Funeral For Rhea Tinker

 

Funeral for Rhea Tinker

Harper’s Community Funeral Home
With Christ in Peace:  June 16, 2026
Committal Service: June 20, 2026
 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son X and of the Holy Ghost – Amen

When we were baptized into Christ Jesus, we were baptized into His death. We were buried with Him by our Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you today our sister in Christ, Rhea Tinker. We thank You for giving her to us to know and to love a as companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In Your boundless compassion console all who grieve her passing. Give us your aid so we may see in death the gate that leads to eternal life. May we continue our course on earth in confidence, until by Your call we are united again with those who have gone before us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Words and promises of our Lord –

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Romans 8:31-39

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 

Be still my soul; the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still my soul; the hour is hastening on.
Where we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last. [1]

Death is so limited…
It has not crippled love,
It has not shattered hope,
It has not corroded faith,
It has not eaten away peace.
   Nor destroyed confidence.

It has not killed friendship,
It has not shut out memories,
It has not silenced courage,
It has not invaded the soul,
   Nor reduced eternal life.

It has not quenched the Spirit,
It cannot, has not,
   Nor will not lesson the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Rhea Tinker – a child of God – she successfully celebrates the three great birthdays of her life.

First, there is the day of her birth – the day she entered this world. Endowed by our Creator with talents, abilities, and gifts to be used by her Savior as a witness in this world.

Solomon asks, "who can find a virtuous woman?"  Her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and no evil all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:10-12 KJV)

For 54 years Rhea stood by Don’s side as they raised their family here in New Haven.

Community Service was important for Don and Rhea. As Don served as Fire Chief of Adams Twp Fire Station 1 and Captain of the Traffic Division for the Allen County Police. Rhea would stand by his side those 54 years and then after his passing; volunteering at Harbor-Side Rehabilitation now Majestic Care.

Family time was important for Rhea which included 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 36 great grandchildren and 3 great- great grandchildren.

David reminds us in Psalm 127: "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” Then he concludes: “Blessed is the man whose quiver is full.”  Fifty-nine and counting is a full quiver!

Solomon can conclude with these words: “She always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!” Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Give her everything she deserves! Adorn her life with praises!” (Proverbs 31: 26-31 ‘The Message’ Paraphrase)

You, her family, were as much a part of her life as she was of yours! Always servicing, always nurturing; she brought and kept your family together. The best way to honor her memory is to keep your family connected; to the LORD Jesus and to each other. You are her legacy.

Rhea was a faithful member of Martini Lutheran Church as faith and family went together. She knew the Scriptural truth “if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. – But if we confess our sin, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8)

The second great day of her life was the day she was born again or, when she was born spiritually, when she was born of God. When she was baptized.

Rhea was welcomed into God’s family – the Church – the communion of saints – where she grew in her faith and lived her faith as a redeemed child of God her heavenly Father. The day she was baptized, was the day Rhea was born spiritually, when she was born of God the Holy Ghost.

Her third great birthday was the day she was born into glory – June 16, 2026

As Rhea was taught; we remember that her church family is not made up only of those on this earth. There is an extended family. A family of those who dwell in glory. On that day Rhea Tinker took a walk –

From one end of the Father’s kingdom to the other – from the kingdom of grace into the kingdom of glory. She closed her eyes to this world and when she opened them, again she saw Jesus face to face.

 Today we celebrate her victory of life.

Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through Me– (John 5:24)

Some believe we must work and then dedicate our lives to Jesus. Not so. He is the one who does it all. God our heavenly Father is completely responsible for our salvation from front to back! We don’t one day wake up and decide to follow Jesus –

He plants the seed of faith in our heart. He then nourishes that faith by giving us His eternal Word, which is able to make us wise unto salvation. Jesus said, Whoever hears My word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. (John 5:24)

We simply respond in faith. Peter reminds us, “Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) St. Paul would remind us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – (Philippians 4:6-7)

This peace of God is not simply a psychological state of mind, but it is an inner tranquility based on the peace which only He can give – it is the peaceful state of those whose sins are forgiven. This peace comes when the believer commits all his cares to the LORD in prayer and worries about them no more.

And once we trust in Jesus who has saved us, we do not come into judgment, but we pass from death to life. We simply trust in Jesus. We simply take Jesus at His word.

All Jesus asks of us is to trust Him.

Trust is nothing more than another word for faith.

Faith is nothing more than taking Jesus at His word.

We trust that what Christ accomplished at the cross on Calvary’s hill is all that is needed to win for us salvation.

Jesus’ words, spoken from the cross on Good Friday, “It is finished!” says it all! There is nothing left to be done. Jesus did it all at the cross.

Trusting in Jesus’ work and merit is what our faith must focus.

We therefore commit our cause to a gracious and compassionate Savior.

He knows our every need.

He is capable to meet every single need regardless of circumstance.

He will do all for you.

Every promise He will fulfill. He has had compassion. The Passion of the Christ is motivated by the Father’s compassion for a fallen world. When He gave up His own Son, He did the very best.

We commit our lives into the Savior’s care. He has redeemed us lost and condemned creatures and has purchased and won us from sin, from death and from the power of the devil.

Rhea  trusted the words of her Savior. They were for her truth and life. “A good name is more desirable than great riches…” (Proverbs 22:1a) She trusted not in her own wisdom. She trusted not in her own merits. She trusted in the work and merits of her Savior Jesus. “…to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1b) Rhea knew she was a sinner. She knew she was a sinner redeemed by the Savior’s amazing grace.

Rhea knew the scriptures well, which simply says, “All have fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:28) And again, “the soul which sins, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20) 

Yet, pay attention to the clear words, and the gentle voice of her Good Shepherd Jesus who says, “All that which the Father gives me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)

Rhea knew of this reality - that when God pardons, He does not say He understands your weakness or make allowances for your errors. Rather, He disposes of, finishes with, the whole of your dead life and raises you up with a new one. He does not so much deal with your failures as does He drop them down the black hole of Jesus' death. He forgets your sins in the darkness of the tomb. He remembers your iniquities no more in the forgetfulness of Jesus' death. He finds you in the desert of death, not in the garden of improvement. And in the power of Jesus' resurrection, He puts you on His shoulders, rejoicing, and brings you home![2]  

In the gospel of John Jesus came to visit a grieving family. He came to greet Mary and Martha who were grieving the loss of their brother Lazarus. In His conversation with them Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” Then He asks, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

We each must ponder this question…

Is Jesus the resurrection and the life? The testimony of Scripture is undeniable! – The early disciples would simply say, “We are witnesses of these things!” (Acts 5:32; 10:39)

Do you believe – that whoever believes in Jesus, even though they die will live and not die?

Rhea believed this – she knew that she was a sinner. But she also knew that Christ is compassionate who has promised to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness –

For this reason we can say that Rhea Tinker is alive, she is well, she is whole, she is at peace, she is in the very presence of Jesus her Savior. And, as we continue in this same faith, we will see each other – never to be separated by distance or space. That is why you and I are and always will be Easter people.

If there is one thing I have learned in life it is this - we cannot go it alone. We need each other. We need a Savior. Our Lord Jesus has given us a wonderful promise. – May it be yours this day. – “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28) Were the last words Jesus spoke to humans while He was standing on this earth. This is not a wish. – It is a reality we know by faith.

Rhea knew the Savior’s voice. Now she sees His face.

This service is for the living. –Rhea was given the opportunity to live her life. – We continue on. - Life will be different. – There shall be a new sense of “normal” in your routines. - But we walk by faith. – Until that day comes in your life when Jesus will call you from this world to a world that has no end.

From an earthly kingdom – to a heavenly kingdom – From a place which is limited to a place that is beyond time & space. May the Savior walk with you until we are re-united with those who have gone before us.

__________

Lord God Heavenly Father, Your days are without end and Your mercies cannot be counted. Make us aware of the shortness and the uncertainty of this human life; and let Your Holy Spirit lead us all the days of our lives so that when we shall have served You in our generation; we like our sister Rhea may be granted the gift of eternal life and be gathered into the home which You have prepared for all who trust in You and call you Lord. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Into Your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend the remains of Your servant and our sister. She was a sheep of Your fold, a lamb of Your flock, a sinner of Your own redeeming. We thank You for having granted her the gift of eternal life and pray that all who grieve over her death may turn their sadness into joy knowing of the peace which their lived one has begun to enjoy and will enjoy throughout all eternity.

[1] Be Still my Soul Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

[2] Robert Farrar Capon, Parables of Grace, pg. 39

 

June 20 – Saturday prior to Proper 7

 

Psalm 79:9 – This verse, “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!” happens to be the inspiration for the hymn of the week for Proper 7 “Lord of our life and God of our salvation.” {LSB 725}. 

David is desperate he says, literally, “Hasten; let thy tender mercies anticipate us.”

Taken from a prayer for God to heal and forgive His people and to redress the violent acts of their enemies. When we are attacked by slander, persecution, and the temptations of the devil, our world, and our own sinful self, we turn to Him who is our safe refuge, the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ the righteousness one.

Context, especially when reading Scripture is essential. The Psalmist pleads in verse 8, “Do not hold past sins against us; let Your compassion come quickly, for we are brought low.”  The accuser is good a pointing out our former sins. He can name chapter and verse where we have wronged and offended God and our neighbor. Have there been instances in our lives when we have not acted as becomes a child of God? Have you had to be reminded of that moment only to relive it once again? 

Each of us can recall those moments in our lives in which we are not proud! Peter’s’ denial that long Thursday night crushed him – but what he found was restoration by the Savior! 

Peter’s freedom came at a price – the price of Jesus’ life. To be crushed by conscience and the Law is never a pleasant thing. But Christ’s redemption leads to recovery – to be reconciled to the Father and also to each other – all has been made possible by the Savior’s amazing grace!

Kyrie Eleison! Lord, Have Mercy! Christ, Have mercy! Lord, Have mercy!

Father of mercy, your Son told his enemies that, if they should destroy the temple of his body, you would raise it again in three days. By his death and resurrection demolish our pretensions of strength, and on the ruins build a temple worthy of your name, so that all the world may know the glory of your transforming power, shown in Jesus Christ our Lord,   

Image of Good Friday 2019, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Prayer for Psalm 79, For All the Saints – A Prayer Book For and By the Church Year 1 © 1994American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi NY 

 

June 19 – Friday prior to Proper 7

 

Psalm 91:1-10 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The mention of terror or “threat” is reference to an attack by one’s enemies. Thus it is paired with “arrows,” as in arrows from an enemy. Think evil arrows.

These two references to threats from war are arrayed alongside “pestilence” and “plague” (v. 6), two references to mortal diseases that often reached epidemic proportions. How fitting for such times as these.

The Psalmist makes reference to “night…day,” at whatever time of day or night the threat may come, you will be kept safe.

A question often asked is “where is God in all of this?” Where is God?

One of the curious things about the Psalms is that there is often a declaration to the effect that if one trusts God then no harm will come to them. Unfortunately, experience teaches something quite different. People of faith do get cancer, heart disease, heart attacks, and die from any number of diseases. People of faith are crushed in spirit by acrid verbal attacks, broken in body and mind by physical and emotional abuse, and find themselves in a hospital or die as a result of all forms of violence. People who do trust in God are acquainted with poverty, lack of food and clothing, and experience starvation. So is the Psalmist correct here? What shall we make of such an assertion?

The refuge that is found in God alone will sustain people even if the body is destroyed. This refuge will provide rescue from those things that would harm our relationship with God. The refuge is precisely that. It is a refuge of solace that can provide an inner strength to endure the harshest trials of life. In that sense, God’s presence is a refuge. Since God is ever present in all circumstances of every waking and sleeping moment, then there is a refuge that one can experience in the here and now, and in the future yet to unfold. God is our rock shelter of hope.

Lord Jesus, when tempted by the devil, you remained true to your Father, who commanded his angels to watch over you. Guard your Church from the plague of sin, so that we may remain faithful to you until the day when we enjoy the fullness of your salvation; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

The Sacrament of the Altar copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Prayer for Psalm 91, For All the Saints – A Prayer Book For and By the Church Year 1 © 1994American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi NY 

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1543

June 18 – Thursday prior to Proper 7

 

Fear. What is it?  FEAR is "False Evidence Appearing Real". And Courage?  Courage is fear that has said its prayers.   

In most marriages, there is the need for both the nerd and the free spirit. The Free Spirit will jump without thinking, The Nerd is always thinking, always double-checking, always asking questions. “And then what?” “And what if that doesn’t work?’ “Have you ever considered this happening…Or that happening?” 

There is much for us to fear these days. Our farmers must now wait as crops mature and grow. But how about the weather? You cannot control it. And the markets. You cannot control them either.

Whether it’s the student starting out for the first time to new ventures or the couple contemplating the next phase of their lives the future can be a little bit scary, a lot more scary - a combination of frightening and alarming.  

Some of our fears are legitimate and justified. You can fret and worry about your family, your health, your employment, your future. Need we express fear as in genuine concern – yes…Panic, of course not.

At times, our fears are simply unreasonable. Paranoid.  Irrational. Uncalled-for. Fear can make us feel powerless. You can talk all you want about the futility of fear. It does not make fear go away.

Your feelings are sometimes deeper that any rational arguments. So how do we deal with this emotion of fear? Faith that deals with this basic feeling is the cure for fear.  Address your fears. But trust also in Christ. It is faith that conquers fear. Faith conquers fear because…

Faith is certain we shall overcome – Fear God and you lose the fear of judgment for sin. Jesus tells us, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.” Vv. 24-25 

Pain, prison, and death are not the greater dangers after all. But disobedience and conformity to this age are the great dangers. Jesus loves you so much He was willing to suffer for you, that you might have faith to suffer with Him.

When He suffered for you, He gave what you needed to suffer with Him. He gave you forgiveness for your sins. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:28

Your guilt before God is gone. God is on your side. And, since God is on your side, what can man do to you? Jesus has loved to suffer for you, that you might have faith to suffer with Him.

Fear cannot be totally eradicated. It cannot be stripped from the human psyche. Fear is a part of our make-up. It’s a question of what and whom do you fear. Trust Christ not man. When Christ is feared, all other fear disappears.

O Lord, whose gracious presence never fails to guide and govern those whom You have nurtured in Your steadfast love and worship, make us ever love and adore Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who livers and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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

Consider the Birds of the Air, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

June 17– Wednesday prior to Proper 7

 

Romans 6:12-23 – In these verses, Paul explains what it means to be dead to sin (vv. 5-7) and alive to God (vv. 8-10).  Our victory over sin is a refusal to let sin reign in one’s life (v. 12).  We do this as we offer ourselves to God Himself to be witnesses of His mercy and grace in this world. Hence the prayer for us to be mindful of our Christian vocation.

Christ is always there for you. Even in your darkest hours. Even when you feel like there is no help left. Put your trust in Him. And he will lift you in His arms.  Even in the midst of your darkest hours. Christ remains present.  You can even glory in you weakness. For when you are weak you are made strong by the power of Christ.  This change happens. Because of the sacramental effected change which has taken place in your baptism. You are not your own. You now belong to Christ. 

Delivered from sin and death, you now live before God in the righteousness of Christ.

Do not yield to the spirit of this age. Love the truth. What you learn of Christ in the closet speak in the light. What you hear in the Scriptures proclaim from the housetop. You need not fear the face of any man. You are in Christ. 

So trust in His timing. Rely on His promises. Wait for His answers. Believe in His miracles. Rejoice in His goodness. Relax in His presence. Come near to Jesus and He will come near to you.  James 4:8

If we take these words seriously, we have to come to this conclusion; your heavenly Father is completely fascinated with you. He’s taken the time to count the number of hair on your head. Who else would do something than that other then He who is in love with you!

A prayer for Christian vocation - Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ’s name; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

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

Consider the Birds, they neither sow, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

June 16– Tuesday prior to Proper 7

 

Jeremiah 20:7-12 – Jeremiah trusts God to deliver him from those who oppose his preaching.  Here is one who wants to quit but cannot. He decides not to preach but he finds himself driven to keep going. It is like a fire in his bones that must be expressed or explode! He is driven by an inner voice. The love of Christ, faith of God, the sense of obedience, impels, and compels one to witness regardless of popular acceptance. 

Faith overcomes fear. In the midst of persecution, Jeremiah puts his trust in God’s deliverance from his enemies. He was sure God would vindicate him and his oppressors would be eliminated. His trust was justified, for when he was released from the dungeon, Jeremiah exulted, “Praise the Lord!” v. 13

When you experience a trial, choose—by faith—to put your trust in God. This choice will help you be more objective and consequently more alert to the reasons why God may have allowed the trial to occur. As you deal with the difficulties, remember the following truths:

Gaining intimate knowledge of Christ exceeds the value of gaining more possessions. (See Philippians 3:8.)

Developing stronger character is more important than getting your own way. (See Hebrews 5:8.)

Demonstrating self-control is more heroic than dominating your competitors. (See Proverbs 25:28.)

Eternal treasures are more valuable than earthly riches. (See Matthew 19:21.)

A Prayer for grace to use our gifts – Almighty God even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

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

Crucifixion Image, copyright © 2019 Ed Riojas, Higher Things

June 15 - Monday prior to Proper 7

 Psalm 56:3-4; 10-11 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for this coming Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 13, “For You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” 

David reminds us to make a confession of trust in the face of fear.  The confession is renewed throughout the Psalm but especially in the appointed verses for this coming Sunday. Especially when we face great difficulty, the Lord asks us to cling to His words and promises.

As we have worked through the onslaught of Covid-19 and its effects we are reminded that trials and setbacks are part and parcel of this life. We’re living in a fallen world – outside of Eden. The trials and tests we encounter may at times appear overwhelming. It is then that we realize that Christ has triumphed for us.

Below are brief descriptions of the types of tests that every Christian will likely face. These include,

Fiery trials: intense encounters or struggles; bursts of anger, grief, or loss – 1 Peter 3:12

Infirmities: physical limitations and illnesses - Isaiah 53:4-9, Romans 8:26

Reproaches: ridicule and rejection on account of faith or holiness – Psalm 119:22

Persecutions: harassment and oppression due to religious convictions - Acts 5:41 and Acts 8:1-4

Necessities: wear and care of daily responsibilities – Luke 6:30

Distresses: disappointments and deep hurts – Genesis 35:3; Psalm 4:1

Tribulations: unusual pressures and challenges – Romans 12:12; James 1:12

Temptations: opportunities to yield to our sinful nature – 1 Corinthians 10:13

These are just some of the challenges each generation of Christians have had to endure. The Christians’ life is not a panacea. There will be challenges in your road.   As one author explained, “The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground, and we must be on our guard at all times."

The good news of the Gospel reminds us that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, to defeat death by taking it into Himself, and to wipe away the tears of grief which wet our faces year after year.

Jesus reminds us, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33

The hymn ‘In God, my faithful God’ teaches,

1 In God, my faithful God,
I trust when dark my road;
Great woes may overtake me,
Yet He will not forsake me.
My troubles He can alter;
His hand lets nothing falter

A simple yet heartfelt Prayer – “O God, our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear and preserve us from unbelief.”

Prayer, and the hymn, In God, my faithful God, from Lutheran Service Book © 2006, Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis 

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, "The Crucifixion," copyright © WELS Permission granted for congregational and personal use

Proper 7 Series A (Pentecost 4)

Pentecost 4

Jeremiah 20:7–13
Romans 6:12–23
Matthew 10:5a, 21–33

Delivered from Sin and Death, You Now Live before God in the Righteousness of Christ

The outcome of sin is death, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). He has set you free from the slavery of sin and has brought you “from death to life” (Romans 6:13). No longer are you under the condemnation of the Law, but you live “under grace” (Romans 6:14). Such is your courage in the face of “those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). For though “you will be hated by all,” and maligned by the world for the name of Christ (Matthew 10:22, 25), you abide in the care of your Father in heaven, who numbers “even the hairs of your head” and values you more “than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30–31). By the Word of Christ, you have become like Him, your Teacher and Master in whom you endure to the end, and “will be saved” (Matthew 10:22, 25). For He is with you “as a dread warrior,” who has overcome your enemies (Jeremiah 20:11). By the righteousness of faith, He delivers your heart, mind, body and life “from the hand of evildoers,” and He brings you into the land of the living (Jeremiah 20:12–13).

Matthew 10:5, 21-33

:5 Τούτους τοὺς δώδεκα ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς παραγγείλας αὐτοῖς λέγων· Εἰς ὁδὸν ἐθνῶν μὴ ἀπέλθητε καὶ εἰς πόλιν Σαμαριτῶν μὴ εἰσέλθητε·

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,

21 παραδώσει δὲ ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον καὶ πατὴρ τέκνον, καὶ ἐπαναστήσονται τέκνα ἐπὶ γονεῖς καὶ θανατώσουσιν αὐτούς.

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,

22 καὶ ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου· ὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος οὗτος σωθήσεται. 

and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

23 ὅταν δὲ διώκωσιν ὑμᾶς ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ, φεύγετε εἰς τὴν [a]ἑτέραν· ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐ μὴ τελέσητε τὰς πόλεις τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ ἕως ἂν ἔλθῃ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 Οὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον οὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ.

A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant Or [bondservant; ]above his master. 

25 ἀρκετὸν τῷ μαθητῇ ἵνα γένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὁ δοῦλος ὡς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ. εἰ τὸν οἰκοδεσπότην Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐπεκάλεσαν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ.

It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Have no fear

26 Μὴ οὖν φοβηθῆτε αὐτούς· οὐδὲν γάρ ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται.

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 

27 ὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί· καὶ ὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε, κηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων.

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

 28 καὶ μὴ φοβεῖσθε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποκτεννόντων τὸ σῶμα τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν μὴ δυναμένων ἀποκτεῖναι· φοβεῖσθε δὲ μᾶλλον τὸν δυνάμενον καὶ ψυχὴν καὶ σῶμα ἀπολέσαι ἐν γεέννῃ. 

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Gehenna]

29 οὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται; καὶ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἄνευ τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 

ἀσσαρίου - Roman copper coin (Latin quadrans) worth about 1/16 of a denarius (which was a day's wage for a laborer)

30 ὑμῶν δὲ καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς πᾶσαι ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν.

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 

31 μὴ οὖν [i]φοβεῖσθε· πολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε ὑμεῖς.

Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

32 Πᾶς οὖν ὅστις ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ [j]ἐν οὐρανοῖς·

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven 

33 ὅστις δ᾽ ἂν ἀρνήσηταί με ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἀρνήσομαι κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς.

but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

__________________

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.

 

- Romans 5:6-15 “God Demonstrates His love for us”

 

Pentecost 3 – Proper 6
Romans 5:6-15
Martini Lutheran Church New Haven, IN
14 June 2026
God Demonstrated His Love for us.

Today is Flag Day. American citizens on this day are encouraged to fly the star-spangled banner.  What does the flag stand for? For some, the flag stands for freedom. 

For others, the flag reminds us that Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness remain the foundational phrase from the United States Declaration of Independence, adopted two hundred fifty years ago.   The American flag may also remind us of the American premise that all men are created equal. 

In his letter to the Romans, Paul addresses a predominantly Jewish audience. Jews living in Rome in the 1st Century understood that all men were not created equal. 

Instead, those listening to Paul’s letter believed that there were, at any given time, three groupings of men living on planet earth. They believed that humanity was divided into three categories of class. 

These three groups were made up of the “righteous ones.” (Tzadikim Nistarim) There were also a few “good men.” (Benim)Finally, living amongst us were “the sinners” or ‘evil ones.’ (Resha’im)   

It was these three groups of people living together on this planet: The Righteous Ones, a few good men, and the evil ones. 

The “righteous” were in a category all their own. They needed no help.  They were already perfect, holy, and pure. 

The world was still intact and would not spin out of control because there were, at least a few righteous men on the earth at any given time. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because the Lord could not find ten righteous men living there. (Genesis 18:16–33) Such righteous ones were men such as Abraham, Enoch, Elijah, and Job just to name a few. 

Those reading Paul’s letter for the first time were serious concerning their faith. Through a strict following of the law and by holy living they remained ethical, moral, principled, “good men.” Their goal was simple. To be better.

The rest were simply worthless. They were trolls. They were “the dirties” of the world. They were beyond help. They were to be shunned. 

These were “the ungodly.” They were “helpless,” “sinners.” Beyond God’s mercy. Stay clear of them, the people were warned. They were to be avoided. At all costs. 

So imagine the reaction that must have happened when Paul’s audience heard these remarkable words: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8) 

This turned their moral compass upside down! It literally rocked their world!   

So how do you understand words such as love, and grace? Only by knowing Christ’s mercy are you able to show mercy. Again, this is not a natural characteristic of sinful humankind. By God’s grace, every believer not only knows these divine words but also believes them and lives them. 

St. Paul explains:  "When you were dead in your sins and in the un-circumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins." (Colossians 2:13)

Through the message of the gospel God our heavenly Father reveals His love for us. 

While we were still sinners, Christ has died for us.

I. WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS,

A. “While we were still sinners…” Paul comes straight to the point. No one can escape the effects of sin that affect all of mankind.

B. Paul explains: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”  Paul includes himself when he uses the word “we.” Sin also      lived in him. 

Sin is destructive. It renders us “powerless,” No one can save himself. “Ungodly”            describes every sinful thought, word, or deed of every person regardless of status or        class. 

C.     “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone   might possibly dare to die.” Remember. The righteous needed no one to take their        place, while good men might find a substitute in their place. Yet, “For our sake, He    made Him to be sin who knew no sin so that in him, we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:22) Here we find that great exchange, God’s mercy, and love purchased at the cost of His own Son. 

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) 

Christ, who was sinless, took humanity’s sin upon Himself, so that you would be declared righteous and sinless before God our Father.

 

II. CHRIST HAS DIED FOR US

A. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the             ungodly.” 

As fallen creatures we are rendered “powerless,” to save ourselves. Christ died not only for sinners but the “ungodly.” 

B. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is the Father’s great love for all. “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!”  Jesus’ blood cleanses all people from the weight and consequences of sin.

C. “For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” says St. Paul. 

Those who were once enemies are now made right (reconciled) with God. When coming to terms with the unpleasant reality that we cannot change our sinful selves the Lord Jesus took matters into his own hands as He bore your sin to the cruel cross on Calvary’s hill. 

Isaiah looking well into the future writes: “Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 

All we like sheep have gone astray we have turned ever one – to his own way and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of our all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6)

D. Paul concludes: “We have received reconciliation.” Christ’s forgiveness is full and complete. 

“But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) 

Only by the blood of Jesus is there forgiveness. This holy blood of Jesus forgives all sin; not a few, some, or many - but all sin. In this the Savior shows us his great love and care. 

E. The LORD speaking through the prophet Isaiah reminds us: “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; Do not fear, for I am with you, Do not be afraid for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my Victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9b-10)

You need not fear. Your every concern the Lord Jesus takes to Himself. Today, recognized how import Christ’s work on the cross is for you.

He suffered for your sake. And because of that, you can know that Jesus can understand when you go through challenging times and experience difficult days.

If you think you have nothing in life, behold His cross, where you will find the Father’s love for you. 

When life seems difficult, turn to the Scriptures, the Lord’s promises will never change. 

Whenever you experience pain or regret – hear the Gospel’s promise that Jesus forgives you. 

You are restored back to the Father through the work of Jesus the Son on his glorious cross.

To this day the American flag invokes many thoughts and feelings for us as citizens. As for you, Christian, the cross of Christ stands strong while the world spins.

Today believe and rejoice in the freedom you receive from the gospel message Paul proclaim so many years ago – that God our heavenly Father has demonstrated His grace for you – And then live in that freedom which is yours in Christ Jesus your Savior.

Words – 1,435
Passive Sentences –13.2%
Readability – 77%
Reading Level - 5.5

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 

June 13 – Saturday prior to Proper 6

 

John 3:16-18 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “God Loved the World so that He Gave” {LSB 830} Taken from a familiar verse of the Scriptures the Savior explains the motivation the Father had in sending His Son into the world. The purpose of His coming was to redeem and save us.

A new season is upon us. The Christian year consists of two cycles: preparing, celebrating, and then living into our discipleship to Jesus Christ. The first of these is Advent through the Season after Easter. The second is the Season after Pentecost.

When Jesus rose from the dead, He gave your life meaning and worth. For His resurrection announces that your every dissatisfaction with church, school, work, family, life, yourself, it's all buried forever. Instead, you are righteous in God's sight and an inheritor of eternal life.

So that you would hear and believe these glorious new realities which are yours by Jesus' blood and merit, He gathered His church back together again and gave them one command, one singular task, "Preach this Gospel."

The Season after Pentecost begins and ends with what we might call “bookend Sundays.” These Sundays provide the frame for what comes between them.

Trinity Sunday is the first of these. Christ the King, functions as the second.

Trinity Sunday launches us into our life’s vocations after Pentecost with a celebration of the Triune God in whom all our lives and activities are grounded.

Christ the King, this season’s other bookend, point us to our final destination in the culmination of the reign of the one who makes us and all things new. All the readings are related to one another and are focused on the gospel lesson appointed for each Sunday.

Collect for Pentecost 2–O God, whose never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth, put away from us, we entrust you, all hurtful things, and give us those things that are profitable for us; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

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

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘Crucifixion’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

June 12 – Friday prior to Proper 6

 

Psalm 100– This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The key verses is verse 3c “We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture” In light of our lessons we rejoice that we have this new found connection with the Savior, a connection caused by the Savior’s amazing grace and favor.

Psalms 93; 95-99 proclaim “The Lord reigns,” Psalm 100 is the thankful doxology. The reader is encourage to proclaim, “O be joyful.” Philip Melanchthon a contemporary of Luther wrote concerning this psalm, “ We are not born by accident, nor do we live…by our own thoughts and powers, but we live with God, who give4s us life and preserves us.”

Psalm 100 is certainly one of the most familiar psalms of the entire book of psalms finishing only second in familiarity to Psalm 23, the shepherd psalm.

The common Doxology (Lutheran Service Book 805) sung to the tune, Old Hundreth, finds its inspiration from this psalm. Forever joined together are the Church’s much loved song of praise and the psalm that calls for such praise. How unfortunate when we fail to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.  Yet, even then we know He is good. In fact, He gave His Good Shepherd Jesus, to make one day particularly good. We call it Good Friday.

We are the sheep of your hand, O Lord. Fill us with joyful praise as we seek to serve You. Amen

1 All people that on earth do dwell,

sing to the Lord with cheerful voice:

Him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell,

come ye before him and rejoice.

 

2 The Lord ye know is God indeed,

without our aid he did us make;

We are his flock, he doth us feed,

and for his sheep he doth us take.

 

3 O enter then his gates with praise,

approach with joy his courts unto;

Praise, laud, and bless his Name always,

for it is seemly so to do.

 

 

4 For why? the Lord our God is good,

his mercy is for ever sure;

His truth at all times firmly stood,

and shall from age to age endure

 

Collect for Proper 6 – Almighty, eternal God, in the Word of Your apostles and prophets You have proclaimed to us Your saving will. Grant us faith to believe Your promises that we may receive eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

__________________

Image copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Prayers from the Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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

__________________

Image copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Prayers from the Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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