No Partiality

Posted on January 19, 2016 by David Nuottila

Acts 10_34

Acts 10:34-48

The young man sitting next to me in the airport seemed awfully worried. His face reflected the weight of his worry. After some time, I broke the ice. “How are you doing?” I asked him. I could not expect the flood of conversation that followed. It seemed this young man’s life was at a serious crossroads and the gravity of this trip home seemed too much for him to bear.

I asked him if he ever considered talking to his pastor or someone else at church about it. He let me know he no longer belonged to a church and did not have a pastor. “I grew tired of everyone’s judging me because I do not live like they do” was his reason. After talking with him a bit more, I finally told him what I did for a living. I also told him that even though I am a pastor, I am not his judge.

We prayed; talked some more, and after a time this young man seemed much more at ease. When it came time to board the plane, he thanked me for listening and praying with him. I never saw this young man again, but I feel that he felt God’s peace and presence.

When confronted by the faith of Cornelius and his family, Peter exclaimed “God shows no partiality.” Indeed, all who come to Christ for his mercy and grace receive it. Our part is to do as Peter did, simply speak the truth in love.

O Lord, bless those who speak your Word, so that others may come to know the power of your love. Amen.

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More than enough

Posted on January 14, 2016 by David Nuottila

Mark 6_37

Mark 6:30-44

When the disciples realized the time of day, they knew there was a problem. Having spent the day listening and learning from their Lord, it suddenly dawned on them. There were too many hungry people in a place where too little food could be found. On top of that, it was getting late in the day. A decision had to be made, so they brought the situation to Jesus’ attention. Imagine their reaction when the Lord told them “You give them something to eat.”

Give them something to eat? All of them? How is that going to happen when we don’t even have enough to take care of ourselves? Yes, the reaction the twelve had was much the same our congregations have when the Lord gives us a similar command.

Give them something to eat. Shelter the poor and homeless. Provide water for those who are thirsty. Have compassion and provide comfort for the lost and lonely.

All of them? Really? We don’t even have enough to take care of our church. How are we supposed to do all of that? It all comes down to identifying the loaves and fishes at our disposal.

The key to discipleship is trusting God to provide that which is necessary to do the work Christ commands. God pours out the gifts of his kingdom in abundance. There is always more than enough to accomplish his will. After identifying the five loaves and two fish, the disciples soon discovered that with Christ, it was more than enough. With our faith and trust in the same Lord Jesus, we too will discover the abundance placed within our hands.

Lord, help us identify the loaves you provide, that we may share them generously with others. Amen.

Image: Feeding the children in Boma, Dem. Rep. of the Congo

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Called to serve

Posted on January 9, 2016 by David Nuottila

2 Timothy 1_6

2 Timothy 1:1-14

The seminarian knelt upon the chancel steps anticipating the moment ahead. A life spent studying the Holy Scriptures, one filled with encouragement from family and teachers, suddenly reaches the moment of ordination. Not all are called to serve in this way, but God has chosen this one. Through the laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit equips, empowers and calls the shepherd chosen to lead God’s people.

Giving thanks for those who raised young Timothy in faith, Paul reminds Timothy of the power with which God has blessed him. He is to be an example of faith. Through him our Lord will work wonders. He will preach God’s Word, preside at God’s table, and fan into flames the faith of those whom he loves. However, ordination is not required for all who serve the Church.

Again, the confirmand knelt upon the chancel steps anticipating the moment ahead. She has spent three years studying with her pastor. Parents encouraged her, modeling a life in Christ. They placed the scriptures in her hands, brought her to worship and taught her to fear and love God. Through prayer and the laying on of her pastor’s hands, this same Holy Spirit stirs her faith to action. She believes, and filled with the power of God’s love, she too is called to share her faith. For such is the vocation of all Christians.

Lead us in faith, O God, that we might be a powerful witness to your truth and love. Amen.

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Just like my Father

Posted on January 6, 2016 by David Nuottila

John 8_47

Romans 6:1-11, John 8:33-47

When asked, many little boys will say, “When I grow up I want to be just like my father.” Certainly, any father would be honored to hear this statement from his son, especially if he were setting an exemplary model for his son to follow. Imagine the father’s joy as he sees his son doing things just as he taught him.

In our text, Jesus points out to those who claim to be children of Abraham that they are not living faithfully according to their Father’s example. Rather than recognizing the promised Messiah and following his teaching, they take umbrage, and begin plotting and devising ways to have him arrested and killed. True children of God do as the Father teaches. The scribes and Pharisees, though claiming a relationship with God through Abraham, failed in this respect, for Jesus and the Father are one.

Christians today struggle with this same concept. Many claim to be children of God, yet they continue to point to their own self-righteous living, highlighting their good works while judging others. All too often their actions are more in tune with the ways of our sinful world.

In order to be known as children of God, we must strive to do as our Lord teaches. Only then can we say “I want to be like my Father.”

Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word, that we may follow the example of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Image: Summerall Chapel, The Citadel – Charleston, SC (2015)

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Each according to his ability

Posted on January 5, 2016 by David Nuottila

Matthew 25_21

Matthew 25:14-30

Believe it or not, the parable of the talents is not about money. To think so is to miss the point of this passage. As it is in so many churches, we read this parable and immediately think about the talents rather than the servants. Two of the servants entrusted with talents quickly go to work producing more talents, but one does not. One servant is afraid of the master so he buries the talent and sits idle while awaiting the master’s return. Upon the master’s return, two are rewarded and enter the mater’s joy while the other is sent away.

Jesus teaches us that as we await his coming again, we are to continue to carry on the mission he handed to the apostles so long ago. We do not know when he will return, but we do know that he has entrusted much into the hands of his people. The mission is not to grow the wealth of the church; it is to continue the mission God has entrusted to us.

Have you ever wondered why churches with the least amount of money seem to do the most in the way of mission and ministry? It is because their focus is not on the money, but on the servants doing the work of the Master.

Lord, help us joyfully use our talents to carry out your mission for the sake of your gospel. Amen.

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Good Soil

Posted on January 4, 2016 by David Nuottila

Mark 4 _8

Mark 3:31–4:9

Not surprisingly. most Christians believe they live a very good life and are open to God’s Word in most instances. After all, we worship, we sing the hymns, and we say the prayers; what else is there? Certainly, as we reflect upon Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, we must be the good soil our Lord speaks of. Surely, as the seed of God’s Word is scattered throughout the congregation it will definitely fall upon good soil. Right?

The truth be told, 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 always strive to become good soil.

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

Image: Farming Project, Lutheran Church in Congo – Boma, DRC (2015)

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Turning Tables

Posted on January 3, 2016 by David Nuottila

Mark 11_17

Mark 11:12-26

If Jesus were to enter your church today, what would he find? Would he find a pastor who is diligently leading worship? Would Jesus find pews filled with faithful children of God? If Jesus were to sit the church council or board meetings would he read reports and approve of the way God’s possessions are managed?

When Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem, he found it to be anything but the house of prayer it was intended to be. Jesus turned over tables and drove out all who had turned God’s house of prayer into a den of robbers. It goes without saying; sin still creeps into the life of the Church. So what is it that needs to be driven out of our churches? What sorts of abuses need cleansing?

Just as there was no place for the abuses of the temple, there is no place for such behavior within the church. Jesus calls God’s people to faithfulness; he calls us to follow his example and to become imitators of his ways. Jesus teaches us that our worship is to be true, our love for God and neighbor genuine. When we fall short, we must remember the one who cleansed the temple is also the one who offered his life for the sake of God’s people.

So many people continue to search for the perfect church. So many others are quick to point out the misbehaviors of others within a family of faith. Ridding the Church of corruption and conflict begins with personal repentance. Only then can we begin to turn the tables on that which needs cleansing.

Almighty God, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts and minds, that we may perfectly love you. Amen.

Image: Nave, St. Mary of the Mount; Pittsburgh, PA. (2013)

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Keeping Sabbath

Posted on January 2, 2016 by David Nuottila

Luke 6_5

Jeremiah 30:1-9, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 6:1-11

Once again, Jesus encounters controversy on the Sabbath. The attitude of the Pharisees only confirms their shortsightedness when it comes to actually keeping the Sabbath for what it is, time set aside to worship God, giving him thanks, blessing and honor.

How often are we like the Pharisees? How much does our own short sightedness get in the way of our keeping the Sabbath holy? Today, Christians keeping the Sabbath is somewhat of a distant memory. Worship competes with worldly expectations; stores run door buster sales, civic events fill the calendar and Christian families are lured away from the Church by recreational activity and other forms of entertainment. Our lessons today remind us that God requires something different.

God’s desire is that his people take time to rest in his Word, strengthen their faith and enjoy fellowship among God’s people. For so many around the world, tomorrow is the day for worship; it is the Lord’s Day. Not only that, it is the first opportunity of this new year to recommit to a healthy habit of faithful living. Jesus, who is Lord of all, welcomes you into his midst. Come, worship him and receive the goodness of God’s forgiveness and favor. The world and all of its business can wait.

Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word, that we might keep the Sabbath holy. Amen.

Image: Paschal Lamb window; St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, Charleston, SC 2009

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Love One Another

Posted on January 1, 2016 by David Nuottila

1 John 4_7

1 John 4:7-21

The tired old man was perched on the steps leading into the church. He sat there every day. He had no place to go; no particular circumstance required his presence. He was homeless, jobless and for the most part, invisible. No one noticed him, except for the pastor who supplied breakfast and the newspaper a few times per week. The two were friends; brothers you could say. They sat quietly, so obviously different, yet so much the same, bound together.

In the text before us, John has but one message; Jesus Christ came as the manifestation of God’s love. “For God so loved the world,” John would write in his gospel, “that he gave his only Son.” John 3:16 God’s love is realized through Christ, so that humanity may be saved through him. God’s love is perfect, undeserved and everlasting. It is the love shared by his people. Those who abide in his love, abide in him, and he in them.

The two men on the steps recognized the love that united them; they spoke of it often. As they shared the news of the day, they shared something even more fulfilling – the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Holy God, fill us with your love, that we may abide in you and you in us. Amen.

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Consider Jesus

Posted on December 31, 2015 by David Nuottila

Hebrews 3_1

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, such habits can lead us along a path of poor health, sickness, even death. We know better, but we just can’t stop. This being New Year’s Eve, many are preparing to take up resolutions intended to rid themselves of bad habits and promote healthier living. Such resolutions, however, are difficult, at best, to adhere to.

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.

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

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