Pr. DFD : Pentecost

Showing posts with label Pentecost. Show all posts

Friday, May 22, 2026

Saturday prior to Pentecost

The majestic Hymn of the Day, Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (LSB #497), was written by Martin Luther. In addition to writing catechism hymns for each of the six chief parts of Christian doctrine, Luther wrote this one to help remember the third article of the Apostles’ Creed. The chief teaching of the Christian faith—the doctrine of salvation by faith rather than works—is clearly proclaimed throughout this great hymn. Sing it confidently and boldly. The Holy Spirit has brought you to faith, and by Word and Sacrament, He will continue to keep you in the one true faith.

This chorale is based on the work of the third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who is expressly celebrated on the Day of Pentecost. The following shows connections between each of the four statements of Luther’s meaning of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed and portions of each stanza of “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord.”

Luther writes in his Table Talk: “The hymn ‘Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord,’ was composed by the Holy Ghost himself, both words and music.” Luther crafted the version known today by polishing the original German stanza and also composing two additional stanzas to fit masterfully with the first.

Ø I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

“With all Your graces now outpoured on each believer’s mind and heart” (stanza 1)

Ø In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

“Lord, by the brightness of Your light in holy faith Your Church unite” (stanza 1)

“Let none but Christ our master be that we in living faith abide, in Him, our Lord, with all our might confide.” (stanza 2)

Ø In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.

“From every error keep us free” (stanza 2)

Ø On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

“That bravely here we may contend, through life and death to You, our Lord, ascend.” (stanza 3)

As mentioned earlier that the best hymns also teach the Christian faith, it is worth noting that this chorale actually predates the publication of Luther’s Small Catechism (1529). Thanks be to God for this chorale’s expression of our Lutheran faith and His work through the third Person of the Holy Trinity!

O God, who gave Your Holy Spirit to the apostles, grant us that same Spirit that we may live in faith and abide in peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen

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

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Friday prior to Pentecost

John 7:37–39—Jesus foretells the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit will be fully poured out upon the Church, causing living waters to flow out from their hearts, that is, all believers will be empowered to testify to the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation which comes through Jesus Christ alone.

From His open heart, our crucified and risen Lord pours out His Holy Spirit in “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and invites everyone who thirsts to come to Him and drink freely (John 7:37). Through this life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, we hear the gospel message “telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21).

Although not mentioned often in the New Testament, the Festival of Tabernacles was one of the “big three” annual festivals (along with Passover and Pentecost) for which adult Jewish males were expected to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and it was generally the most joyous and popular of the three. Originally a harvest celebration, by the time of Jesus it had also taken on the significance of remembering God’s provision for the people of Israel during their wilderness wanderings.

God provided water for the Israelites in the wilderness as well, but its thirst-quenching effects were also temporary. Here, at this festival that celebrates God’s provision in the wilderness, Jesus offers the living water that quenches all thirst and is a source of life eternal. John adds a note of explanation, so that no one may miss the significance: “Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were yet to receive, for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (7:39)

This “Paraclete” or “Spirit of truth” will teach them, remind them of all that Jesus has said to them, and guide them into all truth (14:26; 16:12-14). The Spirit will be the abiding presence of Jesus with his disciples, continuing his work in and through them. This promise is fulfilled on the evening of Easter Sunday, when the risen Jesus comes to his disciples, breathes into them the Holy Spirit, and sends them out in mission. (20:19-23)

Jesus speaks of this promise at the Festival of Tabernacles -- the promise fulfilled at Passover/ Easter according to John, or at Pentecost according to Luke-Acts.

John interprets the Jewish festivals anew in light of God’s revelation in Christ. All that the festivals celebrate -- the deliverance, presence, and provision of God -- find new significance in God’s sending of the Son to tabernacle among us, and sending of the Spirit to abide with us forever, so that rivers of living water may flow from within us to a thirsty world.

Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Thursday prior to Pentecost

Acts 2:1–21— Our risen Lord Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost—the fiftieth day and the “Eighth Sunday” of Easter. When “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire appeared” and rested on each of the twelve Apostles, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and proclaimed “the mighty works of God.” The Lord Jesus grants this same Spirit to His Church on earth to proclaim Him glorified on the cross and risen victorious from the grave for us sinners.

The Epistle reading for the Day of Pentecost is, as you might imagine, the account of the giving of the Holy Spirit on the first Day of Pentecost, and the establishment of the New Testament Church in mission. This special gift was given to the disciples in the early Church for two main reasons: to testify that these men were speaking by the authority of God (for only God could grant such a gift in fulfillment of prophecy), and in order to proclaim the Word of God to people of many different tongues. Since the New Testament had not been written down yet, it also could not be translated yet. In our day, the written Word of God, the Bible, fulfills both these purposes, delivering the truth of God in a language which we can understand.

In his explanation to the third article of the Apostles’ Creed Luther reminds us: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.”

Pentecost is the birthday of missions. These are our marching orders – to get the message out and to keep the message straight. As you are given the opportunity gossip the gospel to your family, neighbors and community.

Collect for the Holy Spirit: Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your Holy Spirit dwell in us that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth and evermore defend us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Wednesday prior to Pentecost

Numbers 11:24–30 is the Old Testament lesson for this coming Sunday the Feast of Pentecost—Because the task of caring for the children of Israel was overwhelming, the Lord instructed Moses to appoint seventy men as elders to assist him. For some unknown reason, two of them, Eldad and Medad, failed to present themselves at the tabernacle for commissioning. Yet, the Spirit rested upon them, also. Some of the others thought that they should be stopped from prophesying, proclaiming the Word of the Lord.

Moses exclaims, “Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” Though pastors are appointed to fulfill certain tasks in the Lord’s Church, all Christians are called upon to give witness to the hope that is in them (See 1 Peter 3:15) by proclaiming the Word of God, as opportunities are presented.

Now is an excellent time for you to give witness to the hope that is in you. Especially now, Christians have something people desperately need and many are missing: hope. Now, of all times, we must be prepared to give an answer to anyone and everyone who asks about the hope that is in us.

To offer hope we need to engage with others in significant conversation. – Significant discussion involves not only speaking but also listening. This is where you can do your part.

Listening is half, yet an integral and essential part of a successful conversation. We’ve all experienced at some time an exchange that was limited to, “Let’s talk about me and then let’s talk about me some more.” When you take turns to talk, everyone feels heard. This is great communication. Empathic listening—understanding your neighbor fully, rather than seeing what they talk about through your own point of view is critical. The Bible emphasizes the importance of listening. James instructs believers to be “quick to listen and slow to speak.” -James 1:19

Listening is essential to evangelism and witness. Listening is like a stethoscope to the human heart. We can find out what is happening inside the heart of a person by simply listening—an invaluable tool when sharing Christ. Ask the Lord to help you to become a better and much more engaged listener.

It might take some time before people feel comfortable around others. Some are eager to move on and move forward. Become proactive in developing good listening skills. Listen to their story. And when the opportunity arrives don’t be afraid to give witness to the hope that is in you.

Lord, open my ears and my heart to the needs of others around me. As we engage in significant conversation may I truly listen and become empathetic. Only then can I effectively speak of the hope to which we have been called.

Monday, May 18, 2026

Tuesday prior to Pentecost

Psalm 25:1–15—This psalm of David makes an excellent prayer for daily use. It first contrasts godly (the one who trusts in God) with the ungodly. In verses 4–11, we consider our sins, especially as contrasted with the righteousness of God, and pray for forgiveness and spiritual renewal, trusting in the mercy and steadfast love of the Lord.

Verses 12–15 deal with sanctification—godly living—asking for guidance and instruction. The closing verses of the psalm, though not appointed for next week’s reading, brings the plea full circle, as, once again, we pray for deliverance from suffering and from persecution by our foes, those who are opposed to the Lord and to those faithful to the Lord.

By means of instruction the Psalmist reminds us of a simple yet powerful aspect of our faith – we receive mercy; God’s undeserved compassion and forgiveness. God does not require us to earn His forgiveness or gifts. He teaches and leads the humble; those not esteemed by the world. Those who live by faith receive the blessings of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Faith does not earn these blessings but receives them.

In difficult economic times, how much we want to hear the promise that God will make us abundantly prosperous in our undertakings and in the fruit of our bodies, livestock, and soil. (Deuteronomy 30:9) No need for another stimulus package. A God-ensured economic recovery must surely be right around the corner. Yet, as a response to this reading, Psalm 25 leads us to pause and contemplate what it means to prosper in God.

Psalm 25:1-10 is not a heartfelt expression of gratitude for a windfall, but a heartfelt expression of trust in God. "The first ten verses of the psalm, which make up the present lection, constitute, at root, a theological reflection and heartfelt plea rising out of that reflection."[1]

In fact, rather than a rousing chorus of "Happy Days Are Here Again," these verses are an introit to lament and an expression of the trust that makes it possible to complain to God. The psalmist asks God for instruction on how to avoid shame and disgrace and then provides instruction of those who wait on the Lord.

"To you, O Lord, I lift my soul," the psalmist declares (25:1). Anyone who has regularly sung Psalm 141 as part of Vespers or Evening Prayer will find in these simple words a profound description of prayer. To lift up one's soul to God is shorthand for lifting up one's hands in an outstretched position in prayer. The gesture signifies holding one's conscious identity, one's life, outstretched to God in sole and complete dependence upon God and God's help. To pray, "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul" (25:1) "is a psalmic synonym for 'In you I trust' (verse 2) ... and 'I wait for you' (verses 3-5, 21)."[2]

To prosper in God is to own and acknowledge one's utter dependence upon God. Deserving has nothing to do with it.

Lord our God, you show us your ways of compassion and love and you spare sinners. Remember not our sins; relieve our misery; satisfy the longing of your people. And fulfill all our hop for eternal peace through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.[3]

[1] Roger E. Van Harn and Brent A. Strawn (eds.), Psalms for Preaching and Worship: A Lectionary Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009), 109.

[2] James Luther Mays, Psalms, Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1994), 124-125.

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=618

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

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Monday prior to Pentecost

[1]

Psalm 104:24, 27–28, 30; —On the Day of Pentecost, we focus our attention on the Holy Spirit and His role in establishing the Mission activity of the Christian Church. The antiphon read during the Introit on the Day of Pentecost is a portion of an ancient prayer to the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.”

Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise celebrating the wonders of God’s creation. But it is careful to direct our attention not so much to the creation, but to the Creator. The Lord did not merely set the world into motion and then take His hands off the wheel. He continues to nurture and preserve all He has made. Luther in his Large Catechism explains, “He causes all created things to serve for the use and necessities of life.” (LC II, 14) In the explanation to the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed Luther simply explains, “I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.”

All around us, seeds sown into the ground just a few weeks ago are beginning to sprout. We anticipate an abundant harvest. The Lord’s abundant power of creation is seen each spring as we witness life flourishing around us. The Lord has promised to preserve and sustain the earth. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22

There seems to always be a guarantee in life that change will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we do not feel in control of life. The Psalmist assures us that the Lord is our sure defense. As He preserves you He will safeguard your life even in these unprecedented times.

The portion of the psalm used in the Introit proclaims that the Holy Spirit; whom, with the Father and the Son, was involved in the creation, especially of man, into whose nostrils God breathed the breath (Spirit) of life.

A Prayer for Agriculture: Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper; we implore You, the work of farmers, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness.[2]

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Pentecost study notes

Numbers 11:24–30

Acts 2:1–21

John 7:37–39

The Risen Lord Jesus Pours Out the Holy Spirit

The Lord took “some of the Spirit” that was on Moses “and put it on the seventy elders” of Israel (Num. 11:25), and they “prophesied in the camp” (Num. 11:26). In the same way, our risen Lord Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost — the 50th day and the “Eighth Sunday” of Easter. When “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire appeared” and rested on each of the 12 apostles, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” and proclaimed “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:2–4, 11). The Lord Jesus grants this same Spirit to His Church on earth to proclaim Him glorified on the cross and risen victorious from the grave for us sinners. From His open heart, our crucified and risen Lord pours out His Holy Spirit in “rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and invites everyone who thirsts to come to Him and drink freely (John 7:37). Through this life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, we hear our pastors “telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) and “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

John 7:37–39

Rivers of Living Water

John 7:37

Ἐν δὲ τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ μεγάλῃ τῆς ἑορτῆς εἱστήκει ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ ἔκραξεν λέγων· Ἐάν τις διψᾷ ἐρχέσθω πρός με καὶ πινέτω.

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

John 7:38

ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμέ, καθὼς εἶπεν ἡ γραφή, ποταμοὶ ἐκ τῆς κοιλίας αὐτοῦ ῥεύσουσιν ὕδατος ζῶντος.

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

John 7:39

οῦτο δὲ εἶπεν περὶ τοῦ πνεύματος οὗ ἔμελλον λαμβάνειν οἱ [b]πιστεύσαντες εἰς αὐτόν· οὔπω γὰρ ἦν [c]πνεῦμα, ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐδέπω ἐδοξάσθη.

Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Friday prior to Pentecost

[1]

John 14:23-31— In the gospel lesson Jesus reminds us that love and obedience are linked. How can we trust, love and obey? By ourselves we cannot do it. Thus the Counselor is sent from the Father. Both the Father and the Son are involved in the sending of the Spirit. The Spirit reminded these early disciples of everything Jesus had said and done. Thus when their message went out, as they recorded the words and actions of Jesus in written form they became literally God breathed and inspired. They became the Sacred Scriptures because the Spirit directed these men over a period of some twenty years to write 27 books that in reality make up one book – the New Testament. These books, together with the Old Testament, have one doctrinal viewpoint, one moral standard, one plan of salvation, one program for the ages.

Jesus renders not only an indictment but also a conviction on three counts. The word used for “convict” is straight out of the courtroom.

The Paraclete will expose the sin of failure to discern God in Christ and those, “who believe in Him.” The world is to be convicted of the sin inherent in the rejection of Jesus.

The righteousness of which the world will be convicted to its shame is the righteousness of Christ, that absolute righteousness that could only be revealed in the risen Christ. “He goes to the Father,” is the statement that authenticates His mission. For with the Passion, His revelation of the Father is completed, and henceforth the Paraclete will convince the world of the perfect righteousness that is revealed in Christ and made accessible to people.

The Paraclete will convince the world of both the justice of God and the inevitability of God’s judgment. The world will be judged, and the outcome of that judgment is already determined, because the prince of this world has been judged. In the redemptive act Jesus is victorious. He has conquered Satan. Luther’s words are appropriate here. “He’s judged, the deed is done, one little word can fell him.” What is that one little word? With respect to faith; that singular word is, “Jesus.” With respect to the Devil; the particular word is, “Liar!”

Collect for the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who heart it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. [2]–

[1] Go into all the world, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Thursday prior to Pentecost

[1]

Acts 2:1-21— The Epistle lesson is the entire story of the events of Pentecost. Pilgrims from every corner of the globe had descended upon the city of Jerusalem to celebrate. On that day Christ was preached to the nations and the nations were brought to the church. Pentecost is not the birthday of the church – it existed well before the feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is the birthday of missions when the church is reminded that we are to go out into the world with the message of the Gospel.

The familiar, but always exciting story of the day of Pentecost is our second lesson. Early in the book of Acts, Luke sets the tone which he carries throughout the rest of the book. The Spirit works upon and acts upon the heart and mind. In powerful words that spring to life as we hear them Luke describes the coming of the Spirit into the room where the disciples were gathered. Notice that there is an immediate reaction to the Spirit’s work. The disciples speak in languages that all the various and sundry nationalities present in Jerusalem can hear and understand what they said. When God wants to, He makes it possible for all those who understand different languages to get meaning from the disciples’ words, unlike his action in the Genesis lesson where he created the various languages to put humanity in its place.

The Savior Himself predicted the events of Pentecost. Look up Matthew 24:14. The gospel was preached to the nations on the first Pentecost. For centuries the gospel message has encircled the globe. It has been preached on every continent. But specifically on September 15, 2001 from the National Cathedral in Washington DC the message of Christ and Him crucified was beamed literally around this planet through radio and television as the world watched and listened. Some may ask, “When will the end come?” Pentecost gives us the answer. The end will come - when the last pagan is converted.

In the Pentecost portion of the church year we pray for the Spirit to used God’s word to produce a harvest of souls. Likewise we pray that the seeds recently planted might grow and mature into an abundant harvest.

A collect for Agriculture: Almighty God, 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; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [2]–

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Wednesday prior to Pentecost

[1]

Genesis 11:1-9 – The Old Testament lesson is the story of the tower of Babel and the confusion of language. Too many languages were confusing and construction of the great tower was stopped. There was a loss of unity from a lack of the Holy Spirit. The people desired to build for themselves a tower, and altar unto themselves. There was a centrifugal power of an evil spirit at Babel – it scatters.

Under the theme for the week; “Unity through the Holy Spirit” the Old Testament lesson teaches completely the opposite; a loss of unity from a lack of the Holy Spirit’s direction. The opening verse refers certainly to one actual language with the same vocabulary as well as to the broader idea of common thought or speech. Clearly the people are thinking alike, planning and working together as they conceive of their building project designed to reach high to God in heaven.

From our perspective the folly seems overwhelmingly evident, but the impossibility of their task underscores the depths to which humanity has fallen. In fact, any notion always has to stem from God who comes to us. Although the building may seem sustainable, significant movement occurs only when God comes to work through the Law, having decided to make sure that the people’s attempt would fail. God confuses more than physical communication. He sets people off on different paths intellectually so that they could never try something like that again.

Despite the text’s obvious warning and lesson, people still try to build towers. Today’s attempts to rally humanity man sound noble, but when designed by people according to their own notions, they can have only sinful roots. No matter how attractively they are packaged, they can only be further self-centered attempts to “reach heaven,” however they define that goal.

The story of the tower of Babel is the story of humanity trying to play God. There would be nothing at which humanity would stop, once they had achieved the building of their famous tower. God took care of them rather quickly, but confusing their language so that they could no longer understand one another. This is an interesting ancient story about the difference of nationality and language that we accept a common place across the earth.

Collect for Pentecost – O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2]

Monday, June 2, 2025

Tuesday prior to Pentecost

[1]

Psalm 143— David had reached the end of the line; no more reserve or resources (vv.3-4). But in a desperate situation one refuge remains: God Himself (vv.5-12). “O Lord…teach me…deliver me…lead me…bring me out of trouble.”

Psalm 143 – Hope for the Persecuted Soul

The title of this psalm is simply, “A Psalm of David.” It is another cry to God from a time of crisis and affliction because of David’s many enemies. It is numbered among the seven Penitential Psalms – songs of confession and humility before God. Psalm 143 does not seem to belong to this group as much as the others do (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, and 130), but 143:2 is a strong and clear statement about the unrighteousness of mankind.

It was a custom in the early church to sing these psalms on Ash Wednesday, the Wednesday six weeks before Easter.

A. Pleading for God’s help in a time of crisis. Vv. 1-7

B. The plea repeated again. Vv. 8-12

David asked God to deal with his enemies; but before that, he asked God to deal with him. He knew that his own low or uninspired or undirected walk with God was a greater danger than any enemy.[2]

Collect for Psalm 143: Lord Jesus, you bring the first light of dawn to those who dwell in darkness and make your love known to them. Enter not into judgment against your servants, but let your Spirit guide us into the land of justice, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and forever. [3]-

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-143/

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Monday prior to Pentecost

[1]

Psalm 104:24, 27-30 The antiphon for Pentecost is an ancient Liturgical Text “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.” — The Psalmist marvels at the grandeur and the detail, the perfection and completeness of God’s work in creation - verse 24 sums it all up.

Psalm 104 – LORD of all Creation

This Psalm has no title either in the Hebrew or Chaldean; but it is attributed to David by the Vulgate, Septuagint, Ethiopic, Arabic, and Syriac translations of the Old Testament Scriptures.

The Psalm gives an interpretation to the many voices of nature, and sings sweetly both of creation and providence. The poem contains a complete cosmos: sea and land, cloud and sunlight, plant and animal, light and darkness, life and death, are all proved to be expressive of the presence of the Lord.

V. 24, O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.

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

Your works…. Your possessions; they are all God’s property, and should be used only in reference to the end for which they were created. All abuse and waste of God’s creatures are spoil and robbery on the property of the Creator. [2]

“God’s Use of Language” is the theme for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [Genesis 11:1-9] God uses language to confuse the world. In the Epistle, [Acts 2:1-21] Language us used to understand the Gospel. In the Gospel [John 14:23-31] Language is used to witness to Christ with the help of the Comforter.

“Pentecost” is a Greek word, meaning fifty. The Jews celebrated Pentecost as a harvest festival. Later, it was used to celebrate the giving of the Law on Sinai and the birthday of Israel. Christians celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of Missions and global evangelism

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

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

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Pentecost Study notes

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

Genesis 11:1–9

Acts 2:1–21

John 14:23–31

Collect for Pentecost – O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The Holy Spirit Gives Peace

Following the flood, Noah’s descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with “one language and the same words” (Genesis 11:1) they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing “the language of all the earth,” dividing and dispersing the people (Genesis 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Acts 2:1-21

Acts 2:1

Καὶ ἐν τῷ συμπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς πεντηκοστῆς ἦσαν [a]πάντες ὁμοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό,

on the 50th day they were together in one place. Pentecost is first fruits festival. Liked will have emphasis on the temple as his gospel.

Acts 2:2

καὶ ἐγένετο ἄφνω ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἦχος ὥσπερ φερομένης πνοῆς βιαίας καὶ ἐπλήρωσεν ὅλον τὸν οἶκον οὗ ἦσαν καθήμενοι,

and came suddenly from heaven a roar like carrying wind violent filling the whole house where they were cathedral-ing.

Acts 2:3

καὶ ὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός, [b]καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐφ’ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν

appeared to them divided tongues of fire resting on each of them.

Where was the fire? On their tongues? Miracle of preaching. See Isaiah 6; See also the Easter 7 gospel; "I give them my word"

Acts 2:4

καὶ ἐπλήσθησαν [c]πάντες πνεύματος ἁγίου, καὶ ἤρξαντο λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις καθὼς τὸ πνεῦμα ἐδίδου [d]ἀποφθέγγεσθαι αὐτοῖς.

all were filled with the holly spirit and they began to publicly preach as the spirit gave them phlegm.

Acts 2:5

Ἦσαν δὲ [e]ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ κατοικοῦντες Ἰουδαῖοι, ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔθνους τῶν ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν·

now there were living in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from all nations. Jews dispersed from throughout the world. Some included children of the proselytes.

Acts 2:6

γενομένης δὲ τῆς φωνῆς ταύτης συνῆλθε τὸ πλῆθος καὶ συνεχύθη, ὅτι [f]ἤκουον εἷς ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ λαλούντων αὐτῶν·

when this sound happened, the crowd came together and was puzzled because each heard them preaching in their own dialect.

Acts 2:7

ἐξίσταντο [g] δὲ καὶ ἐθαύμαζον [h] λέγοντες· [i] Οὐχ ἰδοὺ [j] πάντες οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ λαλοῦντες Γαλιλαῖοι;

They were confused and amazed wondering right here and now in this present time and space are not all these speaking Galileans? They are standing outside/beside themselves because of the preaching.

Contrasting Peter's denial and his preaching we see the miracle of faith and preaching. The Holy Spirit has driven this into their hearts.

Acts 2:8

καὶ πῶς ἡμεῖς ἀκούομεν ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν;

how do we hear each in the dialect into which we were born.

Acts 2:9-11

Πάρθοι καὶ Μῆδοι καὶ Ἐλαμῖται, καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν Μεσοποταμίαν, Ἰουδαίαν τε καὶ Καππαδοκίαν, Πόντον καὶ τὴν Ἀσίαν, 10 Φρυγίαν τε καὶ Παμφυλίαν, Αἴγυπτον καὶ τὰ μέρη τῆς Λιβύης τῆς κατὰ Κυρήνην, καὶ οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες Ῥωμαῖοι, 11 Ἰουδαῖοί τε καὶ προσήλυτοι, Κρῆτες καὶ Ἄραβες, ἀκούομεν λαλούντων αὐτῶν ταῖς ἡμετέραις γλώσσαις τὰ μεγαλεῖα τοῦ θεοῦ.

dialects north, south, east, west. They heard the content. They stood in ecstasy literally "they stood outside of themselves."

Acts 2:12

ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες καὶ [k] διηπόρουν, ἄλλος πρὸς ἄλλον λέγοντες· Τί [l] θέλει τοῦτο εἶναι;

perplexed they were asking what does this mean?

Acts 2:13

ἕτεροι δὲ [m] διαχλευάζοντες ἔλεγον ὅτι Γλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν.

others mocked saying because they are filled with new wine.

Refer back to Jesus' first miracle in John 2 this is the new wine of salvation.

Acts 2:14

Σταθεὶς δὲὁ Πέτρος σὺν τοῖς ἕνδεκα ἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπεφθέγξατο αὐτοῖς· Ἄνδρες Ἰουδαῖοι καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες Ἰερουσαλὴμπάντες, τοῦτο ὑμῖν γνωστὸν ἔστω καὶ ἐνωτίσασθε τὰ ῥήματά μου.

standing up with the eleven Peter lifted up his voice, men of Judea and those gathering in Jerusalem, let this be known, listen to what I say

Acts 2:15-16

οὐ γὰρ ὡς ὑμεῖς ὑπολαμβάνετε οὗτοι μεθύουσιν, ἔστιν γὰρ ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας, 16 ἀλλὰ τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Ἰωήλ·

these are not drunk but what was written by the prophet Joel.

Acts 2:17

Καὶ ἔσται ἐν ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις, λέγει ὁ θεός, ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματός μου ἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν καὶ αἱ θυγατέρες ὑμῶν, καὶ οἱ νεανίσκοι ὑμῶν ὁράσεις ὄψονται, καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ὑμῶν [p] ἐνυπνίοις ἐνυπνιασθήσονται·

and it will be in the last days says God, I will pour out my spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, young men see visions, old men will dream dreams,

Acts 2:18

καί γε ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους μου καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς δούλας μου ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματός μου, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν.

on my servants both men and women I will pour out my spirit and they will prophesy.

Need to focus on "prophesy" preaching, proclamation, liturgy, prayer.

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