Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Saturday after Exaudi

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: Isaiah 57:15-21 (NKJV)

15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

16 For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; For the spirit would fail before Me, and the souls which I have made.

17 For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.

18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners.

19 “I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says the Lord, “And I will heal him.”

20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Devotion

This past week we have looked at several Old Testament prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 B.C.; the rejection of the Messiah in 30 A.D.; the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.; and the End Times. Today’s text points us to tomorrow Pentecost—the time of which the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity says, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit [Jesus Christ], to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

On Pentecost the Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles to proclaim, “‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'” (Acts 2:36-38).

You and I have been baptized into the Name of the Holy Trinity. We have received the promise of God. We, too, “continue steadfast in the Apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).

It is with Thanksgiving for this wonderful gift God has given to us that we have celebrated Easter, Ascension, and have now come to the Feast of Pentecost.

We pray: Almighty, Everlasting God, make us to have always a devout will toward Thee and to serve Thy Majesty with a pure heart; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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