Pr. DFD : July 2015

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Time in the Word Pentecost 10 - Proper 13

This coming Sunday marks an interlude in the long series of passages from Mark during the Pentecost season. The Gospels for three Sundays are taken in course from John 6 - The Bread of Life chapter. Jesus explains that the people have come for more physical bread, but He would rather they had spiritual food which comes from heaven, food for the soul. He then identifies Himself as the bread from heaven similar to the manna God sent to His people in the wilderness. The Old Testament. Paul speaks repeatedly of growth into the fullness of Christ’s stature and growth as “bodily growth”. As everyone knows, physical growth is not possible without adequate food. The Psalm of the Day sings of God’s goodness and greatness in satisfying the physical needs of every person. Jesus our Savior fills our deepest needs.

Collect for Proper 13 – Merciful Father, You gave Your Son Jesus as the heavenly bread of life. Grant us faith to feast on Him in Your Word and Sacraments that we may be nourished unto life everlasting;; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, 27 July 2015—Psalm 78:23-25, Antiphon, Psalm 78:72 – With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with His skillful hand. Israel under the care of the Lord’s royal shepherd from the house of David was for the prophets the hope of God’s people (see Ezekiel 34:23; 37:23 Micah 5:4) fulfilled in Jesus Christ. (See Matthew 2:6’ John 10:11; Revelation 7:17)

Tuesday, 28 July 2015—Psalm145:10-21; key verse v15—The eyes of all look to You and You give them their food at the proper time. This is a psalm of praise and fitting for our theme for this week. The Lord is the provider of all both physical and spiritual blessings. He supplies physical food for us daily as we acknowledge in the Lord’s Prayer. He also supplies us spiritually as He comes to us through the means of grace.

Wednesday, 29 July 2015— Exodus 16:2-15— In response to the people’s complaint that they had no food, the Lord sends food from heaven. Only a few weeks after deliverance from Egypt the people complain about the lack of food. They murmur against Moses and Aaron, but God knows that hey complain about Him. They doubt whether the Lord cares about them and His ability to provide for them. In response to their complaints the Lord sends quail in the evening and bread, “manna,” in the morning. To this day the Manna is a mystery – “What is it?” Moses answered, “it is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.” By this the people are to know that He is their God.

Thursday, 30 July 2015—Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 — Bread makes for bodily growth. Christians are to live lives worthy of their calling in love, unity, and growth to maturity in Christ. The church is urged to become what they are by the grace of Christ. Paul appeals for unity on the basis of the unity of Spirit and body. Various functions are gifts of Christ to equip the members and to build up the church in love. The goal of the growth is the matching of the stature of Jesus so that we are not children but mature in faith and love.

Friday, 31 July 2015—John 6:22-35 — Bread satisfies hunger. John urges the people to seek bread from heaven and reveals Himself as the Bread of Life. What is the work of God? Jesus replies that the work of God is to believe in Him. The people ask for a sign that would persuade them to believe in Him and refer to the manna received in the wilderness.

Jesus assures them that God sent the bread from heaven, the bread that gives life to the world. Then they ask Him to give this king of bread. He reveals that He is the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Him and believes in Him will never hunger nor thirst.

In John 6:1-15 is recorded the feeding of the 5,000. (A prelude to the next three Sundays of readings) Some believe that the crowd could have been over 5,000 as only "men" were counted. If you would count "women and children" it could have been up to 15,000 (See Matthew 14:21). Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana seats close to 17,000 people....

According to the concessions manager the following items were sold at the Indiana v Wisconsin game, on Saturday, March 12, 1994...

400 1bs of hot dogs,

3,000 popcorn boxes,

8,200 cokes (about 1,000 gallons)

684 candy bars,

436 nachos,

284 boxes of caramel corn,

917 soft pretzels,

247 polish sausages,

100 sandwiches,

179 bags of peanuts,

50 muffins,

160 cups of coffee.

This game was played on an afternoon, with tip-off scheduled for 2:00 pm. Most fans had eaten their breakfast and had probably had their lunch also! And fans had to pay for their food!

Jesus feeds the crowd freely, without cost! When we pray "give us this day our daily bread" we can know that the Savior will supply us with all that we need to support our body and life.

In the center of Pentecost we will be reading the Bread of Life chapter of John 6. Following are the Gospel readings for the next three Sundays.

August 2, 2015 – Pentecost 11 – [Proper 14] John 6:22-35

Eat More then Bread - The Necessity of spiritual bread for life.

August 9, 2015 – Pentecost 12 – [Proper 15] John 6:35-51

Eat and Live – Spiritual food gives eternal life

August 16, 2015 – Pentecost 13 – [Proper 16] John 6:51-69

To Eat or Not to Eat – The decision whether or not to follow Christ

Saturday, 01 August 2015—John 6:22-58 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Father, we Thank Thee (LSB 652) is a liturgical hymn based on John 6. The point of Jesus’ teaching and the text of the hymn is that to live spiritually we need the bread which comes from heaven namely our Lord and Savior Jesus. As Christ is received we as the children of God live new lives. Throughout the next several weeks we will be focusing on Jesus’ teaching on this import chapter from the gospel of John.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Pentecost 9 - Proper 12

Proper 12

26 July 2015

Mark 6:45-56

Almighty and most merciful God, the protector of all who trust in You. Strengthen our faith and give us courage to believe that in Your love You will rescue us from all adversities.

Did you hear what was just prayed? “…give us courage to believe that in Your love You will rescue us from all adversity.” What is you experience? Does Jesus rescue us from all adversities? And, is this an act of His love?

Christ brings His children into difficult and fearful situations. To strengthen them. In His presence and power. Only to deliver them from ultimate peril.

During these difficult times. Especially in times of hardship. Christ is the presence and power to save.

1. Jesus sometimes sends His people into fearful situations.

A. Jesus sent His disciples into a perilous situation. He sent them out to sea. At the exact times when storms would brew.

When life's troubles rise to meet me,

Though their weight

May be great,

They will not defeat me.

God, my loving Savior, sends them;

He who knows

All my woes

Knows how best to end them.

-Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me -stanza two

IMMEDIATELY He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side to Bethsaida…And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea...And He saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night, He came to them walking on the sea.[1]

B. We sometimes find ourselves in a difficult context. Maybe it’s a health issue. Or, unemployment. Or, under—employment. Possibly, there’s trouble at home. Or a special needs child. Certainly, the weather has affected property, production of crops.[2]

C. We might question. Why would God do this? In our lessons for today. God’s promises are given. The Lord remembers these promises. Men easily forget. The Lord promised Noah and his family that He would never destroy the world by a flood. Paul thanks the Lord for the richness of grace, which the Lord established in Christ. And Christ came. Walking to His frightened disciples on the sea.

2. God sometimes appears to pass us by in times of peril.

A. Jesus appeared intent on passing by the disciples in their time of peril.

Immediately [Jesus] made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them.[3]

B. It can appear to us that God isn’t paying attention to us in our time of need. Yet we continue to pray. Even when prayer doesn’t make sense. Jesus prayed when things were tough. He prays because this is what faith does. And so do you. You pray because you know none other.

C. The question is – Why God would, You do this!

3. When God’s direction brings hardship. When He appears to neglect us. We often respond with fear and despair.

A. The disciples failed to trust Jesus presence and power to deliver them.

“…but when they say him, walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost and cried out. For the all saw Him. And were terrified.”[4]

They were tortured by the sea. So they cried out in terror. Notice the last verse. “For they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”[5]

They did not recognize Him because of fear. And hardness of heart.

B. Whenever disobedience to God’s direction brings hardship. We doubt. We question His presence. We argue against His gracious purpose.

Faith calls us to recognize the Lord’s working in our life. Especially when we cannot see His hand at work. God will not abandon us to the world we create for ourselves. God does not withdraw to a contamination-free zone. He does not leave us. To get on with it on our own. Rather, He enters into the darkness, seriousness and the consequences of human wrongdoing. He enters our world. He comes in order to save us.

4. But God’s purpose is to use this experience to benefit us.

A. But God’s purpose is to use this experience for your benefit. It is remarkable that none of the gospels provide a physical description of Jesus. You would never know Jesus, standing on the street, Based on His appearance. You will always have to recognize Jesus for who He is and what He does. It takes faith to recognize Jesus as the one who suffered and died on the cross. It takes faith to recognize Jesus as the Christ. The Son of God. The Savior of the world.

B. God uses these experiences of hardship to strengthen faith. The disciples were awed and amazed at Jesus’ power. The wind ceased. There was a great calm. We too, are awed at God’s grace and power to save.

Everything that is happening to you is ultimately for your good. Christ cannot fail you. Never will He leave you. Never will He forsake you. He lives to sustain you even is the most unpleasant circumstances. [6]

[1] Vv.45-48

[2] The river and creek in Friedheim has been out six times in the past 36 days!

[3] Vv.45-48

[4] Vs. 49-50a

[5] Vs. 52

[6] Words -888

Passive Sentences -7 %

Readability – 81.2

Reading Level -4.1

Monday, July 20, 2015

Time in the Word - Pentecost 9 - Proper 12

In the lessons for this coming Sunday, God’s promises are given and the Lord remembers those promises while man might not. The Lord promises Noah and his family that He will never again destroy the earth by a flood. In the Epistle lesson, Paul thanks the Lord for the richness of grace which the Lord has established in Christ. In the Gospel, Christ comes walking to His frightened disciples on the sea. They do not recognize Him because of fear and hardness of heart. The sermon hymn reminds us that it is the Lord Himself that orders our days. Faith calls for us to recognize the Lord working in our life especially when we cannot see His hand at work. God will not abandon us to the world we create for ourselves. God does not withdraw to a contamination-free zone and leave us to get on with it, but enters into the darkness, seriousness and consequences of human wrong-doing in order to save us.

Monday, 20 July 2015—Psalm 145:1-3, 6-7, Antiphon, Psalm 145:5—On the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. This is a hymn summarizing the characteristics of God. It is in acrostic form, making it easy to memorize: each verse in Hebrew begins with a successive letter of the alphabet. Verses 1-3 are the psalmist’s personal expression of praise. In verse 4, he expands to speaking of descendants, of passing on knowledge and experience of God. God is known for his “wondrous works” (verse 5). In verses 8-20, he expands still further, to “all people” (verse 12). Verses 8-9 mention his love, verses 10-13a his kingship over all, verses 14-20 of his care of all in need.

Responsiveness to his call brings protection (verse 20a) but those who oppose his ways will be destroyed. Finally, verse 21 combines the personal commitment to God with that of “all flesh.”

Tuesday, 21 July 2015—Psalm136:1-9; key verse, verse 26— The phrase “the God of heaven” (verse 26) is a Persian title for God found frequently in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel. The Psalm is a liturgy of praise to the Lord as Creator and as Israel’s Redeemer. Its theme and many of its verses parallel much of Psalm 135. Most likely a Levitical song leader led the recital while the choir or worshipers responded with the refrain. The Psalm recounts God’s mighty acts as the psalmist devotes three verses as a call to praise (verses 1 -3), six verses to God’s creation acts (verses 4-9), six to His deliverance of Israel out of Egypt (verses 10-15), one to the desert journey (verse 16), and six to the conquest (verses 17-22). The four concluding verses return to the same basic themes in reverse order; God’s action in history on behalf of His people (verses 23-24), God’s action in the creation order (verse 25), and a closing call to praise (verse 26).

Wednesday, 22 July 2015— Genesis 9:8-17—We need to recognize the reality and depth of human resistance to God that is seen in killing Jesus. What we call “sin” is not just the naughty things we do that make the tabloid headlines. Sin can be deadly and destructive. It has consequences. And it offends. There is a deep seriousness to human wrong-doing – sin – that means that consequences cannot simply be bypassed.

We can either turn away from them, or we can wrestle with them. Here we see God’s refusal to be marginalized. The next time instead of destroying the world through a flood, He will turn His wrath on His own Son.

Thursday, 23 July 2015—Ephesians 3:14-21—This section of the letter offers a bit of relief from the heavy theological portions that have been read up to this point. It presents a moment of tenderness, in which the author speaks directly to his readers about his care for them. He speaks of his prayer for his readers, which he does on bended knee.

Paul, like other apostles, had been entrusted with revelations by the Spirit. Specifically, it had been revealed to him that Gentiles, who receive the gospel in faith, are fellow heirs of the promises of God. They too are members of the body of Christ, and, therefore, they have access to God. "For this reason," the author prays that his readers may be strengthened in spiritual power, love, and knowledge.

Friday, 24 July 2015—Mark 6:45-56—In Mark 1:16-20 when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John without any apparent previous knowledge of Jesus, they left everything immediately and followed him. What had they recognized in Jesus? It is remarkable that none of the gospels provide a physical description of Jesus. We will never be able to pin him down by virtue of his appearance. Rather, we will always have to recognize Jesus for who He is and what He does. It is more than the miracles and healings Jesus performed or the things He taught. It may actually take the gift of faith to recognize the One who died on the cross as the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Saturday, 25 July 2015—Psalm 37:5—Sunday’s hymn of the day is Entrust Your Days and Burdens, (LSB 754). In the midst of our busy and hurried lives, it is easy to lose sight that it is the Lord who orders our days and directs our path. Thus, the hymn writer will remind us, “For He who guides the tempests along their thunderous ways will find for you a pathway and guide you all your days.” Place you confidence in Him. He can be trusted at His word. We can rely on Him as we recall what He has done.

Prayer in time of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer the Unemployed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for this Sunday Proper 12: Almighty and most merciful God, the protector of all who trust in You, strengthen our faith and give us courage to believe that in Your love You will rescue us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

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Thursday, July 16, 2015

Pentecost 8 - Proper 11

Proper 11

Mark 6:30-34

July 19, 2015

It's more than enough

One of life’s major mistakes is being the last member of the family to get the flu – After all the compassion has run out. It is often true. That a lot of our compassion is wasted on ourselves. Or, that we are compassionate. As long as it costs us nothing. In our Gospel lesson, we learn of someone who is not like us. We see Christ who has a passion for compassion.

Jesus - His heart goes out to us. He is compassionate. Because He knows all your needs.

Your Lord knows His sheep. You are His. You are a sheep of His fold. A lamb of His flock. A sinner of His own redeeming. He knows your physical needs. He knows what you need. And how you need it.

Jesus said, “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” –

He knows you personally. David prays, “Search my O God, You know my heart.”

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

You discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down

And are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue,

Behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

In your book were written, every one of them,

The days that were formed for me,

When as yet there was none of them.

Jesus knew His disciples were tired. He directed them to go to a desolate place where they could be alone and rest. He was looking out for them. Giving them rest. So they could continue to minister to the world.

While wondering in the desert the Father provided manna. He gave them water that flowed from the rocks to His chosen people the Israelites, so they would not parish in the desert. In the Garden of Eden He provided Adam and Eve with a garden full of food.

These blessing do not stop. We live in this modern world. True, we no longer have bread falling from the sky. God our Creator has given us the ability to harvest the very earth to produce food that will nourish and sustain us. Many of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen by trade. They lived off what the sea provide them. We have been endowed with the ability to manipulate our surrounding environment to best suit our needs. This is the world of our Great Creator. Jesus had such compassion that he feed them all. 5,000 men. Plus women and children. With leftovers to spare. It was more than enough. He fills their stomachs. He nourished their souls. (vv.31, 35-44)

When He saw the crowd, He felt compassion. He saw them as lost sheep. In need of a Shepherd. His heart went out to them. This compassion moves Him to action.

He shepherds His flock. Then, He saw the crowds who were seeking him. He taught them. They needed Him and His teaching. He revealed Himself as their true Shepherd by proclaiming Good News. By leading with His Word, “He began to teach them many things” (v. 34)

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” —

It’s more than enough. He saves you. By going to the cross. Bearing your sin. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Redemption by crucifixion is the Savior’s supreme act of compassion – for you.

Christ’s forgiveness – purchased and won for you at the cross – this is Christ’s compassion for you. The forgiving king cancelled the liability of his debt. And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. Matthew 18:27. The waiting father, had compassion on his son – But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Compassion. What a beautiful description of Christ’s attitude toward you. To sheep who are prone to wander and often find themselves lost and hurt, it is good news that we have a Shepherd who pours out His heart to us and who poured out His blood for us.

Words –1,035

Passive Sentences –7%

Readability –86.1

Reading Level – 3.7

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Time in the Word - Pentecost 8 - Proper 11

Time in the Word 13-18 July 2015

Preparation for next week – The togetherness of God’s People

In the lessons for this coming Sunday several themes can be seen: that nature of a good shepherd, the functions of a good shepherd, and the togetherness of God’s people through a Davidic king, Christ, and the church. The last is suggested as the theme – togetherness. Jesus in the Gospel takes His disciples, who just returned from their preaching-healing mission, on a retreat. Jeremiah in the Old Testament lesson explains that the exile was due to false shepherds and the scattered sheep will be brought back to Israel under a Davidic king. Jew and Gentile (in the Epistle lesson) are made one through the blood of Christ and their oneness in the church. The Psalm’s refrain, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…” reminds us of the Gospel – “He had compassion on them.” The Hymn of the Day sings of Jesus who is the center of the church’s life and the foundation on which we build.

Collect for this Sunday Pentecost 7—Grant, Lord, that the course of this world may be so governed by Your direction that Your church may rejoice in serving You in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Prayer the Unemployed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Pray for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being def3ended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for this coming Sunday Proper 11 – Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, 13 July 2015—Psalm 147:7-11, Antiphon, Psalm 145:16— You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing. Jesus sets the table. Jesus supplies all that we may ever need. The Lord is faithful. We will never be in need. He has promised to supply our daily wants and desires. Daily tells how much God should give us, enough for the day. We do not ask God that He give us now what we need in years to come, but it is sufficient if we get what we need each day.

Tuesday, 14 July 2015—Psalm 23; key verse v.6— Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever... Goodness and mercy both refer to the benefits of being a child of God, namely that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Hebrew for this word suggests, “throughout the years”. Because of the relationship with have with Jesus Christ we will live and reign with Him throughout all eternity. What a comfort it is to have a relationship with our Lord and Savior.

Wednesday, 15 July 2015—Jeremiah 23:1-6— Restoration. Exiles together under a Davidic king. Under new shepherds, God will return His people from captivity, and so a Davidic king will reign. In this passage Jeremiah predicts that because of false shepherds (rulers) the people will go into captivity. This happened in Jeremiah’s lifetime (586 BC) when the Jews were deported to Babylon. Jeremiah goes on to promises that God will raise up true shepherds who will bring back the exiles. In fact, there is to come a Davidic king who will rule with justice and righteousness. Under this Davidic ruler Israel will be restored as a nation.

Thursday, 16 July 2015—Ephesians 2:11-22— Reunion. Jews and Gentile together in Christ. Christ has made us one in God and in the church. The heart of Ephesians is in this passage. In Vv. 13-18 we learn of the peace Christ grained between Jew and Gentile. Vv. 19-22 spell out the consequences of that peace. In the person of Christ and His cross, Jew and Gentile are made one. Christ died for both, and they are one in Christ by faith. Thus, they have a oneness in Christ, oneness with God and with each other. Christ’s death has removed the hostility and cancelled the law which separated Jew from Gentile. The two are now one in the church. The practical result is that Gentiles are no longer aliens but members of God’s family.

Friday, 17 July 2015—Mark 6:30-44 — Retreat. Christ and the disciples together. Jesus takes His disciples to a lonely place for rest and teaches the crowd that gathers. This lesson combines the conclusion dealing with the sending out of the disciples and the introduction to the feeding of the five thousand. The disciples return from their preaching journey and are exhausted. People with needs throng around them so that they do not get any rest. Jesus takes them in a boat to a secluded spot that they may rest and be apart from the crowd. But the people will not let them alone. When the boat comes to shore, the people are waiting for them. Seeing the crowd, Jesus expresses compassion for them because they are as sheep without a shepherd. Before Jesus gives them physical bread, he gives them spiritual food by teaching them. This is the only time Mark refers to the Twelve as “apostles.” It is an appropriate name; for they had just returned from a preaching-healing mission. An apostle is one who is sent forth by Christ. Seeing the multitudes might have angered Jesus. He was taking the disciples apart for a retreat so sorely needed. He could have become impatient and told the people to scram. His reaction reveals His heart – compassion. He felt sorry for them because they were in desperate need. He has the heart of God, the God of love. Because of His compassion, Jesus cares about people.

Saturday, 18 July 2015— Ephesians 2:20 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, The Church’s One Foundation (LSB 644). Paul pictures a house when he speaks of the structure of the church. The foundation is solid as the church is based on the Old and New Testaments the prophets and the apostles. The tested stone on which the church rests is Christ on which everything centers around. With such a structure the church moves forward victoriously.

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Saturday, July 11, 2015

Pentecost 7 - Proper 10

Proper 10

Mark 6:14-29

12 July 2015

Dance, Salome, Dance!

[1]

O Lord, You granted Your prophets strength to resist the temptations of the devil and courage to proclaim repentance. Give us pure hearts and minds to follow Your Son faithfully even into suffering and death.

Word about Jesus is spreading fast! And strong! Who is this? Some said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, He is, “a prophet…like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead.”

We prefer our Bible stories to be pristine. We enjoy stories that are, “good for food… pleasant to the eyes… desired to make us wise.” (Genesis 3:6) We favor music and song that lifts us up. We wish to feel good about ourselves after spending an hour in church. That doesn’t always happen. Nor should it. A diet consisting only of sweets is not good for you. Nor is it good for you spiritually if we hear nothing of the consequences of transgression.

The story of the beheading of John the Baptist reminds us that the way of sin always leads to destruction. Offense casts a web for which we cannot easily escape. John’s death speaks about the reality in which we live, a broken and fallen world – outside of Eden.

Herod the Great, who murdered the boys from Bethlehem, had ten wives and many children. His second son, Antipas, governed Galilee for more than forty years. Remember him. He is the one who not only executed John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1; Luke 3:19), he played a crucial role in Jesus' death (Luke 13 & 23).

If loving you is wrong -I don’t want to be right! Antipas married the daughter of the King of Arabia. But later lived with Herodias. The wife of his brother Philip. The New Testament gives the reason why Herodias sought John's head. She had married Prince Philip — who lived as a private citizen in Rome. By whom she had a daughter, Salome.

Herodias was married to Philip. Antipas took her to be his wife. Yes! He married his sister-in-law! The wife of his brother Philip. For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. (v.17)

Herodias acted against the law of man and of God. In leaving Philip, to marry Antipas. John rebuked Antipas for this adulterous union. John called Antipas out. “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias chose vengeance.

Herodias held a grudge against John. And wanted to kill him. But, she could not. Herod feared John. Knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. Antipas protected him. When Antipas heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. - I find this powerful - Herod knows he’s clearly in the wrong. Herod calls him out. And, still…Herod listens…

John was a just man. A holy man. A complete, good man. Herod knew this. What was lacking in his own character he saw in John. And this frightened him. John was a man from God. A man of God. A man for God. Antipas wanted to please his guests. He wanted to please his wife. And he was afraid of this desert preacher. So he locked him up. He shut him down. He attempted to silence him. But John’s words still haunted him.

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8)

That was Herod’s problem. He had an evil conscience. An evil conscience is a conscience that continues to feel the guilt of sin. An evil conscience is a conscience still burdened. An evil conscience is a troubled conscience. An evil conscience is a conscience diseased by guilt. Guilt is heavy. And oppressive. By its very nature, it suffocates the soul. Guilt is not outward. It’s inward. Of the heart. It deeply affects us. Even our spirit.[2]

Choose, but choose wisely. An opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his crew, the officers and the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. He solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” Her reply was expected, “The head of John the baptizer.” Deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths, and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head.

Weak and wicked Herod, like his father before him, was more afraid of looking bad in front of his dinner guests than he was of God and His wrath. Driven by lust and pride and in the false name of honor, as though he were a man of his word, he unjustly and illegally executed John to please the daughter of a harlot who was not his wife.[3]

That was then. This is now. Do you give a “false witness” when, for example, you compromise clear Biblical principles in order to fit in at work, or at school? What price will you pay to acquire acceptance and approval?

So, what about you? Do your sins rise up against you? Of what are you afraid? Do you crave the praise of men? Do you fear the voice of God? Repent! And claim that forgiveness which was won for you by Jesus Christ. This forgiveness has a name. It’s called Absolution.

[Absolution] “Is neither a response to a suitably worthy confession. Nor, is it the acceptance of a reasonable apology. To absolve means not only to loosen, to free, to acquit; it also means to dispose of, to complete, and to finish…

…When God pardons. He does not say He understands your weakness. Or makes allowances for your errors. Rather, He disposes of; He finishes with, the whole of your dead life. And raises you up with a new one. He does not so much deal with your failures as does He drop them down the black hole of Jesus’ death. He forgets your sins in the darkness of the tomb.

He remembers your iniquities no more in the forgetfulness of Jesus’ death. He finds you in the desert of death. Not in the garden of improvement. And in the power of Jesus’ resurrection. He puts you on His shoulders. Rejoicing, He brings you home.”[4]

The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of Salvation.” Isaiah 12:3 – David explains, “He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.“

God restores the soul. Restoration not of your own making. Restoration that Christ performs for you. Not something you do. Or, can do. Regardless of what you do. You cannot restore yourself. You cannot make atonement for yourself. Jesus is the one who restores. He alone restores you back to God.

He brings you back. From bondage to freedom. And this freedom. Is the deepest level of your being. Outward circumstances may be difficult. But this restoration, which comes from the cross, allows you to live thankfully and joyfully - for your conscience has been cleaned of guilt.

This pure water that cleanses is the work of Christ. His work is a cleansing work. It purifies. It redeems from all sin. It justifies. It sanctifies. It glorifies. Jesus is the pure water who cleanses. His sacrifices frees from the burden of guilt.

The old song sings –

“Would you be free - from your burden of sin. There is power in the blood. Power in the blood.

Would you over evil, a victory win, there’s a wonderful power in the blood.

There is power, power, wonder working power, in the blood of the Lamb.

There is power, power, wonder working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb!”[5]

If you find yourself burdened under the weight of guilt. Come to the One who alone sprinkled His blood for you. Christ is the one who alone can wash you with pure water. For He takes your guilt upon Himself. And in return, gives you His peace![6]

[1] Baron Julius Carolsfeld, © WELS Permission to use this copyrighted item is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] “An Evil Conscience”, christianarmor.net

[3] Taken from an 8.29.2002 sermon by Pr. David Peterson, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ft. Wayne, IN, which also gave structure to this manuscript.

[4] Robert Farrar Capon, Parables of Grace, p. 39

[5]library.timelesstruths.org

[6] Words –1,450

Passive Sentences –10%

Readability –80.3%

Reading Level –4.1