Pr. DFD : May 2022

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Wednesday prior to Pentecost

Genesis 11:1-9 – The Old Testament lesson is the story of the tower of Babel and the confusion of language. Too many languages were confusing and construction of the great tower was stopped. There was a loss of unity from a lack of the Holy Spirit. The people desired to build for themselves a tower, and altar unto themselves. There was a centrifugal power of an evil spirit at Babel – it scatters.

Under the theme for the week; “Unity through the Holy Spirit” the Old Testament lesson teaches completely the opposite; a loss of unity from a lack of the Holy Spirit’s direction. The opening verse refers certainly to one actual language with the same vocabulary as well as to the broader idea of common thought or speech. Clearly the people are thinking alike, planning and working together as they conceive of their building project designed to reach high to God in heaven.

From our perspective the folly seems overwhelmingly evident, but the impossibility of their task underscores the depths to which humanity has fallen. In fact, any notion always has to stem from God who comes to us. Although the building may seem sustainable, significant movement occurs only when God comes to work through the Law, having decided to make sure that the people’s attempt would fail. God confuses more than physical communication. He sets people off on different paths intellectually so that they could never try something like that again.

Despite the text’s obvious warning and lesson, people still try to build towers. Today’s attempts to rally humanity man sound noble, but when designed by people according to their own notions, they can have only sinful roots. No matter how attractively they are packaged, they can only be further self-centered attempts to “reach heaven,” however they define that goal.

The story of the tower of Babel is the story of humanity trying to play God. There would be nothing at which humanity would stop, once they had achieved the building of their famous tower. God took care of them rather quickly, but confusing their language so that they could no longer understand one another. This is an interesting ancient story about the difference of nationality and language that we accept a common place across the earth.

Collect for Pentecost – O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2]-01 June, 2022

Monday, May 30, 2022

Tuesday prior to Pentecost

[1]

Psalm 143— David had reached the end of the line; no more reserve or resources (Vv.3-4). But in a desperate situation one refuge remains: God Himself (Vv.5-12). “O Lord…teach me…deliver me…lead me…bring me out of trouble.”

Psalm 143 – Hope for the Persecuted Soul

The title of this psalm is simply, “A Psalm of David.” It is another cry to God from a time of crisis and affliction because of David’s many enemies. It is numbered among the seven Penitential Psalms – songs of confession and humility before God. Psalm 143 does not seem to belong to this group as much as the others do (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, and 130), but 143:2 is a strong and clear statement about the unrighteousness of mankind.

It was a custom in the early church to sing these psalms on Ash Wednesday, the Wednesday six weeks before Easter.

The Psalm is outlines as follows:

A. Pleading for God’s help in a time of crisis. Vv. 1-7

B. The plea repeated again. Vv. 8-12

David asked God to deal with his enemies; but before that, he asked God to deal with him. He knew that his own low or uninspired or undirected walk with God was a greater danger than any enemy.[2]

Collect for Psalm 143: Lord Jesus, you bring the first light of dawn to those who dwell in darkness and make your love known to them. Enter not into judgment against your servants, but let your Spirit guide us into the land of justice, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and forever. [3]-31 May, 2022

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-143/

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Monday prior to Pentecost

[1]

Psalm 104:24, 27-30 The antiphon for Pentecost is an ancient Liturgical Text “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.” — The Psalmist marvels at the grandeur and the detail, the perfection and completeness of God’s work in creation - verse 24 sums it all up.

Psalm 104 – LORD of all Creation

This Psalm has no title either in the Hebrew or Chaldean; but it is attributed to David by the Vulgate, Septuagint, Ethiopic, Arabic, and Syriac translations of the Old Testament Scriptures.

The Psalm gives an interpretation to the many voices of nature, and sings sweetly both of creation and providence. The poem contains a complete cosmos: sea and land, cloud and sunlight, plant and animal, light and darkness, life and death, are all proved to be expressive of the presence of the Lord.

V. 24, O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.

The psalmist continues in amazement as he looks at nature and creation. He sees it all not as the result of random and purposeless events, but as the wise works of a great God who has right of ownership over all of it (Your possessions).

Your works…. Your possessions; they are all God’s property, and should be used only in reference to the end for which they were created. All abuse and waste of God’s creatures are spoil and robbery on the property of the Creator.[2]

“God’s Use of Language” is the theme for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [Genesis 11:1-9] God uses language to confuse the world. In the Epistle, [Acts 2:1-21] Language us used to understand the Gospel. In the Gospel [John 14:23-31] Language is used to witness to Christ with the help of the Comforter.

“Pentecost” is a Greek word, meaning fifty. The Jews celebrated Pentecost as a harvest festival. Later, it was used to celebrate the giving of the Law on Sinai and the birthday of Israel. Christians celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of Missions and global evangelism

Collect for Psalm 104: God of all light, life and love, through the visible things of this world you raise our thoughts to things unseen, and you show us your power and your love. From your dwelling-place refresh our hearts and renew the face of the earth with the life-giving water of your Word, until the new heaven and new earth resound with the song of resurrection in Jesus Christ our Lord. [3] -30 May, 2022

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-104/

Pentecost - Series C

Genesis 11:1–9

Acts 2:1–21

John 14:23–31

Collect for Pentecost – O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The Holy Spirit Gives Peace

Following the flood, Noah’s descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with “one language and the same words” (Genesis 11:1) they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing “the language of all the earth,” dividing and dispersing the people (Genesis 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Acts 2:1-21

Acts 2:1

Καὶ ἐν τῷ συμπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς πεντηκοστῆς ἦσαν [a]πάντες ὁμοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό,

on the 50th day they were together in one place. Pentecost is first fruits festival. Liked will have emphasis on the temple as his gospel.

Acts 2:2

καὶ ἐγένετο ἄφνω ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἦχος ὥσπερ φερομένης πνοῆς βιαίας καὶ ἐπλήρωσεν ὅλον τὸν οἶκον οὗ ἦσαν καθήμενοι,

and came suddenly from heaven a roar like carrying wind violent filling the whole house where they were cathedral-ing.

Acts 2:3

καὶ ὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός, καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐφ’ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν

appeared to them divided tongues of fire resting on each of them.

Where was the fire? On their tongues. Miracle of preaching. See Isaiah 6; See also the Easter 7 gospel; "I give them my word"

Acts 2:4

καὶ ἐπλήσθησαν [c]πάντες πνεύματος ἁγίου, καὶ ἤρξαντο λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις καθὼς τὸ πνεῦμα ἐδίδου ἀποφθέγγεσθαι αὐτοῖς.

all were filled with the holly spirit and they began to publicly preach as the spirit gave them phlegm.

Acts 2:5

Ἦσαν δὲ ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ κατοικοῦντες Ἰουδαῖοι, ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔθνους τῶν ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν•

now there were living in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from all nations. Jews dispersed from throughout the world. Some included children of the proselytes.

Acts 2:6

γενομένης δὲ τῆς φωνῆς ταύτης συνῆλθε τὸ πλῆθος καὶ συνεχύθη, ὅτι [f]ἤκουον εἷς ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ λαλούντων αὐτῶν•

when this sound happened, the crowd came together and was puzzled because each heard them preaching in their own dialect.

Acts 2:7

ἐξίσταντο δὲ καὶ ἐθαύμαζον λέγοντες• Οὐχ ἰδοὺ πάντες οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ λαλοῦντες Γαλιλαῖοι;

They were confused and amazed wondering right here and now in this present time and space are not all these speaking Galileans? They are standing outside/beside themselves because of the preaching.

Contrasting Peter's denial and his preaching we see the miracle of faith and preaching. The Holy Spirit has driven this into their hearts.

Acts 2:8

καὶ πῶς ἡμεῖς ἀκούομεν ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν;

how do we hear each in the dialect into which we were born.

Acts 2:9-11

Πάρθοι καὶ Μῆδοι καὶ Ἐλαμῖται, καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν Μεσοποταμίαν, Ἰουδαίαν τε καὶ Καππαδοκίαν, Πόντον καὶ τὴν Ἀσίαν, 10 Φρυγίαν τε καὶ Παμφυλίαν, Αἴγυπτον καὶ τὰ μέρη τῆς Λιβύης τῆς κατὰ Κυρήνην, καὶ οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες Ῥωμαῖοι, 11 Ἰουδαῖοί τε καὶ προσήλυτοι, Κρῆτες καὶ Ἄραβες, ἀκούομεν λαλούντων αὐτῶν ταῖς ἡμετέραις γλώσσαις τὰ μεγαλεῖα τοῦ θεοῦ.

dialects north, south, east, west. They heard the content. They stood in ecstasy literally "they stood outside of themselves."

Acts 2:12

ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες καὶ διηπόρουν, ἄλλος πρὸς ἄλλον λέγοντες• Τί θέλει τοῦτο εἶναι;

perplexed they were asking what does this mean?

Acts 2:13

ἕτεροι δὲ διαχλευάζοντες ἔλεγον ὅτι Γλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν.

others mocked saying because they are filled with new wine.

Refer back to Jesus' first miracle in John 2 this is the new wine of salvation.

Acts 2:14

Σταθεὶς δὲὁ Πέτρος σὺν τοῖς ἕνδεκα ἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπεφθέγξατο αὐτοῖς• Ἄνδρες Ἰουδαῖοι καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες Ἰερουσαλὴμπάντες, τοῦτο ὑμῖν γνωστὸν ἔστω καὶ ἐνωτίσασθε τὰ ῥήματά μου.

standing up with the eleven Peter lifted up his voice, men of Judea and those gathering in Jerusalem, let this be known, listen to what I say

Acts 2:15-16

οὐ γὰρ ὡς ὑμεῖς ὑπολαμβάνετε οὗτοι μεθύουσιν, ἔστιν γὰρ ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας, 16 ἀλλὰ τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Ἰωήλ•

these are not drunk but what was written by the prophet Joel.

Acts 2:17

Καὶ ἔσται ἐν ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις, λέγει ὁ θεός, ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματός μου ἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν καὶ αἱ θυγατέρες ὑμῶν, καὶ οἱ νεανίσκοι ὑμῶν ὁράσεις ὄψονται, καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ὑμῶν [p]ἐνυπνίοις ἐνυπνιασθήσονται•

and it will be in the last days says God, I will pour out my spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, young men see visions, old men will dream dreams,

Acts 2:18

καί γε ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους μου καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς δούλας μου ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματός μου, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν.

on my servants both men and women I will pour out my spirit and they will prophesy.

Need to focus on "prophesy" preaching, proclamation, liturgy, prayer.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘Pentecost ’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Pentecost

God’s Use of Language” is the theme for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [Genesis 11:1-9] God uses language to confuse the world. In the Epistle, [Acts 2:1-21] Language us used to understand the Gospel. In the Gospel [John 14:23-31] Language is used too witness to Christ with the help of the Comforter.

“Pentecost” is a Greek word, meaning fifty. The Jews celebrated Pentecost as a harvest festival. Later, it was used to celebrate the giving of the Law on Sinai and the birthday of Israel. Christians celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of Missions and global evangelism.

Collect for Pentecost Eve – Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for Agriculture: Almighty God, You bless the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper the work of farmers and all those who labor to bring food to our table. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth in abundance and proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 30 May 2022—Psalm 104:24, 27-30 The antiphon is an ancient Liturgical Text — The Psalmist marvels at the grandeur and the detail, the perfection and completeness of God’s work in creation - verse 24 sums it all up.

Tuesday, 31 May 2022—Psalm 143— David had reached the end of the line; no more reserve or resources (vv.3-4). But in a desperate situation one refuge remains: God Himself (vv.5-12). “O Lord…teach me…deliver me…lead me…bring me out of trouble”

Wednesday, 01 June 2022—Genesis 11:1-9 – The Old Testament lesson is the story of the tower of Babel and the confusion of language. Too many languages was confusing and construction of the great tower was stopped. There was a loss of unity from a lack of the Holy Spirit. The people desired to build for themselves a tower, and altar unto themselves. There was a centrifugal power of an evil spirit at Babel – it scatters.

Thursday, 02 June 2022—Acts 2:1-21— The Epistle lesson is the entire story of the events of Pentecost. Pilgrims from every corner of the globe had descended upon the city of Jerusalem to celebrate. On that day Christ was preached to the nations and the nations were brought to the church. Pentecost is not the birthday of the church – it existed well before the feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is the birthday of missions when the church is reminded that we are to go out into the world with the message of the Gospel. The Savior Himself predicted the events of Pentecost. Look up Matthew 24:14. The gospel was preached to the nations on the first Pentecost. For centuries the gospel message has encircled the globe. It has been preached on every continent. But specifically on September 15, 2001 from the National Cathedral in Washington DC the message of Christ and Him crucified was beamed literally around this planet through radio and television as the world watched and listened. Some may ask, “When will the end come?” Pentecost gives us the answer. The end will come - when the last pagan is converted.

Friday, 03 June 2022—John 14:23-31— In the gospel lesson Jesus reminds us that love and obedience are linked. How can we trust, love and obey? By ourselves we can not do it. Thus the Counselor is sent from the Father. Both the Father and the Son are involved in the sending of the Spirit. The Spirit reminded these early disciples of everything Jesus had said and done. Thus when their message went out, as they recorded the words and actions of Jesus in written form they became literally God breathed and inspired. They became the Sacred Scriptures because the Spirit directed these men over a period of some twenty years to write 27 books that in reality make up one book – the New Testament. These books, together with the Old Testament, have one doctrinal viewpoint, one moral standard, one plan of salvation, one program for the ages.

Saturday, 04 June 2022—Luke 11:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13 The Hymn of the Day is “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord”(LSB #497). This majestic hymn was written by Martin Luther, 1483-1546 and was no doubt written as a children’s hymn so that his students could memorize and understand the 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed. The chief teaching of the Christian faith - the doctrine of salvation by faith rather than works is clearly delineated throughout the course of this great hymn. Sing it confidently and boldly. The Holy Spirit has brought you to faith He will continue to keep you in the one true faith.

Sources:

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Easter 7

John 17:20-26
A Model for Unity

[1]

O King of glory, LORD of hosts, uplifted in triumph far about the heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father, for You live and reign with the Him and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever.[2]

Christians these days seem to be divided more than ever. The ecumenical movement with the desire to unite all believers in Christ into one church seems to have lost its forward thrust. Instead of uniting, it appears that churches are actually separating, forming new denominations over such issues as the interpretation of Scripture, the ordination of women, service, and revisions of worship. There is an urgent need as always for the church to be one. The question, of course, is how is this done?

As we examine the words of Jesus today, we find a model for unity.

1. A unity of relationship – love. Vv.21, 23 I am praying… that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me…I in them and you in me – that they may be completely one, so that the world will know that you sent me, and you have loved them just as you have loved me.

A. As Christ is one in God, and a Christian is one in Christ, so Christians are to be one with each other. This is the unity, for which Jesus was praying. A unity not made by man but a unity, which comes from Christ. This unity is how Luke describes the 1st Century Christians in the book of Acts. It is the verse, which describes the Mission, Vision and Philosophy of our Friedheim family. “And they were one in the Apostles doctrine, and in Fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayer.” [Acts 2:42]

B. It is love, which draws cements and unites us. Not our love but the love of Christ. It is love expressed in a cross. “Lift high the cross, the cross of Christ proclaim” so the church sings. The Father’s’ love is not an emption nor is it a felling. It is expressed in tangible things at the cross and empty tomb, in holy waters of baptism and in the bread and wine of His meal.

Transition: There is a unity of relationship of love there is also a close fellowship between the members of Christ’s family the Church.

2. A unity of togetherness – Vs. 24 Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they can see my glory that you gave me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

A. Unity is expressed in being together. How are we united?

1. “The Apostles Doctrine” Being one in unity and faith. Basing our lives on God’s Holy Word as He speaks clearly to us through that Word.

2. “Fellowship” Being one in the Lord Jesus Christ. Experiencing true joy in Christ. Living at peace with each other and enjoying one another.

3. “The Breaking of Bread” Sacramental living. Experiencing daily the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation as Christ comes to us in and through the Sacraments.

4. “Prayer” Upholding one another. Taking our needs burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. Being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.

B. By His Ascension Jesus is now with the Father.

1. He ascended into heaven to prepare a place for you and me.

2. In glory He lives and rules throughout all eternity.

C. Jesus has prayed that His people also may be with Him in heaven.

1. There you and I will live with Him.

2. We will dwell with Him throughout all eternity.

Transition: There is a unity of relationship of love there is also a close fellowship between the members of Christ’s family the Church. Together we gossip the gospel in the world.

3. A unity of common cause – Vv.21, 23 I am praying… that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me…I in them and you in me – that they may be completely one, so that the world will know that you sent me, and you have loved them just as you have loved me.

A. When people have a common cause, they unite and work together to achieve the goal. What is it that the Lord would have us do? What is it that the Lord is calling this congregation to do as a witness for Christ? What is it that the Lord Jesus is calling you as a family, as an individual Christian to be His witness in this generation? How is He calling you to be salt and light in this world?

B. The goal of the church is to be a witness to the world, which is to come to know and believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus prays for this unity so that the world will know that you sent me.

This is the message the world needs to hear. They need to hear for what purpose the Savior came. He came to give life to the world. He came to unite us to Him.

Christ has claimed you to be His own. He protects you and has given you a unity and fellowship that this world can never know. It is a unity not created or sustained by man but comes to us in know Christ and in being incorporated into His family the church.

Words –995
Passive Sentences – 3%
Readability – 77.1%
Reading Level – 6.4

[1] Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for Easter 7, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Friday, May 27, 2022

Saturday prior to Easter 7

[1]

1 John 2: 15-17 - The Hymn of the Day, What is the world to Me (LSB #730). When John refers to the world he does not mean the world of people (see John 3:16) or the created world (see John 17:24) but the world, or realm of sin which is controlled by Satan and organized against God and righteousness. It is this world which we leave. It is Christ which faith clings to.

A very wealthy man thought he had made a shrewd arrangement to “take it with him” by making a huge contribution to “the Building Fund.” He arrived at heaven’s gate lugging a large trunk. The gatekeeper said, “Sorry, you can’t take that in here,” but the man insisted he had permission. The gatekeeper said, “We’ll see. Show me what’s in the trunk.” He opened the trunk, and it was full of gold bars, a huge fortune. The gate-keeper said, “You brought paving?”

This modern parable illustrates something about the values of heaven and those of earth.

❚ What do you think is the main point of the story?

❚ Is anything like that story remotely possible?

This hymn emphasizes and underlines a teaching that few people ever really learn.

❚ What evidence is there that St. Matthew learned it (Matt. 9:9–13)?

❚ How did following Jesus change him?

Exploring the Scriptures

In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus told the parable of the dishonest manager to teach the importance of eternal values. In discussing the matter, He told His disciples and us, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (v. 13).

❚ What does the word “money” include?

❚ What are some of the “masters” we are susceptible to? In 1 John 2:15–17, the apostle urges us not to love the world or the things of the world that appeal to our senses. In Phil. 3:7–9, Paul strongly and passionately says that he counts everything as rubbish compared to knowing Jesus Christ by faith.

❚ Do these two passages give a different message?

❚ Why is loving the “things of this world” not compatible with loving eternal things?

❚ What is the “tipping point” between love for God and love of money?

Exploring the Hymn

Background

The origin of this fine eighteenth-century hymn is a little bit cloudy. Most students of the matter agree that the author was Georg Michael Pfefferkorn (1645–1732), a teacher and pastor in Germany. However, the hymn first appeared anonymously and lately it has been attributed to Balthasar Kindermann (d. 1706). It was translated into English by August Crull, who was born in Germany in 1845. He emigrated to the United States at an early age, and graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1862. He served as pastor and teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and died in 1923.

Text

Pastor Crull used his gift as a poet in translating the key phrase of the hymn as “What is the world to me!” Its literal meaning in German is “What do I ask of the world?”

❚ Does the translation change the meaning of the phrase?

❚ What is the answer to the question, either way?

Stanza 1 of the hymn makes a bold statement of the changed value system of the Christian life, contrasting the world and its “vaunted pleasure” against the peace and rest of having Jesus as treasure and soul’s delight.

❚ What are some of the “vaunted pleasures” of this world?

Stanza 2 considers the praise and honor of the “mighty” of this world, but finds them “frail and flighty” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.

❚ How are the “mighty” of this world “frail and flighty?”

In Stanza 3 the wealth of this world in money is contrasted to the wealth of knowing Jesus.

The fourth stanza brings the main message of the hymn together in a striking way with a list of important things that Jesus means to the believer — wealth, treasure, life, health, friendship, love, pleasure, joy and eternal bliss.

❚ Can you think of a few more things to add to the list?

Making the Connection

Hard times often make people reevaluate their list of what is important in life.

❚ Have you had that kind of experience lately? Or ever? Jesus said, “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25).

❚ Is it easier for a poor person to believe?

❚ How poor do you have to be? “What Is the World to Me” is a hymn not only for the eighteenth century, but for the twenty-first century as well. It seems designed to make us think about what is important eternally and who we have in first place in our lives.

In the lifetimes of most of us, we have seen unprecedented prosperity. Our nation as a whole is part of the wealthiest people the world has ever seen. Yet we have recently been hearing of the overwhelming greed of some of our fellow citizens — not only greed for money and possessions, but for power, for pleasure and whatever else the world may give.

❚ What are some of the signs of this trend? Christians are not immune to these social trends, but by our Savior’s grace we are called to ask the question, “What is the world to me?”

❚ How does this trend toward the values of this world show itself in the church?

❚ What can Christians do to work against this trend?

In Closing

Another parable that teaches a point similar to the story about the rich man who thought he had a way to “take it with him” is Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21).

A man is so wealthy he has no place to store all his goods. He decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones, thinking that then he will be at ease. “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20–21).

❚ Sing or read aloud together LSB 730.

Prayer

Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen (Against the love of money, LSB, p. 311). [2] -28 May, 2022

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] https://files.lcms.org/wl/?id=oZaEPS8BSjqPfug5fPQu6Gq2vgAxjyBo

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Friday prior to Easter 7

[1]

John 17:20-26— In the gospel Jesus prays for those He will leave on earth to further His work. Consider the situation: the church is deserted by her leader; the disciples are on their own in a hostile world with an impossible task to win the world. Jesus apparently realizes the disciples’ need for help. What Jesus prays for indicates what Christians today need. It is important to note that in vs. 20; Jesus says He prays for the Christians of the future, for you today. What do we Christians need: better church programs? More money to finance church programs? More wisdom? More members? Jesus prays for us to be one in God, for us to be one with each other and for us to be one with the Savior in heaven.

The Savior goes to the Father praying for you. “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know You sent me and have loved them.”

Jesus’ prayer for you is a request for you to be with Him in glory. He prays, “I want those you’ve given to me to be with me where I am and see my glory.”

Jesus’ prayer for you is a request to know the Father’s love. Jesus prays to the Father; “I will make You known to them and continue to make you known in order that the love You have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

In the midst of his busy ministry his healing, preaching teaching and serving Jesus took the time to pray for you! His prayer is answered in your hearing His word. May you continue to draw close to Christ as you grow in unity of faith, in knowing God, in being received into His glory.

Collect for Easter 7 - O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2] – 27 May, 2022

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.