Day by Day

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"Our Family: Together in Thanksgiving"

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways … Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Psalm 128:1, 3
   

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, we think of celebrating together with our families or at least remember the many family blessings of the past. The ideal Thanksgiving dinner pictures a bountifully laden table with the family gathered around it.

In reality the Thanksgiving meal often features bickering and complaining. “Mom, she’s taking all the white meat.” “Why are there so many onions in the dressing?” “Can I be excused to watch football on television?” “No one thanks me for the meal – all that work and no appreciation!” “Will everyone be quiet? I can’t stand all the nagging and the noise. Why can’t we relax on a holiday?”

The psalmist, however, describes how family togetherness can be a reality. “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways.” God sent His Son Jesus for us. At the cross He bridged all divisions between God and human beings, including families. God chooses us as His own people in our baptism and brings us to faith in Christ. As we grow in faith, He fills us with reverence and obedience. By His power we reach out to our family members at Thanksgiving and throughout the year.

What blessings flow from God to us by His grace! “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table’ (Psalm 128:2, 3). By faith we rejoice in God’s Thanksgiving blessings. Our family: together in thanksgiving.

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"A Thief in the Night"

For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2
   

We all dread the possibility of a thief in the night. With the family sleeping, a thief quietly breaks in and enters thorough a window or door. Armed with knife or gun, he stealthily sneaks around looking for money and valuables. Just thinking about it strikes terror in our hearts, giving grotesque meaning to shadows in our room or strange noises in the night.

Paul uses this imagery to describe the sudden coming of the day of the Lord at the end of the world. People will be talking about “peace and safety” when destruction comes suddenly. We think of the days of Noah, when the flood came without warning.

At the end of the church year Christians contemplate the end of the world. For everyone living in darkness that day spells terror, destruction, punishment. Judgment Day means a day of reckoning, with no escape, no warning.

But Paul has good news for us. “You, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day” (1 Thessalonians 5:4, 5). “God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 9). In the very darkness of Good Friday, Jesus shone forth on the cross as the Savior of the world. Easter morning light brought proof of His victory.

We live in the light of Easter. We have been “called … out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Forgiven, we wait expectantly for the day of the Lord, when Jesus will appear again to take us to heaven. We don’t know the day or the hour when He will return. But as children of the light we will not be surprised but will welcome our salvation with open arms.

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"Clue"

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
   

A third popular board game, Clue, engages the players in a who-done-it mystery. A murder has been committed, and the purpose of the game is to identify the murderer, the weapon, and the location of the murder. Clues are provided to lead toward a solution, but usually one clue sheds the most light on the mystery.

How does one make sense out of the game of life? With all the confusing values, philosophies, and life-styles, how does one choose the right path? What clues can lead to a solution? The Teacher in Ecclesiastes has systematically eliminated one option after another – knowledge, wealth, and pleasure.

But the significant clue comes near the end of the book: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” The clue comes from God, not from human beings. God wants us to fear Him and keep His commandments: “Love the Lord your God … and your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). Not selfish living, but selfless living.

The clue points toward the solution. We can’t fear God or keep His commandments on our own. That’s why God sent His Son to live the life and pay the price. A murder in a sense. They nailed Him to a tree. But in the end He did it Himself. He willingly died for us on Calvary. Now you know the solution for your life. He works faith in your heart. He instills in you a fear of God and obedience to His commandments. Purpose for living. Sure hope in dying. The saving clue – Christ crucified.

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"Monopoly"

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5:10
   

How I used to love the board game Monopoly! I would eagerly purchase all the property I could afford and start placing houses and hotels on it. My excitement grew as I won more and more money and continued amassing property. Of course, sometimes I lost everything I had while someone else grew wealthy. Monopoly has experienced enduring sales over the past 50 years. Obviously a strong appeal to game lovers.

Monopoly mirrors life. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes refers to our insatiable desire for material possessions: “Whoever loves money never has money enough: whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” We want more money, clothes, televisions, automobiles, and the list goes on. We think we can handle additional income circumspectly, but our sinful nature pushes us to spend and keep it for ourselves. We seek monopoly in the sense that we want to amass wealth, even if it comes at the expense of others. The Teacher cuts us short: “This too is meaningless.” We need to face reality, to admit the fleeting nature of possessions and to repent of our greed.

Enter God. He shares abundantly with the righteous and the unrighteous alike (see Matthew 5:45). He gives everything away. He gave us His Son, who gave His life for us on Calvary. Jesus learned contentment in doing the Father’s will. Now in possession of the free gift of eternal life, we can spend a lifetime not gaining a monopoly, but giving everything away to others – our life, our Savior, and our material possessions. Such a life-style will not be judged “meaningless.”

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"Trivial Pursuit"

“Meaningless! Meaningless! Says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:2
   

The box game Trivial Pursuit captured the hearts of millions of Americans a few years ago. The game appeared at many parties and family gatherings. It has difficult questions in a wide variety of categories such as arts and literature, history, and sports and leisure – questions that challenge the most knowledgeable participants. And the questions stress trivia, often obscure and otherwise unimportant facts but tantalizing morsels for game enthusiasts.

Trivial pursuit, unfortunately, describes the life-style of many people. We choose unimportant goals, waste time on activities without much value, and fill our heads with useless knowledge. Our world bombards us with glittering goods, exotic travel, promising investments, and get-rich-quick schemes. We often pursue the trivial, forgetting eternal values.

The Teacher in Ecclesiastes points out the trivial nature of most things: “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” While admittedly pessimistic, the Teacher helps us to question values and choices. By contrast, says the same writer, “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun” (Ecclesiastes 7:11). In our New Testament understanding, wisdom refers to a right relationship with God. He sent His Son, the Word made flesh (see John 1:14) to live and die for our sins. Christ is the Power and wisdom of God. Because of His faithful pursuit of the cross, we can live with clear goals of service and witness as members of God’s family. In the light of eternity, no trivial pursuits for us!

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"A New Thing!"

“See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:19
   

Israel lived in the past. Israel developed elaborate laws and practiced formalized religion. Her corporate life resembled a desert wasteland. Disobedient and rebellious, she faced destruction.

Today’s church sometimes lives on tradition in the desert of disobedience and rebellion. We often bring God the leftovers and weary Him with our offenses.

Isaiah electrifies the discouraged nation by bringing the Word of the Lord: “See, I am doing a new thing!” He refers to God’s new covenant of grace initiated by the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. God will make a new way in the desert, where streams of water will flow to quench the thirst of His chosen people. Jesus by His death on the cross would blot out the transgressions of the world.

That new thing continues to bring new life today. Our society falls over itself for the latest fad and the newest discoveries. These fads quickly fade. But in a modern desert of selfishness, materialism, and rebellion against God, He continues to pour forth the streams of life to quench our thirst. Baptized, we drink the clear, cold water of God’s Word and sacraments. Refreshed, we participate in God’s new thing which is drawing people to Himself from every nation, tribe, and clan. We witness God at work in our own lives and share His goodness with those around us. “See, I am doing a new thing.”

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"Songs of Joy or Wails of Brokenness?"

“My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will … wail in brokenness of spirit.” Isaiah 65:14
   

Through the prophet Isaiah, God articulates a clear choice for the people of Israel. On the one hand, those who disobey can expect wails in brokenness of spirit, they provoke God, forget His holy mountain, offer sacrifices to idols, and walk in evil ways. God vows to pay them back in full for their sins and the sins of their fathers.

How easily we can forget God in the midst of our selfish pursuits, follow the example of those who pursue modern idols and say that we are above reproach! Persistent disobedience can lead to anguish of heart and wails of brokenness when we experience God’s wrath against our sins.

But, on the other hand, God offers us salvation freely by His grace. He sent His Son to pay for our sins by dying on the cross. Chosen by Him in Baptism, we sing out of the joy of our hearts. We treasure our inheritance, thank Him for many blessings, hear the answers to our prayers before we even ask, and anticipate new heavens and a new earth which He will create for us. No wonder we fill the air with songs of joy.

“The Sovereign LORD says: ‘My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame.’” (Isaiah 65:13). Songs of joy or wails of brokenness? Thank God for the gift of His Son!

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"Fingers in the Cookie Jar"

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13
   

Mother tells Junior, “You can play now until supper. What ever you do, stay out of the cookie jar. Those chocolate cookies will spoil your supper.” Junior plays with one thought dominating his mind – those chocolate cookies. Nothing could ever taste better. Just one cookie can do no harm. While Mother works in another room, he sneaks into the kitchen, gets up on a stool takes off the lid, and grabs a delicious cookie. Time enough to get away. Just one more. With fingers in the cookie jar, Junior hears footsteps and then a voice, “Junior, what did I tell you – no cookies! No dessert for you tonight.”

I still love cookies and pass the cookie jar frequently. No penalty awaiting me from a parent, but I still rationalize to myself that one or two won’t add any pounds. Then I think of the proverb, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” We still live with our fingers in the cookie jar. We know what God says in His Word about cheating, stealing, lying, adultery, and gossip. We have much freedom to live and enjoy His creation. Yet our minds focus on the forbidden object or action. We decide that one time won’t hurt, and no one will know.

But inevitably we get caught, at least by God, who found Adam and Eve hiding in the garden. With fingers in the cookie jar and chocolate on our face we try to conceal our sin, but to no avail. The better course – openly confessing our sin and asking forgiveness. God sent His Son for us. He defeated those cookie jar temptations and died for our sins. He offers full forgiveness. His mercy – dessert of the best kind. Ahead by grace through faith in Jesus – the heavenly feast. Who needs fingers in the forbidden cookie jar anyway?

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"Spiritual Discernment"

“So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” 1 Kings 3:9
   

The story of Solomon’s dream deserves attention. As he began his reign over Israel, God appeared to him during the night. “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon could have asked for wealth or long life. Instead he prayed, “So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”

Solomon showed spiritual discernment by his request and asked for a discerning heart as he governed. He recognized the difficulty of his task and the need for dependence on God’s wisdom. God granted his request and promised wealth and long life as well. Unfortunately we also know that in later years Solomon grew distracted by his many foreign wives and his wealth, thus dulling his spiritual discernment.

What better request could we make than for a discerning heart – the spiritual discernment to know the difference between right and wrong, to admit our sins and ask forgiveness, to look to God’s Son Jesus Christ, “one greater than Solomon” (Matthew 12:42), as our Savior from sin, and to live joyfully according to God’s commandments. Though we don’t rule a nation, we also have heavy responsibilities in our home, church, and employment. Only God’s gift of a discerning heart will enable us to serve Him wisely and lovingly.

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"Spiritual Dullness"

But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD: they do not understand His plan. Micah 4:12
   

“That knife couldn’t cut hot butter.” Frustration at trying to cut something with a dull blade. “You don’t catch on to anything I’m saying.” Frustration of a teacher with a dull student. Dull means ineffective and slow.

Micah describes the spiritual dullness of nations gathered against Israel: “But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand His plan.” These people may have been powerful and clever, much to be feared, but spiritually they could neither cut hot butter nor catch on to the simplest teaching. Therefore, as Micah prophesies, they will be broken to pieces (see Micah 4:13).

Do we have a problem with spiritual dullness? “Called … out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9), we nevertheless at times fail to understand and live effective lives in relation to God’s plan for us. Why? Our sinful flesh rebels against God. Micah promised a new day for Judah after the Babylonian captivity and a ruler to come out of Bethlehem, One who would “shepherd His flock” (Micah 5:4). That ruler, Jesus, has come to be our Light in darkness, to replace our spiritual dullness with bright understanding and keen-edged living. We turn to His Word for illumination. As a result we know His thoughts, understand His plan, and live joyfully each day. Thank God for His Son, who carried out the Father’s plan on Calvary and lives in our hearts forever.

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"Cleaning the Refrigerator"

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6
   

Baking may provide blessings, but cleaning the refrigerator, that’s another matter. The refrigerator looks shiny on the outside. What modern kitchen can survive without a refrigerator to preserve food and keep drinks cold? We fill it with produce, meat, and dairy products. We store leftovers for use at a later time. What a service to the family!

But then comes the time for cleaning. Nothing else will fit inside. The process begins. Everything removed. Plastic containers emptied. Spoiled food everywhere. Black and green mold. Heavy glass jars discarded. Soap applied inside. Elbow grease on the sponge. At last sparkling clean and plenty of room! The cycle begins again.

How much our life resembles a refrigerator! Shiny on the outside. Potentially useful to others. Constantly taking in words and experiences from the world, stored for future use. But then we have to examine the inside. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Within our rebellious hearts the world’s input quickly sours and molds. We are so cluttered that our ability to help others is hindered. Only God can clean us properly. The sins confessed and removed are covered by the blood of Christ. The waters of Baptism continue to cleanse us daily. Sparkling clean in Christ and useful again for service, we begin again the cycle of God’s love as we live for Him. What a lesson from cleaning the refrigerator!

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"Baking Blessings"

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38
   

Kitchen delight. Baking in process. Sift the flour. Measure and pack down the brown sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Mix the ingredients. Spoon out the teaspoonfuls on the cookie sheet. Bake. Smell the aroma and eat the finished product. A blessing of God!

As Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” An abundance of grain poured into the fold of the garment for use in preparing the daily meal. The widow of Zarephath discovered that the cruse of oil and flour in the jar never emptied as she continued to bake bread for Elijah and her family. God’s bountiful blessing!

Baking blessings. As we prepare good things for others and lovingly use the ingredients He supplies, God’s blessings flow in abundance. God spared not His Son but gave Him up for us all. “Freely [we] have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:. The lesson learned in the kitchen applies to life in the factory, the school, the neighborhood, and the church. “For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” All by grace. All from God’s love. Shared with others freely and abundantly, freshly baked cookies are indeed baking blessings!

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"Come to the Banquet"

“Everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.” Matthew 22:4
   

The beautiful word “Come” fills Scripture. Come for cleansing. Come for refreshment. Come for rest. In Matthew 22 our attention is directed ahead to the heavenly invitation: Come for the banquet.

In the parable a king prepares a banquet for his son. His servants invite many to come, but they refuse. He tells his servants to invite the guests again with the news that the oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and “everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.” They pay no attention but work in the fields and tend to business. Swift judgment came upon these ungrateful guests who had mistreated his servants. Now he sends servants into the streets and gathers all they can find to the banquet. The king then provides wedding garments for these new guests.

Our King invites us to the heavenly banquet. All things are ready. His Son Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, attends as guest of honor. We do not deserve to attend because of our sin. But the King searches in the streets and alleys: “Everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.” He then furnishes us with the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness, so that we are worthy to enter the banquet hall. Accepting the invitation by God’s grace, we also extend the invitation to others as long as we live: Come to the banquet!

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"Come for Rest!"

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
   

Jesus places a yoke of discipleship on each of His followers. His own road to Calvary involved many burdens and trials, but He bore them willingly. He candidly told His followers that they also would experience crosses in their lives. John the Baptist’s imprisonment and death for exposing King Herod’s sin witnessed to the cost of discipleship.

But Jesus never asks for anything He does not freely bestow. He offers a most comforting invitation to struggling disciples, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” “Come to Me.” All sins and failures are covered by His sacrificial death. “All you who are weary and burdened.” He has already shouldered our burdens. He understands them, and He cares about us. He puts His arms around us and comforts us. “And I will give you rest.” We don’t deserve rest. But He gives us rest nevertheless. Peace in His forgiveness. Shelter form the storms of life. Quiet meditation on His promises. Rest for today and the promise of that eternal rest which belongs to the people of God.

The discipleship goes on with the yoke of obedience shouldered. But He makes our yoke easy and our burden light (Matthew 11:30), because of His death and resurrection. He gives rest to our souls. Come for rest!

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"Come for Refreshment!"

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Isaiah 55:1
   

Isaiah describes the plight of a rebellious Israel with wilderness imagery. Because of her sin she wandered in a trackless wasteland with no water to drink. Her captivity in Babylon far from Jerusalem would be a spiritual wilderness. Now God issues the beautiful invitation of our text to a hopeless, despairing people. God’s overflowing love is freely poured out for sinners. Refreshing water to drink. Food and drink for sustenance. Spiritual refreshment that lasts forever. All without cost!

In the wilderness of our existence, God also issues an invitation to us. “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters …” Having squandered our money on food that doesn’t satisfy (Isaiah 55:2), having rebelled against God, we now come to Jesus Christ for refreshment. He has paid the full price for our sins and offers us spiritual food and drink without cost. The living water of His Word refreshes our parched throats. The solid food of His love and forgiveness nourishes us for daily living. Now we can sound the summons for others to come and drink at the waters and to eat the food freely offered. Come for refreshment!