Assurance and hope in Christ

Posted on March 29, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 14:17-31, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

In the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. These are words of assurance. From the time the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, through the time Jesus fed a great multitude with a few small loaves, God has assured his people that he is ever present. God assures his people that needs are met, his love will not fail. And this night, our Lord assures his closest companions that he will continue to strengthen them.

Again, after supper, he took the cup. These are words of hope. On a night when Jesus knew his closest companions would flee in fear, he gave them the hope of forgiveness. Even as all would fall short, his grace would be sufficient to cover their sin, and the sins of all people. Our sins are many and they weigh heavy upon us, but Christ has given us true hope, that as we confess our sins, he will cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

On the night he was handed over, Jesus took bread and he took wine, both simple elements given from the earth. Within these elements, he offered humanity the most precious gift of all; his very body and blood. As we share the bread of life and the cup of blessing, we receive the assurance and hope of our salvation. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, through the bread that is broken and the wine poured out, give us the hope and assurance of your love. Amen.

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Washing feet

Posted on March 28, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 13:1-17

Dirty, filthy feet. That is what our Lord stooped so low to wash; the dirty, filthy feet of his closest companions. These are the feet of the twelve who dared take Jesus up on his invitation to follow him and become fishers of men. These men who witnessed Christ’s miracles of feeding, healing and even raising from the dead, the neediest of people. Jesus’ disciples learned from their master the ways of God’s truth, and on the night Jesus was handed over, they would learn the lesson of God’s love expressed through humility.

Our world would do well to practice such behavior. Even as the hungry, sick and dying are ever present, the prevailing wisdom of the world is to care for the self before caring for others. Examples of people expressing God’s love through humility still exist, but they seem to be growing fewer in number. Yet, Jesus continues to call his followers to fish for people. Our Lord continues to equip and empower disciples, so that they would be about the work of the gospel; loving God and loving neighbor.

Dirty, filthy feet, washed by the hands of our Lord. This is the example set by Christ for the twelve, and for us. A day later, Christ would wash away the filthy stain of our sin through the pouring out of his life on the cross.

Prayer: Make me your disciple, O Christ, and guide me in the way of your love. Amen.

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Authority

Posted on March 27, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 11:27-33

The day after Jesus drove the merchants and traders out of the temple, the chief priests, scribes and elders of the temple questioned his authority. It is not likely any of these temple authorities were around the day twelve-year-old Jesus held them spellbound with his teaching in the temple. If so, they would have known the answer to their question. Still, the many signs and wonders Jesus performed during his earthly ministry bear witness to the Father who sent him.

Now, Jesus has returned to his Father’s house. He has acted in the authority given him and cleansed the temple of all unrighteousness. He drove out those who profaned God’s house of prayer, and commenced to teach the people according to the Word. Jesus could have answered their question, but his answer would have fallen upon deaf ears.

Today, Christians have the authority of Christ to bear witness to the Father. Through our thoughts, words and deeds, we are to embody the example of our Lord Jesus set before us, and carry out his mandate to make disciples. As we share the good news of Christ and care for the needy among us, we work within the authority of the Father, through faith in the Son.

Prayer: Empower me, O Lord, that I may do your will. Amen.

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Cleansed

Posted on March 26, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 11:12-19

Yesterday we waved palms, shouted “Hosanna!” and greeted our King with exuberance. So, what of today? The procession has ended; the excitement died down, and life has returned to normal. Well, that may also be what the citizens of Jerusalem thought the day following Jesus’ triumphal entry. Even as their loud shouts of praise echoed in their hearts and minds, the next morning brought with it the same daily struggle against oppression. Rome was still in charge.

Today, we are not that much different. Yes, we had a very exciting time in worship yesterday. We recalled the day our Lord Jesus was welcomed into the City of David as were the kings of old. But today, at the beginning of Holy Week, we too face the same daily struggle. We live in a world of sinfulness, one that would attempt to lead us away from God, enticing us with its empty promises. How would Jesus react if he were to come into our lives as he did those who lived in and around Jerusalem?

On that day after, Jesus purged the temple of all that was unholy and unclean. He cast out the greedy money changers, turned over their tables and drove out the merchants. Would Jesus cleanse us as he did the temple? By week’s end, we can only hope…and trust in the God who saves people for their sin.

Prayer: O God, cleanse the thought of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Save us

Posted on March 25, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 11:1-11

Just outside the city walls, a procession had begun. The one who is called King of the Jews is riding on a donkey towards the city of David. As the procession draws even closer to the gates, people begin waving palm branches wildly in the air. Others take off their coats and lay them down upon the road in welcome. Their shouts can be heard throughout the city. Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!

Surely, many people came to the understanding that Jesus indeed is the long-awaited Messiah. He is the one to whom the scriptures point. For so long, God’s chosen people waited for this moment. They waited to be freed from oppression, to be delivered from bondage once and for all, to have the throne of their ancestor David restored. And so they shouted with all their might, “Hosanna!”, which means “Save us!”

In a matter of days; however, the shouts took on another tone. No longer celebratory, no longer joyous. Shouts calling for death replaced those once heard jubilant cries for salvation. By weeks end, Jesus would be handed over, crucified, dead and buried. Yet, through the distance of time, those who believe can still hear the faint cries; “Hosanna, save us!” And through his death, that’s just what Jesus did.

Prayer: Lord, through Christ and his innocent death, you rescued your people from sin. Accept our thanks and praise, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Always in Christ

Posted on March 23, 2018 by David Nuottila

Romans 8:31-39

Depression; clinical depression. It is not something understood by those who do not suffer from it. It isn’t simply a mood or a sullen disposition. Depression is a chronic condition, an imbalance, an affliction. Such depression can take hold of one’s life and turn it inside out. Yes, it can be managed, but such words roll quickly off the tongues from those who do not live such a life.

I’ve known several people who have confided in me concerning their depression. No, I have not always understood how I might be of help to them. As I encounter these situations, it becomes evident that my weaknesses out number my strengths. But even in this, there is a Lord who shows the way. He provides the greatest strength of all. Love.

The love of God is such that there is never a place where we might find ourselves apart from him. No darkness is too dark, no fear too great and no distance too far to be overcome by the compassion and comfort of Christ. Our hope rests in him, for Jesus is the one who has the power to save us from those afflictions and conditions that haunt us. For Jesus is the one who saves God’s people and promises to be with us, even to the end of the age.

Prayer: Come to me, O Lord, and fill me with your peace and presence today and always. Amen.

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Truth in Christ

Posted on March 22, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 8:21-32

Many heard Jesus teaching in the temple and were amazed. Some Pharisees, who were standing nearby; however, took exception. The Pharisees often found themselves at odds with Jesus’ words. They believed their self-defined teaching to be the standard. Jesus pointed out the reality; they did not live up to God’s expectations. Instead of hearing Christ’s call to repentance, these Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with trick questions.

We continue to live in a world which questions the authority and identity of Jesus. Our worldly society is centered upon self-defined standards. Attempts are often made to redefine sin, love, marriage and a host of other aspects of life. All of which, through sin, run counter to Holy Scripture. No matter what, we cannot redefine Christ’s teaching and we cannot alter God’s Word. Humanity’s call is to listen to his voice, accept his teaching, and strive to live according to God’s precepts.

Many people today often challenge the authority of Jesus and his teaching. They still ask, “Who is Jesus?” The answer remains the same. Jesus is the Christ; whose gospel teaches us truth and obedience. Through him only is there forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.

Prayer: Father, we praise you for your Son Jesus Christ, through whom you pour out your mercy and grace. Amen.

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Life in abundance

Posted on March 21, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 10:1-18

As you read this morning’s scripture, notice Jesus didn’t say that he came in order that people would have an abundance. Jesus came so that we would have “life” abundantly. Materialism only leads us away from God and one another. It is a lonely life, an isolated life. Jesus warns us about those thieves and robbers who would steal our life away. Those who prey upon others will use any trick conceivable to snatch people away from God’s hand. Jesus’ teaching puts us on guard against such adversaries.

The Good Shepherd text is sandwiched in between Jesus restoring eyesight to the blind and the raising of Lazarus. God wants us to “see” correctly what abundant life is. Abundant life is trusting that God will guard and care for his people. It means understanding that he has mercy for all who call upon Christ’s name. Abundant life means understanding that we live in the assurance of God’s love, and not even death has the power to separate us from him.

Focusing on the life we have in Christ Jesus, we can enjoy life in fellowship and love with God’s family of faith. It is seeing Jesus for who he is, realizing him as the Good Shepherd who lays his life down for the sake of the sheep. Through him only is there forgiveness, mercy and abundant life in God’s kingdom forever.

Prayer:  Dearest Jesus, accept our thanks and praise, for through you we have life abundantly. Amen.

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Servant of all

Posted on March 19, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 10:32-35

Three times, Jesus foretold of his crucifixion. In the first instance, Peter wouldn’t have any of it. His objections drew a sharp rebuke from Jesus. The second time Jesus was with Peter, James and John coming down from the mountain of the Transfiguration. The three kept the matter to themselves. Now, here in Mark’s tenth chapter, Jesus once again tells the disciples he must be handed over and killed, and then be raised on the third day. Yet, after the third time, the disciples still don’t seem to be tuning in.

James and John are more worried about their future status, looking forward to lofty positions in heaven. The rest of the disciples are angry with James and John, and they really have not paid much attention to what Jesus is saying. Scripture does testify that, following Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles indeed responded in faith. But what about God’s people today? Surely Jesus’ dying and rising for the sake of the world requires a response.

Responding in faith means following Jesus’ example living for others. Jesus isn’t concerned with earthly greatness. He isn’t worried about social standing, who has the biggest house or the most money. Jesus cares that people are saved from sin. He cares so much, that he calls his people to be servants of the gospel sharing the love of God so that others might come to believe.

Prayer: Make me your willing servant, O God, that I might share your love with others. Amen.

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Follow the leader

Posted on March 17, 2018 by David Nuottila

Matthew 16:21-28

I am sure most people have played “Follow the Leader.” It is a simple game, but it can become quite complicated if the leader heads in a direction the rest of the players do not want to go. Would you follow the leader if he walked along the edge of a steep cliff? Would you follow into the path of oncoming traffic? Seeing such a path filled with extreme challenges is a stumbling block, especially if following the leader means giving up all you have and heading to Jerusalem to offer your life for the sake of others. But that is exactly what Jesus did and he calls people to follow him along this same path.

Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Our Lord calls his people to be living sacrifices, unselfishly denying ourselves, placing the needs of others ahead of our own. Only when we do this can we truly say we are following our leader.

There are many false leaders in this world. They make empty promises not intended to be kept. They cannot forgive sins, heal our infirmities, or grant us everlasting life. Only through Christ, our leader, can people enter the gates of heaven.

Prayer: Holy God, help us to follow your Son as he leads us along the path of righteousness. Amen.

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