SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 ESV
NEWS: A blessed Thursday to all! More news as it becomes available.
PRAYERS: Today we lift up Ian Andrews in prayer.
READINGS: 2 Chronicles 28:5-21; Psalm 100; Luke 13:6-17
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
| “Embarrassment Turned to Joy”
April 20, 2023 |
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| Luke 24:13, 15b-19a, 20, 22-23, 25-26, 28-31a – That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem … Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, “Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth … and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. … Moreover, some women … were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find His body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. …” And He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” … So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if He were going farther, but they urged Him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him.
I can’t help but smile as I picture this story. Whatever got into Jesus, to make Him so ready to tease his disciples? Because I can hardly call it anything else. Look at what He says! “What is this conversation you’re having?” He asks, as if He didn’t know already. And when Cleopas says the most embarrassing line in history—”Are you the only one who doesn’t know about what happened to Jesus of Nazareth?” He says so innocently: “What things?” It’s a good thing nobody thought to look down at His hands!
I can only think it was joy. Joy, because Jesus’ great work of dying on the cross to save us all was accomplished, and nothing could snatch His people out of His hands. Joy, because He had defeated death as well, and now everyone who trusts in Him will live forever—even disciples as clueless as these two!
I expect the other disciples had a good laugh at these two much, much later, after the news of Jesus’ resurrection had sunk in for everybody. But it wouldn’t be the kind of laughter that mocks and hurts. No, it would have been the kind of laugh that had love and joy and understanding at its heart—because now it’s okay when we goof up, when we make embarrassing mistakes, even if we wind up famous in the Bible for all time because we were silly and disbelieving. Jesus will make it right through His mercy. Jesus has already made it right through His death and resurrection, and now we will live as forgiven, loved, joyful children of God—with Him forever.
WE PRAY: Dear Father, thank You that You cover our embarrassment and give us joy with Jesus instead. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever been involved with teasing that was not hurtful but rather joyful and loving?
2. Why do you think the disciples did not believe the women’s report?
3. How does Jesus’ love and mercy help you deal with embarrassment? |
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Luther’s Morning Prayer
In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ your dear son, that you have protected me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you completely. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
After singing a hymn or whatever else may serve your devotion, you can go about your day joyfully!
Luther’s Evening Prayer
In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today, and I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
You can now go to bed quickly and cheerfully.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Our church website is: https://www.svlchurch.org/
Below is our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Lutheran Public Radio is listener supported and has two channels, one for sacred music and the other for talk, including news, current issues, politics and spiritual matters from a Lutheran perspective. Hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken, Issues, Etc. airs live Monday thru Friday from 1 to 3 pm Pacific, with the “Best Of” running at other hours: https://lutheranpublicradio.org/
KFUO is the listener supported radio station owned and operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Based in St. Louis, their format consists of teaching, preaching, ministry and sacred music: https://www.kfuo.org/
A very blessed Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org
