I Am a Man…Sent from God
“I am not the Christ” (John 1:20) That straightforward answer by John in Sunday’s gospel (John 1:6-8, 19-28) should be an easy confession for me to imitate. But I confess freely that it is not. ...
See the Hidden Glory of the Holy Ordinary!
I will not forget last weekend as long as God allows my memory to function. Last Saturday I had the privilege of joining over 400 of my brothers and sisters in Christ from the Ohio ...
Thank God for the Third Son!
(This devotion, in a slightly modified form, was preached in the chapel of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary on Monday, October 2, 2017. The video of that chapel service can be found here.) “If looks could kill….” ...
Jesus, Lead the Way!
*This devotion, on the gospel for Pentecost 15, was preached in the seminary chapel by Professor Kenneth Cherney. You can also watch the video of this devotion on Livestream. Matthew 16:21-26 “God forbid, Lord! This ...
Wanted: Wholesalers with a Consumer’s Heart!
“Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew ...
With Division Comes…Blessing!
Are you as a public minister a source of division or a source of blessing? Just as it was with Jesus, so it is with you. That means the answer to the question is a ...
Your Doubts Do Not Drive Your Savior Away!
“Almighty God and Father….in mercy cleanse our hearts and lips, that, free from all doubt and fear, we may ever worship you, one true immortal God, with your Son and the Holy Spirit.” So we ...
All of This Is Already More Than Enough for Me, Lord!
Dear Brothers, Don’t be too hard on Philip for his impudent, albeit confused, demand in next Sunday’s gospel (John 14:1-12). Isn’t it true that from all our hearts – if not from our lips – ...
See, Your King Comes…to You!
Dear Brothers, Because Jerusalem is surrounded on every side by hills higher than the city itself, it remains a hidden jewel to approaching Passover pilgrims. But very near their journey’s end, weary pilgrims are refreshed ...
Thirst-Quenching Grace for Each Day
Dear Brothers, The essence of our public ministry vocation is offering the water of life that alone satisfies perfectly and forever thirsty human hearts. Logic would suggest that those who dispense the water of life ...