Time in the Word
January 28 – February 2, 2013
Preparation for Epiphany 4
January 28 – February 2, 2013
Preparation for Epiphany 4
The Theme
for Epiphany 4 “Opposition to the Word of
God” is seen in all three readings. In the Old Testament lesson, (Jeremiah
1:4-10) God promises to deliver those who fear the Lord. In the Epistle lesson,
(1 Corinthians 12:31b – 13:13) the solution to opposition is love. In the Gospel
for Epiphany 4, (Luke 4:31-44) Nazareth
Collect for Epiphany 4 Lord,
You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot
stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and
carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Monday, 28 January 2013—Psalm 10:16-18,
Antiphon, Psalm 10:12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand; forget not the
afflicted. Those who are at the mercy of the oppressors have no one to go
to except the One who created heaven and earth. Thus, the psalmist pleads to
the Lord to rescue him from the attacks of unscrupulous men. When wickedness
rises against us, we run to the waiting arms of the only one who can help
us.
Tuesday,
29 January 2013—Psalm
71:1-6 (7-11); key verse v12 Be not far from me O God; come quickly O my God to
help me. This verse is a part of a prayer the psalmist prays in the waning years
of his life. He knows his shepherd’s voice. He has the experience of the Good
Shepherd’s guiding hand. Nothing will befall him without the Savior’s will
being perfected in his life. In a quiet confidence, he waits patiently upon the
Lord. In like manner, we commit our circumstances into the Lord’s safekeeping.
Wednesday,
30 January 2013—
Jeremiah 1:4-10– God promises to deliver the
prophet Jeremiah from the fear of those opposing the Word. Before Jeremiah was
born, he was called to be a prophet. The point of contact of this lesson with
the Gospel is Jeremiah’s fear of preaching the Word as implied in verse 8. In
the Gospel Jesus faced His opposition with courage. Here we are given the human
side of the preacher. What would Jeremiah say concerning himself? He is
destined to preach. (v.5) This is his
life’s calling, although at times he feels unworthy to preach (v.6) and is at
times afraid to preach. (v.8) But preach he must for he know that he speaks for
God. (v.9)
Thursday,
31 January 2013—1
Corinthians12:31b-13:13 – The
solution to opposition of course, is love. In a third series on the Spirit Paul
explains that love is the best gift of the Spirit. Love, says St. Paul
Friday,
01 February 2013 – Luke 4:31-44– In our Gospel lesson Jesus drives out an evil spirit.
Here we find a man possessed by a demon. To pagans, a demon meant a
supernatural being, either good or bad. Luke makes the point that this was an
evil spirit. Such a demon could cause mental illness (see John 10:20) violence
(see Luke 8:26-29) bodily disease (Luke 14:11, 16) and open rebellion against
God (16:14)
Peter we know was married as we see
Jesus heal his mother-in-law. This miracle is found in Matthew 8:14-15 and in
Mark 1:29-31 but only Luke the physician tells us that she was suffering from a
high fever. The people were flocking to
Jesus hoping He would help them. Luke reminds us this all happened on the
Sabbath (vs. 31) and as the sun was setting (v.40) The Sabbath was over at
sundown (around 6 PM) until then according to the tradition of the Elders Jews
could not travel more than about two-thirds of o mile or carry a burden. Only
after sundown could they carry the sick to Jesus. The eagerness of the crowd is
seen in the fact that they set out while the sun was still setting. Only Jesus,
the great physician, has the power to heal and to save.
Saturday,
02 February 2013—-Psalm 119:5-10, John 3:31,
Ephesians 4:3-6- Sunday’s hymn of the day is Lord keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (655 LSB). Because we live in a
fallen world, because we face danger on every side, because there is only one
source the Christian has for strength and sustenance we go to the only place
for personal protection – the Words and promises of our Lord. Thus, our prayer
must be as found in the opening lines of our hymn, “Lord, Keep us steadfast in Your Word!”
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
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