Coming Home - Part 5
Luke 15:24
07/11/2025
24 `` `For this my son was dead, and is alive again;
he was lost, and is found.' And they began to
celebrate.'' (ESV)
The parable of the Prodigal Son is a story of Law and
Gospel, of sin and redemption. Saint Paul wrote, ``For the wages
of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord.''[1]
In this parable, the Father of the story certainly is our
heavenly Father. The son who wasted the Father's gifts is each
sinner, each person who has strayed from God's love.
As the young son saw the poverty of sin and the lack of hope
and comfort given by the world, he longed for the grace of God.
You and I, without knowing the Father's love, seek our peace in
all sorts of destructive ways. It could be substance abuse, or
reckless behavior, or seeking peace through hard work and having
lots of toys. In the end, however, the things of this world do
not satisfy.
We were dead in the trespass of our sins, as we learned from
the mirror of God's Law. Repenting, we throw ourselves on the
Lord's mercy and grace, finding there full redemption and pardon.
Forgiven, we are alive in Christ.
The Father told His servents, `` `For this my son was dead,
and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began
to celebrate.''
Please come home, the Father is waiting and desires to
restore you to His family. Come hear the word of hope, receive
the comfort of the Gospel, as you are invited to join us each
Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. May our
Lord grant you the peace of knowing your sins are forgiven and
that you are part of the Father's family. Amen.Category: Moments of Meditation
Daily devotions as heard on KJOE 106.1 FM
Coming Home – Part 4
July 10, 2025
Coming Home - Part 4
Luke 15:20-23
07/10/2025
20 ``And he arose and came to his father. But while
he was still a long way off, his father saw him
and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and
kissed him.
21 And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned
against heaven and before you. I am no longer
worthy to be called your son.'
22 But the father said to his servants, `Bring
quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put
a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let
us eat and celebrate.' '' (ESV)
In this week's study we are reading the parable of the
Prodigal Son. We've come to the point in the story where the
young man, who had wasted his father's money with worthless
things, came to his senses. He returned to his Father, repentant
and willing to simple be a servant.
The Law of God, which shows us our sin, leads to the Gospel,
which shows us our Savior. Jesus continued:
``And he arose and came to his father. But while he was
still a long way off, his father saw him and felt
compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against
heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be
called your son.' But the father said to his servants,
`Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and
put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And
bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and
celebrate.' ''
Our heavenly Father longs and waits for our return to Him.
Even before the young man finished confessing his sin, even
before begging to be allowed the most menial job in the Father's
household, the Father restored him in his position as son of the
family. The forgiveness is complete, given out of love and not
our works.
This is the Gospel, that Jesus Christ died on the cross and
rose from the dead so that you and I can be restored fully to the
household of faith.
May our Lord grant that, as we are condemned by the Law, we
know that we are redeemed and saved by the Gospel. Amen.Coming Home – Part 3
July 9, 2025
Coming Home - Part 3
Luke 15:17-19
07/09/2025
17 ``But when he came to himself, he said, `How many
of my father's hired servants have more than
enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say
to him, ``Father, I have sinned against heaven and
before you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat
me as one of your hired servants.'' ' '' (ESV)
Yesterday, in reading the parable of the Prodigal Son, we
saw that the young man had reached the bottom. Accused by the
Law, he was living with the pigs, longing for the comfort of
knowing he was important to someone, yet finding no hope.
Jesus continued:
``But when he came to himself, he said, `How many of my
father's hired servants have more than enough bread,
but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to
my father, and I will say to him, ``Father, I have
sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer
worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your
hired servants.'' ' ''
The Law, a mirror which shows us our sin, did its proper
work. What we do when confronted with our transgressions against
God and neighbor determines our future. We can continue to
wallow with the pigs, hoping for some resolution which the world
cannot give, or we can return to our home with God.
Repenting of our sin means suffering the embarrassment when
we realize we are not in control, we are not God, we have done
foolish and hurtful things. We don't deserve God's love, yet
know that God has compassion. Thus, confronted with our
inability to overcome the guilt of our sin, we throw ourselves on
God's mercy.
May our Lord give us the strength to repent of our sin, to
return to our Father's house, and to receive His love. Amen.Coming Home – Part 2
July 8, 2025
Coming Home - Part 2
Luke 15:14-16
07/08/2025
14 ``And when he had spent everything, a severe
famine arose in that country, and he began to be
in need.
15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the
citizens of that country, who sent him into his
fields to feed pigs.
16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that
the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.''
(ESV)
This week we are reviewing the parable of the Prodigal Son.
As you recall, the younger of two sons selfishly asked his father
to give him his inheritance. Shortly after receiving the money,
the young man left home. Jesus continued the story:
``And when he had spent everything, a severe famine
arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So
he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of
that country, who sent him into his fields to feed
pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that
the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.''
Frequently, we find that when we leave the teachings of the
church behind, we start to experience an inner longing for peace.
The world cannot give the comfort of knowing our sins are
forgiven. Therefore we look elsewhere, such as substance abuse
or reckless living or in the pursuit of power and wealth.
Nothing satisfies us, however.
There are two main teachings in the Bible. The first is the
Law, which not only keeps us from sinning because of our fear of
the consequences, but also shows us our sin. In the parable, the
young man eventually comes to understand the effect of living
apart from his father, the loneliness and deprivation which
cannot be filled by things or self-help philosophies.
We each stand accused by the Law. We look to the world for
help, but find nothing. Those things which we hope will ease our
inner pain and sorrow simply cause more problems. We are like
the young man, wallowing in the mud with the pigs, longing to
find some sort of comfort.
May our Lord use His Law to convict us of sin, that we see
our lost condition for our eternal good. Amen.Coming Home – Part 1
July 7, 2025
Coming Home - Part 1
Luke 15:11-13
07/07/2025
11 And [Jesus] said, ``There was a man who had two
sons.
12 And the younger of them said to his father,
`Father, give me the share of property that is
coming to me.' And he divided his property between
them.
13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all
he had and took a journey into a far country, and
there he squandered his property in reckless
living.'' (ESV)
In these early weeks of the second half of the Church Year,
we look at the fundamental teachings of the Church. Most basic
is the forgiveness of our sins because of God's rich grace and
love alone. The parable of the Prodigal Son tells us of our
sinful nature and of God's mercy.
And [Jesus] said, ``There was a man who had two sons.
And the younger of them said to his father, `Father,
give me the share of property that is coming to me.'
And he divided his property between them. Not many
days later, the younger son gathered all he had and
took a journey into a far country, and there he
squandered his property in reckless living.''
The situation is simple. We have been raised in God's
presence, probably going to worship services each Sunday morning.
American society is built on Christian principles, although we
are certainly not all Christians. We hold to the Ten
Commandments and have at least a passing idea of who Jesus is,
the One born to die and rise again to redeem us from eternal
death.
But, thinking that we know better than God, we leave the
church, we turn our backs on His love, and misuse all His
blessing. This is the effect of original sin, the desire to be
like God, the desire to replace God, the desire to serve our own
selfish wants and whims.
This week we will see the result of leaving God's home and
the joy of knowing the Father's love.
May our Lord grant you His richest blessings this coming
week. Amen.Prayer for the Nation
July 4, 2025
Prayer for the Nation
1 Timothy 2:1-2
07/04/2025
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made
for all people,
2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that
we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and
dignified in every way. (ESV)
Saint Paul wrote:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all
people, for kings and all who are in high positions,
that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and
dignified in every way.
On this Independence Day, it is fitting, therefore, to offer
the prayer once delivered by George Washington:
Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt
keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that
Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to
cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to
government, and entertain a brotherly affection and
love for one another and for their fellow citizens of
the United States at large.
And Finally that Thou wilt most graciously be
pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy,
and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility,
and pacific temper of mind which were the
characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed
religion, and without an humble imitation of whose
example in these things, we can never hope to be a
happy nation.
Grant our supplication, be beseech Thee, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.[1]
____________________
1. Written at Newburg, June 8, 1783, and sent to the Governors of
all the States. From 1942 Armed Forces hymnal.Confessing the Faith – Part 4
July 3, 2025
Confessing the Faith - Part 4
Matthew 16:18-19
07/03/2025
18 ``And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock
I will build my church, and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,
and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven.'' (ESV)
Jesus asked His disciples, ``But who do you say that I am?''
Simon Peter replied, ``You are the Christ, the Son of the living
God.''
Saint Peter's great confession is the confession of the
Church. Jesus said:
``And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I
will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the
kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall
be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth
shall be loosed in heaven.''
Peter, whose name means ``Rock,'' is not the one upon whom
the Church is built. His rock-like confession, however, is the
foundation of all we believe, teach, and confess. The entire Old
Testament proclaims God's mercy that the Messiah, the Christ, the
Anointed One, will pay the price of the sins of iniquities of all
people. Peter's confession declares Jesus as our only hope of
salvation, the One who defeats sin, death, and the power of the
devil. As Jesus lived, died, and rose again, so we too shall
rise from the dead.
The Church exists to proclaim that message to all people, to
you and your family. It is in the Church where you will be told
of the forgiveness of your sins, and be declared holy and
righteous before God. There is nowhere else to turn for the
comfort of God's grace.
May our Lord grant you the desire to learn more, to hear the
good news of the Gospel as proclaimed at 9:00 each Sunday morning
at Trinity Lutheran Church. Amen.Confessing the Faith – Part 3
July 2, 2025
Confessing the Faith - Part 3
Matthew 16:17
07/02/2025
17 And Jesus answered him, ``Blessed are you, Simon
Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed
this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.''
(ESV)
Jesus asked His disciples, ``But who do you say that I am?''
Simon Peter replied, ``You are the Christ, the Son of the living
God.''
This is the proper confession of faith made by the Christian
Church. How can we make such a bold confession? Is this the
result of human logic, academic study, or scientific exploration?
Can we, who are by nature sinful and unclean, who fearfully run
from the mere mention of God, come to know the truth by our own
wisdom? If, in my sinful, selfish ways, I desire to be like God,
to replace God, how can I come to the conclusion confessed by
Peter?
``And Jesus answered him, `Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah!
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father
who is in heaven.'''
The Holy Spirit works through the proclaimed Word of God to
create the faith which believes and confesses Jesus Christ as our
Redeemer from sin and death. Even something as simple as 120
seconds of air time on a small radio station in rural Minnesota
can proclaim to you the truth of Jesus. If this two minutes
causes you to ask questions, or if it causes you to call the
church to complain about the witness of the truth, the Holy
Spirit is causing you to learn of God's rich love, grace, and
mercy.
Our prayer is simple, that the Holy Spirit brings you the
comfort of knowing your sins are forgiven for the sake of the
holy, precious blood and innocent suffering and death of our
Savior.
May our Lord grant us faith to believe the Gospel, and to
confess the truth with Saint Peter, ``You are the Christ, the Son
of the living God.'' Amen.Confessing the Faith – Part 2
July 1, 2025
Confessing the Faith - Part 2
Matthew 16:15-16
07/01/2025
15 He said to them, ``But who do you say that I am?''
16 Simon Peter replied, ``You are the Christ, the Son
of the living God.'' (ESV)
Jesus asked the disciples, ``Who do people say that the Son
of Man is?'' The title, ``Son of Man,'' refers to a prophecy in
the book of Daniel[1] where we read:
I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds
of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came
to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve
him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which
shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not
be destroyed.
Jesus, in applying this title to Himself, confesses both His
divinity and His humanity. Although the crowds saw Jesus as a
prophet, the same question must be asked of the disciples. ``He
said to them, `But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter
replied, `You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'''
This is the proper confession of faith made by the Christian
Church. Jesus is true God, begotten of His Father before all
worlds, and true man, born of the virgin Mary. He is the one
promised by God who takes upon Himself our sins, bearing our
guilt, and giving to us His righteousness.
Like Peter, we boldly proclaim the truth. It does not
matter what popular opinion may be, the truth remains.
May our Lord make us bold to believe that Jesus is the
Christ, and confidently speak of His love, grace, and mercy.
Amen.
____________________
1. Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV)Confessing the Faith – Part 1
June 30, 2025
Confessing the Faith - Part 1
Matthew 16:13-14
06/30/2025
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea
Philippi, he asked his disciples, ``Who do people
say that the Son of Man is?''
14 And they said, ``Some say John the Baptist, others
say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the
prophets.'' (ESV)
Last Sunday was the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. At one
time, this feast was considered the most important feast after
Easter and Christmas. Both Peter and Paul brought the good news
of salvation by God's rich love alone to both Jew and gentile.
These are the preeminent Apostles, the ones to whom the church
has looked for the truth of God's mercy.
How fitting that the Gospel for this past Sunday is Saint
Peter's great confession of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the
Son of the living God. For several weeks we have been looking at
the marks of the Church, the God we worship, the necessity of
hearing His holy Word. Now we begin to answer the question that
Jesus posed to His disciples.
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea
Philippi, he asked his disciples, ``Who do people say
that the Son of Man is?'' And they said, ``Some say
John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others
Jeremiah or one of the prophets.''
Everyone has an opinion about Jesus. Some say He was a good
teacher, but not the Son of God. Others suggest He is the
example for morality and service, but is not the Son of God. You
may even hear people suggest he is a myth, somewhat like King
Arthur, whose story may have an element of truth, but certainly
not as elaborate as the books about Him may suggest.
How do you answer this question? Who is Jesus? That is the
question for the week.
May our Lord grant us wisdom to see, recognize, and properly
confess Jesus. Amen.