“Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.  And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them” (Mark 1:42-44).

Our Lord did not come to do away with the law, for the law points to Him and reflects His love.  He has come to remove the obstacles that get in the way of our becoming what we were made to be.  No disease or infirmity can get in the way of what the Lord can do.  He created all things, and what has been perverted by sin, He makes clean by His grace.  Is that not what He did with the bacterial infection we call leprosy?  Is that not what He has done with your sin?

Lord, You are the Creator of all things, but things have gone awry.  You have come to set what has gone wrong, right.  You have come to call those who would enter onto the journey of salvation You give to become what You know we can and should be.  When You tell me to do something, help me to do it.  I have many questions, but they are answered along the way, not by confronting You beforehand.

Lord Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior.  I need You to lead me.  Deep is the infection of sin in me.  In the depths of the sin which You have come to heal, cleanse me so that I may become like You.  Heal me so that I may walk in faith as You intend.  Plant me back into the society in which You have placed me.  Through all things, help me to live the life You have given me with thanksgiving.  Amen.

“And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”  Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Mark 1:40-41).

Look carefully at how this works.  Does your faith tell you that our Lord is able to do what you are asking Him to do?  But then, the truth comes in realizing that although Jesus can heal, the Father’s will may not be for healing.  “Are You willing?”  So many are conditional, thinking that if the Lord does not heal, then thinking that He is not able.  It is better to understand that the Father’s will shall be done in and through all that happens.

Lord, there are times when I do not understand why You do not heal.  Wickedness causes me to be disappointed and think that You are not able or do not care.  Teach me to be humble and submit to the truth that You alone work all things together for good.  Guide me ever deeper into Your goodness so that the conditionality of my heart goes away.  Lead me forward, trusting You above all things.

Lord Jesus, You are able to do all that I ask.  I do not receive because I ask with wrong motive.  Teach me to have the right motive and to trust every answer to my prayers which You give.  You know all that needs to happen, so keep me in the Father’s will, trusting that You will bring all things together for good.  Help me to be a part of living in the Father’s will and trusting that You have all things in Your hands.  Amen.

“He said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.”  And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons” (Mark 1:38-39).

It is as if Jesus is saying to those who would try to hold on to Him, “I am not yours alone, but I came for all.”  How many times have local fellowships acted as if they had a corner on the truth?  “We are the ones who have the truth and You do not,” seems often to be an attitude that is projected.  Jesus has come for the world so that as many as believe would receive His salvation and live in the communion of love which comes from our Lord and God.

Lord, I find the place in which I am comfortable and think I have all that is needed.  You have placed a longing in every human heart which reaches beyond ourselves and out to You.  You are the only One who fills that longing.  Guide me, Lord, so that I live into the life You are offering me.  Teach me all that this means, and set my feet upon the course of the life of salvation which prepares me for an eternal life of communion with You.

Lord, You call us to be leaders and in leadership there is a temptation to think all that needs to be known is already known.  To lead is first to be behind You, for only You know where we need to go.  Help me to take those steps so that I follow You and then help me so that nothing gets in the way of my following You.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, in the way of right living, seeking Your righteousness and looking to You as the Author of my faith.  Amen.

“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.  Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You” (Mark 1:35-37).

Is everyone looking for Jesus, or just wanting Him to be where they expect Him to be?  We have our own ideas of who Jesus is and do not see Him as He is.  He is in communion with the Father.  He invites us into that communion.  Many would rather take Jesus out of that communion and have Him join with them.  He came to save us; we did not come to invite Him to where we are.

Lord, You have called me to You.  I did not discover You and invite You to me.  You are the One who must be in control, for I will make a mess of things if I pretend that I am in control.  You are in a relationship of Trinity, bring me to You and help me to not expect You to come to me and compromise the eternal relationship — not that You would, but my sinful expectations get in the way.

Lord Jesus, teach me to pray and commune as You communed.  Lead me to be always mindful of where my heart is and curb my expectations.  Be the One who is leading and take from me those desires which would even slightly take the lead.  You are the One who must save me, so save me as You know I need saving.  Help me to keep my eyes always upon You.  Amen.

Script:

Luke 17:11-19

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, I just wanted to thank you for doing a great job.

Pastor: Thank you, Sammy.

Sammy: You always listen to me, tell me stories, teach me about the Word of God, and you are a great friend to me.

Pastor: That’s very kind of you, Sammy.

Sammy: I just wanted you to know.

Pastor: You know, Sammy, your thankfulness reminds me of the Gospel reading for today. Jesus healed ten men with a skin disease.

Sammy: A skin disease?

Pastor: Yes—they called out to Jesus and asked him to heal them. He healed them by telling them to go show themselves to the priests. On the way to the priests, they were healed.

Sammy: But why did he tell them to go to the priests? Why not just heal them right away?

Pastor: What do you think, boys and girls? Why did Jesus send the men to go to the priests instead of healing them right away?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: These are great answers and ideas. Jesus wanted the men to act in faith. Walking toward the priests meant a commitment of faith for them. And men with a skin disease were considered unclean. They were unable to worship God at the temple if they had a skin disease.

Sammy: So that would be like if we couldn’t go to church?

Pastor: Yes.

Sammy: But they couldn’t help it!

Pastor: That was the rule. In Jesus’s time, there was no cure for this skin disease.

Sammy: That’s horrible. They were forever banned from church. I love church. I want to be here every day.

Pastor: I know, Sammy. But you know, what? Jesus healed all ten of these men, and then they could go to worship God in the temple.

Sammy: And one of them went back to thank him. That man is my favorite. Jesus gave him his life back.

Pastor: Jesus gives each of us a new life in him, and it’s important to thank our God for the many gifts he gives us. In fact, let’s pray and thank him right now. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your head? Dear Jesus, we thank you for your healing power. We praise you for directing us to you. Help us to be thankful for everything you give us. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Luke 17:5-10

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, I made it to church on time this morning.

Pastor: That’s great, Sammy.

Sammy: I do a good job of showing up almost every week. Sometimes I get sick and I have to stay home. Or sometimes I go to the beach on vacation.

Pastor: I am proud of you for coming to church, Sammy.

Sammy: I also pray, and I sing, and I talk to the kids here about God.

Pastor: Yes, you do.

Sammy: And I take the time to help you out, Pastor. That’s a lot of work. I found your keys, invited myself to your house for dinner…

Pastor: Where are you going with this, Sammy?

Sammy: Well, none of it is good enough, is it, Pastor?

Pastor: What do you mean?

Sammy: I was reflecting on the Gospel reading for today, and I was just thinking that all the things I do and all the effort I put into church and my family isn’t good enough.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. We will never be good enough. Jesus talks in the reading today about how if we live a holy and righteous life, that is what we are supposed to do. If we show up to church every week, if we sing in the choir, feed the hungry, help each other, serve each other, and love each other, we have done the minimum and we haven’t added anything to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Sammy: So I have to be a good Christian and it’s still not good enough.

Pastor: That’s correct. We sin every day, and doing our best to live a holy life is all we can do. We have to rely on Jesus to do the rest.

Sammy: What do you mean?

Pastor: Boys and girls, what did Jesus do for us?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He took all of the sin and shame that we have and he covered us with his grace. He forgives us when we ask him to forgive us because of his great love for us.

Sammy: That’s beautiful.

Pastor: Yes it is. One thing you should know, Sammy, is that when we come to the Kingdom of Heaven, we go empty handed. We don’t bring anything with us, just our sin and our shame. Even as a pastor, I will approach Jesus with my hands bearing my shame. There is nothing I can do or say that will make me good enough in his eyes.

Sammy: That’s why we cling to the cross of Jesus.

Pastor: Yes, that is why we cling to the cross.

Sammy: Whew. That’s a relief.

Pastor: What do you mean?

Sammy: I have a lot of peace now. I was going to make a spreadsheet of all the things I do for Jesus around here. But like we talked about, I am supposed to do all the things I do. And I’ll cling to the cross of Jesus forever.

Pastor: Me too. Let’s pray. Can you all please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, help us to realize we aren’t good enough. Help us to know you are the only one who adds to the Kingdom of Heaven. Thank you for letting us join you in Heaven. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

A FAITH FOR THE STORMS

During my lifetime I have witnessed several high-profile assassinations.  I was in high school when President John F. Kennedy was shot.  I was in college when Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were killed.  I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I first heard about each of these tragedies.  But the one that has affected me the most and has given me the greatest feeling of loss is the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

I am confused and puzzled by some of the things that I have heard people say that Charlie Kirk said.  But still I see him as a man who deeply loved the Lord Jesus, who wanted everyone to know and love Jesus, who had boundless energy and an incredible gift for reaching young people, and who was able to present and defend traditional values and views in a way that made them credible and viable.  And the way that his wife, Erika Kirk, in front of the whole world forgave the man who had killed her husband – because that is what Jesus did – was absolutely astounding.  With her at the helm I am hopeful for the future of that organization.

The death of Charlie Kirk is certainly not the only example of a tragic killing that is a reflection of the political extremism, violent rhetoric, and high levels of hatred that are tearing our nation apart.  Every single one of them should cause us to ask, “How did it get this way and what can be done about it?”  We are living in the worst of storms – social, political, inter-personal, moral, and spiritual storms.  What can help us as God’s people face, endure, and maybe even help calm the storms?  What can give us A FAITH FOR THE STORMS?

We live in Arizona northeast of Phoenix.  Up until a few years ago the area where my wife and I live was open desert.  New homes are being built further and further out into the desert.  Most of the time Arizona is sunny.  But we do have storms.  During the summer monsoon season we have thunderstorms that equal anything I ever experienced in Minnesota.  And we can have very heavy rainfall.  We can have rainfall that makes roads impassable.  While walking our dog I was looking at the way in which the land was graded, desert washes were preserved, and the area was prepared before homes were built.  There are major washes between rows of houses that allow for the flow of very heavy rain without endangering the homes.  Storms will come.  Very intense storms will come.  How can a community be planned so that it is prepared for the storms?  How can we live our lives so that we are ready for the storms?  What can give us A FAITH FOR THE STORMS?

To answer that question I would like to look at the account of two storms in the Gospel of Mark – in chapter 4, where Jesus stills a storm – and chapter 6 – where Jesus walks on water. 

The first thing I notice in both stories is that a storm came into the lives of the disciples even when thy were doing exactly what Jesus had told them to do.
Mark 4: 35 – “When evening had come, Jesus said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’”
Mark 6: 45 – “Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.”

Obeying Jesus and doing exactly what God tells us to do is not going to protect us from all storms.  And just because a severe storm is happening to us does not mean that we are living outside the will of God.    

 Mark 4: 35-41 – Jesus Stills a Storm

 Verse 37 – “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.” 

You might ask the question, Several of the disciples were seasoned fishermen.  How could seasoned fishermen have gotten caught off guard by a storm?  As I understand it, storms that come from the west – from off the Mediterranean Sea – are rainstorms that are accompanied by clouds.  You can see these storms coming.  But storms that come from the east – from off the desert – are windstorms.  There are no clouds that warn you they are coming.  And those winds are only intensified as they rush down the canyons surrounding the Sea of Galilee to a water surface that is several hundred feet below sea level.  I am reminded of what Luke said in Acts 2:2 in his description of Pentecost.  “Suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind.”  The disciples who had been fishermen before they became followers of Jesus certainly knew what it was like to experience a sound like a rush of a violent wind.    

Verse 38 – “But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’”  When you are going through the storms in your life, have you ever wondered if Jesus is asleep?  Have you ever wondered whether Jesus cares that you were perishing? 

Jesus does care, and Jesus can do something about the storm.  Verse 39 – “He woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Be silent! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.”

I believe that this was more than just a weather event.  I believe that this was a spiritual event.  This was Satan trying to stop Jesus from advancing into the Gentile world.  And I believe that the political violence, hateful rhetoric, and extreme divisiveness that are disrupting our country and tearing it apart are not just human dynamics.  They are spiritual dynamics.  The Bible tells us that the Thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10: 10).   

 Mark 6:45-51 – Jesus Walks on Water

 And then two chapters later Mark gives us another account of how our relationship with Jesus can give us A FAITH FOR THE STORMS.   Here also a storm came into the lives of the disciples even when they were doing exactly what Jesus had told them to do.  Verses 45-46 – which come right after the feeding of the five thousand – “Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.”  There are three things that I would want to say from this account.

 First, Jesus prays for us during the storms.

Whatever storm you are going through right now, Jesus is praying for you just as He was praying for the disciples.  Therefore, Hebrews 4: 16 tells us that we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness,” knowing that there we will “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Jesus intercedes for us in our time of need.  We receive His mercy and grace and help in time of need.   

 Second, Jesus comes to us during the storms.

 Verses 47-48 – “When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.  When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning.” 

The same Jesus who saw that His disciples were straining at the oars against an adverse wind also sees you in all of your struggles.  But notice something.  Sometimes God does not intervene right away.  When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, but Jesus did not come to them until early in the morning.  Sometimes Jesus will not respond and come right away.  But He will always come – never too early and never too late – but just at the right time. 

And then –

Third, Jesus comes to us victorious over our greatest fears.

Verse 48 – “He came towards them, walking on the sea.”  He came to them, walking on top of the very thing that terrified the disciples the most.

Whatever it is that frightens you the most, Jesus is literally on top of.

So, are you concerned for our nation?
Are you troubled by all the political extremism, violent rhetoric, and high levels of hatred?
Does it ever feel to you like Jesus is asleep?
To put it on a personal level, do you ever wonder if He cares about what is happening to you?
Do you ever wonder if He sees your struggles?
Do you ever ask why He does not respond any sooner?

Just look out on the waters.
He is walking on the waves.
He is literally on top of what frightens, threatens, intimidates, unsettles, and upsets you the most.

In the strong Name of Jesus,

Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

“When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.  And the whole city had gathered at the door.  And He healed many who were ill with various diseases and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was” (Mark 1:32-34).

Once the word got out, many came to Him with hope that He would heal people of their infirmities.  Many settle for just that.  He has come to make us clean, whole, and ready to live eternally with Him.  There should be no settling for just the first steps.  We are called to make the whole journey and follow Jesus as He makes of us what He will.  Do not listen to the ones opposed to Him speaking against the faith but yourself speak His word and speak freely.

Lord, I see these things, but I am so wrapped up in the moment that I settle for temporary things.  Turn my heart toward eternity so that I long for the salvation You give, and reject the condemnation that is upon us all in this age of sin.  Guide me on the upward path and lead me out of myself and into You.  You alone give the words of eternal life.  Help me to learn to speak the truth at all times.

Lord Jesus, You have come into my ordinary life and walk alongside me.  You are healing me of my confusions.  Place Your words in my mouth so that I may speak the truth and bring Your healing to those around me.  Guide me in the path of salvation knowing that the wicked ones will speak out, but cannot harm me, for You counter their voices.  You have given me the words of hope to speak when I encounter adversity.  Help me to speak Your word always.  Amen.

“And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her.  And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them” (Mark 1:29-31).

Look at the pieces of the story.  Jesus calls the sons, but the mother is sick.  Jesus heals her and she is back to work.  We were made to work.  Our life as disciples grows through the work we do.  Our work is our belief in action.  All authority belongs to Jesus, so at His word, we are restored.  Distractions of this world get in the way, but Jesus heals us of all infirmities, the greatest of which is death.

Lord, what You came to do You tell us with Scripture.  What You did is revealed in the life of faith which You have given us.  Guide us to understanding that we are not to rest when You call us to work, nor are we to work when You call us to rest.  As we follow You, lead us into living the life which You intend for all, so that we may learn how to be faithful in and through all things.

Lord Jesus, I try to figure things out.  I want to know what You are up to before I take that first step, but You are the One who knows, and You call us into eternity.  Lead me out of myself and into the life You are growing in me.  Remove any sickness so that I may get up and wait on others as You have waited upon me.  I need You to guide me into learning how to love others as You have loved me.  Amen.

“They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”  Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee” (Mark 1:27).

Is this new teaching?  No!  Jesus came and fulfilled the law.  He’s the only One who has.  He did not come to do away with the law, but to fulfil it.  The Incarnate One, through whom all things were made, has come to give us opportunity to learn to obey the One who made us.  Ultimately, we all will in death.  As we turn to Him, He calls us, in our resurrection, to join with Him in eternity in a new obedience.

Lord, all power and authority belong to You.  Nothing exists apart from You.  In this age of rebellion, we can pretend that we have either power or authority, but we do not have either in ourselves.  You speak, and some rebellious ones hear, and they grudgingly obey.  They may hate You, but they obey.  You give us the opportunity to learn that obedience is better than sacrifice.

Lord Jesus, that day will come when all stand before You.  That will not be the time to realize that You do have all authority.  Help me to understand this here and now.  Guide me to realize that I am under Your authority here and now.  Change my heart, removing all hatred, so that I willingly, lovingly, and humbly come into Your presence and walk with You as You walk with me.  Guide me into holiness, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.