Thursday, September 30, 2021

Morning Prayer #28

 

The Call of Moses 
Exodus 2-3  
(Selective Verses)


 

 One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. 12 He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 15 When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well.

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 22 She gave birth to a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” 23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

3 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

7 Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

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

Illustration 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. 


Friday prior to Proper 22

 

Mark 10:2-16 – God intends marriage to be lifelong. Sunday’s Gospel deals with two accounts: marriage/divorce and Jesus’ love of children. In regard to marriage and divorce, Mark has Jesus take the position that neither husband nor wife should get a divorce. For the Pharisees, divorce is a legal matter: for Jesus it is a divine matter – not what is legal, but what is right. Jesus pointed out to the Pharisees that the legal right to get a divorce was due to a human’s sinfulness, but this was contrary to God’s intention that marriage is permanent. To substantiate this, Jesus refers twice to the creation account. The Gospel continues with an account of Jesus receiving little children, for marriage and children go together. Jesus urges that children should be brought to Him and teaches that one should receive the kingdom of God as a child in terms of openness and receptivity.

Flesh is more than the physical body or sex. A sexual union does not necessarily make two people one. They are momentarily joined together physically for the completion of a sexual act, but they are not necessarily one. “Flesh” goes beyond the body to the whole person; physical, mental, psychological and spiritual. N marriage there is to be a union of two personalities, and the sexual act is merely an expression of that oneness. Thus, sex apart from a spiritual union is meaningless and contrary to God’s will. Sex outside of marriage is therefore meaningless. The physical union is proper, right and meaningful only when two people of the opposite sex have union of heart and mind.

To enter the kingdom of God is not to be a child  nnor to be childish. A person enters the kingdom “like a child.” There is an innocence, openness, and receptivity on the part of a child that a person wanting to enter the kingdom of God must have. A child is ready to believe and trust what an adult says. Children eagerly believe and readily obey without question or doubt.[2]

A Prayer for Peace - O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed, give to Your servants that peace which the world simply cannot give that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended by You, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. [3]-October 1, 2021

 

 



[1] “Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[3] Collect for Peace, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis


Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Morning Prayer #27

Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.

 

15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews[a] you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”


 

2 Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. 3 When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. 4 And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. 5 Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews' children.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Go.” So the girl went and called the child's mother. 9 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

 

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

 

Illustration 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. 

Thursday prior to Proper 22

 

 Hebrew 2:1-13, (14-18)God intends the family of humankind to be a family in Christ. By the grace of God, Jesus became a man who suffered and died for all. Today’s Epistle reading is the first in a series of passages from Hebrews. The author in Hebrews is facing the situation of the church’s waning faith, probably because of the delay of Christ’s return. To stimulate their faith, he writes the epistle of Hebrews.

Today’s reading deals with the event of Christ’s incarnation leading to His suffering and death for the salvation of humanity. Jesus’ incarnation gave Him solidarity with humankind in order to save it.  At present, we do not see Christ’s lordship over everything, but we do see Him (verse 9).  His atoning death created a oneness of Christ and His followers whom He calls “brethren” (verse 11).  In comparison with the Old Testament lesson, humans are created and re-created by redemption.

The writer to the Hebrews uses the term “perfect” in verse 10. This is not a moral but a religious use of the word. The religious meaning of “perfect” is the completion and fulfillment of a goal, destiny, or purpose. It was Jesus’ mission to take away the sins of the world through his atoning death. He fulfilled the mission and accomplished the goal through suffering death on a cross. Thus, Jesus was perfect – fulfilled, completed his destiny as Savior.[2]

Collect for Pentecost 19O God, whose almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity, grant us the fullness of Your grace that we may be partakers of Your heavenly treasures[3]

A prayer for steadfast faith Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards 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 come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord.[4] -30 September 2021

 



[1] “Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[3] Collect for Pentecost 19, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St Louis

[4] For steadfast faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis


Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Wednesday prior to Proper 22

 

Genesis 2:18-25 The creation of woman as man’s helper and companion.

God intends husbands and wives to be one. God creates woman as man’s helper and companion. This lesson is part of the Lord’s account of creation, beginning with Chapter 2, verse 4. It is the earlier of the two accounts. According to this account, man is created first, then the animals, etc., and finally woman. The animals were not a suitable helper for Adam, and, consequently, Eve was created. Why the rib? It’s closest to the man’s heart. After her creation from his rib, Adam recognizes her as an equal part of him (verse 23).  She is recognized as a fellow human with equal dignity and worth. Because of the creation of man and woman, marriage is one of the orders of creation in which the two become an entity of one flesh. Flesh here is more than physical; it refers to the whole person.

For man to be alone was not good. This caused God to create a woman. No amount of vegetation and no number of animals, no matter how much a pet one might be, could be a satisfactory companion to a human being. Man was not meant to be alone, not even with people of the same sex. Woman was made for man, and it is normal and right for male and female to be together as companions and friends.

It is significant that Eve was not an isolated nor independent creation. Adam was formed out of dust; Eve was formed out of Adam by the use of a rib. Male and female are not two separate creations, each going his/her own way. They were not made to be independent of each other. Eve was made from Adam to indicate that they were of the same material and were meant for each other. But why the rib? Why not the head or the heart? Is it that the bib is close to the heart?[2]

A prayer for home and family - Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever.[3] -29 September 202



[1] “Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[3] For home and family, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis


Monday, September 27, 2021

Morning Prayer #26

 

Jacob in Egypt  
Genesis 45-47  
(Selective Verses)

 

To his father he sent as follows: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and provision for his father on the journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way.”

25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. 26 And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

46 So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy.

28 He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. 29 Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” 

11 Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's household with food, according to the number of their dependents.

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

Illustration 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. 


Tuesday prior to Proper 22

 

Psalm 128; key verse, verse 1 - Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

Psalm 128 speaks of the blessedness of the godly man, another word for wisdom concerning health and home. The concluding benediction suggests that the psalm originally served as a priestly word of instruction to those assembled from their homes to worship in Jerusalem. The main body of the psalm is found in verses 1-4.

Psalm 128 – The Blessed Family of those who fear the LORD

This psalm is titled A Song of Ascents. It is another of the 15 songs sung by travelers on their way to Jerusalem, usually for one of the three yearly feasts (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). Like Psalm 127, it has a focus on God’s work in and through the family.

“It is of real significance that these songs of home and of true civic consciousness are found among those which are sung on the way that leads to worship. It is ever good to carry into the place of our communion with God the interests of home and city. It is only by doing so that we can influence these for their lasting good.” (G. Campbell Morgan) [2]

Collect for Psalm 128: Lord Jesus, from your opened side your bride, the Church was formed and sanctified in your cleansing blood. Make your Church a fruitful vine, with many children who will rejoice with you at your table and celebrate your goodness now and forever.[3]  -28 September 2021



[1] “Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[3] Collect for Psalm 128, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY


Sunday, September 26, 2021

Morning Prayer #25

 


Joseph Makes Himself Known 
Genesis 44 & 45 
(Selective Verses)

Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money in the mouth of his sack, 2 and put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph told him.

3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. 4 They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good?

6 When he overtook them, he spoke to them these words. 12 And he searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city.

14 When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph's house, he was still there. They fell before him to the ground. 15 Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that a man like me can indeed practice divination?”

18 Then Judah went up to him and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not your anger burn against your servant, for you are like Pharaoh himself.   30 “Now therefore,  please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers."

 45 Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.

5 "And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry." 14 Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him.

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

Illustration 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. 


Monday prior to Proper 22

 

Sunday’s theme is God’s Intentions for the Family. The lessons deal with home, marriage, divorce, and children. The Gospel (Mark 10:2-16) considers Jesus’ position on divorce and His attitude toward children. The Old Testament lesson (Genesis 2:18-25) fits into the Gospel with its account of Eve’s creation and the relationship between husband and wife. The Psalm for the week (Psalm 128) concerns a God-fearing person’s blessing of a fruitful wife, children, and grandchildren. The Hymn of the Day “Oh, Blest the House” (LSB 862) is a prayer to the Lord to bless the home and family.

Psalm 127:3-5, Antiphon, Psalm 127:1a – Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

This psalm is titled A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Most believe Solomon to be the author, yet it is possible that the psalm was composed by David for Solomon. Here, Solomon will be considered the author.

The strength of the Hebrew people in the past, and all that remains of it today, largely results from the keen sense which they ever cherished of the importance of the home and the family. The house, the city, labor, are all important to the conserving of the strength of the family.” (G. Campbell Morgan)[2]

In keeping with the theme of the week, God’s Intention for the Family, the psalmist gives us a timeless truth. Unless the Lord is the center of all that we do, unless the Lord builds the house, all of our efforts are in vain. The house in essence becomes a house of cards. May Jesus Christ be the ever present yet unseen guest in each of our homes. 

Collect for Psalm 127: Lord God, the land is brought to flower not with human tears but with the tears of your Son. Grant that those who labor for you may not trust in their own work but in your help through Jesus Christ our Lord. [3]: 27 September 2021

 



[1] “Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[3] Collect for Psalm 127, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY


Proper 22 Series B


Proper 22 Series B
Genesis 2:18–25
Hebrews 2:1–13 (14–18)
Mark 10:2–16

Marriage Is a Sign that Manifests the Gospel of Christ and His Church

Humanity is created in the image and likeness of God. “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). For the Lord Himself is a perfect communion of three Persons — the Father, Son and Holy Spirit — in one God. Therefore, “the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs,” which “he made into a woman” and brought “to the man” (Genesis 2:21–22). It is for this reason that “a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7). 


This great mystery of holy marriage signifies Christ Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, and His Bride, the Church. Divorce and all manner of adultery contradict and undermine this sign, and in doing so, they confess a false Christ and a false gospel. “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:9). In truth, Christ Jesus has atoned for all such sins, and He has perfected marriage in Himself “through suffering,” that He might bring “many sons to glory” in His resurrection. (Hebrews 2:8–10).   

Merciful Father, Your patience and loving-kindness toward us have no end. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may always think and do those things that are pleasing in Your sight.

O Spirit of the Father, Breath on them from above, So searching in Your pureness, So tender in Your love That, guarded by Your presence And kept from strife and sin, Their hearts may heed Your guidance And know You dwell within. (LSB 858;3)

Mark 10:2-16

The key to Mark 10 is that God accepts us by grace through faith in Jesus not through obedience or status. Just as children receive love they do not earn. 

Jesus teaches that God wants men and women in marriage to be exclusively committed to each other for life. Attempts to alter or get around God's good intentions bring condemnation, not greater liberty. Thoughtfully and prayerfully embrace God's ways. What He establishes is for our good and stems from His love and grace.

Mark 10:2 
Καὶ [b]ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν εἰ ἔξεστιν ἀνδρὶ γυναῖκα ἀπολῦσαι, πειράζοντες αὐτόν.
And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

And coming to him, the Pharisees asked is it lawful for a man to loose...divorce his wife...they did this to test him. 

Mark 10:3
ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς• Τί ὑμῖν ἐνετείλατο Μωϋσῆς;
He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”

What did Moses command?  Asking a Law question they get a LAW answer...they did not recognize Jesus so Jesus gives them the authority they recognize.

Mark 10:4  
οἱ δὲ εἶπαν• [c]Ἐπέτρεψεν Μωϋσῆς βιβλίον ἀποστασίου γράψαι καὶ ἀπολῦσαι. 
They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.”

They said, Moses allowed a bible of diverse And to send her away. Deut. 24:1-3 see Jeremiah 3:1; Hosea; 

Mark 10:5 
ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς• Πρὸς τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν ἔγραψεν ὑμῖν τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην• 
 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.

It was because your heart was hard that Moses wrote you this law. The Law was written for our hardness of heart. 

Mark 10:6 
ἀπὸ δὲ ἀρχῆς κτίσεως ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ ἐποίησεν [e]αὐτούς• 
 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’

from the beginning of creation (pre Fall) God created them male and female.  first words spoken of man from Scripture..."she completes me..."

Mark 10:7 
ἕνεκεν τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν μητέρα [f]καὶ προσκολληθήσεταιπρὸς τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, 
 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one. God is doing the joining..hence the words of 11 and 12...

Some manuscripts omit and hold fast to his wife

Mark 10:8
καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν• ὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο ἀλλὰ μία σάρξ• 
and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.

Mark 10:9
ὃ οὖν ὁ θεὸς συνέζευξεν ἄνθρωπος μὴ χωριζέτω.  
What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Therefore that which God has joined together let not man separate. Nothing can destroy what God has commanded. It is what it is...don't mess with it...

Mark 10:10
Καὶ [g]εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν πάλιν οἱ μαθηταὶ [h]περὶ τούτου [i]ἐπηρώτων αὐτόν. 
And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.

Mark 10:11
καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς• Ὃς [j]ἂν ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ καὶ γαμήσῃ ἄλλην μοιχᾶται ἐπ’ αὐτήν,
 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her,

Mark 10:12
καὶ ἐὰν [k]αὐτὴ ἀπολύσασα τὸν ἄνδρα αὐτῆς γαμήσῃ ἄλλον μοιχᾶται. 
and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Into the house again, they ask Him..whoever sends away cuts loose his wife and marries another and if she cuts loose her man...they commit adultery. 
__________________

Let the Children Come to Me

What ties these two texts together is who we are in Christ, we bring children to Jesus. These are separate sermons. It is the text in the baptismal rite.  Children are helpless...they bring nothing...what better place than for an adult baptism. Do not prevent...

Mark 10:13
Καὶ προσέφερον αὐτῷ παιδία ἵνα [l]αὐτῶν ἅψηται• οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ [m]ἐπετίμησαν αὐτοῖς.
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.

Mark 10:14
δὼν δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἠγανάκτησεν καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς• Ἄφετε τὰ παιδία ἔρχεσθαι πρός με, μὴ κωλύετε αὐτά, τῶν γὰρ τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ.
But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:15
ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ὃς [n]ἂν μὴ δέξηται τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ὡς παιδίον, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτήν.
Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”  

Mark 10:16
καὶ ἐναγκαλισάμενος αὐτὰ [o]κατευλόγει τιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτά.
And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

 Christ’s Touch (A Baptism Hymn, Sung to LSB 873)

Some brought children for your touch.
Your men did not understand;
They thought children were of such
Should not waste the Master’s hand.
Yet in Baptism you now bless
Every child with your caress.
 

Lord a leper you did cure
As he felt your holy hand.
He was cleansed, made wholly pure;
In your temple He could stand.
So you touched my body Lord,
Cleansing me by watery word.
 

Yes the deaf, the mute, the blind,
Many sick, the bent, the dead…
Felt your touch and they did find
Ails were gone of every dread.
Ailed with sin may we each see,
Baptized…cured, you have touched me!
 

By your cross you took our dross:
Sin’s impurities, death’s doom.
Now you’ve marked us with that cross,
Joined us to your empty tomb.
Stamped as your gold coins we live,
Cross embossed for you to give.
Daniel J. Brege,

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

Time in the Word - Proper 22



Time in the Word
  September 27 -October 2, 2021
Proper 22

Preparation for next week, Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday’s theme is God’s Intentions for the Family. The lessons deal with home, marriage, divorce, and children. The Gospel considers Jesus’ position on divorce and His attitude toward children. The Old Testament lesson fits into the Gospel with its account of Eve’s creation and the relationship between husband and wife. The Psalm for the week concerns a God-fearing person’s blessing of a fruitful wife, children, and grandchildren. The “Hymn of the Day” is a prayer to the Lord to bless the home and family.

Collect for Proper 22Merciful Father, Your patience and loving-kindness toward us have no end. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may always think and do those things that are pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 27 September 2021Psalm 127:3-5, Antiphon, Psalm 127:1aUnless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. In keeping with the theme of the week, God’s Intention for the Family, the psalmist gives us a timeless truth. Unless the Lord is the center of all that we do, unless the Lord builds the house, all of our efforts are in vain. The house in essence becomes a house of cards. May Jesus Christ be the ever present yet unseen guest in each of our homes. 

Tuesday, 28 September 2021Psalm 128; key verse, verse 1 - Blessed are all who fear the Lord. Psalm 128 speaks of the blessedness of the godly man, another word for wisdom concerning health and home. The concluding benediction suggests that the psalm originally served as a priestly word of instruction to those assembled from their homes to worship in Jerusalem. The main body of the psalm is found in verses 1-4. 

Wednesday, 29 September 2021Genesis 2:18-25 – God intends husbands and wives to be one. God creates woman as man’s helper and companion. This lesson is part of the Lord’s account of creation, beginning with Chapter 2, verse 4. It is the earlier of the two accounts. According to this account, man is created first, then the animals, etc., and finally woman. The animals were not a suitable helper for Adam, and, consequently, Eve was created. Why the rib? It’s closest to the man’s heart. After her creation from his rib, Adam recognizes her as an equal part of him (verse 23).  She is recognized as a fellow human with equal dignity and worth. Because of the creation of man and woman, marriage is one of the orders of creation in which the two become an entity of one flesh. Flesh here is more than physical; it refers to the whole person.  

Thursday, 30 September 2021Hebrew 2:1-13, (14-18) – God intends the family of humankind to be a family in Christ. By the grace of God, Jesus became a man who suffered and died for all. Today’s Epistle reading is the first in a series of passages from Hebrews. The author in Hebrews is facing the situation of the church’s waning faith, probably because of the delay of Christ’s return. To stimulate their faith, he writes the epistle of Hebrews. 

Today’s reading deals with the event of Christ’s incarnation leading to His suffering and death for the salvation of humanity. Jesus’ incarnation gave Him solidarity with humankind in order to save it.  At present, we do not see Christ’s lordship over everything, but we do see Him (verse 9).  His atoning death created a oneness of Christ and His followers whom He calls “brethren” (verse 11).  In comparison with the Old Testament lesson, humans are created and re-created by redemption.  

Friday, 01 October 2021Mark 10:2-16 – God intends marriage to be lifelong. Sunday’s Gospel deals with two accounts: marriage/divorce and Jesus’ love of children. In regard to marriage and divorce, Mark has Jesus take the position that neither husband nor wife should get a divorce. For the Pharisees, divorce is a legal matter: for Jesus it is a divine matter – not what is legal, but what is right. Jesus pointed out to the Pharisees that the legal right to get a divorce was due to a human’s sinfulness, but this was contrary to God’s intention that marriage is permanent. To substantiate this, Jesus refers twice to the creation account. The Gospel continues with an account of Jesus receiving little children, for marriage and children go together. Jesus urges that children should be brought to Him and teaches that one should receive the kingdom of God as a child in terms of openness and receptivity.  

Saturday, 02 October 2021Joshua 24:15b; Ephesians 6:4; Luke 2:41-52; 10:38-42-Sunday’s hymn of the day is Oh, Blest the House (LSB 862).  This is an appropriate hymn as it deals with the Christian home. May the Lord bless not only our Friedheim, St. John, and Zion families, but each and every individual family of our congregations. Taking the lead from Joshua, “as for me and my house we shall serve the Lord!” May the Lord bless each of us as Christ remains at the center of our homes.

Collect for Pentecost 19O God, whose almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity, grant us the fullness of Your grace that we may be partakers of Your heavenly treasures

A prayer for steadfast faithAlmighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards 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 come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For those in distress - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord

A Prayer for Peace - O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed, give to Your servants that peace which the world simply cannot give that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended by You, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for home and family - Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever


Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran 
Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Baptism copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH


Saturday, September 25, 2021

The Parable of the Sower

 

Blessed Lord, since 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 we may embrace and every hold fast to blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.[1]

The Parable of the Sower

Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. 2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” 9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

The Purpose of the Parables

10 And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, 

12 so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive,

    and may indeed hear but not understand,

lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”

13 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.[a] 18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”[2]

The point that the Savior is driving at is this – good soil produces good fruit. How is this so?

I.                    Good soil hears the Word – “He hears the Word”

II.                  Good soil understands the Word – “and understands it”

III.          Good soil lives the Word – “which also bears fruit”

 

I.        Good soil – a receptive heart – hears the Word.

A.            This explains what sort of Sower He is. He sows His seed wherever and however He can. He sows His seed along the path. On rocky ground. Among thorns. And, of course, on good soil. You would not want someone drilling beans in such fashion. But that’s the point. The Father is reckless. When it comes to His Word He wants it spread that all might hear and understand.

1.            He uses His Word to create and sustain faith.  Again, He’s reckless. Nothing will stop Him; for you to receive His Word with much joy.

2.            You listen to this Word. For it is the word of life. When asked if His disciples too would abandon Him Peter responds to the Savior, “Lord, to whom shall we go, You have the words of eternal life.”  [John 6:68]

B.             This is why He sows.

1.             That you may heart it. The word, which is preached, taught, read and shared, has a timeless message. It is the message of the cross. It is the message of a changeless Christ for a changing world.

2.            That we may come to understand His message of salvation. It’s such a simple message, yet one, which has impacted our lives.

a.            That we are sinners. And the message is so clear. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23

b.            That we are sinners saved by grace. Paul continues; “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 3:24

II.     Good soil – receptive hearts - understands the Word.

A.            This is how He uses the good seed.

1.            You know Him – You have a connection with Him. Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly.” [John 20]

2.            By faith you understand His message – “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.” [John 14:6]

a.            It is a message of the cross – “I determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:2]

b.            It is given to you in your baptism. The blessings that belong to baptism are three; forgiveness, life, salvation.

The Bible teaches that a person is saved by God’s grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

The Bible tells us that such “faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). Jesus Himself commands Baptism and tells us that Baptism is water used together with the Word of God. – Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”-Matthew 28:19-20

Baptism is one of the miraculous means of grace[1], through which God creates and  strengthens the gift of faith in a person’s heart - Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  Acts 2:38 (See Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12.13).

B.            Having heard His Word we respond.

1.            With thankful hearts. 

2.            With acts of love and service.

3.            As witnesses of His mercy and grace.

III.   Good soil – receptive hearts – lives the Word.

A.            This is how we can expect good seed to be productive – to bear fruit.

1.            Sharing His story with others – we all know the Gospel hymn, “I love to tell the story” – question – do we even tell the story? Or, are we embarrassed or fearful to share the message of Christ with family, neighbors, co-workers? The world was literally turned upside down by twelve men who had a simple yet powerful message – we have seen Jesus alive from the dead. That message has not changed in over 2,000 years. People still need to hear that message – and the only person to tell that message is you! 

2.             Serving Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. The second way in which the world was literally turned upside down was by the changed lives of these 12 men.  You might be the only Bible another person will ever read! Our church and school will grow only by people being drawn to the Savior – yet He chooses to work through means – Your efforts will not be in vein.

B.            As He has sown good seed – so we should also demonstrate with our lives His works.

1.       By means of vocation. Mike Davis, the former basketball coach at IU - at the beginning of a post – game interview will begin with the words “I’d like to give God the credit for giving me this opportunity…” Sadly he only says this when his team wins! J. S. Bach would sign every work with three Latin words. “Soli Deo Gloria.”, which translates, “To God Alone Be the Glory.”

This leads us to ask the question, do we give God the credit only when we are successful?  In everything we do – to God be the glory – may He alone get the credit.

2.            By means of serving others – our neighbor – with the talents, abilities, and gifts the Lord has given to each of you.

How true it is. Good soil – receptive hearts – produces good fruit as it is connected to the Word. May we be a people who hears the Word, understands the Word, and then with thankful hearts live the Word in our daily lives.




[1] Collect for the Word
[2] The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Sower © Ed Riojas, Higher Things