“Rejoice always.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

“Rejoice!  Rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!”  We sang that hymn next to a grave yesterday, a bitterly cold wind beating on our backs.  Our sister in the faith had died suddenly, grieving us all, but still we called out the truth: Jesus is on His way, and so, even in grief, we rejoice in Him.  

That’s what St. Paul intends by this command.  He’s not calling for Pollyanna thinking, a way to shield ourselves from feeling the pains of our losses.  No, but having just set forth the promise of Christ’s return, he’s telling the believers in Thessaly to confess that gospel in every situation, happy or sad.  Feel the pain, and then meet it with the promise.

So what do you face today?  What sharp winds of challenge, blessing, disappointment, or fear will pound on your heart?  Approach every situation in this conviction: you are one for whom Christ Jesus came to Bethlehem; with you He still abides; and He is on His way to give you a full share in His victory.  What happens today passes away tomorrow, but rejoice!  Emmanuel, God-with-us, God-with-you, is forever.

LET US PRAY: O Lord, as I, with Your Church, prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son, grant me Your Holy Spirit, that I may see in His first advent the brilliance of His final appearing in glory; and by the promise of that glory, strengthen me to rest and live in hope each day; through Christ my Lord.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau  

© 2017

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Devotion

“Once God has spoken; twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God; and lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord, for You recompense a man according to his work.”  (Psalm 62:11-12)

We vie for power.  But all power and authority belong to God.  Content is the one who knows this and rests in the Lord’s power.  But His lovingkindness is yours and each may bask in His love and know that He loves all whom He has made.  Trust in the One who holds all power and loves us, for He will accomplish what He has purposed.  Know that the Lord is good and He will do what He promises.

Lord, help me stop playing the games of this world for power.  It all belongs to You and the powerful of this world are just an illusion when compared to You.  Guide me in Your ways that I may walk in them and help me live according to Your purposes.  Keep my mind clear and my sight upon You that I would forever hold fast to Your promises.  Let me be about Your business, doing Your will.

Lord Jesus, You demonstrated that You were not anxious for anything.  You have declared that all authority is Yours.  Help me simply take Your hand and walk with You all the days of my life, learning from You how to walk in the eternal way You have established.  Guide me according to Your principles to be faithful to all that You command and help me walk in Your ways.  Amen.