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August 2005

Week 1	Week 2
Week 3	Week 4

Week 1 Matthew 16:1-4

Dear friends, may our Lord’s blessings be with you this day. Our devotional for today finds Jesus being questioned once again by the Pharisees and Sadducees. In this passage, they ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. Their request was made simply for Jesus to "prove" to them that he was the promised Messiah. Jesus’ response was that there are signs all around them. Did they not understand? Why then ask of signs from him?

We can only begin to imagine Jesus’ frustration and disappointment over them. This isn’t the first time he was asked to prove himself, nor would it be the last. Time after time, Jesus taught and they were in amongst the crowds. Time after time, Jesus healed the sick and performed other miracles and they witnessed the events. His words and actions did proclaim his Messiahship, yet they wanted more "proof". What was so difficult to interpret? These were learned men, leaders of the Jewish community, students of the prophet’s writings, yet they did not understand.

Isn’t that true amongst us today as well? The gospel message is read, taught and proclaimed. The gospel message is also proclaimed through the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Yet, the question remains, "Where is God? I need proof of his existence. Then I will believe". Have you felt disappointment or frustration when you have heard these words? I know I have. I wonder how Jesus feels today, when these words are spoken? Could it be any different than what takes place in this passage? I don’t think so. The message remains the same. The signs are there.

In the passage, Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that the only miraculous sign to be given will the sign of Jonah. Now this sign is in reference to Jonah in the belly of the whale for three days, so shall the Son be in the grave for three days and rise again. This will be the great sign, the miracle of God. This will be the sign of salvation for all people. The question comes before all people and us, do you believe in the greatest miracle, the greatest sign, the resurrection of our Lord? Salvation depends upon your answer.

Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter “A”.

Matthew 16:5-12

Dear friends may our Lord gift of love be with you this day. Our devotional for today finds Jesus giving a warning to his disciples about the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Jesus had just finished feeding the 4000. As we read in yesterday’s devotion, they had asked Jesus for further signs to prove that he was the Messiah. After his response, he left them and with his disciples made their journey across the Sea of Galilee. Along the way, Jesus issues this statement of warning, specifically about the "yeast" of the leaders of the Jewish community. His disciples misunderstood him and Jesus explains what he means.

In Jewish tradition, the leaven or yeast is an impure ferment. In the Old Testament, the leaven represented evil, corruption or sin, which causes impurity of life. Jesus uses this example to help the disciples understand what implications the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees had on the people of Israel. Their teachings were impure. They placed hardships upon the people with their demands. They substituted human laws to show their own righteousness. They threatened people with expulsion from the faith community if the laws were not kept. Their laws built upon themselves rather than on the relationship with God. Their "yeast" destroyed the bread of faith, even within the community itself.

Jesus’ words to his disciples are also words of warning to us. Around us are individuals, groups and institutions that evangelize a proclamation of the "gospel" which are not confessional with the teaching of the scriptures or of the church. These individuals produce volumes of material for their evangelistic efforts. Within their material are their own interpretations of scripture, often selected verses to support their beliefs. The way to evaluate the material you read, individuals or groups you may listen to through the media, is to know personally the message proclaimed in the scriptures. This becomes your safeguard. We pray for ourselves and those around us, that we may know the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. May our faith be strengthened and sustained through his word.

Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter “B”.

Matthew 16:13-20

Dear friends, may the gift of grace from our Lord Jesus, be with you this day. Our devotional for today is Matthew’s account of Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. In Matthew, there is the distinction of the naming of Peter as the rock upon which our Lord will build his church. In the verses following Peter’s confession, Matthew includes the very role in which Peter and the other apostles would play in the establishment of the church. In this regard the church uses Peter’s confession as an example in its own confessional statement, Jesus is the center of our faith. Paul in Ephesians 2:20 says, the church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

Luther also shares this confessional in his explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed: "I believe that Jesus Christ - true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the Virgin Mary - is my Lord. At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death and the power of the devil - not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true."

These statements, here in this passage and in Luther’s Catechism, also become our confession of faith. We declare that this Jesus is the Lord of the Church. He gave his life for us on the cross, declaring the forgiveness of sins. We declare that God raised him from the dead, promising we too shall live. This is our confession, this is what we preach, what we teach, what we believe and what we live. May we be strengthened in our faith, as we make our bold confession of faith in word and in deed.

Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "C & D".

Matthew 16:21-28

Dear friends, may the gift of peace and its assurances from our Lord, be with you this day. Our devotional for today is Jesus’ first prediction of his suffering, death and resurrection. Earlier, we see Jesus asking his disciples who the crowds were saying he was. They respond, some say he is John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets come back from the dead. Then Peter made his confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God". Following his confession, Jesus explains to them his ultimate mission in which he was sent from God. He would travel to Jerusalem. There he would suffer and die, but on the third day rise again.

One of the difficult things to hear in life is centered around suffering and impending death. It reminds us of our own mortality. When Jesus announced his suffering and death and resurrection, Peter took him aside and basically said, "Don’t talk like that. Don’t think about that. You have such a great future ahead of you. Speaking about suffering and death diminishes all of that which is to come". How many times have we heard those words, said or thought them ourselves? What did the disciples hear from Jesus in these opening verses? I believe they were like us, just suffering. Like us, when we hear those words, our world stops. We change directions quickly, daring to hope that what our ears have heard is not true. Are we not like Peter in this story?

Jesus takes Peter aside, draws Satan out of him and explains to him and the rest of the disciples his mission. At first looking at Jesus’ response seems harsh. But Jesus recognizes who is responsible. Satan. Does that help us understand our human response to impending suffering and death as well? Satan’s desire is death. God’s desire is for us to move past death to the hope of resurrected life. Faith in the power of God to raise life from death, takes away the sting of death itself. It helps us to know that Jesus’ victory over death in the resurrection has done that. Let us take comfort in that promise.

Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter “E & F”.

Week 2 Matthew 17:1-13 Dear friends, may the message of hope which comes from our Lord Jesus, be with you this day. Our devotional for today is the story of the Transfiguration of our Lord. This is the turning point in Jesus’ ministry. His ministry among the people is nearly complete. In the latter stages of his ministry, he begins to devote his energy in his movement to Jerusalem and to the cross. The events that unfold here on the mountain, confirm his mission. Jesus takes with him, Peter, James and John. They move up the mountain and before the disciple’s eyes, our Lord is transfigured before them. The glory of the Lord comes upon him. In awe, they fall down on their knees in worship and adoration.

What is happening here on this mountain? Here, God reveals to these three disciples, that Jesus is his beloved Son. The words spoken at his baptism are echoed here once again. "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him". So on this mountain Jesus meets Moses and Elijah. They affirm his mission. This is the mission in which he has been sent. Jesus’ ministry is not only to teach about God’s kingdom, but also to usher in the kingdom. Jesus’ ministry is not only to heal the sick, but also to heal the brokenhearted, through the gift of forgiveness. It is a message of hope to the world. In Jesus, God now brings us back into a new and restored relationship. We are no longer condemned. No longer in bondage to our sin, we are freed by our Lord’s journey to the cross. Soon the mission would be complete. The gift of salvation that he offers will soon become reality for his people.

This story is a moment of transition for Jesus and his ministry. The focus now centers itself on the cross. "Cross language" becomes a part of everyday conversation and thought. Even though his disciples don’t fully understand, these thoughts are within their mind. This event on the mountain reinforces that thought. This affirmation to move to the cross, gives us the promises our Lord openly shared throughout his ministry. Now forgiveness and life, is not only promised, but also given. Thanks be to God.

Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "G & H".

Matthew 17:14-23 Dear friends, may the blessing of our Lord, be with you this day. Our devotional for today is the healing story of a boy with a demon. This is a fascinating story that marks the distinct differences between our Lord and his disciples, between the power of God and man. Jesus and his disciples had come down from the mountain. Together with the other disciples, Jesus encounters a crowd and within the crowd a man comes forward and asks Jesus to heal his son who is possessed by a demon. He tells Jesus that he had brought his son to the disciples, but they could not heal him. In the healing, Jesus directs the power of healing to the boy and the demon leaves his body.
After the healing, the disciples asked Jesus why they could heal the boy. Jesus shares with them the power of healing comes through the power of faith. What may seem to be a rather harsh word for his disciples opens their minds and their hearts to the power of faith. What we see in this passage and ask here is what is faith, for Jesus? For Jesus, it is not just a creedal statement of proposed faith. Instead, it is the belief and the assurance that everything is possible to God. It knows the assurance that he gives what he promises. The element of faith, even the size of a mustard seed, can move mountains. Jesus declares, "If you have faith, nothing will be impossible for you".
I look at verse (20), as a message of hope for us. Faith is a power, which "moves mountains". To remove mountains is to know that there is no burden placed upon us and so heavy upon our shoulders that God cannot help us carry. Faith is a power that there is no problem or issue so great, that God cannot provide answers for solutions to resolve whatever it may be. Earlier in chapter 11, Jesus declares, "take my yoke upon you, etc". Here, we recognize that the power of faith, the power of trust in our Lord Jesus, enables us to live daily in a world of uncertainties. That is his power that he grants to his disciples and to us. May this power of faith sustain us each day.
Prayer concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "I & J".

Matthew 17:24-27   Dear friends, may the love, which comes from our Lord, be with you this day. Our devotional for today, finds Jesus and his disciples entering into the city of Capernaum. Here they are encountered by collectors, who ask for payment of the temple tax, which was used for upkeep of the temple and its services. Even though Jesus through his divine right as God’s Son was exempt from the temple tax, to do so would greatly offend the collectors and others. Confrontation over his role and God’s Son and thereby exempt according to Roman law, would only bring further adverse attention to him. Jesus was nearing the end of his ministry and his journey now approached Jerusalem. He could not afford unwarranted attention to the event. Out of respect for the collectors, he willingly paid for the tax.
Yet, there are other thoughts about what Jesus expresses here. In these verses, Jesus gives to us an example how to be a law-abiding citizen, out of respect, observed all the regulations of the state. In this way, he fulfilled the Law for us. Although there were injustices done through its temple tax and even though it was taxation without representation, Jesus had Peter pay the required tax without protest. Isn’t that what we are asked as citizens of the state? I have to admit, that paying taxes, is not my idea of enjoyment. Yet as a citizen, it is a right, a privilege, as well as a duty. Through it, we are directly or indirectly, recipients of that which the state offers. Jesus and his disciples were recipients of all that took place within the temple. Its tax provided for the services it offered to the community. Likewise, this is also true for you and for me. This is the purpose of the tax or the dues. It provides for the recipient. Let us give thanks for the opportunities we may have to support our state. Let us also give thanks for the many different services we receive through the state. And let us continue to pray for those who serve others in the capacity of the state. May their service also be to God’s glory in the service of others.
Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "K".

Week 3 Matthew 18:1-9

        Dear friends, may the promises of grace through our Lord, be with you this day. Our devotional for today opens with a question by the disciples. They ask Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus’ response, calls for his disciples and for us to look deep within ourselves. Jesus calls a little child and has him stand amongst the disciples. He says, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven".
This is one of several stories in the gospels, in which Jesus uses the illustration of little children to call us to faith. So we ask, how can we become "humble" like little children? And in what sense is a child "humble"? A child knows they are small. He does not pretend to be otherwise. He makes himself neither smaller nor greater. Is that not also true of humility? If we come before God in humbleness, we acknowledge whom we are. In simple faith, an acknowledging faith, we make our confession before God. We declare his goodness, his creative world that we are a part of. We declare his love for us through his Son Jesus, who died and rose for us. We declare that in his Spirit, he lives within us. In simple faith, we also place our trust in his providential care. I remember when the boys were small they would jump on the bed and straight into my arms. It is a game that all small children play. They know that we will catch them and cradle them in our arms. We too, place our total trust in God to embrace us in his caring arms.
In humbleness, in faith, in trust, children come before God. The adult world of intellect, reason or philosophy has not yet entered a child’s world. The concerns of the world through these means, has not yet worked itself into philosophizing their faith. In other words, it has not muddied up their faith, by declaring a means of works of "I control my faith and my relationship with God". Jesus calls us to faith in him, a simple child like faith, with total trust and love.
Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter “L”.

Matthew 18:10-14

        Dear friends, may God’s peace be with you this day. Our devotional for today is the parable of the Lost Sheep. Here the setting follows Jesus’ response to his disciples in the care of the "little ones". In yesterday’s passage, verse 6 issues a warning to those who would harm, lead astray or destroy the faith of the little ones. The passage that follows further identifies the "little ones" and also includes the parable of the Lost Sheep.
The little ones in these verses are in the first instance, the children who came to him. Yet, the term also includes those who resemble children, the poor, and the humble in heart and may also include the disciples and those who are "new" in their faith in Jesus. The Christian community is new. It is in the infant/child stage of its history. Matthew includes this passage to serve as a warning to his readers in the area of Jerusalem. Do not speak, do not take any action, which would destroy or lead away any new member of faith, from within the community of the church. This warning comes to the readers in Jerusalem, because there are members of the community who are creating a division in the community by calling into question, Jesus’ claim to be the Christ and the Son of God.
Matthew also uses Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep, to teach the disciples and leaders in the early church in Jerusalem, how to be caretakers of the new faithful. They are called to be aware of those who have come to faith in Jesus and have joined the church. There are those among them that became lost or have been led astray by the factions in the community, who sought to destroy the church. He uses the image of the wandering sheep to illustrate the way in which the church ministers to them. In the proclamation of the gospel message, we are called to bring that message of salvation to all people. We are called to help people to renew their relationship with the Lord. It is God’s desire that none of his "little ones" be lost or perish. He calls his church to proclaim that message to those around them, our family, our friends, and our neighbors. May we be faithful in our witness.
Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "M".

Matthew 18:15-20

            Dear friends, may the message of hope, which comes to us through our Lord Jesus, be with you this day. Our devotional for today is the passage in Matthew, where Jesus gives to his disciples and his church, the Office of the Keys. The setting of this passage goes back to the beginning of the chapter, which finds Jesus instructing his disciples. This passage is a continuation of that discussion. In the passage, ‘brother’ implies one who has a relationship with you, especially a fellow believer. These words of instruction by Jesus help us to recognize the validity of working through conflict. The goal of any discussion with conflict is resolution and reconciliation between the two parties involved. In these verses, there is the recognition of the conflict by one of the parties.
In the attempt for reconciliation, the party approaches the offending party to work through the conflict. If there is conversation, the conflict can be resolved and reconciliation can begin to take place. If not, then someone should go with and help work through the conflict. Even if there is no resolve, one should come before the church, in a final attempt to resolve the issue. The Office of the Keys, given here to the disciples and to the church, is a formal procedure to resolve conflict, first through private means, then with designated members and then to the whole church. At the same time, there is a warning to those who refuse to work through the conflict issue. Jesus then closes the passage with his promise of continual presence with his church.
For us today, the Office of the Keys, enables us to recognize there is an established means for conflict resolution. It also opens the door for Confession and Absolution. In the confessional, we have the opportunity with our ‘brother’, to acknowledge our remorse for the words and/or actions that instigated the conflict. It also provides the opportunity to declare the spoken words of absolution to each other. Through this formal rite of the church, reconciliation and the renewal of relationships can begin to take place. This is a precious gift and we give thanks to God for the gift this day.
Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "N & O".

Matthew 18:21-35           

Dear friends, may God’s blessings be with you this day. Our devotional for today is the parable of the Unmerciful Servant. This parable is a response to the Office of the Keys passage and it is response to the question of Peter, on how many times he should forgive his neighbor. Jesus says in his response, seventy times seven, which is a way of saying ‘always’. He reminds Peter and his disciples, that the number recalls the ancient word of Lamech who avenged himself ‘seventy-sevenfold’ (Gen. 4). To this message, Jesus is saying, the absolute of vengeance is opposed by the absolute of pardon. So today, we look at the issue of conflict resolution to the fullest. We are asked, if God always forgives us, how can we not be willing to forgive our neighbor?
Jesus uses the parable about the Unmerciful Servant to illustrate the value of true forgiveness. In the parable, the servant has a large debt and is called to account for his debt. He asks for mercy and is forgiven of his debt to his master. Yet, he goes to his fellow servant and demands payment of the debt he is owed. The contrast between the two sums (the talent is the greater and the denarii is the lesser in Roman currency) and the two attitudes, constitute the point of the parable. How could one to whom God has given his gift of grace and forgiveness, in turn refuse to bestow his grace and forgiveness upon his fellow servant?
This parable is about forgiveness. Forgiveness is a gift. The master (God) forgave the servant. Forgiveness is also a gift from us to our neighbor. The word of truth in the parable is when one does not pardon his neighbor, excludes himself by that act, from communion with God. He, who shuts the door on his neighbor’s plea, who shuts the door for the call of mercy and pardon, shows that he has understood nothing of the love of God. We pray this day, that we may be receptive to the gift of forgiveness our Father in heaven grants to us. We also pray, that we may also express the gift of forgiveness to our neighbor, thus sustaining our relationship. God’s blessings.
Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "P & R".

Week 4 Matthew 19:1-12

            Dear friends may the promise God’s love be with you this day. Our devotional for today brings to Jesus a question by the Pharisees, who come to him to test him. They ask, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" Jesus’ response brings into focus God’s intent on the relationship between husband and wife. Look at Genesis 2:24, he tells them. Did not God in creation, create man and woman in a unique way? Did he not create them to be a partner for each other? Are they not created to be a part of each other? Therefore, God commands, "They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate". The Pharisees countered, "But what about Moses’ law (Deut. 24)?" Jesus responds to their statement, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard". He recognized, that human hearts do not allow the relationship to be sustained. The laws were provided and granted to take into account human weakness. This is exactly opposite of what God has intended for his creation of man and woman. Jesus understood the Pharisee’s question, for there was a great debate among the schools of learning, concerning the laws of divorce. Jesus goes further he excludes all forms of ‘reason’ for divorce, except for unfaithfulness of one of the marriage partners. He permits the innocent to file for divorce, because the covenant has already been broken. His disciples, and I am sure the Pharisees are alarmed at the strictness of Jesus’ answer. Are we alarmed as well, especially when state laws are brought before us that divorce is permissible for any circumstance? That is what the Pharisees brought up. Their objection to consider marriage as an indissoluble bond for life seems to them to surpass the power of man. They have not grasped what the vocation of marriage is, the total giving of two persons to each other, so they are no longer two but one flesh. The vocation of marriage is hard work. In it, we need the power of our Lord in our lives, to support and sustain our relationship.
Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "S".

Matthew 19:13-15

            Dear friends, may God’s gift of grace be with you this day. Our devotional for today is Matthew’s story of Jesus’ blessing of the children who were brought to him. There are several tangibles in this story. The parents brought the children to Jesus so that he might bless them. The disciples, who recognize that after a busy schedule, Jesus needed rest. So they tried to prevent the parents from bringing the children to Jesus. And Jesus, who moved past all the circumstances of the time and reached out to the children, took them into his arms and blessed them. No wonder as he held them that he disclosed to his disciples and for the entire world to hear, "for the kingdom of heaven belong such as these".
Why are the parents bringing the children to Jesus? Why do we bring our children to church (Jesus)? Is it because the parents saw in Jesus, one who could bestow blessing? They had seen Jesus open the doors to the kingdom of heaven to the blind, the deaf, the lame, the sick, and the outcast. Surely, if he would touch their lives and bless them and open the kingdom to them, would he not also reach out to the innocent, the children and welcome them as well? So they brought them and Jesus says to his disciples, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belong such as these". What wonderful news this been for the ears of the fathers and mothers who brought their children to Jesus. What a beautiful message of hope and assurance this simple gesture has made for the children of the world, all children.
In our baptismal service we proclaim, "Through Baptism, God has made (name) a member of the priesthood we all share in Christ Jesus, that we may proclaim the praise of God and bear his creative and redeeming Word to the entire world. We welcome you into the Lord’s family. We receive you as fellow members of the body of Christ, children of the same heavenly Father, and workers with us in the kingdom of God". Children. We are all God’s children. We are welcomed into his kingdom through the gift of faith in our Lord and Savior. Thanks be to God.
Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "T".

Matthew 19:16-30

            Dear friends, may our Lord’s gift of peace be with you this day. Our devotional for today is the story of the rich young man. This is a familiar story for us. Perhaps we can look at the story this time in human terms through the eyes of the rich young man. He recognizes Jesus in the crowd and he comes up to him and asks a question, "What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" Could this question be one that many within the crowd were thinking? Were there others that were just waiting for someone to speak those words on their behalf? Is that not also our question? For me, I am glad he asked.
Notice the response Jesus gives. He opens the door for us to discover the way to eternal life. Is it through the way of the law? Jesus asks the young man to consider all the commandments. The young man says he has kept the law, but acknowledges that he still lacks something. How many of us go through our life and measure ourselves on the obedience of the law? I am sure we all do. Like the young man, we ponder, what do I still need to do? Jesus says, "I want you to be perfect…. therefore, ..go..."
What Jesus asks is for us to make a commitment. We are asked first to remove the obstacles of our life that prohibits that committed relationship, whatever it may be. Are we willing to do that? Then his disciples asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied, "...with God all things are possible". By the power of the gospel, our God offers to us the gift of life through his Son Jesus. Through his Son’s death and his resurrection, God has removed the barriers that prohibit life and salvation. This is God’s gift to each of us. There is nothing we can do to "earn" it. For our sake, our Lord "earned" it for us through his death on the cross. The question, "what good thing must I do to get eternal life?", is irrelevant. It already has been done. Recognizing that and accepting it, is all that we can do. That alone can become the barrier to salvation or it can be the opening of the gate to eternal life.
Prayer Concern: Members of Augustana’s family, whose last name begin with the letter "W".

Dear friends, may the message Matthew’s Gospel be a message of hope that is offered to you through our Lord Jesus.

We have concluded our study of Matthew’s Gospel. A reminder that chapters 20-28 were read during our Lenten Season as a special reading.

Pastor Giese