getting out the WORD

the fourth sunday of easter

the PRAYER. . .

O God of peace, you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep. By the blood of your eternal covenant, make us complete in everything good that we may do your will, and work among us all that is well-pleasing in your sight, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

the READING. . .

[Jesus answered,] “The Father and I are one.”

John 10:22-30

the DEVOTION. . .

I was forty-five when Lanie was born. Dad was still alive, but Mom had been gone for five years. She never met Sherice or Abbie or Rachel. Never met Lanie, either. But I’m sure she’d’ve been in hog heaven, if she had! Three girls! Five counting my nieces! And after raising two boys and a husband! But one thing’s always bothered me; they never had the chance to meet her.

I was telling a friend about it, one day. A pastor from a nearby congregation. And he told me that wasn’t true. Of course, all I could hear was Jesus telling Mary that Lazarus would rise again. But my friend went in a different direction. “They meet her in you! Every day! In your thoughts! Your words! Your actions! She’s there waiting to meet even Lanie!”

We get so philosophical, so metaphysical, at times. God from God! Light from Light! True God from True God! Begotten, not make. Of One being! Truth is, maybe it’s as simple as my friend’s insight, that day. Looking at the son, we see father! Looking at Jesus, we see god! And maybe – just maybe – looking at us, people see Jesus!

Bob Barndt, pastor

Midland Lutheran Church
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