Tuesday prior to Pentecost

             Ascension                   

                                Pentecost 

         

Five days ago, we celebrated the Ascension of our Lord.  In five days, we will gather to celebrate the feast day of Pentecost. So today, the “Five Words for Today” simply are: “It stinks to be me!” How true! As Pr. Daniel May is wont to remind us “we’re living in a broken world outside of Eden.” 

Feelings of hopelessness have become a product of our times. We live with such rapid changes all around. There are family issues, jobs that are threatened, communities in crisis, commodities susceptible to manipulation, economic situations and market issues that are out of our control, beyond our grasp. Add to these social and societal shifts we cannot easily understand, and because so much is beyond our grip we can feel the sense that we too are losing control.

Amidst this trouble and strife, this chaos and confusion the Savior comes to us with His Word of comfort and promise. His five words, in fact, the very last five words He ever spoke on this planet are these: “I am with you always!” That’s not an idle wish. It’s a promise we know by faith.

Jesus understands our circumstance and promises to do something about our sorry lot. He promises us the Counselor, for our aid and comfort. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come and appears on our behalf to be a mediator, and intercessor, and a genuine helper.

The Savior delivered His word of truth when He said from the cross: “It is finished!” He further confirmed that Word in you when He called you by the Gospel in your baptism and today through the power of that same word says to you: “I am with you always!” 

Finally, another five words to consider today. “This is for my good.” The Savior has promised to order our days and direct our path. Because Jesus is with us, we can face each day, even when it stinks to be me, for the Savior is working all things for our good.

“Almighty and eternal God, Your Son our Savior is withy You in eternal glory. Give us faith to see that true to His promise, He is among us still and will be with us to the end of time.”

Images
The Ascension © Ed Riojas Higher  Things
The First Pentecost woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

 

        

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 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]

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[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.

[3]Prayer for Psalm 25  For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and by the Church copyright © 1994 The American Luther Publicity Bureau Delhi, NY

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

Image: “The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Monday prior to Pentecost

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[1] Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Seventy Day of Creation’ copyright © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

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.[2]

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[2] Collect for Agriculture, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis

Pentecost study notes

 

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.

-The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

-ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

-LCMS Lectionary notes © 2018 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

-Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

Saturday prior to Easter 7

 

 Acts 2:21 – “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

This verse is the inspiration for the hymn, “Christ is the World’s Redeemer“{LSB 539}. The suggested hymn for this week reminds us that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Having examined the realities of Easter, we now go out into the world as witnesses of the Savior. This is what living the faith means. Expressing what those 1^st Century disciples proclaimed, “We are witnesses to these things.” – Luke 24:48; Acts 5:32; 10:39;

This is the bridge between the Easter appearance of Christ to His disciples and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost; the birthday of missions. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  Acts 1:8

From the preamble of our parish mission statement: “The birthday of Missions occurred on the day of Pentecost circa AD 30 in the city of Jerusalem. On February 25, 1838, Zion-Friedheim Lutheran Church was chartered to be a House of Peace, a Haven of Hope for those who suffer and a Harbor of Light in this sin-darkened world. As followers of Jesus, we are Christ’s ambassadors – commissioned by Him who has reconciled the world to Himself to be salt and light in this world.” 

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.

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.

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.

Christ the King, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collects from Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Friday prior to Easter 7

 Psalm 47 – This Psalm is suggested for the week of Ascension.  The Psalmist gives praise for the kingship of the Lord and the universal reign of the God of Abraham. It is seen as a prophecy of Christ who will rise up to be king of the entire earth through the preaching of the Gospel.

This promised salvation is for all nations and has been carried out in time and history by His Son, who became man precisely to be “lifted up” on the cross and so “draw all people” to Himself. 

“And Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified’.” -John 12:23

The Father sent His Son into the world, in the likeness of our sin and death, and lifted Him up on the pole of the cross, that whoever looks to Him in faith “may have eternal life” (John 3:14–16).

By His cross, “the light has come into the world,” not for condemnation, but “that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17–19). While we “were dead in the trespasses and sins” in which we once lived (Ephesians 2:1), God loved us, calling us to repentance and raising us up with Christ to live “with him in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 2:4–6)

Jesus comes to be lifted up in glory on the cross in order to cast out “the ruler of this world” and draw all people to Himself

Today we sing praise to our God for He is the King of all the earth, which He has redeemed through His Son.

Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

“Go into all the world” copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday prior to Easter 7

 John 17:1-11 – Christians in the world are prayed for. Before His departure, Jesus prays for His disciples.

This lesson, the Gospel for this coming Sunday, is a part of Christ’s high priestly prayer, the end of His farewell discourse at the Last Supper begun in chapter 13. It is a pray where Jesus prays for His disciples left in the world.  The hour of His departure has come. He reports to the Father that He has accomplished the work He was sent to do.

Jesus says, “The hour has come.” It is the hour of death, and the hour of glory. This is the hour for which Jesus worked, the hour for which he came to earth. Who things of his hour of death as the hour of glory? In Jesus’ case his death is a glory by virtue of the atoning power of His death to take away the sins of the world. In His death the Father redeemed and reconciled His children. The death of Jesus was a victory for the Father.

Today is Ascension Day forty days after Easter. It is the day the Savior returned to the Father to be received by Him. It is a day in which we remember that this same Ascended Lord will return on the Last Great Day to receive us into His glory. We are reminded of that great spiritual which says, “Soon and very soon, we shall see the king!”

The Ascension has certain important truths to be proclaimed:

Ø  It is the final exaltation of Jesus as Lord of Lords.

Ø  It is the universal accessibility of Jesus

Ø  It is the coming of age of the Christian in responsibility

Ø  It is the total lordship of Jesus over all creation

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

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

Good Friday copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collects for the Ascension and Agriculture, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis