Pr. DFD

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Proper 13 Series A (Pentecost 10)

Pentecost 10

Isaiah 55:1–5
Romans 9:1–5 (6–13)
Matthew 14:13–21

Christ Jesus, the Living Bread from Heaven, Feeds the Children of God

By the Gospel of “the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever” (Rom. 9:5), we are “the children of God” (Rom. 9:8), “not because of works but because of him who calls” (Rom. 9:11). Therefore, “listen diligently” and “hear, that your soul may live.” By His sacrificial death in His flesh and blood, He has made “an everlasting covenant” for us. Since He now calls us to Himself, we come to Him “and eat what is good, and delight … in rich food” (Is. 55:2–3). He has come with divine compassion to save us from sin and death and to feed us with Himself. As our Lord Jesus once took bread, “said a blessing,” broke the loaves “and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds” (Matt. 14:18–19), He also now takes bread, blesses it by His Word to be His very body, and distributes it to His Church by the hand of His called and ordained servants. Just as “they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces,” there is more than enough for His whole Church to eat and to be satisfied (Matt. 14:20).

Romans 9:2 I have great regret/grief unceasing sorrow...because they have thrown Christ off...there is no hope...they have confidence in themselves, their heritage, their background...

V. 8 is critical -

Matthew 14:13–21

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Matthew 14.13

Ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν ἐκεῖθεν ἐν πλοίῳ εἰς ἔρημον τόπον κατ’ ἰδίαν· καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ ὄχλοι ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ πεζῇ ἀπὸ τῶν πόλεων.

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.

Matthew 14.14

καὶ ἐξελθὼν εἶδεν πολὺν ὄχλον, καὶ ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐθεράπευσεν τοὺς ἀρρώστους αὐτῶν.

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Matthew 14.15

ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ λέγοντες· Ἔρημός ἐστιν ὁ τόπος καὶ ἡ ὥρα ἤδη παρῆλθεν· ἀπόλυσον τοὺς ὄχλους, ἵνα ἀπελθόντες εἰς τὰς κώμας ἀγοράσωσιν ἑαυτοῖς βρώματα.

Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”

Matthew 14.16

ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν ἀπελθεῖν· δότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς φαγεῖν.

But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”

Matthew 14.17

οἱ δὲ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· Οὐκ ἔχομεν ὧδε εἰ μὴ πέντε ἄρτους καὶ δύο ἰχθύας.

They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.”

Matthew 14.18

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· Φέρετέ μοι ὧδε αὐτούς.

And he said, “Bring them here to me.”

Matthew 14.19

καὶ κελεύσας τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνακλιθῆναι ἐπὶ τοῦ χόρτου, λαβὼν τοὺς πέντε ἄρτους καὶ τοὺς δύο ἰχθύας, ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εὐλόγησεν καὶ κλάσας ἔδωκεν τοῖς μαθηταῖς τοὺς ἄρτους οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ τοῖς ὄχλοις.

Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

Matthew 14.20

καὶ ἔφαγον πάντες καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν, καὶ ἦραν τὸ περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων δώδεκα κοφίνους πλήρεις.

And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

Matthew 14.21

οἱ δὲ ἐσθίοντες ἦσαν ἄνδρες ὡσεὶ πεντακισχίλιοι χωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων.

And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Footnotes:

– Romans 8:28-39 God’s continual goodness

Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ

Forever in God’s Love

These words. Are usually read at funerals. For the comfort of the bereaved. These words. Are a comfort. At all times. Not only at the time of death. These words. Are the one thing that gives Christians a sense of security.

Your peace. Is the assurance of the Father’s love and care. Lose the Lord’s love. And all is lost. To be separated from God’s concern is to be apart from His mercy, acceptance and of life itself.

You are forever in God’s love and care because –

1. Christ conquered our enemies at the cross. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come…” V. 38

No sin. No attempt of the enemy. Can steal the loving care of God from your life. That makes you more than conquerors through Christ who loves you. The Christian life is not a playground. But a battleground. Some want to live on easy street. They want to kick back. And just count their blessings. That isn’t the way it works. Says St. Paul, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." —Ephesians 6:12 Yet in this struggle you are not alone. But for you fights the valiant one. Whom God Himself elected!

A. Not even tribulation. Nothing in your present experience. Nor anything to come. Can separate you from the Father's love in Christ. Nothing in all of time. Present or future. Can separate you from the Father's love.

B. According to Paul, death is the final enemy to be destroyed. (See 1 Corinthians 15:26) Nothing in this life. And nothing in death can separate a believer from the Father's love. The two things we fear most; dying and living, are not threats to your eternity. Whether we live or die. We are in His love. Jesus won't ever let you go. You have security that is a matter of life and death.

C. Evil powers. They surround you. On every side. But you are in Christ. Nothing will befall you without His knowledge or consent. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” – Matthew 10:29 “Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns--and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26

Transition: Dankness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that. The light of Christ.

2. Faith in Christ gives us the victory. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” V. 37 We are conquerors only “through [Christ] who loved us.” At another time Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”(Philippians 4:13) Christians do conquer. But NOT on their own power. It is Christ who gives the strength to overcome all enemies. “…for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4

A. That great exchange. The Father’s mercy replacing your misery and sin.

B. Purchased and won for you at the bloody cross. That was the purpose of Christ’s suffering and death. That you might be His own. And live under Him in His kingdom. And serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Just as He is risen from the dead. Lives and reigns to all eternity.[1] “…even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28

Transition: The problems of this world are here and now. They are all around us. We do not war against flesh and blood. You do not war against people.

They are merely being used. As pawns. You war in order to set them free. How do we war? Through Jesus Christ. Because He already defeated those evil powers on His cross. Expressing the Father’s love.

3. The Father’s love will not let you go. “…no powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” V. 39 Nothing in the universe can separate us from the love of God. It is impossible. Because on the cross Christ defeated all evil powers. In Christ you conquer.

What does it mean to be separated from the love of God? Sin is separation from God. To be apart from God is to be deprived of God’s light, life, and love. Separation is the worst possible experience. This, then, constitutes good news. No suffering or evil power can separate you from the love of God.

Satan lacks the power to steal your eternal destiny. He cannot separate you from the love of God. Nothing you face worries God in the least. If you are His children through faith in His Son. Then you have His pledge of love and protection. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand." - John 10:27–29

A. You are loved. “This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” - 1 John 4:8-10

B. You are forever in Christ’s care. In baptism, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever. In baptism, the Father claims you as His own children. And tells you that you are loved. In baptism. You are joined with the family of faith, the Church, the Body of Christ. As you are incorporated into the life and the mission of Christ’s work in the world.

There are two extremes you need to avoid. Pride and despair. Says Luther, "If you are a "bruised reed," do not bruise yourself further nor let Satan bruise you, but give yourself to Christ, who is a friend to us and who loves crushed and broken spirits…This is the first and most powerful sacrifice. Then, when you have thus acknowledged God to be the Justifier of sinners, if you sing God even one song of thanks, you add another sacrifice, namely, a sacrifice of recompense or thanksgiving for the gifts you have received. This sacrifice is not merit but a confession and testimony of the grace which your God has bestowed upon you out of sheer mercy.” (Luther's Works AE 12, p. 409).

Why do we gather? To be encouraged by the message of Christ. These words. Are your confidence, security, and hope. In this world you will face discord and strife. It is these words which give you the blessed assurance. That in Christ you conquer and win the victory.

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Words – 1,150

Passive Words – 7%

Readability – 85.2%

Reading Level –3.4

Friday, July 24, 2026

July 25, 2020 – Saturday prior to Pentecost 9 – Proper 12

Joshua 24:16 –This passage is the inspiration for the hymn, “From God can nothing move me” {LSB 524}. The people react to Joshua’s commitment to serve the Lord. The people respond, “We will not serve other gods.” If we say of the Lord, “He is our God,” we cannot serve any other.

Ironically this hymn was written specifically for friends fleeing the 1563 plague in Erfurt to comfort them on their journey. Johann Sebastian Bach used several of Helmbold’s hymn texts in his cantatas, and stanza five of Von Gott Will Ich Nicht Lassen appears in Bach’s O heilges Geist-und Wasserbad (O holy bath of Spirit and Water).

The hymn is set to the tune VON GOTT WILL ICH NICHT LASSEN. This is probably the most well-known hymn of Ludwig Helmbold, a German philosophy professor and poet of Lutheran hymns.

Stanza three reads as follows:

The Lord my life arranges;
      Who can His work destroy?
      In His good time He changes
      All sorrow into joy.
      So let me then be still:
      My body, soul, and spirit
      His tender care inherit
      According to His will.

From Exodus 3, when Moses meets God, the great I AM, in the burning bush. There the I AM says to Moses, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry. … I know their sufferings, and I have come to deliver them.”

Here, even in the Old Testament, the Lord comes to His people to comfort them. In the face of temptation, trial, and even slavery, the Lord arranges our lives. None can destroy his work—not chariots, not Pharaoh and all his hosts, not even Satan.

We need only be still, for He who led His people Israel out of bondage in Egypt still comes to us with tender care to protect and strengthen us in body, soul, and spirit.

Stanza Five

      Praise God with acclamation
      And in His gifts rejoice.
      Each day finds its vocation
      Responding to His voice.
      Soon years on earth are past;
      But time we spend expressing
      The love of God brings blessing
      That will forever last!

How are we to respond to these great gifts? We shall praise God and rejoice in His kindness! Just as He continues to come to us daily, exactly where He promises to be, we daily find our response and our purpose in Him, following His voice as He reveals it to us in Holy Scripture.

And though we know our earthly days are limited, our Christian vocation is everlasting. We are freed in Christ to express the love of God in service to our neighbor and in acclamation we return to heaven. Those blessings Christ gives to us; and the blessings Christ gives to His people through His gifts and through us, His servants, are everlasting—even beyond the tomb of earthly death.[1]

A Collect For blessing on the Word – Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.[2]

[1] https://blog.cph.org/worship/hymn-of-the-month-from-god-can-nothing-move-me

Image Te Deum copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday, July 23, 2026

July 24 – Friday prior to Pentecost 8 – Proper 12

Psalm 125 – is the suggested Psalm for this coming Sunday. This psalm speaks of Israel’s peace in testimony, prayer, and benediction. Bible scholars believe it was written after the exile when those held in Babylonian captivity were allowed to return to the Jewish homeland.

This psalm was most likely prayed as part of the liturgy in the Jewish worship service. Thus, the Psalms we pray in worship reach back into the Old Testament. Through the centuries, our prayers have remained constant. Literally, for thousands of years, God’s people have uttered this same prayer. This links us to generations past present and future. In an age when we are tempted to cater to specific age brackets the psalms unite us linking and connecting us throughout the generations of time.

The psalmist assures us—“For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous.” – V.3 From the beginning, a gracious and all-powerful Ruler was designed for his people; David’s ‘greater Son,’ the Lord Jesus Christ. The rule of those who preceded him would never “rest” on the land. Only his rule will continue forever.

This is our security and our destiny toward which we look with rich expectation. We are cared for with the secure protection of the city of Jerusalem which is surrounded by mountains. We have the certainty of a righteous Ruler forever.

We can see why this psalm was chosen for this compilation of the psalms of ascent. As the pilgrim worshipers made their way to Jerusalem from almost any place within the land of Palestine, the journeyed up increasingly higher ground. They felt the same awe we feel in the presence of the majestic mountains. And they sang this song to remind themselves that what they saw around them pictures in graphic ways the security and significance that they have in the LORD.

Lord surround your people with your presence. Do not let us stretch out our hands to evil deeds, not be destroyed by the snares of the enemy, but bring us to share the land prepared for the saints in light, where you love and reign, God, now and forever.[1]

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

July 23 – Thursday prior to Pentecost 9 – Proper 12

Matthew 14:44-52 - In the Parable of the pearl of great value, the merchant sold all he had for just one pearl. Jesus was willing to die - for you. St. Paul explains it this way, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:6-8

You inherit the kingdom by grace through faith in Christ, who purchase and redeemed you with His precious blood. God made him who had no sin to be sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 1 Corinthians 5:21

You, yes, you are that valued object - you are of much worth. The God-man Jesus Christ gives up His life in exchange for your life of misery and sin.

Finally, the Parable of the dragnet of fish. A dragnet was drawn through the water between two boats onto the shore. Fish of ever kind…good…and bad come ashore. When the net was full, edible and inedible fish were sorted from one another. As Weeds were allowed to grow in a previous parable here there is no delay in the sorting of the fish.

God’s rule includes a final judgment at the close of the age. You need not worry about that day. The Father is gracious to you through His Son, our Savior, in who you are chosen. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” -Ephesians 1:4.

Thus we are encouraged to pray, Let not my heart be troubled dear Lord, by thoughts of the final judgment. I know You have prepared a place for me in heaven.

His word will not return empty. It will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. All of this will come to fruition on the Day of Judgment. “All will be made right at that time." Keep doing what you have been called to do. Gossip the Gospel. Be focused in your living. All is not lost in your labor. Only the persons that refuse to hear the gospel remain lost.

For those who are in Christ, ‘heaven is their home.’ Only those who reject the saving gospel grace message; - they will reap what they have sown, by living for themselves and not for the Savior from sin, Jesus Christ. God will have the last word. You, proclaim His word.

By God’s grace in Christ, we have been given the full armor of God, along with the gift of wisdom and understanding. To follow Jesus Christ. And speak about the reign of God in Christ, our savior, our hope, and our comforter. Dressed and ready to share the mysteries of God’s reign as revealed in Jesus Christ. These parables of God’s reign in Christ give us the assurance and hope that He is our Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil.

So who are you? I’ll give you a hint. It’s written right next to the South door of the Zion Friedheim gathering space… So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. - Isaiah 28:16

Heavenly Father, grant me Your righteousness and entrance into Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Wednesday prior to Pentecost 9 – Proper 12

Romans 8: 28-39 - Some of you are engineers. While some of you are draftsmen and accountants and bookkeepers. Many of you are farmers. While some of you are machinists or work in the medical field. Some of you may be students studying the sciences. In your world mathematical formulas are extremely important. Facts and figures make sense to you!

There is symmetry to the Scriptures…

The heart of Psalm 23 is the phrase, "For Thou art with me." There are exactly 26 Hebrew words before that phrase. And... 26 words after it.

What's more, the numerical value of the letters in the divine name, “Yahweh,” equals 26. His name is the first Hebrew word in the psalm, and He is the "Thou" who is "with me."

The abiding presence of the Good Shepherd with us--when we're in the valley of the shadow of death or surrounded by enemies--is the beating heart of psalm 23.[1]

We have now come to the crown jewel of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. By these words you know the Father’s continual goodness.

The Father’s love will not let you go. “…no powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” V. 39 Nothing in the universe can separate us from the love of God. It is impossible. Because on the cross Christ defeated all evil powers. In Christ you conquer. What does it mean to be separated from the love of God? Sin is separation from God. To be apart from God is to be deprived of God’s light, life, and love. Separation is the worst possible experience. This, then, constitutes good news. No suffering or evil power can separate you from the love of God.

Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand." - John 10:27–29

You are loved. “This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” - 1 John 4:8-10

You are forever in Christ’s care. In baptism, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever. In baptism, the Father claims you as His own children. And tells you that you are loved. You are joined with the family of faith, the Church, the Body of Christ. As you are incorporated into the life and the mission of Christ’s work in the world

“Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope and love, that, receiving what You have promised, we may love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” Amen [2]

[1] Blog post from Chad Bird posted July 26, 2017

Monday, July 20, 2026

Tuesday prior to Pentecost 9 – Proper 12

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 - The Lord is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love. We are loved and blessed because the Lord first loved us. Yet this love must be reciprocated by His people to others. Thus, in the New Testament we are reminded, “We love because He first loved us” {1 John 4:19}.

God’s faithfulness is guaranteed in his oath concerning his people.

He swore to Abraham to bless his seed and to bring blessing to the nations through his seed (v. 8). The oath is found in Genesis 22:16–18. This is the basis of his choosing of Israel.

That oath includes blessing for us. It was kept, and still is kept, ultimately in Christ’s work and applies to all the believing children and heirs of Abraham, including Gentiles with faith. (See Hebrews 6:13–19; Galatians 3:7ff.). Now both Jews and Gentiles who trust in Christ are the new Israel and may trust that the Lord is faithful never to leave nor forsake them.

All Christians are called to the holy purpose of faithfully serving and testifying to the Lord who has redeemed them. We are the new Israel, a holy “nation” to tell of his wonderful deeds to a world that still needs his marvelous light.[1]

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish others and ourselves in Your holy faith.

[1] https://concordiatheology.org/2014/07/proper-12-%E2%80%A2-deuteronomy-76-9-%E2%80%A2-july-27-2014/