Pentecost 18 - Proper 21

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W

Decatur, IN 46733

260.547.4248

www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith

Acts 2:42

Chartered February 25, 1838

Celebrating our 174^th Year

Pentecost 18 - Proper 21

30 September 2012

Mark 9:50

Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another

Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the work You have prepared for us to do.

               

Ritual and liturgy – in particular, the sacred words of Scripture, which tells us specifically of the person and work of Jesus Christ – is what transforms and changes the lives of people – this is what influences our culture and the world in which we live.

“Take the latest, hip, teenage rage into the church- just to prove you’re relevant!” Anyone want to guess who said that? Of all persons, it was none other than - Bart Simpson! Yes, that Bart Simpson, from the Fox network cartoon series “The Simpsons”. What is your reaction to that statement? “Take the latest, hip, teenage rage into the church - just to prove you’re relevant!” Is that a fair indictment on the church today?

What is need in the church today is to be a people of distinction.  Jesus reminds us that Christians are to be different. We are to be as salt and light. In recent years, the cry was that Christians should get into the world and identify with it. “Get with the times” was the cry heard from almost every corner of the church. We were told - get out of your church buildings; cease to be an institution but rather a movement in the world. When we did this, or, at least attempted it, the church lost much of its distinctiveness and became so much like the world. In many respects, we became as salt without saltiness.

Today, the argument centers on ascetics, spacing and marketing. To speak to the world around us there some who would argue that we must remove anything which could become, or have the potential, of being offensive. Some new formed churches has gone to the extreme, not placing a cross in their worship space as to not to give offense or insult to others.

The prevailing voices of change would argue that altars, crosses, and stained glass must all go. Pews must be exchanged for stadium seating, with the sancturary replaced by a stage.

By design, there is an ever-increasing practice not to disclose a congregation’s theological stance and leaning. In alphabetical order, we have The Bridge, The Chapel, the Crossroads, Grace Gatherings, Grace Point, Jacob’s Well; The Liquid Church, and Promise Ministries, eight churches in our area that have chosen not to disclose their denomination affiliation. Is there a reason why some congregation would not want you to know their theological point of reference?  Of these eight afore mentioned churches can you identify which are Lutheran, or Methodist?  Could you recognize which is associated with the Church of the Nazarene and which is a member of the United Brethren Church?  True, we need to dare to be different; we need to engage the world but we need to keep our uniqueness.  Regardless of worship style, we need to have a form of ritual, which is irreplaceable, something, which is our own. We need ritual. Without ritual there ceases to be any communication of the sacred.  

Are we Christians to sound and appear just like the rest of the world? Not according to the Savior in our text for today. Ritual and liturgy – in particular the sacred words of Scripture which tells us specifically of the person and work of Jesus Christ – is what transforms and changes the lives of people – this is what influences our culture and the world in which we live.

So, what is the solution? Christians are to be salty saints because, like salt –

1. Christians purify society
2. Christians preserve society
3. Christians season society

1. Christians, they purify society.

A.      Think where the world would be without Christ’s light. Jesus cautioned His audience, however, against losing that which they had received from Him, which was what had brought on them their goodness. Without the Gospel, without the message of the cross, the church becomes just another human organization.

B.      The gospel, however, shining in the world brings good and makes this world better. Jesus said that the disciples were like salt, for they exercised the valuable functions of seasoning and purifying the world, and this was good.

2. As Salty Saints, Christians preserve society.

A.      The Word will keep the world safe. Mark the scripture well. “Greater is He that is in you then he who is in the world.” Do you believe this? Christ has conquered. The gospel wins the day. We are more then conquerors through Christ who loves us.

B.      The Word will keep the world saved. The Lord has promised to preserve you. You are salt. Salt preserves. His purpose is to guard and keep you. He will never, ever let you go. His desire is to keep you in this one, true faith. As He ransomed and redeemed this world He will keep those who are His safe and content.

3. Salty Saints season society.

A.      There are talents, gifts, blessings that God our heavenly Father has given to His Church to make a difference. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Will you use your gifts for the Savior? Recall the company ServiceMasterTM the cleansing service started by Marian Wade had its beginnings in Chicago where Wade worked out of his home. Wade had a strong personal faith and a desire to honor God in all he did. Hence, the name of the company, ServiceMaster, giving service to the Master.

B.      Where you live and serve in your community to be a blessing and to make the world better. The big difference – the last phrase – we live at peace with one another. Jesus told His hearers were to be at peace with each other, what they would need for this purpose would be to have in themselves – salt; that is to say, they needed love for their neighbors, and a readiness to serve them, and to be ready to make sacrifices for their sakes.

As a Christian, you are salt and light in this world. Through the power of the gospel the message of Jesus Christ and His crucified, you are purifying, preserving and giving season and spice to life in this world.

On this Day

On this day 150 years ago, America's greatest president announced that he would order the emancipation of all slaves in any state of the Confederate States of America that did not return to Union control by January 1, 1863. 

Thank you, Mr. Lincoln.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 18 - Proper 21

Time in the Word
 September 24-29 2012

Proper 21
Preparation for next week, Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday’s Theme is Tolerance. In the Old Testament lesson Moses tolerates the giving of the Spirit. In the Epistle, James calls for intolerance of wickedness. In the Gospel, Jesus approves a non-follower’s use of His name. Coupled with tolerance is an underlying theme of resistance. Jesus urges to get rid of anything that causes us to sin while in the Old Testament lesson the Israelites complain about the monotony of daily manna. James condemns the sin of arrogance and persecution of the poor.

Collect for Proper 21 – Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the works You have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for this Sunday, Pentecost 17— O God, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully  grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for steadfast faith– Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the Hope of Eternal life in Christ –Almighty, everlasting God, whose Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily and we hold fast to the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For those in distressed - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer for Peace: O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed, give to 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 defended by You, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, 24 September 2012—Psalm 135:1-3, 13-14, Antiphon, Psalm 135:13 –Your Name, O Lord, endures forever, Your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages. Psalm 135 is a call to praise the Lord – the one and only true God, the Lord of all creation, the Lord over all the nations, Israel’s redeemer. The Psalmist reminds us that the Lord and His redeeming work will be remembered throughout time. Thus we praise Him for His marvelous deeds.

Tuesday, 25 September 2012—Psalm 104:27-35; key verse v24—. How many are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. The psalmist recalls the fifth day of creation. (Genesis 1:20-23) The realm of the sea is structurally balanced with the celestial realm, (see Vv. 2-4) as the other boundary to the realm of earth. And the Lord orders each day of your life as He has promised to guide and sustain you.  

Wednesday, 26 September 2012— Numbers 11:4-6; 10-16, 24-29 – Moses tolerates the giving of the Spirit. The Lord provides seventy elders to assist Moses in meeting the needs of the people and gives his spirit to others than the seventy. The Israelites are in the wilderness and complain to Moses that they have only manna and no meant. Moses takes the complaint to God who orders Moses to bring seventy elders to the meeting place outside the camp. Some of Moses’ spirit was given to the elders and they began to prophesy. Two men, Eldad and Medad, were not invited to the meeting of the seventy. While in the camp, they received the Spirit and prophesied. Joshua was jealous for Moses and asked him to stop the two. Moses refused and wished that all of the people had the spirit and were prophets.

Thursday, 27 September 2012— James 5: (1-12) 13-20 – James calls for intolerance of wickedness and a return to God for the avoidance of evil. This lesson continues where last Sunday’s Epistle has stopped. James urges his readers to turn to God and away from wickedness. Among the evils we are to avoid are judging others, boasting, and injustice to the poor.

Friday, 28 September 2012—Mark 9:38-50 – Jesus approves a non-follower’s use of His name to cast our demons. He urges the extermination of those sins that result in hell. The first part of the Gospel (Vv. 38-41) obviously parallels the Old Testament lesson. It deals with Jesus’ approval of a non-disciple casting out demons in Jesus’ name. The next section (Vv.42-48) deals with Jesus’ “little ones” – not children but his disciples or new converts. The point is that any sacrifice is worth eternal life rather than going to hell forever which is described as eternal torment. A third section of the reading deals with salt.  It is a call to radical obedience rather than to accommodation to the world.

In Christ you are free. There is much Christian liberty and freedom the child of God can experience in this life. The Lord wants His followers to enjoy the fullness of life. All that God created is good. However, if any part of us or any habit causes us to sin, we are to get rid of it. It would be better to abstain and deny ourselves certain pleasures and privileges than to allow one pleasure to ruin the whole. When should we allow our Christian liberty to be exercised? When might you deny yourself certain “freedoms” for the sake of someone else? How might we better live balanced lives?

Saturday, 29 September 2012— John 14:2; 1 John 4:19; John 8:12 - The hymn, Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower. (LSB 694) Having seen what the Lord has done, having experienced His goodness and mercy, having entered into His presence we are now called to praise the Name of the Lord which is expressed in this wonderful hymn. 

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

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

Pentecost 17 - Proper 20

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W

Decatur, IN 46733

260.547.4248

www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith

Acts 2:42

Chartered February 25, 1838

Celebrating our 174^th Year

Pentecost 17 - Proper 20

23 September 2012

Mark 9:30—37

The Marks of Greatness

O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and dead; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

What are the marks or the measure of greatness? The disciples certainly had definite criteria for marking greatness. As the talked amongst themselves, they began to argue, for each of them had their own individual standards. They were more concerned about their status and position. They were affected by their importance and their reputation. They were gauging themselves and their personal accomplishments, their closeness to Jesus as the mark of greatness.

There is a definite measure of greatness according to the world’s standard. We measure the greatness and the success of our national leaders through national opinion polls. We award successful movies with an Oscar award.  Our human nature is focused on competition. Half of most news programs focus on sports while schools devote much of their resources to sports programs. Businesses spend vast amounts of advertising money trying to gain an advantage over their competition. Cities and states compete to attract businesses. Employees compete for better positions. Young adults compete for dates and recognition. Children compete for their parents and neighbor’s attention. It is a natural human behavior.

The problem is, it is natural. It is an outgrowth of our carnal, sinful flesh. Galatians 5:17 warns; “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Competitiveness often leads to conflict, strife, and envy. I Corinthians 3:3 declares, “You are still worldly. For since, there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? "It arises in the church as well, as we see with the disciples.

There is a definite measure of greatness according to Jesus’ standard. That standard of greatness is found in verse 35 of our text, “If anyone wants to be first he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” By Jesus’ standard, greatness is found in serving. Serving places others before yourself. Paul put it this way, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.” (Philippians 2:3) Striving to be served is the goal of this self-centered world. Servant-hood is a mark of the Christian.

Rank or stand in God’s kingdom is not determined by strips on a sleeve or at the bottom of a balance sheet, or whom you know of what you’ve done. There is not one person here who is better or worse than another is. We are all sinner. We deserve nothing but punishment. Yet, by the grace of God found in Jesus Christ, we have each been given a gift of His divine grace.

Jesus tells us that the greatest mark of servant-hood is for one to lay down his life for another, which is precisely what He had done for you. The Father serves up His son on the cross that we in turn might serve each other.

Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Humility and servant-hood in the life the Christian go hand in hand. Jesus has proved for us the Gospel power to be first by being last and servant of all. The world will continue to tell us that social rank and status determined by the bottom line and personal accomplishments is the mark and measure of greatness. Don’t listen to these competing voices. Listen to the voice of your Shepherd. Being last and the servant of all is the measure and mark of greatness in His kingdom. That is the difference, and it can only be comprehended and understood by faith. May our prayer today be simply this, “Lord, humble me, and teach me to be a servant.” 

Time in the Word Pentecost 17 - Proper 20

Time in the Word
 September 17-22 2012

Proper 20

Preparation for next week, Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday’s Theme: The Christian and his opposition can be clearly seen in the three main readings for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [Jeremiah 11:18—20] Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies.  In the Epistle, [James 3:13-4:10] Opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. In the Gospel, [Mark 9:30-37] Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Christians live in a hostile world, for friendship with the world is enmity to God.

Collect for Proper 20 – O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. 

A Prayer for grace to use our gifts – O Lord God Almighty, since You bless Your servants with various and unusual gifts of the Holy Spirit, grant us grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for steadfast faith– Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the Hope of Eternal life in Christ –Almighty, everlasting God, whose Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily and we hold fast to the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For those in distressed - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Monday, 17 September 2012—Psalm 37:5-7, Antiphon, Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. No matter what you are up against, trust in the Lord and He will sustain you. He will prove Himself worthy as you read the rest of the appointed readings for the coming week.   

Tuesday, 18 September 2012—Psalm 54; key verse v4— It is the Lord who sustains my life. The Psalmist finds his life is threatened, as were Jesus’ and Jeremiah’s, and he finds God as his helper who rescues him from death. In our opposition God does not forsake those who trust in Him.

Wednesday, 19 September 2012— Jeremiah 11:18-20— Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies. Jeremiah feels like a lamb led to the slaughter by his enemies and he asks to see God’s vengeance upon them. Jeremiah cries out for vengeance upon those seeking his life. God informs Jeremiah that his enemies were out to destroy him. Jeremiah felt like a “lamb led to the slaughter.” His enemies were offended by his preaching of judgment, doom, and the captivity of the nation. Like other prophets (Elijah and Amos), Jeremiah experienced persecution: beaten, threatened with lynching, imprisoned, and thrown into a pit to die. Even his family was a part of a plot to kill him. Jeremiah calls upon God not only for protection but for vengeance upon his enemies.

Thursday, 20 September 2012—James 3:13-4:10 — Opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. James says the wars, quarrels, dissension and strife have their source in earthly wisdom. It is a bad spirit that causes opposition. James will contrast earthly and heavenly wisdom.  In this lesson James distinguishes between the types of wisdom. Earthly wisdom is characterized by ambition, rivalry, and selfishness. This kind of wisdom provides disorder and confusion. Heavenly wisdom comes from God. This wisdom is “pure, peaceable, gentle,” etc. The heavenly side; do not boast of themselves, but promote peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. The source of fighting and killing each other is the heart which is full of selfish desire.

Friday, 21 September 2012—Mark 9:30-37 — Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Jesus again announces His approaching passion and teaches the disciples the meaning of greatness.  On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus announces a second time that He is going there to suffer, die, and rise on the third day. To avoid being detained, he travels incognito. Unlike the first announcement, the disciples do not understand it and are afraid to ask Him the meaning of it. When the group reaches Capernaum, Jesus asked them what they were discussing during the walk. They were too embarrassed to answer, for they had discussed who would be Number One in the coming Kingdom.  Jesus taught that the one ot be first must be last as a servant. To illustrate He takes a child in His arms, for in that day women and children were considered second-class citizens. Jesus makes the point that the greatest will minister to one like a child in His name, and when He does, He serves both Christ and God.

Saturday, 22 September 2012— Exodus 20:1-17 - The hymn, These Are the Holy Ten Commandments (LSB 581) Recall the Lord’s requirement of faithfulness to His Law. A good review of the ten commandments.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

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

Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W

Decatur, IN 46733

260.547.4248

www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith

Acts 2:42

Chartered February 25, 1838

Celebrating our 174^th Year

Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

16 September 2012

Mark 9:14-29

Jesus the Great Physician

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace;

Are there areas of your life that you cannot control? Are you searching for help at the right place? Are you learning to depend more completely on God? Do you rely on God even in the midst of doubt and fear? Is your belief mixed with unbelief? True faith is recognizing our own inability and the Lord’s power to save and heal. Jesus has the power to fix problems.

1. The Search for help.

Vv. 14-19 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.  As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.  Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.

A.      The demon-possessed boy exposes our natural inability to control our circumstances.

1.       Sickness, poverty, accidents, and countless other situations remind us of our inability to do anything to save ourselves.

2.       This boy had symptoms of epilepsy, but the Bible clearly attributes this to a demon. This does not mean that all disease (or epilepsy) is demonic, but this one was as some may continue to be.

B.      This failure exposes the disciples’ inability to do the Spirit’s work with their own power.

1.       They had cast out demons before (6:12) but this case was more difficult (v.28)

2.       This event comes right after the mountain top experience of the transfiguration. How soon were they to forget what they had just experienced. 

2. The Struggle for Faith.

Vv.20-26   So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

A.      Belief is often mixed with fear unbelief.

1.       The man shows faith by bringing his son.

2.       But he shows doubt by saying “if you are able…”

3.       Jesus addressed the man’s doubts and fears, “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

4.       The man speaks the confession of faith, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

B.      Christ has the ability to control what we cannot control. Vv. 25-27 “When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”

1.       He could heal the boy no one else could heal.

2.       He could raise his from the dead if necessary, as he was telling them that He would Himself be raised from the dead. (8:31, 9:9-10, 9:31)

C.      Our inability is linked to our failure to rely completely on God. Vv. 28-29 “After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”

1.       The disciples who had been with Jesus throughout these many years just couldn’t get it.

2.       This man, despite his flaws, hung in there believing even in the midst of his unbelief.

This man’s prayer, mixed with fear and faith, speaks to us today. Lord I believe, help me in my unbelief. Help me when I struggle. Help me when I’m facing misery, fear and doubt. Help me when the way is not so clear and the future unknown. Lord I believe – have mercy – rescue and save!

Pentecost 15 - Proper 18

O Lord, let Your merciful ears be open to the prayers of Your humble servants and grant that what they ask may be in accord with Your gracious will;

In Galilee Jesus found Himself disputing with the Scribes and Pharisees. He leaves that region only to enter Tyre and Sidon from there we finding Him in the region of the ten cities. Wherever He goes, Jesus’ reputation precedes Him.

And they brought unto Him a man that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. Instead of making a display of this unfortunate man, Jesus took him aside and dealt with him in private and in the man’s own language. This is how Jesus chooses to deal with you. He speaks to you according to your need and in a way in which you will understand. He comes to you exactly when you need Him. Through His Word He speaks to you and tells you exactly and precisely what you need to hear.

Mark reminds us, “He put His fingers into his ears and spit and touched his tongue, and looked up to heaven.”  It’s hard to miss our lord’s message, even for a deaf man. He says, “I understand your problem! You’ve got ears that don’t hear and a tongue that doesn’t work. I’m going to do something about it! I’m lifting up eyes to heaven ‘from whence cometh our help’.  That’s My Father’s home. But I’ve left it to enter the world of the dead and the blind and the dead in trespasses and sin!”

This is what makes Jesus our Lord and Savior. John reminds us, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1) Jesus entered our world to combat and defeat those forces, which held you captive; the devil, world, and your sinful self. He came to forgive and set you free of all these deadly forces.

Then comes the word, Ephphatha, which means “be open” and the rest is history. Or is it? The rest of the story is gospel! There is something similar about this word Ephphatha – be open and the statement

“It is finished!” which Jesus will speak from the cross. There, on Calvary’s holy hill, Jesus’ very lifeblood cries out Ephphatha for you!  God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not counting our sin against us.

It is this proclamation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament continues to speak to the deaf and mute in spirit to those who are found to be dead in their trespasses and sins. There lies the power of God to open ears to the good News of the kingdom and to loosen tongues into a glorious confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.

And as Jesus spoke that mighty word Ephphatha – be open back then, there is one mighty Ephphatha yet to be spoken. On the last great day, cleansed by your baptism in Jesus’ name, you will stand with a robe washed clean in the blood of the Lamb. On that great day, you shall hear the voice of you shepherd say, “By virtue of the merits of My blood-bought redemption, these have done all things will. Now, come and inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!”

This is grace. We are called to proclaim it, to celebrate it each day and to believe it. Rejoice then this day, for in Christ, your sin has been forgiven and you shall stand with Him in glory, which shall last forever.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 15 - Proper 18

Collect for Pentecost 15— O Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us without all doubt to know Your Son Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life that, following His steps, we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A Prayer for obedience to God’s Word – O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for guidance in our calling – Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

For Labor Day – Lord Jesus as on ce You shared in our human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands, bless and prosper those who maintain the industries and service sectors of this land. Give them a right regard for their labors, and grant them the just reward for their work that they may find joy in serving You and inn supplying our needs

For the those unemployed and underemployed – Heavenly Father, we commend to Your care those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Grant that the wealth and resources of this right land by profitably used to that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor.

God’s standard of excellence is the theme for this coming Sunday. In the Old Testament lesson God’s people are call to be strong and not to fear as God promises to come to His people. The language which is used is similar to that used of the coming Messiah. In the Epistle lesson excellence is seen in how the believer behaves. Favoritism is forbidden rather keeping the law is what is expected. The Christian faith is not merely a philosophical exercise of the mind. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.  In the Gospel lesson a standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He fulfills the prediction given in the Old Testament lesson. This causes the believer to express praise and adoration to the Lord who has done all things well as expressed in the hymn of the day which is based on this week’s appointed psalm. 

Collect for Proper 18 –.O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us Your humble servants, Your hold inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Monday, 03September 2012—Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7, Antiphon, Psalm 28:8 – The Lord is the strength of His people, He is the saving refuge of His anointed. The entire psalm is a prayer for deliverance from deadly peril at the hands of malicious and God-defying enemies. To rebel against the Lord’s Anointed is also to revel against the One who anointed him. The Lord’s anointed is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The English word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one” and the English word “Christ” comes from the Greek word for “anointed one”. (See also Matthew 1:17)

Tuesday, 04 September 2012—Psalm 146; key verse v2— I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. The psalmist makes a vow to praise the Lord as long as he lives. This is similar to the vow we make on the day of our confirmation. Question: Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? Answer: I do, by the grace of God.

Wednesday, 05 September 2012— Isaiah 35:4-7a— Be strong and do not fear God will come.  The coming Messiah will bring a standard of excellence. When God comes to redeem His people health and healing will be evident. The eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame with leap and the mute will speak. Jesus will quote this passage in Matthew 11:5 to prove that He is the Lord’s chosen and anointed one, the Messiah.   

Thursday, 06 September 2012—James 2:1-10 14-18 — Favoritism is forbidden – faith and deeds are explained. It’s quite easy to say “I believe”, “I have faith,” “I trust” etc. Too often these are empty words and phrases. James explains that the sign of a genuine faith is shown in deeds. The key verse is v.17 “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

James has no argument with the notion that we are saved by grace through faith. (See Ephesians 2:8-9) What he does say is that genuine faith will be demonstrated by certain actions and behaviors. (See Ephesians 2:10) This is the sign of excellence, faith that is active and engaging. 

Friday, 07 September 2012—Mark 7:31-37 —The original translation of verse 37 literally reads “Well! All things He has done!” A standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He is able to make the deaf hear. This should not surprise us. Everything Jesus is doing is what God had promised to do when He came to redeem His people see Isaiah 35:5-6.

Saturday, 08 September 2012—Psalm 146 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Praise the Almighty (LSB 797) is based on the appointed psalm for this week.  Having seen everything that Christ has done our only response is to return to Him our worship and praise. The psalm is an exhortation to trust in the Lord, Zion’s King. Psalm 146 is the first of five Hallelujah psalms with which the Psalter closes (Psalms 146-150). 

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut  used with permission from WELS

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