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Against the Grain

In the Word

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it … (Isaiah 2:2).

Of the Word

One unique property of water is its capillary action in soil. Capillary action is the ability of water to flow into narrow places without any assistance and often times in opposition to natural forces, such as gravity. This is how water can defy gravity, moving upward from the roots of a tree to all of its branches.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of a river of people, acting like water, flowing up the mountain of God. People of all nations are flowing to the house of the Lord.

This is how things will be on the Last Day in the kingdom of heaven. All believers in Christ as Savior will flow to the house of the Lord. And we will do so without any of the toil and trouble, pain and hurt, grief and loss of our sinful world. “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’ ” (John 7:38).

Walking with my Lord

Eternal Father, as I look forward to the Last Day when I will be with You and all believers on Your holy mountain, keep my eyes focused on You so that I will follow the path You have laid out for me. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 24/28 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Riddle Me This

In the Word

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Of the Word

Scientific studies show that activities such as solving riddles greatly decreases one’s chance of memory loss. When Nicodemus came to Jesus, he thought Jesus was speaking in riddles, for how could a grown adult enter his mother’s womb and be born again?

Jesus was not referring to our physical entry into this world. Instead, He was talking about Baptism, our spiritual birth through the water and the Spirit. In this new birth, faith is created. We are made children of God and are assured of eternal life. … he saved us, … according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit … (Titus 3:5).

A physical rebirth, or even a hundred of them, could not wash away our sin. Only the water of Holy Baptism along with God’s Spirit can purify us from our sin. And this is no riddle!

Walking with my Lord

Savior Jesus, through my Baptism I have been reborn as a child of God. Strengthen my faith and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may I always confess You as Lord. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 23/28 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Life in the Blood

In the Word

Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood”  (Exodus 7:17).

Of the Word

Dye can quickly change the color of water. Though the outward appearance may change, the chemical makeup never does. Even after adding dye, water is still water.

When Moses struck the Nile River with his staff, God did not just change the color of the water. He actually changed the water into blood. The Egyptians had no water for their crops or livestock. They could not use the blood for drinking or cleaning.

Unlike the blood of the Nile, which brought discomfort and death, the blood of Jesus brings life and salvation. Unlike dye poured into water or even water changed into blood, Jesus’ blood changes our whole being. His sacrifice changes both our hearts and our lives.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace … (Ephesians 1:7).

Walking with my Lord

God of all miracles, in Jesus’ blood I now have a new life as Your child. Change me, mold me, and use me in Your service here on earth. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 22/28 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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