Tag Archive for: military-devotion

Jars of Clay – June 9, 2023

Jars of Clay – June 9, 2023


For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 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 4:6,7




Military Devotion – June 9, 2023

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 4:6,7

See series: Military Devotions

“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all,” (1 John 1:5) the Bible proclaims. We are only beginning to glimpse the significance of this statement.

Light has played a crucial role in life since the beginning of time. The first command recorded in Scripture is, “Let there be light.” The response was immediate. “And there was light.” The Lord let light burst forth upon the waters covering the earth that was yet formless and empty.

It might take us a while before we say, “Wait a minute! The sun, moon, and stars were not in existence yet. That didn’t happen until the fourth day. Where did this light come from?”

The answer is, “It came from God, himself.” Later, he would place the light bearers into the sky. First, light must be created. It’s another thing to make instruments that will continue to send out the light. We can call them luminaries.

Shortly afterward, we are told, “And God saw that the light was good.” Indeed it is. Light is the fundamental condition for all organic earthly life. Without light and the warmth that flows from it, plant, animal, and human life could not continue to exist on this earth.

The great importance of light for all physical life is underscored in Holy Scriptures by the very fact that light is used in a figurative sense to designate him who is indispensable for all spiritual life. Christ says of himself, “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).

So then, it might startle us to hear, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts.”

Can that be? Are we the bearers of God’s light just as the sun, moon, and stars are? Are we luminaries to planet Earth?

Yes.

The heavenly bodies show forth God’s physical light. The people of God shine forth his spiritual light by their words and actions glorifying their Creator and Redeemer. One light is essential for life here and now. The other light is essential for life here and forever.

Our light reveals the glory of God that was given to mankind by Christ, the Savior.

That means we are important! That shows we can offer a critical service to the rest of the human race. We must do so—just as the sun must deliver its life-saving light to Earth. The only way the sun could stop doing that is if it lost its light—if that star died.

What about us? When might we no longer shed light upon a dying world? Wouldn’t it be when our faith died? When the light of God no longer shone in us?

That’s true! It’s sad—but true!

The apostle Paul, who was one of the greatest missionaries, who brought the light of the gospel to so many people, reminds us that we are frail. We possess the greatest treasure in all the world, but that treasure is carried in fragile containers.

We are not the Great One. We are not the Rock of Ages. We are not the glorious God.

We are jars of clay.

“Dust you are,” the Creator said. That applies to us now as much as it did to our first parents.

We can easily be broken into pieces. We can lose the light. The precious treasure of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting can slip from our grasp.

But not from the hands of the Lord of life! He has placed this treasure into our frail frames to demonstrate that the power of the gospel is not from us. We are reminded, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Not to us! Not to us!

To God be the glory!

We are honored to serve him as mere jars of clay.

We must join in the song of the children, “This little light of mine. I’m going to make it shine!”



Prayer:
God of mercy, God of might, we are amazed but honored to be the instruments that show forth your glory in this world. Remind us often of the treasure you have placed within us. Make these jars of clay strong to preserve your light and allow it to shine forth in our lives. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • What would this creation be like if God had not created light?
  • What would our life be like if God had not created his light of faith within us?
  • What might we do to ensure that this light burns brightly in this jar of clay?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


To God be the Glory – June 2, 2023

To God be the Glory – June 2, 2023


For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36




Military Devotion – June 2, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 11:36

See series: Military Devotions

He is not a little God. He is not a part-time God.

He is the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier. He is the eternal Triune God.

He is our God. He is the only God.

Complaints have been leveled against him by some members of the human race. They say his actions confuse them. His judgments dismay them.

They want to hold him accountable for perceived crimes against humanity. If he controls tornadoes and lightning bolts, why does he allow storms to strike without warning and without regard for the victims?

Why should that baby burn to death in its crib? Why should that mother drown as she tries to rescue her child? How could he allow millions of everyday people to be systematically exterminated by others wanting to purify the human race by removing the unacceptables?

What is the Bible’s response? “How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33).

What was God thinking? If even humans could see the mistakes he was making, if they complained about what they saw as major mistakes, why didn’t he listen? Why did he not modify his plans?

The Bible shows these are actually silly questions by asking us, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34).

The answers are obvious. “No one!” These are impossibilities.

But doesn’t he owe us answers? If he expects us to honor him, even worship him, isn’t he obligated to give us what we believe is due? Isn’t that the least he should do?

Again, those questions are answered by the answers we must give to his questions. “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” (Romans 11:35).

The Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier God owes us nothing.

He is not dependent upon us for anything. We did not make him into what he is. We did not vote him into office. He is not subject to our whims or preferences—even if we wish it were so.

Old Testament Job complained about that. “If only I knew where to find him;” he complained, “if only I could go to his dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments” (Job 23:3,4).

It never happened. Instead, he reports, “But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him” (Job 23:8). He concludes, “He does whatever he pleases. He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store. That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me” (Job 23:13-16).

What does this mean for us frail and vulnerable humans? What chance do we have against him? None.

What chance do we have with him? Guaranteed and overflowing success.

How can we know? Because he tells us what he thinks and what he has done. “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).

It is as simple and wonderful as that.

He owes us nothing good. He gives us everything good. He is the source of everything good.

Is he beyond our comprehension? Of course! Is this a problem? It’s a blessing! Can we compare him to anything else that we know of? Of course, not! Can anything else serve as a substitute for him? Absolutely not!

Should we question him? Should we doubt him? Should we reject him?

No. No. And absolutely, no!

Then what? Then what else but this for today, for tomorrow, and forever?

To God be the glory!



Prayer:
To God be the glory; great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin
and opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth praise his voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice!”
Oh, come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give him the glory—great things he has done! Amen.
(Christian Worship 627:1)



Points to ponder:

  • Why do humans think they can challenge the decisions of God?
  • Why would someone be frightened by the idea of God being in control?
  • Why does the mystery of God being triune offer us comfort?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Firepower with a Whisper – May 26, 2023

Firepower with a Whisper – May 26, 2023


The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:11-13




Military Devotion – May 26, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:11-13

See series: Military Devotions

“Come Holy Spirit, renew our hearts, and kindle in us the power of your love.”

Thus, we invite God the Holy Spirit to come into our lives to revive and inspire us. We remember the time he came upon the crowd in Jerusalem. He appeared with the sound of a violent wind and tongues of fire. As a result, each person in a crowd with sixteen different languages heard the words of the others in his own native language.

This was firepower from heaven.

It might lead us to expect a dramatic display of power whenever the LORD goes into action. That’s what happens when humans unleash firepower. The exploding shells cause shock waves. Flames and smoke rise into the sky. The burst of power does not go unnoticed.

But now, along with Elijah, we are taught the arrival of heavenly firepower is not always dramatic or even visible. Sometimes, it comes as gently as a whisper.

The prophet had recently witnessed an amazing demonstration of divine firepower. He had challenged 450 prophets of the idol, Baal, to a test. Two altars with two sacrifices, each with dry wood, were set up. “You call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the LORD,” Elijah told them. “The god who answers by fire—he is God!”

All day long, the Baal worshipers begged their idol to light the fire. Nothing happened.

When it was his turn, Elijah ordered water to be poured onto his altar and firewood again and again and again. Then he prayed, “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God.”

We are told, “Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38).

That’s the kind of response we like to see from the Holy One in heaven. That’s like the Pentecost miracle in Jerusalem. But that seldom happens. Probably none of us have ever seen something like that. And yet, Jesus has promised us that the Holy Spirit would be with us.

Why doesn’t the Holy Spirit show himself to us so we can be assured of his powerful presence?

Could the answer be that he does not want to? Is it that simple? Could it be that he does not need to? Might it be that he knows best how to carry out his soul-stirring, life-saving work?

Yes.

The dramatic demonstration did not assure Elijah for very long. Shortly afterward, he is in a cave very depressed. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4).

Not what happened outside of himself, but what the Holy Spirit would do inside of him was the critical work. There is where faith lived. In his soul dwelt the hope and joy that could overflow into his daily life.

No explosions, no fireworks, no drama—the Holy Spirit comes to human hearts as softly and gently as a whisper.

Sometimes, we may see evidence of God at work in our lives. When we look back in time, we may detect that it was during some of our worst days that his power was poured out in the greatest way.

Jesus once said, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough” (Matthew 13:33).

Not as exciting as a violent wind. Not as obvious as flames appearing from heaven. But just as real. Just as certain. The Holy Spirit brings to us firepower from heaven.

We sing to our Savior God, “Come not in terrors, as the King of kings, but kind and good, with healing in thy wings.”
May God the Holy Spirit visit us with his love!



Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, renew our hearts,
and kindle in us the power of your love. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why are humans more apt to believe a lie than the truth?
  • Why is it easier for us to hate our enemies than to love them—despite what God says?
  • It has been said, “God’s greatest power is his love.” Would we agree?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


A Place Beyond – May 19, 2023

A Place Beyond – May 19, 2023


In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2




Military Devotion – May 19, 2023

Devotion based on John 14:2

See series: Military Devotions

Christianity is an “other world” religion. It declares that there is life beyond planet Earth. Indeed, there is life beyond the universe. Furthermore, Christianity affirms, “We have been visited by beings from this place beyond.” The bottom line is that Christians expect to live in that place that is beyond all sight, measurement, or sense of direction; to live in peace and harmony with the beings that already dwell there.

So far, we have experienced nothing but life on Earth. Our forays into sky and space have been so insignificant that a major telescope on our neighboring planet would not have even noticed them. It seems safe to say: “In the main, earthbound we are, and earthbound we will remain.” But that is not a safe statement to make—because it is not true!

The people of God have information available to them that transcends what even an exploration of deep space could reveal. We have a record of extra-terrestrial beings, called angels, who have come to this planet and interacted with humans. We have a record of their conversations and their activities. The record has been authenticated.

And there is something greater. Much greater! A being who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and demanding of only right thinking, speaking, and acting, has made contact with Earth. In fact, he was here before humans or any other life appeared on the planet. He made all of this. He made us! He gave us perfection—and we ruined it. That brought his anger.

As a result, we might expect that all that would be left to this planet now is a mushroom cloud, with hot ashes of destruction. But Earth is still here. We can still see blue skies and blue waters. It is still called the Blue Planet. How can we account for this?

Only one word will do: love! The One from beyond, the one who made all and judges all, possesses an amazing love for the humans he placed onto this planet. He has delayed its destruction.

When the time was right, his Son came to live among us for some 33 years. During that time, he did what was necessary to enable humans to escape from the absolute destruction that is coming. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. Because of him, we can live forever. Those who put their faith in him will do just that.

But where will we live that forever life? The answer is: “In the place beyond, in the place where the eternal Lord of glory came from.” We call that place heaven.

It’s easy to forget that. Our lives are so busy with earthly things. After all, we need to make a living. That takes time and effort. We face challenges and deadlines. That requires us to be focused.

We might feel that thinking about heaven can wait until we have time for it—or until we have no choice but to give it some attention. When death walks into the room, everything else fades from view for a while. When walking out of the Mayo Clinic with the news, “If you want to do some traveling, do it within four months,” the stunned patient told his wife, “I just can’t wrap my head around that.”

Who could blame him? He had just lost weight. He was exercising regularly. He was relatively young. His shoulder had been bothering him. He was hoping to be told how to get rid of that nagging pain.

He was not hoping or expecting to learn he would soon die.

“I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven” (Psalm 123:1) the psalmist wrote.

That’s the response of those who can say, “My hope is in the name of the Lord.” Those who serve the Savior are not at the mercy of accident or disease. Advancing years do not mean the permanent loss of ability and vitality. They know there is more to life than that which can be seen or felt now.

They lift up their eyes to where the Good Shepherd is leading. They want to be with him.

The Rescuer of humankind no longer dwells here physically. Forty days after he conquered death he went back home. He went alone. But he left behind a promise: “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” He adds, “I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

So, we wait. We wait with eager anticipation. We wait for Jesus to return and take us to that place beyond.



Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Friend of sinners and Savior of souls, you sent angels to tell the disciples staring at the skies into which you had ascended, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Remind us of this. Teach us to live each day with that day in mind. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • If heaven is our home, why do we often not feel like it is true?
  • What comfort comes from knowing that Jesus, himself, is preparing our place in heaven?
  • Why does waiting for heaven motivate us to action here and now rather than make us lazy?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Bloodstains – May 12, 2023

Bloodstains – May 12, 2023


Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson?
Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength?
“It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save.”
Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?
“I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me.
I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath;
their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing.”
Isaiah 63:1-3




Military Devotion – May 12, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 63:1-3

See series: Military Devotions

The warrior travels down a dirt road so typical of the Middle East. Just as typically, people come to watch. But it is not a convoy. No troops follow him. He comes alone from Bozrah, the enemy stronghold. It is a strange sight. Stranger yet is the stain on his clothing. Is that grape juice? No, it’s blood. Is he wounded? No, this is the blood of his enemies.

Who is this? Who is this a picture of? The question is not left in doubt. This is the Savior of Israel. We know him as Jesus. This is Jesus victorious. This is the Jesus who took on the enemies of God and his people—and stomped them!

When we think of the victory celebrated at Easter, we tend to forget what it meant to his defeated enemies. We forget that fallen angels and humans had taken their stand against God. They disrespected and rejected him. They waged war against the Lord of creation and those who serve him.

The Holy One is a just God and loving God. But he is also the LORD vicious in judgment.

The triumphant Jesus reminds us that no one was with him when he defeated sin, death, and the devil. None else was qualified to undertake this mission. He didn’t need help! Of his enemies he says, “I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath.”

Good thing we get to see this. We need to hear these words. The enemies of God give the impression that they rule; that they are strong; that they are winning the war of life and death.

It’s a lie! The war is over. They have been beaten. They have been stomped!

Then why doesn’t it seem like it? Because they are still allowed to dwell among God’s people. They still serve a purpose in God’s plan. Somehow, in some way, their existence is to the benefit of God’s people. We’ll leave all those mysterious details in God’s hands. We just dare not believe their lying propaganda.

Lies and propaganda have long been tools of warfare. History shows many times they have been effective. In 1945, about 100,000 civilians died when Americans attacked Okinawa. It is reported that most of these were deaths by suicide. There is a horrendous video of a woman throwing her baby over a cliff before jumping to join it in death. Then more adults follow. Recently, Reuters carried the words of a woman who survived those days. She said, “Four of us tried to commit suicide with one hand grenade, but it did not go off.”

Why this senseless carnage?

Japanese propaganda had convinced them that death was better than falling into the hands of the Americans who tortured, raped, and killed those who were captured.

The lies were believed.

No propaganda effort was ever as successful as the one churning out lies from the pit of hell. If it is not telling people there is no God and sin is not serious, it is trying to convince others that there is no hope for them because of their grievous sin.

These lies are not to be believed. Jesus warns us about Satan, “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).

We need not fear his power. It is the triumphant Lord who proclaims,

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10)

We live now in the aftermath of God’s victory. There still is some sniper fire. The defeated enemy still tries to put on a brave face. Still makes threats. But it’s all over. The columns of the enemy are being marched in an endless line into the eternity of dark despair. Meanwhile, the line of the faithful sets its course for the bright shores of glory.

They follow the One with the bloodstained clothes.



Prayer:
Lord Jesus, praise and glory be to your name! Enable us to have a firm grip on the reality that sin, death, and the devil have been conquered. We rejoice to sing, “Be still, my soul! The Lord is on your side.” Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • How does the picture of the Prince of Peace fit with that of the bloodstained warrior?
  • Why is it sometimes easier to believe a lie than to accept the truth?
  • How do we overcome the idea that evil always conquers?

*A portion of this devotion was previously published.



Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Coming Up Empty – May 5, 2023

Coming Up Empty – May 5, 2023


“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
John 21:3




Military Devotion – May 5, 2023

Devotion based on John 21:3

See series: Military Devotions

Jesus often taught complex heavenly truths by means of simple earthly lessons. He would begin with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” and then paint a word picture that everyone could understand. But he did not confine his teaching to the use of words.

Sometimes he taught with actions. At times, he even used the failure of an action to drive home the most critical points. We watch as he teaches his disciples about success by having them first come up empty.

The disciples were up north on the shores of Lake Galilee, waiting for Jesus to meet them there after his resurrection from the dead. Bored with waiting, Peter decided to go fishing. The rest joined him. They fished the entire night—and came up with nothing.

When morning came, someone on the shore told them to “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” They did. They found some. They found so many fish that they could not haul the net in. Seeing this, John shouted out “It is the Lord!” and Peter jumped into the water to head off to meet him.

For Peter and John, this was déjà vu—they had seen this before. Three years earlier, when Jesus first called them to full-time discipleship, the same thing happened. They had fished all night. They came up empty. And when, at Jesus’ instruction, they put down their nets once more, they caught so many fish that it filled two boats (Luke 5:4)!

What’s the lesson? It’s the same one taught throughout the Scriptures. The Lord God declares, “Apart from me, you can do nothing!” (John 15:5). But there is more to the lesson: The gracious God can accomplish more for us than we can hope for or desire.

If we had success every time we tried something, we soon would become convinced that we were the reason for the achievement. “We were smart.” “We were strong.” A degree of failure may make us wonder a bit. Total failure drives the point home. “Without me, you can do nothing!”

Then, he shows us, that with his power, nothing is too great to expect.

The disciples needed to learn this lesson. They were going to accomplish awesome tasks. People would praise them. They also would meet horrible failure. People would turn against them. All but one of the Twelve would be executed because they testified about Jesus.

They needed to be prepared for apparent failure so they could achieve overwhelming success. They needed to learn how to look at life through God’s eyes.

Humans tend to measure success by how much a person can accomplish. We look at what office the person holds; how popular, or how rich, the person is.

But all of that is temporary, and in the end, meaningless. It’s like shifting sand beneath our feet. Jesus warned about treating such things as treasures. The warning was necessary.

Recall how the disciples argued about who was the greatest (Mark 9:33)? Remember when the mother of James and John asked Jesus, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom” (Matthew 20:21)?

The followers of Jesus still had much to learn about being a disciple of Jesus. An attitude adjustment was required.

They needed to understand that even when they came up empty, God was still in control. Sooner or later his power and glory would show through.

The apostle Paul tells of the time he pleaded with the Lord to take away a problem that was plaguing him. He reports, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,” Paul wrote, “so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

He concludes, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

We need the same lesson. When we work long and hard at something, when, in spite of our best efforts, we come up empty, we can begin to feel hopeless and helpless. We start to see ourselves as failures. We are ready to give up.

Let us then remember these empty nets of the disciples. Then, let us step back to wait to see what God might have in mind. After all, his abundance can overfill our every need.

And then, let us smile as we remember that the day will come when we will never, ever, come up empty again.



Prayer:
Lord Jesus, too often we place our plans ahead of your plans. Too often we rely too much on our own strength and skill. Show us again the big picture of your saving work and the success you have gained over all that would destroy us. Point our eyes to the cross and the empty tomb. Fill us with the hope and joy only the Holy Spirit can bring. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why is it so easy to believe that our plans must be God’s plans?
  • Knowing that the Lord is in control of our lives, why do failures bother us so much?
  • Why does the death and resurrection of Jesus give us the confidence to understand that our failures in life do not mean that we are a failure?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Call to Duty – April 28, 2023

Call to Duty – April 28, 2023


“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Acts 9:14,15




Military Devotion – April 28, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 9:14,15

See series: Military Devotions

An old hymn carries the words:

“Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?”

The Bible often speaks of battle. The warfare it refers to is not against flesh and blood, but sometimes it does lead to the loss of blood and the end of earthly life. The long list of martyrs stands as a witness to that. But more is at stake than physical life and more can be lost than some years on earth.

Eternity hangs in the balance. Life eternal is the prize. Those who serve the King of kings are called to face unseen enemies lurking in deadly shadows. They live with danger. The thought should never leave them. But fear dare never deter them.

They have received the call to duty.

Pro Deo et Patria is the motto of the U.S. Army Chaplains Corp. Translated, those words are For God and Country. Our nation has long recognized that a person can be called to duty to serve God as well as called to serve the nation.

When I accepted the call to serve as a pastor, my country granted me an exemption from being drafted into the military—which might have taken me to Vietnam. America was telling me, “By rendering special service to God you are rendering special service to the nation.”

Both are a call to duty. However, as in the motto, For God and Country, God must always come first.

When we look at the life of the famous apostle Paul, it might seem he was drafted into God’s service rather than volunteering for duty. The Lord told Ananias “This man is my chosen instrument.” We would say he was selected for special missions. History shows this was a good choice. He founded many Christian congregations. A long list of people came to faith through his ministry. He became as well-known as Simon Peter.

This surprised everyone, including himself. He seemed a most unlikely candidate for this special calling.

He was no follower of Jesus—until Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light and asked, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” When he asked, “Who are you?” He was told, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:5,6). He was sent to the house of someone called Ananias.

Ananias might have panicked when the Lord told him Saul of Tarsus was coming to him. He knew this was the man who hunted down Christians to arrest them. In fact, this was why he was headed to Damascus, where Ananias lived.

Now, it was Ananias who was called to duty. Fear and doubt were to be set aside. He was to bring the good news of salvation to this dangerous man. The Holy Spirit would enter Saul’s heart through those words. This enemy of Christ became a willing servant of Christ. He would become a missionary. Instead of Saul, he would become Paul—a defender of the faith.

Paul’s call to duty meant hardship and sacrifice. “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” the Lord said. Suffer, he did. But faithfully, he served. He was willing to die to carry out that duty. And die, he did.

Jesus once said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

It makes one ask:

“Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace to help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.”

The call to duty to serve one’s country is a call to service and sacrifice. American troops understand that to a degree that many civilians cannot.

The call to duty to serve the Lord God is a greater call. It, too, requires faithful service and sacrifice. It involves battles against superhuman forces. It includes the sacrifice of one’s own wishes in order to serve a divine will. The attitude of “I did it my way!” is replaced with “Thy will be done.”

The pursuit of power and glory for oneself is called off. Gladly and willingly the Christian will say to his heavenly Father, “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.”

We sing, “Where duty calls or danger be never wanting there.” (Christian Worship 872:3)

Because it is our Lord who is calling us to duty, wherever he calls us to be is where we want to be.



Prayer:
“Thy saints in all this glorious war shall conquer though they die;
They see the triumph from afar with faith’s discerning eye.

When that illustrious day shall rise and all Thine armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies, the glory shall be Thine.” Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Saul had been a Pharisee. How might this have been used to bring him to faith?
  • The Lord caused Saul to be blind when he came to Ananias. Why do you think he did this?
  • Did Saul’s reputation for being an enemy of Christians help or hurt his missionary work?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


My Father’s Face – April 21, 2023

My Father’s Face – April 21, 2023


And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18




Military Devotion – April 21, 2023

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 3:18

See series: Military Devotions

In the mornings, I shave my father’s face.

I know the face I see in the mirror is my own, but it certainly resembles my father, though he died fifty years ago.

I didn’t always look like him. There was a time when I was small, and he was big. His hairline was receding when I was sporting a flattop. He had wrinkles when I didn’t.

No one would have confused me with my father when I was a teenager. But there were some who did notice a resemblance. “You look like your dad!” they said. I doubted that. But in time, even I could recognize a similarity.

The apostle Paul also recognized a similarity to a father. He told the congregation at Corinth all about it. But the father he spoke of was God the Father.

He pointed them back to Moses at Mt. Sinai at the time when Moses came down from the mountain with the two stone tablets bearing the Commandments. The Bible reports, “his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord” (Exodus 34:29). His face was shining so brightly that the people were afraid to even come near him. It was as if he had soaked in some of God’s glory.

As a result, Moses had to put a veil over his face. After some time, that bright radiance wore off. It no longer reflected the glory of the Lord God.

The law of God given on that mountain was glorious. But it was a frightful glory. We explain the first of those Commandments with the words, “We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.”

The holiness of the Lord of glory should frighten us. Don’t think he doesn’t know what we have been thinking or doing. Don’t think our excuses will be tolerated. Don’t think that he has repealed the decree, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

There is blinding glory in the words that accuse and condemn us. Good thing those are not the only words that he brings to us!

The message to the Corinthians, and to us, is that there is a follow-up message from the throne of glory. This one was not written in stone but was carried to us in person by the beloved Son of God.

He came from the Father to glorify his Father’s name by completing the work of salvation for us. In prayer to his Father, he spelled out what this entailed. “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).

This is the glorious work of the gospel that will never fade.

Jesus came to earth so that we might come to know his Father. He lived, suffered, and died so that his Father could become our Father.

The amazing end result? He told his Father, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (John 17:20).

“I have given them the glory that you gave me!”

Could this be true? It must be. The holy Son of God does not lie!

Thus, the apostle’s words are almost shouted out to ring in our ears. “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.”

We reflect the Lord’s glory! As we grow in faith, we are looking more and more like our Father who is in heaven.

This is not our doing. This is not something we can brag about.

This is the work of the Lord, the Holy Spirit.

Who would have thought it? Who would have expected that weak, faltering creatures such as us could be elevated to such a level?

Who would believe us? How many would point an accusing finger at us because they have witnessed our failures to live a holy life? What can we say to that?

We don’t have to explain. We just need to point them to Jesus. Let Jesus explain it to them. Let Jesus reveal that he has already made up for our failures—and theirs, too. Let Jesus tell them, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Now we better understand what Jesus meant by, “and have it to the full”!

What more could we want? What more could we ask for in life than to be claimed by the holy God as one of his own? What greater honor could there be?

At this stage in life, I feel good about looking in my mirror and seeing a reflection of my dad’s face as I grow older.

But that doesn’t compare to the wonder and joy of knowing that I am gradually growing to become more like the Father of Jesus.

I’m eagerly waiting to see my dad’s face again in person. That will be a joyous day.

But to see my Father’s face—that will be a heavenly day.



Prayer:
Our Father, who lives in heaven, but who loves us who live on earth with a boundless love, may our lives glorify your name! Grant that, we pray, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why are we more apt to focus on the law of God rather than the good news of the gospel?
  • We know that in heaven we will share in the Lord of God. Why might it surprise us to learn that we already reflect that glory?
  • What keeps us from bragging about this?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Life Reigns – April 14, 2023

Life Reigns – April 14, 2023


And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Matthew 27:51-53




Military Devotion – April 14, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 27:51-53

See series: Military Devotions

The massive curtain in the temple rips in two. The ground shakes and rocks split. Tombs open and bodies walk out. Why?

Jesus, the Son of God, has died.

Death ruled over this creation ever since the fabric of sinlessness was torn by the defiance of those who were warned, “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17).

Die they did. Cursed they were. They had been made from dirt, and to dirt they would return. Cursed was the rest of creation because of them. Subjected to frustration and groaning, nature waited for the day it would be freed from this bondage (Romans 8:21,22).

That day came when Earth’s Redeemer died.

Under the dark skies of Good Friday, it seemed death had triumphed. Wrong! Death died on that day. “It is finished!” was a shout of victory!

With that shout, the earth shuddered.

Not out of dread or pain did creation react, but with a burst of joyous freedom.

The hand of God opened a window so humans could see everything has changed. Life has taken control of death.

The Holy of Holies had been a forbidden place since Sinai. This is where the ark of the covenant was sprinkled with blood on the great Day of Atonement. On only one day of the year, only the high priest of Israel could enter after a sacrifice was offered for his sins. There would be no exceptions.

Once, seventy men had been struck dead when they ignored the command and looked into the ark of the covenant (1 Samuel 6:19). In the temple, a thick curtain hung behind the altar to prevent unauthorized access to this sacred space.

On the day death died, this curtain was ripped in two by an unseen hand. The message was delivered. God and mankind were now reconciled. Sin had been paid for. Life now reigned.

People wonder what it is like to be dead. People of the Bible know there are only two possible locations to land. The one is absolutely horrific. The other? Beyond wonderful! But details are lacking. We wonder why that is.

If the Lord allowed someone to return from either place, it would seem what they had to say about where they had been would make a deep impression. Wouldn’t the reaction be, “I must stay away from there!” or “I want to go there!” Wouldn’t that turn people to God?

However, that is not the way it works. When Jesus told the story of a man who begged to have someone in heaven “dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire,” he was told no one could cross over from the one place to the other.

When he then begged to have someone from heaven go to his father’s house, “For I have five brothers. Let him warn them so that they will not also come to this place of torment.” He was told, “They have Moses and the prophets let them listen to them.”

Undeterred, the man in agony responded, “No, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.” That’s when he learned, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:24-31).

It’s a lesson everyone should learn. There is nothing more powerful and effective to turn a person to the living God than the Word of God.

Why then, did the Lord have life return to those bodies at the death of Jesus? Why did their tombs open and why did they show themselves to people when Jesus rose from the dead? It wasn’t to describe heaven. It wasn’t to escape death. It was to verify that, for the people of God, there is life after death.

His enemies had spread the lie, “He is dead and will stay dead!” On Easter morning, angels announced, “He is risen!” Those who came out of their tombs were showing believers, “So will you!”

Indeed, we will rise from the dead.

Indeed, we will.



Prayer:
Because we tend to often doubt; because we sometimes forget who you are and what you have done Lord Jesus, the truth of Easter that brings the joy of Easter can be overshadowed as we live our daily lives. Lead our hearts and minds back to the empty graves of Easter and refresh the clear vision of life everlasting. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why was that split curtain in the temple so important?
  • Why do you think the return of those believers to life is not covered in greater detail?
  • The words “It is finished!” were shouted out in a loud voice. What does that show us?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Awake – April 7, 2023

Awake – April 7, 2023


There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
Matthew 28:2-4




Military Devotion – April 7, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 28:2-4

See series: Military Devotions

They awoke to a nightmare. Fear stabbed their hearts. It led to panic. They could be dead before the sun set. The situation was that serious.

By the authority of the Roman governor, they had been assigned guard duty. It was in a pleasant place. It was in a garden. They were guarding a body in a tomb. It was feared that an attempt would be made to steal that corpse. They were to prevent that from happening. The Roman rule was, “Lose your prisoner—lose your life.” They were ready to take on anyone who challenged their position.

They were soldiers—absolutely unprepared to face an angel from heaven.

She awoke to a heartache. She was up before daybreak. She probably had not slept much that night—maybe not much since Thursday night. Now it was Sunday.

The news had shocked her. “Jesus was arrested!” Reports came in of his disciples running away. Only John remained for the mock trial and the execution verdict. Crowds gathered as word spread of soldiers leading three prisoners to their crucifixion. Jesus was among them.

She went with other women from Galilee to watch him die. She joined a small group to bury him. Jesus had once driven seven demons out of her. She knew him as the Messiah. She wanted to give him a proper burial.

But time ran out. The shadows of the Sabbath fell. The Law proclaimed on Mt. Sinai so many years ago forbade her quick return. She would have to wait until she awoke on Sunday.

Her name was Mary from Magdala. Her heartache turned to utter dismay when she saw that the tomb of Jesus was empty. To the supposed caretaker she cried out, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him” (John 20:15).

He woke up to another day of shame, regret, and grief. How could he face the other followers of Jesus? How could he face the mother of Jesus? How could he face himself?

His name was Peter. He was to be like a rock. He had crumbled like a sand castle.

There was one more who might be mentioned. He never woke to see the sunrise. Will never see light again.

He was already in the dark pit of hell when Jesus made his Easter victory lap through the abode of the damned. The banner over the entrance to this place could well have been, “Abandon Hope All You Who Enter Here.”

His name was Judas.

Those soldiers? They lived to see another day. Rather than being punished, they were paid a bribe to spread the word that the disciples had stolen the body of Jesus. “Jesus of Nazareth is still dead!” they lied (Matthew 28:12).

Mary from Magdala? That supposed gardener changed her day with one word: “Mary!” Her eyes were opened to see her living Redeemer. When she ran to him, he told her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17).

What about Peter? He awoke to go with John to visit that grave. It really was empty. The cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was found neatly folded. They went away wondering.

It’s the apostle Paul who later tells more of the story. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.”

He adds more details. “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.”

He continues, “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”

Finally, the climax! “And last of all he appeared to me also.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

The risen Savior appeared to Saul of Damascus, now called Paul, who had hunted down followers of Jesus to have them arrested! If he was willing to forgive someone like that, whom else would he accept?

Would he forgive and accept me? Even me? Might he, one day, appear to me? Will he call my name? Can I look forward to my own Easter experience when I will see him with my own eyes?

But what if I die before he returns to earth? What should I tell myself when my eyes close in death? What shall I say when the new day dawns?

What else than “Awake! Awake my heart with gladness!”



Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” Now I know that I shall live though I die. To learn that I will live forever with you, and with all those who believe in you, is not just good news. It is the best news. You will awake my heart with gladness. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Easter morning was confusing for the followers of Jesus. Why did he make it so?
  • Some say those bribed guards told the biggest lie in history. Might that be true?
  • Easter was long past when Jesus showed himself to Paul. Why might he have done that?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Give Us Barabbas – March 31, 2023

Give Us Barabbas – March 31, 2023


“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”
Matthew 27:21,22




Military Devotion – March 31, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 27:21,22

See series: Military Devotions

Bad choices lead to bad consequences.

No choice was ever as bad as the one made by the Jewish people at the trial of Jesus. We cringe to hear their words. Their decision defied reason. It ignored justice. It sprang from hatred and envy.

We might have expected this was done to defy the authority of the hated Roman government. Rome ruled with an iron fist backed up by the Roman sword. Israel strained against this foreign grip. Outright rebellion bubbled just under the surface of everyday life. Secret societies plotted Rome’s overthrow. One group called themselves the Zealots.

One of the disciples of Jesus had formerly belonged to this band of insurrectionists. That’s why he was known as Simon the Zealot. We assume his involvement came to an end when he began following Jesus. But those extreme groups still existed—and they grew stronger.

By 62 A.D. Rome was so fed up with the acts of rebellion that it sent its troops to wipe out the Jewish nation. Jerusalem was destroyed. The great temple was left in rubble. Some people may have remembered the warning of Jesus that not one stone would be left on top of another.

The Roman government would not tolerate insurrection.

That’s why it is so strange to hear the governor offer to release a man who was in prison for insurrection and murder. We wonder if it was a Roman citizen that he killed.

Pilate knew it was envy behind the charges against Jesus. Accordingly, he made the decision to turn loose a murderous insurrectionist to protect an innocent Jesus.

But the crowd would not have that happen. Their answer was, “Give us Barabbas!”

Sadly, this was not completely unexpected. Humans have a history of making such horribly wrong decisions. Eve surely did. So did Jacob. So did David. So did Solomon.

And so do we.

Like everyone before, we know right from wrong. The Lord has laid that out clearly for us. To curse, to lie, to steal, or to envy—that often requires a decision on our part. Before we do it, we already know it is wrong. What’s our excuse?

Maybe we think we have a good one. Perhaps, we feel that under the circumstances, it is better to commit a small wrong to prevent a major one. But wrong is still wrong.

Pilate decided it was better to condemn a Jewish rabbi than to lose favor with Rome and probably his governorship. He had heard the shouts of the crowd. “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” That was a threat. It was a risk he did not want to take.

Yet, in his heart, Pilate knew the judgment was wrong. He tried to wash his hands of it. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he told the crowd. “It is your responsibility!” Their answer? “Let his blood be on us and on our children” (Matthew 27:25).

“Give us Barabbas!” they demanded. The foolish human race of today still makes this dreadful choice. The symbolic cry echoes down the halls of time, “Give us Barabbas! Away with Christ! Away with Jesus who is called the Christ!”

The Lord God in heaven hears this. And what does he do?

He gives us Jesus.

He gives us the sinless life of Jesus. He gives us the suffering and death of Jesus. He gives us the right to share in the glory of Jesus. All this is handed over to us without charge.

The phrase, “His blood be on us and on our children!” now becomes our prayer.

Scripture points us to that same Jesus, “who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” (Revelation 1:5). His blood covers our guilt; frees us from sin’s grip; gives us heaven.

So, still today, we raise our voices to the holy God asking, “Give us Jesus! Give us Jesus!”

And he does.



Prayer:
Jesus, my Savior, my Lord, my Friend, hold your powerful hand over my head as I walk along the path of life. Keep me from bad decisions. Guide me on the path of righteousness. At the end of this path, show me your glory. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Did the pressure of the crowd force some people to join in the rejection of Jesus?
  • Could the people who asked that the blood of Jesus be upon them come to saving faith?
  • How does God give us Jesus today?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Facing Lions – March 24, 2023

Facing Lions – March 24, 2023


Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.
Psalm 22:13,14




Military Devotion – March 24, 2023

Devotion based on Psalm 22:13,14

See series: Military Devotions

It wasn’t a dream. It was worse than a nightmare. It was a vision—a terrifying vision.

The words were written by David—he who wrote of green pastures and still waters. He knew something about lions. When trying to convince Saul that he was able to battle Goliath, he told of a time when he faced a lion attacking his sheep (1 Samuel 17:36). Lions were not uncommon in the land of Israel in his day.

But those were not the lions in this vision. These beasts were humans. They just acted like dangerous animals. This must have been a dreadful experience for the shepherd who became king.

Far, far worse was it for the Good Shepherd who was the King of kings!

The words are part of one of the most famous prophetic psalms. When David said, “All my bones are out of joint” he was expressing emotional pain. When some thousand years later the one hailed as the “Son of David” cried out the words, his bones and tendons were literally being pulled apart.

Psalm 22, written by David, contains the vision of Jesus being slowly executed on a hill outside of Jerusalem. We see the horror through his eyes. We hear his scream for help.

But no help comes.

His disciple, Peter, had bragged that he would defend his Master to the death. He turned coward before a servant girl. So, he was no help.

None of his disciples could help. No one who had come down with him from Galilee could help. He had two followers in the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. But they were of no help. The wife of Pontius Pilate tried to help but she failed.

There was only one who could step in to put a stop to this execution. He was the one who had said at the baptism of Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love.”

It was to God the Father in heaven that the one on the center cross cried out for help.

His cry was answered with silence.

Jesus knew his Father could see him suffering. He had sent an angel to strengthen his Son when he was sweating blood in Gethsemane. But now, no angel. No encouragement. No help from heaven. No hope.

In despair came the cry, “O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer.”

He knew the why. In anguish, he had called, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1,2)

Indeed, he was forsaken! He was abandoned. He was left to face those lions all by himself. They would tear him to pieces.

Yet, this was no surprise. The one called Jesus of Nazareth knew this was coming even before he touched the soil of Bethlehem.

He realized he had come here to die an ugly, painful death. He understood what it would take to cover the cost of mankind’s crimes against heaven.

But now being face to face with the reality of divine justice leveled against him, it should not surprise us to hear him ask, “Is there any other way? Isn’t there any other way?”

When we look in from the distance of thousands of years and the safety of knowing we won’t have to face this, we still are shocked at the brutality of the judgment and appalled at the perceived miscarriage of justice.

This seems so wrong!

But it wasn’t, was it? The payment demanded every slap, every stripe, every thorn, every nail—and much, much more. We sing:

“Many hands were raised to wound him,
none would intervene to save,
But the deepest stroke that pierced him
was the stroke that Justice gave.”
(Christian Worship 430:2)

What does this tell us?

We are so loved! We are so loved! We are so loved that God the Father was willing to give up his Son for us. And his Son was willing to say, “Your will be done!”

And God the Holy Spirit was willing to enter our hearts with the assurance, “Your sin is now forgiven. Heaven is yours.”

His view from the cross was a terrifying sight. Pain and death staked their claims.

Our view of the cross reveals a precious scene, a comforting picture, a joyous sight.

Now we can see clearly, Jesus has staked his claim of paradise regained—and given it to us.



Prayer:
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss
and pour contempt on all my pride. Amen.
(Christian Worship 407:1)



Points to ponder:

  • Does it surprise us that Jesus asked for a way out of paying the price to rescue us?
  • Does it surprise us to learn that Jesus was terrified at the prospect of facing Good Friday?
  • Does it surprise us that we do not build our life with the view of his rescue of us in the foreground?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


A Splendid Weapon – March 17, 2023

A Splendid Weapon – March 17, 2023


He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”
Isaiah 49:2,3




Military Devotion – March 17, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 49:2,3

See series: Military Devotions

Sometimes, people seem confused about Jesus. Perhaps, it is because they envision him in a picture of their own choosing. A Jesus meek and mild who invites children to come to him is a popular view. It certainly is a special one and a comforting one. We must be thankful that the Lord of all is kind and caring.

Is this the same Jesus who twice drove the money changers and the merchants out of the temple by force, overturning their tables? (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15)

It is.

Is the Jesus who said to turn the other cheek the same one who called out, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?” (Matthew 12:34)

It is.

God is love, but he also is holy. He is the friend of sinners, but he does not tolerate sin. He came to destroy the powerhouse of evil. He is the enemy of evil and all its works and all its ways.

The Son of God came into this world as a weapon—a splendid weapon.

The Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to describe this fact by having the preincarnate Messiah tell the story of being commissioned by his Father.

He begins, “He made my mouth like a sharpened sword.”

That presents a strange picture but one that reoccurs in Scripture. Saint Paul refers to “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” in Ephesians 6. Then, Saint John presents this description, “In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance” (Revelation 1:16).

The picture is clear. Jesus did not use sharpened steel to battle against his enemies. That would have done no good. It is the Word of God that is the power of God unto salvation.

But the Word cannot be separated from the person of the Son of God. Scripture declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

We begin to realize the wonder of all this. No wonder he says, “In the shadow of his hand he hid me.” Our eyes cannot penetrate the mystery of the Trinity.

Then, the picture changes from a sword to an arrow. “He made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.”

We know how this happened. Jesus did not look dangerous. He seemed weak before his enemies. He appeared defeated. His power was concealed. It wasn’t obvious on Good Friday. But the power was there. Easter morning displayed it.

Swords and arrows. For ages on end, these were the common weapons of war. Joshua’s army used them against the Canaanites. David used them against the Philistines. And Rome used them to establish a dominant empire.

Jesus was the heavenly equivalent of these weapons. He smashed through the perimeters of the demonic defenses. He overran the strongholds of the powers of darkness. Then, early on Easter morning, he took a victory lap through the halls of hell.

Ever after, demons tremble at the sound of his voice and dread the day of their eternal lockdown.

He was called “Israel” because he was the embodiment of what the children of God were supposed to be.

And us? We know the victory has been won. But we know the enemy remains dangerous. The apostle Peter speaks of Satan as a roaring lion. We don’t have much contact with fierce lions. But we do know about poisonous snakes.

We know not to play with vipers. We warn others of their presence. We walk carefully through rattlesnake country. It’s not enough to cut off its tail. We must crush its head.

That’s what the Lord Jesus did for us. That’s why he came into our dangerous world. Satan had been warned of his coming. “He will crush your head,” he had been told (Genesis 3:15).

So it was. So it is. He is the death of death and hell’s destruction.

Thus, the glory of the Savior God is displayed in all its splendor.

Jesus of Nazareth is the Savior God’s splendid weapon—and our splendid Savior.

A hymn pictures our death to be like Israel entering the Promised Land.



Prayer:
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death and hell’s destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side. Amen.
(Christian Worship 923:3)



Points to ponder:

  • If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why is he described as a weapon?
  • Why is the Word of God aptly pictured as a sword?
  • Why can Jesus be called the death of death?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


My Shield – March 10, 2023

My Shield – March 10, 2023


In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16




Military Devotion – March 10, 2023

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:16

See series: Military Devotions

I have a shield. I did not make it. I did not buy it. I received it as a gift.

My shield is not a desk.

When I was seven, my schoolteacher taught me what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. She drilled my schoolmates and me often enough to ensure we could respond quickly and successfully if an atomic bomb were dropped upon Marinette County. She would call out, “Nuclear attack! Nuclear attack!”

And we would crawl under our desks.

It all seems rather silly now. But at the time, it gave us a level of confidence.

Good thing those defensive skills were never put to the test! We would have learned the tragic results of false confidence.

Sadly, we humans often place our confidence in silly things. The more serious the threat, the more powerful our protection must be. We cannot make foolish mistakes.

We live in a world swirling with threats. Diseases threaten us. Storms threaten us. Accidents threaten us—and so do enemies.

Our nation has a Department of Defense to help shield our citizens from enemies foreign and domestic. Those who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces are part of the fabric of this shield. Americans and others are counting on this protection. They place their confidence in this shield.

But what about the enemies that are not human?

To simply say they do not exist, that they are the mere products of superstition and folklore, is not facing the facts. How can we explain the hatred and brutality the human race has shown without acknowledging the existence of evil?

Where did that strain of evil come from? There is an answer.

Evil came from the pit of hell. It was carried to earth by angels who had waged war against their Creator and the angels who remained faithful to him. Having lost the war in heaven, the condemned angels launched their attacks upon us.

These agents of evil have tremendous firepower. But their weapons are not aimed at body mass. Their victims are left with legs that work and hearts that still pump blood.

They place the crosshair of their deadly weapon upon the soul. They know the result of sin is death. They know what is meant by that death. They have experienced it. They have been cut off from the holy God with all his kindness and blessings.

When Jesus told of a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, he was describing their homeland. They hate it there. They dread the day when they will be locked in there. Until that judgment day dawns, they dedicate themselves to collecting as many humans as possible to join them there.

They want to ensure that the humans already on the side of darkness will stay with them. They fiercely attack those who call upon God as their Father and Savior. Their primary weapon is the temptation to reject the ruling of God—as Adam and Eve once did.

Like flaming arrows, temptations are flung against us from all directions in wave after wave. The fires started by these arrows can turn everything good into ruin and ashes. We can try to duck when temptations fly. We might attempt to swat those fiery arrows away. But that doesn’t work.

That’s no better than hiding under a desk.

What chance do we have against enemies with such powers? How many times have we already failed to stop their attacks? How many times have we been hit?

What we need, is a shield large enough to cover us and good enough to protect us. What we need, is exactly what the Lord offers. He calls it the shield of faith.

We remember how Satan flung those flaming arrows of temptation at Jesus in the wilderness. Every time, the arrow was quenched in the shield of “It is written.”

“It is written: ‘Man does not live by bread alone.’”

“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

“It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Jesus teaches us to hold up the Word of God to the devil. Point out to him the power of God that smashes evil. Claim for ourselves the victory that Christ has already won.

A desk is not protection against a nuclear attack. A good intention is not protection against the urge to do evil. A piece of jewelry in the shape of a cross, even one made of gold, is no protection against the fiery arrows of temptation.

“My hope is built on nothing less,” we sing, “than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

That is my shield.



Prayer: Father in heaven, your faithfulness is my shield. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why do we prefer to place our confidence in the visible instead of the invisible?
  • Why are satanic temptations so appealing?
  • Is it ignorance or denial that leads some people to say angels and demons do not exist?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


He Had a Dream – March 3, 2023

He Had a Dream – March 3, 2023


Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Genesis 28:10,11




Military Devotion – March 3, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 28:10,11

See series: Military Devotions

It is said everyone dreams. It is said we don’t remember many of them. Yet, some dreams are never forgotten. They are passed along to future generations.

The dream of Jacob is one of them.

His name means “The Grabber.” We might call him an opportunist. He had high hopes and big dreams. He was good at lying. He was willing to steal to get ahead. He was good at getting others to help him lie and steal, including his mother.

But he was caught red-handed trying to steal his brother’s inheritance. Now, he was running for his life from a brother who vowed to kill him. Empty-handed, he was heading for Haran, some 500 miles away, planning that an uncle who lived there would help him out.

A dream interrupted his plans.

This was no ordinary dream. None less than the Lord God appeared in it with a surprising message. This lying, cheating, scoundrel was given a blessing beyond his wildest expectations. He was promised an inheritance so marvelous that it reverberates down through the ages, even to us.

The message began, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying” (Genesis 28:13).

He had been sleeping on soil his descendants would one day own. This would be the land of Canaan, the Promised Land.

The message went on. “Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south.”

Even more surprising, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.”

And finally, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:14,15).

When he woke up, Jacob thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”

Then, he became afraid. He set the stone he had rested his head upon as a marker. He poured anointing oil on top of it. “This,” he said, is the gate of heaven.” He named the place Bethel—the house of God.

What do we make of this? What can we learn from this? What did this man do to deserve this?

Nothing. He did not merit anything good from the holy God who had watched his every step, listened to his every lie, and knew the vileness that lived in his heart. But the Lord did not abandon him. Jacob didn’t realize it at the time, but God was leading him into a twenty-year training program. The Lord would use his stay with his uncle, Laban, to purify his faith, cleansing it of self-trust, dishonesty, and falsehood.

He later looked back on his life and said, “My years have been few and difficult.”

When he did return home, he was a changed man—a humble, repentant man.

The Lord God kept his promise. Jacob and his descendants became a source of blessing for countless others, including us.

The sons of Jacob became the 12 tribes of Israel. One of them became a powerful ruler in Egypt. That was Joseph. Another son was Judah. He became the father of a line of people that included King David and an even greater King, called Jesus, who was also the Son of God.

Jesus was the source of Jacob’s blessings. Jesus is the one who blessed him with forgiveness and correction.

There’s a word for those actions by a loving God. The Word is grace. It is a love not deserved.

Divine grace overflowed in Jacob’s life. So also, in ours. Jacob was schooled by God through disappointments and setbacks. Sometimes, so are we. This is also a blessing.

Jacob was shown the stairway to heaven to focus his attention upon the heavenly and holy. A song talks about that. It says, “We are climbing Jacob’s ladder.”

In a way, that’s true. With every new day, we are taking a step closer to heaven.

Jacob had a dream of heaven. And now?

Now he is living the dream.

And we will, too.

One day.



Prayer: Jesus, Savior, bless us with forgiveness and keep us on the path to heaven. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Some say that we lie most of all to those who love us Why might this be true?
  • Why does God sometimes interrupt our lives and our plans?
  • What surprising people has God used to bring blessings to you?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


The Way of Sorrows – February 24, 2023

The Way of Sorrows – February 24, 2023


He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
Isaiah 53:3 KJV




Military Devotion – February 24, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 53:3 KJV

See series: Military Devotions

There is a path marked out in the city of Jerusalem that is said to be the route on which the Roman soldiers led Jesus from the judgment hall to Golgotha. It is called the Via Dolorosa—“The Way of Sorrows.”

While that path may not be exactly accurate, since many years have passed since that dark Friday, the name of the road is most fitting. The Way of Sorrows was walked by the Man of sorrows.

His story is the saddest one ever told. It is a story of grief beyond human description. It begins near the dawn of time.

The one called Jesus is the Son of God who was there at creation. He made a perfect universe with perfect people who were to live in perfect joy. But the perfection was lost, and the heart of the Creator was grieved.

His lament is recorded. “The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain” (Genesis 6:5,6).

The consequences were horrendous. The Giver of life said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.”

We have read of natural disasters. We have seen the pictures. We feel sorry for the people caught up in them. But nothing compares to the flood in Noah’s day when the waters kept rising and rising, when housetops, treetops, and even mountain tops offered no escape from drowning.

Such a tragedy! No one was even left to grieve—except Noah and his family—and except the holy God who was heartsick over sin.

It brought the Lord of glory no pleasure to see the suffering and the dying. He tells us, “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11)

Jesus was indeed a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

The Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrows, began long before a Pontius Pilate was born, long before Jesus was betrayed, and long before his first cry as a baby.

But it all could have been avoided. It would have been so easy for the Son of God to skip the sorrow. It would only have been natural, and fair if humans had been left to go down the path they had chosen.

That’s what had happened to the rebellious angels. Why shouldn’t it happen to humans?

Those who sin should pay the price for committing sin. Why should it be any different?

Sin brings shame. Sin brings pain. Don’t believe it? Just wait. Just watch. Just learn.

And then turn. Turn to the one who takes away the shame and the pain. Turn to the Man of sorrows who is acquainted with grief.

The road to Golgotha began at the east side of Eden where cherubim and a flaming sword flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).

There was no hope for us in Eden. The tree of life growing there would only lock us into a never-ending existence of futility and hopelessness.

The path to life led to a different tree—a dead tree, a deadly tree.

There, the Lord of life would hang until he died.

The Man of sorrows had to walk the Way of Sorrows all the way to his death.

This was our only hope. This gave us life. This turns great sorrow into great joy.

We still have sorrows in our lives. Sometimes they bring us great grief. But they are only temporary. We are traveling through life as if on a train. Sometimes, we run into bad weather and bad times. The train rocks and jerks as we move along life’s track. But this train does not stop. It does not drop us off in the desert of desperation. It will carry us along to the place it is destined to reach.

An old song contains the words, “This train is bound for glory, this train.”

It seems to fit our situation.

Our Savior God walked the Way of Sorrows so we could ride the train to glory.

Something to think about as we watch the season of Lent pass by.



Prayer: Jesus, Savior, lead us through this vale of tears. Take us home. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • How does it affect us to learn that our Creator is grieved over our sin?
  • Why do the pains of life tempt us to think our God does not care?
  • Is Good Friday a source of sorrow or joy? Why?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Peaks and Valleys – February 17, 2023

Peaks and Valleys – February 17, 2023


After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.
Mark 9:2




Military Devotion – February 17, 2023

Devotion based on Mark 9:2

See series: Military Devotions

We like the peaks in our lives. We dread the valleys.

We enjoy the times when we feel on top of the world. Good things are happening. We see things clearly. The future looks bright.

The valleys of our lives hold shadows of sad things—failures, doubts, and even death.

Between the peaks and valleys of life lies a road bordered by everyday sights that leave us uninspired. The movie Groundhog Day reflects such state of mind. We look for change. We hope the top-of-the-mountain experience will return. We become discouraged when it does not.

The three disciples Jesus took with him up a high mountain experienced an unforgettable event. James did not live long after it happened but Peter and John both refer to it later in life.

John wrote, “We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14). Peter insisted, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).

Never before or after on earth did they reach this pinnacle of experience. At the baptism of Jesus, the Triune God revealed himself in the form of a dove and the voice from heaven. But Jesus stayed in his form of a regular human.

Not this time.

Matthew reports, “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).

Mark adds more amazing details, “His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus” (Mark 9:3,4).

What? Elijah and Moses had left this life centuries earlier. God, himself, had buried Moses on another mountain top, outside of the land of Canaan. That corpse had long ago turned to dust. How could they now appear to the disciples—not as ghosts, not as in a dream, but as living, talking, people?

How could this be unless there is life after death? Unless humans can share in the glory of their sovereign God?

It’s all true, just as Scripture has been telling us.

But wait, there’s more! “Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7).

So, Jesus of Nazareth, son of Mary and stepson of Joseph, descendant of Abraham, Judah, and the Moabitess, Ruth is also the Son of God!

Wow!

Those disciples were overcome with wonder. They didn’t know what to do next. It must have been hard to wait until they could tell the rest of the disciples!

No. Not yet. Not a word of this was to be spoken until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So, they were left wondering what “rising from the dead” meant.

They would learn. This peak experience in their lives would lead to a very dark valley. Deep grief would grip their hearts. Peter’s faith would stumble and fall. People would later sing, “O sorrow dread, God’s Son is dead.”

But that road, the way of sorrows, would lead them through the valley unto heights of joy and glory they could not have imagined.

Their eyes would see the resurrected Jesus. Their ears would hear his command to go to all nations to proclaim the victory over sin and death. They would watch as, from another mountaintop, this same Jesus would rise into the air to return to his heavenly home.

And, when the light of earthly life had left their eyes, they would see him anew—along with Moses and Elijah and all the rest of the heirs of salvation.

And us? What about us?

We still live with the peaks and valleys of earthly life. Our feet are still anchored in time. But our day will come.

We will be carried to a place higher than any mountain top. We will see the glory of God with our own eyes.

And the valley of sorrow and death will be left far behind—never to be seen again.

Old Testament Job was right when he said:

“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 19:26,27)

How my heart yearns within me.



Prayer: Lord of glory, who has bought us with your lifeblood as the price, lift our eyes to the heavens as we await our transport home. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why did Jesus take only three of his disciples to see his transfiguration?
  • Why did Jesus show his blazing glory to humans just this one time?
  • What does the transfiguration of Jesus mean to us today?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Robbed of Me – February 10, 2023

Robbed of Me – February 10, 2023


Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility… Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
Daniel 1:3,6,7




Military Devotion – February 10, 2023

Devotion based on Daniel 1:3,6,7

See series: Military Devotions

My name is me!

That might not be using correct grammar, but it is correctly stating my claim. I was given a name by people who knew me and loved me. My complete name was called out as the waters of Baptism flowed over my head.

“I have called you by name. You are mine.” The Lord God declares.

Cherished words then follow:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:1,2).

My Redeemer God calls me by name. A government bureaucrat assigned me a Social Security number. With teenage bravado, I decided to never commit that number to memory. I would resist being identified by a number.

You can imagine how long that lasted.

I won’t reject my government’s identification effort. Especially when that number is now on the social security check I receive. But I still retain the name my God has called me by, no matter what the government decides.

My name is me. I will not be robbed of me.

We are already familiar with the four captives from Judah who were brought to Babylon. We have read about Daniel in the lion’s den and his friends who were thrown into the fiery furnace.

We learn they were given new names when they got to the country of their enemies. Ironically, we still call Daniel by his Jewish name. We never seem to refer to him as Belteshazzar. But the Babylonian names for his friends easily flow from our mouths. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? That’s the men in the fiery furnace—untouched, by the way, by fire.

The Israelites transplanted to Babylon were not typical prisoners of war. They became exiles, living in houses and holding down jobs. But they were not free to leave. They missed their homeland. The psalmist put it this way. “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion” (Psalm 137:1).

Daniel and his friends died in that foreign land. They answered to their foreign names. But they never forgot who they were. They never forgot the name of their Redeemer God. They never stopped praying to him or serving him—no matter the consequences.

The Lord had special plans for these men. They remind us of a Joseph, who once was carried to Egypt. Like him, Daniel and his friends became a blessing to the people who controlled them. His friends became able administrators. Daniel remained at the court. Though they were respected, they were also tested.

Through them, their captors came to learn of the only true God. But this knowledge usually came after the captives were confronted with death threats. There were other stressful times besides the lion’s den and the red-hot furnace. Each time, they called out to the Lord, who knew them by name and heard their cries for help.

The Babylonian king had to admit to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries…” (Daniel 2:47).

Then the king explained the name given to Daniel. He said, “He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him” (Daniel 4:8).

Daniel lived among people who rejected the Lord. He worked under them. But he did not become one of them.

There’s a lesson there. We might have people over us who do not fear the Lord. At times, we might be called to be of help to people who reject the Creator and Redeemer God. But those people should know by our words and actions that we call upon the name of the Lord for guidance and blessing.

Thus, we can say, “Child of God and heir of glory? That’s me!”

He calls me still by my God-blessed name. He will ever do that.

No one can rob me of that.



Prayer: Savior God and Lord of the nations, at times, we find ourselves among people we don’t like. Sometimes, they are a threat to our welfare. Sometimes, they are a threat to our faith. Hear us when we call out to you for guidance and strength. Remind us of who we are. Remind us that you call us by name. Remind us that we belong to you. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Would the Israelites who were carried off to Babylon have been more likely to abandon their faith in the Lord or to grasp it more firmly?
  • Why does God often allow his people to be overtaken by danger and trouble?
  • Why would God use his people for the betterment of people who reject him?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Driving Out Demons – February 3, 2023

Driving Out Demons – February 3, 2023


Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Mark 1:38,39




Military Devotion – February 3, 2023

Devotion based on Mark 1:38,39

See series: Military Devotions

To some, the idea of demon possession is hilarious—to others, horrific.

It depends upon whether you believe there are such things as demons and if they have any control over humans.

People of the Bible have an advantage. No need to search the internet for answers. Not dependent upon society’s changing views, they can turn to the Source of truth.

And they should.

The holy God reveals there indeed are demons, also called devils. The name of their leader is Satan. They are, in fact, angels. They possess angelic powers.

Scripture explains. “And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (Revelation 12:7-9).

In the original language, the word dragon means a giant serpent. It is a fitting name for Satan since he took the form of a snake to lead humans into the rebellion that damned them, too.

The centerpiece of human history is the intervention of their Creator to rescue them from this hellish state of affairs. That he was willing to sacrifice his Son to accomplish this stands out as the greatest event since the creation of the universe.

The story of this rescue is the main theme of the Bible. Every one of the inspired books somehow reveals something we need to know about the Lord of life and his plans for us.

More than just interesting reading, the words of Scripture speak to our hearts to warn us and to reassure us. Accordingly, they introduce us to angels—both the holy ones and the demonic.

The first angel we meet in Scripture is an evil one. We are shown the deadly weapon in his arsenal. The Holy Spirit pulls back the camouflage cover of his friendliness and reveals the killing power of temptation.

Though they have the powers of angels, demons cannot force us to turn our backs on the Lord of life. Our souls are not at their mercy. Their threats are empty—unless we give in to them.

Therein lies the problem. Since the Garden of Eden, humans have been born as citizens of the kingdom of darkness. Even after they have been reborn as citizens of the kingdom of light, they remain attracted to evil. Only when they step into their heavenly home will they finally be completely free from it.

Demons aim for the soul. A soul lost to God is their claim of victory.

But there have been times when demons took control of bodies. We call that demon possession. Some of the symptoms are similar to mental illness in that the person is not in control of what is said or done—and is not responsible for these things. It does not mean this soul is definitely lost, just that demons can make a person’s life miserable.

The Bible shows us a number of sad cases of demon possession. But it also shows the superior power of the Messiah.

While he came to save souls, Jesus also came to heal bodies stricken with disease and handicaps—and to drive out demons.

All this showed he certainly was the Promised One from heaven. His power is over all things—including the powers of darkness.

Lest we think demons can pick and choose victims for possession at will, Scripture reminds us that Satan and his followers are defeated. Their Creator rules them. He limits their reach. He watches over his people.

There is a good reason why Jesus taught us to pray, “Deliver us from evil.”

That’s why we end that famous prayer with the words, “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.”

No wonder we sing:

“This world’s prince may still
scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none,
He’s judged; the deed is done!
One little word can fell him.”
(from Christian Worship 863:3)

That word is Jesus.



Prayer: Gracious and powerful Lord God, we sometimes forget that enemies strive to rob us of salvation by leading us to discard our faith in you. Protect us, body and soul, from the powers of darkness. Deliver us from evil. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • What lies has Satan been telling us lately?
  • Does the thought of demons threatening our bodies concern us more than the thought of them fighting for control of our souls? Why or why not?
  • What do diseases and demon possession have in common?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Taking a Stand – January 27, 2023

Taking a Stand – January 27, 2023


Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.
Ephesians 6:14




Military Devotion – January 27, 2023

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:14

See series: Military Devotions

In 1858, the sleeve of Pastor Tyng’s gown was caught in a machine for shelling corn being pulled by his mule. His arm was mangled, then amputated. He died the next week. As he was dying, he was asked what message he wanted to give to his people.

“Tell them,” he said, “let us all stand up for Jesus.”

Neighboring pastor, George Duffield, was struck by these words. A week later, he ended his sermon with a hymn he had just written. The new hymn began with the now famous line, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross!”

We know that hymn. We can mightily sing its words, even though we may often carry them out rather meekly.

The hymn does not encourage us to be undercover Christians. Nor does it invite us to become foxhole Christians. “Stand up!” is the command.

But as soon as we stand up, are we not a target?

We are.

We, Christians, need to face that. We gladly and boldly sing, “What a friend we have in Jesus!” It would be good for us to remember the saying, “The friend of my enemy is my enemy.” Jesus has enemies.

Those who have been in war zones understand this. The American flag stakes a claim. It shouts out, “This stands for the United States of America.” The uniform announces, “The one who wears this takes a stand for the United States of America. This person will stand up against all its enemies.”

The uniform of the Christian is the lifestyle others see. When God is an important person in our life, when the worship of him is an essential part of our life, this is recognized. It should not surprise us if those who take a stand against God are not pleased with us.

Those who served in Vietnam expected to be vilified by the Viet Cong. The same was true of the enemy in every other theater of war.

The war against the powers of darkness is no different. In fact, the insulting, reviling attacks may even be worse.

Those who find themselves on the front line, at the point of the spear, in the fight against all that is ungodly should take the backlash as evidence of being effective.

But they also should receive encouragement from fellow warriors.

Pastor Duffield aimed his words at those who take a stand against the deadliest enemies known to humankind, namely, the satanic forces from hell, their human allies who surround the Christian’s life, and the rebellious nature within each person.

“Soldiers of the cross,” he called them. We are called the same.

To those who say it is far-fetched to compare the spiritual struggle of the Christian with the real-life combat of the warrior, we say, “But that’s exactly the comparison that God makes!”

Ephesians 6 tells us to “be strong in the Lord.” It goes on to warn us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Then Scripture names the pieces of the battle gear the spiritual warrior is to use. The first to be mentioned is “the belt of truth buckled around your waist.”

Every piece of our spiritual uniform is essential. But if we did not have the truth, if we did not stand for truth, nothing else would much matter.

That’s why we must stand up for Jesus today. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

That’s what counts.

It matters little what our spiritual enemies throw at us. It makes no difference if standing up for our Savior brings retaliation.

In another famous hymn, the old words are, “And take they our life, goods, fame, child, and wife; Let these all be gone, They yet have nothing won; The Kingdom ours remaineth.” (TLH 262:4)

These words were also written by a member of the clergy. He was serious about the possibility of losing everything, including his life, for standing up for Jesus and his truth.

The year was 1521. The place was Germany. The defender of the faith was a monk named Martin Luther. When the great powers demanded that he renounce truths of his Savior God, he replied with famous words.

“Here I stand,” he said. “I can do no other. So help me, God.”

No wonder we sing out the words, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus.” We have inspiring examples to follow.

More than that, we have orders.

Jesus has told us, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:14).

We have no choice. We want no choice. We echo the words of another Christian soldier who fought in service to the King. He wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

With the apostle Paul and all the other heroes of faith, we take our stand.

Don’t we?



Prayer: Holy Spirit, remind us of those who faithfully fought in the army of God in years gone by. Encourage us in days of doubt or danger with the assurance of victory in Christ. Permit us to stand in spirit next to the heroes of faith as we sing:

“And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again and arms are strong.
Alleluia!” Amen.
(Christian Worship 880:5)



Points to ponder:

  • Today, in our country, it is unlikely that we will lose our life for standing up for Jesus. So, what are we afraid of that keeps us from always doing that?
  • Have there been some people in our lives who stirred our hearts to serve our Lord more faithfully? What are their names?
  • Do you feel there is more risk for a Christian to show his faith today than it was 20 years ago? 50 years ago? Why or why not?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Not Yet Like Him – January 20, 2023

Not Yet Like Him – January 20, 2023


When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry.
Jonah 3:10, 4:1




Military Devotion – January 20, 2023

Devotion based on Jonah 3:10, 4:1

See series: Military Devotions

The only God, the holy God, likes us. But we are not like him.

The play on words is to draw attention to a critical truth revealed in Scripture.

The Old Testament prophecy named the Messiah “Immanuel,” that is, “God with us.” The message is that the one who is divine would become human to rescue humans from the deadly consequences of their rebellion against him. We celebrate this good news at Christmas.

During the Epiphany season, we look at the evidence that the prophecy was fulfilled. He looked like a human, talked and acted like a human. He ate food, he grew tired, and he cried tears.

As final evidence of his humanity, we are told that he bled, and he died.

But clearly, he was more than human. The Roman soldier who watched him die was convinced. “Surely this was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:19).

He did work many amazing miracles. Yet, the miracles, of themselves, do not show the primary way he is different from us. After all, humans have done some amazing things, too. Remember Moses parting the waters of the Red Sea? Recall the time Peter walked on water—for a while?

In the book of Acts, Saint Luke tells us: “The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people” (Acts 5:12).

Some humans have worked miracles because God worked through them. Those humans were not divine—and did not claim to be.

But Jesus was God and clearly claimed the same. Though he was human, he was not exactly like us. Beyond divine power and wisdom lies an essential difference between him and humankind.

God is love. We are not. Not yet.

Jonah gives evidence of the difference.

Commanded to warn the citizens of the great city, Nineveh, Jonah defied the order by running away from the mission and—foolish as it was to try—away from the Lord God.

We might assume he was afraid of the failure this mission might bring. To bring these people to a state of repentance seemed like a mission impossible.

But that’s not why Jonah tried to run away! He wasn’t afraid they would reject the warning; he was afraid they would accept it—and God would spare them!

When that did happen, Jonah complained, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:2,3).

Almost unbelievable, isn’t it? He actually wanted those people to be crushed by the mighty arm of God. Would he have jumped up and down in glee to see the burning sulfur fall down upon Sodom? Would he have laughed at the prisoners being led away to Babylon?

Why would Jonah delight to see people being punished by God?

Could it be because he had a sinful human nature? Could it be that we are inclined the same way? Don’t we get some satisfaction out of being able to say at times, “Well, he got what he deserved!”

Do we not want justice? We do. So does the Judge of all.

But his justice is always tempered with mercy. It gives him no joy to see people get what they deserve. We read of his warning call: “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11).

Only when we realize our name is on the list of the wicked, only when we understand that we deserve no punishment less than that given to Satan, then we begin to understand how merciful the Lord has been to us.

Then we begin to grasp the wonder of the words, “God so loved the world…”

Could it be that he loved someone like me? The amazing answer is, “Yes!”

But there is even more to the story. We are told, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

Not only does God like us so much that his Son died for us—one day, we will be like him!



Prayer: Lord Jesus, your Word clearly reveals how guilty we are and how severely we should be punished. So, we must be astounded to learn that we are pardoned. May we never lose this astonishment. May we strive to be more like you until the day comes when we shall truly be like you. Grant that for your name’s sake. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Is it wrong to rejoice to see justice being served? Why or why not?
  • How do we keep ourselves from feeling, “I’m better than them!”?
  • How can we become more merciful—like God?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Two Score and Fifteen – January 13, 2023

Two Score and Fifteen – January 13, 2023


We spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Psalm 90:9,10 (KJV)




Military Devotion – January 13, 2023

Devotion based on Psalm 90:9,10 (KJV)

See series: Military Devotions

Even if we grew up with the King James Bible, we still don’t usually count years according to scores. Decades are more like it.

The words of Psalm 90 are often read at funerals or near the start of a new year. That seems fitting because the psalm points us back over the quick-passing of time. Thus, using the old wording also seems fitting.

Abraham Lincoln used the same method of counting time when he stood before the fresh graves of those who had fallen in battle near a Lutheran college at Gettysburg. He began: “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Lincoln’s time reference equals 87 years. The counts given by Moses add up to 70, and 80. Both quotes are significant. Both give food for thought. Counting years by scores instead of decades makes an impression on us. Maybe we should add another score to our list of times that could impress us: Two score and fifteen.

Two score and fifteen years ago, it was 1968—fifty-five years ago.

That summer was memorable for many who lived through it. Maybe many of us were too young to remember it. Maybe, some not even born yet. But some of us graduated from school that year. Some of us became married in ‘68. And some went to Vietnam.

It was a summer of protests and raised fists. National Guard troops deployed to city streets with automatic weapons. National political conventions became almost war zones. Hippies advocated free love. College professors were telling students to: “Turn on, tune in, and drop out.”

And some who had been drafted to go to war returned to face disdain and spit.

Who can forget a summer like that?

If the whole world didn’t seem to be coming apart, our nation surely did.

Some might ask, “How did you survive it? How did our nation survive?”

“By the grace of God.”

The survivors can now look back on that year as history, or in Moses’ words, as a tale that is told.

Stories of the individuals take different twists and turns. They are stories of strength and hope, stories containing joy and love. But they also reveal labor and sorrow.

But perhaps most of all, they show how quickly the scores of years fly by. Some of us look at the old pictures with the young faces and ask, “Was that really me? Was life really like that?”

Well, it was. It was really horrible at times, and at times it was really wonderful. And the years really did fly by.

To those who ask us to explain and describe the ‘60s, we might only say, “You had to be there.”

It turns out that only God knew what lay ahead for us as we lived our life in 1968. Only God could make sense of it. Only God could preserve our nation and enable us to survive—and accomplish something of value in our lives.

This he has done. This he will continue to do. Those who are young now will one day, by the grace of God, be able to look back to see his faithfulness at work in their lives.

The prayer of Moses ends with the words:

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
Establish the work of our hands for us—yes
Establish the work of our hands.”

Two score and fifteen years ago, it was 1968 A.D. The A.D. means, “in the year of our Lord.” 2023 is also in the year of our Lord.

So it will be every year of our lives—until we leave this earth behind, and in the words of Moses: We fly away.



Prayer: Eternal Father, strong to save, you rule over time and eternity. We thank you for shielding your people from the danger that would surround them. Hold your powerful hand over us and those we love as we watch the years unfold. Enable our lives to be a blessing to others. Establish the work of our hands. Establish the work of our hands. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Is it scary or comforting to know that time passes so quickly that it seems to fly? Why?
  • Is it scary or comforting to hear Moses describe death with the words: We fly away?
  • Why does Moses call labor and sorrow the strength of our years?

*A portion of this devotion was published earlier.



Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Happy Now? – January 6, 2023

Happy Now? – January 6, 2023


When they 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.”
Matthew 2:13




Military Devotion – January 6, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 2:13

See series: Military Devotions

The words can be a rebuke when spoken with bitterness. “Happy now?” The message is, “Now you are miserable because you did not heed my warning.”

But the words can also reflect caring concern or a simple request for information. A few days ago, people wished us a “Happy New Year!” Now that we have moved into that new year, a natural question is, “Are you happy now?”

The question carries additional weight when a major change is involved. “Are you happy in your new job?” “Are you happy about the orders to move you to a new location?” Those with young children know that travel and change can provide major challenges. Moms, especially, may not look forward to the experience—may not be happy about the prospect.

It makes us wonder how Mary and Joseph reacted to the orders to move to Egypt.

Hadn’t they already gone through enough bewildering events? Consider the shock of learning about the virgin birth? How did the people of Nazareth react to the pregnancy?

Now they were new parents living in a new place, still adjusting to the miraculous events. Then, an amazing development. Scholars from the East, claiming that a star had led them, arrived at their door bringing gifts for the child born as King of the Jews.

What next?

How about the warning that King Herod had given orders to have Jesus killed?

What were these parents to think? Was this not a special baby now placed into their hands? Wasn’t this situation the work of God? When first told about this, Mary had responded with, “From now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 2:48).

Did she still feel blessed? Was she happy now? Was Joseph happy now?

They were now “on the run.” Even though they escaped from Bethlehem, they may well have heard the report of the babies slaughtered there after they had left.

Dismay and dread may have crushed any idea of happiness.

Traveling with a baby. Trying to make a home in a foreign country. Struggling to set up a carpentry business among strangers. This was not fun!

Where was God when people needed him?

Thank God, those wise men from the East had given them valuables they could cash in!

Was this by coincidence, or was this by divine plan? Might it be that although the danger was great and the stress was real, the angels who had told Mary and Joseph of the coming birth of the child and then announced it to shepherds kept watch over this family day and night?

We are not told how Mary and Joseph reacted to the stress that came into their lives. We know they were only human, like us. Maybe they did have some doubts and fears. But those would have been groundless.

Their Father in heaven had a plan in place. He knew what Herod would do at Bethlehem.

We read, “Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more’” (Matthew 2:17,18).

Rachel, Jacob’s wife, had been buried at Bethlehem long ago. Jeremiah’s prophecy was also written long ago. The slaughter of the babies under two was foreseen.

The escape to Egypt was planned. We hear, “And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son’” (Matthew 2:15).

Mary and Joseph wanted to return to Bethlehem to live. The Lord God had a different plan. We learn, “But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene’” (Matthew 2:22,23).

So, it was all planned out. So, God was always in control. So, any hardship was to bring a blessing, and fear was not necessary.

Not for them. Not for us.

Through Jeremiah of old, he speaks to us yet today. This is what he says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Happy now?

We should be.



Prayer: I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day from all harm and danger; and I pray you to forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen. (Martin Luther’s Evening Prayer)



Points to ponder:

  • Why do we evaluate situations according to our feelings instead of God’s promises?
  • Since God does not promise that we will always be able to escape danger or calamity, why is it still good to know that he is in control?
  • We are not robots programmed to carry out God’s plans. How might our decisions interface with his plans?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


One Day – December 30, 2022

One Day – December 30, 2022


Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:12,13




Military Devotion – December 30, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 13:12,13

See series: Military Devotions

“One day, we will understand. Sleep on, darling. Your loving wife and sons.”

So reads a headstone near the WWII battleground at Anzio.

Those sober words may clash with the joyous toasts of “Happy New Year!” But the fallen won’t protest, and their loved ones will understand.

The rotation of one year into another one invites one to pause for a bit to review the past and wonder about the future. We can now write down what has taken place so far in our lives. But that does not mean we understand why it happened. The future lies in clouds of fog. We can only wonder what lies on our path—and later wonder why some of that was there.

Especially those things that cause pain.

Some might question why we celebrate the beginning of a new year. Are we so happy we survived the old one? Are we so confident that good things await us in the new one?

Or are we just trying to forget the hurts the past brought us and faking confidence in the future?

We may not really know.

But those who know in whose hands the future lies have something good to look forward to. Those who know whose hands have carried them in the past have something to be thankful for.

Thus, those who call upon a Father in heaven have a double reason to celebrate.

When things go well for us, when happy things happen, we don’t usually search for the answer to the question, “Why?”

We might assume we just made the right decisions or possessed the right skills. Or, maybe we simply pass it off as being lucky.

A person who operates with high confidence may take success for granted. Failure is not expected. When it does show itself, the confidence is shaken. This is unfamiliar territory.

“I do not understand!” may become the pervading thought. A search for answers may ensue. Not finding an answer may shake that person to the core.

“Why?” “Why?” “Why?” are questions that lead to doubt, even despair, if no answer is found.

The Lord of heaven and earth knows this. Through the apostle Paul, he tells us we should not expect to find answers to all questions on this side of eternity. Now we can see only a poor reflection of life, and as in a mirror, the picture may even be reversed.

Why torment ourselves by seeking the unreachable? Why not turn to that which is certain, enlightening, and comforting? Why not grab onto the lifeline the Savior offers?

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

These three will not fade, will not disappear, will not change.

This faith, this hope, and this love are anchored in the eternal Lord God—who changes not.

But we shall change. “For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:52,53).

Then, “we shall see face to face.” Then, “I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

When will that be? Jesus tells us, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (Revelation 3:11).

She wrote, “One day we will understand. Sleep on, darling.”

Many new years have come and gone since those touching words were written. We wish the battles and the dying were gone, as well. We wonder if her sons saw combat in Vietnam. We wonder if she had to write on their headstones. We wonder if her grandchildren fought in the sandbox of the Middle East. We surely hope not.

The new year we face will no doubt bring changes into our lives. Some, we will rejoice over. We may weep over some others. Only God knows.

But this we hold dear. This we claim as our own. This awaits us as we step into the future. “Faith, hope and love.”

Now we see life as it is reflected in a mirror. Then, we shall see clearly.

Then we shall understand.

Until then, we bid our loved ones who have fallen asleep in Jesus, “Sleep on.”

“Sleep in heavenly peace.”



Prayer:
Then, gracious God, in years to come, whatever may betide us,
Right onward through our journey home, O, stay at hand to guide us,
Nor leave us till, at close of life, safe from all peril, toil, and strife,
Heaven shall enfold and hide us. Amen.
(Christian Worship 367:4)



Points to ponder:

  • Jesus once told his disciples that his friend, Lazarus, was sleeping before he raised him from the dead. (John 11:1) Why is that comforting?
  • Do you agree with the saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same?” Why or why not?
  • Do you think most Americans greet the new year with hope or with fear? Explain.


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Special Mission – December 23, 2022

Special Mission – December 23, 2022


And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 2:8-10




Military Devotion – December 23, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 2:8-10

See series: Military Devotions

We always knew the stars were beyond counting. We came to learn there were entire galaxies far, far away. But when we put telescopes into space, we were amazed to learn there is much more out there than we imagined and at distances that defy measurements.

Some astronomers believe there are about two trillion galaxies, each averaging some 100 million stars. Altogether, they estimate there are some 400 billion planets out there.

The little blue planet we live on appears as a mere speck in the celestial array. Lifeforms walking around on two legs cannot be detected even from the closest space object, the moon. We must join the psalmist in asking the Creator of all this, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4). Surely, we must be insignificant, perhaps irrelevant.

It turns out, we are not. Humans are very much the focus of the Lord God. He knows what they are like. They are defiant. They shake their puny fists at the Ruler of the universe and act as if their opinions mattered. As if he needed their approval.

His response? “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them” (Psalm 2:4).

With a flip of his little finger, he could send this planet and everything on it into oblivion. Far worse, he could punish us in his righteous wrath, as he did the rebellious angels.

Instead, he developed a plan to rescue humans from the consequences of their rebellion. It is an astonishing plan. It entails an almost unbelievable sacrifice on his part.

He will send his Son to be punished in place of those despicable ingrates. For this to happen, the Son of God must take on a human nature. He must be born of a woman.

A special force of angels was deployed to ensure mankind would know when and where this happened. The exact place was chosen long before. We do not know how angels travel. We are aware that they are based in a place called heaven. We recognize that trillions of galaxies and billions of planets lie between their home base and earth. No matter how they traveled or how fast they could get here, they still needed to know the location of their LZ, their landing zone.

We mark it at latitude 31.705791 and longitude 35.200657.

That spot is called Bethlehem in ancient Judea.

Suddenly, the night lit up with a column of light that could appear as fire in the sky. It was shock and awe. The targets, who were shepherds bivouacked in a field, were terrified. Then the voice of the lead angel thundered a message. They were not to fear. They would not be harmed. This was not an attack by a superior force.

This was a declaration of peace!

The basis of the peace was explained. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

His identity could be verified. “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11,12).

Then the scene broke wide open! “Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind’” (Luke 2:13,14 EHV).

Over the ages, angels have been sent on many different missions. Sometimes they brought severe judgment, as did the angel of death to the firstborn in Egypt, or when 185,000 Assyrian soldiers were killed overnight.

But most often, we learn of angels protecting and rescuing. The mission to Bethlehem on that holy night must have been one of the happiest ones.

The only one better was when some were sent to an empty grave to tell mourners, “He is not here. He has risen. Come see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6).

We remember all this as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of the King of kings that we now can call our brother.

This is the season for remembering. Some of our Christmas joy springs from the past. There have been special people and special times in our lives that we do not want to forget. We recognize they were special gifts from the Savior God.

Best of all, is the memory of the first Christmas. Our feet may not have carried us to Bethlehem on that night, but our hearts have done so. Our eyes may not have peeked into the stable to see the one in in the manger, but our souls have.

We may not have heard the angel voices with our own ears, but the Holy Spirit has carried their words over the expanse of time and space to place them before us.

What was the special message proclaimed by angels on a special mission?

“A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Our reply? “Message received. Glory be to God on high!”



Prayer:
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with you there. Amen.
(Christian Worship 341:3)



Points to ponder:

  • Our planet is only a speck in space. What does that tell us?
  • Bethlehem was only a dot on a map compared to Jerusalem. What does that tell us?
  • In the eyes of high society, shepherds were low class. What does that tell us?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Heads Up! – December 16, 2022

Heads Up! – December 16, 2022


At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Luke 21:27,28




Military Devotion – December 16, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 21:27,28

See series: Military Devotions

Some had their eyes focused only on their breakfast that morning. Some were looking at the magnificent rolling surf. A few glanced up at the sound of low-flying aircraft. Some eyes were still closed in sleep. No one panicked.

Until.

Until they heard the explosions. Until they saw the red circles on the aircraft wings. Until it was too late.

The place was Pearl Harbor. It was a Sunday morning in December of 1941. President Roosevelt labeled it “A Day of Infamy.”

No one expected to see death and disaster coming from that bright sky. No one had given them a “Heads up!”

They had been told to prepare for a time like this. But they didn’t think it would be on this day and at this place. They assumed life would just continue on much as it had before. Hawaii was a great place to be stationed. Christmas was coming. Who would have thought the rolling surf would turn black with oil and red with blood before this day ended?

For the survivors, life changed forever. From now on, eyes would feverishly scan those skies. Now they lived in fear that inbound terror would descend from above.

The meaning of that Christmas changed. No more “Peace and Joy!” Now the message was, “Prepare to meet your God!”

Yet hasn’t that always been the Christmas message? The presence of the holy God has always carried a threat, hasn’t it? Think of Israel trembling at the foot of Mount Sinai. Remember Isaiah’s warning to his readers, “Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty” (Isaiah 13:6).

Is the holy God to be feared? Absolutely!

The New Testament declares: “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

The Christ child was Immanuel—God with us. Shouldn’t sinners be terrified at his arrival?

Yet the coming of Christ into the world is announced as good news.

Scripture warns that we are to fear him. But we also are to love and trust him. How so?

We should be afraid to defy him but very happy that he came.

The good news is that he came not to destroy but to rescue. The angel told Joseph to name him Jesus “Because he shall save his people from their sins.”

That mission was completed under the dark skies of Golgotha. When he comes again, the skies will light up as he comes to finally bring his people home, body and soul.

In another December, three years later, Americans faced another deadly attack. This time they were in the Ardennes of Belgium. Surrounded, cold, and almost out of ammunition, they fixed their eyes upon cloud-laden skies that kept rescue from coming.

This time, they wanted to see planes fill the skies. They prayed to see the planes. They sent out a cheer when the first one was spotted. Desperately needed supplies were dropped. Rescue was at hand! We call that the “Battle of the Bulge.” It brought victory.

So, it will be when those in service to the King of kings spot the cloud in the sky that brings in Jesus with a display of power and great glory.

We call that the end of the world. We await that day with excited joy, not fear. This will be the breakout day of the final rescue.

An old song carries the words, “And man shall live forevermore because of Christmas Day.”

When we were very young, we may have been asked, “And what would you like for Christmas?” Maybe we answered with a long list of toys. But there was probably one item at the top of the list. That’s the one our heart was set upon.

Today, we would answer with a different list, but maybe as long of a list as back then. After all, there are so many things that we need—and many more that we would like.

But at the top of today’s list, would we not want to place “The peace that surpasses all understanding”? This is the peace between our God and us. This is the peace that Jesus bought and paid for.

This is the peace the angels sang about. The peace we need for ourselves and we want for our loved ones.

This is the peace we have looked for—this is the one only the Prince of Peace can bring.

That’s why we can close the Christmas carol with the words, “Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.”

One day angels will wake us with, “Heads up! Jesus, the Savior, has come!”

We watch for that day.



Prayer: Lord Jesus, you came as the Prince of Peace to reconcile us to the holy almighty God. Thank you for the “heads up” to watch for when you will come again. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • In what way can we compare the Last Day to Pearl Harbor?
  • What has changed in our lives that makes us now treasure perfect peace?
  • In what ways can we compare the Last Day to the Battle of the Bulge?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Those Empty Stockings – December 9, 2022

Those Empty Stockings – December 9, 2022


Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11




Military Devotion – December 9, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 2:11

See series: Military Devotions

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care….” So begins the famous Christmas poem.

Those stockings were filled only with hope until they would be filled with joy. They were not expected to be found empty when Christmas morning dawned. It would have been better not to hang the stockings at all than to have eager expectations pitifully dashed.

The vision of stockings found empty on Christmas tears at our hearts. It is a sad scene that we would strive to prevent. But it does happen. Hopes are not always turned into joy.

That’s why a certain sadness can come to even the people of God at this time of year.

This sadness comes not from missing loved ones who once celebrated Christmas with us. That happens, but this is a different form of sorrow.

Nor does this one grow from a lack of wrapped gifts to be shared.

Instead, this sadness is the painful realization that so many around us are missing out on Christmas.

As the Christmas music begins to fill the airways following Halloween, as the Christmas sales are announced, and the television brings feel-good stories of people at Christmastime, it begins to dawn on us: “Many don’t know!”

They don’t know what Christmas means. They don’t know the Christ of Christmas. They don’t know he is their Savior. They don’t know he is Christ, the Lord. They just don’t know.

Their spiritual Christmas stocking is empty.

Many eagerly search for the reputed joy of Christmas. They hope they can find it in decorations that “make the spirit bright.” They turn to the joy of getting and giving. Some rely upon the stimulants of food or drink.

They are determined to have a merry Christmas. They sincerely wish this for others.

They just do not know that, without Christ, there can be no Christmas joy.

The sad evidence is there. Check the police logs for Christmas Eve. Domestic disputes? Alcohol-caused car wrecks? Suicides? Far too many!

Without Christ, there can be no true Christmas joy.

Yet, many do not know they are missing it. They even resent our idea that their Christmas lacks something.

That puts the Christian in an uncomfortable position.

Do we just tell them their Christmas is empty of anything lasting and meaningful? Will they believe us? Will that prompt them to seek the Christ of Christmas?

Or will they just shake their heads at our apparent arrogance? After all, who are we to tell someone else that they are not as happy as they should be?

Does that mean we should just go on our merry way and not care about those with a Christmas empty of heavenly hope and joy?

Really?

The poem gives the reason for hanging those stockings. “In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.” How sad if this is the best that can be hoped for!

Can’t we do something about that? Can’t we ask the Holy Spirit to enter their homes and hearts? Can’t we somehow share the hope that is within us? Can’t we show the peace and joy that Christ brought to us?

Think of how many Christmas carols are actually Christmas hymns. Do they not proclaim the true message of the season? Does not “Joy to the world the Lord has come!” say what needs to be said?

Can we not invite others to our worship services where these words are sung, explained, and believed?

If it pains us to think of a child with no present in a stocking, what about one with no Christ in Christmas?

Our hearts know where true joy can be found. We know this is a joy to be shared.

But if we find our joy is tinged with sadness when the Christ of Christmas is rejected, we may recall Jesus weeping over a Jerusalem that also closed its heart to him.

On this side of heaven, sorrow often intrudes upon joy. This Christmas will again reveal lives empty of God’s gifts of faith, hope, and love. That pains us.

Thus, we work, and we pray that this year Jesus will enter where he is unknown.

Then, they will know true Christmas joy.

To have a merry Christmas is more than a wish. It is a gift from heaven.

It more than fills those empty stockings.



Prayer: Holy Spirit, bring joy to the lives of people everywhere by filling their hearts with a child-like faith centered upon the Christ of Christmas. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Would we better celebrate Christmas if we stripped away all the trimmings? Or not?
  • Why do children often have a better grasp of Christmas than adults?
  • Which Christmas celebration was the most memorable for you? Why?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


The Trees Are Wrong – December 2, 2022

The Trees Are Wrong – December 2, 2022


Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5




Military Devotion – December 2, 2022

Devotion based on Proverbs 3:5

See series: Military Devotions

We are a society that banks on feelings. Be it a happy event or a sad one, the reporter with the microphone is apt to ask, “How are you feeling?” The question is asked often because readers and viewers feel that’s important.

It’s as if feelings define us. “How does the quarterback feel after this loss?” “How does your family feel about the upcoming transfer?” “How does the squad feel after the counterattack?”

The impact of feelings reverberates to the far corners of our lives. They are difficult to ignore—even when we know that we should.

There’s the saying, “If it feels good, do it!” That puts feelings into the command position of life. When faced with judgment calls, we sometimes go with our instincts.

That’s not necessarily bad. Instinct is often formed by lessons learned from the past. It grows from our understanding of situations. But our understanding is limited and sometimes dead wrong. Our understanding of life is not good enough to build a life upon.

Wise and inspired King Solomon clues us in. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Solomon was right, of course. But sometimes, it is hard to do that.

There is an American who grew up in Africa. When his family returned to the U.S., he faced a cultural shock. So many differences!

Some of them he liked immediately. Some took a while to get used to. But one difference was very hard to accept.

He puts it this way: “The trees are wrong!”

As he traveled around, this continued to bother him. He could feel it in his bones. He could not shake the feeling. “The trees are wrong!”

Those tall pine trees, those majestic oaks—that’s not what trees are supposed to look like! Not one tree in the upper Midwest looked right. It was all wrong—and it continued to bother him.

Then, things changed. He writes, “Recently, on a trip to Texas, I felt at home. My eyes and mind saw that the trees grew right!”

He explains that the woodland where he grew up in Zambia consists of low, isolated trees surrounded by shrubs and grasses. The area is dry most of the year. “Thus,” he says, “it has many similarities to dry Texas shrub.”

What a good feeling for him!

But that doesn’t make the rest of America’s trees wrong.

“And lean not on your own understanding,” Scripture reminds us.

We are entering the portion of the year that might be labeled “The Season of Feelings.” We have been reminded to feel thankful. Now, we are encouraged to feel joyful. But what if we don’t feel like it?

What if this season doesn’t look like the Christmas we grew up with? What if the scenery is wrong? What if people vital to our picture of Christmas are missing?

What if we begin to wonder if our understanding of Christmas has been shaped by the spirit of make-believe?

Wasn’t our early excitement over Christmas influenced by stories of reindeer and a magic sleigh? If we have outgrown Santa Claus, have we also outgrown the story of a virgin birth and a baby that is both human and divine?

What sense does that make to our grownup mind? Is that why we cannot recapture the old feelings? Have we just lost the Christmas spirit? Or have we wandered away from the Spirit of Christmas?

Maybe it’s time we take our own “trip to Texas.” We will not be carried by car or plane. This trip is courtesy of the Holy Spirit, who brings back the familiar sights of wonder and grace before our eyes.

On the pages of Holy Writ, we see the things that refresh our souls. Once again, we catch sight of angels announcing the glad tidings of great joy that shall be to all people. Once more, in spirit, we walk with the shepherds to see the newborn King.

We come again to the realization: “This is real!” “This is my Savior!” “I can rejoice with the angels.” “One day, I shall live with them.”

This is too marvelous to comprehend and too amazing to understand, but I trust my Creator and Redeemer. I can now relax and feel good about what I see. Now I feel at home with this Christmas scene. I can be at peace once again.

And even if I am where the trees look wrong, Christ in Christmas makes them right.



Prayer: Holy Spirit, lift up my eyes to see again the reason why the angels sang for joy over the fields of Bethlehem. Show me the Savior who makes everything right. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why does much of our joy seem to be influenced by the trimmings of Christmas?
  • What would we say to the person who feels he has outgrown Christmas?
  • Why are we inclined to trust our own understanding instead of the Lord our God?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Mercy! – November 25, 2022

Mercy! – November 25, 2022


O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 (KJV)




Military Devotion – November 25, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Chronicles 16:34 (KJV)

See series: Military Devotions

Sometimes, what we want is not what we need—and what we need is not what we want. That’s the way it is with us humans.

Good thing our loving God knows that! He knows what we want, and he sees what we need. Ask a three-year-old what she wants for breakfast, and she might say “ice cream.” Because her mother loves her, oatmeal is what she gets. This does not bring about a happy face.

Years later, she may be thankful for her mother’s action—as she lovingly prepares oatmeal for her own child.

We might relate to that. Perhaps, we have also learned that what we once desperately wanted would not have been good for us. Maybe, we are now thankful that we did not get it. As we make our list of what we are thankful for today, we may want to include some prayers that were answered with a “No!”

Because God is good, he will not give us things that are not good. Our frown will not cause him to change his mind.

The psalmist encourages us to “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:1).

Some benefits quickly come to mind: good food, good friends, and good health. Thus, we might say, “Thank you, Lord, for my warm house, my loving family, and my secure job.” That’s a good list.

We may think of dangers and hardships that have been overcome. “Thank you, Lord, for bringing me home safely from deployment, for my parents surviving the hurricane, and for protecting me from Covid.” That’s a good prayer.

Yet, the Bible leads us to look more closely at the background in the picture of our life. It shows the face of God is there. He was always there.

He is the LORD. He answers to no one. What if he were evil instead of good or stingy instead of generous? Even more reason to heed the words, “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endures forever.”

Many who have deployed to faraway places have come away with the realization that many Americans live an abundant life compared to others.

We complain about rising prices while others face empty shelves. We worry about weight gain while others watch their children grow gaunt and weak. We murmur over the price of gasoline while some others watch the skies for deadly incoming rounds.

Much of what we want are things we do not need—or do not truly need more of.

There is one thing, however, that we need most desperately, even if we do not realize it. There is something we cannot survive without.

We, who can sing of America, “My country ‘tis of thee,” must include the words, “God shed his grace on thee.” The Bible says, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22).

“Not consumed?” Suddenly we realize we have more at stake than food, shelter, and life’s trinkets.

Our very life is on the line. The door to eternity is only a few steps away. Our only hope lies in the mercy of the omnipotent Lord God.

The grace of God is the undeserved love of God. Because that love is undeserved, it is rightfully called his mercy. About that, we are told, “For his mercy endures forever!”

For how long will he forgive our crimes against his holy law? Forever.

For how long will he love us? Forever.

For how long will we live in the happy home Jesus is preparing for us? Forever and ever.

How does this make us feel? Happy? Thankful?” It should.

But are we happy enough? Thankful enough?

Probably not? Certainly not!

Will we be booted from the kingdom of God for this failure?

Absolutely not!

We should be, but we won’t be.

The Lord we love and serve has also covered this shortcoming with the perfection of Christ. We are the recipients of his mercy.

Mercy is what we need, and mercy is what we want. Mercy is what we get.

Thank God!



Prayer: We give heartfelt thanks to you, O Lord, for you are good, and your mercy does endure forever. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • Why do we quickly think of material blessings rather than spiritual ones?
  • When we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” are we asking for the last return of Jesus?
  • How would we explain the concept of forever to a child?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email


The Far Side of Forever – November 18, 2022

The Far Side of Forever – November 18, 2022


After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:17,18




Military Devotion – November 18, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:17,18

See series: Military Devotions

PCS may stand for “permanent change of station,” but military families know it means starting over. It means packing up life as you know it and venturing out into the unknown.

A degree of apprehension is often involved. Questions arise in people’s minds.

“What is the weather like at that new place? What will the housing be like? What will our life be like over there? But first of all, where in the world is it located?”

It turns out that not just military people face a permanent change of station. Everyone does, or more accurately, everyone will. This time, the word permanent will carry much more weight. You cannot get any more permanent than forever.

If we wonder, “Where is this place?” we find no GPS coordinates are available.

If we ask, “How will we get there?” we are informed, “Transportation will be provided.”

If we inquire, “What will life be like there?” We are told, “It all depends.”

For those who serve in the army of the Lord, “Life will be better than you could ever imagine—and it will be like that forever.”

For those found in the uniform of the Lord God’s enemy, “Your life will be so miserable that you will wish you had never been born—and it will be like that forever.”

“Are these the only possible destinations? “You better believe it. It is God’s truth.”

Who issues these PCS orders? The King of kings and Lord of lords.

When and where will these orders take place? It begins at the time that life here on earth ends. But then, time and space will no longer exist.

Speaking for the family of God, we will find ourselves “on the far side of forever.”

Our attempts to peer into the future are feeble. We can make our guesses about what lies over the great divide, but certainty is out of reach.

There have been a few people who have come back from the far side of forever. Enoch and Elijah showed up at the transfiguration of Jesus—but said nothing to the disciples there that we know of.

We hear of some children who came back from death. There was a young boy at Nain and a young daughter of Jairus. Another youngster returned to life at the time of Elisha. And then, there was Lazarus, who walked out of his tomb after three days days dead still wearing burial clothing.

None of them described heaven for us.

Saint Paul was given a vision of the place, but he said he could not tell us what he saw.

The Bible lists some bad things that will not be there, such as pain, sorrow, and death. The list of good things includes perfect peace and joy.

Our inability to see the sharp details should not surprise us. Saint Paul explains, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

We have been told all we need to know now about that wonderful faraway life. That includes who else will be there. We are told, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

The faithful who are still alive will be lifted into the air to gather with those whose souls had already entered glory.

And we are told, “And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

This is a picture of bliss. This is enough to encourage us during the dark and dreary days we stumble through on this side of the divide.

“I go to prepare a place for you,” Jesus said. We look forward to that place.

Where will that be? When will that be? God knows. We will find out.

But we already delight to know; we will live in glory on the far side of forever.



Prayer: Lord Jesus, you tell us that you will return to this planet in bodily form. You state that everyone will see you. You promise that those who love and trust you will be able to be with you. Praise be to your name forever and ever. Amen.



Points to ponder:

  • What reasons might God have for not giving us more details about life after this one?
  • When we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” are we asking for the last return of Jesus?
  • How would we explain the concept of forever to a child?


Written by Rev. Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Stillwater, Minnesota.

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.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email