Sunday, September 29, 2019

Proper 22 C



Proper 22 Series C  
(October 2 - 8)

Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4
2 Timothy 1:1–14
Luke 17:1–10

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things that we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives…

We Walk by Faith, and Not by Sight, in the Peace of Christ’s Forgiveness

We are surrounded by “destruction and violence” (Habakkuk 1:3) because the Law “is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth.” (Habakkuk 1:4). 

In fact, the Law cannot rescue us from our enemies; it is our fiercest enemy of all. Therefore, not by sight, experience or feeling, nor by works, but “the righteous shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4) 

Temptations to sin are sure to come” (Luke 17:1), but as often as we sin, the Lord rebukes us, turns us to repentance and forgives us. We pray that He would thus “increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). And indeed, He does! Though we are His “unworthy servants” (Luke 17:10), He prepares His Supper for us, dresses us properly, and gives us His body and blood to eat and drink. 

He appoints pastors for us, “by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:1). For the Gospel brings “life and immortality to light” (2 Timothy 1:10). 

This we believe. Therefore, “follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard,” by which He guards you “in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). 

The answer to all these questions simply stated, "just shut up and do it!"

Great Little Faith
Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege

The Apostles petitioned Jesus, “Increase our faith.”  At first glance this seems like an appropriate request, but Jesus does not give the answer we might expect.  He does not say, “Remain in my presence,” nor does He encourage them to “Keep hearing God’s Word,” as doing these would have apparently “increased” their faith.

In His answer to their request Jesus is making a couple of powerful and important points.  First He makes the important point that the size of the Apostles faith is not as important as they might think.  In another parable Jesus had used the tiny mustard seed as an illustration of how God’s kingdom “begins” very tiny—like a mustard seed—and then grows into a bird-nesting bundle of tree-like boughs.  So again now Jesus uses the tiny mustard seed to illustrate the Apostles’ faith, and in so doing He communicates that a “tiny” faith is sufficient to transplant a tree into the sea!  Clearly we should not be concerned about measuring our faith, for its supposed size is not what is important.  As soon as we begin to try to measure faith—either in ourselves or in others—we run the danger of making faith into some sort of personal quality or action.

A Christian’s faith only has importance and is only great because of its object.  This—that the object of our faith is what is important—is a second powerful point being made by Jesus’ answer, and it is magnified by the entire Bible.  Throughout Scripture, and perhaps especially in the Gospel of John, we observe an omnipresent discussion about believing in Jesus.  He is the object of the Christian’s faith, and He alone is what gives faith value.  It is interesting that the Gospel of Luke very infrequently speaks of faith in Jesus, for indeed preaching about “faith” is not the goal of the evangelist. The goal is proclaiming Jesus—His person and His work—and through this proclamation the Holy Spirit creates a trusting faith.  This truly is what St. Luke does—he “preaches” Jesus—and from this Gospel proclamation faith is generated.  The tiny “mustard seed” of faith is great only because it clings to Jesus Christ.  It boasts not in itself but in its object—The Son of God, crucified and risen for mankind.

Indubitably it is the object of the Apostles’ faith that will enable them to uproot the mulberry tree of the Kingdom and plant it in the sea of humanity.  It will be the object of the Apostles’ faith, not their faith itself, which will incessantly move them to plow and plant the Gospel in the hearts of people from all nations and to tend the sheep of Christ’s Church.  It will be the object of their faith—that object being the master who lovingly purchased them to be His servants—which will move them to serve  Him and to serve His holy meal to Him, and in so doing serve it to His bride who is one with Him.  It is the object of their faith—the One who made them worthy of heaven by His death and resurrection—that will enable them to confess, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”

Ultimately the Apostles would learn to confess no faith in themselves, nor in their gifts, nor in their strengths—but only in Christ, crucified and risen.  Theirs—and ours—is a great little faith; great because it trusts the Greatest One, and little, because it knows it must not nor cannot cling to nor boast in itself.

Temptations to sin Vv.1-4

Luke 71:1 
Εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς [a]αὐτοῦ• Ἀνένδεκτόν ἐστιν τοῦ [b]τὰ σκάνδαλα μὴ ἐλθεῖν, [c]πλὴν οὐαὶ δι’ οὗ ἔρχεται
And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin[a] are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

~ Ἀνένδεκτόν Greek Stumbling blocks
~ It is impossible for scandals not to come. Woe to the one who brings such I scandals. What are scandals? Whatever causes one to waver. 
~ What is the connection between vs. 2 and Matthew 18:6-7?

Luke 71:2 
λυσιτελεῖ αὐτῷ εἰ [d]λίθος μυλικὸς περίκειται περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔρριπται εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν ἢ ἵνα σκανδαλίσῃ [e]τῶν μικρῶν τούτων ἕνα.
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.[b] 

~ σκανδαλίσῃ to stumble become victim of scandal 
~ It would be better for him if a milestone were placed around his neck and be hurled into the sea then to scandalize one of these little ones. Strangled was an unholy evil death. 
~'The depths' is what the Jews feared. 

Luke 17:3 
προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς. ἐὰν [f]ἁμάρτῃ ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἐπιτίμησον αὐτῷ, καὶ ἐὰν μετανοήσῃ ἄφες αὐτῷ
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 

~Watch out for yourself. If your brother sins rebuke him. If he repents, forgive. 
~Christians are in danger of offending by treating others self righteously or judging them (see v. 3)  ~Christians are to rebuke an erring brother, speak directly concerning his sin, and forgive as often as he has indicated he has repented.  

Luke 17:4 
καὶ ἐὰν ἑπτάκις τῆς ἡμέρας [g]ἁμαρτήσῃ εἰς σὲ καὶ [h]ἑπτάκις ἐπιστρέψῃ [i]πρὸς σὲ λέγων• Μετανοῶ, ἀφήσεις αὐτῷ.
and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

~If he sins seven times in a day comes to you seven times and says, 'I repent'  you will forgive him.  
~What is repentance? It is 'a change in mind' shown with new actions. 
~What is forgiveness? It is 'no longer holding that sin against them' 

Increase our faith Vv.5-6
Turn to the right source for an increase of faith. The amount of faith is not the focus. Exercise the faith you already have. Works flow from faith. 

Luke 17:5 
Καὶ εἶπαν οἱ ἀπόστολοι τῷ κυρίῳ• Πρόσθες ἡμῖν πίστιν
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

~The apostles said to the Lord, 'give us more faith' 

Luke 17:6 
εἶπεν δὲ ὁ κύριος• Εἰ ἔχετε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως, ἐλέγετε ἂν τῇ συκαμίνῳ ταύτῃ• Ἐκριζώθητι καὶ φυτεύθητι ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ• καὶ ὑπήκουσεν ἂν ὑμῖν.
And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

~He replied, if you have faith as a mustard seed you say to this Mayberry tree, be brought up and thrown into the sea it will listen to you.
~An impossible task made only possible in Christ. 
~The Mulberry tree was deeply rooted, not to be planted w/in ten feet of a cistern.   



Faith is a gift.  Works spring from it. Yet God owes us nothing. Deserving has nothing to do with it! 

Luke17:7 
Τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν δοῦλον ἔχων ἀροτριῶντα ἢ ποιμαίνοντα, ὃς εἰσελθόντι ἐκ τοῦ ἀγροῦ ἐρεῖ [j]αὐτῷ• Εὐθέως παρελθὼν ἀνάπεσε,
Will any one of you who has a servant[c] plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? 

~ δοῦλον or bond servant; also verse 9 

~But is someone among you has a servant as a shepherd will you ask him hurry, come to dinner? 

Luke 17:8
ἀλλ’ οὐχὶ ἐρεῖ αὐτῷ• Ἑτοίμασον τί δειπνήσω καὶ περιζωσάμενος διακόνει μοι ἕως φάγω καὶ πίω, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα φάγεσαι καὶ πίεσαι σύ
Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly,[d] and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 

~ περιζωσάμενος, Greek "gird yourself"

~But will he not say to him, prepare something to eat and gird yourself to deacon me, until I have eaten and drunk. After these things you may eat and drink.

Luke 17:9 
 μὴ [k]ἔχει χάριν τῷ [l]δούλῳ ὅτι ἐποίησεν τὰ [m]διαταχθέντα;
Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 

~Would he thank that servant him for it? A question expecting a negative response. 

Luke17:10 
 οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, ὅταν ποιήσητε πάντα τὰ διαταχθέντα ὑμῖν, λέγετε ὅτι Δοῦλοι ἀχρεῖοί ἐσμεν, [n]ὃ ὠφείλομεν ποιῆσαι πεποιήκαμεν.
So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants;[e] we have only done what was our duty.’”

~Δοῦλο or bond servants

~ So you also, when you have done all (everything) you were commanded say, we are unworthy worthless slaves, we have only done out duty that which was our obligation.

  
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked SBLGNT are from the The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
______________________
A very rough outline

The right perspective of “duty.”

1. We are unworthy servants.
   A.  Have we sometimes caused offense?
   B. Have we not sometimes refused to deal lovingly with an erring brother/sister?

2. Faith makes it possible for us to do our duty.
   A. We need only exercise the faith we have. 
   B. We should not expect praise for merely doing our duty.







Time in the Word - Proper 22



Preparation for Next Sunday
Pentecost 17 – Proper 22
30 September – 05 October 2019



The Faith of a Christian

Collect for the Seventeenth Sunday of Pentecost:  O God, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Father, Your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires. Forgive our failings, keep us in Your peace and lead us in the way of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-two: O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 62: Lord God, in a constantly changing world we look to You as our rock of hope. Hear us as we pour out our hearts to You, and give us Your grace and secure protection; through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord.

Prayer for a steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord

This coming week’s theme “The Faith of a Christian” can be found in all three lessons. In the Gospel lesson Minimal faith produces maximum results. In the Old Testament lesson faith waits for God to vindicate His own. In the Epistle lesson we find the sincere faith of the faithful. 

The famous phrase of the Reformation comes from the Old Testament lesson – ‘The just shall live by faith.” The Epistle deals with the “sincere faith” of Timothy, the faith of his mother and grandmother, and Paul’s faith. The heart of the Gospel lesson deals with faith: the disciples’ request for more faith and the faith the size of a mustard seed. The verses preceding and following the passage on faith (Vv. 5, 6) may give us difficulty in seeing faith in the entire gospel. These verses can be reconciled if we see them as the behavior of those with faith. Thus the hymn of the day will bear out this theme in the words, “I Know My founded on Jesus Christ my God and Lord.” The focus of faith is always directed at the Savior.


Morning Prayer Readings for this coming week:

September 30  Reading # 29 Moses before Pharaoh - Exodus 5-12
October 1        Reading #30 The Exodus- Exodus 12-14

October 2       Chapel

October 3       Reading #31 Manna in the Wilderness - Exodus 15-16
October 4       Reading #32 The Ten Commandments - Exodus 19-20

Catechism Review: Close of the Commandments and 1st Article of the Apostles’ Creed with the explanation  up to the phrase “…and still preserves them.”

Parents, review the Bible Story and Catechism portion with your student each day.

Monday, 30 September 2019Psalm 119:162, 164-165, 167 antiphon, Psalm 119:166—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, I hope for Your salvation, O lord, and I do your commandments. Faith is another word for trust. Trust is another word for taking God at His Word. The Psalmist has trust because He follows after the Lord and does His will. This is not something the natural man can do be himself. It is something we do as we walk by faith. Thus we are forced to look to Christ where the hope of our salvation finds its root. We trust in Him to bring all of this to pass. 

Tuesday, 01 October 2019Psalm 62 — Psalm 62 is a psalm of longing and trust. Humbly, trustingly, the psalmist commits his cause to God. Man is bent on destruction (vv.3-4) but what is he (vv.9-10)? Power belongs to God alone, who wields it with love and justice (vv.11-12). 

Wednesday, 02 October 2019Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4— In a world of adversity a righteous one lives by faith. Our Old Testament lessons brings up the perennial problem: Why? Why does God permit evil to thrive in the world? When a Christian cries for help in distress, why does he not get an immediate answer? Why doesn’t God do something about what Habakkuk experienced? – “violence,” “wrongs,” “trouble,” “destruction,” “strife and contention.” The answer received: Wait for the lord and He shall bring it to pass. The righteous waits for God to make things right, to come to the rescue because He has faith in God’s character. The world seems to be waiting for God who never comes. Christians by faith know God is coming eventually to save. We need faith to wait for God. 

Thursday, 03 October 20192 Timothy 1:1-14— Paul remembers the faith of Timothy and confesses his faith in Christ. We face challenging times. The loss of faith is seen in a decline in church membership, a fall-off of church attendance, in the popularity of radical sects, and the secularization of society. Some have a view of the church today with faith becoming traditional and zeal burning low. Hence the encouraging words of St. Paul to a young Christian pastor whose church was facing considerable challenges. As we go through life and as the years pass we need to be exhorted to keep the faith vibrant. We do this as we continue in the faith of the fathers – vs. 5 and as we hold fast to the faith even in times of suffering – vs. 8.

Friday, 04 October 2019Luke 17:1-10 —The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. The Savior responds in reminding us that even a little faith is a lot. This might catch some off guard. Like the disciples, many of us are eager for a larger portion of faith – the faith to guide people aright, faith to forgive, faith to serve just for the privilege. As we face the tough issues of life, we cry out for more faith. No one can honestly say, ‘I have all the faith in the world.” If we really have faith do we need more? Jesus corrects the disciple’s desire for more faith. He says the quantity or degree of faith does not matter. It is sufficient just to have faith. The parable of the mustard seed emphasizes that the smallest amount of faith can do wonders.

Saturday, 05 October 20192 Timothy 1:12 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is I know My Faith is Founded,  (LSB #587). Faith finds its focus in Jesus Christ. This is the message of our hymn for the week. As we focus on Christ our faith will be sustained and grow as the Lord directs us. The next three months will be extremely busy for most. Some may feel overwhelmed. Can your faith take all that life has to offer? Our faith is sufficient when it finds its focus in Christ.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 17 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, N 
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Proper 21 - Pentecost 16



Proper 21 – Pentecost 16
Luke 16:19-31 
29 September 2019



Grant O Lord, that as Your Son Jesus Christ prayed for His enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive Your forgiveness. To that end, Lord Jesus, bless Thy Word that we may trust in Thee. Amen. 1

Jesus continues to explain to us what it means to be merciful. He shows us the gracious, generous heart of the Father who is kindhearted. Full of compassion. 

As we hear the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the words of the Magnificat; the song of Mary, come to mind, “He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has sat down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away.” (Luke 1:46-55)   

Paul warns us concerning wealth. “Not to be haughty, nor to set our hopes on the uncertainty of riches,” but “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17–18). Covetous desire for what God has not given is idolatry and “a root of all kinds of evils.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Contentment belongs to faith. By which the Christian has “great gain” in godliness. (1 Timothy 6:6). Neither poverty nor riches are virtues! Your best life now is an American religion.

A certain rich man dressed in purple, living splendidly in fine linen feasts lavishly every day. At his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus. A meager beggar. Covered with sores. Lazarus finds himself at the rich man's gate.   Lazarus only desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. 

The rich man's neglect of Lazarus signals his failure to "make friends for himself when the day of changed circumstances comes and worldly wealth shall fail.” That critical day. When circumstances change awaits us all. Lazarus is carried away to Abraham’s side. The rich man too is buried.

The Rich man now begs for what he did not give; mercy, care, relief from suffering.  He cried "Kyrie Eleison! Lord, have mercy!" but did NOT receive it. He still thinks Lazarus is there to serve him! 

Note the contrast. Lazarus is given a name. Which literally means, "He (whom) God helps."  The rich man is simply plopped into the ground. 

‘Our whole Christian life should be forgiving debts: money, sins, whatever.  Some debts are small. Others huge! Some debts we treat as only a trifle. Hardly a drop in the bucket. So insignificant we scarcely and barely take notice.   Others leave scares, which last a lifetime.

There is only one way forward. The debts of our enemies must be treated as the debts of the poor. Our enemies will not have enough to pay us. If these debts cannot be paid (and they can’t), then they can only be forgiven. And here we come to the verse from Proverbs: “He who gives to the poor makes a debtor of God.” The Scriptures add: “And He will pay him.”(Proverbs 19:17)’ 2 

Lazarus. Forsaken. Ignored. Forgotten. Reminds us of that One man, that certain One who, “was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; Surely he has borne our grief’s and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5

The point of the parable is to warn the self-centered. And point to the Scriptures as the only resource for planning ahead. Worldly wealth failed, showing the need for a better, more lasting basis of hope. Our only hope is in Christ. Who went to the cruel and bloody cross. And then rose again from the dead. 

The written word of God. The law and the prophets. Are all we have. God's Word is now available. It calls us to faith. It will not fail.  It is Christ's testimony to the judgment and salvation that He will work for you.  His Word abides when all fails. It is eternal. His promise of salvation creates saving faith. His Word reveals His plan for eternity.
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Words – 775
Passive Sentences –8% 
Readability – 81.6%
Reading Level – 4.0 

llustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (The Book of Books in Pictures). © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use.
1 Collect for Friday of Lent 2,   http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
2 Pr. Ken Kelly, from a homily for the Ninth Sunday after Trinity - Johnstown PA


Sunday, September 22, 2019

Proper 21 C


Proper 21 "C"

Amos 6:1-7
Psalm 146 (antiphon v.2)
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Luke 16:19-31

O God, You are the strength of all who trust in You, and without Your Aid we can do no good thing. Grant us the help of Your grace that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Our Help Is Not in Worldly Riches

The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side,” and “the rich man also died and was buried” (Luke 16:22). The poor man, Lazarus, who knew many bad things on earth, began to be comforted forever, whereas the rich man, after a lifetime of good things, began to be “in anguish” (Luke 16:25). Therefore, “woe to those who are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1), for “the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away” (Amos 6:7). 

The wealthy are urged “not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches,” but “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:17–18). Covetous desire for what God has not given is idolatry and “a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10). Contentment belongs to faith, by which the Christian has “great gain” in godliness (1 Timothy 6:6).

There is only one way forward. The debts of our enemies must be treated as the debts of the poor. Our enemies will not have enough to pay us. If these debts cannot be paid (and they can’t), then they can only be forgiven. Or, perhaps, someone else can loan them what is needed. And here we come to the verse from Proverbs: “He who gives to the poor makes a debtor of God.” The Scriptures add: “And He will pay him.” Proverbs 19:17

The parable of Lazarus and the rich man presents to us a gulf born of greed; an attitude of callous indifference toward suffering.  The man would not change. Instead, he horded wealth. With no thought for others.

The Ultimate insult – a disregard for Moses and the Prophets or the One man who would rise from the dead. The moral of the story? Listen to the Law and the Prophets. They point to Christ. Look to Jesus. He suffered all to grant mercy and pity.  He offers clemency and pardon for your sin.



The Rich Man and Lazarus

:19 Ἄνθρωπος δέ τις ἦν πλούσιος, καὶ ἐνεδιδύσκετο πορφύραν καὶ βύσσον εὐφραινόμενος καθ’ ἡμέραν λαμπρῶς.
There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.

- should the variant readings which provide the rich man's name be considered? ~ The point, "Lazarus" is given a name. A certain rich man dressed in purple and looking good living splendidly in fine linen.  

> Scriptures only call rich negatively those who worship their goods regardless of the quantity of the goods. 

:20 πτωχὸς δέ [a]τις ὀνόματι [b]Λάζαρος ἐβέβλητο πρὸς τὸν πυλῶνα αὐτοῦ εἱλκωμένος 
And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,

:21 καὶ ἐπιθυμῶν χορτασθῆναι [c]ἀπὸ τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τοῦ πλουσίου• ἀλλὰ καὶ οἱ κύνες ἐρχόμενοι [d]ἐπέλειχον τὰ ἕλκη αὐτοῦ.  
who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores

:22 ἐγένετο δὲ ἀποθανεῖν τὸν πτωχὸν καὶ ἀπενεχθῆναι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἰς τὸν κόλπον Ἀβραάμ• ἀπέθανεν δὲ καὶ ὁ πλούσιος καὶ ἐτάφη.
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.[a] The rich man also died and was buried

-The account preserves into perpetuity the name of the "insignificant" beggar Lazarus. His poor estate is graphically portrayed. "full of sores" only appears here. Lazarus finds himself at the rich man's gate. 

-The rich man's neglect of Lazarus signals his failure to "make friends for himself when the day of changed circumstances comes" and worldly wealth shall fail.  See v. 9 from last week's text.

-Longing desiring to be fed from what was falling from the rich man's table. "Lick" only appears here. He was despised, rejected, acquainted with grief.  

-The critical day, when circumstances change. 
Note, the festive treatment of Lazarus contrasts with the stark description of the rich man's sad end.

-"ὁ πλούσιος καὶ ἐτάφη" - why Lazarus is carried to heaven is NOT  part of the concern of the narrative. 

-The point of the parable is to warn the self-centered and point to the Scriptures as their resource for planning ahead. It does not propose the equivalence of financial poverty and a state of grace. The name "Lazarus" literally means "He (whom) God helps." 

-Note the contrast Lazarus is given a name the rich man is simply plopped into the ground. 

:23  καὶ ἐν τῷ ᾅδῃ ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ, ὑπάρχων ἐν βασάνοις, [e]ὁρᾷ Ἀβραὰμ ἀπὸ μακρόθεν καὶ Λάζαρον ἐν τοῖς κόλποις αὐτοῦ. 
and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 

- The plight of the rich man is described. The point (directing people to heed the Scriptures) requires that the rich  man and Lazarus be portrayed as separated yet able to communicate.

:24 καὶ αὐτὸς φωνήσας εἶπεν• Πάτερ Ἀβραάμ, ἐλέησόν με καὶ πέμψον Λάζαρον ἵνα βάψῃ τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ δακτύλου αὐτοῦ ὕδατος καὶ καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου, ὅτι ὀδυνῶμαι ἐν τῇ φλογὶ ταύτῃ. 
and he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.

- The Rich man now begs for what he did not give; mercy, care, relief from suffering.  He cried "Kyrie" but did NOT receive it. He still thinks Lazarus is there to serve him! 

:25 εἶπεν δὲ Ἀβραάμ• Τέκνον, μνήσθητι ὅτι [f]ἀπέλαβες τὰ ἀγαθά σου ἐν τῇ ζωῇ σου, καὶ Λάζαρος ὁμοίως τὰ κακά• νῦν δὲ ὧδε παρακαλεῖται σὺ δὲ ὀδυνᾶσαι. 
But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.

:26 καὶ [g]ἐν πᾶσι τούτοις μεταξὺ ἡμῶν καὶ ὑμῶν χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται, ὅπως οἱ θέλοντες διαβῆναι ἔνθεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς μὴ δύνωνται, [h]μηδὲ ἐκεῖθεν πρὸς ἡμᾶς διαπερῶσιν. 
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.

-Note: The parable has not yet come to an end!

-This is more than karma. It is the great reversal. See the Magnificat.  

-Abraham remains kind but will not call him "son" but rather "child" or "boy!"  

-Neither poverty nor riches are virtues! Your best life now is the way of American Christianity but not Scriptural.  

-Speaks against both purgatory and universalism.  

:27 εἶπεν δέ• Ἐρωτῶ [i]σε οὖν, πάτερ, ἵνα πέμψῃς αὐτὸν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου,
and he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house

:28 ἔχω γὰρ πέντε ἀδελφούς, ὅπως διαμαρτύρηται αὐτοῖς, ἵνα μὴ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλθωσιν εἰς τὸν τόπον τοῦτον τῆς βασάνου. 
for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

- The rich man still wants Lazarus to do his bidding! "If only in my lifetime a voice had warned me and instructed me how to plan ahead!" 

:29 λέγει [j]δὲ Ἀβραάμ• Ἔχουσι Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας• ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν.  
     But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’

-The written word of God, the law and the prophets are all we have. The Writings are not meant to be excluded.

See Acts 3:24; Luke 24:25-27; John 5; "Moses wrote of me," 

:30  ὁ δὲ εἶπεν• Οὐχί, πάτερ Ἀβραάμ, ἀλλ’ ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτοὺς μετανοήσουσιν. 
And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’

:31 εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ• Εἰ Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδ’ ἐάν τις ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ πεισθήσονται.
He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” 

- Not a new idea! "Send someone back from the dead!" Yet God's Word is now available. It calls us to faith. It will not fail.  It is Christ's testimony to the judgment and salvation that He will work.

Footnotes:
Luke 16:22 Greek bosom; also verse 23
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked SBLGNT are from the The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
______

Choose! But choose wisely
1. "If I had only known!" 
   A. The human dilemma - people are ignorant of the "big picture."
   B. The rich man experienced a terrible plight after the day of change.
   C. Worldly wealth failed, showing the need for a better, more lasting basis of hope.

2. "Someone's got to tell them!"
   A. The rich man sees people like him heading for the same fate.
   B. His suggestions are unoriginal and unacceptable.

3. "Now hear this!" - God's final word.
   A. God's Word is special revelation from Beyond.
   B. His Word abides when all fails. It is eternal.
   C. His Word reveals His plan for eternity.
      1. He warns of judgment to produce repentance.
      2. His promise of salvation creates saving faith. 



Time in the Word - Proper 21


Pentecost 16– Proper 21
23-28 September 2019

Concerned Christians


The lessons give us a picture of people in luxury, affluence, and leisure but without concern for the less fortunate. In the Gospel, the rich man (known to many as “Dives”) has no concern for the hungry man at his palace gates; the dogs have more compassion for Lazarus than he does. The Old Testament lesson shows us a people enjoying the height of prosperity but who have no concern for the future of the nation. In the Epistle lesson we are admonished not to be concerned about worldly possessions but about the attainment of spiritual values. This is driven home in the words of the hymn to the day “Lord, Thee I love with all my heart.” The theme of this day speaks to our American culture a people with more wealth comforts and leisure than any other nation in world history. Yet are many in our country still looking for contentment?

Collect for the Sixteenth Sunday of Pentecost: Grant, merciful Lord, to Your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Father, You show Your almighty power in Your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with Your gifts of love. Help us to hurry toward the eternal life Your promise and come to share in the joy of Your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-one: O God, You are the strength of all who trust in You, and without Your aid we can do no good thing. Grant us the help of Your grace that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 146: God of glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust in You. Shine the brightness of Your light upon us, that we may love You always with a pure heart and praise Your forever; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer against the love of money: Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, or Lord.

Morning Prayer Readings for this coming week
September 23 Reading #25 Joseph reveals himself- Genesis 44-45
September 24 Reading #26 Jacob in Egypt- Genesis 45-47
September 25 Chapel Day
September 26 Reading #27 Birth of Moses- Exodus 1-2
September 27 Reading #28 Call of Moses- Exodus 2-3
Catechism Review: Commandments 9 & 10
Parents: review the Story and Commandment with your student each day

Monday, 23 September 2019Psalm 119: 73-75 antiphon, Psalm 119:76—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Let Your steadfast love comfort me according to Your promises to Your servant. Christ will comfort us even in the midst of great testing and affliction. The Hebrew term for unfailing or steadfast love denotes befriending. It is an appeal to God’s unfailing love, His kindness and mercy which was demonstrated by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, 24 September 2019Psalm 146 — The focus is on God, the hope and help of His people, utterly dependable, caring for all in need. God reigns. While I live I will praise God. I will sing praise to God while I have any being. The grand outburst of Hallelujahs, with which the book of Psalms comes to a climatic close, is carried over to the end of the Bible itself, and is echoed in the heavenly choirs of the redeemed (Revelation 19:1, 2, 4, 6).

Wednesday, 25 September 2019Amos 6:1-7— Woe to the affluent who have no concern for the nation. Our Old Testament speaks of the American condition today in many respects. Like Israel of the 8th Century BC, American is a people of ease, comfort, luxury and affluence. It is a law of life that like causes produce like effects. American is in danger of the same fate as Israel: judgment, decline, and destruction. Who will sound the alarm as a watchman in the night? Will America take heed?

Thursday, 26 September 20191 Timothy 6:6-19— Timothy is charged to seek spiritual values. There are countless people who have no aim in life, no purpose, no reason for living. Others have low aim, such as the massing of world possessions. Some aim only to make as much money as possible, own at least one home, get a higher education, or climb the ladder of success. 

What is the aim of a Christian? Paul would suggest the Christian’s aim in life is to seek the highest values – vs. 11 and to fight for the faith vs. 12 while we keep the Lord’s commandments –vs.14.

Friday, 27 September 2019Luke 16:9-31 — The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It the parable we have a description of wealth and total depravity. This is a description of today’s world. On the one hand is America’s wealth giving us the highest standard of living in the history of the world. On the other hand, we have a third world of poverty and hunger. It could be that the so-called wealth, either nation or individual, is really the poor man as was the case in the parable. Americans may be the richest on earth, but they can be suffering from the poverty of abundance.

Saturday, 28 September 20191 John 4:19 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart, (LSB #708). The Christian’s only focus is upon Christ. When we fear, love and trust in Him above all things then we are content. Read the words of stanza three. This is a powerful evening prayer one which has been prayed with many a Christian on their death bed. When we pray these words confidently we truly are at peace with God and with ourselves. 

Lord, Let at last Thine angels come, To Abr’han’s bosom bear me home, That I may die un-fearing; And in its narrow chamber keep My body safe in peaceful sleep Until Thy reappearing. And then from death awaken me, That these mine eyes with joy may see, O Son of God, Thy glorious face, My Savior and my fount of grace. Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend, And I will praise thee without end."
___________________
Sources:
-Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
-Collect for Pentecost 17 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
-Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH 
Collect for Psalm 146 For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
-Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pentecost 15 - Proper 20


Pentecost 15 – Proper 20
22 September 2019
Luke 16:1-15
Too weak to dig, and too proud to beg? - Trust in the Merciful Master!


Keep, we pray You, O lord, Your Church with Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, keep us ever by Your help from all things hurtful and lead us to all thing profitable to our salvation;


It’s been eight years. Since my children left the house. It’s been fifteen years. Since they were both in high school.  I completely understand those of you who find yourself in that stage of life. It seems as though your mini-van has become your primary residence! 


It is a busy and hectic time in your life. And to be quite honest with you, there’s one thing I’ve learned to treasure on that short season of life now looking back. 



Whether it’s driving your student to practice or a rehearsal, whether it’s taking them to and from school or some particular outing; that is the exact time you are together. And it was those conversations we had together that were important.

An interesting dynamic about Mom or Dad’s taxi service is how invisible you become when you’re driving a vehicle full of teenagers. You’re simply driving.  And they are talking incisively. And you get to listen in on their discussions and exchanges as they banter about! And oh the conversations!  You become privy to information you never new! Or, in some instances, ever cared to know. 

Our Gospel reading for this morning is a continuation of Jesus’ teaching of the Father's mercy.  Jesus is teaching the disciples. But the Pharisees are listening. And so are you.  

The Pharisees who were lovers of money also ridiculed Him.” Jesus responds, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men but God knows your heart. What is highest among men is detestable, an abomination in the sight of God.”(vs.15)

What was it that drew the ire of the Pharisees? The fact that Jesus is showing how the Lord is rich in grace and mercy. The parables of Jesus always tell us something about Himself. And about the Kingdom. When you hear one of Jesus’ parables, He is always telling you something you should know about His love. His grace. His mercy. His kindness. His character. And, when Jesus teaches a parable there is always a surprise. Something you did not expect!

A manager is brought up on charges that he has wasted his Master’s possessions.  He’s forced to turn over the books and face an audit. He’s told, “You can no longer be my manger.” Did you notice the surprise?  The manager is accused. Not good. He’s told, “You can no longer be my manager.” Even worse! However he isn’t fired. He keeps his job!

Here is the first surprise! Mercy is unjust. The manager is busted for his wastefulness. He is told, “You can no longer be my manager.”  The Master expects obedience. He is just. 

But he does not throw his manager into prison. This does not make sense in man’s economy. It makes perfect sense in God’s.   

What wealth can you use to bribe God? –Stolen wealth.  That which belongs to another. That is not yours. That which you cannot buy or earn. That is all a part of God’s economy.

The innocent dies for guilty – that injustice is the foundation of the Kingdom. It is the shocking character of grace. – The Master gives the Kingdom away. The Father forsakes the Son. To have you. He accepts payment from the Son. As compensation for your sin.  More than you stole. He adds to your account. He adds a credit. And you end up with more than you attempted to steal. 

Jesus shows us the character of the Master. – Who does not fire the steward. And the steward banks on the character and the generosity of the Master. There are no Masters in this world like that. He goes too far. A Master we can never imagine. He is pleased with the steward. Because what the steward has done is give the Master’s things away. For free. This is the parable of the Merciful Master who gives away the Kingdom. For free –         

Who can receive you into eternal dwellings? Only God. Thus, Jesus concludes with this thought. - You cannot serve God and money. The steward teaches us a valuable lesson.  Money must never to be seen an end in itself. It is only a means to an end.

Employment does not last forever. Retirement does not last forever.  No matter the level of security anyone has amassed; all of us, sooner, or later, will end up in a plot of earth. Given eternity. How can any thing of a material nature have any lasting consequence?

So where do you place your trust? Trust not in princes they are but mortal. Trust not in yourself. You will fail. Trust not in anything except the mercy of God. Who loves you more than you could ever imagine. Who is content to give you His Kingdom. At the price of His own Son. Deserving has nothing to do with it. It all depends on the Father’s character. His good will. His clemency. His mercy. His grace.

Words – 880
Passive Sentences –4%
Readability – 79%
Reading Level – 4.0


Sunday, September 15, 2019

Proper 20 Series C


Proper 20 Series C
(September 18 - 24)

Amos 8:4–7
1 Timothy 2:1–15
Luke 16:1–15

O Lord, keep Your Church in Your perpetual mercy, and because without You we cannot but fail, preserve us from all things hurtful and lead us to all thing profitable to our salvation. 

The Lord Is Rich in His Grace and Mercy

Because God our Savior “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4), He urges “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). Christians should so pray “without anger or quarreling,” but “adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control” (1 Timothy 2:8, 9). For the Lord does not forget “the poor of the land” (Amos 8:4). He remembers them according to the foolishness of the cross. 

For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). Though we try to justify ourselves “before men,” God knows our sinful hearts and calls us to repentance (Luke 16:15). Though we are “not strong enough to dig” and are “ashamed to beg” (Luke 16:3), He justifies us by His grace and welcomes us into His “eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). More shrewd than even “the sons of this world” (Luke 16:8), He requires His stewards of the Gospel to bestow forgiveness freely.

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

Luke 16:1
He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions.
Ἔλεγεν δὲ καὶ πρὸς τοὺς [a]μαθητάς• Ἄνθρωπός τις ἦν πλούσιος ὃς εἶχεν οἰκονόμον, καὶ οὗτος διεβλήθη αὐτῷ ὡς διασκορπίζων τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ.

- A certain rich man who had a manager accused of wasting his possessions. Who is the main character? 

-Jesus is teaching to the disciples but the Pharisees are listening. A continuation of His teaching of the Father's mercy. 

Luke 16:2
And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ 
καὶ φωνήσας αὐτὸν εἶπεν αὐτῷ• Τί τοῦτο ἀκούω περὶ σοῦ; ἀπόδος τὸν λόγον τῆς οἰκονομίας σου, οὐ γὰρ [b]δύνῃ ἔτι οἰκονομεῖν. 

- and hearing he said, what am I hearing of you? Hand over your accounting because you can no longer be my steward. Yet he keeps his job. He's not escorted out of the building. His computer is not shut down. Etc. He has time while there is an audit. (Where is the twist?) 

Luke 16:3
And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
εἶπεν δὲ ἐν ἑαυτῷ ὁ οἰκονόμος• Τί ποιήσω ὅτι ὁ κύριός μου ἀφαιρεῖται τὴν οἰκονομίαν ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ; σκάπτειν οὐκ ἰσχύω, ἐπαιτεῖν αἰσχύνομαι•

- The manager said to himself "what shall I do? Too weak to dig, too proud to beg." 

Luke 16:4
 have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ 
ἔγνων τί ποιήσω, ἵνα ὅταν μετασταθῶ [c]ἐκ τῆς οἰκονομίας δέξωνταί με εἰς τοὺς οἴκους [d]ἑαυτῶν.

 - I know what I will do. When I am shut out of the stewardship I will be received into other people's houses.  He understood mercy. 

Luke 16:5 
So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος ἕνα ἕκαστον τῶν χρεοφειλετῶν τοῦ κυρίου ἑαυτοῦ ἔλεγεν τῷ πρώτῳ• Πόσον ὀφείλεις τῷ κυρίῳ μου;

- summoning to himself his Masters' debtors one by one he calls each to himself. 

Luke 16:6 
He said, ‘A hundred measures[a] of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
ὁ δὲ εἶπεν• Ἑκατὸν βάτους ἐλαίου• [e]ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ• Δέξαι σου [f]τὰ γράμματα καὶ καθίσας ταχέως γράψον πεντήκοντα.

- 800 baths of oil. Quickly, write out a ticket for 400.

Luke 16:7
Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures[b] of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’
ἔπειτα ἑτέρῳ εἶπεν• Σὺ δὲ πόσον ὀφείλεις; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν• Ἑκατὸν κόρους σίτου• [g]λέγει αὐτῷ• Δέξαι σου [h]τὰ γράμματα καὶ γράψον ὀγδοήκοντα.

 - To another, 1000 bushels of wheat. Take your bill and make it 800. 

Luke 16:8
The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world[c] are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
καὶ ἐπῄνεσεν ὁ κύριος τὸν οἰκονόμον τῆς ἀδικίας ὅτι φρονίμως ἐποίησεν• ὅτι οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου φρονιμώτεροι ὑπὲρ τοὺς υἱοὺς τοῦ φωτὸς εἰς τὴν γενεὰν τὴν ἑαυτῶν εἰσιν.

- The Master commended the dishonest manager because he acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age act more shrewdly cleaver, wisdom, than the sons of light. 

Luke 16:9
And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth,[d] so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
καὶ ἐγὼ ὑμῖν λέγω, [i]ἑαυτοῖς ποιήσατε φίλους ἐκ τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας, ἵνα ὅταν [j]ἐκλίπῃ δέξωνται ὑμᾶς εἰς τὰς αἰωνίους σκηνάς.

 - make for yourselves wealth to gain friends for yourself so that when it is gone,  you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 

Luke 16:10
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Ὁ πιστὸς ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ καὶ ἐν πολλῷ πιστός ἐστιν, καὶ ὁ ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ ἄδικος καὶ ἐν πολλῷ ἄδικός ἐστιν. 

 - The trustful with the least can be trusted with much but the one who is dishonest in connection with little will be dishonest with much.  Something true to life.

Luke 16:11
If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
εἰ οὖν ἐν τῷ ἀδίκῳ μαμωνᾷ πιστοὶ οὐκ ἐγένεσθε, τὸ ἀληθινὸν τίς ὑμῖν πιστεύσει; 

 - if in connection with money you are not being faithful who will entrust you with true wealth.  

Luke 16:12 
 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?
καὶ εἰ ἐν τῷ ἀλλοτρίῳ πιστοὶ οὐκ ἐγένεσθε, τὸ [k]ὑμέτερον τίς [l]δώσει ὑμῖν;

- If you have not become faithful in the property of another who will give you property of your own. 

Luke 16:13 
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
οὐδεὶς οἰκέτης δύναται δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν• ἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει. οὐ δύνασθε θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ.

- No servant can serve two masters. Or he will love one and hate the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. 

Luke 16:14 
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 
Ἤκουον δὲ ταῦτα [m]πάντα οἱ Φαρισαῖοι φιλάργυροι ὑπάρχοντες, καὶ ἐξεμυκτήριζον αὐτόν.

- The Pharisees who were lovers of money also ridiculed Him.

Luke 16:15
And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς• Ὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ δικαιοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὁ δὲ θεὸς γινώσκει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν• ὅτι τὸ ἐν ἀνθρώποις ὑψηλὸν βδέλυγμα ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ.

 - you are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men but God knows your heart. What is highest among men is detestable an abomination in the sight of God. 

V. 4 the point of the parable The steward is within the context of his knowledge and values planning ahead He must behave now in such a way that will benefit him when (after) he is "removed." μετασταθῶ (Metasstho.)  For this he will be commended (v.8) as φρονίμως  (phronimos), far-sighted.

All of us, sooner or later, will end up in a plot of earth. Given eternity, how can any thing of a material nature have any lasting consequence? Employment will not last forever. Retirement will not last forever. 

But, as Jesus makes clear, even a crook like the steward - a person with no moral compass - recognized the ultimate value of money lay in the acquisition of job-security and to insure his well-being. We need to be far-sighted with respect to our spiritual landscape. 

Footnotes:
Luke 16:6 About 875 gallons or 3,200 liters
Luke 16:7 Between 1,000 and 1,200 bushels or 37,000 to 45,000 liters
Luke 16:8 Greek age
Luke 16:9 Greek mammon, a Semitic word for money or possessions; also verse 11; rendered money in verse 13
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Scripture quotations marked SBLGNT are from The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Time in the Word - Proper 20




Time in the Word
Preperation for Pentecost 15 – Proper 20
16-21 September 2019


 The Right Use of Money

We now turn to the money chapter from Luke’s Gospel. In dealing with today’s theme, we must consider next Sunday’s lessons. Both deal with our material possessions. For this coming week’s Gospel the parable of the unjust steward is put in the framework of the following verses, 1-13.

Alone the parable does not deal with the above over-all theme, but interpreted in the light of the following verses, the Gospel deals with the proper use of money. The Old Testament lesson deals more with how we get our money rather than how we use it. On the surface, the Epistle does not seem to deal with money at all, but a closer study shows that the implication is, if we pray for secular authorities, we shall have a society in which there can be economic justice and this the conditions described by Amos in the Old Testament would be prohibited.

Collect for the Fifteenth Sunday of Pentecost: 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 our Lord .

Collect for Proper Twenty: O Lord, keep Your church in Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fail, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 113: Lord Jesus, surrendering the brightness of Your glory, You became mortal so that we might be raise from the dust to share Your very being. May the children of God, always bless Your name from the rising of the sun to its going down, for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Prayer for steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayer Bible Stories for this coming week:

September 16 #21. Joseph before Pharaoh- Genesis 41 Selected verses
September 17 #22 Joseph rises to power- Genesis 41 Selected verses
September 18         Chapel
September 19 #23 Joseph’s brothers in Egypt- Genesis 42 Selected verses
September 20 #24 Joseph’s brothers return- Genesis 43 Selected verses

Catechism Review: Commandments 8 & 9 with meaning

Review these stories and commandments with you student each day.

Monday, 16 September 2019Psalm 119:137-140, 142; antiphon, Psalm 119:144—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. The Lord and His law is righteous. As we cling to God’s Word and follow it, we then shall live before God in righteousness, innocence and blessedness. 

Tuesday, 17 September 2019Psalm 113 — Psalms 113 – 118 are a group of psalms linked traditionally with the Jewish feasts of Tabernacles [Harvest] and Passover. In Jewish homes, Psalm 113 and 114 are sung before the Passover meal. In the psalm for the week, we encounter God. He is beyond His creation, yet closely concerned for the humblest of His people. This is an apt description of God. This first song of praise begins and ends with the word “Hallelujah”, which means praise. Praise God forever.

Wednesday, 18 September 2019Amos 8:4-7— God promises never to forget the rich persons’ oppression of the poor. Does it matter how we get our money? Should a Christian be glad for his money and not ask questions how it was made? Can a Christian in good conscience accept money derived from pornography, prostitution, or trafficked drugs? Should the church have investments in countries where civil rights are denied? In Amos’ day the people are rich but for all the wrong reasons. We still live in a world where the rich get richer and the get poorer. What is the answer to all this? 

The word of the Lord through Amos is the answer. The kind of wealth God condemns consists of the following 
1 Greed – vs. 5a - They cannot wait for the holy days to be over that they can make more money. Compare today’s commercialization of holy days: Sundays, Christmas, Easter. 
2. Dishonesty – vs. 6a – Short weights: today’s false advertising. 
3. Enslaving people – vs. 6a – Today we are making people slaves to debt by over-purchasing. 
4. Inferior products – vs. 6b – “Refuse of the wheat;” compare today’s scandal of overseas shipment of dirty wheat.

Thursday, 19 September 20191 Timothy 2:1-5— Paul urges prayer for all people, especially rulers, that we may live in peace. Paul talks about the hands of prayer. In recent years, there is a growing practice in some churches for people to raise their hands while praying, or some pastors hold out their hands with upraised palms when leading the people in prayer. 

In our Epistle Paul urges us to pray for all people, especially those in high positions, that we may have that kind of world in which the gospel can flourish. Your hands in prayer are lifted hands – lifted up to the Source of our help, our Lord and Savior Jesus. Your hands in prayer are open hands – opened by faith to receive what we pray for. Your hands in prayer are holy hands – free from hatred and anger; filled with forgiving love.

Friday, 20 September 2019Luke 16:1-15— The parable of the unjust steward. People need guidance on how to handle their money. Is it a virtue to be poor and a sin to be rich? Should a Christian despise money? Isn’t the love of money the root of all evil? In our Gospel lesson for Sunday Jesus has advice about money. He says that money can be your god. For a disciple this is an impossible situation, for no one can serve two gods. Trying to love two is impossible to do! Should a Christian then not strive to accumulate possessions? Where do you draw the line that money will not be in reality your god? John Wesley suggests a Christian should 1. Get all the money you can. 2. Save all the money you can. 3. Give all the money you can.

Saturday, 21 September 20191 John 3:16-18 - Sunday’s Hymn is “We Give Thee But Thine Own,” (LSB #781). Here is the definition of love. It is found in a person. It is found in an action. Jesus laid down His life for us. We in turn love and serve our neighbor. Actions speak louder then words. Thus John can say “If anyone has material possession and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? The faith is taught and it is caught. May we in love befriend and serve our neighbor.
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Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 15 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Image:  Two pennies ©  Google images 

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Pentecost 14 - Proper 19

Pentecost 14 – Proper 19
Luke 15:1-10
15 September 2019
God rejoices over sinners who repent


Almighty God, every good thing comes from You. Fill our hearts with love for you, increase our faith, and by Your constant care protect the good you have given us. We ask this through our Lord Jesus, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, Amen [1]

God rejoices. When sinners repent. Angels and archangels laud and magnify the king of heaven. Every time a soul is added to the kingdom. Evangelism is happy time of the church. Because it is an echo of what goes on in heaven. 

But when the Pharisees saw Jesus surrounded by tax collectors and well-known sinners, they grumbled and complained. “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” With respect to the Pharisees - it was too late for “those people” who had messed up so badly. These Pharisees. They didn’t even want such people. They were damaged goods. They didn’t believe in a God who would allow such sinners into His house.

So Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Jesus came, looking for them. Jesus came to find just these very people—sinful people, rebellious people, lost people.  Jesus came to pay for their sins, suffer for their sins, die for their sins, because He wanted them back—back in His kingdom. Back in His house.  He called them to repent of their sin and to trust in Him—that He would forgive them for everything, and bring them back into God’s house, for free.

Why is the Father rejoicing when we repent? Heaven’s bells right out. The Father rejoices over every sinner who repents. How is this so?

1. God’s will is fulfilled.

A. His desire is that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

1. Are all men saved? Man still has the will to say “No!” to God. Many in our world still do. But this didn’t stop Jesus and His mission. 

2. The goal is that all should be gathered. None should be missing. This is the purpose for Christ’s coming. 

3. We are way too inclined to put people into categories and then label them.  We see this in the media, but if we are honest we do it ourselves!  But, the guest list to the Father’s heavenly banquet is a long list.  The Father’s love extends beyond our petty categories and prejudices.  In fact, not only are all of THOSE people invited –so are YOU! The Father’s guest list of those whom He loves madly and passionately is a lot bigger than your guest list.   So come!  The table is set!  All are invited!  God’s love is showering down upon you!  

B. Come! That you would rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.

1. This is the Father’s desire. God will never stop to look for and reclaim the lost!

2. This is His plan at work in your life and in the lives of all the people you love and also all the people you might have trouble. Christ’s love is so extreme that He will go to great lengths to seek us out and He never will let you go. 

C. That you would give thanks for God’s goodness. We thank Him for His generosity towards us. We praise Him for His care in our life.

1. Where would you be without Christ?

2. How different would your life be without Him?

Transition: The Father’s will is fulfilled when even one sinner repents. This is what pleases the Father. He is happy for sinner’s sake.

2. God is happy for the sinner’s sake.

A. You are now a part of God’s family. What was lost is now found. What was broken is now mended. What was found wanting is now restored.

1. Family is a unique grouping of peoples.

2. In this Friedheim Family “last names cease when we enter the parish door!”

B. By this act of mercy you now have access to the Father’s throne-room of grace. Every request, ever petition, every cry is heard by your Father in heaven. 

1. Every request is answered. According to the Father’s will. 

2. You can be assured that the Father’s will is being fulfilled in your life.

C. The same motivation of which moved the Savior to break into time and space to save and redeem you is the same motive to sustain and keep you. Remember the Catechism. He “guards and keeps us in the one true faith and keeps us with Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is why you’re a part of this Friedheim Family – you are incorporated into a community of faith called the Church.

1. There are no soloists in God’s choir. None going it alone. This runs completely counter to our present culture; which champions rugged individualism. In a world fixated on individual needs, personal desires, and particular thoughts and feelings it’s easy to translate this into our spiritual lives namely where we become focused on our own individual relationship with God.  Christ calls us to look at life through a wider lens. The Shepherd didn’t go after that one sheep to have quality time. Or one-on-one time. He goes after that one sheep to bring it back to the fold where it belonged. Those persons sitting next to you are your sisters and brothers in Christ. Persons for whom the Savior died and rose again. They are in a word, family.    

2. We each need each other. As part of the family of faith we enjoy each other, we grow together, we support and encourage each other.

The Church is family. The family of God. Welcome to the family. In this family you experience the Father’s love and welcome. You are accepted. By the Savior’s action the Father’s will is fulfilled. And the Father is happy for your sake.

Jesus receives sinners. That’s the message that comes through loud and clear. And when Jesus receives sinners, He rejoices over them. He rejoices that they’ve been found and brought back. And not only does Jesus receive sinners, and not only does He rejoice over them, He does one more thing. He restores these sinners to His service. Jesus Receives, Rejoices and Restores. 
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Words - 1050
Passive Sentences –15% 
Readability – 83.7%
Reading Level – 3.7
The lost sheep copyright © Google images

[1]  Collect for Pentecost 14, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.2 Year 1: The Season After Pentecost © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY