Weekly Word

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 i

Do you enjoy receiving and giving presents? Even our cat loves gift packages. Who doesn’t like gifts ? Gifts for Christmas, birthday, anniversary, valentine’s, vacation souvenir, or just because. God’s glory that appeared with the gift of Jesus on Christmas. It continued to be shown by a star, at Jesus’ baptism, and at a wedding where Jesus showed that he is the Son of God and presents us with the gift of abundant life. Word By turning water into wine, Jesus shared the first public sign of God’s abundant gift of grace at a wedding. The wedding would become a sign of celebrating God’s generous goodness. And the wine a sign of Jesus’ gift of his life through gracious forgiveness. As it says in Psalm 36: “They feast upon the abundance of your house ...” (Ps. 36:8) God has a well that pours out live for us, overflowing with lovingkindness and good things for all people. Connection The house of the Lord is filled with abundance. God in Jesus shares abundant gifts for

Winter weather turns water to snow and ice. But God's love in baptism melts hearts. Baptism is not just a one time event but the beginning of a new life. The baptism of Jesus is God’s declaration that Jesus is our Savior at his baptism by John in the Jordan river. That baptism provides two affirmations. Regardless whether or not we have a personal memory, we should remember and celebrate God’s two affirmations we share with Jesus. Word 1. The first is: We are God’s beloved children. Just as God spoke to Jesus and all who saw his baptism, God declared to you at your baptism: “You are my ... Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) 2. The second is: We are sent like Jesus. Because, Jesus is confirmed as God’s personal messenger with the mission to share God’s love with everyone. And so, at our baptisms, you and I also received a call to bring God’s love to others in person. Connection Jesus manifest God’s presence in human form, and revealing God’s love