Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Thursday Prior to Trinity

Acts 2:14a, 22–36—The second reading for the Trinity Sunday is a continuation of St Peter’s Pentecost Day sermon in Jerusalem. In this portion, Peter speaks of Jesus Christ, a man attested to you by God with mighty wonders and signs, who was crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men, but raised up from the dead because He was not just a man, but also Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.

Peter quotes from Psalms 16 and 110, showing how the Old Testament testifies of Christ, and also proclaims how all three persons of the Trinity were involved in the salvation of mankind. Jesus (the Son) was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (the Father), has been exalted at the right hand of God, and now pours out His Spirit that people might hear and believe the Good News.

The resurrection of Christ is the central message of the Christian Church and the cornerstone content of our witness in the world. The message of the early Church is the message of the 21^st Century Church. The proclamation that Christ lives and reigns is the hope and challenge that the world most desperately needs to hear. Without this proclamation, we have no message.

Charles Colson once recounted a powerful story about the bold witness of a Russian Orthodox monk. It happened in 1990 in Moscow on the Russian May Day. Mikhail Gorbachev and other Russian leaders were standing on a platform in Red Square watching a procession of tanks, missiles and troops rumble past them. That year’s May Day celebration was different, however, for, behind the tanks and missiles and troops, followed a massive throng of protesters calling for freedom and heralding the collapse of the old Communist state. It was out of this mass of protesters that this monk made his bold statement. As they passed before the platform, this monk hoisted a huge crucifix into the air, stepped out of the mass of protesters towards the leaders on the platform and shouted, “Mikhail Sergeyevich! Christ is risen!” At this, Gorbachev turned and walked off the platform. - Charles Colson, The Enduring Revolution, p.28-29.

Prayer for the Holy Spirit: Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your Holy Spirit dwell in us that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth and evermore defend us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and same Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Wednesday prior to Trinity

Genesis 1:1—2:4a - The opening chapter of the Bible matter-of-factly recounts the creation of the earth, the universe, and all that is in them in seven days by God. Which person of the Trinity was responsible for the creation? All three persons! The first three verses alone proclaim this fact: The Spirit is said to be hovering over the face of the waters, while God (the Father) speaks—speaks His Word, who is the Son, as St John tells us in the opening verses of his Gospel. On the sixth day, there is further testament to the working of the Trinity, when God says, Let Us make man in Our own image, after Our likeness. The singular God here speaks in the plural. Not just the Father, but the Son and the Holy Spirit as well, were involved in the work of creation, just as all three are involved in the work of salvation.

God could not save what he did not make. To prove His love for you Jesus became human to redeem the human world. Jesus who as a full human; has the capacity to feel the hurts of friends. He shares the sorrow of Martha. He weeps with Mary over Lazarus’ death. He expresses His love for his friends. Jesus did not really need to cry. He knew what he was going to do in the raising of Lazarus. Yet, human as He was, He was caught up in the situation. He identified with His friends.

When we are ill, Christ’s healing reveals His glory. When we are dead, Christ’s raising us, like Lazarus, all for the glory of God. In the resurrection, the glory of God’s power is manifest. This offers hope to the afflicted, for they are assured of the Lord’s help.

The creative power of God is found in his vast creation. Luther sums it all in his explanation to the First 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 takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.”

Collect for the Feast of the Holy Trinity: Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever.

Monday, May 29, 2023

Tuesday prior to Trinity

Psalm 8—This psalm of David nicely ties together the three appointed readings for Trinity Sunday. The first two verses tell how the entire creation proclaims the majesty, glory, and strength of the Lord, the Creator of all things, as testified to in the Old Testament reading. The rest of the psalm speaks of Christ, the second Adam, our Savior, of whose redemption Peter preaches in the Epistle reading, (Acts 2: 14a, 22–36) and who commissions His Church to make disciples by baptizing and teaching about Him in the Gospel reading.

The psalm begins by crying out the name of the one and only true God, and then confesses Him to be our ruler. The name of Yahweh is rightly described. Yahweh alone is always has been and always will be the one who exists and, by extension, is always present to act on behalf of humankind for our salvation. God’s majesty is tangibly revealed on earth in the wonderful detail and design of creation and extends beyond our view into the heavens.

The characteristic beauty of creation is meant to draw our attention to its Designer. Everything around us that we appreciate through our senses is a gift of God to be enjoyed. That also includes the food we eat, art, architecture, literature, technology, and medicine – things designed by humans by God-granted creativity. It’s meant to be enjoyed for the pleasure it brings us. But creation is also a reminder to all people at all times and all places that God is the architect of its grandeur. He is the recipient of praise and worship.

“Oh LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:1; 3-4)

It should be obvious that however creative humans can be, we are incapable of anything as wondrous and complex and awe-inspiring as God’s created order. And yet incredibly, God has granted us responsibility for tending to earth. Our farmers are stewards of our natural resources. By His help you feed the world.

“Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.” (Psalm 8:5-8)

We are made care-takers of this world, to watch over all the plants, animals, and seas. The name of Jesus will be exalted in all the earth because all the earth bears his trademark.

As you take in the beauty of creation look at the good gifts around you. Even better, open the Scriptures which make abundantly clear the good news of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to take a special camping trip to experience the joy of the glory of Jesus Christ. His glory never fades. His goodness never diminishes.

“Oh LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9)

A Prayer for Agriculture: 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

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Monday prior to Trinity Sunday

Psalm 16:8–11—The antiphon for coming Sunday’s Introit is an ancient liturgical text: Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown His mercy to us. The Triune God has shown His mercy to us by creating us, daily providing for all our needs, and in accomplishing our salvation by the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Our response, therefore, is to give glory to Him, and to set the LORD always before us, for He has made known to us the path of life.

In these verses David writes as though the Lord stands beside him and holds his hand, like a father caring for his son. The Lord is the focus of David’s service and his ally. Because the Lord lives and sustains all life David is confident that the righteous will endure despite physical death. According to Acts 2:25-28 this prophecy is connected directly to Jesus’ resurrection.

In Israelite thought, the right hand was the favored one. As such, it symbolized the place of privilege or strength. The chief court official was seated at the king’s right hand as a symbol of his power and authority. This term can describe God’s chosen servant.

Christ gives us joy and He is faithful. Verse 9 states, “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” We will have joy and peace, and we can rest when our eyes are focused on Jesus. He takes delight in us and views us as His perfect and most beautiful creation. He is faithful to us and is always with us.

When we keep our eyes focused on the Lord, He is always with us. Regardless of the battles we may be facing, He is our strength. With Him by our side, we will not be shaken. We can rest in complete assurance that He is with us in all situations.

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

Today is Memorial Day. We recall those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we enjoy.

A Memorial Day Prayer: Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember those in the military who have given their lives for freedoms we enjoy, we pray you would have us all look to you for strength, comfort and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed Forces. Bless them and their families. Grant your loving protection. Let peace prevail among all the nations, O God. Especially let your mercy rest upon our land, even as we acknowledge with thanksgiving your past goodness on this country. If it is your will, preserve the lives of the men and women in uniform as they defend our citizenry. Most of all, we pray that you would turn the hearts of all – military and civilian – to your holy Word where we find the true peace for our sinful souls that surpasses all understanding. Keep us repentant of sin. Move us to know, take hold and treasure your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Your beloved Son, who alone gives this peace and hope for eternity, we pray. Amen. [1]

Trinity - Series A

Trinity

THE HOLY TRINITY

04 June 2023

Series A

Genesis 1:1—2:4a

Acts 2:14a, 22–36

Matthew 28:16–20

The Holy Triune God Recreates Us in the Image and Likeness of Christ Jesus

The holy Triune God “created the heavens and the earth,” and “behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:1, 31). However, after Adam and Eve fell into sin and plunged God’s good creation into decay and death, the Son of God would be “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” to be “crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23). As Jesus “received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:33), He also raises up all the baptized and pours out the Spirit upon them through the preaching of His Gospel. He sends out His apostles to “make disciples of all nations” by “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” and “teaching them to observe all that [He has] commanded” (Matt. 28:19–20). Through such baptizing and teaching — Gospel and Sacraments — the holy Triune God recreates us in the image and likeness of His incarnate Son, Jesus the Christ, and behold, it is “very good” (Genesis 1:31).

The Holy Trinity

Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:1-3)

We believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the person who brooded over the waters in the beginning. We believe in the Son of God, the Word by whom all things were made, who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven…and was made man. In short, we believe in the one Creator, who is three distinct, fully-divine persons. We believe in, and we must believe in, the Holy Trinity, for this is God’s revelation to us.

Strangely, the original earth started as formless, void and dark. When the Father rendered it no longer formless, void and dark, man was created to be lord of this world. Sadly, when Adam then rebelled against the Creator, the earth in a devilish way reverted to a formless, void and dark condition. Through Jeremiah God speaks of this when He describes His wayward people thus: They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not. I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light (Jer. 4:22f). But then comes the Son of God, taking upon himself this horrible darkness of mankind’s curse, and once again—when the Son bursts from the tomb—the Father speaks, “Let there be light!” So the light of love and life-eternal burst forth upon—yes even from—the formless and void earth. Yet, sadly, the darkened souls of men could not comprehend it.

Nonetheless, empty, void and darkened individuals need to receive and even begin to realize this light. With God all things are possible. The Son, because of His death and resurrection, is authorized as a man to accomplish this task of distributing the salvation He earned. He employs His limitless authority to create the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, commissioning His Church to make disciples by baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Though it is appropriate for us to invoke any single person of the Godhead, yet whenever there is a Baptism the Holy Trinity is uniquely invoked.

Consistent with the original creation, once again the Spirit must brood over the face of the waters. Such Spirit-brooding gives new birth to those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. The Lord Jesus had prophesied this wondrous watery new birth, explaining that we must be born of water and the Spirit. Appropriately on the Christian Pentecost, the forgiven, foremost Apostle lovingly commanded, 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 (Acts 2:38). And the former persecuting Apostle explains, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). The Spirit is thus observed again to be brooding, now brooding over the waters of Holy Baptism.

As the Spirit broods over the waters of every Baptism, He establishes each baptized person as a new creation—for if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. In these waters He takes a formless person and gives the form of Christ. He takes a void (empty) person and gives the fullness of Himself—the Spirit of Christ. He takes a person who naturally dwells in the darkness of Satan’s domain and that person hears the Father exclaim, “Let there be light,” and there is light. In short, the Son of God—sent by the Father and conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin—has ordained Holy Baptism to bestow the gifts He earned at the cross and the empty tomb, so that spiritually formless, empty and dark people are blessed with a new beginning. And behold it is very good.

Matthew 28:16–20

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16

Οἱ δὲ ἕνδεκα μαθηταὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν εἰς τὸ ὄρος οὗ ἐτάξατο αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς,

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.

Matthew 28:17

καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν προσεκύνησαν, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν.

And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

Matthew 28:18

καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς λέγων· Ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς·

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matthew 28:19

πορευθέντες οὖν μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος,

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Matthew 28:20

διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς τηρεῖν πάντα ὅσα ἐνετειλάμην ὑμῖν· καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰμι πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος.

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Image of the Trinity © Higher Things

Time in the Word - Trinity

Time in the Word Preparation for next week, the Feast of the Holy Trinity

The Holy Triune God Recreates Us in the Image and Likeness of Christ Jesus

The Holy Triune God “created the heavens and the earth,” and “behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:1, 31). However, after Adam and Eve fell into sin and plunged God’s good creation into decay and death, the Son of God would be “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” to be “crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23). As Jesus “received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:33), He also raises up all the baptized and pours out the Spirit upon them through the preaching of His Gospel. He sends out His Apostles to “make disciples of all nations” by “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” and “teaching them to observe all that [He has] commanded” (Matt. 28:19–20). Through such baptizing and teaching–Gospel and Sacraments–the Holy Triune God recreates us in the Image and Likeness of His incarnate Son, Jesus the Christ, and behold, it is “very good” (Gen. 1:31).

Time in the Word
01-06 June 2020
Preparation for next week, the Feast of the Holy Trinity

Monday, 01 June 2020—Psalm 16:8–11; Antiphon, Liturgical Text—The antiphon for Sunday’s Introit is an ancient liturgical text: Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown His mercy to us. The Triune God has shown His mercy to us by creating us, daily providing for all our needs, and in accomplishing our salvation by the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Our response, therefore, is to give glory to Him, and to set the Lord always before us, for He has made known to us the path of life.

Tuesday, 02 June 2020—Psalm 8—This psalm of David nicely ties together the three appointed readings for Trinity Sunday. The first two verses tell how the entire creation proclaims the majesty, glory, and strength of the Lord, the Creator of all things, as testified to in the Old Testament reading. The rest of the psalm speaks of Christ, the second Adam, our Savior, of whose redemption Peter preaches in the second reading, and who commissions His Church to make disciples by baptizing and teaching about Him in the Gospel reading.

Wednesday, 03 June 2020—Genesis 1:1—2:4a—The opening chapter of the Bible matter-of-factly recounts the creation of the earth, the universe, and all that is in them in seven days by God. Which person of the Trinity was responsible for the creation? All three persons! The first three verses alone proclaim this fact: The Spirit is said to be hovering over the face of the waters, while God (the Father) speaks—speaks His Word, who is the Son, as St John tells us in the opening verses of his Gospel. On the sixth day, there is further testament to the working of the Trinity, when God says, Let Us make man in Our own image, after Our likeness. Not just the Father, but the Son and the Holy Spirit as well, were involved in the work of creation, just as all three are involved in the work of salvation.

Thursday, 04 June 2020—Acts 2:14a, 22–36—The second reading for the Trinity Sunday is a continuation of St Peter’s Pentecost Day sermon in Jerusalem. In this portion, Peter speaks of Jesus Christ, a man attested to you by God with mighty wonders and signs, who was crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men, but raised up from the dead because He was not just a man, but also Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Peter quotes from Psalms 16 and 110, showing how the Old Testament testifies of Christ, and also proclaims how all three persons of the Trinity were involved in the salvation of mankind: Jesus (the Son) was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (the Father), has been exalted at the right hand of God, and now pours out His Spirit that people might hear and believe the Good News.

Friday, 05 June 2020—Matthew 28:16–20—Before His ascension to the right hand of His Father, Jesus charged His disciples with the task of making disciples of all nations. What are the tools which He has given to accomplish this task? His teaching and the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Baptism in the Name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Which parts of His Word are important? Which of His Words are they to pass down faithfully? Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Finally, He promises always to be with us—and so He is, in Word and Sacrament, the means of grace.

Saturday, 06 June 2020—There are few hymns that are addressed to, or focus on, the Holy Spirit. Sunday’s Hymn of the Day, Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest (LSB #498), is one such hymn. It is of ancient origin, from at least the eighth century, and generally attributed to the great Frankish scholar and theologian, Rhabanus Maurus (though sometimes Gregory the Great or Charlemagne are given credit). In the Middle Ages, it was one of the best loved and most frequently used invocations of the Holy Spirit, and its singing was accompanied by the use of incense, candles, bells, and rich vestments. The last two stanzas are explicitly Trinitarian, making it ideal for Trinity Sunday: stanza six (like Luther’s explanation to the Third Article of the Creed) affirms that it is the Holy Spirit who teaches us to know the Triune God aright, and stanza seven is a doxology—a hymn of praise to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Collect for the Feast of the Holy Trinity: Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for the Holy Spirit: Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your Holy Spirit dwell in us that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth and evermore defend us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Collect for grace: Almighty God, heavenly Father, Your mercies are new to us every morning and, though we in no wise deserve Your goodness, You abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul. Give us, we humbly pray, Your Holy Spirit that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness toward us, give thanks for all Your benefits, and cheerfully serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Collect for peace: O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Artwork by Ed Riojas, © Higher Things

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Pentecost

John 7:37-39
The promise of the coming Spirit

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

By this - He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

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; [1]

During the Feast of Tabernacles, there was a daily ceremony involving water. Each day, the priests and the people would joyfully make their way to the pool of Siloam. Using a golden pitcher, water was drawn, taken back to the temple, and poured on the altar of burnt offering. The words of Isaiah 12:3 were then sung: "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

On such an occasion, Jesus used the opportunity to extend a wonderful promise. He invites those who thirst to come to Him and drink. “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” v.37

Those who believe in Jesus will have "rivers of living water" flow from their hearts. V. 38

The apostle John explains that this promise concerns the Holy Spirit who calls gathers, enlightens, sanctifies and keeps us. “…this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive.” V. 39

Today, Jesus invites all the thirsty to come unto Him.

1. An Invitation – It’s a simple invitation. Jesus simply says, "Come."

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come; buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. - Revelation 22:17

We’ve been raised to know that nothing comes free. Everything comes with a price tag involved. If you want something, you must work for it. You must save for it. You may purchase only what you can afford. But in the LORD’s economy, when it comes to your salvation the price has been paid in full. Better yet, it’s been paid when you could not.

The Lord gives an invitation. It is available to all.

2. Availability - "If any man thirsts let him come"

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. - John 6:37

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. - 1 John 5:1;

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. - Romans 10:13

3. Access - The way is open to Jesus! His well is never dry. If you will only come to Him, He will demonstrate His great saving power in your life. He loves you more than you could ever know.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Christ longs to save you. He longs to restore you. He longs to repair all that is broken. All He requires is that you come to Him

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29.

In the story of the Passover - The blood of the lamb could not save until it was applied to the doorpost. Any family could have slain a lamb and eaten the flesh, but only when the blood was applied was there safety to those abiding in the house - Exodus 12:13.

So, it is with your salvation! Only the Blood of Jesus grants salvation to the human soul. Only by the work of Christ does the Spirit perform His work.

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22;

Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19.

At the Spirit’s bidding, Christ is inviting you to come to him to be satisfied. He offers you – that great exchange – God’s mercy and forgiveness purchase at the cost of His own Son! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!

Today is Pentecost. It is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit promised by the Savior. What does Jesus mean when He says that He will send the Spirit? The Spirit is your comforter, an advocate.

As an advocate, he is your defense attorney. One who speaks for a defendant before the judge in a court of law. As Jesus promises the comforter will come this can only be good news for you. It is the Spirit Himself, which will plead your case before the mercy seat of God.

The Savior rules upon His throne. The Spirit stands as your advocate to defend and sustain you. The Advocate, the Spirit of truth, convicts the world with respect to sin, righteousness, and judgment.

He stands for you to intercede and plead your case before the Father. All is well. The Spirit has come as promised by the Savior.

words -1,090
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Friday, May 26, 2023

Saturday Prior to Pentecost

The majestic Hymn of the Day, Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (LSB #497), was written by Martin Luther. In addition to writing catechism hymns for each of the six chief parts of Christian doctrine, Luther wrote this one to help remember the third article of the Apostles’ Creed.

The chief teaching of the Christian faith—the doctrine of salvation by faith rather than works—is clearly proclaimed throughout this great hymn. Sing it confidently and boldly. The Holy Spirit has brought you to faith, and by Word and Sacrament, He will continue to keep you in the one true faith.

This chorale is based on the work of the third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who is expressly celebrated on the Day of Pentecost. The following shows connections between each of the four statements of Luther’s meaning of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed and portions of each stanza of “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord.”

Luther writes in his Table Talk: “The hymn ‘Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord,’ was composed by the Holy Ghost himself, both words and music.” Luther crafted the version known today by polishing the original German stanza and also composing two additional stanzas to fit masterfully with the first.

Ø I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

“With all Your graces now outpoured on each believer’s mind and heart” (stanza 1)

Ø In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

“Lord, by the brightness of Your light in holy faith Your Church unite” (stanza 1)

“Let none but Christ our master be that we in living faith abide, in Him, our Lord, with all our might confide.” (stanza 2)

Ø In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.

“From every error keep us free” (stanza 2)

Ø On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

“That bravely here we may contend, through life and death to You, our Lord, ascend.” (stanza 3)

As mentioned earlier that the best hymns also teach the Christian faith, it is worth noting that this chorale actually predates the publication of Luther’s Small Catechism (1529). Thanks be to God for this chorale’s expression of our Lutheran faith and His work through the third Person of the Holy Trinity!

O God, who gave Your Holy Spirit to the apostles, grant us that same Spirit that we may live in faith and abide in peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen

https://lutheranreformation.org/worship/come-holy-ghost-god-lord/

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Friday Prior to Pentecosy

John 7:37–39—Jesus foretells the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit will be fully poured out upon the Church, causing living waters to flow out from their hearts, that is, all believers will be empowered to testify to the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation which comes through Jesus Christ alone.

From His open heart, our crucified and risen Lord pours out His Holy Spirit in “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and invites everyone who thirsts to come to Him and drink freely (John 7:37). Through this life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, we hear the gospel message “telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21).

Although not mentioned often in the New Testament, the Festival of Tabernacles was one of the “big three” annual festivals (along with Passover and Pentecost) for which adult Jewish males were expected to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and it was generally the most joyous and popular of the three. Originally a harvest celebration, by the time of Jesus it had also taken on the significance of remembering God’s provision for the people of Israel during their wilderness wanderings.

God provided water for the Israelites in the wilderness as well, but its thirst-quenching effects were also temporary. Here, at this festival that celebrates God’s provision in the wilderness, Jesus offers the living water that quenches all thirst and is a source of life eternal. John adds a note of explanation, so that no one may miss the significance: “Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were yet to receive, for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (7:39)

This “Paraclete” or “Spirit of truth” will teach them, remind them of all that Jesus has said to them, and guide them into all truth (14:26; 16:12-14). The Spirit will be the abiding presence of Jesus with his disciples, continuing his work in and through them. This promise is fulfilled on the evening of Easter Sunday, when the risen Jesus comes to his disciples, breathes into them the Holy Spirit, and sends them out in mission. (20:19-23)

Jesus speaks of this promise at the Festival of Tabernacles -- the promise fulfilled at Passover/ Easter according to John, or at Pentecost according to Luke-Acts.

John interprets the Jewish festivals anew in light of God’s revelation in Christ. All that the festivals celebrate -- the deliverance, presence, and provision of God -- find new significance in God’s sending of the Son to tabernacle among us, and sending of the Spirit to abide with us forever, so that rivers of living water may flow from within us to a thirsty world.

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.

Sourses:

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2046

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Thursday prior to Pentecost

Acts 2:1–21— Our risen Lord Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost—the fiftieth day and the “Eighth Sunday” of Easter. When “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire appeared” and rested on each of the twelve Apostles, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and proclaimed “the mighty works of God.” The Lord Jesus grants this same Spirit to His Church on earth to proclaim Him glorified on the cross and risen victorious from the grave for us sinners.

The Epistle reading for the Day of Pentecost is, as you might imagine, the account of the giving of the Holy Spirit on the first Day of Pentecost, and the establishment of the New Testament Church in mission. This special gift was given to the disciples in the early Church for two main reasons: to testify that these men were speaking by the authority of God (for only God could grant such a gift in fulfillment of prophecy), and in order to proclaim the Word of God to people of many different tongues. Since the New Testament had not been written down yet, it also could not be translated yet. In our day, the written Word of God, the Bible, fulfills both these purposes, delivering the truth of God in a language which we can understand.

In his explanation to the third article of the Apostles’ Creed Luther reminds us: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.”

Pentecost is the birthday of missions. These are our marching orders – to get the message out and to keep the message straight. As you are given the opportunity gossip the gospel to your family, neighbors and community.

Collect for the Holy Spirit: Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your Holy Spirit dwell in us that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth and evermore defend us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Wednesday prior to Pentecost

Numbers 11:24–30 is the Old Testament lesson for this coming Sunday the Feast of Pentecost—Because the task of caring for the children of Israel was overwhelming, the Lord instructed Moses to appoint seventy men as elders to assist him. For some unknown reason, two of them, Eldad and Medad, failed to present themselves at the tabernacle for commissioning. Yet, the Spirit rested upon them, also. Some of the others thought that they should be stopped from prophesying, proclaiming the Word of the Lord.

Moses exclaims, “Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” Though pastors are appointed to fulfill certain tasks in the Lord’s Church, all Christians are called upon to give witness to the hope that is in them (See 1 Peter 3:15) by proclaiming the Word of God, as opportunities are presented.

Today is an excellent time for you to give witness to the hope that is in you. Especially now, Christians have something people desperately need and many are missing: hope. Now, of all times, we must be prepared to give an answer to anyone and everyone who asks about the hope that is in us.

To offer hope we need to engage with others in significant conversation – dialogue . Significant discussion involves not only speaking but also listening. This is where you can do your part.

Listening is half, yet an integral and essential part of a successful conversation. We’ve all experienced at some time an exchange that was limited to, “Let’s talk about me and then let’s talk about me some more.” When you take turns to talk, everyone feels heard. This is great communication. Empathic listening—understanding your neighbor fully, rather than seeing what they talk about through your own point of view is critical. The Bible emphasizes the importance of listening. James instructs believers to be “quick to listen and slow to speak.” -James 1:19

Listening is essential to evangelism and witness. Listening is like a stethoscope to the human heart. We can find out what is happening inside the heart of a person by simply listening—an invaluable tool when sharing Christ. Ask the Lord to help you to become a better and much more engaged listener.

It might take some time before people feel comfortable around others. Become proactive in developing good listening skills. Listen to their story. And when the opportunity arrives don’t be afraid to give witness to the hope that is in you.

Lord, open my ears and my heart to the needs of others around me. As we engage in significant conversation may I truly listen and become empathetic. Only then can I effectively speak of the hope to which we have been called.

Wyneken School Graduation Homily

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

O GOD, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.[1]

The verse you as a class selected way back in October finds Jesus speaking to His disciples in the Upper Room. Right before His arrest. Trial. Crucifixion. And death. We find the Savior - at the end of His public ministry. It is the eve of His betrayal. It is the edge of His suffering. Jesus is trying desperately to give His disciples comfort and hope. in the light of the approaching storm of the cross.

Tonight. I beg of you. I plead with you. I appeal to you. Keep your focus on Christ. And not the vain things which can so easily be misplaced. And soon gone. I trust that one of the lessons learned from this past year is for you to set your priorities on that one thing needful.

Keep Christ at the center of your attention. It’s easy to become diverted. And soon sidetracked. When we become preoccupied by the cares of this life, we can become distracted and disjointed as a demented squirrel!

Heed the words of the Savior this night, “I have told you these things that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Jesus presents to us two realities. Present sorrow – future joy.

In this world, you will have trouble. I once tried a stick of carefree gum. It didn’t work! That’s why Jesus came into this world. Entering time and space. He came to be your Savior. He came that you might have peace.

Count on trouble and difficult days to come. That’s the reality of living in a broken world outside of Eden. Yet take courage in Christ’s victory for you. Such is the essence of the Christian life. Your life is hidden in Christ.

This is what Paul teaches. “I have been crucified with Christ. So, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who loved in me And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me an gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

You do not have to live in fear and perpetual panic. You don’t have to be in a constant state of freak out! Your Good Shepherd will always be with you. Remember this – even if you’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death - that shadow is cast by the light. The light of Christ.

Remember Jesus’ word. “Take heart I have overcome the world.” Whenever Jesus uttered the phrase, “take heart,” or “be of good courage,” He always backed it up with an assurance regarding His own work. This word “overcome” comes from the word meaning “conquest,” or “victory.”

Unlike the Greek goddess of Victory, the Savior of the Nations comes not to declare the winner of an athletic competition, but to be the Victor in the battle against sin, death, and hell.

He does this not to win a wreath of laurels. But to willingly bear a crown of thorns. So that he can bestow upon you - the crown of eternal life.

The cross is not some mystic metaphor for the change you must undergo before you come to self-realization. Rather. It is the earth-shattering event that changed the course of eternity.

The entire weight of the world’s sin. Every evil action. Misplaced thought. Careless words. Or selfish ambition. Was placed upon Jesus the Christ. The result was not a broken wing on a Grecian statue. But the broken body of the Son of God.

If you want to see what victory looks like, look at the cross. If you want to see the weight of your sin, look at the cross.

And if you want to see the sin that your Father in heaven now sees when he looks at you, look to the empty tomb. For there the dead body of the Son of God was laid. And from there - He rose three days later.

Your sin is gone. Your guilt removed. As the flood waters overcame the earth and brought death, so, the blood of Christ shed on Calvary’s cross brings death to your sin and life to your soul. Because Jesus lives. Because He overcame. You too. Will live forever.

Thanks be to God. Because death could not stop Jesus, you can be certain that it can’t stop you.

We, who were overcome by a tree in the Garden of Eden as our first parents sinned, are also overcome by the tree of the cross. Because Jesus has overcome the world, the devil, and our own sinful nature, we can be confident that the words of Revelation2:7 are clearly meant for you: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” (NKJV)

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, a peace of mind, a serene temperament, and an undisturbed tranquility. So that we might not be troubled and shaken by the events of the earth or the turbulence of this broken world.

For, if we are in this world, as moral human beings, exposed to both bodily and spiritual attacks, we are likely to meet with troubles, which we will certainly come up against. Because the world is opposed to Christ as the Savior and Redeemer. That’s why the old song sings, “I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home.”

But that’s the point. Heaven is your home. Your destiny. Your future.

Do not be afraid to speak clearly and openly what Christ has taught you. Be courageous to speak the truth of Scripture clearly and openly for all to hear. Even if it appears unpopular or dangerous.

You abide in the care of Christ. Fear not. Your Father will not let anything happen to you apart from His gracious care. You are of more value than many sparrows. Not one of them will fall without your Father’s will. No harm will befall you, but what your Father wills.

If the LORD has work for you to do, you cannot be undaunted. The LORD has given you talents, abilities, and gifts. Use them. In praise to your heavenly Father. And in service to your neighbor. So be a sermon in shoes.

So, I appeal to you. Do not yield to the spirit of this age. Love the truth. What you learn of Christ - speak in the light of Christ’s truth. What you hear in the Scriptures - proclaim from the housetop. You need not fear the face of any man. You are in Christ.

Your Father loves you. You are His. He sustains. Directs. Supports you. He leads you through troubled waters. He points you to His promises, which will calm your fears and turn your anxieties into a quiet confidence. It is well with your soul when Jesus guides and leads you.

Fare thee well child of God. Fare thee well. Godspeed and God Bless!

Words-1,320
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Reading Level -3.0