Sunday, January 31, 2016

Farewell to Alleluia



We are mourning exiles who long to be in the heavenly Jerusalem, here referred to as "joyful mother." During Lent, the Church refrains from songs of "alleluia"

Alleluia, song of gladness, Voice of joy that cannot die;
Alleluia, is the anthem Ever raised by choirs on high'
In the house of God abiding Thus they sing eternally.

Alleluia, thou resoundest, True Jerusalem and free
Alleluia, joyful mother, All thy children sing with thee,
But by Babylon's sad waters Mourning exiles now are we.

Alleluia cannot always, Be our song while here below;
Alleluia, our transgressions, Make us for a while forgo;
For the solemn time is coming When our tears fore sin must flow.

Therefore in our hymns we pray Thee, Grant us, blessed Trinity,
At the last to keep thine Easter With Thy faithful saints on high;
There to Thee forever singing Alleluia joyfully. 





Sources:
Alleluia, Song of Gladness - Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for his book Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (‘The Book of Books in Pictures’), ©WELS.ime in the Word Transfiguration


Time in the Word - Transfiguration


A Study for Transfiguration Sunday
“The Vision Glorious”
1-6, February, 2016

 Prayer for aid against temptation: O God, You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of the sinner. Graciously assist us by Your heavenly aid and evermore shield us with Your protection, that no temptation may separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer in times of temptation: Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need, and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for patience: O God, by the patient endurance of Your only-begotten Son You beat down the pride of the old enemy. Help us to treasure rightly in our hearts what our Lord has borne for our sake that, after His example, we may bear with patience those things that are adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward 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 finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of hope of eternal life in Christ: Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raised in glory to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Transfiguration - O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your only-begotten Son You once confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of the ancient fathers, and in the voice that came from the bright cloud You wondrously foreshowed our adoption by grace. Therefore mercifully make us coheirs with our King of His glory, and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, February 1, 2016 - Acts 2:42 - We celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord on the last Sunday in the season of Epiphany. For our verse for today, I have used to describe what we are trying to accomplish here at Zion. Luke gives us a description of the 1st Century church and this is what is needed as we enter the 21st Century. We are to be one in doctrine, fellowship, sacramental living, and in prayer. These are the four legs upon which the table is set. All that we do at Friedheim needs to relate to this verse. God has blessed us greatly these past 178 years. May He continue to bless us mightily in the years to come.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - Deuteronomy 34:1-12 - Moses sees God face to face and the promised land - Just before his death, Moses climbs Mount Nebo and from there is shown the Promised Land. He would not be permitted to cross over, but he was able to see it. Moses had faithfully led the people of Israel, and at last his work was done. He had done all he could, his time had come, and it was time for him to cross over to an even greater land than that which his eye beheld.  The Scriptures remind us that Moses’ eye was not dim – he had perfect vision. What secret did Moses possess? Verse 10 gives us a clue. Moses was a man “whom the Lord knew face to face.”  Moses was able to make keen decisions because he kept his eye on God. May that be our legacy, to keep our focus on God.  May that be our vision for our parish, to keep our focus on Christ.  

Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 – Christians see the glory of God in Jesus - Who is this Jesus? That is the question the world has been asking for close to 2,000 years.  Paul reminds us that by faith we are able to see the glory of God in Jesus Christ. He is more than just a mere man. He is more than just a prophet. He is, as Thomas will confess in the Easter season, “My Lord and My God.”  The world wants Jesus to be anything but God.  A true confession calls for us to say that above anything else He is the Lord of life.

Thursday, February 4, 2016 - Luke 9:28-36 – The Disciples see the glory of God - The disciples early on might have had some misgiving of just who or what to make of this Jesus. After the Transfiguration, there wasn’t any doubt in their minds. They knew that He was the promised Savior of the world.  There on the mountain Jesus manifested all of His glory as the Father spoke His approval of His only begotten Son. But why Moses and Elijah? Both came from a storied history of God’s people of old. In Moses’ time, the people followed willingly as they escaped Egypt. At the time of Elijah, only 7,000 were left who had not bowed down to Baal.  These two men represent high and low points of God’s people of Israel. There have been highs and lows in our parish history; yet One remains constant to this day. His Name is Jesus. May Christ Jesus remain the center of all that we do here at Zion.

Friday, February 5, 2016 - Psalm 77 – David reminds us that he cries out to God. David cries out loud and God promised that He would hear. What a wonderful promise. What a wonderful picture of prayer. Why do we pray? We pray because of our need and the Father’s promise to answer our cry. Need we any other reason to pray?  Zion, Friedheim, is a unique and special place. God has been good to us. No, we are not perfect and, yes, there have been times in which we have had to cry out to God. But every time we needed Him, He has always been there for us. One hundred seventy five years is a long time. It’s nothing to God. He has not changed and will not change. Cry to Him. He is near to hear your prayer and to answer you according to His good and gracious will. 

Saturday, February 6, 2016 - Matthew 17:4 – “It’s great to be here!”  That’s how Peter put it. Maybe it wasn’t the most eloquent way of expressing himself, but again, Matthew reminds us that Peter, “Didn’t know what to say.” As we consider both the wonder of Christ’s glorious Transfiguration and the many blessings we have been permitted to experience here at Zion Friedheim these 178 years, it is good, it is great to be here!  May the Lord continue to shower down His blessings upon us as we enter our 175th year of mission and ministry and as we take a pilgrimage into Lent to the cross and empty tomb. Yes, ‘tis good, Lord, to be here!

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for his book Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (‘The Book of Books in Pictures’), ©WELS.ime in the Word Transfiguration

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Epiphany 4




For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!” (Luke 4:36)


Jesus was sent to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43). His preaching is an epiphany or manifestation of God, because His Word reveals the authority of His Cross and Resurrection, by which He has atoned for the sins of the world. By the preaching of His Gospel in every place, He silences the unclean spirits and casts out demons, heals the diseases of body and soul, and restores life and health to His creation (Luke 4:40–41). For the sake of His divine love, He is “patient and kind” toward us; He “bears all things,” “endures all things,” and “delivers up His body” to save us (1 Cor. 13:3–4, 7).


Jesus goes to Capernaum, the center of His Galilean ministry. The crowds are astounded at the authority of His teaching. They are amazed at the power demonstrated in his healing. Who is this Jesus? To what extent is he our authority, our standard for truth? What do we known of his power?


Jesus enters into His Father’s house and He begins teaching the people the Good News about the kingdom. But unlike the Pharisees and teachers of the law who quote the teachings of Moses and the Prophets, Jesus speaks by His own authority. Rather than speaking the teachings of others, Jesus speaks the Word Himself. With this speaking, He fulfills His role as the great High Priest.


Satan being cast down upon the earth in disobedience, hatred and spite has one of his demons take possession of a man in the synagogue. He recognizes Jesus as the One who has supreme authority and power. He cries cried out with a loud voice, “I know who you are— the Holy One of God.”


The evil spirit’s possession of the man is a direct assault upon the Father and His work of creation. Jesus as the great High Priest came to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus had the right, to set free the man held captive. Satan still considers it an infringement of his rights when God frees a “sinner” from bondage and destroys his influence. He still remains spiteful, malignant like a cancer - poisonous like a serpent - spreading his anger. He’s vicious. Striking out at all who come too close.


This demon was no different than his master. Still spiteful, though obliged to obey the divine will of God, the demon submits because he had to, not because he chose to. He exerted his last power, inflicting all the pain he could, and then bowed to the Son of God and came out.


Jesus came down from heaven in love and obedience to His Father. Jesus came to earth for the very purpose of paying the bills owed to the Father for your iniquity disobedience and sin. Jesus took the bills of your sin and paid the cost with His very own body and blood so that you could be free from the guilt over your iniquity and to relieve you from the burden of your sin. 


When you humbly turn to Jesus in faith, believing that His death on the cross accomplished your salvation, you are enabled to confess your sins and ask that your debts be forgiven. He freely gives you pardon and peace. His gifts He offers to all who love Him. Jesus enables you to stand upright before Him as He removes your sin so that you are free to serve Him. In doing this, Jesus makes you Holy. 


He made you holy in your Baptism. This is what our students learned in Morning Prayer this past week. What does Baptism with water signify? “It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”


You are now free to live the life the Father intended for you to live. Your heavenly Father does not mean for you to live for yourself. You now live giving glory to God, as you serve your neighbor in the time given to you.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

John of Chrysostom

O God, You gave Your servant John of Chrysostom grace to proclaim the Gospel with eloquence and power. As bishop of the great congregations of Antioch and Constantinople, John fearlessly bore reproach for the honor of Your name. Mercifully grant to your church pastors who are like John in preaching and fidelity in their ministry of the Word to Your people, and grant that we all be partakers of the divine nature through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor



Almighty God, You called Titus to the work of pastor and teacher. Make all shepherds of Your flock diligent in preaching Your holy Word so that the whole world may know the immeasurable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


Source:
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Monday, January 25, 2016

The Conversion of St. Paul



Almighty God, You turned the heart of him who persecuted the church and by his preaching caused the light of the Gospel to shin throughout the world. Grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and following the example of the apostle Paul, to spread it to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Source:
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Time in the Word - Epiphany 4

Time in the Word
January 25 –30, 2016
Preparation for Epiphany 4

Prayer for newness of life in Christ—Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.  

A prayer for Home and Family—Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A morning prayer—Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessings remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A prayer before worship—O Lord, our Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter, as we come to worship You in spirit and in truth, we humbly pray that You may open our hearts to the preaching of Your Word, so that we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ as our only Savior, and grow in grace and holiness. Hear us for His same.  

The Theme for Epiphany 4, “Opposition to the Word of God,” is seen in all three readings. In the Old Testament lesson, (Jeremiah 1:4-10), God promises to deliver those who fear the Lord. In the Epistle lesson (1 Corinthians 12:31b – 13:13), the solution to opposition is love. In the Gospel for Epiphany 4 (Luke 4:31-44), Nazareth rejects Jesus for preaching the truth. Because we live in a fallen world, our prayer is echoed by the hymn for the Day, “Lord, keep us steadfast in Your word.”

Collect for Epiphany 4—Lord, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 25 January 2016—Psalm 10:16-18, Antiphon, Psalm 10:12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand; forget not the afflicted.  Those who are at the mercy of the oppressors have no one to go to except the One who created heaven and earth. Thus, the psalmist pleads to the Lord to rescue him from the attacks of unscrupulous men. When wickedness rises against us, we run to the waiting arms of the only One who can help us. 

Tuesday, 26 January 2016—Psalm 71:1-6 (7-11); key verse,  verse 12, Be not far from me O God; come quickly O my God to help me. This verse is a part of a prayer the psalmist prays in the waning years of his life. He knows his shepherd’s voice. He has the experience of the Good Shepherd’s guiding hand. Nothing will befall him without the Savior’s will being perfected in his life. In a quiet confidence, he waits patiently upon the Lord. In like manner, we commit our circumstances into the Lord’s safekeeping.

Wednesday, 27 January 2016—Jeremiah 1:4-10—God promises to deliver the prophet Jeremiah from the fear of those opposing the Word. Before Jeremiah was born, he was called to be a prophet. The point of contact of this lesson with the Gospel is Jeremiah’s fear of preaching the Word as implied in verse 8. In the Gospel Jesus faced His opposition with courage. Here we are given the human side of the preacher. What would Jeremiah say concerning himself? He is destined to preach (verse 5).  This is his life’s calling, although at times he feels unworthy to preach (verse 6), and is at times afraid to preach (verse 8).  But preach he must for he know that he speaks for God (verse 9).

Thursday, 28 January 2016—1 Corinthians12:31b-13:13—The solution to opposition, of course, is love. In a third series on the Spirit, Paul explains that love is the best gift of the Spirit. Love, says St. Paul, is the best gift of the Holy Spirit. Love causes the hearer to love and accept the preaching of God’s Word regardless of his hurting. The Law condemns and accuses always. But it is important. It drives us to the Gospel.  

Friday, 29 January, 2016—Luke 4:31-44—In our Gospel lesson Jesus drives out an evil spirit. Here we find a man possessed by a demon. To pagans, a demon meant a supernatural being, either good or bad. Luke makes the point that this was an evil spirit. Such a demon could cause mental illness (see John 10:20), violence (see Luke 8:26-29), bodily disease (Luke 14:11, 16), and open rebellion against God (Mark 16:14).

Peter we know was married as we see Jesus heal his mother-in-law. This miracle is found in Matthew 8:14-15 and in Mark 1:29-31 but only Luke the physician tells us that she was suffering from a high fever.  The people were flocking to Jesus hoping He would help them. Luke reminds us this all happened on the Sabbath (verse 31) and as the sun was setting (verse 40). The Sabbath was over at sundown (around 6 p.m.).  Until then, according to the tradition of the Elders, Jews could not travel more than about two-thirds of one mile or carry a burden. Only after sundown could they carry the sick to Jesus. The eagerness of the crowd is seen in the fact that they set out while the sun was still setting. Only Jesus, the Great Physician, has the power to heal and to save.
 
Saturday, 30 January, 2016—Psalm 119:5-10, John 3:31, Ephesians 4:3-6—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Lord keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (655 LSB). Because we live in a fallen world, because we face danger on every side, because there is only one source the Christian has for strength and sustenance, we go to the only place for personal protection – the Words and promises of our Lord. Thus, our prayer must be as found in the opening lines of our hymn, “Lord, Keep us steadfast in Your Word!” 


Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Timothy, Pastor and confessor

Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given Your church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and lead Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Timothy



Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your Church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and rule with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 


Source:
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis 

Thursday, January 21, 2016

John of Chrysostom, pastor




O God, You gave to Your Servant John Chrysostom grace to proclaim the Gospel with eloquence and power. As bishop of the great congregations of Antioch and Constantinople, John fearlessly bore reproach for the honor of Your name. Mercifully grant to Your church bishops and pastors who are like John in preaching and fidelity in their ministry of the Word to Your people and grant toat we all be partakers of the divine nature through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Source:
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Sarah



Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. – Hebrews 12:1

Monday, January 18, 2016

The Confession of Peter


Heavenly Father, You revealed to the apostle Peter the blessed truth that Your Son Jesus is the Christ. Strengthen us by the proclamation of this truth that we too may joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen


Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Time in the Word - Epiphany 3


Time in the Word
 January 18-23, 2016
Preparation for Epiphany 3

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. .

A prayer for newness of life in Christ – Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal. .  

A prayer for Home and Family – Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A morning prayer – Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessings remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Theme for Epiphany 3 is “The Purpose of Your Life.” In the Old Testament lesson Ezra the scribe reads the Book of the Law in the presence of the people. Reading from the Book of the Law brought tears to the people. Their purpose was to be directed by the Word of the Lord. In the Epistle lesson Paul reminds us that by the Spirit Christians are members of one body. In the Gospel lesson Jesus finds His purpose in Isaiah’s words. The Hymn of the Day is a prayer asking the Christian to ever walk near to the Lord.

Collect for Epiphany 3 – Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with  You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday,18 January 2016—Psalm 102:18-22, Antiphon, Psalm 102:13 – You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come. The antiphon is the centerpiece of the entire psalm. The psalmist’s distress was occasioned by the Babylonian exile. Yet, he sees an appointed time – a time set by God for judgment and deliverance to come. As we pray this prayer, we too look for a time of deliverance to come. We pray that deliverance might come to us now and ultimately on the last great day, that day when we shall live beyond time and space. 

Tuesday, 19 January 2016—Psalm 19: (1-6) 7-14; key verse, verse 14—May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. These words are quite familiar – they are often uttered by the pastor before the sermon. By these words the preacher is asking that he only proclaim God’s Words and not his own. By these words the hearer asks that these words of the Lord penetrate the heart and mind so that faith may be strengthened and nourished. May the Word of the Lord give us both direction and encouragement not only this coming Sunday but throughout this New Year.

Wednesday, 20 January 2016—Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10–Notice how the worship practices of Ezra and Nehemiah are quite similar to ours today. Ezra the scribe reads the Book of the Law in the presence of the people. After they heard the word, they responded in two ways. First they feasted. Delicious festive food prepared with much fat. The fat of sacrificial animals was offered to God as the tastiest element of the burnt offering, the fellowship offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering. The fat was not to be eaten in these cases. They also remembered the poor and those less fortunate on these joyous occasions. Likewise, we today respond in two ways. We come to a worship service to hear the Word. We eat the sacrifice of Christ in the Sacrament and then we respond in sacramental living. In service, we worship God. We respond by reaching out to our neighbors and especially to those whose need is great. We respond as the Word of the Lord has taken root in our lives.  

Thursday, 21 January 2016—1 Corinthians12:12-31a—The Christian finds his purpose in the body of Christ. By the Spirit Christians are members of one body. The unity of the church is the unity of Christ. We are one in Christ, as members of the body of Christ. Regardless of our differences, Jews, Greeks, bond, or free, we are all one. Last names cease when we enter the church door. We are one in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul will remind us in verse 13, “For by one Spirit we were baptized into one body – and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” The church is not a human institution held together by its leaders and members’ contributions. If that were the case, the church would have died long ago. The Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and preserves the church from age to age. 

Friday, 22 January 2016—Luke 4:16-30—Many today are seeking self-identity. They are seeking to understand who they are and what their purpose in life is. Many do not have a reason for living. They are confused because they are aimless. They have no goals for life. As Christians who follow Christ in all things, our purpose in life should be the same as Jesus’ purpose. Luke tells us where Jesus came from – He came from God to fulfill God’s promises. He tells us who Jesus is – He is the Messiah, God’s servant – commissioned and called. He tells us what Jesus was to do – preach the Good News.  

Saturday, 23 January 2016—-Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Matthew 10:38-39; Romans 6:2-5, 8.  Sunday’s hymn of the day is Let us Ever Walk with Jesus (685 LSB).  The purpose of Jesus’ life was fulfilled by the words of the prophet. The purpose of your life is that the will of God might be fulfilled in us. Thus this wonderful hymn encourages the believer to daily walk with the Lord, to follow Christ’s example and Word that daily we might be conformed to His will and way.
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Epiphany 2


Epiphany 2
1.17.2016
John 2:1-11
Christ is made manifest in miracles – and a little advice from His mother

Three days into the New Year, someone asked me, “So, how many weddings you have this year?” People want to know. Because weddings are huge!

As Jesus entered this world. He came into a family. And to a village. And to a job. And to sweat. And to friends. And to prayers. And to toil. And to tears. And to laughter. The events of Jesus’ life are just as normal and ordinary as your life’s circumstances.

John gives us the account of Jesus’ life as it happened. We can imagine it happening today as it occurred 2,000 years ago. Jesus was invited to a wedding. How many ‘save the date’ post cards do you have on your fridge?  Jesus lived a typical life.  Very routine. Quite normal.  We need not dismiss the miracle accounts of the Scriptures because they occur under ordinary circumstances. Because they occurred under ordinary circumstances make these miracle accounts plausible, possible, probable.

John begins our story as matter of fact. “Now there was a wedding which took place in Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. And Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.” 

I remember about fifteen/twenty years ago, a meeting with the Tabea Society. One of the ladies asked me, “Pastor, what this business about marriage counseling? We didn’t have anything like that when we got married!” Said, another, “That’s right. The only advice I was given was if you had a fight – take a walk!” And without hesitation, another said, “Ya, and in that first year, I must have walked a thousand miles!”  

Much advice is given to young person’s entering marriage. But of all the advice one could receive whether you are young or old; newly engaged or married over 70 years – these words are golden – invite Jesus in – This nameless, faceless, couple invited Jesus to their wedding. May Jesus be the ever-present yet unseen guest in every home.

John continues. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine!” “They have no more wine.” It wasn’t as if this family didn’t plan. It wasn’t as if they had little regard for their guests. They considered their guests. They planned ahead. They concerned them.  Still. The wine was gone! 

Every couple. Every family. Every household. Has their own set of unique circumstances. Life happens. What challenges are in your road? It might be financial. It might be a special needs child. It might be a chronic illness. Or a persistent hardship. It’s an irritation. That won’t go away. It lingers. It can fester.

Mary is consistent. She tells Jesus her problem. She “takes it to the Lord in prayer.” And Jesus’ response sounds almost disrespectful. “Woman. Why are you saying this to me?”  Why are you saying this to Jesus? Why trouble the Master?  Because your need is great… 

Like Mary, turn to Jesus, and "do what He says". When they had no more wine, she turned to Jesus. When you have issues. Where there are challenges.  When you are in trouble. What do you do?  Turn to Jesus.   Do as He says. Jesus has given you His Word. That He will never leave you. And never forsake you.

He has given you His Word of promise. "I am with you always!"  There can be no better advice then to follow the words of May. As the Nike commercial suggests. Whatever Jesus says - "just do it!"

Jesus gives in abundance. Jesus commands the servants - take six stone water pots, containing twenty to thirty galleons each, fill them to the brim. Then take some to the master of ceremonies. How much wine?  120-180 gallons! Translation?  Jesus does not give you leftovers. He provides in abundance.

He richly and daily provides for all, which you need to support your body and life. He encourages you to prayer only for what you need in the 4thpetition of the Lord’s Prayer.  Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control. Good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.[1] Daily Jesus provides. 

This water.  Turned into wine. It is the best. The master of ceremonies, not knowing where the wine had come from, says to the groom, "you have saved the better until now".  Jesus gives only the best.  He is the miracle worker. He chooses to give you only the best at the cross and empty tomb. When He suffered and died to bring salvation. If He has done this for you. Will He not also give you exactly what you need?  Jesus can do none other.  He only knows to give in abundance. He only knows to give the best. This is how He chooses to deal with you.  He gives you His best. He gives you Himself. That is His promise to you. Today, tomorrow, forever!

The purpose of the miracle -" the disciples put their faith in Him." This is the reason why Jesus delivers only the best. He does this so that we will put our faith and trust in Him. Daily He calls you to trust and follow Him. He has guaranteed that He will help. He can do none other. Trust Jesus today. Honor Him. Serve Him. Follow Him.

John concludes by saying that this was only the first of Jesus' many miracles in which He manifested His glory. Miracles continue to this day.  Day by day, He works His will in your life. So that you can know, that Jesus truly is your Savior, Redeemer, Friend. Jesus will continue to manifest Himself in your life. This you can bank on. Christ, the author of all happiness, still works in the lives of people. He was present in the life of Mary, the disciples, this couple and especially in your life. Today is the day for a miracle!  Where is this miracle to be found?  His miracles are found in certain places. Where He manifests His glory. So that you place your confidence in Him.
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Words- 1,075
Passive Sentences –2%
Readability – 79%
Reading Level-4.0




[1] Luther’s Small Catechism, 4th Petition of the Lord’s Prayer © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Time in the Word - Epiphany 2

Time in the Word
 January 11-16, 2016
Preparation for Epiphany 2

Collect for the Baptism of our Lord Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for the likeness of ChristO God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son; You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness born for our sake that after His example we may bear with patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

A prayer for steadfast faithAlmighty 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. .

A prayer for newness of life in ChristAlmighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.  

A prayer for Home and FamilyVisit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Theme for Epiphany 2, “God’s Glory Manifested In Transforming Power,” can be seen in all three lessons for the week. In the Old Testament lesson God marries His people. God will transform Jerusalem from desolation to delight. In the Epistle lesson The Sprit transforms from “Jesus be cursed” to “Jesus is Lord!” Here the gifts of the Spirit will be outlined for us. In the Gospel lesson, the wedding at Cana, Christ transforms water into wine. Here He manifests His glory and His disciples put their faith in Him.

Collect for Epiphany 2Almighty and Everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

Monday, 11 January 2016—Psalm 36:5:9, Antiphon, Song of Solomon 2:4—The Lord brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love. See also Numbers 2:2 and Psalm 20:5 – The king’s love for his bride is displayed for all to see like a large military banner. So is the Father’s love for you. Great is His faithfulness.

Tuesday, 12 January 2016—Psalm 128; key verse, verse 5—May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem.  The blessedness of the godly man is the theme for this week’s psalm. It is another word for wisdom concerning hearth and home. The key verse is thought to be a Levitical or priestly benediction or a word of instruction to those assembled from their homes coming to worship at Jerusalem,

Wednesday, 13 January 2016—Isaiah 62:1-5–Isaiah uses the analogy of marriage to express the relationship of Judah to God. He marries His people, His land. It is not the first marriage for God. Like Hosea, He takes His people back again and again. He remarries His people to Himself. What does this say about God’s attitude toward His people? God loves His people “The Lord delights in you” (verse 4). God make His people new – they take, like a bride takes her husband’s name, His name: “You shall be called My delight is in her” (verse 4).  God rejoices over His people, “So shall your God rejoice over you” (verse 5).  God and His land make a happy couple.

Thursday, 14 January 2016—1 Corinthians12:1-11–Can we be different and yet one? The church has always been threatened with divisions. It happened in the 1st Century; it happens today in the 21st Century. To have peace and unity, must all church members agree and be alike? According to the text, the church is unique in that she can have unity with diversity. This unity is the same Spirit in all, but there is a variety of gifts from the one Spirit. As long as there is one good, sweet spirit in a congregation, it is a blessing for the church to have a diversity of gifts.

Friday, 15 January 2016–John 2:1-1–The custom is to prepare an invitation list for a wedding. The invitation signifies you are important to the one inviting you. It indicates further that you are wanted. The unknown couple in the Gospel put Jesus on their invitation list. And they could be glad they did!  Jesus honors them with His presence. He met their needs of wine. He saved the reception from failure. Have you invited Jesus to come into your marriage, your work, your life?

For many, life is empty. Our lives may be as empty as the stone jars. When we come to Jesus, as Mary did, for help, Jesus not only fills us up to the brim, but gives us an excess. The six stone jars provided 120 – 180 gallons of wine!  Note, too, the generosity of Jesus in feeding the 5,000 – twelve baskets were left over. Jesus is able not only to meet our needs, but to exceed them.  

Just like the Nike commercial, Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. “Just do it!” She had learned to respect His words. If the servants had not obeyed, there would have been no wine out of water. A miracle will take place in our lives when we “do whatever He tells us.”  To obey is a test of faith when the command seems illogical and ridiculous. The need was wine and Jesus commands getting water! He has other seemingly illogical demands: “Give and it shall be given you,” “He who loses his life shall find it.”

Saturday, 16 January 2016—Matthew 2:1-12; Ephesians 1:9; John 18:26-27; John 1:29 - Sunday’s hymn of the day is The Star Proclaims the King Is Here (399 LSB). This is yet another wonderful Epiphany hymn. Despite outward conditions, nothing will change concerning God’s dealings with His people. As the Wise Men were directed to find the infant Lord Jesus, so to this day the Lord will make His presence known to you as He comes through His means of grace. This is how He chooses to communicate to you – in tangible ways. Not in myth, not in the spectacular or the supernatural but through simple means. Wise men still seek Him. Look for Him in those places He has promised He will be found.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH


Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazxianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa, Pastors and Confessors



Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. – Hebrews 12:1

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Baptism of our Lord

The Baptism of our Lord
1.10.2016
Luke 3; 15-22
Heaven is open to you

The baptism of Jesus fits into the season of Epiphany perfectly.  It is the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In this season, we finally see all things clearly. The one true God is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ haven is open to you. You see Jesus as He is. Not and the babe in Bethlehem’s stall. Not the inquisitive child held up in the temple. But as God’s man for the saving of humankind.

In mercy, Jesus will take His place with sinners. But He will do more than merely associate with sinners. He will do more than share an occasional meal He does more then spend time with them. As the friend of sinners, He takes the place of sinners. He receives their sin to Himself. He bears them. He carries them.

Luke reminds us, “When all the people were baptized…It happened. Right then and there – Jesus was also baptized.” 
The story of redemption began –way before the Father’s voice of approval on the Mt. of Transfiguration. Way before His trip to Jerusalem. Way before His trudge to the cross. Way before His dying words – “It is finished!”    Jesus submits Himself to a baptism for the

Jesus has no sin of His own. Yet He will take the sins of the world upon Himself. These are great words of hope as we enter the New Year. When you were baptized, you were baptized into the death and life of Jesus. You were baptized into His own death; You were baptized into His resurrection.

In this New Year, when you, “pass through the waters,” when you encounter difficult and challenging times, you shall not be harmed. Says the prophet Isaiah, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.


When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” Isaiah 43:2-3

Fear not I am with thee, O be not dismayed
For I am Thy God, I will still give thee aid
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

When thro’ the deep waters I call thee to go
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
For I will be with thee, thy trials to bless
And sanctify to thee, thy deepest distress.

When thro fiery trials thy pathways shall rise
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply
The flams shall not hurt thee, I only design
Try dross to consume and thy gold to refine.1

Jesus has created you for glory. Heaven is open to you. He has redeemed you with His blood that you might be His own, and live with Him in His kingdom.

As you are baptized with a baptism like His, so also you are united with Him in His death and resurrection. He unites with you that You might walk in newness of life with Him.  For all who are baptized into Christ Jesus receive His anointing of the Holy Spirit and so are named by His Father a beloved and well pleasing sons and daughters.

We are just a few days into this New Year. But through it all in ever circumstance, in every situation, in every nuance may Jesus be your center.

Jesus – direct my beginning
Jesus – remain ever near me.
Jesus- refuge in temptation.
Jesus- be my sole desire.
Jesus – be ever in my thoughts.
Jesus – let me never falter!  2
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[1] How Firm a foundation, stanza 2-4, John Rippon’s Selection of Hymns, 1787 Sing to the Lord Hymnal © 1993 Lillenas Publishing, Kansas City, MO
[1] Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, New Year #7, #42 Choral

Words-660
Passive Sentences –8%
Readability –83

Reading Level-4.2

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Epiphany



O God, by the leading of a star, You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Source:
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis 

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Time in the Word - The Baptism of our Lord

Time in the Word – Epiphany 1
The Baptism of our Lord
January 4-9, 2016



The Epiphany season begins each church year with the Baptism of our Lord. At Christmas we celebrate the incarnation; God entering time and space to be our Savior. We see what it will take for Jesus to become the world’s Redeemer as He enters the Jordan river to be baptized by John. Jesus’ work will conclude with his death on the cross on Good Friday. Already He is planning your salvation as He becomes you substitute. He will live the perfect life for you. He will be tempted as you are. He will carry your sin so that in your baptism you may receive His perfection, obedience, and grace.

Anointed with the Spirit is the theme for this coming Sunday. Christmas is officially over for the year and a new season is upon us. Epiphany literally means “I see it!” or “Now I understand!” or “I’ve got it!”  In Epiphany this infant whom we have worshiped at the manger we now see as God’s chosen One. Hence the antiphon for the Introit will be taken from Isaiah’s prophecy—Jesus is the Father’s chosen one, the one in whom He delights. Jesus begins His public ministry at His baptism. Now we see Him as He is. Now we understand what He will do. In the Old Testament lesson God’s Servant is anointed with the Spirit to bring Justice. In the Gospel lesson Jesus is anointed with the Spirit as God’s Son at His Baptism. Paul in the Epistle reminds his readers, that through our own incorporation into Christ we are to be regarded as dead to sin and alive in Christ. The Hymn of the Day recounts Christ’s own baptism and calls for us to live our lives anew to Him who has redeemed us.

Collect for 2nd Sunday after Christmas – O God, our Maker and Redeemer, who wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature, grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for the Epiphany or our Lord – O God, by the leading of a star You once made known to all nations Your only-begotten Son; now lead us, who know You by faith, to know in heaven the fullness of Your divine goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 

Collect for Epiphany 1 – Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen 

Collect for the likeness of Christ—O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son, You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness born for our sake that after His example we may bear with patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, 4 January 2016 Psalm 2:7-11, 12c antiphon, Isa, 42:1a -Behold My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen, in whom My soul delights. When the matador enters the ring, when your favorite teams enters the court, there is a thunder of applause from the adoring crowd. This is the Father’s response not only to His own Son Jesus but also with you. By grace through faith you have been incorporated into God’s family. At the celebration of the baptism of our Lord, we also remember our own baptism. This is your new status as one of Christ’s redeemed

Tuesday, 5 January 2016 Psalm 29 (antiphon; v.3) - Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. This week’s Psalm is a hymn of praise to the King of creation whose majesty and power are trumpeted by the thunderbolts of the rainstorm – as the storm rose above the Mediterranean swept across the Lebanon range and rolled over the wilds of Kadesh. The key verse is the believer’s response we are to worship the Lord “in the splendor of His holiness.”

Wednesday, 6 January 2016 Isaiah 43:1-7 - God’s servant is anointed with the Spirit to bring justice. This is a servant song about Israel as God’s servant who will be anointed with the Spirit to bring justice and light to the nations. We can see the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus, and then the church as God’s servant carrying on the work of Jesus in the world.
Here is a much needed conception of the church as God’s servant. To be this, the church needs to be anointed by the Spirit (verse 1).  As servant, the church will not use force but the compassion of life to attain her goals (verses 2, 3).  She will not be discouraged in her work – in spite of setbacks in a hostile world (verse 4).

Thursday, 7 January 2016 Romans 6:1-11 - Your baptism is a birth certificate; your baptism is a death certificate. In baptism you died to sin and became alive to God. When we come to the Father in repentance and faith, our old Adam, that is, our old sinful nature is drowned and killed while a new man becomes alive in us to live before God in righteousness and purity. Each day is a death to self and a new life to God. The words of John the Baptist are a fitting refrain, “He must increase I must decrease” (John 3:30).

Friday 8, January 2016 Luke 3:15-22 - How many baptisms are there? Luke emphasizes the anointing of the Spirit in connection with baptism. The Holy Spirit comes to us in and through our baptism. In the Gospel lesson “water baptism” and “spirit baptism” are mentioned. In verse 16 John the Baptizer says he baptizes with water but a greater than he will baptize with the Spirit and fire. Water and Sprit baptism are one and the same. The Spirit comes with the Word manifested by the sign of water. Baptism is essentially a spiritual matter, a covenant between God and the believer. It is not a mere external matter of applying water to a person. You are a true and complete Christian by virtue of your baptism. This is your birthright, where faith is born. Its purpose and power cannot be taken away from you. 

Saturday 9, January 2016 Luke 3:21-22 This week’s hymn of the week, “To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord”. Written by Martin Luther tells the story of salvation.  The hymn recounts Christ’s own baptism and the new life He offers to us. As you meditate upon this wonderful hymn, resolve to daily walk with Him who has promised to order your days and direct you path.

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.

A prayer for newness of life in Christ – Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Christmas 2

Christmas 2
Luke 2:41-52
3 January 2016
Jesus in the temple – Mary did you know?

Mary did you know, that your baby boy, will one day walk on water? Mary did you know, that your baby boy, will save our sons and daughters?[1] Of course, Mary heard the announcement and the prophecy. “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”[2] Twice the evangelist will remind us, “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (vv.19, 52) Mary knew. But did she fully understand?

As for you. Do you know? That this baby boy. Will one day walk on water? Do you know? That this baby boy. Will save our sons and daughters? Do you know? That this boy. Is not lost as some suppose. But prefers to reveal Himself. Specifically. In hidden places. At His own choosing.

And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” This is the only account of Jesus in adolescence.

Now his parents each year went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. Jesus and the family go on their trip to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast.  His parents were faithful Jews.  When he was twelve years old, they went up, according to the custom of the feast.    They would go to Jerusalem three times each year. For Passover, Pentecost, Booths. [3] They did what they did. Attendance was not an option. This was their regular practice. To be observant was a priority within the family structure. It was what was expected.

Jesus would now move from the court of the women to the court of the men. This was his transition. From childhood to manhood. He's a man now. So he stays behind. His parents considering him to be traveling with them.  They are not aware he is not with them.  He had never disobeyed. So they would have no reason to doubt he was traveling with him. 

Having not found him they returned to Jerusalem seeking him.  It happened, after three days, they found him…in the posture of the rabbis (sitting) hearing them and questioning.  Jesus is both questioning and answering...They were amazed of his intelligence.  Jesus is sitting in the temple hanging with the teachers and asking them questions. And the teachers are amazed. Here is this child. Certainly not old enough to have any schooling. Who hasn’t studied under any Rabbi. He is asking some astonishing questions. He seems to be more than just an inquisitive child. Where does this simple child get this?   

Child, why have you done this?  Right here and now your father and I have been distressed seeking you...”  Mary’s worry?   Jesus was still a child. It was her responsibility. To care for him. Imagine!  Three days of lostness.  And here we find it. The temple. In the temple.  Jesus does not need to be found. He's not in your pocket.  Where is he to be found? He is found in those places he has promise.  In the temple. In His promised Word. And where that Word is attached visibly.  

Why are you seeking me?  You know where I should be...” This is a reversal of the question asked in the garden, "Where are you?" Jesus is not lost.  “Why were you looking for me? Do you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” "How is it that you sought me? Did you, (of all people!) not know that I must be in my Father's house?" or "be about by Father's work?"

Note the play on words. Mary says, your father, meaning Joseph. Jesus shifts the word from horizontal to vertical- my Father, meaning God, our heavenly Father. She defines her son by family and blood.  He now defined Himself. He is the one so uniquely related to God that the temple is my father's house. The gift of faith his family gave him is now taking on a life of its own as Jesus' reaches out beyond his family to grasp his unique vocation as the one who speaks and acts for God without any awareness of guilt or shame.

But they did not understand the word preached by him. Did they forget it?  No, but they become distracted. In the same way we might ask, “Where is God in all of this?”  “Why am I suffering?” “Why this cross?” If, at the center of our faith, is a dead man on a cross.  We need to see Jesus in the whole of the Scriptures, at the center.  What is obvious is only seen through the eyes of faith. 

Years later.  There will be another trip to Passover. Not with his old family. But with his new one. He will travel. With Peter, and James and John and Mary Magdalene and the rest. Again he will teach in the temple.  But this time the reception will not be so kind. Again, he will be lost for three days. Women who seek him will be asked a question by an angel, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?"  Again, astonishment and lack of understanding will be the response when he is taken to his father's house through the resurrection. Even this childhood story hints at the great mysteries ahead.

And, even though they saw the angels and had multiple messages from God, they didn’t see it - yet. The family lived with Jesus. And, though they had eyes to look on him. They never saw him. The teachers in the temple. Watched this little boy question. But were shocked at what they saw. Indeed, throughout Jesus’ life people will look at him and have a strong reaction, “That isn’t God!” How can a child, that gets left behind by his own family be that important?  Even today, people have questions when they see Jesus.

Jesus returns to Nazareth and is obedient to the duties of a Jewish son, "And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart." There now will follow eighteen more years without a word. Silence. Normalcy. The grind of the ordinary. And the joy of the everyday. That was Jesus' training ground. When God came in Jesus, he came into a family. And a village. And a job. And to sweat. And to friends. And to prayers. And to toil. And to laughter.

Jesus increased.  He progressed in wisdom, stature/age and the grace and favor of God and men was upon him. He grew up like any ordinary person. He became your substitute. To live your life. Perfectly. Under the law. To win for you the Father’s favor.  Ponder these things, in your heart, this day.  

Words-1,165
Passive Sentences-3%
Readability –85.4
Reading Level -3.2