Three
parables of the nature of the kingdom of God are told by the Savior in the
Gospel for this coming week. Three parables are directed to the disciples
concerning the kingdom. The first two deal with the kingdom as being of top
value worthy of any sacrifice to gain it. The third parable concerns are
similar to wheat and the weeds parable, the separation of the good and the
wicked on Judgment Day. Jesus asks the disciples if they understand these
parables. They claimed that they understood. Consequently, they were to be scribes
trained for the kingdom who bring out of the treasure the old and the new.
The old truths are to be
applied to the new conditions in the world. These are addressed in our Epistle
and Old Testament lessons for the coming week.
Collect for Proper 12 –
Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love
that, receiving what You have promised, we may love what You have commanded;
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Monday, July 21, 2014 – Psalm 105:2-6 – This is the Psalm portion from which the
Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “Oh
give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known His deeds among the
peoples!” The psalmist exhorts us to worship the Lord. Thus, we are called
upon to give thanks to God through our worship and praise. When we call upon
God and as we give thanks, our worship shall be blessed. Praise and prayer are
the two expressions of our worship. As we recall the many acts of kindness the
Lord has given to us, we will trust in Him and share with others what He has
done. We will make known among the people His many deeds.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 –
Deuteronomy 7:6-9 - The Lord is the faithful God, keeping His covenant
of love. We are loved and blessed because the Lord first loved us. Yet this
love must be reciprocated by His people to others. Thus in the New Testament we
are reminded, “We love because He first loved us” {1 John 4:19}.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 – Romans 8: 28-39 - The Father spared not His own Son but gave
Him up for us all. These words are read at many Christian funerals. They have
comforted many troubled hearts. They have soothed and given encouragement to
many who are troubled. St. Paul’s words are sure. No charge can be brought
against the Christian because the Father has already pronounced a verdict! Not
guilty! How so? No one can condemn God’s elect. Christ has died for you. He is
alive at the right hand of God. He is interceding for you.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
– Matthew 13:44-52 – Christ treasures the world, and so He redeems it.
Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a treasure, something of supreme worth.
It is a treasure of infinite worth because it is the kingdom of God.
This includes Jesus, the priceless treasure, the riches of grace, and the
wealth of God’s love. This treasure is discovered by accident. It is always
found where no one expected it.
The kingdom of God can be a surprise. It may come in unexpected ways
and places. Must we ask whether the average Christian considers Christianity
the top treasure?
Both the farmer and the merchant sold all their goods to get the
treasure.
This implies that the two men considered all their possessions to be
inferior to the treasure or the pearl. It was a matter of establishing
priorities. Because the treasure and pearl were evaluated as the best, the
price of total sell-out, or exchanging all other possessions, was considered
worth the price.
When a person finds a treasure, how can he help but be overjoyed? If a
merchant has been looking for the perfect pearl for years and then finds it, is
there any wonder that he would be as happy as can be? Many church members lack
the joy of being Christians. They are not happy about their religion. Could
this be the reason? They have not found the treasure or the pearl of Christ.
Friday, July 25, 2014 – Psalm 125 - This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. This psalm
speaks of Israel’s peace in testimony, prayer, and benediction. Bible scholars
believe it was written after the exile when those held in Babylonian captivity
were allowed to return to the Jewish homeland. This psalm was most likely
prayed as part of the liturgy in the Jewish worship service. Thus, the Psalms
we pray in worship reach back into the Old Testament. Through the centuries,
our prayers h
Saturday, July 26, 2014 – Joshua 24:16 –This passage is the inspiration for the hymn,
“From God can nothing move me” {LSB 524}. The people react to Joshua’s
commitment to serve the Lord. The people respond, “We will not serve other
gods.” If we say of the Lord, “He is our God,” we cannot serve any
other.
For blessing on the Word – Lord
God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and
peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving
faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip,
and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve
the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.
A prayer before we study
the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly
Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our
search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due
diligence and right discernment, we may establish others and ourselves in Your
holy faith.
A prayer for Pentecost 6: O
God, the Protector of all who trust in You, without whom nothing is strong and
nothing is holy, increase and multiply Your mercy on us that with You as our
Ruler and Guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the
things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.
Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO
LUTHERAN
WORSHIP © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY
PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
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