Proper 18

Romans 13:1-11

The Paradoxical (Ironic) State of the Christian

[1]

If you want to avoid discussions regarding religion and politics – STAY OFF FACEBOOK_TM!

Fortunately, there is clear guidance from the pen of St. Paul in his letter to the Romans.

Now we come to our Epistle lesson for this day. Paul places an obligation upon us – the obligation to obey those who are over us. Paul urges us that obedience to the officials and to the laws of government are God pleasing as he teaches that love is the fulfillment of the law.

Paul begins this section with a command. A divine directive.  “Each must be subject to the governing authorities.” v.1

Paul makes it very simple for us. To resist the State is to resist God. To obey governmental officials is to obey God. Paul is on the side of law and order. We obey the laws of the State for good order and for sake of a good conscious.

Now, it is assumed that governmental officials are trustworthy ministers of justice for all. According to this viewpoint, the State is an order of God’s creation. It is the Father’s way of executing justice and restraining evil. Thus, government officials are ministers of God carrying out justice in society by punishing evildoers.

This teaching from Paul gives Christians a new insight into their attitude and response to government and its laws. To disobey the laws of the State is to disobey God who will bring judgment upon offenders.

Yet Paul does not insist on blind obedience. At all costs. If and when a government is corrupt and discriminates against or persecutes people, it is because evil powers have taken over and must be resisted.

The apostle reminds us to honor those over us as His representatives. However, if one of these demands something which God forbids or forbids something which God demands, we must obey God.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were ordered to pay homage to the king, they replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.  If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3: 16-18)

These Hebrew boys were never promised that the Lord would spare them.

They knew the Lord was able to intervene. Yet it was not given to them that deliverance would come. It did not matter.  They were willing to suffer and face even death if the Lord would not adjudicate their situation. Still, they submitted to a higher authority; the authority of God.

Until Jesus comes, we will be "pilgrims and strangers" in this world. Like those believers in Rome, we are surrounded by an alien culture. That needs to hear about Jesus. That needs to see His truth lived out by those who claim to know Him. Consequently, we submit to those who are masters over us.

So, how do we as Christians live our lives in this present world? These words of St Paul apply to us. They have helped guide our decisions with respect to responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. An issue which continues to be on everyone’s mind these days.

Our driving principle throughout these unprecedented times continue: “We are given to serve both faithfully and responsibly in loving service and care for souls and the health and safety of our members and our neighbors in the world.”

In our present context; the State has never declared that we cannot worship. Had any such an order been given we are obligated to obey God rather than men. The prophet Daniel is yet another example of one who courageously defied a king’s edict.  

Our Governor’s Order reads: Places of worship have been at this present time directed to implement strategies for services held in person with the goal of continuing to slow and contain the spread of COVID-19, while uplifting each other during this difficult time.[2]

This is an order we can live with. Under the 4^th Commandment we follow the directives of our local health department and the State. Under the 5^th Commandment we implement health and safety protocols for the good of all.  

When providing services in person, places of worship are encouraged to follow the minimum health and sanitation protocols while practicing social distancing.[3]

To comply with these directives we now offer two services at 9 and 11 am. We spread out. We wear masks.  We limit our worship service to 100 persons or less.  We’ve pulled our hymnals. We don’t pass the plate or pass the peace. We separate hosts and cups on the credence table.  

We continue to broadcast our 9 o’clock service on the radio as well as live stream our service via social media. We sanitize this room between services and throughout the week.  

We request members register to attend our services so that; in the event that someone tests positive for Covid-19 and was in our building, we can conduct reasonable and responsible contact tracing.  

We follow these directives for sake of a good conscience and in loving service toward our neighbor.

Martin Luther speaking on the topic of Christian liberty once said, “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject of all.”[4]

I.                    As a Christian you are free from bondage. “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.

In God’s Son is full perfection and fulfillment of all the requirements of God. As God’s Son Jesus loved perfectly. As God’s Son Jesus lived perfectly. As God’s Son Jesus fulfilled the will of the Father perfectly.

On Calvary’s cross we see - THAT GREAT EXCHANGE— God’s mercy and forgiveness purchased at the cost of His own Son! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:1 

In Him we see the contours of how love fulfills the whole law. Love compels us. “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” V. 8 –You are to be free of all debt except the debt of love. The one thing we have over our fellowman is love. For love is the performance of the law. Love is the fulfillment of the law.

If you truly love your fellowman, you will not hurt him, steal from him, lie to him or covet what he has. –v.9

If we truly loved God, we would willingly obey God’s laws. Love is the answer to our delinquency, crime and moral corruption. The larger problem is, however, where can we get such love? How can we get people to love each other?

The answer sounds rather elementary yet it remains so fundamental. We must first experience Christ’s love for us before we can truly love and serve our neighbor.

“To be a Christian is to live under the sign of Him who came from heaven down to earth, to live under the sign of His cross and resurrection, and thus to wait hopefully, patiently, on this earth, by making it a better place - and to challenge the world, - through one’s vocation and the church to do the same.” – Gerhard Forde (Where God Meets Man)

II.                  As a Christian you are in bondage to everyone. “A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.”

Since the fall, man will continue to be self-centered always tempted to turn away from both God and neighbor alike; to fix his focus on himself. For this reason we need the Lord’s instruction.

The Law of God is a mirror, which shows us our sin. But it is also a ruler and a guide; holding up to our vision the loving service for which we were designed. In love you serve your neighbor.

A summary of the Law is useful. Paul explains, “Love is the fulfilling of the Law.” It keeps us from getting caught up in “keeping the rules.” Love simply does no wrong to a neighbor. V.10

It is factual. Love does fulfill all obligations, because love does no harm to anyone but seeks the other’s welfare. Thus Paul can teach us, Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

You have been designed to love and serve both God and your neighbor. Our obligations extend beyond the religious sphere to include the humanity in which we live. In the church we seek mercy. In this world we seek justice. Both are governed by the Lord’s truth; His integrity, His Word.

We have obligations to the State, established by God. Therefore, we ought to be subject, for it is both God-pleasing and useful. Christians should make the best citizens. Love God. Serve your neighbor. This is how you live your life as a redeemed child of God; thus becoming a sermon in shoes.         

__________________

Words –1,615

Passive Sentences –7%

Readability – 73.4%

Reading Level –6.1

---

[1] Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Governor Holcomb’s Indiana Back on Track Order Phase 2 May 4-21,2020

[3] ibid

[4] ― Martin Luther, On Christian Liberty

Pentecost 14 - Proper 19

Pentecost 14 – Proper 19

Luke 15:1-10

15 September 2019

God rejoices over sinners who repent

Almighty God, every good thing comes from You. Fill our hearts with love for you, increase our faith, and by Your constant care protect the good you have given us. We ask this through our Lord Jesus, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, Amen [1]

God rejoices. When sinners repent. Angels and archangels laud and magnify the king of heaven. Every time a soul is added to the kingdom. Evangelism is happy time of the church. Because it is an echo of what goes on in heaven. 

But when the Pharisees saw Jesus surrounded by tax collectors and well-known sinners, they grumbled and complained. “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” With respect to the Pharisees - it was too late for “those people” who had messed up so badly. These Pharisees. They didn’t even want such people. They were damaged goods. They didn’t believe in a God who would allow such sinners into His house.

So Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Jesus came, looking for them. Jesus came to find just these very people—sinful people, rebellious people, lost people.  Jesus came to pay for their sins, suffer for their sins, die for their sins, because He wanted them back—back in His kingdom. Back in His house.  He called them to repent of their sin and to trust in Him—that He would forgive them for everything, and bring them back into God’s house, for free.

Why is the Father rejoicing when we repent? Heaven’s bells right out. The Father rejoices over every sinner who repents. How is this so?

1. God’s will is fulfilled.

A. His desire is that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

1. Are all men saved? Man still has the will to say “No!” to God. Many in our world still do. But this didn’t stop Jesus and His mission. 

2. The goal is that all should be gathered. None should be missing. This is the purpose for Christ’s coming. 

3. We are way too inclined to put people into categories and then label them.  We see this in the media, but if we are honest we do it ourselves!  But, the guest list to the Father’s heavenly banquet is a long list.  The Father’s love extends beyond our petty categories and prejudices.  In fact, not only are all of THOSE people invited –so are YOU! The Father’s guest list of those whom He loves madly and passionately is a lot bigger than your guest list.   So come!  The table is set!  All are invited!  God’s love is showering down upon you!  

B. Come! That you would rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.

1. This is the Father’s desire. God will never stop to look for and reclaim the lost!

2. This is His plan at work in your life and in the lives of all the people you love and also all the people you might have trouble. Christ’s love is so extreme that He will go to great lengths to seek us out and He never will let you go. 

C. That you would give thanks for God’s goodness. We thank Him for His generosity towards us. We praise Him for His care in our life.

1. Where would you be without Christ?

2. How different would your life be without Him?

Transition: The Father’s will is fulfilled when even one sinner repents. This is what pleases the Father. He is happy for sinner’s sake.

2. God is happy for the sinner’s sake.

A. You are now a part of God’s family. What was lost is now found. What was broken is now mended. What was found wanting is now restored.

1. Family is a unique grouping of peoples.

2. In this Friedheim Family “last names cease when we enter the parish door!”

B. By this act of mercy you now have access to the Father’s throne-room of grace. Every request, ever petition, every cry is heard by your Father in heaven. 

1. Every request is answered. According to the Father’s will. 

2. You can be assured that the Father’s will is being fulfilled in your life.

C. The same motivation of which moved the Savior to break into time and space to save and redeem you is the same motive to sustain and keep you. Remember the Catechism. He “guards and keeps us in the one true faith and keeps us with Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is why you’re a part of this Friedheim Family – you are incorporated into a community of faith called the Church.

1. There are no soloists in God’s choir. None going it alone. This runs completely counter to our present culture; which champions rugged individualism. In a world fixated on individual needs, personal desires, and particular thoughts and feelings it’s easy to translate this into our spiritual lives namely where we become focused on our own individual relationship with God.  Christ calls us to look at life through a wider lens. The Shepherd didn’t go after that one sheep to have quality time. Or one-on-one time. He goes after that one sheep to bring it back to the fold where it belonged. Those persons sitting next to you are your sisters and brothers in Christ. Persons for whom the Savior died and rose again. They are in a word, family.    

2. We each need each other. As part of the family of faith we enjoy each other, we grow together, we support and encourage each other.

The Church is family. The family of God. Welcome to the family. In this family you experience the Father’s love and welcome. You are accepted. By the Savior’s action the Father’s will is fulfilled. And the Father is happy for your sake.

Jesus receives sinners. That’s the message that comes through loud and clear. And when Jesus receives sinners, He rejoices over them. He rejoices that they’ve been found and brought back. And not only does Jesus receive sinners, and not only does He rejoice over them, He does one more thing. He restores these sinners to His service. Jesus Receives, Rejoices and Restores. 

_________________

Words - 1050

Passive Sentences –15% 

Readability – 83.7%

Reading Level – 3.7

The lost sheep copyright © Google images

[1]  Collect for Pentecost 14, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.2 Year 1: The Season After Pentecost © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Time in the Word - Pentecost 14 ~ Proper 18

Time in the Word  

Proper 18

September 4-9, 2017

Christian Obligation to Sinners

In the Lessons for this week we encounter sinners. What shall we do with our fellow sinners and how shall we deal with them? In the Gospel lesson Jesus teaches what we should do to be reconciled to those who sin against us. Ezekiel in the Old Testament lesson reports that God expects us to warn the sinner, who, if he repents, will live. Paul in the Epistle lesson urges obedience to the officials and law of government and teaches that love is the way to obey the law. The Hymn of the Day speaks of the power we as Christians possess to carry out this task. It is found in the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who has called and saved us according to His grace and favor. We place our confidence in God and enjoy His blessings, even in times of trouble.

Monday, September 4, 2017—Psalm 37:3-5,39; Antiphon, Psalm 92:1—The theme of next week’s propers is the description and obligation of the Christian living in the world. The Introit tells us that trusting in the Lord enables us to serve Him, and to have courage in the face of a world that is hostile to the Lord and His people.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017—Psalm 119:113-120 - The first letter in each verse of this portion of Psalm 119 is the Hebrew letter samekh. As in the other sections, the psalmist here extols the goodness of God in giving us His holy Word. His devotion to the Word of God moves him to reject the counsel of evildoers. Take note that when the psalmist write, “I love Your law,” this is not the opposite of the Gospel, but a term which encompasses the whole of God’s communication to man.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017—Ezekiel 33:7-9—The Lord told Ezekiel that He would restore Jerusalem, yet this did not remove Ezekiel’s obligation to warn sinners to turn from their wicked ways and repent. Likewise, we who live in the post-resurrection time, when Christ has restored mankind by His death and resurrection, have an obligation to warn sinners to turn from their wicked ways and repent, that they may partake of fellowship with God.

Thursday, September 7, 2017—Romans 13:1-10—Civil governments have been given their authority by God. Thus, the Christian submits himself to that rule which God has established, and exhorts others to do the same. 

St. Paul also tells us how we are to live with our fellow man: letting love for the neighbor guide all our actions and dealings. This love is not of ourselves, but flows from Christ, who first loved us.

Friday, September 8, 2017—Matthew 18:15-20—Since we have been reconciled to God through Christ Jesus, the Christian life is one that strives for reconciliation with our fellow man. If our brother sins against us, we will try to restore him privately. 

Only if that fails will we bring it before others, and before the Church as a last result. Throughout, the goal is the restoration of the erring brother, and his reconciliation with us.

Saturday, September 9, 2017—Hymn 373, By Grace I’m Saved, Grace Free and Boundless—How is it that we have been set free from the bondage of sin, to live a life pleasing to God, with love toward our neighbor? Only by the grace of God. Our salvation is a free gift; our works could never begin to secure our salvation. But, through the love of God poured out upon us in the person of His Son, Jesus, He has made us His own. Tomorrow’s chief hymn is a jubilant recounting of the goodness of God in graciously providing for our salvation.

Sources:

Artwork © by Ed Rojas © Higher Things© Higher Things
Lutheran Worship, © 1982, Concordia Publishing House

Pentecost 14 - Proper 20

Proper 20 (18–24 September)
Lord God, heavenly Father, since we cannot stand before You relying on anything we have done, help us trust in Your abiding grace and live according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Trusting in the Lord’s abiding grace & living according to His goodness - Be not envious of the Lord’s generosity.

Jesus teaches what the kingdom is like. The parable does not deal with labor relations or with hours and wages. It teaches that people in the kingdom do not work for rewards. Regardless of how long we have served, the wage is the same — the privilege of serving God. We are reminded that God can do as He pleases with what is His. His generosity is seen by giving the same pay to those who worked the last time. The last who come to the kingdom receive the same as those who enter first.

Some people are never satisfied. They are not even satisfied with God’s gifts, wages, or rewards. It depends on how you look at it. From the world’s viewpoint, God’s giving the same pay regardless of hours worked is most unjust. From the Christian viewpoint, God’s wages are more generous. Because of who we are and the wrong we have done, we rightfully should get nothing but condemnation. God gives his grace to all regardless how long or how well they worked for him. Those who began to work at the beginning of the day have no reason to complain. They had the joy and the privilege of being in the kingdom and of working for God. Christians do not serve for wages. You cannot pay a person for being or doing good. His only reward is being in God’s kingdom and doing God’s will. What is your reaction to God’s generosity?

1. Grumble — the world’s view of God’s generosity — vv. 8-15 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'”

"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So, when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'

"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

A. Paying the same wage to those who worked twelve hours, or one hour, is unfair. When the wages are handed out, those who worked one hour received the same pay as those who worked twelve hours. The twelve-hour men protested, complained, and grumbled. And they were justified in doing so! It was a case of rank injustice! It was unfair to those who worked all day.

B. This is the world’s protest, but the kingdom of God is different from the world. God does not use the same methods or measures for reward.

C. God’s pay scale contradicts our notion of rewards. The enemies of Jesus’ day, the Pharisees, grumbled about Christ’s gracious offer to sinners. Even Peter thought he and the other disciples should have received more than those who had not left their homes, their families and jobs to follow the Savior.

Yet God deals fairly with us. God is a real equal opportunity employer. Whatever we give up, we receive back a hundred -fold, and finally we receive eternal life. As Jesus says in Matthew 19:29 “ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”

Transition: There are those who grumble. There are those who are grateful.

2. Then, there are those who are grateful — God’s view of man’s needs — vv. 13-15.

A. God lives up to his promise to pay — v. 13. But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Yet, isn’t it wonderful that even those of us who worked only one hour also receive a denarius? There is a lesson to be learned here. The work itself is already a reward in and of itself! Just to be a Christian is a privilege. It is not a wearisome duty but a happy service, no matter how long God allows us to serve. Thus, we can say that there is no richer, fuller life than that of a disciple of Christ. The wage question in the kingdom of God need not trouble us. In the kingdom, there is no unemployment, and the wage level is uniformly high.

B. God has a right to do what he pleases with his own — v. 15 Don't have the right to do what I want with my own money?. How does God justify the apparent injustice in the payment of wages? God claims He is God, and can do what he pleases with his own. This, too, is different for today’s employer. He cannot pay what he wants or hire those he wants to work for him. Laws limit him. God deals differently from the world.

C. God is generous to all — v. 15. Or are you envious because I am generous?' His grace (payment) is not determined by wages or hours worked. God is so generous that he gives the denarius of grace (salvation) to everyone regardless of length of service or quantity of work performed. God goes beyond justice to give his peace to all who come, whenever they come.

How does God justify the apparent injustice in the payment of wages? God claims he is God, and can do what he pleases with his own. This, too, is different for today’s employer. He cannot pay what he wants or hire those he wants to work for him. Laws limit him. God deals differently from the world.

His grace (payment) is not determined by wages or hours worked. God is so generous that he gives the denarius of grace (salvation) to everyone regardless of length of service or quantity of work performed. God goes beyond justice to give his peace to all who come, whenever they come.

We learn important lessons about God and about grace. None of us deserves the benefits of the kingdom. Others have worked longer and harder than we have. Some have suffered incredible persecution, but the reward of the heavenly banquet is offered to all without regard to our work(s) or the price we have paid to be part of the kingdom.

Proper 20 - Pentecost 14 Time in the Word

A Study for Pentecost 14 Proper 20

September 12 - 17, 2011

God’s Generosity

In the Lessons for this week the Gospel, as usual, gives the key to the theme of the day. When a payment time comes for the laborers in the vineyard, it was learned that each was to receive equal pay regardless of hours worked. The reward is the same in the Kingdom whether we enter early or late. They who return to the Lord (Old Testament reading) will receive mercy and pardon. In the Epistle lesson, Paul says he does not know whether to live or die, because death would mean a closer relationship with Christ, his greatest reward. The Lord is good to all. The suggested Psalm relates to the Old Testament lesson –“seek the Lord.” The Hymn emphasizes our stewardship of life and harmonizes with the Gospel with its emphasis on working in the Kingdom.

Collect for Proper 20 – Lord God heavenly Father, since we cannot stand before You relying on anything we have done, help us trust in Your abiding grace and live according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Keep, we pray O Lord, Your church with Your perpetual mercy. Because without You we cannot but fall, keep us ever y by Your help from all thing hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable.

For Home and Family Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer before we study the Word Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

For Schools Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Monday, September 12, 2011 – Psalm 116:12-13, 15-Antiphon, V. 17:“I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” – This psalm is a song of deliverance from death. David or another king such as Hezekiah may have written it. (See Isaiah 38:10-20)

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 -  Psalm 27:1-9 This week’s Psalm is David’s triumphant prayer to God to deliver him from all those who conspire to bring him down. The prayer presupposes the Lord’s covenant with David. It is faith which publicly testifies to the Psalmist’s confident reliance on the Lord.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 Isaiah 55:6-9 Generosity of mercy to all who return. In Sunday’s first reading, the prophet’s hearers are encouraged to seek God and return to Him for mercy and pardon. God’s thoughts and ways are totally different from ours. This truth is illustrated in today’s reading, the parable of laborers in the vineyard. If God were like the world, he would not take back his enemies and freely pardon them. The world, rather, would seek revenge and treat enemies with hatred. We, by our nature, do not love or seek reconciliation. We hate and kill and never, never forgive. God is so different — thank God for that!  Those who return to the Lord in repentance will receive mercy and pardon. The same thought is echoed in the much loved hymn “Just as I Am”

Thursday, September 15, 2011 – Philippians 1:1-5; 6-11; 19-27 -Our Epistle lesson for this week speaks of the generosity of Christ both in life and in death. Paul finds life on earth is Christ while the anticipation of death is gain. Paul says he does not know whether to live or die, because death would mean a closer relationship with Christ, his greatest reward. Thus our life here on earth is nothing but preparation for our life to be lived in glory.

Friday, September 16, 2011 – Matthew 20:1-16 The parable of the laborers in the vineyard in the Gospel lesson for this coming week reminds us that God’s generosity is equal to all. When payment time came for the laborers in the vineyard, it was learned that each was to receive equal pay regardless of hours worked. The reward is the same in the kingdom whether we enter early or late. The thief on the cross receives the same reward as the faithful Christian who lives eighty plus years. Are we to spurn God’s generosity?

Saturday, September 17, 2011 –1 John 3:17 Our reading is the inspiration for the hymn “We Give Thee But Thine Own” How does this hymn harmonize with our theme for today? It emphasizes our stewardship of life and harmonizes with the Gospel with its emphasis on working in the Lord’s Kingdom. How has the Lord blessed your life? How will you return a portion to Him this coming week?

Sources:

Lutheran Service Book Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO © 2006
Lutheran Worship Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO © 1980 pg. 83

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A by John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing Lima OH pg. 253

Image © Ed Rojas Higher Things 

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Pentecost 14 - Proper 17

Pentecost 14 – Proper 17
Luke 14:1, 1-14
Luke 7:12-14
Look who’s coming to dinner?

According to our Gospel lesson a humble person takes the lowest place and invites the needy. Most people invite friends and associates to dinner. They are people we enjoy, or people with whom we want to develop closer relations. Often we invite people because they first invited us, and we return the courtesy. The more prominent and more important the guests are the more honor they bring to us. In this parable Jesus teaches we should do the opposite – invite the humble, the unimportant, and the poor who can not return the favor. This calls for a reversal of the usual attitude that most people have. What does it take to invite the lowly? It takes both humility and grace.

1. Humility – To invite those who can bring us no advantage. Romans 12:16 - Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

A. Humility is one of the great laws of the kingdom. It shows us what we are we are only by the grace of God.

B. Do not be proud / puffed up if you achieve some success. When you do you will surely be humbled and made aware of your insignificance.

C. One commentator (Farmer) but it this way, “humble we must be as to heaven we go…high is the roof there. But the gate is low.”

D. Deeds of charity we do should not be done merely because we expect to be rewarded in heaven. True love is unselfish; it shows kindness not to be rewarded, but because of a desire to do good to the one who loved. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love you enemies, do good, and lend, hope for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.” – Luke 6:32-35

Transition: What does it take to invite the lowly? It takes both humility and grace.

2. Grace – To invite people because they are unworthy and cannot help us. We get nothing out of it. It is pure grace – love to the undeserving. Compare this with our situation and the heavenly dinner. Christ invites us – poor, dirty, naked – without any merit or worthiness to be in His presence at His table in the Kingdom.

A. To experience the grace of God means we are blessed. Blessed is a powerful word. In the New Testament, when used of persons, it always refers to the condition of the repentant, fruitful believer in Jesus. Jesus says in His Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be glad. For indeed your reward is great in heaven. For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.”

B. The Lord in Revelation 14:13 defines who the blessed are as He reminds us that their deeds will follow them, Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ “Yes.” Says the Spirit, “that they may rest form their labors, and their works follow them.” True good works cannot be rewarded by men after one dies. But these works will be rewarded “at the resurrection of the just”, those justified by faith. The love and good works which Jesus here asks are the fruits of faith produced by the righteous alone.

Jesus condemns self-righteousness and selfishness. Both are works of the flesh. With these two illustrations Jesus deftly preached what we call the second use of the law. He shines the mirror of God’s truth He lays the sin of His hearers bare for all to see. This is not always pleasant for it exposes our true nature. Yet He did it because He loves us. As we respond to others we have no other way to respond other then with mercy and grace.

A genuine humble person will take the lowest place at a dinner and invite the needy to fellowship. Pride wants only the prominent and eminent of guests. Genuine humility is expressed by the way we reach out to others. Make no mistake; this is more then mere manners. Christ is the one who humbled Himself even to the point of death. He bore our sins and took our misery to Himself that in exchange for our sin we might receive the righteousness of God. If this is how the Savior has treated us, how much more should we demonstrate the same hospitality to others.

Face of Christ
http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

Time in the Word - Pentecost 14 - Proper 17

We Are Humbled and Exalted by the Cross of Christ

“Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled,” Jesus proclaims, but “he who humbles himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Your hope is in the name of the Lord, who humbled Himself unto death on the cross and was exalted in His resurrection. So are you humbled by His cross, and “at the resurrection of the righteous,” He will say to you, “Friend, move up higher” (Luke 14:10; 13–14). By His grace, the King will honor you “in the place of great men,” where your eyes will gaze upon the Prince, His dearly-beloved Son (Prov. 25:7). As He has dealt so graciously with you, “Do not neglect doing good and sharing” (Heb. 13:16), and “do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Heb. 13:2). Humble yourself and exalt your neighbor.

Collect for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: O Lord of grace and mercy, teach us by Your Holy Spirit to follow the example of Your Son in true humility, that we may withstand the temptations of the devil and with pure hearts and minds avoid ungodly pride; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for the Feast of St Bartholomew (24 August): Almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, chose Bartholomew to be an apostle to preach the blessed Gospel. Grant that Your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist (29 August): Almighty God, You gave Your servant John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in both his preaching of repentance and his innocent death. Grant that we, who have died and risen with Christ in Holy Baptism, may daily repent of our sins, patiently suffer for the sake of the truth, and fearlessly bear witness to His victory over death; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for humilty: 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 and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer in times of unemployment: O God, You have always been the help and comfort of Your people. Support the unemployed in the day of their trouble and need. Give them faith to cast their cares on You, and preserve them from all bitterness and resentment. According to Your goodness increase the opportunity for their employment that with thankful hearts they may earn a just wage. Give to Your people everywhere a ready willingness to share their blessings with those in need. Make us merciful, even as You are merciful, O Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 23 August 2010—Psalm 75:1–2, 6, 9; antiphon, Psalm 75:7—The readings for Sunday speak of being humble, and the Introit sets the tone by reminding us that we are not to judge people according to worldly standards; rather, It is God who executes judgement, putting down one and lifting up another.

Tuesday, 24 August 2010—Psalm 131—This psalm of David is the psalm of a humble man, one whose heart is not lifted up by himself and one whose eyes are not raised too high. Instead of relying on himself, David has calmed and quieted his soul with the knowledge of the LORD and that all our hope is in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.

Wednesday, 25 August 2010—Proverbs 25:2–10—About 250 years after the death of Solomon, blessed by God as the wisest man ever to have lived, King Hezekiah’s men collected some of Solomon’s wise sayings from a larger collection. The first section used for Sunday’s Old Testament reading (vv. 2–7) relate to earthly kings. Whereas part of God’s glory is due to the fact that He is beyond our understanding, it is the glory of earthly kings to search out and discover. When he became king, Solomon humbly asked God for “an understanding mind to govern Your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). To search out justice and enlightenment is to a ruler’s glory.

The second portion of the reading (vv. 8–10) teaches us humility in relations with our neighbor. We are not to be hasty in pursuing litigation to elevate ourselves over our neighbor; he may thereby put us to shame. Neither should we engage in gossip, warns v. 9. Similar warnings are also given in Proverbs 11:13, 20:19, and, of course, the Eighth Commandment.

Thursday, 26 August 2010—Hebrews 13:1–17—How does a person’s humility manifest itself with regard to those around us? The writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to care for the needy: Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers . . . remember those who are in prison . . . and those who are mistreated. We ought always to bring to mind Christ’s example, who suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Furthermore, we ought to recall those heroes of the faith whom we heard about in the epistle readings a few weeks ago and imitate their faith. In the Church, we are to humble ourselves and obey our leaders and submit to them, for God has appointed them to keep watch over your souls.

Friday, 27 August 2010—Luke 14:1–14—Sunday’s Gospel speaks of Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, but first challenging the puffed-up Pharisees to show Him why this would be wrong. They could give no answer. Jesus then tells a parable which exhorts those puffed-up Pharisees—and us!-–to humble ourselves. One who has the mind of Christ will not seek to exalt himself over others, but will put himself in their service, as Christ did for us when he bore our sins to Calvary. When we bow in humble submission to the Lord, He shall exalt us. Indeed, He has already, by making us His children through the washing of Holy Baptism and giving us a seat at His heavenly banquet.

Saturday, 28 August 2010—The first stanza of the Sunday’s Hymn of the Day, Son of God, Eternal Savior (LSB #842), proclaims the salvation that Christ has won for us. It then beseeches the Lord to reign among us that here on earth, His will be done. Our example is Christ, who lived for others, our plea, then, is So may we for others live. The hymn beautifully proclaims in song the theme for the day: that we are humbled and exalted by the cross of Christ, and our lives reflect His humility.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Face of Christ http://spiritlessons.com/Documents/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

This week's Time in the Word was written by Pr. Jeffrey Keuning who serves Zion, Dexter and St. John, Casey, IA of the Iowa West District, LCMS

Time in the Word - Pentecost 14 - Proper 18

God’s standard of excellence is the theme for this coming Sunday. In the Old Testament lesson God’s people are call to be strong and not to fear as God promises to come to His people. The language which is used is similar to that used of the coming Messiah. In the Epistle lesson excellence is seen in how the believer behaves. Favoritism is forbidden rather keeping the law is what is expected. The Christian faith is not merely a philosophical exercise of the mind. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. In the Gospel lesson a standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He fulfills the prediction given in the Old Testament lesson. This causes the believer to express praise and adoration to the Lord who has done all things well as expressed in the hymn of the day which is based on this week’s appointed psalm.

Collect for Proper 18 –O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us Your humble servants, Your hold inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Monday, 31 August 2009—Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7, Antiphon, Psalm 28:8 – The Lord is the strength of His people, He is the saving refuge of His anointed. The entire psalm is a prayer for deliverance from deadly peril at the hands of malicious and God-defying enemies. To rebel against the Lord’s Anointed is also to revel against the One who anointed him. The Lord’s anointed is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The English word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one” and the English word “Christ” comes from the Greek word for “anointed one”. (See also Matthew 1:17)

Tuesday, 01 September 2009—Psalm 146; key verse v2— I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. The psalmist makes a vow to praise the Lord as long as he lives. This is similar to the vow we make on the day of our confirmation. Question: Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? Answer: I do, by the grace of God.

Wednesday, 02 September 2009— Isaiah 35:4-7a— Be strong and do not fear God will come. The coming Messiah will bring a standard of excellence. When God comes to redeem His people health and healing will be evident. The eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame with leap and the mute will speak. Jesus will quote this passage in Matthew 11:5 to prove that He is the Lord’s chosen and anointed one, the Messiah.

Thursday, 03 September 2009—James 2:1-10 14-18 — Favoritism is forbidden – faith and deeds are explained. It’s quite easy to say “I believe”, “I have faith,” “I trust” etc. Too often these are empty words and phrases. James explains that the sign of a genuine faith is shown in deeds. The key verse is v.17 “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

James has no argument with the notion that we are saved by grace through faith. (See Ephesians 2:8-9) What he does say is that genuine faith will be demonstrated by certain actions and behaviors. (See Ephesians 2:10) This is the sign of excellence, faith that is active and engaging.

Friday, 04 September 2009—Mark 7:31-37 —The original translation of verse 37 literally reads “Well! All things He has done!” A standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He is able to make the deaf hear. This should not surprise us. Everything Jesus is doing is what God had promised to do when He came to redeem His people see Isaiah 35:5-6.

Saturday, 05 September 2009—Psalm 146 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Praise the Almighty (LSB 797) is based on the appointed psalm for this week. Having seen everything that Christ has done our only response is to return to Him our worship and praise. The psalm is an exhortation to trust in the Lord, Zion’s King. Psalm 146 is the first of five Hallelujah psalms with which the Psalter closes (Psalms 146-150).

Collect for Pentecost 15— O Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us without all doubt to know Your Son Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life that, following His steps, we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A Prayer for obedience to God’s Word – O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for guidance in our calling – Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH