Saturday, February 20, 2016

Saturday, February 20, 2016



Saturday, February 20, 2016           Hallowed be Thy Name              


In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

They may see your good works. Jesus urges His disciples to do good works for the people of this world. Says Luther, “What Jesus calls ‘good works’ here is the exercise, expression, and confession of the teaching about Christ and faith…” Shining is the real joy of believing or teaching, by which we also help others to believe.” (American Edition 21:65 See also the Formula of Concord, Epitome IV 18)

Glory to your Father. Good works are meant to lead others to glorify our heavenly Father, not to bring praise to the one who does them. Leading people to worship the true God is the whole purpose of doing good deeds.

Words without deeds are as if salt that has become useless or like a light put under a basket. The words we speak in praise of our heavenly Father need the support of our deeds. Jesus wants us to witness by both words and deeds, even as God bears witness that, He is our Father when He calls us His children.

Lord Jesus, help me to be good salt and a shining light wherever I am.[1]

We keep God’s name holy among us when we live according to God’s Word. See the story of Zacchaeus who resolved to live the Christian life. (Luke 19:1-9)[2]

O God, by your Word you marvelously carry out the work of reconciliation: Grant that in our Lenten fast we may be devoted to you with all our hearts, and united with one another in prayer and holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[3]


[1] The Lutheran Study Bible, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO Pg.1586
[2] Luther’s Small Catechism, 1st Petition of the Lord’s Prayer © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3] Collect for Saturday of Lent 1,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

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