“’Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”  (Ephesians 5:31-32)

It seems that the apostles couldn’t read a passage from the Old Testament without seeing Jesus in it.  Here we read that a passage from Genesis, written about Adam and Eve’s union as husband and wife, is really about Christ and the Church.  Just as Adam and Eve became one flesh, so have Jesus and His believers.

Have we fully apprehended that mystery?  At the very least, it carries this stunning truth for us: the Spirit at work in the body of Jesus is at work in us, too.  The Holy Spirit bore Jesus into the world, and ultimately into the grave, only to raise Him again in the power of a new creation.  United with Jesus through the wedding vows of Baptism, we experience this same Spirit through the power of repentance and forgiveness.

Repenting, we go by the Spirit into the grave of Jesus; forgiven, we are a new creation, free of guilt and accusation by this same Spirit.  Here’s why we preach repentance and forgiveness, and here is why faith comes with repentance and forgiveness: It is the Spirit of eternal life at work, wedding us to the risen body of Jesus, flesh of His flesh.

LET US PRAY: God, You have taken me to be Your own, for better or for worse, in richer and in poorer, in sickness and in health, and not even death can part us.  Forgive me for my wandering heart and ways; for I trust You to be as You have promised, merciful and kind forever; in Jesus’ name.  Amen

Pr. Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau

“Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:15-17)

The Lord is at work and as we look to the Lord, we can see that what He is promising is that all that we experience in this world that abides in wickedness will be seen for what it is. We shall know the purpose of our affliction and see clearly the goodness of the Lord. Come then and walk humbly before the One who has plans for you and will lead you all the days of your life.

Lord, I am sometimes overwhelmed with the circumstances of life. Help me, I pray, to see more clearly through the fog of this age. Guide me by the principles You have laid down from the beginning. May my life confirm the work of Your hands that I may remain faithful to You, the One who has done all these good things. Let Your favor rest upon Your humble servant.

Lord Jesus, You have provided the example of a faithful servant. You lived amongst us and provided the grace we need to navigate this world and its perils. Help me this day to see more clearly the way I need to go. Guide my thoughts to be thinking upon the goodness of the Father. Help me make wise and good choices in all that I do that my life may be a thank-offering to You. Amen.