Time in the Word
Study for Proper 5
June 3-8, 2013
“God’s Power Of Life Over Death” is the theme for
this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [1 Kings 17:17-24] the power of
life over death is seen in Elijah raising the widow’s son. In the Epistle,
[Galatians 1:11-24] the power of life is in Paul’s conversion. In the Gospel
[Luke 7:11-17] The power of life is seen in Jesus who raises a widow’s son.
How do some deal with miracles today? Some deny the reality of the miracle as a
story or myth of the ancient past. Some allegorize and spiritualize the account
in an attempt to bring out a helpful message for our day. Some rationalize the
miracle to explain away any details that might be offensive to scientific
minds. We simply allow the miracles to stand as they happen. They are sings for
us – signs of the nature of God, of Jesus as the Son of God, of the power of
God.
Approaching the miracles from this stance, we do not raise a question
about the validity of the miracle; we take it for granted. We find the
permanent values in the miracle for life today.
Collect for Proper 5 – O Lord, Father of
all mercy and God of all comfort, You always go before and follow after us.
Grant that we may rejoice in Your gracious presence and continually be given to
all good works; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Collects for Pentecost 3 - O God, whose
never failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth, put
away from us, we entreat You, all hurtful things, and give us those things that
are profitable for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Monday, 03 June 2013—Psalm 138:3, 7-8-
Antiphon Psalm 86:16 -In these words of the psalmist he gives
testimony to God’s condescending and faithful love for His own. You are loved
by God. You are precious in His sight.
Tuesday, 03 June 2013—Psalm 30— It is suggested that the psalm
was written for the dedication of David’s palace. After he had conquered
Jerusalem, and made it his capital. (2 Samuel 5:11; 7:2) David apparently had
often been near death, but God brought him through. He would sin praise to God
forever. The events in 1 Chronicles 21 may possibly provide the background to
this psalm. The dark days when life was in danger are now past (Vv. 2-3; 6-10)
Easy times breed self-reliance (Vs.6) But this experience
had put life into perspective for David. (Vs.5) this experience showed the
psalmist his own helplessness (Vv. 7-10) Now that the danger is behind him, he
gladly and openly acknowledges his debt of gratitude to God. (Vv.11-12)
Wednesday, 04 June 2013—1 Kings 17:17-24 – In the Old
Testament lesson Elijah restores a child to life. The youth was brought back to
life by God through Elijah. He stretched himself on the child three times so
that his life force might effect the child. In contrast, Jesus simply touched
the casket. There was no great effort, no force but simply a touch for the power
to flow. Elijah prayed to God with great intensity for the child’s life to
return. Jesus does not pray. As the Son of God, He simply said, “Young man, I say
to you, arise!”
Thursday, 05 June 2013—Galatians 1:11-24— In the Epistle lesson
Paul’s gospel did not come from man but from revelation. It’s obvious that many
lives are in confusion because they sense no purpose or plan for their lives.
The claim that God has a separate plan for each life has largely been dropped
by many these days. The result is that lives are purposeless and distracted.
Paul expresses a
conviction that God has a plan for him even before he was born – destined to be
a preacher! Can you also say, “This is what God wants me to do with my life?”
Friday, 06 June 2013—Luke 7:11-17— In the
Gospel lesson Jesus raises a widow’s son in Nain. We feel out weakness. It is
as though the world is often too much. Death is the final declaration of defeat.
We need to hear the story of Jesus’ raising the widow’s son at Nain to be
reminded that life is stronger than death and that this life comes from Christ.
In verse 13 Jesus is called “Lord” – He is the Lord of life.
Saturday, 08 June 2013—Psalm 102:1-2 The Hymn of the Day is
“When in the Hour of Deepest Need” (LSB #615). It is a cold hard world.
The endlessly reported refrain coming from people is “Nobody cares about me.”
Commercial ventures seeking new business capitalize on this fact and advertise,
“We care.” Many ask, “Does anybody really care whether I live or die, succeed
or fail?” Does Jesus care? He did when He was in Palestine, but does He care
about me today? The answer is in the miracle at Nain. The answer is in the
raising of the widow’s son. The answer is found in calling Paul to proclaim the
gospel Jesus has not changed. He still has compassion for all who are having a
bad time. It is important to observe that Jesus did not raise the youth from
death to deliver him from his plight. He was raised to comfort his mother.. The
answer is expressed in the words of this powerful hymn. Meditate on it and then
come to service singing and proclaiming these powerful truths. This is your
reality.
Prayers for Proper 5 from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia
Publishing House
Prayer for the Armed Forces and Pentecost 2 from Lutheran Worship © 1980
Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing
Lima OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use
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