Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15	Ezekiel 37: 1-14	Psalm 139: 1-12	Acts 2:1-21	John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15

Upon opening the Lutheran Study Bible to read the verses for our weekly devotional, these Luther remarks say it all:

 

"Whoever believes and holds to Christ's Word, heaven stands open to him, hell is shut, the devil is imprisoned, sins are forgiven, and he is a child of eternal life. That is what this book teaches you - the Holy Scripture - and no other book on earth."

 

Ezekiel's story of the dry bones knitting together and rising up fits perfectly with Psalm 139: "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me ..." From the heartbeat of those yet to be born to those who lie still on their beds waiting for the Lord to take them, God is omnipresent.

 

The second chapter of Acts describes the day of Pentecost when everyone hears their own language "to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." "Your sons and daughters will prophesy." This describes unity in Christ as opposed to the building of the tower of Babel. Genesis 11 describes building a tower to Heaven.  This pride, arrogance, and confusion (Babel) is the eternal story of man's disobedience.

 

In John, anticipating Pentecost, the assurance is that as Jesus ascends to the Father and his heavenly throne, we are not left alone. The "Helper" is promised. " The study Bible "Jesus is present with us through the witness of the Spirit."

 

Thanks be to God.

SMN