Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Sin and Salvation in Storybook Land: Peter Rabbit"

“You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” Genesis 2:17
   

You will remember that Mrs. Rabbit dressed her children one morning in good clothes and sent them out to play. They could pick blackberries. Only one thing was forbidden – to sneak into Farmer McGregor’s garden patch and eat his vegetables. Flopsie, Mopsie, and Cottontail obeyed and happily picked blackberries. Not so Peter Rabbit. He immediately slipped under the fence into Farmer McGregor’s garden patch. How good those vegetables tasted!

But soon, to his horror, he found himself right under the accusing eye of Farmer McGregor. “Stop, thief!” the farmer cried out as he chased Peter with a hoe. Peter ran as fast as he could, but he got caught in a gooseberry net. Finally, he barely managed to pull free, but he was forced to leave behind his brand-new coat with shiny brass buttons. Now he raced into Farmer McGregor’s shed and jumped into a half-full water can. At last, Peter – exhausted, wet, tired, frightened – managed to wriggle under the fence and escape home. He was sent right to bed without supper, while Flopsie, Mopsie, and Cottontail sat down to a delicious meal of fresh blackberries and milk.

Aren’t we often like Peter Rabbit? God has placed us in this beautiful world to enjoy everything as we serve Him. Yet we at times insist on going beyond the fence and indulging ourselves. Initially we enjoy these forbidden pleasures – until we start feeling sick. God, the righteous Judge, starts pursing us. We know He will find us and that we are guilty. There is nothing we can do to escape, no matter how hard we try.

Recognizing our sin against God, we repent and turn to Him. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to rescue us from our sins. We can stop running and let Him heal and forgive us.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Winter and Spring"

Do your best to get here before winter. 2 Timothy 4:21
   

Of all the seasons, winter seems the most threatening. While snow can create a winter wonderland and winter sports enthusiasts love skiing, skating, sledding, and snowmobiling, winter nevertheless suggests cold, darkness, and death. Paul writes to Timothy and asks him to “do your best to get here before winter.” He also wants Timothy to bring the cloak he left with Carpus at Troas.

Winter reminds us that we will all die, even as leaves wither and fall and green grass grows brown. We rejoice that Jesus Christ died for us. We rejoice that in winter we have always with us the warmth of God’s love and that of His people gathered around Word and sacraments.

Spring follows winter. In describing the beautiful relationship between lovers, the beloved exclaims “See the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land” (Song of Songs 2:11-12). Winter is bleak. Spring is glorious. Nature comes alive with buds, blossoms, and leaves. Warmth and gentle winds return. Poets wax eloquent. God showers us with His love.

Because spring gives way to summer, summer to fall, and fall to winter, we cannot base our eternal hope on the beauty of spring. But we can anchor our hope on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event which occurred in springtime. Jesus Christ conquered death for us. His death was all-sufficient for our salvation, His life guaranteeing eternal life for those who believe in Him as Savior.

Thank God for the seasons! As we move through life from the springtime of youth, the summer of maturity, and the autumn of aging to the winter of death, we rejoice in the constant presence of the crucified and risen Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Summer and Fall"

Yet it [the ant] stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:8
   

God provides the seasons as a demonstration of His creative power and His love. The warmth of summer brings delight. Crops grow and ripen into maturity. People enjoy being outside. They vacation at the seashore, in the mountains, and by the lake. Golf, swimming, picnics, baseball, and fishing trips abound. Withering heat may also take its toll, and drought may cause serious problems. But the God who causes the sun to shine also sends rains to water the earth. God reigns during summer. The writer of Proverbs summons us to avoid laziness by following the example of the industrious ant which “stores its provisions in summer.” We are to make the most of our summer opportunities to serve God.

Fall brings its own unique beauty. The days grow shorter, the mornings and evenings cooler. The first frost comes. The leaves change colors, creating a breathtaking panorama of beauty. Farmers gather in the bountiful harvest in preparation for the harsh winter that lies ahead. The leaves fall from the trees. The cold increases. Winter approaches. Again the writer of Proverbs holds up the ant, which “gathers its food at harvest.” God wants us to enjoy the days of autumn but also to make the most of the time so that we are ready for winter.

As we reflect on summer and fall, we recognize on the one hand God’s magnificent creation and His boundless provision. On the other hand we come face to face with our own laziness and need for God’s help. How thankful we are that God sent His Son to pay for our sins and make us His own. Together with all of God’s people we praise Him for summer and fall!

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Seasons"

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Genesis 8:22
   

Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” provides ongoing delight to lovers of baroque era music. His musical imagery using violin and orchestra portrays spring, summer, autumn, and winter in succession. Four descriptive sonnets accompany the music.

How much a part of life itself, the seasons. We can count on their regularity, their uniqueness, and their individual character. God describes the seasons to Noah as a promise of His loving presence after the Flood: “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

Year after year we experience the rebirth of spring, the heat of summer, the colors of autumn, and the cold of winter. While varying in intensity from climate to climate, the seasons nevertheless remind us of God’s creative power and His orderly rule in nature.

With the passing of years they remind us also of the reality of death and the ultimate end of this world. We recognize our sinfulness and rebellion against God, even as the Flood marked God’s punishment of sin.

For this reason we rejoice that God has sent us a “Man for All Seasons,” His Son Jesus Christ. Born at winter’s midnight hour, He grew up to walk the roads of Palestine at seedtime and harvest, including a winter visit to Jerusalem (John 10:22). He went to death for our sins and rose from the dead during a glorious springtime and offers us eternal life with Him long after the seasons end.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Favorite Things: Thoughtful Notes"

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 2 Corinthians 3:2
   

How often I have been encouraged by a thoughtful note written by someone who cares – an unexpected thank you, an encouraging word in time of trouble, an invitation to a family gathering, a newsy letter and word of wisdom. I would place thoughtful notes high on my list of favorite things.

Paul wrote many letters to Christian congregations in Europe and Asia Minor. No doubt they brought much encouragement and counsel to embattled believers. But in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul makes a startling statement, “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.” He considers them letters of recommendation, attesting to the validity of his apostolic ministry. In their daily lives of purity and service they witness to Christ and encourage both Paul and others.

In short, thoughtful notes become an extension of the sender. We show thoughtfulness by the way we live for Christ each day. Jesus Christ by His death and resurrection is God’s love letter to us. We receive that love letter in faith and pass it on to others by the life we live and, yes, by the thoughtful notes we send to others. What a privilege for Paul to say of us, “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.” Thoughtful notes – one of my favorite things!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Favorite Things: Ice Cream Cones"

“I will bless her with abundant provisions.” Psalm 132:15
   

One of my favorite things is an ice cream cone. Our family used to live on Main Street. On warm summer evenings we would walk several blocks together to our favorite ice cream stand. There we would order double dips of the best ice cream in the world. Those delicious cones would last all the way home.

An ice cream cone for me symbolizes God’s special favor. Yes, He provides bread, meat, and potatoes for the supper table. Daily bread indeed. And I suppose many people enjoy gourmet meals in fashionable restaurants by His grace. But an ice cream cone represents a simple extra blessing of God, a taste treat available to most people, a testimony to God’s overflowing care.

God speaks of Zion in the psalm verse: “I will bless her with abundant provisions.” Abundant – over and above what is needed for survival. Abundant – delicious and delightful. Abundant – like the overflowing gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, who said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Favorite things – ice cream cones for a growing family on a hot summer evening and abundant life through faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Favorite Things: Brown Paper Packages"

Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3
   

In the Broadway musical “The Sound of Music” Maria comforts the von Trapp children during an evening thunderstorm by singing them a song about her favorite things. She includes in her list “brown paper packages.” We delight to receive a package in the mail, even though wrapped in a plain brown paper cover. We eagerly open the plain package to see what treasure lies inside. Whatever the contents, we appreciate receiving the gift with its mystery inside.

In a very real sense God’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ, came to us in the equivalent of a brown paper package. The eternal Son of God slipped into this world as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes in Bethlehem’s manger. Although He was and is the most priceless Treasure possible – the Son of God who has won forgiveness for the world – He did not display his glory (except for occasional glimpses) in the cities and towns of the Holy Land or on the ugly road to Calvary. Rather that Treasure remained hidden in the “brown paper package” of His humility and servanthood. Only in His resurrection and ascension did Jesus Christ shine forth as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The next time you receive one of your favorite things in the mail, think of Christ, your greatest Treasure, for now and for eternity!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Hold High the Torch"

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2
   

The Olympic torch symbolizes the spirit of the Olympic movement – international friendship, national pride, and the pursuit of athletic excellence. Setting goals, developing determination, and sharing support through the torch relay contributed to the Olympic spirit. The runners held high the torch across America, and when Rafer Johnson ignited the permanent Olympic torch in the Los Angeles Coliseum, the games began with high spirits.

As Christians we are called to hold high the torch of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews describes us as running the race surrounded in the stands by all the great heroes of the faith who have gone before us. We are to throw off the weight of our sin and run the race with determination. But the focus of our running always rests on Jesus: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Jesus went joyfully to the cross for us and was raised to the right hand of the Father.

Far from seeking glory or fame, we lift high the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ for all to see. Saved by His death, we set our life’s goals to serve Him. Relying on His promises, we develop determination to run the race. Surrounded by the fellowship of believers, we give support to all who alongside of us bear witness to Christ’s love. In the darkness of a sinful world, hold high the torch!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Olympic Torch: Support"

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
   

The Olympic Torch Relay helped to promote teamwork among the American people. Runners supported each other and likewise received support from the crowds. In Kansas City a beautiful mentally handicapped girl struggled her way up an incline while her entire class waved balloons and shouted, “Run, Amy, run!” Delayed by a severe thunderstorm in Kentucky, the relay arrived in a small community at 2 o’clock in the morning, expecting everyone to be in bed. Instead, they were greeted by several hundred townspeople holding candles to light the way. Giving and receiving support.

Paul writes to the Philippian Christians, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” How easily we become self-absorbed, settle into our selfish routine, and look out for number one. We want to star on the team and make the headlines.

Paul points to Jesus, who took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death on the cross. Before we can give support, we need support – His total self-giving sacrifice on the cross for us. And we need the strength of fellow Christians to grow in faith. Then by God’s power we can live for Him and for others. He helps us see the needs around us and respond with specific, practical aid. We learn to encourage, commend, sustain, and uplift others as they also support us. The Christian fellowship in action far surpasses any Olympic Torch Relay and bears eloquent testimony to the saving work of Jesus Christ, the Servant whom God exalted as Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Olympic Torch: Determination"

You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:3
   

The Olympic Torch Relay in 1984 not only provided challenging goals but also developed determination in organizers and runners alike. On Atlanta’s Peachtree Street, with crowds four and five deep, a disabled child takes the torch, almost falls off balance, and then moves slowly toward his goal, concentrating on holding the torch aloft. Stumbling several times as the crowd gasps, he reaches his goal to their thunderous cheers. Such determination hardly left a dry eye in the crowd.

We who carry the torch of Christ’s love also find our faith tested. James writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” At the race’s start serving Christ seems glorious and exciting, but as the road lengthens and our energy wanes, we struggle and feel like quitting. Then God helps us develop determination. He reminds us of the agony and bloody sweat of His only Son on the final march to Calvary. He supplies us with the encouragement of brothers and sisters in the faith. And we learn to focus on Him and move on toward the finish line.

That determination, developed within us by His grace, serves to strengthen the crowds who watch and equips us to meet greater challenges that lie ahead. We live triumphantly on God’s staying power, for His Word endures forever in us, and through us to others. Thank God for the determination of His Son.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Olympic Torch: Goals"

I press on toward the goal. Philippians 3:14
   

Since the 1936 Olympic Games the Olympic torch has been transported from Greece to the Olympic site. In 1984 a torch relay moved across the United States from New York to Los Angeles. Providing many dramatic and inspiring moments, the relay involved Americans from every walk of life in a common goal. Proceeds from the torch relay helped local sports programs across the country.

Individually and collectively the Olympic Torch Relay provided opportunities to set and accomplish goals. Covering 9,000 miles, the relay started May 8 and ended at the opening ceremonies in Los Angeles on July 28. This major effort required careful planning and the cooperation of groups nationwide. Each runner had the goal of running a kilometer with trained runners covering much more territory in less populated areas of the country.

In running the race of the Christian life, goals provide awesome power. Paul writes to the Philippian Christians, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” He knew that Jesus had run the race before him to die on the cross for the world’s sin. Forgiven by Christ’s sacrifice, Paul now strains ahead to live for Christ by serving others every day. He lives with purpose – sharing Christ’s salvation with others.

We join with other Christians to press on toward the goal for which God has called us in Christ Jesus. By grace He will lead us to heaven. In the meanwhile, we live with purpose each day, joining hands to carry the torch of Christ’s love to every person on the path of life.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Godly Sorrow – Worldly Sorrow"

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10
   

Sin brings sorrow every time. The immediate result may appear exciting, enjoyable, even exhilarating. But in the long run there is guilt and anxiety. Worldly sorrow over sin seeks superficial ways to deal with guilt. We try to blame others. We insist that everyone else does the same thing. We try to make up for sin by doing something good. Worldly sorrow leads to death.

Paul talks about godly sorrow. He writes to the Corinthians, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” The Corinthians had sinned in many ways. Paul confronts them with their sin in his First Letter. Initially, they seemed reluctant to listen to his admonition. They displayed only a worldly sorrow.

But in these verses Paul rejoices. A visit by Titus has revealed that God has worked true repentance in their hearts. No longer covering up, they admit their sin and turn to Jesus for forgiveness. Relying on His mercy, their sorrow has produced earnestness, eagerness to be cleared, indignation over wrongdoing, longing to see the wrongs righted, and genuine concern. “Godly sorrow … leads to salvation.”

God addresses each of us through Paul. Are we dealing with our sin by worldly sorrow, striving desperately to cover up and avoid the truth? Or do we open our lives to the Word of God, admitting our guilt and applying to ourselves the full forgiveness of Christ, won on the cross? “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation.”

[Soldier4Christ]

"Internalizing His Death"

And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15
   

Smoking causes lung cancer according to research reports. No doubt true. An external fact. Yet people continue smoking. America provides unprecedented freedom for all citizens. No doubt true. An external fact. Yet people either choose to live in bondage or take freedom for granted. When dad dies of lung cancer or I cough dangerously, I may internalize the cancer research and quit smoking. When I live for a time in a foreign country and experience its lack of liberty, I may internalize America’s precious freedom.

“He died for all,” Paul writes. True. An external fact. Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sin of the entire world. God declared the whole world righteous for Jesus’ sake. I live because God has brought me to faith through the waters of Baptism. Dead to sin, I live in the death and resurrection of Christ. True. An objective fact. But I often live each day as though dead in sin. I fear. I build my own kingdoms. I hate. I reject. I withdraw.

Paul describes internalizing Christ’s death, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” “For all” – external, objective. “For them” – internal, subjective. For us. For me. Because He died for me, a poor sinner, I know God’s love and forgiveness. Undeserving, I have eternal life now. I no longer want to live for myself but for Him who died for me and rose again. What a life – rich, challenging, surprising, open, other-directed, praise-filled – when by God’s grace I internalize Jesus’ death!

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Driving Force"

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all. 2 Corinthians 5:14
   

What causes people to climb formidable mountains, explore unknown frontiers, and push on toward new scientific discoveries? What motivates us to condition our bodies, fight for a higher rung on the career ladder, and struggle to accumulate wealth? Driving forces within us. All too often these driving forces are desire for recognition, greed, and lust for success. At root selfishness and pride.

But Paul describes a far more powerful and helpful motivation. This driving force led the apostles to travel the world, testify boldly, face natural obstacles, persecution, and death itself. They continued loving their enemies, helping ungrateful churches, and clearly proclaiming Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. What driving force motivated the apostles to lay aside self-interest and greed? Paul simply says, “Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all.” Paul knew that Jesus went to the cross to pay for the world’s sin. Not interested in personal gain and only wanting to obey the Father, Jesus loved us to the death. Overwhelmed by His love, Paul lived boldly and joyfully because Christ’s love compelled him.

Thank God for the driving force of Christ’s love! We confess our selfish drives and rest in the forgiving love of the Savior. We look to the cross and see the Christ, compelled by love to hang there for us. We soak in His love through Word and sacraments, daily offering His forgiveness. Then we rise to face the challenges of the day – people to love, goals to reach for Him, opportunities for Christian witness. And without striving or struggling, we realize that Christ’s love moves us to willing and joyful action. What a driving force!

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"Common Clay Pots"

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
   

Movie premiere. Limousines arrive. Stars in glittering evening wear sweep through the crowds to the waiting door as cameras flash. Who knows what lies behind the smiling faces – loneliness, fear, arrogance, immorality, emptiness? How often we try to maintain a glittering exterior while hiding what lies inside!

Paul takes an opposite approach in describing his apostolic ministry. He refers to himself as a jar of clay, a common clay pot – ordinary, weak, sinful, no glitter. Why? He wants his treasure, “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6), to shine brightly for all to see. That light can shine through the cracks in a common clay pot. No one will mistake the clay jar for the treasure. Everyone will see that “this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." Which do you prefer – a glittering exterior like a movie star with nothing inside or the marvelous treasure of Christ in a common clay pot?