Daily Devotions - Week 24
Zion Lutheran Church
Daily Devotions
June 16 - 22, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008—The Sower Needs Good Seed
Jesus, in our Matthew 9 text, sends his 1st Century disciples (and us) out into the world to preach the good news of the kingdom and minister to those in need. Jesus refers to those who are sent as workers in his harvest field. Jesus, in Luke 8:11, describes the seed to be planted; Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, explains how laborers work together in the field. The Romans 5:1-8 text takes us deep into kingdom truths. As you read the Luke, 1 Corinthians, and Romans texts, ask yourself, “What is the seed to be planted; what is the good news of the kingdom?” Consider memorizing Romans 5:8. Enumerate and then thank God for each of the gifts mentioned in Romans 5:1-8.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008—Amazing Gifts: Amazing Grace
Read Romans 5:1-8. To help understand the “therefore” (5:1), look back and read 3:21-26 and 4:3-8,23-25. Jesus is the bridge over the chasm that sin creates between sinful people and God, who is holy and just. Jesus paid the price for our redemption; there is nothing we can add to what he has done (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). The relationship with God, broken by sin, is restored; we are justified and reconciled. Even faith is a gift (Hebrews 12:2a). As you read Romans 8:24-25; 15:13; Ephesians 1:7-8; 2:8-9,14a; Colossians 1:19-20; and Titus 3:4-7, pray the Scriptures will give substance to your understanding of the amazing gifts of peace, hope, and grace. Worship God!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008—Rejoice in the Hope of Glory and in Suffering
It’s easy to “rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2), but how do we respond to Paul’s next words in Romans 5:3-5. Paul writes to Christians in Rome; the reality is that life in Jesus is glorious, but it is also difficult. Jesus said this would be so, and Paul has lived it. Read John 12:24-26; 16:33; 17:13-19; Philippians 1:12-14,18-21; 2:17-18; 4:4; and Hebrews 12:1-3. Romans 5:5b tells us how we can rejoice in suffering; God pours love and God’s Spirit into our hearts and lives. Consider that our joy in the midst of tribulation is a witness to the world the truth of the gospel. Nehemiah said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (8:10). Pray it will be so in you.
Thursday, June 19, 2008—Teaching, Preaching, Healing
In Romans 5, we heard the good news that we can have peace with God through Jesus Christ. In our Matthew text, we see Jesus teaching (instructing), preaching (proclaiming), and healing, and then sending his disciples out to do the same. As you read Matthew 9:35-10:8, notice Jesus’ compassion. What grieved Jesus’ heart as he observed the people? Consider that the miracles, evidences of Jesus’ compassion, also point to something beyond themselves (for insight, see John 2:11; 6:10-13,26-35; 11:1-6,14-15,25-26,40-44). Sometimes the people longed for Jesus’ gifts/miracles, but they didn’t want to receive Jesus, the ultimate GIFT. Pray you will desire Jesus above all else.
Friday, June 20, 2008—Sent with Authority
As you read Matthew 9:35-10:8, notice Jesus’ authority and then how he gives authority to his disciples. The men are named (10:2-4); each is important (also see Revelation 21:14). These were common men, yet Jesus gave them authority, power, and much responsibility (Matthew 10:7-8; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2:1ff). The miracles they were to do in Jesus’ name would authenticate the message they preached; their compassion would help people understand God’s heart (see also Matthew 5:16,43-48). We also are blessed so that we may bless others. Pray about your call.
Saturday, June 21, 2008—Aligned with Jesus’ Call
Read Matthew 9:35-10:8. Why do you think the disciples were sent first to the “lost sheep of Israel” (10:6)? What observations did Jesus share about the people of Israel (9:36)? Do you recall Jesus demonstrating care for those who were not Jewish (Luke 7:1-10; John 4:7-15)? Read Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; and Romans 1:16-17. We, too, are called and sent. Do you testify with your words and witness with your life to family, neighbors, and coworkers? Have you shared Jesus beyond your “Jerusalem and Judea” (Acts 1:8)? Pray the Spirit will lead you.
Sunday, June 22, 2008—“Freely You Have Received, Freely Give”
God is an extravagant giver; we cannot out-give God! Ponder this as you read Matthew 10:7-8; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 9:12-15; and James 1:17-18. Now recall Peter’s denial of Jesus (John 18:15-18,25-27) and Jesus’ restoration of Peter (read John 21:15-19). In response to Jesus’ questions, Peter affirms his love for Jesus. But note how Jesus tells him he is to demonstrate this love! Peter’s outreach to others will authenticate the love he professes. Ask yourself if your words and actions align with your profession of faith and love and with Jesus’ call for you to bless others. Pray that you will give with the same love and abandon with which Jesus has given to you.