Bible Readings and Devotion for May 28, 2020
Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:
Devotion for May 28, 2020
By Pastor David Tinker
In John 1:43-51 we read about the encounter between Philip and Nathanael. Philip has just recently met Jesus, and he wants to share this good encounter with others. Here is a portion of the account of his discussion with Nathanael from John 1:45-46:
“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.””
Nathanael had his doubts, even after hearing what Philip told him. The response of Philip was an invitation to come and see for himself the great things of Jesus.
In today’s reading from Psalm 66 we have another invitation to, “Come and see.” Here is what we read in Psalm 66:5: “Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.”
The psalm writer gives a mini summary of God’s work to that point. We read this in the few verses following: “He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations—let the rebellious not exalt themselves.”
Of course, there is much more that our Lord had already done up to that point in Old Testament history. As the Old Testament points us to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, we then look to the New Testament books. The Gospel books, Acts, and the various letters all give us a chance to, “come and see,” the great works of God. You are encouraged to take time each day to read from God’s Word. The more you read, the more you will be able to, “Come and see,” all that God has done.
One tool we use each week at worship to, “come and see,” is the Creed. We most often use either the Apostles Creed or the Nicene Creed. These ancient church documents help us to review the work of God on a weekly, and even daily, basis. It is fully appropriate to read or recite one of the creeds in your daily devotions.
Here is the Nicene Creed as used from Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW), which is the green hymnal and worship book used at Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church:
*Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen
Prayer
Gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
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