Sunday, April 30, 2023

Morning Prayer #129

The Stoning of Stephen

Acts 6-7

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

And Stephen said, 51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together[b] at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

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

Monday prior to Easter 5

Psalm 146 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.2, “I will praise the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to My God as long as I live.” This Psalm is an encouragement to trust in the Lord. This is the first of five Hallelujah Psalms which closes out the book of Psalms. Having walked with the Savior observing His Passion during Lent we now rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation which is ours through the cross and empty tomb.

The hymn or song of praise used in the order of Matins is the Te Deum which is a Latin phrase meaning literally, “we praise you.”

In our worship we praise the Lord for all of the blessings He has showered down upon us. Our circumstances often time can overwhelm us, so we are at least persuaded to place our confidence in something or someone “other.”

This psalm contrasts trust in human beings with trust in the LORD.

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalm 146.3–4).

Though the psalm begins with “Put not your trust in princes,” it is evident that the focus is not on a supreme human ruler but on the fact that he is just a mere man (note the parallel to ‘princes’ is ‘a son of man’).

Another human is not a firm source of confidence since, like all others, he too will die and his plans not come to fruition.

On the other hand, the LORD alone is worthy of trust:

He is the creator of all things (v 6)

He metes out justice on earth (v 7)

He supplies food to the poor and hungry (v 7)

When one who has been wrongly imprisoned is set free, it is the LORD’s doing (v 7).

When a blind person is made well, it is only a result of the LORD’s will (v 8)

When a person has been cast down by troubles or oppression, only the LORD can make him stand erect (v 8)

The LORD takes the side of the widow and fatherless when they are wronged (v 9)

But he stands against the wicked person in his attempt to gain unjustly (v 9)

“The LORD reigns forever…to all generations!” (v 10).

This psalm is a reminder that only the LORD is a firm source of confidence in life.

The hymn writer encourages us:

Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;
Earth-born they are and soon decay.
Vain are their counsels at life's last portal,
When the dark grave engulfs its prey.
Since mortals can no help afford,
Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.
Allelujah, allelujah![1]

Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always proceeds and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen[2]

Easter 5 - Series A

Easter 5 Series A

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

07 May 2023

Series A

Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60

1 Peter 2:2–10
John 14:1–14

The Lord Jesus Christ Is the Way, the Truth and the Life

The risen Lord Jesus alone is “the way, and the truth, and the life,” and we come “to the Father” only through Him (John 14:6). God is thus “glorified in the Son,” and those who believe in Him will do the works of Christ because He goes to the Father for us (John 14:12–14). Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5) and “doing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8), did the works of Christ. When he was falsely accused and put to death, he “gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). Fixing his hope there, he commended his spirit to the Lord Jesus and prayed for his murderers. In the same way, all the baptized are called to follow the example of Christ Jesus by faith. Though He was “rejected by men” in the sight of God, He is “chosen and precious” (1 Peter 2:4). He is the chief cornerstone of the Father’s “spiritual house,” and we are built upon Him as “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5).

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

In My Name

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:14).

Some contend that Jesus is indicating that our prayers must include the phrase, “In Jesus Name” (or, “In Your Name”). It is then believed that this becomes a formula by which we can ask for anything, and because of Jesus’ promise along with our faith expect to receive such things. To add these words to a given prayer is certainly appropriate, but Jesus is not presenting a God-coercing formula when He invites, If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it? A prayer may indeed be in Jesus’ name without using the above “formula”. A person’s name is linked to that person’s identity. Thus to ask for something in Jesus’ name relates to at least three aspects of His identity.

First, to pray in Jesus’ name means our prayers must be consistent with His two natures. Jesus is truly a man, born of the flesh and blood of the Blessed Virgin. When we pray in His name, we joyfully realize He is in heaven interceding as one of us! In our Gospel reading Jesus also identifies himself as uniquely united with the Father. He explains that to know Him is to know the Father, and even to see Jesus means to see God the Father. He further describes the unbreakable connection He has with the Father, for He explains that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. The Son of God is one with the Father, and as explained later in this chapter of John, there is a third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, with whom Jesus is also united (v. 17). Though Jesus as the Son of God has a name separate from the Father and the Spirit (v. 26, “…the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name…”), yet the three are one, having one name, one essence. Nonetheless in the mystery of the Holy Trinity and in the Son’s incarnation, Jesus is separate from the Father for He is on His way to the Father (v. 12). Thus the name of Jesus encompasses this mystery of the Holy Trinity—that God is one, and yet in the Godhead there are three distinct persons, each fully God. To pray in Jesus’ name means our prayer is consistent with each person of the Holy Trinity, consistent with the unity of the Trinity and consistent with the incarnation of the Son of God. To pray in Jesus’ name is to align with these Bible-permeating realities.

Second, to pray in Jesus’ name means such prayer relates to the work of Jesus. When Jesus informs us that He is preparing a place for us, He is not describing the use of his carpentry skills to make a structure of earthly or heavenly materials. To prepare a place for us, Jesus had to go to the cross, and then rise from the grave. This is how a place in the Father’s presence is prepared for us; this is how we can go to God’s eternal dwelling. Thus our prayers in Jesus’ name will magnify this lofty lowly work of Jesus—His crucifixion. When He says that He is the way, the truth and the life, the Lord Jesus is not only describing who He is but how He will give the way, the truth and the life to us—through His crucifixion and history-changing resurrection. We are not given to pray as if God’s Son primarily came to be our great example and teacher. To pray in Jesus’ name our prayers reflect and submit to His life, death and resurrection.

Third, to pray in Jesus’ name means to pray consistent with His will. The Apostle John explains this clearly in his first epistle: And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us (5:14). To pray in Jesus name means that we cannot petition for anything that conflicts with the will of Jesus. For example, we can neither pray that someone be damned nor pray that someone be saved apart from Jesus. We can and should pray for the unsaved, that they come to the knowledge of the truth. Many other petitions are also in line with Jesus’ will.

We can indeed petition God for any heavenly or earthly blessing. But we pray in Jesus’ name, thus aligning our prayers with His two natures, His saving work and His holy will.

John 14:1–14

I am the way, the truth, and the life

14:1 Μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία• πιστεύετε εἰς τὸν θεόν, καὶ εἰς ἐμὲ πιστεύετε.

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me.

14:2 ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ τοῦ πατρός μου μοναὶ πολλαί εἰσιν• εἰ δὲ μή, εἶπον ἂν ὑμῖν ὅτι πορεύομαι ἑτοιμάσαι τόπον ὑμῖν•

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

14:3 καὶ ἐὰν πορευθῶ καὶ ἑτοιμάσω τόπον ὑμῖν, πάλιν ἔρχομαι καὶ παραλήμψομαι ὑμᾶς πρὸς ἐμαυτόν, ἵνα ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἦτε.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

14:4 καὶ ὅπου ἐγὼ ὑπάγω οἴδατε τὴν ὁδόν.

And you know the way to where I am going.”

14:5 λέγει αὐτῷ Θωμᾶς• Κύριε, οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ὑπάγεις• πῶς δυνάμεθα τὴν ὁδὸν εἰδέναι;

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

14:6 λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς• Ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδὸς καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ ζωή• οὐδεὶς ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸν πατέρα εἰ μὴ δι’ ἐμοῦ.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

14:7 εἰ ἐγνώκειτέ με, καὶ τὸν πατέρα μου ἂν ᾔδειτε• ἀπ’ ἄρτι γινώσκετε αὐτὸν καὶ ἑωράκατε αὐτόν.

If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

14:8 Λέγει αὐτῷ Φίλιππος• Κύριε, δεῖξον ἡμῖν τὸν πατέρα, καὶ ἀρκεῖ ἡμῖν.

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

14:9 λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς• Τοσούτῳ χρόνῳ μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰμι καὶ οὐκ ἔγνωκάς με, Φίλιππε; ὁ ἑωρακὼς ἐμὲ ἑώρακεν τὸν πατέρα• πῶς σὺ λέγεις• Δεῖξον ἡμῖν τὸν πατέρα;

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

14:10 οὐ πιστεύεις ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ πατρὶ καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ἐν ἐμοί ἐστιν; τὰ ῥήματα ἃ ἐγὼ λέγω ὑμῖν ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐ λαλῶ, ὁ δὲ πατὴρ ἐν ἐμοὶ μένων ποιεῖ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ.

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

14:11 πιστεύετέ μοι ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ πατρὶ καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ἐν ἐμοί• εἰ δὲ μή, διὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτὰ πιστεύετε.

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

14:12 ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ τὰ ἔργα ἃ ἐγὼ ποιῶ κἀκεῖνος ποιήσει, καὶ μείζονα τούτων ποιήσει, ὅτι ἐγὼ πρὸς τὸν πατέρα πορεύομαι• “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

14:13 καὶ ὅ τι ἂν αἰτήσητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου τοῦτο ποιήσω, ἵνα δοξασθῇ ὁ πατὴρ ἐν τῷ υἱῷ•

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14:14 ἐάν τι αἰτήσητέ με ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου γὼ ποιήσω.

If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Easter 5

Easter 5 begins to look forward to and prepare us for the ascension and Pentecost. In the Gospel, Jesus prepares the disciples for His departure. In Lesson 1 we see the ascended Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Because of the resurrection and ascension, we are God’s people offering spiritual sacrifices. The focus of the Lesson is on God’s people. Psalm 31 relates to Stephen’s martyrdom. The Prayer concerns God’s people who love God’s commands and desire God’s promises. The Hymn deals with the Gospel, Jesus as the way.

A Daytime Collect for Eastertide

Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit.

Collect for Easter 5 - O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

For Industry – Lord Jesus Christ, as once You shared in human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands, prosper those who maintain the industries of this land, give them a right regard for their labors, granting them a just reward for their toil and joy in serving You and supplying our needs.

An Evening Collect for Eastertide Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us in the end of the day, in the end of our life, in the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with Your Holy Word and sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair when death shall come. Abide with us and with all the faithful through time and eternity.

Monday, May 1, 2023 – Psalm 146 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.2, “I will praise the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to My God as long as I live.” This Psalm is an encouragement to trust in the Lord. The is the first of five Hallelujah Psalms which closes out the book of Psalms. Having walked with the Savior observing His Passion during Lent we now rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation which is our through the cross and empty tomb.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 – Acts6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60 – God’s people believe the gospel. The apostolic church has problems of growth. The ministry is too busy and the spiritual functions are being neglected. Members are complaining about their being neglected. What church would not like to have a problem like that, such as lack of parking space on a Sunday morning, insufficient seating space for Sunday morning service, or crowded Sunday school rooms? Why was this church growing? What will make any church grow? “The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied” (v. 7).

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 –1 Peter 2:2-10 – God’s people are a chosen, holy people. As living stones in a spiritual house, Christians are God’s people. Peter’s letter is considered a sermon to newly-baptized people. As newborn children, they now need spiritual milk until they grow into maturity. The new Christians are likened to living stones in a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone holding them together. Again, they are likened to a spiritual priesthood (priesthood of believers) which offer spiritual sacrifices. These Christians are the new

Israel

; God’s chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood. Because they received God’s mercy in Christ, they have changed from a nobody to a somebody.

Thursday, May 4, 2023 – John 14:1-14 – God’s people come to God only through Jesus. This is the beginning of Jesus’ “farewell discourse” that continue through chapter 17. The disciples are not to be troubled because he is going to prepare a place which is large enough for all. Moreover, he is the only way to the Father. To know and see Jesus is to know and see the Father. It is essential that the disciples know and believe in him and the Father. If they do, they will do greater things than Jesus did and their prayers, offered in His name, will be answered.

Friday, May 5, 2023 – Psalm 31 – This Psalm is a prayer when confronted by a conspiracy so powerful and open that all David’s friends abandoned him. According to Luke 23:46, Jesus applied verse 5 to His own circumstance. Those who share in His sufferings at the hands of anti-Christian forces are encouraged to hear and use this psalm in light of what Jesus has endured for us.

Saturday, May 6, 2023 –John 6:32-35 – is the inspiration for the hymn “At the Lambs High Feast we Sing“{LSB 633}.The manna, which came from heaven was from God. The Father still “gives” the true bread from heaven, which is life through His Son Jesus Christ. Who is this bread of heaven? Jesus answers for us in Vs. 35 “I am” the bread of heaven.

Sources:

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Psalm 23

Easter 4
Psalm 23

Some of you are engineers. While some of you are draftsmen, accountants, and bookkeepers. Some of you are farmers. While some of you are machinists or work in the medical field. Some of you may be students with many of your teachers sitting in this very room. In your world mathematical formulas are extremely important. Facts and figures make sense to you!

There is symmetry to the Scriptures…

The heart of Psalm 23 is the phrase, "For Thou art with me." There are exactly twenty-six Hebrew words before that phrase. And twenty-six words after it.

What's more, the numerical value of the letters in the divine name, “Yahweh,” equals twenty-six. His name is the first Hebrew word in the psalm, and He is the "Thou" who is "with me."

The abiding presence of the Good Shepherd with us--when we're in the valley of the shadow of death or surrounded by enemies--is the beating heart of this psalm.

Psalm 23

The LORD Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
[3] He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
[4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
[5] You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Image © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Blog post from Chad Bird posted July 26, 2017

Saturday prior to Easter 4

–John 21:15 -This verse is the inspiration for the hymn “I am Jesus’ Little Lamb“{LSB 740} Three times Peter denied his Lord. Three times Jesus asks the question “Peter…do you love me more than these?" Thus, the Savior asks us today, “Do you love Me?” “Do we love Jesus more than people, more than your occupation, more than things? In the case of Peter, these things were the tools of his trade – fishing gear.

We are asked to prioritize what is chiefly important in our lives. True we can take great responsibility in our work, in our freedoms, in our leisure. What takes this highest priority? What is the most important? And of course, why? Allow the words of this hymn to inspire you.

The Savior calls us to discipleship, to take up His cross and follow Him. In this Easter season, we are directed by the Savior to affirm the new life He gives us and to share with others the hope that we have in Him. Scripture reminds us “in a twinkling of an eye” we will all be gone – What shall be said of us then? May it be said of us that we remain a sheep of His fold, a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming.

Collect for Easter 4:Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that, when we hear the voice of our Shepherd, we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Morning Prayer #128

Acts 3:1-10

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. [a] 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Footnotes:

Acts 3:1 That is, 3 p.m.

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

Friday prior to Easter 4

John 10:1-10 –The sheep follow the Shepherd to life eternal. In this week’s Gospel lesson Verses 7 and 9 teach that Jesus is the door to life and salvation. He is not one of a series of doors to God. In today’s world, the emphasis is upon pluralism — one religion being as valid as the next one. Christianity is considered one of many ways to God. This passage contradicts pluralism. The door to life, to God, to salvation, is Jesus. Is this not the basis for evangelism and missions to non- Christian people? It is not done in the interests of building up a monolithic religious organization in the hope of getting a monopoly, but of sharing good news of salvation through Christ. Jesus says in verse 10 that he came to bring abundant life to all people. What is life? Our existence only makes sense when Jesus is at the center.

In His resurrection He gathers us to Himself as our Good Shepherd, by whose righteousness we “have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Now through other shepherds whom He calls and sends in His name, He guards and keeps us in the green pastures of His Church, leading us beside the quiet waters of our Baptism and spreading the feast of His Table before us.

Since He has called us by the Gospel to be His own dear sheep, we also “hear his voice” and “know his voice” (John 10:3–4) in the faithful preaching of His Gospel, and we follow Him by faith. When we receive His Gospel, we have the abundant life and common unity of the entire flock under one Good Shepherd, Jesus our Savior.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Morning Prayer #127

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested [a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, [c] delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And 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. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

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

Thursday prior to Easter 4

Thursday prior to Easter 4 Good Shepherd Sunday

1 Peter 2:19-25 – The sheep suffer like the Shepherd. In the second reading, Peter calls people straying sheep. Sheep are associated with straying and wandering off from the shepherd and the flock until they get lost and in danger of their lives. It is our nature to wander into sin, to carelessly leave the leadership of God, and to go our own way. Modern people are known for their mobility, insecurity, restlessness, a lack of roots, and loneliness.

Righteous living in the face of injustice demonstrates reliance on God’s mercy and grace. Christians who suffer for the sake of the Gospel find favor with God and they witness to His power.

There are, of course, wounds and pains we each endure. Separation which leads to divorce produces a broken heart. A Cancer diagnosis makes us feel weak and helpless. We may react to the news of the death of a loved one with anger. All these losses cause us to question “why did I deserve this?”

This loss. This brokenness. The separation from those we love, the hurt we experience, the pain we feel is all summed up when Paul says in his letter to the Romans, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Christ died so we could be reconciled with God. Christ died not for the godly, but the ungodly.

The Lord calls Christians to live out their faith in the midst of suffering. Christ also suffered for you. Our sufferings pale in comparison to what Christ suffered for us. Christ first and foremost is our redeemer and savior. As you bear the cross, and in Him find strength. He is your sufficiency.

Death is the consequence for sin. Christ’s death was for our sin yet He bore them in his body as His own. Because of Christ’s crucifixion believers are now dead to sin so they may live new lives for Him presenting themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. Peter will declare, “By His wounds we have been healed." We find life and forgiveness because of Christ’s sufferings.

Luther has commented, “We crucified Him with our sin. We are still far from suffering what He suffered. Therefore if you are a pious Christian, you should tread in the footsteps of the Lord and have compassion on those who harm you. You should also pray for them and have asked God not to punish them. For they do far more harm to their souls than they do to your body. If you take this to heart, you will surely forget about your own sorrow and suffer gladly. He we should be mindful of the fact that formerly we, too led that find of unchristian life that they lead, but that we have now been converted through Christ.” (Luther’s Works 30:86 copyright © Concordia Publishing St. Louis Fortress Philadelphia, 1955-86 American Edition)

Thank You Lord that You truly are the Father of mercies and God of all comfort and I pray that just as You have used many of Your children to draw alongside me and accompany me through those troublous times, that You would take my life and use me as a vessel of comfort and solace to others, who are facing similar difficulties and are themselves in need of comfort and help. Use me I pray to comfort others who are suffering affliction, with the godly comfort with which I myself has been comforted by You. I ask this in the name of Jesus,

The Crucifixion, Schnorr von Carlsfeld woodcut copyright WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Wednesday prior to Easter 4

Acts 2:42-47 –The sheep witness to the Shepherd. In our first lesson, we have the issue of leadership in the 1^st Century Church. What are the qualifications for church leadership? The early church faced the problem of choosing seven leaders. The apostles gave the people three criteria for their selection: good reputation, good common sense, and spirituality.

The early church was a blessed church. She had the favor of God and man. It was a growing church – new members were received daily. What was the formula for the church? See verse 42. This verse might sound familiar. It became the chief verse for the Mission Philosophy and Vision statement of the Zion Friedheim congregation from 2002 - 2022. Let’s review:

Preamble: The birthday of Mission occurred on the day of Pentecost circa AD 30 in the city of Jerusalem. On February 25, 1838, Zion-Friedheim Lutheran Church was chartered to be a House of Peace, a Haven of Hope for those who suffer and a Harbor of Light in this sin-darkened world. As followers of Jesus, we are Christ’s ambassadors – commissioned by Him who has reconciled the world to Himself to be salt and light.

The Mission of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is to be “A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith”

The Philosophy of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church – Friedheim is recorded in Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfast in the Apostles’ doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayer”

The Vision of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is to be one with respect to four specific objectives of mission and ministry.

Ø “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.

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

Ø “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.

Ø “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.

O Lord, Keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith that relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace that we may ever be delivered by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, April 24, 2023

Morning Prayer #126

Matthew 28:16-20

The Great Commission

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in [b] 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.”

Footnotes:

Matthew 28:19 Or into

Tuesday prior to Easter 4

– Psalm 23:4-6 The Psalm portion for this coming week is the much-loved Shepherd Psalm. The benefits of have Jesus as our Shepherd-King is that both goodness and love will literally pursue us. We are given the hope and promise of life with God eternally. We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Our future has been guaranteed. Because the Shepherd-King Jesus lives forever, we have the hope and guarantee of dwelling with Christ throughout the years of our life.

Notice how highly David magnifies the Lord. He recalls how gracious God has been. Consider what the Lord has bestowed on him (v. 5): "Thou preparest a table before me;”

David says in essence: “Lord, You have provided me with everything pertaining both to life and godliness.” All things needed for both the body as well as the soul are given by the Shepherd’s caring hand. His benefits are not only for this life they spread well into eternity. Such a bountiful benefactor is God to all His people; and because these blessings come from God David is called upon to utter thanks for His great goodness. David acknowledges two realities:

That he had food conveniently given to him; a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. What is it that Christ has given to you? Luther explains in the explanation to the 1st Article of the Apostles Creed:

“I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason, and all my senses, and still preserves them; also, clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and home, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life, that He protects me from all danger, and guards and preserves me from all evil; and all this out of pure, fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true.”

David acknowledges that the Shepherd had this table carefully and readily provided for him. His table was not spread with any thing that came haphazardly; rather God prepared everything for him.

The Shepherd provided for all of his needs and prepared it before him.

Under the heading “daily bread” Luther lists just some of the gifts and blessings the Good Shepherd provides for us each and every day:

What is meant by daily bread? —Everything that belongs to the support and wants of the body, such as meat, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, field, cattle, money, goods, a pious spouse, pious children, pious servants, pious and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.”

One question many ask during times of uncertainty is simply, “how will we get thought this?” We get through all this together. The Lord does provide but He does it through means – He does it through you. As you watch out for those in your circle; especially those closest to you family, neighbors, friends. May you continue to be the hands, the feet, the fingers and toes of Jesus and He provides through your acts of mercy and charity.

Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot always 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, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

_______________________

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Morning Prayer #125

Matthew 28:16-20

The Great Commission

Footnotes:

Matthew 28:19 Or into

Monday prior to Easter 4 “Good Shepherd Sunday”

Though he has risen in glory and is soon to ascend to the Father, Christ continues with us as a shepherd on earth, a shepherd who knows, cares, leads, and protects his sheep. Though risen in glory and absent in the body, Jesus continues as an abiding presence to care for his people. He is the good shepherd who died for his sheep to rescue them from the wolves. His resurrection confirms his victory and he continues to live as the shepherd of our souls.

– Psalm 23:1-3 The Antiphon for this coming Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.1, “The Lord’s my shepherd I shall not want.” The term “Shepherd” is a widely used metaphor used for Kings. David as King acknowledges that the Lord is his Shepherd-King. Jesus as the shepherd of His people is expressed most plainly in our Gospel lesson for this coming week. John 10:1-10

By these words David illustrates God's care of his people; and to this our Savior refers to Himself when He says, “I am the shepherd of the sheep; the good shepherd,” (John. 10:11). He is the shepherd of Israel, and of the whole church in general: “Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel, Thou who dost lead Joseph like a flock; Thou who art enthroned {above} the cherubim, shine forth!” (NAS Psalm 80:1), He is the shepherd of every particular believer; even the meanest is not below His awareness, “Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry {them} in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing {ewes.}” (NAS Isaiah. 40:11).

We are sheep who have gone astray. Lost in the rebellion of sin we have become wayward sheep. Isaiah the prophet explains in Isaiah 53:6 “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.”

As the Good Shepherd Jesus rescues the sheep. He takes them into His fold, and then takes care of them, protects them, and provides for them, with more care and devotion than any shepherd can. He makes it his business to keep the flock. Thus, we pray in Luther’s Morning and Evening prayers: “into Thy hands I commend myself {placing} my body and soul and all things {into Your care...}”

Sheep cannot do one thing to provide for themselves. They need a shepherd who will provide for them. Of themselves, they can do nothing. They are lost, confused and would soon be destroyed without Him. Thus the Good Shepherd will provide for all that we need to support our body and life; both physical but especially spiritual necessities.

When the Christian considers that God is his shepherd, he can boldly say, “I shall not want!” We need not fear. We don’t have to worry about starving; God upon finding us supplies all our needs. We have Him as our feeder.

More is implied than is expressed in this little phrase. Not only can David say: “I shall not want”, but also, "I shall be supplied with whatever I need. If I have not everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me currently or I shall have it in due time."

David, a king of his own right acknowledges that the Lord is his Shepherd-King. Jesus, who suffered and died on Calvary’s cross, has become our good shepherd. We walk with Him as we observe His Passion. We need not worry about being in want. To the contrary, we will enjoy goodness and mercy each day of our lives. As we begin the discipline of Lent walk with the Good Shepherd. -He guides and directs your path.

A Prayer for Agriculture as another planting season is upon us: Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper; we implore You, the work of farmers, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness. May we see by this noble vocation that by Your aid we are helping to feed the world and cause all who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.

___________________

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;Earth-born they are and soon decay.Vain are their counsels at life's last portal,When the dark grave engulfs its prey.Since mortals can no help afford,Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.Allelujah, allelujah![1]

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Monday, April 24, 2023

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;
Earth-born they are and soon decay.
Vain are their counsels at life's last portal,
When the dark grave engulfs its prey.
Since mortals can no help afford,
Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.
Allelujah, allelujah![1]