the Pharisee who had invited Jesus to His home. Of course, he had an ulterior motive to mock and belittle Jesus in from of his friends and Jesus’ followers. But, in a very unique way, Jesus turned the tables. In my mind, I see Jesus and His friends leaving with the Pharisee speechless about what had just occurred, perhaps with his mouth open and jaw dropped in amazement😊.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 8, 2023

Luke 6:46-49

The Wise and Foolish Builder

If I haven’t mentioned this before, I live in Florida. Our home is located about 4-5 miles from the beach. Before I go any further, let me set one thing straight. I dislike going to the beach. I’m not fond of the sand; ocean water makes me itch. And when we drive home, we always transport a large amount of the beach sand into my car, our shoes, and shorts.

Over the years, I have taken my youth groups to the beach. Why? Because kids love the beach. Occasionally, I observed children and adults building sandcastles during our trips to the beach. However, the sandcastle on the beach above is not one I’ve seen personally. I can only imagine how many hours it took to build this structure.

Looking closely at the above photo, you’ll see the ocean in the background. The sandcastle is made from wet sand. The sandcastle is built on a foundation of sand, which is another way of saying, it has no foundation at all. So, what happens when the tide comes in? That’s right, the castle will wash away. The tide will wash away all those hours put into building the castle.

****************The Point**************

In today’s reading, Jesus shares a parable of two men who built homes. One was built on a rock foundation, the other with no foundation. Let’s check out what happened to the two houses.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it because it was well-built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed, and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49

When I was young (age 5-12), my mom subscribed to Highlights for Children magazine for me. The magazine was published bimonthly at could be ordered for different age brackets. The magazine had many sections, including coloring pages, jokes, stories, and puzzles.

My favorite section was one of two cartoon boys named Goofus and Galant. The section would always show the two boys in different scenes or the same with different results. For example, you might see Goofus in his bedroom, and the caption would read, “Goofus seldom picks up his room, even when his mom tells him to.” And, then, there would be a picture of Gallant in his clean and picked-up room. This caption might say, “Gallant always picks up and cleans his room because it’s the right thing to do.

When I read today’s Parable from the book of Luke, I immediately thought of Goofus and Galant. Galant would be the man who built his house on a firm foundation of rock, while Gallant would have built his house with no foundation.

So, keeping the two boys’ personalities in mind, let’s look back at the Parable again and what it means.

“The two builders are like two kinds of hearers; the one hears the words of Jesus and puts them into practice. The other only hears without putting the words into practice.” (People Bibles Commentary, Luke, Victor H. Prange, Pp.75.)

Jesus doesn’t want us to just listen to and read His words. Instead, He wants us to put the things He instructs us on into practice. Then when troubles come, we will be like the house built on a firm foundation. We can withstand the problems, negativity, and sorrow the world throws at us.

There are countless instructions from Jesus throughout the Gospels. However, we need to do more than read the Gospels; we need to live the Gospels. If you haven’t already, read Matthew, chapters 5-7. This is what we call, The Sermon on the mount. Jesus did not preach and teach this sermon just for us to hear. He gives it to us as a new lifestyle. Jesus teaches about money, love, prayer, murder, and worry. He wants us to live out this sermon, not just listen to or read it.

So here are two final questions for you. First, is your faith built on the Rock of Jesus Christ? Second, are you just listening and reading Christ’s words, or are you living them?

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 7, 2023

Luke 6:37-42

Judging Others

“What’s wrong with your eye?”

About 20 years ago, I had major surgery on my left eye. One morning I woke up and noticed that the vision in my left eye was like looking through a half-moon. I let it go for a day or two, but as it didn’t get any better, I called my eye doctor, who is also a surgeon.

When I told the nurse about the problem, she said, “I need you to come in right now.” So, I dropped what I was doing: preparing for day two of VBS.

When I arrived at the doctor’s office, the nurse had me enter the exam room immediately. The doctor came in, looked at my eye, did a few tests, and asked me, “When was the last time you ate?” I told him about three hours ago. He replied, “Good, because you’re having eye surgery in about three hours, you have a torn retina.”

I won’t go into the particulars of the surgery and recovery. However, the doctor told me if I had waited another day or two, there was a good chance I would have lost all sight in that eye.

In today’s reading, Jesus tells a short parable concerning the eye. In this case, someone has a plank in their eye, and that someone could be you or me.

**************************The Point************************

 In today’s reading, Jesus tells us not to judge others without a bit of self-reflection.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

He also told them this Parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Luke 6: 37-42

Do you remember the “Golden Rule?”

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

In the above verse, Jesus is talking about loving your enemies. Today’s reading is breaking down this verse into particulars.

Don’t judge others, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn others, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. Get the picture?

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

The last part of this reading discusses self-reflection. Jesus gives two examples in Parables.

Jesus said a blind person can’t lead a blind person. This statement is aimed at Jesus’ disciples. What does He mean? As a disciple, we can’t teach others unless we are knowledgeable and understand Jesus’ teachings. I would not try to write a devotion unless I’ve read the Bible and some Bible commentaries to know what I’m writing about.

 Some of Jesus’ disciples thought they were more knowledgeable than the teacher (Jesus). We know that’s not possible. All we can do is strive to be like Him.

I’ve always loved the visual I get in my mind of Jesus’s second Parable.

 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

I’ve had many a speck in my eye, and as I mentioned earlier, I’ve had eye surgery. But can you imagine having a plank (think of a 2×4 stuck in your eye)?

Jesus uses the perfect word, hypocrite. As a disciple/follower of Jesus, how can we call someone out on a sin they’ve committed (speck) when we don’t first address our own problem (sin–plank)? That would be and is hypocritical.

I guess you might call both of these parables eye-openers. (😊) Seriously, let’s never think we are better than others. We are all sinners, and we need to address our faults before calling others to task for their sins.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 6, 2023

Luke 5:33-39

Jesus is questioned about fasting

“What did you give up for lent?”

I was brought up in the Catholic faith. I can remember two areas of fasting my family adhered to during the Lenten season. First of all, we did not eat meat on Fridays. This fasting included chicken. So, on Fridays during lent, we ate a lot of fish and things like lentil pasta for dinner.

The second type of fasting we did was give up something we enjoyed for the six weeks of Lent. I can’t recall what I used to give up, but for some, it was sweets; for others, it was bread of any kind or even alcohol consumption.

I no longer fast during lent. I will explain my reasons for not fasting later in this devotion.

In today’s reading, Jesus is questioned about fasting.

**********************The Point******************

The following discussion occurred between Jesus, observers, and disciples of John (The Baptist).

“They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.”

Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days, they will fast.”

He told them this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out, and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.'”

Jesus was being questioned by John’s disciples. Incredibly they referenced the Pharisees because they like John (The Baptist), and his followers fasted. But, those questioning Jesus said while they all fasted, Jesus’ disciples kept eating and drinking.

First of all, the Old Testament only required people to fast once a year. That was on the day of atonement (Yom Kippur). Yet, the Pharisees said it was required that you fast twice a week. Fasting means you abstain from eating and, at times, even drinking. Therefore, doing this twice a week could not be a healthy thing to do.

I gave up fasting many years ago. Due to several medical conditions I have, there are many foods I cannot eat and beverages I cannot drink. I’ve learned to accept it as eating the foods and beverages I shouldn’t exacerbate my intestinal issues. So, for me, fasting isn’t an option. However, if people choose to do so, that is their choice, and they should not be looked down on because they choose to.

One more point on fasting.

In Jesus’ time, “Religious people would choose to fast for various reasons: to concentrate on prayer and meditation, as a form of self-punishment for some sin committed, or to evidence a disdain for the body and its needs.” (People’s Bible Commentary, Luke, Victor H. Prange, Pp. 61)

Jesus says, “But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days, they will fast.”

Jesus is referencing Himself as the bridegroom. He says that His disciples will fast when the time is right. That time is after His death and when He ascends into heaven.

You’ll notice Jesus shares a parable of new wine in old wineskins. New wine is unfermented. So, as it ages and ferments, the wine causes the old skin to burst.

The parable that follows is common sense. You wouldn’t cut up a new piece of fabric to patch a hole in an old piece of cloth. But, of course, today, people find it fashionable to have holes in their pants, especially jeans, without patching them.

The point is the old does not meld well with the new.

“Jesus is a minister of the New Covenant. This (His) is a covenant of forgiveness. The new life in the Spirit breaks loose from the old mentality, which thrives on fault-finding and concentration on the meritorious observance of the law…. Make no mistake: Jesus is on the side of the new.” (Peoples Bible Commentary, Luke, Pp. 62)

Jesus’ teaching was so different from the teachings of the Pharisees of the day. He knew the two could never be mixed. Perhaps that’s why Jesus said,

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people”

Lenten Devotions

March 5, 2023

John 3:16-17

“For God So Loved The World”

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 

John 3:16-17

We’ve all heard it before, “For God so loved the world ….”

We read the passage, the pastor preaches on it, and we recite it in confirmation class. The question remains, though, do we understand it? Do you really get what Jesus is saying?

Let’s take a few minutes.

“For God so loved the World.”

What does that mean to you?

Think about the Old Testament for a minute. Humanity got as far as chapter 3 of Genesis, and we blew it. Sin, pointing fingers at each other (playing the blame game), being ashamed, it all started right there.

But God had a plan!

“That He gave His one and only Son!”

Put the two together,

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”

What does that say about God’s love for His creation?

God loved and loves the world He created even though creation had gone wrong and we ruined everything. Our sins didn’t stop God from loving us. He saw and already knew about the sins of Adam and Eve, Cain, Sarah, David, Judas, Paul, and even Hitler. God knew all of them, but that didn’t stop Him from loving us.

God’s love for us is called Agape love. It is not a feeling of love, nor is it a love based on how much we’re liked or worthy. Instead, it’s a love that acts in the interest of the object that is loved. God hates and hated sin. But, He loved and still loves the world. So, He dealt with sin in a pretty amazing way.

God did that by sending His Son Jesus as a perfect sacrifice. As a result, Jesus, who was without sin, did not succumb to temptation and loved the world, just like the Father did.

“That whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. “

What does this mean? How do you receive eternal life?

We receive eternal life through faith. Faith in the fact that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and then rose again, overcoming death.

“For it is by grace, you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ” Ephesians 2:8-9

Finally, Jesus reinforces what He said in John 3:16.

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:17

It’s a pretty straightforward statement. God sent His Son for a specific purpose, to save the world from their sins. Yes, Jesus taught, healed, and even raised people from the dead. To be sure, all of these things are important to our understanding of Jesus and the Father’s plan. But, ultimately, God sent His Son Jesus to die as a sacrifice for our sins.

(Sometimes, I can’t help myself, so here it is once again, B.G.T.F.)

B.G.T.F. By grace through faith. It seems almost too simple. All you have to do is believe, and have faith, that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, that He died for your sins, and that now the door to eternal life is open to us.

God sent Jesus to do one thing, to save us. So Jesus was crucified, died, was buried, and He rose from the dead. Mission accomplished.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 4, 2023

Luke 6:12-16

Jesus’ 12 Apostles

“52 MAB ST”

(One of my youth groups is shown here eating the largest ice cream sundae in the world.)

I served at three different churches during my almost 25 years in youth ministry. That is not to say I had only three youth groups. Students age out, go to college, move, or sometimes stop attending group activities. So, over my time in youth ministry, I probably served and led at least 10-12 youth groups.

Some students, like adults, are followers or supporters of the group. They attend regularly, are involved with group activities, and even attend church. It’s okay to be a follower. Because without followers, there would be no need for leaders.

Other students are leaders. Some of their ability is learned, but much of it is God-given. In my first youth group, back in the 1990s, I had two young men who were the group’s leaders. They would contact the other students regularly and encourage them to attend youth nights, church, and activities.

I had the same thing happen in the successive churches I served at. So, I like to think that I at least had a part in growing some of my students into leaders.

Today one of my former students serves as a missionary in the United Kingdom. Another serves as a Director of Christian Education in Texas. And yet another is a Lutheran school principal, also in Texas.

Jesus had many disciples. From those disciples, He was very deliberate in choosing His twelve apostles.

***********************The Point**********************

If you were unaware of it, there is a distinction between a disciple and an Apostle. Jesus had many disciples but only chose twelve to be His Apostles.

“One of those days, Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” Luke 6:12-16

Jesus specifically chose these twelve men to be His Apostles. So, what’s the difference, you may ask?

A disciple is a learner and follower of Jesus. An Apostle is also a follower of Jesus, but they are sent out to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s Apostles were explicitly chosen to carry on His work after He was gone. They were a part of Jesus’ inner circle. Christ’s Apostles traveled with Him, ate with Him, and, most importantly, learned from Him. He gave them inner strength, so they could carry on His work without Him.

Today, we can be both. We can be learners and followers of Jesus, but we can and should share the Good News with others.

Early on in my ministry, I learned how to memorize the names of Jesus’ 12 Apostles, as they appear in the book of Luke. It’s a great teaching tool for students. I’ve even shared this teaching tool during children’s messages.

The Apostle’s address is 52 MAB ST. Let me explain.

Those 12 Apostles. What were their names again?

Here’s a fun way to learn to memorize the names of Jesus’ 12 Apostles, using the address at the top of the page. On a whiteboard or newsprint, write out the address 52 MAB ST, like this:

5

2

M

A

B

S

T

Now have the students go back to the reading from Luke. If they read it carefully, they may actually figure it out. So, here’s the answer to the address question.

5 John, James, James, Judas, Judas

2 Phillip, Peter

Matthew

Andrew

Bartholomew

Simon

Thomas

So, there are five apostles whose name starts with the letter J. There are two apostles whose name begins with the letter P. The rest are just the first letter of the remaining five’s first name.

Bartholomew seems to be the hardest for students to remember, so I tell them to remember “Bart Simpson 😊.

Learning the names of the 12 Apostles can be fun. But Jesus chose them for some very serious business. First and foremost, they were selected to spread Christ’s Gospel message to the world.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 3, 2023

Luke 2:41-52

The Boy Jesus at the temple

“Where have you been, young man?”

As many of you already know, it wasn’t that many years ago that our ability to communicate with each other was much more limited. Today we have what I like to call our false God, a cellphone (Yes, I have one). With it, we can reach almost anyone, anywhere in the world, at any hour of the day. We can text people, use Instagram and Twitter, and have computers. But, of course, computers are just a large version of a cellphone.

When I was a teenager in the 1960s, we had two forms of helpful communication. We could talk to someone face to face (still very useful even today) or call someone on a home or pay phone. Back in the 1960s, most people did not have answer machines. So, when you called someone, you hoped and prayed they answered because you couldn’t leave them a message. (If you’re under 25 years old, you may call me a dinosaur if you wish).

On more than one occasion, I remember telling my mom or dad I was going out and who I’d be with, and of course, they would tell me what time I needed to be home. I was anywhere from 15-30 minutes late getting home several times over the years. Then the third degree would begin! “Where were you? Why are you late? Why didn’t you call? And, of course, the inevitable, “You’re grounded!”

Jesus was just 12 years old when something similar happened. In Jesus’ case, He was missing for three (3) days. (I can only imagine what my punishment would have been for that). Jesus also got the third degree, but His answers struck a different chord with His parents.

*************************The Point**********************

Let’s join Mary, Joseph, and their 12-year-old Son Jesus, as they attend and depart the Festival of the Passover in Jerusalem.

“Every year, Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your Father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:41-52

From the time Jesus was a baby or very young, we don’t hear about His life again until He is 30.

“The unknown years of Jesus (also called his silent years, lost years, or missing years) generally refers to the period of Jesus’s life between his childhood and the beginning of his ministry, a period not described in the New Testament.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unknown_years_of_Jesus

There is one exception in these silent years, and the story is contained in today’s reading from Luke.

Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, age twelve, go to Jerusalem to celebrate The Passover. Jerusalem’s average population at this time is no more than about 25,000. But because of the Passover celebration, an estimated 60-100,000 people pack themselves into the city. (New Bible Commentary, 21^st-century edition, Luke 2, pp. 985).

After the completion of the Passover festivities, Mary, Joseph, and they thought Jesus was part of a group of hundreds, if not thousands heading back to their hometowns. Unfortunately, the Bible story doesn’t give us much information, but for some reason, Mary and Joseph don’t realize that Jesus isn’t with them until they are a day into their travels. After looking furtively for Him for three days, they finally find their Son, Jesus, in the temple court.

My brain has all sorts of red flags going up on this portion of the story. I realize hundreds and hundreds of people are on the road with you, but how do you not keep track of your twelve-year-old Son? And what did Jesus do for food and water for three days until his parents arrived? I realize many explanations could answer both of these questions. But, as a parent myself, the circumstances leave me wondering.

Interestingly, Jesus’ parents find Him at the last place they would expect. He was in the temple court, listening to the teachers of the law and asking questions. At the age of twelve, Jesus was probably not teaching. But, as the reading says, “Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and answers.”

In my eyes, the actual theme of this passage is obedience. When Mary approaches her Son and, in so many words, says, “How could you do this to us? Your dad and I’ve been looking for you for three days. We thought you were lost or worse.”

Interestingly enough, the twelve-year-old (speaking for the first time in the book of Luke) rebukes His mother.

“Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

As I read this passage several times, I concluded that, at times, Mary and Joseph forgot who their Son was. For all the amazing things the angel Gabriel told them, they sometimes lost sight of what was shared with them. Their Son, Jesus, was and is the Son of God sent to save His people from sin.

At a very early age, Jesus knew who He was and put His relationship with His Father, God, first.

I’ve mentioned something many times in my devotions and Bible studies.

God comes; first, family comes second, work comes third, and everything else comes after that. Jesus understood that. The mission His Father sent Him on was His top priority, even at the age of twelve.

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 2, 2023

Luke 2:21-40

Jesus presented at the temple

“The Nunc Dimittis”

The photo you see above is of my Mom. The year is 1951. She is holding me in her arms, and we are 0n the way to church for my baptism.

I was born on June 30. I know very little about my baptism other than it was in the Catholic Church. But I do know I was baptized 2-3 weeks after my birth. I know this because I was a Cesarean birth, and my Mom was in the hospital for over a week after I was born.

When I was born, my family lived in an apartment in Chicago, just off Waveland ave. and Grace St. If the word Waveland and Chicago rings a bell with you at all, it’s because Waveland runs just outside Wrigley Field (Right Field). At the time, we only lived 4 blocks from the park. Perhaps that’s why I’m a lifelong Cubs fan. 😊

Sorry I got a little off track.

A little over 2000 years ago, Jesus was born. He, too, was presented at the temple (church). It’s interesting how rituals change and how much religious laws dictated when and how the mother and son could be presented at the temple.

*************************The Point*********************

As you read the account of Jesus’ presentation at the temple, let’s focus on three things. The circumcision and purification, Simeon, and the prophet Anna.

“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Now, there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” Luke 2:21-40

I’m not sure if you picked up on it, but circumcision and purification were two separate events. The circumcision of Jesus took place eight days after He was born. We don’t know where it took place. But when it did, it was the day He was given the name Jesus as Gabriel told Mary to do. Joseph was told to give him the name Jesus during a dream in the Gospel of Matthew.

“an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

The purification rites were for Mary, not Jesus. Jewish law said that after the birth of a male child, his mother was unclean for seven days. She was then required to stay home for an additional 33 days. Following this period, a purification sacrifice had to be offered. As stated in the text, the sacrifice was two doves or two pigeons. Mary and Joseph were not affluent, so they probably provided two pigeons as sacrifices.

As you read in the Bible passage, Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until after he saw the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. So Simeon was “Moved by the Spirit” to enter the temple. There he encountered Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.

At that moment, Simeon knew that this baby was the Christ. So he took Jesus into his arms and praised God.

Simeon’s praise song is called the “Nunc Dimittis.” The words Nunc Dimittis mean, “Now let us depart” The Holy Spirit had done exactly what He promised. Simeon had seen the Savior of the world before he died.

Once again, here is Simeon’s song/words, The Nunc Dimittis.

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

It’s pretty self-explanatory. The Holy Spirits’ promise had been fulfilled. Simeon had seen the source of the salvation of the world, Jesus. He was ready to depart this world.

As late-night commercials say, “But wait, there’s more.” Enter Anna. The NIV calls her a prophetess. Perhaps, her words were not quite as dramatic as Simeon’s, but when she saw the baby, Jesus, she gave thanks to God. She, like Simeon, recognized the baby as the promised Savior. Then, Anna took it one more step. She went out and spread the word of the newborn Savior to everyone who would listen.

Luke’s account does not speak of the coming of wise men. But, he does say something at the end of this passage that I have always felt was necessary.

“He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”

One only has to think of Jesus’ encounters later in life and the wisdom He showed as He spoke, healed, and taught. God’s grace was truly upon Him.

Remember this. As a believer and follower of Jesus, God’s grace is upon you too.