Tuesday prior to Proper 22

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 Psalm 128; key verse, verse 1 - Blessed are all who fear the Lord. 

Psalm 128 speaks of the blessedness of the godly man, another word for wisdom concerning health and home. The concluding benediction suggests that the psalm originally served as a priestly word of instruction to those assembled from their homes to worship in Jerusalem. The main body of the psalm is found in verses 1-4.

Psalm 128 – The Blessed Family of those who fear the LORD

This psalm is titled A Song of Ascents. It is another of the 15 songs sung by travelers on their way to Jerusalem, usually for one of the three yearly feasts (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). Like Psalm 127, it has a focus on God’s work in and through the family.

“It is of real significance that these songs of home and of true civic consciousness are found among those which are sung on the way that leads to worship. It is ever good to carry into the place of our communion with God the interests of home and city. It is only by doing so that we can influence these for their lasting good.” (G. Campbell Morgan)  2

Collect for Psalm 128: Lord Jesus, from your opened side your bride, the Church was formed and sanctified in your cleansing blood. Make your Church a fruitful vine, with many children who will rejoice with you at your table and celebrate your goodness now and forever. 3

Sources:

1. Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-128 

3. Collect for Psalm 128, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY 

Monday prior to Proper 22

 

Sunday’s theme is God’s Intentions for the Family. The lessons deal with home, marriage, divorce, and children. The Gospel (Mark 10:2-16) considers Jesus’ position on divorce and His attitude toward children. The Old Testament lesson (Genesis 2:18-25) fits into the Gospel with its account of Eve’s creation and the relationship between husband and wife. The Psalm for the week (Psalm 128) concerns a God-fearing person’s blessing of a fruitful wife, children, and grandchildren. The Hymn of the Day “Oh, Blest the House” (LSB 862) is a prayer to the Lord to bless the home and family.

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Psalm 127:3-5, Antiphon, Psalm 127:1a – Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. 

This psalm is titled A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Most believe Solomon to be the author, yet it is possible that the psalm was composed by David for Solomon. Here, Solomon will be considered the author.

“The strength of the Hebrew people in the past, and all that remains of it today, largely results from the keen sense which they ever cherished of the importance of the home and the family. The house, the city, labor, are all important to the conserving of the strength of the family.” (G. Campbell Morgan) 2

In keeping with the theme of the week, God’s Intention for the Family, the psalmist gives us a timeless truth. Unless the Lord is the center of all that we do, unless the Lord builds the house, all of our efforts are in vain. The house in essence becomes a house of cards. May Jesus Christ be the ever present yet unseen guest in each of our homes.  

Collect for Psalm 127: Lord God, the land is brought to flower not with human tears but with the tears of your Son. Grant that those who labor for you may not trust in their own work but in your help through Jesus Christ our Lord. 3

Sources;

1. “Adam and Eve in Paradise” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-127 

3. Collect for Psalm 127, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

St. Michael and All Angels (September 29)

 Daniel 10:10–14; 12:1–3
Revelation 12:7–12
Matthew 18:1–11 or Luke 10:17–20

Our Father in Heaven Protects His Children by Giving His Holy Angels Charge Over Them

We live in “a time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1), in the midst of great tribulation; for Satan and his wicked angels have been thrown out of heaven and have come down to earth “in great wrath,” with woeful “temptations to sin” and with constant accusations (Rev. 12:8–12; Matt. 18:7). Even so, we are encouraged by the presence and protection of St. Michael and the holy angels, whom God sends to help us in the strife (Dan. 10:11–13). By “the authority of his Christ,” His holy angels guard and keep us in body and soul. These heavenly servants of God preserve His human messengers on earth, the ministers of “the blood of the Lamb,” against all the power of the enemy; for by “the word of their testimony,” the Church is saved and the devil is defeated (Rev. 12:10–11; Luke 10:18–19). By their preaching and Baptism of repentance, the old Adam and the old evil foe are “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6); and as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, so are His people delivered and raised from the dust of the earth through the forgiveness of their sins (Dan. 12:1–3).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Icon of St. Michael copyright google images

Proper 22 Series B study notes

 

Proper 22Series B

Genesis 2:18–25 

Hebrews 2:1–13 (14–18)

Mark 10:2–16

 

Marriage Is a Sign that Manifests the Gospel of Christ and His Church

 

Humanity is created in the image and likeness of God. “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). For the Lord Himself is a perfect communion of three Persons — the Father, Son and Holy Spirit — in one God. Therefore, “the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs,” which “he made into a woman” and brought “to the man” (Genesis 2:21–22). It is for this reason that “a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7). 

This great mystery of holy marriage signifies Christ Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, and His Bride, the Church. Divorce and all manner of adultery contradict and undermine this sign, and in doing so, they confess a false Christ and a false gospel. “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9). In truth, Christ Jesus has atoned for all such sins, and He has perfected marriage in Himself “through suffering,” that He might bring “many sons to glory” in His resurrection. (Hebrews 2:8–10).   

Merciful Father, Your patience and loving-kindness toward us have no end. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may always think and do those things that are pleasing in Your sight.

O Spirit of the Father, Breath on them from above, So searching in Your pureness, So tender in Your love That, guarded by Your presence And kept from strife and sin, Their hearts may heed Your guidance And know You dwell within (LSB 858;3)

Mark 10:2-16

The key to Mark 10 is that God accepts us by grace through faith in Jesus not through obedience or status. Just as children receive love they do not earn. 

Jesus teaches that God wants men and women in marriage to be exclusively committed to each other for life. Attempts to alter or get around God's good intentions bring condemnation, not greater liberty. Thoughtfully and prayerfully embrace God's ways. What He establishes is for our good and stems from His love and grace.

Mark 10:2 

Καὶ [b]ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν εἰ ἔξεστιν ἀνδρὶ γυναῖκα ἀπολῦσαι, πειράζοντες αὐτόν.

And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

and coming to him, the Pharisees asked is it lawful for a man to loose...divorce his wife...they did this to test him. 

Mark 10:3

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Τί ὑμῖν ἐνετείλατο Μωϋσῆς;

He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”

What did Moses command?  Asking a Law question they get a LAW answer...they did not recognize Jesus so Jesus gives them the authority they recognize.

Mark 10:4  

οἱ δὲ εἶπαν· [c]Ἐπέτρεψεν Μωϋσῆς βιβλίον ἀποστασίου γράψαι καὶ ἀπολῦσαι. 

They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.”

they said, Moses allowed a bible of diverse And to send her away. Deut. 24:1-3 see Jeremiah 3:1; Hosea; 

Mark 10:5 

ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Πρὸς τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν ἔγραψεν ὑμῖν τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην· 

And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.

 

It was because your heart was hard that Moses wrote you this law. The Law was written for our hardness of heart. 

Mark 10:6 

ἀπὸ δὲ ἀρχῆς κτίσεως ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ ἐποίησεν [e]αὐτούς· 

 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’

from the beginning of creation (pre Fall) God created them male and female.  first words spoken of man from Scripture..."she completes me..."

Mark 10:7 

ἕνεκεν τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν μητέρα [f]καὶ προσκολληθήσεται πρὸς τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, 

 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one. God is doing the joining.. hence the words of 11 and 12...

Some manuscripts omit and hold fast to his wife

Mark 10:8

καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν· ὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο ἀλλὰ μία σάρξ· 

and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.

Mark 10:9

ὃ οὖν ὁ θεὸς συνέζευξεν ἄνθρωπος μὴ χωριζέτω.  

What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Therefore that which God has joined together let not man separate. Nothing can destroy what God has commanded. It is what it is...don't mess with it...

Mark 10:10

Καὶ [g]εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν πάλιν οἱ μαθηταὶ [h]περὶ τούτου [i]ἐπηρώτων αὐτόν. 

And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.

Mark 10:11

καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Ὃς [j]ἂν ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ καὶ γαμήσῃ ἄλλην μοιχᾶται ἐπ’ αὐτήν,

 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her,

Mark 10:12

καὶ ἐὰν [k]αὐτὴ ἀπολύσασα τὸν ἄνδρα αὐτῆς γαμήσῃ ἄλλον μοιχᾶται. 

 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Into the house again, they ask Him... whoever sends away cuts loose his wife and marries another and if she cuts loose her man...they commit adultery. 

__________________

Let the Children Come to Me

What ties these two texts together is who we are in Christ, we bring children to Jesus. These are separate sermons. It is the text in the baptismal rite.  Children are helpless...they bring nothing...what better place than for an adult baptism. Do not prevent...

Mark 10:13

Καὶ προσέφερον αὐτῷ παιδία ἵνα [l]αὐτῶν ἅψηται· οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ [m]ἐπετίμησαν αὐτοῖς.

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.

Mark 10:14

δὼν δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἠγανάκτησεν καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἄφετε τὰ παιδία ἔρχεσθαι πρός με, μὴ κωλύετε αὐτά, τῶν γὰρ τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ.

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:15

ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ὃς [n]ἂν μὴ δέξηται τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ὡς παιδίον, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτήν.

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”  

Mark 10:16

καὶ ἐναγκαλισάμενος αὐτὰ [o]κατευλόγει τιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτά.

And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them… And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:13,16

 Christ’s Touch (A Baptism Hymn, Sung to LSB 873)

Some brought children for your touch.

Your men did not understand;

They thought children were of such

Should not waste the Master’s hand.

Yet in Baptism you now bless

Every child with your caress.

Lord a leper you did cure

As he felt your holy hand.

He was cleansed, made wholly pure;

In your temple He could stand.

So you touched my body Lord,

Cleansing me by watery word.

Yes the deaf, the mute, the blind,

Many sick, the bent, the dead…

Felt your touch and they did find

Ails were gone of every dread.

Ailed with sin may we each see,

Baptized…cured, you have touched me!

By your cross you took our dross:

Sin’s impurities, death’s doom.

Now you’ve marked us with that cross,

Joined us to your empty tomb.

Stamped as your gold coins we live,

Cross embossed for you to give.

Daniel J. Brege,

Sources:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked SBLGNT are from the The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Saturday prior to Proper 21

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John 14:2; 1 John 4:19; John 8:12- The hymn, Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower (LSB 694), is the Hymn of the Day. Having seen what the Lord has done, having experienced His goodness and mercy, having entered into His presence, we are now called to praise the Name of the Lord which is expressed in this wonderful hymn.

At first the language of this hymn seems to be about my fervent love of Jesus, a kind of “You Are My Sunshine” song. Instead, for the Christian who knows the words of Jesus, it turns out to be a strong reflection on the relationship between “light” and “life.” The “light of the world” is Jesus and Jesus is the one who gives me new “life.” No Jesus, no new life— just the old rebellious self. The poet, Johann Scheffler (1624-1677), at the end of the first stanza makes reference to this connection between light and life (“Thee will I love, O light divine, so long as life is mine”) and he repeats the same thought in the closing stanza. Scheffler, an enthusiast for mystic poets like Jacob Boehme (1575-1624), sought to reach for the Infinite and a sense of oneness between Creator and creature. This hymn, not surprisingly then, reminds today’s singer of what was said in the opening to John’s gospel about Jesus, the “Word,” through whom all things were made: “In him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

Scheffler rightly associates life with light and the “divine Light” is his central poetic image. Indeed, in stanza three Jesus is called the “Sun from heaven, whose radiance hath brought light to me.” For this I give thanks because Jesus’ lips (in the German: “golden mouth”) revealed the Father’s love; because Jesus gave up of his life for me I am “glad and free.” The poet develops the light image in various ways but since not everything comes through in translation permit some reference to his original wording. In the German of the first stanza Scheffler says he loves the “strength” (vigor, intensity) and the “powerful affect” of this light (the translator’s paraphrase says it gives me “hope” and “joy”). In the second stanza Jesus is “my life” (cf. John 1:4) and “truest friend.” 

Then in the second part of this stanza where Scheffler’s German text had three Biblical images for Jesus, namely, that Jesus’ “splendor” (brightness) enlightens a believer, that Jesus is the sacrificial “Lamb of God,” and that Jesus is the “bridegroom” of the church, the translator settled for a single summarizing word, “Redeemer.” In either version the language makes clear that Christian life is sourced in Jesus.

Since Christian life is enlivened by the radiance of the Light, stanza four prays for its power. Scheffler’s original German asks Jesus to “keep me” on the narrow path, from straying in the wrong direction, and from stepping in the wrong places. It also prays for Jesus’ heavenly “brightness” to enlighten my “life and soul.” Finally, in stanza five Jesus is my “Crown” and, in times of greatest need and at my death, the “Light Divine” will always be my “God.” The poetry concludes with a statement of trust.

Since the Light, Jesus, is the source of my life, everything that he does for me causes me to love, praise, and thank him. I recall Jesus’ words: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). When I sing this hymn it becomes my song of trust in Jesus, who enlightens me and gives me life. 2

James L. Brauer

Professor Emeritus, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Collect for Proper 21 –Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the works You have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever

Sources:

1. The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2 https://www.cuchicago.edu/globalassets/www-digital-team-media-files/documents-and-images/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-church-music/devotions/hymn-of-the-day-devotion---proper-23-series-b.pdf 

2. Collect for Proper 21, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House,  St, Louis

 

Friday prior to Proper 21

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Mark 9:38-50—Jesus approves a non-follower’s use of His name to cast our demons. He urges the extermination of those sins that result in hell. The first part of the Gospel (verses 38-41) obviously parallels the Old Testament lesson. It deals with Jesus’ approval of a non-disciple casting out demons in Jesus’ name. The next section (verses 42-48) deals with Jesus’ “little ones” – not children but his disciples or new converts. The point is that any sacrifice is worth eternal life rather than going to hell forever which is described as eternal torment. A third section of the reading deals with salt.  It is a call to radical obedience rather than to accommodation to the world. 

In Christ you are free. There is much Christian liberty and freedom the child of God can experience in this life. The Lord wants His followers to enjoy the fullness of life. All that God created is good. However, if any part of us or any habit causes us to sin, we are to get rid of it. It would be better to abstain and deny ourselves certain pleasures and privileges than to allow one pleasure to ruin the whole. When should we allow our Christian liberty to be exercised? When might you deny yourself certain “freedoms” for the sake of someone else? How might we better live balanced lives?

A Collect for those in distress—Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord 2

Sources:

1.  “The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. Collect for those in distress, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Thursday prior to Proper 21

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James 5: (1-12) 13-20—James calls for intolerance of wickedness and a return to God for the avoidance of evil. This lesson continues where last Sunday’s Epistle has stopped. James urges his readers to turn to God and away from wickedness. Among the evils we are to avoid are judging others, boasting, and injustice to the poor.

“In fulfillment of God’s purposes…” That’s how the opening verses of James have described the purposive nature of God’s “generous acts of giving” and God’s “every perfect gift.”

Confidence in the power of prayer

At the beginning of the letter the author has counseled that if we lack anything that belongs to wisdom, the correct response is to turn to God in prayer, knowing that God will respond “generously and ungrudgingly” (James 1:5). That confidence is now reasserted in these final words to the community. But now the power of prayer holds out some rather telling content and promise. The author speaks of its power to “save” the sick, to “raise them up,” and to occasion the “forgiveness of sins” (James 5:5). In effect the assertion is that in the community’s exercise of prayer the very promise and power of the resurrection remain not just some future hope but now impinge on, recreate, and sustain a living and active community of faith.

It takes a village

In case it has slipped our notice, the author emphasizes it once again — such an exercise of prayer is not either by or for persons in isolation. We might imagine that such counsel jumps over the centuries in being particularly relevant to our own contemporary world. Ours is a very individualist oriented culture. Self-help books proliferate on our bookshelves. And even our so-called “social media” is often structured or utilized primarily to focused on exalting individual identities and chalking up the greatest number of “friends” on our tally sheets (friends for whom the greatest insult might be that in a fit of pique I might “un-friend” them at any moment).

But James knows a wisdom that is communal, especially in its faithful exercise of prayer. Twice he charges that confession should be “to one another,” and that we should pray “for one another,” if we have any expectation that the promised healing is to take place (James 5.16). Such prayer exercised within and on behalf of the community has power — James says it is “effective.” It is effective because it is exercised within the context of a community endowed with God’s gifts in creation, and because it belongs to ones who have been forgiven and empowered by the implanted word of promise in Christ Jesus. In James’ language it is the prayer of ones who are “righteous.” 2

For the Hope of Eternal life in Christ—Almighty, everlasting God, whose Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily and we hold fast to the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 3

Sources:

1.              The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for                                 personal and congregational use

2                 https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-26-                        2/commentary-on-james-513-20-4

 

3.                Collect for the Hope of Eternal Life, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing                     House, St. Louis

Wednesday prior to Proper 21

1

 Numbers 11:4-6; 10-16, 24-29—The LORD provides seventy elders to assist Moses in meeting the needs of the people and gives his spirit to others from the seventy.

Moses tolerates the giving of the Spirit. The Lord provides seventy elders to assist Moses in meeting the needs of the people and gives his spirit to others than the seventy. The Israelites are in the wilderness and complain to Moses that they have only manna and no meat. Moses takes the complaint to God who orders Moses to bring seventy elders to the meeting place outside the camp. Some of Moses’ spirit was given to the elders and they began to prophesy. Two men, Eldad and Medad, were not invited to the meeting of the seventy. While in the camp, they received the Spirit and prophesied. Joshua was jealous for Moses and asked him to stop the two. Moses refused and wished that all of the people had the spirit and were prophets.

The “spirit” is the spirit of God. It did not originate on Pentecost, but the same spirit existed from the beginning. It operated at creation and spoke through Moses and the prophets. The spirit may come through human instrumentality. The spirit came out of Moses to the elders from Elijah to Elisha, from the church’s laying on of hands. Proclamation is allied with the spirit. When the spirit is possessed, there is preaching.   2

Especially in the book of Acts, as the spirit comes Luke remarks, “and they prophesied” which simply means the early disciples proclaimed the Gospel.  

A prayer for steadfast faith—Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 3

Sources:

1. “The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

3. Collect for a steadfast faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Tuesday prior to Proper 21

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Psalm 104:27-35; key verse, verse 24—How many are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. 

This Psalm has no title but it is attributed to David. 

The psalmist recalls the fifth day of creation. (Genesis 1:20-23).  The realm of the sea is structurally balanced with the celestial realm, (see verses 2-4) as the other boundary to the realm of earth. And the Lord orders each day of your life as He has promised to guide and sustain you.

These all wait for You, that You may give them their food: The psalmist considered all kinds of created things from the land, sea, and air. He recognized that they all depended upon God, who provided for them in due season.

The Lord provides for all we need in due season. God has a timing for all things, and does not feed his creatures by fits and starts; he gives them daily bread, and a quantity proportioned to their needs.

V. 24: O LORD, how manifold are Your works. The psalmist continues in amazement as he looks at nature and creation. He sees it all not as the result of random and purposeless events, but as the wise works of a great God who has right of ownership over all of it (Your possessions).  2

Collect for Psalm 104: God of all light, life and love, through the visible things of the world you raise our thoughts to things unseen and you show us your power and your love. From your dwelling place refresh our hearts and renew the face of the earth with the life-giving water of your Word, until the new heaven and new earth resound with the song of resurrection in Jesus Christ our Lord. 3  

Sources:

1. “The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-104 

3. Collect for Psalm 104, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Monday prior to Proper 21

 

1

Psalm 37:5-7, Antiphon, Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. 

This psalm is simply titled A Psalm of David. Verse 25 tells us that it is David in his older years, giving wisdom in the pattern of a song. This psalm is roughly acrostic in arrangement, with the lines arranged with Hebrew sentences that begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In style this is a wisdom psalm, directed not to God but to man, teaching after the manner of the Book of Proverbs.

David instructs us that wisdom triumphs over worry. 

Delight yourself also in the LORD. David advised the man or woman of God to replace worry and envy with a conscious delight in the LORD. This means to cheer one’s heart and mind by considering and by faith receiving the multiple blessings of God.

And He shall give you the desires of your heart. This is a wonderful and even safe promise. The one who truly delights in the LORD will find his heart and desires changed, steadily aligning with God’s own good desires for his life. Thus we see that finding delight in God is a key to a happy, satisfied life. 2

No matter what you are up against, trust in the Lord and He will sustain you. He will prove Himself worthy as you read the rest of the appointed readings for the coming week. 

Collect for Psalm 37: Lord Jesus, you bless the poor with the kingdom of heaven. Teach us to put our trust in the Father and to seek his kingdom rather than to imitate the powerful or envy the rich so may we serve you now and forever. 3

Sources:

1. The Crucifixion, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-37 

3. Collect for Psalm 37, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Proper 18 series B study

 

Proper 20

Mark 9:30-37

Our Father cares for His children with the Gospel of His Son

“Jesus’ definition of greatness”

The Collect for Proper 20: “O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.”  Amen 

For your information: Capernaum was a fishing village located on the northwest tip of the Sea of Galilee. It is mentioned in all four gospels. It was reported to have been the hometown of the tax collector Matthew, and located not far from Bethsaida, the hometown of the apostles Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. One Sabbath, Jesus taught in the synagogue in Capernaum and healed a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit (Luke 4:31–36 and Mark 1:21–28). This story is notable for being the only one common between the gospels of Mark and Luke, but not contained in the Gospel of Matthew. Afterwards, Jesus healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law of a fever (Luke 4:38–39). 

According to Luke 7:1–10 and Matthew 8:5, Capernaum is also the place where Jesus healed the servant of a Roman centurion who had asked for His help. Capernaum is also the location of the healing of the paralytic lowered through the roof to reach Jesus reported in Mark 2:1–12 and Luke 5:17–26. In Matthew 9:1 the town is referred to only as "his own city" (Matthew 9:1-7).

Questions/Discussion

1. According to vs. 30-32 Jesus again foretells His death, and resurrection. “They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.”

2. By the time we get to verse 32, Jesus has just imparted a crucial teaching, telling them who he is, and not for the first time. The prospect of the Messiah being taken and killed just does not compute. When God comes in glory, it is surely to conquer his enemies, not to "be handed over into the hands of men, and they will kill him" (31). So, "they did not understand what he was saying and they were afraid to ask him" (verse 32).

3. What is the focus of Jesus’ work with the disciples at this point? Why?

4. To what degree do the disciples seem to understand Him? What is their chief concern? What is the point of His words about the child? How do they speak to what the disciples have been saying?

5. Brainstorm. Make a list of questions you think the disciples might have wanted to ask Jesus at that point. What questions are people afraid to ask God?  What questions do you wish could be asked at church?

6. What does this passage have to do with the other readings for today?  The Theme for today: “The Christian and his opposition” can be clearly seen in the three main readings. In the Old Testament lesson [Jeremiah 11:18—20], Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies.  In the Epistle [James 3:13-4:10], opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. In the Gospel, [Mark 9:30-37], Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face His oppressors. Christians live in a world with a different mindset.  Friendship with the world places us at enmity to God. So, how do we strike a balance of living in the world and still being different?  

7. What important points did you glean from the text, the sermon, and service? What was important to you?

 

What is Jesus’ definition of “greatness”? What is His standard? His measuring stick? Jesus answers that question in the Gospel of Matthew. With very clear and specific words. “At that time, the disciples came to Jesus asking ‘who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’  Calling unto Himself an infant παιδίον Jesus placed him in front of them and said ‘whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones; who believes in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea…see that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always behold the face of My Father.” {Matthew 18:1; 4-6; 10}

Merciful God, Your Son Jesus Christ was lifted upon a cross that He might bear the sin of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him. Lord, thank You for Your work through the lives of others. Lead me to welcome those miracles and mercies that You show through every one of Your people…

These words. Should sound familiar to us. They have been read. Hundreds of times. Over the past thirty-one years. They are included. In the baptism order of service. Used at this parish. Are you surprised? At these words?  Are you offended? By these words of the Savior?

Jesus is quite specific. When it comes to defining greatness μείζων. Jesus gives further instruction of what it means to be great according to His definition.

The disciples had been engaged in that very conversation.  Like any parent. Who can clearly overhear the bickering and arguing that goes on. Jesus asks them once they enter the house. “What were you arguing about on the road?” {v. 33} Jesus has them dead to rights.  Mark informs us they kept quiet. They were silent. Because they have been bickering. About who was the greatest among them. {v.34} Consider Jesus’ clear and definitive response.

Grant us Thy peace throughout our earthly life,

Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife;

Then, when Thy voice shall bid our conflict cease,

Call us, O Lord, to Thine eternal peace.

Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise stanza four, Lutheran Service Book #917

Proper 21 Series B study notes

Proper 21 B

Numbers 11:4–6, 10–16, 24–29 

James 5:(1–12) 13–20

Mark 9:38–50

  

Christ Jesus, the Son of God, Cares for Us and Serves Us with the Forgiveness of Sins

 

When the people of Israel wept, complaining that they had no meat to eat (Numbers 11:4), Moses cried out to the Lord that “the burden of all this people” was too heavy for him and that he was “not able to carry all this people alone.” (Numbers 11:11–14). So the Lord had Moses gather “seventy men of the elders of Israel.” (Numbers 11:16), and the Lord “took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders” (Numbers 11:25), so that Moses would not carry the burden alone. 

All who thus labor are honored, and all the people are cared for, in the name of the Lord (Mark 9:39–41). Everything is done with reference to Christ Jesus. So we cling to Him, and we flee from all sins that would separate us from Him (Mark 9:42–48). The life of the Church is one of repentant faith in Christ. Christians confess their sins to one another, and they “pray for one another,” that each would be raised up and healed by the Lord Jesus, who covers “a multitude of sins” and saves our souls from death (James 5:15–20). 

The theme is Tolerance. In the Old Testament lesson Moses tolerates the giving of the Spirit. In the Epistle, James calls for intolerance of wickedness. In the Gospel, Jesus approves a non-follower's use of His name. Coupled with tolerance is an underlying theme of resistance. Jesus urges to get rid of anything that causes us to sin while in the Old Testament lesson the Israelites complain about the monotony of daily manna. James condemns the sin of arrogance and persecution of the poor.

Collect for Proper 21 - Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the works You have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Lord, thank You for Your work through the lives of others. Lead me to welcome those miracles and mercies that You show through every one of Your people. 

Lord, give us the lasting faith that can persevere through every trial. Empty our heads of anything that competes with You, and let us hold firmly to You eternally. 

Mark 9:38-50 – Jesus approves a non-follower’s use of His name to cast our demons. He urges the extermination of those sins that result in hell. The first part of the Gospel (Vv. 38-41) obviously parallels the Old Testament lesson. It deals with Jesus’ approval of a non-disciple casting out demons in Jesus’ name. The next section (Vv.42-48) deals with Jesus’ “little ones” – not children but his disciples or new converts. The point is that any sacrifice is worth eternal life rather than going to hell forever which is described as eternal torment. 

A third section of the reading deals with salt.  It is a call to radical obedience rather than to accommodation to the world.

In Christ you are free. There is much Christian liberty and freedom the child of God can experience in this life. The Lord wants His followers to enjoy the fullness of life. All that God created is good. However, if any part of us or any habit causes us to sin, we are to get rid of it. It would be better to abstain and deny ourselves certain pleasures and privileges than to allow one pleasure to ruin the whole. When should we allow our Christian liberty to be exercised? When might you deny yourself certain “freedoms” for the sake of someone else? How might we better live balanced lives?

Vv. 38-41 Jesus opens the disciples' eyes to see those who do God's work in dramatic or simple ways. The work of God goes far beyond us. He show His power and kindness through great life changing miracles and simple cups of water. 

Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us

:38 [a]Ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης· Διδάσκαλε, εἴδομέν τινα [b]ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου ἐκβάλλοντα δαιμόνια, [c]καὶ ἐκωλύομεν αὐτόν, ὅτι οὐκ ἠκολούθει ἡμῖν.

 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name,[a] and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”

-John the Baptist  beheaded in chapter 6 - he's not following us, not one of us...casting out demons correctly. Is this a part of the 70/72? 

-Consistent with John/James shall we call down fire, sit on Your right/left.

:39  ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν· Μὴ κωλύετε αὐτόν, οὐδεὶς γάρ ἐστιν ὃς ποιήσει δύναμιν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου καὶ δυνήσεται ταχὺ κακολογῆσαί με·

But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 

- do not forbid him...do not stop them...for no one who does a powerful work (things) ...in My Name... and turn around and speak evil. 

-Powerful things = proclaiming the Word, baptizing…

:40 ὃς γὰρ οὐκ ἔστιν καθ’ [d]ἡμῶν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐστιν

     For the one who is not against us is for us. 

-whoever is not against us is for us...

:41 Ὃς γὰρ ἂν ποτίσῃ ὑμᾶς ποτήριον ὕδατος ἐν [e]ὀνόματι ὅτι χριστοῦ ἐστε, ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν [f]ὅτι οὐ μὴ [g]ἀπολέσῃ τὸν μισθὸν αὐτοῦ.

For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. 

- for whoever gives you to drink a cup of water in the Name because you are in Christ, he will certainly no loose his reward...Christian Vocation... 

-There must have been a conversion. By nature people start out against Christ, in the realm of darkness...

-Jesus also said, "He who is not with me is against me."

-Do not compare yourself to others but also do not compromise the truth.

Vv. 42-50 Nothing is more important than retaining the faith unto eternal life. Let nothing come between you and the Savior.  Though He tests us with fire, He does not consume His own people.  Rejoice, for God graciously gives us the faith in which He preserves us to eternity. 

Temptations to Sin

:42  Καὶ ὃς [h]ἂν σκανδαλίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν [i]τούτων τῶν πιστευόντων [j]εἰς ἐμέ, καλόν ἐστιν αὐτῷ μᾶλλον εἰ περίκειται [k]μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ βέβληται εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν. 

Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,[b] it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 

"little ones" Gk. μικρῶν "smallest child" 

:43 Καὶ ἐὰν [l]σκανδαλίζῃ σε ἡ χείρ σου, ἀπόκοψον αὐτήν· καλόν [m]ἐστίν σε κυλλὸν [n]εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν ἢ τὰς δύο χεῖρας ἔχοντα ἀπελθεῖν εἰς τὴν γέενναν, εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ [o]ἄσβεστον.

And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell,[c] to the unquenchable fire.[d] 

-"hell: Gk. γέενναν from Hebrew name for the Hinnom Valley southwest of Jerusalem, where humans were sacrificed (2 Ch.28:3; 33:6) and garbage was dumped (2 Kings 23:10)  Fire was constantly present in the Hinnom Valley due to sacrifices and burning trash. This became a figure for the everlasting fire of hell. Used in Mark Vv. 43, 45, 47. 

-Hand, foot, eye = Works, your walk, what you take in goes to the heart...

:45  καὶ ἐὰν ὁ πούς σου σκανδαλίζῃ σε, ἀπόκοψον αὐτόν· καλόν ἐστίν [p]σε εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν χωλὸν ἢ τοὺς δύο πόδας ἔχοντα βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν [q]γέενναν.

And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 

:47 καὶ ἐὰν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζῃ σε, ἔκβαλε αὐτόν· καλόν [r]σέ ἐστιν μονόφθαλμον εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἢ δύο ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντα βληθῆναι εἰς [s]τὴν [t]γέενναν,

And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,

:48  ὅπου ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ τελευτᾷ καὶ τὸ πῦρ οὐ σβέννυται.

     where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

:49 Πᾶς γὰρ πυρὶ [u]ἁλισθήσεται.

           For everyone will be salted with fire.

:50 καλὸν τὸ ἅλας· ἐὰν δὲ τὸ ἅλας ἄναλον γένηται, ἐν τίνι αὐτὸ ἀρτύσετε; ἔχετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς [v]ἅλα, καὶ εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἀλλήλοις.

Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Sources

Scripture quotations marked SBLGNT are from the The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

 

St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (September 21)

Ezekiel 2:8–3:11
Ephesians 4:7–16
Matthew 9:9–13

St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Our Ascended Lord gives gifts to His Church. In particular He gave apostles and evangelists like St. Matthew, prophets like Ezekiel, and still gives pastors and teachers (Eph. 4:8, 11). All are for the common good, empowered by the same Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7, 11). They speak Christ’s truth in love to wind- and wave-tossed children so that the saints may be equipped, served, and built up as the body of Christ(Eph. 4:12–15). Christ is not only the Head of this body; He is her Good Physician (Matt. 9:9–13). He has come not for the well but for the sick, not for the righteous, but for sinners—even notorious tax collectors like Matthew. Christ’s team of spiritual physicians must serve faithfully. Their instrument is “Thus says the Lord God,” to be spoken “whether they hear or refuse to hear” (Ezek. 3:11). 

To those stubborn, rebellious patients who believe they need no physician, the Word of lamentation, mourning, and woe must be fearlessly spoken: God’s Law calls to repentance. To those who recognize their trouble and sickness, the salve of the Gospel is to be applied. So Christ works to save us, as Matthew’s Gospel records.

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Saturday prior to Proper 20

 

1

Exodus 20:1-17- The hymn, These Are the Holy Ten Commandments (LSB 581) Recall the Lord’s requirement of faithfulness to His Law. A good review of the Ten Commandments. Written by Luther the hymn was intended for instruction especially the youth.  It appears that Luther pioneered the concept of instruction set to music which five centuries later is still a successful technique in teaching the faith.  

The 10 Commandments for personal reflection

1 These are the holy Ten Commands. God gave to us by Moses' hands.

2 "I am alone your God, the Lord;" 

3 "Do not My holy name disgrace," 

4 "You shall observe the worship day." 

5 "You are to honor and obey." 

6 "You shall not murder, hurt, nor hate;" 

7 "Be faithful to your marriage vow;"

8 "You shall not steal or take away."

9. “Bear no false witness not defame." 

10. “You shall not crave your neighbor’s house"

In the final two stanzas Luther eloquently summarizes both the Law and Gospel in four short lines. 

“You have this Law to see therein “Our works cannot salvation gain

That you have not been free from sin They merit only endless pain

But also that you clearly see Forgive us, Lord! To Christ we flee

How put toward God life should be.” Who pleads for us endlessly.”

To which we pray “Have Mercy, LORD!

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

A prayer for steadfast faith – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 2

Sources:

1. “The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. Collects for the Lord’s Guidance and a steadfast faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Friday Prior to Proper 20

 

1

Mark 9:30-37—Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Jesus again announces His approaching passion and teaches the disciples the meaning of greatness.  On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus announces a second time that He is going there to suffer, die, and rise on the third day. To avoid being detained, he travels incognito. Unlike the first announcement, the disciples do not understand it and are afraid to ask Him the meaning of it. When the group reaches Capernaum, Jesus asked them what they were discussing during the walk. They were too embarrassed to answer, for they had discussed who would be Number One in the coming Kingdom.  Jesus taught that the one to be first must be last as a servant. To illustrate He takes a child in His arms, for in that day women and children were considered second-class citizens. Jesus makes the point that the greatest will minister to one like a child in His name, and when He does, He serves both Christ and God. 

It is natural and human to want to get to the top, to the heard of the line. Who wants to be second or last? Jesus died not condemn them for wanting to be Number One. It was a matter of how to be first. He explained that in his kingdom the first would be last and servant of all. This is upside down according to the world’s standards. Jesus gave the example. He was going to suffer and die for men. He used a child to demonstrate the principle – give attention and care to one as unimportant and powerless as a child. 2 

Collect for Proper 20 –O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. 3

Sources:

1. “The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

3. Collect for Proper 20, Lutheran  Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis