The Theme for Lent 5, “Forecast of the Future,” helps us see
the purpose and the necessity of the cross. It is a one-time act but has
eternal consequences. In the Old Testament lesson (Isaiah 43:16-21), God will
do a new thing for His people. He
promises to do a new thing for His people, something good. In the Epistle
lesson (Philippians 3:8-14), Christians strain forward to the future goal of
Christ. Paul says that he forgets the past and looks forward to the future. In
the Gospel lesson (Luke 20:9-19), judgment will come to those who reject God’s
Son. This is brought out in the parable of the wicked tenants. The Hymn of the
Day is a contemplative hymn, which focuses on Christ’s crucifixion. It is one
of the most powerful hymns in our hymnal.
Collect for Lent 5 – Almighty
God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be
governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your
Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now
and forever. Amen
A morning
prayer – Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every
morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by
Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your
blessings remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness
and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A prayer
before worship – O Lord, our
Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter, as we come to worship You in spirit and in
truth, we humbly pray that You may open our hearts to the preaching of Your
Word, so that we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ as our only
Savior, and grow in grace and holiness. Hear us for His same.
A prayer for
help in times of temptation – Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You
have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by
Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need and especially in all time of
temptation, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word,
obtain all that You have promised; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A prayer for
reconciliation - God of love, through Your Son You have commanded us to
love one another. By the guidance of Your Word and Spirit, deliver us from
impenitence and teach us the truth that we might confess our sins, receive
Your forgiveness and be reconciled to one another; through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Monday, 28
March 2022—Psalm 3:3-6, Antiphon,
Psalm 3:8, Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessings be on Your people! Though
threatened by many foes, the psalmist prays confidently to the Lord. A common
feature in the prayers of the Psalter is a concluding expression of confidence
that the prayer will be heard. David’s confidence becomes a testimony to God’s
people. As he stands before God, the psalmist, King David, prays on behalf of
the nation.
Tuesday, 29
March 2022—Psalm 126; key verse, verse 3: The Lord has done great things for us, and we
are filled with joy. Psalm 126 is a song of joy for restoration to Zion
Wednesday, 30 March 2022— Isaiah 43:16-21–In this passage God asks us to stop thinking and
talking about all the good things God did for us in the past such as the Exodus
from Egypt. Something better is going to happen to us – a new and better Exodus
from the slavery of sin. God promises to do a new thing (verse 19). God will make a way out of bondage (verse
19). God will provide provisions on the
way (verse 20). God will give you
reason to praise Him (verse 21).
Thursday, 31 March 2022—Philippians
3:8-14–In this reading, Paul shows us how the past, present, and future
come together in a Christian’s life. We do not live in any one tense. All of
time is involved in a Christian’s life. The past –we consider it refuse (verse
8). The present – we have Christ by faith
(verse 9). The future – we look to the
future goal of oneness in Christ (verses 12-14).
Friday, 01 April 2022 –Luke 20:9-20–In the parable packed with truths in allegorical form,
the Savior teaches us.
He tells us about God – God is the owner of our
world and is entitled to rent. God is patient with us.
Three times, He sent a servant, then a son. God’s patience
has an end-judgment that will be enacted. God has no other plan to reconcile us
– Christ was His only Son. He can do no more. If the world does not accept
Christ, nothing but destruction lies ahead.
He tells us about Christ. He is God’s Son. Others
before Him were only “servants.” He holds a unique position with God the
Father, an intimacy and a oneness. He was sent by God – to receive us our
obligation to God. Jesus has a mission. He was obedient to God’s will. He knew
that His end was death at the hands of wicked men. His death was not an
accident, not bad luck, not forced. In obedience to God, He faced the cross
courageously and voluntarily. The parable announces His approaching end.
He tells us about mankind. Man is only a steward,
not the owner. As such, he owes God a return. Man is a rebel – in constant
rebellion against God. He refuses to render to God what is God’s. He rejects
servants and son. Man wants to be the owner-God. He refuses to give God his
portion and hopes to take over the vineyard by killing the son. Man is prone to
violence – beating and killing servants and son. Elijah was driven into the wilderness.
Isaiah was sawn asunder. Zachariah was stoned to death before the altar. John
the Baptizer was beheaded. Jesus was crucified.
Saturday, 02
April 2022—-Isaiah 53:3-6, Acts 4:11-12, Romans 4:23- The
hymn of the day is Stricken Smitten, and
Afflicted (451 LSB). We move deeper into Lent and the cross now becomes the
focal point of our Lenten journey. The cross cannot be denied the Savior. This
week’s hymn is one of the most profound hymns written in the Lent and Holy Week
section of the hymnal. It speaks for itself. Take some time as you prepare for
worship tomorrow to contemplate all the Savior has done for you.
Collect for Lent 4 – Almighty
God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we
deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all
our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your
merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing
obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with
You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Prayers
from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted
for personal and congregational use
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff ©
1979 CSS Publishing, Lima , OH
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