Read: Mark 11:1-10

When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mark 11:7-10

The King Entered Jerusalem

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If that colt could talk, what do you think it would have said? “Ow, my back hurts!” Probably not. Even though it had never been ridden before, this colt had a strong back and could carry Jesus just fine. Well then maybe the animal was amazed at all the people shouting and cheering and would have wondered, “Are all these people here for me? Are they excited to see me?” But this was an ordinary donkey, and people don’t get so excited about ordinary donkeys, so probably not that either. No, if that donkey could talk, perhaps it only would have asked, “Why me?”

You see, all the excitement and attention wasn’t about the donkey, but about Jesus. The people visiting Jerusalem for Passover had heard about Jesus. They knew he was a powerful teacher and that he could heal diseases. Perhaps they’d heard that Jesus even raised his dead friend Lazarus back to life. It’s no wonder, then, that so many people came out to meet Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. It’s no wonder that they cut off palm branches or took their cloaks and laid them on Jesus’ path. The people knew that Jesus was someone special!

But Jesus was more than just someone special. Jesus was more than just a popular teacher. Jesus was a king! And not just any king—Jesus was, and is, the King! Jesus is the King of all people and all creation. Jesus is the King whom angels serve. Jesus is the King who made all the universe. Jesus is the King worthy of our worship. Jesus is the King!

That colt must have wondered, “Why me?” After all, shouldn’t the King of the universe enter his city with glory—in a beautiful chariot or accompanied by powerful angels or wearing a golden crown? But Jesus didn’t. Instead, he entered Jerusalem humbly on a simple, ordinary donkey. Though King of all, Jesus didn’t come to wear a crown of gold; though Ruler of all, Jesus didn’t come to claim a throne of glory. No, King Jesus came humbly, on a donkey, to wear a crown of thorns. King Jesus came humbly, on a donkey, to claim a cross of suffering. King Jesus came humbly, on a donkey, to save his people. King Jesus came humbly, on a donkey, to save you.

Because that’s the kind of King Jesus is—our Savior King.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us so much that you entered Jerusalem humbly to die, so that we might enjoy the glory of heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Jesus want his two disciples to bring him?
• How did the people react when Jesus entered the city?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Imagine what powerful kings look like—their clothing, their crowns, their palaces. How is King Jesus different?
• Though he could have acted like a king, how did Jesus reveal a humble servant heart?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Imagine you were there that day, seeing Jesus enter Jerusalem. What’s most surprising to you about that scene?
• Why is Jesus’ heart of humility so important for the story of salvation?

Hymn: CW 133:1,2 – Ride On, Ride On in Majesty

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry.
O Savior meek, pursue your road,
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
O Christ, your triumphs now begin
O’er captive death and conquered sin.

 

Read: Jeremiah 31:31-34

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
Jeremiah 31:34

God Remembers Our Sins No More

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

One of the most powerful superheroes in the X-Men series is Professor Xavier. He doesn’t have big muscles, but he has a powerful brain. Professor X can even make people forget things they know.

If you had that superpower, how would you use it? You could confuse your friends so that you always win at games. You could make everyone forget your bedtime so you can stay up all night. You could have a lot of fun playing with people’s memory.

Maybe you’d want to do something a little more important. You could make your family forget the mean words you said to them. You could make a friend forget something that hurt their feelings. You could undo a lot of sad things if you could make people forget.

That’s what God did. God has a super powerful mind. He knows all things, which means that he knows all the nice things every person has ever done. He also knows all the bad stuff. Even when nobody else is watching, God is. Even if you can hide your sins from some people, God knows about them. Every single sin makes God angry. Just think how mad he would be if he thought about all the sins of the world. It sure would be nice if we could erase God’s memory.

But here’s the good news: God chose to forget your sins. He said, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34).

God knows what you have done, but he chooses to forget about all the bad things. He didn’t erase that memory by using a superpower. Instead, he used his Son, Jesus. Your sins didn’t magically disappear; Jesus took them from you. God got angry at Jesus instead of you. He punished Jesus instead of you. He killed Jesus instead of you. When Jesus died on the cross, he used his super-powerful death to wash from God’s memory every one of your sins.

Imagining Jesus on the cross can make us sad because we know our sins made him suffer. But imagining Jesus on the cross can make us happy too. Christians gave a happy name to the day when Jesus died; it’s called Good Friday. It is good that Jesus erased God’s memory of your sins. By the power of Jesus, God remembers your sins no more.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, please forget our sins. You sent Jesus to take our sins away. Help us to trust that you love us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What does God know?
• How did God get rid of our sins?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some examples of things God knows about us?
• What are some reasons why Jesus’ death would make us feel bad? What are some reasons it would make us feel good?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain how God can know everything and still “remember our sins no more.”
• How does Jesus erasing your sins from God’s memory affect the way you feel about God?

Hymn: CW 387:2,3 – Drawn to the Cross

How well you know my grief and fears,
Your grace abused, my misspent years;
So now to you with contrite tears,
Christ crucified, I come.

Wash me and take away each stain;
Let nothing of my sin remain.
For cleansing through your cross and pain,
Christ crucified, I come.

 

Read: Ephesians 2:4-10

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

Rejoice that We Are Saved by Grace

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Why does a grandma cook for a grumpy grandchild?
Why does a mom sing lullabies to her baby who is screaming in her ear?
Why does a dad give a hug to a teenager who crashed the family car?
Why does a friend play with a person who spoke mean words yesterday?
And why does God give you family and friends who love you?

Why do you get to hear birds singing on days when you feel like crying?
Why does a puppy come to sit by you when you’re feeling all alone?
Why does your favorite food make you smile when your whole day has made you frown?
Why does your best friend make you laugh when you were bored?
And why does God let us smile while we live in this world?

Why did God imagine your life before the world began and choose you to be in heaven?
Why did Jesus scrub your sins away with his blood when he died on the cross?
Why did the Holy Spirit ignite faith in your heart when you heard the story of Jesus?
Why did God save you from hell and put you on the highway to heaven?

You can answer all those questions with one word: GRACE. Here’s a simple definition: Grace is why you get good things that you don’t deserve. Grace is essential when you realize you’ve messed up. If your family only took care of you when you behaved well, you would not make it very long in this life. If God only allowed you to smile when you worked hard enough to smile, you’d have a very frowny life. And if God only rescued people who earned his love by doing good works, nobody would go to heaven. If God weren’t gracious, we would all be worried.

But that is crazy talk. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast“ (Ephesians 2:8-9). You see God’s grace in all the good things you don’t deserve—from your family to your happy days, and even the forgiveness of your sins and your eternal life in heaven. God gives you good things just because he’s nice. So don’t worry. Rejoice that we are saved by grace!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you love us and bless us because you are so kind, even when we are not. Make us happy to receive your grace so that we can focus less on ourselves and more on you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is the one word that explains all the good things God does for you?
• How would you feel if God only saved people who earned his love?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Can you list five examples of grace?
• If people are saved by grace and not based on their behavior, predict what different types of people you might meet in heaven.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain how God’s grace can stop you from becoming proud and braggy.
• Explain how God’s grace can stop you from becoming guilt-stricken and hopeless.

Hymn: CW 384:1,2 – By Grace I’m Saved

By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless;
My soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why waver at this word of promise?
Has Scripture ever falsehood taught?
So then this word must true remain:
By grace you, too, shall heav’n obtain.

By grace! Oh, mark this word of promise
When you are by your sins oppressed,
When Satan plagues your troubled conscience,
And when your heart is seeking rest.
What reason cannot comprehend
God by his grace to you did send.

 

Read: John 3:14-21

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Rejoice that God So Loved the World

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ella sat with a full heart, surrounded by torn wrapping paper and two lovely birthday gifts. Her uncle bought her a pricy present, something everyone wanted—brand new wireless earbuds. When Ella thanked her uncle, he didn’t say, “You’re welcome.” Instead he said, “I love you.” Then she remembered what her parents gave her—cute earrings in the shape of a dolphin with Ella’s name etched into the silver. It was as if they were specially made just for a dolphin lover like Ella. With her arms around her mother, Ella whispered, “Thank you.” Mom breathed back, “I love you.” So Ella sat with a heart full of love, and she did a little birthday dance.

Maybe you’ve received a Christmas gift so expensive that any person would love it. That kind of gift says, “I love you so much!” Perhaps you’ve received a birthday present that was picked out special just for you. That kind of gift says, “I love you—unique, precious you.”

God gave you both kinds of gifts when he sent Jesus. You may get some expensive gifts, but none as expensive as the one God sent you. “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” Even people who spend lots of money on presents would never give up their son or daughter. But God did. When Jesus came to live as a human, it cost God his Son. When Jesus took away your sins on the cross, it cost him his life. Why did God give us so much? He did it to say, “I love you so much!”

God’s gift is also unique, just for you. God wants you to be in heaven with him. You were Jesus’ motivation when he came to earth. Hanging on the cross, he pictured you. There will be a party in heaven when you arrive. Jesus is precisely the right gift for you. But there’s one more gift with your name on it—God gave you faith to believe in Jesus. “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Why did God give those things to you? He wanted to say, “I love you, exactly you.”

Jesus is the kind of gift that makes you want to do an eternal life dance and rejoice in God’s love.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, you have given us the best gift ever. Put joy in our hearts and praise on our lips because of your love for the world. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What gift did God give to the world?
• What blessings will you have because you believe in Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How expensive was it when God gave his Son to the world?
• What are some ways that you express joy when you remember God’s love?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• List some reasons why it is surprising that God would love the world.
• What are some differences between someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus and someone who does?

Hymn: CW 391:1,4 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

God loved the world so that he gave
His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in him believe
Should everlasting life receive.

Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son
Forgives the sins that you have done.
You’re justified by Jesus’ blood.
Baptized, you are a child of God.

 

Read: Exodus 20:1-17

I the LORD your God am a jealous God. I follow up on the guilt of the fathers with their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren, if they also hate me. But I show mercy to thousands who love me and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:5-6 EHV

God Wants Us to Keep his Commandments

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Do I have to??” Ruth whined. The kitchen counter was covered in dirty dishes. Mom had asked Ruth to load the dishwasher. “But why?? That’s not fair!! Why can’t Jacob and Ellie do it?” Ruth’s older brother had homework to do, and Ellie was cleaning her room. Mom made it clear that Ruth was to load the dishwasher. There was no getting out of it.

“Do I have to??” So often we complain when we have to do something we don’t want to do. Yet it’s not just the assignments or chores that make us whine. We complain about the every-day tasks that God gives to us.

God tells us, “Always put me first in your life above everything and everyone. Don’t misuse my holy, saving name, but instead use it for prayer and praise. Spend time with me in my Word and give it the respect that it deserves. Listen to your parents and teachers. Don’t have hateful, dirty, or greedy thoughts. Don’t speak poorly about others, but rather speak well of them and defend them. Recognize that what I have given to your neighbor is not yours, but my gift to them.”

God tells us to do them and we think, “Do I have to??” “Do I really have to put you first, Lord? Do I always have to listen to your Word when we have devotions or when I go to church? Do I always have to listen to my parents? What about that person who made fun of me? Or what about that toy or that game that I really, really want?” Yes, God wants us to keep his commandments, but we fail. When we disobey, we deserve consequences that last forever in hell.

That might not seem fair, but our God is a holy God. He is serious about wanting us to keep everyone of his commands. So what can we do? First, shiver a bit. Because we can’t keep all of God’s commands perfectly all the time, it’s okay to be afraid (like you are when a parent punishes you). Second, say, “I’m sorry.” We are sinful in God’s eyes. But third, be relieved. We also have a Savior who kept all of those commands perfectly in our place. Just think about that! Jesus kept every single one of God’s commandments perfectly for you and me. Then Jesus suffered the punishment that we all deserve. Because Jesus did all that for us, we now live to serve our God and our neighbor in love.

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, your will is holy. You want me to keep your commandments each and every day, but I am a sinner. For Jesus’ sake, forgive me for disobeying your will and help me to live for you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Name two commands that God has given us.
• Why are we not able to keep God’s commandments perfectly?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain this statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.
• How does God give us the ability to keep his commands even though we are sinful?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How is loving my neighbor also loving God?
• How can the Ten Commandments be summarized with the word love?

Hymn: CW 287:1,2 – The Law of God Is Good and Wise

The law of God is good and wise;
It sets his will before our eyes,
Shows us the way of righteousness,
But dooms to death when we transgress.

To Jesus we for refuge flee,
Who from the curse has set us free,
And humbly worship at his throne,
Saved by his grace through faith alone.

 

Romans 5:1-11

Not only this, but we also rejoice confidently in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces patient endurance, and patient endurance produces tested character, and tested character produces hope. And hope will not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us…. But God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:3-5,8 EHV

God Mercifully Works Suffering for Good

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Do you like illusions? Illusions can be fun or frustrating. They trick your brain. For example, your brain thinks your eyes are seeing one image, when in reality, you are looking at the very opposite. It’s a trick. One image may actually be two images. Or, what looks big may actually be little. Or, what looks little may actually be big. The illusion gets your brain to think the opposite of what you are seeing. Would you find that frustrating or fun?

When you hear the word suffering, does that sound like fun or would that be frustrating? Suffering hurts. Suffering is hard, not enjoyable or fun. Yet in God’s Word, Paul tells us something that almost seems like an illusion. He says that suffering can be a blessing and that God can make suffering into a blessing.

How is that possible?! How can something bad, hard, or painful turn out to be something that helps us grow closer to Jesus? How can something bad, hard, or painful turn out to be something that helps us stay on the path to heaven? It all starts with Jesus. Jesus faced suffering, even though he did not deserve it. Jesus was innocent because he is the holy God. Yet Jesus faced suffering and even death for your sins and mine. It was no illusion. His suffering on the cross turned out to be our greatest blessing. Why? God loves each of us so very much that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Sometimes God allows us to suffer. Maybe your family is going through a tough time. Or someone becomes very sick or loses a job. Maybe we lose a loved one. Maybe someone made fun of you and made you feel miserable. Even in those times of suffering, God works a blessing. Jesus helps us to patiently endure that tough time. Jesus helps us to grow closer to him and others. Jesus helps us to put our trust and hope in him. Jesus turns our suffering into blessing. Why? Because he loves us so much. His own suffering turned out to be our greatest blessing. Surely Jesus can turn even our toughest times into times of blessing for us as he guides us on the way to heaven—and that is no illusion.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, when times are tough and I face suffering as your child, help me to trust that you will turn my suffering into blessing either in this life or in heaven with you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Name one way that God has shown his love for you today.
• Name one way that Jesus’ suffering on the cross was a blessing for you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How can God make suffering into a blessing?
• In 5:3, we are told that “suffering produces patient endurance.” What does that mean?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain what makes Christ dying for us so impossibly rare.
• Knowing that God turns suffering into blessing for us, how does that impact your life as a child of God?

Hymn: CW 428:3,4 – Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me

God gives me my days of gladness,
And I will Trust him still When he sends me sadness.
God is good; his love attends me
Day by day, Come what may, Guides me and defends me.

Since I know God never fails me,
In his voice I’ll rejoice When grim death assails me.
Trusting in my Savior’s merit,
Safe at last, Troubles past, I shall heav’n inherit.

 

Mark 8:31-38

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Mark 8:34

Jesus Took Up the Cross So We Can Take Up the Cross

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Crosses are heavy. You might not think that when you see a cross hanging on your wall… and the wall is not collapsing. You might not think that when a cross hangs from a necklace around your neck… and you are not falling over under its weight. You might not think that when you see a cross on top of your church… and the roof is not caving in. Yet crosses can be heavy and even painful.

Back in Jesus’ day, criminals had to carry their crosses. A cross was made of solid pieces of heavy wood. That wood would be rough and full of splinters. Even more painful was what happened as a person’s hands and feet were nailed to the cross. Crosses were heavy and painful. If you lived in Jesus’s day, a cross was the last thing you would ever want to carry.

Jesus told his disciples that he would soon suffer and die on a cross, but they did not want to hear that. They loved Jesus very much. They did not want him to suffer such a painful death, but Jesus knew he had to take up that cross. You see, Jesus had to suffer and die on a cross for you and me. Jesus needed to suffer and die on a cross because we love ourselves more than we love God.

“I want to do what I want! I want to get what I want! I want… I want… I want…” Every one of us is selfish, no matter how young, no matter how old. We are all selfish, but Jesus was selfless for us. He willingly took up his cross to suffer and die for our selfish sins. Why? Because he loves you. He loves every one of us with a love that cares more about us than himself.

Out of amazing love for us, Jesus took up his heavy, painful cross. Now we follow him by taking up our crosses—not made of wood, but rather the “cross” of saying “No” to our selfish desires in order to honor Jesus with our lives. That is not easy. In fact, it can be painful. Still, we follow Jesus and carry our cross, because he carried his cross, until we join him in heaven someday.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, following you isn’t easy. Support me to carry my cross because you carried yours for me. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Count how many crosses you see in your home.
• How does a cross help you think about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain the difference between being selfish and selfless.
• Why did Jesus have to take up his cross?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: Following Jesus can be a heavy, painful cross.
• Why is it necessary for a Christian to deny themselves and take up their cross if he or she is going to follow Jesus?

Hymn: CW 428:1,2 – Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me

Why should cross and trial grieve me?
Christ is near With his cheer; Never will he leave me.
Who can rob me of the heaven
That God’s Son For me won When his life was given?

When life’s troubles rise to meet me,
Though their weight May be great, They will not defeat me.
God, my loving Savior, sees them;
He who knows All my woes Knows how best to end them.

 

Genesis 22:1-18

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
Genesis 22:2

A Test

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

It’s a word that is dreaded by almost all students. Everyone knows it’s coming eventually, but no one ever likes to hear the word come off the teacher’s lips—test. “Whaaat??? Nooooo!” It’s funny how kids act surprised, upset, or frustrated when the teacher announces a test. But no matter what class you are in and no matter how old you are, eventually there will be a test. And if the teacher is any good, there will likely be lots of tests.

That’s right. You heard me correctly. Good teachers give lots of tests. Now before you end this devotion and run away angry, consider this: Good teachers want you to be better students. They want you to gain knowledge and experience. They want you to show that you can handle things. They also want you to know where you could improve a little bit. Tests help with this. So can we agree maybe tests aren’t that bad?

In a very similar way, God tests us, his people. God doesn’t do bad things to us, and God doesn’t want us to sin. However, God does allow us to have difficult things in our lives… to test us. These tests help us to grow stronger in our faith and to remember how much we need God in our lives.

Today we heard about one of these tests—and it was a big one! Abraham was tested by God when he was asked to sacrifice his one and only son whom he loved, Isaac. God was testing Abraham to see if he would come up with excuses, refuse to obey, or do anything else to get out of it. But by faith and with God’s strength, Abraham passed this test. He was about to sacrifice his son when God finally stopped him and provided a ram to take Isaac’s place as the sacrifice.

But Abraham didn’t always pass his tests. Sometimes he failed and sinned. The same is true for us. When God allows us to be tempted or tested, sometimes we fail the test and sin too. Thank God that, just like Isaac, we have a substitute who took our place. It was the one and only Son whom God loved, Jesus. Jesus is our perfect substitute who never failed a test or fell into temptation, and Jesus is also the perfect sacrifice who paid for all the times that we have failed. Because of Jesus and his forgiveness, God looks at us now like we have straight A’s in his gradebook. We are now God’s perfect children through Jesus!

When you have difficult things come up in life (yes, even tests in school), or when you face temptations, know that God is allowing you to be tested. But don’t worry! You have God’s strength, God’s love, and God’s forgiveness every step of the way. In Jesus, we can pass each test just like Abraham!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank you for allowing us to be tested by things in life. We know that you use these things to teach us, to help us grow in faith, and to help us grow closer to you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How did God test Abraham?
• Why was this test so difficult for Abraham?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What difficult things does God allow in your life to test you?
• Even though they might not be fun, what things could God be teaching you through these difficult things?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree or Disagree: God proves he loves us when he allows us to be tested. Explain your answer.
• Ask your parent(s) what has been the greatest test or challenge to their faith so far in life.

Hymn: CW 200:1,2 – A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need That has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.

With might of ours can naught be done; Soon were our loss effected.
But for us fights the valiant one Whom God himself elected.
You ask, “Who is this?” Jesus Christ it is,
The almighty Lord. And there’s no other God;
He holds the field forever.

 

2 Samuel 12:1-13

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”

Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.
2 Samuel 12:5-7,13

You Are the Man

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“I don’t know. Maybe it was Kylah,” Caleb said. His heart was racing so fast you could almost see it beating through his Spider Man T-shirt. Caleb couldn’t even look at his father as he was talking to him. He felt terrible.

You see, Caleb’s father was very upset when he came home from work and noticed that every single light switch in the entire house had been circled with a black Sharpie permanent marker. He had been asking Caleb for five minutes about it, but Caleb kept insisting, “It was Kylah! She should be punished!” One problem though… Kylah was a baby and couldn’t even walk yet!

“No, Caleb, it was you. You did it.” Caleb couldn’t take it anymore. He felt too guilty. Finally he said, “Yes, dad. I did it.”

Have you been in a situation like that before? Sometimes when we sin, the last thing we want to do is admit it. We make up excuses. We blame other people. We even lie at times.

King David found himself in that situation. He had done some very sinful things. He took another person’s wife for himself, he had that man killed, he lied about it, and he hid his sins. Finally the prophet Nathan came and told David a story about a man who had done something wrong, too. David was angry and said the man should be punished and die! That’s when Nathan said the famous words, “You are the man!” David finally realized his sins and repented, “I have sinned against the LORD.”

During this time of the year we call Lent, we remember what we have done. We have done so much wrong by what we think, say, and do. We need to join David in saying, “I have sinned against the LORD.”

But dear friends, do not worry! God is merciful and gracious and compassionate. During Lent we also remember that Jesus came to take our sin onto himself. He paid for our sin at the cross and has washed us clean in God’s sight. Because of our Savior Jesus, what the prophet Nathan said to David is the good news that we can rejoice in every day, “The LORD has taken away your sin.” Thanks be to God for his forgiveness for every sin!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I have sinned so many times in my life. I am so sorry. Thank you for washing me clean in your blood and forgiving all I have done. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• In the story today, why did Caleb blame his sister for what he did?
• When we do sinful things, why shouldn’t we lie to others about it?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that someone feels guilty?
• How did Jesus make us to be not guilty in God’s sight?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Describe how people feel on the inside when they hide and lie about their sins like David did.
• What are ways that we respond to the good news of God’s forgiveness when we are at church?

Hymn: CW 304:1,6,7 – Jesus Sinners Does Receive

Jesus sinners does receive; Oh, may all this saying ponder
Who in sin’s delusions live And from God and heaven wander.
Here is hope for all who grieve—Jesus sinners does receive.

Oh, how blest is it to know, Were as scarlet my transgression,
It shall be as white as snow By your blood and bitter passion,
For these words I do believe—Jesus sinners does receive.

Jesus sinners does receive. Even I have been forgiven.
And when I this earth must leave, I shall find an open heaven.
Dying, still to him I cleave—Jesus sinners does receive.

 

Mark 9:2-9

Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Mark 9:5-7

Best Place Ever

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What is the coolest place you have ever been to? Have you traveled to another country? Have you been to a national park? How about an insanely awesome water park with super cool slides? Disney World? Some other place?

Most people have been somewhere that they think is absolutely amazing. The place is so fun, so relaxing, or so beautiful that they never want to leave. If they could just stay at that place forever and never go home, they would be totally happy. Why leave the best and coolest place ever?

Peter, James, and John experienced an absolutely amazing place. Jesus took them to a mountaintop, but it wasn’t the beautiful view that was so amazing. There, atop that mountain, Jesus transfigured before them. That’s a fancy word that means to be changed. Suddenly Jesus was shining brightly, and his clothes appeared whiter than snow. Then, Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus, too. Incredible!

The disciples were so amazed and afraid at the same time that they didn’t know what to do. But they knew it was awesome! Peter suggested that they put up some tents and stay there. After all, why leave the best and coolest place ever? That may have sounded like a good idea at first, but it shows that Peter didn’t really understand why Jesus came to earth in the first place.

Then suddenly a cloud appeared over them. God the Father spoke from the heavens just as he did at Jesus’ baptism, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Those words help to remind us why Jesus really came. Jesus did not come to give us a really cool and awesome place to hang out here in this world. He came to give us something better than that. The beloved Son of God came so that we could be children whom God loves, too. How would he do that? Jesus had to come down this Mount of Transfiguration so he could go up another mount called Calvary. On Mount Calvary, Jesus would die for all our sins and bring us God’s forgiveness and love. By his death and resurrection, Jesus won for us an eternal life in heaven. Peter, James, and John saw just a little bit of Jesus’ glory for a little while. But in heaven, we will live with Jesus in his glory forever. Now that will be the best place ever!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, by grace you have called us to be your disciples and to follow you. Help us to put you first in all we think, say, and do as we serve you in our lives. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What happened when Peter, James, and John were with Jesus on this special mountaintop?
• Who were the two people that appeared with Jesus that day?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was it foolish for Peter to want to stay on that mountaintop with Jesus? What didn’t he understand?
• Explain why heaven will be the best place ever.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain how the Mount of Transfiguration was a sneak peek preview of heaven.
• What do you look forward to the most about heaven? Why?

Hymn: CW 97:1,4,5 – Down from the Mount of Glory

Down from the mount of glory Came Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Recall the wondrous story, Rich gem in sacred Word.
Again your faith will view him In double glory here;
The greater homage due him Will in your life appear.

Strange how his journey ended! In love that is his fame
Our Lord again ascended A mount—the hill of shame.
Upon the cross he proffered Himself to agony;
His holy soul he offered To set the guilty free.

Then hail the double glory Of Jesus Christ, our Lord,
And let the wondrous story Full peace and joy afford!
The holy mount acclaims him The majesty divine;
Mount Calvary proclaims him Redeemer—yours and mine.

 

Read: Job 7:1-7

When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’
The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn.
My body is clothed with worms and scabs,
my skin is broken and festering.

“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,
and they come to an end without hope.
Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;
my eyes will never see happiness again.
Job 7:4-7

Why God?

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Worst. Year. Ever! A lot of people said those words about the year 2020. There were so many problems that it sometimes seemed like we only heard bad news every day. And we can’t forget the Coronavirus pandemic that has changed so much of our lives! But for all of our problems last year or even right now, I’m not sure any of us have ever suffered as much as a man from the Bible named Job. Do you remember his story?

Job was very blessed. He had 10 children, 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 oxen, 500 donkeys, and many, many servants. However, on one day Job lost it all. His animals and possessions were destroyed or stolen. His servants were killed by enemies. Then worst of all, a great wind collapsed a house with all ten of his children inside, and they all died. This all happened on the same day! As if that wasn’t enough, then Job got sick himself. You heard the disgusting description today of how he had scabs and worms on his skin that was broken and blistering.

Such horrible suffering! Such awful pains! Such terrible sadness! Job was confused, frustrated, sad, and so much more. But do you know what Job did? He prayed. These words we heard today are part of a prayer to God begging for help and comfort. Why did God let this happen? Why was he suffering so much? When was God going to do something to help him?

And you know what? That’s okay. It was okay for Job to pray like this. It was okay for Job to be on his knees begging God for help, healing, comfort, and strength. It’s okay for you to do that too!

The year 2020 was very difficult for many. And you may be struggling with school. And you may know someone you love who is very sick. And you may have many other problems. These things make us confused. frustrated, sad. But do you know what you can do? Go to God! You have a God who so loved you that he saved you through his Son Jesus. He loves you like a dear Father loves a dear child. So be like Job and go to your heavenly Father! Take your hurt, pain, and sadness of this life to him! We don’t always know why God allows certain problems in our lives, but he certainly uses them to remind us, like he reminded Job, how much we need our Father in heaven. Best of all, when we turn to God for help, healing, comfort, and strength, we will be reminded that because of Jesus, one day soon we will be in heaven with him where we will never have a problem or pain again! May God lead us safely home to heaven soon!

Closing Prayer:

Lord, we have a lot of suffering and sadness in our lives. Sometimes things are so difficult for us! Help us to remember to go to you in your prayer, remember your love, and trust in your promise of life in heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What were some of the problems that Job had in his life?
• What are some of the problems that you or your family has right now?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain how God might use something that seems bad for our good.
• Can you think of an example from the Bible of someone who experienced something bad, but God later worked it out for good?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify specific ways that God has used some of the bad things in the past year to bring blessings to people.
• Children ask your parent(s) about things they remember from when they were younger that seemed bad at first but that God later worked for good.

Hymn: CW 93:1,3 – Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, Great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,
To take away transgression, And rule in equity.

Kings shall bow down before him And gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore him; His praise all people sing.
To him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend,
His kingdom still increasing, A kingdom without end.

 

Read: Hebrews 3:1-6

Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.
Hebrews 3:3-6

The Greatest of All

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Who is your greatest hero of all time? Is it Spider Man or Super Man? Captain America or Captain Marvel? Maybe it’s a real person like LeBron James, Martin Luther King Jr., or Abraham Lincoln. Maybe a parent, grandparent, pastor, or teacher?

What about in the Bible? Who is the greatest hero of faith that you look up to in the Bible? Is it Abraham, David, Peter, Paul, Ruth, or Mary? There are so many to choose from as great examples of faith!

If you were an ancient Israelite, a Jew at the time of Jesus, or even a Jewish person today, there is one person that almost always is at the very top of the list of heroes—Moses. The Jews loved and respected Moses as the leader who led them out of Egypt and the one who received the Ten Commandments and laws of God. He was a great leader and prophet! But sadly, many took this too far. So many Jews put all their hope and trust in Moses and not Jesus.

One Bible writer wrote a special book called Hebrews about this very thing. The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is superior (which means better and more powerful) than angels, priests in the temple, and yes, even better than Moses. The verses for today remind us that while Moses was a faithful servant, Jesus was the servant of God who saved us. Moses did great things by faith, but Jesus died for our sins to bring us forgiveness and rose to life to guarantee us a life in heaven. Jesus brings us into his family, into God’s house, and gives us confident hope in our eternal life.

There is nothing wrong with looking up to people as heroes in our lives. God blesses us with many special people who make a difference in this world, who help us, and who love us. It can be fun to look up to make-believe heroes like the Avengers, but soldiers, doctors, nurses, pastors, teachers, parents, and so many more make a huge difference in our lives. Thank God for them!

And yet, may God help us to remember that greater than any hero, better than any person in our lives or in the Bible is Jesus our great and powerful Savior. He is the best and greatest of all! Praise the Lord!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you have proven to us that you are King of kings and Lord of lords. You are the best and greatest of all because you are true man, true God, and truly our Savior. We thank and praise you always!

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who is your greatest hero that you look up to (besides Jesus)?
• How has Jesus shown to us that he is greater than any worldly or make-believe hero?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does knowing that Jesus is the greatest and best of all comfort you in your life?
• What are ways that we show Jesus is best and greatest of all when we are at church?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think humans are so fascinated and obsessed with real-life and make-believe heroes?
• Agree or Disagree: It is way harder to show that Jesus is the most important to you than it is to say that he is the most important to you. Explain your answer.

Hymn: CW 556:1,4 – Rise, Shine, You People

Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered
Our human story; God in him is centered.
He comes to us, by death and sin surrounded,
With grace unbounded.

Tell how the Father sent his Son to save us.
Tell of the Son, who life and freedom gave us.
Tell how the Spirit calls from ev’ry nation
His new creation.

 

Read: Mark 1:21-28

“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Mark 1:25-28

He Has the Power

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There’s an old cartoon that many who were born in the 1970s and 1980s loved. The cartoon was called He-Man. The famous part of every cartoon that so many remember is when He-Man would say the words, “I have the power!” and lightning would strike as He-Man changed into a super strong hero to fight bad guys like Skeletor.

Okay, fine. So 1980s cartoons were a little weird. Don’t laugh at your parents too much. But… every TV hero is kind of the same. Whether you are He-Man, Black Panther, Thor, Iron Man, or Wonder Woman—all heroes claim to have power. Then they show off that power as they defeat enemies that threaten the world.

People were always shocked by the things that Jesus said. He claimed that he was special and had power. He even claimed to be the Son of God and promised Savior. The story for our devotion today actually took place when Jesus was at worship in the synagogue with other Jews one day. The people were shocked at the authority and power of his teachings and what he said. Then suddenly, a man possessed by a demon spoke against Jesus and what he was doing. That’s when Jesus spoke the words we just heard, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Just like that, the evil spirit left the man. The people were amazed at what they saw and heard, and news spread quickly about Jesus.

Every miracle Jesus did was very special. Each time that Jesus did something like turning water into wine, healing people, or casting out demons, Jesus showed that he had power. Jesus didn’t just say he had power as the Son of God—he proved it!

No place is this more clear than at his empty tomb on Easter morning. Jesus didn’t just say he was the Savior. Jesus didn’t just say he would die and pay for sin. Jesus didn’t just say, “It is finished on the cross.” Jesus proved all this by rising from the dead! He did finish his work of saving us! He did pay for our sins! He is our Savior!

Enjoy this little story today as you get to see just a little bit of Jesus’ power. But like a commercial for a superhero movie, this story is just a preview. Get ready! The real celebration on Easter is just about two months away! What a joy to know that Jesus has the power—and proves it!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for telling us about your power with your words and then proving it with your actions. Help us always to trust in what you say and do! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How did Jesus prove his power at the synagogue on this day?
• When did Jesus prove that he has the power of Satan, death, and hell?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was it important for Jesus not only to talk about his power but also to prove it?
• How does it help you to know that Jesus has more power than anyone or anything, including the devil?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain why Easter morning can give us absolute confidence that Jesus is not just a good man or a good teacher, but actually our God and Savior.
• Explain what this means: In the Bible God often showed his power in obvious and open ways like with miracles, but now God shows his power in hidden ways with his Word and sacraments.

Hymn: CW 556:1,2 – Rise, Shine, You People

Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered
Our human story; God in him is centered.
He comes to us, by death and sin surrounded,
With grace unbounded.

See how he sends the pow’rs of evil reeling;
He brings us freedom, light and life and healing.
All men and women, who by guilt are driven,
Now are forgiven.

 

Read: Jonah 3:1-5,10

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”
Jonah 3:1-2

God, Others, Me

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Me? . . . Them? . . . Now? . . . No way!” And just like that, Jonah ran away as fast and as far as he could.

Do you remember how that story went? God came to the prophet Jonah and told him to go and preach to the people of Nineveh. The people of Nineveh lived about 600 miles away from Israel, and they were very, very evil people. Not only were they wicked unbelievers, but they were also enemies with Jonah and his people.

Jonah was frustrated, upset, scared, and probably much more. Why would he go and preach to those people? Why would God want to save them? So Jonah ran away, hopped on a boat, and set sail in the opposite direction to a place about 2,000 miles away from Nineveh. That’s when the famous story happened where Jonah was swallowed by the giant fish, he repented, he learned a lesson about God’s grace and mercy, and he was spit back onto dry ground.

Then we pick up with the words for our devotion today: “The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time.” God told him again to go and preach to the people of Nineveh. This time Jonah did, and the incredible happened! Every last person in that wicked city listened to Jonah, turned to the LORD, and God spared them by his grace. Amazing!

Do you know that God has also called you to preach? Yes, God calls some to be pastors and teachers. But God also calls all of his followers, both young and old, to go and make disciples of all nations and share the good news of Jesus as our Savior. However, sometimes like Jonah we selfishly put ourselves first instead of God and his grace. We may not share Jesus because we are afraid of what people will say or because we are just too lazy to look for opportunities. Sometimes, sadly, we are even like Jonah and don’t share Jesus because we don’t like other people. “Why would I share Jesus with people like that?” Or, “They won’t listen to me,” we may think.

How important it is for us to learn the same lesson that Jonah did. God’s amazing grace is for all people of all nations. All of us equally deserve God’s punishment. Yet God graciously sent his Son Jesus to live and die for all people, and amazingly, that includes us too. You and I know this truth, but many others do not. That’s why God sends us to share this good news (we call that good news the gospel).

So unlike Jonah at first, let’s not put ourselves first. We put God first and love him by obeying his call to make other disciples. Then we put others second as we love them by sharing the good news of Jesus with them. How pleasing to God when we get things in the proper order—God, others, me.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you have called us to be your disciples and then to go and make other disciples. Help us to be bold and brave as we share your good news with all people. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did God tell Jonah to do?
• Why didn’t Jonah want to do that?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What lesson did God teach Jonah by the end of the story?
• Can you think of people that might be scared or nervous to talk to about Jesus? Why do you feel that way?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: One of the reasons we don’t always share Jesus with others is our own pride.
• As a family, think of one group of people not living in our country that you can pray for, asking God that they might hear and believe the good news of Jesus.

Hymn: CW 453:1,3 – Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke

“Come, follow me,” the Savior spoke, “All in my way abiding.
Deny yourselves; the world forsake; Obey my call and guiding.
Oh, bear the cross, whate’er betide; Take my example for your guide.

“My heart abounds in lowliness, My soul with love is glowing,
And gracious words my lips express, With meekness overflowing.
My heart, my mind, my strength, my all To God I yield; on him I call.

 

Read: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Follow Jesus by Honoring Jesus

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Keith and Natasha stood in the doorway in complete shock. Their eyes were so wide they looked like dinner plates. Their jaws dropped so far open they nearly hit the floor. What happened here? Did they walk into the wrong house? Was this some sort of Christmas miracle? As they looked around their sparkling-clean living room and kitchen, they finally caught sight of the answer. There were their three children—12, 9, and 7-years-old—standing in the hallway with beaming smiles.

The children explained, “We know how hard you have been working and how much you do for us. We know that money has been tight, yet you still gave us so many amazing gifts for Christmas. We wanted to do something to surprise you after your date night to show you how thankful we are and how much we love you.”

Keith and Natasha were so happy. They loved their children so much. They were glad to sacrifice for them and to give them gifts in endless love, no matter how they acted. But for their children to show such love, respect, and honor for them as parents, it brought them the greatest joy!

Our God loves us as a dear Father loves his dear children. He gladly sent his Son Jesus to sacrifice himself for us, and he is happy to give us endless love and forgiveness. As the apostle Paul reminds us today, not only did God pay the price for us to be his own, but he also loves us so much that he lives with us and even in us. Our bodies are temples of the Lord! What grace from God, that he would love us and live with us every day!

Knowing God’s incredible love for us, Paul gives us one more important reminder, “Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Much like Keith and Natasha’s three children, it is our privilege to look for ways that we can show thanks and love back to God for all that he has done. Maybe you can show love to God by loving your parents and cleaning your room and the house—without even being asked. Or you can show love by honoring God in the way you control yourself, your words, and your behavior at school. You can honor God by going to church and singing his praise, by using your hands to help your neighbor, or simply by giving someone a hug and showing love.

Oh, how pleased God will be! When we show God love, respect, and honor for his love to us, it will bring him the greatest joy!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you gave yourself in love to pay the price for my sins so that I can be a child of God. Now you live in me! Help me show you love and honor with the way that I live for you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What are some ways that you can show love to your parent(s) for what they do for you?
• What are some ways you can show love to God for what he has done for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it meant to take someone, like God or your parents, for granted?
• Give examples of ways that we sometimes do this with God, our parents, or others.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: Sometimes the best way to say, “thank you” is without using any words at all.
• Discuss real, practical ways that you can do something to show your thanks to God this week.

Hymn: CWS 735:1,3 – Speak, O Lord

Speak, O Lord, as we come to you
To receive the food of your Holy Word.
Take your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in your likeness
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All your purposes for your glory.

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;
Help us grasp the heights of your plans for us.
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time,
That will echo down through eternity.
And by grace we’ll stand on your promises,
And by faith we’ll walk as you walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, as your Church is built
And you fill the earth with your glory.