Tag Archive for: ecme devotions

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Colossians 4:2-4

This month our devotions focus on the theme and message of the new movie from the Commission on Evangelism— To the Ends of the Earth. The movie follows Paul’s remarkable visit to the city of Philippi, recorded in Acts 16 and how the gospel is for all. Today we consider praying for those who proclaim the gospel.
One of the highlights of any day is getting a Facetime call from one of our sons, their wives, or our grandchildren. No matter what I’m doing or what my mood is, I’m always delighted to hear from them. I want to hear all the details of their lives including the joys and the struggles.

Our heavenly Father is even more eager to hear from those he loves. In our verses today, he tells us to devote ourselves to prayer. He wants to hear from us through prayer. He wants to listen as we share our grateful thanks, our repentant confessions, and our pleas to him for help with struggles. He also wants to hear our intercessions for others.

Did you know that there is a “Pray for your Pastor” month? There is, and this is it! During October you may see reminders to keep your pastor in your prayers. The writer of today’s reading is the apostle Paul who is asking the Colossian people to pray for him and those who serve with him. He’s not asking for himself but for the message he is sharing. Paul asks that the Colossians pray boldly that the Lord would open doors of opportunity to share the gospel message and that God would give him wisdom and courage to proclaim the gospel faithfully and effectively.

We all have human limitations and so do our pastors and missionaries. They, like us, live in a sinful world that is not always receptive to the gospel. They have God-given gifts, but they also have areas where they struggle. They will tell you what a blessing it is and what an encouragement it is to know that God’s people are holding them up in prayer.

So, this month, today, or any day, pray for pastors and missionaries. Thank God for their heart for sharing God’s message of grace. Thank God for their faithful dedication to the work to which they are called. Pray boldly that God opens door after door of opportunities for them to share God’s forgiveness and grace. Pray that the messenger does not get in the way of a clear and powerful proclamation of the gospel. Pray also that he provides you with the same opportunities and the eagerness to share God’s amazing grace—to the ends of the earth!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, to your true servants give the grace to you alone to live.
Set free from sin to serve you, Lord, they go to share your living Word,
The gospel message to proclaim that all may know your saving name.

They gladly go at your command to spread your Word o’er sea and land.
Be with them Lord, and make them strong to heal sin’s ills, to right the wrong.
Your rule is over wind and wave, and mighty is your arm to save.

When all their labor seems in vain, revive their sinking hopes again;
And when success crowns what they do, oh, keep them humble, Lord, and true
Until before your judgment seat they lay their trophies at your feet. Amen

Christian Worship 542

Something to Consider:
What are ways that you can encourage your students to pray for your pastor, other pastors, and for missionaries? Is there a way to let them know you and your class are praying for them?

A suite of supplemental materials to go along with the new movie, To the Ends of the Earth have been developed for teachers. To check out these materials, including a Bible lesson for early childhood and one for primary grades, go to welscongregationalservices.net/c18

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

Psalm 25:4-5

“It’s like herding cats!” Have you ever thought that as you were working to guide a group of young children from point A to point B? The younger they are, the more unaware they can seem to your direction and guidance. As you gently turn them in the direction you would like them to go, they eventually or even immediately turn back towards the things that have their attention. Especially when safety comes into play, this can be a challenge for sure.

Can’t we be just like that wandering child? We can toddle along with our focus drawn from one thing to the next. We get at our tasks and daily list of things to do sometimes without much thought. We have our plans, our goals, our dreams. And when all is well, we continue on with self-assured confidence.

Are you like me? Do you often wait until things are not so well to turn to the Lord? Do you wait until you’ve exhausted all other options and then smack your forehead and say, “I can ask Jesus for help with this one!” We are wrapped in a human nature that is independent to a fault. We, like the toddler, want to do it ourselves and do it our way. And all the while, our patient and loving Lord is there. He wants to hear, wants to guide, wants us to follow him. Through the Word, he provides the answers we need for our earthly journey. Our verses today provide a wonderful prayer for us.

“Show me your ways, O LORD.” We so often get so stuck in our own ways that we can lose sight of you and your love for us. What are your ways, Lord? In this prayer we ask you to show them to us, so we don’t get stuck in our own sinful ways. Show us the path you want for us. We have so many things before us and life can feel like there is a multi-pronged fork in the road. The truths you have given us in your Word can guide and teach us. Help us listen to you and learn from you.

The last two phrases express a confidence in the one to whom we pray. “You are my God and Savior.” What more do we need to know? What here on earth can provide even a fraction of what God has done and continues to do for us? Our life is full of challenges, disappointment, fear, and heartache. What can we cling to? Our hope is in the Lord not just today but every day. Why? Because, unlike the world, the Lord’s ways, paths, and truths are all founded in his overwhelming love for us. His ways, his path, his truth can provide guidance and direction today but also lead us to the ultimate goal, heaven. He is our one true hope and we can have unshakable confidence in him.

When you are shepherding your group of little ones, recall Jesus’ loving and yet firm guidance for you. In faith, be open and eager to learn from him. When you stray, turn to him for his forgiveness. We can trust him completely as he guides us on his path, in his truth, as God our Savior.

Prayer:

Lord, take my hand and lead me upon life’s way;
Direct, protect, and feed me from day to day.
Without your grace and favor I go astray;
So take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way. Amen.

Christian Worship 439:1

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16

“The love of Jesus permeates the early childhood ministry’s culture and establishes the bond among students, teachers, and parents.” (Building Blocks: A Handbook for Beginning and Operating a Christian Early Childhood Ministry 2015 WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools)

This statement is included as one of the essential characteristics of a WELS early childhood ministry. One of the words that stands out is “permeates.” Dictionary.com defines permeate as: “to pass into or through every part of.” I think of sugar in a cup of tea. Once it’s in there, it’s in every sip and cannot be removed again. Or yeast affecting the whole lump of dough. It’s integrated into every drop of the cup of tea or morsel of the loaf of bread.

Our verse today reminds us to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Every day, as you read the Bible, study the Bible story lesson, share a devotion with a colleague, or worship in your church, the Holy Spirit is filling you with the word of Christ as you grow in faith and knowledge. And when our hearts are filled, it’s easier to share with those around us.

Think of your day with the little ones, their families, your colleagues. Jesus is part of every little thing and every big thing you do each day. While you likely aren’t speaking about Jesus at every moment and in every conversation, you can still reflect him in your warmth, your understanding, your patience, your joy. Your share Jesus as you kneel next to a young child and marvel at the caterpillar, created by God. Jesus is part of your conversation as you comfort a child who is sad or frightened. We share Jesus when we comment about how incredible it is that Jesus heals their scraped knee. Jesus is there when we model forgiveness with a child or ask for forgiveness from a colleague or parent. Jesus is not something we reserve for Bible story time, devotions, or prayer time. He permeates everything. He is the heart of what we do all day long.

Your days are full. They are full of highs and lows, joys and disappointments. But as you experience each moment, you can look to God’s precious word for wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and forgiveness when we fail. We also find a multitude of expressions of joy in God’s word that reflect our delight in the blessings all around us.

So, be in the Word and let it dwell in you richly so that you more consistently and faithfully reflect Christ. Then teach each other, encourage each other, and sing with a heart that is full of joy that can only come from the precious news of the gospel you know and are privileged to share. Let it permeate all you do all day, every day.

Prayer: Dear Lord, fill me up with your Word. Then help me to share you with all those around me each day, all day. In your name I pray. Amen

Something to Consider: Have a discussion with your staff on ways that you can read and study the Word together and how growth shows itself in various ways. Also talk about ways that you see and hear each other share Jesus throughout the day.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!

Psalm 25:16-19

Angie had agreed to go anywhere the Lord needed her when she graduated from college. She was assigned to a small school in California and within a few weeks had packed up her few material items and moved across the country, far away from her family in South Dakota. Moving across the country and learning a new way of life in a big city was an amazing experience. The traffic, all the unique restaurants, the ocean drives, and the busyness of the California culture were all very exciting. Not only that, since it was her first time living completely on her own, she enjoyed the independence and self-sufficiency. Working with the children in her classroom was best of all. They loved her and openly showed it every day with hugs, pictures they drew for her, and running into the room every morning to tell her about the activities from the evening before.

By the end of her first year, the newness and excitement of independent living had worn off. Angie missed her family and deeply wished she lived close enough to see them on the weekends. The isolation of living on her own made her apartment gloomy, no matter how brightly she decorated it. Her daily commute through traffic reminded her that no one really knew her in the big city.

The Psalmist writes about his loneliness and anguish, praying out to the Lord, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” God designed us to be social beings; it is one of our basic needs. When we communicate and interact with other people in our daily activities, we connect. The feeling of connectedness gives our lives meaning and purpose. It is a motivation. When deep connections are missing in our life, there is an emptiness and feeling of isolation. We may even be more than lonely as the psalmist says. We may be bearing affliction in some form of distress or even hatred from another person.

Fortunately, we have a friend who has felt the loneliness, affliction, and hatred. Jesus knows exactly how we feel. He has gone before us and has lived his life perfectly in our place amid all of the loneliness and affliction. He felt the ultimate loneliness hanging on the cross in our place, separated from his Father. He puts people in our lives in our school, church, and neighborhood as companions to whom we can reach out in our loneliness. We can go to him in prayer, confident that he not only hears us, but he understands how we feel in our earthly loneliness. And he gives us his promise that he is always with us, that he will never leave us or forsake us. What a comfort!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, please be with me in my loneliness on this earth. At times I am surrounded by people but do not feel they really know who I am. Help me be a friend to others in their loneliness. Amen.

Questions to Consider: When do you feel lonely? How can you befriend someone you know who is feeling lonely or not connected to other Christians? How can this also help you in your loneliness?

Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.

Psalm 25:6-7

A young man named Peter was growing up in foster care when he met the love of his life at an event for fellow foster children. The two literally lived on opposite ends of the country, but they remained in contact afterwards – mailing letters back and forth to each other. Eventually, the two decided to get married and share their life together at the tender age of 19. Married life was exciting at first, but soon the daily struggles of communication and the little annoyances of living with another person started to build up. The couple started disagreeing on many, petty things which then lead to fighting. Eventually, their communication just stopped all together. Peter’s first reaction was to run away. After all, that is the answer modeled for him growing up – every time his mother’s life wasn’t going well, she got in the car and ran away with her children. In foster care, if things were not going well, Peter would be moved to a new foster home.

Fast forward twenty years. Peter and his wife have matured and have four growing children. They endured their young years as newlyweds – even the times that they thought about giving up and walking away from each other. They learned the secret to forgiving – that Jesus had already forgiven them by living perfectly for them and dying in their place. They realized that the biggest wrongs they had done to each other were small in comparison to how they had disobeyed God – and God still forgives. They carefully watched couples in their church to discover this secret to marriage – Christ’s forgiveness unites them. They watched other couples communicate, compromise, work together, and forgive each other.

Peter talks about the “sins of his youth.” He knows he was young and impulsive. He regrets things he said and did not do in his marriage. It is with tears in his eyes that he remembers how he hurt his wife. He knows the words of the Psalmist, “Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love.” He knows the Lord remembers the love that Jesus showed by dying on the cross for the sins of his youth. Peter knows he is forgiven and because he is he can forgive and ask for forgiveness every day in his marriage.

Just as children easily forget the wrongs of their classmates a few minutes after an episode, the Lord forgets and never remembers our wrong-doings. Those sins that plague us as we think back to our younger years when we did things we would like to forget. We can be at peace because the Lord has forgotten them.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, Please, forgive me for the sins of my youth. You know the secrets that still plague me. Give me peace to go forward in peace knowing that Jesus has caused you to forget all my wrongs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions to Consider: What sins of your youth still come back to cause you guilt? How do you comfort your students with the assurance of forgiveness?

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Colossians 1:28

Busy schedules. School events. Meetings. Committees. Your to-do list as a worker in the early childhood ministry is a lengthy one. Sometimes the list clouds your vision of what’s truly important. Has your list gotten in the way of your family time or a healthy lifestyle? Most disastrously, has your list gotten in the way of why you went into early childhood to begin with—proclaiming Christ crucified to those entrusted into your care?

In this section of Colossians, Paul is recounting his labor for the church. He doesn’t do this to bring attention to himself. He does so to remind us that our labors for the church are supported by Christ himself. Paul knew all too well that he was an imperfect person. He knew all too well some of the to-dos that could have gotten in the way of his ministry. He, like many of you, was working to the point of exhaustion for the sake of the Lord’s work.

But with the Lord’s help, Paul strove with all his energy to preach Christ crucified. Everything else Paul did paled in comparison to that one most important task—making Christ known to those who did not yet know him.

How was Paul able to keep such a laser-fine focus on his mission of proclaiming Christ? He understood and appreciated that his calling was from Christ himself. He understood that if he lost his focus, the sake of the gospel might be harmed. He understood that without Christ, there isn’t one person on this earth that stands perfect before a righteous Father. And so, he labored tirelessly for the sake of Christ’s kingdom.

Using Christ as your guide, and Paul as your example, keep a laser-fine focus on the task at hand. The devil will try to distract you with small pebbles so your focus on the mission of the church gets blurred. At such times, remember that Christ is your all in all. Go then and proclaim him!

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to stay focused on proclaiming Jesus to those who do not yet know him and encouraging those who do. Strengthen me with the power of your Word and sacrament that I may serve and glorify you in all that I say, think, and do. Amen

(Reprinted from July 2016)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Americans are addicted to work. When meeting up with a friend for coffee, often the common question is, “How have you been?” The common answer is, “Busy.” We take pride in our busyness. We somehow feel that the busier we are, the more important we must be. Being a hard worker is a quality personality trait, but being a workaholic is not.

It is important during these quieter summer months to take time to renew your mind, body and faith. Your job of training young children to follow Jesus is so important. Being overworked, stressed and letting our faith grow weak is not being a faithful servant. There is only one solution to this: Jesus.

We can find comfort in Jesus’ life. Jesus was a hard worker. He preached from dawn until dusk. He went from town to town healing, teaching, and training his disciples. His work was very important, but even Jesus took time away from his work. He would go somewhere secluded with his friends or even wander off alone to speak with his Father. He needed to renew his strength and faith so he could continue to serve others. That life is YOUR life. Jesus lived it perfectly for you and it became your life at your baptism when Jesus took his perfection and put it on you.

We can find comfort in Jesus’ death. There Jesus paid for all sins for all time, which also became yours at your baptism. He forgives us for the times we fail to trust in him. He forgives us for the times we forget to draw from God’s Word.

The hope that we find in Jesus’ life and death fills us with peace and joy. Only when we are filled with those things will they overflow onto the children that we teach.

Prayer:
 Dear Heavenly Father, continue to fill me with your love, joy, and peace. May I be a light and a reflection of you to others in all I do. Amen.

(Reprinted from June 2016)

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20

Years ago, our family had the opportunity to live abroad for one year. We loved our experiences that year. We loved the country, the traditions, the foods, and especially the people. But, we always knew that this was temporary and that at the end of the year, we would be going home. The year gave us new eyes for another culture and a heightened appreciation for our own country. As hard as the goodbyes were at the end of the year, we were so excited to be home.

This week we celebrate July 4 to recognize the founding of our country. It’s a day full of parades, picnics, fireworks, and national pride. Even with struggles that continue throughout our country, this is a day to stop and note what’s great about the United States. For each person the list will vary but often include the many freedoms we have.

Most of us are Americans by birth. We were born here and automatically became citizens. But as Christians, we know that while this is home, it’s only home for now. We have a far more important citizenship in heaven. This citizenship is ours by birth, but not our earthly birth to our parents. The new birth we have through Baptism, makes us a citizen of heaven. We have no heavenly passport to carry but our faith in Jesus identifies us as his child and therefore, a citizen of heaven.

Our earthly home is fraught with challenges, disasters, evil, hurt, and all kinds of disappointment and frustration. We can look at our country and the decisions that are made and become overwhelmed and discouraged. We even admit that our own attitudes toward government and leaders is not always pleasing to God. But then we remember our baptism. We remember what Jesus has done for us. We remember God’s unending love for us. While the challenges of sin are always around us, even more are the promises of God. This earthly life is temporary. This is not our home. Heaven is our home. And there we will no longer face the fear, hurt, disappointment, and pain of this life but will experience pure joy that will never end.

As we celebrate the 4th, let’s pray together for our country that the Lord will bless it. We pray he guides and directs our leaders to make God-pleasing decisions that maintain and protect our religious freedoms. We thank God for the multitude of blessings that are ours as citizens of this country. And above all, we thank God for our true citizenship in our heavenly home–no passport needed.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, I thank you for my country and the blessings I have as a citizen. I thank you even more that I can claim citizenship with you in heaven. When sin affects my life, remind me that this is temporary and that you have made a home for me with you in heaven. In your name I pray, Amen.

Question to consider: It’s easy to focus on all the challenges our country faces. This week, make a list of the blessings we have in the United States. Consider asking others to add to the list. Perhaps you might include the freedom to worship as you choose, our national parks, the ability to vote, etc.

I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:11

Stories are a vital and often cherished part of the day of a young child. The child could either cuddle on someone’s lap or sit wide-eyed as a story is read or told. Their facial expressions and body movement reflect their reaction to the parts of the story that are silly or scary or sweet. As a young child grows and develops, they may begin to ask, “Is this real or make-believe?” This is especially true when you have a little one in your class that may not have heard the Bible story before. Did Jonah really go into the belly of a huge fish? Did Noah and his family all live on the ark he built with all those animals? Did Jesus really make a blind man see? Real or make-believe?

In our reading for today, Paul is talking to the congregation in Galatia. He is looking to give them reassurance and encouragement. Paul, as you may know, was not one of the original disciples who walked and talked and lived with Jesus. In fact, Paul was the exact opposite. He had spent years seeking out Christians to put them in jail, to punish them, to do all that he could to squelch Christianity. Paul was probably not the most docile, teachable person who would easily change his mind or be swayed. It would be logical for people to be skeptical of him and of his message. Anticipating their concerns, he shares how he came to know the truth that he shares with them. The message he preached he received by revelation from Jesus. He didn’t make it up. He didn’t even learn it second hand from the disciples. He was given this message by God himself. Talk about validity! But even more, talk about the confidence that Paul could have in his message and the hearers could have as they listened to him!

You and I are not Paul. We may not have his tenacity or his courage. But we have been given the same privilege and opportunity to share the gospel. Think of the children who were in your class the past couple of years. Each day, you were able to share God’s amazing message of salvation with them. You taught them about God’s forgiveness which makes it easier for us and them to forgive each other. You shared how much God loves them which helps them and us reflect that love with each other. Together you talked about all the amazing promises and wonders God has told us about in his word, the Bible. Aren’t there times when you stop and just say, “Isn’t that amazing?” Aren’t there times when the children stop you and say, “Wow! God did that for me?”

Our world changes constantly. What was forbidden yesterday is likely ok and even encouraged today. On what can we cling in an ever-changing world? How do we and our children know what is right, what is wrong, what is real, what is make-believe? We have the Bible, God’s own precious words to each of us. He tells you who he is, what he has done, what he can do. And he tells us he forgives us, he loves us, he redeemed us, he calls us his own dear child. It’s real, not make-believe. And he and all he does and wants for us never changes. May the Lord bless you as you continue to share the story, the real story, this amazing message of grace each day!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me. Help me to never lose my sense of awe for you. And help me to share that awe with the children and families I serve, with colleagues, family, and friends. Amen

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7

She stands before you with her eyes wide. In her hands is a small shoebox. She looks up at you with eyes brimming with excitement and says, “Would you like to see what’s in my box?” Who could resist? She opens her box and shares her precious items: a feather, a small grey stone, a bright yellow ribbon, a pencil with a fuzzy pom-pom on top, and a small tablet of paper. She can hardly contain her excitement as she picks up each item and tells you about it. She found the feather in her backyard, the stone while on a walk with her Papa. Each item is attached to a person or a memory. To her they are treasures, kept in an ordinary, nondescript shoebox.

In our verses today, Paul is talking about a treasure. In the verses just before this one, he describes Jesus as that treasure. A well-known hymn calls Jesus our priceless treasure. What Jesus has done for us is sometimes hard to understand. Why would he leave heaven to go through even the simple struggles of daily life on earth and do it for us? Even more, why would he go through the unimaginable pain and suffering and do it for us? One word: love. His love is beyond any words we can use to describe it. It’s hard to describe because it doesn’t make sense. When we’re honest with ourselves, we can’t understand why Jesus would love us and love us that much. But, it isn’t dependent on our understanding. It’s all about him and it’s true and it’s ours just the same.

If you were going to put the greatest treasure on earth on display, where would you put it? How would you make sure everyone saw it? God’s plan: you, and me, and all believers. Through his Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, God places Jesus in our hearts through faith. You and I, those jars of clay, who are imperfect and fragile, hold Jesus in our hearts. And because of his immeasurable love, we seek to reflect Jesus’ love for us and share all he’s done for us with all those around us. Why use jars of clay? Why use us? It’s not about the jar. It’s not about us. It’s all about what’s in the jar. It’s all about Jesus. It’s about the Treasure.

A little girl can hardly contain her excitement as she shares her treasures. She didn’t hesitate or worry about how you would react. She just had to share! May it be the same and more for you and me. What an amazing treasure we have! Not everyone has it. Some have had it and have neglected it or put it aside. With eyes brimming with excitement and reflecting the love that Jesus has for us, let’s be eager and passionate and bold about telling each other and everyone we know about that treasure that we have in Jesus!

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, in my earthly thinking, it makes no sense to me that you would use me to share something as important as you. Help me be bold. Help me be excited. Help me to reflect you in all I say and do. Help me share you, the most precious treasure. In your name, Amen.

Question to consider: We all know someone who needs to know or needs to be reminded about their Savior, Jesus. We have good intentions but don’t always follow through. What simple steps can you take, even today, to reach out and share Jesus with someone you know, with someone you care about? How can you open the box and share what you are excited to know is inside: Jesus?

[Jesus said], “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:26,27

“I just don’t understand.” Our son recently sent us a copy of our granddaughter’s preschool portfolio for the year. On one page was a picture of her working to master a task. “It’s hard” she tells the teacher. You’ve likely all experienced the face of a young child looking up at you for help. They are working and straining to figure something out and just aren’t getting it. They look to you, hoping and trusting that you can give them what they need. You likely stooped down and gave them encouragement and maybe a hint or two to help them overcome the struggle.

In our reading for today, Jesus is talking to his disciples. They’ve spent three years with him. Jesus knows that their time together on earth is about to come to an abrupt end. He knows what’s coming and he is seeking to prepare them. And Jesus knows that they will not be able to understand all that he is telling them. How could they? Even after all the time they spent together, the thought of the crucifixion of Jesus is not even a remote possibility in their minds.

Perhaps you’ve had an experience where you lower your head or shout out, “I just don’t understand.” An unexpected change of plans. News of someone you care about who has been in a serious accident. Sitting in a doctor’s office hearing news that is hard to comprehend. Someone you love has disappointed you. Whatever it is, you likely know that helpless feeling: “I just don’t understand.”

And then we hear the words in our reading today. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” What does that mean? Maybe we should start with what that doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean that trouble will suddenly go away, cancer will disappear, time will roll back to before a serious event, or that heartache will end. This side of heaven, those challenges will always be with us. But, we have the promise of Jesus. He is the one who gives us peace, who is our peace. And his peace is unlike any peace on earth. It’s not a quick fix to a challenge but an eternal solution to the weight of sin. It’s not a simple answer to a heartbreaking question but a response that calms our hearts throughout the challenge. It’s a peace that reminds us over and over that no matter what, Jesus is with us. He has sent his Holy Spirit to us. We have the Word to continually remind us of his love, his forgiveness, his grace. Our greatest anxiety comes from our sin and the fear of separation from God. The peace we have from Jesus calms our hearts and gives us confidence to face whatever life throws at us.

“It’s hard.” And hard will always be a part of our lives and the lives of the children and families we serve. But we can stoop down to each child, speak to each family member, and remind ourselves and each other that we have a peace that transcends our struggles. We can share Jesus words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” He is with us. Our troubled and fearful hearts can trust in his peace for us.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus,
Grant us your peace throughout our earthly life,
Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife.
Then, when your voice shall bid our conflict cease,
Call us, O Lord, to your eternal peace. Amen
Christian Worship (alt.) 321:4

[Jesus] said to them; “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:7-8

The teacher sits among her class with a brightly decorated box on her lap. There are little ones all around her in silent anticipation. One child grasps his hands together and jumps over and over. She’s got them. The children can hardly stand the waiting. They just want to know, “Teacher! What is in the box?”

I can only imagine how the disciples must have felt. Here is their dearest Friend, Jesus. His death devastated them. His resurrection amazed them. And now, the disciples are reaching out with their questions. They had just asked him when he would finally restore the kingdom to Israel. Perhaps they hoped Israel would again dominate the world with rulers like David and Solomon. Israel was currently under the powerful rule of Rome. They hoped that, since Jesus is the one, the Lord’s Anointed, he would reestablish the kingdom of Israel. Even after all the time they spent with Jesus, they still did not understand his plan.

How did Jesus respond? “You don’t get to know.” It’s not for them to know the Father’s timing. Only God knows that and for a reason. We don’t need to know when the time will come that God completes his plan. God’s kingdom is a spiritual one, not a political one. There will be no overthrowing of earthly power to restore an earthly kingdom. God’s plan is one of salvation, of grace and mercy, of redemption.

And our response? Let’s turn this around. What if we knew the timing of God’s plan? Would that knowledge change what you did today if you knew that his plan wouldn’t happen till next week, next year, or not even during your life on earth? Would you and I have the sense of urgency? Would we be as passionate about sharing the gospel with the world? Would we be as concerned about our own faith if we knew the time of either our death or Jesus return?

God in his wisdom tells us, just as he told the disciples, “It is not for you to know.” You and I know what we need to know. We have the Word. Everything we need to know about the plan is there. And we have opportunities all around us to share that Word.

Do you know what happened right after Jesus said all this? He ascended into heaven right before their eyes. Imagine how they felt. But he had reassured them that they will have all that they need from the Holy Spirit. And they spent years watching and learning from Jesus himself to prepare them to be witnesses. Now they can stand there and gaze upward or they can and should get to work.

The Holy Spirit gives you and I all we need to be witnesses for Jesus. We have the Word. We have his promise to be with us and guide us. We know God’s plan of salvation. We don’t know when he’ll come back to take us all to be with him but we know that we have today, right now, to tell and tell and tell.

Imagine the squeals of the children when the contents of the box are revealed (often no matter what is inside.) No matter what may be inside that box, it is nothing compared to the message of Jesus’ love, forgiveness and grace for you, for me, and for all. You and I get to tell people right now. We don’t know when the story of our lives here will end, but we know the ending: Jesus’ arms welcoming us home with him in Heaven. That’s something to squeal about and that’s something to tell!

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, complacency can creep in so easily. The joy and eagerness of telling others about you can fade when we get overwhelmed by tasks and responsibilities. Please forgive me and reach out to me with your loving arm to draw me to your Word and then urge me on to tell and tell others about you. In your name I pray. Amen

A Question to Consider: Make a list of things that are at the top of your “to do” list. Mark them in order of when you get at them. Then mark them in order of importance for you. Do your markings agree? What makes the first priority for you? How can you be God’s witness in any or all of those tasks?