Deliverance

Posted on November 29, 2016 by David Nuottila

genesis-9_13

Genesis 9:1-17

In the days of Noah, the evil nature of mankind had taken over every aspect of life causing God to pass judgment upon the world He once called good. Beginning with Adam and Eve’s banishment from the garden and following Cain’s killing his brother Abel, it became clear that creation had refused to honor God, instead choosing to honor itself. In so many ways, humanity chose to believe the deceiver’s lies over God’s truth. Creature became the object of worship rather than God. Yet even as Noah was a sinner, he found favor with God.

Scripture tells us that Noah “was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God” In Noah we see that even as creation had fallen, there was one who accepted his status as creature and God’s as Creator. Throughout the narrative of the flood there is one refrain that repeats over and over; “And Noah did all that God commanded.” Noah realized God’s commands were promises for life. He heard God’s command, he followed and his family was delivered from the waters of the flood.

In the centuries following Noah, the world is still one that is fallen into sin. In terms of saving ourselves we are no better off today than were the generations before the flood. Still, the narrative of Noah shows the lengths God will go in order to save his people.

As we hear the words of prophecy concerning Jesus during Advent, we begin to understand that even as we cannot keep God’s laws, we receive His commands as promises for life. Even as we cannot save ourselves from sin and death, God brings salvation to His people through the one promised to be Savior. God invited Noah and his family into the ark as a means for salvation. Today, God invites the human family into his presence through the blood of Christ who is salvation for all of humankind.

Mighty and everlasting God, Just as you saved Noah and his family from the waters of the flood, we thank you for saving your people from their sin through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Advent | Comments Off on Deliverance

Beginning the Season of Advent

Posted on November 27, 2016 by David Nuottila

genesis-1_3

Genesis 1:1-3

Have you seen something wonderful today? Have you noticed the beauty of God’s creation all around you? The world we live in is filled with beautiful things, trees, lakes, rivers, animals; the list goes on. All of these and everything else is the result of the creating love of God. Sometimes I wonder if we can even imagine the conditions before God said “Let there be…” We humans cannot begin to understand the formlessness and void of creation in the beginning. Yet God said, “Let there be…” And it came to be.

As Christians all over the world begin to observe the Advent of our Lord Jesus, we do so by recalling the history of our salvation through Christ, which begins of course, in the beginning. As we read Holy Scripture, we believe Christ was present in the creation of all there is. The opening verses of the Gospel according to John teach us “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1-4). The Creation narrative teaches us that apart from God there is no life or light.

Still, even today so many continue to discount God’s creating love in the beginning. Many also continue to deny the presence of God in the world or in their lives. Yet, the simple fact remains, without God there is nothing. Without God humans have no purpose. Without the love of God in Christ Jesus, the people of the world walk in the darkness of their sin and their reality is such that they have no hope for salvation.

Jesus is the light of the world; he is the one in whom we find hope. Through Christ, God’s Word incarnate, the people of God once again walk in the light of God’s mercy. Our lives are not formless, they are not void, rather, they are filled with the purpose of proclaiming the gospel and the vocation of love for our neighbor. Today we find ourselves at the beginning of Advent. We find ourselves as sinners awaiting the celebration of our Savior’s entrance into earthly life in order to rescue God’s people from sin and death. Today we find ourselves at the beginning, understanding Christ’s presence in the beginning of time and the creative nature of God’s love.

Thank you God for this beautiful world in which we live. Thank you for each person you have created in your image. Most of all, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our light and our life. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Advent | Comments Off on Beginning the Season of Advent

No more crying

Posted on April 14, 2016 by David Nuottila

Revelation 21_3

Revelation 21:1-8

When I think of God’s kingdom coming in its fullness, I am reminded of the gospel hymn Soon and Very Soon.

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.

No more crying there, we are going to see the King!
Hallelujah, hallelujah, we’re going to see the King!

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. The day and hour known only by the Father arrives, the city of God adorned as a bride awaiting her groom. “The one who conquers will have this heritage.” Revelation 21:7

No more dying there, we are going to see the King!
Hallelujah, hallelujah, we’re going to see the King!

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

Original image

Lyrics by Andrae Crouch accessed Nov 16 – http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/997

Posted in Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on No more crying

Alone

Posted on April 13, 2016 by David Nuottila

1 John 1_3

1 John 1:1-7

Some time ago, the National Geographic Channel aired a series in which ten men were deposited on the remote reaches of Vancouver Island. The purpose of their journey was to find out which of them could survive the longest in the wild while being totally, as the title would describe, Alone. These men had no contact with anyone. Only if they radioed for assistance would they hear another human voice, but such a call meant their odyssey would come to an end.

Being alone is contrary to the life God would have for his people. In the beginning God created Adam but soon afterward made for him a helper and companion. Throughout the ages, God has blessed the human family that people may live in community with one another. In his book Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains that, for believers, community is a gift of God’s grace.

Not all live in such community. Many believers are dispersed throughout the world and live among those who have not believed Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Yet, our God calls some Christians to love and even live among their enemies. Speaking the Gospel of Christ to those who do not believe provides the building blocks of faith, which in turn serve as the seeds that sprout and grow into the fellowship of faith.

God does not intend for his people to live alone. Filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, believers have what is needed to introduce others to Christ. Hearing this Gospel bring others to faith, and through faith, Christ establishes the community of believers.

Holy God, we thank you for the community of faith and our life together through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Christian Living | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Alone

The sweetness of grace

Posted on April 11, 2016 by David Nuottila

1 Peter 1_24

1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Imagine being on a tropical island, the ocean breeze gently blowing as you dine on the deck of a seaside restaurant. It’s evening, the stars fill the sky and sweet strains of island music fill the air. You dine on freshly prepared seafood garnished with lemony spices. The meal concludes with a scrumptious assortment of fruit laden desserts, coconut and freshly whipped cream. Ah, the sensation is so vivid in your mind you can taste it. My friends, such is the grace of God.

In his first epistle to the Church, Peter cites the psalmist and begs the church to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2-3). Like a newborn baby develops a taste for its mother’s milk, so too the people of God must develop a taste for God’s word which feeds and nourishes.  When Peter says “the word that was announced to you” he means especially all the prophecies and promises concerning the Christ which are fulfilled through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Through the living Word that is his Son, God saves his people. Evil no longer has power over God’s people. The grave has lost its power to imprison the bodies of the faithful. Christ has triumphed! And so the sweet refrain is sung by God’s redeemed people, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ shall come again!”

As the psalmist reminds us, the Lord is so good to his people. God comes to our rescue, delivers us from our fears and brings us into his everlasting kingdom. The sweetness of God’s love and assurance of his promises are made certain through Christ our Lord. God’s Word is the healing balm for all doubt and fear. Even in the face of evil, the Lord blesses those who call upon his name and sing his praise. And so it is that God prepares his table and gathers the faithful for the banquet of heaven.

Satisfy my hunger for your Word, O Lord, and bring me to everlasting life in your kingdom. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Faith | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on The sweetness of grace

Calling the unlikely

Posted on April 10, 2016 by David Nuottila

Galatians 1_10

Galatians 1:1-24

Saint Paul, along with all other apostles, was expressly and uniquely set apart by Christ for the mission of the Gospel. In his day, many would question his qualifications, especially since Paul was a chief persecutor of early Christians. Yet, this is precisely the point Paul makes as he begins his letter to the Galatians. The gravity of sin is only overcome by God’s grace that comes at the cost of his Son. It is by this grace that Paul is redeemed, sanctified and called to be an apostle.

God continues to call the unlikely, and he sets apart the unexpected for the sake of his mission. The Gospel received through Christ is the good news of salvation. No, not every pastor has walked a path toward holiness all his or her life. No priest has lived a life without sin. These are impossible goals for any man or woman. Yet, even as today’s clergy bear the scars of their sin, God’s grace is stronger. God sanctifies and sets apart those whom he calls to preach the Gospel of Christ for the sake of all people, and then sends them to his people as bearers of the good news.

Today, the Church gathers to hear the Word of God and receive his supper. We gather to confess our sin and hear the words of absolution. Today, in pulpits throughout the world, sinners who have been redeemed by Christ, crucified and risen, will step into pulpits and preach the Gospel that saves. They, more than most, know the power of God’s saving grace, for they, like Paul, have been redeemed and set apart, uniquely and expressly for the sake of God’s mission.

We thank you Lord for those whom you have called to preach your Word. Give them strength, perseverance, and the assurance of your redeeming grace. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Discipleship, Evangelism | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Calling the unlikely

God provides

Posted on April 2, 2016 by David Nuottila

Mark 8_17

Mark 8:11-21

Where will the money come from? We need more volunteers. Our church attendance is too low. We do not have enough. Such are the doubts and fears of a congregation focused not on Christ, but on the struggles of the moment at hand.

Following the miracle of feeding four-thousand, Jesus instructed the twelve to get in the boat and set sail for the other side of the sea. The other side was not a place where most Jews wished to go. It was Gentile territory, fairly unknown and uncertain. In their worry and apprehension, the disciples forgot to pack up some food for the journey. As Jesus was teaching them, the twelve were not listening; they were worried about their lack of food.

All too often, followers of Jesus worry about the things they do not have and they forget about what is most important. Faith and trust that God will provide all that is needed to do his will is essential for the mission driven church. Our Lord calls us to go to great lengths in order to serve others. Understanding the loaves he provides allows the church to participate in God’s mission without the worry of not having enough.

Prayer: We give you thanks, O God, for providing all that we need to do your will. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Discipleship | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on God provides

The Emmaus Road

Posted on March 28, 2016 by David Nuottila

Luke 24_13

Luke 24:13-35

The road to Emmaus, as traveled by two disciples, was one of abandoned hope and broken hearts. Early in the week they greeted Jesus as their king. Days later, Jesus was crucified. Instead of their King’s triumph, they witnessed a horrible defeat. And so they walked home heartbroken, yet they were not alone.

Many of us have experienced such a road. We know heartbreak and grief. Some can recall wondering if they would ever again experience joy. This is precisely the point when we ought to recognize that feeling that we too are not alone. Jesus is near.

As they walked together, the risen Christ joined them and taught them that God’s intent went far beyond the pain of the present day cross. Jesus helped them recognize that out of darkness, God brings light. Out of despair, God gives hope. Through the risen Christ, God raises the dead to life.

Finally, in Emmaus, Jesus is revealed in the breaking of the bread. For us today, Jesus is revealed in the very same way. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ opens our minds that we might encounter him. Through the bread that is broken and the wine that is poured, the risen Lord Jesus comes to us with God’s forgiveness and love.

At some time, we all experience the grief of the Emmaus Road. Yet, Christ is near. This is the Easter message, the restoration of hope, the forgiveness of sins and the joy of salvation. It is the assurance that in Christ, life conquers death and we are never alone. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Holy God, we thank you for your grace, which comes through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Easter | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Emmaus Road

Darkness overcome – He is risen!

Posted on March 27, 2016 by David Nuottila

John 20_15

John 20:1-18

“Early in the morning while it was still dark.” That is when Mary Magdalene went to visit Jesus’ tomb. It is likely she had no idea what she would do when she got there. The great stone would be blocking the entrance, and the other women who would assist with anointing his body would not arrive for some time. So in the darkness of her grief, Mary would wait, and she would mourn the death of Jesus.

Today, many still live in darkness. Some are lost in grief and time does not bring healing. Others suffer the darkness of loneliness, love escapes them, and relationships seem distant. Still others walk in the darkness of addiction, divorce, anger or neglect. Such is the weight of darkness. It steals away joy from those who cannot escape its grip, and it robs people of hope, casting doubt on the future. Darkness; that is what Mary felt as she made her way to the tomb.

In her darkness, Mary imagined the worst, that Jesus’ body had been stolen. In their darkness, Peter and John believed, but did not understand. It seemed the darkness of Jesus death would only become more intense, and the absence of light and life appeared to lay claim upon their future hope. Only a risen Lord can dispel such darkness.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced the darkness of Jesus’ tomb, the darkness of the grave was overcome. As the great stone was rolled away, death gave way to life. In a moment, the light of the resurrection obliterated the darkness of death. As she cried out in her grief, Jesus uttered one little word that would change her forever. The Lord said “Mary.”

O Lord Jesus, call me by name and lift me out of the darkness of sin and into the light of your resurrection. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Easter | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Darkness overcome – He is risen!

Forsaken

Posted on March 25, 2016 by David Nuottila

Mark 15_39

Mark 15:20-39

Jesus let out a loud cry. After speaking words of forsakenness from Psalm 22, Jesus cried out and took in his last breath. With the exhale came his cry, a cry of relief, an exclamation of deliverance. Finally, after hours of endless pain and gasping torment, it is over at last. The suffering is ended. The ordeal is finished and nothing remains but the absence of all sensation. Yet, having been abandoned by his disciples and left to face the ultimate humiliation and shame, Jesus cried out loudly. Why would he muster the last ounce of energy he had to cry out with a loud voice? Surely God could hear his thoughts. Unless God wasn’t the only one intended to hear.

We can’t forget that it is our sin that brought Jesus to the cross; it is the weight of humanity’s brokenness that hangs on his shoulders. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians; “For our sake God made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

It’s not enough to say Jesus took our sins to the cross, in order to save humanity from our own disobedience, Paul asserts that God made Jesus to be sin. Jesus was there in our place, for our sake, forsaken by his Father. There on the tree of the cross, Jesus faced the ultimate temptation. “Save yourself!” “Come down from the cross!” No, our Lord and Savior remained faithful and completed the work of salvation; the mission God sent him to earth to accomplish. There on the cross, Jesus, the Son of God, saved God’s people.

And in the end, certain of the resurrection, Jesus commended his spirit to the one who is author of all life. Even at the point of his own abandonment, when the Father seemed so very far away Jesus remained obedient to the Father’s will. A faith so strong no darkness, no pain, no sin not even death could overcome it.

Father, for the sake of your son Jesus Christ, forgive us. Amen.

Original image

Posted in Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Forsaken