The Word and Worship
Sunday, February 23
Isaiah 55:10-13
A friend and I spent the morning hiking through the woods. It was a beautiful day; all around us were glimpses of God’s glory. Signs of his incredible creativity, careful planning, and all-around brilliance. The hike was mostly silent as we took in our surroundings. Then my friend spoke: “Have you ever thought about how humans are the only creatures who choose not to worship God?” I hadn’t. He continued, “Everything here is doing exactly what God created it to do. The insects, the plants, the rocks—they are all worshiping God.” I pondered his words for the rest of the day.
Isaiah points out the constancy of the natural world. Rain and snow, mountains and hills. These elements of nature worship God without skipping a beat. Yet the prophet boldly reminds us that God’s Word is even more dependable than they are! As we talk about the resurrection of Jesus Christ this week, we begin by remembering that the Word of God is trustworthy. If God’s promises are rock-solid, then let our worship be commensurate.
Lord, I confess that I don’t often fulfill my purpose, which is to worship you. Give me faith to trust you and join all creation in praising your name. Amen.
The Word and Faith
Monday, February 24
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Have you ever heard a story that you didn’t quite believe? The church in Corinth did, and they had questions! “Did the resurrection really happen? How can we be sure? And can we trust you, Paul?” The apostle answers them in four ways. He reasons with them, citing the eyewitness testimony of hundreds (vv. 5-8). He notes their experience, reminding them that all of their lives have changed (vv. 1-2, 9-11). Paul even appeals to tradition, stating that he received this message from an even more trustworthy source (v. 3). Reason, experience, and tradition. These important tools help us understand God. But there is a fourth form of proof that stands above the rest. Paul tells us that the resurrection happened “in accordance with the scriptures” (vv. 3, 4, NRSV). In other words, this isn’t just Paul’s message—it’s God’s! Once again, we are reminded that the Word of God is the foundation for all we do. We trust in Jesus because God has told us to. And God always keeps his Word.
Father, thank you for your Word. Knowing that you foretold Jesus’s death and resurrection long before it happened gives me confidence in your promises. Amen.
The Word and Hope
Tuesday, February 25
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
I am a Nebraska football fan. If you follow Cornhusker football, then you know that the last decade has not been good. Heartbreaking losses, failed coaching hires, and losing seasons have become all too common. Every year, fans are told that their team is “back,” but the on-field evidence leaves us disappointed.
The Corinthians don’t want to be disappointed either. They don’t want to place their faith in something without evidence. To put it bluntly, they don’t want to be fooled by false hope. But Paul presents a gospel that isn’t built on false hope. His argument is clear: Jesus is the “first fruits” (v. 20). His resurrection is just the beginning. If God has raised him, then God will raise you also. Biblical hope operates not on wishful thinking but on proof. In today’s passage, Paul says in essence, “The resurrection of Jesus is proof of God’s dependability. Now trust that there is hope for you too.”
Lord, I confess that I often approach you with the wrong kind of hope. Wishful thinking has no place in your kingdom. I can trust you because you have proven yourself. Amen.
The Word and Glory
Wednesday, February 26
1 Corinthians 15:35-50
As a pastor I regularly minister to families who have lost loved ones. Although their suffering is challenging in many respects, I consider it a great honor to hug, pray, and even sit silently and grieve alongside someone who has lost their family member or friend. I am also awestruck by how God opens the door to conversations about the afterlife. My greatest sermons are the one-word answer I give when a friend asks whether their loved one is with Jesus: “Yes,” I say.
But there is more. I also get to tell them that, not only are they in the presence of Jesus but they are also awaiting a new, heavenly body. Paul describes this body as “imperishable” (vv. 42, 50), “raised in glory” (v. 43), “raised in power” (v. 44), “spiritual” (v. 44), and “from heaven” (v. 49). Much of this is mysterious, but it is also good news. Jesus the resurrected will also return to raise us with new bodies that are free from earth’s decay.
Father, thank you for the promise of the resurrection. Grant me faith as I journey toward my own resurrection day. Amen.
The Word and Victory
Thursday, February 27
1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Life has a way of beating us up. Long work days, never-ending bills. Family conflicts, sickness, and death. We turn on the news and see largescale tragedies left and right. The weight of sin—the weight of evil—is more than overwhelming. Where is the hope? Once again, Paul appeals to Scripture as the foundation for our hope: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (vv. 54-55). These words are the combination of two verses: Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14. Both passages are about God’s power to save Israel. Both passages exhibit God’s commitment to his children. Both passages hold the promise of victory. The resurrection is the “punch” in the gospel message. It’s the final word. It is the event that renders evil defeated and proves that God is the victor. As God’s children, we share in his victory.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, when the world beats us down, help us to remember that you have defeated evil. All glory be to you. Amen.
The Word and The Process
Friday, February 28
Psalm 37:1-6
I coach football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Missed goals, interceptions, and strikeouts have a way of getting into our head and impacting our ability to perform. There are similarities in our faith walk as well. We get in a fight with a loved one. We feel shame over a certain sin. We skip our offering for the month. If we aren’t careful, these little sins can impact our thoughts and actions moving forward.
We know that King David faced his share of adversity. But here he gives us a way to navigate through trials: keep walking with the Lord. David describes a faith that commits to the process of walking with the Lord daily. It’s a faith that isn’t afraid step back up to the plate. Why? Because God is faithful. So take another snap. Refuse to fret. Delight in our Lord. We overcome adversity by committing to the process of walking with Jesus daily.
O God, when I face challenges, give me strength to keep walking. Help me to trust in your promises. Amen.
The Word and Conduct
Saturday, March 1
Psalm 37:7-11, 39-40
Have you ever been upset at a particular injustice? I don’t mean moderate disappointment—I’m talking about the kind of anger that arises when we witness someone disobey the Lord and harm others. This week we’ve focused on the idea that God’s Word is the foundation for our actions. We base everything we do on God’s great track record of fulfilling his promises. It is no different when it comes to the reality of injustice.
Here we find David talking with the Lord. Amid his prayer, he remembers that God will take care of injustice. God will work out his goodness. God will fulfill his purposes in this world. Though David is upset, this promise is enough for him to practice self-control (vv. 7-8). Why? Because God will bring about justice, peace, and salvation in his own time (vv. 9-11, 39-40). This promise can encourage us when we are wearied by injustice.
Lord, give me the faith of David, who reached the end of his rope and called out to you for justice. Help me to look to you rather than my own devices. Amen.
