When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”
TO PONDER
I remember my first experience of participating in an 'escape room'. The idea, for those unfamiliar with the concept, is that you, along with a group of friends, enter a room or space in which there are a number of clues, and keys, and combination locks and you play out a scenario in which you have to solve all the clues in order to escape the room in the allotted time. But never having done one before I was a bit unsure of the process.
Luckily for our group though, one of our friends had become something of an escape room aficionado, and confidently and expertly led us through the room until we escaped with a good 10 minutes up our sleeves.
Without that friend, we would have been hopelessly lost. It helps me to understand how the Israelites may have felt in the absence of Moses who had been leading them and talking with God on their behalf. It makes me realise how important it is that each of us take the opportunity to develop our own relationship with God, otherwise when our favourite YouTube or televangelist preacher passes away or is caught up in some kind of scandal, we are left like the Israelites, clueless and wandering in the desert.
God sent His son Jesus so that he could have a direct and personal relationship with you - not a vicarious relationship lived through your pastor or favourite 'celebrity' Christian. So open up your Bible and let God speak to you today.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that you opened up the way for me to have my own relationship with you. May your love for me spur me on to direct others into your loving and personal embrace. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles…
TO PONDER
It is a stumbling block! Many people don’t get it. A God who willingly sacrifices his own life…so we could live? That’s madness, isn’t it?
Of course, it is, but that’s the crux of the Christian faith. That’s the upside-down message of our belief. That’s the heavenly outcome for our earthly lives.
It is crazy. It doesn’t make sense. It goes against all human thinking. So how do we get people to understand it? We can’t…by ourselves. And in fact, there’s plenty of things about the Christian faith I don’t understand…but then that’s why we have faith! Just let God do the God-things, and we can live our faith by how we connect with people, and build relationships, and become friends with non-Christians – and then when the time is right, let them know about the trust we have in this unusual God. Sounds easy enough – but it can be very difficult.
PRAYER:For the grace you show us Lord, thanks. For the patience you have with us Lord, thanks. For letting us return to you again and again, thanks. For giving us faith at our baptism, thanks. Help us to share all of that with others. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping.
For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
TO PONDER
Historically, the cornerstone was the most important part of any building. Usually the first part built, the total weight of a structure rested on this particular stone, this one spot, which, if removed, would collapse the whole structure. The cornerstone was also the key to keeping the walls straight.
The builders would take sightings along the edges of this part of the building. If the cornerstone was set properly, the stonemasons could be assured that all the other corners of the building would be at the appropriate angles as well. So the cornerstone, a terribly important part of a building, became a symbol for that which held life together.
Jesus wants to be the cornerstone in our lives. He wants to keep us on the straight and narrow. He wants to be included in our conversations (he hears them anyway) and be included in solutions. He wants us to chat with him, and then listen for his responses. Is that something you do – or strive for?
PRAYER:Father, help us lean on you for everything. Help us come to you for strength, comfort, peace, rest and love. Thank you that you are the cornerstone of our lives – that you do hold our lives together. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping.
Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.
TO PONDER
Your what? Statutes? What’s a statute? I’ve filled out a ‘Statutory Declaration’, which in its context, was telling the authorities that you did not break the law (usually associated with speeding or running a red light).
Another translation (The Message) of the above verse says ‘What you say goes—it always has. “Beauty” and “Holy” mark your palace rule, God, to the very end of time. That’s a great translation – because it reminds us of the promises of God. Some scholars tell us there are 7000 promises from God in scripture. That’s reassuring because God never breaks a promise. God always follows through. God does not lie, so there is comfort in knowing that whatever God says, God does!
PRAYER: God of Promises, thank you that you are always there, that you are never absent, that you watch over us, walk alongside us, cry when we cry, rejoice when we rejoice – and generally do that God-stuff well. Forgive us when we forget how generous your love and care for us is. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.
TO PONDER
We have laws for a reason. When I was in the classroom, there were rules to follow. And when children would complain, or break these rules, or tell me it wasn’t fair, I would explain to them why we have them. And then follow up with why we have other rules in our lives, such as road-rules. And then what role the rule-enforcers such as the police (or teachers) have.
So while you may think that law holds us back and makes us feel and look guilty, they are there mostly for our protection and safety.
As Christians with a Lutheran flavour, we need the law…so there is room for the Gospel. And that’s the important bit. The law is just the beginning of the outcome -which is forgiveness, and love, and respect, and generosity. We call that grace – something we don’t deserve but get anyway!
PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for your laws. For those things that keep us safe. For the rules which help us live peacefully in your world. Mostly Lord, we thank you for what comes after the Law, and that’s your grace – your underserved love. Help us to spread that grace with all we come across in our lives. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.
TO PONDER
Can you picture the famous painting by Michelangelo, where God is reaching over and touches Adam’s finger? (check it out here: thecollector.com)
Its title is The Creation of Adam. However, it is the finger of God which creates.
Our guidelines for living, sometimes called The Ten Commandments, were given to Moses probably some 3300 years ago, written down for Moses, on a tablet.
I love the fact that we have come full circle. God gave Moses some important words on tablets. We can now look up those important words…on tablets!
At your baptism, the finger of God was at work, inscribing your heart. God was doing the work. God wants to be part of your life.
How are you going with that? Do you sometimes feel God poking you? If you do, it’s a good idea to respond…because he’ll keep prompting you until you do respond.
PRAYER: Father, when we don’t respond to your calling, please forgive us. Or if we aren’t sure of your prompting, poke us again! Thank you for the opportunity to be your children. Continue to walk with us and bless our lives and remind us to thank you. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
TO PONDER
We’re getting stuck into the decalogue now – the Commandments – the set of rules to help us live with our fellow humans. This one is about idols. It’s about not putting other things before God. It’s about trying not to spend too much time with earthly treasures instead of heavenly ones.
And we all do it, even though we try hard not to. We’ll sleep in on a Sunday because it’s easy enough to Live Stream church. Yet God wants us to be in community, and you really can’t do that at home. Is your screen then, or comfort of your loungeroom, or aroma of the coffee machine, becoming your idol? Do you ever place community public worship of God second, or third in terms of priority? Do your family, or employment, or friends, stop you from putting God first?
PRAYER: Forgive us Lord, for the times when we haven’t put you above everything else. Forgive us for the times when we have neglected your love, or forgotten your grace, or rejected your respect. Help us to live as your children. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
TO PONDER
Who is God talking to here, when he says, ‘you will be for me a kingdom of priests?’
He’s talking to a whole bunch of people. His chosen mob. And that includes you and me! And he gives us a title – a Kingdom of priests, or a priesthood of all believers. Do you know what that might mean for you? That means that you can do some pastoral stuff. You are allowed, and in fact, are called, to be pastors too! You are permitted to perform God’s service in the community. You are encouraged to reach out to people, to phone them, and visit them. The pastor does not need to do it all, and shouldn’t do it all, because sometimes you will do it better.
Now that you know this, what’s stopping you from being your own version of a pastor in your community?
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for the responsibility you’ve given us. Sometimes though, it’s scary. It makes us nervous. Give us the confidence and courage to go and be pastoral to all those who don’t know your saving love. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
TO PONDER
Our connection with Christ brings encouragement, comfort from His boundless love, and a shared experience of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. This unity should inspire us to be like-minded, cultivating love and compassion for one another, and fostering a spirit of oneness and harmony. In a world often divided by differences and strife, unity among believers becomes a powerful testimony of Christ's transformative love. When we stand together, embracing our common faith and purpose, we reflect the beauty of God's grace to a broken world. Through this unity, we can overcome challenges, support one another in times of trial, and collectively make a significant impact on those around us. Let us strive to maintain unity in our churches and communities, cherishing the diverse gifts and perspectives each member brings. As we remain united in Christ's love, our joy will be complete, and the world will witness the transforming power of our shared faith.
PRAYER: Jesus, I thank you for your church, which you have made me a part of. Help me to bring a spirit of unity, and to shine your love with those around me. In your name I pray, Amen.
Today's devotion written by Elise von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle