Good soil

Posted on February 4, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 3:31–4:9

When the Parable of the Sower is preached, it is likely most in attendance believe they indeed resemble good soil. We are at worship; we are hearing God’s Word and singing his praise. Yet, truthfully, as the seed of God’s Word is scattered among the congregation, what are the chances that it always lands on such fertile ground?

Everyone becomes preoccupied at times; we do not always listen intently. Sometimes, issues may find us more like the pathway. We are in the church, but our mind is elsewhere. Some in attendance may be like rocky ground, those who worship, but only a few times each year. When the minister says “Go in peace” they quickly fall back into worldly habits. Worries or distractions also present obstacles to our hearing. Preoccupied with other things, the gospel message may seem distant and unfamiliar.

To become good soil, Christians must practice spiritual discipline. We must pray earnestly, worship regularly, read scripture daily and participate in the Sacrament of the Altar. Jesus calls us to produce fruit for God’s kingdom. Therefore, as disciples of Jesus, we must strive to become good soil.

Prayer: Lord let my heart be good soil, open to the seed of your Word. Amen.

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Healthy faith

Posted on February 3, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 2:13-22, Hebrews 3:1-11

Everyone has at least one bad habit, one particular vice that keeps us from getting the proper amount of rest, nutrition, or exercise. Left unchecked, bad habits can lead us along a path of poor health, sickness, even death. We know better, but we just can’t stop.

The same can be said for the healthiness of our faith. As worldly powers pull and tug at God’s people, healthy habits of faith often succumb to unhealthy bad habits. Time for reading Holy Scripture is often replaced by work or play. Gathering with the faithful for worship often becomes less appealing than a social gathering with friends. Soon, the people of God grow weak in their faith; it becomes difficult to articulate what it means that Jesus endured the tragedy of the cross for our sake.

The author of Hebrews calls Christians to spiritual revitalization. He encourages us to consider all that God has done and continues to do through Christ our Lord. John reminds us that even the temple needed cleansing. We may not need to turn over tables, but certainly there is room in each life for re-commitment to faithful living. Through faith in Christ Jesus, it can be so.

Prayer: Help us, O Lord, to overcome that which hinders our faith, that we might seek you always. Amen.

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Have faith

Posted on February 1, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 6:47-56

“God won’t give you more than you can handle.” This is one of my least liked statements. People usually say something like this when they experience various hardships, when friends are struggling or in times of loss. This phrase suggests that God is the one who places burdens upon his people. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Many believe this sentence comes from the Bible, when in reality it does not. Most likely, it found its way into our vocabulary through a misunderstanding of Paul’s speaking out about temptation. You can read the verse here (1 Corinthians 10:13).

As the disciples fought the wind and seas on the Sea of Galilee, fear overcame their sensibilities. In their panic, they saw Jesus approaching upon the waters and thought him a ghost. Only when their Lord called to them and got in the boat did peace return. It is the same for us as we struggle against the powers of earthly life. Sin brings doubt; doubt brings fear. Yet by faith, the children of God will recognize that they are not alone. Through Jesus Christ, who is with us always, God saves his people and provides a way to endure.

Prayer: Loving God, the burden is mine alone, yet you provide strength to endure through Christ the Lord. Amen.

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Have mercy

Posted on January 31, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 10:46-52

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asks this question twice within the chapters and verses of Mark’s gospel. The first instance occurred when James and John asked Jesus to grant their request for places of honor in God’s kingdom. Not knowing what they were asking, theirs was a request motivated by status and inward focus.

The second instance of Jesus asking this question occurs within the text before us. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus heard the cries of Bartimaeus as he pleaded for mercy. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. Bartimaeus knew Jesus was the Messiah; he had faith that the son of David was truly the Son of God. In faith, he requested that his sight would return.

What do you want Jesus to do for you? Are you hoping to have your wants and desires filled according to your ideals? Or do you pray that God will have mercy and give you sight clear enough to see Jesus for who he is, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world? Recognize Christ within your midst. Call out to him in prayer.

Prayer: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.

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Inheriting the kingdom

Posted on January 30, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 10:17-31

What must I do to inherit eternal life? This is a question asked by so many people today. “What must I do to make it into heaven?” The rich man in the text told Jesus he had kept the commandments, yet Jesus finds him still lacking. The Lord tells him to sell all he has, give it to the poor and follow him. There will be no need for personal wealth as he will have treasure in heaven. Sadly, this fellow cannot bear to part with his worldly possessions.

So is that how we inherit eternal life? Does the act of passing on our wealth to the poor, filling our days doing good works, and keeping the commandments provide the final punch for our ticket to heaven? No! If we believe this we also will find ourselves lacking. To inherit, one must be an heir, someone to whom inheritance is passed down. Through Holy Baptism, God pours out his mercy and grace and makes us his beloved children. We are made inheritors, joined to the death and resurrection of Jesus through water and the Word. As heirs, we are free to share what God provides, for because we are God’s heirs, the kingdom is already ours.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for making us your children, heirs to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

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Touched by Christ

Posted on January 29, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 10:1-16

Even in the first century divorce was legal. All that was required was a husband’s letter of the wife’s dismissal. Today’s legalities are much more substantial. It may be legal, but in the eyes of God, divorce is yet further evidence of our need for a savior. Surprisingly, this passage of scripture is not about divorce. The Pharisees’ only reason for bringing it up was another attempt to trap Jesus with his own words yet, once again, their attempts failed. It is here where the text takes an unexpected turn.

As the disciples were seeking explanation concerning divorce, people began bringing children to Jesus so that he might touch them. Throughout Mark’s gospel, being touched by Jesus means being healed. In the confrontation with the Pharisees centered on divorce, we see humanity’s brokenness and need for restoration. The children in the next few verses represent the weak and vulnerable; they serve as representatives for all who seek God’s healing, reconciliation and forgiveness.

Like the children, we long to be touched by Christ. We come to Jesus to be healed. Jesus says, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them.” Bring those who face the hardship of sin, sickness, divorce and brokenness. In their brokenness, Jesus will bless them and give them life.

Prayer: By your touch, Lord Christ, heal me and make me whole. Amen.

Photo: The children in Boma, Congo DRC – July 2017

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To share God’s love

Posted on January 26, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mathew 12:9-21, Revelation 21:22-27, Isaiah 52:7-10

Can you imagine the ruckus in the synagogue during worship? Rabbi, I don’t like the new music for the psalm. It was too hot/cold inside. I think we should sit/stand during the prayers. Rabbi, who gave you permission to heal that man with the withered hand on the Sabbath?

Does this sound familiar? It should, for such issues arise everyday within congregations. These situations shift focus away from worship and give way to power struggles, control issues and conflict. Rarely, if ever do they have anything to do with accomplishing mission and ministry. Jesus often faced such scrutiny, because he did not always conform to rules and traditions. Instead, much to the chagrin of the Pharisees, his purpose was to show God’s love and compassion through service to his neighbor.

There will always be persons who look upon the church as a place of perceived power or control. There will always be those who grumble. Yet, the lessons for today teach us that God’s work is not confined within walls and stained glass windows. Jesus shows us the way; withdraw rather than fight, and continue to do the work to which God calls his beloved children.

Prayer: Lead us, O God, by the example of your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Truth

Posted on January 25, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 3:20-35, Ephesians 4:17-32, Isaiah 44:9-20

How foolish we are; how misguided are our thoughts. Too often, superstitions and charms get in the way of faith. Who remembers carrying a lucky rabbit’s foot as a child? Who recalls possessing a four leafed clover? How many times have you turned the horseshoe upright so the luck does not run out? These are but a few examples of humanity’s struggle with false gods. Harmless superstitions? Tell that to the person purchasing lotto tickets with his last few dollars; his lucky number is due. Thankfully, Jesus shows us the truth.

When Jesus showed the Jews the power of God’s love, they claimed he was out of his mind. No one had ever taught the things Jesus taught or performed such miracles. Surely, they thought, he was demon possessed. Their hearts were hardened by worldly powers. The people’s minds were closed to the truth that Jesus truly was the Son of God. The same is true today.

Science attempts to explain the wonders of the universe; philosophy the powers of reason. People put trust in horoscopes and all sorts of superstitious folly in order to make sense of their lives. Each attempt falls short, for only by faith can the truth be known. Through faith, we know Jesus is Lord. Only Christ has the power to save.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for the truth of your Christ, and for your grace that comes through him only. Amen.

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Journey of faith

Posted on January 24, 2018 by David Nuottila

Ephesians 2:1-10

The annual salmon run in Alaska is truly something to behold. Guided by the forces of nature, salmon, one after another, struggle to swim against the currents. Navigating violent rapids and falls, the salmon push ahead finally reaching their destination. At the end of the journey, they fulfill their purpose, then die. No doubt, swimming with the current would be easier, but to what end?

People also follow a path led by determination. Human nature drives us in a direction towards the goal of self-fulfillment. As Paul states, the powers in the air are at work leading people through the courses of the world. They act as swift currents pushing humanity away from the purposes God intends. We make excuses; “It is how everyone does it.” “If it is meant to be it will be.” “God made me this way.” Such attitudes cause us to give in and swim with the flow away from faithfulness.

Paul reminds us that, even as we are no match for the powers in the air, by the power of God’s grace we are saved. Faithful obedience led Christ to the cross. He fulfilled God’s purpose to save his people. Saved by grace through faith in Christ, God enables us to swim against the currents, reach our destination, and live.

Prayer: Give me strength, O God, that I may complete my journey through faith in Christ and dwell in your kingdom forever. Amen.

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Seek the kingdom

Posted on January 22, 2018 by David Nuottila

Matthew 6:25-34

We live in a world filled with expectations. Children are expected to do well in school. College graduates expect to embark on a high paying career. Investors expect their portfolio will pay huge dividends. Life is filled with expectations, some are met, many others are not. God also has expectations. He expects that humanity will obey his law. God expects his people will love him love their neighbor. And God expects us to share our faith and bear fruit for his kingdom.

It seems there is a wide gap between God’s expectations and ours. People tend to live for themselves more than for God. We strive to be self-sufficient, personally secure and financially independent. Yet, in the end, our sense of expectation is replaced with worry. Why? Simple, our expectations don’t match God’s.

Jesus teaches us that God graciously provides everything we need to live a fruitful and abundant life. Even as God cares for the plants and animals, how much more will God care for those created in his image and likeness? The truth is God provides for all people what is needed and expects to be acknowledged for it. In our thankfulness, we realize the tremendous blessing it is to be called “Child of God.

Prayer:  Holy God, help live according to your expectations, and rant me forgiveness when I fall short. Amen.

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