Proper 17 Series C

Proper 17 C 
September 1, 2019

Proverbs 25:2–10
Hebrews 13:1–17
Luke 14:1–14

We Are Humbled and Exalted by the Cross of Christ

O Lord of grace and majesty, teach us by Your Holy Spirit to follow the example of Your Son in true humility, that we may withstand the temptations of the devil and with pure hearts and minds avoid ungodly pride;

“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,” Jesus proclaims, but “he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). For your hope is in the name of the Lord, who humbled Himself unto death on the cross and was exalted in His resurrection. So are you humbled by His cross, and “at the resurrection of the just,” He will say to you, “Friend, move up higher” (Luke 14:10; 13–14).

By His grace, the King will honor you “in the presence of a noble,” where your eyes will gaze upon the Prince, His dearly beloved Son.” (Proverbs 25:7).

As He has dealt so graciously with you, “do not neglect to do good and to share what you have” (Heb. 13:16) and “do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2). Humble yourself and exalt your neighbor.

Humbled Then Exalted
Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege

Consider the following somewhat theoretical discussion.  In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus declared, “…he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Reflecting on the entirety of Holy Writ, one can conclude this to be an axiom of God’s kingdom.  It is repeated in similar wording in verses such as 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”  And again from the mouth of our Lord in Luke 18:14b: “…the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This axiom is apparently foundational behavior even for God!  Strange as it may sound, our God, the Triune God who is the Lord of heaven and earth “naturally” humbles Himself.  This condescension, we believe, is axiomatic concerning His relationship to His creation—even outside man’s fall into sin.  Psalm 113:5,6 nicely summarizes this reality: “Who is like the LORD our God, Who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in heaven and in the earth?” (NASB).  Yes, to behold the lofty fabric of the heavens, their Creator must stoop and humble himself.  Thus also the Lord of the universe humbled himself to behold the things in the earth, personally forming the various animals and uniquely humbling himself to “form,” “breathe into” and “build” the first man and woman. Such humbling is a loving condescension, making Himself approachable, appearing to be something less than infinite. Personally encountering this humbled God, sinless man would have exalted Him by glorifying Him in word and deed. Some conjecture that God would have become a man even if humanity had not sinned! And after the original sin, God—apparently in human form—humbled himself to “walk in the garden in the cool of the day,” which one could recognize as His “normal” humble behavior.

Because God thus humbles Himself, It should come as no surprise that God would actually become a man!  Though becoming man is in itself not equal to entering the State of Humiliation, yet, we believe, simply becoming man would have been an act of humbling Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth.  But the Son of God did not just become man. By becoming man the Son of God could and did—for our salvation—enter the State of Humiliation, thus enabling Him as a man to cease fully using His divine powers.  In this State of Humiliation Christ could really suffer and die in our place.  St. Paul thus wrote to the Philippians (2:6,8):  “[Christ,] Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,…And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.” Recall now the axiom:  “He who humbles himself will be exalted.”  For us the Lord Jesus as a man humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. For us He would then begin His State of Exaltation by being exalted in His resurrection.  Thus to the baptized—those connected to Him—He gives the gifts of salvation accomplished by His being humbled and then exalted.

Relate all of this now to worship. Are not acts of humiliation and exaltation foundational acts of worship—on God’s part and on our part?  Does not God in worship still come to us in humility—through the mouth of a sinful pastor and through the humble water, bread and wine— that we may “exalt Him” by glorifying Him in our Pneumatic petitions, offerings and praises?  And concerning our own humiliation and exaltation in worship, do we not gather in humility—with contrite hearts—that God the Spirit may exalt us by forgiving and strengthening our faith in Jesus through Word and Sacrament?  Indeed, he who humbles himself will be exalted.

© 2019 Indiana District - Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

Healing of a Man on the Sabbath
Luke 14.1-14

Luke 14.1
Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ἐλθεῖν αὐτὸν εἰς οἶκόν τινος τῶν ἀρχόντων τῶν Φαρισαίων σαββάτῳ φαγεῖν ἄρτον καὶ αὐτοὶ ἦσαν παρατηρούμενοι αὐτόν.
One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully.

:1 - they are watching because it was the Sabbath. 6:1, 13:10ff

Luke 14.2
καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄνθρωπός τις ἦν ὑδρωπικὸς ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ.
And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy.

:2 - right then, in time and space, right there, right here, right now. A man with dropsy (edema) was in front of him.

Luke 14.3
καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς τοὺς νομικοὺς καὶ Φαρισαίους λέγων• Ἔξεστιν τῷ σαββάτῳ θεραπεῦσαι ἢ οὔ; 
And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”

:3 - Jesus addresses the teachers of the Law and the experts, "is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?"  Is this a set up? If so, whom?

Luke 14.4
οἱ δὲ ἡσύχασαν. καὶ ἐπιλαβόμενος ἰάσατο αὐτὸν καὶ ἀπέλυσεν.
But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away.

:4 - Silence is their answer. Taking hold of him He healed him and sent him away. The answer is Jesus. He heals on the Sabbath as the Lord of the Sabbath.

Luke 14.5
αὶ πρὸς αὐτοὺς εἶπεν• Τίνος ὑμῶν υἱὸς ἢ βοῦς εἰς φρέαρ πεσεῖται, καὶ οὐκ εὐθέως ἀνασπάσει αὐτὸν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ σαββάτου;
And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son[a] or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?”

:5 - which one of you, having a son or ox into a well falling will not immediately raise him up on the Sabbath. How many of the Pharisees would leave a son? He condemns them. They turned the Sabbath into a work and a law. Jesus was left in the well (grave) on a Sabbath. His father left him there.

Luke 14.6
 καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσαν ἀνταποκριθῆναι πρὸς ταῦτα.
And they could not reply to these things.

:6 - they were not able to speak back to Him concerning these things. They are not strong enough. They are still striving. They have not despaired of themselves.

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

Luke 14.7
Ἔλεγεν δὲ πρὸς τοὺς κεκλημένους παραβολήν, ἐπέχων πῶς τὰς πρωτοκλισίας ἐξελέγοντο, λέγων πρὸς αὐτούς•
Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,

:7 - noticing how they chose the first places he told them this parable.

Luke 14.8
Ὅταν κληθῇς ὑπό τινος εἰς γάμους, μὴ κατακλιθῇς εἰς τὴν πρωτοκλισίαν, μήποτε ἐντιμότερός σου ᾖ κεκλημένος ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him,

:8 - when someone invites you to a  wedding feast, don't sit in the place of honor in case someone with more honor is invited.

Luke 14.9
καὶ ἐλθὼν ὁ σὲ καὶ αὐτὸν καλέσας ἐρεῖ σοι• Δὸς τούτῳ τόπον, καὶ τότε ἄρξῃ μετὰ αἰσχύνης τὸν ἔσχατον τόπον κατέχειν.
and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.

:9 - if so, the host who invited both of you will say to you give this place and you will begin to have shame.

Luke 14.10
ἀλλ’ ὅταν κληθῇς πορευθεὶς ἀνάπεσε εἰς τὸν ἔσχατον τόπον, ἵνα ὅταν ἔλθῃ ὁ κεκληκώς σε ἐρεῖ σοι• Φίλε, προσανάβηθι ἀνώτερον• τότε ἔσται σοι δόξα ἐνώπιον πάντων τῶν συνανακειμένων σοι. 
But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.

:10 - when you are invited, take the lowest place, in order that when the one who invited you will say, 'beloved, come up higher' then you will have honor among all the others. Remember it's about Jesus. Continuation from last Sunday. You are unworthy you are the least. He makes you first and greatest.

Luke 14.11
ὅτι πᾶς ὁ ὑψῶν ἑαυτὸν ταπεινωθήσεται καὶ ὁ ταπεινῶν ἑαυτὸν ὑψωθήσεται. ὅτι πᾶς ὁ ὑψῶν ἑαυτὸν ταπεινωθήσεται καὶ ὁ ταπεινῶν ἑαυτὸν ὑψωθήσεται.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Parable of the Great Banquet

Luke 14.12
Ἔλεγεν δὲ καὶ τῷ κεκληκότι αὐτόν• Ὅταν ποιῇς ἄριστον ἢ δεῖπνον, μὴ φώνει τοὺς φίλους σου μηδὲ τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου μηδὲ τοὺς συγγενεῖς σου μηδὲ γείτονας πλουσίους, μήποτε καὶ αὐτοὶ ἀντικαλέσωσίν σε καὶ γένηται ἀνταπόδομά σοι. 
He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid.

:12 -14 - this is what righteousness looks like. It must be about Christ. Being called up is all grace. It is Christ who exalts.

Walther, "Faith is a synonym for Christ."

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and all who are humbled will be exalted. There is only one who has entered through the narrow door only one who has been humbled - Christ. See Philippians 2, " Let This mind be among you..."

Don't give a checklist... proclaim the humility and exaltation of Christ.

Note: Now Jesus is host. Notice whom He invites. You will be blessed in the resurrection of the righteous.

Luke 14.13
ἀλλ’ ὅταν δοχὴν ποιῇς, κάλει πτωχούς, ἀναπείρους, χωλούς, τυφλούς•
 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 

Luke 14.14
 καὶ μακάριος ἔσῃ, ὅτι οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἀνταποδοῦναί σοι, ἀνταποδοθήσεται γάρ σοι ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει τῶν δικαίων.
and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
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What does it take to invite the lowly? It takes humility and grace.

1. Humility - To invite those who bring us no advantage.

2. Grace - To invite people because they are unworthy and cannot help us.

Make no mistake. This is more than mere manners. Christ humbled Himself To the point of death. He bore your sin and took your misery to Himself. In exchange for your sin you receive the righteousness of God in Christ. If this is how the Savior deliberately choose to treat you how much more should we demonstrate the same hospitality to your neighbor. 

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Time in the Word - Proper 17

Pentecost 12 – Proper 17

26 – 31 August 2016

We Are Humbled and Exalted by the Cross of Christ

“Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled,” Jesus proclaims, but “he who humbles himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Your hope is in the name of the Lord, who humbled Himself unto death on the cross and was exalted in His resurrection. So are you humbled by His cross, and “at the resurrection of the righteous,” He will say to you, “Friend, move up higher” (Luke 14:10; 13–14). By His grace, the King will honor you “in the place of great men,” where your eyes will gaze upon the Prince, His dearly-beloved Son (Proverbs 25:7). As He has dealt so graciously with you, “Do not neglect doing good and sharing” (Hebrews 13:16), and “do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2). Humble yourself and exalt your neighbor.

Collect for Proper 17: O Lord of grace and mercy, teach us by Your holy Spirit to follow the example of Your Son in true humility, that we may withstand the temptations of the devil and with pure hearts and minds avoid ungodly pride; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Pentecost 12: Almighty and everlasting God, always more ready to hear than we to pray and always ready to give more than we either desire or deserve, pour down un us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving us the things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us the good things we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

For the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Prayer for humility: O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

For those outside the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and live. Hear our prayers for those outside the Church. Take away their iniquity, and turn them from their false gods to You, the living and true God. Gather them into Your holy Church to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

A Morning Collect: Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that you would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessing remain throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness, and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 

Monday, 26 August 2019—Psalm 75:1–2, 6, 9; antiphon, Psalm 75:7—The readings for Sunday speak of being humble, and the Introit sets the tone by reminding us that we are not to judge people according to worldly standards; rather, It is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.

Tuesday, 27 August 2019—Psalm 131—This psalm of David is the psalm of a humble man, one whose heart is not lifted up by himself and one whose eyes are not raised too high. Instead of relying on himself, David has calmed and quieted his soul with the knowledge of the LORD and that all our hope is in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.

Wednesday, 28 August 2019—Proverbs 25:2–10—About 250 years after the death of Solomon, blessed by God as the wisest man ever to have lived, King Hezekiah’s men collected some of Solomon’s wise sayings from a larger collection. The first section used for Sunday’s Old Testament reading (vv. 2–7) relate to earthly kings. Whereas part of God’s glory is due to the fact that He is beyond our understanding, it is the glory of earthly kings to search out and discover. When he became king, Solomon humbly asked God for “an understanding mind to govern Your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). To search out justice and enlightenment is to a ruler’s glory.

The second portion of the reading (vv. 8–10) teaches us humility in relations with our neighbor. We are not to be hasty in pursuing litigation to elevate ourselves over our neighbor; he may thereby put us to shame. Neither should we engage in gossip, warns v. 9. Similar warnings are also given in Proverbs 11:13, 20:19, and, of course, the Eighth Commandment.

Thursday, 29 August 2019—Hebrews 13:1–17—How does a person’s humility manifest itself with regard to those around us? The writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to care for the needy: Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers . . . remember those who are in prison . . . and those who are mistreated. 

We ought always to bring to mind Christ’s example, who suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Furthermore, we ought to recall those heroes of the faith whom we heard about in the epistle readings a few weeks ago and imitate their faith. In the Church, we are to humble ourselves and obey our leaders and submit to them, for God has appointed them to keep watch over your souls.

Friday, 30 August 2019—Luke 14:1–14—Sunday’s Gospel speaks of Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, but first challenging the puffed-up Pharisees to show Him why this would be wrong. They could give no answer. 

Jesus then tells a parable which exhorts those puffed-up Pharisees—and us!-–to humble ourselves. One who has the mind of Christ will not seek to exalt himself over others, but will put himself in their service, as Christ did for us when he bore our sins to Calvary. When we bow in humble submission to the Lord, He shall exalt us. Indeed, He has already, by making us His children through the washing of Holy Baptism and giving us a seat at His heavenly banquet.

Saturday, 31 August 2019—The first stanza of the Sunday’s Hymn of the Day, Son of God, Eternal Savior (LSB #842), proclaims the salvation that Christ has won for us. It then beseeches the Lord to reign among us that here on earth, His will be done. Our example is Christ, who lived for others, our plea, then, is So may we for others live. The hymn beautifully proclaims in song the theme for the day: that we are humbled and exalted by the cross of Christ, and our lives reflect His humility.

This week’s Morning Prayer Readings:

August 26 #10 Call of Abram- Genesis 12-17 selected readings

August 27 #11 Promise of Isaac- Genesis 18:1-15

August 28      Chapel

August 29 #12 Sodom & Gamorrah- Genesis 19:1-3, 12-15, 24-26, 29

August 30 #13 Binding of Isaac -Genesis 22:1-18

Catechism Review: 4th & 5th Commandments with meaning

Review the Bible story &  Catechism  with your student each day

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Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Face of Christ:

http://spiritlessons.com/Documents/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Pentecost 11 - Proper 16

Pentecost 11 – Proper 16

Luke 13:22-30

25 August 2019

“The Door which leads to God”

O Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting live, grant us without all doubt to know Your Son Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth and the Life that, following His steps, we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; [1] 

“Many will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29)  But only by the narrow way of the cross.

Those who would be saved must enter the kingdom through a narrow door. 

All people are prospects for the Kingdom, but only those who go through the narrow door of righteousness will be saved.

This message of Jesus may be found to be too restrictive to many of our time. For many in our world, “whatever differences religions might have are not as important as the fundamental similarities.” [2]

Well, what are the “fundamental similarities” among religions today? There are only two; first, all religions believe that man is sinful. And second, religions believe that God will somehow broker some sort of deal to make up for man’s sin.

But here is where the world’s religions differ among themselves. Some believe that God will somehow make up for man’s inability to keep the Law. Others say that God will somehow turn His back on man’s sin. But that sort of scrutiny will not measure up to the test of every man.

What separates Christianity from every world religion is the fact that Christianity is not a religion at all. Rather, Christianity is a connection, an association, a link - established with the person of Jesus Christ.

While most religions focus on man working his way up to God the Bible claims that God has come down to man through the person of Jesus Christ. John will tell us in his gospel, “and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” – John 1 

These words of Jesus are difficult to be sure. Jesus has a narrow focus. He has turned His signs on Jerusalem. Although the disciples might not see or understand - Jesus has 20/20 vision. The cross looms before Him.

Jesus’ desire is that man would find a bond with Him so that He can dwell with him.  How this connection with Christ is made possible? We enter through the narrow door of righteousness.

1.  We enter through the narrow door. “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” Vs. 24. Though God wants all to be saved, not all qualify. 

It is the narrow door of obedience to Christ and Him alone that grants entry into the Kingdom. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus is the door. Only through Him can you enter. You cannot force yourself through.  He is the door. Only through Him can you enter. The temptation is this; “Try harder.” “Produce more.” “Do more.” “Achieve more.”  Yet, “not the labors of my hands could fulfill the Law’s demands.” The way to the Father is through a narrow door. Only Christ can open it. Jesus is the way –the narrow way.   

2.   It will be open- but only for a time.  “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” V. 29 The door to the Kingdom is open to all regardless of nation or race. Christianity is a universal faith. God desires all people to be saved. If this is the case, why not evangelize? 

Notice - A reversal. Those who think they are close are out. Those afar are included. Those who consider themselves as first will become last. And those regarded as last, finish first. 

3.   The closed Door. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’

“Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers.’ Vv. 25-27

The door is closed to religious people who thought they could get in on their own terms – playing by their own rules – “We ate and drank in your presence” they will say.

The door is closed to the wicked, “workers of iniquity,” whether they are in or out of the church. Some will be shut out of heave by their own evil condition. Once the door is closed it will be too late.

There are no more frightening words in Scripture. Jesus says bluntly, “You come from the wrong family. I don’t know you!” They call Him “Lord.”  They prophecy in His name. “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ - Matthew 7:22 

Salvation is dependent on Christ knowing you. And He knows you! “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me… My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.’ (John 10:14; 27-28) 

God's faithfulness is stronger than your faith.  “Even if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” -2 Timothy 2:13 

4.   But those on the inside – there will be bliss and peace forever. There is the glass door. “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.” V. 28

With the cross of Christ, the time has come “to gather all nations and tongues” (Isaiah 66:18). The sign of the cross is set forth in the preaching of the Gospel, the declaration of the Lord’s glory “among the nations.” (Isaiah 66:19) Many “will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29)

But only by the narrow way of the cross. Christ’s disciples, called from all the nations, will eat and drink with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God. They will come into “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” (Hebrews 12:22)

A door is a means of entrance and a way to exclude. It matters whether the door is open or closed, whether it is wide or narrow.

The question asked of the Savior, “Will those who are saved be few?” is still being asked today.  During this week. Ponder the Savior’s response.

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Words- 1,200

Passive Sentences –10% 

Readability – 82.9%

Reading Level – 4.2

1. Collect for Pentecost 14, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publish House, St. Louis

2. BOBO’s in Paradise by David Brooks

 

Proper 16 Series C

Proper 16 C

Isaiah 66:18–23

Hebrews 12:4–24 (25–29)

Luke 13:22–30

The Cross of Christ Is the Way into the Kingdom of God

With the cross of Christ, the time has come “to gather all nations and tongues” (Is. 66:18). The sign of the cross is set forth in the preaching of the Gospel, the declaration of the Lord’s glory “among the nations” (Is. 66:19). Many “will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29), but only by the narrow way of the cross. Those who refuse to follow Christ crucified will ultimately find only “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13:28), whereas Christ’s disciples, called from all the nations, will eat and drink with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God. They will come into “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22).


Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

To those pleading to enter through the closed door of Christ’s eternal kingdom the Lord answers:  “I do not know where you come from.” (Luke 12:25).  When they give what they think constitutes eligibility to enter, the Lord repeats:  “I tell you, I do not know where you come from.” (v. 27).  Certainly this gives us pause to ask ourselves, “Where do I come from?”

From Scripture we learn that we come from Adam, and in Adam all die.  We learn that we are conceived and born sinners, having come forth and descended from sinners.  We learn that we come forth spiritually dead, unable in our flesh to please God at all.  We learn that when we try to approach God we come from the domain of the ruler of this world, and thus we stand as God’s enemies.  Based on where we come from, it looks like we will never be able to enter through the narrow door.

Of course Jesus knows each of these “sources” of our evil existence.  Why then does He state, “I do not know where you come from.”?  Perhaps we can compare it to presenting a passport in order to enter a given country. An official looks carefully at it to see where the owner of the passport came from and whether the passport information is correct.  If it is a fake passport, or if it is a passport identifying citizenship in an enemy state, the official could say something like, “With this passport we do not recognize where you are from, you may not enter.”  Recognizing where a person is from is key to allowing entrance into an earthly nation.  It is even more important in allowing entrance into the heavenly realms.  Indeed our “passport” must prove where we are from, that our citizenship is in heaven.

The Jews, boasting that they were from Abraham, thought that this gave them valid passports.  Some, according to the parable, boasted that they had rubbed shoulders with Jesus as they ate in His presence and He taught in their streets.  Likewise this did not make them eligible to enter the narrow door.

Jesus—conceived by the Holy Spirit, born sinless, not coming from Satan’s domain—came into this world to give mankind a new passport, a new passport that identifies us as citizens of a sweet and blessed country.  To create such a passport Christ Jesus had to first conquer all the enemy “states” from which we came.  By His death He conquers the “states” of sin and sinfulness.  By His resurrection He shows His victory over the “domains” of Satan and death.  Having freed us from our old “states” Jesus wants to give to all a new passport, giving to each of us a new citizenship.

There is only one valid passport allowing entrance into God’s kingdom where those possessing such a passport may recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets.  That is the passport that has the picture of Jesus, identifying Him as coming from God and going back to Him.  Now, in our Baptism, He gives to each of us this passport.  In Baptism we are born again, we are made a new creation in Christ.  In Baptism we are so thoroughly covered with Christ that when the Father looks at each of us, He sees His beloved Son—the only one who could be pictured on the passport identifying where we are from and where we are headed.  In Christ alone we may enter the narrow door, for in Him we come from heaven, and in Him we return.

Luke 13:22-30 

The Narrow Door

Luke 13.22 

Καὶ διεπορεύετο κατὰ πόλεις καὶ κώμας διδάσκων καὶ πορείαν ποιούμενος εἰς εροσόλυμα.

He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.

:22 - are these the same villages as the sending of the 72?  Note, He is on His way to Jerusalem. Recall all of Jesus' teaching this far. Within the context of verse 23 these are difficult teachings. 

Luke 13.23 

 εἶπεν δέ τις αὐτῷ• Κύριε, εἰ ὀλίγοι οἱ σῳζόμενοι; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς•

And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 

:23-24 - some will not have the strength. Can any be saved? Jesus will speak in the second person - He speaks to you. He is patient but redirects the conversation.  How do you translate the "hauti" clause in verse 24? 

It is not law but calling them to repentance and faith. "Many seek" no one is strong enough. This is all Law. The fact is you are out. All are out, He is the door. Only through Him can you enter. NOT do more try harder. You can not force yourself through.

Luke 13.24 

 Ἀγωνίζεσθε εἰσελθεῖν διὰ τῆς στενῆς [b]θύρας, ὅτι πολλοί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ζητήσουσιν εἰσελθεῖν καὶ οὐκ ἰσχύσουσιν,

“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 

Luke 13.25 

ἀφ’ οὗ ἂν ἐγερθῇ ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης καὶ ἀποκλείσῃ τὴν θύραν, καὶ ἄρξησθε ἔξω ἑστάναι καὶ κρούειν τὴν θύραν λέγοντες• Κύριε, ἄνοιξον ἡμῖν• καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ἐρεῖ ὑμῖν• Οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς πόθεν ἐστέ.

When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 

:25 - he will answer I do not know you from where you are. A question of origin. They come from the wrong place and have the wrong Father. There are no more frightening words in Scripture. You come from the wrong family. They call you Lord. See - Matthew 7:22  they prophecy in His name. Salvation is dependent on His knowing. God's faithfulness is stronger than your faith.

Luke 13.26 

τότε ἄρξεσθε λέγειν• Ἐφάγομεν ἐνώπιόν σου καὶ ἐπίομεν, καὶ ἐν ταῖς πλατείαις ἡμῶν ἐδίδαξας•

Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 

:26 - we are in your face and you taught in our open spaces. A juxtaposition against Jesus being one of many gods. A difference between knowing about Jesus and a faith which saves. There is a difference. {Fides humana - faith accomplished by man's power alone - See Jeremiah 9:23-24} {A faith which saves. - fides divina - a faith accomplished by the word, the Holy Spirit, and God - See Jeremiah 31:33-34}

There is a difference between historical knowledge and saving faith.   

Luke 13.27 

καὶ ἐρεῖ λέγων ὑμῖν• Οὐκ οἶδα πόθεν ἐστέ• ἀπόστητε ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ, πάντες ἐργάται ἀδικίας.

But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ 

:27 - Step off, you are apostate! He highlights their works but they are unrighteous. 

Luke 13.28 

ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων, ὅταν ὄψησθε Ἀβραὰμ καὶ Ἰσαὰκ καὶ Ἰακὼβ καὶ πάντας τοὺς προφήτας ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, ὑμᾶς δὲ ἐκβαλλομένους ἔξω.

In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 

:28 - there will be THE weeping and THE gnashing of teeth. They claim to have Abraham as father. But faith is directed away from these.

Luke 13.29 

 καὶ ἥξουσιν ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν καὶ ἀπὸ βορρᾶ καὶ νότου καὶ ἀνακλιθήσονται ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ. 

And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.

:29 - a reference to the Gentiles. A reversal. Those who think they are close are out. Those afar are included. 

Luke 13.30

καὶ ἰδοὺ εἰσὶν ἔσχατοι οἳ ἔσονται πρῶτοι, καὶ εἰσὶν πρῶτοι οἳ ἔσονται ἔσχατοι.
And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.

:30 - "Right here and now in time and space in front of your face" - there are those who are last who will be first and first who will be last.  He is forsaken so you can be chosen. See Epistle lesson for the day. 

Sources:

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Time in the Word - Proper 16

Pentecost 11 - Proper 16
August 19-24, 2019

The Cross of Christ is the Way into the Kingdom of God

With the cross of Christ, the time has come “to gather all nations and tongues” (Isaiah 66:18). The sign of the cross is set forth in the preaching of the Gospel, the declaration of the Lord’s glory “among the nations” (Isaiah 66:19). Many “will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29), but only by the narrow way of the cross. Those who refuse to follow Christ crucified will ultimately find only “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13:28), whereas Christ’s disciples, called from all the nations, will eat and drink with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God. They will come into “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22).

Collect for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: Let Your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without Your help, protect and govern it always by Your goodness;

Collect for Proper 16 O Lord, You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 

Prayer for pardon, growth in grace, and divine protection: O Lord, our God, we acknowledge Your great goodness toward us and praise You for the mercy and grace that our eyes have seen, our ears have heard, and our hearts have known. We sincerely repent of the sins of this day and those in the past. Pardon our offenses, correct and reform what is lacking in us, and help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Inscribe Your law upon our hearts, and equip us to serve You with holy and blameless lives. May each day remind us of the coming of the night when no one can work. In the emptiness of this present age keep us united by a living faith through the power of Your Holy Spirit with Him who is the resurrection and the life, that we may escape the eternal bitter pains of condemnation.

By Your Holy Spirit bless the preaching of Your Word and the administration of Your Sacraments. Preserve these gifts to us and to all Christians. Guard and protect us from all dangers to body and soul. Grant that we may with faithful perseverance receive from You our sorrows as well as our joys, knowing that health and sickness, riches and poverty, and all things come by permission of Your fatherly hand. Keep us this day under Your protective care and preserve us, securely trusting in Your everlasting goodness and love, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 19 August 2019—Psalm 117; antiphon, Psalm 96:6a; 115:18—Psalm 117, the shortest of the psalms, comprising only two verses, is paired with an antiphon that announces, Splendor and majesty are before him; we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord. The splendor and majesty of the Lord are shown chiefly in His steadfast love toward us and in His faithfulness, which endures forever.

Tuesday, 20 August 2019—Psalm 50:1–15—This psalm of Asaph speaks of the Lord as a mighty Judge. The Lord will judge all men based on their faithfulness and trust in Him, not on the outward show of ritual and religion. We must ever be on our guard, that we do not just ‘go through the motions,’ but that our hearts are right: that is, that we trust not in ourselves, nor in any earthly rulers or things, but solely in God the Lord for our salvation. He alone can accomplish it, and He delights in our trust in Him. Call upon me in the day of trouble, He exhorts us, and promises, I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.

Wednesday, 21 August 2019—Isaiah 66:18–23—In this, the last chapter of the great Gospel-drenched Book of Isaiah, the Lord speaks to His faithful. They will rejoice at the revelation of His glory, especially at the Last Day, when this present age shall pass away and God will bring forth new heavens and a new earth. The adoration of the Lord by the faithful shall never cease. Tragically, however, the torment of those who have rebelled against the Lord shall also not cease. Let us, then, ever remain faithful to the Lord and to His Word, that we may be counted among those whom the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, brings in from all the nations.

Thursday, 22 August 2019—Hebrews 12:4–24—We continue our reading through the latter chapters of Hebrews with an exhortation to remain faithful, even when suffering or persecution befalls us. We are not to regard such as punishment, but as discipline, as from a loving Father. the goal of such discipline is not the suffering, but the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Friday, 23 August 2019—Luke 13:22–30—Christ Jesus was born for one purpose: to suffer and die for the sins of the world. In the Gospel reading for Sunday, we see Him journeying toward Jerusalem, where His mission will be accomplished. Along the way, He performed many miracles and also taught the people, as He does here.

A common question, then as now, is, ‘Who will be saved?’ Instead, Jesus answers the question, ‘How will they be saved?’ The answer is, only through Christ. He is the narrow door through which the heavenly banquet is entered. He counsels us to strive and to struggle to enter. Our struggle is against our own flesh and blood, which wants eternal life on its own terms, and against the demonic forces of the devil, who wants all men to be damned. We are not to delay in entering the door, that is, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, and turning our backs on the devil, the world, and our sinful desires. For those who reject Christ, there is only weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Saturday, 24 August 2019—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day, A Multitude Comes from the East and the West (LSB #510), uses the imagery of the feast from the Gospel reading. Partaking of the unending feast in the kingdom of heaven will be the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, along with all the faithful from the East and the West, people from every nation under heaven. What they have in common is their trust in the goodness of the Lord.

Morning Prayer Bible Reading this week:

August 19 #6. Cain & Abel - Genesis 4:1-16
August 20 #7. From Adam to Noah - Genesis 5:1-32
August 21       Chapel
August 22 #8. The flood- Genesis 6-9 selected verses
August 23 #9. Tower of Babel- Genesis 11:1-9

Catechism Review: 3rd & 4th Commandment with meaning

Review the story and the Catechism with your student at the end of each day

________________________

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Face of Christ: http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Pentecost 10 - Proper 15

Pentecost 10 – Proper 15

18 August 2019

Luke 12:51

The fire of God’s Word Divides – Go in Peace or to pieces”

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” 

“Merciful Father, since You have given Your only Son as the sacrifice for our sin, also give us grace  - to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one God, now and forever.”1 

I would share with you a facebookTM post from a friend which sums up our Gospel lesson for this morning. “The tension in the call to live in the world, but not be of the world has some Christians aping the world, others trying to escape it. Both options leave us functioning as exiles. Jesus calls us to follow him as pilgrims and that tension is the exact shape of a narrow road.” 2 

We usually think of Jesus in terms of the Prince of Peace. Our Gospel reminds us there is another side of Jesus. He’s not always nice. But He is good.  He can also cause trouble, controversy, disharmony and division, Jesus will have no cheap peace. Sometimes He says, “Go in peace,” but other times people go to pieces in terms of disagreement and division. 

There can be no peace at any price. Agreement with falsehood, compromise with evil will not do. When Christ enters as truth, love and goodness people divide themselves either pro or con. It is said that whenever St. Paul preached there was either a revival or a riot. With Jesus there is no neutral ground. You are either for or against Him. Division occurs even in the close-knit family. Some are for while so are against – Jesus. 

How does Jesus cause division?

1. He speaks Truth.

A. If the word had not been preached the world would have gone undisturbed. But the preaching of the Word causes division. Not because of God or because of the Word but because of the sinfulness of humankind.

1 Man cannot believe in Jesus Christ or come to him by his own reason. “Because the natural man cannot accept the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.” – 1 Corinthians 2:14

2 Man cannot believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him by his own strength. “You were dead in your trespasses and sins. “ – Ephesians 2:1

3 Man cannot believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him by his own will. “The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God;  for it does not subject itself to the Law of God, for it is not able to do so,” – Romans 8:7

B. This is why Jesus came preaching both Law as well as Gospel. In the Gospel of John, the Savior reminds us, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuses for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father as well. “ - John 15:22-23

The miracles Jesus performed and the words He had spoken were clear. They were light and life. The sins of Jesus’ enemies are both deliberate and inexcusable. But they would have nothing of it. They could not take Jesus’ clear word. Human nature has not changed, People will embrace Him and champion His cause or they will reject, refuse and revolt. 

Transition: Jesus causes division when He speaks the truth. He causes division when He refuses to compromise.

2. He refuses to compromise principle.

A. The sinless Christ suffered at the hands of sinners. They finally brought Him to death. The fire of God is not necessarily an eternal flame. Luther: “The Gospel is sometimes life a refreshing summer shower. It can go from one place to the other.” Where is the center of Christianity today? It resides in the continent of Africa.

B. The fire of God can and sadly sometimes goes out.

1. By the water of this world.

2. By smothering the fire by the cares of this life.

3. By letting it burn out for lack of fuel. Sometimes its rust out instead of burn out. 

Transition: Jesus causes division when He speaks truth. He causes division when He refuses to compromise, and when He lives by love.

3. He lives by love.

A. The fire of God’s love can and must be used for good.

1. The fire is contagious.

2. If a Christian is on fire for God, those who come in contact are set on fire too.

B. Christians, followers of Jesus, are to be spiritual arsonists. As we gossip the Gospel we want to deliberately set others on fire with the Gospel of Christ.

1. Jesus tells us, “I have come to set fire on this earth”

2. Where will the newt fire be set? Who will set it? What will be the result? Riot or revival?

3. Christ’s suffering in the fire for you enable you to endure the heat. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus, “endured the cross despising the shame.” – Hebrews 12:2

He did all this for you. In the midst of your struggles – no matter what they may be - “consider Him who endures from sinners such hostility against Himself so that we do not grow weary or fainthearted.” – Hebrews 12:3

“There is no perfect life, no perfect job, no perfect childhood, no perfect marriage, and no perfect set of people who will always do what you expect them to do. What we have is a perfect God. Who is able to lead us through this imperfect life with unfailing strength incomparable wisdom, and infinite love.”3  

Jesus suffered in your place when He was forsaken by His father so that you will not be rejected. Your baptism into His baptism of death is the pledge that you will be with Him in paradise forever. He uses the fiery trials you experience as a Christian to refine, purify and disciple you. True. The cost of discipleship is great. For that reason we are both strangers and pilgrims in this land.  But He paid the ultimate price in your place and now uses even trials for your benefit.

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Words – 1,080

Passive Sentences – 5%

Readability – 77.7% 

Reading Level - 5.2

Luther’s Seal © Higher Things

1. Collect for Pentecost 13, Lutheran Worship copyright © 1080 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

2. Facebook post by Michelle Van Loon 08 August, 2019

3. Facebook post by Pr. Sean Esterline August 3, 2019

Proper 14 - Mid-week Homily

Proper 14
Hebrews 12:1-3
What Faith Can Do For You
August 14, 2019

We talk about the wonderful things it is to have faith. This indeed is true. For the average church member faith is something you should have but you do not always know why. What difference would faith make in your life? Does faith have any practical help for your life? The writer to the Hebrews tells us what faith can do for you -

1. Faith is the assurance of spiritual realities. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. v.1

A. We can persevere when we remember the witnesses.

1. There are witnesses in both the Old and New Testaments for us to remember.

2. You are not alone in this race. It’s not a sprint it’s a marathon all 26 miles! The number of Christian runners is large also today.

B. Their witness is encouraging.

1. There’s nothing new under the sun. Those who have gone before us experienced some of the same burdens and sins as we do. We’re not alone.

2. By faith we are able to lay ever hindrance aside.

3. The burdens cares and troubles of this life soon will be no more. Paul would write to the saints in Rome theses encouraging words - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. –Romans 8:18 And to the Philippian congregation he would say, What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8

Transition: Faith assures us of certain spiritual realities. It helps us discover that God is present in our lives.

2. Faith gains God’s approval. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. v. 2

A. We will make it when we fix our eyes on Jesus.

1. Christ endures much worse suffering that we will ever be required to endure.

2. Yet, He persevered for us by keeping the final joy in view. The cross, and empty tomb are now the marks of your salvation.

B. He is faith’s enabler.

1. He authored your faith when in Baptism He started us in the race.

2. He will perfect and finish what He has begun in you.

Transition: Throughout this entire ordeal God is teaching you.

3. Faith enables you to understand God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. v. 3

A. There will come a time when you are tempted to think that you can’t go on any more. This happens to even seasoned runners. What happens when you hit that brick wall?

1. When sickness and troubles come, we may begin to think that God has become the enemy.

2. When such challenges come we commit ourselves to God.

B. Your Savior uses every circumstance to draw you closer to Himself.

1. He has a deep love for you.

2. He has both your temporal and eternal good for you.

We can persevere in our Christian walk when we remember the witnesses, submit to the Father’s 

discipline, and most important, we fix our eyes on Jesus.

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Words – 615

Passive Sentences –5%

Readability – 74.5

Reading Level -6.1

Proper 15 Series C

Proper 15 Series C

(August 18, 2019)

Jeremiah 23:16–29

Hebrews 11:17–31 (32–40); 12:1–3

Luke 12:49–53 (54–56)

Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire … and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jeremiah 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to interpret the appearance of earth and sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross — recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus also has conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life;

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

Jesus longingly states in Sunday’s Gospel, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!”  (Luke 12:49).  Note how Christ longs for this fire-kindling event to be finished.

This fire-kindling statement is describing the same event that Christ illustrates in His next statement:  “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!” (v. 50).  Even as Christ desires that the fire already be kindled, so He states how He is distressed until He is baptized.

Of such baptism the Old Testament repeatedly speaks of God’s wrath being poured upon His enemies.  Some examples:  “Ps. 79:6:  “Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you.”   Jer. 10:25:  “Pour out your wrath on the nations that know you not, and on the peoples that call not on your name.”  Ez. 20:8:  “Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them and spend my anger against them [rebellious Israel].”  Hosea 5:10:  “…upon them [rebellious Judah] I will pour out my wrath like water.”  Zeph. 3:8:  “For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.”  [Other examples:  Psalm 69:24; 2 Chronicles 12:7; 34:21].  Likely this pouring out of God’s anger is the Baptism of which Christ speaks in Luke 12.  It is the Baptism deserved by the unbelieving nations, it is the Baptism deserved by rebellious Israel and her sister Judah…It is the Baptism of God’s wrath that we each deserve to have poured upon us.  What event marks this Baptism of Jesus and His kindling of fire on the earth?  The cross!

At the cross Jesus would have God’s burning wrath poured upon Him. Christ is made to be sin (2 Cor. 5:21) and thus He will receive the hell fire deserved by every human—past, present and future.  No wonder Jesus describes the great distress He feels as He anticipates receiving this Baptism of God’s angry river of lava to be poured upon Him in our place.

What then is the result of Christ’s cruciform “Baptism”?  It will spark a fire on the earth, a fire consisting of the wrath of those whose sin is exposed.  God’s people are baptized with soothing water, and thus they are brought into and established in Christ’s kingdom.  But unbelievers around the world will spend their fiery anger on believers.  This anger will even strike home as there will be unbelieving parents fired up against believing children, unbelieving children angry as hell against believing parents, unbelievers in families extended through marriage—unbelieving in-laws as parents or children—wanting to cremate alive their corresponding Christian in-laws..  The wrath of the unbelievers will lash out with the flames of words and deeds against the people of God.

But fear not, dear baptized people of God, in Christ you are fireproof.  The fire-absorbing Savior arose from the dead and His gracious victory is for time and for eternity.  Presently you remain soaked with the water of Baptism, and the flaming words and deeds cannot consume you wet-ones.  The worst that can happen is death—but you realize you are baptized into Christ’s victory, and in Him and His love you are overwhelmingly conquerers.  Neither the fire of God’s wrath nor the fiery words and deeds of unbelievers can harm you—for you are in Christ.


Not Peace, but Division
"The tension in the call to live in the world, but not be of the world has some Christians aping the world, others trying to escape it. Both options leave us functioning as exiles. Jesus calls us to follow him as pilgrims, and that tension is the exact shape of a narrow road." - Michelle Van Loon


Luke 12.49 
Πῦρ ἦλθον βαλεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ τί θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη;
“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!

-I desire it already. Jesus say the fire and embraced it.

Luke 12. 50 
βάπτισμα δὲ ἔχω βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ πῶς συνέχομαι ἕως ὅτου τελεσθῇ.
I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!

-This baptism is the distress of the cross. See Luke 3:16

-The wrath of an offended God will be poured out upon Him. See His prayer in the Garden.

Luke 12.51 
δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ; οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ διαμερισμόν.
Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

-Division, dissension, separation and strife will come.

-God is not nice but He's good.

-"Of course He's not safe, He's the King, but He's good." - CS Lewis

Luke 12.52 
ἔσονται γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν πέντε ἐν ἑνὶ οἴκῳ διαμεμερισμένοι, τρεῖς ἐπὶ δυσὶν καὶ δύο ἐπὶ τρισίν,
For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.

-There will be division from now on, from this point, it is the cross which divides.

Luke 12.53 
διαμερισθήσονται πατὴρ ἐπὶ υἱῷ καὶ υἱὸς ἐπὶ πατρί, μήτηρ ἐπὶ θυγατέρα καὶ θυγάτηρ ἐπὶ τὴν μητέρα, πενθερὰ ἐπὶ τὴν νύμφην αὐτῆς καὶ νύμφη ἐπὶ τὴν πενθεράν.
They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

-There will be a continuous division from now on.

-In the Church Christ trumps all earthly ties, even family.
___________________
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
LCMS Lectionary summary © 2016 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Collect for Proper 15, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Luther’s Seal © Higher Things

Time in the Word - Proper 15

Pentecost 13 - Proper 15
August 12-17, 2019

Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire . . . and like a hammer which shatters a rock” (Jeremiah 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross—recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus has also conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Collect for the Pentecost Season: Merciful Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for grace to receive the Word: Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for blessing on the Word: Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which has been spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Give us strength to fight the good fight and by faith to overcome all the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world so that we may finally receive the salvation of our souls; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Morning Prayer Reading Schedule this week

August 12 2. The Creation - Genesis 1:20-2:3
August 13 3. Man in Paradise - Genesis 2:7-9, 15-18, 21-25
August 14 Chapel
August 15 4. The Fall of Man- Genesis 3:1-7
August 16 5. First Promise- Genesis 3:8-24

Catechism Review: 1st & 2nd Commandment with meaning

Talk to your students concerning the story at the end of each day!

Monday, 12 August 2019—Psalm 55:1, 12–14, 16; antiphon, Psalm 55:22—When we are burdened, either by the troubles of this world or by the guilt and consequence of sin, we are exhorted to cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Who are they who are righteous? Those who are righteous by faith in the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, as we learned in the readings for yesterday (Sunday). Whenever we call on God, the LORD saves us (v. 16).

Tuesday, 13 August 2019—Psalm 119:81–88—The psalm appointed for next Sunday is very similar to the Introit, as it is written by one who is burdened—in this case, by his persecutors. Whence can he—and we—find salvation? The psalmist is confident as he prays, "I hope in your word; My eyes long for your promise." The promise of salvation from the persecution of sin and death has been fulfilled in the death and resurrection of the Son of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, 14 August 2019—Jeremiah 23:16–29—In the time when Jeremiah prophesied (late 7th and early 6th century B.C.), there was no shortage of false prophets, purporting to speak for the LORD, but really speaking only their own words and what the people wanted to hear. Not much has changed in the intervening 2,700 years. Many people are still drawn to false prophets who prophesy lies and speak that which people want to hear, in order to grow wealthy from the donations of those whom they dupe. Even though it may not lead to churches which are bursting at the seams, orthodox Lutheran pastors must speak [the LORD’s] word faithfully (v. 28).

Thursday, 15 August 2019—Hebrews 11:17–31; 12:1–3—The epistle for Sunday continues in the great chapter of faith, recounting Abraham’s testing, Moses, and also the Children of Israel. Therefore, says the writer—that is, since we since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses—we ought to follow their example, and also cling in faith to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, the One through whom we have salvation by His death, and the One through whom we have salvation by His gift to us of faith in that salvific death.

Friday, 16 August 2019—Luke 12:49–53—In this world, we will always have trouble, for we are not of the world (John 15:19). We can expect that those of the world will persecute us, as it did the psalmist in the Psalm for the Day; the devil will try to burden us with guilt, like the psalmist in the Introit; the world will demand that the truth of God is suppressed, and that preachers preach what they want to hear, as in the Old Testament reading, and that, even in our families, there will be division because of the Gospel of Christ. This is because the world is in bondage to sin and the devil, and these things are opposed to God and His loving kindness, grace, and mercy. But, if we continue in faith, we shall endure to the end, and shall receive the crown of everlasting righteousness and eternal life with God in heaven.

Saturday, 17 August 2019—How do we overcome the sin, the devil, the world and its hatred of us. Sunday’s Hymn of the Day has the answer: "Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word"  (LSB #655). This great hymn by Martin Luther is a prayer that God would guard and keep us from all those who wish to do us spiritual or physical harm. The Lord does this through the proclamation and preaching of His Word, and by the Sacraments—the Word of God combined with earthly elements, which preserve us in the one true faith until He takes us from this vale of tears to Himself in heaven.

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Sources:

Images © Ed Rajas Higher Things

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Pentecost 9 - Proper 14

Pentecost 9 – Proper 14

11 August 2019

Luke 12:32-40

“Faith in the coming kingdom”

Almighty and everlasting God, always more ready to hear than we to pray and always ready to give more that we either desire or deserve, pour down on us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving us the things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us the good things we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

As Jesus teaches in the form of parables what you would think should happen quite the opposite often occurs. There is a reversal of outcomes. 

The hungry are fed. While the rich are sent empty away. The smallest seed in the garden – the mustard seed – provides lodging for the birds of the air to nest. Such is the case in our parable today. Something contrary to thought occurs. Something unexpected happens. What would the Savior teach us today?

1. To get rich

Sell what you already have for yourself. This sounds completely the opposite of the world’s conventional thinking. This would suggest that to get rich layup treasures for yourself. Don’t sell, rather, buy!

Don’t let anything stand in the way of your connection with the Savior. Instead of hording those things which would distract them – sell them, get rid of them. The point the Savior is making – don’t let anything distract you. If it is a diversion – let it go.

A. Take possession of treasures, which will not rot. 

1. What will rot are those things which are temporal, connected to this earth. Over time things change – cars go down in value. They depreciate over time. That new lap top you purchase. It has all the memory you will ever need. Except, it will be obsolete over time. The new set of clothes will not keep you at the height of fashion forever.

2. Invest in those commodities that will grow. And in God’s economy He gives you only what has a proven track record.

a. The Word; proclaimed, taught, read, shared.

b. The Sacraments – the water of life in baptism and in a meal, which is shared as Jesus comes as host and guest.

c. The Word of reconciliation - that is, the message which is announced every Sunday, speaking to us God’s forgiveness in Christ. “In the mercy of Almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our lord Jesus Christ. 

Transition: To get rich you see what you have. You take possession of what will not rot. It is the Savior who provides for us the means by which these things come to us. 

2. In our watching 

Notice the action of the Master. He returns. He dresses Himself. He serves. He reclines at table.

A. The Master returns.  Each generation of Christian believers – has this understanding that we are living in the last days. Christ will return. He will return visibly, in time and space as He once came to our world.

B. He dresses Himself. He has no need of assistance from anyone. Salvation is complete by His victory at the cruel and bloody cross and empty tomb. As He dresses Himself, He takes full responsibility for your salvation.

C. He serves the servants. How odd! The Master serves the servants. He serves by offering what you truly need. Forgiveness Life Salvation. He shows us the heart of God. He serves – ‘The Son of Man cam not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.’

D. He reclines at table. He comes to fellowship with you. He desires a close connection with you. He will converse with you in prayer, in His Word, in His Supper in your baptism. He abides with you forever.  

By these words the Savior announces to us His desire to a healthy ministry – personally coming to His people. To get rich sell what you have. Take possession of what will not rot. As you live out your days watch for Him who has promise that soon and very soon – every eye shall see Him. As we shall see the King! 

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Words – 789

Passive Sentences -5%

Readability –80.1%

Reading Level- 4.5