Striving toward righteousness

Posted on April 22, 2018 by David Nuottila

Matthew 23:27-39

How often have parents entered a child’s tidy and organized room only to encounter an avalanche of stuff upon the opening of the closet door? On the surface the parent is initially delighted, but upon closer inspection such delight turns to disappointment. Such a mess cannot be hidden by simply closing the door. Sadly, many Christians attempt to conceal their sinful mess from God and one another in the closets of their minds while living each day according to earthly values.

In our text from Matthew, Jesus warns the Scribes and Pharisees that even as they present themselves as righteous before others, God knows they do not practice what they preach. These teachers of the law cared only for their ideals and traditions, while lacking in faith and love. Christians who live in such a way as to present themselves as righteous before others, yet fail to live the life of faith in private face the same rebuke from Christ.

We cannot hide our mess from God. Believe it or not, others see through our charade as well. Thankfully, through Christ we are able to repent, receiving God’s mercy and forgiveness as we strive to follow the path toward righteousness.

Prayer: Merciful Father, grant us your grace and strengthen us to live for you alone; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Do not fear

Posted on April 21, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 5:21-43

As he walked with Jesus towards his home, Jairus was hit with the news, “Your daughter is dead.” No need to bother Jesus any longer; you’re too late. With such devastating news, one has to wonder what was it that kept Jairus going. Certainly there must have been something about being in the presence of Jesus that gave him assurance. Jesus said, “Do not fear, only believe” and so Jairus kept going.

Day by day, people are confronted with such news. A loved one has passed away, another is sick. We might receive such news about our own health. So often we come to an understanding and are convinced of certain outcomes. “This condition leads to that one.” “You have this much time left.” “You need to get affairs in order.” When we face these moments, the people of God have the same assurance as did Jairus. “Do not fear, only believe.” Christ is with us.

Through the gift of faith, Christians are able to witness Christ’s saving power. Just as Jesus healed the woman who suffered for twelve years, Jesus heals us from the sickness of sin. As he raised Jairus’ daughter, Jesus raises believers to new and everlasting life. Because of Christ’s victory on the cross, we need not fear death, it no longer has power. Because of Jesus, in death we see the gate to eternal life. Do not fear, only believe.

Prayer: Lord God, give us your assurance always, so that by faith we do not fear, but believe the promise of your grace. Amen.

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Gifted by the Spirit

Posted on April 20, 2018 by David Nuottila

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

There is a cliché in sports that says, “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” This is a favorite among gifted athletes, especially those who have set records, won championships and continually make the morning highlight reels. Their ability and athleticism is on display for all to see, and given the accomplishments, why should they not toot their own horn? But what if they can’t accomplish what they claim? Well, then it’s just bragging.

The people of God are called to do extraordinary things with the gifts and talents God provides. All are blessed with gifts of the Holy Spirit to bring about God’s goodness in the lives of others. As the apostle Paul teaches us, there are many varieties of gifts, but the one Lord activates them all. Some people work in the medical field while others are knowledgeable teachers. No matter the vocation, regardless of the skill or ability, it is God who brings to us the ability to accomplish the work of the gospel.

As sinners in need of redemption, Christians know that as the ministry of one believer succeeds, the entire body of Christ on earth is built up. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we become doers of the gospel. There is no need for bragging. The good works accomplished through us give glory to God, who saves his people through Christ the Lord.

Prayer: Equip me with gifts for service, O Lord, that I may do the work of your gospel. Amen.

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More than belief

Posted on April 19, 2018 by David Nuottila

Genesis 12:1-7; Hebrews 11:1-12; John 6:35-42, 48-51

In 1965, a Motown group called The Impressions scored their biggest hit with a song titled “People Get Ready.” Curtis Mayfield, the song’s composer begs his hearers “People get ready, there’s a train a coming…all you need is faith to hear the diesels humming…you don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.”

The author of Hebrews teaches us that faith is much more than belief. Faith is that gift from God that assures us that God’s promises are true. The Hebrews text recalls the faithfulness of Noah and Abraham. Their hope for life and communion with God was made real through faith. Even as Abraham did not realize in his lifetime, the promise of many descendants, he saw the reality of God’s promise just over the horizon of his life. Abraham was convicted by the things he could not see but understood to be true.

Through faith, Christians today have hope. Through faith, we know that Christ is with us each and every day. Faith is more than belief; it is the assurance of God’s love forever. Faith is the conviction that, even as we continue our pilgrimage on earth, God’s kingdom is real. Through faith, we can see heaven just beyond the horizon of this life.

Prayer: Holy God, grant us faith that we may be steadfast in hope and realize even today those promises of your kingdom yet unseen. Amen.

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Strengthened through faith

Posted on April 18, 2018 by David Nuottila

Acts 15:36 – 16:5, 1 Peter 5:1-14

Everyone faces a time when the best made plans fall apart. Projects seem too daunting, resources don’t add up, or perhaps we simply cannot rise to the occasion. Barnabas and Paul planned to revisit those churches included in their first missionary journey. But prior to leaving they had a stark disagreement. At issue was John Mark’s abandoning them early on. When the going got tough, young John Mark retreated to his home in Jerusalem. Yet this was not the end for Mark.

As Mark grew in years and experience, he also grew in faith. At the point of our reading today, Barnabas is ready to offer him another chance. Barnabas took Mark along to Cyprus where he continued his ministry. Later, Mark would also serve extensively with Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Even Paul would come to rely upon Mark as a servant of the gospel (Col. 4:10-11).

Mark serves as an example for Christians today. Even in our failures, God strengthens the faithful through the power of the Holy Spirit. And so we continue in our calling, persevering in faith, ministering to our neighbor, and proclaiming the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Mighty God, strengthen my weaknesses and give me confidence to boldly share the truth of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Soon and very soon

Posted on April 17, 2018 by David Nuottila

Revelation 21:1-7

When I think of God’s kingdom coming in its fullness, I am reminded of the gospel hymn Soon and Very Soon. The opening stanza expresses an undeniable joy. One day, we will see our King Jesus.

Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!
Hallelujah, hallelujah, we’re going to see the King!

Imagine seeing the King of Glory as the New Jerusalem descends from heaven. The trials and temptations of earthly life give way to the peace of Christ and the joy of salvation. The old fades away and God’s promise of eternal life becomes the present reality for all who know Christ as Lord and Savior.

The vision afforded John the seer is one of wholeness, restoration of a fallen world and reconciliation of a sinful humanity. No longer is there sickness; no longer is there suffering among God’s beloved children. With the day and hour known only by the Father, the new city of God descends from heaven, adorned as a bride awaiting her groom. The assurance is given; the one who conquers will have this heritage (Revelation 21:7)

Hallelujah, hallelujah, we’re going to see the King!

Prayer: O Lord our God, your mercy endures forever. Hallelujah! Amen.

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Beautiful feet

Posted on April 15, 2018 by David Nuottila

Romans 10:1-15

It goes without saying, our feet aren’t our most attractive attribute. Yet, the human foot is wonderfully designed by our creator. Our feet carry us places; hold us up on sure footing. Feet can be graceful and athletic; they can be sturdy and agile. But the most wonderful thing about our feet is that, because of Christ, they can stand in the presence of God as we worship him in his temple, and then carry us in mission for the sake of God’s people.

Consider the feet of Christ, those once wounded by the nail. They are the same feet once anointed with Mary’s tears and dried in a devotional act of love with her hair. Even as the nail pierced his feet and affixed them to the cross, Jesus continued to speak words of love and forgiveness. Even as his feet could no longer take him to places where people were in need of healing, Jesus provided ultimate healing for a broken humanity. And even though life giving blood ceased to flow through the wounded feet of our Lord Jesus, death could not hold them in the grave; our Savior would walk again in the glory of the resurrection.

Consider your own feet, once wounded by the nail of sin, yet forgiven and washed clean by the blood of Christ Jesus. Consider your feet, made strong and sure by the power of the Holy Spirit and empowered to take you to those places God would have you go. Redeemed by the blood of Christ, God calls us to take to our feet and proclaim his gospel to a fallen broken world. God calls us to bear witness to his grace, proclaiming the life-saving power of Jesus’ victory at the cross.

Prayer: Walk with me, O Christ, as I follow in your ways to share your gospel. Amen.

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Inheriting the kingdom

Posted on April 13, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 10:17-27

The rich young man doesn’t understand. Even as he kept the commandments, he just can’t bear to separate himself from his worldly possessions. Instead of inheriting eternal life, he went away dejected. He could not claim the promise of life in God’s kingdom, because his many possessions had their claim upon him.

It isn’t just the rich young man who wanders into this trap. We all fall short in our attempts to live a godly life. Yet, no matter how much we try, no person has the power to save their life for eternity. Even the selling of all we own and giving the money to the poor, as noble as it would seem, is not enough to purchase a place in God’s kingdom forever. That, as Jesus says, is humanly impossible; we need a Savior. Thankfully, in Christ we have one.

Through the life, death and resurrection of his Son, our heavenly Father does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. God claims us, forgives us and saves us. Through Christ, God makes us inheritors of his kingdom. The rich young man didn’t understand; his wealth could not buy him a place at God’s table. Yet, through Christ Jesus the banquet was already prepared and waiting for him. All he had to do was give thanks and follow.

Prayer: Holy God, we thank you for your mercy and grace through Christ Jesus. Give us the will to follow him. Amen.

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Feed my sheep

Posted on April 12, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 21:1-19

Following the crucifixion and death of Christ, Peter seemed lost. So much had taken place in the three years since he had first encountered Jesus. At the beginning of their ministry, Peter was bold, but his assertiveness often proved to be a hindrance to his maturing in faith. Following the death of his Master, Peter seemed to be a shell of the once confident disciple he became known as. Yet, even with the foreknowledge of all this, the Lord chose Peter to be the rock on which the church would be built.

We all have our shortcomings. Even with the best of intentions, Christians can charge head first into a ministry opportunity with the boldness of Peter but things just don’t seem to work out. There are even those instances when we fail to recognize the beggar, turn away the poor, or simply ignore the aged one in the nursing home. When we disregard them, we, like Peter, deny our Lord Jesus.

Peter wasn’t perfect and neither are we. Called to be disciples, we often stumble and must rely on God’s grace. Our Lord asks but one question; Do you love me? These words reach us at the center of our being. Of course, we love Jesus. And so the Lord says to his people, Feed my sheep.

Prayer: I love you Lord Jesus, and long to do your will. Amen.

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Changing the rules

Posted on April 11, 2018 by David Nuottila

Luke 24:1-9

The rule is, when your heart stops beating and you quit breathing, you die. But God’s raising Jesus changes the rules. The resurrection changes the rules of the world, of life and death. Everything is changed. Suddenly we are redeemed. Our sins are forgiven and believers have the assurance of new life in God’s kingdom.

On the cross, Jesus confronted the powers that defy God. Our sin, the hurt we cause others, and the disregard for God’s commandments were put to death as Jesus breathed his last. The sin of the world was placed within the tomb along with Jesus’ lifeless body. It seemed death claimed the victory. But the resurrection of Christ conquers even the grave. And because Christ lives, the lives of those who believe can never be the same.

Jesus’ resurrection is our opportunity to throw off the old worn out garments of worldly life that rob us of hope. Finally, we can leave the damage done by sin in the empty tombs of our old lives, leave them behind like the rolled up grave clothes that they are, and step forward with the assurance of God’s mercy and grace. The rules have changed, and this is good news for all who believe.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for your saving grace, and for the life that comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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