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When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, “Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lord your God: “A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house. (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) Reflection We are beginning another Lenten journey this week. As Ash Wednesday approaches, many may think if what they want to give up for Lent as a way to walk with Jesus toward the cross. I always liked the idea of adding something during Lent- what will you do in service to others just like Jesus was a servant leader. This passage reminded me of that. We are to give our best to God. That might be our time, our talents, and our treasure. In this coming Lenten season, what changes will you make in your life to give your best to God? --Chad Hershberger Prayer We bring to you our best, God. May we see the best ways to serve you with our time, talents, and treasures. We know that all we have comes from you. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Lent, we focus on baptismal identity and the consequent amendment of life.
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Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.” And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength— he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” (Isaiah 49:1-7) Reflection When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time at the playground and many days found myself involved in a pick-up baseball game. We didn’t need 18 people to play baseball. We adjusted the rules to suit the number of players we had. I also remember how we chose the teams. Toss a bat to somebody who caught it in one hand. The other “captain” would grasp the bat just above the first hand and back and forth they would go until somebody was at the very top of the bat and there was no room for another hand. That captain got to choose first. It was o.k. if you didn’t get chosen first but getting chosen last—that could be a problem. God chooses us. That should feel pretty good. God chose us before we were born. Wow! What is God up to? What does God want with me? “I will give you as a light to the nations.” Really? You’ve got to be kidding. Nope. God chooses us so that we might bring the light of Jesus into the lives of other people. --Jim Bricker Prayer Let’s sing: This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Reading
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. (Luke 9: 28-36) Reflection Did you ever think that this story of the Transfiguration of Jesus is actually a Biblical example of a camping experience? Think about it. Several campers and friends, Peter, James, and John, hiked with their camp counselor leader, Jesus, up a mountain. They needed to get away. They needed to go to a place set apart to be transformed and rejuvenated in their work as disciples. When they got to the mountain camp, they prayed, and while they were there they saw God. Two other men talked, Moses and Elijah, who were faith figures of times past. Faith came alive to these campers, just like it does to campers today through skits, stories, songs and study. Peter wanted to truly set up camp that day by putting up tents and having an overnight camping experience. He and the campers were sleepy. Sound familiar? But then, their priorities were changed as God bellowed from the heavens and they heard His voice saying, “This is My beloved Son. Fear Him!” In the last 50 years, many campers have come to Camp Mount Luther and had a mountaintop experience. They've experienced God. Where do they find God in everyday life? You may be surprised that just as the disciples saw and heard God on the Mount of Transfiguration, you will see God in places you’d never expect! And hopefully, unlike the early disciples, you will share with others that experience! --Chad Hershberger Prayer On our mountaintops and in the valleys, help us to see you shining brightly, dear Jesus. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Reading
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2) Reflection As I write, we are in the midst of yet another wave of COVID. Omicron infects many who have been cautious, and hospitals are yet again overwhelmed. We are approaching two years since the pandemic began, and it is disheartening. Yet, as I quarantine, I plan summer vacations and spring birthdays. Why? Hope. We have hope. We see the glory of the Lord, without veil. We have hope. That hope gives us great boldness. We have hope, always, in Christ. We act with hope. Where is your hope calling you to act boldly today? --Erin Hayes Prayer God of Hope, thank you for removing the veil so that we may see your glory. Help us to act with great boldness, knowing that our hope is in you. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Reading: Psalm 99 (ESV)
99 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! 2 The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he! 4 The King in his might loves justice.[a] You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he! 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the Lord, and he answered them. 7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them; they kept his testimonies and the statute that he gave them. 8 O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings. 9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy! Reflection One of the most challenging practices in my spiritual walk with God has been praying for those who have hurt me. Almost six years ago, I was hurt in a way that called into question things I’d been taught about God, religion, the role of the church, love and sin and forgiveness. Those last three continue to give me pause. We are sinful, yet God forgives and loves us. He asks us to do the same for each other. Forgive us our trespasses, Lord, as we forgive one another. But what does that mean? The psalmist reminds us here that the Lord loves justice. He loves, absolutely and as only the Almighty can. As a loving God, He also disciplines: avenging wrongdoing, rewarding righteousness, hearing our prayers, forgiving the debt of our accumulated sins, and restoring our relationship with Him. Just months before my crisis revealed itself, our church’s “movie night” shared the film War Room (TriStar Pictures, 2015). In it, the protagonist was urged to pray on scriptures like this psalm, especially for others. Its message came back to me as I grappled in confusion, pain and guilt about how far and how much I was supposed to endure in the name of forgiveness. Adopting this practice has released me from the burden of figuring it out. It’s not always easy, and sometimes the words feel forced and bitter in my mouth. When they do, however, scripture such as this psalm guide my heart back on track. – Heather Wolf Prayer In every struggle, Lord, you have accompanied me. Jesus, you are my friend. Holy Spirit: intercessor and mediator to my soul. God: my father, comforter and protector. May all your children know your blessings and accept your compassionate love. Amen. Reading
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him. (Exodus 34: 29-35) Reflection For all the times I heard the story of Moses in Sunday School, it wasn't until seeing the movie Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark that I picked up on the part that no one can see God's face and live. Someone actually had to explain that scene in the movie to me. But I do remember that when Moses came down from the mountain, his face was shining. Really shining. And maybe my Sunday School teachers didn't go further into that because then maybe singing, This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine! might seem a bit scary. Our text today does gets into the part about how the people see God's glory through the reflection on Moses' face and the veil protects them, because even the reflected radiance is unbearable to look at. --Ruth Gates Prayer Help us to see you, Lord, in all we do. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever; who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever; and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever; with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever; who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-14, 23-26) Reflection “Love Beyond Measure” is the theme for our second day of camp each week this summer. As we look at how God is very big, we’ll look at how God’s love is neverending. That’s really daunting for me to think about. I have loved some in my life where it seems really big. But, God’s love is bigger. And even though we might not truly understand the depth and breadth of God’s love, we have to acknowledge it. That’s what David is telling us in this psalm. Give thanks to God for that big love. The psalmist gives us some examples and I’m sure you can think of some examples from your life. Isn’t it great to know that the steadfast love of God will endure forever? --Chad Hershberger Prayer We give thanks, Lord, for you are good, and your steadfast love endures forever. Amen. Reading
“But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:27-38) Reflection So often when we’d had Bible studies here at camp, we’ve used the word “counter-cultural” to describe Jesus or his actions. Here, we see it again. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for your abusers. Do the exact opposite of what is human nature. The other night, I was having a discussion with the Cub Scout den that I lead. We were talking about their duty to God and talking about the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” The boys talked about being kind to others because you want them to be kind to you. Jesus tells that we should be kind even when others are unkind to us. That’s part of spreading God’s love. That’s part of living out the gospel! –Chad Hershberger Prayer As we go through our days, may we be kind, God. May we share your love and be more like Jesus. May we do to others as we wish them to do to us. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38; 42-50 (NRSV)
35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And as for what you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. … 42 So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is[a] from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will[b] also bear the image of the man of heaven. 50 What I am saying, brothers and sisters,[c] is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Reflection So often, I want to understand how something works to understand it better. Getting a smartphone has been both educational and time-devouring. How do I sharpen my lawnmower blades? How do I get to so-and-so’s house? How do they mine cryptocurrency? (I still don’t quite understand that last one.) It’s natural to investigate the “how” of things, especially when the topic in question is abstract or unfamiliar. How can that be? I’ve never seen this, heard of it, experienced anything similar with which to compare this thing you promise. This is how I imagine the Corinthian people, as well as those today hearing about Jesus for the first time. Most are eager to accept a promise for salvation, if only they could wrap their heads around this grand idea, a hope and promise so new and different from their present reality, yet longed-for and reassuring. But how will God do this? What will it look like, feel like, be; in terms of human understanding? And there’s the rub. Salvation is beyond human understanding, at least in terms of tangible, physical experience. “How?” is the wrong question. Instead, we should ask – and answer, as Paul does -- why? Why does God love us, sinful and weak creatures, limited by our human forms and minds? The answer, of course, is in our divine connection to our creator and in His limitless capacity to love us. We are His; He is ours. Freed from the constraints of fragile bodies, our living spirits can blossom and grow on earth and bloom and flourish forever after, when we rejoin our God in heaven as the transcendent body of Christ. –Heather Wolf Prayer Creator God, nourish me with your love and teachings. Plant me where my spiritual growth may bring beauty and good to the world. Amen. Reading
Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. Refrain from anger and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil. For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant prosperity. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their refuge in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him. (Psalm 37: 1-11, 39-40) Reflection We are all familiar with the big angelic announcement “Do not be afraid.” Big words for big important moments. Maybe a bit of overkill for the every day, though. That’s why I love that Psalm 37 tells us “Do not fret.” Dictionary.com defines fret as “to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, or the like.” Fretting, yes, that is what I do! So what should we do instead? Trust. Take delight. Commit. Be still and wait. Refrain. Such good advice. See if you can try not to fret today. --Erin Hayes Prayer Lord of Salvation and Refuge, we know that you provide for us, but we find it so hard not to fret. Help us to trust in you and take delight in your creation today. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Reading
But Judah said to him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food; but if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’” Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?” They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” Then Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and let us be on our way, so that we may live and not die—you and we and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; you can hold me accountable for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry them down as a present to the man—a little balm and a little honey, gum, resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds. So the men took the present, and they took double the money with them, as well as Benjamin. Then they went on their way down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph. (Genesis 43: 3-11, 15) Reflection It comes from a song I do not know so I cannot vouch for its appropriateness, but when a person at work is trying to get something and it seems others don’t understand, someone will break out singing, “Tell me what you want; what you really, really want.” And what was wanted actually gets done. So, the brothers go to Egypt to see if they can get food. The famine has hit hard back home where their father, Jacob, and youngest brother still are. Their brother (unbeknownst to them) Joseph starts asking a lot of questions to find out who is still around in the family after he was “disposed of” years ago. The brothers want food. Joseph wants to see Benjamin first. They may not understand but the brothers go back to Jacob and explain. Jacob balks but the brothers know that’s what Joseph wants; what he really, really wants. They actually bring Benjamin and they get their food. And more. What does God want? Really, really want? Ask and actually do it. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, help us to know what you want. We know we are to love you and love others. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3: 11-17) Reflection From this year’s Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Curriculum: John 3:11-17 uses big language to share how God’s boundless love makes us feel complete. God’s love isn’t just made up of words. God’s love became human in Jesus. And we are God’s children, loved through Jesus’s words and deeds. Bowl: Gather around your bowl. Put something you like to eat in it. Talk about your favorite foods. Activity: Together eat what you have put in the bowl. Connect: Discuss how hard it is to measure just how much you like what you are eating since you like it so much. God’s love isn’t just made up of words but comes to us in Jesus. Discuss the difference between just telling someone about what you like versus sharing the food with them. Around the World: It’s helpful to pray for those who hunger; there’s also something to feeding them. Connect with a local food pantry or another effort like ELCA World Hunger (https://www.elca.org/hunger). Prayer Dear Jesus, in you God’s love becomes real and near to us. Help us to know your boundless love and help us to share the good news with others. In your name we pray. Amen. Reading
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you[a] on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:17-26) Reflection Black – White. Up – Down. Light – Dark. Rich – Poor. Hungry – Full. Happy – Sad. Life – Death. I’ve just begun reading a book gifted to me: Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – And Why Things Are Better Than You Think (Hans Rosling et. al.). It has me thinking a lot about our human tendency to separate the world in terms of “opposites” or contrasting categories. Again and again, this sort of simplification proves wrong and even harmful. Few things I see are truly black or white, visually or metaphorically. In terms of line of sight, the world lies between sky and ground. Earth’s rotation and revolution around the sun ensure a fluid transition from light to dark. The same breadth and depth apply to circumstances like poverty and wealth, hunger and satisfaction, joy and sorrow. These situations aren’t strictly physical and are subjective, relative to how we perceive the conditions of those around us. They invite judgment, labeling and separation. Surely, the person whose table is bare and whose stomach growls knows hunger, but so too does someone bereft of purpose and suffering with a hungering soul. Is the rich man he with a fat bank account or the man surrounded by caring friends and family? Is there really an “us” and a “them”? Are any of us all that different from one another? There is an old adage that you must taste the bitter to appreciate the sweet. No one is perfect and existence consists of a series of ups and downs and everything in between. Thus, Jesus’ message speaks to everyone. It’s a call to end injustice, lose the labels, practice empathy, and embrace our human connection. We are promised salvation in Christ, but we wouldn’t have to wait to enjoy these blessings if only we could live in community with one another. –Heather Wolf Prayer Jesus, thank you for your love and lessons. You lived among humanity as one of us and saw God in everyone. Where I draw differences between myself and others, help to remind me of our bonds. Let me know empathy. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Reading
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (1 Corinthians 15:12-20) Reflection Do we trust more in death or in new life? Meaning, do we hold on to what is and not live in the good of the promise of new life???? This passage reminds me that we are to live in the hope of new life. We are not to trust in death or the status quo. When we are scared about the future or don’t want to let go of something that has been part of our life forever, we need to think about the promise of the resurrection. That is living in faith. –Chad Hershberger Prayer Help us, Jesus, to live in the good of the resurrection. May all our days be Easter Days. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 10, 2018.
Reading Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1) Reflection Often when we travel there are detours and distractions. Detours send us off on a longer way to get to where we want to go. Billboards flash pictures and words that distract. The GPS gadget gives confusing directions. We are easily tempted to wander off the path the Lord offers; influenced instead by the gaudy, flashy distractions of others. Taking a longer way to get to where we mean to go. We need to stand firm and steadfast like a tree rooted in rich soil by His living waters. Then our fruit will prosper and be plentiful and we shall gladly share our blessings. God's path is constant and dependable. Go and grow there. --Alice Yeakel Prayer Your path is where we are to go. By your living waters we are to grow. May we avoid the detours and distractions that lead us away from you. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Reading:
Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse-- who can understand it? I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings. (Jeremiah 17: 5-10) Reflection: Are you like a shrub planted in the desert? Or are you like a tree planted by water? Those are the questions we could ask ourselves after reading the text today. If you are like a shrub planted in the desert, that’s not so good. In fact, the word for you is cursed. If you are like a tree planted by water, that’s very good. The word for you is blessed. But how do you get to be one or the other? The word there is TRUST. If you trust in mere mortals, that’s the shrub. If you trust in in the LORD, that’s the tree. Sounds easy but the last two verses remind us the heart is tricky and hard to understand. Search our hearts, Lord. May we be like trees that bear fruit. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear God, we put our trust in you. Search our hearts. May be like trees that bear fruit. Amen Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Today, we look at a Day 1 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1- 15-20) Reflection This passage is reminiscent of our passage last Friday from the beginning of John’s gospel. It reminds us that God is everything- the beginning, the end, the whole kit and kaboodle. This summer, our campers will be looking at how God is boundless. And on Monday, we’ll look at God’s goodness, which is also boundless. I’m sure that it might be a difficult concept for campers to realize that God’s goodness is so big. But it is. I encourage you to look for all the good that you see God is in the midst of in your life. –Chad Hershberger Prayer Help us to see your goodness, Lord, and know that is boundless. Amen. Reading: Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:1-11)
Reflection: As I read this scripture, I thought back to my call story into ministry. I relate to Simon when the call of Jesus came. Simon seemed hesitant to put the nets back into the water, but he did obey. I was very hesitant when I was first approached about going into full time ministry. I had been working with my church’s youth group off and on during my college years. My pastor approached me when I got out of college, and he said that I should go to seminary to study youth ministry. I was not ready to go back to school, so I just laughed at that comment. It took me a few years before I realized that was the path God was calling me to take. It was in working with the youth more, and in seeing God’s work in my life and in their lives that I realized that was what I was supposed to do. Throughout my time in seminary though I felt like Simon and that I was not worthy of such a call. Of course, I was told to not be afraid and that I was on the right path in helping youth and children in their faith development. Then like the disciples I followed Jesus’ call. I left my home in PA, and I took my first church job in Kansas. Since then, I have followed God’s call into many other jobs, but in all of them I have helped people in their own faith development and in their calls to follow God. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Gracious God, we honor you and praise your holy name. We thank you for the stories of Jesus and the call of the disciples. As we see ourselves in their story, we thank you that you call us to follow you as well. Help us in our faith journey and helps us lead others to follow you as well. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on February 6, 2019.
Reading Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe. (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) Reflection At camp, we ask our campers often, “Where have you seen God today?” Their answers vary but most frequently they see God in the helping hand of a fellow camper or staff member, in the beauty of creation, or in how we treat one another at camp. We try to get them to be on the lookout for God in their everyday lives. Paul is reminding us of that in our Bible text for today. He reminds us that our risen Jesus still appears to us. We should be on the lookout daily for Jesus meeting us where we are. Through Jesus, we see God. Where have you seen God today? --Chad Hershberger Prayer Help us, God, to see you every day. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on March 27, 2018.
Reading Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe. (I Corinthians 15: 1-11) Reflection For years a calendar in the kitchen had been where we kept track of meetings, appointments, lessons, vacations, games, piano tuner coming,... EVERYTHING all written down on by hand and that was where we checked to see who was doing what where when. Then I discovered Google Calendar on my electronic device and now I find myself writing less and less on the paper calendar in the kitchen. I can check it, add events and put in reminders anytime and anywhere. I can also share the calendar with others. I am particularly finding the reminders to be very helpful. Paul wrote a reminder to the people of Corinth. Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which you also stand. I Cor. 15: 1. Perhaps I could add that verse as a daily reminder in my calendar. Obviously, the Corinthians needed to be reminded of the good news. It’s probably a good idea to remind ourselves often, too, and share with others. -- Ruth Gates Prayer Thank you for reminders of the good news of your love. Amen Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Epiphany, Christ is revealed, the disciples are called, and we see the early ministry of Jesus. Psalm 138
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.[a] 3 On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.[b] 4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth. 5 They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. 6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Reflection “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” These simple phrases are among the first we are taught as little children. Take up a foreign language or try out an app like Babble or Rosetta Stone, and you’ll learn the words for this exchange before you can shop for clothes or dine out. Common courtesy so automatic it’s painfully noticed when forgotten, but often taken for granted. Yet this simple act of giving and receiving thanks matters for both parties involved. A “thank you,” expresses our humility and acknowledges the importance of another, no matter how fleeting or simple the helpful act. It shows that they made an impact in this life, in our life. Our reply puts into words our human call to connect and live in fellowship with one another. Literally, we give assurance that no repayment or further favor is expected; instead, we recognize the pleasure felt by making an impact on someone else. In a way, saying “You’re welcome” is an offering to God, a willing admission that our purpose is best realized in service to each other. --Heather Wolf Prayer Creator God, friend Jesus and guiding Spirit, I take this moment to pause and connect and give thanks to you. I praise your Word and receive your love. May my life please you. Amen. |
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