getting out the Word

the 7th sunday of easter

the PRAYER …

Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

the READING …

[Jesus prayed:] “Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.”
john 17:6-19

the DEVOTION …

Ask members of a congregation what they like about their church, chances are the number one answer is people! Especially, after fourteen months of social distancing! However, music’s, probably, a close second! Others might say worship! Or a pastor or two! And of course, there’s, always, the building! But over the years, one thing I’ve rarely heard mentioned is the faith! What the congregation believes in! What it stakes its life on! Well, that got me thinking …

In the night in which he was betrayed … sitting with his disciples … with only a few beats remaining in his heart and fewer breaths in his lungs … Jesus doesn’t say anything about any of that! And he doesn’t reminisce … about the healings … about the miracles … about the crowds … Instead, he speaks of words! His words! God’s words! After all, for John, that’s who Jesus is … THE word! THE word that was with god! THE word that was god! THE word through whom all things came into being! THE word that became flesh! THE word that lived – that lives – among us! God speak! Speaks Jesus to us! And we’re changed! Changed not by the people! Or the music! Or the worship or the pastors or the building! But changed by the words! Changed by THE word! Changed forever!

Midland Lutheran Church
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