Sunday’s theme is God’s Intentions for the Family. The lessons deal with home, marriage, divorce, and children. The Gospel (Mark 10:2-16) considers Jesus’ position on divorce and His attitude toward children. The Old Testament lesson (Genesis 2:18-25) fits into the Gospel with its account of Eve’s creation and the relationship between husband and wife. The Psalm for the week (Psalm 128) concerns a God-fearing person’s blessing of a fruitful wife, children, and grandchildren. The Hymn of the Day “Oh, Blest the House” (LSB 862) is a prayer to the Lord to bless the home and family.
1Psalm 127:3-5, Antiphon, Psalm 127:1a – Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
This psalm is titled A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Most believe Solomon to be the author, yet it is possible that the psalm was composed by David for Solomon. Here, Solomon will be considered the author.
“The strength of the Hebrew people in the past, and all that remains of it today, largely results from the keen sense which they ever cherished of the importance of the home and the family. The house, the city, labor, are all important to the conserving of the strength of the family.” (G. Campbell Morgan) 2
In keeping with the theme of the week, God’s Intention for the Family, the psalmist gives us a timeless truth. Unless the Lord is the center of all that we do, unless the Lord builds the house, all of our efforts are in vain. The house in essence becomes a house of cards. May Jesus Christ be the ever present yet unseen guest in each of our homes.
Collect for Psalm 127: Lord God, the land is brought to flower not with human tears but with the tears of your Son. Grant that those who labor for you may not trust in their own work but in your help through Jesus Christ our Lord. 3
Sources;
1. “Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
2 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-127
3. Collect for Psalm 127, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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