Because the ruling authorities did not attend to their
people’s welfare, God is going to attend to them Himself. The Day of Judgment
is coming – assassination, declination, and finally exile. Sin always brings
dire consequences. Judgment comes upon all, even the ruling class.
Judah needs a new king, one who will gather the exiles
re-establishing them as a nation, and rule wisely and justly. Where such a man
could be found? God through Jeremiah says the king will be of the lineage of
David, Israel’s greatest king. A good man comes out of good stock. One’s family
does count. Christians see in Jesus the fulfillment of this promise. Jesus, the
son of David, came to be the world’s good shepherd.[2]
Prayer in time of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this
earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory.
Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to
continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know
the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of
the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[3] –
14 July, 2021
[1] The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright ©WELS used with permission
[2]
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing,
Lima, OH
[3]
Collect for a time of affliction and distress, Lutheran Service Book © 2006
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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