Given for you

Posted on March 16, 2018 by David Nuottila

Matthew 26:20-35

In the night in which Jesus was handed over, there was no way the twelve could foresee the darkest hour the evening would bring. Jesus, however, knew completely the events that would unfold.  Jesus knew the fear and anxiety they would feel, the sorrow at the loss of their master, and the grief that would pierce their hearts. So Jesus prepared his friends.  He gave of himself once more in the breaking of the bread and pouring of the cup.

As we come to God’s table, Christ offers himself to us in this same bread and cup. The burden of our sin is replaced with assurance of God’s grace. Eating this bread and sharing this cup is the means by which Jesus comes to us, not only spiritually, but physically in order that we may feel the power of God’s love. Jesus continues to offer his body and blood because he knows we need it. He feeds us the bread of life because without it we have no life in us. This is the power of God’s love made manifest.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it. Again after supper he took the cup, gave thanks and gave it for all to drink. Even as we gather and hear these words again, our Lord Jesus comes into our midst, stands among us and says, “Given and shed for you…Do this in remembrance of me.”

Prayer: Come Lord Jesus, and fill me with your grace. Amen.

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Confessing sin

Posted on March 15, 2018 by David Nuottila

2 Samuel 12:1-14, Psalm 51:1-19

We are all sinners. We all fall short of God’s expectations for His created people. But how willing are we to acknowledge our sins before God, confessing that we are indeed broken and disobedient? After all, it is so much simpler to just look past our sinfulness and pretend our behavior is better than it really is.

King David tried to hide the sin he committed with Bathsheba. He went to great lengths to cover up his taking of another man’s wife. This deceitfulness even claimed the life of Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. Only when David was confronted by the prophet Nathan did he admit his sins to God. Psalm fifty-one is David’s confession. Within its verses, David bares his heart and soul before God. The reality of his sin is too much to grasp. He knows only God can grant him mercy, and that is just what God does.

As we pray this psalm, we too implore God to create within us clean hearts. We cannot hide our sin from God. We must acknowledge it before Him and put our trust in the power of His love. Praying with David, we have the assurance of God’s grace, and the joy of God’s salvation is restored.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.

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The voice

Posted on March 14, 2018 by David Nuottila

1 Kings 19:9-21, Luke 9:28-36

The Voice is a popular television show, a contest to find the newest singing star. Many have seen it. Four “coaches” listen to anonymous auditions and pick contestants for their team. Their only insight is the singer’s voice. In the end, the coach hopes that voice will lead them to victory.

Throughout scripture, there is voice that calls people to follow. The prophet Elijah heard this voice, he listened and obeyed. Isaiah’s prophecy serves as a voice in the wilderness, later echoed by John the Baptizer, calling people to prepare the way of the Lord. Jesus himself hears the voice of the Father proclaiming him to be his “beloved Son.”

Today, the people continue to hear the voice of God through Holy Scripture. God’s voice rings loud and clear through liturgy, prayer, reading and preaching. God’s voice calls and guides, teaches and instructs, calms and reassures. His voice brings us hope for forgiveness and salvation, especially as we obey the voice of our Father in heaven commanding us to listen to his beloved Son. His is the voice that saves.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, speak to your children, for your servants are listening. Amen.

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The power of God’s love

Posted on March 13, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 5:1-20

In our world today, we seldom hear of demons seizing control of someone’s life. But in reality, the powers of evil manifest themselves in many ways. Satan’s demonic helpers are more than capable of throwing someone’s life into chaos. Such was the situation of the man in our text whom Jesus healed.

Evil runs rampant throughout the world. Its desire is to weaken people of God and to drive a wedge into relationships of the faithful. The man living among the tombs had been cast out of his community. Causing turmoil and creating havoc, the demons appeared successful in ruining his life, that is until they encountered Jesus. The powers that defy God have only one thing to fear, and that is the power of God‘s love.

Just as Jesus rid the man of his demons, Christ has the power to rid our lives of sin and evil. Try as they might, Satan and his minions cannot snatch the children of God from the hand of the Father. This is the good news that must be shared. Be thankful for all that God has done and continues to do. Go in joy and peace and share the good news, for Christ is with you.

Prayer: Protect me from evil, O God, surround me with the power of your love. Amen.

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Give us a sign

Posted on March 12, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 8:11-21

Once again, the Pharisees came to Jesus arguing with him. They did not believe, or at least did not want to believe, that Jesus is who he says he is. Always looking to put him to the test, they demanded yet another sign. Short of giving his life for their sake, how much more could Jesus do to convince them that he is indeed the Christ?

The world is still filled with people who do not believe, or do not want to believe. Nonbelievers continue to put God’s people to the test. “Prove what you believe is true; show me that Jesus is real.” Yet, how are we to convince them? What more must we do?

Recalling the many signs and wonders of Jesus, Christians must understand our mission today is to do likewise. Jesus calls us to love God and love our neighbor, doing for them that which Christ has done for us. And so we proclaim the gospel, feed the hungry, shelter the poor and have compassion for the sick, lost and lonely. Through Christ’s Church, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, the signs of God’s grace and mercy are there for all to see.

Prayer: O Lord, walk with us we do the work of your gospel, that all might come to believe in you. Amen.

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Living water

Posted on March 9, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 4:1-26

As spring time draws near, so too do the plans of back yard gardeners who look forward to planting vegetables and flowers. In the hot summers months that follow, it becomes easy to recognize plants that are thirsty for life giving water. They begin to droop. Their leaves curl and then wither. If not provided sufficient water, garden plants will not yield good fruit, if any at all. The same can be said for the people of God.

The Samaritan woman speaking with Jesus at the well is one who is dry and thirsty. She is not living a life pleasing to God. Instead, she is living a life of worldly measure. She is spiritually withered, dying on the inside. Jesus, the gardener, offers her water. Not just water to quench her thirst, but life-giving water flowing from the Word of God.

Jesus offers this same life-giving water today. His Word is the gospel that saves. It is the message of God’s forgiveness and mercy for sinners who confess and believe that Jesus is the one who takes away the world’s sin. The well-spring of the gospel flows in the hearts of the faithful. Those who believe will never be thirsty for God’s love.

Prayer: Pour out the water of life, O Lord, and satisfy my thirst for your grace. Amen.

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Called to be generous

Posted on March 8, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 12:35-44

I’ve often written about meeting Jesus every day. You don’t have to look hard to see Jesus; he turns up just about everywhere. I once encountered Jesus at a Chinese take-out. He emptied his pockets of the little money he had. I listened as the woman behind the counter listed his options. He could get a small soup or two egg rolls, perhaps a side of fried rice. Anticipating my seemingly lavish banquet compared to his options, I finally asked him if I could help him out.

In my wallet I had four one-dollar bills and a twenty. I gave the man the four dollars and the extra change in my pocket and said to him, “now you can buy a full meal.” After supper, I felt good about helping the fellow buy a full meal. Good for me right?

In our text, the widow gave out of her poverty, while those in the temple didn’t have a clue of what it meant to be generous. Did I give generously, or was it more important to give a few dollars so I could feel good about myself and keep my twenty?

God calls us to be generous with all that he has first given us, including money for a Broccoli and Beef Combination Platter. For another buck fifty, the man could have had a drink to go with it. That Sunday during worship, Jesus appeared again. This time he fed me.

Prayer: Guide me, O Christ, that I might share the blessings of your kingdom. Amen.

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The race of faithfulness

Posted on March 7, 2018 by David Nuottila

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The Olympic Games feature men and women accomplishing great feats of skill, strength and courage. As captivating as these sports are, none of the athletes reached the world’s most spectacular event by accident. Each participant spent countless hours preparing for their few moments of competition. The sought-after prize, a medal made of Gold. In ancient times, those who emerged victorious received a different prize, a laurel, or crown, made from twisted olive branches.  To the winner goes the glory.

The apostle Paul likens the Christian life to that of preparing for such a sporting event. Just as athletes spend countless hours conditioning their bodies, Christians are to prepare their hearts and minds to live for the sake of the gospel. Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ means training one’s self in the scriptures. It means striving to live according to God’s precepts and engaging in spiritual disciplines such as worship and prayer.

To run the race of faith, one must seek to live differently than as people of the world live. To love God and neighbor, and to share the gospel with those who have not yet heard the good news of Christ is the goal. Finishing the race, God’s people are adorned with the most precious prize of all, everlasting life in the presence of the living Lord Jesus.  For it is God who receives the glory.

Prayer: Lord, guide my ways that I may live according to your will. Amen.

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Treasure in heaven

Posted on March 6, 2018 by David Nuottila

Matthew 19:16-30

In ancient times, it was believed that wealth was a sign of God’s favor. Today, such a notion is known as the prosperity gospel. It is a false teaching, yet many people buy into it. With the prosperity gospel, everything depends on you. Believe, keep the commandments, live a good life and show God how much you love him. Do this and God will bless you. For the rich, it seems a good deal, but what about the poor? Have they not believed? Do they not love God? Why are the poor not blessed?

The rich man in our text today seems to have bought into the prosperity gospel. He is proud of how he lives. He sees himself as above the rest. Yet when Jesus instructs him to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor, then follow him, he cannot bear it. According to his belief, God has rewarded him, blessed him with wealth for living faithfully. So much for prosperity gospel.

Despite their error, today’s prosperity gospel preachers get one thing right. God does bless those who live faithfully, just not necessarily with earthly riches. God blesses all believers with his peace and presence. God forgives sins, supplies daily bread, and provides that which is needed for life. Through grace, we are blessed with treasure in heaven to be enjoyed forever in the company of Christ our Lord.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the blessing of your grace, and for eternal life granted through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Sharing the gift

Posted on March 5, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 5:31-47

In the field of education, it happens with textbooks. With technology, specifications and technical manuals are the culprits. The circumstance even exists within Christian worship where hymnals and other resources serve as guides. Those most learned and talented within their respective fields know the materials at their disposal frontwards and backwards. But sometimes, such experts are blinded by their knowledge and fail to realize the joy of sharing their gift.

The Pharisees were well schooled in the scriptures. Their interpretations were authoritative; no one questioned them. Some Pharisees used their expertise to gain status within the community. Others abused their authority. When Jesus appeared, the experts failed to recognize the long-awaited Messiah. Instead, they made charges against him because Jesus did not meet their expectations.

Jesus reminds God’s people of the Father’s love and reveals God’s glory through his miracles and teaching. His is an authority none had experienced before, yet his testimony is true. The Pharisees read the right book, but in the wrong way. Today’s experts must not make the same mistake.

Prayer: Open our minds to your Word, O Lord, that we may joyfully point others toward you. Amen.

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