There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Luke 23:38
Truer Words Were Never Written
We can’t be entirely sure what Pontius Pilate’s motive was when he instructed his soldiers to affix a sign to Jesus’ cross that read: “This is the king of the Jews.” But we know for certain from John’s Gospel that the Jewish religious leaders weren’t happy with his statement. John tells us, “The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write “The King of the Jews,” but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews” (John 19:20-21).
Pilate’s response to their objection was simple but equally ambiguous. “What I have written, I have written.” Some have suggested this was his coy way of warning others from making a similar claim, as if to say, “This is what happens to people who foment rebellion.” Others suggest it was part of his attempt to wash his hands of the situation, seeing it as nothing more than a religious dispute about which he had no opinion. Still others argue that his order was given under divine direction and that, in his heart of hearts, he believed Jesus was indeed who he claimed to be. In the end, we can’t know for certain what was in his heart and mind.
What we can know is that truer words were never written. Jesus was and is the King of the Jews. He is the Messiah, the Anointed and Chosen One. More than that, he is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of all nations, and the Savior of the world. This One hanging, dying, on a cross is the one long foretold, the Shepherd-King who laid down his life for all people, only to take it up again.
What can you know for certain? If he did it for all people, he did it for you. Nothing could stop him; his love for you is too great. Believe it. It’s true.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to see how true it is that you love me and that you are my Savior-King. Amen.
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You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Luke 12:40
Are You Ready
Are you ready? Company is coming for dinner. You’re excited but you’d like just a bit more time to make sure everything is set. The children will start arriving soon, and you could use another few minutes to make sure you are ready to give them your full attention. Are you ready?
You and I like the comfort of knowing what’s coming and how much time until a given event, an appointment, a diagnosis, an answer. How often do we wish that God would let us have even a glimpse of when a situation might be resolved? The challenge of waiting is seldom easy. Being prepared can give us patience as we wait.
Are you ready? Not for the test or an appointment, but for Jesus. Are you ready for his return on Judgment Day? He certainly is coming. He told his disciples in John 14:3, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” He is indeed coming back.
But there’s one detail that we don’t have—when Jesus is coming. All Jesus tells us is, “You also must be ready” (Luke 12:40).
The greatest event for which we wait is Christ’s return on Judgment Day. This will be an event beyond our imagination and expectations. We can slip into thinking that if we knew when this would all be over, we could endure whatever challenge or crisis we’re facing.
In his wisdom, God chose not to let us in on this detail. The Bible is clear that no one knows the day or the hour. Jesus told his disciples, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36).
So, what are we to do? God is clear: be ready! Expect that Jesus could return at any time. It could be today, next week, in 20 years, or in 1000 years. We don’t know.
So, how can we be ready? Our dear Savior points us to the Word. As we continue to be in the Word, we learn about our God. When we are faithful in prayer and worship, we focus our hearts on what is to come, even if we do not know when.
A colleague of mine once said, “If you knew that Judgment Day was next week or even next month, what might you do differently? How would the urgency of sharing the Gospel increase? How might your time in God’s Word be richer and more focused?” As we focus on God’s Word, we can look forward to Judgment Day with eager anticipation. That’s because Scripture makes us confident in what that day will bring. We can pray, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I want to be ready for your return. Life on earth can be such a distraction from you. Help me to focus on you and to be excited and eager to be in the Word you have given us. Help me to pray with confidence, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.
Christian Worship 850: 1, 4 It Is Well with My Soul and 868 By Faith are both wonderful hymns to add to your devotions this week.
Consider:
If you are looking for extra context for today’s verse of Luke 12:40, read the preceding verses of Luke 12:35-39
Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
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The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Then the LORD replied: the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness. Habakkuk 1:1-3; 2:1-4 (selected verses)
Worth the Wait
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christmas is such a fun time of year! Christmas Day is especially exciting—opening presents, celebrating Jesus’ birth, and being together with family. For many kids, the day after Christmas starts the countdown: “Only 364 days until Christmas again!” A year feels like forever, but we wait because Christmas is just that awesome.
In our Bible reading today, the Lord says, “Wait for it . . . it will certainly come and not delay.” But he’s not talking about Christmas. He’s talking about something even better! God is telling us to wait for Jesus’ final coming—the day when Jesus comes back to take everyone who believes in him to heaven. That day will come. Jesus promises it “will not delay”—he won’t forget! But when will it happen? When do we get to be in heaven with Jesus forever, with no sin, no sadness, no sickness?
Living in our sinful world can be really hard sometimes. We get sick. We feel sad, mad, or lonely. We mess up and feel guilty. Friends can be unkind. Sometimes people even make fun of us because we believe in God.
But what we’re waiting for is totally worth it!
Heaven will be better than anything we’ve ever waited for—better than birthdays, vacations, or even Christmas morning. Because Jesus died and rose for us, we know for sure we’re going there. Every day—at school, at home, everywhere—we can remember God has something coming for us. And he keeps his promises. It will come. It will not delay.
So whenever life feels tough or unfair, believers can take a deep breath and remember: Heaven is real. Jesus is coming back. And it will be worth the wait.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, living in a sinful world can be hard for us. Whenever we feel sad or tired, remind us that what you have for us in heaven is worth the wait. Help us to live for you until you come. Do not delay! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
What is something you want to ask God for help with this week? (Feelings, school, friendships, habits—anything!)
What do you think will be the BEST part of being in heaven with God one day? (No wrong answers—imagination welcome!)
Questions for Elementary Age Children
What are some ways we can stay faithful and close to Jesus until the Last Day? (Examples: praying, reading the Bible, worship, kindness, saying sorry, trusting God.)
We don’t know exactly when Jesus is coming back. Why isn’t that scary for us? (Hint: Because Jesus loves us, stays with us, and keeps his promises.)
Questions for Middle School and Above
Why do you think God doesn’t tell us the exact day he will come again? (To help us trust him, stay ready, and live every day for him.)
The Bible says Jesus’ coming “will not delay,” but it has been almost 2,000 years! How can that still be true? (Because God’s timing is perfect. He doesn’t forget. And he always does what he says—right on time.)
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” Luke 23:35-37
A Different Kind of King
When people think of a king, most people immediately conjure up the image of a big, strapping man with a crown on his head, sitting on a majestic throne, and living in a palace. To say that a man has a kingly appearance does not suggest weakness; instead, it implies strength, power, and majesty.
So, is it any wonder that the people standing near the cross of Jesus did what they did, knowing that Jesus and his disciples had openly claimed that he was the Messiah, the Chosen One, the King of all kings? They sneered and mocked him, and apparently for good reason. After all, they could see his beaten and bloodied body nailed to a cross. They could hear him gasping for his final breaths. They could hear him crying out in agony. To their physical eyes, there was nothing kingly in his appearance at all.
But to the eyes of faith, Jesus’ appearance on that bloody cross makes perfect sense. After all, it’s exactly what the Lord had urged his faithful people to watch for as they waited eagerly for the Messiah, their Savior, to appear. Seven hundred years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had said of him, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:2-3). If anyone has ever matched this description, it’s Jesus. This is a truly kingly appearance because Jesus is a different kind of King.
What makes him different? He’s not interested in appearances. He’s interested in saving his people. He’s interested in saving you. And that’s what he’s done. Perfectly. On the cross.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to see you as the powerful and gracious King of kings that you are. Amen.
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One key truth: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. When our hearts feel troubled or uncertain, we can find peace knowing Jesus is preparing a place for us and guiding us home.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 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. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-6
Believe / Know the Way Home
Life can feel confusing at times. You may begin to wonder what is in your future—what college to choose, who your real friends are, or how you will figure out adult life without a roadmap. That’s exactly the kind of worry Jesus’ disciples were feeling in John 14. He looks at them with love and says, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
Jesus doesn’t just brush off their fear—he speaks right into it. He reminds them that they have something solid to hold onto: faith in him. Then he shares an incredible promise: “My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Imagine that—Jesus is personally getting your forever home ready! When the disciples start to doubt whether they actually “know the way,” Jesus brings it home: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Jesus isn’t one of many paths to God; he’s the only one. Faith in him isn’t just believing something—it’s trusting someone who’s already leading you home.
So when your heart feels heavy with fear, anxiety, or loneliness, remember this: Jesus isn’t just preparing a place for you someday—he’s walking beside you right now. He is the way home, both in this life and forever.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for being the way, the truth, and the life. When my heart feels anxious or afraid, help me to trust that you are in control and preparing a place for me.
Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” Luke 23:36-37
Jesus Is a King
Quick! What thoughts come to your mind when you hear the word “king”? Do you think of crowns and palaces? The finest clothes and the best food? Lots of servants doing whatever the king wants them to do?
I would guess that “being crucified” wasn’t at the top of your list.
And yet, that is what’s happening to Jesus in the Bible verse for today. Jesus is being crucified. The charge placed on the sign above him was: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
Ironically, the charge is true. Jesus IS the King of the Jews. In fact, he’s King of all. Oh, Jesus doesn’t look much like a king as he’s hanging on the cross. But when we’re reminded of why he’s there, things become clear. Jesus is there because he wants to save us. He’s on the cross not to save himself but to save you and me.
A good king will battle for his people. Well, Jesus fought the ultimate battle for you and me—the battle against sin, death, and the devil’s power. He fought that battle all the way to—and through—the cross.
True, at his crucifixion, Jesus doesn’t look like a king to our eyes. But our eyes of faith see the most glorious King of all, the King who has saved us.
It’s a nice way to begin Thanksgiving week, isn’t it?
Prayer:
Oh Jesus, what a gracious King you are! Remind me that you’ve battled for me, winning forgiveness for me, winning eternity for me, that I might live my life in the peace of knowing I’m part of your eternal kingdom. Fill me with thankfulness, O gracious King! Amen.
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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
And Be Thankful – Women’s Devotion
The book of Colossians has been labeled the “most thankful” book of the Bible. In its four short chapters, 7 of the 95 verses reference thanks, thankfulness, and thanksgiving. This book focuses on the supremacy of Christ and his sufficiency for all our needs. That theme is unpacked as we explore the completed work of salvation through Christ and our new life in Christ.
The last sentence of Colossians 3:15 is succinct but important: “And be thankful.”
This simple statement has complex depth. “Be” is a verb that connects “thankful” to the subject of the sentence—YOU. Thankful is who we are as new creations in Christ! The sentence is not an afterthought, tagged onto a list of encouragements for right living. It’s a highlighted virtue among all the rest. There are no qualifiers, no conditions, only an intentional exhortation from the pastoral heart of Paul, and from our loving heavenly Father’s heart to us.
Dear sisters, this little verse can feel more like a heavy-handed command than a gentle encouragement at times, particularly when we don’t feel thankful. As we approach the holiday season focused on giving thanks, sometimes our list of blessings can feel contrived or forced. When the routines of ordinary life or burdens of extraordinary challenges create ruts on the road, it’s easy to keep our heads down and focused on what’s right in front of us. This can happen so much that it becomes our permanent posture, and we stop looking out to see all that surrounds us on the way. Worse yet, we stop looking up and seeing the all-sufficiency of Christ, the one who fills our path with blessings at every turn. If this describes you, dear sister, pause to reflect on Christ’s work in, through, and around you.
“Our goal is that you please him by bearing fruit in every kind of good work and by growing in the knowledge of God, as you are being strengthened with all power because of his glorious might working in you. Then you will have complete endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father” (Colossians 1:10b-12a EHV).
We have endurance and patience, and we can joyfully give thanks because we are being strengthened through his work in us. This happens as we grow in our knowledge of God through his Word. This growth in him empowers us to bear good fruit, and this pleases him. Now that is cause for thanksgiving!
“And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15b). May this little phrase become deeply rooted in our hearts and produce the fruit of gratitude in our lives, not just this month, but all year through.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, you are our all-sufficient Savior and God! Forgive us for the times we’ve been distracted and failed to recognize your work in our lives and the many physical and spiritual blessings you provide. Thank you for your Word, which strengthens us and increases our understanding of who you are and how you work. Please produce the fruit of thanksgiving in our hearts and lives. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
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“The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10
Lost
It is a phone call I will never forget. My wife was calling to tell me that our three-year-old son was missing. She was at the park, and while she tended to our one-year-old daughter, the boy had disappeared into the woods. After calling his name and searching for some time, she called 911. I raced across town, praying all the way. When I arrived, four police cars were already on the scene. “Surely, they have found him by now,” I thought. As I ran to the scene, I asked one of the officers if my son had been found. He had not. The officer informed me that they were bringing in the canine unit to assist. Since the park was in a residential area, they were concerned that someone had abducted my son. I was terrified.
Thankfully, within just a few minutes of my arrival, my son was found. He had gotten lost in the woods and was peacefully playing without a clue that anything was amiss.
That day, I came as close as I pray I ever will to understanding what our heavenly Father has experienced with every one of his children. The Bible says that we were all lost because of our sins. We wandered away from our Father and were walking straight for the hell our sins deserve, as blissfully unaware of our predicament as my son was in the woods that day.
Our loving, heavenly Father could not allow that to happen. His love, far greater even than my love for my son, moved him to send a rescue unit to save us. That rescue unit consisted of one person—his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this world to find all of God’s lost children and rescue us from our sins and what our sins deserve. He went to the cross and paid the price to free us from those sins. Through his saving work, we are reunited with our heavenly Father and can look forward to spending all of eternity with him in the heaven he is preparing for us.
Prayer:
Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus to seek and save me when I was lost! Amen.
He was scheduled to come back into his home port of San Diego the final week in October. He had even arranged a special base pass for me so that I could be there on the dock when his shipped rolled in. Here it is . . . November 21. He’s still underway. I’m hoping that I’ll see him for Christmas, but even that is questionable.
Not that long ago, 6-month deployments used to be 12-month deployments. Even due to OPTEMPO, the actions of near-peer competitors, and a whole host of other factors, redeployment back home rarely is on time. This creates strain in marriages, disappointment for family members and friends, and frustration. People say things like, “You said you were coming back soon . . .” It’s hard waiting. It’s hard to practice patience in those situations.
It reminds me of someone who is kind of important in my life and I’m guessing in yours too—someone who said that he was coming soon to visit me and you and the whole world in order to bring us home, to our eternal home.
In the apostle John’s revelation of Jesus Christ, our Lord makes this promise: “Look, I am coming soon! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:12a, 13-14).
Jesus said those words almost 2,000 years ago. When he says, “I am coming soon,” it moves us to ask, “What is soon for you, dear Jesus? It’s been quite some time for us here on earth.” The waiting and practicing patience—this is hard for us who have same-day delivery and expect our cheeseburger to be ready when we roll up to the drive-through window.
When Jesus refers to himself as the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, we begin to see that first of all, he is the eternal present. He is not bound by space or time. When he spoke those words, it was as if he had already made good on that promise. And so, when Jesus says, “I am coming soon,” it’s as good as done. Trust him that he will do what he promises you.
When he comes again—and he will—he will bring us through the gates of the city, the holy city, the new Jerusalem, heaven itself. The special pass he gives you even now is that robe that has been washed in his blood, through the waters of your baptism. You have this special pass right now to get into heaven. So wait. Be patient. Trust his promise. He will come again. He will come soon for you, just as he promised, and what an amazing homecoming that will be for us.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, come quickly, as you promised, and bring us home to be with you, where we will wait no more for anything. Keep us patient and diligent in the reading, studying, and sharing of your lifegiving words so that we are ready when you come for us. You know those who are waiting for their loved ones to redeploy. You know the deployment schedules and for whatever reason you in your infinite wisdom sometimes allow them to delay. Remind us all that our times are in your hands. Bring our loved ones home from deployment safely, in your time and in your way. Amen.
Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.
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[Jesus] replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life. Luke 21:8-11,18-19
The Ultimate Promise Maker
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Many, many years ago, long before Jesus was born, God made a promise to his people: He would send a Savior to rescue the world from sin. He made many very specific promises about where Jesus would be born, who his mother would be, and what would happen when Jesus died. He even made a promise about Jesus’ clothes. And every single one of those promises came true. God kept them all.
Did you know that God’s promises are still coming true today? In Luke chapter 21, Jesus told his disciples that there would be wars, earthquakes, sicknesses, and times when people run out of food. If you watch the news, you can see that these things are happening, just like Jesus said. Jesus also told his disciples that people would be mean and hurtful to people who believe in God. You might have seen that happen in your own life.
As sad and scary as these things can be, they remind us that what Jesus promises will always happen. Jesus said that bad things would happen, and they do—they happen every day. But Jesus made an even more important promise: anyone who believes in him will go to heaven when they die. And if Jesus’ promises about wars and earthquakes have come true, then his promises of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life will certainly come true too.
Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid when these scary things happen. Instead, he told them to trust God and stand firm. When bad things happen during this life—like when others make fun of us for believing in Jesus or when someone we love gets sick—we can remember that we have a greater home waiting for us in heaven. In heaven, there will be nothing sad, scary, or sinful ever again. We will live with Jesus forever. You can stand firm on that fact, because you know that what Jesus promises has always come true, and that’s not going to change.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help us not to be surprised by scary things that happen in our world. Give us confidence in the incredible promise: you have won for us eternity with you in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
What are some things that scare you?
Do we have to be afraid when scary things happen? Why not?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
Why is it important that God has never broken a promise?
How are the bad things we see happening in our world a good reminder?
Questions for Middle School and Above
What is your favorite promise from God?
God promises to use believers as tools to share the news of salvation. How can you do that in your life?
[Jesus said] “By standing firm you will gain life.” Luke 21:19
Never
It is the darkest period of World War II. For all intents and purposes, Nazi Germany has conquered the entire continent of Europe. At present, the only force that stands in its way is the island of Great Britain. Winston Churchill has been Prime Minister for only a few months, but these few months have been terrible for his country. Hitler’s bombs have been dropping on London without mercy. Entire neighborhoods are in rubble. Families are sleeping in subways to avoid the death raining down from above.
It is during this difficult, frightening time that Churchill receives an invitation. His old high school has asked him to come and speak to the students. He accepts. As the date nears, Churchill must give some thought as to what he will say. What do you say to teenagers whose families are facing the deprivations of war?
When the date arrives, Churchill has decided what he is going to say. He enters the school. He gathers with the students and faculty. Then he gets up to speak. He describes to the students the crucial moment in history in which they live. Then he delivers some of the most memorable words in the entire war. He tells them, “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never.”
In Luke chapter 21, Jesus describes for his disciples the hard and difficult days that lie ahead for his followers. Satan and this fallen world will rage against the message of the gospel—the good news of full forgiveness through faith alone in the crucified and risen Son of God. The lives of Christians will be fraught with persecution, temptation, hostility, and pain. But then Jesus holds out a precious promise. He says, “By standing firm you will gain life.”
Apart from our Savior, of course, we would not stand at all. Left to ourselves, we would immediately fall away. But the Savior who has washed away our every sin of disloyalty is the same Savior who empowers us to stand firm. Therefore, in him, filled with the gospel in Word and sacrament, you and I will stand firm in this world until he brings us home to eternal life.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as the battle rages, move me never to give in. Never. Amen.
[Jesus said] “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” Luke 21:6
Stones
Jesus and his disciples are walking near the temple complex in Jerusalem. The buildings on the Temple Mount are breathtaking in their beauty. One contemporary account says of the temple that “whatever was not overlaid with gold was purest white.” The disciples are in awe, and understandably so. But as they express their admiration for such gorgeous handiwork, Jesus makes a prophecy. He tells them that all they see on the Temple Mount will one day go over the side. In Jesus’ words, “Not one stone will be left on another.”
Fast forward to 1970. An archaeologist by the name of Benjamin Mazar excavates below the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount and makes a remarkable discovery. About his discovery, he writes the following: “The great pile of stones, lying just as they had fallen from the western enclosure of the Temple Mount, bore unmistakable marks of the Roman destruction. . . They have remained in that position ever since A.D. 70.”
You can stand in front of those very same stones today. In your mind’s eye, take a moment to do just that. Stand in front of those stones. These are the beautifully ornamented stones Jesus’ disciples walked past and admired. These are the stones Jesus said would one day be thrown down. And these are the stones the Roman soldiers destroyed and hurled over the side, a mere four decades after Jesus said they would, all in exact fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy.
The stones are a reminder. They remind us that every word of the Lord is true. Every word. They remind us that he is in control, even when all seems to be chaos and confusion. They remind us that his promise of full forgiveness through faith in him is a promise that never fails. They remind us that, just as he’s foretold, this sinful world will come to an end; that eternal life with him awaits.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are in control. Your every word is true. Move me to trust you always. Amen.
All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Don’t Follow Your Heart!
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever heard someone say, “Just follow your heart”? It sounds nice, right? Like your heart always knows what’s best. But guess what? The Bible says that’s not such good advice!
Sometimes the Bible tells us things that are hard to hear. We like it when everything feels happy—lots of smiles and no problems. But pretending that everything is fine when it isn’t? That’s not really loving. Real love tells the truth—even when it’s hard.
Our world loves to say things like, “You do you,” or “Everyone can find their own way to heaven.” But God says something very different. He tells us there’s only one way to heaven—through Jesus!
The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9, “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord.”
Whoa—that sounds scary! But here’s the thing: every single one of us deserves that because we all sin. Our hearts are selfish and want to do things our own way. That’s why “following your heart” isn’t safe—it can lead you in the wrong direction every time.
But God loves us too much to leave us lost. So he sent Jesus to take our punishment for us. Because of what Jesus did—his perfect life, his death on the cross, and his resurrection—God forgives you and gives you faith to believe.
The Bible also says in 2 Thessalonians 1:5, “You will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God.”
That means you belong in God’s family and will live with him forever—not because you followed your heart, but because you follow Jesus.
And God doesn’t just want you there. He wants everyone there! That’s why he asks you to share his love and truth with others, even when it’s hard. You don’t have to “follow your heart”—you get to follow Jesus!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you did the hard thing and died for me. Help me to love others the same way and tell them about you so they too can believe and be counted worthy in your kingdom. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
Who should you follow: your heart or Jesus? Why?
What is the only way to heaven? (Hint: John 14:6—“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”)
Questions for Elementary Age Children
What can happen if you just follow your own heart?
Why do you think some people get upset when they hear that Jesus is the only way to heaven?
Questions for Middle School and Above
What does it mean when God says you are “counted worthy” (2 Thessalonians 1:5)?
What’s one way you can live as someone who is “counted worthy”?
[God will] give relief to you who are troubled. 2 Thessalonians 1:7
Relief
Relief is big business. Walk up and down the aisles of your local pharmacy and read the labels. Relief from back pain. Relief from knee pain. Cold and flu relief. Relief from a toothache. Itch relief. Psoriasis relief. Earache relief. Headache relief. Sunburn relief. Foot pain relief. Relief from overworked muscles. All these types of relief are wonderful blessings from a gracious God.
But in our Bible reading today, the apostle Paul speaks to us about a kind of relief that’s on an entirely different plane. It is the relief that the Lord promises to give to us on the Last Day, the day of judgment. As our Savior-God watches over us, he never forgets that every moment of every day you, and I are laboring under the weight of living in a sinful, fallen creation. Day by day, we do battle. We battle Satan—both his temptations and his accusations. We battle temptations and distractions from the world. And we do battle with our own sinful selves.
All this he sees. All this he understands. And to encourage us to keep fighting the good fight of the faith, he promises to bring us sweet relief on the Last Day—a relief from all the troubles of this world, a relief beyond description.
Author J.R. Tolkien was a Christian, and he once remarked that there are Christian themes in his great work, The Lord of the Rings. In a closing scene to the 2003 film based on Tolkien’s book, we see two individuals. The first is Frodo, a person who has just finished an exhausting, perilous journey to help defeat a great evil. As Frodo awakens from a long, deep sleep, he sees Gandalf, an old, dear friend he’d thought was long dead. Frodo and Gandalf look at each other, smile, and begin to laugh. And laugh. And laugh some more. The laughter is not only of joy and reunion. It is the laughter of indescribable relief.
Such relief is what awaits us. And it’s the kind of relief that will never end.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, because of you, a great, eternal relief awaits me. Move me never to forget this. Amen.
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.” Malachi 4:2
Healing
How many wounds do you carry? As you read or listen to this devotion, perhaps you can feel the physical ache of an old injury. Perhaps there’s a serious accident in your past that your body has never fully recovered from. Perhaps the discomfort from an old physical hurt continues to vex you.
And then there are the other wounds, the wounds not of the body. “Some old wounds never truly heal and bleed again at the slightest word,” says the author J.R.R. Martin. “The wounds that never heal can only be mourned alone,” says writer James Frey. And Rose Kennedy once said, “In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers [certain wounds] with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”
Let’s acknowledge this reality. You and I live in a broken world; a world broken by sin—yours and mine. Because we do, the likelihood for serious wounds is overwhelming—wounds we receive from others, wounds we inflict on others, wounds we inflict on ourselves. Some of those wounds may heal slowly. Other of these wounds may heal at a pace that seems glacial. Still others may grow scar tissue that remains tender, ready to “bleed again at the slightest word.”
Jesus knows this. On our behalf, he entered this broken world. He became one of us. He knows all about such wounds. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, it was Jesus who was “wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.” For this reason, the Son of God understands how such wounds feel.
But because Christ Jesus bore our sins in our place, he does far more than sympathize with the pain of our wounds. He brings healing. Whole, entire, absolute, complete healing. He brings that healing balm to us now through the gospel in Word and sacrament. And one day you and I will experience that healing from old wounds in full, when there will be “no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain.”
On that day, you and I will bask in the healing warmth of the sun of righteousness. The old will be gone. The new will have come.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have secured my complete healing from my old wounds. Thank you. Amen.
“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. Malachi 4:1-2
Heaven Is Better Than Ice Cream
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tears ran down Jeremy’s red, messy face as he slammed the back door and ran across the yard. There was a little hiding spot between the shed and the fence, and he squeezed inside, curling up tight and hugging his knees. Jeremy was scared. His dad had asked him to clean up the living room before Grandma and Grandpa came over, but Jeremy didn’t want to. When his dad asked again, Jeremy exploded. He shouted that he was sick of doing chores and even called his dad mean names he knew he shouldn’t have said.
Now, sitting behind the shed, Jeremy felt awful. His stomach hurt—not from food, but from guilt. He knew he had done wrong. He knew he should have listened and obeyed. And he knew he deserved to be punished.
While Jeremy was thinking about how long he’d probably be grounded—no video games, no dessert—he heard footsteps crunching on the grass. His dad peeked into the small space and sat down next to him.
Jeremy turned his tear-streaked face toward his dad. “I’m sorry, Dad,” he whispered. He braced himself, waiting to hear the punishment. But instead, his dad wrapped him in a big, strong hug. “I forgive you,” his dad said softly. “I already cleaned the living room for you. Now come inside—your grandparents are here, and we have ice cream.”
Wow. Jeremy deserved punishment, but he got love instead.
That’s just like what God does for us! We do bad things too—we disobey, we say mean words, and we don’t always love others the way God wants us to. We deserve punishment for our sins—yes, even to be separated from God forever. Malachi described it as a day that sets us on fire. How awful!
But, instead of punishing us, God forgives us. “The sun of righteousness will shine with healing in its rays.” Jesus took our punishment when he died on the cross. Because of him, God hugs us instead of punishing us. He gives us forgiveness, love, and forever life in heaven—which is way better than ice cream!
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me so I don’t have to fear punishment. Thank you for forgiving me and promising heaven—something better than anything I can imagine! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
What do we get from God instead of punishment? (Hint: Romans 6:23)
What are some of your favorite things—ice cream flavors, games, or places? Why is heaven even better than all of those?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
Have you ever committed a sin too big for God to forgive? (Hint: 1 John 1:9)
How does knowing God forgives you make you feel?
Questions for Middle School and Above
If God forgives our sins and promises us heaven, why do we still sometimes get punished here on Earth?
Since God forgives us, how does he want us to treat people who hurt or upset us? (Hint: Ephesians 4:32)
https://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/700x411-FamilyDevotions2.jpg400711Pam Johnsonhttps://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WELSnet-Logo-2021.pngPam Johnson2025-11-17 04:00:572025-11-12 10:39:38Heaven Is Better Than Ice Cream – November 17, 2025
All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
2 Thessalonians 1:5-7
Judgement, Forgiveness, Peace
“But she hit me first!” Do you ever feel like you should wear a judge’s black robe or a referee’s striped shirt when conflicts between children (and sometimes adults) make their way into a day? It was many years into teaching before I discovered the benefit of modeling and teaching the children to resolve their conflicts rather than announcing a judgment on a given situation. Each time I made the decision for them, it was almost guaranteed that the conflict would come back.
It’s in our human nature to strike back and to try to make things just or equal in our eyes. Victims of abuse and violence weigh on our hearts, and we want the peace of knowing that those who caused pain are handed judgments that align with the results of their actions. Without the hope that justice will be served, we might despair or focus on revenge. So, it is important to read how God “will pay back trouble to those who trouble” us.
However, we cannot focus only how God will judge others. We must recognize that we ourselves fall short of God’s expectation. As you and I reflect on our day or even the past hour, it’s easy to recognize our failures. We often do the opposite of what we intended to do. Sin is relentless, and our weaknesses continue to override our best efforts. Discouragement and despair can come creeping (or roaring) in.
Where can we go with our guilt and our frustration about our sin?
Dear Christian friend, relief is ours in the Lord Jesus! Our comfort, hope, and peace come from knowing that God’s judgment is not based on us but on Jesus. The faith that God has given us makes us righteous. Because of Christ, we have been made right in God’s eyes. God looks at us through Jesus and sees you and me as his perfect children.
And now, Jesus’ suffering and forgiveness help us deal with others. When we consider the forgiveness we have received, we can look at others knowing that Jesus went to the cross for them as well. We can give them kindness and grace, just as we received from God.
No black robe, no striped shirt for you and me. There is only God’s loving forgiveness and peace through what Jesus did for us. Thank you, Lord!
and this, we can fully count on God’s promise and his remarkable gift of Jesus for us: while we were still sinners, he died for us so that all things can be right between God and us.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, it is so easy for me to see the faults of others and try to ignore my own sin. Forgive me for my own sin and give me a heart of forgiveness for those around me. Thank you for the peace that I have knowing that you have pronounced through your death and resurrection, your judgment of me is this: “not guilty!” In your name I pray. Amen
A question to consider:
As you spend time pondering today’s verses, is there someone you can reach out to with a word of encouragement or forgiveness? Starting by sharing your gratitude for God’s forgiveness for you can be a blessing to that conversation.
Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace…” says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 4:1
A Furnace
You are walking along a beach on the northeastern corner of the Sea of Galilee. As you do, you come across a small set of ancient ruins not far from shore. The ruins have been around for a long time; they go back to around the days of King David. You wander through them to investigate. And it is there that you spot a well-preserved remnant from the past. It’s a common furnace. You can easily picture people in David’s time using it. They’d place fuel at the bottom and light it. The design of the furnace is such that it would channel oxygen straight into the flames. The result is that there would soon be a hot, intense blaze waiting to consume everything it receives.
Envision this furnace working at full capacity. Feel the waves of heat radiating from its core. Smell the smoke. Taste the soot. Peer inside to see the raging fire. All this came to mind for the Old Testament prophet Malachi when the Lord spoke of the final judgment of the world. All that is evil, all that is arrogant, all that is defiant before the perfect goodness of God—all this the Lord will consume on the day of judgment. As Malachi later recorded, “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.”
On the other hand, this is a sobering thing. It reminds me that my every sinful failure, my every sinful thought, my every self-absorbed impulse is worthy of God’s righteous judgment, God’s consuming fire.
It also reminds me why God the Son came. He came to take my place. He came to be my substitute. He went to the cross to enter the furnace on my behalf. In doing so, he paid for my sins in full. Yours too.
All of which reminds us of one more thing. The evils of this broken world: horrors, abuse, injustice, hatred, atrocities, depravities, and lies—they do not have the last word. Jesus does. And eternal life in heaven awaits.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for absorbing the judgment on my behalf. In difficult moments, remind me that the evils of this world do not have the final say. You do. Amen.
One key truth: Because God judges justly, we have peace.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Because God Judges Justly, We Have Peace
Picture this: you’re standing in a courtroom. The judge is staring straight at you. The charges are read—and your heart sinks. You know you’re guilty.
That’s a little like standing before God on our own. It’s not just a bad day in court… it’s a hopeless case.
Psalm 14:3 says, “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
James 2:10 adds, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”
Translation? Even if you’ve done everything almost perfectly—if you’ve broken God’s law once, you’re guilty of all of it. Ouch.
But that’s not where God leaves us.
Romans 5 says God justifies us—he declares us innocent—because of Jesus!
Romans 5:18-19 puts it like this: “Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
In other words:
Adam’s sin made us guilty.
Jesus’ obedience makes us innocent.
That’s God judging justly—not by ignoring sin, but by punishing it in Jesus so he could forgive us. Now can you see the “cause” and the “effect”?
The cause: God judges justly in Christ. The effect: we have peace with God.
This peace is more than calm feelings or a stress-free life. It’s a new relationship. The war between our sin and God’s holiness is over. Jesus has won.
So if you ever feel:
Guilty over something you can’t undo, remember Jesus already carried that guilt.
Afraid of the future, remember God’s not your judge anymore. He’s your Father.
Unworthy, remember your worth is now tied to Jesus’ perfect record.
That’s peace. Not the world’s version—but the kind that lasts forever.
Prayer:
Righteous Judge, thank you for declaring us innocent through Jesus. Nothing I could do would repay you. I humbly ask that you give us peace that lasts forever. Amen.
Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
https://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/711x400-Devotions-TeenDevotions-1.jpg400711lschulzhttps://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WELSnet-Logo-2021.pnglschulz2025-11-16 01:00:222025-11-06 09:41:29Because God Judges Justly, We Have Peace – November 16, 2025
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:17-18
Equipped to Keep on Sharing
In today’s Bible reading, the apostle James says something remarkable. He says that God does not change. He is not like a shifting shadow—like the shadow of a windowpane moving slowly across the living room floor until it disappears as the sun goes down. In particular, with respect to giving his people good gifts, God does not change. He is like the sun when viewed from outer space. He keeps shining. He never sets. His generosity does not change. He still selects carefully just the right gifts and just the right number of gifts to give his people.
God’s greatest gift to us is the gift of spiritual life—a gift that the apostle James says God gave us through the word of truth. Through the words of the Bible, God points us to Jesus and convinces us that he is the Son of God, who became a human being to save us from our sin. He leads us to believe that someday we will live with him in heaven. When we reflect on God’s gracious gifts to us, especially the gift of spiritual life through Jesus, we are motivated to show generosity, consideration, kindness, forgiveness, patience, and caring for other people.
May it give you the motivation and strength to be as generous to others as he has been to you. God, who does not change, will answer your prayer.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, that you do not change. I know I can count on your blessings in the future just as in the past. Grant that your generosity to me makes me generous to those you bring into my life this day. Amen.
https://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/842x474-Custom-Post-SundayDevotion.jpg474842welshttps://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WELSnet-Logo-2021.pngwels2025-11-16 00:30:152025-11-12 09:03:42Equipped to Keep on Sharing – November 16, 2025
[Jesus said,] “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Luke 20:38
Alive to God
Many people hope that, if God does exist, they will be able to live with him in heaven. Unfortunately for those who do not have faith in Jesus, this is a baseless hope that ends only in disaster. In contrast, Jesus helps us understand what it means to be alive to God. He also provides the assurance needed to know that we will live with him forever.
Jesus’ words appear to be challenging. He said, “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” There are two implications. The first is how God views those who die. When this life comes to an end, people don’t simply fade into nothingness. God still recognizes and preserves the soul. This leads to a second, and greater implication. How does that soul remain alive to God?
The answer is found in only one place and with only one person. In the Bible, God reveals the person to whom we need to hold. It is through Jesus and his precious work that we find confidence and are alive to God. In Jesus, we escape the justice of disobedience and are set free from the condemnation of sin. In Jesus, we are released from the sentence of God’s eternal punishment and declared not guilty. Our confidence comes as the result of Jesus’ blessed assurance. He promised, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me will live even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
It is only because of Jesus’ precious work and his never-failing promise that we have this confidence: “I am alive to God, and I will live with him forever.”
Prayer:
O gracious God, Lord of life and death, bless me with the gift of faith which not only takes hold of eternal life, but which also holds on to the source of that life—my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. Jesus replied, “Those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come . . . will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. Luke 20:27-38 (selected verses)
God’s Awesomeness Hurts My Brain
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever really thought about space . . . like, really thought about it?
The light from the closest star to us (besides the sun!) takes over four years to reach Earth.
Other stars are so far away that their light takes thousands, or even millions, of years to get here!
If you could fly in a spaceship past those stars, you’d see even more tiny stars, and past those, even more stars, and it keeps going forever.
Doesn’t that hurt your brain? It’s almost impossible to imagine how big space is!
Back in Jesus’ day, a group of people (called the Sadducees) had a hard time imagining heaven. They didn’t even believe it existed! They thought, “If we can’t understand it, it can’t be real!” So, they tried to trap Jesus with a tricky question, hoping he’d admit that heaven doesn’t make sense.
But God doesn’t work by human rules. Jesus told them that heaven is so different from Earth that we won’t fully understand it. Yet, in heaven:
There is no sin—nothing bad ever happens.
The only thing that matters is that we are God’s children (Luke 20:36) forever.
And if you ever doubt that God can raise his children to live with him for eternity, just remember: He made all of space! If God can make something so mind-blowing and enormous, he can certainly do anything—including keeping all his believers with him forever in heaven.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me the awesome gift of heaven. Even though I struggle to fully understand it, I know it’s going to be great! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
How old were you four years ago? That’s how long the light from the closest star has been traveling to reach Earth!
List some amazing things God created. (Stars, oceans, mountains, animals—anything that makes you say “Wow!”)
Questions for Elementary Age Children
God calls us his children. How does that make you feel? (Safe, loved, important?)
What do parents do for their children? Now think—that’s what God does for you, too!
Questions for Middle School and Above
What things about heaven don’t make sense to your brain? (No sin, no sickness, living forever . . . how can it all be real?)
What will you do if someone tries to stump you with a question about heaven? (Remember: God can do anything, and we don’t need to fully understand it to trust Him!)
There has not been a generation of Americans who have lived their entire lives without their country being involved in a war or military conflict. Even during those rare stretches of relative peace, our US military was still engaged in smaller operations or “police actions.” To help me better understand our military history, one of my soldiers recommended this book: For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States from 1607 to 2012, 3rd edition.
We pray for peace around the world and in our own country, because war is horrific. People die. Some war fighters who return home find themselves lost and misunderstood by civilians. Others are broken in body and mind. Some sadly lose their faith in God. One war fighter recently shared this with me: “The American civilian public is not ready for large-scale combat, for high numbers of casualties. We’ve not had to wrestle with that reality for decades. We’re not equipped to handle this right now. Please pray for peace.”
Jesus tells us there will be wars and uprisings. There will be earthquakes and famines and pestilence in various places, which means there will always be a need for a National Guard. Jesus also says there will be spiritual conflict. He says, “They will . . . persecute you” (Luke 21:12).
This week I asked a soldier, “How can I pray for you?” He texted back, “Pray that I continue to focus my mind and heart on what our Savior did for us and have the courage to comfortably share it with others.” The military culture—and our society—is not friendly to those who follow Jesus, and he tells us it will get worse for us.
How are we to handle this and not become overwhelmed with depression and anxiety?
After Jesus had shared with his disciples all the bad news about wars and persecutions and disasters, he said this: “Stand firm, and you will win life” (Luke 21:19). You will win.
Jesus won the victory over death and grave. You will win.
Jesus stood firm against the spiritual forces of evil. You will win.
Stand firm on that promise by reminding yourself of that promise every time you hear bad news.
And “when these things begin to take place” (Luke 21:28)—the frightening things that will happen when Jesus comes again—he says that heavenly bodies will be shaken, the dead will rise, and all will see him coming again in the clouds with his angels. Many will be terrified. But Jesus tells you, “Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).
Christ has redeemed all things. The curse of sin is undone because Christ became the curse for us. The grave is conquered because Jesus lives, never to die again. Paradise lost is restored when Christ creates a new heaven and a new earth for us.
Please understand that we live in the “already” and the “not yet.” But when these things begin to take place, stand firm and you will win life. Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in a world filled with conflict and fear, help us to stand firm in your victory. When wars rage around us and within us, steady our hearts with the promise of redemption. Give courage to those who serve our nation and strength to all who serve you. Lift our eyes from the chaos of this world to the hope of your coming kingdom. Amen.
Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10
Are You Lost?
Is it possible to get lost anymore? With GPS, Find My, and AirTag, it seems like no one should ever get lost. Some of us remember the days when all we had was a map to guide us. Getting lost was perhaps more common in those days. But dads especially refused to admit they were lost. We can perhaps still remember Dad saying, ‘I’m not lost, I know exactly where I am!’
That kind of thinking is common also in our spiritual lives. Few, if any of us, would admit that we are lost. We think we know exactly where we are in life, and we have it all figured out. Maybe we have taken a few bad turns in life, but we are generally going in the right direction. Perhaps a few bad choices detoured us a bit, but we’re in control and we know where we are going. Yet so many of us are wandering through life without a spiritual GPS. If heaven is the destination, we don’t have any sort of guide or direction.
The good news is that Jesus came to save the lost and to guide us home. But if we can’t admit that we are lost, then Jesus has nothing for us. If we believe we are all good on our own and don’t need to be saved, Jesus leaves us to find our own way home to heaven. Without him as our Savior, we can’t possibly find the way.
As hard as it is to admit, we are lost on our own and need Jesus to bring us home. And thankfully, he does just that. He is the only way to heaven. His life and death in our place paved the road to eternal life. He rose from the dead to guarantee that through faith in him, we will find the way through this life into heaven with him. Jesus came and saved us and now provides us with eternal life. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and he will lead you home.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to seek and save me. Help me to know that even though I was lost, now I am saved and on the way to heaven. Amen.
https://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/842x474-Custom-Post-FridayDevotion.jpg474842welshttps://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WELSnet-Logo-2021.pngwels2025-11-14 00:30:362025-11-06 11:23:33Are You Lost? – November 14, 2025
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:5
Today Might Be the Day
“I don’t have time for religion. Life is so busy right now with work and the kids and everything else. We will get back to church one of these days.” Does that sound familiar? Perhaps you have even thought about it yourself. Faith, religion, and church are all things that easily find a place on the back burner in our lives. So many things seem more pressing. There are deadlines to meet, quotas to fill, and memories to make. There are ball games to attend, vacations to take, and deals to close. And so, we tell ourselves that we will make time for God later: either when we get married, when we settle down and have kids, or maybe even when we retire.
But here’s the question: what if Jesus decides that today is the day he wants to meet you face to face, like he did with Zacchaeus? He told Zacchaeus, “I must stay at your house today.” What if he says that to you before this day is over? None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. At any given moment, God could decide that our time on earth is over.
Are you ready? If Jesus decides that today is the day, we don’t need to be afraid of meeting him. Jesus has already removed any reason for us to fear him. He has paid for our sins by dying on the cross and has guaranteed our eternal life by rising from the grave. He has forgiven us and saved us, and through faith in him, we can trust that he will take us home to heaven.
Life has a way of getting in the way of our faith. Make time for Jesus and spend time with him in worship and Bible study so that when Jesus says that today is the day, you will be ready to meet him.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for saving me and giving me the gift of heaven. Help me not to put you on the back burner today. Amen.
https://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/842x474-Custom-Post-ThursdayDevotion.jpg474842welshttps://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WELSnet-Logo-2021.pngwels2025-11-13 00:30:332025-11-06 11:18:59Today Might Be the Day – November 13, 2025
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5
Not Just a Pretty Picture
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A long time ago, there was a man named John who loved Jesus with all his heart. John couldn’t stop talking about how amazing Jesus was! He told people, “Every one of us breaks God’s laws, but Jesus took away our sins so we could live with him forever in heaven!”
John was so excited about this good news that he had to tell everyone he met. He wanted everyone to know Jesus, too.
But not everyone liked that. One day, some soldiers showed up. They told John, “Stop talking about Jesus!” They wanted people to worship their leader—the emperor—instead of God. When John refused, they arrested him and sent him away to a lonely island called Patmos. There were no friends, no family—just rocks, wind, and waves.
It seemed like John’s story was over. He must have felt sad and hopeless.
But then—God did something incredible. God gave John a vision—like a movie playing right in his mind.
In this vision, John saw:
God sitting on his throne, shining brighter than the sun.
A river sparkling like crystal, flowing right from God’s throne.
The Tree of Life, growing strong with fruit for everyone.
A city so bright there was no night at all—because God himself was the light.
People from every place and time serving God with smiles and songs.
And John heard this promise: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit “will reign forever and ever.” This wasn’t just a pretty dream. God showed John heaven to fill him with hope while he was stuck on that island.
God wanted John (and us!) to know:
Even when life feels scary, lonely, or unfair—God always wins.
And because Jesus died and rose again, we’ll win with him!
Someday, we’ll see everything John saw:
No more tears.
No more sickness.
No more sin.
Only joy, light, and love that never ends.
Heaven is where our God, who has all the power in the universe, will make all things perfect for eternity.
When you have a bad day—when friends are mean, when you’re sick, or when you’re scared—remember: God loves you so much that he just has to have you in heaven with him forever. He’s already preparing your place in that bright, perfect city. You can be sure that someday, you will be standing before God’s throne in that perfect city where it is never night. There, you will live with him forever.
And just like John, you can hold on to hope—because God always keeps his promises.
Prayer:
Jesus, I can’t even imagine how incredible heaven is going to be. Comfort me with the awesome truth that it is mine. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
Why does God want you in heaven someday? (Hint: You are his child, and he wants to be with you forever!)
What’s the coolest thing you can imagine about heaven? (The river? The city? No more night? Something else?)
Questions for Elementary Age Children
Have you ever had news so exciting you just had to tell someone? How is that like what John did when he shared about Jesus?
John’s life looked hopeless on the island, but God gave him hope. What’s something that gives you hope when life feels hard?
Questions for Middle School and Above
You probably won’t get sent to an island for believing in Jesus, but what other tough things might happen when you talk about your faith? (Maybe friends don’t understand, or someone teases you.)
The message of Revelation is “God Always Wins.” What other stories in the Bible show that God wins—no matter what? (Noah? David and Goliath? The cross? Easter morning?)
https://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/700x411-FamilyDevotions2.jpg400711Pam Johnsonhttps://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WELSnet-Logo-2021.pngPam Johnson2025-11-12 04:00:472025-10-31 14:07:26Not Just a Pretty Picture – November 12, 2025
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:5
Feeling Small?
Zacchaeus was not a popular guy. Nobody liked him. He was a Jewish man who collected taxes for the hated Roman government. As such, he was viewed as a traitor to his people. Tax collectors were notorious for overcharging the people so they could pad their own bank accounts. They were despised. On top of this, Zacchaeus was a small man and did not stand out physically in any way. Put that all together, and he would be the last one that anyone would expect Jesus to pick out of a crowd.
What about you? Are you feeling small? Outcast? Unnoticed? Maybe there is that person in your life who just has a way of making you feel like the tiniest person in the room. Perhaps you work so hard, and nobody seems to notice or care. It could be that your recent choices in life have you feeling unworthy of Jesus’ notice. Maybe it was words you spoke in anger, or decisions you made in a moment of passion, or thoughts that linger in your mind. Whatever the case, perhaps you also feel like the last one anyone would expect Jesus to notice.
Surprising as it may be, Jesus wants to be with you, too. Just like he picked Zacchaeus out of that crowd and asked him to climb down out of that tree, Jesus calls out to you through his Word and tells you to follow him. He wants you to know that he loves you and wants nothing more than to spend eternity with you. He wants you to trust him in all things. To prove he is worthy of that trust, Jesus lived and died and rose again from the dead, all to assure you that you could have a place by his side in heaven forever. And now he invites you to spend time with him as you read your Bible. He knows that the more time you spend together, the more your faith will grow and the more you will find peace in this life.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for saving me from sin and death and for calling out to me in your Word. Help me to grow in faith as I spend time in your Word. Amen.
You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19
In the Depths of the Sea
‘Sploosh.’ I remember that sound as if it was yesterday. My boys and I were out with my dad, fishing on his boat. We were on Green Lake, in central Wisconsin. Anyone who has fished with young kids knows that the adults don’t actually do much fishing. Rather, it involves a lot of reattaching worms and lures, as well as untangling lines. During one of those breaks in the action, my youngest son leaned over the side of the boat to look at something in the water. As he did so, his glasses slid off his face and into the water. ‘Sploosh.’
Now, for those who don’t know, Green Lake is the deepest natural lake in Wisconsin. Its maximum depth is 237 feet. Try as we might, there was absolutely no way we were going to recover or find those glasses. They were gone forever.
God wants us to know that he has done the same thing with our sins. No matter what our sins are or how big or small we think they are or how long we have been carrying them around in guilt and shame, God wants us to know that he has removed them from us forever. He has hurled them into the depths of the sea. This was made possible for us when Jesus went to the cross in our place. There, as he died for you and me, he took on our sins and paid for them once and for all. God the Father accepted that payment and has taken our sins and removed them from us once and for all. We are forgiven and saved because of Jesus.
The good news for my son was that Shopko had free replacement on kids’ glasses, so he was able to get a new pair as soon as we got back home. The even better news for you is that because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, you have been given a new, guilt-free life here on earth and a glorious eternal life in heaven.
Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for removing my sins and burying them in the depths of the sea. Help me to live a thankful life, looking forward to my eternal life with you. Amen.
https://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/842x474-Custom-Post-TuesdayDevotion.jpg474842welshttps://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WELSnet-Logo-2021.pngwels2025-11-11 00:30:422025-11-06 10:56:14In the Depths of the Sea – November 11, 2025
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. Isaiah 65:17-19
You Are God’s Joy!
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Imagine this: your team is losing badly. Nothing’s going right. You feel like giving up.
That’s kind of what was happening to God’s people, the Israelites. They were having a really tough time. Here’s what was going on:
Many Israelites stopped trusting the real God and started following fake (false) gods.
The biggest, scariest army—called the Assyrians—was on its way to attack.
God sent his prophet Isaiah to tell them bad news: because they turned away from him, they would be captured and taken to a faraway land called Babylon.
Things were not looking good for the Israelites. It must have felt like everything was going wrong.
But here’s where everything changes. God didn’t stop loving them—even when they messed up. He gave Isaiah another message. This time it was good news—a message of hope! He told them about a beautiful future when he would bring his people to a new land. Not an earthly land, but a heavenly one. He told them that in heaven, “the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind” (Isaiah 65:17).
And then God said something amazing, “I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy” (Isaiah 65:18). Wait—what?! The same people who had disobeyed him would become his joy? That’s the power of God’s love.
The truth is that there was nothing that the Old Testament people could have done to recover from their sin. Even if they said sorry a thousand times or tried super hard to be good, they never could have been good enough to deserve the promised heavenly land. They could never have made themselves into God’s joy.
So God said, “I’ll do it for you.” He promised that he himself will “create” his people (Jerusalem) to be new—to change their hearts and make them his delight.
It is the same with us. We were sinners, and we deserved punishment even worse than being taken to Babylon. We deserved to be separated from God forever. But God decided that he wanted to save us, so he did. He sent Jesus to die in our place, and now we get to look forward to that same heavenly land that God told his people about through Isaiah. We will live in a land where “the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more” (Isaiah 65:19).
No more tears. No more fear. Just joy. Because you are God’s joy.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, there are so many problems we face in this world. Thank you for giving us a new, perfect home to look forward to. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
What are some big scary things in your life?
What will happen to those big scary things when you get to heaven?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
What punishment do we deserve because of our sin? Why don’t we get that punishment? (Hint: Jesus!)
If heaven is a place with no crying, no pain, and no fear, what’s the first thing you’d want to do there?
Questions for Middle School and Above
Why is it so important that God says he will make you a delight—not you earning it?
Can you think of someone who’s having a tough time right now? What’s one way you could remind them that God loves them and can give them joy?
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8
While We Were Still Sinners . . .
Some things simply don’t make sense. There are things we just can’t understand. Why does cilantro taste like a wonderful herb to some and a bar of soap to others? Why is it that sometimes sleep comes easily and other times at 2:00 a.m. the brain drives far away any chance of sleep? Why does a young child seem to need your help just as you sit down?
Today’s reading invites a different and deeper question. Why would God die for us sinners? The text says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It also says, “When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”
Our earthly brains and our self-centered nature can struggle to understand this. You and I may reach out to someone who appears powerless and try to help them, but nothing compares to what Christ did. He didn’t save those who were worthy but made worthy those he saved. God looked at us and all people and out of a love that is beyond our comprehension, the Father sent Jesus. The Father said, “Go save my people with your perfect life, innocent death, and resurrection.”
In our eyes that does not seem like much of a plan. In God’s eyes, it was—and is—the perfect plan. God knew we were—and are—powerless to do what needed to be done to save ourselves. But he also knew that Jesus could do it. It was God’s love that looked at us, messes that we were, and eagerly said “Let’s do this! Let’s save them and make them our own dear children.” That doesn’t make sense because we were completely undeserving, but it made perfect sense to our perfect God who loves us perfectly. That’s God’s grace; he gives us what we don’t deserve because of his amazing love.
Everyone wrestles with guilt, and guilt can overwhelm all of us. What is God’s answer to our guilt? It’s Jesus. God’s grace through Jesus says to us, “I’ve taken your guilt. You get God’s perfect grace, peace, and joy in return.” While we may not be able to grasp or understand this, we can fully count on God’s promise and his remarkable gift of Jesus for us: while we were still sinners, he died for us so that all things can be right between God and us.
Prayer:
God loves me dearly, grants me salvation, God loves me dearly, loves even me.
I was in slavery, sin, death, and darkness; God’s love was working to make me free.
He sent forth Jesus, my dear Redeemer, he sent forth Jesus and set me free.
Jesus, my Savior, himself did offer; Jesus, my Savior, paid all I owed.
Now I will praise you, O Love eternal; now I will praise you all my life long.
Refrain: Therefore I’ll say again; God loves me dearly, God loves me dearly, loves even me.
Christian Worship 583
Consider:
The text says that Jesus’ death demonstrates God’s love for us. How does Jesus’ resurrection demonstrate God’s power, and how can that help you be a powerful teacher this week?
Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
https://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Educator-Devotion-header.jpg347842Sarah Krausehttps://wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WELSnet-Logo-2021.pngSarah Krause2025-11-10 04:00:352026-03-04 15:30:13While We Were Still Sinners – Week of November 10, 2025
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