Holy Cross (September 14)

 

Numbers 21:4–9
1 Corinthians 1:18–25
John 12:20–33

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Sir, we wish to see Jesus! (John 12:21). Then look to His Holy Cross. For just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness, so Jesus, when He is lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Himself (v.32). He humbled Himself and became obedient even to the death of the cross to save us (Phil. 2:8). Everyone who is bitten by the ancient serpent’s venom of sin, when he sees Christ shall live (Num. 21:8). The true Holy Cross is lost to history, and we cannot return to Calvary to find our salvation. So Christ brings the New Testament in His Blood to us. We preach Christ crucified...the power of God and the wisdom of God, though foolishness to the unbelieving world (1 Cor. 1:23–24). It pleases God through the folly of the cross we preach to save those who believe (v.21). 

We find the fruit and benefit of this Holy Cross poured out in Holy Baptism, spoken in the preaching of Holy Absolution, and delivered in the Body and Blood given and shed there for us. Thus are we strengthened to take up our crosses, sanctified by His (John 12:25–26).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Holy Cross

Merciful God, Your Son Jesus Christ was lifted upon a cross that He might bear the sin of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Holy Cross

Merciful God, Your Son Jesus Christ was lifted upon a cross that He might bear the sin of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Petitions for Holy Cross

O risen Christ, ascended Lord

All praise to You let earth accord:

Alleluia

You are, while endless ages run

With Father and with Spirit One

Alleluia[1]

Merciful Father, You gave Your Son Jesus as the heavenly bread of life. Grant us faith to feast on Him in Your Word and Sacraments that we may be nourished unto life everlasting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

You bless the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper the work of farmers and all those who labor to bring food to our table. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth in abundance and proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving.

To all of our members who are celebrating birthdays this week we ask Your blessing upon— Mike Werling, Brett Hormann, Addyson Lengerich, Paul Ruble, Erin Lengerich, Marvin Stoppenhagen (his 99^th!), Marlin Keidel (his 90^th!), Callen Knipstein (his 1^st!), Peyton Buuck, Tom DeKoninck, and Judy Werling.

We also remember in our prayers  Matthew Kiefer and Megan Snider who were married this Saturday.

We rejoice with - Jim & Ann Crosby who will celebrate their 59^th wedding anniversary this Thursday, September 18.  Ron and Bonnie Buuck, Don & Shirley Gehres, Adam & Kari Butcher, James & Karrie Fuhrmann, and Nathan & Connie Bultemeier , who are celebrating wedding anniversaries this week as well. Loving Father continue to bless them, remaining at the center of their homes, guiding them through life’s joys and challenges. 

Make our schools safe places that prepare young men and women for life-long service to You and Your people; we remember especially this day – 7^th grade confirmation instructor, Brian Horning, as well as Casey Nidlinger who teaches at Bluffton.  We also remember our Sunday School Superintendent, Lisa Bultemeier.

We rejoice with Alex and Ashley Lithtle on the birth of a son, Wyatt Wayne who was born yesterday morning. Keep both mother and child in Your care and be pleased to receive Wyatt into Your family through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.

We remember those who are presently serving our country—Jason Putteet, Alan Bergdall, Mike Brandt, Dean Brandt, Derek Schultz, Josh Stoppenhagen Sam Conrad, Jeremy Nabity, and Chad Hall.  Lord protect and guide them in their missions.

 Great Physician give peace, health and strength to all who are in need of the touch of Your healing hand. If it be Your will restore them. And since it is Your will remain with them in every circumstance.  We especially remember Irene Kiess,  Wyatt Lichtle, Mason Krueckeberg, Rachel Kinninger, Kelly Baumann, Rev. Timothy Carr, Nora Rauner, Cathy Terhune, Maddox Franz, and Leo Feasel.

Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe  and find comfort in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Almighty God our heavenly Father, through Your dear Son You have made us all Your witnesses. Enlighten by Your Holy Spirit all who speak to others the message of salvation through Jesus' blood and merit. Grant Your blessing upon Russ Fuhrmann so that Your Word may reach out and bear much fruit for the growth of Your Church

Receive our thanks for Gloria Werling and for all the blessings You bestowed on [him/her] in this earthly life. Bring us at last to our heavenly home that with [him/her] we may see You face to face in the joys of paradise.

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Lord's Prayer

C  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.

Introduction to Collects

L O Lord, hear my prayer.

C And let my cry come to You.

Merciful God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, was lifted high upon the cross that He might bear the sins of the world and draw all people to Himself.  Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, You have safely brought us to the beginning of this day. Defend us in the same with Your mighty power and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger, but that all our doings, being ordered by Your governance, may be righteous in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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[1] A Hymn of Glory Let us Sing stanza six, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 

Holy Cross

Holy Cross

14 September 2014

John 12:20-33

We Share in the Glory of Christ’s Cross

Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever. Amen

Today is Holy Cross Day.   Since Holy Cross Day falls on a Sunday this year, “it is meet, right and salutary” to think about the cross. It is good to consider the reason for which Christ died on the cross. And it is helpful for us to consider what the cross means for us as redeemed children of God. It’s also an opportunity for us to sing some cool and awesome hymns!

As redeemed children of God, we share in the glory of Christ’s cross.

1.       God’s glory was the dominating purpose of Christ’s life.

A.      The time for glory was there for Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. (v.23)

1.       Before this, the time had not been ripe. “My hour has not t come.” (John 2:4)

2.       The life of Jesus was arranged so that He could reveal the glory of the Father by word and deed and then seal that glory by His sacrifice on the cross.

3.       Jesus prayed for this and received an immediate answer. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” (v.28)

B.      The glory that was to come to Christ and the Father is many-sided.

1.       God receives glory every time He reveals Himself to us. It started in Old Testament times through the promise of the Savior. The glory of God is evident from the good things said about God, especially that He is merciful.

2.       When Christ was born, the heavens were filled with angelic voices praising God.

3.       In His ministry, Jesus directed the credit to His Father in heaven. What He said and did was always to give God glory.

4.       The revelation of the glory of God was inclusive. (cf. the Greeks vv.20-22)  Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.  So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”  Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

5.       When the Bible talks of the glory of God and Christ it is talking of God’s righteousness, mercy, and love, along with the total of all His attributes.

2.       Christ’s cross producing His glory.

A.      He despised the cross.

1.       He was a man. According to His human nature, Christ did not look forward to the dreadful sacrifice. We hear His personal struggle in v.27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”

2.       Jesus knew that His death would not be peaceful. The Father would forsake Him because he would be suffering for the sins of all. His death was a frightfully depressing prospect.

B.      But Jesus knew that this cross had to be experienced to bear the fruit of His glory.

1.       He likened Himself to a seed that must be planted. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (v.24)

2.       He admits that this is why He came into this world. “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” (v.27)

3.       He let Himself be “lifted up” from the earth.

C.      This sacrifice accomplished much for God’s glory.

1.       It brought salvation to all people. “I…will draw all men to Myself” (v.32; again the Greeks) “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.”  He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.”

2.       This sacrifice says the most about God’s righteousness and mercy; everything that needs to be said about God was said when Christ died. That’s glory!

3.       By faith we share the cross and the glory

A.      We share the same attitude toward this life that Christ had, illustrated in the paradox. “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”  (v.25)

1.       He who loves life will lose it.

2.       He who hates life will keep it to eternal life.

3.       This life is lost in Christ- lost as far as the world is concerned.

B.      Such a life will bring honor.

1.       The glory we share as slaves of the Master is a gift.

2.       The heaven prepared for us is the same one Jesus occupies. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:11-3)

The glory the Father has and shares with us could not have happened without the cross. The cross is gory, but it the stuff of which lasting glory is made.

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Words – 950

Passive Sentences –5%

Readability – 83%

Reading Level – 4.7

Holy Cross Day

Merciful God, Your son Jesus Christ was lifted upon a cross that He might bear the sin of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld © WELS