Pr. DFD : January 2023

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Wednesday prior to Epiphany 5

Isaiah 58:3-9a— A More Excellent Way of Life – The godly life expresses itself in service

A proper fast will bring God’s presence and blessing.

The godly life is expressed in service. Among most Christians today, fasting is scarcely practiced. If Isaiah were living today, he probably would not have used it. Though fasting is not generally practiced, the principle still applies. Religiosity in terms of cultic practices, without practical helpfulness to the neighbor, does not bring God’s blessings. When we put our religious devotions into sharing with the less fortunate, we open ourselves to God’s presence and blessings.

Fasting today seems secondary and scarcely practiced. If Isaiah were living today, he probably would not have used it? Or would he? The principles still applies though fasting is not generally practiced. Religiosity in terms of cultic practices, without practical helpfulness to the neighbor, does not bring God’s blessings. When we put our religious devotion into sharing with the less fortunate, we open ourselves to God’s presence and blessing.

In verse 9a, God promises to be at the beck and call of those mired in the troubles of sin. Surely, there is no greater comfort for a person convicted of his sins by the Law than the promise of God to send at the ready with His outstretched hand, His mighty arm and the offer of His righteousness in Christ.

These verses offer comfort once more to a post-Christian world that has largely returned to its old sinful self by this stage in the Epiphany season. Once more, it is clearly manifest that man cannot save himself not ever by feigned righteousness.

A Collect for the Epiphany Season: Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory. [2]

Collect for Wednesday of the week of Epiphany 4: O God, Thou that will not flatter us who love flattery, and dost offer us toil who love ease, open our eyes that we may see what Thou wouldst have us see in all the world about us, and our ears that we may hear what word Thou wouldst speak in him who is that Word, even Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen [3] 01 February 2023—

[1] Luther’s Seal, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Epiphany Collect, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis
[3] Collect for Wednesday of the week of Epiphany 4, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Monday, January 30, 2023

Morning Prayer #84

The Wedding at Cana

John 2:1-11

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.[a] 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Footnotes:

John 2:6 Greek two or three measures (metrētas); a metrētēs was about 10 gallons or 35 liters

Tuesday prior to Epiphany 5

[1]

Psalm 15 — This psalm gives instruction to those who wish to have access to God at His temple. Thomas Jefferson called this psalm the picture of “a true gentleman.” This is a testimonial of the man of God. What does God require of the individual who seeks his company? He expects right conduct, right speaking (verses 2-3a), right relationships with others (verses 3b-4), and a right use of wealth (verse 5) See Psalm 24. Who swears… (Verse 4) i.e. who keeps his word whatever the cost; Verse 5, one of the Jewish laws, see Leviticus 25:36-37. It was not a total ban on lending at interest, but applied to fellow Israelites.

Psalm 15:

This psalm is simply titled A Psalm of David. In it, David meditates over the character of the man received into the presence of God. We have no precise occasion for this psalm, but it may well have been on the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). This was a time when David was very much concerned with the questions asked and answered in this psalm.[2]

Collect for Psalm 15: Lord Jesus, you first chose to live among us, and in returning to your Father, you made an eternal home for us. Help us walk blamelessly in your ways and bring us at last to your holy mountain, where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3]

Collect for Tuesday of the week of Epiphany 4: Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and earth. Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [4] 31 January, 2023

[1] Luther’s Seal, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-15
[3] Collect for Psalm 15, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
[4] Ibid, Collect For Tuesday of the week of Epiphany 4

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Morning Prayer #83

Jesus calls His first disciples

John 1

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. [j] 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus[k] was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter [l]).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you,[m] you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Footnotes:

John 1:39 That is, about 4 p.m.

John 1:40 Greek him

John 1:42 Cephas and Peter are from the word for rock in Aramaic and Greek, respectively

John 1:51 The Greek for you is plural; twice in this verse

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

Monday prior to Epiphany 5

[1]

Psalm 119:1-6; antiphon, Psalm 112:12—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me Your statutes! This Psalm is an acrostic based on the Hebrew letter Aleph.

We meditate on the Word of our Lord and we walk blameless as we are directed by Him who speaks to us in and through that same word.

The Antiphon begins; Blessed are You, O LORD. The psalmist seems to interrupt his thoughts on the connection between God’s word and a pure life with this expression of praise. The greatness of these ideas and the reality of them in his life have made this praise necessary.

Teach me Your statutes. This demonstrates the humility of the psalmist. Though filled with God’s word and a desire for purity, he sensed his constant need for instruction by God. He didn’t simply need to read God’s statutes; he pleaded with God to teach him.

This saying is written in the front of some Bibles: “This book will keep you from sin. Sin will keep you from this book.” The psalmist understood this principle, and longed for God to be his teacher, and to keep him in God’s great book.

We need to be disciples or learners. [2]

An Excellent Way of Life

The life of a Christian is the primary subject of this Sunday. It is a way of life that is better than living by the letter of the Law. According to Isaiah, true fasting results in meeting the social needs of people. In the Epistle gives the source of Christian living – a gospel of power and not the wisdom of man. Christ is the Word of life. We ask that we may see and hear Him as the Life.

Light is the dominant theme of Epiphany. A candle is a symbol of the season. Christ is the light of God whose glory is manifested throughout the season. Epiphany 5 continues the theme of life but with a different twist. Now Christians are the light of the world because they are in Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world,” Isaiah in the Old Testament says the light shines out of those who properly fast. In the Epistle lesson, the source of the light is in the crucified Christ proclaimed by Paul.

Collect for Psalm 112: Lord Jesus You are the light shining in darkness for the upright. Teach us to love one another as Yu love us, that we might bring peace and joy to the world and find the happiness of Your home where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for Psalm 119: Lord, you are just and your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our LORD. [3]

Collect for Monday of the week of Epiphany 4: Father in heaven, from the days of Abraham and Moses until this gathering of your church in prayer, you have formed a people in the image of your Son. Bless this people with the gift of your kingdom. May we serve you with our every desire and show love for one another even as you have loved us. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen [4] -30 January, 2023—

[1] Luther’s Seal, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-119
[3] Collect for Psalm 112 and 119, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
[4] Ibid, Collect for Monday of the week of Epiphany 4,

Epiphany 5 Series A

Epiphany 5 - Series A

05 February 2023

Isaiah 58:3–9a

1 Corinthians 2:1–12 (13–16)

Matthew 5:13–20

The Righteousness of Christ

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.

Jesus warns that “unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20), but He also calls His imperfect people “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13, 14). That’s because the Lord Jesus came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets “but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17) in perfect faith and love. Since He does and teaches all of God’s commandments, He is “called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19). God manifests His “demonstration of the Spirit and of power” in “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2–4) and through the preaching of the Gospel gives His “secret and hidden wisdom” (1 Corinthians 2:7). Christ gives this perfect righteousness to His people, and it leads them to true fasting, which is “to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free” (Isaiah 58:6) and “to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house” (Isaiah 58:7)

More Righteous Than the Most Righteous

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

(Matthew 5:13-20)

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

In the last verse of Sunday’s Gospel Jesus declares, For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

When most people consider righteousness they think of being a very good person, a person who obeys the Ten Commandments. This is not wrong thinking. Certainly God desires that we be good people and that we obey His Commandments. In Jesus’ day the Pharisees were viewed as the most righteous people on earth. They had dissected God’s law (Ten Commandments and special Jewish laws) into over 630 laws, and they maintained that they kept such laws; they were indeed outwardly righteous, and people considered them to possess the ultimate righteousness.

Jesus said that our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. How can we be more righteous than the most righteous people on earth? It can happen—as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments—because we can have a righteousness that does not come from our obedience to God’s laws.

An Old Testament example of this righteousness is found in the classic verse about Abram’s faith: And he believed the Lord, and he [God] counted it to him as righteousness Genesis 15:6. Abram was given righteousness; it was a righteousness that was from outside of Abram, for it was a righteousness that came by God’s declaration based upon Abram’s faith. This declared righteousness is called justification.

Why would God do this? Why would God declare someone righteous? Is their faith considered the greatest act of righteousness? No, God declares someone righteous—including Old Testament believers—because their faith is in Christ. Jesus, the object of faith, gives righteousness. Abram’s faith was in the Christ who was at the center of God’s promises given in Genesis 15.

In his letter to the Romans (3:20-24) the Apostle Paul clearly presents the differences between righteousness that is derived from keeping God’s law and righteousness that is given as a gift to a believer in Jesus. Of the righteousness from keeping God’s law he wrote: For by works of the law no human being will be justified [declared righteous] in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. For us there is no righteousness before God in keeping God’s law; instead, sin is thus exposed. But of the real righteousness before God Paul then wrote: But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law [writings of Moses] and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified [declared righteous] by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Indeed here is the righteousness that exceeds the righteousness of Pharisees—a righteousness that does not come from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ. This righteousness is literally a gift from God, a gift that is given because of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, a redemption that was purchased with the blood of Jesus.

Matthew 5:13-20

Salt and light -

Matthew 5:13

Ὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς• ἐὰν δὲ τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ, ἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται; εἰς οὐδὲν ἰσχύει ἔτι εἰ μὴ βληθὲν ἔξω καταπατεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων.

You (are these the disciples or all Christians?) are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness (tasteless, a moron) be restored? (be again salted) It is no longer good (has the strength) for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

Salt cannot loose itself. Christianity is the preservative of the world. When it is lost it is good for nothing. Salt and light must be seen Christologically. Christ was trampled underfoot. They killed the shepherd. Are these words prescriptive or descriptive?

Matthew 5:14

Ὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου. οὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη•

You are the light of the world. (Cosmos) A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

This light can NOT be hidden. What does light do?

A candle in total darkness can be seen for thirty miles...

He is the light coming into the world. The city cannot be hidden. It is set on the mountain. This is a promise rather than a demand. It is impossible for the Church to bear witness of Christ.

Matthew 5:15

οὐδὲ καίουσιν λύχνον καὶ τιθέασιν αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν, καὶ λάμπει πᾶσιν τοῖς ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ.

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, (grain measuring) but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

What is the house? It is the Church. Christ gives light to those in the church.

Matthew 5:16

οὕτως λαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὅπως ἴδωσιν ὑμῶν τὰ καλὰ ἔργα καὶ δοξάσωσιν τὸν πατέρα ὑμῶν τὸν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

We are not left to ourselves to do anything. This is gospel not law. We have the power to hinder the light but not produce it. Vocation - the place where Christ places you - to present Christ. What is the context into which you have been placed?

Christ came to fulfill the law

Matthew 5:17

Μὴ νομίσητε ὅτι ἦλθον καταλῦσαι τὸν νόμον ἢ τοὺς προφήτας• οὐκ ἦλθον καταλῦσαι ἀλλὰ πληρῶσαι•

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Law = The entire OT not as the Pharisees interpret the Law, but as Christ presents it.

Matthew 5:18

ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν, ἕως ἂν παρέλθῃ ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ, ἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κεραία οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου, ἕως ἂν πάντα γένηται.

For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. (Until all comes down)

The Law still stands. When all comes down will the Law come to an end? Not a marker of time.

"Until whenever..."

The Law is - Indicative "you shall in this life" and imperative "you are in the world to come."

Matthew 5:19

ὃς ἐὰν οὖν λύσῃ μίαν τῶν ἐντολῶν τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων καὶ διδάξῃ οὕτως τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, ἐλάχιστος κληθήσεται ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν• ὃς δ’ ἂν ποιήσῃ καὶ διδάξῃ, οὗτος μέγας κληθήσεται ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν.

Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least (last) in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

But you're still in the kingdom is the comfort.

You're not great in the kingdom because you're great but because your covered in Jesus.

See Psalm 119:171ff

Matthew 5:20

λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐὰν μὴ περισσεύσῃ [b]ὑμῶν ἡ δικαιοσύνη πλεῖον τῶν γραμματέων καὶ Φαρισαίων, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν.

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds (is greater than) that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter (you can't work your way in) the kingdom of heaven.

Pharisees used the law not to serve the neighbor but to live above the neighbor.

You are salt you are light and when you are not salt or light Jesus is salt and light.

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Epiphany 5

An Excellent Way of Life

Light is the dominant theme of Epiphany. A candle is a symbol of the season. Christ is the light of God whose glory is manifested throughout the season. Epiphany 5 continues the theme of life but with a different twist. Now Christians are the light of the world because they are in Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world,” Isaiah in the Old Testament says the light shines out of those who properly fast. In the Epistle lesson, the source of the light is in the crucified Christ proclaimed by Paul.

Monday, 30 January, 2023—Psalm 119:1-6; antiphon, Psalm 112:12—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me Your statutes! This Psalm is an acrostic based on the Hebrew letter Aleph.

We meditate on the Word of our Lord and we walk blameless as we are directed by Him who speaks to us in and through that same word.

Tuesday, 31 January 2023—Psalm 15 — This psalm gives instruction to those who wish to have access to God at His temple. Thomas Jefferson called this psalm the picture of “a true gentleman.” This is a testimonial of the man of God. What does God require of the individual who seeks his company? He expects right conduct, right speaking (verses 2-3a), right relationships with others (verses 3b-4), and a right use of wealth (verse 5) See Psalm 24. Who swears… (Verse 4) i.e. who keeps his word whatever the cost; Verse 5, one of the Jewish laws, see Leviticus 25:36-37. It was not a total ban on lending at interest, but applied to fellow Israelites.

Wednesday, 01 February 2023—Isaiah 58:3-9a—The godly life is expressed in service. Among most Christians today, fasting is scarcely practiced. If Isaiah were living today, he probably would not have used it. Though fasting is not generally practiced, the principle still applies. Religiosity in terms of cultic practices, without practical helpfulness to the neighbor, does not bring God’s blessings. When we put our religious devotions into sharing with the less fortunate, we open ourselves to God’s presence and blessings.

Thursday, 02 February 2023—1 Corinthians2:1-12—The Christian life results from a gospel of power. Paul decided to know nothing except Christ. Is that smart? Paul knew more than most. He knew how to make a living by making tents; the Bible thoroughly, for he was a student of the great Gamaliel; the philosophies of the day, for he was a university student. When it came to making a living, we need to know much. When it comes to making a life, knowledge and wisdom are useless. It is enough to know Christ, for He is the truth about God and life.

Weakness can be strength. This was the case with Paul He felt that his ability to speak an oratorical in great wisdom, as was the custom of his day, was inferior.

With fear and trembling, he perhaps stuttered and stammered the words of the gospel. In spite of his halting speech, people came to accept Christ as Savior. What did this prove? The Word of the cross is the power to win people to Christ.

Friday, 03 February 2023—Matthew 5:13-20—The Christian life exceeds living by the Law. Followers of Jesus, Disciples of Christ are the light of the world. Since Jesus said He was the light of the world, this may seem to be a contradiction. Christians are light. You do not become light by good works. You are light because, and only because you are in Christ, the Light. The light you have is not produced by your own. You are only the reflection of the light of Christ who dwells in you by faith. If you are not seen as light in the dark world, it indicates you are not in Christ. If the light is in you, it will be seen by your good works, which result as naturally as a candle sheds its light as a natural part of its essence.

The word “righteousness” has a twofold meaning. Its ethical meaning embraces virtue, goodness, and uprightness. The religious meaning means being rightly related to God and neighbor. The righteousness of God is God’s rightly relating us to Himself. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was an ethical righteousness, which involved a strict keeping of the letter of the law. The Christian has a righteousness that exceeds the ethical. It is a right relationship with God and with people. Anger is a symptom of a broken relationship. Forgiveness renews the relationship.

Saturday, 04 February 2023—1John 3:16-19; Hebrews 13:16; Matthew 25:40—Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Thy Strong Word (LSB #578). This wonderful hymn tells the story of salvation as the Lord speaks to us in and through His Word. All three persons of the Trinity are mentioned in the last stanza. God the Father, light-creator, Jesus is the one eternal God begotten from the Father light of light. The Holy Spirit is the light-revealer. Together with angels in heaven, we praise the Triune God Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

A Collect for the Epiphany Season: Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory .

Collects for Epiphany 5: O Lord, keep Your Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may be ever 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.

Collect for Psalm 112: Lord Jesus You are the light shining in darkness for the upright. Teach us to love one another as Yu love us, that we might bring peace and joy to the world and find the happiness of Your home where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Blessed Are They

Blessed Are They
Matthew 5:1-12
29 January 2023
Epiphany 4 Series A

“Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And opening his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:1-3

1. Blesse are they, the poor in spirit;

Theirs is the kingdom of God.

Blest are they, full of sorrow;

They shall be consoled.

Refrain

Rejoice and be glad!

Blessed are you, holy are you.

Rejoice and be glad!

Yours is the kingdom of God.[2]

Reflection:

This current culture in which we live, will always suggest being happy you must avoid all discomfort, pain, and tragedy. The Lord gives us a better way. He reminds us. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

The stages of grief are real. They are a part of living in this broken and failing world. Yet, there is a process to your grief and your mourning, however. Pain and loses cannot not disturb your peace. Christ already has conquered the last enemy death; we are now and forever Easter people.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. – Matthew 5:5-6

2. Blessed are they, the lowly ones;

They shall inherit the earth,

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst;

They shall have their fill. Refrain[3]

Reflection:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The world speaks a different language. The world suggests being happy you must assert yourself and claim what is rightfully yours. Be the lion; not the prey. Yet, the voice of your shepherd says to you. “Do not assert yourself, but trust Me, and the security I provide. Your meekness will not dismiss or diminish your peace, I freely give you all that is Mine.

The world says to be happy and blessed you must pursue ambitiously the goals you have set for yourself. Jesus gives a different perspective; “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Seek first to pray always, ‘Thy will be done.’ Your readiness to follow Christ will not rob you of your peace. Christ will provide all that it takes for you to achieve His goals.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure n heart, for they shall see God. -Matthew 5:7-8

3. Blessed are they who show mercy;

Mercy shall be theirs,

Blest are they, the pure in heart;

They shall see God! Refrain[4]

Reflection:

The American society says to be happy you must demand what you deserve even if it happens to harm others. Jesus tells you. - “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Be good to others also when they do not deserve it. His mercy will not destroy your peace. For His mercy toward you is always salvation.

The philosophy of this world says to be happy you sometimes must forgo honesty and integrity. You must play the role. Jesus reminds us; “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Be trustful, straightforward, and honest. Your purity of heart will not nullify your bliss, for His trust brings you to know and see Christ, your saving God.

“Blessed are those who are peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:9-10

4. Blessed are they who seek peace;

They are the children of God.

Blest are they who suffer in faith;

The glory of God is theirs. Refrain[5]

Reflection:

The world suggests being happy means you must be able to make the rules, and fight for your rights. Jesus teaches; “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge. Love your enemies. Your peacemaking will not compromise your bliss. For you already are at peace with God for Christ’s sake.

The world says to be happy you must do whatever it takes to avoid persecution. Crush your enemies. Jesus reminds us, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Be steadfast, immovable, in doing your Father’s will. Even if persecution results, your constancy in listening to the voice of your Good Shepherd will not undermine your bliss. You are in Christ. The Father’s victory over evil is complete. It is your victory also.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11

5. Blest are you who suffer hate,

All because of Me.

Rejoice and be glad, yours is the kingdom;

Shine for all to see. Refrain[6]

Reflection:

Now Jesus adds details about what persecution might look like and what might cause it. For the first time, Jesus moves away from general statements, and focuses more narrowly on Himself, specifically, as the One they are following.

The central issue in true Christian "persecution" is, of course, Jesus Christ. Merely being harassed or treated unfairly isn't necessarily persecution—especially if it's in response to our own wrongdoing. Peter writes: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.” (1 Peter 4:15).

Being "blessed" is willingness to endure unfair treatment on account of faithfully following Christ. Peter explains, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you.” (1 Peter 4:12–14). Those in opposition to Jesus might insult His followers, abuse them, and falsely accuse them of doing terrible things.

This blessing serves as an early warning that such abuse is coming. The Savior reminds us, “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.” (John 16:1–4).

Through the waters of baptism, each of us is called by the LORD to become agents of the Gospel – the presence of Jesus Christ – Wherever it is the LORD calls you to serve. Jesus simply says, “Let your light so shine before men.”[7]

Some of you are parents. Your call is to raise your children in a faithful environment. Some of you are teachers. Your call is to be Christ-like in caring for the students entrusted to your care. Some of you are students. Your call is to see the wonder of a vast universe created by the God who loves you. Discover the talents the Lord has given you and then use them as His witness.

Some of you are in the business world. Your call is to honor justice and righteousness as you work on behalf of your employer. Some of you are in the trades. Your call is to honor God with quality work and respect your customers. Some of you are farmers. Your call is to be stewards of our environment. You feed the world as you managed the Father’s creation.

In every vocation. The Father transforms what you do. And uses it to grace the lives of those who you come in contact. Use your talents and skills as an opportunity to proclaim that people of faith make a difference in this lost and broken world. As others, see your involvement in the workplace it is an opportunity to glorify the God who equipped you for the work you do. Every. Single. Day. Do you know. Oh Christian. You are. A sermon in shoes!

Words-1,430
Passive Sentences –7.2%
Readability –81.7%
Reading Level-4.7

[3] ibid

[4] ibid

[5] ibid

[6] ibid

[7] Matthew 5:16 a warmup for next Sunday