Revelation and Discipleship: Encountering God's Presence

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing God in the Ordinary and Extraordinary

In the season of Epiphany, we are invited to recognize the ways God reveals Himself to us, not only through the grand miracles of Jesus but also in the everyday moments of our lives. The miracles of Jesus, such as turning water into wine or healing the sick, are not just historical events but ongoing revelations of God's love and power. They remind us that God is actively present in our lives, inviting us to see His hand in both the ordinary and extraordinary. As we open our eyes to these revelations, we are called to respond with faith and gratitude, acknowledging God's presence in every aspect of our lives. [33:57]

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent ordinary moment where you might have missed seeing God's presence. How can you train yourself to recognize His hand in both the mundane and miraculous today?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Eternal Reign

Isaiah's vision in the temple during the time of King Uzziah's death serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the eternal reign of God. In a world where leaders and circumstances constantly change, it is easy to place our trust in temporary things. However, Isaiah's encounter with the divine calls us to shift our focus to the eternal King, who is always present and unchanging. This vision challenges us to place our ultimate allegiance in God, trusting in His sovereignty and eternal reign over all creation. [41:00]

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions." (Psalm 45:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on temporary solutions or leaders? How can you shift your trust to God's eternal reign today?

Day 3: Embracing the Call to Discipleship

The story of Peter's miraculous catch of fish is a profound call to discipleship. Jesus invites Peter to leave behind his old life and become a fisher of men, a call that extends to each of us. This invitation challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and consider what we might need to let go of to follow Christ more fully. It is not just about material possessions but also about our time, priorities, and the way we live our lives. Embracing this call requires a willingness to surrender and trust in God's plan for our lives. [38:04]

"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific thing you feel God is calling you to leave behind to follow Him more fully? How can you take a step towards that today?

Day 4: Stewarding Resources for God's Kingdom

The concept of "Transfer the Blessings" encourages us to thoughtfully consider how we use our resources to further God's kingdom. This involves planning our estates and recognizing the blessings God has given us, ensuring that our legacy reflects our faith and values. It is a call to invest in what truly matters, using our time, talents, and treasures to make a lasting impact for God's glory. As we reflect on our resources, we are challenged to align our priorities with God's purposes, seeking to be faithful stewards of all He has entrusted to us. [36:40]

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your resources—time, talents, and finances—to further God's kingdom today? What steps can you take to ensure your legacy reflects your faith and values?

Day 5: Experiencing the Transformative Power of God

Both Isaiah and Peter's stories emphasize the transformative power of a personal encounter with God. These encounters challenge us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we can reveal God's glory to the world. As we experience God's presence, we are invited to respond with humility and obedience, allowing His transformative power to work in and through us. It is a reminder that God works through individuals, one person at a time, to bring about His kingdom. [49:00]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's transformative power in your life. How can you share that experience to reveal God's glory to others today?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of revelation during the season of Epiphany, focusing on how God makes Himself known to us. We began by reflecting on the miracles of Jesus, which reveal His divine nature and the love of God. These miracles are not just historical events but ongoing revelations of God's majesty and willingness to forgive. We delved into two significant biblical stories: Isaiah's vision in the temple and the miraculous catch of fish by Peter and his companions. Both stories illustrate the transformative power of encountering God and the call to leave behind what hinders us from fully following Him.

Isaiah's vision occurs in a time of uncertainty, marked by the death of King Uzziah. This historical context underscores the transient nature of earthly power and the eternal reign of God. Isaiah's encounter with the divine in the temple, surrounded by seraphim, highlights the holiness and majesty of God. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate allegiance should be to the King of Kings, who is ever-present and unchanging.

Similarly, Peter's story of the miraculous catch of fish is a call to discipleship. Jesus invites Peter to leave behind his old life and become a fisher of men. This invitation extends to us, challenging us to consider what we might need to leave behind to follow Christ more fully. It's not just about material possessions but also about our time, priorities, and the way we live our lives.

We also discussed the concept of "Transfer the Blessings," a program encouraging us to consider how we can use our resources to further God's kingdom. This involves thoughtful planning of our estates and recognizing the blessings God has given us. It's a call to invest in what truly matters and to ensure that our legacy reflects our faith and values.

In conclusion, the stories of Isaiah and Peter remind us of the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives and responding to His call. As we reflect on these stories, may we be inspired to live lives that reveal God's glory to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Epiphany and Revelation: The season of Epiphany is about God revealing Himself to us, as seen in the miracles of Jesus. These acts of divine intervention are not just historical but ongoing revelations of God's love and power. They invite us to see God in our daily lives and recognize His presence in the ordinary and extraordinary moments. [33:57]
2. Isaiah's Vision and God's Eternal Reign: Isaiah's vision in the temple during King Uzziah's death highlights the transient nature of earthly power and the eternal reign of God. This vision calls us to place our trust in the eternal King, who is always present and unchanging, rather than in temporary earthly rulers. [41:00]
3. Peter's Call to Discipleship: The story of Peter's miraculous catch of fish is a powerful call to discipleship. Jesus invites us to leave behind what hinders us and follow Him fully. This involves a willingness to reevaluate our priorities and consider what we might need to let go of to embrace God's call. [38:04]
4. Transfer the Blessings: The concept of "Transfer the Blessings" encourages us to thoughtfully consider how we use our resources to further God's kingdom. It's a call to invest in what truly matters and ensure that our legacy reflects our faith and values. This involves planning our estates and recognizing the blessings God has given us. [36:40]
5. Personal Encounter with God: Both Isaiah and Peter's stories emphasize the transformative power of a personal encounter with God. These encounters challenge us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we can reveal God's glory to the world. It's a reminder that God works through individuals, one person at a time, to bring about His kingdom. [49:00]
** [49:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:57] - Epiphany and Revelation
[36:40] - Transfer the Blessings
[38:04] - Peter's Call to Discipleship
[38:49] - Isaiah's Vision
[39:59] - King Uzziah's Reign
[41:00] - God's Eternal Reign
[41:48] - The Seraphim and the Temple
[42:44] - The Role of Angels
[43:43] - The Power of Worship
[44:42] - Isaiah's Humility
[45:49] - Hymn Festival Invitation
[46:30] - God's Presence Among Us
[47:33] - The Great Commission
[49:00] - Personal Encounter with God
[49:46] - The Hem of God's Robe
[50:35] - Estate Planning and Legacy
[51:37] - Reflecting on Time and Resources
[52:39] - Conclusion and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the historical context during Isaiah's vision, and why is the death of King Uzziah significant? [38:49]
How did Peter respond to the miraculous catch of fish, and what did Jesus invite him to do afterward? [38:04]
What role do the seraphim play in Isaiah's vision, and how are they described? [42:44]
What is the "Transfer the Blessings" program, and how does it relate to the sermon’s message? [36:40]

Interpretation Questions

How does the vision of God's eternal reign in Isaiah 6 challenge the reliance on earthly power and rulers? [41:00]
In what ways does Peter's call to discipleship illustrate the need to leave behind certain aspects of life to follow Jesus fully? [38:04]
How does the concept of "Transfer the Blessings" encourage believers to reflect on their legacy and use of resources? [36:40]
What does the personal encounter with God in both Isaiah and Peter's stories teach about the transformative power of such experiences? [49:00]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? [49:00]
What are some "nets" or hindrances in your life that you might need to leave behind to follow Christ more fully? [38:04]
How can you actively recognize and respond to God's ongoing revelations in your daily life, both in ordinary and extraordinary moments? [33:57]
Consider your current priorities and resources. How might you align them more closely with God's kingdom purposes? [36:40]
How can you ensure that your legacy reflects your faith and values, especially in terms of estate planning and resource allocation? [50:35]
Identify one area in your life where you can make God's glory more visible to others. What practical steps can you take this week to achieve this? [49:00]
How can you engage in meaningful conversations with others about faith, similar to how Peter was called to be a fisher of men? [38:04]

Sermon Clips

"So Thursday night I told the congregation and kind of had a mental lapse when I was trying to greet you this morning and I was thinking now what did I tell the congregation Thursday night and what I mentioned was that we're in the season of Epiphany. And Epiphany is about revealing, making known, making visible, in our case now with Epiphany, God. And so we have the wise men that come and see Jesus and soon Jesus is doing miracles. Miracles and the people are beginning to figure out that in this man Jesus is God himself." [00:33:57]

"And so the miracles of healing and restoring sight to the blind and so forth. And Sunday after Sunday is something about revealing more about the majesty or the power or the willingness and the love of God to forgive and so forth. And so it continues this week with two amazing stories and we know them well. One of Isaiah in the temple that we're going to talk about and the other this fishing story where they don't catch a thing and Jesus tells them to set the boat out a little further and you know the story how there's so many fish they have a hard time getting the boat back ashore." [00:34:31]

"And they spoke about transfer the blessings a program that we have going on in our congregation. And I thought oh you got to hold the mic closer nobody's going to hear what you're saying. And transfer the blessings is a program that helps people figure out what are we going to do what are Nancy and I going to do with our estate. And to whom and in what amount and how are we going to transfer the blessings that God has given to us to our family or to other ministries." [00:35:48]

"Pastor emphasized at the end of the reading and he left everything. To go catch men. And God doesn't ask you to leave everything he doesn't want you to. But what maybe might you leave behind. To catch men. Have you thought about it. And I mean leave behind not only when we die. But also today and tomorrow and this week. So the first part. We're going to spend a few moments and then we're going to come back to that on the two stories mostly on the Isaiah story." [00:37:49]

"How's life going to be now that this king under whose reign we had it pretty nice is gone. And the answer is. The king. Capital K. Over all the kingdom of all the earth and all the universe. He is not dead. Has never been dead and is never going to die. Don't put all your emphasis on a earthly King they come and go. The king who rules over all and is your creator and savior. This King. Take a look at him why don't you. And put your fear love and trust in this King." [00:41:00]

"Isaiah is given a vision taken into the temple and we don't know exactly if he's if he gets to go up into heaven or if heaven comes down into the temple or how this exactly is working, but he's someplace. No man has gotten to go before and where a man ought not be. The word seraphim is used twice only in the whole Bible and it's in this chapter. These are special angels with six wings. They have a fiery presence about them. We don't know if they were just really shiny or actually glowing with fire. The root word for seraphim has to do with fire." [00:42:54]

"These are the servants and soldiers of God who protect his people from demons and devils and all the evil that is going on around us. And I don't mean just in a physical earthly way, but in a spiritual way that we can't see. They're ready for battle. And the job of the seraphim evidently was to lead this chant. They would sing and then it sounds like the. Host of all the other angels would sing and it makes some sense because let me ask you, how loud does the sound of the angels singing have to be for the door jams of the temple." [00:43:57]

"So that what he says to Isaiah actually comes true when the angel flies and comes over with the coal and singes his lips. Isaiah cannot go out and fill the earth with the glory of God, which means his visible presence to forgive and to bless and to save. Isaiah doesn't get to do that until he's forgiven. Isaiah. Or rather, Peter doesn't get to follow Jesus and make disciples until it's established that Peter's sins are forgiven. Get away from me, Lord. I'm a sinful man. Who puts fish in the net like this? We've fished all night. We're professionals and you want us to go out a little deeper. Okay, Lord, because you have said that's what we're going to do." [00:47:33]

"And Isaiah learned that this whole filling the earth with his glory. That means making God. Visibly present. How does he do that? Well, like Christmas we talked about. And now with the Lord's Supper and with baptism, these little miracles. But Isaiah learned it happens one individual sinner at a time. When the Lord grabs that person. It's not a mass saving. We have a very personal, down -to -earth God who comes into our lives, into the lives of our neighbors and our friends. Especially when we go to them. One person at a time." [00:49:00]

"I told the congregation Thursday night that Nancy and I are going through this transfer of the blessings and it's difficult. I mean, it's easy on the one hand. But what's difficult about it? Well, we have four kids. What are we going to do with the stuff that God has given us? I told the congregation Thursday night not to boast, but just to tell you, we're leaving a chunk to be determined to St. Paul Lutheran Church. This is our home. After a few more years, if the Lord lets me live that long, half my lifetime will have been spent in Bandawa with you people and this congregation." [00:50:35]

"At least three or four out of our children, they make more money than I'll ever make in a lifetime. They don't need me to leave a big chunk of money. What would they do with it? What are we going to do with our estates? Do we believe the Lord God filled the temple and he brought Jesus to make his forgiveness good? If I asked you what's most valuable to you in your day -to -day life, not counting kids and grandkids, 24 hours every day. And however much money we have, it varies from one family to the next." [00:51:37]

"And at the end of a week or a month, if I had to say, okay, now what did I do with a month's worth of money and a month's worth of time? How much of it did I kind of, squirrel away, maybe I need a different word, just didn't use very well. Don't really have much to show for it. That's low -hanging fruit, so to speak. Where am I a little bit wasteful or careless? And how could those minutes or hours and those dollars maybe be used a little bit differently? Especially for the sake of more people. Coming to know who Jesus is. The one who filled the boat and the nets with fish. The one who came to reveal who God is. A God who loves to save." [00:52:39]

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