August 22— Saturday prior to Pentecost 13 – (Proper 16)

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Sunday’s hymn of the day is Built on the Rock (LSB #645). It is based on the Gospel reading, the confession of St Peter which is the Rock on which Christ’s Church is founded. The last stanza confesses the same truth which is confessed in the Augsburg Confession: The Church is the congregation of saints in which the Gospel is purely taught and the Sacraments are correctly administered.

This hymn has long been a favorite among Scandinavians and Lutherans and included seven stanzas in the 1941 Lutheran Hymnal (Concordia), reduced to five in the 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. The Scandinavian hymn's original seven stanzas were first published in 1837 in Sang-Värk til den Danske Kirke. The adaptation in Worship & Song is of the 1958 Service Book and Hymnal translation by Carl Doving done in 1909.

Author Nikolai Grundtvig was ordained in 1811. He wrote many works, including some on Norse mythology and more than 1,000 hymns. He became a bishop in 1861. Composer Ludwig Lindeman was the son of a concert pianist, an organist in Oslo, and one of Norway's leading musicians of the nineteenth century. He collected and published almost 2,000 Norwegian folk tunes.[2]

 

Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus Christ to be the way the truth and the life that we may boldly confess Him to be the Christ and steadfastly walk in the way that leads to life eternal; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3]

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[1] The illustration above carries the title of our Lord: the Anointed One, or, in Greek, ὁΧριστός, the Christ. Copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://hymnary.org/text/built_on_the_rock_the_church_doth_stand

[3] Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis 

 

August 21— Friday prior to Pentecost 13 – (Proper 16)

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Matthew 16:13–20—The Holy Christian Church is founded upon the confession of Peter—that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Finally! The disciples get it! At least for this Sunday! It came at a crucial time in our Lord’s public ministry.  His focus was set on Jerusalem. Where He would complete His work of redemption. He was set to suffer many things. For your salvation.

Our Lord is at a critical location in His ministry. Caesarea Philippi was a Gentile city. Built by Herod’s son, Philip. In honor of Caesar. Jesus stood in a pagan region. Where false deities and their supporters abound. Critical also were His companions. The disciples were personally selected and taught by Jesus. They had witnessed every aspect of His public ministry.

The Lord asked two important questions. At this moment. In this location.  Of His disciples. The answers to the questions were important. For them. And for His followers today; the first question was addressed to the disciples, “who do men say the Son of Man is?” (V.13) The second question was addressed once again to the disciples. “But you, who do you, say I am?” (V.15)

And now, the critical question is addressed to each of us, “You, who do you, say that I am?”

We can answer the question only through the intervention of the Holy Spirit in your life. The Spirit’s means are Word and Sacrament.  They come to the troubled heart of the sinner. The saving faith freely given by God leads each one of us to confess: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

The source of our confession and our actions is the faith the Spirit gives us.  Because Jesus is the Christ. Your sins are forgiven. Because Jesus is the Christ. You are empowered to live a new life. Because Jesus is the Christ. You have the sure certainty of eternal life.

So.  What do you think of Jesus? Who is He? The answer to this question defines your identity. It determines your destiny.

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[1] The illustration above carries the title of our Lord: the Anointed One, or, in Greek, ὁΧριστός, the Christ. Copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 

 

August 20— Thursday prior to Pentecost 13 – (Proper 16)

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Romans 11:33—12:8—St Paul’s splendid hymn of praise at the end of chapter 11 follows several chapters of his teaching about the salvation of all people—

God does not declare us righteous and free from guilt in a vacuum, as if He just ignores our sin. No, we have a great debt we owe God due to our sin, a debt that must be paid. God’s justice demands it. Yet this is a debt none of us can pay.

So, God in His great grace planned for your salvation. For God’s grace is more than a character in God. God’s grace is also active—active in Christ. In His grace God sent forth His Son to become flesh and pay the debt we owe Him.

The Father sent Christ Jesus to offer His righteous life in exchange for our sinful lives upon the cross and to take upon Himself the guilt of our sin, our debt. Jesus Christ paid for the sin of the world “with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.” Through God’s grace alone we sinners are forgiven and justified because of Christ.

His being is all in all – For from him and through him and to him are all things. - V. 36 The end of all things is God. All things were created for Him. What happened before, now and what is to come finds its root in God.   Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by His power. And everything for His glory.  God is the creator. The sustainer. The ruler. And the goal of everything. Paul concludes with a simple yet profound doxology - A statement of praise to God. “To him be glory (δόξα) forever Amen.”

Prayer for the Church: Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and, in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end;[2]

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[1] The illustration above carries the title of our Lord: the Anointed One, or, in Greek, ὁΧριστός, the Christ. Copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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

 

August 19— Wednesday prior to Pentecost 13 – (Proper 16)

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Isaiah 51:1–6—In chapter 40, the Lord said, “Comfort, comfort My people.” The comfort would be provided by a Savior, one who would deliver His people out of exile in Babylon, out of exile in a land of idolaters. Chapter 42 begins telling us of this great Savior, who is portrayed as a Suffering Servant. The portion of Isaiah 51 used for next Sunday’s Old Testament reading once again assures God’s people of the comfort which He will provide them: joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. From where would such comfort be provided? He would be a Descendant of Abraham and Sarah (v. 2), but would bring His light to the peoples, that is, all peoples, not just other descendants of Abraham and Sarah, but for us Gentiles, as well.

Human beings have never known life without the earth, but it will pass away (verse 6). The taunts of the oppressors seem like they will last forever -- but they won’t.

In contrast, the Lord says, “My salvation will be forever, and my deliverance will never be ended” (verses 6b, 8b). Or as the Gospel text says of the church, “the gates of Hades will not prevail.” Sometimes it might seem like Hades is doing just fine against us, but it won’t last. God’s salvation and deliverance do come, and they never end.

Look ahead.

The prophet calls on the exiles -- and we call on our churches -- to look back, to look up, to look down, and to look around in order to find reasons to look ahead to God’s deliverance that is surely coming.[2]

O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[3]

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[1] The illustration above carries the title of our Lord: the Anointed One, or, in Greek, ὁΧριστός, the Christ. Copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3371

[3] Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

August 18— Tuesday prior to Pentecost 13 – (Proper 16)

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Psalm 138—The beginning three verses and ending two verses of this psalm of David are David’s vow to praise the Lord for His deliverance and protection. The middle three verses, like the Introit call upon all the kings of the earth to give thanks and sing of the ways and the glory of the LORD. His love and mercy extend to all peoples of all time. Christ is the Redeemer of the entire world.

There is an ethical statement of importance in the psalm: “For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.” -v6

That God distinguishes between the proud and the humble seems like a common truth to us but in the ancient world it was an astounding statement. In ancient cultures, the principle that “might makes right” seemed to be almost universal. For the God of the Hebrews to assert that he ‘regarded’ the lowly was a counter-cultural statement.

David makes a bold statement of confidence: “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.” -v8

David was certain, in light of God’s promises, of God’s care for him in the past, and of his experiences of God’s care and deliverance, that God had a purpose for his life. God was actively working to make that a reality and David was confident that he would bring all of his plans for him to pass. [2]

Collect for Psalm 138 – Lord God, you keep the proud at a distance and look upon the lowly with favor. Stretch out your hand to us in our suffering, perfect in us the work of your love, and bring us to life in Jesus Christ our Lord.[3]

 

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[1] The illustration above carries the title of our Lord: the Anointed One, or, in Greek, ὁΧριστός, the Christ. Copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] http://psalmreflections.blogspot.com/2010/03/psalm-138.html

2  For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and by the Church, Vol. II © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

 

 

 

 

August 17—Monday prior to Proper 16 (Pentecost 13)

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Psalm 2:6–7; Psalm 117; Antiphon, Psalm 115:18—Next Sunday’s Introit is taken from three psalms. Psalm 2 is one of the most important messianic psalms, pointing directly to Christ. Psalm 117, the shortest psalm, is a Hallelujah song that calls upon all nations to praise the LORD for His steadfast love and faithfulness in keeping His promise to send a Savior to redeem us from sin. The antiphon expands the call to praise the LORD to all time. Thus, all people everywhere and of all times, Praise the LORD!

The psalmist makes references to the place where God reigned, “my holy hill of Zion,” and where his worship was celebrated. This must refer to the Messiah, and to the fact that God had set him apart to reign over his people, and thus over all the earth. The truth taught in this passage is, that God will carry forward his own purposes in spite of all the opposition which men can make, and that it is his deliberate design to make his anointed One - the Messiah - King over all. Who knows what might befall us as we begin another week. Yet in all things; in every circumstance, we have the Lord’s promise that He who reigns will give guidance to each step you make.

Collect for Psalm 2 – Lord God, you gave the people of this world to be the inheritance of your Son; you crowned him as king of Zion, your holy city and gave him your Church as his bride. As he proclaims the way of your eternal kingdom, may we serve him faithfully, and so know the royal power of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Collect for Psalm 117 – Lord God, you have revealed your kindness to all people. Gather the nations into your Church, that in all the various tongues of this world one hymn of praise may be offered to you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for Psalm 115 –Lord God, creator and ruler of the universe, you have entrusted the care the earth to its peoples. Grant that your children, surrounded by sings of your presence, may live continually in Christ, praising you through him and with him, now and forever.[2]

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[1] The illustration above carries the title of our Lord: the Anointed One, or, in Greek, ὁΧριστός, the Christ. Copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2]  For All the Saints a Prayer Book For and by the Church Vol. II © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Proper 16 (Pentecost 13)

Pentecost 13 - Proper 16

- Series A

Isaiah 51:1–6

Romans 11:33—12:8

Matthew 16:13–20

The Lord Jesus Christ Is the Son of the Living God

Jesus asked His disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15). The question is also put to us: "Who do you say that He is?" Flesh and blood do not reveal this to us, but by the ministry of the Gospel the Father in heaven reveals His Son to us on earth, who has become flesh and suffered death for our salvation. Thus we believe and confess that He is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:16). As He died for our transgressions and was raised for our justification, He looses us from all our sins and preserves our life within His Church, against which even “the gates of hell shall not prevail” (Matt. 16:18–19). His salvation is forever, and His righteousness “will never be dismayed” (Is. 51:6). He comforts us with the Gospel in His Church, so that “joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.” (Is. 51:3). Therefore, “according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” (Rom. 12:3), we also offer ourselves “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Rom. 12:1) through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Proper 16 Series A 

Romans 11:33-12:8

Rock Sunday

Old Testament - Abraham the Rock from Which Israelis Hewn  Gospel - Matthew 16:13-20  The confession of St. Peter Hymn of the Day - "Built on the Rock"

Strong parallel with the Old Testament Abraham and Sarah

:33 A Doxology of praise - Paul worshipping as he reflects on the worship of God lived out in the life of the Christian in chapter 12 this is a worship of God's mercy which is bottomless

ta krimata. - "judgments"

"Unsearchable" - "incomprehensible"  Not to be tracked out...beyond description...

34: who first gave to God? Who paid God?  God owes no man...

36 - the end of all things Col.1:20 all things created for Him  what happened before, now, and what is to come.

Romans 12:1ff

Sanctification flows out of Justification Imperatives flow first from the Gospel I comfort you, encourage, urge you,  this is your appropriate worship...in light of the Gospel (the mercies of the Gospel) is the therefore which recalls everything God has done for you.

A sacrifice is something that has been killed. We're not called to bleed, not atoning for sin...but something really is being put to death (daily) daily/hourly offering ourselves to God...a death to sin not for sin.  See Romans 6

This is your daily worship Romans 9 a continuation of the Old Testament worship. Christian life is the liturgy we do after the liturgy.

"Appropriate worship" brought back to be...what is appropriate/logical to do.

Our life is a response to God's service...

Paul says "present your bodies" not gnostic...your body is you...the whole person...present all of you to God in your vocation and station of life...what you do with your body is a reflection of the soul.

:2 do not adapted to the pattern of this present world By renewing of your mind...see Romans 7 the mind affirms will of God, the central control of the new man. To probe the will of God what is God's will into the life God has called me. How do we probe the will of God through the Word...in our  vocation we have free will...in the things below us.

:3 do not consider your calling as superior to others...we are sacramental Ly and forensically one.

:4-8

What you are doing - how does it relate to faith?

Prophecy - narrow or broad?  First classifications (four) clergy, last (three) - laity

One who gives, w/o an agenda

Administrative powers

Acts of mercy