A Wrong Number

TITLE: A Wrong Number
DATE:  November 7, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 23:8-9  - ESV - 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.

Before I really get into this devotion, I have to tell you the story is not mine. I cannot vouch for the authenticity of the tale.
So, we begin with a  Lutheran minister whose phone rang late on a Saturday night.

He recognized the voice on the line as being, a member, albeit a not-very-good-member, of his church. The man instructed, "I want you to send us four cases of Coors beer." Then he gave his address. Laughingly, the pastor said, "Don't you know who this is? This is your pastor! I don't have four extra cases of beer, and I don't do deliveries"

The man, not realizing he had dialed the wrong number, got in the final word., He said, "Pastor! Why are you answering the phone in a liquor store?"

The man had made a mistake. It was hardly the first time in history that a mistake had been made.

For example, when Jesus stood before King Herod, the devil encouraged the monarch to make a mistake. Well actually, Herod made a lot of mistakes.

1. You will note that  Herod doesn't remove his crown and bow down in reverent respect before the Savior.
2. Nor does he confess his many sins and ask for forgiveness.
3. Look as you will, you will not see him ask the Lord to give him wisdom as Solomon had done centuries earlier.

No, Herod took a look at  Jesus and thought the Savior’s presence would provide a bit of entertainment. Herod doesn't want forgiveness or salvation, he wants entertainment.  Like the phone caller above, Herod remained blissfully ignorant of his mistake
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He never realized Jesus was His Redeemer, not Someone to provide him with a few moment’s amusement.
Figuratively speaking, Herod didn’t realize he had dialed the wrong number.

He could easily be the poster boy for the millions of others who have dialed spiritually wrong numbers in their lives. I dare not guess the number of people who, when given a choice  between a late-night party on Saturday night and Church on Sunday morning will choose the former. Consider how many folks have dialed wrong numbers in their lives. Rather than looking for Jesus, in Word and Sacrament, they pursue entertainment and amusement.

Now I’m not promoting a sour-grape view of life where Christians are supposed to avoid smiles, laughter and fun. I’m just saying our first priority ought to be following Jesus Who is good news of great joy.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, when I see You, may I never jump to wrong conclusions. Let me always see my Savior and seek Him first. This I pray in Your holy Name. Amen.

​The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html
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