Friday prior to Ester 5

[1]

– Psalm 31 – This Psalm is a prayer when confronted by a conspiracy so powerful and open that all David’s friends abandoned him. According to Luke 23:46, Jesus applied verse 5 “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” to His own circumstance. Those who share in His sufferings at the hands of all sorts of forces are encouraged to hear and use this psalm in light of what Jesus has endured for us. Notice that Jesus dismisses His own spirit.

Jesus' death is different from any other.

“The wages of sin is death” - the Bible tells us. Each man must die as a result of sin. We will face death because of our common corrupt nature - found in every person who has ever taken the breath of life. Jesus' death is different, as He never sinned.

The Bible further tells us; "It is appointed for man once to die and after this comes judgment" We will face the judgment seat of God once we die. There will be a day or reckoning for every soul upon this earth. Again, not so with Jesus. His was a perfect sacrifice. As He was innocent and yet charged and judged. Yet He bore our punishment for us - that His sentencing might be sufficient for the sin of the entire world.

Jesus' death is absolutely voluntary - no one else- including His enemies or the devil himself -can take His life from Him. The death of Jesus is a supreme sacrifice. Jesus tells us plainly, "No one takes My life from Me - I lay it down and I take it up again."

Jesus dismisses His life voluntarily. He does it of His own will. This selfless act is necessary and essential to your salvation.

It had to be voluntary for God to be just. There is an element of justice with God. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. Each sin must be dealt with. Total payment must be made. The debt for sin must be paid. Jesus Christ by His voluntary death paid the ultimate price for sin.

 

It had to be voluntary for God to be God. People can't kill God. We can ignore Him. We can defy Him. We can abandon and disown Him. But we can't kill Him. The devil thought in his heart of hearts that he had killed the Lord of life. Not so! Remember those words of Jesus, "No one takes My life from Me - I lay it down and I take it up again.” That's why Jesus could pray "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit."

It had to be voluntary to display fully His love. The death of Jesus was not a selfish act. It was a labor o life to demonstrate fully His love for us. Jesus says in John chapter three: "God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."

See what manner of love the Farther has for us that we might be the children of God. As the Son has given up His life for you now you are free and your sins they are no more!

Merciful Father, Your patience and loving-kindness  toward us has no end. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may always think and do those things which are pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.[2]

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[1] The Crucifixion copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Proper 22 Series B, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Thursday prior to Ester 5

[1]

 Jesus said, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” – John 14:6

We never want to lose sight of Easter. Because every Sunday is a celebration of The Resurrection. Because Christ lives, He is the way, truth and life.

Your life in Christ is always in the present.  In light of Easter Jesus is our only way to the Father. After all, what other man has ever returned from the dead?

Only when we do the Jesus truth, in the Jesus way, do we get the Jesus life.

For without the way. There is no going. Without the truth. There is no knowing. Without the life. There is no living.

Without the way. There is no going.  Hold onto this promise. "I am the way." Jesus won't let you down now. 'I am the Way.' In Him you see the Father. In Him you will meet God. His teachings will guide your feet. His presence will sustain your spirit. In all the twists and turns your future path may take, hold fast to Jesus, He is the Way.

"In my Father's house are many dwelling places."- John14:2 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"I go to prepare a place for you." -John14:3 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also," –John 14:3 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"If you know me, you will know my Father also." -John14:7 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"From now on you do know him and have seen him." -John14:7 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." -John14:9 Jesus said, “I am the Way.”

Jesus is the Way. He is the truth. Without the truth. There is no knowing.

Jesus is the way for those who dwell in an abyss of misery, futility and pain.  Jesus is the way for those going through the motions. Jesus is the way for those who fear their questions are too basic. So bring your questions. Even your hardest questions to the God Jesus makes known.

 For this God can handle them. Indeed, this God wants them. And when you are next to your wits end. When your hearts are troubled. And your blood pressure is racing with anxiety -- look to Jesus, the one who preached God's mercy and taught God's love.   Who healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, and made the lame to walk. And then conquered death so that even the grave can no longer claim you. Because what you see in Jesus...this is what God looks like. This is who and what God is. Love, perfect love, for you, for all of us, and the whole world.

Jesus is the Way. He is the truth. He is the life. Without the life. There is no living.

The life you live is not your own. The life you live is rooted in Christ. "You are, for the sake of Christ, loved and treasured and of value in this world.  Apart from your perception. Another's evaluation. Or your own feelings or failures. It’s a reality that comes from outside of you, hanging there on the cross."[2]

This does not mean that we are free from suffering, failure or loss. We often fail and fail miserably. The stuff of self identity is the difference between the words "do" and "done".  In the words of John the Baptizer, "I must decrease. He must increase." The life you live is not your own. The life you live finds its identity in Jesus Christ.

St. Paul reminds us, "And since Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you." - Romans 8:10-11.

The life you live is not your own. The life you live finds its identity in Jesus Christ

O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[3]

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[1] Baptized into Christ copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Pr. James Wetzstein, Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso, IN  29 March 2014

[3] Collect for Easter 5, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St., Louis

 

Wednesday prior to Easter 5

 

1 Peter 2:2-10 – God’s people are a chosen, holy people. As living stones. In a spiritual house. Christians are God’s people. Peter’s letter is considered a sermon to newly-baptized people. As newborn children, they now need spiritual milk until they grow into maturity. The new Christians are likened to living stones in a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone holding them together. Again, they are likened to a spiritual priesthood, which offer spiritual sacrifices. These Christians are the new Israel; God’s chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood. Because they received God’s mercy in Christ, they have changed from a “nobody” to a “somebody.”

Peter is alluding to a verse from Isaiah 28:16, which Jesus interpreted to refer to himself (See Matthew 21:42).

This verse refers to Jesus as a living stone—an allusion to his resurrection—Christ is alive. The original readers of this letter—mostly Gentiles—had earlier worshiped idols made of inanimate stone—dead—lifeless—having no power to help them. They would surely understand the contrast between those dead idols and their living Christ.

Consider this irony. Peter, whom Jesus gave the Greek name ‘Petros,’ which means rock (Matthew 16:18), now speaks of Christ as a “living stone”—and, in the next verse, will speak of his readers as living stones. However, Peter uses a different word for rock here—the same word that Jesus used when talking about the stone that the builders rejected (Matthew 21:42; see also Acts 4:11).

“Rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. “(v. 4b). Jesus was rejected, whose rejection led directly to Jesus’ cross. However, God the Father had chosen Jesus so “that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus was the Father’s “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5)—precious in the Father’s sight.  The Father now looks at you through the lens of Calvary’s cross.

“You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house“(v. 5a). By virtue of their  connection to Christ, these new Christians have also become living stones—suitable for incorporation into a spiritual house—God’s temple—Christ’s church.

So, what does this all mean? It means you have value importance and worth.  The temptation is to find your importance from within yourself – hence the term “self-worth,” coupled with, “my happiness,” “my truth,” ‘my journey.”  But the consequence can be worse if we see only failure and disappointment.  The Father determines and sees you as precious – more precious than gold. This is why the Savior redeemed you. That you might be His own and live under Him in His kingdom to serve Him in everlasting, innocence and blessedness.

The Father’s final attempt to create a new people is the church. With Noah, God made a new people. He tried again with Abraham. In Christ the Father makes a new people.  Notice the marks of this “new people,” created out of nothing; chosen, different –‘holy,’ commissioned as priests, to ‘declare the wonderful deeds of God. Your value is in the Father’s estimate of you.

Today, many suffer from self-depreciation. They have no respect for themselves. They feel of no account, – worthless. They consider themselves to be “nobodies.” Peter assures us that the Father made somebody out of a nobody. He grants mercy to you. He calls you through His gospel to be received by Him. He chooses you to serve – at this time and place.

Your sufficiency is in Christ. This makes you unique – a child of God – a somebody in this world.

Image: “All Saints,” copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Tuesday prior to Easter 5

 

Acts6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60 –Today’s reflection is based on the first reading for this coming Sunday.

The apostolic church has problems of growth. The ministry was so busy that spiritual functions are being neglected. Just keeping up with the daily needs of this fledgling congregation was simply overwhelming. A number of members started complaining about some being neglected. The Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day.

This was more than a simple criticism. Remember there were no social systems in place. There was no safety net. Neither was there any government programs promising a stimulus check or a bail out. Widows had no rights. When they were ignored they went without.

Jesus had already addressed this issue before.  Remember the incident in the temple as Jesus observed contributions being dropped into the collection box? (See Luke 21:1-3)  A poor widow gave two cents – all she had - as opposed to the “big bucks” and “generous contributions” of others.  She gave.  She had none other to support her.

There was a generous loophole at the time of Christ.  Children could contribute funds, designated for caring for their elderly parents, and assign them to charity. Thus, they would be free of any obligation of caring for their parents. Says Jesus, “Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift committed to God), he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down.” – Mark 7:10-13

It doesn’t take a church program or a committee for you to act. Together we serve God and our neighbor. You have the opportunity to become the hands and feet the fingers and toes of Christ. When you see a need – meet it.

Do you know of someone who is isolated? Reach out to them. Are they in need of groceries? Make a delivery. Drop off a meal.  Do you have extra space in your garden? Zucchini green bean and summer squash grows in abundance!

Lives are being impacted by your compassion and care through your acts of generosity and kindness. True, no one can see a virus. Neither do others often see your charity. But it exists, all the same, in many tangible ways.   

This is your opportunity – to be a sermon in shoes. The story of the 1^st Century Church in today’s lesson is that the church responded to a great need. This is your occasion to serve.  Thank you for your service. As the Savior has said, “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ – Matthew 25:40

Remember - God loves to use weak and insignificant people to do great things for the Gospel. “The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied.” V. 7 The point of the lesson is simple. God’s people believe the gospel and they responded.

Lift High the Cross copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Monday prior to Easter 5

 

Psalm 146 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.2, “I will praise the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to My God as long as I live.” This Psalm is an encouragement to trust in the Lord. This is the first of five Hallelujah Psalms which closes out the book of Psalms. Having walked with the Savior observing His Passion during Lent we now rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation which is ours through the cross and empty tomb.

 The hymn or song of praise used in the order of Matins is the Te Deum which is a Latin phrase meaning literally, “we praise you.”

In our worship we praise the Lord for all of the blessings He has showered down upon us. Our circumstances often time can overwhelm us, so we are at least persuaded to place our confidence in something or someone “other.”

This psalm contrasts trust in human beings with trust in the LORD.

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalm 146.3–4).

Though the psalm begins with “Put not your trust in princes,” it is evident that the focus is not on a supreme human ruler but on the fact that he is just a mere man (note the parallel to ‘princes’ is ‘a son of man’).

Another human is not a firm source of confidence since, like all others, he too will die and his plans not come to fruition.

On the other hand, the LORD alone is worthy of trust:

He is the creator of all things (v 6)

He metes out justice on earth (v 7)

He supplies food to the poor and hungry (v 7)

When one who has been wrongly imprisoned is set free, it is the LORD’s doing (v 7).

When a blind person is made well, it is only a result of the LORD’s will (v 8)

When a person has been cast down by troubles or oppression, only the LORD can make him stand erect (v 8)

The LORD takes the side of the widow and fatherless when they are wronged (v 9)

But he stands against the wicked person in his attempt to gain unjustly (v 9)

“The LORD reigns forever…to all generations!” (v 10).

This psalm is a reminder that only the LORD is a firm source of confidence in life.

The hymn writer encourages us:

Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;
Earth-born they are and soon decay.
Vain are their counsels at life's last portal,
When the dark grave engulfs its prey.
Since mortals can no help afford,
Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.
Allelujah, allelujah![1]

 

Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always proceeds and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [2]

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[1] Praise the Almighty, My Soul Adore Him, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] Collect for Proper 23 Series B Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Image copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Easter 5 Series A study notes

 Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60
1 Peter 2:2–10
John 14:1–14

The Lord Jesus Christ Is the Way, the Truth and the Life

The risen Lord Jesus alone is “the way, and the truth, and the life,” and we come “to the Father” only through Him (John 14:6). God is thus “glorified in the Son,” and those who believe in Him will do the works of Christ because He goes to the Father for us (John 14:12–14). Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5) and “doing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8), did the works of Christ. When he was falsely accused and put to death, he “gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). Fixing his hope there, he commended his spirit to the Lord Jesus and prayed for his murderers. In the same way, all the baptized are called to follow the example of Christ Jesus by faith. Though He was “rejected by men” in the sight of God, He is “chosen and precious” (1 Peter 2:4). He is the chief cornerstone of the Father’s “spiritual house,” and we are built upon Him as “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5).

John 14:1–14

I am the way, the truth, and the life

14:1 Μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία· πιστεύετε εἰς τὸν θεόν, καὶ εἰς ἐμὲ πιστεύετε.

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me.  

14:2 ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ τοῦ πατρός μου μοναὶ πολλαί εἰσιν· εἰ δὲ μή, εἶπον ἂν ὑμῖν ὅτι πορεύομαι ἑτοιμάσαι τόπον ὑμῖν·

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  

14:3 καὶ ἐὰν πορευθῶ καὶ ἑτοιμάσω τόπον ὑμῖν, πάλιν ἔρχομαι καὶ παραλήμψομαι ὑμᾶς πρὸς ἐμαυτόν, ἵνα ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἦτε.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

14:4 καὶ ὅπου ἐγὼ ὑπάγω οἴδατε τὴν ὁδόν.

And you know the way to where I am going.” 

14:5 λέγει αὐτῷ Θωμᾶς· Κύριε, οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ὑπάγεις· πῶς δυνάμεθα τὴν ὁδὸν εἰδέναι;

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”  

14:6 λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδὸς καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ ζωή· οὐδεὶς ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸν πατέρα εἰ μὴ δι’ ἐμοῦ.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  

14:7 εἰ ἐγνώκειτέ με, καὶ τὸν πατέρα μου ἂν ᾔδειτε· ἀπ’ ἄρτι γινώσκετε αὐτὸν καὶ ἑωράκατε αὐτόν.

If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

14:8 Λέγει αὐτῷ Φίλιππος· Κύριε, δεῖξον ἡμῖν τὸν πατέρα, καὶ ἀρκεῖ ἡμῖν. 

 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

14:9 λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Τοσούτῳ χρόνῳ μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰμι καὶ οὐκ ἔγνωκάς με, Φίλιππε; ὁ ἑωρακὼς ἐμὲ ἑώρακεν τὸν πατέρα· πῶς σὺ λέγεις· Δεῖξον ἡμῖν τὸν πατέρα;

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 

14:10 οὐ πιστεύεις ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ πατρὶ καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ἐν ἐμοί ἐστιν; τὰ ῥήματα ἃ ἐγὼ λέγω ὑμῖν ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐ λαλῶ, ὁ δὲ πατὴρ ἐν ἐμοὶ μένων ποιεῖ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ. 

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 

14:11 πιστεύετέ μοι ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ πατρὶ καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ἐν ἐμοί· εἰ δὲ μή, διὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτὰ πιστεύετε.

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 

14:12 ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ τὰ ἔργα ἃ ἐγὼ ποιῶ κἀκεῖνος ποιήσει, καὶ μείζονα τούτων ποιήσει, ὅτι ἐγὼ πρὸς τὸν πατέρα πορεύομαι· 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 

14:13 καὶ ὅ τι ἂν αἰτήσητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου τοῦτο ποιήσω, ἵνα δοξασθῇ ὁ πατὴρ ἐν τῷ υἱῷ·

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  

14:14 ἐάν τι αἰτήσητέ με ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου γὼ ποιήσω.

 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.

Sources:

-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, St. Louis

Saturday prior to Easter 4, “Good Shepherd Sunday”

 

–John 21:15 -This verse is the inspiration for the hymn “I am Jesus’ Little Lamb“{LSB 740} Three times Peter denied his Lord. Three times Jesus asks the question “Peter…do you love me more than these? Thus, the Savior asks us today, “Do you love Me?” “Do we love Jesus more than people, more than your occupation, more than things? In the case of Peter, "these things" were the tools of his trade – fishing gear.  

We are often asked to prioritize what is chiefly important in our lives. True we can take great responsibility in our work, in our freedoms, in our leisure. What takes this highest priority? What is the most important? And of course, why? Allow the words of this hymn to inspire you.

The Savior calls us to discipleship, to take up His cross and follow Him. In this Easter season, we are directed by the Savior to affirm the new life He gives us and to share with others the hope that we have in Him. Scripture reminds us “in a twinkling of an eye” we will all be gone – What shall be said of us then? May it be said of us that we remain a sheep of His fold, a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming.

Collect for Easter 4:Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that, when we hear the voice of our Shepherd, we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Sacrament of the Altar, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for Easter 4 copyright © 2006 Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis