Stephen Warwaruk | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:16 On our way to spring services in Saskatoon several years ago, we had to go a bit out of our way to drop off a package. After that was taken care of, I decided to take a shortcut I hadn’t traveled rather than backtrack to our normal route. As we drove along, the road became muddy and we got stuck. By the time we walked to the nearest farm to get help and then got pulled out, it was too late and we missed the services. Rather than take that unfamiliar path, I should have gone back to the path that I knew would lead us to our destination. It is the same on our journey to heaven: we want to follow the paths that will get us safely to our destination. These are those “old paths” to which Jeremiah refers in our text. The path to heaven isn’t new; it is one taken by the believers that went before us. If we choose a new path, we don’t know where that path will lead, nor do we know what dangers to our life of faith lie along that path. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us that “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14). The way to heaven isn’t easy to find and follow. The path is narrow. How do we find and stay on this path? God calls us and reveals the path to heaven. If I had had a map for that trip to spring services, I could have followed it and found our way, though the route was unfamiliar. In God’s kingdom, the map is God’s Word: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). The Bible tells us about the path that believers took on their journey to heaven. The writer to the Hebrews gives several examples of these former saints in that letter’s 11th chapter. They traveled by faith, trusting in God’s promises of a Savior. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded by them, and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Heb. 11:13). The farmer who pulled us out told us that the road continued to get worse and there was no way we would have made it through. If I had stopped for directions as the road got muddier, I would have learned this and been shown a safe route. It is like this also on our journey to heaven. We have precious believing escorts to whom we can turn for direction. Jesus instructs, “He that hath an ear, Let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7). It is important to discuss matters of living faith with other believers. That way we can learn whether our understanding of spiritual matters is the same as theirs and whether our faith is in unity with the instructions in the Bible and teaching in God’s congregation. In some matters, we may not understand or agree with the instruction in God’s kingdom. It is good to discuss these matters and pray that God would open them to us. However, whether God gives understanding or not, we want to hear and be obedient to that instruction. It is dangerous to our life of faith to do otherwise. This is the instruction that Samuel tells Saul after Saul disobeyed God’s instruction to destroy the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15:22,23). God rejected Saul for his disobedience. God’s Word is alive today through the Holy Spirit in the believers and in His congregation. The Holy Spirit opens God’s Word and reveals the old paths to us.

Tommi Kinnunen and Eric Mattila | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him…Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. – Psalm 89:19–22;27–29 As sinful yet believing people can we ever thank God enough for what He has promised and done for us? This Sunday’s theme speaks about the gift of baptism, and the 89th Psalm that is set aside for this Sunday speaks about a covenant, a covenant between God and His chosen. Let us pause and consider this covenant and remember to give thanks to the heavenly Father for extending His love and great gift unto us. We can think of a covenant as an agreement, where two parties are bound together. Our Psalm relates about God’s covenant with David, His anointed who would lead the kingdom of Israel. God’s covenant with David is that “mine arm shall strengthen him” (v. 21). Likewise, in a baptismal covenant God promises to “help” (v. 19) and to “exalt” His chosen, here, by granting unmerited grace toward sin-fallen humankind. It is God’s way of extending His help to us; we are thus recipients of God’s goodness and mercy without any effort or work of our own. This is something we need to be reminded of throughout our lives: God loved us first before we were even capable of loving Him. Covenant of Good Conscience Certainly most of us have attended a baptism and heard of this covenant of good conscience with God. Perhaps you even remember the words the minister reads, partially excerpted here: “We have now assembled together before the face of God for the baptismal festival of this child. The Word of God teaches us to consider a child as a gift of the Lord. Therefore, we thank our heavenly Father for this child’s birth. God has not only created us according to His image and into His fellowship, but has also redeemed us by His Son, Jesus Christ. In Him we have redemption by His blood, the forgiveness of our transgressions according to the riches of His grace. In the fellowship of this saving grace, we today bring this child into the Covenant of Holy Baptism. Baptism does not signify new birth, but it is a covenant of good conscience with God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” We see in this Covenant of Baptism text some important matters that the Psalmist also writes about in God’s covenant with David. First is this matter that it is a solemn occasion, since we heard we are gathered before the face of God. Verse 20 tells, “with my holy oil have I anointed.” It is therefore good if we can remember to treat this occasion with respect and reverence. Another thing we notice in the Covenant of Baptism text is that it speaks of extending this covenant to a child. We can begin to question, does a child have personal faith? Is it important that we baptize children? Or for those who have lost a child before baptism, is my child saved without baptism? How about if someone repents of unbelief? These are all questions that have come into God’s kingdom in the past. Thankfully, God has through His Word and Holy Spirit guided believers even in these matters, so we do not need to ponder them but simply believe as we have been taught. We believe that every child is born with a living soul and is a child of God and is already in a saved condition, even before baptism. As Jesus Himself said, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matt. 18:6). Here, we can notice that Jesus says “which believe in me,” clarifying for us that children are believing. We can also remember what David, the one anointed by God about whom our Psalmist writes, said when he lost his baby son. “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). In these words, we can see that David knew and believed his baby was in heaven. Saved by Faith So, what then does baptism signify? Juhani Uljas writes in this way, “In baptism, God joins a child into the fellowship of His congregation to be cared for. The endeavor as a child of God begins there. When a child grows older, the battle of sin begins. Baptism obligates us to it. Paul writes to the Romans, ‘So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death. Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life’ (Rom. 6:3,4)” (Uljas, The Treasure Hidden in a Field, SRK 2000). A person is not saved by baptism but by faith. Faith does not come through baptism but precedes it. As Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Faith comes first, and then the sacraments serve to confirm and strengthen faith. Although we believe faith is first and foremost, we in no way wish to despise nor neglect to baptize our children. Neglect of a sacrament is illustrated by the account of Moses when God had called him to lead His people from the bondage of Egypt. Moses had failed to have his son circumcised, according to God’s command. We can read in Exodus 4:24–26: “And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him [Moses], and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So, he let him go then said she, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.” Moses had neglected to keep the sacrament of circumcision, and the condemnation was not directed to the child but to the father. Baptism is a sure covenant. For example, if one was baptized as a child, even in an unbelieving church, by an unbelieving priest, a new baptism is not required after repentance to God’s kingdom. The first baptism is still in effect, even though the baptized on their own part have broken the covenant. God is faithful and His promises are everlasting. If one comes into God’s kingdom and was never baptized as a child, it would be good and appropriate to be baptized even as an adult. On one hand this newfound faith is so precious to the finder it is a joy to enter into that covenant with God and on the other hand we recall how church father Augustine has written, “Not by lacking a sacrament, but by despising of a sacrament one is damned.” Let Us Hold the Covenant Dear As it is with many matters of faith, our understanding of baptism is also limited. Jesus taught His disciples in His mission command: “And he said unto them, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned’” (Mark 16:15,16). Therefore, we wish to be faithful to God’s Word and to keep these matters in the correct order: Preaching, Faith, Baptism, Doctrine and Fellowship. We are also reminded of the endeavor of the believer, the cross that we must bear. We wish to avoid sin and temptations and when we fall, we remember the words Paul wrote to Timothy, to keep faith and good conscience. We have in God’s house living water, so we never need to thirst or carry burdens. We can live as free children of grace. As God so long ago promised to care for and protect David, we as believers are also included in this promise. May we all remember to keep the baptism covenant dear in our hearts.

Daniel Jurmu | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. – Psalms 102:15–22 This Psalm is a prayer of one that was afflicted and overwhelmed, writing the thoughts of his heart to God. This Psalm reminds us of the glory and majesty of God, and it also assures us that God promises to hear the prayers of the poor and weak traveler and that God frees a person from the shackles of sin and doubts through the redemption work of His Son. God our heavenly Father is eternal and everlasting, He leads and directs our pathway, He protects and hears His children today and always. Do We Fear God? Our text begins with these words, “The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.” A heathen is one who is faithless, ungodly or unbelieving, the opposite of a Christian or a believer. This fear to which the writer refers is an earthly fear and it comes from the human mind and carnal portion. Many in this world have this temporal fear of God because of their sinful condition and their unbelief. On the other hand, the children of God have been given this assurance: “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). We desire to hold God in high esteem, honor and praise Him but we need not fear Him when we believe sins forgiven. Psalms 111:10 teaches, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” Thus, we understand that God wants us to fear when we fail to “do his commandments.” Therefore, we need to put away sin and believe them forgiven so we need not fear. We have a loving and forgiving God that asks for each one of us to give Him our whole and entire heart and in return He will bless and protect us. God Hears Our Prayers As our passage continues it reminds us that God hears our prayers, even the prayers of the weak and poor and does not look down on them or detest them. Paul writes to the Philippians, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (4:6). Even though we often find ourselves to be doubting and poor believers, this passage encourages us to overcome those feelings and make our prayers and petitions known unto God. We have been given this wonderful promise that God hears our prayers even though they come from the heart of a weak traveler. The Psalm writer relates God’s encouragement to “call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Ps. 50:15). God wants us to turn to Him in times of difficulty and sorrow. He has promised to help us in difficult times. When we look back in our lives, we can see how God has indeed helped and directed our lives, and as a result we wish to praise and thank Him. Dear brothers and sisters, we have a good God that cares for us no matter our poorness or weakness. We can remember James’ words that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). The Living God Later our text speaks about our God and how “he hath looked down from his sanctuary” (v. 19). He watches over the earth from His dwelling place in heaven. After Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, the work of spreading the gospel continued through the power of the Holy Spirit. Stephen was one called to continue the work of Christ and shortly before his martyr’s death he was able to see heaven. In Acts 7 we read, “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (v. 55). God and our Savior Jesus are living and present still today. Jesus also testified that God is living. In Matthew 22, Jesus says, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (v. 32). Our text then assures us that Jesus hears our pleas and pains of sin. The Psalmist describes the weight of sin and the effect of unforgiven sin – death. God wishes us to be free from the shackles and bonds of sin, and He sent His Son our Lord Jesus Christ to redeem us from our sin. Jesus invites us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). May we always remain seeking the care of the Good Shepherd, for it is He who cares for us. We can be comforted dear brothers and sisters that despite our sinfulness and doubts we receive unmerited love and forgiveness. God has promised, all those who believe shall receive everlasting life with Him one day in heaven. Let us remain along with the Psalmist, simply trusting and believing in Him who cares for us.

Peggy Glynn | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- I punch down the bread and again feel the soft dough engulfing my hands, a feeling I have come to love. When my future husband first visited the farm where I was raised, my mother served him her fresh homemade bread. He teased me later in life that he married me for my mother’s bread. I tried to make it like Mom but I never did hit that mark of perfection. I’m yet trying. As life moved on, I baked bread again and again for our growing family. The iconic bowl of bread dough rising over the edges comforted me that our daily bread will be provided. In the biblical story of the loaves and fishes, no matter how many people came to be fed, there was enough bread and fish. The people present must have marveled at the miracle before them. Jesus added His powerful yeast that fed them all, even the smallest child. This story has reminded me that our family will be provided for as Jesus provided for all present that day many years ago. God himself only knows what the purpose for this story is for people through the ages. There is an old saying that every newborn child comes with a loaf of bread under its arm, so reminiscent of the Bible’s story of the loaves and fishes. There is something in the act of making bread for my family that makes me feel so good. It may have been watching the bread rise, as if the bread was saying “there will plenty for all.” Maybe it is because I have such dear memories of my mother’s homemade bread. Maybe because I loved watching my children eat it with butter dripping down their chins. Will their memories of eating my bread be as dear to them as it is for me? When we had our tenth baby, my close Christian neighbor, Tarja Nevala, brought me a beautiful bread ring of Finnish pulla. She said it signified the ring of life. She told me it was an old Finnish custom to bring this to a family with a new baby. How beautiful, I thought. So yes, the ring, the circle of life symbolized in this old tradition reminding our family that the love of Christ is endless and his blessings will come even to the least of us all. In the scriptures we read that Jesus demonstrated how He is the source of life, the living bread from heaven, so you will not die, but gain eternity in heaven. I was reminded that this new child will come with many blessings in the household of those who believe. Now as I age, the words of King David ring true for me still. In Psalms 37:25, King David writes; “I have been young, but now I am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”

Kevin Moll | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. – John 17:17 What is truth? Since the beginning, humans have sought the truth. Ideas and beliefs once considered to be true have been shown to be otherwise; they were based on the thoughts and reason of humans. That which is held to be true changes over time. But God’s Word is an unchanging and sure foundation of truth. Jesus prayed to God on behalf of His own: Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth. Sanctify means to set one apart and make him or her holy. Jesus prayed that we would be made holy by truth. He then adds that God’s Word is truth. Jesus is God’s Word made flesh, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). We are made holy by the work done by Jesus, our Savior. The Holy Spirit of God teaches us and helps us remember the teachings of Jesus (John 14:26). God’s living, holy Word – and thus Jesus – is found only in God’s kingdom. Both the written Word and spoken Word are opened by the Holy Spirit. The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed speaks of the Holy Spirit. Luther says it could be titled “Sanctification.” How does sanctifying occur? The Holy Spirit effects it through the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Jesus fulfilled God’s promise in His suffering, death and resurrection. God caused His written Word to be published and proclaimed and the Holy Spirit offers and applies to us this treasure of salvation (Luther’s Large Catechism). Great thinkers and philosophers have used the carnal mind in answering the question, “What is truth?” When Jesus was brought before Pilate and asked if He was a king, Jesus answered that He came into the world to bear witness unto the truth. Then He said, “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37). Pilate then asked, “What is truth?” (v. 38). He was in a position to hear many opinions and perspectives. Perhaps he realized each person believed their own experience and perspective to be the “truth.” Why wouldn’t they? If you are convinced something it true, how could you believe anything else? The carnal mind is prone to ally with the flesh. Paul said that the “carnal mind is enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7). The enemy of souls deceived Eve in the garden of Eden by asking, “Hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Gen. 3:1). Because Eve saw it was good for food and could make one wise, she disobeyed God. The carnal mind can be quick to justify or understand a matter in a way that would appeal to our flesh. It is important that our understandings are in harmony with the Holy Spirit. If our carnal mind holds a wrong understanding, it can be corrected if we are given ears to hear the Holy Spirit (Rev. 3:22). When we are children in God’s congregation, we walk in the light (1 John 1:7). How fortunate we are that the Holy Spirit guides us in grace and truth! We have a sure and unchanging foundation in God’s Word.

Carey Simonson | The Voice of Zion April 2021 -- And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. – Luke 24:36–49 Prior to our text, Jesus had revealed himself to two sorrowful travelers who had left Jerusalem to travel to Emmaus. After Jesus opened their eyes to know Him, they were so joyful that they returned to Jerusalem immediately and found the disciples. While they were telling the disciples that they had seen the risen Lord Jesus, Jesus appeared and greeted them, “Peace be unto you.” The disciples did not recognize Jesus and were terrified. Change Can Bring Fear Fear is a common human emotion. We fear many things. Many of us fear change, and we may especially feel fear or anxiety when facing the unknown, things we don’t understand and things that are out of our control. The disciples were living during a time of great change in their personal lives and in the work of God’s kingdom. Their master, their teacher, their Saviour had been put to death. What would the future bring? We live at a time of great change. A year-long world pandemic has changed everyone’s life. Meanwhile, climate and other data show a world with a changing climate. These changes have amplified political, racial and social tensions around us. They try the love among believers. They may cause uncertainty and doubts, even fear. We may wonder if God is with us. Is He in control? In view of these changes, the words of Jesus are relevant today: “Why are ye troubled? … it is I.” God allows all things to happen for His purpose and in His time: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecc. 3:1). We can trust in His wonderful plan even when we can’t see or understand His plan (Isa. 55:8–9). During these times, may we care for and encourage each other in love (Heb. 10:24). May God help us respect our leaders and understand that if we resist authority, we resist God (Rom. 13:2). We wish to faithfully do our best to help fellow believers and all people (Gal. 6:10) and fulfill our God-given duty to care for the environment (Gen. 1:28, 2:15). Understanding Is a Gift Jesus did many things to show the disciples that He was the risen Christ. He: (1) told them “it is I,” (2) asked them to touch him, (3) showed them his nail wounds, (4) ate food, and (5) reminded them that He had told them while He was alive that He would suffer, die and resurrect according to the scripture. Yet our text says that the disciples believed not and wondered. Why? Does this mean the disciples were not believing? They were believing, but Jesus had not opened their understanding of the scriptures (v. 45). Understanding scripture is not a prerequisite for faith. Jesus taught that a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:1–6). Today, the Holy Spirit, which is the “promise of my Father” and the “power from on high” in verse 49, continues the work of Christ and opens understanding. If the Holy Spirit does not open, then “they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand” (Matt. 13:13). The Witnesses of the Resurrection Believe and Preach the Living Gospel Jesus told the disciples that they were witnesses of the resurrection and would preach the living gospel throughout the world. Through eyes of faith, we are also witnesses of the resurrection. Although faulty, doubting and fearful in ourselves, we are the true witnesses of Christ’s resurrection when we believe and preach the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. Even amid a rapidly changing world, our greatest fear is sin because sin separates us from God. We fear that after preaching to others, we would be lost because sin and evil are so close to us – within our flesh (1 Cor. 9:27). The songwriter also affirms, “Its passions rage deeply within your heart like billowing waves to engulf you” (SHZ 483:3). Nevertheless, Jesus was victorious over sin, death and hell. We own this victory through faith. One day, we will resurrect to eternal life in heaven when we hold faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19).

Translation: M. Keranen | The Voice of Zion March 2021 -- In the church calendar, Shrovetide immediately precedes the Lenten period, and the name for this time (Esto mihi, which is Latin for “be for me”) refers to preparing for a period of fasting. The actual pre-Easter fasting, which lasts forty working days, begins with Ash Wednesday. Lent – the time of fasting – culminates in the Passion Week preceding Easter. Nowadays, fasting is spoken of in many different ways. More and more people are focusing on mental wellbeing and calm. Fasting for some can be an aspiration for a simple lifestyle. For another, it can mean stopping in the midst of a busy day to think about what is important and essential in life. There should be more talk about the spiritual significance of fasting. Fasting in the Lutheran tradition invites us to examine ourselves and exhorts us to be obedient to God’s will, to follow Jesus, to carry the cross and to help our neighbor. It is a great opportunity to quieten and pause before the Word of God. The biblical content of Lent is revealed by following the course of the church year. The church calendar consists of Bible texts which address the salvation history, and it opens to us God’s revelation in all its richness. On Shrove Sunday, Jesus’ public works reaches its turning point. The journey to Jerusalem, toward suffering and death, begins. But it is on this very path that the Son of Man is glorified. Divine love triumphs as it submits itself to death. Lent is a time of preparation for the great celebration, Easter. As such, it means joining Christ and in our hearts walking alongside Him in on the way of suffering, which has been the most difficult. Lent, or fasting, is preparation for Jesus’ crucifixion – and His joyous resurrection. From the viewpoint of salvation, it is essential that one relies on the gospel of God’s kingdom and believes in Jesus, who suffered and died for the sins of all the world. With His resurrection, He won over the power of sin and death and opened the way to heaven for His followers. This article was originally published in Finnish as the editorial in the February 26, 2020, issue of Päivämies. Translated and published with permission. ‍

Sam Roiko | The Voice of Zion March 2021 -- Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, and said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there. – Matt. 21:12–17 ‍ The theme for Palm Sunday brings us back to the first Advent Sunday, where we remembered how “Your king comes in humility.” This shows how the happenings of Christmas and Easter are intertwined, and that both are integral to God’s salvation plan being fulfilled in His Son, Jesus Christ. After His entry into Jerusalem on a colt, our Savior went into the temple of God and cast out those who sold and bought and exchanged money. The Passover festival drew people from around the known world to Jerusalem, who came with the currency of their own locality or had Roman money. However, only the Jewish currency was allowed for offering in the temple, and the travelers needed to exchange their money to the Jewish coins. This gave an opportunity for greed, and the travelers often had to exchange their money at overpriced rates. ‍ Jesus Knew Their Hearts Jesus, who was true God and true man, knew the hearts of all people and saw how the lust for greed overshadowed the real purpose of the festive Passover worship service. In his righteous zeal, He overthrew the tables. “For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me” (Ps. 69:9). He noted, as the prophet Isaiah had written, that the house of God was to be “a house of prayer for all people” (Isa. 56:7) but they had turned it into a den of thieves. He spoke openly of that which was wrong, rebuked sin as sin, and as a result He suffered the reproach, or contempt, of those whose consciences were pricked. The preaching of God’s kingdom either heals or offends. After Jesus rebuked the money changers, He ministered to the lowly people. The blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. Children were there crying and singing Hosanna to the Son of David. The joy of the children and those who found a place of healing with Jesus was evident. ‍ In Their Wisdom, They Knew Not God The chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that happened and were sore displeased. The joy of God’s children was absent in them. Jesus had said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Matt. 9:12). The scribes and chief priests did not find themselves in need of healing, nor was there joy that others were healed. Instead of rejoicing in happiness at the sight of Jesus’ ministry to the lowly, the scribes and chief priests were offended. They asked Jesus, don’t you hear what they are saying? They couldn’t bear to hear the cries of rejoicing children and those who were healed. Jesus reminded them what the psalmist says: “Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou has perfected praise.” Much earlier Jesus had rejoiced, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight” (Matt. 11:25–26). Only through Faith Do We Comprehend The way of faith is a lowly way, which our King of glory walked. The human mind cannot understand or comprehend this way of faith as the Proverb states, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). Also, Paul wrote to the Corinthians how the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. God has made foolish the wisdom and understanding of the world: After that, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe (1 Cor. 1:18–21). This pathway is one of humility, but it leads to glory. It is such a pathway that those who travel there, even though they be blind, or stumbling, or deaf, or weak, there they can experience the opening of their eyes and ears and find healing and strength to continue to travel. The wayfaring ones, the ones who travel there, even though they would be fools, they will not be lost (Isa. 35). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). When we can continue to travel this lowly pathway prepared by our Lord and Savior, we too will once obtain our goal, eternal life in the bliss and glory of heaven.

Keijo Nissilä | The Voice of Zion March 2021 -- The following writing about Mary is the final section of a writing by Keijo Nissilä based on Matt. 1–2, Luke 1:26–2:52, John 2:1–12 and John 19:25–27. Prior to this passage, Nissilä has already recounted Mary’s visit by the angel announcing the coming birth of Jesus, Mary’s relationship with Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, and Mary’s experiences as mother to a young boy who would be the Savior of the world. This writing is excerpted from the book Raamatun naisia Eevasta Priscaan [Women of the Bible from Eve to Priscilla], Ed. Marja-Liisa Sivula and Raili Ojalehto (SRK, 2011). In 2021, our Bilingual feature consists of excerpts from this book, as translated by Sandra Pylvainen. ‍ The time came for Jesus to begin His public ministry. His father Joseph had died and His mother Mary was left a widow and sole caregiver for the family. Jesus worked His first miracle at a wedding in Cana. Mary was also at the wedding. When the wedding wine ran out, Mary notified Jesus, who understood her meaning. His answer to her was surprising: “Let me be, woman. My time has not yet come.” Jesus had grown beyond His childhood household into adulthood and public ministry. Moments of His life were more consciously guided by the heavenly Father. God allowed His Son to work a first miracle that surpassed His mother Mary’s boldest hopes and expectations. The water changed to wine. By this act, Jesus showed His glory. And His disciples believed in Him. Soon after the wedding in Cana, Mary moved with her family to Capernaum. Life was filled with the daily work of family care. From the vantage point of her home and her housework, Mary followed Jesus’ steps forward as His public ministry continued. Jesus’ path from His childhood home led towards the Father’s home in heaven, to which He himself proved to be the way and that He’d prepare the way for each who believes in Him. Ultimately He had to go the path to Golgotha and death. At the foot of the cross where Jesus was dying stood His faithful escorts: His mother Mary, her sister, Mary Magdalene and Mary, wife of Cleophas. Jesus’ mother Mary watched her Son suffer and die. The mother’s grief was at its greatest and her sorrow unmeasurable. Suffering more pain than any other ever, Mary carried in her heart incomprehensible questions: Is this how the prophecy of old Simeon would be fulfilled regarding the sword that would pierce the mother’s heart? Was this the way God’s promise would be fulfilled of the woman’s seed that would crush the head of the serpent? When Jesus saw His mother Mary and His disciple John, He said to His mother: “Woman, this is your son!” Then He said to His disciple: “This is your mother!” From that moment on the disciple cared for Jesus’ mother. Mary spent the last years of her life in Jerusalem with her own sons, Jesus’ brothers. They lived together serving as members of the earliest congregation of believers. “They kept together and prayed unceasingly together.” Mary is an example to all believers throughout time. She was at the center of salvation history. Through her, the fulfilment of the Old Covenant’s prophesies were realized. Thereafter began the time of the New Covenant. Mary was like a new Eve. Through the first Eve, the fall into sin took place. Through the new Eve, the new Adam was born who would recompense the sins of all humankind. Also, this is succinctly stated in Elizabeth’s words to Mary: “Blessed are you, among women most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” This, God’s salvation work in Christ, is recognized by the Christian congregation in their worship service: “Conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.” Mary was not saved solely by her motherhood but rather by her faith and obedience: “Blessed are you who believed!” ‍ MARIAN MURHE JA ILO Tuli aika, että Jeesus astui julkiseen toimintaansa. Isä Joosef oli kuollut ja äiti Maria jäänyt leskeksi ja perheen yksinhuoltajaksi. Jeesus teki ensimmäisen julkisen tunnustekonsa Kaanan häissä. Myös Maria oli siellä. Kun häissä loppui viini, Maria kertoi siitä Jeesukselle, joka ymmärsi äidin tarkoituksen. Hänen vastauksensa äidilleen oli yllättävä: ”Anna minun olla, nainen. Minun aikani ei ole vielä tullut.” Jeesus oli kasvanut ulos kodistaan aikuisuuteen ja julkiseen tehtäväänsä. Hänen elämänsä hetket olivat entistä tietoisemmin taivaallisen Isän johdatuksessa. Jumala salli Poikansa tehdä ensimmäisen tunnustekonsa, joka ylitti äiti Marian rohkeimmatkin toiveet ja odotukset. Vesi muuttui viiniksi. Tällä teolla Jeesus ilmaisi kirkkautensa. Myös hänen opetuslapsensa uskoivat häneen. Kohta tämän jälkeen Maria muutti perheensä kanssa Kapernaumiin. Elämän täyttivät jokapäiväiset askareet perheen huoltajana. Maria seurasi kodistaan ja sen tehtävistä käsin Jeesuksen vaiheista, kun tämän julkinen toiminta jatkui. Jeesuksen tie lapsuuden kodista kulki kohti Isän kotia taivaassa, johon hän osoitti itse olevansa tie ja valmistavansa tietä jokaiselle, joka uskoo häneen. Lopulta hänen oli kuljettava ristin tie Golgatalle ja kuolemaan. Kuolevan Jeesuksen ristin luona seisoivat uskollisina saattajina hänen äitinsä Maria, tämän sisar sekä Magdalan Maria ja Maria, Klopaksen vaimo. Jeesuksen äiti Maria katseli poikansa kärsimystä ja kuolemaa. Äidin suru oli suurimmillaan ja murhe mittaamaton. Tuskallisemmin kuin kukaan toinen koskaan Maria kantoi sydämessään käsittämättömiä kysymyksiä: Näinkö oli toteutuva vanhan Simeonin ennustus miekasta, joka on käyvä äidin sydämen lävitse? Näinkö oli toteutuva Jumalan lupaus vaimon siemenestä, joka on polkeva rikki käärmeen pään? Kun Jeesus näki äitinsä Marian ja opetuslapsensa Johanneksen, hän sanoi äidilleen: ”Nainen, tämä on sinun poikasi!” Sitten hän sanoi opetuslapselle: ”Tämä on äitisi!” Siitä hetkestä lähtien opetuslapsi piti huolta Jeesuksen äidistä. Elämänsä loppuvuodet Maria asui Jerusalemissa omien poikiensa, Jeesuksen veljien luona. He elivät yhteydessä alkuseurakuntaan sen toimivina jäseninä. ”He pitivät kaikki yhtä ja rukoilivat lakkaamatta yhdessä.” Maria on esikuva kaikille uskoville kaikkina aikoina. Hän oli pelastushistorian keskuksessa. Hänen kauttaan toteutuivat vanhan liiton ennustukset. Alkoi uuden liiton aika. Maria oli kuin uusi Eeva. Ensimmäisen Eevan kautta tapahtui syntiinlankeemus. Uuden Eevan kautta syntyi uusi Aadam, joka sovitti ihmisten synnit. Tämä kiteytyy myös Elisabetin sanoissa Marialle: “Siunattu olet sinä, naisista siunatuin, ja siunattu sinun kohtusi hedelmä!” Tätä Jumalan pelastustekoa Kristuksessa tunnustaa kristillinen seurakunta jumalan palveluksessaan: ”Sikisi Pyhästä Hengestä, syntyi neitsyt Mariasta.” Maria ei ole autuas ainutlaatuisen äitiytensä vaan uskonsa ja kuuliaisuutensa perusteella: ”Autuas sinä, joka uskoit!”

‍Michael Ylioja | The Voice of Zion February 2021 -- And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering him said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. – Luke 7:36–50 Simon the Pharisee desired to have Jesus come to sit at meat with him. This in itself is a good thing to do. Simon and others in the city had heard of Jesus and His teachings, and Simon wanted to listen and discuss with Jesus. However, when we note what happened during the meal, it's plain to see where the faith of Simon was. He, like all the Pharisees lived a self-righteous life. Simon felt that through his good works he had attained a higher status than this sinful woman. Yet, God does not give faith according to social status or good works but to those who are seeking His kingdom. Simon wondered to himself why Jesus would allow such a person of great sin to touch Him. He was like the priest and the Levite (Luke 10:30–36) in the parable of the good Samaritan – he would not associate with people of a lower class. Jesus’ Mission Jesus came into this world not to call the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:13). Jesus can see into our hearts just as He saw into the hearts of Simon and the sinful woman. When the sinful woman heard that Jesus was in the city, she desired to see Him. Her faith was weak, and she felt her unworthiness before Jesus and knelt weeping at His feet. Serving Him in this lowly manner was all that she felt she could do. Since her sins were forgiven, she felt such great love towards her Saviour that she anointed His feet with ointment. Let us also pray to the heavenly Father that He would give us faith like this sinful woman’s, to serve in His kingdom according to gifts He has given. To explain to the Pharisee, Jesus uses a short parable (v. 41,42) about forgiveness and love. One debtor owed fifty pence and the other owed ten times that. They were both forgiven the entire debt when they couldn't pay. Jesus asks the Pharisee which one will love him the most? Simon hesitantly answers “he to whom he forgave most.” This was the correct answer. When we can see through eyes of faith, that the debt of our sins which we are unable to pay for were paid for by the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, we love much as well. Through faith we have love and desire to show this love to those around us. Simon and the other guests that sat at meat with Jesus did not have true faith. They did not see or understand that Christ came into this world to save sin fallen mankind. Instead, they murmured within themselves, “Who is this that forgiveth sins also?” They lived under the law and believed they were saved by following the law. We live under grace and are saved by faith in the Lord Jesus by believing our sins forgiven. Simple faith saved this sinful woman, and it will also save us. Let us cling to that gift of faith that God has given onto us, holding it near and dear to us.