September 11— Friday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 19)

 Matthew 18:21–35—When we hear this parable, our first reaction is probably the same as the king’s: indignation and fury against the servant who was unmerciful, especially after he had been forgiven a far greater debt. We must ask ourselves: Are we like the unmerciful servant? God has forgiven all our sins at great cost—the life of His own Son. We ought to examine ourselves: Is there anyone against whom we hold a grudge, refusing to forgive because we have been wronged? If so, we are like the unmerciful servant. Rather, we ought to remember the Lord’s Prayer, where we plead, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. That is, we beg God’s forgiveness and then pledge that we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

When faced with the option of forgiving or not forgiving there can be one answer – you forgive. My forgiveness does not hinge on my desire, my feelings, or even my wiliness to forgive. My forgiveness finds its basis on what Jesus has said to me. When someone sins against you – you, yes you are the one who must forgive.

The Greek word for “forgive” means literally “to erase or wipe out.” Because Christians are imperfect human beings, the church is in need of forgiveness. Without it, members would live in friction, tension, disharmony, and disruption. Forgiveness is the oil that makes human relations move smoothly.

The King forgave His servant was unable to pay the debt. The debt was so huge that he could never bet back into the good graces of the King. The King forgave because the servant could not. The King forgave because He was good. That is what Jesus has done for you. God forgave not because you were good, not because you were deserving. He forgave because He loves you.

As God has shown mercy – were return mercy to others. That’s how forgiveness works. Out of His grace, Christ has made us new creatures. As Christ forgave so now you follow in the same tone when we deal with others.

Prayers for the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country

Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding;

Prayer for good government: Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably;

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

Woodcut “The Crucifixion” by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld copyright © WELS for personal and congregational use

September 10— Thursday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 19)

 Romans 14:1–12—Our reading through Paul’s letter to the Romans continues with Paul warning us against judging other Christians—especially those new to the faith or weak in faith. Two extremes must be avoided: measuring and judging others by comparing them to ourselves or our own standards; and failing to use the Word of God to judge. 

Paul reminds us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. What will be the standard? The same as here on earth: God’s holy Word, as revealed to us in the Bible.

Faith believes that God is not a Divine Accountant or Probation Officer. Rather, He’s an indulgent father. Who throws a party for his indigent son. He’s like an employer. Who pays employees a full day’s wage. Even though they only worked an hour. He’s like a lavish wedding host. Who provides copious amounts of only the best and finest wine. He’s your Good Shepherd. Content to leave behind ninety-nine of His herd in safety. Who will risk all. To save just one, that is lost. 

This is the God who desires to bless all people I’m tempted to curse. He includes those whom I’d exclude. And embraces the very people I would shun. This good news, He says, is for all people. No one is to be excluded from the Father’s presence.

Let Your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without Your help, protect and govern it always by Your goodness; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. ~ Collect for Pentecost 11  

Photo Image courtesy of Lydia Cseh Dahling

September 9— Wednesday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 19)

 Genesis 50:15–21—Joseph’s brothers had done the unthinkable—they had sold him into slavery and told their father that his son was dead, eaten by wild animals. Years later, they were astounded to find out that Joseph was still alive and serving in Pharaoh’s court, as the most powerful man in all of Egypt after Pharaoh.

So long as their father was alive, they thought that they were safe from Joseph’s retribution; however, after Jacob’s death, they feared for their lives. The peace in the family would last so long as their father was alive. After he was dead they could only anticipate the brunt of the wrath and fury of their brother Joe. And who could blame them?  Joseph had much time to lament as he wasted away in prison those many years.  In short, their crime continues to haunt them.

 Incredibly, Joseph forgave them. He recognized the hand of God at work in his life. Joseph’s treatment of his brother could only have come from the hand of a merciful Savior. Joseph shifts the question of forgiveness to the only relationship the brothers claim. They are God's servants; is it not therefore God's business to forgive them? "Am I in the place of God?" he asks. The implied answer being no, the next question, then, is, how does God see the matter? "Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good."  

Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers ought to serve as an example to us, particularly when we find it so hard to forgive petty sins of others. Love covers a multitude of sins.  So, we ask our Heavenly Father to teach us to forgive as the catechism teaches, “We pray that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would forgive them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So, we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.”

A prayer for deliverance from sin: We implore You, O Lord, in Your kindness to show us Your great mercy that we may be set free from our sins and rescued from the punishments that we rightfully deserve; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts “Joseph reunited with his brothers” copyright © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

September 8 - Tuesday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 19)

 

Psalm 103:1–12—What a beautiful psalm of comfort! David praises the LORD for all His benefits to us: He forgives all our iniquity, heals all our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, and more. Why? Because the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

David, overwhelmed by a sense of God’s  blessings, mercy and forgiveness, writes what is perhaps one of the most meaningful poems in the entire book of Psalms.

The psalm’s primary concern is not the current human condition, but the wonder and majesty of an Almighty God, to whom we belong forever.

The psalmist reminds us that our ultimate concern, even in the midst of uncertain and fearful times, does not have to be the vulnerability of our human condition.

Our ultimate concern can become the spirit in which we turn to God in hope and turn to neighbor in love. Let us look to God, our Creator, for comfort and let us turn to others to help and be helped.

Psalm 103 describes an active and powerful God who cares about humanity, a God whose mighty hand extends down into the Pit of human frailty to lift us up and set our feet once again on solid ground.

We serve a God who is full of deep compassion, a God whose steadfast love never ceases, a God whose mercies never come to an end. Yes, we are vulnerable, susceptible creatures, and one day, our human bodies will fail. But God’s steadfast love will never fail. We come from dust and to dust we shall return, and God’s righteousness and steadfast love will always be at work among us, and in our children, and, after we are gone, in their children after them.

Prayer for Psalm 103: Lord, you have compassion for the sinner, as a father has compassion for his children. Heal the weakness of your people and save us from everlasting death that with the saints and angels we may praise and glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever.[2] 

 

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

[2] Collect for Psalm 103, For All the Saints a Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

September 7 - Monday prior to Pentecost 16 (Proper 18)

 The Introit for this coming Sunday is taken from Psalm 143:1–2; Antiphon, Psalm 143:9—

Psalm 143 is the last of the seven penitential psalms. It is, like many of David’s other psalms, a plea to the Lord to rescue him from his enemies.

David does not appeal to his own goodness or righteousness, however, but explicitly confesses that no one living is righteous before the Lord. Therefore, he must beg the mercy of the Lord: In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!

We get the sense that David is in desperate times. Without the Lord’s defense he has nothing. Thus he can say, “I flee unto thee to hide me.” David can literally declare, “I have hid my affairs, and troubles, my difficulties and all my necessities. I have revealed them unto You, who alone can save.”

This is how we, too, must approach the Lord when we ask Him to rescue us from earthly and spiritual enemies—acknowledging, as we do in the catechism, that we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment, and acknowledging that He delivers  us purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me.

The hymn writer reminds us

Other refuge have I none;
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing [1]

 

Prayer 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. Amen [2]

Photo Image courtesy of Lydia Cseh Dahling

[1] Jesus Lover of my soul, The Lutheran Hymnal © 1942 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2] For all the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. II American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1995 Delhi, NY

Proper 19 (Pentecost 16)

 

Pentecost 16 - Proper 19 Series A

Genesis 50:15–21
Romans 14:1–12
Matthew 18:21–35

Forgiving as the Lord Forgives Us

In settling His accounts with us, our Lord acts not with anger, but with compassion. He does not imprison us as we deserve, but He forgives all our debts and releases us (Matthew 18:23–27). Therefore, our Lord bids each of us to have “mercy on your fellow servant” and “forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:33,35). By the Lord’s forgiveness of our sins, we are free to forgive those who sin against us, because He has been handed over to the jailers in our stead, and He has paid our entire debt with His lifeblood. Whether we live or die, we “are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Since we all will “stand before the judgment seat of God,” we are not to despise our brother (Romans 14:10), but gladly forgive him. By the grace of God, our brother also “will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4). Though we daily sin against each other, the Lord intends “to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 50:20). Jesus speaks kindly by His Gospel and promises: “I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Genesis 50:21).

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Matthew 18:21–35

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18.21 
Τότε προσελθὼν αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν· Κύριε, ποσάκις ἁμαρτήσει εἰς ἐμὲ ὁ ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀφήσω αὐτῷ; ἕως ἑπτάκις;
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 

Matthew 18.22 
λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Οὐ λέγω σοι ἕως ἑπτάκις ἀλλὰ ἕως ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά.
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 18.23 
Διὰ τοῦτο ὡμοιώθη ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ ὃς ἠθέλησεν συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ· 
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[a] 

Matthew 18.24 
ἀρξαμένου δὲ αὐτοῦ συναίρειν προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ εἷς ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ταλάντων.
When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[b] 

Matthew 18.25 
μὴ ἔχοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀποδοῦναι ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος πραθῆναι καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα καὶ τὰ τέκνα καὶ πάντα ὅσα  ἔχει καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι.
And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 

Matthew 18.26 
πεσὼν οὖν ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγων· Μακροθύμησον ἐπ’ἐμοί, καὶ πάντα ἀποδώσω σοι.
So the servant[c] fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 

Matthew 18.27 
σπλαγχνισθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου ἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν, καὶ τὸ δάνειον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ.
And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 

Matthew 18.28 
ἐξελθὼν δὲ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος εὗρεν ἕνα τῶν συνδούλων αὐτοῦ ὃς ὤφειλεν αὐτῷ ἑκατὸν δηνάρια, καὶ κρατήσας αὐτὸν ἔπνιγεν λέγων· Ἀπόδος εἴ τι ὀφείλεις.
But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[d] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 

Matthew 18.29 
πεσὼν οὖν ὁ σύνδουλος αὐτοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν λέγων· Μακροθύμησον ἐπ’ ἐμοί, καὶ ἀποδώσω σοι. 
So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 

Matthew 18.30 
ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἤθελεν, ἀλλὰ ἀπελθὼν ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ τὸ ὀφειλόμενον.
He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 

Matthew 18.31 
ἰδόντες οὖν οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ τὰ γενόμενα ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα, καὶ ἐλθόντες διεσάφησαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν πάντα τὰ γενόμενα. 
When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 

Matthew 18.32 
τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ λέγει αὐτῷ· Δοῦλε πονηρέ, πᾶσαν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἐκείνην ἀφῆκά σοι, ἐπεὶ παρεκάλεσάς με· 
Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 

Matthew 18.33 
οὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς κἀγὼ σὲ ἠλέησα; 
And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 

Matthew 18.34 
καὶ ὀργισθεὶς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν τοῖς βασανισταῖς ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ πᾶν τὸ ὀφειλόμενον.
And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[e] until he should pay all his debt. 

Matthew 18.35 
Οὕτως καὶ ὁ πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ποιήσει ὑμῖν ἐὰν μὴ ἀφῆτε ἕκαστος τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν.
So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Footnotes:

Matthew 18:23 Or bondservants; also verses 28, 31
Matthew 18:24 A talent was a monetary unit worth about twenty years' wages for a laborer
Matthew 18:26 Or bondservant; also verses 27, 28, 29, 32, 33
Matthew 18:28 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer
Matthew 18:34 Greek torturers

Sources:

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

Proper 19

13 September 2015

Mark 9:14-29

Even the demons believe and shudder

Lord Jesus Christ, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts.

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; thank You for Your compassion, which brings You to our world of pain and dismay. Give us faith to overcome our doubts, and help us believe that all things are possible with You.

Jesus descends from the transfiguration. And meets a defiant demon. An anxious father. An astonished crowd. And despairing disciples. Despair threatens to overwhelm our faith too. By pointing out how we fail to change or improve. Suggesting that God neither cares for us nor has power to help. However, Jesus does not linger in the glory of the transfiguration.  Graciously He descends to a world of despair and doubt. So that He might deliver you.

It always seems to happen. Especially after a hallowed moment. You spend some time away from it all. From the noise and the commotion. From the chaos and confusion.  You find yourself refreshed and renewed. Then Bam! It’s back to reality.  After a superb Sunday. Comes…A manic Monday. Followed by a terrible Tuesday!

Peter, James and John had just returned with Jesus. From the mountain top experience of the Transfiguration. A grand and glorious holy moment. But no sooner had they returned. There was the crowed. Witnessing yet another argument. Between the scribes and the rest of Jesus’ disciples. The Master is gone. The experts continue the debate with the other disciples.

Jesus does all things well. That was the statement made concerning His authority of sickness and disease. In the previous miracle. The man was deaf and mute. Today the boy is terrorized by a demon. Who made the boy mute.  Similar symptoms. This time, an evil spirit. Today we see the Savior demonstrate His mighty power over the father of lies the devil himself.  Yes, the devil himself will acknowledge that God exists. He’s more spiritual then the fellow who has convinced himself, in his own mind, that there is no God. Says, James in his epistle, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19) The devil knows that God exists. Jesus by His exorcism of the boy with an evil spirit demonstrated how far He will go to win for you salvation.

1. Man is powerless with respect to dealing with the devil and his hoard.

The teachers of the law and Jesus’ disciples were drawing a crowd.  They were arguing. Again! Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a – spirit that makes him mute. Wherever it seizes him, he's thrown down, foams, grinds his teeth, becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” This desperate man is making a wrong assessment.  

Why didn't You help me Jesus? I brought my son to You Jesus. I through Your disciples could help. But they didn't have the power. They had not the strength.  He came. Expecting Jesus to be there. Or that His power could come through the disciples.

And there’s the problem. You can’t stifle sin! You can’t legislate morality. You can’t defeat the enemy.   Fix my kid!  I tried the youth group. It didn’t work.  Save my marriage! I asked the preacher. He didn’t solve my problem.  My life’s a wreck! The Christian counselor didn’t successfully address our issues. That political candidate promised! To clean up our streets. Fight crime. Curb pornography.  Stop abortion. And legislate traditional marriage! He didn’t solve our nation’s ills!  “I asked your disciples to cast it out and they were not able!”    

Who today can stand against the devil and his wiles? You cannot by your own reason, strength or will.  “But a natural man cannot accept the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.” (1 Corinthians 2:14) “You were dead in your trespasses and sins.”(Ephesians 2:1) “The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the Law of God, for it is not able to do so.” (Romans 8:7)

By your very nature. You are found to be blind, dead, and enemies of God. Your sinfulness has driven a huge wedge between any significant bond between you and your neighbor. Weighed on the balances of God’s perfect holy Law you have been found wanting.  Yet, this power, to defeat the devil. Comes not from legislation. Or from the power of the human will. But from weakness. Through prayer, and fasting.  

Transition: Man by his very nature is powerless against the devil. All can see the devil’s mark on this world.

2. The devil can make life a living hell on earth.

With this boy. It had been a long painful struggle. “From childhood.” How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!”

Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language, we are comfortable saying, “These are demons we must battle”. There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit, will not be a safe place but a dangerous circumstance. For we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival, we might say “I won’t go there” And if we do. A friend might say, “She’s in a bad place.”

The devil had made every attempt to destroy this boy. The demon tried to burn him in the fire. Yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares”. This boy had been attacked. Continuously.  The devil had leashed this onslaught upon him. These were not isolated incidents. But constant blows this poor lad had received. And this "gnashing of teeth?"  Isn’t this the condition of those cast into outer darkness? Who has the strength and power to slay the enemy? What does this might look like? It looks like death. It’s the image of a man. Suffering on a cross. And its power comes only through prayer.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – Better then you know yourself. Our struggle, says St. Paul “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Transition: Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

3. Jesus once again is able to heal, restore and destroy.

He alone is able to destroy. The spirit shook the young man violently. It threw him into convulsions. It shrieked as it came out. The crowd thought he was dead. As he lay lifeless on the ground. How many thought to themselves – fool, idiot! Serves him right! Turning his son over to that itinerate preacher! But Christ raised him up. Just as He will raise you up. On the last great day. Jesus alone is able to heal. The lad is returned to his father whole.

Christ alone is able to restore. How long had this family had to live not knowing? Not knowing. When the spirit would seize him next. Not knowing. How the spirit would try to destroy him. Imagine. Not knowing what the day would bring. Imagine. Not being able to plan for tomorrow. Because you are so overwhelmed by the circumstances of today! Imagine. Not even knowing there would be a tomorrow. And if there were a tomorrow - How would it turn out to be?

The young man is healed at the Savior’s command – Restored. Redeemed. Forgiven!

Read the next verse. Next Sunday's Gospel. Jesus takes His disciples aside to show them the “big picture”. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days, He will rise. (v.32)

That, my friends, is where the victory took place. That is where your redemption was won - for you – at the cross and open tomb. Of course, the disciples couldn’t understand it –and neither can you. Unless you are focused on Christ. The words of Jesus spoken then - are directed to you – “Everything is possible for him who believes!” Kyrie Eleison! Lord I believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!

_________

Words – 1,500

Passive Sentences –5%

Readability – 80.2%

Reading Level -3.9

Time in the Word - Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

This coming Sunday’s theme, “The Faith of a Christian,” is seen in all three of our readings. In the Old Testament lesson: [Isaiah 50:4-10] The Christian faith endures suffering. In the Epistle lesson: [James 3:1-2] The Christian faith is expressed in impartial service. In the Gospel lesson: [Mark 9:14-29] Christian faith is needed when confronting demon possession. As we begin our program year, starting our adult Bible classes and continuing with our Sunday School classes, the Hymn for the Day expresses the hope and desire that all of God’s children, but especially our youth would remain faithful to Christ. The extent to which faithfulness is expressed can be seen in how well the Christian faith is fed and nourished. Thus, a hunger and thirst for the Means of Grace is paramount.

Collect for Proper 19 – Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace.

Collect for Pentecost 16 – Grant, merciful Lord, to Your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 7 September 2015—Psalm 31:14-16, Antiphon, Psalm 31:24 – Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!  The Psalmist’ faith and trust in the Lord is unwavering; His defense against his powerful enemies is his reliance on God’s faithfulness and discerning judgment. Praise advances to the encouragement of the saints. 

Tuesday, 8 September 2015—Psalm 116:1-9; key verse, verse 9—that I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms 116 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for deliverance from death – hence the emphasis on verse 9 as the key verse. It may have been written by a king. Verse 16 is very similar to the writing style of King David; however, they are very close to the events of King Hezekiah who thanked the Lord for sparing his life in Isaiah 38:10-20. As a whole, psalm 116 is song of seven stanzas falling into three main divisions:  verses 1-6, verses 7-14, and verses 15-19. 

Wednesday, 9 September 2015—Isaiah 50:4-10—The Christian faith endures suffering. Isaiah the prophet endured harsh treatment at the hands of his enemies for speaking the truth and being faithful. For this he had to suffer. Yet, as you read these words think of the One whose entire life was that of suffering. Centuries before Christ was even born, Isaiah, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was able to predict with great accuracy the events of Christ’s life as they are outlined in the Gospels. Pay particular attention to verses 5-8 and then see their fulfillment in Christ in such places as Luke 9:51; 1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 27:30 and Romans 8:31-34.   

Thursday, 10 September 2015—James 3:1-12—The Christian faith is expressed in a tamed tongue. Because a teacher has great influence, he will be held more accountable. See Matthew 23:1-33. Since the tongue is so difficult to control, anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in all other areas of life as well. This is a lesson each must bear in mind. Gossip, slander, and malice are all deadly. 

Friday, 11 September 2015—Mark 9:14-29—Christian faith is needed when confronted by demon possession.

The devil can make life a living hell on earth. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.”  How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!”  Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying, “…these are demons we must battle.”  There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak.  Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say, “I won’t go there,” and, if we do, a friend might say, ‘She’s in a bad place.”

With this young man, the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued.        This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better than we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul, “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

Saturday, 12 September 2015—Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11— Sunday’s hymn of the day is Shepherd of Tender Youth (LSB 864).  The only offensive weapon the Christian has is the Word of God. Each generation runs the risk of becoming apostate. How is the faith handed down from generation to generation? It is taught and it is caught.

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 education—Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, gracious 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.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

 Image © Ed Rioja Higher Things

Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W

Decatur, IN 46733

260.547.4248

www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith

Acts 2:42

Chartered February 25, 1838

Celebrating our 174^th Year

Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

16 September 2012

Mark 9:14-29

Jesus the Great Physician

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace;

Are there areas of your life that you cannot control? Are you searching for help at the right place? Are you learning to depend more completely on God? Do you rely on God even in the midst of doubt and fear? Is your belief mixed with unbelief? True faith is recognizing our own inability and the Lord’s power to save and heal. Jesus has the power to fix problems.

1. The Search for help.

Vv. 14-19 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.  As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.  Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.

A.      The demon-possessed boy exposes our natural inability to control our circumstances.

1.       Sickness, poverty, accidents, and countless other situations remind us of our inability to do anything to save ourselves.

2.       This boy had symptoms of epilepsy, but the Bible clearly attributes this to a demon. This does not mean that all disease (or epilepsy) is demonic, but this one was as some may continue to be.

B.      This failure exposes the disciples’ inability to do the Spirit’s work with their own power.

1.       They had cast out demons before (6:12) but this case was more difficult (v.28)

2.       This event comes right after the mountain top experience of the transfiguration. How soon were they to forget what they had just experienced. 

2. The Struggle for Faith.

Vv.20-26   So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

A.      Belief is often mixed with fear unbelief.

1.       The man shows faith by bringing his son.

2.       But he shows doubt by saying “if you are able…”

3.       Jesus addressed the man’s doubts and fears, “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

4.       The man speaks the confession of faith, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

B.      Christ has the ability to control what we cannot control. Vv. 25-27 “When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”

1.       He could heal the boy no one else could heal.

2.       He could raise his from the dead if necessary, as he was telling them that He would Himself be raised from the dead. (8:31, 9:9-10, 9:31)

C.      Our inability is linked to our failure to rely completely on God. Vv. 28-29 “After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”

1.       The disciples who had been with Jesus throughout these many years just couldn’t get it.

2.       This man, despite his flaws, hung in there believing even in the midst of his unbelief.

This man’s prayer, mixed with fear and faith, speaks to us today. Lord I believe, help me in my unbelief. Help me when I struggle. Help me when I’m facing misery, fear and doubt. Help me when the way is not so clear and the future unknown. Lord I believe – have mercy – rescue and save!