God’s Use of
Language” is the theme for
this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [Genesis 11:1-9] God uses
language to confuse the world. In the Epistle, [Acts 2:1-21] Language us used
to understand the Gospel. In the Gospel [John 14:23-31] Language is used too
witness to Christ with the help of the Comforter.
“Pentecost” is a Greek word, meaning fifty. The Jews celebrated Pentecost as a
harvest festival. Later, it was used to celebrate the giving of the Law on
Sinai and the birthday of Israel. Christians celebrate Pentecost as the
birthday of Missions and global evangelism.
Collect for the Seventh Sunday of Easter: O King of glory, Lord of hosts,
uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but
send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and
reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Collect for Pentecost Eve – Almighty and ever-living God,
You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite
disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth;
through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Collect for Pentecost – O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your
faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our
day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore
to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Prayer for Agriculture: Almighty God, You bless the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in
abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper the work of
farmers and all those who labor to bring food to our table. Grant them
seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth in abundance
and proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Monday, 13 May 2013—Psalm 104:24, 27-30 The antiphon is an ancient Liturgical
Text — The Psalmist marvels at the grandeur and the detail, the perfection and
completeness of God’s work in creation - verse 24 sums it all up.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013—Psalm 143— David had reached the end of the
line; no more reserve or resources (vv.3-4). But in a desperate situation one
refuge remains: God Himself (vv.5-12). “O Lord…teach me…deliver me…lead
me…bring me out of trouble”
Wednesday, 15 May 2013—Genesis 11:1-9 – The Old Testament
lesson is the story of the tower of Babel and the confusion of language. Too
many languages was confusing and construction of the great tower was stopped.
There was a loss of unity from a lack of the Holy Spirit. The people desired to
build for themselves a tower, and altar unto themselves. There was a
centrifugal power of an evil spirit at Babel – it scatters.
Thursday, 16 May 2013—Acts 2:1-21— The Epistle lesson is the
entire story of the events of Pentecost. Pilgrims from every corner of the
globe had descended upon the city of Jerusalem to celebrate. On that day Christ
was preached to the nations and the nations were brought to the church.
Pentecost is not the birthday of the church – it existed well before the feast
of Pentecost. Pentecost is the birthday of missions when the church is reminded
that we are to go out into the world with the message of the Gospel. The Savior
Himself predicted the events of Pentecost. Look up Matthew 24:14. The gospel
was preached to the nations on the first Pentecost. For centuries the gospel
message has encircled the globe. It has been preached on every continent. But
specifically on September 15, 2001 from the National Cathedral in Washington DC
the message of Christ and Him crucified was beamed literally around this planet
through radio and television as the world watched and listened. Some may ask,
“When will the end come?” Pentecost gives us the answer. The end will come -
when the last pagan is converted.
Friday, 17 May 2013—John 14:23-31— In the gospel lesson Jesus
reminds us that love and obedience are linked. How can we trust, love and obey?
By ourselves we can not do it. Thus the Counselor is sent from the Father. Both
the Father and the Son are involved in the sending of the Spirit. The Spirit
reminded these early disciples of everything Jesus had said and done. Thus when
their message went out, as they recorded the words and actions of Jesus in
written form they became literally God breathed and inspired. They became the
Sacred Scriptures because the Spirit directed these men over a period of some
twenty years to write 27 books that in reality make up one book – the New
Testament. These books, together with the Old Testament, have one doctrinal
viewpoint, one moral standard, one plan of salvation, one program for the ages.
Saturday, 18 April 2013—Luke 11:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13 The
Hymn of the Day is “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord”(LSB #497). This majestic
hymn was written by Martin Luther, 1483-1546 and was no doubt written as a
children’s hymn so that his students could memorize and understand the 3rd
Article of the Apostles’ Creed. The chief teaching of the Christian faith - the
doctrine of salvation by faith rather than works is clearly delineated
throughout the course of this great hymn. Sing it confidently and boldly. The
Holy Spirit has brought you to faith He will continue to keep you in the one
true faith.
Sources:
LUTHERAN WORSHIP ©
1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO pg. 62
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK
LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONARY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES C by John Brokhoff ©
1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH pp. 144
Baron Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WLS for
personal and congregational use
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