Freedom from Fear - Proper 7
June 19-24, 2023
The
theme, “Freedom from Fear,” is prominent in the Gospel where Jesus says three
times, “Fear not.” Jeremiah, in the Old Testament lesson experiences fear,
though it is not specifically stated, of his enemies and is delivered from them
by his trust in God. Because of sin, there is death which we instinctively fear
and from which we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. The Prayer of the Day
speaks of fear which is driven away when we “live secure and content in the
Father’s eternal love. The suggested hymn of the day calls for a faith that
will not disappear when oppression comes. It does not fear in general but the
Christian’s fear of his/her enemies.
Collect for Proper 6 – O God, because Your abiding presence always
goes with us, keep us aware of your daily mercies that we may live secure and
content in Your eternal love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen
A simple yet heart felt Prayer – “O God, our defender,
storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from
despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear and preserve us from
unbelief.”
A Prayer for grace
to use our gifts – Almighty God
even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the Holy
Spirit continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor and
glory; through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
For Christian
vocation - Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in
their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in
their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their
neighbor in Christ’s name; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.
A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without
Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain.
Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right
discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.
Monday,
June 19, 2023 – Psalm 56:3-4; 10-11 - This is the Psalm portion from which the
Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 13, “For You have delivered my soul from death,
yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” David reminds us to make a confession of
trust in the face of fear. The
confession is renewed throughout the Psalm but especially in the appointed
verses for next Sunday. Especially when we face great difficulty, the Lord asks
us to cling to His words and promises.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023– Jeremiah 20:7-12 – Jeremiah trusts God to deliver him from those
who oppose his preaching. Here is one
who wants to quit but cannot. He decides not to preach but he finds himself
driven to keep going. It is like a fire in his bones that must be expressed or
explode! He is driven by an inner voice. The love of Christ, faith of God, the
sense of obedience, impels, and compels one to witness regardless of popular
acceptance. Faith overcomes fear. In the
midst of persecution, Jeremiah puts his trust in God’s deliverance from his
enemies. He was sure God would vindicate him and his oppressors would be
eliminated. His trust was justified, for when he was released from the dungeon,
Jeremiah exulted, “Praise the Lord!” (v. 13).
Wednesday, June 21, 2023– Romans 6:12-23 – In these verses, Paul explains what it means to be
dead to sin (vv. 5-7) and alive to God (vv. 8-10). Our victory over sin is refusal to let sin
reign in one’s life (v. 12). We do this
as we offer ourselves to God Himself to be witnesses of His mercy and grace in
this world. Hence the prayer for us to be mindful of our Christian vocation in
this world.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 – Matthew 10:5a, 21-33 – The Disciples need not fear their enemies.
Though the world may persecute Christ’s followers, the Father knows and cares
for His people. Jesus has called His disciples and sends them out to preach and
heal. As he was persecuted, his disciples could expect no less.
They are not to fear those who can kill only the body. It
is better to fear God who can kill body and soul. In spite of their hardship,
the heavenly Father knows them as intimately as knowing the number of hairs on
their heads and cares for them as he cares for even “worthless” birds. As they
are faithful in their witness to God, He will be faithful to them.
Friday,
June 23, 2023 –Psalm 91:1-10 – This Psalm is
suggested for next Sunday. The mention of terror or “threat” is reference to an
attack by one’s enemies. Thus it is paired with “arrows.” These two references to threats from war are
arrayed alongside “pestilence” and “plague” (v. 6), two references to mortal
diseases that often reached epidemic proportions. “night…day,” at whatever time
of day or night the threat may come, you will be kept safe. The time references
are not specific to their respective phrases.
Saturday,
June 24, 2023 – Psalm 79:9 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “Lord of our
life and God of our salvation.” {LSB 725}.
Taken from a prayer for God to heal and forgive His people and to
redress the violent acts of their enemies. When we are attacked by slander,
persecution, and the temptations of the devil, our world, and our own sinful
self, we turn to Him who is our safe refuge, the Rock of our salvation, Jesus
Christ the righteousness one.
Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY ©
2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980
John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
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