Time in the Word
Proper 26
October 30- November 5, 2017
The Lessons for this week fall under the theme The Price of Christian Leadership. A national election is upon us. People ask the pressing question who shall lead us and what will tomorrow bring. We need not fear for the Lord directs us. He orders our days. He directs our path. We pray that the Lord would raise up godly people to use their talents for the praise of God and in service to the neighbor. At what price will we be willing to serve? The appointed psalm for the day is. Psalm 43 (antiphon; V.3) In the Old Testament lesson Micah 3:5-12 – we see the price of true instruction in God’s truth. In the Epistle lesson 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – Paul explains the price of godly living. In the Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12 – Jesus explains the price of humble service
Two simple yet heart felt Prayers– Almighty God, source of every blessing, your generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of Your Spirit, lead us to acknowledge Your goodness, give thanks for Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience.
Lord, we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works
For Schools – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.
Collect for Proper 26 -Merciful and gracious Lord, You cause Your Word to be proclaimed in every generation. Stir up our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may receive the proclamation with humility and finally be exalted at the coming of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen
Collect for Reformation: (31 October) –Almighty and gracious Lord pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Collect for All Saints Day: (1 November) -Almighty and everlasting god, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into on holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Monday, October 30, 2017 – Psalm 34:1-2, 11, 22 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 9:18: “For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.”
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 –Micah 3:5-12 – The price of true instruction in God’s truth. The false prophets predicted peace for Judah while Micah predicted destruction and captivity. One of the chief purposes of Micah was to declare to Judah it sin. Micah along with the rest of the prophets were Spirit-filled messengers. The destruction of Jerusalem happened in history in 586 BC. These verses were quoted a century later in Jeremiah 26:18 Jeremiah 26:19 indicates that Micah’s preaching may have been instrumental in the revival under King Hezekiah. (see 2 Kings 18:1-6; 2 Chronicles 29-31) The words you speak today might not take root until one hundred years from now. We are not called to see results but to remain faithful.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017– 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – The price of godly living. In the 1st Century moral standards were generally very low. Chastity was regarded as an unreasonable restriction. Paul however, would not compromise God’s clear and demanding standards. The warning was needed then and is needed now. Christians are not immune to temptations. (See 1 Corinthians 5:1)
We are not our own. Sexual sin harms others beside those who engage in it. In adultery, the spouse is always wronged. Premarital sex wrongs the future partner by robbing him or her of the virginity that ought to be brought to marriage. Here we see a motive for chastity.
Still another reason for chastity is God’s call to holiness. Sexual sin is against God. He gives the Holy Spirit to believers for their sanctification. To live in sexual immorality is to reject God. Specifically in regard to the Holy Spirit.
Some in the congregation were taking undue interest in other people’s affairs. The Greeks in general thought manual labor degrading and fit only for slaves. Christians took seriously the need for earning their own living. But some, perhaps as a result of their belief in the imminent return of Christ were neglecting work an relying on others to support them. Christians in need because of their idleness are not obedient Christians.
Thursday, November 2, 2017 –Matthew 23:1-12 – The price of humble service. The warning here is against seeking titles of honor to foster pride. Doubly zealous for ritual purification, which fostered pride and false security and brought no salvation was the downfall of these false teachers of the law.
Friday, November 3, 2017 – Psalm 43 - This Psalm is appointed for this coming Sunday. The key verse is verse 3. This psalm is a prayer for deliverance from the enemy and for restoration to God’s presence. The key verse personified as God’s messenger who work our God’s salvation. He shows His faithful care on behalf of His own. Thus we pray with the psalmist, may these guide me back to Your temple.
Saturday, November 4, 2017 –Luke 24:29 - Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn, LSB #585 “Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide” The two Emmaus disciples urged Jesus, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening, the day is almost over.” We pray, Lord, abide with me. Jesus responds. “ So He went in to stay with them.” Jesus is always with you. He will never forsake, never abandon, never leave you. This is His promise, “I am with you always!” Not a wish but a constant reality. The Lord sticks with you forever.
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.
Luther's Seal and the Image of Christ Crucified © Higher Things
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