Time in the Word - Epiphany 5

Time in the Word

The Time of Epiphany 5

January 31 – February 5  2022

Jesus Comforts His People and Builds Up His Church by the Ministry of His Gospel

When Isaiah “saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up,” he was overcome with an awareness of his sin and “unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:1, 5). But the Lord atoned for his sin, took away his guilt and sanctified his lips with “a burning coal” from the altar (Isaiah 6:6–7). Not only was he rescued from death, but he was called and sent as a prophet of the Lord’s Word (Isaiah 6:8–9). 

Similarly, when Simon Peter and his companions “enclosed a large number of fish” at the Word of Jesus, he humbled himself and said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:4–8). But Jesus comforted Simon, called him to discipleship and declared that he would be “catching men” (Luke 5:10–11). So in the Office of the Ministry, the Church remains the little boat from which Jesus teaches His people (Luke 5:3). Thus are we instructed in the faith, so that we say “Amen” and return thanks with heart, mind, tongue and life. For the preaching of Christ Jesus is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, by which He builds up His Church on earth (1 Corinthians 14:12–19).

Jesus calls us to service. This is one of the accruing themes of the season of Epiphany as Jesus has come and has manifested Himself in His word and work as we behold His glory. Our response is to follow Him in willful obedience and service. What is it that God is calling you to do this week, this month, and this year? Take time thinking about this subject. In His first miracle, Jesus' mother tells the servants, "Whatever He tells you, do it." That is good advice for us to heed and follow.

Prayer for Epiphany 5 - O God, our Loving Father, through the grace of Your Holy Spirit You plant the gift of Your love into the hearts of Your faithful people. Grant to Your servants soundness of mind and body, so that they may love You with their whole strength and with the whole heart do these things that are pleasing in Your sight. Amen.

For guidance in our calling – Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

O Lord, keep your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power;

O God, you know that we cannot withstand the dangers, which surround us. Strengthen us in body and spirit so that with your help, we may be able to overcome the weakness that our sins have brought upon us

For aid against temptation – O God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in daily need and especially in time of temptation, we may seek Your help and by a true and lively fait in Your Word, obtain all that You have promise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. .

For strength of faith- Almighty Good, 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. 

Monday, January 31 2022  - Psalm 112 Portions of the Introit for next Sunday are taken from Psalm 112. David reminds us that "wealth and riches are in His house; and His righteousness endures forever." Why do we come on a regular basis to God's house? Is it not to receive the gifts of God? God is rich in mercy. He can and will supply you with whatever you need. All of His mercy is for the asking. Whatever your need might be, come and ask of Him who will give out of the abundance of His mercy. Today He stands ready to supply you with whatever you might need.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 – Psalm 136 - The Psalm for this week falls under the Thanksgiving theme as the refrain reminds us, "For His mercy endures forever." Such is the testimony of faith. What is it that we have witnessed in our life? Has it not been the tender mercies of God? As you read this Psalm, think of the many blessings that God has given to you and then respond with David for His mercy endures forever.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022  Isaiah 6:1-11 Isaiah chapter six is one of the grand chapters of the Old Testament. Here we have the call of Isaiah to be a prophet of God. Isaiah did not necessarily want to accept his call. He felt he was unqualified. He knew that he was a sinner and that he would be sent to a sinful nation who would not want to listen to him. What was he to do? God forgave his sin and used him in a mighty way. Can God use you to do His bidding? Of course, He can. No matter what "sin" might be prohibiting you, God in Christ has forgiven you to do His work for Him.

Thursday, February 3, 2022 - 1 Corinthians 14:12-20 -  We continue in a series of readings dealing with the activity of the Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit is to edify and build up the body of Christ known as the church. The church will grow not by human means, by cunning ways, by programs, or building structures. The kingdom comes and grows by the Holy Spirit actively working in the lives of people. 

The Spirit comes through those means of grace that God has given us. May we call upon the Spirit to build us up to be His church.

Friday, February 4, 2022 - Luke 5:1-11 -  In this season of Epiphany, we recall a series of first things. We have witnessed Jesus' first miracle; we have heard His first sermon. Now we see His first disciple called into active service. Peter is an interesting sort of fellow. He speaks first and questions later. He is bold in faith at one moment and timid the next. Peter is a lot like us today. He had his own questions and fears. He had sickness in his family. He worked long hours trying to run a business. When Jesus called Peter, he responded. The Savior used common ordinary people like you and me to be His followers. What is it that God is calling you to do? May we take the example of Peter and faithfully follow when we are asked to go.

Jesus calls Peter to be a fisher of men as he responds in faith "At Your word" - v. 5 Likewise you are called to obey Christ's command and accept His promises in faith.

Saturday, February 5, 2022 – Psalm 72 The Hymn of the day - LSB 398 Hail to the Lord's anointed. It was written as a Christmas hymn and was first sung on Christmas Day, 1821, at a great convocation of the Moravians in their settlement at Fulneck. At a Wesleyan missionary meeting, held in Liverpool on April 14 of the following year, 1822, when Doctor Adam Clarke presided, Montgomery made an address and closed it by the recital of this hymn with all of its verses…Doctor Clarke later used it in his famous Commentary in connection with his discussion of the Seventy-second Psalm.

Sources:

Lutheran Worship Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.©1982 p.25Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C John R. Brokhoff C. S. S. Publishing Co. Lima, OH © 1979

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things