“And [King Herod] vowed to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.’”  (Mark 6:23)

Half a kingdom: that’s all that Herod was willing to offer.  And even for that half-kingdom, his wife’s daughter had to please him with a dance.  Do you see how different your Lord is?

Your Lord doesn’t give you a half-kingdom but a whole kingdom, and for this great gift He doesn’t even require a song and dance.  Your Lord gives you His kingdom for His own sake.

The resurrection of the body, the hope everlasting, the daily joy, the forgiveness and mercy, the favor of the Father, the fellowship of the Church, the life to live, the death that is but a sleep, the new creation that comes with Jesus—all these things are yours, not because you pleased your king, but because your King died for you.

Now there’s a reason to dance!

LET US PRAY: Almighty Lord and King, Your gifts so far exceed all that I can imagine that I tend to forget them, or at least, to forget their magnitude.  Help me to remember the great mercy that You have shown me, and to be awed by it, that I may ever praise and delight in You; for Jesus’ sake.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau

“I shall mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’” But of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; and the Most High Himself will establish her.” (Psalm 87:4-5)

From all over, the Lord calls to those who know Him. Yes, many come from within the established fellowship, but there are those who come from the outside. The Lord knows those who are His. He has called all to come into His presence and walk in the ways He has established from the beginning. Come to the Lord and see that He is good and that His mercy endures forever.

Lord, I sometimes do not see that You are there and love all people. Though I have been amongst Your people, sometimes I do not see it. Help me I pray to move beyond what I see to grasp Your goodness and mercy and walk in the ways You have shown. Guide me, O Lord, that I may forever live in the truth of Your goodness and mercy and abide in Zion forever.

Lord Jesus, You are the Savior who has come to call all who hear Your voice. Lead me, O Lord, to walk with You as You guide me in the way You know I need to go. Help me now and always to see in You the hope for all generations and abide in the grace You give. Grant me a heart that looks upon all in hope that they too will one day know Your goodness and grace. Amen.