Peace Be with You! – Week of April 12, 2021

Peace Be with You! – Week of April 12, 2021



On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

John 20:19-23



Peace – that’s not the first word most teachers associate with a busy classroom. Children play, shout out answers, sometimes argue. The classroom can be a joyful, noisy place, but peaceful? Not so often.

Peace – that’s probably not how the disciples were feeling that first Easter evening. They saw their Savior put on trial, crucified, and buried. Would they be next? Then some women told them that Jesus was alive. But that would be too good to be true. Confused, sad, scared – that’s what the disciples likely felt.

Peace – that was the first word Jesus said to his astonished disciples when he appeared to them in that locked room. With the realization that their Savior was alive, the disciples truly could have peace in their hearts. This peace was better than any earthly peace. Before his death, Jesus had told his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus brings everlasting peace. Troubles of this world will fade away, but we have what we need for eternity. We are washed clean of our sins, we will conquer death, and we will join Jesus in heaven. That is peace.

Jesus told his disciples not to keep this peace to themselves. “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21). The disciples’ lifework became sharing that peace with the world. We also are sent to share God’s peace. Every day we get to share the special news with our students: “Jesus loves you. Jesus took your sins away. Jesus will always be with you.” And they share that peace with us too. When they sing their Jesus songs and proclaim their faith, they strengthen us. And when they go home and share what they’ve learned, Jesus’ peace is spread even further.

Peace isn’t a quiet classroom. Peace is a classroom of people who talk about Jesus, who know his love and share that love with others, who sing and pray and praise God. Peace be with you.



Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me true peace through your death and resurrection. Let that knowledge strengthen me so I can share your peace with others. Amen.



Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
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.

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Prove It – Family Devotion – April 12, 2021

Read: John 20:19-31

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book. But these words are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:29-31

Prove It

 

Family Devotion – April 12, 2021

Devotion based on John 20:29-31

See series: Devotions

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

There are certain things that are hard to believe unless you see it. In December there was a story about Steph Curry making 105 three pointers in a row at practice without missing. If you have ever played basketball, you know how impossible that sounds. With a quick Google search you can actually watch the 5-minute video of him making three after three until he finally misses on his 106th shot.

Three days after Jesus died on the cross, he appeared in person to his disciples. They could barely believe it, and they were surprised to see Jesus in the flesh. One of the disciples, Thomas, was not there that night. The disciples told Thomas they saw Jesus, but he would not believe unless he saw Jesus himself. This is why he is often called doubting Thomas.

A week later, Jesus again visited the disciples, and this time Thomas was there with them. Thomas talked with Jesus and even touched his wounds. After seeing Jesus face-to-face, Thomas stopped doubting and believed.

At times we can be a lot like Thomas. We might doubt if God is real. We might doubt if Jesus could truly forgive us for a horrible thing that we have done. We might doubt if certain parts of the Bible at true. We might doubt that doing good things doesn’t save us. As with Thomas we want God to show us proof.

That is exactly what God does in the Bible. We certainly can’t see Jesus with our own eyes, but in the Bible, we can learn that Jesus did everything needed to save us from our sins. While he was on earth Jesus never sinned once, he gave up his own life for us by dying on the cross, and three days later his tomb was empty because he had risen from the dead. God gave us the Bible so that we might know and believe in Jesus as our Savior.

Each time we read and study the Bible at home or at church, God the Holy Spirit is working to strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus. The next time you find yourself doubting, open up your Bible and read God’s perfect promises. Believe! Trust! Jesus your Savior is truly alive!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive us for the times that we doubt the truth found in your Word. Lead us to study the Bible often and increase our trust in your perfect promises. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

  • What is the nickname that people often call Thomas?
  • Where can we learn about Jesus and all that he did to save us from our sins?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • If you were Thomas, do you think that you would have believed the other disciples when they said Jesus appeared to them?
  • What parts of the Bible do you sometimes have doubts about or have trouble understanding?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why do you think so many people today have such a hard time believing the Bible is true?
  • What steps can you take this upcoming week to be more regular in studying God’s Word?

Hymn: CW 165:8 – O Sons and Daughters of the King

Blessed are they that have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been;
In life eternal they shall reign.
Alleluia!

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Tidings of joy – April 11, 2021

Tidings of joy – April 11, 2021


While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!
Luke 24:4,5




Military Devotion – April 11, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 24:4,5

See series: Military Devotions

In the excitement of Easter, we must not forget about Mary, the one who was engaged to Joseph and became the mother of Jesus.

Words from an angel startled her with the message that she would have a son, “…and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31-32). She pondered those words.

She again heard of words from angels when she gave birth to that Son. Shepherds reported what they had heard from an angel over the fields of Bethlehem: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10,11).

We sing of Bethlehem on that night, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

Hopes and fears marked the life of the young woman who told the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

She surely hoped that her son would be great. But fear invaded her life when Herod gave orders to hunt her son down and kill him. Fear again arose when she heard that it was not safe to return to Bethlehem even after Herod died.

Hope must have blossomed as she saw her son grow “…in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Hope must have filled her heart as she saw him ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

Then, fear struck with the news that he had been arrested. Confusion and dread flooded in with the word that he would be executed.

She must have wondered, “How can this be?” “How can he die now?”

But it happened. She saw him being crucified with her own eyes. She stood at the foot of the cross with the other women who had come from Galilee until Jesus told John to take care of her as if she was his own mother.

She walked away from the cross to face a dark night of sorrow. Women from Galilee stayed to the end. Then, from a distance, they watched as strangers took down the body and carried it into a tomb.

The dawn of the Sabbath brought no relief.

At the dawn of the next day, the third day, some of those women from Galilee returned to the tomb to finish anointing the body for burial.

They were startled to have an angel tell them, “He is not here; he has risen!”

The words came to Mary as if the floodgates of joy had opened up. Fear was replaced by hope—by hope fulfilled.

“Tidings of joy” are what the Christmas angels announced.

“Tidings of joy” are what the Easter angels announced.

Along with Mary of old, those tidings fill us with joy yet today.

We can call to one another, “The Lord has risen. He is risen indeed!!”



Prayer: God of the living, who brought life to mankind by the resurrection of your Son from the dead, remind us that your promises are always true, and your love never fails. Let our hearts not be overcome by fear. Plant into us an everlasting hope. Let us taste again the Easter joy. 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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Transformed – teen devotion – April 11, 2021

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

Scars that heal

Every scar has a story.

The scar on the athlete’s knee tells of the torn ligament and the lost season. The scar on the child’s chin tells of the hard fall when learning to ride a bike. Do you remember the stories behind your scars?

Over 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote about the scars the suffering Savior would receive. We cringe as the nails drew innocent blood from Jesus’ hands and feet on a cross. We sigh as the spear pierced his lifeless body. Do you remember the story behind Jesus’ scars?

Jesus’ scars tell the seriousness of sin. Our holy God demands that sin be punished, and the punishment deserved for our sin is death. But Jesus’ scars also tell the seriousness of God’s peace. Jesus willingly and lovingly took the punishment in our place. He got what we deserved. In exchange, he gives us what we didn’t deserve—his forgiveness and peace.

Every scar has a story.

But not all scars are visible. Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, was scarred with doubt. He wouldn’t believe Jesus had risen unless he saw the scars and touched them. Jesus appeared and removed all doubt. Jesus’ scars brought Thomas what Isaiah had prophesied long ago—healing peace. They still do!

Do you have any “invisible scars?” Are you scarred by grief? Have you been hurt by a friend or bullied by an enemy? Do you have deep pains inside from some heavy burden? Then, remember Isaiah’s words. Look upon Jesus’ scars. Find healing and peace in Jesus!

Prayer: Jesus, heal my wounds physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Help me to find healing and peace in your wounds and your great love for me. Amen.


Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Christ First, Then Us – Family Devotion – April 9, 2021

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Christ First, Then Us

 

Family Devotion – April 9, 2021

Devotion based on Isaiah 25:6,8

See series: Devotions

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

The summer months are fantastic. Not only do kids have off school and families go on vacations, but it’s also one of the best food times of the year. Yep, you guessed it, it’s time for sweet corn! After months of nourishment and growth and care, when the ears are still firm and the husks still green, farmers begin harvesting for hungry corn lovers everywhere. And perhaps that first batch of sweet corn harvested is the best—because it means there’s lots more to come!

You might call that first batch of corn the firstfruits. That’s what God’s Old Testament people called the very first of their grain harvest every year. And it’s an appropriate name—it was the first of the fruit of the ground, the very first of the wheat or the barley brought in from the fields.

But why, then, does the Bible call Jesus the firstfruits? That’s what the apostle Paul said in our reading: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” What does that mean? Why is Paul comparing Jesus to a plant?

That’s the good news about Easter! Just like the first of the harvest means there’s lots more grain or corn to come, so also the first resurrection—Jesus’ resurrection—means there are more resurrections to come. Or more simply: Jesus’ resurrection means we too will rise from the dead! Jesus is the firstfruits because he’s the first of many, including you and me, to be raised from death!

Think about what that means. On that first Easter, Jesus’ once lifeless body lived again. His eyes that had closed in death only days ago, opened. His voice that had become silent, spoke. His feet that had walked among his followers, stood among them again. His hands that had broken bread with his disciples, shared a meal with them once more. Jesus, once dead, lived!

So shall you and I. On the last day, when our Savior returns to raise all the dead, we too will live again. Our eyes will open. Our voices will speak. Our feet that once ran, jumped, skipped, and danced will run, jump, skip, and dance once more. Only this time, when Jesus raises us it will be forever! Just as Jesus lives and will never die again, so also we will live with Jesus and never die again.

We too will defeat death. Jesus, our firstfruits, is the guarantee. Because he lives, we too will live!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for rising from the dead so that one day my eyes will open, my voice will speak, my ears will hear, and I will live with you forever—never to die again. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

  • What is the very first of the harvest called?
  • What happened to Jesus’ body on Easter?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • When does Paul say that we will rise from the dead?
  • In this life, we run and get tired, we fall and break bones, we catch a cold and get sick. When we rise, our bodies will be like Jesus’ body. What do you think that will be like?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • The apostle Paul says that Jesus is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Why do you think he calls our death a sleep?
  • Look again at verses 21-22. Why have all people died in Adam? Why will all believers live through Christ?

Hymn: CW 152:7,8 – I Know that My Redeemer Lives

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Death and Tears Are Gone – Family Devotion – April 7, 2021

Read: Isaiah 25:6-9

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines…
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.
Isaiah 25:6,8

Death and Tears Are Gone

 

Family Devotion – April 7, 2021

Devotion based on Isaiah 25:6,8

See series: Devotions

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

Can you see it in your mind? You step into the banquet hall, and the aroma of your favorite foods fills the air. The meal is ready, the drinks are being poured, and dessert (triple chocolate cake with chocolate frosting?) is fresh from the oven. The sound of happy conversation, of laughter, and of joyful praise mingles together. You take a step forward and see your place at the table—reserved there, by name, just for you. And then comes a voice, a familiar voice, the voice of Jesus: “Sit friend, I’ve prepared everything.” And so the feasting begins.

That’s one of the ways the Bible pictures heaven—a great feast, a feast unlike any other. There are people from every place and of every language; every believer in Jesus is gathered together. There’s only the finest food and drink, the tastiest meal to enjoy. And our Savior Jesus is there—the host who’s prepared it all.

But there’s something else that’s special about this feast—something we can’t fully understand: the joy of the feast never ends.

Sure, we experience happy times in life—birthday parties, family get-togethers, celebrations, graduations. But all of these come to an end. The laughter dies out. The smiles fade. The games stop. Eventually everyone goes home. And on top of this, there are plenty of outright sad times in life too! Times when we’re sick, when our feelings are hurt, or when we miss people we love. Times of pain. Times of loneliness. Times of tears.

But when the Bible talks about heaven, it talks about joy that never ends. It talks about Jesus wiping every tear from our eyes. It talks about rejoicing and celebrating and praising that never stops and never gets old. Yes, it talks about life with God forever!

How can this be? Only because of Easter! You see, when Jesus rose from the dead, he didn’t just come back to life—he defeated death, he destroyed it, he swallowed it up forever! And not just death, but all pain and tears and sadness, yours and mine too! That’s the story of Easter. Because Jesus lives, you and I will one day live with him. Because Jesus lives, all our sicknesses, all our hurts, all our loneliness, all our tears—yes, all our pain will end. Because Jesus lives, our place at heaven’s feast is prepared, ready and waiting for us.

Now that’s a reason to rejoice and be glad!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, we praise you for defeating death, pain, and sadness through Jesus’ rising from the dead. Lead us to always trust in your promise to bring us home to 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 is your favorite food you’d like to enjoy in heaven?
  • What will happen to sadness and pain when we’re in heaven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why do you think the Bible calls heaven a “banquet” instead of just a simple meal? What’s the difference?
  • Think of the best party you’ve ever experienced. What made it so great? How will heaven compare to that?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • We all have hurts, we all feel pain, we all shed tears. Is there a hurt that you especially look forward to leaving behind when you go to heaven?
  • What do you think will be the best part of heaven and living forever? Why?

Hymn: CW 152:3,5 – I Know that My Redeemer Lives

He lives to bless me with his love;
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives, my hungry soul to feed;
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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He Has Risen! He Is Not Here! – Family Devotion – April 5, 2021

Read: Mark 16:1-8

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Mark 16:5,6

He Has Risen! He Is Not Here!

 

Family Devotion – April 5, 2021

Devotion based on Mark 16:5,6

See series: Devotions

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

“Trembling and bewildered.” That’s how the Bible describes the women on that first Easter morning. And if we’d been there with them, we probably would have been a little shaky and confused too.

After all, the past several days weren’t what they had expected. These women came to Jerusalem with Jesus very much alive but watched as he was crucified. They saw him buried. They gathered spices to anoint his lifeless body. That’s not what they expected.

Early that morning, the women made their way to the tomb. They wondered how they’d get in. They asked each other who’d be able to help them. But when they got there, to their surprise, the giant stone had already been rolled away. Jesus’ grave was open. That’s not what they expected.

And when they set foot inside? There was a stranger, a young man in a white robe—an angel! He was sitting there, inside Jesus’ tomb, and he said: “Don’t be scared.” That’s not what they expected!

We can understand why they felt scared, upset, and confused. We would have felt the same way!

But there’s a much more important reason for their surprise and confusion. The angel told them, “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” What?! This was more shocking than Jesus’ crucifixion, his death, the open grave, or even the angel. The women saw Jesus die. They knew he was buried. And now he wasn’t here? He was alive? That’s not what they expected!

It’s not what we expect, either! When the hero in our favorite book or movie dies, we understand that they’re not coming back to life. When we go to the grave of a friend or loved one, we know their body will be there. And if we were there with the women that morning, we would have been just as shocked to hear that Jesus was alive, to see that his body was not there—because things like this just don’t happen!

Except that’s exactly what happened. Jesus did the unexpected. Jesus did the seemingly impossible. Jesus rose. Yes, he’d died, but death could not hold on to him. Yes, he’d been buried, but the tomb could not contain him. Jesus did what no one else has ever done: he defeated death itself! That’s the bewildering—but amazing and true—story of Easter.

And the best part of all? Jesus did it for you and me.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the amazing but true news of Easter: you live! Help me to trust this good news and to know that you did it for me! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

  • What did the women see in Jesus’ tomb?
  • What happened to Jesus on Easter?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Imagine you were with the women when they saw that Jesus wasn’t in the tomb. How would you have felt? What would you have been thinking?
  • What does Jesus’ resurrection from the dead tell you about his power?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Recall one other time when angels brought news about Jesus. Why do you think God used angels to make these announcements?
  • Why do you think the women were afraid and confused, instead of joyful and relieved?

Hymn: CW 152:1,2 – I Know that My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence give!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living Head!

He lives triumphant from the grave;
He lives eternally to save.
He lives all glorious in the sky;
He lives exalted there on high.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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My Redeemer Lives! – Week of April 5, 2021

My Redeemer Lives! – Week of April 5, 2021



But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”

Mark 16:4-6



Have you ever been to a funeral? My father passed away several years ago, and the day of his funeral is still sharp in my mind. I remember looking at him for the last time, and having many join me in saying good-bye to him. It was not an easy day.

On Easter morning, some women expected to say good-bye to Jesus. They wanted to honor his body by anointing it with spices, but had to wait until the Passover was finished. With heavy hearts, they approached the tomb wondering how they would roll the huge stone away. But that’s not what happened.

The stone was already moved, and an angel spoke to them. Jesus wasn’t in that tomb. Jesus wasn’t dead. “He has risen! He is not here,” the angel proclaimed. Hearts that ached became joyful. Death couldn’t hold on to Jesus; he was victorious! The women even saw their resurrected Lord on the way back to tell the disciples this most wonderful news.

Jesus’ victory is our victory. He paid for our sins when he suffered and died for us. He proved that he conquered sin, death, and the devil when he rose from the dead. His resurrection guarantees ours. Jesus has a room ready for us in heaven, where we will see him with our own eyes. With Job we can exclaim, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me.” (Job 19:25-27).

Because Jesus wasn’t in the tomb that first Easter morning, we know we never have to say good-bye to him. He is with us always. And to those believers who have passed away, we can say, “I know I’ll see you again.” With joyful hearts we look forward to an eternity with our Savior.



Prayer: Dear Jesus, I praise you for your triumph over sin, death, and the devil. I know that your victory is my victory. Comfort me with this sweet knowledge and help me boldly proclaim, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Amen.



Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
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.

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Transformed – teen devotion – April 4, 2021

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.
Genesis 3:15

The plan the whole time

The dog’s owners noticed his leg was bleeding. Something had agitated the dog causing him to run over to where their child was playing. The dog barked fiercely and limped away with a wound.

The veterinarian’s examination discovered the marks from a snake bite. The story became clear. The dog saw the threat and put himself in harm’s way between the snake and the child. The dog took the wound to save the child. This is amazing love from a faithful friend!

But that true story pales in comparison to the true story God’s faithful love and his plan to save!

God saw the danger and damage the devil caused. The devil, who took on the form of a snake, slithered into God’s perfect world to tempt and destroy. He succeeded in enticing the first people to consume his lies and then consume the forbidden fruit.

The results were instant! Sin entered the world. Shame, fear, blame, and death quickly followed. Not a moment goes by where we aren’t reminded of sin’s devastating impact.

But God responded with an incredible plan to save. He promised a serpent-crusher, a sin-bearer, a death-destroyer! With each added promise, the story became clearer and clearer. A Savior would come!

And he did! Jesus put himself in harm’s way—receiving wounds and taking sin’s punishment to save us. Jesus put himself in harm’s way—taking on and taking down the devil. Jesus put himself in harm’s way—entering death and then rising from it. All for you!

This is everlasting love from our greatest friend!

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your amazing and everlasting love. When sin, fear, or death close in on me, come quickly to comfort me with your promises of salvation, forgiveness, and life. Amen.


Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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But I shall live – April 4, 2021

But I shall live – April 4, 2021


I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
Psalm 118:17




Military Devotion – April 4, 2021

Devotion based on Psalm 118:17

See series: Military Devotions

For me, Easter is very personal. For me, it is a matter of life or death.

I realize that millions of people celebrate that day, and over time, there have been billions of them that did so. I admit that I do not personally know any of the people who have a role in the Easter story. Surely, none of the angels.

But I do know the one who rose from the dead on that day.

Frankly, I’m glad I was not there on Easter morning. For the followers of Jesus, the day dawned dreadful. They had spent the last two days in shock and confusion. A week ago, they were filled with excitement and hope. But then, the unthinkable, the seemingly impossible, happened.

Jesus was arrested. Jesus was sentenced. Jesus was dead.

What now? Where did that leave them?

They had placed their hopes upon him as the Messiah, the Savior of Israel. They trusted him. They believed in him. What now?

They had been moved by his words. “No man has spoken like this!” they said. But history has recorded powerful words of others who now lie in their graves.

He did work miracles, did he not? Or were they fake? Or were the Pharisees right? Did he work miracles by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of the devils?

Was this all a fraud? Were his promises empty? He had said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” But he did not stay alive. He died in weakness, just as billions of people before him.

The famous apostle put it plainly: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

For me, Easter is a matter of life or death.

I’m glad I was not in Jerusalem on that day. I fear I would have been distraught. I might have been tempted to think maybe Judas had the right idea. Why live if hope has been dashed? If faith has been lost?

But I have an advantage over the disciples and the others. I have the whole story before me. It begins with earth formless and empty, with the Spirit of God hovering over the waters.

It ends with the Spirit of God quoting Jesus, the risen Son of God, telling us, “Behold! I am coming soon!”

He rose from the dead, and he will return to take his people home with him.

The Easter sun evaporated doubt and confusion as the day progressed. More reports came from the empty tomb. Angels have been seen. Witnesses repeated their words to others: “He is not here! He is risen!”

He began to appear to some people: a weeping Mary Magdalene and a confused Peter. Towards evening, two disciples returned from Emmaus excitedly reporting that Jesus had walked with them on the road.

Then suddenly, there he was in the room with them, though the doors were locked.

So, it is true! He does live. He has conquered death. Job was right when he had declared, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25).

So was the psalmist right who looked forward in time to see the meaning of Easter: “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.”

So am I when I tell you, “I may die, but I shall live!”

But I shall live.

And you can, too.



Prayer: Risen Savior, you offered your life to pay for our crimes against everything holy. With your resurrection, your Father marked our debt, “Paid in full!” Because you live, we shall live. We shall live with you forever. Don’t let us forget that. 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 King Died for Us – Family Devotion – April 2, 2021

Read: John 19:17-30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30

The King Died for Us

 

Family Devotion – April 2, 2021

Devotion based on John 19:30

See series: Devotions

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

If you’ve never played king of the hill on a snow pile, here’s how it works. You and your friends scramble to the top and, once reached, you do your best to be the last one up there. You grapple (gently!) with others to keep them off, or maybe throw snowballs, or perhaps just sit down to keep anyone from moving you. The stronger or bigger you are the better chance you have at being king.

Our Bible reading today talks about a hill, a place called Golgotha, and about a king, that’s Jesus. But if you were there that day and saw everything that happened, you’d never guess that Jesus was the King. One of the Roman soldiers would be a likelier option; they look strong, with solid armor. Or maybe one of the chief priests of the Jews; they look like important, powerful people. Honestly, you’d expect the king to be almost anyone but Jesus! After all, Jesus had been rejected by his own people—that doesn’t look like a king. And Jesus had to carry his own, heavy cross to that place—that doesn’t look like a king. And Jesus was nailed to that cross, with criminals crucified beside him—that doesn’t look like a king. Even Jesus’ clothing was taken from him and divided among the soldiers—that doesn’t look like a king.

But remember what kind of king Jesus is and why he came to be on that hill. Our King Jesus didn’t come to be waited on by servants; no, he came instead to serve others. Our King Jesus didn’t come to help himself; he came to help others. Our King Jesus didn’t come to boast about his power or knowledge or miracles; he came with a humble heart, to seek and to save those who were lost.

He came to save you.

When we understand what kind of king Jesus is, the scene on that hill makes sense. Jesus our King was rejected by his people because he loved you. Jesus our King carried his cross to Golgotha because he loved you. Jesus our King bled and died there because he loved you. Jesus came to be our King—not by showing his power and flexing his might, but by showing his love and giving his life as payment for my sin and yours.

Truly, Jesus was the King on that hill—your King and mine!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are truly the King of love. Because of your sacrifice we will live forever. Help us today and always to treasure your saving love. 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’s the name of the place where Jesus was crucified?
  • Why do you want Jesus to be your king?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Think back to the crowds on Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem on the colt. What’s different about this scene?
  • What blessings do you get to enjoy because Jesus died for your sins?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Just before he died, Jesus said: “It is finished.” What is the significance of these words?
  • To those watching, Jesus’ suffering and death looked like defeat. Yet how was Good Friday actually Jesus’ victory?

Hymn: CW 138:1,2 – Oh, Perfect Life of Love

Oh, perfect life of love!
All, all is finished now,
All that he left his throne above
To do for us below.

In perfect love he dies;
For me he dies, for me!
O all-atoning Sacrifice,
You died to make me free!

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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If I should die – April 2, 2021

If I should die – April 2, 2021


Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:46




Military Devotion – April 2, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 23:46

See series: Military Devotions

My mother taught me that prayer when I was small. I learned it by listening as she stood by my bed to tuck me in at night. At first, she asked me to repeat each line after her. Then, we began saying it together. It wasn’t long before I could say it all by myself.

I wonder what she thought when she heard me say, “If I should die before I wake.”

I don’t think she expected that would happen. But she had already buried two of her children. She surely gave the phrase more thought than I did. To me, those words touched my reality no more than the saying, “Once upon a time…”

I did not know anyone who had died. My greatest loss was a puppy that was run over by a car. Death was not in my field of vision when I was a young child.

Now, it is.

Death has now invaded my life. I find I cannot keep it out. I cannot drive it out. The words, “Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return” have sealed my fate.

I cannot keep myself alive forever. I cannot keep my loved ones alive.
I no longer think in terms of, “If I die.” Now, it is “When I die.”

The question has become, “How will I die?”

My answer is: “Just like Jesus.”

Not by crucifixion! I hope not by crucifixion. But whenever and however it happens, I want to return my soul to the One who gave it to me—just like Jesus did.

“If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

Maybe Jesus will return on clouds of glory before I leave this earth. Yet, I am not counting on that. I expect my soul will one day leave this body—just like the soul of Jesus left his.

I want to place my soul into the hands of my heavenly Father—just like Jesus did.

I want to rise from the dead—just like Jesus did.

I want to die safe and happy—just like Jesus did.

That’s more than a wish. It’s more certain than a hope. It stands on a promise bought and paid for on a cross.

John, the fisherman, was the only one of the 12 disciples not to be killed for following Jesus. He finished out his years isolated on an island. He had grieved as the other disciples left this earth one by one. The first one to go was his brother, James. What pain that must have caused him!

By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he wrote five books of the Bible. This one, The Revelation of Saint John, was unlike any other. Jesus appeared to him from heaven. He commanded John to write down what he was about to reveal. John did.

About halfway through the revelation, John reports: “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on'” (Revelation 14:13 EHV).

Another word for “blessed” is “happy.”

The death of Jesus bought happiness for those who believe in him.

With my soul in the loving hands of my Savior God, I can die happy.

So, can you.

I can still pray, “If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

So, can you.



With an eye toward Golgotha, we ask Jesus:

Be Thou my consolation, my shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy passion when my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee, upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfolds Thee. Who dieth thus dies well. Amen.
(The Lutheran Hymnal 172:10)



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 King Came as Promised – Family Devotion – March 31, 2021

Read: Zechariah 9:9,10

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9

The King Came as Promised

 

Family Devotion – March 31, 2021

Devotion based on Zechariah 9:9

See series: Devotions

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

“I promise.” Those are special words, aren’t they? Those words mean that we can rely on what the person is saying. For example, when Mom or Dad promises that you’re all headed to the movies on Friday, you know it’ll happen. It’s a promise. Or if your teacher promises a field trip to the zoo or museum, you can rely on it. It’s a promise. Or if you promise to clean your room, it’ll definitely happen (right!?). It’s a promise.

Promises are for certain—except when they’re broken. Sometimes a parent plans for family movie Friday, but unexpectedly has to work late. Promise broken. Sometimes a teacher gets everything ready for a field trip, but suddenly school is canceled and everyone stays at home for months. Promise broken. Sometimes you have every intention of picking up your room, but you just forget or lose track of time or are exhausted from practice. Promise broken.

Over the years, God’s people Israel might have wondered, “Will God keep his promise?” God had promised to send a Savior many times, ever since Adam and Eve sinned. Our verses from Zechariah are one of those promises, where God assured his people that their Savior, their King, would come to them. But not long before this, God’s people had been conquered by a foreign nation and taken away to live in a foreign land. His people must have wondered: “Will God keep his promise?”

But we know what happened—the King came! We heard about it in our last devotion. Jesus entered Jerusalem just like Zechariah said he would: “…lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Isn’t that amazing? Jesus, the King, fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy given hundreds of years before—even the part about riding on a donkey! Jesus, the King, came! Which means, God kept his promise!

Yes, God keeps all his promises—because unlike people, God can’t break a promise. And that means we can trust everything God tells us about our King. The King came to save—and he has. His death on the cross has saved you. Promise kept! The King came to bring peace—and he has. Your sins are forgiven. Your guilt is gone. Promise kept! The King came to bring you into his kingdom—and he has, through your baptism. Promise kept!

No matter how things seem or how we may feel, we can always rely on this: God keeps his promises in Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you sending our Savior Jesus, just as you promised. Help us to trust all of your precious promises, because we know you will always keep them. 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 a promise?
  • What did the Bible promise King Jesus would ride?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • God kept his promise to send the Savior Jesus. What does that tell you about God’s promise to take you to heaven?
  • What’s different about God’s promises compared to the promises we make?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why might the people of Israel have wondered whether God would keep his promise?
  • Think of an encouraging promise that God has made to you in the Bible. Why is it so special?

Hymn: CW 130:3 – Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

“Hosanna in the highest!” that ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heav’n, our King.
Oh, may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice
And in his royal presence eternally rejoice.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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The Next Chapter – Week of March 29, 2021

The Next Chapter – Week of March 29, 2021



But he was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The punishment that brought us peace was on him,
And by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to our own way;
And the Lord has laid on him
The iniquity of us all

Isaiah 53:5-6



Have you ever been unhappy to finish a good book? As you move through the pages, you become emotionally invested. Chapters go by until finally, the ending looms and the journey is complete. You are left with only heart-felt memories and an anxious hope that the author will continue the narrative in another volume.

Without a doubt, the Bible is incomparable to other texts with its holy author and divine purpose. But readers can still be emotionally engaged when reading it. It would be difficult to read any verse in Isaiah 53 without being drawn in by the prophet’s description of Jesus. Our text cuts directly to Calvary’s hill in the final moments before Jesus’ death.

We find Jesus bearing God’s judgement all on his own. Jesus was pierced. He was crushed. He was wounded. God laid on him the sins of us all. In Isaiah’s description, our Savior is finishing his work with no one there to help him. Oh, we are present in Isaiah’s account, but our role is not to help Jesus. We could not help Jesus. We are the very reason Jesus is in this circumstance. So, Isaiah rightly compares us to sheep that have gone astray. It is our waywardness that God cannot tolerate. It is, in fact, our punishment that our Great Substitute is accepting.

Further in Isaiah 53 we see that Jesus accomplished his divine mission with his death. Our Great Substitute died. Under normal circumstances, the last chapter would quickly follow. But this is God’s book with God’s words describing God’s plan and promises. God does not close his book here and leave us emotionally spent. If he did, that would surely be our finale as well. No, there is another chapter. Spoiler alert! In that magnificent chapter, God accepts Jesus’ sacrifice and Jesus rises. Jesus is not dead! He is alive!

That leads to the next chapter for us too! His death is our death. His life is our life. Just as Jesus was not left alone on Calvary’s hill, our death will not be the end of our story either. God promised us another chapter in our lives. Because of Jesus, we anxiously wait for our faithful God to deliver that promise of life in heaven. This time though, God will not need to describe it to us. Because of Jesus, he will allow us to experience it for ourselves! What a profound experience that will be!



Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for being our Great Substitute!  Thank you for fulfilling God’s promises so that we can experience the next chapter of our lives- in heaven with you!  Amen!

Questions for Reflection: How do I look forward to my life in heaven that is to come?  How do I help the children in my care look forward to their life with Jesus?

Want to know more?  What is heaven?  From WhatAboutJesus.com



Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
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.

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The King Entered Jerusalem – Family Devotion – March 29, 2021

Read: Mark 11:1-10

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

The King Entered Jerusalem

 

Family Devotion – March 29, 2021

Devotion based on Mark 11:7-10

See series: Devotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Prayer:

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

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

Questions for Younger Children

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

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

Questions for Middle School and Above

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

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

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

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

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Behold Your King – March 28, 2021

Behold Your King – March 28, 2021


Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9




Military Devotion – March 28, 2021

Devotion based on Zechariah 9:9

See series: Military Devotions

The Roman troops deployed to Jerusalem in the province of Judea did not know that this day would be called Palm Sunday.

They were, however, very aware that the festival of the Passover was approaching. They could expect big crowds to jam city streets. Jews from near and far would come to celebrate the time when Israel broke free from Egypt. Overnight, they went from slavery to freedom.

The story was told that the firstborn in every Egyptian household was found dead in the middle of that night. Soon afterward, its mighty army perished in the Red Sea. It was whispered that the people of Israel were protected by a mysterious force. Their history was filled with amazing stories of divine intervention.

But that was all in the past. The Assyrians had decimated these same people, and those in Judea had been taken as captives of war to Babylon. Since they returned, they had no standing army and no king.

Yet, the soldiers knew that violence could break out at any time—especially at a time like this. There was a group called the Zealots that vowed to kill as many Roman soldiers as possible. They were a standing threat.

Now, a new threat put them on high alert. Among the crowd expected to pour into Jerusalem was a rabbi known as Jesus of Nazareth. He had drawn crowds numbering into the thousands at times. Reports of his miracles had spread. It was said that he even raised the dead. Some even claimed he called himself the Son of God.

More disturbing was the rumor that he was the Jewish Messiah. Some expected the coming Messiah to set himself up as a king. He would drive the hated Romans out of the Promised Land.

To the deployed soldiers, that seemed an empty threat. But any insurrection could turn ugly and dangerous—and arouse the displeasure of those in power back in Rome. Careers could be ruined. Blame could easily be thrown around. The consequences could be painful.

Rebellion was not tolerated by Rome. Those who failed to quickly suppress it were not tolerated either. The troops were on edge.

Word spread quickly when Jesus began to make his entrance into Jerusalem ahead of the Passover. Reports came in that huge crowds were cheering him. Worse, he was arriving the way the old Jewish kings had traveled. He was on a young donkey—just as the ancient writing had predicted the king would come.

The crowds called out “Hosanna!” which was high praise. They were laying down cloaks and branches in his path. They were calling him the “Son of David.”

David had been a famous Jewish king. Were they saying that this Jesus had now come to rule as an heir to his throne?

A prophet had written long ago that the day would come when Jerusalem would break out in celebration. That would be the day on which her powerful king rode into the city.

Roman soldiers were inclined to write the prophecy off as foolish. “Behold your king?” What a joke! If the one riding the donkey claimed to be the king of the Jews, they would easily overpower him. They would make him a laughingstock before his own people.

They did do that. But it wasn’t so easy. In fact, it became a bit frightening. The sun stopped shining at noon on the day of his execution. The words he spoke while dying were strange. He was heard calling out to his Father. He asked his Father to forgive those who were killing him. He wasn’t as much killed as he died by giving up his life into his Father’s hands. Hard to forget!

The centurion in charge of the execution detail was heard to cry out, “Surely, this was the Son of God!”

And then, this Jesus came back from the dead! Soldiers had been there when it happened. They were bribed to keep quiet and tell a lie. But the word spread.

“Behold your king!” The ancient message wasn’t just meant for the Jews.

It also meant, “Roman soldier, behold your King!” For he was.

It also means, “American soldier, behold your King!” For he is.

It’s the voice of God calling out, calling out still: “World, behold you King!” For he surely is.



Prayer: Surely he is the Son of God—my King and my Savior. 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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Transformed – teen devotion – March 28, 2021

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Matthew 27:51

Torn

Torn is not a word we often associate with anything good.

Things that are torn, like paper or clothes, usually get thrown in the trash.

A torn ACL can end a season for a basketball player.

A torn relationship causes hurt feelings, awkwardness, and embarrassment.

A torn relationship, unfortunately, is exactly what we have with God because of our sins. Our sin alienates us from God and makes us his enemies.

Throughout the Old Testament, this torn relationship was pictured quite vividly by the curtain that separated the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place in the temple. The Most Holy Place was where God dwelled. Because of sin, no one was ever allowed to enter there, apart from one person, the high priest. And he entered only once a year in order to make atonement for the sins of God’s people.

But all of that changed when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus willingly but undeservedly allowed himself to be punished on the cross for our sins, and his relationship with his Father was torn for our sake.

At the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtain of the temple was torn in two. The symbol of the torn relationship between God and people was removed. Because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, God’s relationship with all people was restored forever.

Because of Jesus you now have full access to God. You can go to him with anything. He is always near you. Your relationship with him is no longer torn, but eternally secure.

And now, with Jesus’ love and forgiveness, you also have the power and the tools to restore torn relationships with others!

Prayer: Lamb of God, thank you for restoring the torn relationship between us and your Father through the shedding of your holy and precious blood. May your redemptive love work in and through us bless the relationships in our lives. Amen.


Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Jesus Suffered and Became the Source of Our Salvation – Family Devotion – March 26, 2021

Read: Hebrews 5:7-10

Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
Hebrews 5:8-9

Jesus Suffered and Became the Source of Our Salvation

 

Family Devotion – March 26, 2021

Devotion based on Hebrews 5:8-9

See series: Devotions

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

It was 1925 in Alaska, and Leonhard Seppala was driving a sled pulled by dogs. They ran for 260 miles—five times as long as an average sled dog ride. While Mr. Seppala and his dogs were driving their sled, the temperature was −85 °F (−65 °C). They went through a lot of pain and danger, but they reached their goal. They made it to their hometown of Nome, Alaska. What motivated them to do that? They weren’t they racing to win a trophy. They weren’t trying to get bragging rights. Their motivation was people who needed them. Many children in Nome were sick, and Mr. Seppala carried medicine for their sickness. After he made it home, any children who came to him could get better.

Jesus also endured a lot of pain. Picture him in your imagination, kneeling on the ground and praying to his Father in heaven. In one more day, he will suffer and die on the cross. Because Jesus is God, he knows exactly what will happen to him. He will get hurt, and his heavenly Father will abandon him. Jesus will experience hell, and then he will die. What motivated Jesus to do all that? You. You motivated him.

The Bible says, “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” (Hebrews 5:8-9) When it says he was “made perfect,” it doesn’t mean that Jesus became less sinful. He never sinned at all. “Made perfect” is the Bible’s way of saying that Jesus made it to his goal. And his goal was to save you. When his body was hurting, you motivated him to keep going. When he felt all alone, he thought of you to inspire him. Jesus knew that you were much sicker than those children in Alaska. All people are sick with sin, and Jesus’ big goal was to save us so we could be with him in heaven. He did.

Now that Jesus accomplished his goal, any sinner can go to Jesus and be forgiven. Jesus suffered to become the source of our salvation.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering for us. Help us to go to you for all our needs, especially the forgiveness of our sins. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

  • What did Jesus do to save us?
  • Who can go to Jesus to be saved?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What does it mean that Jesus was made perfect?
  • What motivated Jesus through his suffering?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • As true God, Jesus knew the future. As true man, Jesus had human feelings. How would both of those truths make his suffering difficult?
  • Describe an example of how Jesus’ obedience for you could motivate your obedience for him?

Hymn: CW 110:1,2 – My Song is Love Unknown

My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me,
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I
That for my sake,
My Lord should take
Frail flesh and die.

He came from his blest throne
Salvation to bestow,
But such disdain! So few
The longed for Christ would know!
But oh, my friend,
My friend indeed,
Who at my need
His life did spend!

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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God Remembers Our Sins No More – Family Devotion – March 24, 2021

Read: Jeremiah 31:31-34

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

God Remembers Our Sins No More

 

Family Devotion – March 24, 2021

Devotion based on Jeremiah 31:34

See series: Devotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Prayer:

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

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

Questions for Younger Children

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

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

Questions for Middle School and Above

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

Hymn: CW 387:2,3 – Drawn to the Cross

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

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

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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My Hiding Place – Week of March 22, 2021

My Hiding Place – Week of March 22, 2021



Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.

Psalm 143:1-2



Young children are terrible at hiding, aren’t they? Their inability to keep quiet gives them away almost immediately. They hide behind things that are too small to cover their entire body. Little children will even use their own hands to hide. As they chatter away from behind their own fingers, they reason that if their eyes cannot see you, then you cannot see them. This seems irrational to adults. Yet, games of peek-a-boo or hide-and-go-seek are forever entertaining generations of children.

Consider also how many generations of immature, little transgressors have tried to hide from authority in similar ways? Fear launches guilty hearts into instant panic. After a misdeed has been committed eye contact is avoided, a favorite blankie covers the head or a corner of the room is occupied. This all seems irrational to adults because eventually, justice will be delivered.

Are we much different than our irrational children? After we commit our sins, whatever they are, do we not try to hide? The devil, our accuser, drags us before our holy judge and points his wicked finger at us. He lays the evidence of our self-centered pursuits, our time-wasting thoughts, our disparaging remarks before God and clicks his malicious tongue at us. Fear kicks in and our irrational reaction is to hide our guilt from the almighty God. We avoid church where we hear his Word and connect with his people. We fill our schedule with business to escape time with him. We cover our sins with pathetic excuses. In the end, we know justice will be delivered.

What a relief that God’s justice was, indeed, delivered! Our Judge has also sent our Savior and accepted his perfect sacrifice for our sins on his cross. God delivered the judgement meant for us onto Jesus. We no longer have to fear our Judge. In Jesus, God actually provided the place for us to hide- in the security of his Son’s cross. In Jesus, the fervent prayer of the psalmist is our prayer- “Hear me! Come to me! Help me!” Our guilty hearts find cover in Jesus!

Now, our accuser cannot convict us! Our guilt cannot shame us! Fear does not compel us to avoid God for he sees us hiding in the very place where he wants us- in the shadow of Jesus’ cross! Praise be to our faithful God for keeping his promises in his Son, Jesus!



Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for being my substitute on the cross.  Thank you for being my hiding place.  Help me draw near to you and your forgiveness in your Holy Word.  Amen!

Questions for Reflection: How do I avoid God in my life?  What is one way I can draw near to him?

Want to know more?  How can I live in the presence of God?  From WhatAboutJesus.com



Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
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.

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Jesus Came to Suffer for Us – Family Devotion – March 22, 2021

Read: John 12:20-33

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
John 12:27-28

Jesus Came to Suffer for Us

 

Family Devotion – March 22, 2021

Devotion based on John 12:27-28

See series: Devotions

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

A humongous basketball player laid on the court and folded his arms under his head like a pillow. LeBron James was ready for a nap. He had just finished playing game three of the 2015 NBA Eastern Conference finals, and he was exhausted. The television announcer praised LeBron for playing so hard, but it wasn’t easy.

Some people think LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. When they try to convince others that LeBron is the best, they don’t say, “He is the best because he makes the tastiest tacos.” They don’t say, “He’s the best because he has a beautiful singing voice.” No, the best thing about LeBron is his basketball skills. He scores a lot of points, wins a lot of games, and plays very hard. That’s what makes him tired, and that’s what makes him famous.

Jesus got tired too. It wasn’t from running or jumping. It was because his body was going to be punched, whipped, and then nailed to a cross. Jesus’ friends would run away from him, and he would feel guilty in his heart because of all the things that other people did wrong. Jesus didn’t suffer for sins that he committed, but for sins that you and I committed. And worst of all, Jesus’ Father in heaven would ignore him when he was on the cross. You can see why he was going to be so tired. His suffering would take a lot out of his body and soul.

Before Jesus suffered, he was nervous. Suffering would tire him out, but he was determined to do it for you. Jesus felt guilt, so you don’t have to. God abandoned Jesus so that you will never be abandoned. That’s how much Jesus loves you.

And that’s why Jesus is famous. LeBron James might be the best basketball player, but Jesus is the glorious person of all time. Not because he was smart—and he was brilliant. Not because he was kind—and he was the most thoughtful. No, the best thing about Jesus is that he suffered and died for you, even though it was hard. He said, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”

And God is glorious because Jesus suffered for us.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering in my place. Help me appreciate your love and glorify your name. 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 made Jesus tired?
  • What is the best thing about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What did it mean when Jesus said, “My soul is troubled”?
  • For what reason did Jesus come from heaven to earth?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • How could you respond to someone who says Jesus was a wise teacher, but not our Savior?
  • Explain how Jesus’ most humiliating experiences were also his most glorious accomplishments.

Hymn: CW 100:1,2 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth

A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth,
Our guilt and evil bearing
And laden with the sins of earth,
None else the burden sharing.
Goes patient on, grows weak and faint,
To slaughter led without complaint
That spotless life to offer,
Bears shame and stripes and wounds and death,
Anguish and mockery and says,
“Willing all this I suffer.”

This Lamb is Christ, the soul’s great friend.
The Lamb of God, our Savior;
Him God the Father chose to send
To gain for us his favor.
“Go forth, my Son,” the Father said,
“And free my children from their dread
Of guilt and condemnation.
The wrath and stripes are hard to bear,
But by your passion, they will share
The fruit of your salvation.”

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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No! – March 21, 2021

No! – March 22, 2021


O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.
Matthew 23:37




Military Devotion – March 21, 2021

Devotion based on Matthew 23:37

See series: Military Devotions

Some parents say the first word their sweet child offered to them was “No!”

It might even have been a determined “No!” made with a vigorous shaking of the head. It mattered little if mom used soothing words to encourage the baby to take just one bite of smashed carrots. It made no difference at all if she first tasted it and said, “Yummy!”

The little one did not care if she said it was good for him. The tyke didn’t even understand what she meant by “good.” He did not know if he did not eat, he would not live.

He just knew that he did not want it. He didn’t like the taste. He was not willing to accept it.

His answer was: “No!”

It reminds us of what Jesus had to say about the people to whom he had come to offer life.

Elsewhere, the Bible’s picture of soaring above our troubles “as on eagles’ wings” offers encouragement. Here, Jesus points to a chicken.

“As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,” Jesus said. It’s a striking picture.

A hen is not as strong as an eagle. There is a reason why a person not willing to take a risk is called “chicken.” But if the hen senses that her chicks are in danger, she calls out the alarm. Her chicks come running. She lifts her wings. The chicks tuck in underneath. She lowers her wings like shields. She becomes brave.

The attacker must go through her to get at her chicks.

In humans, we call that “self-sacrifice.” We consider it a demonstration of great love.

The best example of that is Jesus. Saint John wrote, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Jesus, himself, said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).

And what is the typical, the natural, response to his offer?

“No!”

The holy Lord God’s will is that every descendant of Adam and Eve spend eternity safely with him in the new paradise.

Why would anyone not be willing to accept this?

The answer lies deep in the human soul. Ever since becoming infected with sin in Eden, humans see God as the enemy. They are instinctively opposed to him and his ways because they belong to God’s enemy, Satan.

Jesus spelled it out to those rejecting him: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

Satan told Eve that knowing evil would be something good.

He lied.

Satan tells the world that God is not needed, that happiness can be found without him.

He lies.

Satan announces to the disheartened, “This is all there is. There is no hereafter. There is no judgment. There is no God. There is no hope.”

He lies.

Jesus says to those that will listen to him: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

The truth is, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Haven’t we heard that before?

Don’t we know that to be true?

Isn’t God our Father? Isn’t Jesus our Savior?

Isn’t that why we should run to him in every time of need?

The answer is “Yes!”

Never “No!”



Prayer: Jesus, open your arms to embrace us. Open our hearts to trust you. Draw us to your side. Deliver us from evil. May your 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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Transformed – teen devotion – March 21, 2021

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Matthew 27:45-46

Forsaken

As a child, did you ever get left somewhere accidentally? It’s a sickening feeling, “Did my parents forget about me?”

Some children experience something more serious than that. They were given up for adoption when they were young and may wonder, “Did my parents not want me anymore? Why did they give me up?”

One of our greatest human needs is to feel loved and accepted. The thought of being abandoned or rejected by our parents can shatter that sense of feeling loved and accepted. Rejection by loved ones, or even by friends can leave us feeling unloved, unaccepted, and forsaken.

Have you ever felt rejected? Maybe you’re experiencing those feelings today. If you are, God your Heavenly Father wants you to hear something, something very important. He has NOT forsaken you, and he never will.

How do we know? Because Jesus was forsaken for us.

While all of us at times have been or felt rejected or forsaken by others (perhaps some of us quite seriously), no human being will ever fully understand or appreciate the depth of rejection and abandonment that Jesus experienced in our place. From eternity, Jesus enjoyed the perfect love of his father. While hanging on the cross however, Jesus endured the full brunt of his father’s abandonment, rejection, and condemnation as payment for our sins. That is why he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

All of us deserve to be abandoned and forsaken by God for our sins, but in an act of amazing unconditional love, God abandoned his Son Jesus in our place. Jesus experienced that hell so that we never would.

Therefore, we can rest secure in God’s love for us. Even if we feel abandoned or rejected in our human relationships, we will never be abandoned or rejected by him. That gives us peace, hope, and joy.

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, how can I ever thank you for being forsaken by your Father so that I never will? Your love for me never ceases to amaze me. Amen.


Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Rejoice that We Are Saved by Grace – Family Devotion – March 19, 2021

Read: Ephesians 2:4-10

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

Rejoice that We Are Saved by Grace

 

Family Devotion – March 19, 2021

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:8-9

See series: Devotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Prayer:

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

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

Questions for Younger Children

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

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

Questions for Middle School and Above

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

Hymn: CW 384:1,2 – By Grace I’m Saved

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

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

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Rejoice and Look to Jesus in Faith – Family Devotion – March 17, 2021

Read: Numbers 21:4-9

But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

Numbers 21:4b-9

Rejoice and Look to Jesus in Faith

 

Family Devotion – March 17, 2021

Devotion based on Numbers 21:4b-9

See series: Devotions

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

Did you know that a one-dollar bill does not cost one dollar? The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (or B.E.P. for short) makes one-dollar bills in Texas and Washington D.C. The workers at the B.E.P. weave linen and cotton into paper. Then they use special ink to color the paper, so it looks like a dollar bill. If you add up the cost of the linen, the cost of the cotton, and the cost of the ink, can you guess how much it costs? A one-dollar bill costs 7.7 cents.

Of course, if you take a one-dollar bill to the store you can buy more than 7 cents worth of candy. That’s because a dollar is worth more than the paper and ink that are used to make it. A one-dollar bill is a promise. It says, “I promise you can trade this paper for one dollar’s worth of something you want.”

Imagine somebody who doesn’t believe that promise. He might say, “This is only worth seven cents. I’ll throw it away.” That would be crazy! He would miss out on some good things.

A dollar bill is like what God did for the Israelites one time. God loved the Israelites as his special people. But they began to complain about God. The Lord sent venomous snakes into their land so they would learn to not complain. God’s lesson worked. The people stopped complaining and asked for help. So God made a promise. He told them to make a statue of a snake and hang it from a pole. Then God promised, “anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (Numbers 21:8). A metal statue cannot heal a snake bite. But just like a one-dollar bill, the snake wasn’t important because of what it was made of. The snake was important because of God’s promise. People who looked at the snake were trusting God’s promise. “Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived” (Numbers 21:9).

God saved your life with a promise too. “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Money and statues can’t save sinners, but Jesus can! That’s God’s promise. Rejoice, and look to Jesus in faith.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your lifesaving promise to take us to heaven. Help us trust in Jesus today and always. 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 bad thing happened to the Israelites?
  • What did God do to save them?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What was God teaching the Israelites when he told them to look at a bronze snake?
  • What are some ways that Jesus is like the bronze snake? What are some ways he is different?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • How can God use bad things, like snakes, to help people trust him? List some modern-day examples.
  • Explain this statement: Christian faith trusts God’s promise even when it doesn’t make sense.

Hymn: CWS 747:1,2 – There Is a Redeemer

There is a Redeemer, Jesus God’s own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One.
Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son
and leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done.

Jesus, my Redeemer, Name above all names,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Hope for sinners slain.
Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son
and leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Rejoice that God So Loved the World – Family Devotion – March 15, 2021

Read: John 3:14-21

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

Rejoice that God So Loved the World

 

Family Devotion – March 15, 2021

Devotion based on John 3:16

See series: Devotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Prayer:

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

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

Questions for Younger Children

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

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

Questions for Middle School and Above

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

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

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

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

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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Our Spiritual Spring – Week of March 15, 2021

Our Spiritual Spring – Week of March 15, 2021



Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:4-5



I love spring!  After a frigid winter with only brown grass, dried up stalks in the fields and skeletal trees on the horizon, seeing skinny, green shoots and plump, colorful buds appear is comforting!  The lawns change color.  Trees fill out.  Gardens and fields become promising again.  What a relief we are not stuck in the season of winter forever!  Life comes again- full of purpose and activity!

Our text for this week talks about our spiritual spring.  “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sin.”  We were dead.  In reality, we were even more barren than our winter gardens.  Our sinful hearts, even more withered than a December tree.  Our spiritual potential was even more depleted than a field of expired stalks.  We were dead!  Mired in only our own filthy sins.  No potential.  No purpose.  No activity.

We would have certainly stayed that way too if God’s merciful love had not given us life.  Though we did not earn or deserve it, God loved us!  As we lay wasted, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ!  Yes, even while we were still ensnared in our own sin, God changed our direction completely!  Now, through Jesus, we have a spiritual springtime! In Christ, our sins are forgiven, and our dead hearts are now alive!  Jesus melts our winter into life.  Life produces.  Life has purpose and identity.  Life is beautiful!

Because of Jesus, our new hearts produce thankfulness that honors God by serving others around us.  It might be that our service calls us to be patient as we work with children and assist our families in their training.  Because of Jesus, our new lives have purpose.  What an honor to be called, “teacher” as our daily activities prepare little hearts and hands and voices to know their Savior.  Because of Jesus, our identity has been transformed.  Faith in our Savior now identifies us as a child of God, and we work tirelessly with the littlest in his family.  Because of Jesus, our life is stunningly beautiful and only becomes more so as our faith grows!

Our spring has come!  Grow by hearing his Word.  Shake off your winter and welcome the opportunities God puts before you to love others.  Serve them in Jesus’ name.  New life in Jesus is beautiful!



Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for giving my life purpose and identity.  Help me to use my life to honor you.  Amen!

Question for Reflection: How do I use my daily activities to serve God and others?

Want to know more?  What is my purpose in life?  From WhatAboutJesus.com



Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
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.

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Transformed – teen devotion – March 14, 2021

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James 4:9-10 ESV

Season of resistance

Ben and Lauren had another fight. It was their third one in a week, and Ben was exhausted. He was tired of all the problems in their relationship. In desperation, he turned to God in prayer. A thought struck him, “Maybe my biggest problem is not the external fights I’m having with Lauren, but the internal fight inside of me.”

Ben’s prayerful thought echoes James chapter 4. In verse 1 of this chapter James says, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”

Our biggest problem is the fight that goes on inside of each of us, each and every day—the fight between the sinful, selfish nature that hates God’s will and the new nature, born again by God’s Spirit to live for him. If we’re going to resolve the other problems in life, this problem must first be resolved.

All of us sense the battle between these two natures when we struggle to do what is loving and right towards God or others.

James’ words lead us to humbly confess to God all of the times we let that old selfish nature win—when we fall to the devil’s temptations, hurt others, and want to blame others for all of our problems. When we confess, God reminds us that he graciously forgives us because of Jesus, who never fell to the devil’s temptations and won the battle with the devil through his death on the cross and resurrection.

James’ words also lead us to stay in the fight—to never give up! Staying in the fight means humbly submitting to God, resisting the devil, and drawing near to God.

God is calling each of us to humbly resist sin and wage war against it in our own hearts and lives. When we do, we have the promise of God to empower our new nature with his Spirit and to lift us up with his grace when we fall.

Prayer: Victorious Jesus, oh how I struggle in the fight against temptation. Thank you for forgiving me for the times when I fall. Give me your Spirit to stay in the fight and resist sin. Amen.


Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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And look at this – March 14, 2021

And look at this – March 14, 2021


The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.
Numbers 21:8,9




Military Devotion – March 14, 2021

Devotion based on Numbers 21:8,9

See series: Military Devotions

If you want to get people’s attention, throw a batch of poisonous snakes among them.

It surely caught the attention of the Israelites. They were marching from Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan. They had seen the Lord work miracle after miracle to protect them. But they were growing tired. They were growing impatient. They were fed up with God and his ways.

We hear: “…they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

The “miserable food” they spoke of could more rightly be called “miraculous food.” Maybe 1.5 million of them were passing through wilderness areas. How could they feed themselves? They couldn’t. They didn’t. Instead, God provided bread (they called it manna) that appeared on the ground in the morning, and he sent in quail in the evening.

It’s a sad story of not appreciating what God has done. It’s a familiar story. And sometimes, it is our story.

It seems it is only human nature to want something different from what God provides. It is sinful human nature to gripe and complain, to feel we deserve more. Even if God is waiting on us, literally hand and foot, we complain about the service. We surely are not ready to leave him a tip or even a thank you.

Do humans think that God is deaf? Do they expect he will just shrug his shoulders, grin and bear it? If so, they do not know God. People living today need to learn from the past. The history of the nation of Israel presents us with vivid lessons.

We hear: “Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died.”

The wages of sin is death.

The lesson was learned: “The people came to Moses and said, ‘We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people.”

The prayer was answered, but not in a manner expected.

Moses was told: “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.”

That didn’t make sense to human minds. What was needed was antivenom. What good would a look do? What good would the figure of a snake lifted up on a pole do?

The answer? “Only believe, and thou shalt see…”

Over a thousand years later, the Son of God would say, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14,15).

That’s as foolish as thinking that the metal snake on a pole would keep people from dying from snakebite. Isn’t it?

Or is it? What about, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)?

Those who believed while in the wilderness, they lived, did they not?

Those who believe in the Son of Man, they will live, will they not?

Indeed! They will live forever.



Prayer:
Christ, the Life of all the living, Christ, the Death of death, our foe,
Who, thyself for me once giving To the darkest depths of woe—
Through thy sufferings, death and merit, I eternal life inherit.
Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Dearest Jesus, unto thee. Amen.
(Christian Worship 114:1)



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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The Spirit Helps Us Live in Obedience – Family Devotion – March 12, 2021

Read: Romans 8:1-10

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6

The Spirit Helps Us Live in Obedience

 

Family Devotion – March 12, 2021

Devotion based on Romans 8:5-6

See series: Devotions

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

As you grow up, you need help. You need help eating. You need help with changing your diapers. You need help getting dressed. You need help learning to crawl and then walk. You need help to cross a street. You need lots of help. We all do as we grow up, so who provides that help? Mom or Dad, grandmas or grandpas, aunts, uncles, friends, teachers—they all help us learn what we need to do every day as we grow up and live our lives.

There’s one more thing you need help with. You need help to live as God wants you to live. You need help to obey and serve him. You see, from the moment our lives begin, we are all hostile toward God.

It means we are like a rebellious child that wants his freedom and hates the rules. If God says, “Go right,” he will go left. If God says, “Talk nice,” he will reply with sarcasm.

We need help. Thankfully, help is on the way! Like Mom or Dad helping us learn how to move or get dressed or eat, God sends help for us. He sends the Holy Spirit to help us. Now the Holy Spirit doesn’t come to help us in a dream or through our imagination. No, he comes to help us through God’s Word, through the waters of Baptism, and through the bread and wine of Holy Communion. He creates faith in our hearts as we hear and learn about Jesus our Savior who came to help us with the problem of our sin by forgiving us of all our sins. Through that faith, he makes us holy and gives us life with Jesus that lasts forever.

Now through faith in Jesus, God’s Holy Spirit works in us a new way of thinking. He helps us love to obey God’s will. He helps us want to obey God’s will. He helps us be able to obey God’s will at home, at school, in the neighborhood, at church, at work, everywhere. We could never do any of that on our own, but every day through faith, the Holy Spirit helps us live in thankful, willing obedience to our God.

Closing Prayer:

O Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith in Jesus every day. Help us to love God. Help us to want to obey his will, and help us to be able to obey his will all our lives. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

  • Name two people who help you every day.
  • Who does God send to help you do what God wants you to do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why is it impossible for any of us to obey God’s will on our own?
  • What does the Holy Spirit use to create and strengthen faith in your heart?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • How do you respond to someone who says, “People are basically good and will do the right thing”?
  • What does the apostle Paul mean when he writes, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace?”

Hymn: CW 185:1,2 – O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace

O Holy Spirit, grant us grace that we our Lord and Savior
In faith and fervent love embrace and truly serve him ever,
So that when death is near at hand
We at his cross may firmly stand and there find our salvation.

Help us that we your saving Word in faithful hearts may treasure;
Let e’er that bread of life afford new grace in richest measure.
Make us to die to ev’ry sin;
Each day create us new within that fruits of faith may flourish.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.
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