Pr. DFD : February 2016

Monday, February 29, 2016

Monday, February 29, 2016 Thy Kingdom Come

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. ^{Matthew
13:44-46}

In the parables of both the hidden treasure and the precious pearl, Jesus reinforces this basic truth: earthly possessions cannot compare with the immense value and cost of God’s kingdom. We must not press the details of these parables to say that one can buy entrance into God’s kingdom by sacrificing all possessions. We inherit the kingdom by grace through faith in Christ, who purchased and redeemed us with His precious blood.

Heavenly Father, grant me Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Amen[1]

In the Second Petition, we ask God to use us to extend His kingdom of grace. See Acts 4:29, 1 Peter 2:12

Look upon the heart-felt desires of your humble servants, Almighty God, and stretch forth the right hand of your majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[2]

[2] Collect for Monday of Lent 3, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Time in the Word - Lent 4

The Theme for Lent 4, “God Receives Sinners” is seen in all three lessons. In the Old Testament lesson - Isaiah 12:1-6 – Salvation is of God. In the Epistle - 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 – Paul speaks of the renewing quality of our salvation in Christ. We are new people. In the Gospel lesson - Luke 15:1-3; 11-32 – We see the response to salvation. The Hymn for the Day, “Salvation unto us has come,” sings the story of salvation.

Collect for Lent – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment., You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Lent 3 – O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

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.

A prayer for help 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 Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, 29 February 2016—Psalm 51:2-6, Antiphon, Psalm51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundance mercy blot out my transgressions. The psalmist asks that God in His mercy would grant pardon. Throughout this psalm look at the words the psalmist will use: mercy, unfailing love, great compassion, blot out, was, cleanse, transgressions, iniquity, sin. This psalm sings the story of salvation. As we are in the midst of Lent, our focus is now on the cross and of Him who suffered and died for us.

Tuesday, 01 March 2016—Psalm 32; key verse, verse 11- Rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart. This psalm is a grateful testimony of joy from God’s gift of forgiveness toward those who with integrity confess their sins and are receptive to God’s rule in their lives. It is a fitting psalm to be used in this Lenten season. As you pray this psalm, reflect on all Christ has done to win for you salvation and life.

Wednesday, 02 March 2016—Isaiah 12:1-6–The Old Testament lesson deals with the basic element of the Christian faith: God’s grace in the cross for man’s reconciliation. Isaiah reminds us that salvation is from God and that salvation is all by grace. This causes us to be thankful as we receive this gift of salvation freely by grace through faith.

Thursday, 03 March 2016—2 Corinthians 5:16-21–Paul will admit that before coming to faith in Christ he had a secular understanding of Jesus based purely on human considerations. But now having been united with Christ through faith in Him and committed to Him, now he is a new creation. Everything in his life now centers in Christ. God takes the initiative in redemption. He sustains it and brings it to completion. When the Savior died, God’s justice was satisfied, His anger was appeased. At the cross, God was reconciled to the world.

Friday, 04 March 2016–Luke 15:1-3; 11-32–The Gospel lesson for this week assures us of God’s joyous reception for the repentant sinner. Jesus was criticized for associating with sinners. In His defense, Jesus tells the parables recorded in Luke 15 of God’s acceptance of a repentant sinner.

Jesus associated with sinners not because He approved of their way of life. He knew they needed Him. They needed friendship and understanding. He went to them for a purpose, to lead them to repentance. He did not, nor should we, go to them to become one of them but to get them to become one with Him. This is the reason for today’s church to go to the worst – to win them back to God.

Do you honestly feel about sinners as God does? Are you glad when a sinner sees his error and comes back? Do you love the sinner, and accept him as though nothing happened? Like God will you forgive from the heart without passing judgment or asking questions? Would you take an ex-murderess into your home to care for your youngest child? Really? Then you identify with the Father.

Saturday, 05 March 2016—-Romans 3:1—31; 8:1-11; Galatians 3:1-25; Ephesians 2:1-10-Sunday’s suggested hymn of the day is Salvation unto us has come (555 LSB). Originally written for children, the hymn tells the story of salvation from beginning to end. It teaches the faith and is a hymn that can easily be put to memory. I recall a few years ago walking across the playground hearing a student singing this hymn while swinging back and forth on the swings. We are now in the middle of our journey through Lent. The cross becomes ever clearer. As you meditate on this hymn, rejoice in your salvation.

Sources:

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

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sunday, February 28, 2016 Thy Kingdom Come

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ^Matthew
6:33

Seek first the kingdom. Desire above all to live under the rule of the one true God. God’s righteousness or His salvation is what is emphasized. [1]

In the Second Petition, we ask God to bring others into His kingdom of grace. See Matthew 9:38, 2 Thessalonians 3:1[2]

Almighty God, you know that I have no power in myself to help myself: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[3]

[3] Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Lent 3

Lent 3

Luke 13:1-9

28 February 2016

Facing Life with Jesus –Facing Destruction

Almighty God, because You know that we of ourselves have no strength, keep us both outwardly and inwardly that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

We face life with Jesus – Even in the face of destruction. As we rejoice in our salvation. And the freedom, which God has won for us by sending Jesus into this world to suffer, die and rise for us. We have a sense of genuine peace and security that our lives will be spared in the final judgment of God.

This is all true. And yet, we must also remember that this final judgment of God will happen sometime in the future. There has been appointed a time in which God will bring this world to a close. As we look at the sober words of Jesus for today we should heed His words concerning this certain truth. Destruction is bound to come.

How do we understand destruction? Do we understand loss and disaster, calamity and tragedy to mean that God is somehow punishing people for their in? Every time disaster strikes should you and I be look for some besetting sin as the cause of that horrific event? True. There is a principle of cause and effect in our world. That governs our lives. We live under certain laws. Like gravity. If you fall from a three-story building and break a leg as a result of that fall does this mean that you have committed some horrific sin? Of course not! Accidents and mishaps are all part of life.

For every action - there is a similar and equal reaction. This is an experience common to man. It makes for terrible theology! When ugly things happen in our world. [And we know they occur - for we see their effect all around us.] We naturally go looking for the culprit –We need to find the boogie man –That troll, hiding under a bridge, a stump or a rock. There needs to be a sinister and creepy mastermind - Someone for us to condemn and single out - when we start playing that “blame game”.

Such was the case at the time in which Jesus lived. A tower in Siloam fell. Crushed and killed some 18 hapless victims. Disaster happen. You can almost hear the conversations taking place. We hear them even today. “So, Whatdaya think about that?” Were they simply at the wrong place at the wrong time?

The public’s reaction was quite telling. They reasoned. The world is very evil. And, because the world is evil. They concluded in their own minds that there must be some wicked and nasty people living in the neighborhood. The people thought to themselves, “They must have done some immoral thing. God found them out and got back at them for what they had done!” What goes around – comes around! They got what’s coming to them.

Then there was the case of the worshippers at the temple. This was a more difficult situation. These were believers. Those, who lived within the household of faith. Pilate gave the order to kill them; mixing their blood with the blood of the sacrifice. So, Whatdaya say to that?

Of course, the conventional wisdom of the time suggested that their piety was suspect! They had fallen victim to God’s curse. Again, the people’s response was quite revealing – “God showed them - didn’t He!

There are countless cases in which catastrophes and calamities occur. Whether it’s a severe drought or a devastating hurricane; like Katrina or Rita or Sandy. Whether it’s a victim of a drive-by-shooting or someone suffering with AIDS - there is that pietistic, knee-jerk, reaction in all of us to simply conclude, “Well, they got what they deserved!” Or, one might simply conclude, “The world is very evil”

Jesus begs the question. “Do you suppose they were worse sinners? I say to you No! But unless you repent you too will likewise perish!” Suffering and tragedy do not necessarily follow sin. Disasters and the wrath of God are two separate issues.

Tragedy might be devastating and extremely painful – the wrath of God –well, you can’t handle the wrath of God! That’s why Jesus took the wrath and anger of an offend God to Himself. He experienced the wrath of God because; to put it bluntly - you can’t manage it! – you can’t handle the wrath of an offended God! What Jesus says to us today is a deep and profound mystery – Repent! Cling to Christ in all things.

“Trust not in princes they are but mortal. Earth born they are and soon decay. Vain are their counsels at life’s last portal. When the dark grave engulfs its prey. Since mortals can no help afford. Place all your trust in Christ our Lord.” - Praise the Almighty stanza two -LSB

God our Lord and Master is not some ogre enthroned in the heavens heaving lightning bolts at naughty children and the “dirties” of this world. –Arresting and convicting those who get out of line and misbehave. He’s more serious about your sin! He more serious about your sin then you could ever be! He has devised a plan by which our sin has been dealt with once and for all. To receive the Savior’s gracious favor - and to see the Father’s face - has been accomplished by Jesus Christ the righteous One. There is but one word for us to ponder – Repent!

There is forgiveness, which comes from a loving Father who calls us to repentance. This gift of salvation is entirely the Father’s gift. Titus reminds us, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus bore your sin in His body on the cruel and bloody cross of Calvary that you might never have to experience the wrath of an angry God. If we believe Jesus’ words from the cross, “It is finished” really means it is finished – we must conclude that the wrath of an offended God rested on Christ and Him alone –Jesus endured the Father’s wrath so we would never have to experience such cruelty.

When Jesus cried from the cruel cross “it is finished” we can say without any doubt or misgivings – it’s over! The strife is over, the battle’s won! Hail to the Victor – our Rock and our Redeemer – the Lord’s Christ remains victorious.

This why we can take real and lasting comfort in the words of the Psalmist who said – But You O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant Your strength to Your servant.

The path many take is a wide and wandering - beset with many challenges and obstacles in our road. Know the voice of the Shepherd Jesus Christ. Listen to that same Shepherd’s voice. Hearken to Him as He speaks to you this day through the clear message of His Word.

Our faith rests in the Redeemer who came to "seek and save that which was lost." God's kindness and love is made known through Jesus Christ. As we witness Jesus' unselfish devotion to our well-being, we are confident that His gift is more than adequate to lift us from otherwise hopeless calamities.

God is patient. He is a God of new beginnings and a fresh new start. He desires to give us more time to repent. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Behind this patience is a God of love who does not desire the death of any one person. “God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Saturday, February 27, 2016 Thy Kingdom Come

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, ^{Hebrews 12:28}

Offer to God acceptable worship. Possible only through grace in Christ, directed only to the triune God, and conducted with respectful wonders. With reverence and awe. Not frivolous, nonchalant, or trivial. God’s presence calls for serious hearing, genuine repentance, and extraordinary joy. See Psalm 2:12[1]

In the Second Petition, we ask God to give us His Holy Spirit so that we believe His Word and lead godly lives as members of His kingdom of grace. [2]

Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[3]

[3] Collect for Saturday of Lent 2, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Friday, February 26, 2016

Friday, February 26, 2016 Thy Kingdom Come

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. ^{Colossians 1:13}

Delivered…transferred. The past tense points us back to baptism, which incorporated us into Christ’s saving work. “Human nature has been delivered into slavery and is held captive by the devil,” (Apology II 47) The New Testament often uses light/darkness for the contrast between God/Satan. Salvation/sin. God’s power to save from the dark ness of sin applies for all people. Jesus taught that God’s kingdom wass the rule of His grave, which began with His ministry. This beginning of God’s kingdom is the forgiveness of sin.[1]

For what do we pray in the Second Petition? We do not pray that God’s kingdom of power would come; because that is already present everywhere.[2]

Grant, O Lord, that as your Son Jesus Christ prayed for His enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[3]

[3] Collect for Friday of Lent 2, , http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

The Grand Canyon

Today, Wednesday 26 February the Grand Canyon National Park is celebrating the anniversary of its designation as a national park 96 years to the day after An Act to Establish the Grand Canyon National Park in the Sate of Arizona was signed into law in 1919

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Thursday, February 25, 2016 Thy Kingdom Come

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. ^{1Corinthians 4:20}

The phrase, “kingdom of God” is a phrase rarely used in Paul’s letters. Christians may speak about the kingdom of God in a variety of ways. First, God rules the universe and everything in it, including the affairs of humanity (Psalm 66:7; Daniel 5:21). Second, we also use the phrase “kingdom of God” to refer to the time after the resurrection of the dead when God rules with without opposition (“kingdom come,” as same say; Revelation 12:10)

We give thanks to God for His powerful rule over all the world, and we pray for the advent of His glorious victory on the Last Day. But when the Bible refers to the “kingdom of God,” it usually has a different definition in mind. As Jeffrey Gibbs explains for the Gospel according to Matthew, the kingdom of God is God’s righteous reign.

To speak of a “reign” is to imply that a king is present to act as such, “to reign” then the God of heaven has come down to reign, to perform his kingly deeds. Thus, the reign of God is not primarily a place. Rather, it is a divine action that occurs where Jesus is, through his words and deeds. Nor is the reign of heaven a group of people. Rather, because the God of heaven has begun to manifest his kingly deeds, a group of people is constituted as those who believe in God’s reign in Jesus. (Concordia Commentary, Matthew, 48-49)[1]

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father give us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.[2]

O Lord, strong and mighty, Lord of Hosts and King of glory: Cleanse our hearts from sin, keep our hand pure, and turn our minds from what is passing away; so that at the last we may stand in your holy place and receive your blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[3]

[3] Collect for Thursday of Lent 2, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

February 25, 1838

Almighty God, You have promised to be with Your Church forever. We praise You for Your presence in this place of worship and ask Your ongoing blessing upon those who gather here. Dwell continually among us with Your holy Word and Sacraments, strengthen our fellowship in the bonds of love and peace, and increase our faithful witness to Your salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Wednesday, February 24, 2016 Thy Kingdom Come

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. ^{John 3:16}

Loved. From the Greek agapao, used repeatedly in John. God’s sacrificial and faithful love for the entire world alienated from God, that is, all humankind. Gave. God not only sent His Son but also offered Him to the world. He became the atoning sacrifice. Believes. “Whoever believes in the Son of God, be it with a strong or with a weak faith, may have eternal life. Worthiness does not depend on the greatness or smallness, the weakness or strength of faith. Instead, it depends on Christ’s merit.” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VII 70-71)

Luther: “Look at the words, I beseech you, to determine how and of whom He is speaking…No one is here excluded. God’s Son was given for all. All should believe, and not all who do believe should perish, etc. Take hold of your own nose, I beseech you, to determine whether you are not a human being (that is, part of the world) and like any other many you belong to the number of those comprised in the word all.” (WLS 189)

Perish. Eternal separation from God. “Out of His immense goodness and mercy, god provides for the public preaching of His divine eternal law and His wonderful plain for our redemption, that of the holy, only saving Gospel of His eternal Son, out only Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration II 50)

God gives His only Son as a sacrificial gift to deliver the world from condemnation and to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. When we continue in an immoral lifestyle, we naturally resist divine disclosure of our sin and thus our need for a Savior. Do not flee the light but repent. God has revealed His strong love in His Son Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and give you life. [1]

What is the 2^nd Petition? Thy Kingdom come. What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.[2]

O God, you so loved the world that you gave your only begotten Son to reconcile earth with heaven; Grant that we, loving you above all things, may love our friends in you, and our enemies for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.[3]

[3] Collect for Wednesday of Lent 2, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Matthias, Apostle

Almighty God, You chose Your servant Matthias to be numbered with the Twelve. Grant that Your Church, ever preserved from false teachers, may be taught and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthias, Apostle

Almighty God, You chose Your servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve. Grant that Your church, ever preserved from false teachers, may be taught and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Source:

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 Hallowed be Thy Name

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ^{Philippians
2:9}

Above every name. In ancient times, people were given names to describe them. The name of Jesus describes the essence of who He is: “salvation is of the Lord.” There is no other savior or means of salvation. “After His resurrection, He entirely laid aside the form of a servant, but not the human nature, and was established in the full use, manifestation, and declaration of the divine majesty. In this way He entered into His glory.” (Formula of Concord Epitome VIII 16)[1]

What is Christ’s exaltation? Christ’s exaltation is that as man He now fully and always uses His divine powers. “He descended into hell. The third day He rose against from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence, He will come to judge the living and the dead.[2]

O God, you willed to redeem us from all iniquity by your Son: Deliver us when we are tempted to regard sin without abhorrence, and let the virtue of his passion come between us and our mortal enemy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[3]

[3] Collect for Tuesday of Lent 2, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Monday, February 22, 2016

Time in the Word - Lent 3

The Theme for Lent 3 is “A Life of Repentance.” In the Old Testament lesson (Ezekiel 33:7-20) the prophet is told that he has been called to be a watchman, to speak of warning. If he fails to call men to repentance, he is responsible for his brother’s fall. In the Epistle (1 Corinthians 10:1-13), Paul calls his hearers to repent to avoid destruction. In the Gospel (Luke 13:1-9), Jesus warns us to repent before it is too late or perish.

Collect for a Church Anniversary – Almighty God, You have promised to be with Your Church forever. We praise You for Your presence in this place of worship and ask Your ongoing blessing upon those who gather here. Dwell continually among us with Your holy Word and Sacraments, strengthen our fellowship in the bonds of love and peace, and increase our faithful witness to Your salvation.

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.

Monday, 22 February 2016—Psalm 5:4-8, Antiphon, Psalm 1:6: For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. In keeping with our theme – a life of repentance – the antiphon reminds us that the righteous will be saved but the wicked will perish. They will perish for they do not repent. Implicit in the destinies of the two lifestyles are the destinies of those who choose them. This will be further explained in the Old Testament lesson for the week.

Tuesday, 23 February 2016—Psalm 85; key verse, verse 8: I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people His saints – but let them not return to folly. When we repent, we take responsibility, we show remorse, we repair what we can, and we repeat not! This is what the psalmist is driving at when he says, “but let them not return to folly.” When we repeat, when we return to visit from whence we came, we provoke God’s displeasure again. Thus, we need to ask the Lord to send us His Holy Spirit to lead us into right living. And when we fall or fail, we need to confess our sin, repent, and rely on His grace to save us. This is the pattern of a life of repentance.

Wednesday, 24 February 2016—Ezekiel 33:7-20–When confronted by the Lord, Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” [Genesis 4:9] Ezekiel is called to be a watchman. He is to warn his fellow citizens of the sure destruction, which is to come. If they repent, they are spared. If they refuse to repent, they will be punished, but Ezekiel will not be held liable. However, if he chooses not to warn his brothers, they will surely be punished yet he will be held responsible for his brother because he failed to warn them. We have a responsibility to preach both Law and Gospel. God will judge each individual whether righteous or wicked. God takes no pleasure in punishing. This is his alien work. (This will hurt me as much as it hurts you) But it is a part of God’s nature. We are our brother’s keeper. Each will be judged individually yet there is a moral obligation toward our neighbor to sound the alarm of the coming judgment.

Note: our congregation was chartered on February.25.1838

Thursday, 25 February 2016—1 Corinthians10:1-13–St. Paul pleads with his hearers to turn from their sin (repent) to avoid destruction. He uses lessons to be learned from the Israelites’ experiences in the wilderness. The gist of Paul’s pleading: don’t think that just because you were baptized and receive Holy Communion, you are safe from sinning. Look at the Israelites who were baptized into Moses and ate supernatural food. They perished for their sins. Christians can sin, too. Pride goes before a fall. Do not be smug and think you have it made, that nothing can happen to you, and that you are safe from God’s judgment. Yet God will provide an escape from temptation to sin that you need not perish. As Christians, you need to live a life of daily repentance.

Friday, 26 February 2016 – Luke 13:1-9–Repent before it is too late. Judgment is delayed to allow time for repentance. The parable of the fig tree emphasizes God’s forbearance and patience in waiting for repentance. The emphasis is on the plea of the vinedresser to give the tree more time to produce before its destruction.

Suffering and tragedy do not necessarily follow sin. A natural catastrophe like the tower of Siloam and man’s violence like Pilate’s massacre of those in the acts of worship do not imply that the victims were special sinners deserving this fate. All need to repent. Whether or not they are victims of disaster, all are guilty of sin. Thus, unless all repent, they will perish like the victims of the tower and the massacre.

Saturday, 27 February 2016—Mark 15:29-30; Isaiah 53:4-5:11— Sunday’s hymn is Jesus Refuge of the Weary (LSB 423). This much-loved Lenten hymn is a meditative song drawing the listener to reflect not only on Christ and His cross but also upon its effect on the Christ’s life. Meditate upon what Christ has offered you – His life, His love in exchange for your sin.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Monday, February 22, 2016 Hallowed be Thy Name

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! ^{Psalm 8:1}

The term “Lord” comes from the Hebrew Yahweh, the personal, revealed name of God. “Our Lord” comes from the Hebrew “Adonai, a common termed used to address a king, ruler, or anyone in position of authority. The psalm begins by crying out the name of the one and only true God, and then confesses Him our ruler. “Majestic” The name of Yahweh is rightfully described. Yahweh alone is, always has been, and always will be the one who exists and, by extension, is always present to act on behalf of humankind for our salvation. “Glory” God’s majesty is tangibly revealed on earth in the wonderful details, design of creation especially in Christ’s human nature and work, and extends beyond our view into the heavens.[1]

How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father![2]

Let your Spirit, O Lord, come into the midst of us to wash us with the pure water of repentance, and prepare us to be always a living sacrifice to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[3]

[3] Collect for Monday of Lent 2, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Sunday, February 21, 2016 Hallowed be Thy Name

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ^{Ephesians 4:1}

Paul begins as portion of Ephesians is not simply about our conduct. It contains some very profound Gospel teaching. However, there is a greater focus on the consequences of Law and Gospel for our faith and life.

Calling is the Christian faith itself, as brought by the Word of God.[1]

Hallowed be Thy name. What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also[2].

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.[3]

[3] Collect for Sunday of Lent 2, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm