The Lessons for
this week fall under the theme The
Price of Christian Leadership. A national election is upon us. People ask the
pressing question who shall lead us and what will tomorrow bring. We need not
fear for the Lord directs us. He orders our days. He directs our path. We pray
that the Lord would raise up godly people to use their talents for the praise
of God and in service to the neighbor. At what price will we be willing to
serve? The appointed psalm for the day
is. Psalm 43 (antiphon; V.3) In the Old Testament lesson Micah 3:5-12 – we see
the price of true instruction in God’s truth. In the Epistle lesson 1
Thessalonians 4:1-12 – Paul explains the price of godly living. In the Gospel,
Matthew 23:1-12 – Jesus explains the price of humble service
Two
simple yet heart felt Prayers – Almighty God, source of every blessing, your
generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of Your Spirit, lead
us to acknowledge Your goodness, give thanks for Your benefits, and serve You
in willing obedience.
Lord,
we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may
continually be given to good works
For
Schools – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care
and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach
and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth
and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our 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 ourselves and others in Your holy faith.
Collect
for Reformation – Almighty and gracious Lord pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your
faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver
us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your
Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Collect
for All Saints Day: Almighty and everlasting god, You knit together Your
faithful people of all times and places into on holy communion, the mystical
body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in
all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the
unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
Collect for Proper 25 -Merciful and gracious Lord, You cause Your
Word to be proclaimed in every generation. Stir up our hearts and minds by Your
Holy Spirit that we may receive the proclamation with humility and finally be
exalted at the coming of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen
Monday,
October 27, 2014 – Psalm 34:1-2, 11, 22 - The Antiphon for this coming
Sunday is from Psalm 9:18: “For the needy
shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish
forever.”
Tuesday,
October 28, 2014 – Micah 3:5-12 – The price of true
instruction in God’s truth. The false prophets predicted peace for Judah while
Micah predicted destruction and captivity. One of the chief purposes of Micah
was to declare to Judah it sin. Micah along with the rest of the prophets were
Spirit-filled messengers. The destruction of Jerusalem happened in history in
586 BC. These verses were quoted a century later in Jeremiah 26:18 Jeremiah 26:19 indicates that Micah’s
preaching may have been instrumental in the revival under King Hezekiah. (see 2
Kings 18:1-6; 2 Chronicles 29-31) The words you speak today might not take root
until one hundred years from now. We are not called to see results but to
remain faithful.
Wednesday,
October 29, 2014 – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – The price of
godly living. In the 1st Century moral standards were generally very
low. Chasity was regarded as an unreasonable restriction. Paul however, would
not compromise God’s clear and demanding standards. The warning was needed then
and is needed now. Christians are not immune to temptations. (See 1 Corinthians
5:1)
We
are not our own. Sexual sin harms others beside those who engage in it. In
adultery, the spouse is always wronged. Premarital sex wrongs the future
partner by robbing him or her of the virginity that ought to be brought to
marriage. Here we see a motive for chasity.
Still
another reason for chasity is God’s call to holiness. Sexual sin is against
God. He gives the Holy Spirit to believers for their sanctification. To live in
sexual immorality is to reject God. Specifically in regard to the Holy Spirit.
Some
in the congregation were taking undue interest in other people’s affairs. The
Greeks in general thought manual labor degrading and fit only for slaves.
Christians took seriously the need for earning their own living. But some,
perhaps as a result of their belief in the imminent return of Christ were
neglecting work an relying on others to support them. Christians in need
because of their idleness are not obedient Christians.
Thursday,
October 30, 2014 – Matthew
23:1-12 – The price of humble service. The warning here is against seeking
titles of honor to foster pride. Doubly zealous for ritual purification, which
fostered pride and false security and brought no salvation was the downfall of
these false teachers of the law.
Friday, October 31, 2014 –
Psalm 43 - This Psalm is appointed for this coming Sunday. The key verse is verse 3. This psalm is a
prayer for deliverance from the enemy and for restoration to God’s presence.
The key verse personified as God’s messenger who work our God’s salvation. He
shows His faithful care on behalf of His own. Thus we pray with the psalmist,
may these guide me back to Your temple.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
–Luke 24:29 - Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn,
LSB #585 “Lord Jesus Christ, with us
abide” The two Emmaus disciples urged Jesus, “Stay with us, for it is
nearly evening, the day is almost over.” We pray, Lord, abide with me. Jesus
responds. “ So He went in to stay with them.” Jesus is always with you. He will
never forsake, never abandon, never leave you. This is His promise, “I am with
you always!” Not a wish but a constant reality. The Lord sticks with you
forever.
Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
Schnorr von
Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is
limited to personal and congregational use
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