“Oh, Tempted Jesus, Save Me When I’m Tempted”
Preaching on Matthew 4:1-11 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rev. Robert Bugbee, the President of Lutheran Church — Canada, proclaimed that Jesus broke in to the devil’s house so that he might get back his treasured possessions. 
What (or who)are Jesus’ treasured possessions? We are! Jesus took us back not only with his suffering and death on Good Friday but he also broke into Satan’s house with his life of obedience as evident in the wilderness temptation account. Not only does Jesus rescue us but he also provides us with the Word of God so that can resist daily temptations. Although we will continue to fall into sin, Jesus provides us with forgiveness.
Meanwhile, about 14 kilometers across town, Dr. Glenn Schaeffer preached at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Preaching on 2 Timothy 4, he reminded the people that all believers will experience a “Podium Moment” because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. What a glorious “podium moment” it will be … unlike anything the world has seen. Believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language and the angelic host of heaven will gather around Jesus Christ’s podium and will sing, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” … Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
One of the highlights of the service at Bethlehem was the baptism of Carter McLean who experienced the miracle of spiritual rebirth through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. As Pastor Al Dudiak poured water over Carter’s head speaking the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” one could not help but think of St. Paul’s words, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
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