Time in the Word - Proper 7 - June 16-21, 2008

Time in the Word
Freedom from Fear
Proper 7

June 16-21 2008

The theme Freedom from fear is prominent in the Gospel where Jesus says three times, Fear not.” Jeremiah, in the Old Testament lesson experiences fear, though it is not specifically stated, of his enemies and is delivered from them by his trust in God. Because of sin, there is death which we instinctively fear and from which we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. The Prayer of the Day speaks of fear which is driven away when we “live secure and content in the Father’s eternal love. The suggested hymn of the day calls for a faith that will not disappear when oppression comes. It does not fear in general but the Christian’s fear of his/her enemies.

Collect for Proper 7 – O God, because Your abiding presence always goes with us, keep us aware of your daily mercies that we may live secure and content in Your eternal love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen

Monday, June 16, 2008 – Psalm 56:3-4; 10-11 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 13, “For You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” David reminds us to make a confession of trust in the face of fear. The confession is renewed throughout the Psalm but especially in the appointed verses for next Sunday. Especially when we face great difficulty the Lord asks us to cling to His words and promises.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 – Jeremiah 20:7-12 – Jeremiah trusts God to deliver him from those who oppose his preaching. Here is one who wants to quit but cannot. He decides not to preach but he finds himself driven to keep going. It is like a fire in his bones that must be expressed or explode! He is driven by an inner voice. The love of Christ, faith of God, the sense of obedience, impels, and compels one to witness regardless of popular acceptance. Faith overcomes fear. In the midst of persecution, Jeremiah puts his trust in God’s deliverance from his enemies. He was sure God would vindicate him and his oppressors would be eliminated. His trust was justified, for when he was released from the dungeon, Jeremiah exulted, “Praise the Lord!” (Vs. 13).

Wednesday, June 18, 2008– Romans 6:12-23 – In these verses Paul explains what it means to be dead to sin (Vv. 5-7) and alive to God (Vv. 8-10) Our victory over sin is refusal to let sin reign in one’s life (Vs. 12) We do this as we offer ourselves to God Himself to be witnesses of His mercy and grace in this world. Hence the prayer for us to be mindful of our Christian vocation in this world.

Thursday, June 19, 2008 – Matthew 10:5a, 21-33 – The Disciples need not fear their enemies. Though the world may persecute Christ’s followers, the Father knows and cares for his people. Jesus has called his disciples and sends them out to preach and heal. As he was persecuted, his disciples could expect no less.

They are not to fear those who can kill only the body. It is better to fear God who can kill body and soul. In spite of their hardship, the heavenly Father knows them as intimately as knowing the number of hairs on their heads and cares for them as he cares for even “worthless” birds. As they are faithful in their witness to God, he will be faithful to them.

Friday, June 20, 2008 – Psalm 91:1-10– This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The mention of terror or “threat” is reference to an attack by one’s enemies. Thus it is paired with “arrows”. These two references to threats from war are arrayed alongside “pestilence” and “plague” (Vs. 6), two references to mortal diseases that often reached epidemic proportions. “night…day. At whatever time of day or night the treat may come, you will be kept safe. The time references are not specific to their respective phrases.

Saturday, June 21, 2008 –Psalm 79:9 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “Lord of our life and God of our salvation.” {LSB 725} Taken from a prayer for God to heal and forgive His people and to redress the violent acts of their enemies. When we are attacked by slander, persecution, and the temptations of the devil, our world, and our own sinful self we turn to Him who is our safe refuge, the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ the righteousness one.

A simple yet heart felt Prayer – “O God, our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear and preserve us from unbelief.”

A Prayer for grace to use our gifts– Almighty God even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

For Christian vocation - Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ’s name; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH