Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Wednesday prior to Epiphany 4

Deuteronomy 18:15-20— Authority is the primary theme for this Sunday. Jesus teaches and heals with authority.  In the New Testament Epistle authority is implied, knowledge of God gives authority to be free from idols. The Old Testament lesson for this coming week speaks concerning the authority of reception – who gave it to you. A prophet like Moses is to be obeyed because he speaks the words of God.

God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses. The book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ last address to the people before entering the Promised Land. Sunday’s Old Testament lesson is a part of a section dealing with prophecy. A prophet like Moses is promised to replace the false prophets. This true Moses will mediate between the Lord and the people. The passage explains how through Moses God provided for the institution of prophecy. True prophecy demands obedience on the part of the people and loyalty by the prophets.

A prophet is one who speaks for God. God tells him what to say. He puts his words into the prophet’s mouth, and thus he becomes the mouthpiece or the loudspeaker of God. The prophet cn take no credit for what he says. The truth is not his. Because he is not responsible for the content of his message, he can speaks boldly. Herein is the source of the authority and power of preaching. God’s Word, not the prophet’s, has the authority and power. This calls for biblical preaching, for preaching the Word.

The people are called to heed this word. (v. 19) The prophet has the responsibility to proclaim faithfully God’s Word while the people have the responsibility to heed the Word by obeying. The authority of the Word proclaimed must be recognized, accepted, and obeyed. The Word that is to be obeyed comes through the words of the preacher-prophet. He is the voice of God. He is the mediator between God and the people. God does not speak directly to people. He chooses to speak through the preacher as he declares the Word. If the sermon is true to God’s Word, it is to be more than enjoyed or discusses; it is to be obeyed.

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scripture 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 eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[1]

 

Lord Jesus Christ, giver and pefecter 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.[2]  

 



[1] Collect for Grace to receive the Word, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[2]Collect for blessing on the Word ibid

The term ‘logos’ is the Greek term for “Word” a reference especially for Christ, the Word made flesh throughout the Old and New Testament  image copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 


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