Read Luke 13:1–9
The practice of digging around a tree is common when it is not growing well and, in turn, not producing the fruit it was planted for. When the soil around the tree is disturbed, the roots are damaged in the digging, and then the tree has to grow new roots, which, in turn, strengthen the tree to bear fruit for the next season.
Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree that doesn’t bear fruit. The owner says, ‘Well cut it down’, but the man taking care of it says, ‘Leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilise it’.
The tree doesn’t need to be destroyed but disturbed and fed instead.
We are like this tree. We were planted in the kingdom of God by faith in Jesus and given a purpose – to bear fruit. Yet it is easy to drift away from Jesus and begin to follow the way of the world and the way of ourselves. We find it easier to listen to the devil, tempting us with lies in the idea that ‘it is my life and my body; I can do what I like’.
But Jesus has chosen you as his own for his purpose. To bear fruit. The fruit of God’s love in action toward those around you. You are created to be a blessing to others. You are blessed to bless others with God’s love in action.
When the word of the Lord challenges you to live differently, it is like Jesus digging at your roots – the roots in self rather than in the word. You see, the word is the fertiliser of life, and the word of Jesus Christ will feed and sustain you in bearing the fruit of God’s love in action.
When Jesus digs at your roots, hear the word, and be ready for his word to guide, challenge, heal and restore you. Be prepared for his word to nourish your hungry soul, ready to go out into the world with new growth and fruit that blesses others.
Dear Jesus, dig into my roots of selfishness and worldly ways. Let me grow in you to bear fruit for others. Help me to be a blessing to everyone I meet today. Feed me, nourish me, and strengthen me daily in your holy word. Amen.
Pastor Mark lives with his two daughters aged 11 and 8 in Redcliffe, just north of Brisbane. He currently serves as a pastor in the LCANZ and is passionate about sharing Jesus’ love with those around him. Pastor Mark loves to travel with his family to see the wonders of God’s creation and meet people who share their stories of what God has done for them.
Areruia! E kingi ana te Atua, te Kaha Rawa (The Lord God the Almighty reigns)
by Mark Whitfield
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Hallelujah! For the Lord God the Almighty reigns (Revelation 19:6b).
Read Revelation 19:5–10
There are times when neither the world nor our lives seem to be under God’s reign. We see conflict, suffering and injustice, and worry about the future or face circumstances we cannot change. We may watch people we love struggle and wonder where God is. Even within the church, we may become discouraged by what is difficult, declining or beyond our control.
Into those moments comes the great cry of Revelation: ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord God the Almighty reigns.’
‘Hallelujah’ means ‘Praise the Lord’. It’s not simply an expression of happiness. It’s a declaration of faith. You praise God not because everything is going well, but because God is still God. He is still Lord. He is still at work, even when you cannot see what he is doing.
Revelation gives us a wonderful picture of where everything is heading: the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus, the Lamb who gave himself for our salvation, is the bridegroom, and we are part of his beloved people. Our future is not ultimately defeat, abandonment or despair. Our future is with Christ.
That means our hope doesn’t depend on how strong we feel today. Our faith doesn’t rest on our ability to have everything sorted out. It rests on Jesus’ faithfulness.
So, today, simply be faithful where God has placed you. Pray. Worship. Love someone. Forgive. Encourage. Serve. Trust. Even the small and ordinary things you do in faith are seen by God.
You may not see the difference your faithfulness makes. But God does.
So, lift your heart today and join the song of heaven: Areruia! E kingi ana te Atua, te Kaha Rawa – Hallelujah! The Lord God Almighty reigns.
Lord Jesus, when I cannot see what you are doing, help me trust that you are still Lord. Keep me faithful, hopeful and courageous, knowing that my future rests not in myself, but in you. Amen.
Pastor Mark is a Kiwi and loves being pastor of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) on New Zealand’s South Island. He is bishop emeritus of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand (LCNZ), has served on the LCA Commission on Worship and represents the LCNZ on the Roman Catholic–Lutheran Dialogue Commission. He is married to Leanne and is dad to Chelsea (and Tim), Brittany and Charlotte. A musician (organist, pianist, singer and composer), Mark also enjoys gardening, making people laugh and following sport, especially cricket and rugby. And when the opportunity arises, he loves eating rollmops on fresh bread with his father-in-law, Kevin.
When Christ knocks
by Mark Whitfield
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me (Revelation 3:20).
Read Revelation 3:14–22
Are there times when your faith feels a little too familiar?
You know the prayers. You know the songs and hymns. You know the stories of Scripture. You may have followed Jesus for many years. Yet familiarity can sometimes become complacency. The wonder of grace can begin to fade, and you can forget just how much you need Christ each day.
That is why Jesus personally speaks these words to you: ‘Be earnest, and repent.’
But hear what lies behind those words. Jesus doesn’t speak them because he has given up on you. He says them because he loves you: ‘I reprove and discipline those whom I love.’
His purpose is not to condemn you, but to draw you back. Not to push you away, but to awaken you to his presence and renew your faith.
And then comes that beautiful picture: ‘I am standing at the door, knocking.’
Jesus is near you. He is speaking to you. He is inviting you to listen: ‘Tēnā, whakarongo mai – whakarongo ki tōku reo’, which in English means, ‘Please listen – listen to my voice.’
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
Perhaps he is calling you back from spiritual complacency. Perhaps he is reminding you of the wonder of his forgiveness. You may have something that you need to honestly bring before him. Or perhaps he is simply reminding you that you do not have to carry today in your own strength.
Jesus is still knocking.
You don’t need to have everything sorted out before you open the door. You don’t need to prove yourself worthy. Simply come as you are. Receive his grace again. Let him renew your faith, restore your joy and draw you into deeper fellowship with him.
Jesus doesn’t knock because he has given up on you. He knocks because he loves you.
Lord Jesus, help me to hear your voice today. Forgive me when I take your grace for granted. Awaken my faith, renew my joy and draw me closer to you. Amen.
Pastor Mark is a Kiwi and loves being pastor of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) on New Zealand’s South Island. He is bishop emeritus of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand (LCNZ), has served on the LCA Commission on Worship and represents the LCNZ on the Roman Catholic–Lutheran Dialogue Commission. He is married to Leanne and is dad to Chelsea (and Tim), Brittany and Charlotte. A musician (organist, pianist, singer and composer), Mark also enjoys gardening, making people laugh and following sport, especially cricket and rugby. And when the opportunity arises, he loves eating rollmops on fresh bread with his father-in-law, Kevin.
A meal that proclaims
by Mark Whitfield
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Read 1 Corinthians 11:20–32
When you come to the Lord’s table, you are not simply receiving bread and wine. You are receiving Christ himself – his forgiveness, his grace and his life. At the same time, you are joining in a proclamation that has echoed through the centuries: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
In Māori, the words are beautifully simple: ‘Ko te tinana o te Karaiti mō koutou’, which means in English, ‘The body of Christ is for you.’
Those words are deeply personal. Christ gives himself for you, for your forgiveness, your healing, your strength and your hope. Whatever burdens you carry, whatever joys or sorrows fill your heart, Jesus meets you here with his love.
Paul wrote these words to Christians in Corinth who had forgotten that receiving Christ’s gifts changes how we live with one another. Some were being overlooked, while others thought only of themselves. Paul reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is never just about ‘me’; it draws us into Christ’s body and opens our eyes to others.
As you receive Christ’s self-giving love, you are also invited to reflect that love in your daily life – in kindness offered, forgiveness given, a listening ear, a word of encouragement or care for someone who feels lonely or forgotten.
Each time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. And through your words, actions and love, your life can also proclaim the grace of the One who gave himself for you.
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving yourself for me and feeding me with your grace. Shape my life by your love, so that I may share your kindness and welcome with others. Amen.
Pastor Mark is a Kiwi and loves being pastor of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) on New Zealand’s South Island. He is bishop emeritus of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand (LCNZ), has served on the LCA Commission on Worship and represents the LCNZ on the Roman Catholic–Lutheran Dialogue Commission. He is married to Leanne and is dad to Chelsea (and Tim), Brittany and Charlotte. A musician (organist, pianist, singer and composer), Mark also enjoys gardening, making people laugh and following sport, especially cricket and rugby. And when the opportunity arises, he loves eating rollmops on fresh bread with his father-in-law, Kevin.