Friday Prior to Proper 12

 

Mark 6:45-56 — Recognizing Jesus

In verse 53, Mark states that Jesus and the disciples landed at Gennesaret on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee (also known as the Lake of Gennesaret). It could well be that Jesus had previously passed through this area while travelling between Nazareth (twenty miles or so to the southwest) and Capernaum (a few miles further along the shoreline to the north). Still, this is the first mention of Gennesaret in Mark.

What happens after they step ashore? “People immediately recognized [Jesus]” (Mark 6:54).

How did they recognize him? Had he walked a few yards on the water while getting to shore? Had they seen pictures of him posted in the marketplace? Or is the scene more like that in Mark 1:16-20 when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John? Without any apparent previous knowledge of Jesus, they left everything immediately and followed him. What had they recognized in Jesus?

It is remarkable that none of the gospels provide a physical description of Jesus. We will never be able to pin him down by virtue of his appearance. Rather, we will always have to recognize Jesus for who he is and what he does.

It is more than the miracles and healings Jesus performed or the things he taught. It may actually take the gift of faith to recognize the one who died on the cross as the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. 1

In Mark 1:16-20 when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John without any apparent previous knowledge of Jesus, they left everything immediately and followed him. What had they recognized in Jesus? It is remarkable that none of the gospels provide a physical description of Jesus. We will never be able to pin him down by virtue of his appearance. 

Rather, we will always have to recognize Jesus for who He is and what He does. It is more than the miracles and healings Jesus performed or the things he taught. It may actually take the gift of faith to recognize the one who died on the cross as the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Pray for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, 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 def3ended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever  2

Sources:

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-16-2/commentary-on-mark-630-34-53-56-2 

2. Collect for Peace, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

St. James the Elder, Apostle (July 25)

 

Acts 11:27–12:5
Romans 8:28–39
Mark 10:35–45

St. James the Elder, Apostle 

The sons of Zebedee ask for seats at Jesus’ right and left in glory (Mark 10:37). But they do not know what they are asking (Matt. 20:22), for God’s kingdom is not of glory and power but the cross. We will bear ours after Him. For His sake we are killed and regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. But in all this we are more than conquerors through Him (Rom. 8:36–37), for Jesus’ death is unique. He alone is baptized with our sin and drinks the cup of God’s wrath against it (Mark 10:38). We live in service to our neighbors after His example; but He alone is the Son of Man, come to give His life as a ransom for many (v. 45). Today the Church commemorates the fulfillment of Christ’s prophecy about James, killed with Herod’s sword (Acts 12:2). He is honored as the first apostle to be conformed to the image of God’s Son (Rom. 8:29). But what is that when Christ Jesus has died—more than that, is raised—and is at the right hand of God, interceding for us? Nothing (not even a sword)can separate James and us from the love of Christ (v. 34–35).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Thursday Prior to Proper 12

 

Ephesians 3:14-21 — This section of the letter offers a bit of relief from the heavy theological portions that have been read up to this point.

It presents a moment of tenderness, in which the author speaks directly to his readers about his care for them. He speaks of his prayer for his readers, which he does on bended knee.

The paragraph begins abruptly with the phrase: “for this reason.” But for what reason? It refers to what has been said in the previous paragraphs about Paul’s ministry.

Paul, like other apostles, had been entrusted with revelation by the Spirit. Specifically, it had been revealed to him that Gentiles, who receive the gospel in faith, are fellow heirs of the promises of God. They too are members of the body of Christ, and therefore they have access to God. “For this reason,” the author prays that his readers may be strengthened in spiritual power, love, and knowledge.

The content of the prayer being offered is conveyed in Ephesians 3:16-19. Essentially there are four matters for which the author prays for the sake of his readers that they may have:

Inner spiritual strength

The indwelling of Christ in their hearts

The ability to comprehend all the dimensions of spiritual realities

Knowledge of the love of Christ 1

This section of the letter offers a bit of relief from the heavy theological portions that have been read up to this point. It presents a moment of tenderness, in which the author speaks directly to his readers about his care for them. He speaks of his prayer for his readers, which he does on bended knee. 

 

Paul, like other apostles, had been entrusted with revelation by the Spirit. Specifically, it had been revealed to him that Gentiles, who receive the gospel in faith, are fellow heirs of the promises of God. 

They too are members of the body of Christ, and therefore they have access to God. "For this reason," the author prays that his readers may be strengthened in spiritual power, love, and knowledge.

A Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen 2

Sources:

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-17-2/commentary-on-ephesians-314-21-2 

2. A Prayer for Home and Family Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis

Wednesday Prior to Proper 12

 

Genesis 9:8-17— God calls Adam to account for his sin. Here we see the consequences of the fall into sin. When God confronts Adam, he flees and hides because of his fear of God. He realizes he is naked, which is considered and abomination. This results in his sense of shame. When God asks for an explanation of his sin, both Adam and Eve blame others. Punishment is the cursing of the serpent. 

God asks Adam where he is. Of course God knows all but he asks that he might bring Adam to an awareness of his sin. Where is Adam? He is not where he should be. Because of his sin, he has run away to hide. Sin always separates us from God. We hide because sin breeds fear of God. Note that God comes to Adam after he sinned. God is concerned about the quality of our lives. Sin disturbs and grieves God. Always God asks for an accounting. Each faces Judgment. 

Sin may be forgiven but punishment goes with sin. “The wages of sin is death. “ No one escapes the penalty of doing wrong. God’s justice demands satisfaction.   1

We need to recognize the reality and depth of human resistance to God.  That is seen in killing Jesus.  What we call “sin” is not just the naughty things we do that make the tabloid headlines.  Sin can be deadly and destructive.  It has consequences.  And it offends. There is a deep seriousness to human wrong-doing – sin – that means that consequences cannot simply be bypassed. 

We can either turn away from them, or we can wrestle with them. Here we see God’s refusal to be marginalized. The next time instead of destroying the world through a flood He will turn His wrath on His own Son.

Prayer in time of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 2

Sources:

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

2. Collect in times of affliction and distress, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Tuesday Prior to Proper 12

 

Psalm136:1-9; key verse v26—Psalm 136 is a special psalm, with each one of its 26 verses repeating the sentence, His mercy endures forever. Psalm 118 repeated that affirmation five times. Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, the phrase has somewhat of a liturgical sense to it, as if the assembled people of Israel said or sung this in response to the direction of the Levites leading singing and worship. Ezra 3:11 indicates that this encouragement was part of a responsive singing among God’s people: And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever toward Israel.”

The sentence is used several other times in the Old Testament, each time in the context of some kind of public praise or declaration. His mercy endures forever is found:

In David’s psalm of praise recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:7 (16:34).

In the assignments of the priests in David’s day (1 Chronicles 16:41).

In Israel’s praise at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 5:13, 7:3, 7:6).

In the record of the LORD’s victory over the Ammonites as they praised (2 Chronicles 20:21).

In the future praise by Israel after the destruction suffered in the Babylonian conquest (Jeremiah 33:10-11).

In the dedication of Ezra’s temple (Ezra 3:11). 

We picture a great multitude of the people of God gathered in the temple courts. A priest or Levite would call out a reason to give God thanks, and His people would respond with, “For His mercy endures forever.” 1

The phrase “the God of heaven” (v.26) is a Persian title for God found frequently in Ezra, Nehemiah and Daniel. The Psalm is a liturgy of praise to the Lord as Creator and as Israel’s Redeemer. Its theme and many of its verses parallel much of Psalm 135. Most likely a Levitical song the leader led the recital which the choir or worshipers responded with the refrain. The Psalm recounts God’s mighty acts as the psalmist devotes six verse to God’s creation acts (Vv.1-3) six to His deliverance of Israel out of Egypt (Vv.10-15) one to the desert journey (v. 16) and six to the conquest (Vv.17-22) The four concluding verses return to the same basic themes in reverse order; God’s action in history on behalf of His people (Vv.23-24), God’s action in the creation order (v.25) and a closing call to praise (v.26).

Collect for Psalm 136; God of everlasting love, through your Word you made all things in heaven and on earth; you have open to us the path from death o life. Listen to the song of the universe, the hymn of resurrection, sung by your Church, and give us your blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 2

Sources:

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-136/ 

2. Collect for Psalm 136, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. IV, The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1996 Delhi, NY 

Proper 12 Series B reflection

In our Gospel lesson for today we will see that Jesus provides, preserves, and protects. We might try to control our lives. And do things within our personal power. But we are nothing without Christ. When we recognize His strength. We know He will rescue us from the “waves” of life!

Almighty God, the protector of all who trust In You, strengthen our faith, and give us courage to believe that in Your love You will rescue us from all adversity through Jesus Christ our LORD.

Hymn: #39 - “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” Vv.1-2

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.

 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

2     Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

    to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

    Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness,

    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

    and in his word I put my hope.

6 I wait for the Lord

    more than watchmen wait for the morning,

    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,

    for with the Lord is unfailing love

    and with him is full redemption.

8 He himself will redeem Israel

    from all their sins.

 Matthew 14:22-23 Jesus Walks on the Water

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

 Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”   “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Hymn #39 - “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” Vv. 3-4

In today’s story, there were people who did walk on water. The disciples were out on a boat on a lake. And there were some big winds and waves coming up.

Suddenly. In the middle of the night. They saw someone walking over the water to them. They were scared at first. But then the person called out. And it was Jesus!

He told them not to worry. Then Peter. Who sometimes acts without thinking. Asked Jesus if he could come join Him on the water. Jesus invited Peter out. So he stepped out of the boat and began to walk over the waves.

It must have suddenly occurred to Peter that this should not be happening. Because he suddenly looked down and started to panic. He began to sink. And called out to Jesus “save me!”

Jesus took Peter’s hand. And led him back to the boat. And as soon as they climbed in. The wind died down.

This might seem like a strange story. Who walks on water, after all? Can we believe enough to do that?

No…we can’t believe enough to do anything, on our own. Peter started to sink when he took His eyes off Jesus. In our lives. We start to “sink” spiritually if we put our trust in ourselves. If we think we can do things on our own. We will fail. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus. We can know that we will be safe.

Here comes Jesus. His feet are flattening out the sea like it’s a wet sidewalk. He doesn’t stand on the shore and shout instructions to us, “Row a little harder! Put some muscle into it! Get your act together! Think positive! You can do it!”

Jesus is not a life coach, a personal trainer, or a cheerleader on the sidelines of life. He is the Lord of the storms of life. He rules the winds and the waves. He comes to us in the midst of our fear and hopelessness to say, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

“Take courage, it is I who rescued the frightened Israelites when they were trapped between the chariots of Egypt and the Red Sea.”

“Take courage, it is I who calmed the sea for the sailors when they cast Jonah into the waves.”

The one who walks on water to save us, to be with us in the storms of life, is not a ghost. He is the flesh-and-blood God of our salvation.

He doesn’t tread upon the waves to wow us but to rescue us, to forgive us, to be our light when all about is darkness."[1]

He has promised to protect and provide for us. When we pray. And read our Bibles. And remember that God is nearby. We can take hope in His presence and power. We can live much easier with Jesus to guide us… Jesus will keep us afloat!

Lord thank you for your love and care. Thank you for rescuing us from the stormy seas of life. Help us to remember to trust in you for strength and power. Help us to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on you. We can do nothing without you. Thank you for giving us strength.[2]

Hymn # - 37/38 “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”

 

Words –975
Passive Sentences –0%
Readability –85.6%
Reading Level -3.3

[1] Chad Bird

[2] https://ministry-to-children.com/jesus-walks-on-water-sermon/

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Image Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things 

 

 

St. Mary Magdalene (July 22)

 
Proverbs 31:10–31
Acts 13:26–31
John 20:1–2, 10–18

St. Mary Magdalene

“An excellent wife who can find?” (Prov. 31:10). The Lord’s love does not search out what is lovely. Instead, His love seeks out sinners and dies for them, washes them clean, and presents them to Himself as a spotless bride (Eph. 5). Christ had no wife on earth; His bride is the Church—the assembly of forgiven sinners rescued by His death and resurrection. Among them is St. Mary Magdalene, one who had come up with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem (Acts 13:31). The Lord rescued her from the power of seven demons and she provided for Him out of her means (Luke 8:2–3). Christians have traditionally connected her with the unnamed penitent woman who was forgiven much by faith and thus loved much by anointing Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36–50). 

She was there at Christ’s death, present at His burial, and honored as the first witness of His resurrection. She would have clung to Him there in the garden, but the Lord had not yet ascended to His Father and our Father (John 20:16–18) to fill all things (Eph. 4:10). For now He is heard in the Word of His witnesses and is here bodily in His Supper, not just for Mary, but for all penitents who fear the Lord (Prov. 31:30), so that grace may abound all the more (Rom. 5:20).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship