Time
in the Word
Preparing
for Pentecost 14 –Proper 16
August
20-25, 2018
The True Tradition of the
Church Is the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, Her Savior
The
true tradition of the Church is the Gospel, which is the preaching and
administration of Christ Jesus. Other traditions, although not commanded by
God, may serve and support that sacred tradition of the Gospel. But the Church
dare not “[reject] the commandment of God”
in order to establish or hold to “the
tradition of men” (Mark 7:8–9). Sinful people attempt to draw near to the
Lord “with their mouth” and to honor
Him “with their lips,” while their
hearts are far removed from Him (Isaiah 29:13). Yet, He is “the Holy One of Israel,” who brings
about salvation by His cross. Therefore, “the
wisdom of their wise men shall perish,” but “the deaf shall hear” and “the
eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:14–19). This mystery of Christ is
profound, for He is the Husband of the Church, and He is her Savior. Not
because of any works that she has done, but solely for the sake of His great
love, He “gave himself up for her, that
he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the
word” (Ephesians 5:25–26).
Lord of all power and might, Author and Giver of all
good things, graft in our hearts the love of Your name, increase in us true
religion, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good
works; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord we pray. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in
every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your
goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Monday, August 20, 2018 – Psalm
26 – Next week’s Introit is an appeal for God to take account of David’s
moral integrity, his unwavering trust, and his genuine delight in the Lord.
This is not a boast of self-righteousness, but an appeal to God. The Antiphon
is taken from verse 8, “I love the house
where You live, O Lord, the place where Your glory dwells.”
Tuesday, August 21, 2018 – Psalm
119:129-136 – The appointed Psalm for next week is taken from the longest
Psalm and it under the Hebrew letter Pe.
The Psalmist recalls the righteousness of God’s law and how they are a delight
to follow. As we focus on the Lord and His precepts, we find direction in
living.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 –Isaiah
29:11–19The visitation of the Lord will bring death and destruction to
Jerusalem. Yet the Lord promises to do wonderful things with His people. God
desires genuine repentance, not hypocrisy. God has accomplished wonderful
things for us through the gracious visitation of His son in our human flesh. In
Jesus’ death and resurrection. God has turned the world upside down and removed
our shame.
Thursday, August 23, 2018 –Ephesians
5:22–33For the Christian, the Gospel does not overturn the order of life,
but gives it new meaning. Each human relationship is reinterpreted “in the
Lord.” Wives, children, and servants look on their husbands, parents, and
masters as representatives of the Lord and submit to them. Husbands, parents
and masters likewise views the ones
entrusted to them as Christ viewed the church with self-sacrificing
love.
Friday, August 24, 2018 – Mark
7:1–13Good living comes from a believing heart. The prophet Isaiah had
denounced the religious leaders of his day. Jesus uses a quotation form this
prophet to describe the tradition of the elders as “rules taught by men.”
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees
for being overly concerned with man-made observances while failing to fulfill
God’s Commandments. Such hypocrisy still abounds, as most people worry more
about human opinions that what God things. Given our failures in this regard, it is a good thing
that the Lord not only commands in His Word, but also graciously forgives and
promises goodness. Thus, we ought to pray, “Lord, cleanse us each day from our
sins. We thank You that Jesus was made a fragrant, sacrificial offering for
us.”
Saturday, August 25, 2018 –Luke
17:5– This verse is the inspiration for the hymn, “Oh for a Faith that Will Not shrink”. The disciples, feeling incapable of measuring
up to the standards set forth by the Lord, cry out to Him, “Lord, increase our
faith!” This is the cry of faith asking the Lord to supply us in every need.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be
called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1) Parenting begins with parents
remembering that they live in God’s kingdom ruled by God’s lavished love in
Christ. The Gospel is the basis for parenting, not some how-to book with a list
of rules. God’s underserved love in Christ reminds parents that having a child
is not a right but a blessing. Parents do not merely produce children as an
industry produces a product. They are entrusted with a child as a gift from
God. All parenting flows from the gift of the heavenly Father.
Some thoughts
concerning our worship life together …
Hearing the Word of God, the
people respond with words of praise. The Gradual is a Proper. It is a portion
of a psalm of other Scripture passage that provides a response after the Old Testament
Reading. The Epistle lesson gives us God’s counsel on how His gracious Word is
applied to the hearer and the Church. Often in this reading we hear how God’s
Word accomplishes what it says-creating faith, bestowing forgiveness,
strengthening God’s people in their struggles against sin, and enlivening in
them the hope of eternal life.
This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings
Read and
review the following Bible stories for each day…
Monday, August 20 – Cain
& Abel – Genesis 4:1-16
Tuesday, August 21 – From
Adam to Noah – Genesis 5:1-32
Wednesday, August 22 – Chapel Day
Thursday, August 23 - The
flood –Genesis 6-9
Friday, August 24 - Tower
of Babel – Genesis 11:1-9
From the Small Catechism – 3rd
& 4th Commandments
Sources:
The Lutheran Hymnal, © 1941, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Lutheran Worship,
© 1982, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis pg. 78
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Worshiping with Angels and Archangels – An Introduction
to the Divine Service by Scot
Kinnaaman© 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis pg. 20
Luther’s Seal © Ed Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher
Things
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