What a day it must have been! Jesus back home in Nazareth, back in the synagogue of His childhood, back to teach for the very first time! And they all turned out, people gathered with great excitement and anticipation. What would Jesus say? What might He do? But suddenly excitement turned sour, all because of a few words by Jesus.

More than we might know, we're very much like those Nazareth-ites. When Jesus words go along with what we think, well that's great! But what happens when Jesus tells us things that are difficult to hear; things that are different than what we think? For example, the Bible says, Faith comes by hearing and hearing the message through Christ. Jesus made clear how important this is by praising Mary when she chose to listen instead of joining Martha in the kitchen. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her. Luke 10.42. But then in our lives, when regular worship, devotion, prayer, or bible study require time that we'd otherwise spend doing other things . . . What then? What takes priority? Choosing to skip worship is like choosing not to eat. Result? You grow weak.

Ultimately our response of worship reveals what we really think of Jesus as teacher, as Lord. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3.15. The word revere is important. It means to worship, to hold in the highest regard. The 3rd commandment reads: Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy. Luther explained this by saying God wants us to hold sacred His Word, gladly hear and learn it. Yet for this to happen, a U-turn must happen first. But who is able to fulfill this command to perfection? Only Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd who said, My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, no one can snatch them out of my hand.

~ Pastor Kelly G. Mitteis