DEVOTION:
LUKE:24: 25-29
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
THOUGHT:
Sometimes we open the Bible as though we are opening two different stories: the Old Testament, with its laws, battles, and promises, and the New Testament, where Jesus comes bringing grace and hope. Yet Jesus taught His followers to see the connection. On the road to Emmaus, He began with Moses and the Prophets, helping two discouraged disciples understand what the Scriptures said about Him.
God had been writing one story all along.
The God who heard His people crying in Egypt is the God who hears us today. The God who patiently called Israel back to Himself is the God who calls us when we wander. The mercy we meet in Jesus has deep roots in the promises, patience, and steadfast love revealed throughout the Hebrew Scriptures.
Those first chapter’s matter. They help us understand our need for redemption—and the faithfulness of the One who brings it. When Jesus enters the story, He comes to fulfill what God has been preparing.
Perhaps that is something we need to remember this Sunday morning. We can become so caught up in the chapter we are living that we forget the faithfulness of the Author. A difficult season can feel like the whole story. An unanswered prayer can leave us wondering where God has gone.
But we have more than this moment to look at. We have the witness of generations who waited, struggled, failed, and discovered that God remained faithful. As we gather for worship today, may we bring our unfinished chapters with us. We do not have to know how everything will unfold to trust the God whose love we see in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Good morning, Lord, and thank You for this new day, even though it is 27 degrees. Before we begin all that Sunday will bring, help us pause and remember that we belong to You. You have been faithful through every generation, and we can trust You with the chapter we are living now. Thank You for the Scriptures that tell the story of Your redeeming love, and for Jesus, who draws us into that story. When we cannot see what comes next, remind us of all You have already done.
Lord, bless this church family. Care for those who are sick, grieving, lonely, or quietly struggling. Help us trust Your Word more than our own fears. Give us courage to follow where You lead, patience to listen to one another, and love that reaches beyond our doors.
We pray for our military members and their families, and especially for the chaplains who serve alongside them. Give these chaplains wisdom, strength, and compassion as they listen, pray, and bring hope into difficult places. Sustain them, too, when the burdens they carry grow heavy.
We lift up our President, our leaders, and our country as the elections approach. May peace rule in our words, our choices, and our response to the results. Help us treat our neighbors with dignity, even when we disagree. For those worried about heating their homes, buying groceries, or making ends meet, bring relief—and show us how to help. Guide our decisions as a nation and as individuals so that we contribute to peace.
Where wars are raging, Lord, protect the vulnerable, comfort the bereaved, and turn hearts away from violence. Give leaders the courage to seek peace and the resolve to pursue it. Teach us to pray even for our enemies and to remember that Your mercy reaches further than ours.
Bless our children, grandchildren, and all whom we hold close. As we gather for worship, open our hearts to Your presence. Whatever remains unfinished in our lives, help us walk faithfully with You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DEVOTION:
LUKE:24: 25-29
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
THOUGHT:
Sometimes we open the Bible as though we are opening two different stories: the Old Testament, with its laws, battles, and promises, and the New Testament, where Jesus comes bringing grace and hope. Yet Jesus taught His followers to see the connection. On the road to Emmaus, He began with Moses and the Prophets, helping two discouraged disciples understand what the Scriptures said about Him.
God had been writing one story all along.
The God who heard His people crying in Egypt is the God who hears us today. The God who patiently called Israel back to Himself is the God who calls us when we wander. The mercy we meet in Jesus has deep roots in the promises, patience, and steadfast love revealed throughout the Hebrew Scriptures.
Those first chapter’s matter. They help us understand our need for redemption—and the faithfulness of the One who brings it. When Jesus enters the story, He comes to fulfill what God has been preparing.
Perhaps that is something we need to remember this Sunday morning. We can become so caught up in the chapter we are living that we forget the faithfulness of the Author. A difficult season can feel like the whole story. An unanswered prayer can leave us wondering where God has gone.
But we have more than this moment to look at. We have the witness of generations who waited, struggled, failed, and discovered that God remained faithful. As we gather for worship today, may we bring our unfinished chapters with us. We do not have to know how everything will unfold to trust the God whose love we see in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Good morning, Lord, and thank You for this new day, even though it is 27 degrees. Before we begin all that Sunday will bring, help us pause and remember that we belong to You. You have been faithful through every generation, and we can trust You with the chapter we are living now. Thank You for the Scriptures that tell the story of Your redeeming love, and for Jesus, who draws us into that story. When we cannot see what comes next, remind us of all You have already done.
Lord, bless this church family. Care for those who are sick, grieving, lonely, or quietly struggling. Help us trust Your Word more than our own fears. Give us courage to follow where You lead, patience to listen to one another, and love that reaches beyond our doors.
We pray for our military members and their families, and especially for the chaplains who serve alongside them. Give these chaplains wisdom, strength, and compassion as they listen, pray, and bring hope into difficult places. Sustain them, too, when the burdens they carry grow heavy.
We lift up our President, our leaders, and our country as the elections approach. May peace rule in our words, our choices, and our response to the results. Help us treat our neighbors with dignity, even when we disagree. For those worried about heating their homes, buying groceries, or making ends meet, bring relief—and show us how to help. Guide our decisions as a nation and as individuals so that we contribute to peace.
Where wars are raging, Lord, protect the vulnerable, comfort the bereaved, and turn hearts away from violence. Give leaders the courage to seek peace and the resolve to pursue it. Teach us to pray even for our enemies and to remember that Your mercy reaches further than ours.
Bless our children, grandchildren, and all whom we hold close. As we gather for worship, open our hearts to Your presence. Whatever remains unfinished in our lives, help us walk faithfully with You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.