Time in the Word - Lent 5

The Theme for Lent 5, “Forecast of the Future” helps us see the purpose and the necessity of the cross. It is a one time act but has eternal consequences. In the Old Testament lesson (Isaiah 43:16-21) God will do a new thing for His people as He promises to do a new thing for His people, something good. In the Epistle lesson, (Philippians 3:8-14) Christians strain forward to the future goal of Christ. Paul says that he forgets the past and looks forward to the future. In the Gospel lesson, (Luke 20:9-19) Judgment will come to those who reject God’s Son. This is brought out in the parable of the wicked tenants. The Hymn of the day is a contemplative hymn which focuses on Christ’s crucifixion. It is one of the most powerful hymns in our hymnal.

Collect for Lent 5 Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, 15 March 2010—Psalm 3:3-6, Antiphon, Psalm 3:8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessings be on Your people! Though threatened by many foes, the psalmist prays confidently to the Lord. A common feature in the prayers of the Psalter is a concluding expression of confidence that the prayer will be or will be heard. David’s confidence becomes a testimony to God’s people. As he stands before God the psalmist King David prays on behalf of the nation.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010—Psalm 126; key verse v3The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126 is a song of joy for restoration to Zion. If not composes for those who returned from Babylonian exile the place of exiles is not names it surely served to voice the joy of the restored community. The psalm divides into two stanzas of four Hebrew lines each with their initial lines sharing a common theme. Thematic unity is further served by repetition and other key words

Wednesday, 17 March 2010— Isaiah 43:16-21– In this passage4 God asks us to stop thinking and talking about all the good things God did for us in the past such as the Exodus from Egypt. Something better is going to happen to us – a new and better Exodus from the slavery of sin. God promises to do a new thing. (v.19) God will make a way out of bondage. (v.19) God will provide provisions on the way. (v.20) God will give you reason to praise Him. (v.21)

Thursday, 18 March 2010—Philippians 3:8-14 –In this reading Paul shows us how the past, present and future come together in a Christian’s life. We do not live in any on tense. All of time is involved in a Christian’s life. The past –we consider it refuse. (v.8) The present – we have Christ by faith. (v.9) The future – we look to the future goal of oneness in Christ. (V.12-14)

Friday, 19 March 2010 – Luke 20:9-20– In the parable packed with truths in allegorical form, the Savior teaches us.

He tells us about God – God is the owner of our world and is entitled to rent. God is patient with us. Three times He sent a servant, then a son. God’s patience has an end-judgment will be enacted. God has no other plan to reconcile us – Christ was His only Son. He can do no more. If the world does not accept Christ, nothing but destruction lies ahead.

He tells us about Christ. He is God’s Son. Other before Him were only “servants.” He holds a unique position with God the father, an intimacy and a oneness. He was sent by God – to receive us our obligation to God. Jesus has a mission. He was obedient to God’s will. He knew that his end was death at the hands of wicked men. His death was not an accident, not bad luck, not forced. In obedience to God, He faced the cross courageously and voluntarily. The parable announces His approaching end.

He tells us about mankind. Man is only a steward, not the owner. As such he owes God a return. Man is a rebel – in constant rebellion against God. He refuses to render to God what is God’s. He rejects servants and son. Man wants to be the owner-God. He refuses to give God his portion and hopes to take over the vineyard by killing the son. Man is prone to violence – beating and killing servants and son. Elijah was driven into the wilderness. Isaiah was sawn asunder. Zachariah was stoned to death before the altar. John the Baptizer was beheaded. Jesus was crucified.

Saturday, 20 March 2009—-Isaiah 53:3-6, Acts 4:11-12, Romans 4:23- Sunday’s hymn of the day is Stricken Smitten, and Afflicted (451 LSB). We move deeper into Lent and the cross now becomes the focal point of our Lenten journey. The cross can not be denied the Savior. This week’s hymn is one of the most profound hymns written in the Lent and Holy Week section of the hymnal. It speaks for itself. Take some time as you prepare for worship tomorrow to contemplate all the Savior has done for you.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH