The Daily Lectionary for TUESDAY, April 21, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 114

God saves through water

1  When Israel came out of Egypt,
     Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,
2  Judah became God’s sanctuary,
     Israel his dominion.

3  The sea looked and fled,
     the Jordan turned back;
4  the mountains leaped like rams,
     the hills like lambs.

5  Why was it, sea, that you fled?
     Why, Jordan, did you turn back?
6  Why, mountains, did you leap like rams,
     you hills, like lambs?

7  Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,
     at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8  who turned the rock into a pool,
     the hard rock into springs of water.

Jonah 1:1-17

Jonah saved from the sea

1:1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.

But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.”

7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?”

9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”

10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)

11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?”

12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”

13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.

17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

1 Corinthians 15:19-28

Paul teaches the resurrection

15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Daily Lectionary is a three-year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2020, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2019 was Year C. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for TUESDAY, April 21, 2020
Psalm 114; Jonah 1:1-17; 1 Corinthians 15:19-28

The Daily Prayer for TUESDAY, April 21, 2020

The Daily Prayer

TUESDAY, April 21, 2020

Peter Maurin, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, liked to say, “They say that I am crazy because I refuse to be crazy the way everyone else is crazy.”

Lord, help us to be foolish enough today to stand for you, foolish enough to trust you, foolish enough to call upon you, and foolish enough to wait on you. Amen.

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, April 21, 2020

John 10:28-30

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Read all of John 10

Listen to John 10

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Un dia a la Vez - Martes 21 de abril de 2020

Honremos a los pastores

En fin, que conozcan ese amor que sobrepasa nuestro conocimiento, para que sean llenos de la plenitud de Dios.

— Efesios 3:19, NVI

Los pastores son una tremenda bendición. Muchos dan de su vida y tiempo por sus ovejas. Son tan entregados a la causa, que a veces dejan para el final las necesidades de sus familias y las suyas propias. Ponen como prioridad la atención a los demás. Varios se han preguntado si ese trabajo vale la pena. Tanto sacrificio, no vivir los días normales, sino poner la cara por cada situación que se presenta en la iglesia y, además, ser los consejeros de cada familia. Sin duda alguna, para ser pastor se necesita tener un llamado de parte de Dios, pues este trabajo no es por vocación.

Hoy quiero agradecerles a mi pastor Albert Ixchu y su esposa, Lizbeth, por todo lo que han hecho por mí y por mis princesas. No solo me han orientado en momentos de crisis, sino que han estado incondicionalmente con mis hijas dándoles consejos cuando lo han necesitado. No importa el día, ni la hora… solo sirviendo.

Así que te motivo a que le agradezcas hoy de una manera especial a Dios por la vida de tus pastores, mentores y líderes. También pidámosle a Dios que los bendiga a ellos y a sus familias.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Los pastores son una tremenda bendición. Muchos dan de su vida y tiempo por sus ovejas.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Tuesday, April 21, 2020

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

— Ephesians 6:16, NIV

The Roman shield was the defensive piece of armor that was almost always used together with the sword. It was used to ward off a blow from the opponent while making your own sword-thrust. Likened to a shield, our faith in God is that piece of spiritual armor that enables us to withstand attacks by the enemy that are too much for the mind and body. The shield of faith has a three-fold duty.

1. It is a saving faith that is the inward confidence in God.

2. It is a serving faith that inspires our servant hood.

3. It is a sanctifying faith that lays hold of the power of God for our daily lives.

When you come under enemy fire, take shelter behind your faith in God. Do not be deceived by circumstances and events. Walk by faith, not by sight. Be confident that God has secured victory. Stake your life on His faithfulness. Trust Him to deliver you as you wear the shield of faith.

A colleague tells the story of Gabriel in violence plagued Colombia. His calling is to share the gospel with guerrilla soldiers hiding in the mountains. As he approaches a camp site with his bag of Spanish Bibles, a perimeter guard often steps out and sticks his AK-47 in Gabriel’s stomach.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to tell you about the love of Jesus which you can read about in these books.”

“We don’t want your books. Get lost or I’ll kill you!”

It’s at this point that Gabriel’s faith rises. Pushing the barrel of the gun aside he casually answers, “No you won’t! You can’t kill me until God says you can kill me,” and he boldly walks ahead into the camp where he distributes Bibles and preaches the gospel to those who will listen. He is still on the trail and has not been killed yet. He is convinced the day will come when his life will be taken. But his faith is solidly grounded in the assurance that it will only happen in God’s will. Meanwhile he is a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel because of his faith.

RESPONSE: Today I take the shield of faith so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.

PRAYER: Lord, help me be strong in faith, ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit. Give me bold faith like Gabriel’s.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

LHM Daily Devotions - April 21, 2020 - "Who's Doing It?"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Who's Doing It?"

April 21, 2020

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words .... Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself." And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

— Acts 2:14, 36-41, ESV

It's a good thing Peter wasn't preaching in front of a crowd of Lutherans that day! For he says a lot of things that make us feel very awkward. To the question, "What shall we do?" Peter does not say, "Sit back and relax, the Holy Spirit will do everything." No, he says, "Repent and be baptized ... Save yourselves from this crooked generation." And right away our ears prick up and we think, "Wait a minute! Isn't it true that God does all the saving, and our own efforts are no use at all?"

Well, of course. And Peter knows that. He is an apostle, after all! But he is using what some people call "Gospel imperatives"—words that say "do this" and "do that," but in fact the action—and the credit!—is still all with God.

Let's take an example of the same thing from Jesus' own mouth. Standing at His friend's tomb, Jesus calls out, "Lazarus, come out!" Now that is not at all a sensible thing to say. A dead man cannot hear or respond. And yet it happens—because the Holy Spirit has restored Lazarus to life and action.

This is a great picture of what the Holy Spirit does for us and for all people who are spiritually dead and come to faith in Jesus. He gives us life, plants faith in our hearts, and makes us God's children through Baptism. Peter may be addressing the listeners, but he knows perfectly well who's doing all the work. And so do we—the same God who created us, suffered, died, and rose for us, and planted living, saving faith in our hearts.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You that You have done for me what I could not do for myself, and have made me Your own living, believing child. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever talked to someone who cannot respond to you? When and why?

2. Why do you think people talk this way—giving orders to babies, to people on TV, to loved ones who are absent but on their minds?

3. When did God bring you into His kingdom and make you His child?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Have you ever talked to someone who cannot respond to you? When and why?

Devocional CPTLN del 21 de abril de 2020 - "¿Quién lo está haciendo?"

ALIMENTO DIARIO

¿Quién lo está haciendo?

21 de Abril de 2020

Entonces Pedro se puso de pie, junto con los otros once, y con potente voz dijo: «Varones judíos, y ustedes, habitantes todos de Jerusalén, sepan esto, y entiendan bien mis palabras... Sépalo bien todo el pueblo de Israel, que a este Jesús, a quien ustedes crucificaron, Dios lo ha hecho Señor y Cristo.» Al oír esto, todos sintieron un profundo remordimiento en su corazón, y les dijeron a Pedro y a los otros apóstoles: «Hermanos, ¿qué debemos hacer?» Y Pedro les dijo: «Arrepiéntanse, y bautícense todos ustedes en el nombre de Jesucristo, para que sus pecados les sean perdonados. Entonces recibirán el don del Espíritu Santo. Porque la promesa es para ustedes y para sus hijos, para todos los que están lejos, y para todos aquellos a quienes el Señor nuestro Dios llame.» Y con muchas otras palabras les hablaba y los animaba. Les decía: «Pónganse a salvo de esta generación perversa.» Fue así como los que recibieron su palabra fueron bautizados, y ese día se añadieron como tres mil personas.

— Hechos 2:14, 36-41, RVC

¡Qué bueno que Pedro no estaba predicando frente a una multitud de luteranos ese día! Porque él dice muchas cosas que nos hacen sentir muy incómodos. A la pregunta: "¿Qué debemos hacer?" Pedro NO dice: "Siéntate y relájate, el Espíritu Santo lo hará todo". En cambio, dice: "Arrepiéntanse y bautícense... Pónganse a salvo de esta generación perversa". Y de inmediato nuestros oídos se erizan y pensamos: "Espera un minuto, ¿acaso no es cierto que Dios es quien nos salva y que todos nuestros esfuerzos no sirven para nada?"

¡Claro que sí! Y Pedro lo sabe. Después de todo, es un apóstol. Pero aquí está usando lo que algunos llaman "imperativos del Evangelio", o sea, palabras que dicen "haz esto" y "haz aquello" pero que, de hecho, la acción ¡y el crédito!, pertenecen a Dios.

Tomemos un ejemplo de lo mismo de la boca de Jesús. De pie junto a la tumba de su amigo, Jesús grita: "¡Lázaro, sal!", algo para nada sensato de decir, ya que un hombre muerto no puede escuchar ni responder. Y, sin embargo, sucede, porque el Espíritu Santo ha devuelto a Lázaro a la vida y la acción.

Esta es una gran imagen de lo que el Espíritu Santo hace por nosotros y por todas las personas que están espiritualmente muertas y llegan a la fe en Jesús. Él nos da vida, planta fe en nuestros corazones y nos hace hijos de Dios a través del bautismo. Puede que Pedro se dirija a los oyentes, pero sabe perfectamente quién está haciendo todo el trabajo. Y nosotros también lo sabemos: el mismo Dios que nos creó, sufrió, murió y resucitó por nosotros, y que nos dio la vida generando la fe en nuestro corazón.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, gracias por haber hecho por mí lo que yo no podía hacer por mí mismo, convirtiéndome en hijo tuyo y miembro de tu familia eterna. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

* ¿Alguna vez has hablado con alguien que no puede responderte? ¿Cuándo y por qué?

* ¿Cuándo te trajo Dios a su reino y te hizo su hijo?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Alguna vez has hablado con alguien que no puede responderte? ¿Cuándo y por qué?

Nuestro Pan Diario - Amigos otra vez

Amigos otra vez

La escritura de hoy: Romanos 5:6-11
La Biblia en un año: 2 Samuel 12–13; Lucas 16

… mucho más, estando reconciliados, seremos salvos por su vida.

— Romanos 5:10

Una madre y su hija están sentadas en la iglesia. Durante la reunión, se invita a la gente a recibir el perdón de Dios. Cada vez que alguien pasa al frente, la niña aplaude. Más tarde, la madre le dice al líder de la iglesia: «Lo siento mucho. Le expliqué a mi hija que el arrepentimiento nos hace amigos de Dios otra vez, y ella quería celebrar por cada uno que pasaba».

Las palabras de esa madre fueron una buena explicación del evangelio, adaptada a la mente de un niño. Tras ser enemigos de Dios, fuimos reconciliados con Él por medio de la muerte y la resurrección de Cristo (Romanos 5:9-10). Ahora somos amigos de Dios. Para restaurar esa amistad, nuestra parte es arrepentirnos, dado que nosotros rompimos ese vínculo (v. 8). Y la reacción de la niña no podría haber sido más apropiada. Puesto que el cielo aplaude cuando una persona se arrepiente (Lucas 15:10), sin saberlo, ella hacía eco de ese aplauso.

Jesús describe su obra reconciliadora en términos similares: «Nadie tiene mayor amor que este, que uno ponga su vida por sus amigos» (Juan 15:13). Como resultado de ese acto sacrificial de amistad hacia nosotros, ahora podemos ser amigos de Él. «Ya no os llamaré siervos, […] os he llamado amigos» (v. 15). ¡Qué concepto asombroso! Digno de aplaudir.

De:  Sheridan Voysey

Reflexiona y ora

Dios, gracias por amarme a pesar de haber sido tu enemigo.

¿Puedes decir que eres amigo de Dios? En la práctica, ¿cómo está tu amistad con Él?

© 2020 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
Cada vez que alguien pasa al frente, la niña aplaude.