– Psalm 26 – Next week’s Introit is an appeal for God to take account of David’s
moral integrity, his unwavering trust, and his genuine delight in the Lord.
This is not a boast of self-righteousness, but an appeal to God. The Antiphon
is taken from verse 8, “I love the house
where You live, O Lord, the place where Your glory dwells.”
Collect for Psalm 26: Lord Jesus, Lamb without stain, image of the Father’s glory; Give us
the strength to avoid sin and be faithful to you always. Lead us to the place
where the Father dwells in his glory, that we may praise him with joy among His
saints now and forever.[2]
The True
Tradition of the Church Is the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, Her
Savior.
The true tradition of the Church is the Gospel, which is the preaching and administration of Christ Jesus. Other traditions, although not commanded by God, may serve and support that sacred tradition of the Gospel. But the Church dare not “[reject] the commandment of God” in order to establish or hold to “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8–9). Sinful people attempt to draw near to the Lord “with their mouth” and to honor Him “with their lips,” while their hearts are far removed from Him (Isaiah 29:13). Yet, He is “the Holy One of Israel,” who brings about salvation by His cross. Therefore, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,” but “the deaf shall hear” and “the eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:14–19). This mystery of Christ is profound, for He is the Husband of the Church, and He is her Savior. Not because of any works that she has done, but solely for the sake of His great love, He “gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:25–26).
Some thoughts
concerning our worship life together
Hearing the Word of God, the people respond
with words of praise. The Gradual is a Proper. It is a portion of a psalm of
other Scripture passage that provides a response after the Old Testament
Reading. The Epistle lesson gives us God’s counsel on how His gracious Word is
applied to the hearer and the Church. Often in this reading we hear how God’s
Word accomplishes what it says-creating faith, bestowing forgiveness,
strengthening God’s people in their struggles against sin, and enlivening in
them the hope of eternal life.[3]
Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen[4]. -16 August 2021
[1] The Lord’s Supper, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for Psalm 26, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church V. IV The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1996 Delhi, NY
[3] Worshiping with Angels and Archangels – An Introduction to the Divine Service by Scot Kinnaaman© 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[4] Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment