God's Word Excites

A Hebrew Bible in the Jewish Museum in Fürth, Germany. God's Word continues to guide and delight us.

I know myself that it’s not easy to pay attention to a reading in worship, let alone four, and then take in fully what that means for me. It’s easy for me to get distracted. Most of it needs explanation.

Word

When visiting his hometown, Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah (61:1) during worship in the synagogue. Then he began to say: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21) Well, let that sink in. It became Jesus’ mission statement.

Luke tells us that Luke says that Jesus’ audience was first amazed. But then they dismissed Jesus, and with him the possibility that God could have sent the anointed Savior to fulfill God’s promises for them.

Connection

What’s our reaction? Do we hear it as a quaint story? Some may doubt Jesus or his announcement. Or you might say Jesus fulfilled God’s Word, but only in spiritual sense. But what if God’s Word is intended to convict, free, and excite us?

For Lutherans the Bible is not simply historical or spiritual book. It is God’s living Word that speaks to us and has real impact on our life.

In the Gospel Acclamation we sing: “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Only Jesus, has answers that lead us to life with God. That’s what I try to convey as a pastor, the excitement that God’s love is for you, frees you, and gives you eternal life.

That’s the purpose of reading the Bible in our worship, or personal devotion, or sharing of faith with others.

Message

The good news is: Jesus came to reveal the glory of the Lord. He is God’s loving, providing and saving Word in person. He was anointed to bring good news and set us free.

Jesus says to you: Hear God speak to you. Experience conviction, freedom and excitement. Then declare the fulfillment of God’s promises through your words and actions.

Comments

Welcome

Thank you for checking out Weekly Word, a weekly online summary of my sermons for review during the week, catch-up after being away, or sharing with others. I am Stefan Munker. I have been serving as a pastor in congregations since 2004. In that time, I have preached quite a few sermons to convey God’s message for member’s lives. I’m excited about reaching more people online. The Weekly Word blog is based on requests for spiritual support in daily life, a desire to share biblical insights from Sunday worship, and the question how to connect more people with the church and God. It is an evolving experiment, so give it a try, keep an open mind, and share your feedback. Welcome to Weekly Word.

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