The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

Jesus Is Our Light

Daily Devotion – January 22, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 9:2

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Light is certainly one of the most precious things in our world. Without it, the simplest tasks can be a challenge or—in some cases—altogether impossible.

A lack of light can also strike fear into our hearts and be quite dangerous. If you have ever tried navigating your way through complete darkness, you know this to be true. That is what life is like without Jesus. Without the light of Jesus we would not know where our lives are heading or how to live a life pleasing to the God who made us. Without the light of Jesus we would stumble through life, bumping into blessings without knowing where they come from and tripping over trials and temptations.

Thank God for sending Jesus to be the light that illuminates our lives. He gives us hope and purpose. He came to remove the darkness of sin by shedding his blood and scatter the shadow of death by rising from the grave. Since our sins have been paid for by his blood, we have the sure confidence that every one of our sins has been removed—even the ones that weigh us down with the most guilt. Since he rose from the grave, we have the rock-solid guarantee that death is not the end for us. We too will rise with him to live eternally.

With Jesus lighting up our lives, we can live with confidence and purpose. The confidence comes from knowing that nothing can change the fact that our sins have been washed away by his blood and our eternal life guaranteed by his resurrection. Our purpose now is to live every moment to his glory. We strive to make the best use of all the gifts he has given us and do everything we can to share Jesus with others so they too, may walk in his light.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, this sinful world is a dark place. Thank you for scattering the darkness of sin and death for me. Continue to light up our lives that I may live for you and share your light with others. Amen.

“I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand, and my reward is with my God.”
Isaiah 49:4

The Hidden Reality

Daily Devotion – January 20, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 49:4

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Can you identify with what Jesus says in today’s Bible passage? Have you ever felt like you believe in vain and all your faith is for nothing?

The bills pile up, and the stress of making ends meet weighs you down. Where’s God? The pain continues, and there’s no relief in sight. Where is the Lord? Your kids make bad choices, and you can’t understand why. Where has God gone? Why doesn’t he fix these problems and make things better?

But that is not how God operates in this world. That’s why Jesus also said, “Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand, and my reward is with my God.”

When Jesus did his work, it looked like labor with no purpose and strength spent in vain. By every standard the world uses, being nailed to a cross means that your life was a failure. But that visible reality could not blot out another reality, the hidden one. Jesus knew that the outcome of his work was in God’s hands, and even though he could not see it, he trusted God for victory.

This is a difficult lesson to learn: our God is a God who hides himself (Isaiah 45:15). This means our faith in God is not based on what we see or feel. It is based entirely on what God has said in his Word.

So never lose sight of the hidden reality that God makes known in his Word. He may hide himself by not giving you vast amounts of wealth so that you remember what a great treasure he is. He may hide himself by not eradicating sickness and pain so that you never forget to rely on him. He may hide himself by allowing you to suffer so that you never stop longing for your heavenly home. He may hide himself so that you look forward to the day when he will be hidden no more and you “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

Prayer:
Lord, help me believe in what I cannot now see. Amen.

When [John] saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
John 1:36-38

What do you want?

Daily Devotion – January 18, 2023

Devotion based on John 1:36-38

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When someone asks, “What do you want?” how often do you say what you really want? When the waitress asks that, do you tell her the truth? You want the twenty-ounce porterhouse steak, but you order the club sandwich because it’s less expensive.

Sometimes “What do you want?” can be a simple question, but other times it can be difficult. Jesus asked that question of the two disciples that John the Baptist sent after him. How would you answer if Jesus asked it of you?

Do you say what you really want, or do you settle for the safe answer? You know the safe answer, “Jesus, I want you to take away my sin!” And that is, obviously, a good thing to want.

But what about later when you’re not reading this devotion? What will you want then? Admit it, there are a lot of other problems in your life that Jesus could take away. It would be nice if Jesus made life a little bit easier and took away the world’s crime, hunger, and poverty.

But don’t devalue the gift of forgiveness. Jesus taking away the sin of the world is nothing like settling for the sandwich when you want the steak.

Realize that you fight a daily struggle to remember that the reason life is hard is because you are a sinner who lives in a world broken by sin. Sin is the reason you’re unhappy. Sin is the reason life is a pain. Sin is a problem you cannot solve on your own.

So when the Lamb of God came, he took away the sin of the world. And by doing that, Jesus did not just give you what you need; he also gave you what you want! He stopped your problems at their source and guaranteed that, in the heaven he won for you, you will have the perfect life you want.

Prayer:
Lamb of God, help me to want the forgiveness that you earned for me. Amen.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29

The Lamb of God Appears

Daily Devotion – January 16, 2023

Devotion based on John 1:29

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About fourteen hundred years before Jesus was born, God told his people to use animal sacrifices when they worshiped him. Under this sacrificial system, the priests started and ended every day the same way: take a lamb, slit the lamb’s throat, drain the lamb’s blood, sprinkle the blood on the altar, then burn all of the lamb’s meat until it was nothing but ashes.

In addition to these daily offerings, there were other sacrifices mandated for different religious festivals and life occasions. Following God’s laws resulted in a minimum of 1,273 animal sacrifices every year, not counting the thousands of voluntary sacrifices that the people offered on top of all that.

Over the centuries, God’s people shed an ocean of sacrificial blood. It was supposed to deal with their sin, but it was never enough because “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). But that does not mean that the sacrifices were a waste of time. God was using them to teach his people something important.

Repeated sacrifices reminded them that they had sins that needed to be taken care of. The gallons of spilled blood taught them that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). The constant slaying clearly showed that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Most importantly, the countless lambs offered to God pointed to the Lamb of God, who would take away their sins.

So when that Lamb of God finally appeared, John the Baptist made sure that everyone knew who he was. Jesus was the sacrifice the people had been waiting for. He was the Lamb of God, not only because he was chosen by God, but also because he was God.

His sacrifice on the cross took away the world’s sin because it was God who shed his blood and gave his life. It is impossible for the blood of animals to take away sins, but “the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Prayer:
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant me your peace. Amen.

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.” This is what God the LORD says—he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”
Isaiah 42:1-7

Here Is My Servant

Daily Devotion – January 14, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 42:1-7

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“No one knows the trouble I’ve seen; nobody knows but Jesus.” So says the famous African-American spiritual. All of us can feel this way at times. And it’s true. Jesus is the only one who truly knows all of the troubles we have experienced.

When we are drowning in distress, grasping for anything to save us, the Lord answers with the promise, “Here is my servant.” He is talking about Jesus, the one who served us perfectly in order to save us.

Reach out to him! The Lord’s Servant isn’t arrogant like so many world leaders. He restored the most broken of lives—lives that no others cared to touch. To carry out justice, he didn’t come guns-a-blazing. He suffered beatings, taunting, and the humiliation of death on the cross to save us.

Maybe we don’t feel worth rescuing. Jesus sees us differently. It cost him dearly to redeem us; he won’t dispose of us. Rather than snuff us out, he restores us. Rather than grind us down, he makes something new. Jesus needed true grit to save us. But the moment we struggle, he stoops like a mother to care for us.

Prayer:
Lord, when the tempest rages, I need not fear; for you, the Rock of ages, are always near. So take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way. Amen.

This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.”
Isaiah 42:5,6

Your Covenant Savior

Daily Devotion – January 12, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 42:5,6

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The man and his wife were on the two-hour trek from Bethlehem to Jerusalem with a 40-day-old baby. They were going to present him to the Lord at the temple in keeping with the law of Moses.

As they walked through the courtyard, a man stepped out of the crowd to greet them. Taking Jesus in his palms, eyes beaming with joy, Simeon proclaimed, “My eyes have seen God’s salvation. He will be Israel’s glory and a light for people everywhere.”

This child was the covenant promised through the prophet Isaiah. God would care for his people through the gift of his Son. The child born of Mary would crush the devil and his evil work, saving us from our sin.

Although we have not seen Jesus physically as Simeon did, God has shown us his salvation in the words of the Bible. There we read about who he is and what he did to save us. Through those words, he creates and strengthens our trust in him as our Savior. And so, like Simeon, we rejoice because we are receiving our soul’s salvation.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my light and life, my joy and salvation, my everything. Amen.

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”
Isaiah 42:1-3

Your Consoling Savior

Daily Devotion – January 10, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 42:1-3

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When I was ten, I got kicked out of gym class. The teacher told us to take turns playing a pantomime game of tennis. While two of us pretended to hit the ball back and forth, the rest were supposed to cheer.

Since I had never watched a tennis match before, I had no idea there was a proper way to cheer. So, I started clapping, whistling, hooting, and hollering during play. The teacher thought I was being disrespectful and sent me to the principal’s office.

Every time I hear the words of our Bible reading for today, I think of that event in my life, and I rejoice. I rejoice because these words remind me that Jesus, our Savior, does not kick us out of his presence for the wrong things we have done and said. Instead, Jesus carried the crushing weight of our guilt to the cross and had his life snuffed out for our sin.

This is our Savior. When we get it wrong, Jesus does not yell at or humiliate us. When we sin against God, he does not parade us through the streets shouting, “Shame!” When we are bruised and broken, when we are feeling small and insignificant, he summons us to come to him and find rest in him for our souls.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for not crushing my spirit but for constantly consoling me with your mercy and forgiveness. Amen.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17

Approval Rating

Daily Devotion – January 8, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 3:13-17

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Whether at work, school, or home, we are constantly graded, compared against others, and rated. The boss gives us our annual review. The teacher hands out report cards. The son informs mom that her mac and cheese isn’t as good as what Dylan’s mom makes.

It is interesting how these “ratings” can affect our day, isn’t it? If they’re good, we feel good. If they’re lousy, we feel lousy. If they’re nothing special, then we are tempted to feel that we’re nothing special.

How’s your approval rating with God? How have you been keeping up with those Ten Commandments? Remember, they’re not God’s suggestions; they are his commands. How’s it going between you and your neighbor, all your neighbors? Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

If we’re going to talk comparisons, why not go all the way and, as God says, compare ourselves to him? “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Will I ever meet with God’s approval? Will God ever say of me, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”?

This is what makes Jesus’ baptism, as well as our own baptism, so special. God, in his grace, has connected me to Jesus. God has given me faith in Jesus as my Savior. Jesus has taken away all my sins and gives me his perfection and holiness. When God looks at me, he can say, “This is my son, my daughter, whom I love! With him, with her, I am well pleased.” Approval ratings don’t get any higher than this. God be praised!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, when doubts of my worth come, drown them in the waters of baptism and remind me of your love for me in Jesus. Amen.

When [the Wise Men] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:13-15

After the Wise Men Left

Daily Devotion – January 6, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 2:13-15

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It’s the Twelfth Day of Christmas! On this day, often called Epiphany, many Christians celebrate the visit of the Wise Men to Jesus. That account is fairly well known. But less well known is what happened after the Wise Men left.

The visit of the Wise Men had alerted King Herod that a rival to his throne had been born. He did not understand that Jesus’ kingdom would not be of this world. Since he was a bloodthirsty man in this world, he arranged for all the young children around Jesus’ age and around Jesus’ birthplace to be slaughtered.

The Lord knew what would happen, so he arranged for Jesus’ parents—Mary and Joseph, to get out of that geographic area. They fled to Egypt, where Herod was not in charge. Egypt had played a large role in the history of the people of Israel before the birth of Jesus, so there was a lot of historical significance to staying in Egypt and eventually leaving Egypt. God knew what he was doing.

What can we learn from this account? God is in charge. Bad things still happen, but God protects people connected to Jesus. Wise Men may leave, but the source of all true wisdom remains.

Prayer:
Dear God, protect me from all threats, and bring me safely to my heavenly home through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
Galatians 4:6

Recognizing Your Father

Daily Devotion – January 4, 2023

Devotion based on Galatians 4:6

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My son and his wife had a baby last year. I think she already recognizes my son as her father. She reacts differently to him than she does to me, her grandfather. That’s probably because she sees him far more often than she sees me. She has learned to rely on him as a source of comfort. She has learned to recognize his love. She has learned to say his name.

Just as my granddaughter recognizes her earthly father, you can recognize the love of your heavenly Father. He sent his only Son into the world, Jesus Christ, to be your Savior. Jesus laid down his life for you. As a result, you are declared a child of God.

So how do you recognize God the Father, your true spiritual Father, in your life? God sends not only his Son but also his Spirit to prompt you to do that.

The Spirit comes to you through baptism. That’s why his name is one of the words spoken when people are baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism puts the Spirit into your heart and causes you to believe in the only true God.

The Spirit comes to you when you read or hear the words of the Bible. Those words are Spirit and truth. Those words go right to your heart, confirming and strengthening your faith.

The Spirit leads you to confess the name of God. You can do that in a very formal way, and you can do that in a more informal, tender way. Our Bible verse for today uses a tender, childlike word for father—the word “Abba.” That’s what the Spirit prompts you to call God the Father, Abba. He takes care of you. He is a source of comfort. You have learned to say his name.

Prayer:
Abba, Father, I love you. Be with me wherever I go. Amen.

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us.
Isaiah 63:7

Look Back to Gain Confidence for the Future

Daily Devotion – January 2, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 63:7

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On New Year’s Eve, did you look backward or forward?

You may have been tempted not to look back. The past year may have been filled with unkept resolutions, unfinished business, and disappointing results. Looking back might have led to bad feelings, even guilt. Looking forward might have offered the promise of new beginnings, even a fresh start.

But looking backward to what the Lord has done for you is a good idea. When you look at the Lord, you see promises kept, business tended to, and excellent results every time. In the Lord Jesus Christ, you have forgiveness for everything that might cause guilt. You have the promise that even when things didn’t look great, the Lord was working things out for your good.

Now you can look forward in the new year to a blessed life—a life that is lived to the glory of God. That means looking out for your neighbor’s needs since the Lord has met all your needs. That means a quiet confidence that the Lord will carry you through even the hardest things.

When the future looks bleak or daunting, look back to the kindnesses of the Lord in your life. Praise the Lord for his marvelous deeds, and be confident that the same Lord will be with you in the new year.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 367)
Then gracious God, in years to come,
We pray your hand may guide us,
And, onward through our journey home,
Your mercy walk beside us
Until at last our ransomed life
Is safe from peril, toil, and strife
When heav’n itself shall hide us. Amen.

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:1-3

Finally

Daily Devotion – December 31, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 1:1-3

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We have all been there before. Whether as a child waiting for that special Christmas gift; a mother or father waiting to meet their baby for the first time; or a seasoned worker longing for the day of retirement. Waiting is hard. Especially when the thing you are waiting for is going to be so amazing.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to wait for the Messiah? For thousands of years God’s people lived life based on promises. “He is coming, but not yet. He is going to be life changing. Just keep watching!” It must have been extremely difficult to live in a world of sin and pain in that state of waiting. But do you see what the writer of Hebrews is saying to you and me? We don’t have to live in wait. He has come.

The fact that Jesus Christ came into the world means that the glorious gift has come. He stands right before us and so we don’t have to wait to experience the joy he brings. He no longer says, “wait.” He says, “look.” Jesus, our gift, means we daily get to enjoy Jesus by our side sharing forgiveness, love, and comfort. What a joy to remember every day—he finally came!

Prayer:
Jesus, our Savior, thank you for renewing in me a daily appreciation for your coming into the world. You are our greatest gift, for which I thank you now and forever. Amen.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him . . . [He] came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:10,11,14

A Savior Born to Dwell Among Us Bringing Grace

Daily Devotion – December 29, 2022

Devotion based on John 1:10,11,14

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Think of the people to whom you gave Christmas gifts this year. Now think of those from whom you received Christmas gifts. Maybe they include family, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, a significant other. How many gifts were exchanged with complete strangers? Probably not many. What about those whom you would consider your enemies?

A gift given to someone who is completely undeserving, without any qualifications, expectations, or conditions, is called grace. And there is no story more full of grace than the story of Jesus.

At the beginning of time, God created human beings and gave them everything they could ever need. Deceived by the devil, they were discontent and wanted more. They rebelled against God and didn’t want him or his rules. Ever since, human beings have looked for ways to push God out of our lives. We want to be our own gods, seeking God’s blessings on our terms, living by rules that line up with our own self-serving interests and pleasures.

And yet God wanted to give us a gift—the greatest gift anyone could imagine—his own Son. A Savior. And how did people receive him? Many rejected him. Few rejoiced at his coming. Some tried to kill him, and they succeeded. The Son of God, who came to dwell among them as their Savior, was killed.

But God’s grace was at work. Jesus’ death was not the nail in the coffin that ended any hope of being loved by God. It was that which removed every nail from our coffin, so that sin and death can’t hold us, but we will rise to live with God forever.

Christmas is the story of God’s pure grace. In unconditional love, God came to save selfish sinners—you and me and all people—who didn’t deserve anything from him. He came to rescue those who hated him. Jesus is proof that we are loved unconditionally.

Prayer:
Of the Father’s love begotten, Jesus, you came in love to rescue me when I didn’t deserve it. Move me to receive your grace with rejoicing. Amen.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind . . . to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:4,12,13

A Savior Born to Dwell Among Us Bringing Life

Daily Devotion – December 27, 2022

Devotion based on John 1:4,12,13

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The birth of a child is at the center of the Christmas story. In many ways, it looked like any other birth. Because of circumstances, Mary, the child’s mother, had to travel far away from home, and the baby was born in an animal shelter. But the same thing could have happened to other mothers in other towns in Israel at that time.

As ordinary as it seemed, that child born to Mary was no ordinary child. The child who took his first breath that night was the one who breathed life into the first people created and who gives life to you and me.

“In him was life,” the Bible says. That doesn’t just mean that he was alive. It means that life belongs to him. He gives life and gave you life. If you have children or grandchildren, he gave them life too.

But through Jesus, we also receive an even more profound and important kind of life. “To those who believed in his name,” the Bible says, “he gave the right to become children of God.”

Jesus, the Son of God, came to dwell among us in human flesh and blood. He came to be a part of our human family, so that we could be part of the eternal family of God. By living the perfect life that we have failed to live, Jesus earned a place for us in God’s family. That means we have a perfect, eternal home—not in a lowly animal shelter but in the mansions of heaven!

The birth of Jesus is not the only birth in the Christmas story. As the Christmas carol sings, Jesus was “born to give us second birth.” As God leads you to see and trust that baby as your Savior, you are born again as a child of God, set free from guilt, shame, and death. You have new life—eternal life—in Jesus. What a gift!

Prayer:
Jesus, you were born to give me new birth. Help me live as your child. Amen.

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:11,12

The Gift

Daily Devotion – December 25, 2022

Devotion based on John 1:11,12

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Picture this, it is Christmas morning, and the kids are up well before the sunrise. They wake up dad and mom and run downstairs to the tree. To their delight, the presents are wrapped and stacked up under the tree. They begin shaking the presents and figuring out which one is theirs. The air is filled with the sounds of laughter and excited giggles and Christmas music in the background. Finally, it is time to open presents, and one of the children stands up, gives a wave of his hand, and with a frown, says, “no thanks,” before walking away to find something else to do.

Yeah, right! That’s a pretty unrealistic story, isn’t it? Who doesn’t love opening gifts? Who doesn’t love receiving gifts from loved ones—gifts that are unearned and undeserved?

Actually, that’s what many people have done with the greatest gift ever given. Our Bible reading today reminds us that many did not receive Jesus and had no interest in the gift of a Savior. It’s still true. There are many in this world who have no interest in Jesus.

And even those who know Jesus as God’s greatest gift are sometimes not as interested in spending time with him as he deserves. We all have so much going on in our lives and are so busy. We have to work so many hours and have other obligations.

Let’s change that. Let’s spend more time with the One who always has time for us. Let’s receive and appreciate and cherish the gift. Let’s spend time with Jesus and his Word. Let’s talk to him more often and make time for him in our lives. Thank God today and every day for his gift of a Savior.

Prayer:
Dear God, what a wonderful gift you have given to me in Jesus! Help me to always appreciate what he has done for me. Amen.