Pr. DFD : May 2025

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Pentecost Study notes

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

Genesis 11:1–9

Acts 2:1–21

John 14:23–31

Collect for Pentecost – O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The Holy Spirit Gives Peace

Following the flood, Noah’s descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with “one language and the same words” (Genesis 11:1) they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing “the language of all the earth,” dividing and dispersing the people (Genesis 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. “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.” (John 14:27).

Acts 2:1-21

Acts 2:1

Καὶ ἐν τῷ συμπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς πεντηκοστῆς ἦσαν [a]πάντες ὁμοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό,

on the 50th day they were together in one place. Pentecost is first fruits festival. Liked will have emphasis on the temple as his gospel.

Acts 2:2

καὶ ἐγένετο ἄφνω ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἦχος ὥσπερ φερομένης πνοῆς βιαίας καὶ ἐπλήρωσεν ὅλον τὸν οἶκον οὗ ἦσαν καθήμενοι,

and came suddenly from heaven a roar like carrying wind violent filling the whole house where they were cathedral-ing.

Acts 2:3

καὶ ὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός, [b]καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐφ’ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν

appeared to them divided tongues of fire resting on each of them.

Where was the fire? On their tongues? Miracle of preaching. See Isaiah 6; See also the Easter 7 gospel; "I give them my word"

Acts 2:4

καὶ ἐπλήσθησαν [c]πάντες πνεύματος ἁγίου, καὶ ἤρξαντο λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις καθὼς τὸ πνεῦμα ἐδίδου [d]ἀποφθέγγεσθαι αὐτοῖς.

all were filled with the holly spirit and they began to publicly preach as the spirit gave them phlegm.

Acts 2:5

Ἦσαν δὲ [e]ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ κατοικοῦντες Ἰουδαῖοι, ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔθνους τῶν ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν·

now there were living in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from all nations. Jews dispersed from throughout the world. Some included children of the proselytes.

Acts 2:6

γενομένης δὲ τῆς φωνῆς ταύτης συνῆλθε τὸ πλῆθος καὶ συνεχύθη, ὅτι [f]ἤκουον εἷς ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ λαλούντων αὐτῶν·

when this sound happened, the crowd came together and was puzzled because each heard them preaching in their own dialect.

Acts 2:7

ἐξίσταντο [g] δὲ καὶ ἐθαύμαζον [h] λέγοντες· [i] Οὐχ ἰδοὺ [j] πάντες οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ λαλοῦντες Γαλιλαῖοι;

They were confused and amazed wondering right here and now in this present time and space are not all these speaking Galileans? They are standing outside/beside themselves because of the preaching.

Contrasting Peter's denial and his preaching we see the miracle of faith and preaching. The Holy Spirit has driven this into their hearts.

Acts 2:8

καὶ πῶς ἡμεῖς ἀκούομεν ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν;

how do we hear each in the dialect into which we were born.

Acts 2:9-11

Πάρθοι καὶ Μῆδοι καὶ Ἐλαμῖται, καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν Μεσοποταμίαν, Ἰουδαίαν τε καὶ Καππαδοκίαν, Πόντον καὶ τὴν Ἀσίαν, 10 Φρυγίαν τε καὶ Παμφυλίαν, Αἴγυπτον καὶ τὰ μέρη τῆς Λιβύης τῆς κατὰ Κυρήνην, καὶ οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες Ῥωμαῖοι, 11 Ἰουδαῖοί τε καὶ προσήλυτοι, Κρῆτες καὶ Ἄραβες, ἀκούομεν λαλούντων αὐτῶν ταῖς ἡμετέραις γλώσσαις τὰ μεγαλεῖα τοῦ θεοῦ.

dialects north, south, east, west. They heard the content. They stood in ecstasy literally "they stood outside of themselves."

Acts 2:12

ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες καὶ [k] διηπόρουν, ἄλλος πρὸς ἄλλον λέγοντες· Τί [l] θέλει τοῦτο εἶναι;

perplexed they were asking what does this mean?

Acts 2:13

ἕτεροι δὲ [m] διαχλευάζοντες ἔλεγον ὅτι Γλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν.

others mocked saying because they are filled with new wine.

Refer back to Jesus' first miracle in John 2 this is the new wine of salvation.

Acts 2:14

Σταθεὶς δὲὁ Πέτρος σὺν τοῖς ἕνδεκα ἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπεφθέγξατο αὐτοῖς· Ἄνδρες Ἰουδαῖοι καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες Ἰερουσαλὴμπάντες, τοῦτο ὑμῖν γνωστὸν ἔστω καὶ ἐνωτίσασθε τὰ ῥήματά μου.

standing up with the eleven Peter lifted up his voice, men of Judea and those gathering in Jerusalem, let this be known, listen to what I say

Acts 2:15-16

οὐ γὰρ ὡς ὑμεῖς ὑπολαμβάνετε οὗτοι μεθύουσιν, ἔστιν γὰρ ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας, 16 ἀλλὰ τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Ἰωήλ·

these are not drunk but what was written by the prophet Joel.

Acts 2:17

Καὶ ἔσται ἐν ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις, λέγει ὁ θεός, ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματός μου ἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν καὶ αἱ θυγατέρες ὑμῶν, καὶ οἱ νεανίσκοι ὑμῶν ὁράσεις ὄψονται, καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ὑμῶν [p] ἐνυπνίοις ἐνυπνιασθήσονται·

and it will be in the last days says God, I will pour out my spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, young men see visions, old men will dream dreams,

Acts 2:18

καί γε ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους μου καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς δούλας μου ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματός μου, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν.

on my servants both men and women I will pour out my spirit and they will prophesy.

Need to focus on "prophesy" preaching, proclamation, liturgy, prayer.

Sources:

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘Pentecost ’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Friday, May 30, 2025

Saturday prior to Easter 7

[1]

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.

A very wealthy man thought he had made a shrewd arrangement to “take it with him” by making a huge contribution to “the Building Fund.” He arrived at heaven’s gate lugging a large trunk. The gatekeeper said, “Sorry, you can’t take that in here,” but the man insisted he had permission. The gatekeeper said, “We’ll see. Show me what’s in the trunk.” He opened the trunk, and it was full of gold bars, a huge fortune. The gate-keeper said, “You brought paving?”

This modern parable illustrates something about the values of heaven and those of earth.

❚ What do you think is the main point of the story?

❚ Is anything like that story remotely possible?

This hymn emphasizes and underlines a teaching that few people ever really learn.

❚ What evidence is there that St. Matthew learned it (Matt. 9:9–13)?

❚ How did following Jesus change him?

Exploring the Scriptures

In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus told the parable of the dishonest manager to teach the importance of eternal values. In discussing the matter, He told His disciples and us, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (v. 13).

❚ What does the word “money” include?

❚ What are some of the “masters” we are susceptible to? In 1 John 2:15–17, the apostle urges us not to love the world or the things of the world that appeal to our senses. In Phil. 3:7–9, Paul strongly and passionately says that he counts everything as rubbish compared to knowing Jesus Christ by faith.

❚ Do these two passages give a different message?

❚ Why is loving the “things of this world” not compatible with loving eternal things?

❚ What is the “tipping point” between love for God and love of money?

Exploring the Hymn

Background

The origin of this fine eighteenth-century hymn is a little bit cloudy. Most students of the matter agree that the author was Georg Michael Pfefferkorn (1645–1732), a teacher and pastor in Germany. However, the hymn first appeared anonymously and lately it has been attributed to Balthasar Kindermann (d. 1706). It was translated into English by August Crull, who was born in Germany in 1845. He emigrated to the United States at an early age, and graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1862. He served as pastor and teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and died in 1923.

Text

Pastor Crull used his gift as a poet in translating the key phrase of the hymn as “What is the world to me!” Its literal meaning in German is “What do I ask of the world?”

❚ Does the translation change the meaning of the phrase?

❚ What is the answer to the question, either way?

Stanza 1 of the hymn makes a bold statement of the changed value system of the Christian life, contrasting the world and its “vaunted pleasure” against the peace and rest of having Jesus as treasure and soul’s delight.

❚ What are some of the “vaunted pleasures” of this world?

Stanza 2 considers the praise and honor of the “mighty” of this world, but finds them “frail and flighty” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.

❚ How are the “mighty” of this world “frail and flighty?”

In Stanza 3 the wealth of this world in money is contrasted to the wealth of knowing Jesus.

The fourth stanza brings the main message of the hymn together in a striking way with a list of important things that Jesus means to the believer — wealth, treasure, life, health, friendship, love, pleasure, joy and eternal bliss.

❚ Can you think of a few more things to add to the list?

Making the Connection

Hard times often make people reevaluate their list of what is important in life.

❚ Have you had that kind of experience lately? Or ever? Jesus said, “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25).

❚ Is it easier for a poor person to believe?

❚ How poor do you have to be? “What Is the World to Me” is a hymn not only for the eighteenth century, but for the twenty-first century as well. It seems designed to make us think about what is important eternally and who we have in first place in our lives.

In the lifetimes of most of us, we have seen unprecedented prosperity. Our nation as a whole is part of the wealthiest people the world has ever seen. Yet we have recently been hearing of the overwhelming greed of some of our fellow citizens — not only greed for money and possessions, but for power, for pleasure and whatever else the world may give.

❚ What are some of the signs of this trend? Christians are not immune to these social trends, but by our Savior’s grace we are called to ask the question, “What is the world to me?”

❚ How does this trend toward the values of this world show itself in the church?

❚ What can Christians do to work against this trend?

In Closing

Another parable that teaches a point similar to the story about the rich man who thought he had a way to “take it with him” is Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21).

A man is so wealthy he has no place to store all his goods. He decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones, thinking that then he will be at ease. “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20–21).

❚ Sing or read aloud together LSB 730.

Prayer

Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen (Against the love of money, LSB, p. 311). [2]

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] https://files.lcms.org/wl/?id=oZaEPS8BSjqPfug5fPQu6Gq2vgAxjyBo

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Friday prior to Easter 7

[1]

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 note 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.

The Savior goes to the Father praying for you. “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know You sent me and have loved them.”

Jesus’ prayer for you is a request for you to be with Him in glory. He prays, “I want those you’ve given to me to be with me where I am and see my glory.”

Jesus’ prayer for you is a request to know the Father’s love. Jesus prays to the Father; “I will make You known to them and continue to make you known in order that the love You have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

In the midst of his busy ministry his healing, preaching teaching and serving Jesus took the time to pray for you! His prayer is answered in your hearing His word. May you continue to draw close to Christ as you grow in unity of faith, in knowing God, in being received into His glory.

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. [2] –

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Ascension Reflection

He’ll Be Back!

Today is an important day on the church calendar. Today is Ascension Day. It’s been 40 days since we celebrated Easter. On Ascension Day we remember and recall the last five words Jesus spoke while on this earth. He said: “I am with you always!”

This is not a wish. This is a reality we know by faith. And because Jesus is always with us we know that we are never alone. God is always with us today. Tomorrow. And forever.

We can joyfully proclaim the news of Christ. Jesus promised to return one day. He assures us that He would send comfort and hope. Today our earthly job is to share the love of God with one another.

Law/Gospel Theme: After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples several times. He did this to show us who He was as the risen Son of God.

The appearances of Jesus also gave encouragement and peace reminding us of how to live out our lives.

As we consider the Ascension, we can rejoice in the conclusion of the earthly ministry of Jesus and get ready to share the news of the Gospel.

Prayer: Lord Jesus 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 have promise of the Father.

Hymn: 55 Jesus Loves Me

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Luke 24:44-53

44 Jesus said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Acts 1:1-11

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Hymn: 57 Just As I Am

Today we are looking at what happened when Jesus ascended into Heaven. Have you ever heard the word “ascend”? It means something goes up, like an elevator or a person going upstairs. In our lesson today, we are looking at the last time Jesus was on earth.

We’ve been talking about how He showed up to His disciples a few times after His resurrection. He spoke with them and gave them encouraging words.

Well, He had one final special meeting with them…Jesus took His disciples out of the town a little ways, and He reminded them again of who He was, and how He suffered and died and came back to life again to fulfill the prophecies.

He told His friends that He was going to send them an exciting present, and that they should wait for that present to get an amazing sort of power…then He gave them a blessing, and then do you know what happened?

Jesus floated up, ascending into the sky. But He didn’t come back down.

The disciples were left open-mouthed, starting into the sky and wondering when He would return.

An angel let them know that Jesus would be coming back, though they didn’t realize it would take such a long time.

In the meantime, the Lord has give us a job to do. We can tell others about Jesus and His love. We can tell others that Jesus was born. That He lived the perfect life. That He suffered, died, and rose again. We can tell others that Jesus ascended into heaven. And soon and very soon we shall see Him again.

The disciples were excited about what Jesus had said. They went to Jerusalem. Giving praise to God and telling people about what they had seen.

They were all stirred up with energy and excitement. How do you think you might have felt if you saw Jesus go up into the clouds like that??

It might have been shocking or confusing or exciting. One thing we can know is that we should be eager to share God’s love and good news with one another. And do you want to know something else?

This story about ascending has a sequel! Jesus told the disciples to wait for a special power that would be sent. Ten days later on the day of Pentecost the disciples went into all the world sharing the Good News of Jesus. And this Good News is our story to share with others each and every day.

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for resurrection joy. Help us to be excited about your story. So we can share the good news with others.

As the Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

As the Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

As the Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

Hymn: 37 He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands

Ascension Image copyright Ed Riojas Higher Things

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Thursday prior to Easter 7

[1]

Revelation22:1-6, 12-20—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.

[2]

Today is Ascension - – today we remember – that the resurrected Jesus was taken up to heaven. In His resurrected body. In the presence of eleven of His disciples. Forty days after the resurrection.

The Ascension is one of the chief festivals of the Church Year. The Ascension is one of the six major milestones in the life of Jesus – His birth. His Baptism. His Transfiguration. His crucifixion. His resurrection.

The Ascension is a big day. The Ascension is professed in both the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed. The Ascension teaches that Jesus humanity was taken into heaven. The same Jesus who with the same body in which He suffered went into heaven. He will return. In the same way. On the last great day. To judge men and angels at the end of the world.

Jesus might be visibly gone. Still He is physically present. He remembers us. As He feeds us with His Word and Sacrament. He also intercedes for you. On your behalf. Standing next to you. He calls out to the Father. To bless and protect you.

Prayers 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.

Almighty 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.

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

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 [3] -

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] Image of FCD Wyneken copyright Friends of Wyneken

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Wednesday prior to Easter 7

[1]

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

Acts 1:12–26 narrates what the followers of Jesus did after his ascension. They remained in Jerusalem as Jesus had commanded (Acts 1:4). Luke names the eleven disciples and then summarizes that they were together in unity dedicated to prayer.

“All these were continuously devoted (present participle) with one accord to prayer together with women, also with Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers” (Acts 1:14). Jesus is God in human flesh. God in human flesh as true man has a human mother and human brothers. To emphasize the biblical Christology we confess with the early church that Mary is “the mother of God.” We can also say that these are “the brothers of God.” According to John 7:5, Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him, but now they are part of his disciples. Probably the forty days of post-resurrection appearances led them to faith.

The words; ‘with one accord,’ recurs in Acts. It can be used to refer to the unity of the opponents (Acts 7:57; 18:12; 19:29), but here it stresses the unity brought about by Jesus, in the teaching, confession, and prayer, shared by the followers of Jesus (Acts 1:14; 2:46; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 15:25). This emphasis on unity in Acts 1:14 correlates with the gospel lesson of John 17:1–11, where Jesus prays for those whom the Father gave him, that they may be one even as Jesus and the Father are one. Acts 1 records the beginning of the fulfillment to Jesus’ prayer.

Peter as the first among equals then proclaimed to the group of about 120 believers. He began with the vocative, “Men, brothers.” He spoke to males who are now “brothers.” Whereas in verse 14 “brothers” refers to Jesus’ natural brothers, here it refers to “brothers” in the faith. Jesus creates the family of God so that he is our “brother” and we are “brothers” with him and each other. Peter explained that the Old Testament Scriptures had “to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before hand by means of the mouth of David.” The Scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit, and he spoke them by means of human instruments. In this case Peter was referring to Psalms 69 and 109, both Davidic psalms.[2]

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] https://concordiatheology.org/2014/05/easter-7-%E2%80%A2-acts-112-26-%E2%80%A2-june-1-2014/

Monday, May 26, 2025

Tuesday prior to Easter 7

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Psalm 133—Sunday’s psalm is a Psalm of brother love, and life forevermore. In verse2: At the high point in his consecration ceremony the high priest was anointed with oil (see Exodus 29:7) In verse3 - 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

Psalm 133 – The Blessed Unity of God’s People

Of the fifteen psalms in the series, Psalm 133 is the last of the four attributed to King David in the title: A Song of Ascents. Of David. We don’t know exactly when David composed this song, but one likely occasion was when David was finally received as king over all the tribes of Israel, ending a terrible season of national division and discord.

It could date from the crowning of David at Hebron when the leaders of the nation were, for a time at least, of one heart and mind (see 2 Samuel 5:1; 1 Chronicles 12:38-40) [2]

Collect for Psalm 133: Lord God, you have poured into our hears 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. [3] -

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-133/

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Monday prior to Easter 7

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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.

Psalm 61 – Hope and Help when my heart is overwhelmed

This psalm is titled To the Chief Musician. On a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David. David was often in trouble; we don’t know the life circumstances which prompted this psalm. It does seem to come after he came to the throne. Because of a reference to the end of the earth, some have thought it comes from the time of Absalom’s rebellion or on his military campaign near the Euphrates (2 Samuel 8:3-4). Those are possible, but by no means certain settings for this psalm.

On a stringed instrument: The word Neginah (the singular of Neginoth) may be understood to be synonymous with the kinnor or harp: that is to say, the instrument of eight strings probably played with a bow or plectrum. [2]

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.

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). [3]

Collect for Psalm 61: Lord Jesus, love and truth of the Father, you came to earth to relieve the pain of our exile; you took our weakness as your own. When our hearts grow faint, uphold us until we stand with you before God and praise your name forever. [4] -

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-61/

[3] Lectionary Study provided by LCMS commission on worship