The feast is ready

Posted on January 10, 2020 by David Nuottila

Luke 14:16-24

The table is set, the banquet prepared. Everything is ready. It is time for the feast. There is only one problem, the guests have decided not to attend. It seems there are more pressing things on their minds. Other things, personal things, worldly things, such were the excuses and each declined, one by one. Yet, even as the guests spurned the invitation, the master vowed that banquet will proceed, the meal will be served.

How often do we sinners decline God’s invitation? How many times do we opt out of worship, Bible study or acts of service in order to engage in our personal endeavors? Shall we attend, or do we cancel? After all, we have been invited. Our Baptism into Christ serves as the initial invitation. Even in our disobedience, God set his seal upon us. Through Christ, we have a place at the table.

Through the death and resurrection of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ, God has reconciled that which was lost in sin. In Christ there is forgiveness, in him only is there redemption. For those who seek his grace, the Lord says “Come, the banquet is ready.”

Prayer: Feed us at your table Lord, and fill us with the power of your love. Amen.

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Searching for Jesus

Posted on January 9, 2020 by David Nuottila

Luke 2:41-52

It is a scenario that every parent dreads, their child has gone missing. Panic and worry are only relieved once the child is located safe and sound. And so it was for Mary and Joseph when they discovered Jesus was missing from their travel caravan. Having returned to Jerusalem, they finally found him in the temple listening and asking questions of the teachers.

When asked by his mother why he had done what he had, Jesus answered, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Hearing this passage from Luke, we almost immediately zero in on Jesus’s response about being in his Father’s house. But how often do we consider the first part of his answer? Jesus asked his mother, “Why were you looking for me?” For Christians today, this simple question opens us to so many possibilities.

People are looking for Jesus for forgiveness of their sins. They are looking for him because they are experiencing sickness, grief, pain and loneliness. They are looking for Jesus because they need someone who can save them from all of these and more. Jesus is that someone. In fact, he is the only one. As you encounter those seeking Jesus, bring them to the Father’s house. There they will find him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless me with your mercy and grace. Amen.

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Build up the Church

Posted on January 8, 2020 by David Nuottila

1 Corinthians 14:1-12

There is a tale of two builders. The first worked alone building a house he could enjoy. The outside was not much to behold, but the inside was beautiful. The builder spared no expense and built for himself a lovely and comfortable home.

The second builder worked as member of a team of craftsmen. They received instruction from their foreman, followed detailed plans and built a magnificent church, beautiful and inviting to all who saw it. The workers, guided by their leader, built a cathedral that would glorify God for centuries.

The story of the two builders is an example of the apostle Paul’s teaching in our text. Paul gives a contrasting view of one who builds up personal spirituality and one who builds the spirituality of others. Paul points out that the one who speaks in tongues builds up himself, while the one who prophesies builds up the church.

There is nothing wrong with building a personal spirituality. It is good that we do this. Yet, if we strive for this only, and do not build up the faith of others, we have gained little. Christians gathered for worship and prayer strengthen the entire body. As God’s people share their faith and work together in the mission of God, we build up the Church. By this, others may come, taste and see the goodness of God.

Prayer: Bless the worship of your people, O God, that your name be glorified throughout the world. Amen.

Original Image by Jacama from Pixabay

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Give thanks for the faithful

Posted on January 7, 2020 by David Nuottila

Colossians 1:1-14

How often do you find yourself praying for someone? It is likely that you often pray for those who are sick, facing difficulties or for safe travels of a friend. But when you pray, how often do you give thanks for the faith of others?

As Paul begins his letter to the Colossians, he rejoices and gives thanks for the faithfulness of those to whom he proclaimed the Gospel. In fact, It would seem by the introduction to this letter that Paul continually leads his community in thankful prayer for the Colossians’ love and care for their neighbors. He praises God for the work of the Holy Spirit within their community and beyond. Such an example of faithfulness!

We all have persons in our life that have taught us the Christian faith. Our response ought to be as Paul’s. We should give thanks for their witness. We should rejoice that they are examples of Christian living we can imitate as we share our faith with those whom we meet.

And so, following Paul’s lead, I pray for the well-being of those who have taught me the faith and continue to be examples for me to follow. And I pray for all who read the words I share here, that they too might live lives of faith for the sake of their neighbor.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the many people who have taught me the faith. May they continue in your peace and love. Amen.

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Re-presenting Christ

Posted on January 6, 2020 by David Nuottila

Matthew 2_1-12

Consider the Magi. Their trip was long and difficult. No doubt there were many perils along the way; however, nothing deterred them from reaching their final destination. When they arrived, they presented the child Jesus with their precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Still, the story of the magi is not the focus here.

The greater story is that God has kept his promise to send a Savior for the world. This child Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, is the one through whom the greatest gift would come; the gift of salvation for those who believe. This is what God has done for all who believe. Through faith, we are able to receive this gift.

In our gratitude we could respond as the magi, offering our treasure and our worship. These are certainly gifts we ought to bring. There is however, another gift to consider. We can offer the gift of ourselves as we follow our Lord Jesus doing as he did. Loving God and neighbor, having compassion on the needy, and sharing the good news of God’s grace are gifts much greater than gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Prayer: Thank you, O God, for the gift of your Son. Help me share this gift with others. Amen.

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Sharing the gift

Posted on January 5, 2020 by David Nuottila

Luke 2:22-40

As today begins, Christians find themselves at the intersection of life in the world and life as God’s beloved people. For the world, it is simply another day following a busy holiday season. Yet, for those who know the Christian calendar, it is the twelfth day of Christmas. As such, we remember the gift of the Christ child as Jesus is presented to God in his temple. When Simeon beheld the baby Jesus, he knew that through this particular child would come salvation for all who believed in him.

Even today, as it seems our world is spinning out of control, Christians have the same opportunity to re-present Christ to a fallen humanity. The child Simeon beheld so long ago is the same Jesus who gave his life and was raised so that believers would be forgiven of their sin and raised to new life in heaven. This is the story we are to share. This is the good news for our fallen and broken world. Like Simeon, through faith our eyes have seen God’s salvation. God bless you as you share this gift with others.

Prayer: Holy God, allow us to go in peace as we share the good news of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Light for the world

Posted on January 4, 2020 by David Nuottila

John 9:1-12

When you experience sudden darkness, it takes time for your eyes to adjust. If you attempt to find your way without allowing your eyes to catch up to the lack of light, you might stumble. With sudden darkness often come hidden obstacles posing a threat of hindrance. Only when we see clearly can we avoid them.

In our text, Jesus gives sight to a man who was born blind. Sure, having lived a lifetime of blindness, he has bumped into his share of obstacles. Yet, his willingness to take Jesus at his word was enough to cause light to shine on his darkened world.

Throughout John’s Gospel the contrast of light and darkness plays a prominent role. The darkness of sin has brought the world to the brink of death. In Christ, however, there is light. Those who walk in sin will surely stumble, for there is nothing we can do on our own to overcome the darkness. But those who walk by faith in Christ walk in the most brilliant light, the light which no darkness can overcome.

Prayer: Shine you light upon me, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Changed for the better

Posted on January 3, 2020 by David Nuottila

Ephesians 4:17-32

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Dig into the meaning of this familiar phrase and one will find the frustration of something needing improvement, something that ought to be made better. In that struggle, it seems we are simply powerless to bring about change, because, well, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The same is often said for the people of God. Some will say “The church is filled with hypocrites.” It’s true, even Christians are still sinners. The trouble is, even as we are baptized and our sins forgiven, we continue to sin. Why? It is in our nature. The more we try to do what is right, the more we fall short of God’s expectation. But there is hope; we have Christ.

Through Christ, we have learned that we are to love God above all else and love our neighbor as ourselves. We are to forgive as we are forgiven. We have also learned that, as we fall short of God’s expectation (and we will) our sin is forgiven through Christ Jesus. So in truth, through Christ, the more we are changed, the more we cannot remain the same. We are God’s children now, forgiven, sanctified and loved forever. So as Paul exhorts us, “ Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, guide me in your ways, that my life would be a reflection of your love. Amen.

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The Greatest Gift

Posted on January 2, 2020 by David Nuottila

Ephesians 4:1-16

On the ninth day of Christmas (January 2), my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing. So goes the song of giftedness for the twelve days of Christmas. If we add up all the gifts given according to the song, by the end of the twelfth day we would have received three hundred sixty four gifts from our true love. That amounts to a gift per day for a full year, minus one day of course.

Certainly, we enjoy exchanging gifts at Christmas, but there is usually an unwritten rule concerning the giving of gifts. To those whom we love the most, there goes the greatest gift. This gift will be cherished, as will the giver. There is also a corresponding unwritten rule for receiving. Sadly, the gift we receive is sometimes not up to par with our expectations. Our perceived standing with the giver just might be askew. Not so with Christ!

God does not impart grace according to a scale of least to greatest. No favoritism is shown towards those with perfect attendance in worship, or to those who pray more earnestly. God’s gift is given according to the merit of Christ, poured out lavishly upon all who call upon his name. This is the greatest gift of all.

Prayer: Thank you, O Lord, for the gift of your salvation. Amen.

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Faithful and True

Posted on January 1, 2020 by David Nuottila

Revelation 19:11-16

If you were asked to describe Jesus how would you? What physical attributes could you mention? John takes up the task in the nineteenth chapter of Revelation. I would imagine, however, that our descriptions of Jesus would likely fall seriously short of John’s. Who among us could capture the true essence of Christ better than John?

Christians are one week removed from celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord. This celebration lends itself to peaceful images of shepherds, angels and a baby lying in a manger. Yet, the power and purpose of this child is captured in John’s vision of the one sitting atop of a white horse whose name is Faithful and True. He commands armies of angels. From his mouth comes a sharp sword which cuts down evil and rules the nations with a rod of iron. His name? The Word of the Lord.

Our Lord Jesus, God’s Word made flesh remains faithful and true. Christ is the same yesterday, today and always. He is Lord and Savior. He came to save we who are neither faithful nor true. His mercy is revealed through the truth of his Word and his grace is sufficient in all circumstances. Turn to the Lord. Call upon his name and receive the free gift of salvation through the one who is King of kings, Lord of lords.

Prayer: Most holy God, keep us in faith, that we would be ever thankful for your mercy and grace. Amen.

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