Lent 3 reflection

 

Law/Gospel Theme: Because God loves us and sent Jesus to us, we do not have to suffer. As a result, we should stay rooted in God. When we do, our lives will reflect Christ’s love and positive things will come out of them.

In today’s lesson we will see that God’s love allows us to receive the opposite of what we deserve for the things we’ve done. When we abide in God’s presence and live through Christ, our lives will be fruitful, meaning good things will come from them.

Prayer: O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people. That we who suffer the consequences of this broken world may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name.

Hymn: Pg. 40 “How Firm a Foundation”

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone.

And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

John 13: 1-9

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” 6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Galatians 5:22-24

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. -

Hymn: #39” Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty”

What is the opposite of young? (old)

How about hot? (cold!)

What’s the opposite of short? (tall)

What’s the opposite of big? (small!)

What is the opposite of happy? (sad)

What’s the opposite of good? (bad)

What’s the opposite of a reward? (A punishment)

What is the opposite of dead? (Alive)

Today our Gospel lesson talks about some things that are opposites. And it has to do with how our lives are made different with Jesus and His love for us.

Do you like fruit? I love fruit. When fruit trees are planted in good soil and have water and sunshine, they give us tasty things to eat and enjoy. We’re still a few months away but already I’m thinking of what kinds of vegetables to grow in my tiny garden. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs.

Well, the Bible tells us that when we are rooted in God’s love, when we pray and read our Bibles and trust the Lord, our lives will have good things come out of them.

In our lesson for today Jesus teaches that we have received grace which is undeserved.

When the owner wanted to cut down the unfruitful tree, the vine dresser said, “Leave it alone for now.” And from the cross Jesus prayed “Father, forgive them.” This word – “Father, forgive them,” is the same word, the same mercy, the same patient, gracious love of God for all of us!

The great news is that because Jesus suffered, died, and rose again we get the opposite of what we deserve. Because of Jesus we get grace, mercy, peace, and life!

God promises that when we receive His love and grace, He will give us His new life. And that includes producing fruit! What kind of fruit do our lives produce?

Our fruit - your fruit - looks like the very things that Jesus would demonstrate love, kindness, patience, joy, gentleness, self-control…which means we care about other people, and we want good things for their lives too.

Sometimes that might be the opposite of what we want to do. But as we are truly connected to Christ, these fruits grow naturally, and they help others.

Just as there are people here showing the love of Jesus as the love and serve you. As John would explain in his letter, “We love because He first loved us.” That is truly great news!”

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for sending Jesus to save us. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for forgiving our sins. Help us grow in you. So that we can bear fruit. Thank you for your love and care. [1] 

 

 

Collects for Lent 3: O God, whose glory is always to have mercy. Be gracious to all who are lost but now found. Bring us again with steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word through Jesus Christi our Lord. Amen

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

Hymn: 37 “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

Image Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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[1] Fruitful Living (Luke 13:1-9) Children’s Sermon - Ministry To Children

Lent 2 Series C reflection

 Law/Gospel Theme: God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus! The blessed and beautiful truth of the Gospel is that we do not have to do anything special in order to receive new life. We only have to believe and receive free salvation!

In this Gospel story we will see that faith accepts Jesus’ promise of eternal life. Jesus teaches Nicodemus that faith in Him offers eternal life. Jesus declares that faith in the crucified Christ will bring eternal life. We will learn today that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life, for God did not send Jesus to condemn, but save the world.

Prayer: O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people. That we who suffer the consequences of this broken world may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name.

Hymn: Pg.60 “My Faith looks up to Thee’

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone.

And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

John 3: 1-17

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” ⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

⁹ “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

¹⁰ “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? ¹¹ Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. ¹² I have spoken to you of earthly things, and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Hymn: #61 “My Hope Is built On Nothing Less”

In our Gospel lesson for this morning we see the power of faith as Jesus has an Encounter with a man named Nicodemus. The result is new birth and a new connection with God.

The Father loves you.

1.     He sent His Son to be lifted up.

A.   By nature, we are like the children of Israel in great danger.

B.   In love, the Father sent Jesus.

 

2.   He gives the promise of everlasting life.

A.   In the Old Testament wilderness, anyone who looked at the brass serpent was healed of their disease.

B.   Likewise, Jesus promises that those who believe in Him have the promise of everlasting life.

 

3.   He draws people to believe in Jesus.

A.   People are drawn to Jesus through the message of the cross!

B.   You can tell if God’s love is drawing you. By loving and serving others.

 

By faith you know and understand it.

That God the Father loves you. — Jesus tells us plainly: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  (Vv. 16-17). This you know and understand by faith.

The Father truly loves you.

Because of His great love – He sent His only Son into our world. John will remind us, “And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” Jesus came into this world both in time and space.

He entered this world – in time a special time – “in those days when Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

He was born in space – in a specific place - “In Bethlehem in Judea, - for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ 

Transition: Do you understand that the Father loves you? Do you understand that Christ died for your sins? By faith you do!

That Christ died for your sins. — “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  (Vv. 13-15).

All our good intentions. All our resolutions to do better. All of our efforts could offer what the Son accomplished.

Faith must look to Christ and Him alone to be our one redeemer.

Transition: Do you understand that the Father loves you?  Do you understand that Christ died for your sins? Do you understand that faith brings eternal life? Yes. You  know and believe.

That faith brings eternal life. — “That everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Vv. 15, 16).

Faith is nothing more than trust.

Faith is nothing more than taking God at His Word.

What must you know to have this new birth in God? Only three points are necessary. On this day know and believe that the Father loves you.

Know and believe that Christ died for your sins.

Know and believe that faith brings eternal life. 

Who is this man going to the cross? It’s Jesus! your Lord, your Savior, and yes, your friend.

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for sending Jesus to save us.
Thank you that we can have new life and be born again. Help us remember that every day. Thank you for your love and care.

Collects for Lent 2: O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

Hymn #37 He’s God the Whole World in His Hands

Transfiguration reflection

 

Transfiguration reflection

This coming Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. On that day three of Jesus’ disciples -Peter, James, and John – were privileged to go up on a mountain. There Jesus was shown in all His glory. His appearance changed as Moses and Elijah appear before them discussing Jesus’ trip to the cross.

For us - we see the glory of God in Jesus every time we hear His Word and gather to worship and pray. May the peace of God be ours As the Savior directs us.

LORD, Thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us to trust in that Word. And to keep our faith in you. Even when we can’t feel or see you. Thank you for taking care of us. Thank you for Jesus. In His name, Amen!

Hymn: Pg. #61 “My Hope is Built on Nothing less”

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone.

And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Luke 9:28-36

28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, [a] which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”

—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One;[b] listen to him!”

36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

Hymn: pg.62 “Now thank we all our God”

Wise King Solomon tells us that as we age the first notable change, we can expect is our vision. After 40 reading glasses become necessary. Nearly all of us at one time or another have had to have our vision tested.

We need to wear eyeglasses to see things how they really are – My eyes aren’t perfect.  But these eyeglasses change the way I can see things so I can know what is real.

In our Bible reading today we heard about the Transfiguration of Jesus. “Transfiguration” is a big word that means “change.” – Jesus changed the way the disciples could see him so they would know what was real.

One time, Jesus went up a tall mountain with some of his disciples to pray.

It was late at night. So everyone was getting very sleepy. Peter, James and John went up to the high mountain with Jesus to pray. But after a bit they became tired and began to sleep.  

But then something happened that made them wide awake. Something very surprising happened. They saw a change come over Jesus. As his clothes became shiny white. It was different than anything they had ever seen!

But then something else happened.

They saw two men from the Bible. Moses & Elijah. Who had gone to heaven a very long time before. They showed up and started talking to Jesus about what the special work Jesus was going to do when he got to Jerusalem. There Jesus would suffer and die on a cross. And on the third day rise again to give us forgiveness and life.

But why Moses? And why Elijah?  These two were the great prophets of the Old Testament. They both pointed the way to Jesus. They both predicted that at the right time a Savior would come. And so it is. At the right time Jesus our Savior came for us.

Why Moses? And Why Elijah? Both men lead the nation of Israel… Moses lead the people our of Egypt, through the Red Sea, through the desert, into the Promised Land.  Elijah led Israel – even though he felt all alone.

For us – the Lord continues to lead and guide us. When the Lord’s guidance can be perfectly seen and especially when we can’t. The Savior has promised us “I am with you always!” His direction is constant. It wil not change. He is always there – for you!

Like reading glasses that give us 20/20 vision. The LORD continues to care for us in good times and in challenging times. To bring us Home.

Just then a cloud came down and covered everyone and the disciples became afraid.

They were terrified! That’s exactly how the disciples felt. Something amazing was happening and they were very confused until they heard a voice from the cloud say, “THIS IS MY SON, LISTEN TO HIM.”

And whose voice that was? 

It was the voice of God, our Heavenly Father.  Making sure they understood that Jesus was his son.

These three. Peter. James. and John. May have been hoping for some proof to be sure they were following the right person.  Placing their trust in something genuine.

On that mountain, though, the disciples got some amazing proof. Right before their eyes.

Jesus changed. His clothes became super white, and Elijah and Moses showed up.

As a cloud came over them, and a voice announced: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” That had to be pretty clear and obvious.

If Peter, James, and John didn’t know for sure before, they certainly did then. They heard God announce that Jesus was His son, and command that they listen to Him!

Then the cloud disappeared and only Jesus was there. After that, they always looked at Jesus a little different because they saw how things really were.

This story is like our eyeglasses. They help me see what’s real. The Transfiguration of Jesus showed the disciples what was real about Jesus. It shows us what is real about Jesus. [1]

Jesus is God’s one and only Son. He looked like a normal person. But he was really someone very special.

The Lord wants us to listen very carefully to all the words of Jesus in the Bible. And when we do. We follow Him every day of our life until it is time to be welcomed into His glorious presence in heaven.

Jesus is the true son of God. He lived and died for us. Although we may not see Him with our eyes or hear His voice, we can trust in the work that Christ did, and know that He is our savior and redeemer. Believing in the Bible reminds us of His power and authenticity.

We give thanks for His life.

And we can ask God to help us continue in our faith and understanding. Why don’t we do that now?

Prayer:

LORD, Thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us to trust in that Word. And to keep our faith in you. Even when we can’t feel or see you. Thank you for Your love and care. Give us the eyes of faith to see you each day in our daily lives. Thank you for your guidance every single day.

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

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[1] Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36) Children’s Sermon - Ministry To Children

Image of the Transfiguration copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Epiphany 5 reflection

Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. Teaching us to store up our treasures in Heaven and not on Earth.  In our lesson for today Jesus taught us the right way to act and interact with others and to store up our treasures in Heaven. Today we will  learn that the Beatitudes teach us to BE kind, to BE humble, to Be loving, and to BE gentle.

Hymn: #39 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

Prayer:  O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, That we who suffer the consequences of this broken world may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name. [1]

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

–Luke 6:17-26

¹⁷ He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, ¹⁸ who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, ¹⁹ and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

²⁰ Looking at his disciples, he said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,
    for yours is the kingdom of God.

²¹ Blessed are you who hunger now,
    for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
    for you will laugh.
²² Blessed are you when people hate you,
    when they exclude you and insult you
    and reject your name as evil,
        because of the Son of Man.

²³ “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.

²⁴ “But woe to you who are rich,
    for you have already received your comfort.
²⁵ Woe to you who are well fed now,
    for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
    for you will mourn and weep.
²⁶ Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,
    for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

Hymn:# 40 How Firm A Foundation Vv. 1-3

In today's scripture story, Jesus is speaking to us reminding us that God is always with us.

• What Jesus is saying in today's passage:

• "If the world seems against you - God is with you."
• "If it seems everyone’s mad at you - God is with you."
• "Do you sometimes feel all alone? - God is with you."
• Maybe it's enough just to know that God is with us on our worst days.
• But, God also wants to help us move through these worst days in ways that are best for us.
• Jesus shows us how to invite God into our daily lives so that no matter how our day is going, we know how to listen for and follow any instructions or reminders that God is offering us.
• When we do that – when we receive God’s help – then even our bad days have hope.
• And, if we’re not having a bad day, we can still choose to receive God’s help in the ways Jesus teaches us. When we do that, then we might better see and know how to help those who are having one of those really bad days.[2]

Jesus said to his disciples, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). 

This is hard for us to believe sometimes, given the trials that life often brings us. 

From the darkness, depths, and despair of disease, depression, loneliness, and poverty, we cry out "Where are you in this God?" "Are you even listening?" "Do you even care?"

Still - God is with us.  He is with you.  He cares about you. And loves you.  Jesus says to you as he said to his disciples, "I am with you always, to the end of the age." 

Jesus understands. He knows your suffering. Because he suffered all things in his death on the cross. 

He cries alongside you.  Much more than this. Jesus has overcome your suffering in his resurrection from the dead. 

He forgives you.  He's taken all the guilt that's been oppressing you for years.  He promises you deliverance from the diseases, illnesses, and all other things gone wrong in this lifetime. 

We all have this hope and promise in Jesus in life everlasting.

As we look forward to that paradise, Jesus has promised us, "I am with you always."  He's with you in his Word.  He promises to hear your prayers, cries, and groans. 

He surrounds you with the presence and support of loved ones.  Look hard enough and long enough, and you will see God's mercy and love in Jesus being shown to you.

Wherever you find yourself today - on the mountaintop of good news. Or in the dark valley of pain and illness –

know this:  Jesus is with you always. To the end of the age.  He loves you.  He gave his life for you.  And he is risen for you.  [3]

In our reading for today Jesus said, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.’

Jesus taught that we should be happy even if we were having hard times because our rewards are in Heaven.

Notice that Jesus didn't say, "Happy are they who have a lot of money" or "Happy are they who have plenty to eat and dine in fancy restaurants." He didn't even say, "Happiness is a warm blanket." What he did say was, "When you follow me, happiness will come.  Rejoice! A great reward awaits you in heaven."  

Here the Savior describes those who are his own.

They are poor in spirit. They know of their need for a Savior. The Psalmist writes, “Then I acknowledge my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” – Psalm 32:5

They hunger after a righteousness. They do not have it because of their own effort. They rest on God’s amazing grace.

They bear the cross. We hear the Savior’s invitation: “Come unto me all you who are weary by the cares of this life. Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

God’s grace turns poverty into riches/ hunger into satisfaction/ weeping into laughter.  Because God is always with you.  

Collect for humility – O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace.

Lord Jesus thank you for your love and care. Direct us in all that we do to show Your love to others.  

Hymn # 40 How Firm A Foundation Vv. 4-5

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer. [4]

Hymn #37 He’s God the Whole World in His Hands

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[1] Collect for Epiphany 6

[2] Luke 6:17-26 Children’s Sermon

[3] Facebook post 1.16.2025 by Pr. Carl Hingst

[4] September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 

Epiphany 5 reflection

 

Jesus calls His first disciples

In this season of Epiphany, we recall a series of first things. We have witnessed Jesus' first miracle. We have heard His first sermon. Now we see His first disciple called into active service.

Peter is an interesting sort of fellow. He speaks first and questions later. He is bold in faith at one moment and timid the next.

Peter is very much like us today. He had his own questions and fears. He had sickness in his family. He worked long hours trying to run a business. But when Jesus called Peter, he responded.

The Savior used common ordinary people like you and me to be His followers. May we take the example of Peter and faithfully follow when we are asked to go.

Hymn: #60 - My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Prayer:

For strength of faith- Almighty Good, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting.[1]

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

– Luke 5:1-11

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret preaching to a crowd of people, he saw two boats on the sea shore.  He got into the boat, which belonged to Simon and taught the crowd of people from the sea shore.  When Jesus was done teaching he told Simon to put his nets into the water to try to catch some fish.  Simon had been fishing all night and had not caught any fish but he listened to Jesus anyway and put the net into the water. 

When Simon did this the net became so full of fish that the net began to break.  He had to call a friend to help bring in the nets and the fish.  Simon was amazed by all the fish they had caught and was embarrassed because he knew that he was a sinful man.  He told Jesus to leave because he knew that he was sinful and didn’t deserve all of the fish that they had caught.  But Jesus told the Simon and the other men that they would become fishers of men.  When Simon and the other men heard this they parked their boats and left everything they had a followed Jesus.

Hymn: 

#61 My Hope is built on nothing Less

In our story for today As Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret preaching to a crowd of people, he saw two boats on the seashore. 

He got into the boat, which belonged to Simon and taught the crowd of people from the seashore. 

When Jesus was done teaching, he told Simon to put his nets into the water to try to catch some fish. 

Simon had been fishing all night and had not caught any fish, but he listened to Jesus anyway and put the net into the water. 

When Simon did this the net became so full of fish that the net began to break.  He had to call a friend to help bring in the nets and the fish. 

Simon was amazed by all the fish they had caught and was embarrassed because he knew that he was a sinful man. 

He told Jesus to leave because he knew that he was sinful and didn’t deserve all of the fish that they had caught. 

But Jesus told the Simon and the other men that they would become fishers of men.  When Simon and the other men heard this, they parked their boats and left everything they had a followed Jesus.

Jesus calls Peter to be a fisher of men as he responds in faith "At Your word" - v. 5 Likewise you are called to obey Christ's command and accept His promises in faith.

It takes faith to do something with which you have struggled and failed. Peter was asked to do the ridiculous – to fish after a whole night of catching nothing!

Jesus’ words today call for faith to obey his commands and to trust his promises. And we remember that Jesus is always with you. [2]

.l,.;Lord Jesus thank you for your love and care. No matter our circumstance you have promised always to be there. Help us to remember and recall your presence in our life every single day.

Hymn # 62 Now Thank we all our God

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.[4]

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Luther's Seal, copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things 

[1] Collect for aid against temptation and for strength of faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] Fishers of Men (Luke 5:1-11) Sunday School Lesson - Ministry To Children

[3] Facebook post 1.16.2025 by Pr. Carl Hingst

[4] September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)