Collateral damage – July 8, 2022

Collateral damage – July 8, 2022


At daylight, there was a great commotion among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter. After Herod had searched and did not find him, he interrogated the guards and ordered their execution.
Acts 12:18,19




Military Devotion – July 8, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 12:18,19

See series: Military Devotions

People in the pew with Sunday shoes may walk right past these verses. Others, who have worn the boots of combat, may stop to stare at them for a long time. They may find themselves thinking: “I know how Peter must have felt.”

James, the brother of John, the fisherman, had been executed at Herod’s command. Now Peter was arrested. He had to expect the same fate.

Miraculously, Peter escaped, but innocent people died as a result. They might be labeled as collateral damage. Peter had not planned their death. He had not wished their death. But, in a way, he caused their death. If he had not escaped, they would have still been alive. We can only wonder how often Peter thought of this as he went on with his life.

More than one person who has worn the United States Armed Forces uniform carries a picture of collateral damage in their memory. They are glad they survived the incident but regret the price that others paid as a result. Over time, that regret can grow. It can eat away at peace and joy. It can transform into guilt. God’s report on Peter’s escape shows this would be empty guilt.

Peter’s rescue was God’s doing. It was God’s plan. The responsibility lies with the Almighty. He makes no mistakes.

The night before his trial, Peter was chained between two guards. Two more guards were posted outside of the prison. None of this deterred the angel. With a bright light, he entered the cell and commanded, “Quick, get up!”

The chains fell off. “Get dressed!” “Follow me!” And, out they went, right past the guards—who saw nothing and heard nothing. The angel dropped Peter off on the street and disappeared.

Only when the sun came up did the soldiers discover their prisoner was gone. They knew they were doomed. The rule was: “Lose a prisoner, and you lose your life.”

Why did it have to happen this way? Why the collateral, the unintended, damage? Surely the God powerful enough to rescue Peter in this manner could have protected the lives of those who were only unfortunate enough to pull guard duty that night.

We wonder if Peter lamented these deaths and thought about those men in later years. He did not hate these guards! His message of the risen Savior was meant for them, too. Military people would one day make up a sizable portion of the Christian Church. Sadly, these soldiers would not be among them.

Maybe, in Peter’s mind, this was collateral damage. He surely did not intend it. But the one who planned and controlled the mission did.

The Lord God anticipated everything that took place in this operation. This includes the death of the guards. Only he knows why they were to die on that day, in this way, and not in another.

One does not need to be in a war to cause unintended affliction or death for others. It could be caused by an accident. It could be a business decision. It might simply be the wrong choice of words.

We might never know the damage we caused. Or the memory of it may burn in our hearts for years afterward.

Only God can release us from the pain of regret.

We remember Jesus teaching us to pray, “Thy will be done.”

We want his will to always be carried out. His plan is always perfect even when it doesn’t seem that way to us. Wasn’t that the case when his innocent Son was executed so guilty humans could live forever? Surely, we do not want him to change that.

That death erases any guilt we might have.

This lesson from Peter’s life has been retaught to God’s people down through the ages. We might have sin on our record. We may have regrets—but they should not be for what we are not responsible. If it is out of our hands, it is in God’s hands. One day we will see all the details and understand.

With God, there is no such thing as collateral damage!



Prayer: Heavenly Father, our faith is sometimes weak, and our understanding dim. Forgive the sins that we are not even aware of but keep us from feeling guilty when we are not. May we never find fault with what you have done. May we never regret being part of your plan! Enable us to learn the lesson taught to Peter so that we might ever walk in faith and know the blessing of your peace. In the name of Jesus, we pray this. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Brothers – July 1, 2022

Brothers – July 1, 2022


A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17




Military Devotion – July 1, 2022

Devotion based on Proverbs 17:17

See series: Military Devotions

They are brothers—though they come from different families. By ties weaved together under conditions of stress and danger, a group of people can become so tightly connected that they regard each other as true brothers, even if they are not related by blood—unless one counts spilled blood.

Civilians have heard about the Band of Brothers and have been entertained by Hollywood’s depiction. But those who have had their lives tied to a group like this know there is more to it than can be seen on the screen or explained to families.

Typically, this type of brotherhood (which can include women) is formed by former strangers undergoing such trying and dangerous times that their lives have become fused together.

For them, “I’ve got your six!” is not merely a nice phrase, but a promise that will be backed up with action.

That’s a special setting.

The Bible shows there is even more to the picture.

A brother such as this, was born for just such a time as this. The Lord God, in infinite wisdom, knew what his servants were going to run into down the path of life. He knew the time would come when they would need someone to battle alongside them.

The Lord of life controlled when these people would be born. He enabled them to have the necessary training and skills. He saw to it that these very people would be put together at this time in history. He is the one who forms the band of brothers.

We think in terms of coincidence and luck. He works by design.

It’s humbling to think that, with no input from us, we were born into a certain family, at a certain time, in a certain place on this globe. He did the same to others so they could be part of his plan for our lives.

The God who promised: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) was preparing to keep that promise even before we were born. He arranged for the help to be there when adversity arose.

Of course, this applies to more than military persons and to situations apart from war. People of all ages and circumstances are under the watchful eye of their loving Savior. He sends the friend indeed in times of need.

More than normal helpers or caregivers, these friends are extraordinary. They are tied to us in a special way. They become like family. Of them, we might say, “Blessed be the tie that binds!”

We are indeed blessed when our heavenly Father sends special people into our lives just when we need them most!

This is a part of a larger plan and an even superior band of brothers. It includes one our eyes have not yet seen. He is the brother sent from heaven.

He was there when we were born. He was there as we traveled the winding roads of life. He will stay with us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He will be there to welcome us to the other side.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we remember those special people the Lord has sent into our lives at times of adversity. We think of the Son of God who took on human flesh to fight for us in the battle for our souls.

We pause on this day to salute our brother from heaven.



Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we walk our path in life, you have brought in others to travel part of the way with us. We especially thank you for those who have helped us through adversity. Continue to provide such people when we need them. Enable us to be there for others in their hours of need. This we ask in the name of Jesus, the best brother of all. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why does God sometimes use a non-Christian to be a friend and brother?
  • Why might a band of brothers be resented by family members?
  • How does Jesus fit the role of being a brother?


Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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The Sun Waited – June 24, 2022

The Sun Waited – June 24, 2022


“Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped
until the nation took vengeance on its enemies.
Joshua 10:12,13




Military Devotion – June 24, 2022

Devotion based on Joshua 10:12,13

See series: Military Devotions

Those who expect the Word of God to contain only pious stories may be shocked to discover that it opens doors to reveal what is beyond human comprehension. It challenges the reader to admit that there is much one needs to learn.

Foolish is the person not willing to learn from his Creator. Our Bible passage allows us to consider something that transcends the boundaries of human science. Here we learn that at one time in history, the sun stood still—and so did the moon.

Five Amorite kings banded together to stop the Israelites from their conquest of the Promised Land. Following an all-night march, the Israelite army surprised the Amorites and began to push them back.

The Lord stepped in with large hailstones that pounded the enemy. When Joshua saw that survivors could escape when night fell, he called for God to take unprecedented action: “Stop the sun in its path so that we can finish the battle!”

The Sacred Record reads: “The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man” (Joshua 10:13,14).

The sun waited for God’s people to gain the victory.

How could this happen? Did the earth stop its rotation? Were the sun and moon made to synchronize with the world’s rotation and not move across the sky?

We don’t know. As citizens of the 21st century, how do we explain this?

The same way that God’s people of the Old Testament did. A prophet who lived long after this event declares: “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Sun and moon stood still in the heavens at the glint of your flying arrows, at the lightning of your flashing spear. In wrath you strode through the earth and in anger you threshed the nations” (Habakkuk 3:2,11,12).

This was the work of El Shaddai—God Almighty! It shows his power over all things and protection for his people. With him, nothing is impossible!

We hear the citizens of heaven proclaim the same truth: “Great and awe-inspiring are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty” (Revelation 15:3).

We can only stand in awe of the almighty God. We do so with respect and appreciation. It astounds us that he would use his power on behalf of those who sometimes doubt his power and love.

Yet, the Bible contains many accounts of divine intervention. We think of the crossing of the Red Sea, the angels sent to a fiery furnace and to a lions’ den in what is now Iraq—and then the opening of prison doors in Jerusalem.

But Golgotha is where his most incredible rescue took place.

Under that dark sky, Jesus announced, “It is finished.” The war against sin, death, and the devil was won.

We can live forever. Our souls will fly to glory. Our bodies will rise from our graves.

If ever we begin to doubt it, we merely need to remember Joshua.

And the day that the sun waited.



Prayer: Eternal Lord God, Ruler of heaven and earth, your works are truly awesome. Forgive us for doubting your power and your love. Teach us that while we live on this side of heaven, there is much for us to learn. Remind us that human wisdom cannot fathom the works and ways of the divine. Keep us under the shadow of your mighty hand. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why doesn’t God intervene every time we face danger?
  • Are the “laws of science” actually God’s laws?
  • Have you glimpsed the hand of God’s intervention in your life?

A portion of this devotion was previously published.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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No Excuse – June 17, 2022

No Excuse – June 17, 2022


But Moses asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.”
Exodus 3:11,12




Military Devotion – June 17, 2022

Devotion based on Exodus 3:11,12

See series: Military Devotions

The Lord God has a plan for each one of his people. His plan includes missions to carry out and responsibilities to fill. He does not have the exact same plan for everyone. When God issues marching orders, they correspond to the gifts he has given to the individual, and the work that he wants to accomplish through that person.

To the question, “Who am I?” the answer must be given: “A creation of the holy God, assigned to this place and time to carry out his work and bring glory to his name.”

Any other answer is presumptuous—and wrong. We are only kidding ourselves if we think we exist apart from the will of God and are on earth to do only what we choose. Sooner or later that illusion will fade like fog before the bright sun.

This doesn’t mean we don’t have choices. The Lord gives us a great degree of freedom. We might pick a career preference. We may choose to become married—or not.

What we cannot do is choose to ignore his orders. A summary of them is in the Ten Commandments. In addition, specific orders also come to specific people.

Moses was ordered to personally go to Pharaoh to announce that the Israelites would leave Egypt. Moses was assigned the task of being the leader of the exodus. His response was, “Who am I?” He was saying he was not equal to the task. He was offering an excuse.

God countered the excuse with the words: “I certainly will be with you.” He backed up the words of assurance by giving Moses a glimpse of the future. After the successful exodus, Moses would return to this very spot to worship his Lord and God. Moses had no excuse. Neither do we.

One of the greatest missions we can receive is to be a parent, and thus responsible for the protection, nurture, and development of someone’s early life. Both parents, whether their children are naturally born to them or adopted, are charged with the task of being faithful to their assignment. It is not an easy job. It is tempting to say, “Who am I?” and at times offer the excuse that this is beyond our ability. That excuse will not be accepted.

On Father’s Day we especially think of the grave responsibility that is assigned to fathers as head of the family. If our grandfathers thought it was difficult to carry out that assignment years ago, how much more difficult is it in the world of today?

But difficulty is no excuse. Neither are personal inadequacies. As he said to Moses, so our God says to us: “I will certainly be with you.”

We have no excuse. What we do have is a promise!

That promise is backed by blood—holy blood. The Son of God left the glory of heaven to be with us mortals. He did not abandon us to the fate we deserved or the satanic powers of darkness. He will not abandon us when we take on tasks he has assigned to us—as difficult as they may be.

“I will certainly be with you.” he says.

He is not against us. He is not away from us. He is with us.

He is there to bless us—and to bless others through us.



Prayer:
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart—it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee. Amen.
(Christian Worship 695:1,5,6)



Points to ponder:

  • How might the father’s role be different from the mother’s?
  • How might one be a blessing to a child without being its parent?
  • How has the Lord blessed me in special ways by people he provided for me?


Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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My Hope – June 10, 2022

My Hope – June 10, 2022


Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4,5




Military Devotion – June 10, 2022

Devotion based on Psalm 25:4,5

See series: Military Devotions

Life without hope would be a miserable existence.

Yet, there may be times when we feel exactly like that. One day, we may feel optimistic. But that feeling doesn’t last. The very next day, the seesaw of emotions may put us down instead of up.

The encouragement to “Cheer up!” contains no power to make it so.

We cannot flip a mental switch to force us to see that the glass is half-full instead of half-empty. If we could, we would. We resent being told we have that ability. It only makes our hopelessness more hopeless.

Scripture talks about a sure, firm hope. Does that mean if we don’t feel that way something is wrong with us? Is it perhaps weak faith?

David, the shepherd-king, shows his struggle with emotions in the words of the psalms he was led to write. Fear often stalks confidence. Doubt is mixed with conviction. Desperation sometimes sits right next to hope.

Yet, Scripture shows that God-based hope is more than a feeling. It is the anchor to our life that is safely held in place by the Eternal Almighty.

The validity of hope is determined by what the hope is anchored in.

“My hope,” declared David to his Savior God, “is in you all day long.”

That makes all the difference in the world. He wasn’t counting on his reputation—not even after he became famous for killing Goliath.

He did not place his hope in himself, which is a common mistake.

No matter how good he was, he would never have been good enough to expect that he could overcome the challenges in life unscathed.

He knew his life was not his own. It was given to him by his Creator and guided by his hand.

David would not have sung, “I did it my way!”

“Show me your ways, O Lord!” was his prayer. “Teach me your paths.”

Of all the things we might hope for—and that list is long—none compares to the hope that the path we walk in this life will lead us to a life filled only with good things.

Considering it from another perspective, we hope against hope that death will not deposit us into the pit of torment the Lord God has prepared for those who defy him.

It’s tempting to lay out our own path in life. Usually, that one twists and turns as it tries to bring us to places that satisfy our desire for pleasure and avoids facing the reality of what God expects of us.

The path to victory over death and endless joy has no twists nor turns. It leads in a straight line to Jesus.

“I have come that they may have life” the Redeemer declared.

Ancient Job knew this long before Jesus was born. “I know that my Redeemer lives,” he wrote. “And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.”

His reaction? “How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:26,27).

Hope built upon the Lord who redeemed us with his holy blood is a solid, never-changing, never-failing hope.

This is my hope.

I hope it is your hope.



Prayer:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare to make no other claim but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand. Amen.
(Christian Worship 563:1)



Points to ponder:

  • How is faith more than a feeling?
  • How might my self-confidence synchronize with my faith in God?
  • How does Satan keep pointing me away from Jesus as the sure hope in life and death?


Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Things Change – June 3, 2022

Things Change – June 3, 2022


Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
Exodus 1:8




Military Devotion – June 3, 2022

Devotion based on Exodus 1:8

See series: Military Devotions

Of course, things change. Spring converts into summer. Software is updated. We expect such changes. We adjust to them and move on. We often welcome change. It prevents boredom.

But sometimes, change is not wanted.

The onset of an illness, an accident, or the death of someone close to us, are unwelcome changes.

We know we must expect them. But they are not so easy to accept.

Then, there are the changes that we do not expect, do not want, and regret after they happen. Sometimes, they involve relationships.

Ancient Israel faced just such a change with the governing powers of Egypt.

An Israelite by the name of Joseph had once saved the nation of Egypt from starvation. So vital was his role that Pharoah elevated Joseph to one of the highest seats of power—and welcomed his family with appreciation.

The seventy family members from the land of Canaan were invited to stay as guests in Egypt. They were honored out of respect for what Joseph had done.

It was a warm relationship—until it changed.

We might fault the new king for not knowing Joseph’s vital role in Egypt’s past. But then, we know how easy it is to forget the roles foreigners played in our past.

How many remember the young Frenchman who played a critical role in our War for Independence? He was highly honored by us when he was alive. One hundred fifty years later, he still was highly regarded.

“Layfette, we are here!” American doughboys announced upon landing in France in World War One.

But today, few Americans even know that the cities called Fayetteville were named in honor of the young French soldier, Marquis de Lafayette.

Why, then, should we be surprised to learn that the Egyptian government didn’t know about a Joseph who had helped them out 400 years earlier?

From a favored position, the Israelites had fallen to become despised and feared in Egypt.

Things changed.

The same can happen to us. People that we once counted on, organizations that once appreciated us, and relationships that we once treasured can fade away. Friends can become enemies. Our sense of security can be shattered.

“Change and decay in all around, I see,” the hymnist laments.

The line of pharaohs had changed. Egypt had changed. The status of Israel had changed.

The God of Israel had not.

His promise was the same as always. His love was the same. So was his guarding presence.

The miraculous life-saving exodus from Egypt was proof of that.

The miraculous life-saving arrival of his Son into this world was greater proof.

The death and resurrection of his Son is the greatest proof.

It shows that we are free from the deadly grip of evil. We can scoff at its threat.

Jesus said it best, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).



Prayer:
“O you who changes not, abide with me.” Amen.



Ponder Points:

  • What changes concern us most?
  • Has any dreaded change turned out to be a blessing?
  • How did the disciples adjust to the changes that Good Friday brought?


Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Where Duty Calls – May 27, 2022

Where Duty Calls – May 27, 2022


Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13




Military Devotion – May 27, 2022

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:13

See series: Military Devotions

A famous hymn bids us, “Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there” (CW 474:3).

Most Americans understand the idea of danger. Sadly, it comes in too many forms and is far too common.

Duty is a different matter. To many, that is a hazy concept. Rights, wants, and demands are discussed regularly. Duty? Not so much.

Scripture, however, speaks plainly about duty. Duty is something that is expected to be carried out no matter how difficult, no matter the cost, no matter the location.

Location can be a major factor. Often, it is the location that brings the danger.

Those who wear, or have worn, the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces, have the meaning of the word “duty” ingrained in them. The oath taken by our Army officers declares: “I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.”

The lowered flags on a Memorial Day remind us that there have been Americans who have lost their lives while doing their duty.

The soil in faraway places like Tarawa, Flanders, the Chosen Reservoir, and the Michelin rubber plantations of Vietnam have soaked up the blood of Americans who carried out their duty to our nation.

They had sworn to do their duty to defend our nation “against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Many of them had taken another oath that they were fulfilling at the same time. On a special Sunday, they had knelt before an altar and promised to be faithful to the Lord, their Savior God, and would be willing to lose everything, including their earthly life, rather than desert him.

Their induction or commissioning into the service of their nation ended with the words, “So help me God.”

Their confirmation vows ended much the same way.

For the Christian, the enemies domestic or foreign included forces of darkness with supernatural powers. These demonic powers are quick to attack any sign of faithfulness to the Lord of glory or hope of rescue by him.

The prize of battle is not some piece of land for a little while. This fight is over immortal souls for time and eternity.

The enemy is evil. The danger is deadly—and constant.

The command is: “Stand your ground!”

The weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Those who lose their earthly lives fighting this battle with this weapon need to be remembered by no lowered flag.

Mark their grave with the flag of victory. They wear the crown of life.



Prayer:
Lord of glory, we remember that a price has been paid for the freedoms we enjoy. That memory brings sadness. We look to you for comfort and assurance. We thank you for freeing us from the tyranny of evil men and fallen angels. Give us the courage to take a stand against evil. Bestow upon us the honor of standing up for Jesus. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Did we forget? – May 20, 2022

Did we forget? – May 20, 2022


When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Luke 24:50,51




Military Devotion – May 20, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 24:50,51

See series: Military Devotions

We might wonder if angels wonder about us.

We eagerly and joyfully celebrate the entrance of Jesus of Nazareth into our world at Bethlehem. Special music sounds from our airwaves as early as November 1. Special trees are placed into homes. Special sales are advertised to shoppers hungry to buy. Special gifts are given. Special worship services are held.

The Christian world, and much of the secular, pause and hush to hear the music of “Silent Night” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.

And the victorious departure of Jesus of Nazareth to his heavenly home?

No Ascension Day sales, no decorating of houses, no special foods—should we say, no notice?

Surely, no song labeled “O Little Town of Bethany.”

We can understand the non-Christian world ignoring a holiday that does not offer special food or entertainment. It’s the expected response to the question, “What’s in it for me?”

But how do we explain the silence and inaction of those who claim this Jesus as their rescuer and ruler?

Surely the angels must wonder about this.

If we imagine that Christmas is celebrated with songs of joy by the heavenly host, if we expect that Easter rings with shouts of “Hallelujah!” by saints and angels, what do we envision the remembrance of the Ascension to be like?

Would heaven forget the day Jesus returned to his throne on high from his victorious mission to rescue mankind?

Hardly.

Through a prophetic vision, the psalmist declared, “God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets” (Psalm 47:5).

In the Bible, we hear, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).

In the Easter hymn, we sing, “He lives eternally to save. He lives all-glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high.” (CW 152:2)

The return of Jesus to his throne of glory in heaven is wonderful news. But it is also critical news.

We need him to claim his throne. We need him to rule over all things on heaven and earth for us.

He said he would return to heaven to his father when his mission was accomplished. He declared he was going to prepare a place for us in his father’s house.

He backed that up with a promise.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3).

His ascension to heaven is our blessed assurance that he will, indeed, enable us to ascend to heaven as well.

How could we forget Ascension Day?

We should not.

We dare not.

We will not.



Prayer:
Mighty, reascended Lord, the blessing that you gave to your disciples as they watched you begin your trip home has descended upon us through your Word. We thank you for that. We commit ourselves to pass the blessing on to others as we tell them of the marvels of your love. Remind us often of your ascension—lest we forget. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Beware the defiant – May 13, 2022

Beware the defiant – May 13, 2022


They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
Jude 13




Military Devotion – May 13, 2022

Devotion based on Jude 13

See series: Military Devotions

Part of America seems to idolize the defiant.

Raised fists; loud voices and sneering faces show up on news clips and Facebook pages. Some claim this is part of America’s heritage. After all, did not our nation come into being by defying the rule of Britain? Are we not heirs of a rebellion?

We are. But not just because we are Americans. We can trace the roots of our rebellious spirit back to our first parents, who lived near the original Tigris and Euphrates.

We were born rebellious and defiant. It is part of our nature.

Should we not, at times, rebel against some expectations and defy certain threats?

Absolutely! We sing the words, “Death, I now defy thee. Fear, I bid thee cease.”

We mean that. The death and resurrection of the Son of God give us the freedom to overcome the powers of sin, of death, and of the devil. These enemies of peace and joy have been conquered. We claim victory over them in the name of Jesus. We defy them.

We do not, however, challenge the rule of our Creator and Savior God. The Holy One of Israel warns us against those who do.

The Book of Jude contains only one chapter. Jude identifies himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.” This James is not John’s brother, the fisherman, but the writer of the Epistle of James. He is identified as a physical half-brother of Jesus. Thus, so is Jude.

By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jude writes to warn early Christians against men who had slipped in among them, claiming to speak for Jesus, but they did not. Jude wrote, “They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.”

He reminds his readers of angels who rebelled and were sentenced to hell. He points to the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah, who defied the Sixth Commandment the Lord had decreed. Defying God leads to a horrible end.

Such false leaders are to be condemned. They are called shepherds who only feed themselves instead of their flocks. They are like clouds without rain and trees that bear no fruit—and then are uprooted, thus twice dead.

We begin to get the picture that they can offer the Christian nothing of value despite their claims or popularity. They should not be listened to. They should not be followed.

Then, the Holy Spirit pictures their deadly defiance by comparing them to wild waves and wandering stars. This strange comparison packs a punch when we stop to think about it.

Nature is controlled by its Creator. The Lord tells of his rule over oceans when he sets boundaries by telling the waves “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt” (Job 38:11).

We remember Jesus giving commands to wind and waves on the Sea of Galilee. And then, there was the flood in Noah’s day and the command of God to the waters to rise and then recede.

He labels defiant waves as wild waves. He says they foam up to their shame.

He declares that the stars are to shine (Jeremiah 31:33), determines their number, and calls them out by name (Psalm 147:4).

A wandering star is one that goes off track from the path that God has laid down.

For such, the warning is issued: “blackest darkness has been reserved forever.”

We probably never thought of that; we never expected the Lord God to take such action. But he did, and he will.

The Lord is serious about anyone or anything defying his commands.

So, why would we ever listen to someone who tells us to go against him?

We won’t.

We are on the alert for those who would defy the Almighty.

Our souls know he paid the price of our rescue. We bow our heads in respect, appreciation, and obedience.

Death and the devils we defy.

The Lord of life we serve—gladly.



Prayer:
Lord Jesus, who died that we may live, grant unto us the clear realization that serving you is no loss of freedom, and defying you is loss of everything good. Keep us on the narrow path. Deliver us from all evil. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Scolding God – May 6, 2022

Scolding God – May 6, 2022


It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 10:31




Military Devotion – May 6, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 10:31

See series: Military Devotions

“After the battle, everything was pretty foggy. I stopped praying; I grew up in a Christian environment, but I didn’t believe it anymore. Human flesh melting on steel? Someone’s not listening.”1

This soldier’s words are disturbing. But sadly, not surprising. They can be easily brushed aside by those who have no idea how disturbing combat can be.

Those who have seen the inside of horror may nod their heads in understanding even if they disagree with the warrior’s conclusion.

When the shock is so great, one is prone to say, “This cannot be!” At other times, one feels forced to scream, “This should not be!”

If it should not be, then someone must be at fault. Someone must be blamed.

Sometimes, it seems no one is left to blame other than the one who is said to watch over the world.

That someone is the living God.

There is a natural tendency to acknowledge that a supreme being operates on a plane higher than humans. The evidence is there in nature. The confirmation rests in one’s conscience.

To deny the existence of the One who is greater is to lie to oneself.

It can be done. But most are not willing to take that step.

More commonly, people may envision a big guy in the sky who might be able to give help.

They see him similar to a helper in a preschool room. Besides tying shoes and giving out smiles, this is the one who watches over the youngsters to keep them safe. If a scuffle breaks out, this is the one that prevents it from getting out of hand.

The helper is blamed if someone gets hurt. What good are they if they cannot keep serious harm from happening?

If God is viewed as the helper for the world, he is blamed when the horrible happens.

“Someone’s not listening!” the disgusted warrior complained.

The one he had thought of as God failed to keep the warfare to an acceptable level.

The soldier knew some could be wounded in firefights. He expected some might even die. But to his mind, none—not even one—should have their flesh melted on hot steel!

So, this angry creature of dust raised his voice in empty righteous wrath to scold his creator and judge.

Someone should warn him. Someone should remind him that the Lord of creation does not answer to him. He does not answer to anyone. And never does he fail to do what is right.

The Bible speaks of such people. It says of them, “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18).

They will learn, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

The soldier is deadly wrong. But we understand him. That same haughty spirit lives in us, and at times, it takes control of our words and actions.

But the Spirit of Christ also dwells within us. His voice overrides the foolishness of evil. His spirit calls for forgiveness. It begs for greater strength to battle evil.

It is the voice of Satan that accuses the holy God. It is the blood of Jesus that washes away our guilt of listening to the rebellious angel.

The Holy Spirit, the Comforter from on high, quiets our disturbed souls and allows peace to come to hurting hearts.

We hear the assurance, “Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.”

Scold God?

Never.


1From The Things they Cannot Say, page 132.



Prayer:
God of might, God of mercy, scold us when we dare to step out of line. Keep us on the narrow path. Call us back when we wander and hold us close when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. If our eyes ever gaze upon the horrible, lift them up to see your glory. Show us Jesus. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Missing Persons – April 29, 2022

Missing Persons – April 29, 2022


Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Genesis 5:24




Military Devotion – April 29, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 5:24

See series: Military Devotions

I wish to report some missing persons.

When I look in places where I have seen them before, they are not there. Sometimes I think I hear their voices, but I am always mistaken. I wish they had not left. There is happy news I would like to share with them. There have been sorrows that their presence would have lessened.

Sometimes I dream that their going away was only a dream and everything is good again—that they are in my life again.

But they are not.

Some mornings I awake with the feeling of the old days—until memory tells me that those days have passed and will never return.

They are no more.

This does not surprise me. I have learned of the thing called death. My earliest memory of it was when my puppy was run over by a car. My dad buried it next to the garden. I checked the next day to see if the puppy dug himself out of his grave.

He did not.

I learned that death was permanent. The most we can do is shed some tears over it and accept that what has died will be missing.

Thankfully, some of the people who are now missing from my life told me about the life after this life. I learned that not only did I have a daddy who was with me at the burial of my puppy, but also another father who once watched over the burial of his beloved son.

Both fathers loved me. One of them was helpless before death. The other one destroyed the power of death.

I learned to sing, “Death itself, is transitory. I shall lift my head in glory.”

The one who taught me that hymn is now among the missing. I no longer see or hear him. I miss him.

Dreadful words echo from a long-ago garden.

“Dust you are and to dust you will return.”

It is said that no one leaves this life alive. That is usually true.

Except.

Except someone called Elijah who was escorted to heaven in a fiery chariot without dying.

Except an Enoch, of whom it is written, “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

Both are listed among the missing. But we know where they went, and we know how they got there. We know where to find them now.

They are with God because God took them to heaven.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could happen as easy as that to our loved ones? If it could happen to us?

Is that not actually what has happened and will happen to those who placed their hope in Jesus, the Lord of life?

It is.

So, they are not missing after all. We just cannot see them now.

They are more alive than ever because the threat of death has been canceled. They flourish in the wonder and glory of the ever-living Creator and Savior.

Enoch has nothing over us.

We, too, walk with God each day, do we not?

One day he will take us away, will he not?

Someday someone may list my name on a stone placed among others that serve as memorials for the missing.

But you will know where to find me.

Let the inscription read: “He walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”



Prayer:
“Jesus, your blood and righteousness
my beauty are, my glorious dress;
mid flaming worlds in these arrayed,
with joy shall I lift up my head.” Amen.
(Christian Worship 573:1)



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Not a Picnic – April 22, 2022

Not a Picnic – April 22, 2022


When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
John 21:9,10




Military Devotion – April 22, 2022

Devotion based on John 21:9,10

See series: Military Devotions

It might have looked like a picnic. But it wasn’t.

It was by a lake. A small group of men was gathered near some fish cooking over hot coals, and some bread was there. Seeing this, someone might have thought perhaps it was a crew of fishermen gathered for breakfast. Indeed, it might have been that.

But it was not a picnic.

These men had recently gone through traumatic experiences. One of their friends had recently committed suicide. Another had shamelessly denied he belonged to this group. Their leader had been executed.

These men had witnessed the horrible and seen the impossible. They were coping with the horrendous aftermath of one event and the wonderful afterglow of another.

They were eight of the famous twelve disciples of Jesus. They were meeting with the one who had died and then rose from the dead. They wrestled with a jumble of emotions. Their lives had been radically changed. Their relationship with Jesus was now very different. He no longer stayed with them, and he suddenly would appear and then disappear.

They knew he would soon leave them and not return.

They had to process all this. They needed to decompress. They wanted to know what to expect in the future. One of them questioned if he still was accepted as a disciple.

Indeed, their lives were not a picnic.

So, they sat by the fire, ate some food, and waited to hear what Jesus had to say. They did not have to wait long.

Finishing breakfast, Jesus turned to Simon Peter and asked, “Do you truly love me more than these?”

It was a painful question. Peter had once bragged that he loved Jesus more than all the other disciples. Now, he answered in meekness.

“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He did not add, “More than these.”

Again, he was asked, “Do you truly love me?” The word “truly” reflects a deep form of love, a love like what God has for the world.

Again, Peter did not claim that high level of love. He just repeated, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” This type of love was small and humble.

Then Jesus changed the question. He used a different word for love. “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

The question hurt Peter. He was being asked if he had even a small and feeble love for Jesus.

No longer bragging, no longer sure of his own strength, now Peter appealed to the omniscience of Jesus.

“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

We can relate to Peter. Too often, our love for the Savior God has been feeble and faltering. There have been times when someone looking in at our life would not have recognized us as a redeemed child of God.

But, like Peter, Jesus has not forgotten us nor forsaken us. Instead, he comes to us in Word and sacrament to assure us that he forgives us. He points to the scars on his hands and feet. He assures us with the inspired words, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

We wait for his plans for us to unfold, as did those disciples by the lake. We look forward to when he will return.

From then on, our lives will indeed be like a picnic.



Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Risen Savior, you know that I love you. I ask that you deal with me in love as you did with Simon Peter. I have nothing to boast of about myself. Instead, I sing, “I boast a Savior slain.” Give me that abiding hope you spoke of, and allow me to share that bright future with you. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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If no Easter – April 15, 2022

If no Easter – April 15, 2022


He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Mark 16:6




Military Devotion – April 15, 2022

Devotion based on Mark 16:6

See series: Military Devotions

If there were no Easter, there would be no Christmas. No Savior would have been born.

If there were no Easter, there would be no reason to celebrate a birthday. Each year added to life would be but a step downward to the pit of the grave. There would be no reason to celebrate a New Year, either. Birthdays and New Year’s would still be observed. The passage of time could not be unnoticed. But the turning of the years would bring no joy.

Of course, joy can be artificially stimulated. Drugs and alcohol can do that. So can indulging in anything that gives pleasure to mind and body. The ancient phrase is, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” That is called fatalism.

If there were no Easter, our entire life would be a fatality.

If there were no Easter, everything we attempt would end up in failure. So what if we were handed a diploma; were decorated for valor; and amassed a fortune? In the end, it would mean nothing. “Meaningless! Meaningless!” Solomon concluded. “Everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). If there were no Easter, that phrase would be the billboard for our life.

If there were no Easter there would be no hope. Any avoidance of pain or misfortune would only be a postponing of the inevitable disaster. For a while we might walk in sunshine, but the path would lead only to darkness. The horizon would offer no brightening of the clouds, no streaks of early dawn—only the blackness of more night.

To such a one the words of the poet are sent: “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

If there were no Easter, rage would be our only recourse—feeble and fruitless as it may be. The night of death would not be good. Terror would replace rage. The bars of the dungeon would be ever locked. Misery would be our eternal cellmate.

Instead, we sing out the words: “But now is Christ arisen!”

The women did not find the body of Jesus on Easter morning. The stone was rolled away. An angel with the appearance of lightning was sitting on it. “He has risen!” he announced. “Come see the place where they laid him.”

Thousands of years later, no matter where we are, no matter how old, no matter what our circumstances in life—thousands of years later we take up the invitation of the angel. Through the eyes of the Gospel writers, with words sent from heaven, we draw near to the graveyard not far from Golgotha, and we peer into the tomb.

There we see the empty grave. There we see proof that Jesus of Nazareth, true man and true God, conquered death, paid our ransom, and gave us life everlasting.

It is Easter once again—and we celebrate it!



Our hearts sing the old hymn:
He is arisen! Glorious Word! Now reconciled is God, my Lord;
The gates of heaven are open.
My Jesus did triumphant die, and Satan’s arrows broken lie,
Destroyed hell’s fiercest weapon.
Oh, hear! What cheer! Christ victorious,
Rising glorious, Life is giving.
He was dead, but now is living! Amen.
(Christian Worship 461)



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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A different crown – April 8, 2022

A different crown – April 8, 2022


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.”
Mark 11:9-10




Military Devotion – April 8, 2022

Devotion based on Mark 11:9-10

See series: Military Devotions

It was a different type of crowd that streamed into Jerusalem for the Passover that year. It buzzed with excitement. It came with expectations. Many believed they were going to crown a king.

It surely looked that way.

The palm branches and cloaks spread on the road; the chants of “Hosanna”; the sight of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey—all this reminded them of the prophet’s words: “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9).

The chosen 12 disciples thought for sure they were on their way to his coronation. The mother of two of them quickly submitted their names for choice spots in his government.

For the Jewish leaders, an attempt to crown Jesus as King of the Jews was one of their greatest fears. If successful, they expected he would quickly throw them out of their positions of power just as he had thrown the moneychangers out of the temple. How the Romans would react to this insurrection was another great fear.

Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, and Herod, king of Galilee, were concerned about the possibility of Jesus being crowned as a king to take their places. They feared the repercussions that would come from the powers back at Rome. The Roman Senate did not tolerate disturbances to the famed “Pax Romana,” the peace which existed between nationalities within the Roman Empire.

Even if the attempt at rebellion by this Jesus was quickly smashed, heads would roll—and not necessarily figuratively.

By the end of this week, many charges would be raised against the rabbi from Nazareth. For the Jewish leaders, the condemning one was that he claimed to be the Son of God. By Jewish law, that called for the death sentence, even though they no longer had the right to carry it out.

For the Romans, it was the claim to be a king that sealed his fate. And Rome did have the authority to carry out a legal execution.

We might ask if the frenzied Palm Sunday crowd realized how dangerous the situation was. If they did, they might have dismissed the danger by pointing out that Jesus of Nazareth had already shown that he was not intimidated by Jewish or Roman authorities. In fact, it seemed he was not afraid of anyone or anything.

If he could drive out demons, cure afflictions with a touch, and raise the dead, what chance did his enemies have to overpower him?

He didn’t need an army to back his claim to the throne. He was in possession of superhuman power.

He showed that supremacy when the detachment of soldiers came to arrest him in Gethsemane. The mere words, “I am he” threw them to the ground, helpless.

What chance did his enemies have to prevent him from taking over as their king?

The very chance that he gave them. He would not resist them. He came to place himself into their hands. That had been the plan all along.

The Jewish leaders, the Romans, and the Palm Sunday crowds misunderstood his objective. They thought he was aiming for a crown of silver or gold.

He had in mind a different crown.

He rode into Jerusalem on that day to receive a crown of thorns.

Thereby, he won for us the crown of life.

Thus, he gained his victory—and so did we.



Prayer:
“All glory, laud and honor to thee Redeemer King.” We shout out, “Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne.” Heaven declares him to be “King of kings and Lord of lords.” We agree. “Hosanna in the highest!” Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Did what she could – April 1, 2022

Did what she could – April 1, 2022


“She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.”
Mark 14:8




Military Devotion – April 1, 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 1:27

See series: Military Devotions

Her name was Mary. She lived with her brother and sister in a home not too far from Jerusalem. She was a friend of Jesus of Nazareth.

She was worried. She knew something bad was going to happen. She saw the proverbial train wreck coming—and she could not stop it.

The word had gotten out. Jesus was going to be killed.

Even some of his enemies tried to warn him. Luke reports, “At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

Jesus’ reply was, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal’” (Luke 13:31,32).

This would not bode well.

Worse, Jesus began to tell his disciples that he must suffer many things and must be killed.

None of this made any sense to them. When Peter objected, Jesus called him “Satan” and said, “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Mark 8:33)

Mary could not stop the coming tragedy. So, she did what she could. She prepared his body for burial.

We can relate to Mary. We, too, may have encountered situations where we felt helpless to help someone else in time of need.

We can’t cure terminal cancer. We can’t stop wars. We can’t erase the replay of traumatic events that torment a mind. There are many things we cannot do no matter how much we wish we could.

Sometimes, like Mary, we cannot stop a person from doing something that we know will cause pain, maybe even death.

That can leave us frustrated or angry; and certainly, sad.

We might say, “I can only do what I can do.” But we are not happy with that. We think, “If it were me, if it were my life, I would do something about it.”

Then, the realization dawns that there are things we cannot fix, problems we cannot solve.

Judas had the same concern as Mary. He looked in and saw that Jesus was not going to set himself up as king in Jerusalem. Perhaps, he saw this coming before other disciples did. James and John were still thinking that they could get a share of the power and glory of the kingdom that Jesus was going to establish on earth. So did their mother.

All of them were wrong. “My kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus explained to Pilate.

So, why was he here? Why was he not sitting on his throne in heaven?

We think back to that scene in Bethany. We begin to realize that Jesus had come to earth to fix a problem for us. The problem was our damning sin and the death sentence it carried. We needed his help. We were lost without it.

He could do what we could not.

Jesus was pleased to accept Mary’s loving gift. He praised her for it.

He rejected the claim of Judas that the money could have been spent for a better cause.

He pressed forward on his rescue mission. He was willing to bear the pain and pay the price though it would cost his life.

He did what he could. He suffered. He died—because he loved us.

Was that enough?

Easter morning’s empty grave is our receipt.

Our debt is paid in full.



Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the help of the helpless and the hope of the hopeless. What was impossible for us was given as a gift to us. We marvel at your power. We marvel more at your love. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Zion redeemed – March 25, 2022

Zion redeemed – March 25, 2022


Zion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness.
Isaiah 1:27




Military Devotion – March 25 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 1:27

See series: Military Devotions

The story of our salvation is the story of Zion redeemed.

Mount Zion was a hill in Jerusalem the Canaanites had used as a fortress. Zion became a synonym for Jerusalem as well as for the whole land of Israel. Sometimes, it also represents the people of God, the holy Christian church.

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Spirit pointed an accusing finger at his people with the words, “Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt…” He went on to identify the guilt. “They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him” (Isaiah 2:4ff).

This will have consequences. Isaiah admits, “Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.”

We can picture what that would be like. We have seen photos of destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We have learned of the power the Creator has at his command. It is frightful.

Long before, Moses had written of the Holy One, “We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation” (Psalm 90:7).

How does someone escape this fury? What can be done to turn away his anger? Could sinners pay a fine? Could they offer a bribe? Could those people pay the Holy One off by offering him sacrifices?

They tried it. It didn’t work. It will never work. He scolded them, “Stop bringing meaningless offerings!”

He told them, “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.”

But then they heard, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

How can that be? Those people surely were not able to stop sinning, were they? They surely were not able to make up for the evil they had done by trying extra hard to do good, were they?

Of course not. They and we must confess with the prophet, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

Filthy rags! That’s the best we can offer. It’s an impossible situation for us.

But not for the Redeemer God. As Jesus would tell the people of his day, “All things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27). The LORD himself would step into that impossible situation.

“Zion will be redeemed with justice” Scripture declares.

Jesus brought that justice into the courtroom of the Judge of all. The Son of God was absolutely without guilt. But he assumed the debt of the guilty. So, he became guilty.

He was found guilty. He was given the death sentence. It was carried out on Golgotha.

The debt once owned by humans is now paid for.

How does one become the recipient of the payment, the redemption?

The need for help needs to be recognized. Sorrow for sin needs to be felt. The Holy Spirit seeks to enable that. It is called repentance.

Thus, the word is given that Zion will be redeemed with justice, and it is explained, “her penitent ones with righteousness.”

The righteousness of the Holy One of God now covers the former guilty ones who place their trust in the Savior God. So, the apostle can announce, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

That’s it! Zion has peace with God. Zion is redeemed.

And we are Zion.



Prayer:
Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit, we lift our eyes in wonder to hear that our guilt has been paid for. Our trust in Jesus as our Savior has placed us among the redeemed of God. For this, we thank you. For this, we praise you. Because of this, we are forever blessed. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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A gory God – March 18, 2022

A gory God – March 18, 2022


In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22




Military Devotion -March 18, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 9:22

See series: Military Devotions

She said, “You have a gory God!”

There was the sound of contempt in her voice mixed with a twinge of sadness. She said she believed in peace and love. She wondered how I could worship someone who is reported as having killed countless civilians when Israel left Egypt. Then, she pointed to the more than a thousand Assyrian soldiers under Sennacherib who were found lifeless outside of Jerusalem one morning.

She asked, “Wasn’t this the same God who claimed credit for each carnage?”

Had she known her Bible better, she might have listed more instances of when an encounter with the Lord God resulted in the death of humans.

And then, what about all the animals killed as offerings to the God of Israel?

As we gather in our clean and tidy church buildings, it’s difficult to envision what it was like for the Old Testament people as they brought offerings to be slaughtered as an act of worship.

Wasn’t this woman right in declaring, “You have a gory God!”?

There’s even more evidence, is there not? What about when the Lord God commanded Abraham to use a knife to kill his own son?

What are we to make of that?

In the end, Abraham’s son was spared. An animal substituted for him. But the mere threat can make us wonder if the almighty God might actually carry through with such a command at some point in time.

No need to wonder. History shows he did just that. The Bible covers this dreadful event in great detail. It is not a pretty picture.

It reveals the Father sacrificing his own Son. There is blood aplenty. A wreath made of thorns was jammed down onto his skull. Head wounds seem to bleed a lot.

He was whipped by soldiers. More blood.

Nails were pounded into hands and feet. Finally, a spear was stabbed into his side. Out came blood and water.

A gory sight!

This happened not by chance. It was premeditated. Not by Jewish leaders. Not by Roman soldiers.

It was planned and implemented by the Lord of creation.

Seven hundred years years before the horror took place, Isaiah described the victim in his prophecy, “His appearance,” he wrote, “was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness” (Isaiah 52:14).

If the Lord God caused this, is he not a gory God?

It seems so. Yet, the Bible makes something very clear. The Holy One did not cause the blood and gore. That’s on the humans. They are the ones who defied holy laws. They brought death and damnation upon themselves. Sin comes with a death penalty.

If they were to be spared, if they were to be rescued, someone innocent of sin would need to take their place. That someone would be punished by the holy God. That substitute someone would need to suffer a bloody, agonizing death.

That someone was Jesus, the Son of God.

The fist of divine judgment struck him instead of us. He bled and died because he was guilty of crimes deserving abandonment to the depths of hell. You see, our guilt had been piled onto his shoulders. That’s what the sacrifices of innocent birds and animals in the temple pointed to. That’s what the bleeding and dying were all about.

So, with what words would we describe the judge of heaven and earth, of life and death?

How about, “merciful”? How about, “loving”? How about, “my Savior?”

For generations, his worshipers have pictured him hanging on the cross as they sang, “O sacred head, now wounded.” The hymn continues, “Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call you mine.”

So what would we say to that woman asking how we could worship such a one?

Don’t we need to answer, don’t we want to answer, “A gory God? Yes, he was!”?

Thank God, he was.

For us, he was made gory.

For her too!



Prayer:
What language shall I borrow to thank you dearest Friend,
For this, your dying sorrow, your pity without end?
Oh, make me yours forever, and keep me strong and true;
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for you. Amen.
Christian Worship 429:5



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Ace of Spades – March 11, 2022

Ace of Spades – March 11, 2022


The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
1 John 3:8




Military Devotion -March 11, 2022

Devotion based on1 John 3:8

See series: Military Devotions

When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, America went to war. The result was a devastating defeat for the invaders.

A few years later, American leaders responded to the reports of Iraq having weapons of mass destruction and evidence that its leader authorized the slaughter of countless men, women, and children who were Kurds.

America returned to war in Iraq—this time determined to eliminate the regime’s leadership that caused so much death and destruction.

To enable our troops to identify the leaders, their pictures were put onto what looked like playing cards. Troops didn’t need to learn the Arabic names. They could just refer to “The 10 of Diamonds” and everyone knew who that person was and what he looked like. The top target was the president of the country.

He was pictured on the Ace of Spades.

When the Son of God was sent to earth to destroy the powers of darkness, he knew their leader carried the name Satan.

Thus, we can say, during the mission of Jesus on this earth, his chief target was the prince of darkness. His card, if there were one, would be the Ace of Spades.

The one known in Nazareth as the carpenter’s son spent some 30 years preparing for the showdown. When the time was right, it was the Holy Spirit who led him onto that battlefield in the desert for the opening round. Satan came carrying the primary weapons of satanic forces: deceit and intimidation.

He began the attack with the words, “If you are the Son of God…” followed by commands to “tell these stones to become bread” and “throw yourself down” from the high point of the temple.

It was a trap. If Jesus had done these things, as he easily could have, he would have appeared to have accepted Satan as his commander.

He did not.

The last attack in the desert by Satan revealed his true objective. After showing Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in their splendor, he said, “All this I will give you if you bow down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9).

Much earlier, while yet in heaven, Satan and his followers had challenged the authority of the Lord God to rule over them. Now on earth, Satan renewed the challenge. Jesus didn’t flinch. Instead, he issued his own command, “Away from me, Satan!”

Satan yielded. He had to. Satan left. Angels rushed to the side of the victor.

During his ministry here, Jesus won battle after battle against his adversaries. Repeatedly, they retreated to fight another day.

Until.

Until there was no chance of retreat. Until the day that the Lord of life crushed the powers of darkness by sacrificing himself for mankind. He defeated sin, death, and the devil by dying. He proved his victory by rising from the dead.

The hymnist called Jesus, “Death of death and hell’s destruction.”

The leader of the satanic state was taken down. He is now detained with limited freedom. The holy, almighty God controls the length of the chain he is tied to.

He still boasts as if he is unstoppable. But he is faking it. He knows the gates of hell will slam shut on him at the time of God’s choosing. Those who follow him will share his misery.

He is running for his life, but his path leads only to a pit—the pit of hell.

Rightly we sing, “Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpower us.
This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will, he can harm us none.
He’s judged, the deed is done! One little word can fell him.” (Christian Worship 863:3)

That word is “Jesus.”



Prayer:
Lord Jesus, if you had not come to rescue us, if you had not been willing to take on our deadly enemy, if you had just watched from afar, the powers of darkness would have robbed us of life and salvation. We hail you as our conquering King. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Surrounded – March 4, 2022

Surrounded – March 4, 2022


When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
2 Kings 6:15,16




Military Devotion -March 4, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Kings 6:15,16

See series: Military Devotions

Sometimes what we see by dawn’s early light is surprising. It may even be alarming. That’s the way it was for the servant of the prophet Elisha.

One morning he saw that an enemy force had surrounded him and his master.

The king of Aram had declared war on the king of Israel. He became frustrated when, time after time, his attempts to ambush the Israelites failed. He thought he knew the reason why.

He called his officers together and demanded of them, “Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”

The answer came back: “None of us… but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” Somehow, Elisha had a way of knowing things.

Thus, Elisha became a target.

The order went out, “Go find where he is so I can send men and capture him.”

They found him. “He is in Dothan.”

Next, “The king sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.”

What chance does one or two have against an army? Elisha’s servant believed the answer was, “None!”

When the servant got up that next morning, the sight of the hostile forces terrified him. “Oh, my lord,” he asked Elisha, “what shall we do?”

In effect, Elisha told him, “Nothing! We need do nothing!”

Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”

The result? “Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

The servant was not to despair. Elisha’s words were true. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

The king of Aram had brought his human army to Dothan. The Lord of armies sent angels.

Children of the heavenly Father should not be surprised to learn of enemies gathering around them. They should remember that the most dangerous enemy is the one that cannot be seen. The greatest danger is always not to the body, but to the soul.

“I walk in danger all the way…” the hymnist wrote. We still sing those words because they still apply.

We need to realize that we live our lives surrounded by enemies. But there’s more that the Lord wants us to know.

We also live our lives surrounded by angels.

This army of angels has never tasted defeat. Never left anyone behind. Never will. Their mission is always accomplished. Their primary mission is rescue—sometimes in a surprising way.

No Aram soldiers died on that frightful day at Dothan. Instead, the Lord struck them, not with a sword, but with blindness. He showed them mercy. He gave them another chance to do right.

Elisha met the blinded soldiers with the words, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.”

He led them to Samaria. It was a trap. They could have been slaughtered there. Instead, Elisha ordered a feast to be prepared for them. When they finished eating and drinking, they returned home.

Scripture records, “So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.”

Mission accomplished.

What have we learned?

The King of angels and the Redeemer of mankind is always in control. He allows evil to exist, but his will prevails in the end.

He never abandons his people. They are ever guarded by some of the angelic troops that drove Satan and his rebel followers out of heaven.

Thus, when facing enemies, God’s people can always say, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

We just don’t see those angels.

Yet.



Prayer:
Lord God, all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works come from you. Give to us, your servants, that peace that the world cannot give. Defend us also from the fear of our enemies. Let your holy angels be with us, that the evil foes may have no power over us. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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A glimpse of our glory – February 25, 2022

A glimpse of our glory – February 25, 2022


Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Matthew 13:43




Military Devotion – February 25, 2022

Devotion based on Matthew 13:43

See series: Military Devotions

Those who expect to take a trip to a new land, whether in peace or war, appreciate seeing some pictures of where they are heading. As their eyes gaze upon the unknown spaces, their minds try to place themselves into the picture.

Jungle or desert? Mountains or ocean? What are the people like in that place? What will it be like to be there?

The future is unknown, but a picture may make one say, “I think I’m going to like it there!” Of course, it may also lead one to conclude, “I’m going to hate it!”

They who realize that they are strangers here on earth naturally wonder what it will be like to live in the place that Jesus is preparing for them. They pay special attention to the verses of the Bible that offer descriptions of life in heaven.

The closer their departure date seems, the more closely they may look at the pictures Scripture provides.

There is no video of heaven, not even a snapshot. Yet, a fellow named Stephen got a preview. He said, “Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). But he was quickly killed and had no chance to describe in greater detail what he saw.

The apostle Paul reported that he once was caught up to paradise but told us he heard “inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.”

So, we are left with other words of Scripture to tell us about heaven. We learn what is not there: no sin, no sorrow, no pain, or death. Instead, joy, peace, and glory will be enjoyed by us forever.

The transfiguration of Jesus gives us a glimpse of that glory.

Regarding Jesus, Matthew tells us, “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light (17:2). Moses and Elijah, who left this world long before, showed up. Then, a bright cloud surrounded them. From the cloud, a voice declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Visitors from heaven had arrived. It was exciting. It was terrifying. It was a glimpse of heavenly glory.

A blaze of light had pierced the darkness. The apostle Peter later wrote that he was an eyewitness of divine majesty. He surely was!

But there was more. The Holy Spirit inspired Saint Matthew to show the connection between the transfiguration of Jesus and the followers of Jesus.

Matthew reports that Jesus had just described what will happen to those who reject him and follow Satan. On judgement day, his angels “will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

And what about those who follow Jesus?

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

Jesus had shone like the sun. In eternity, so will we.

That’s worth remembering during the dark and cloudy days in our lives. We are going to share in the glory of the Son of God.

Exactly what will that be like?

Wait and see.



Until then, we live in the brightness of his blessing:
The Lord bless and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Precious blood – February 18, 2022

Precious blood – February 18, 2022


But the LORD said to him, “Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.
Genesis 4:15




Military Devotion – February 18, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 4:15

See series: Military Devotions

His blood seeped into the pristine soil. It was worse than a tragedy. It was murder. It was evidence of paradise lost.

The victim’s name was Abel, beloved son of Adam and Eve. The one who ended his life was Cain, also a beloved son of the first humans placed into God’s creation.

To Cain, the Lord of life and death said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”

Thus, we sing, “Abel’s blood for vengeance pleaded to the skies.”

We ask, “What hope is there for such as Cain and us, who transgress the code of divine law in any part—not just murder?

From the future, a voice would tell Cain, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5). The Lord of life is the only hope.

Murder stands out as one of the worst crimes. Stolen property can be replaced. A ruined reputation can be restored. Not so a snuffed-out life. Death leaves loving survivors feeling helpless, hopeless, and hurting.

Worse, when one brother kills the other brother! That’s fratricide. The anguish that seared the hearts of the first parents must have been beyond description.

How their tears must have flowed! How bitterly they must have recalled living in a world without death! How guilty they must have felt for bringing sin into Paradise!

“Unto dust shalt thou return.” They had heard this with their own ears. Little did they realize that the first one to return to dust would be their son. Bitter was the realization that Cain was not the promised one who would crush the head of the serpent. Instead, he had served as the hand of the serpent—the hand of Satan.

Both brothers had placed offerings to the one who had blessed their labors. Cain brought fruits of the soil. His brother sacrificed the firstborn of his flock. One offering was accepted. The other was rejected.

We ask, “Why?”

The answer is not found in the difference of the offerings. It lies in the contrast of the hearts.

We learn: “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead” (Hebrews 11:4).

Loving trust in the Lord over life and death always spells the difference between receiving divine favor or disapproval.

We are warned: “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous” (1 John 3:12).

What hope was there for Cain? There would be consequences of his sin: “You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

Yet, the word of the psalmist, “Put your hope in God!” still applied to this murderer—as it does to all who transgress the commands of the Holy One. The mark of Cain was for his protection. He was given more time to repent and return to the Lord who offers life.

Significantly, Scripture points to another beloved son whose dying blood dripped onto hungry soil at the feet of those who murdered him. This one was the beloved of the heavenly Father. His blood calls out a message different from that of Abel’s.

“Father, forgive them!”

It is true that “Abel’s blood for vengeance pleaded to the skies.”

Yet, it is just as certain, “But the blood of Jesus for our pardon cries.”

The one we call my Savior, my God, listens to that cry. He grants that pardon.

We now only await the door opening for us to paradise regained.



Thus, we call out to one another: “Lift we, then, our voices, swell the mighty flood; louder still and louder, Praise the precious blood!” Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Isaiah’s Desert Storm – February 11, 2022

Isaiah’s Desert Storm – February 11, 2022


“Look, here comes a man in a chariot with a team of horses. And he gives back the answer: ‘Babylon has fallen, has fallen! All the images of its gods lie shattered on the ground!’”
Isaiah 21:9




Military Devotion – February 11, 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 21:9

See series: Military Devotions

The prophet Isaiah begins the 21st chapter of his book with these words: “An oracle concerning the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the south land, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.”

This was Isaiah’s famous Desert Storm.

Just a little bit north of Baghdad was the city of Babylon, the heart of the Babylonian Empire, which spread terror far and wide.

The Southern Kingdom of Israel had barely escaped extinction by the Assyrians only to face invasion by Babylon. The walls of Jerusalem were breached. The magnificent temple of Solomon was first stripped of its precious pieces and then leveled to the ground.

Uncounted numbers of Israelites were slaughtered. Long lines of prisoners plodded over desert paths to head for lifelong captivity. There was no escaping the death-grip.

The Lord God promised they would be released after 70 years. But how could that be?

Through the mouth of his prophet, the Lord God tells them how.

“Like whirlwinds sweeping through the south land, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.”

It will be like a desert storm.

Americans who have spent time in that desert can see the picture in their mind’s eye. They have seen the brown clouds of sand that blow with stinging force. A desert storm can quickly destroy most everything in its path.

That’s what happened to Babylon in its self-satisfied and comfortable arrogance.

Coming up from the south like a desert storm, the Persians blew through the Babylonian outposts and smashed its defenses. The news spread throughout the desert regions.

“Babylon has fallen, has fallen!”

Unbelievable! But true.

Israel’s rebellion against its gracious God brought his decree of captivity. Now, he proclaims the fall of her captor. He decrees Israel will be free again.

The Lord God keeps his promises—always.

He announced the judgment against rebellious humans with the words: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19).

This was a death sentence. Humans were now captive to sin, death, and the devil.

But not forever.

Satan was warned that his death grip would be broken. The Lord spoke of One who would come to set his people free. “He will crush your head…” (Genesis 3:15).

Isaiah foretold Israel’s freedom with the words, “Babylon has fallen, has fallen!”

Jesus announced our escape from death’s grip with the words, “Whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:26). He told the disciples returning from spreading the news about him, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18).

Jesus died that we might live.

Not Babylon, but Satan, had held us captive. Like Babylon, Satan was overthrown.

He had been warned, but he had no escape.

The Son of God came upon him like a desert storm.

We are free.



Prayer: Lord God of the nations, let the word of your victory over sin, death, and the devil banish fear from the hearts of your people. Keep us forever safe. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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No “If” – February 4, 2022

No If – February 4, 2022


A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.
Mark 1:41-42




Military Devotion – February 4, 2022

Devotion based on Mark 1:41-42

See series: Military Devotions

Our hearts must go out to this man. Leprosy was a hideous and painful disease. There was no cure. Lepers were forced to quarantine themselves from the rest of the population out of fear of being contagious. That means his family suffered too.

It took courage for the man to approach Jesus. He was desperate but determined.

He was absolutely certain of the power that Jesus possessed. He had faith.

To Jesus, he said: “You can make me clean.”

There is another man that our heart must go out to. He told Jesus, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not” (Mark 9:17-18).

Jesus responded with anger. “‘O unbelieving generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.’”

“So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.”

When Jesus asked how long this had been going on, the father said, “From childhood—It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

How sad! How horrible! Surely, Jesus will respond with tenderness, won’t he?

Not exactly.

“If you can?” Jesus retorted. Then he added, “Everything is possible for him who believes.”

The father should not have said, “If.” Not when he was speaking about the ability of Jesus to do something.

The “if” showed something was lacking in the father’s faith. “If you can do anything…” infers Jesus might not have enough power to take control of this vicious demon.

The man admitted his mistake. He accurately identified his problem. Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

The difference between this man and the leprous man was the quality of their faith.

The leper said to Jesus, “You can make me clean.”

The distraught father said, “If you can….”

This was not just a slip of the tongue. He had already seen the disciples fail. He thought maybe there was no way to overcome the power of this demon.

Jesus rebuked his disciples as much as he did the father. Lack of faith is not uncommon among us humans.

Jesus could have said, “No!” to the leper’s request. The man knew that. “If you are willing,” he told Jesus, “You can make me clean.” He left the decision up to Jesus.

That’s really what it comes down to, isn’t it? In the end, it is the will of God, not the power of God, that determines what he will and will not do.

Faith has confidence that his will is good for us. Faith declares, “Not my will, but Thine!”

Come to think of it, that’s the kind of confidence Jesus showed on the eve of his execution.

In Gethsemane, he prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

We pray that too, do we not?

“Our Father, who art in heaven…thy will be done.”

No “if.”



Prayer: Heavenly Father, we need you to overpower the control that evil in all its forms has over us. We will not presume to tell you how to do this. We place this into your hands. Thy will be done! Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Quiet miracles – January 28, 2022

Quiet miracles – January 28, 2022


Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
John 2:7-9




Military Devotion – January 28, 2022

Devotion based on John 2:7-9

See series: Military Devotions

Some might say that Jesus must have failed the course in showmanship. If a person wants to put on a show, there should be a drumroll, or bugle call, or maybe fireworks. If you are going to do something earth-shaking, you need to get people’s attention, or they might not be impressed.

When the Son of God performed his first miracle after some thirty years of preparation, none of this happened. There was no roaring applause, not even a “Hallelujah!” or a “Thank you.” Yet, he had done the impossible.

He converted H2O into C6H14OS.

He changed water into wine.

He did it without any experimentation, without any mixing of chemicals, without any magical words, and without anyone seeing it happen. There was no fanfare.

He worked a quiet miracle.

So complete was the discreetness that neither the master of the banquet nor the bridegroom knew the miracle had happened.

Just as surprising is the reason for the miracle, he did it to avoid embarrassment—not for himself, but for a bride and groom whose names are not even known to us “They have no more wine.” Mary quietly told her son.

When we think of miracles, pictures come to our mind of the Red Sea parting, the blind seeing, and the dead rising to life. Those were critical needs answered by heavenly powers.

Escaping embarrassment doesn’t seem to qualify as a critical need.

But that’s all right. Our Savior Lord knows all of our needs and comes to care for them.

He continues to work his quiet miracles.

We might thank him for sparing our life in a vehicle wreck or a firefight. But he also was there to heal our skinned knee when we fell from our bike as a child.

Of the car wreck or firefight, we might say, “It’s a miracle anyone came out alive.” But is it any less of a miracle that muscle wasn’t cut, that infection didn’t set in, and that our skin seemingly healed itself when we tumbled from that bicycle?

We don’t consider a scab forming over a skinned knee to be a miracle because it happens all the time—until it doesn’t, and infection results in septic shock.

We don’t think about all that must happen for a sound to be passed through an eardrum and then processed by our brain—until it doesn’t, and we find ourselves deaf.

We don’t marvel at breathing even when we are sleeping—until we need a respirator.

When a humanly impossible action occurs repeatedly, we say it happens naturally. We don’t call it a miracle. Maybe we should.

We know as little about everything our Lord is tending to in our life as that wedding couple once knew about their miraculous wine.

Jesus once pointed to birds of the air and lilies of the field to remind us of the Father’s tender care.

Of that Father, Scripture tells us, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

“All things!” That includes the ones we don’t even know about.

Thank God for his quiet miracles!



Prayer: Heavenly Father, we live under your gracious and mighty care. Without you, we would have no blessings in life. Without you, we would have no life. Send the Holy Spirit to open our eyes as your holy Word reveals your loving care for our body, mind, and soul. Thank you for the miracle of life—and the miracles in our lives. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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A stranger here – January 21, 2022

A stranger here – January 21, 2022


Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35




Military Devotion – January 21, 2022

Devotion based on Mark 1:35

See series: Military Devotions

Sometimes we might sing the hymn that declares, “I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home.”

Had it been written much earlier; Jesus might have sung it.

We easily make the mental transition of Jesus being the eternal God to Jesus in the family of Mary and Joseph. Surely, that change was not as easy for Jesus to make in real life.

We cannot pretend to understand exactly what Jesus thought and felt at any point in his existence. But Scripture reveals some details of what it meant that he was just like us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

He became hungry. He became angry. He became tired. He groaned when he saw the people weeping over the death of his friend, Lazarus. When he reached the gravesite, he, too, wept.

Before he came to earth as a human, he never faced hunger; never knew fatigue. He had never been tempted to sin. His life was never in danger.

Certainly, at times while on this earth he must have thought, “I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home.”

No one on earth understood him. No one knew how hard his mission was to carry out. He came as the Friend of sinners, but he was a stranger to all of them.

A news reporter of his day could have written about the amazing success of a religious leader who had come from the backcountry of Galilee to attract crowds numbering in the thousands.

He might have written: “And no wonder! Eyewitnesses have seen him work miracles! He has cured lepers; stopped fevers; made paralyzed people walk; fed crowds from a handful of fish and bread—and he has raised the dead!”

No wonder crowds flocked to him. Not surprising that he would head out before dawn to find a desolate place to be away from people.

But he did not actually seek solitude. He sought family. He reached out to his Father. He communed with the Holy Spirit.

In a familiar hymn, we are bidden to, “Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

That’s exactly what Jesus did. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

He was a stranger here. Heaven was his home—even as it is ours!

“Alone, Alone, All Alone” is the title of a booklet written for those who find themselves living a new phase of life because their loving spouse of many years is no longer with them.

Others have also felt that way. Some were left as orphans while very young. The college student living away from home for the first time has felt that way. Warriors landing in a distant and dangerous land have learned what loneliness is like.

It’s also true that one can be among loved ones and still feel isolated and forlorn.

Years ago, a hymnist wrote: “When all things seem against us, to drive us to despair, we know one gate is open, one ear will hear our prayer.”

That’s good advice because it is true.

Jesus was a stranger here so that his Father could be our Father. It cost him his earthly life. It won for us eternal life.

He taught us to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven…”

Today, we will sing, “I’m but a stranger here…” just as Jesus was.

But we can add, “Heaven is my home…” just as it was for Jesus.

Because Jesus’ Father is also our Father, we will not be a stranger in the heavenly realms.

We will be home.



Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Dreading demons – January 14, 2022

Dreading demons – January 14, 2022


Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Mark 1:23-26




Military Devotion – January 14, 2022

Devotion based on Mark 1:23-26

See series: Military Devotions

Demons are to be dreaded because they are dreadful.

The Bible tells us that they are a deadly threat. It warns that those who place their faith and hope in the Lord God are the primary targets.

Demons, also called devils, have supernatural powers because they are angels. Their rebellion cost them the blessing of their Creator, but it did not yet strip them of their capacity to wage war against the crown of God’s creation, those we call humans.

Tragically, we come into this world as loyal subjects of the kingdom of darkness. The deadly virus of sin infected us at conception. We were born with a sneer in our hearts towards anything holy, and a raised fist of defiance toward any rule laid down by the Holy One. Our look of innocence is soon lost as we grow old enough to express in words and actions our enmity toward God.

It took a miracle to change us from enemies of God into children of God. The Holy Spirit did this using Holy Baptism with the Word of God.

Demons strive day and night to reverse this. They aim to reclaim those who have escaped their domain. The apostle Peter, who briefly lost a battle with the old evil foe, compares Satan to a lion on the hunt.

No doubt, the memory of his fellow disciple, Judas, now listed among the fallen, was often on his mind.

It’s easy to forget that because we do not see them. Their weapons of deceit and rebellion are camouflaged as fun and success. They promise a good life. They deliver sin, shame, and death.

We watch as Satan tempted Jesus at the beginning of his ministry on earth. We see how cunning evil can be. We cannot outsmart demons.

We will live our lives dreading them. They are the great enemy.

But they are not all-powerful. Jesus showed us that the one effective weapon against demonic force is the Word of God.

We rightly sing of Satan, “one little word can fell him!”

That word is, “Jesus!”

We might dread demons, but demons dread the Son of God and the result of his victory over them.

They are terrified by the knowledge that they are doomed forever. They know that one day, together with those they have deceived, they will be “thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:10).

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth” the demon screamed. “Have you come to destroy us?”

Those were words of abject fear. This demon dreaded what is to come—and still does.

We need to remember why. Humans may forget that one day this existence will end, and the Son of God will return on his throne of glory and say to those who rejected him: “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

Demons do not forget that. They cannot ignore that. The dread is inescapable.

Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus conquered sin, death, and the devil.

The Holy Spirit created a new spirit within us. We recognize a heavenly Father who loved us enough to rescue us. We look forward to being with him in glory.

That day will bring rejoicing to his people. Jesus tells us: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world’” (Matthew 25:34).

One day, we will need fear demons nevermore.



Until then, we sing:
My soul, be on thy guard; ten thousand foes arise,
And hosts of sin are pressing hard to draw thee from the skies.
Fight on, my soul, till death shall bring thee to thy God;
He’ll take thee at thy parting breath to his divine abode. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Pain on the path – January 7, 2022

Pain on the path – January 7, 2022


And a sword will pierce your own soul too.
Luke 2:35




Military Devotion – January 7, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 2:35

See series: Military Devotions

The greetings of “Happy New Year!” may still echo in our memory. We were glad to receive them. But we know very well, they were not promises made to us. They were wishes.

They express hope that the new year will lead us to happiness.

However, from experience, we have learned that the path our life takes may lead us to some sad days. After all, “Happy Days” was just a TV show.

If we ask “What could go wrong in this new year?” a long list of misfortunes comes to mind.

The next question is, “Why? Why do bad things happen even to the people of God?”

Then, there are times when we might be tempted to say, “especially to the people of God?”

Human nature assumes we deserve credit for doing good and extra credit for believing the Lord is our Savior God. It tells us that our life should be happier than the life of one who rejects God.

The Holy Spirit teaches us that we don’t deserve anything but condemnation from the Holy One. Even one moment of happiness is an undeserved gift from him. It is the result of grace—his undeserved love.

More than that, it shows that the loving God may plan for misery to come into our lives. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is an example. We learn that pain was waiting on her life’s path.

The angel Gabriel startled her with the words: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).

She surely was favored. Of all the women born on earth, she was chosen to become the mother of Jesus of Nazareth, who was the Son of God from eternity. What higher honor could any woman receive?

Her response to the seemingly impossible news came from her steadfast faith: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:48).

She confessed that she was a sinner who needed saving. She rejoiced to know that the Lord God would rescue her.

She delighted in that blessed assurance.

Because we know that, we might be surprised to hear the prophetic words of Simeon to her, “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35).

The prophecy was fulfilled. We hear: “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother…” (John 19:33).

She saw her son crucified. It was as if a sword had cut through her soul.

Simeon had warned that the Lord planned for pain on her path as she walked through life.

He would not forsake her. She would remain precious in his sight.

But the pain would come. It was part of his plan to bring great joy to her and all people.

Her Son needed to die. Her Son needed to suffer agony so that she, and all humanity, might live forever in the peace that surpasses all understanding.

The pain was God’s gift to her—and us.

His people need to know this.

If we have found pain lying on the path we have already walked in life, if there is pain lying ahead on our path, we have the same assurance that Mary had. We are still in our Savior’s hands. His will is always wise. His way is always best.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary had told Gabriel. “May it be to me as you have said.”

Will our New Year be a happy one? We surely must expect some pain ahead. But that’s all right.

The loving Lord is in control. And do we not say, “I am the Lord’s servant”?

Yes, we do.

We know a perfectly happy, never-ending New Year awaits beyond the edge of time.



We sing the song of blessed assurance:
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide; In every change, he faithful will remain.
Be still my soul; your best, your heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.” Amen.
(Christian Worship 847:1)



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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In your hands – December 31, 2021

In your hands – December 31, 2021


My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
Psalm 31:15




Military Devotion – December 31, 2021

Devotion based on Psalm 31:15

See series: Military Devotions

It was New Year’s Eve Day 1967. The Wisconsin family was watching on TV as the Dallas Cowboys invaded Lambeau Field to do battle with the Green Bay Packers. Sub-zero weather stressed the combatants. There might have been some frostbite, but no one died.

A last-minute quarterback sneak gave the victory to the Green and Gold. The family cheered. The exhilaration carried through into New Years’ Day. Even today, the eyes of Packer fans will light up when someone mentions the “Ice Bowl.”

The next day, but seven time zones ahead, a member of that family was watching as massive human waves of NVA and VC were attacking his position at Fire Support Base Burt near the Cambodian border.

They battled desperately throughout the night. Some of the fighting was hand-to-hand. Sunrise showed a landscape of dead bodies as the enemy withdrew. Some wore American uniforms and were close-to-the-heart battle buddies of that soldier from Wisconsin.

No one cheered. Even today, the eyes of the American soldiers in the 2-22 (the Triple Deuce) and its brother units will tear up when someone mentions the Battle of Suoi Cut. To this day, nightmares and flashbacks continue to plague the victorious Americans, now grown old.

For the family in Wisconsin, it was one of the best of times. For the one in Vietnam, one of the worst. Was this just a matter of luck?

The Old Testament warrior, King David, knew that his life was not governed by chance. Success or failure was not solely the result of skill and training. A state of war or peace did not rest with the skills of the diplomat. He was not a self-made man, nor was he a citizen of a nation that could control its future.

“My times are in your hands,” the warrior-king called out. The psalm begins with the declaration: “In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge…”

That was a good way for him to start this psalm. It’s a good way for us to start a New Year.

That soldier in the 2-22 could have found himself in far different circumstances on that New Year’s Day. He had spent eight years in preparation to become a WELS pastor. His grades were excellent. Had he stayed the course, he could have been with loved ones watching the Ice Bowl.

Within a few years, he could have been a pastor preaching a New Year’s Eve sermon and, perhaps, distributing Holy Communion to his congregation.

How different his life would have been! What wonderful times he might have had!

But that was not the path the Lord had planned for him. As he approached the end of his college training, he was led to enter the U.S. Army instead of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

Whether as layman or clergy, his times would be in his Lord’s hands.

This does not mean that if he had chosen the parish ministry, his life would have been danger-free. A student several years younger had chosen to attend the seminary—and was killed in a traffic accident the night before he would have graduated.

Who knows what the future holds? Good thing we know who holds the future!

This is the time of year when we look ahead and wonder what the year will bring. Some folks make New Year’s resolutions to plan their future path in life.

That’s not bad. But that is no guarantee that our life will follow that path.

Instead of becoming discouraged over this lack of personal control, we can look ahead with confident courage.

We just celebrated the entrance into our world by the almighty Son of God who waged war against the powers of darkness and sacrificed himself to give us victory over death.

What’s ahead for us in 2022? We don’t need to know. Our Savior God knows.

And we will remain in his hands.



Prayer: For the blessings given over years past, for the protection provided by angels, and for the forgiveness you earned for us, we thank you, Lord God. Lead us by your hand in the coming year. Keep us in your hands every step of the way. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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Hopes and fears – December 24, 2021

Hopes and fears – December 24, 2021


“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”
Luke 2:10




Military Devotion – December 24, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 2:10

See series: Military Devotions

We don’t talk that way nowadays. We might say “very frightened” or “extremely afraid” or even “terrified.” We don’t say “sore afraid.”

So, maybe that’s reason enough to still use those old words to describe the reaction of the Bethlehem shepherds to what they saw in the sky that first Christmas night. This was a special level of fright. This was a shake-in-your-boots fear. When the barrier between heaven and earth was suddenly breached to allow the bright glory of the Lord to spill through, those who saw it were traumatized.

They were sore afraid.

This isn’t the first time the glory of the Lord appeared to humans on earth. Not the first time it had a dumbfounding effect. But it was the most wonderful of all the occurrences.

It signaled that the glory of the Lord God would be shared by mortals. No message given by God was more important than that.

On Christmas Eve, of Bethlehem we sing, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

It may seem strange to hear that the one event evoked such opposite reactions. Yet, it still happens today, doesn’t it?

Those who recognize that baby in Bethlehem is the Son of God who came to rescue them rejoice to celebrate his birth. This is what the people of God in the Old Testament had been hoping for, desperately waiting for. This is what we thank God for.

On the other hand, those who dismiss the mercy of the Lord God and stand with the powers of darkness react differently. They may wish others “Happy Holidays!” but not “Happy Holy Days!” They dismiss as fake news the report that the Son of God was born a human. They scoff at the name “Emmanuel.”

The thought of God being here with us is frightening to them. It should be. Jesus said, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters” (Matthew 12:30).

The reality of Christmas can make those who oppose him sore afraid.

The WWII Battle of the Bulge can serve as a comparison event.

When the German army smashed through the thin American lines on December 16, 1944, American forces were surrounded. They shivered in cold and fear before the enemy onslaught. Many were wounded. Many died.

Dense fog prevented the resupplying of ammunition and food from the air. Aircraft that could have provided suppressing firepower stayed grounded day after day after day. They prayed for relief.

It came on Christmas Day. The skies cleared. American planes swooped down. Patton’s Third Army and the 2nd Armored Division plowed through the snowdrifts to join the attack.

That Christmas was a day hoped for by Americans even as it was a day feared by the Germans.

For the Wehrmacht, the road ahead would bring only hardship, surrender, and defeat.

Yet, the breakthrough of the rescuers in the Ardennes Forest in 1944 was nothing compared to the breakthrough of the angels over the fields of Bethlehem.

The heavenly host was not a threat to those shepherds. The bright light in the dark sky meant help had arrived.

For the people on God’s side, not the enemy’s side, there must be joy. God is with us! He is on our side. He is not against us. The Babe in Bethlehem is Emmanuel. He came to rescue us.

Makes no difference now whether some things go against us. At times, setbacks, heartaches, and disappointments may cloud the skies over our heads. But they will not last.

The breakthrough of grace and goodness will surely come. Our Christmas Day will dawn.

We will not fear what the Lord brings into our life.

We will not be sore afraid.



Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and our human Brother. You broke through the clouds of fear and dread to shine into our lives with your glorious light. Keep us in your care. Fill us with your joy. Deploy your angels to keep watch. Send the Holy Spirit to banish fear. Now and evermore. Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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The casket under the Christmas tree – December 23, 2021

The casket under the Christmas tree – December 23, 2021


I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10




Military Devotion – December 23, 2021

Devotion based on John 10:10

See series: Military Devotions

Funerals don’t mix well with the Christmas season. Yet, people die, and mourners do weep during the season that proclaims, “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

Death doesn’t take a holiday.

While the loss of a loved one is always painful, the calls of “Merry Christmas!” may feel like they are twisting the knife that has stabbed the souls of those left behind. “It just shouldn’t be!” is the thought that flashes through the mind.

“Surely this is the work of the devil!” we might think. Who else would be so mean as to inflict such pain at such a time? The next thought might be, “Why didn’t God prevent this?” “Surely, he could have chosen a better time for the person to die!”

But yesterday I conducted a funeral. I stood among the fragrant poinsettias and looked at the congregation over a casket holding a body without a soul.

Close to the casket was a beautifully trimmed Christmas tree, brimming with lights. At its top shone an angel ornament.

It was a jarring sight. Beneath the Christmas tree is where we expect to receive wonderful presents. We do not expect to find death there.

To place a casket under a Christmas tree seems to be sacrilege!

It is not.

The casket under the Christmas tree is a picture of the true condition of the human race.

The casket shows the words, “Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return” still ring true. People die. People die every day. All people will die until Jesus returns to end this creation.

The tree proclaims that death will not triumph. The evergreen tree may stand in a forest surrounded by others that have lost all signs of life. Their branches hang empty. Their leaves have fallen to decay.

The evergreen, the one chosen to be a Christmas tree, brims with life. It portrays the declaration of faith.

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD” (Psalm 118:17).

Is this not the meaning of Christmas? Is this not the gift of Christmas?

Trees have played a major role in the plan of salvation. The forbidden tree containing the knowledge of good and evil was a threat to mankind. Tasting its fruit opened the door to disaster. Life would now end. It would not end well.

The tree of life was the opposite. It offered life without end. But because of the curse brought about by sin, never-ending life would have resulted in never-ending misery. It would mean perpetual separation from God and everything good.

The Creator protected our first parents from that disaster: “He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24).

Earthly death is God’s gift to enable us to break free from the sentence of eternal death.

Another tree was used to rescue us. We sing of that tree with the words: “In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o’er the wrecks of time.”

The death of the Son of God who became human broke the curse and offered life—not just for a little while, but forever.

Jesus declares: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).

The casket of a child of God holds the body of one who will live forever.

It proclaims again the words of Jesus: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

It fits well under the Christmas tree.



We sing the words of the old Christmas song:
“And man shall live forevermore because of Christmas Day.” Amen.



Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.


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