It pleased the LORD for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious. Isaiah 42:21
A Gift Worth Opening
You receive a gift. You open it up. The gift may tell you something about the person who gave you the gift. Are they a big spender? Do they have a solid grasp on current fashion? Do they know you well or not?
The same happens when you open God’s gift to you–his Word found in the Bible. Each day as you open that gift, what will you learn about your God? You will learn that he is wise and powerful and loving. And, as the prophet Isaiah writes in our Bible passage today, you will see that the God who loves you is righteous.
God wants you to know his righteousness. So, God made his Word great and glorious. He did this, not to make it a “great read” or best seller (although it is). He made his Word great and glorious so that you would clearly see and know his righteousness. And the One who is righteous makes you righteous, too.
Perhaps one of the most important clues you may pick up from a gift you receive is a clear indication of what the giver thinks of you. But many gifts from others often don’t accurately reflect this. Perhaps they like you, but not as much as their lavish gift seems to indicate. Or they deeply love you but are lousy gift givers. In the Bible, you clearly and repeatedly see that God loves you. That’s a gift that’s worth opening every day!
Prayer:
Gracious Lord, thank you for the great and glorious gift of your Word. Give me the time and desire to regularly read and study your Word. May the Holy Spirit give me understanding, wisdom and increased faith in you. Empower my faith to shine in a life of love for you and others. Amen.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23
The Lamb of God Takes Away Our Sins
Matthew uses the word “kingdom” fifty-four times in his Gospel. The “kingdom” Jesus is talking about is not a place, but rather the saving activity of God. For example, in Matthew 13:24, we see that “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed seed…” This is a picture of the way God gathers people into heaven by means of the gospel.
The “good news (gospel) of the kingdom” is the message about how God gathers us to be his people. Part of the message is repentance—sorrow for sins and turning to Jesus for forgiveness. Another important part is God’s assurance that our sins are forgiven. For people living in an uncertain world, a world filled with tragedy, disaster, war, anger, fear, doubt, loneliness, and guilt, the assurance from God that our sins are forgiven is the only remedy. Jesus spread this remedy around and also gave people convincing proof that his message was true by performing miracles. No wonder people came from all around. He spoke words that gave people eternal life and true hope.
Jesus has also spoken to us. We have his gospel message, which assures us that our sins are forgiven. We are not held accountable before God for our sins because the guilt of all our sins was laid on Jesus. As our Savior, he rescued us from the death we deserved for our sins. He fully completed the work of our salvation. Yet the activity of God’s kingdom continues. The message about Christ and his completed work still needs to be spread through the saving Word of God. Who better to do that than you and me, who have the peace of Jesus in our hearts?
Prayer:
Jesus, amid many difficulties and challenges of my life, I am so grateful for the peace that comes from knowing you as my Savior. You established your kingdom in me by faith, now rule my life always with your loving power and tender mercy. Amen.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14
Renewed by the Light
Before you go camping in the woods, be sure to check that your flashlights all work properly and the batteries are all new. You will be far away from the artificial lights illuminating the cities and suburbs. Many thick trees can block the natural light of the stars. Unforeseen clouds and rain might also douse the light of a campfire.
Before facing a new day in this dark world, be sure to check that your spirit is recharged with the truth and grace of Jesus. We are still living far away from heaven’s glorious light. The things of this world that are supposed to bring us happiness are merely artificial lights that quickly burn out. Unexpected temptations threaten to plunge us into sinful decisions and right back into the darkness of fear and shame.
We constantly need to recharge the lights of Jesus’ truth and love in our hearts. John tells us how: “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”
The evil one still accuses, deceives, and seeks to destroy faith. Yet John dares to speak in the past tense: “You have overcome the evil one.” This victory is not based on present feelings or visible success, but on Jesus’ finished work. By his cross and resurrection, Jesus has already defeated Satan. Faith clings to that victory.
In ourselves, we are weak. Our faith wavers, our resolve collapses, and our obedience is imperfect. But in Jesus, we are strong. Those who live in the word of God will have the word of God living in them. It will renew your faith in Jesus’ victory. It will continually rekindle the joy in your heart that Jesus has overcome the darkness of evil for you.
Keep living in the word of God, and the word of God will live in you, reminding you daily that in Jesus, you are strong.
Prayer:
Jesus, Light of the world, shine in my heart. Forgive my sins and fill me with your love so that I may walk in your ways and love my neighbor as you have loved me. Amen.
Conference of Presidents holds its winter meeting The Conference of Presidents (COP) met Jan. 6-9. At that meeting, the COP discussed the following items: The current number of pastoral vacancies. There are 162 total vacancies for pastor-trained […]
»
2025–26 school statistics offer opportunity to reflect Enrollment in WELS schools this school year has decreased slightly from the 2024–25 school year, according to the recently released 2025–26 school statistics. Lutheran high school enrollment continued to climb, […]
»
New administrator installed On Jan. 9, Charles Vannieuwenhoven was installed as the administrator of the Board for Ministerial Education. Attending the installation and participating in the laying on of hands were the presidents […]
»
Reaching every nation The synod’s new long-range plan, entitled “Christ through us,” has four main priorities. One of those four involves bringing Christ to the nations through our world mission efforts. Rev. Larry […]
»
Informal discussions continue Leaders from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) gathered last week near Jacksonville, Fla., for two days of theological […]
1 Many have undertaken to compile an account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 an account like those handed down to us by those who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word from the beginning. 3 For this reason, it seemed good to me also, since I followed everything closely from the beginning, to write an orderly account to you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you were taught.
The Angel Gabriel Appears to Zechariah
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and righteous decrees of the Lord. 7 They did not have a child because Elizabeth was unable to bear children, and they were both well along in years. 8 On one occasion, while Zechariah was serving as priest before God and his division was on duty, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 The whole crowd of people were praying outside the temple during the hour of the incense offering.
11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome by fear. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son for you, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 because he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, to turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to prepare a people who are ready for the Lord.”
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this, because I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years?”
19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God and was sent to speak to you in order to tell you this good news. 20 Now listen, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things happen, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at the proper time.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering what was taking him so long in the temple. 22 When he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them and remained unable to speak.
23 When the days of his priestly service were completed, he went back to his home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived. She kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “The Lord has done this for me in the days when he looked with favor on me and took away my disgrace among the people.”
6 The angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, [1] sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
7 “And look: I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who holds on to the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw them, I bowed down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and also with those who hold on to the words of this book. Worship God!”
10 The angel also said to me:
Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who is unjust continue to be unjust. Let the one who is filthy continue to be filthy. Let the one who is just continue to do what is just. Let the one who is holy continue to be holy.
Jesus Speaks
12 Look, I am coming soon and my reward is with me, to repay each one according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, [2] so that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and so that they may enter through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, that is, the sorcerers, the adulterers, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears this say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift.
18 I give this warning to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. 19 And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the Tree [3] of Life and in the Holy City, which are written in this book.
20 The one who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ [4] be with all the saints. [5] Amen.
Footnotes
Revelation 22:6 A few witnesses to the text read the God of the holy prophets.
Revelation 22:14 Some witnesses to the text read who do his commandments.
Revelation 22:19 Some witnesses to the text read Book.
Revelation 22:21 A few witnesses to the text omit Christ.
Revelation 22:21 A few witnesses to the text read be with all of you or with everyone.
22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God has given it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations [1] will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory [2] into it. 25 There is no day when its gates will be shut, for there will be no night in that place. 26 They will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27 Nothing that is unclean and no one who does what is detestable or who tells lies will ever enter it, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Paradise Restored
Revelation 22
1 The angel showed me the [3] river of the water of life, which was as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. 2 In the middle of the city’s street and on each side of the river was a tree of life that yielded twelve kinds of fruit. The tree yields its fruit every month, and its leaves are for the healing of the nations.
3 There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city. His servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face. His name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will no longer be any night or any need for lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.
Footnotes
Revelation 21:24 A few witnesses to the text add of those who are saved.
Revelation 21:24 Some witnesses to the text add and the honor of the nations.
Revelation 22:1 Some witnesses to the text add pure.
9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls that were filled with the seven last plagues came and spoke with me. He said, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
10 He carried me away in spirit to a great and high mountain, and he showed me the [1] Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It has the glory of God. Its radiance is similar to a very precious stone, like crystal-clear jasper.
12 It has a large, high wall. It has twelve gates. Twelve angels are at the gates, and twelve names are engraved on the gates, the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13 Three gates are on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. 14 The city’s wall also has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the Lamb’s twelve apostles.
15 The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod so that he could measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square. Its length and width are equal. He measured the city with the measuring rod: 12,000 stadia. [2] Its length, width, and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall by human measurement, which was what the angel used: 144 cubits.
18 The wall is made of jasper, and the city is pure gold, like pure glass. 19 The foundations of the city’s wall had been adorned with every kind of precious stone.
The first foundation is jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, [3] the seventh diamond, [4] the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, [5] the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates are twelve pearls. Each of the gates is made out of one pearl. And the street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass.
Footnotes
Revelation 21:10 A few witnesses to the text add great and.
Revelation 21:16 The measurements are not converted to modern equivalents because that would make it more difficult to recognize the symbolical significance of the original numbers.
Revelation 21:20 Or carnelian. The specific identification of these gems is uncertain. This translation uses names of recognizable modern gemstones, even if they might not have the same mineral makeup as the ancient stones.
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer existed. 2 And I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And from the throne [1] I heard a loud voice that said, “Look! God’s dwelling is with people. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, because the former things have passed away.”
5 The one who was seated on the throne said to me, “Look, I am making everything new!” He also said, “Write, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me:
It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To anyone who is thirsty, I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who overcomes will inherit these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But those who are cowardly, unbelieving, detestable, murderers, adulterers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all the liars will have their share in the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.
Footnotes
Revelation 21:3 Some witnesses to the text read from heaven.
.JPG)
937-849-9374
revmfrey@aol.com
The Conference of Presidents (COP) met Jan. 6-9. At that meeting, the COP discussed the following items: The current number of pastoral vacancies. There are 162 total vacancies for pastor-trained […]
Enrollment in WELS schools this school year has decreased slightly from the 2024–25 school year, according to the recently released 2025–26 school statistics. Lutheran high school enrollment continued to climb, […]
On Jan. 9, Charles Vannieuwenhoven was installed as the administrator of the Board for Ministerial Education. Attending the installation and participating in the laying on of hands were the presidents […]
Leaders from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) gathered last week near Jacksonville, Fla., for two days of theological […]