Pr. DFD : May 2020

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Trinity Series A

Trinity

THE HOLY TRINITY

7 June 2020

Series A

Genesis 1:1—2:4a

Acts 2:14a, 22–36

Matthew 28:16–20

The Holy Triune God Recreates Us in the Image and Likeness of Christ Jesus

The holy Triune God “created the heavens and the earth,” and “behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:1, 31). However, after Adam and Eve fell into sin and plunged God’s good creation into decay and death, the Son of God would be “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” to be “crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23). As Jesus “received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:33), He also raises up all the baptized and pours out the Spirit upon them through the preaching of His Gospel. He sends out His apostles to “make disciples of all nations” by “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” and “teaching them to observe all that [He has] commanded” (Matt. 28:19–20). Through such baptizing and teaching — Gospel and Sacraments — the holy Triune God recreates us in the image and likeness of His incarnate Son, Jesus the Christ, and behold, it is “very good” (Gen. 1:31).

The Holy Trinity
Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:1-3)

We believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the person who brooded over the waters in the beginning. We believe in the Son of God, the Word by whom all things were made, who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven…and was made man. In short, we believe in the one Creator, who is three distinct, fully-divine persons. We believe in, and we must believe in, the Holy Trinity, for this is God’s revelation to us.

Strangely, the original earth started as formless, void and dark. When the Father rendered it no longer formless, void and dark, man was created to be lord of this world. Sadly, when Adam then rebelled against the Creator, the earth in a devilish way reverted to a formless, void and dark condition. Through Jeremiah God speaks of this when He describes His wayward people thus: They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not. I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light (Jer. 4:22f). But then comes the Son of God, taking upon himself this horrible darkness of mankind’s curse, and once again—when the Son bursts from the tomb—the Father speaks, “Let there be light!” So the light of love and life-eternal burst forth upon—yes even from—the formless and void earth. Yet, sadly, the darkened souls of men could not comprehend it.

Nonetheless, empty, void and darkened individuals need to receive and even begin to realize this light. With God all things are possible. The Son, because of His death and resurrection, is authorized as a man to accomplish this task of distributing the salvation He earned. He employs His limitless authority to create the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, commissioning His Church to make disciples by baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Though it is appropriate for us to invoke any single person of the Godhead, yet whenever there is a Baptism the Holy Trinity is uniquely invoked.

Consistent with the original creation, once again the Spirit must brood over the face of the waters. Such Spirit-brooding gives new birth to those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. The Lord Jesus had prophesied this wondrous watery new birth, explaining that we must be born of water and the Spirit. Appropriately on the Christian Pentecost, the forgiven, foremost Apostle lovingly commanded, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). And the former persecuting Apostle explains, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). The Spirit is thus observed again to be brooding, now brooding over the waters of Holy Baptism.

As the Spirit broods over the waters of every Baptism, He establishes each baptized person as a new creation—for if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. In these waters He takes a formless person and gives the form of Christ. He takes a void (empty) person and gives the fullness of Himself—the Spirit of Christ. He takes a person who naturally dwells in the darkness of Satan’s domain and that person hears the Father exclaim, “Let there be light,” and there is light. In short, the Son of God—sent by the Father and conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin—has ordained Holy Baptism to bestow the gifts He earned at the cross and the empty tomb, so that spiritually formless, empty and dark people are blessed with a new beginning. And behold it is very good.

Matthew 28:16–20

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16

Οἱ δὲ ἕνδεκα μαθηταὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν εἰς τὸ ὄρος οὗ ἐτάξατο αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς,

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.

Matthew 28:17

καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν προσεκύνησαν, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν.

And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

Matthew 28:18

καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς λέγων• Ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς•

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matthew 28:19

πορευθέντες οὖν μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος,

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Matthew 28:20

διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς τηρεῖν πάντα ὅσα ἐνετειλάμην ὑμῖν• καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰμι πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος.

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Image of the Trinity © Higher Things

Time in the Word - Trinity

Preparation for next week, the Feast of the Holy Trinity

"The Holy Triune God Recreates Us in the Image and Likeness of Christ Jesus"

The Holy Triune God “created the heavens and the earth,” and “behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:1, 31). However, after Adam and Eve fell into sin and plunged God’s good creation into decay and death, the Son of God would be “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” to be “crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23). As Jesus “received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:33), He also raises up all the baptized and pours out the Spirit upon them through the preaching of His Gospel. He sends out His Apostles to “make disciples of all nations” by “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” and “teaching them to observe all that [He has] commanded” (Matt. 28:19–20). Through such baptizing and teaching–Gospel and Sacraments–the Holy Triune God recreates us in the Image and Likeness of His incarnate Son, Jesus the Christ, and behold, it is “very good” (Gen. 1:31).

Collect for the Feast of the Holy Trinity: Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for the Holy Spirit: Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your Holy Spirit dwell in us that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth and evermore defend us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Collect for grace: Almighty God, heavenly Father, Your mercies are new to us every morning and, though we in no wise deserve Your goodness, You abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul. Give us, we humbly pray, Your Holy Spirit that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness toward us, give thanks for all Your benefits, and cheerfully serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord;

Collect for peace: O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world 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;

Monday, 01 June 2020—Psalm 16:8–11; Antiphon, Liturgical Text—The antiphon for Sunday’s Introit is an ancient liturgical text: Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown His mercy to us. The Triune God has shown His mercy to us by creating us, daily providing for all our needs, and in accomplishing our salvation by the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Our response, therefore, is to give glory to Him, and to set the LORD always before us, for He has made known to us the path of life.

Tuesday, 02 June 2020—Psalm 8—This psalm of David nicely ties together the three appointed readings for Trinity Sunday. The first two verses tell how the entire creation proclaims the majesty, glory, and strength of the Lord, the Creator of all things, as testified to in the Old Testament reading. The rest of the psalm speaks of Christ, the second Adam, our Savior, of whose redemption Peter preaches in the second reading, and who commissions His Church to make disciples by baptizing and teaching about Him in the Gospel reading.

Wednesday, 03 June 2020—Genesis 1:1—2:4a—The opening chapter of the Bible matter-of-factly recounts the creation of the earth, the universe, and all that is in them in seven days by God. Which person of the Trinity was responsible for the creation? All three persons! The first three verses alone proclaim this fact: The Spirit is said to be hovering over the face of the waters, while God (the Father) speaks—speaks His Word, who is the Son, as St John tells us in the opening verses of his Gospel. On the sixth day, there is further testament to the working of the Trinity, when God says, Let Us make man in Our own image, after Our likeness. Not just the Father, but the Son and the Holy Spirit as well, were involved in the work of creation, just as all three are involved in the work of salvation.

Thursday, 04 June 2020—Acts 2:14a, 22–36—The second reading for the Trinity Sunday is a continuation of St Peter’s Pentecost Day sermon in Jerusalem. In this portion, Peter speaks of Jesus Christ, a man attested to you by God with mighty wonders and signs, who was crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men, but raised up from the dead because He was not just a man, but also Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Peter quotes from Psalms 16 and 110, showing how the Old Testament testifies of Christ, and also proclaims how all three persons of the Trinity were involved in the salvation of mankind: Jesus (the Son) was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (the Father), has been exalted at the right hand of God, and now pours out His Spirit that people might hear and believe the Good News.

Friday, 05 June 2020—Matthew 28:16–20—Before His ascension to the right hand of His Father, Jesus charged His disciples with the task of making disciples of all nations. What are the tools which He has given to accomplish this task? His teaching and the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Baptism in the Name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Which parts of His Word are important? Which of His Words are they to pass down faithfully? Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Finally, He promises always to be with us—and so He is, in Word and Sacrament, the means of grace.

Saturday, 06 June 2020—There are few hymns that are addressed to, or focus on, the Holy Spirit. Sunday’s Hymn of the Day, Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest (LSB #498), is one such hymn. It is of ancient origin, from at least the eighth century, and generally attributed to the great Frankish scholar and theologian, Rhabanus Maurus (though sometimes Gregory the Great or Charlemagne are given credit). In the Middle Ages, it was one of the best loved and most frequently used invocations of the Holy Spirit, and its singing was accompanied by the use of incense, candles, bells, and rich vestments. The last two stanzas are explicitly Trinitarian, making it ideal for Trinity Sunday: stanza six (like Luther’s explanation to the Third Article of the Creed) affirms that it is the Holy Spirit who teaches us to know the Triune God aright, and stanza seven is a doxology—a hymn of praise to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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Lectionary summary from LCMS Commission on Worship

Pentecost

Pentecost

31 May 2020

John 7:37-39

John 16:5-11

When the Counselor comes

“Now I am going to Him who sent me”

The Day of Pentecost marked a turning point in the early Christian church. Pentecost, a Jewish feast, was celebrated fifty days after Passover; as pilgrims had come to Jerusalem from all over the world to celebrate the event.

We all know the familiar story of what occurred on that Sunday. The Apostles were gathered in the Upper Room. It was the same room where they had seen Christ after His resurrection. It was the same room where they celebrated the Last Supper.

“And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues of fire, distributed and resting on each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” -Acts 2:2-4

Christ had promised His Apostles that He would send His Holy Spirit. On Pentecost they were granted this gift. The Apostles went out and began to preach the Gospel in all the languages of those who were gathered there. They spoke. And many were converted and baptized that day.

The remarkable spectacle was impossible to miss. The sights and sounds were caught by enough eyes and ears that the story spread quickly. A great multitude gathering to hear the disciples preach the Gospel in their own native languages. About three thousand, three thousand, souls were added to the church that day.

Jesus refers to the Spirit as “the Comforter.” Other words that could be inserted here is “an advocate,” “a helper,” “a counselor,” “a supporter” and “a sponsor.”

The Spirit is often called an advocate. An advocate is a defense attorney; one who speaks for a defendant before the judge in a court of law.

As Jesus promises us that the comforter will come this can only be good news for you. It is the Spirit Himself who will plead your case before the mercy seat of the Father.

Jesus reminds us: “it is a good thing that I go (back to the Father) for unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

Jesus has ascended back to the Father and the Spirit has come. So what will the Spirit do, now that He has come? Jesus answers this question in the words of our text for this morning.

When the good counselor comes…He will convict the world of guilt.

1. In regards to sin

He’ll talk about sin and the fact that man by himself cannot come to the Lord nor can he believe in Christ by himself. Sin blinds him to God.

Paul explains, “But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”- 1 Corinthians 2:14 It will take the Holy Spirit to bring man to the knowledge of salvation.

Luther explains, I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

Now, you can know naturally that there is a God; namely that God exists through creation and the conscience.

Creation tells us that there is a God who has established this world. The grandeur, the splendor, the majesty of the Lord’s handiwork can be seen all around as we behold the beauty of Creation. We see this especially in springtime.

The conscience tells us that there is a system of justice and natural law common to all men. The conscience; is being personally aware of what is right and wrong. The conscience is what you use to guide your actions to do right. The conscience forms your personal ethics that keep you from cheating, lying or stealing.

It is only by the Holy Spirit working through His Word that man comes to the right knowledge of God. The Spirit leads us to a supernatural or a revealed knowledge of God. This comes through the proclamation of the Gospel.

When Jesus rose from the dead, He gave your life meaning and worth. For His resurrection announces that your every dissatisfaction with church, family, life, yourself, it's all buried forever. Instead, you are righteous in God's sight and an inheritor of eternal life.

So that you would hear and believe these glorious new realities which are yours by Jesus' blood and merit, He gathered His church back together again and gave them one command, one singular task, "Preach this Gospel."

It's today, on Pentecost, that His disciples began to fulfill those marching orders. For when the Spirit descended upon them in that heavenly display of wind and fire, a true miracle was worked in their mouths.

On Easter, Jesus' grave opened to reveal He had risen in victory. So too, on Pentecost, dead mouths, empty caverns, came to life, praising the living God, as the disciples preached the good news found in Jesus' name for all to hear.

The real miracle of Pentecost is not the amazing sounds and sights.

No, the true Pentecost miracle is what can only be beheld by faith, the glorious good news that the Son of God died and rose again for you.

Transition: When the Spirit comes He will convict the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness.

2. The Spirit will convict the world in regards to righteousness.

Jesus said: “Because I am going back to the Father, where you cannot see me no longer.”

For a period of 40 days Jesus walked and talked and conversed with His disciples to convince them that He was truly alive and risen from the dead. On the 40th day He ascended into heaven. That was His coronation day. He now lives and reigns with the Father forever in glory.

We cannot see the Savior any more. The Spirit has appeared to convict and convince you that Jesus continues to rule and reign throughout all eternity. Because of the Holy Spirit’s work you are convinced that your sins truly are forgiven.

The Holy Spirit assures you that though your sins rise up to condemn you because of Christ’s glorious gross and His victory over the grave all sin is forgiven - period! It is the Holy Spirit that converts and persuades you that you truly are forgiven. What’s more He gives you His promise. “Because I live, you shall live also.”

Hear Luther speak these words of encouragement, “Do not despair after sin, but lift your eyes on high to where Christ intercedes for us. He is our Advocate. He intercedes for us and says, “Father I have suffered for this person; I am looking after him.”

The Spirit speaks to you about what is right in God’s sight. In this natural world, which is shrouded by sin, it is often hard to discern - what exactly is the will of God our Father. It is the Holy Spirit, the helper that enables us to see the will of God for your life.

How can we discern the will of God for our lives? We find God’s will being perfected in us as He turns us back to His Word.

It is there, in the Word, that we see clearly what God would want you to know. It is only in and through the Word that you know the Father’s perfect will.

Peter reminds us in his second epistle, “No prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” - 2 Peter 1:21

Or, as David teaches in Psalm 119:105, “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”

Transition: When the Spirit comes. He will convict the world concerning sin, concerning righteousness and concerning judgment.

3. In regards to judgment

The Savior proclaims, “Because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”

Jesus entered time and space to defeat the works of the world, the devil and the flesh. On the cross sin, and Satan fell; their power was swallowed up in defeat.

The Holy Spirit convinces you that this is in fact your reality. Because of the empty tomb this thing we commonly call death has also been defeated. Our common enemies have all been defeated.

The old evil foe – the devil - he is already sentenced to death. The devil stands convicted. He is already defeated. He cannot harm you. As the Scriptures proclaim, “Greater is he that is in you then he that is in this world.”

Your advocate, the Spirit reminds you of this reality – in Christ’s glorious cross and empty tomb you stand victorious for all of your enemies. They have been trampled under the Savior’s feet.

The Spirit has been sent to convict the world and convince you that Jesus directs your life. He sustains you. He guides you now and directs your future. All that bothers and concerns you; what troubles you encounter in this life cannot rob you of your confidence in Christ. The Spirit guarantees it. He is your helper.

The Savior rules upon His throne. And the Spirit stands as your advocate to defend and sustain you. The Advocate, the Spirit of truth, convicts the world with respect to sin, righteousness and judgment.

The Sprit stands for you; to intercede and plead your case before the Father’s glorious throne.

All is well. The Spirit has come. As promised by the Savior.

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Words – 1,740

Passive Sentences –15%

Readability – 76.0%

Reading Level –6.1

Reference:

Pr. Tim Daub’s Pentecost Homily, delivered May 20, 2018 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Hecla, South Dakota

Saturday, May 30, 2020

May 30 - Saturday prior to Pentecost

The majestic Hymn of the Day, Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (LSB #497), was written by Martin Luther. In addition to writing catechism hymns for each of the six chief parts of Christian doctrine, Luther wrote this one to help remember the third article of the Apostles’ Creed. The chief teaching of the Christian faith—the doctrine of salvation by faith rather than works—is clearly proclaimed throughout this great hymn. Sing it confidently and boldly. The Holy Spirit has brought you to faith, and by Word and Sacrament, He will continue to keep you in the one true faith.

This chorale is based on the work of the third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who is expressly celebrated on the Day of Pentecost. The following shows connections between each of the four statements of Luther’s meaning of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed and portions of each stanza of “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord.”

Luther writes in his Table Talk: “The hymn ‘Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord,’ was composed by the Holy Ghost himself, both words and music.” Luther crafted the version known today by polishing the original German stanza and also composing two additional stanzas to fit masterfully with the first.

Ø I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

“With all Your graces now outpoured on each believer’s mind and heart” (stanza 1)

Ø In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

“Lord, by the brightness of Your light in holy faith Your Church unite” (stanza 1)

“Let none but Christ our master be that we in living faith abide, in Him, our Lord, with all our might confide.” (stanza 2)

Ø In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.

“From every error keep us free” (stanza 2)

Ø On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

“That bravely here we may contend, through life and death to You, our Lord, ascend.” (stanza 3)

As mentioned earlier that the best hymns also teach the Christian faith, it is worth noting that this chorale actually predates the publication of Luther’s Small Catechism (1529). Thanks be to God for this chorale’s expression of our Lutheran faith and His work through the third Person of the Holy Trinity!

O God, who gave Your Holy Spirit to the apostles, grant us that same Spirit that we may live in faith and abide in peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen

https://lutheranreformation.org/worship/come-holy-ghost-god-lord/

Friday, May 29, 2020

May 29 - Friday prior to Pentecost

John 7:37–39—Jesus foretells the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit will be fully poured out upon the Church, causing living waters to flow out from their hearts, that is, all believers will be empowered to testify to the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation which comes through Jesus Christ alone.

From His open heart, our crucified and risen Lord pours out His Holy Spirit in “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and invites everyone who thirsts to come to Him and drink freely (John 7:37). Through this life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, we hear the gospel message “telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21).

Although not mentioned often in the New Testament, the Festival of Tabernacles was one of the “big three” annual festivals (along with Passover and Pentecost) for which adult Jewish males were expected to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and it was generally the most joyous and popular of the three. Originally a harvest celebration, by the time of Jesus it had also taken on the significance of remembering God’s provision for the people of Israel during their wilderness wanderings.

God provided water for the Israelites in the wilderness as well, but its thirst-quenching effects were also temporary. Here, at this festival that celebrates God’s provision in the wilderness, Jesus offers the living water that quenches all thirst and is a source of life eternal. John adds a note of explanation, so that no one may miss the significance: “Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were yet to receive, for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (7:39)

This “Paraclete” or “Spirit of truth” will teach them, remind them of all that Jesus has said to them, and guide them into all truth (14:26; 16:12-14). The Spirit will be the abiding presence of Jesus with his disciples, continuing his work in and through them. This promise is fulfilled on the evening of Easter Sunday, when the risen Jesus comes to his disciples, breathes into them the Holy Spirit, and sends them out in mission. (20:19-23)

Jesus speaks of this promise at the Festival of Tabernacles -- the promise fulfilled at Passover/ Easter according to John, or at Pentecost according to Luke-Acts.

John interprets the Jewish festivals anew in light of God’s revelation in Christ. All that the festivals celebrate -- the deliverance, presence, and provision of God -- find new significance in God’s sending of the Son to tabernacle among us, and sending of the Spirit to abide with us forever, so that rivers of living water may flow from within us to a thirsty world.

Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2046

Thursday, May 28, 2020

May 28 - Thursday prior to Pentecost

Acts 2:1–21— Our risen Lord Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost—the fiftieth day and the “Eighth Sunday” of Easter. When “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire appeared” and rested on each of the twelve Apostles, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and proclaimed “the mighty works of God.” The Lord Jesus grants this same Spirit to His Church on earth to proclaim Him glorified on the cross and risen victorious from the grave for us sinners.

The Epistle reading for the Day of Pentecost is, as you might imagine, the account of the giving of the Holy Spirit on the first Day of Pentecost, and the establishment of the New Testament Church in mission. This special gift was given to the disciples in the early Church for two main reasons: to testify that these men were speaking by the authority of God (for only God could grant such a gift in fulfillment of prophecy), and in order to proclaim the Word of God to people of many different tongues. Since the New Testament had not been written down yet, it also could not be translated yet. In our day, the written Word of God, the Bible, fulfills both these purposes, delivering the truth of God in a language which we can understand.

In his explanation to the third article of the Apostles’ Creed Luther reminds us: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.”

Pentecost is the birthday of missions. These are our marching orders – to get the message out and to keep the message straight. As you are given the opportunity gossip the gospel to your family, neighbors and community.

Collect for the Holy Spirit: Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your Holy Spirit dwell in us that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth and evermore defend 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.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

May 27 - Wednesday prior to Pentecost

Numbers 11:24–30 is the Old Testament lesson for this coming Sunday the Feast of Pentecost—Because the task of caring for the children of Israel was overwhelming, the Lord instructed Moses to appoint seventy men as elders to assist him. For some unknown reason, two of them, Eldad and Medad, failed to present themselves at the tabernacle for commissioning. Yet, the Spirit rested upon them, also. Some of the others thought that they should be stopped from prophesying, proclaiming the Word of the Lord.

Moses exclaims, “Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” Though pastors are appointed to fulfill certain tasks in the Lord’s Church, all Christians are called upon to give witness to the hope that is in them (See 1 Peter 3:15) by proclaiming the Word of God, as opportunities are presented.

As our state and community is slowly beginning to open up now is an excellent time for you to give witness to the hope that is in you. Especially now, Christians have something people desperately need and many are missing: hope. Now, of all times, we must be prepared to give an answer to anyone and everyone who asks about the hope that is in us.

To offer hope we need to engage with others in significant conversation – dialogue that’s been missing as people have become more isolated during recent weeks when many were ordered to stay at home. Significant discussion involves not only speaking but also listening. This is where you can do your part.

Listening is half, yet an integral and essential part of a successful conversation. We’ve all experienced at some time an exchange that was limited to, “Let’s talk about me and then let’s talk about me some more.” When you take turns to talk, everyone feels heard. This is great communication. Empathic listening—understanding your neighbor fully, rather than seeing what they talk about through your own point of view is critical. The Bible emphasizes the importance of listening. James instructs believers to be “quick to listen and slow to speak.” -James 1:19

Listening is essential to evangelism and witness. Listening is like a stethoscope to the human heart. We can find out what is happening inside the heart of a person by simply listening—an invaluable tool when sharing Christ. Ask the Lord to help you to become a better and much more engaged listener.

It might take some time before people feel comfortable around others. Some are eager to move on and move forward. In the coming weeks, as we focus on practicing good social distancing skills become proactive in developing good listening skills. Listen to their story. And when the opportunity arrives don’t be afraid to give witness to the hope that is in you.

Lord, open my ears and my heart to the needs of others around me. As we engage in significant conversation may I truly listen and become empathetic. Only then can I effectively speak of the hope to which we have been called.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

May 26 - Tuesday prior to Pentecost

Psalm 25:1–15—This psalm of David makes an excellent prayer for daily use. It first contrasts godly (the one who trusts in God) with the ungodly. In verses 4–11, we consider our sins, especially as contrasted with the righteousness of God, and pray for forgiveness and spiritual renewal, trusting in the mercy and steadfast love of the Lord.

Verses 12–15 deal with sanctification—godly living—asking for guidance and instruction. The closing verses of the psalm, though not appointed for next week’s reading, brings the plea full circle, as, once again, we pray for deliverance from suffering and from persecution by our foes, those who are opposed to the Lord and to those faithful to the Lord.

By means of instruction the Psalmist reminds us of a simple yet powerful aspect of our faith – we receive mercy; God’s undeserved compassion and forgiveness. God does not require us to earn His forgiveness or gifts. He teaches and leads the humble; those not esteemed by the world. Those who live by faith receive the blessings of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Faith does not earn these blessings but receives them.

In these difficult economic times, how much we want to hear the promise that God will make us abundantly prosperous in our undertakings and in the fruit of our bodies, livestock, and soil. (Deuteronomy 30:9) No need for another stimulus package. A God-ensured economic recovery must surely be right around the corner. Yet, as a response to this reading, Psalm 25 leads us to pause and contemplate what it means to prosper in God.

Psalm 25:1-10 is not a heartfelt expression of gratitude for a windfall, but a heartfelt expression of trust in God. "The first ten verses of the psalm, which make up the present lection, constitute, at root, a theological reflection and heartfelt plea rising out of that reflection."[1]

In fact, rather than a rousing chorus of "Happy Days Are Here Again," these verses are an introit to lament and an expression of the trust that makes it possible to complain to God. The psalmist asks God for instruction on how to avoid shame and disgrace and then provides instruction of those who wait on the Lord.

"To you, O Lord, I lift my soul," the psalmist declares (25:1). Anyone who has regularly sung Psalm 141 as part of Vespers or Evening Prayer will find in these simple words a profound description of prayer. To lift up one's soul to God is shorthand for lifting up one's hands in an outstretched position in prayer. The gesture signifies holding one's conscious identity, one's life, outstretched to God in sole and complete dependence upon God and God's help. To pray, "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul" (25:1) "is a psalmic synonym for 'In you I trust' (verse 2) ... and 'I wait for you' (verses 3-5, 21)."[2]

To prosper in God is to own and acknowledge one's utter dependence upon God. Deserving has nothing to do with it.

Lord our God, you show us your ways of compassion and love and you spare sinners. Remember not our sins; relieve our misery; satisfy the longing of your people. And fulfill all our hop for eternal peace through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.[3]

[1] Roger E. Van Harn and Brent A. Strawn (eds.), Psalms for Preaching and Worship: A Lectionary Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009), 109.

[2] James Luther Mays, Psalms, Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1994), 124-125.

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=618

Monday, May 25, 2020

May 25 – Monday prior to Pentecost

Psalm 104:24, 27–28, 30; —On the Day of Pentecost, we focus our attention on the Holy Spirit and His role in establishing the Mission activity of the Christian Church. The antiphon read during the Introit on the Day of Pentecost is a portion of an ancient prayer to the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.”

Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise celebrating the wonders of God’s creation. But it is careful to direct our attention not so much to the creation, but to the Creator. The Lord did not merely set the world into motion and then take His hands off the wheel. He continues to nurture and preserve all He has made. Luther in his Large Catechism explains, “He causes all created things to serve for the use and necessities of life.” (LC II, 14) In the explanation to the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed Luther simply explains, “I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.”

All around us, seeds sown into the ground just a few weeks ago are beginning to sprout. We anticipate an abundant harvest. The Lord’s abundant power of creation is seen each spring as we witness life flourishing around us. The Lord has promised to preserve and sustain the earth. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22

There seems to always be a guarantee in life that change will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we do not feel in control of life. The Psalmist assures us that the Lord is our sure defense. As He preserves you He will safeguard your life even in these unprecedented times.

The portion of the psalm used in the Introit proclaims that the Holy Spirit; whom, with the Father and the Son, was involved in the creation, especially of man, into whose nostrils God breathed the breath (Spirit) of life.

A Prayer 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.[1]

Today is Memorial Day. We recall those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we enjoy.

A Memorial Day Prayer: Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember those in the military who have given their lives for freedoms we enjoy, we pray you would have us all look to you for strength, comfort and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed Forces. Bless them and their families. Grant your loving protection. Let peace prevail among all the nations, O God. Especially let your mercy rest upon our land, even as we acknowledge with thanksgiving your past goodness on this country. If it is your will, preserve the lives of the men and women in uniform as they defend our citizenry. Most of all, we pray that you would turn the hearts of all – military and civilian – to your holy Word where we find the true peace for our sinful souls that surpasses all understanding. Keep us repentant of sin. Move us to know, take hold and treasure your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Your beloved Son, who alone gives this peace and hope for eternity, we pray. Amen. [2]

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Pentecost

Pentecost

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

(31 May 2020)

Series A

Numbers 11:24–30

Acts 2:1–21

John 7:37–39

The Risen Lord Jesus Pours Out the Holy Spirit

The Lord took “some of the Spirit” that was on Moses “and put it on the seventy elders” of Israel (Num. 11:25), and they “prophesied in the camp” (Num. 11:26). In the same way, our risen Lord Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost — the 50th day and the “Eighth Sunday” of Easter. When “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire appeared” and rested on each of the 12 apostles, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and proclaimed “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:2–4, 11). The Lord Jesus grants this same Spirit to His Church on earth to proclaim Him glorified on the cross and risen victorious from the grave for us sinners. From His open heart, our crucified and risen Lord pours out His Holy Spirit in “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and invites everyone who thirsts to come to Him and drink freely (John 7:37). Through this life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, we hear our pastors “telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) and “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

John 7:37–39

Rivers of Living Water

John 7:37

Ἐν δὲ τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ μεγάλῃ τῆς ἑορτῆς εἱστήκει ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ ἔκραξεν λέγων· Ἐάν τις διψᾷ ἐρχέσθω πρός με καὶ πινέτω.

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

John 7:38

ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμέ, καθὼς εἶπεν ἡ γραφή, ποταμοὶ ἐκ τῆς κοιλίας αὐτοῦ ῥεύσουσιν ὕδατος ζῶντος.

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

John 7:39

οῦτο δὲ εἶπεν περὶ τοῦ πνεύματος οὗ ἔμελλον λαμβάνειν οἱ [b]πιστεύσαντες εἰς αὐτόν· οὔπω γὰρ ἦν [c]πνεῦμα, ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐδέπω ἐδοξάσθη.

Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.