Holy Saturday, March 26, 2016 Deliver us from Evil
They preached the good
news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to
Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them
to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the
kingdom of God,” they said. Acts
14:21-22
Pressure,
hardship, and opposition are to be expected by God’s people on their earthly
journey toward their full experience of His heavenly kingdom. Luther: “Curses
will not be lacking. But go forth to face them more boldly, be strong, and
cling steadfastly to the blessing, no matter how much everything seems to be
full of a curse. For this is what we should conclude, it is sure that I have
been baptized. I have heard the Word from the mouth of the minister. I have
made use of the Sacrament of the Altar. This is the divine and unchangeable
truth. Even though I am weak, it is sure and unalterable…You are children of
the kingdom, your sins are forgiven, the devil has been overcome and laid low
under your feet, sin and death will do you no harem, but you are blameless.
Therefore, bear the hostile curses with equanimity.” (AE 5:145-146)[1]
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant
that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on
this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and
rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[2]
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