Second Sunday in Lent

Second Sunday in Lent, 25 February 2018           Genesis 16:1-12

Sari sought alternative means for fulfilling God’s promises. When God provides a son to Hagar, discord and strife arise because of jealousy and pride. How often our own households and marriages are torn asunder when we devise ways and means that God had not commanded. Consider how willing our Lord was to submit Himself to everything the Father willed, even when that meant suffering at the hands of evil men and dying in their place. 

He has seen your suffering and has taken it upon Himself. By His dying and rising He makes sure that the God who sees all is now graciously disposed toward you.

Today marks the 180th anniversary of the signing of our congregation’s charter. Thank about that ~ 180 years! We have experienced everything conceivable in these many years. Yet, Christ remains faithful. As He has directed us in the past He will continue to shepherd us into the future. We do not walk alone. Christ goes with us. Christ goes before us with His guidance, mercy and care.   

Dear Lord, though You see all, Your promise now to see us only in Jesus. Tenderly work among us by Your means of grace, exercising Your fatherly care . 1

Hymn: Our Father, Who from Heaven Above (Lutheran Service Book 766:4)

Your gracious will on earth be done
As it is done before Your throne,
That patiently we may obey
Throughout our lives all that You say.
Curb flesh and blood and ev’ry will
That sets itself against Your will.

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, forever and ever. Amen. 2

1  Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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