Go!
Friday’s Verses:
From Matthew 28:19-29 ESV
Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
With yesterday being Ascension Day in the church, we took time to reflect upon Jesus returning to the right hand of the Father. Lutherans in Northern New Jersey attended church services, including those in our area who joined with the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgewood to celebrate Jesus’ ascension.
Last night, Pastor Peter DeMik of Bethelehem emphasized the church’s mission as spoken by Jesus and exemplified by great prophets—“Go!” All are called at Baptism to share the Gospel and bring God’s love to the world, especially to those we meet daily.
Making disciples isn’t just for those volunteering in the ministries of the church. It's for all of us! Is it scary to tell of Jesus? Yes! But as His people, filled with His Holy Spirit and the command from on high, we are called to take action—share Jesus’ story with those around us. This is our call to action: Go, tell salvation’s story, and show God’s love today.
As we come to the end of the Easter season and enter into Pentecost, let us embrace Jesus' message to "Go!" Our next step is to put this into practice: actively speak of the goodness of Almighty God with those we encounter.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Almighty God, give all Your people the strength and resolve to tell the story of Jesus this and every day. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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