Proper 5 - Series A notes (Pentecost 2)

Pentecost 2 – Proper 5
05-11 June 

Hosea 5:15-6:6
Psalm 119:65-72 (v.65)
Romans 4:13-25
Matthew 9:9-13

Almighty most merciful God, You sent Your Son Jesus Christ to seek and to save the lost. Graciously open our ears and our hearts to hears His call and follow Him by faith that we might feast with Him forever in His kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen 

Matthew 9:9-13

Jesus Calls Matthew

9 Καὶ παράγων ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐκεῖθεν εἶδεν ἄνθρωπον καθήμενον ἐπὶ τὸ τελώνιον, Μαθθαῖον λεγόμενον, καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· Ἀκολούθει μοι· καὶ ἀναστὰς ἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ.

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

10 Καὶ ἐγένετο αὐτοῦ ἀνακειμένου ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ, καὶ ἰδοὺ πολλοὶ τελῶναι καὶ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἐλθόντες συνανέκειντο τῷ Ἰησοῦ καὶ τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ. 

And as Jesus[a] reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples

a. “He”

11 καὶ ἰδόντες οἱ Φαρισαῖοι ἔλεγον τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ· Διὰ τί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν; 

And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 ὁ δὲ ἀκούσας εἶπεν· Οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ ἀλλὰ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες. 

But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

13 πορευθέντες δὲ μάθετε τί ἐστιν· Ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν· οὐ γὰρ ἦλθον καλέσαι δικαίους ἀλλὰ ἁμαρτωλούς.

Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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. 

-Romans 3:21-28 - "Obedience to God’s Word results from grace"

Obedience to God’s Word results from grace

Luther possibly said it best when he stated, “A Christian lives in Christ through faith, in his neighbor through love. By faith he is caught up beyond himself into God. By love he descends beneath himself into his neighbor.” As we continue in our walk through the book of Romans we are presented with a question: “Why be good?”

Why be good? We are found to be in a right standing with God through Jesus’ work and Jesus’ merit. Paul reminds us that your obedience does not save –“a man is justified by faith apart from words of the law.” Your obedience to God’s law has no part in getting right with God.

Now, if that is all true. Then why exert yourself?    Where does obedience stand? We need to place obedience in its proper perspective.

Why be good by obeying God’s Laws?

1.     Not to earn God’s acceptance. “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, (although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it.)” “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”— Vv. 21, 28

A.    The righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law.

It is impossible for a person to be righteous by law-keeping (v. 20). Not because of any imperfection in the law. But the result of our inability to keep it. So it is that God has provided a way of righteousness “apart from the law.” It is a righteousness that comes “by faith in Jesus Christ.” This righteousness is available to all people. The righteousness of God is Jesus. Apart from works of the law. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the law.

The entire Old Testament bears witness to Christ. On the road to Emmaus as Jesus talked to those two witnesses, Luke reminds us, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)

B.     You are justified apart from works of the law.

This is glorious good news for anyone who has faced the reality of their sinful nature. Try as we might to live a “good life” or “keep the Ten Commandments,” we know that we fail time and again. If there is a way to get right with God, it has to be “apart from the law”. And thank God, that is exactly what the Father has revealed in the gospel. As the Reformation would unfold Luther and Philip Melanchthon would write, “Upon this article of justification everything that we teach and practice depends. We must be certain and not doubt this doctrine. Otherwise all is lost!”[1]

2.     We follow God’s directive to express gratitude for grace received. “…and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.”  - Vv. 24, 25

A.    We are justified by His grace as a gift.

Grace cannot be earned. It must be given by God.  The word Paul uses for “Redemption” (Greek “apolytrosis”) is the concept of the buying back of a slave or a captive, setting a person free. Christ gave His life to see all people free when He died on the cross. “We receive the mercy promised in Him by and set it against God’s wrath and judgment.”[2]

B.     Through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. [i]

Paul uses the term “Propitiation.”  Where the high priest sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice on the Ark of the Covenant’s cover this all pointed to Christ. (See Exodus 25:17) Christ’s righteousness covers the sinner. He is the sacrifice for sin. Faith does not earn anything…it receives God’s gift

C.     Because the Father has passed over former sins.

Christ’s work shows that God both justly punishes sin and graciously forgives sinners.  God does not ignore sin. He delayed the punishment until Christ paid it. But this is not child abuse. Christ willingly made full satisfaction for sin. Christ is true God “reconciling the world to Himself.” (2 Cor. 5:19) The Father sent the Son sincerely, anticipating the sacrifice, victory and reunion. (The binding of Isaac.)

Remember Luther’s perspective; “A Christian lives in Christ through faith, in his neighbor through love. By faith he is caught up beyond himself into God. By love he descends beneath himself into his neighbor.”

Why be good? Because God is good. Because God is good, He has made you good. You are now free to love God as you serve your neighbor is love.

Through the waters of baptism, each of us is called by the Lord, to become agents of the Gospel – the presence of Jesus Christ – wherever it is God calls you to serve. This is your calling in life to love God as you serve your neighbor. In faith, in hope, in love.

Words – 1,210
Passive Sentences –9%
Readability –73.8%
Reading Level -6.3

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 

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[1] The Smalcald Article Book of Concord Concordia Triglotta: - Page 145

[2] Apology to the Augsburg Confession 82

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[i]               “Jesus is not simply a teacher or a great moralist or a great example; rather, he is, as we confess in the Nicene Creed, light of light, very God of very God, of one substance with the Father, and the only begotten Son of God. Remember that the Council of Nicaea rejected the teaching of Arius, who did not think that Jesus was wholly divine. Yet without being fully human and fully divine, you and I remain earthbound, to dust and to decay.

“Some prefer a savior who only teaches and provides an example of a good life or advances a political agenda. And to those people we must say that human teachers, no matter how moral they may be, or how grand a political agenda they propose, they cannot raise anyone-anyone-to eternal life, because such a teacher cannot conquer death. Others continue to create a Jesus in their own image, a teacher of secret truths to a select few, someone who has a grandiose social agenda of a you-pick-the-ideology. Still others prefer a wise rabbi or philosopher.

And yet, martyr after martyr, to say nothing of the disciples themselves, did not go to death out of loyalty to a wise rabbi or a great moralist. The only reason they could look death in the eye and not blink is because of the truth many had been witness too. They had witnessed the crucifixion, they had witnessed the resurrection, they were in the upper room, they had the Spirit breathed upon them on that first Pentecost, they were with him for forty days, and they saw him ascend. They took these truths and handed them down to others, who in turn passed them along to others still. These were life changing events that gave them the strength to sacrifice themselves for the Lord. This is the on-going work of the Church today: to continuously hand down those truths that we have received from those saints who came before us.” – Pr. Ken Kelly · Johnstown, PA  Ascension 2017 sermon

Saturday prior to Trinity

 

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.

Rabanus Maurus (c. 776-856) was born of noble parents at Mainz, and educated at Fulda and Tours under Alcuin, who is reputed to have given him the surname, Maurus, after the saint of that name. In 803, he became director of the school at the Benedictine Abbey at Fulda. He was ordained priest in 814, spending the following years in a pilgrimage to Palestine. In 822, he became Abbott at Fulda, retiring in 842. In 847, he became archbishop of Mainz. He died at Winkel on the Rhine, February 4, 856. This distinguished poet-theologian wrote extensive biblical commentaries, the Encyclopaedic De Universo, De Institutione Clericorum, and other works which circulated widely during the Middle Ages. Some of his poems, with English translations, are in Helen Waddell's Mediaeval Latin Lyrics. He is the author of some of the following hymns:

O Come, Creator Spirit, come

Christ, the fair glory of the holy angels

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire

Creator Spirit, by whose aid

 

Although his hymns are over 1,000 years old they still remain relevant speaking to our time.

 

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 with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Image of the Trinity, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for Peace, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

https://hymnary.org/text/come_holy_ghost_creator_blest

Friday prior to Trinity

 

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.

“Jesus came to them and said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” –v.18  This authority comes from the Savior Himself. It was given to Him by the Father. Jesus who lives and rules over heaven and earth has been given authority by His Father. But His authority we go out into the world. We do not go it alone. He leads, we follow.  We speak and move and act under His authority.

Christ commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations through Baptism and teaching. Christ promises to be with us, and He is the one who makes disciples through our baptizing and teaching. Today, remember your Baptism and confirmation in the faith which are precious blessings for the Lord’s disciples. His love and care are new for you every morning.

Send us, Lord, to make disciples in Your name in accordance with our calling in life.

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 with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Image of the Trinity, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for grace, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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.

 

Image of the Trinity copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Prayer for the Holy Spirit, Lutheran Service Book © 2006, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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.

Image of the Trinity, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for the Feast of the Holy Trinity, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis 

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.

Image of the Trinity copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for Agriculture, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

The Lutheran Study Bible copyright © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Monday prior to Trinity

 

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 You, our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Image of the Trinity copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Collect for Proper 23 Series B, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St Louis

Memorial Day

 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]

 

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[1] A Memorial Day Prayer copyright © The Evangelical Lutheran Synod https://els.org/2012/05/28/a-memorial-day-prayer/

 

THE HOLY TRINITY study notes

 

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” (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).

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.” 

-The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

-ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Image of the Trinity © Higher Things

-LCMS Lectionary notes © 2018 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

-Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

–Romans 1:8-17 "The Righteous shall live by faith"

 

Today we begin a series of sermons. Based on the book of Romans. For the next sixteen weeks. The epistle lesson is taken from St Paul’s letter to the Romans. It was Luther’s careful study of this book, which lead him to understand the gospel namely that we are justified by God freely apart from works of the law.

From that discovery came the inspiration which sparked the Reformation 500 years ago. Luther grappled with an age-old dilemma. How do I get right with God? How do I know God cares? How can I know that He love me? And if He does, in fact, care for me. And love me. How do I know this?

Luther was keenly aware that all was not well. There was something broken. From the testimony of God’s Law. From the evidence of the existence of evil in this world. From the conviction of my own conscience. These all remind me daily of the fact that I am a poor, miserable sinner. Sin is real. With sin come consequences. Consequences often lead to great cost and loss. The penalty of sin is death. And death we cannot avoid. So how do you make sense of all this?

Says, Luther “I questioned this passage for a long time and labored over it. The phrase “the righteousness of God” barred the way. The phrase was customarily explained to mean that the righteousness of God is a virtue by which He is Himself righteous and condemns sinners…As often as I read this passage, I wished that God had never revealed the Gospel; for who can love a God who was anger, who judged and condemned people…This misunderstanding continued until enlightened by the Holy Spirit. I finally examined these words, “The just shall live by faith”…then the entire Scriptures became clear to me and heaven was opened to me. Now we see this brilliant light very clearly, and we are privileged to enjoy it abundantly.”   [1]

With St. Paul we can say “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”

1.     It is the power of God for salvation.

a.     Christ bore our sin, guilt and shame on the cross and gave us His life for us.

b.     Receiving these gifts by faith, and empowered by the Spirit, we are no longer ashamed of the Gospel. Rather we cherish the Gospel. It is good news and it is life.

2.     It is for everyone.

a.     It is for the Jew first. Why? Paul explains. “…to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 9:4-5)

b.     But the Gospel is for pagans also. On the first Pentecost. Gathered in Jerusalem were Jews from every tribe and nation. Peter in his epic sermon speaks of the Father’s guarantee of salvation. “For the promise is for you and for your children…” But then he adds,” and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:39) The great promises of the Gospel. The power of God for salvation. His good and gracious favor has come for you.

3.     It is the righteousness of God.

a.     Revealed from faith to faith. Paul would remind us that our standing with God has everything to do with faith from start to finish. It begins with the faithfulness of God and is continues into faith in the heart of the believer. God is completely responsible for your salvation from front to back! You don’t one-day wake up and decide to follow Jesus – He plants the seed of faith in your heart. He then nourishes that faith by giving you His eternal Word, which is able to make you wise unto salvation. This is what St. Paul reminds us when he tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.”

b.     Faith is God’s gift. Created by the Holy Spirit who works in and through the Gospel. He brings us to repentance. And in faith we trust the Father’s promises. Repentance and faith. They work together. Both simultaneously and concurrently. They are like a chorus.

Occurring all together. At once. And what are these two? Repentance and faith? Repentance is simply giving up all hope of a better past. While forgiveness is no longer haunted by a troubled past.

c.      It is entirely God’s work. “The one who is righteous by faith shall live.” You are declared righteous. Thus, you live by faith. If you are in Christ. God considers you. Counts you. Credits you as His good and faithful servant.  You are declared righteous because of Christ’s righteousness, which has been poured out all over you. It is the life of Jesus that now becomes your credentials to be with Christ in this life and the one which is to come.  It is the life of Jesus whom the Father will recognize as He greets me in glory. It is Christ’s righteousness that will be counted as your own righteousness. How Jesus lived His life is what is being counted in place of how you lived your life. How Jesus died, is what is being counted as your death. How Jesus obeyed is what is being counted in place of how you disobeyed.

The struggles with which Luther struggled five hundred years ago continue to this day. How does God regard me? How do I know God cares? How can I know that He loves me? As we review this book of Romans, we are given these words which have become the center of our faith. “The one who is righteous. By faith. Shall live!”  

Words – 1,025
Passive Sentences –9%
Readability –81.2%
Reading Level -4.2

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Points to consider…

Ø  Why and how are these early words, “the Gospel is…” so important in understanding the book of Romans?

Ø  What differences does it make when Paul states the “gospel is for the Jew first but also for the gentile”?

Ø  Define “the righteousness of God” in the following terms

1.      “faith in God’s work”

2.      “entirely the work of God”

Ø  Why is it important to understand that our standing with God has everything to do with faith from start to finish?

“The just shall live by faith” or “By faith, the just shall live.” Is there a difference in the above two statements? If so, is one more appropriate? Why?

[1] Plass, Ewald (1959). What Luther Says. CPH: St. Louis, MO. p835

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

Collect from Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Go into all the world, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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

 

Friday prior to Pentecost

 

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.

 

Go into all the world, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for Pentecost Eve Lutheran Service Book, copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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

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.

Go into all the world, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for the Holy Spirit, from Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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.

Now 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. – 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.  Some are eager to move on and move forward. 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.  

Image of Psalm 32.5 copyright © Ed Riojas 

Tuesday prior to Pentecost

             Ascension                   

                                Pentecost 

         

Five days ago, we celebrated the Ascension of our Lord.  In five days, we will gather to celebrate the feast day of Pentecost. So today, the “Five Words for Today” simply are: “It stinks to be me!” How true! As Pr. Daniel May is wont to remind us “we’re living in a broken world outside of Eden.” 

Feelings of hopelessness have become a product of our times. We live with such rapid changes all around. There are family issues, jobs that are threatened, communities in crisis, commodities susceptible to manipulation, economic situations and market issues that are out of our control, beyond our grasp. Add to these social and societal shifts we cannot easily understand, and because so much is beyond our grip we can feel the sense that we too are losing control.

Amidst this trouble and strife, this chaos and confusion the Savior comes to us with His Word of comfort and promise. His five words, in fact, the very last five words He ever spoke on this planet are these: “I am with you always!” That’s not an idle wish. It’s a promise we know by faith.

Jesus understands our circumstance and promises to do something about our sorry lot. He promises us the Counselor, for our aid and comfort. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come and appears on our behalf to be a mediator, and intercessor, and a genuine helper.

The Savior delivered His word of truth when He said from the cross: “It is finished!” He further confirmed that Word in you when He called you by the Gospel in your baptism and today through the power of that same word says to you: “I am with you always!” 

Finally, another five words to consider today. “This is for my good.” The Savior has promised to order our days and direct our path. Because Jesus is with us, we can face each day, even when it stinks to be me, for the Savior is working all things for our good.

“Almighty and eternal God, Your Son our Savior is withy You in eternal glory. Give us faith to see that true to His promise, He is among us still and will be with us to the end of time.”

Images
The Ascension © Ed Riojas Higher  Things
The First Pentecost woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use