Pr. DFD : May 2019

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Easter 7 Series C

Easter 7 Series C

Acts 1:12-26

Revelation 22:1-6

John 17:20-26

Collect O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above the heavens, leave us not without consolation but sent us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father, for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Is with Us in His Holy Christian Church

On the night when He was betrayed, Jesus interceded for His Church — for His apostles and all who believe in Him through their word — that all of His disciples “may become perfectly one” in the Father and the Son (John 17:21–23). For Jesus became flesh and dwells among us in order to reveal the Father and His name, to share with us the glory of His righteousness, and to bring us to the Father in Himself. As the Father loved the Son from “before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24), so He loves the whole world (John 17:23, 26). Through the apostolic witness to the Baptism, cross and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21–22), the Lord gathers His disciples throughout the world “with one accord” as one Body in Christ (Acts 1:14). And so with one voice and by one Spirit, His Bride prays, “Come” (Revelation 22:17). And He comes to us. He gives us “the water of life without price” to wash our robes and quench our thirst (Revelation 22:17); He feeds us from “the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit” (Revelation 22:2).

John 17:20-26

John 17:20

Οὐ περὶ τούτων δὲ ἐρωτῶ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ περὶ τῶν πιστευόντων διὰ τοῦ λόγου αὐτῶν εἰς ἐμέ,

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,

John 17:21

ἵνα πάντες ἓν ὦσιν, καθὼς σύ, πάτερ, ἐν ἐμοὶ κἀγὼ ἐν σοί, ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐν ἡμῖν ὦσιν, ἵνα ὁ κόσμος πιστεύῃ ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας.

that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

John 17:22

κἀγὼ τὴν δόξαν ἣν δέδωκάς μοι δέδωκα αὐτοῖς, ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν καθὼς ἡμεῖς ἕν,

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,

John 17:23

ἐγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ σὺ ἐν ἐμοί, ἵνα ὦσιν τετελειωμένοι εἰς ἕν, ἵνα γινώσκῃ ὁ κόσμος ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας καὶ ἠγάπησας αὐτοὺς καθὼς ἐμὲ ἠγάπησας.

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

John 17:24

πάτερ, ὃ δέδωκάς μοι, θέλω ἵνα ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ κἀκεῖνοι ὦσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ, ἵνα θεωρῶσιν τὴν δόξαν τὴν ἐμὴν ἣν [h]δέδωκάς μοι, ὅτι ἠγάπησάς με πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου.

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

John 17:25

Πάτερ δίκαιε, καὶ ὁ κόσμος σε οὐκ ἔγνω, ἐγὼ δέ σε ἔγνων, καὶ οὗτοι ἔγνωσαν ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας,

O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.

John 17:26

καὶ ἐγνώρισα αὐτοῖς τὸ ὄνομά σου καὶ γνωρίσω, ἵνα ἡ ἀγάπη ἣν ἠγάπησάς με ἐν αὐτοῖς ᾖ κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς.

I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Easter 7

Time in the Word

Easter 7

May 27-June 1, 2019

This coming week will be the last Sunday in Easter. Easter 7 serves as a bridge between Ascension and Pentecost. We look back to the Ascension or forward to Pentecost.

Collect for Easter 7 - O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A Prayer for Ascension –Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

For Agriculture - Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper; we implore You, the work of farmers, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness. May we see by this noble vocation that by Your aid we are helping to feed the world and cause all who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.

A Daytime Collect for Eastertide Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit.

An Evening Collect for Eastertide – Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us in the end of the day, in the end of our life, in the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with Your Holy Word and sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair when death shall come. Abide with us and with all the faithful through time and eternity.

Monday, May 27, 2019 – Psalm 61:3, 5-8; antiphon, Psalm 61:1— In next Sunday’s introit the psalmist makes his plea for the Lord to answer his prayer. The reason he appeals to God – the Lord has never failed him as a refuge. No matter what the issue the Lord has been a source of hope and strength amidst many great and present dangers.

The petition for the king’s long life has been interpreted by many Jewish scholars as referring to the coming Messiah. If this interpretation is so they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, David’s great Son.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019 –Psalm 133—Sunday’s psalm is a Psalm of brother love, and life forevermore. In verse 2: At the high point in his consecration ceremony the high priest was anointed with oil (see Exodus 29:7) In verse 3 - The dew is seen as a symbol of blessing. Mt. Hermon has an exceptionally heavy dew fall, which meant greater fertility there than elsewhere in the days before piped water and mechanical sprinklers. This should move us to pray, Lord God, You have poured into our hearts the precious oil of Your Spirit of love. Make us of one heart and of one will, so that we may be true members of the body of Jesus Christ, united as He has commanded us; and to You be the glory now and forever. Amen

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 – Acts 1:12-26 – In the first lesson we have the account of Matthias chosen to replace Judas. There were certain qualifications for this office. Apparently several met the requirements but the believers were selecting someone who had ministered publicly and was an eye-witness of Jesus’ resurrection. By casting lots they were able to all God the right of choice. The use of rocks or sticks to designate the choice was common see 1 Chronicles 26:13-16

Thursday, May 30, 2019– Revelation22:1-6, 12-20— Today is Ascension Day. As a church we need to celebrate this important feast day. Jesus is now in glory with the Father. So what? What does the Ascension mean for daily life here and now? Like the disciples, we are content to gaze into heaven? As the two men brought the disciples back to reality, we need to get to the business of life. According to this coming week’s epistle we have hope for Christ’s’ return to earth. The church prays for His coming soon that through His coming there may be a new heaven and a new earth. Our ascended Lord has promised to return on the last great day. When will that happen? When the last pagan is converted. Thus we are always mission minded. May the Lord continue to send us men like FCD Wyneken who championed the gospel of Christ.

Friday, May 31, 2019 – John 17:20-26— In the gospel Jesus prays for those He will leave on earth to further His work. Consider the situation: the church is deserted by her leader; the disciples are on their own in a hostile world with an impossible task to win the world. Jesus apparently realizes the disciples’ need for help. What Jesus prays for indicates what Christians today need. It is important to not that in vs. 20; Jesus says He prays for the Christians of the future, for you today. What do we Christians need: better church programs? More money to finance church programs?More wisdom?More members? Jesus prays for us to be one in God, for us to be one with each other and for us to be one with the Savior in heaven.

Saturday, June 1, 2019 – 1 John 2: 15-17 The Hymn of the Day, What is the world to Me (LSB #730). When John refers to the world he does not mean the world of people (see John 3:16) or the created world (see John 17:24) but the world, or realm of sin which is controlled by Satan and organized against God and righteousness. It is this world which we leave. It is Christ which faith clings to.

Sources:

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Easter 6

Easter 6
26 May 2019

John 16:23–33

Collect for the Sixth Sunday of Easter: O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Tribulation and Peace. BOTH are guaranteed. We live in a dark and sinful world. Circumstances and factors beyond our control can bring us low.

There is the trouble that comes simply from living in a fallen world. Things don’t work right. Cars break down. Nature doesn’t work right. We experience tornadoes and hail damage and flooding. Economic decisions, way above our heads, and beyond our control, cost us money. Or, more directly, thieves break in and steal our stuff.

There’s emotional hurt, too. People don’t always do the right thing. They do things that hurt us, whether directly or indirectly. People we care about betray us and break our hearts. People we love–we see them suffering, and we suffer, too. We lose the people we love, whether to death or to distance, and we miss them. All these are troubles we face simply by living in a fallen world, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a Christian or not. You’ve got your troubles; I’ve got mine. But the point is, we’ve all got them, in one form or another. Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. Nobody knows but Jesus.”

“Tribulation” is just another word for “trouble.” Tribulation is guaranteed. But also, peace is guaranteed. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.” Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Likewise, earlier in this same discourse, Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

But what is truly at the root prohibiting and reducing our rejoicing is our sin. And to break the bondage of sin Jesus has promised to come. Jesus is for those who feel bad. They look to their lives and see failure. Their sins rise up against them in a flood of accusations. Jesus has come for people whose faith is battered and weak. He has come for those who are bothered and beaten by their sin. He comes for those who are pathetic and feeble in faith.

To these people comes the Christ of Bethlehem. He gives them what they need. He is not content to make them "feel" good. Soothing words are not His to give. Sentimental nonsense never comes from His lips. He is a real Savior. Who saves real sinners. He didn't come into this world to be venerated or adored. He came to us to be abandoned. He was born to die. Not a noble death. Applauded by the religious. But a death of loneliness. Engulfed in scorn and shame. And that miserable death saved you. For it was your sin which He took, away.

What then, are we to do? – Rejoice – Under all kinds of circumstances. – Even in the midst of suffering. The reason for your rejoicing is that you focus on the Lord Jesus.

You have the peace and presence of God, which sustains you regardless of circumstance. Not the peace of mind. Not the peace of the heart. Not the peace of men. But the people of God. This divine peace, this peace of God, passes all understanding. And keeps the heart and mind focused on Christ. Surely, this is good reason for you to rejoice. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

In this world, you will have trouble. Our troubles are the backdrop for prayer. We come to the Lord daily addressing Him according to our need. In prayer, we take our burdens joys and cares to the Lord as He answers each petition according to our need. Jesus assures us, “Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.” Context is important here. This is Maundy Thursday. Right before Jesus went to the cross. Where/what, is this joy? It is the cross, the resurrection, receiving what you need in Jesus' name.

The common reaction to a loved one’s leaving is sorrow and despair. Yet this was not the case with Jesus’ disciples. Before He ascended, Jesus told them they ought to be glad He was leaving. After His ascension, the disciples return to Jerusalem “with great joy.” “Your risen and ascended Lord departed our sight, that he might return to our hearts and find him there. For He departed, and behold He is here.” –St. Augustine

Remember. We are Easter people. “Jesus’ resurrection from the grave is more than a confirmation of the fact that there is life after death. It is not part of an inevitable cycle - of life to death and then back again to life. Jesus is raised from the dead without the sins He took to the cross; they are left buried forever. Put to death for our trespasses and raise again for our justification, Jesus’ resurrection announces and declares that your sins are forgiven.

Only Jesus’ forgiveness, won at Calvary in His dying, holds power over death. Where there is no forgiveness of sins, death remains lord. But where Jesus forgives sin, death is toppled from the throne. Death no longer can hold sinners in its iron grip.

Easter gives us a sure and certain word: Jesus died for your sins. God has raised Him from the dead. The grave cannot hold Him and neither will it be able to keep those who are His. You need not worry about a death with dignity for you have the forgiveness of sins. It is a word that gives life to the dead, and it is for you. ” - Mercy at Life’s End A Guide for Laity and Their Pastors John Pless pp.7-8 © 2013 The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, St. Louis

Jesus has said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This peace; the peace of Christ, is His gift to you. Risen and Ascended - Jesus lives and reigns as King throughout all eternity. This gift of God in Jesus Christ is genuine. It is a peace, which can never be undone. His peace is personal. It becomes personal because it is independent of and unaffected by any outward circumstance. These outward circumstances may remain unchanged, but with St. Paul we can say, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Words –1,150

Passive Sentences –7%
Readability – 84%
Reading Level – 3.9

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’ © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Morning Prayer Reading 142

1 Thesssalonians 4:13-18

The Coming of the Lord

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord,[d] that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Luther's Seal © Higher Things permission granted for personal and congregational use

Monday, May 20, 2019

Morning Prayer Reading 141

Philippians 4:4-13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God's Provision

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Easter 6 Series C

Easter 6 Series C

Acts 16:9–15

Revelation 21:9–14, 21–27

John 16:23–33 or John 5:1–9

We Pray to the Father in Jesus’ Name

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus has opened the way to the Father, so that “whatever you ask of the Father” in Jesus’ name, “he will give it to you” (John 16:23).

We pray, therefore, in the confidence that we will be heard and answered, that our “joy may be full” (John 16:24). We pray because the Gospel has been preached to us, and the Lord has opened our hearts to believe the Gospel (Acts 16:10, 14).

We pray in the name of Jesus because we have been baptized into Him, as Lydia and her household were baptized (Acts 16:15). We have been healed, and we live and walk and pray in newness of life (John 5:8–9).

For we stand upon the firm foundation “of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:14), and our temple is “the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (Revelation 21:22).

John 16:23 –

καὶ ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐμὲ οὐκ ἐρωτήσετε οὐδέν• ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἄν τι αἰτήσητε τὸν πατέρα δώσει ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου.

in that day you will not ask me anything.

The name comes with all that He is. (1 John 5: 14) Bonhoffer on the Psalms we pray for "daily" bread. In this world you will have trouble is the back drop for prayer.

John 16:24 –

ἕως ἄρτι οὐκ ᾐτήσατε οὐδὲν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου• αἰτεῖτε καὶ λήμψεσθε, ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ὑμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη.

until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.

Context is important here. This is M. Thursday before He went to the cross. Where/what is the joy? The cross, the resurrection, receiving what you want in Jesus' name.

John 16:25 –

Ταῦτα ἐν παροιμίαις λελάληκα ὑμῖν• ἔρχεται ὥρα ὅτε οὐκέτι ἐν παροιμίαις λαλήσω ὑμῖν ἀλλὰ παρρησίᾳ περὶ τοῦ πατρὸς ἀπαγγελῶ ὑμῖν.

in proverbs I have spoken to you. But in boldness I will speak to you concerning the Father.

See John 10:6 - Jesus had said you can not bear this. Nor did they understand the parables. In John the word "hour" refers to the cross and they do not get it.

John 16:26 - 27

ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου αἰτήσεσθε, καὶ οὐ λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐρωτήσω τὸν πατέρα περὶ ὑμῶν• 27 αὐτὸς γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ φιλεῖ ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ὑμεῖς ἐμὲ πεφιλήκατε καὶ πεπιστεύκατε ὅτι ἐγὼ παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐξῆλθον.

in that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf but the Father loves you, because you have loved me and believed that I came from God.

John 16:28 –

ἐξῆλθον ἐκ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ ἐλήλυθα εἰς τὸν κόσμον• πάλιν ἀφίημι τὸν κόσμον καὶ πορεύομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα.

I came from the Father and I am leaving the world returning to my Father. This is the whole life of Christ from incarnation through ascension.

John 16:29 –

Λέγουσιν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ• Ἴδε νῦν ἐν παρρησίᾳ λαλεῖς, καὶ παροιμίαν οὐδεμίαν λέγεις.

John 16:30 –

νῦν οἴδαμεν ὅτι οἶδας πάντα καὶ οὐ χρείαν ἔχεις ἵνα τίς σε ἐρωτᾷ• ἐν τούτῳ πιστεύομεν ὅτι ἀπὸ θεοῦ ἐξῆλθες.

now we know you know all things and you came from God.

This is their creed. But still tripping over in a little while.

John 16:31 –

ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς Ἰησοῦς• Ἄρτι πιστεύετε; Jesus said, "now you believe?" From now on do you trust.

John 16:32 –

ἰδοὺ ἔρχεται ὥρακαὶ ἐλήλυθεν ἵνα σκορπισθῆτε ἕκαστος εἰς τὰ ἴδια κἀμὲ μόνον ἀφῆτε• καὶ οὐκ εἰμὶ μόνος, ὅτι ὁ πατὴρ μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν.

look now comes the hour that you will be scattered leaving me alone but I am not alone because of the Father.

"You know who I am but not what I'm about."

John 16:33 –

ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ εἰρήνην ἔχητε• ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ θλῖψιν ἔχετε, ἀλλὰ θαρσεῖτε, ἐγὼ νενίκηκα τὸν κόσμον.

I have told you these things so in me you may have peace. In this world trouble (Anfechtungen) you will have. Take heart, I have Niked the world.

He leaves the external threats but we have internal peace.

John 5:1–9

The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath

John 5:1

Μετὰ ταῦτα ἦν ἑορτὴ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ ἀνέβη Ἰησοῦς εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα.

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

John 5:2

ἔστιν δὲ ἐν τοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐπὶ τῇ προβατικῇ κολυμβήθρα ἡ ἐπιλεγομένη Ἑβραϊστὶ Βηθεσδά, πέντε στοὰς ἔχουσα•

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic[a]called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades.

Some manuscripts read "Bethsaida"

John 5:3

ἐν ταύταις κατέκειτο [d]πλῆθος τῶν ἀσθενούντων, τυφλῶν, χωλῶν, ξηρῶν.

In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed

Some manuscripts insert, wholly or in part, “waiting for the moving of the water;”

John 5:4

ἄγγελος γὰρ κατὰ καιρὸν κατέβαινεν ἐν τῇ κολυμβήθρᾳ, καὶ ἐτάρασσεν τὸ ὕδωρ· ὁ οὖν πρῶτος ἐμβὰς μετὰ τὴν ταραχὴν τοῦ ὕδατος, ὑγιὴς ἐγίνετο, ᾧ δήποτε κατείχετο νοσήματι.

for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water: whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had

John 5:5

ἦν δέ τις ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖ τριάκοντα ὀκτὼ ἔτη ἔχων ἐν τῇ ἀσθενείᾳ αὐτοῦ•

One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.

John 5:6

τοῦτον ἰδὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς κατακείμενον, καὶ γνοὺς ὅτι πολὺν ἤδη χρόνον ἔχει, λέγει αὐτῷ• Θέλεις ὑγιὴς γενέσθαι;

When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

John 5:7

ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ ὁ ἀσθενῶν• Κύριε, ἄνθρωπον οὐκ ἔχω ἵνα ὅταν ταραχθῇ τὸ ὕδωρ βάλῃ με εἰς τὴν κολυμβήθραν• ἐν ᾧ δὲ ἔρχομαι ἐγὼ ἄλλος πρὸ ἐμοῦ καταβαίνει.

The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.”

John 5:8

λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς• Ἔγειρε ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει.

Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”

John 5:9

καὶ εὐθέως ἐγένετο ὑγιὴς ὁ ἄνθρωπος καὶ ἦρε τὸν κράβαττον αὐτοῦ καὶ περιεπάτει.

And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

Ἦν δὲ σάββατον ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ.

Now that day was the Sabbath.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Easter 6

Time in the Word
A Study for Easter 6
“The Peace of God”
May 20-25, 2019

A vision into the future may very well be the theme for this coming week. In the first lesson Acts 16:9-15 we have Paul’s vision of a man from Macedonia begging Paul and his companions to come to him. In the epistle lesson Revelation 1:9-14,21-27 John is given a vision of the perfect city our new home in heaven. In the Gospel lesson John 16:23-33 Jesus predicts the time in which He will be return back to the Father and the believers will be scattered.

We need not fear however because the believer has a true and genuine faith. In this world there is never a lack of trouble, unhappiness, stress, sadness, marital strife, addictions, family complications, and even death itself. Yet we need not fear for Christ has overcome the world. The suggested hymn for the weeks tells us of the Father’s plan of salvation and its completion in the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The woodcut is a depiction of this coming week’s Epistle lesson.

Prayer for Easter 6: Lord, because You have promised to give what we ask in the Name of Your only begotten Son, teach us the right way to pray. With all Your saints may we offer to You our adoration and praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, May 20, 2019 - The 40 days after the resurrection are drawing to a close. On Thursday we will observe Ascension where we remember that Christ returned to the Father bodily/physically and He will return again as judge and king. During these days, we look backward at the empty tomb and forward to the day of Pentecost, 50 days after the resurrection.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 – Acts 14:8-18 - The miracles, which the disciples performed, were done for two reasons. First, they gave credence to their testimony. They were doing the very thing the Savior had done. It also drew attention to their message. Unfortunately, in this instance Paul and Barnabas are considered to be gods. They have to do some quick explaining that the power to heal comes from the Savior who is the author of all life.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019 – Revelation 21:10-14; 22-23 - The hymn reminds us, “I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home.” We are but strangers and pilgrims. Our ultimate home is in glory with Christ beyond this earth. In our Epistle lesson, John is given a vision of heaven. What will heaven look like? Read the above passage as John describes it. These are words beyond no comparison.

Thursday, May 23, 2019 – John 14:23-29 - In our Gospel lesson for this week, Jesus announces two realities. First, that He is going to the Father, this saddened the disciples. He further promises the Holy Spirit, which will not leave them comfortless. The only way for the Spirit to come was for the Son to ascend back to the Father. This He did at His glorious ascension. Because the Savior has returned to the Father, we can be assured that the Spirit will come not too many days from hence.

Friday, May 24, 2019 – Psalm 67 - The promise of the Holy Spirit is a promise that all nations will be gathered into the church of the living God. David gives us a taste of what is to come as he pictures for us folk—from every tribe, kindred, and nation—coming to the holy hill of the Lord. The nations sing the praise of God; they see the good things done to His chosen ones.

Saturday, May 25, 2019 –Romans 5:1-2 -The Hymn of the Day, Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice (LSB #556), was written by Martin Luther it tells the story of salvation from the believer’s perspective. It starts with man’s condition of sin, explains Christ’s glorious work and concludes with the believer’s new nature. Some may claim “I don’t know how to share my faith; I don’t know what I would say? The hymn tells the story of Jesus and His work of salvation from front to back.

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day…

Monday, 20 May - Philippians 4:4-13

Tuesday, 21 May - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Wednesday, 22 May –1 Peter 3:18-22

Thursday, 23 May-1 John 4:1-11

From the Catechism; Review 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed; Psalm 23

Sources:
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis
Lutheran Worship Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 1982 p. 54
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Company Inc. Lima, OH. 1979 p 121
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

Friday, May 17, 2019

Easter 5

Easter 5

19 May 2019

John 16:12–22

Jesus Turns Sorrow into Joy

Jesus said; “on earth ‘you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20)

1. On earth, you will be sorrowful. There are many kinds of sorrows and suffering which may at times visit us. Self-inflicted suffering. Suffering from infirmities of our mortal bodies. Sorrow from separation by death. Suffering that tries and tests us. Suffering to develop our spiritual strength. Suffering to humble us and lead us to repentance. These sufferings, which we endure reminds us of two realities.

A. This is a fallen world. We are living outside of Eden.

B. As a result, life is often out of sorts. And we attempt to make things normal again. Unfortunately, the way it is can never return to the way it was.

2. But your sorrow will turn to joy. This is the Lord’s promise for you. Out of suffering, sorrow, and sadness - joy will come.

A. Realized by faith in the risen Christ. Who will wipe away every tear from your eye.

B. Thus, fix your heart where true joys are found. Fix your focus on Jesus.

_________

Jesus reminds us - you are going to be weeping and lamenting while the world around you is rejoicing.

1. When the disciples saw Jesus hanging on the cross, and they realize that when He talked about His crucifixion, they would weep and lament.

2. Their hopes would be dashed; they would lose their will to live.

3. On that Sabbath, they sat weeping and lamenting. They were feeling total despair. The Savior was dying. They had no hope.

4. That Friday was a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day. That was probably one of the most miserable days of their lives.

5. All their hopes and plans for the future were shattered. How do you go back to try to pick up the broken pieces of your life to start over again?

6. Oh, what a difference a day can make. It is the Day of Resurrection!

Jesus said, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.

1. Just a day. But what a difference. When Resurrection Sunday comes and they find that, the tomb is empty.

2. "Why are you seeking the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen just as He said."

3. Jesus said to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus when they spoke of their hope in Jesus in the past tense. “Oh foolish and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have said concerning the Messiah.”

4. What a contrast of emotions from the deepest sorrow, to the highest joy. The disciples turned from sorrow to joy. It was the resurrection of Jesus and His appearance to them, which changed not only their outlook but also their perspective on everything.

What was it that brought them such great sorrow?

1. Their failure to believe Jesus’ word. They didn’t understand what He was saying, and they soon forgot. They were too preoccupied with what was happening to them at the moment, and they couldn’t grasp what He really meant. After all (they might have said to themselves), no one ever comes back from the grave. The Bible tells us they didn’t recall His words until after the resurrection. John 22

2. It was their doubt and unbelief. The disciples’ failure should remind us of our own failure to understand or believe everything God has told us. How often — even today — have you forgotten God’s promises to be with you and help you?

3. Doubt and unbelief will have you weeping when you should be rejoicing. Job doubted God’s goodness when his children died and his livelihood was gone. Abraham and Sarah doubted God’s promise, as they grew older and found themselves still without a child of their own. Gideon doubted God could use a man like him to fight his upcoming battle.

4. Doubting God's word can cause great anxiety and sorrow. Lamenting in prison John would have to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Now sitting in prison, John was plagued with tormenting doubts and fears. Had his ministry been in vain? Had he been wrong about Jesus? Was God now punishing him for his mistake? Jesus brought them close and let them see how He was fulfilling the very Scriptures He knew John needed to hear. Christ loves you in the midst of your doubt. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Place your doubts, fears, and anxiety into His capable hands.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

1. Today, He can give you beauty for ashes.

2. The oil of joy for your mourning.

3. And the garment of praise for your heaviness.

The resurrection is what did it.

1. Resurrection Sunday was more than just the resurrection of Jesus.

2. It was a resurrection of the disciples’ joy. The Resurrection is a proclamation that Jesus is alive and present with us. In the Resurrection appearances, the disciples experienced Jesus in their midst. The same Jesus who had walked with them now again touched their lives, and spoke and ate with them.

3. It was a resurrection of the disciples’ hope. The Resurrection proclaims that Jesus is with us as well. The Ascension is not a declaration of Jesus’ absence. Jesus is now present in every space and time. We encounter Jesus in the Scripture, in the sacraments. As we recall the stories of the Resurrection appearances, Christ is once again with us, forgiving, feeding, and consoling.

“On earth ‘you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” Alleluia, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia!

Words-1,115

Passive Words-3%

Readability –75.8%

Reading Level – 5.3

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’ © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Morning Prayer Reading 140

Philippians 2:1-11

Christ's Example of Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Morning Prayer Reading 139

Ephesians 2:1-10

By Grace Through Faith

2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.[b] 4 But[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Morning Prayer Reading 138

1 Corinthians 11:23-29

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for[f] you. Do this in remembrance of me.”[g] 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.[h] 31 But if we judged[i] ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined[j] so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Luther's Seal © Higher Things permission granted for personal and congregational use

Monday, May 13, 2019

Morning Prayer Reading 137

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach[b] to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[c] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being[d] might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him[e] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Easter 5 Series C

Easter 5 Series C

Acts 11:1–18

Revelation 21:1–7

John 16:12–22 or John 13:31–35

Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Easter: O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Jesus Turns Sorrow into Joy

On earth “you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20). Already the Spirit grants you peace and joy through the forgiveness of your sins. For by the cross of Christ, “God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18). His Gospel is “a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household” (Acts 11:14). He gives freely “from the spring of the water of life” (Revelation 21:6), “and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4). He dwells with His people, adorning His Church as a bride for her husband, “making all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Therefore, as the Son of Man is glorified by His cross, “and God is glorified in Him” (John 13:31), so He is glorified in us by our “love for one another” (John 13:35), which His Spirit works in us by His grace.

John 13:31–35

A New Commandment

John 13:31

Ὅτε οὖν ἐξῆλθεν λέγει Ἰησοῦς• Νῦν ἐδοξάσθη ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, καὶ ὁ θεὸς ἐδοξάσθη ἐν αὐτῷ•

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

John 13:32

εἰ ὁ θεὸς ἐδοξάσθη ἐν αὐτῷ, καὶ ὁ θεὸς δοξάσει αὐτὸν ἐναὑτῷ, καὶ εὐθὺς δοξάσει αὐτόν.

If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.

John 13:33

τεκνία, ἔτι μικρὸν μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰμι• ζητήσετέ με, καὶ καθὼς εἶπον τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις ὅτι Ὅπου ἐγὼ ὑπάγω ὑμεῖς οὐ δύνασθε ἐλθεῖν, καὶ ὑμῖν λέγω ἄρτι.

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’

John 13:34

ἐντολὴν καινὴν δίδωμι ὑμῖν ἵνα ἀγαπᾶτε ἀλλήλους, καθὼς ἠγάπησα ὑμᾶς ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀγαπᾶτε ἀλλήλους.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

John 13:35

ἐν τούτῳ γνώσονται πάντες ὅτι ἐμοὶ μαθηταί ἐστε, ἐὰν ἀγάπην ἔχητε ἐν ἀλλήλοις.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 16:12-22

When the Spirit comes He will guide you into all truth

John 16:12

Ἔτι πολλὰ ἔχω [a]ὑμῖν λέγειν, ἀλλ’ οὐ δύνασθε βαστάζειν ἄρτι•

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

John 16:13

ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ἐκεῖνος, τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας, ὁδηγήσει ὑμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ πάσῃ, οὐ γὰρ λαλήσει ἀφ’ ἑαυτοῦ, ἀλλ’ ὅσα ἀκούσει λαλήσει, καὶ τὰ ἐρχόμενα ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

John 16:14

ἐκεῖνος ἐμὲ δοξάσει, ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ λήμψεται καὶ ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

John 16:15

πάντα ὅσα ἔχει ὁ πατὴρ ἐμά ἐστιν• διὰ τοῦτο εἶπον ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ λαμβάνει καὶ ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν.

All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Your sorrow will turn to joy

John 16:16

Μικρὸν καὶ οὐκέτι θεωρεῖτέ με, καὶ πάλιν μικρὸν καὶ ὄψεσθέ με.

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”

John 16:17

εἶπαν οὖν ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ πρὸς ἀλλήλους• Τί ἐστιν τοῦτο ὃ λέγει ἡμῖν• Μικρὸν καὶ οὐ θεωρεῖτέ με, καὶ πάλιν μικρὸν καὶ ὄψεσθέ με; καί•Ὅτι ὑπάγω πρὸς τὸν πατέρα;

So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?”

John 16:18

ἔλεγον οὖν• Τί ἐστιν τοῦτο ὃ λέγει μικρόν; οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί λαλεῖ.

So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.”

John 16:19

ἔγνω Ἰησοῦς ὅτι ἤθελον αὐτὸν ἐρωτᾶν, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς• Περὶ τούτου ζητεῖτε μετ’ ἀλλήλων ὅτι εἶπον• Μικρὸν καὶ οὐ θεωρεῖτέ με, καὶ πάλιν μικρὸν καὶ ὄψεσθέ με;

Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’?

John 16:20

ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι κλαύσετε καὶ θρηνήσετε ὑμεῖς, ὁ δὲ κόσμος χαρήσεται• [j]ὑμεῖς λυπηθήσεσθε, ἀλλ’ ἡ λύπη ὑμῶν εἰς χαρὰν γενήσεται.

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

John 16:21

ἡ γυνὴ ὅταν τίκτῃ λύπην ἔχει, ὅτι ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα αὐτῆς• ὅταν δὲ γεννήσῃ τὸ παιδίον, οὐκέτι μνημονεύει τῆς θλίψεως διὰ τὴν χαρὰν ὅτι ἐγεννήθη ἄνθρωπος εἰς τὸν κόσμον.

When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

John 16:22

καὶ ὑμεῖς οὖν νῦν μὲν λύπην ἔχετε• πάλιν δὲ ὄψομαι ὑμᾶς, καὶ χαρήσεται ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία, καὶ τὴν χαρὰν ὑμῶν οὐδεὶςαἴρει ἀφ’ ὑμῶν.

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Easter 5

Time in the Word:
Preparation for next week, the Fifth Sunday of Easter

The Newness of the Resurrection Turns Sorrow into Joy

On earth “you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20). Already the Spirit grants you peace and joy through the forgiveness of your sins. For by the cross of Christ, “God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18). His Gospel is “a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household” (Acts 11:13–14). He gives freely “from the spring of the water of life” (Rev. 21:6), “and death shall be no more” (Rev. 21:4). He dwells with His people, adorning His Church as a bride for her husband, “making all things new” (Rev. 21:5). Therefore, as the Son of Man is glorified by His cross, “and God is glorified in Him” (John 13:31), so He is glorified in us by our “love for one another” (John 13:35), which His Spirit works in us by His grace.

Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Easter: O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Time in the Word
May 13-18 2019
Preparation for next week, the Fifth Sunday of Easter

Monday, 13 May 2019—Psalm 98:2–6; antiphon, Psalm 98:1—During Eastertide, it is our great joy to sing wonderful songs of praise to the Lord in His royal honor. A new song is called for as we consider all the marvelous things He has done for us. He has made known His salvation in the person of His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Because of His steadfast love and faithfulness to the spiritual house of Israel, that is, the Christian Church (Romans 9:6–8), we have been saved from sin, death, and everlasting condemnation.

Tuesday, 14 May 2019—Psalm 148—The Psalm for the Day is the same as it was on the Second Sunday of Easter, but it can never be stale or “old hat.” It is always a joy to sing the praise of the One who has raised up a horn of salvation for us. The psalm calls upon all creation to praise the Lord; this is fitting, for, by His death and resurrection, Christ has begun the work of making all things new, that is, restoring all creation from the tragic consequences of the Fall into sin.

Wednesday, 15 May 2019—Acts 11:1–18—The First Reading, from Acts, also shows the Newness of the Resurrection. There is a new way of thinking who may be incorporated into the family of God. Peter’s report to the Jerusalem Council of his encounter with the Gentile Cornelius (Acts, chapter 10), shows that the regulations which were binding on God’s people in the Old Testament were not an end unto themselves, but served the purpose of pointing the way to the One who would fulfill them: Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Christ makes all things new, and shows that salvation is by faith in the crucified and risen Jesus, and not by the works of the Law.

Thursday, 16 May 2019—Revelation 21:1–7—The glorious results of the Newness of the Resurrection were shown to St John in the revelation he received from the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Since Christ has atoned for the sins of the whole world, and has made all things new again, this will be reflected in all of creation at the Last Day, when the present age and present creation gives way to the new age and new creation. Because sin, death, and the devil have been defeated by Christ, in the new creation there will be no mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Friday, 17 May 2019—John 16:12–22orJohn 13:31–35—In John 13, Jesus gives us a new commandment, in keeping with the Newness of the Resurrection: Love one another. How simple that sounds, and yet, how difficult it is to keep. Impossible, in fact for us sinful creatures to keep. Only the new man, the one who is in Christ, can do this. Because Christ lives in us by virtue of the faith imparted to us in our Baptisms, we can reflect the love of God to others.

Saturday, 18 May 2019—The Hymn of the Day, At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing (LSB #633), is an ancient hymn of praise to the Lamb who was slain, but is now risen and gives us His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins, and the strengthening of our faith. Stanza 7 speaks once more of the Newness of the Resurrection, proclaiming that the resurrection of Christ has destroyed sin—Easter triumph, Easter joy!—and made us to be newborn souls. Alleluia!

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day…

Monday, 13 May -1 Corinthians 11:23-29

Tuesday, 14 May - Galatians 4:1-7

Wednesday, 15 May – Chapel Day

Thursday, 16 May- Ephesians 2:1-10

Friday, 17 May- Philippians 2:1-11

From the Catechism; Review Commandments 9-10; Article 1-2 of the Apostles’ Creed

Prayer for newness of life by the Holy Spirit: O Lord God, heavenly Father, You gave Your only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification. By Your Holy Spirit grant us newness of life that through the power of Christ's resurrection we may dwell with Him forever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for a new heart and a new spirit: Almighty and everlasting God, by the death and resurrection of Your Son You cleansed our hearts and put a new Spirit within us. Grant that all who are brought to newness of life in the fellowship of the body of Christ may show forth in their lives what they confess with their lips; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for newness of life as a baptized child of God: Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You called us to be Your own possession. Grant that our lives may evidence the working of Your Holy Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Prayer for newness of life through confession and absolution: Almighty, everlasting God, for our many sins we justly deserve eternal condemnation. In Your mercy You sent Your dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who won for us forgiveness of sins and everlasting salvation. Grant us a true confession that, dead to sin, we may be raised up by Your life-giving absolution. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may be ever watchful and live true and godly lives in Your service; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer at a confirmation: Almighty God, grant that we who have been redeemed from the old life of sin through Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed in Your Holy Spirit and live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.