Time in the Word
Freedom
from Fear
Proper 7
June 16-21, 2014
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 6 – 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, 2014 – 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, 2014 – 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!” (v. 13).
Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – 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 (v. 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, 2014 – 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, 2014 – 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”
(v. 6), two references to mortal diseases that often reached epidemic
proportions. “night…day,” at whatever time of day or night the threat may come,
you will be kept safe. The time references are not specific to their respective
phrases.
Saturday, June 21, 2014 – 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.
Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing
House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY
PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
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