Pr. DFD

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Wednesday prior to Christ the King

Daniel 7:13-14 – God gives the Son of Man an eternal kingdom. A vision of the Son of Man’s presentation to the Lord who gave Him an indestructible kingdom. Here we get the picture of one like a son of man appearing before the Lord, not coming to earth as in Mark 13. By the time of the New Testament, the Son of Man was conceived as an individual, a heavenly figure. Jesus used the term to signify His Messiahship. This is the proclamation of the final establishment of Christ’s kingly rule. It says that at the end all things in the world will be subject to Christ and that all nations will serve Him. This is the basis for Christian hope.

Here we have a delightful scene in heaven. The Son of Man is presented to the Father. It is similar to a subject’s presentation to a king. Jesus has completed the task God =gave him. He died for the world and rose in victory. Now he returns to heaven and is presented to the Father. As a reward for his work, the Father gives him an eternal and universal kingdom. Daniel saw better than he knew.

The word “dominion” is used several times in these two verses. It is the kingdom, the reign give to the Son of Man. This makes him more than a king, for his rule extends to the ends of the universe. Because of this dominion, he is the judge of the earth. Since he is God’s Son, his rule is eternal for the LORD cannot die. The universe belongs to Christ and it is in his good hands. In spite of this, Christ does not have perfect dominion until every heart accepts him as king.

As the king of the universe, the Son of Man has innumerable servants, as a king deserves. He served the people of all ages by his atoning death, and now all peoples are his servants. If Christ is our king, ten we are his servants. We exist to obey. We live to please him. In that service we find our peace, our joy and our freedom. .[2]

Collect for the Glorious Reign of Christ —Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son, we pray, that he may lead home His bride, the Church, that we will all the redeemed may enter into Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. [3]

[1] The New Heaven, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Monday, November 18, 2024

Tuesday prior to Christ the King

[1]

Psalm 93; key verse, verse 1 - “The Lord is King.” This refrain is the theme of the entire day – The Lord is King. He is the king above all other kings, the one and true God. We offer Him our worship and praise for He is worthy of our worship, praise, glory and honor. He is truly the Christ, our King.

There is no title to this psalm in the Hebrew text. It is a short, bold declaration of God’s might, power, and holiness. G. Campbell Morgan said of Psalm 93, “Interpretation is almost an impertinence. Let it be done reverently.”

“Psalm 93 describes a theocracy, as do the seven psalms that follow it. The words Yahwehmelek (‘Jehovah reigns’ or ‘Jehovah is king’) are the watchwords of these theocratic psalms.” (James Montgomery Boice)

The LORD reigns, Psalm 93 begins suddenly and wonderfully with the proclamation of Yahweh’s rule. This lifts the covenant God of Israel over every idol and pretender of sovereignty. [2]

The theme for the last Sunday of the church year is the King and His Kingdom. Without any difficulty, the theme of kingship can be seen in the lessons. We now come to the end of the church year. Throughout the year, we have covered the life, work, and teachings of Jesus, and it comes to a glorious climax today with a “Hallelujah Chorus.” The Gospel lesson (John 18:33-37) reminds us that Jesus’ kingdom is not a worldly kingdom. The Old Testament lesson (Daniel 7:13-14) pictures the Son of Man upon His ascension receiving an eternal and universal kingdom. The King of kings will return to earth, according to the Epistle lesson (Revelation 1:4b-8). The refrain of the Psalm for the day could not be plainer: “The Lord is King.”

Collect for Psalm 93 Lord Jesus, king of glory, when you rose from the grave in the power of the Spirit,, you firmly established your kingdom, never to be shaken or destroyed by death. May your will be done on earth as in heaven until the Church is made holy by your embrace, our Redeemer and our Lord.[3]

[1] The New Heaven, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-93/

[3] Collect for Psalm 93, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. IV. © The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Monday prior to Christ the King

[1]

Psalm 39:4-5, 7-8, 12a, Antiphon, 2 Peter 3:13b–We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. The Antiphon expresses the desire of every believing child of God – to be home with the Lord. This is our destiny. We are not earthbound. We are only strangers here – heaven is our home.

This psalm is titled To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

The Chief Musician is thought by some to be the Lord GOD Himself, and others suppose him to be a leader of choirs or musicians in David’s time, such as Heman the singer or Asaph (1 Chronicles 6:33, 16:5-7, and 25:6).

Jeduthun (mentioned also in the titles of Psalm 62 and 77) was one of the musicians appointed by David to lead Israel’s public worship (1 Chronicles 16:41; 25:1-3).

This is a Psalm of David, though it cannot be connected to any specific point in his life. It is possible that it was from his last few years of life.

LORD, make me to know my end: David’s silence was broken in the best way – by humble prayer to God. He would not speak his fears and doubts before the wicked, but he would pour them out before His God. Here David asked God for wisdom – specifically, the wisdom to know the shortness and the frailty of his life (that I may know how frail I am).

And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Perceiving the shortness and frailty of life made David put his expectation and hope upon God and not upon himself. In right standing and friendship with the Living God, David could understand and prepare for life beyond this life.[2]

Collect for Psalm 39: Heavenly Father, through your Son you taught us not to fear tomorrow but to commit our live to your care. Withhold not your Spirit from us, but help us find a life of peace after these days of trouble; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. [3]

Collect for Christ the King –Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[4]

[1] The New Heaven, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-39/

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Proper 29 - Christ the King - notes

Behold your king!

Pilate asks “are you a king?” This peasant preacher. Jesus of Nazareth – Is He a king? This prophet. Who enters the capital city on a donkey – Could He be a king? Where are His palaces? His bodyguards? Is this a king who stands before Pilate with a crown of thorns on His head, a reed in His tied hands, and with rags for a regal robe? A King – Are you kidding? Jesus is every inch a king because –

He was born a king
He lived as a king
He died as a king
He conquered as a king

I. He was born a king – He has an eternal throne.

A. The wise men who “saw His star in the east,” came to worship Him. As they entered the city of Jerusalem they asked, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” –Matthew 2:2

B. The response of these wise men to Jesus is entirely appropriate, and their actions serve as a model of all true discipleship. They seek Christ (v. 2), and when they had found Him they rejoice (v. 10), and worship Him (vv. 2, 11a). They offer Him gifts that befit a king. (v. 11b; see Psalm 45:7-9; 72:15)

II. He lived as a king – “A ruler is most powerful…when he tends to the needs of his subjects.” (–Danker) People with power not only take what they want because they can do so unpunished, but also because they intuitively feel they are entitled to do so. Conversely, people who lack power not only fail to get what they need because they are disallowed to take it, but also because they intuitively feel they are not entitled to it.

A. Speaking to Pilate as He stood trial Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36

B. It is the kingdom of heaven, and it belongs to another world. Christ is a king, and He has a kingdom, but it is not of this world. His kingdom is not by succession, election, or conquest, but by the immediate and special designation of the divine will and counsel.

Its nature is not worldly. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17). Its riches and powers are spiritual. The ministers of state in Christ’s kingdom have not the spirit of the world.

In this kingdom. Its guards and supports are not worldly. Its weapons are spiritual. It neither needed nor used secular force to maintain and advance it. It opposed no other kingdom. But that of sin and Satan.

Its tendency and design are not worldly. Christ neither aimed nor would allow His disciples to aim at the pomp and power of the great men of the earth.

Its subjects, however, they are in the world, yet they are not of the world. They are called and chosen out of the world. They are born from, and bound for, another world.

They are neither the world’s pupils nor its darlings. They are neither governed by its wisdom. Nor enriched with its wealth.

III. He died as a king – Behold your king. “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” –INRI

A. In His suffering, agony, crucifixion, and death He offers life and salvation to all who would believe in Him. In His cruel death the Father offers clemency to all who are convicted of sedition against Him. C.S. Lewis describes it this way, “”When an innocent victim who had committed no treachery dies in a traitor’s stead the table would crack and death itself begins to work backward.” - “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

B. Do you believe this? The cruel cross of Calvary always looms ahead of us. Does the death of a condemned man seem compelling enough to offer atonement? Could His life and sacrifice really save you? The surroundings and the circumstances of His death are the means by which we find peace with God and absolution for our sin.

IV. He conquered as a king – George Handle in his work the Messiah has his chorus sing, “And He shall reign forever and ever, King of Kings and Lord of Lords” –

A. In the book of Revelation St John writes, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. ¹² In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” Revelation 5:11-14

B. As subjects of this king you have been given the hope and promise that you too will live and reign with Him in glory.

Is this Jesus a king? Most certainly He is – He was born, He lived, He died a king. When He appears in glory. We shall see Him as He is – The Alpha and the Omega – King of Kings and Lord of Lord. “Even so come quickly Lord, even now,

Friday, November 15, 2024

Saturday prior to Proper 28

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Hebrews 12:1-3; Revelation 2:10; 14:13; 17:14 is the inspiration for the hymn, For All the Saints (LSB 677). Soon we will close out the church year. As citizens of the United States, we are also citizens of another country – the Kingdom of Christ in glory. This week we have celebrated Veteran’s Day honoring those who have served in the armed forces of our nation. At the same time, we honor Christ who has served us defeating our last great enemy death and opened for us the gate which leads to eternal life.

William W. How (b. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, 1823; d. Leenane, County Mayo, Ireland, 1897) studied at Wadham College, Oxford, and Durham University and was ordained in the Church of England in 1847. He served various congregations and became Suffragan Bishop in east London in 1879 and Bishop of Wakefield in 1888. Called both the "poor man's bishop" and "the children's bishop," How was known for his work among the destitute in the London slums and among the factory workers in west Yorkshire. He wrote a number of theological works about controversies surrounding the Oxford Movement and attempted to reconcile biblical creation with the theory of evolution. He was joint editor of Psalms and Hymns (1854) and Church Hymns (1871). While rector in Whittington, How wrote some sixty hymns, including many for children. His collected Poems and Hymns were published in 1886.[2]

A prayer for Christ’s return – O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For strong faith in Christ – Almighty and ever-living God, since You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who believe, grant us so perfectly and without all doubt to believe in Your Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in Your sight may never be reproved; through our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.[3]

[2] https://hymnary.org/person/How_William

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Friday prior to Proper 28

[1]

Mark 13:1-13– Before the end of the world comes, there will be natural disasters and Christ’s followers will be persecuted. This chapter from Mark’s Gospel, is known as the “Little Apocalypse.” It is the last long teaching of Jesus in Mark, as though it were a farewell speech. The destruction of the temple is predicted and the disciples privately asked Jesus when this would occur and what would be the signs of the end. But these signs mark only the beginning of the end: earthquakes, wars, and persecution. The end will not come until the Gospel is preached to all nations. When will the end come? When the last pagan is converted.

Collect for Pentecost Season - O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleanse our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus Christ, when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

For those in distressed - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer for Peace -O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed, give to Your servants that peace which the world simply cannot give that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended by You, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.[2]

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Thursday prior to Proper 28

[1]

Hebrews10:11-18 – After His perfect sacrifice, Jesus is seated at God’s right hand until all of His enemies are defeated. The one supreme sacrifice of Christ removes the necessity of repeated sacrifices of animals. These repeated sacrifices cannot remove sin. Jesus’ one sacrifice perfected the faithful. After the perfect offering, Jesus is seated now at God’s right hand waiting for all evil forces to be subjected to Him. This once-for-all-time offering initiated a new covenant which cancels all former covenants and their sacrifices. It is a new covenant of forgiveness. Since there is forgiveness in and through the new covenant, there is no need of other sacrifices for sin.

The Scriptures tell us the naked truth. It is positive, frank and absolute. “Never” has no a limitation nor exceptions. It simply says that the daily sacrifices of the priests can “never take away sins.” If so, they are futile and useless, a waste of animals and of the priests’ efforts.

Jesus sat down at the right hand of God when he ascended to the Father. Human priests stand at the altar to offer sacrifices. The high priest sat down in exaltation after his offering. He could sit down, for his one sacrifice was sufficient for all time. There is no need for him to stand again to offer a sacrifice. Now he sits in glory waiting for all forces to be brought into subjection to him as Lord of lords.

When Jesus gave supreme sacrifice on the cross, he gave perfection to all who accepted him by faith. Because of Jesus’ merit, God’s accounts the believer with perfection, not the sinners’ perfection but Christ’s perfection. The sinner puts on Christ’s rob of righteousness and possesses the perfection of Christ. Thus, God can receive the sinner into his holy presence because the sin is covered by the righteousness of Christ. [2]