Time in the Word - Proper 24

Preparation for next week, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 24

O Lord, Almighty and everlasting God, You have commanded us to pray and have promised to hear us. Mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may direct and govern our hearts in all things that we may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of Your Holy Name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Faith Clings to the Word and Promises of God and Perseveres in Prayer

“Left alone,” Jacob wrestled through the night with the Lord, “until the breaking of the day” (Gen. 32:24). Though “Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Gen. 32:25), he would not let go until the Lord blessed him. At times we, too, strive with God; He strives with us and blesses us by grace. So Jesus teaches us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus speaks of “a judge who neither feared God nor respected man” and of a widow “who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary’ ” (Luke 18:2–3). Because of her persistence, the judge agreed to “give her justice” (Luke 18:5). 

Our Lord dispenses justice generously and swiftly, giving “justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night” (Luke 18:7). 

He does so according to the Gospel. Therefore, His ministers are to persevere faithfully in their vocation, in what they “have learned and have firmly believed” (2 Tim. 3:14). On the basis of “the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15), they are to “preach the word” at all times and not lose heart (2 Tim. 4:2).

God answering prayer is a theme for this coming Sunday. From the Introduction to the Lord’s prayer Luther reminds us, “With these words, “Our Father, who art in heaven,” God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear Father.”

Almighty God, our creator and guide, may we serve You with all our heart and know Your forgiveness in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One god, forever and ever. Amen

Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom noting is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

 Lord, You are just and Your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love You with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord.

Prayer for likeness to Christ: O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with all patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for spiritual renewal: Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayer Readings for this coming week:

October 14 Gideon                 Judges 2-7

October 15 Sampson Part 1 Judges 13-14

October 16 Chapel

October 17 Sampson Part 2 Judges 15-16

October 18 Ruth                 Selected Verses

Catechism Review: 2nd  Article of the Apostles’ Creed 

________________

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House

Artwork by Ed Riojas, copyright ©Higher Things.

Monday, 14 October 2019—Psalm 74:18-19, 21; antiphon ,Psalm 74:2a—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Remember your congregation, which You have purchased of old, which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your heritage. David prays for God to come to the aid of His people and defend His cause in the face of mocking enemies. When we cry out to God, He promises to hear and answer according to our need.

Tuesday, 15 October 2019— Psalm 121 — This psalm is a dialogue of confession and assurance. Its use as a pilgrimage song provides the key to its understanding. Key terms are “the Lord” and “watch over” each occurring five times in this psalm 

Wednesday, 16 October 2019— Genesis 32:22-30— In these verses Jacob wrestles with God. He will not let go until God blesses him. Often we struggle; asking God to bless us, to strengthen and increase our faith. Jacob is given a new name. It will no longer be “Jacob”. Now Jacob has acknowledged God as the source of blessing and was about to reenter the Promised Land. The Lord acknowledges Jacob as His servant by changing his name.

Thursday, 17 October 2019—2 Timothy 3:14-4:5— In Palestine, people thought that a time of moral decay would precede the end of the world. The Apostle Paul, the author of this book sees the decadence resulting from false teaching as contributing to this (3:1-9). 

Timothy has Paul’s example to follow, particularly the “persecutions” (3:11) he endured. Suffering for Christ is part of being Christian (3:12). While true Christians will be shown to be godly, false teachers “will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived” (3:13) by the devil.

In 4:6-8, Paul sees his death as being close, so he hands on his ministry to Timothy and other future leaders. The ministry is now Timothy’s (“your”, 4:5). May he, like Paul, remain steadfast (“sober”) as he evangelizes, visiting various cities – even enduring “suffering”.

Friday, 18 October 2019—Luke 18:1-8 — Some Pharisees have asked Jesus when the kingdom of God will come; he has answered: it is already “among you”. Using examples from the Old Testament, He has warned His disciples that its full coming will be sudden and unexpected; many people will miss it, being preoccupied with worldly affairs.

In Jewish society, a “widow” (v. 3) had no legal status; she was powerless. The story tells us twice that the judge is a rogue: he neither respects God nor cares about other people (vv. 2, 4). So why would Jesus tell an absurd story? Because such stories are easily remembered and are likely to be retold.The point, never give up when searching God’s grace and favor.

Saturday, 19 October 2019— Psalm 31:1-5- The Hymn of the Day is I trust, O Lord, Your Holy Name, (LSB #734). We trust God’s promises, which are found in the clear promises of God’s Word. We trust only in which God has promises. When searching for God’s promises - go to the source - where His truth is found – the clear Word of our Lord.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 19 ~ Proper 23

Clothed in the Righteousness of Christ, We Partake of His Wedding Feast

By His Cross and Resurrection, the Lord has swallowed up death forever, and by His Gospel He “will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people He will take away from all the earth” (Is. 25:8). Therefore, “let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation” (Is. 25:9). On the Mountain of the Lord of hosts—in His Church on earth, as in the kingdom of heaven—He has made “for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine” (Is. 25:6). It is the royal “wedding feast” of the Son of God, “and everything is ready” (Matt. 22:1, 4). Thus, His servants are sent into the highways and bi-ways to invite and gather as many as they find, “both good and bad,” to fill the wedding hall with guests (Matt. 22:8–10). In Holy Baptism, He clothes them all in the “wedding garment” of His own perfect righteousness (Matt. 22:11). Therefore, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God,” and “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4–6).

Almighty God, You invite us to trust in You for our salvation. Deal with us not in the severity of Your judgment but by the greatness of Your mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer 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 hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . . 

Prayer for those outside the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and live. Hear our prayers for those outside the Church. Take away their iniquity, and turn them from their false gods to You, the living and true God. Gather them into Your holy Church to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Prayer for those who are separated from the Church: O God, protect the tempted, the distressed, and the erring, and gently guide them. By Your great goodness bring them into the way of peace and truth. Graciously regard all who are in trouble, danger, temptation, or bondage to sin, and those to whom death draws near. In Your mercy draw them to Yourself; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Prayer for right reception of the Lord's Supper: Lord Jesus, You invite all who are burdened with sin to come to You for rest. We now come at Your invitation to the heavenly feast, which You have provided for Your children on earth. Preserve us from impenitence and unbelief, cleanse us from our unrighteousness, and clothe us with the righteousness purchased with Your blood. Strengthen our faith, increase our love and hope, and assure us a place at Your heavenly table, where we will eat eternal manna and drink of the river of Your pleasure forever and ever. Hear us, Jesus, for Your own sake.

Preparation for next week, Proper 23

Monday, 9 October 2017—Isaiah 61:10; Antiphon, Psalm 146:2—The Gospel reading for next Sunday is the parable of the Wedding Feast, and the Introit helps establish a theme, by bringing in images relating to a wedding and the wedding garments. It speaks of us being clothed with garments of salvation. This same sort of imagery is used in Revelation, when it is said that the saints clothed in white robes have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. This is rich sacramental imagery, portraying Baptism; the parable of the Wedding Feast has similar sacramental imagery, but that of the Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar.

Tuesday, 10 October 2017—Psalm 23—The psalm for the day, the well-known 23rd Psalm, also has sacramental imagery, as we are told that the LORD leads us beside still waters, restoring our souls, and leading us in the paths of righteousness. Holy Baptism restores our souls; the Word of God leads us in the paths of righteousness. Later in the psalm, there is, again, the image of a feast being prepared for us who are righteous on account of being baptized into the name of Jesus.

Wednesday, 11 October 2017—Isaiah 25:6–9—The prophecy of Isaiah looks forward to the Last Day and portrays eternity in heaven as a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. One of the post-communion collects refers to the Sacrament of the Altar as a foretaste of the feast to come. Indeed, it is a real partaking of the feast in heaven, with angels and archangels, and all the company of heaven, those who have gone before us and died in the faith. The only difference is, so long as we live on the earth, we have to return our daily lives, while the feast goes on eternally. Therefore, we continue in the collect, Keep us firm in the true faith throughout our pilgrimage that, on the day of His coming, we may, together with all Your saints, celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which has no end.

Thursday, 12 October 2017—Philippians 4:4–13—St Paul urges us to Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Rejoice, for the Lord has washed us clean in Holy Baptism, clothing us in white garments, and inviting us to the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. He reminds us that the Lord is at hand. The Lord is, indeed, at hand; He is as near as His Word and Sacrament. Wherever the Word is preached in its truth and purity and the Sacraments are rightly administered, there the Lord is, dispensing the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

Friday, 13 October 2017—Matthew 22:1–14—As we near the end of the Church Year, so the readings come closer to the end of our Lord’s earthly life, and begin to reflect on the Last Day, when we shall come into His heavenly kingdom. There are a number of themes in this parable. Those wedding guests who shunned the king’s invitation may be compared to the Jews, to who the Word of the Lord was given and whom the Lord chose as heirs of His kingdom. By and large, they have rejected the long-promised Messiah, and have no place at the eternal wedding feast in heaven. Likewise, those who come in unprepared, without a wedding garment, without a garment of salvation, trying to enter the feast of their own accord. These, too, will be rejected, for no one makes himself worthy of the kingdom of heaven; it is the Lord and King Himself who gives us the garment of righteousness.

Saturday, 14 October 2017—The hymn of the day is A Multitude Comes from the East and the West (LSB #510). It reflects the message of Jesus’ parable of the Wedding Feast. Those present at the heavenly banquet will come from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages (Rev. 7:9). At the heavenly marriage feast, we will dine with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all who have trusted in the Lord for their salvation, who have placed their trust in the merits of the promised Messiah, our Lord Jesus.

Sources:

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Photo © Greg Gallmeyer 

Pentecost 19 - Proper 25 Time in the Word

The people of God are to be holy as He is holy. Therefore, we should fear, love and trust in Him above all things, and in such faith “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18). Such faith toward God and love for the neighbor are the two great commandments upon which “depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 22:40). The Lord our God Himself has fulfilled His Law on our behalf—in His great love for us, with all His heart and soul and mind, and in a body of flesh and blood like ours. David’s Lord has become David’s Son, so that all our enemies might be put under His feet and that we might be exalted to the right hand of God in Him (Matt. 22:43–45). So His servants bear His Cross in faith and love. For the sake of the Gospel they suffer persecution for their work, bearing their burdens in gentleness, “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (1 Thess. 2:7). In like manner and with tender affection, they exhort and encourage “like a father with his children” (1 Thess. 2:11–12).

Collect for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: O God, You have commanded us to love You above all things and our neighbors as ourselves. Grant us the Spirit to think and do what is pleasing in Your sight, that our faith in You may never waver and our love for one another may not falter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for the Feast of St Luke (18 October): Almighty God, our Father, Your blessed Son called Luke the physician to be an evangelist and physician of the soul. Grant that the healing medicine of the Gospel and the Sacraments may put to flight the diseases of our souls that with willing hearts we may ever love and serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Collect for the Feast of St James of Jerusalem (23 October): Heavenly Father, shepherd of Your people, You raised up James the Just, brother of our Lord, to lead and guide Your Church. Grant that we may follow his example of prayer and reconciliation and be strengthened by the witness of his death; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Prayer for holiness and purity: Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, 

Prayer for deliverance from sin: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, You desire not the death of a sinner, but rather that we turn from our evil ways and live. Graciously spare us those punishments which we by our sins have deserved, and grant us always to serve You in holiness and pureness of living; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,

Monday, 17 October 2011—Psalm 9:1–2, 9–10; Antiphon, Psalm 9:18—The readings for next Sunday all point to holiness of living. As the Old Testament reading will show, God relates justice with holiness. The Introit helps establish that theme by proclaiming that, in the eyes of the Lord, the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. How does the Lord look after the poor and the needy? Through His Church. Along with the proclamation of the Gospel, the Church must always be the Lord’s arm of mercy toward the less fortunate.

Tuesday, 18 October 2011—Psalm 1—The psalm for the day draws a picture of the one who is holy: He walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Who is that one? Certainly no unregenerate man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth (Gen 8:21). So the psalm points first to Christ, who fulfills it perfectly, and then to those who are in Christ, though we fulfill it imperfectly so long as we are this side of heaven.

Wednesday, 19 October 2011—Leviticus 19:1–2, 15–18—What does God expect? What is His standard for living? You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Included in the Lord’s concept of holiness is concern for justice, concern for the poor and needy, and showing love toward those whom the Lord God has given as our neighbors. That we can never live up to His standard perfectly, and need a Savior from our sin, does not excuse us from the obligation to care for others, using wisely the resources with which the Lord has richly blessed us.

Thursday, 20 October 2011—1 Thessalonians 2:1–13—The epistle reading continues St Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. Here, Paul recounts the faithful ministry he carried on in Thessalonica, by the grace of God. Paul is not boasting in himself, but giving encouragement to those Christians who were feeling the heavy hand of persecution: We had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. Further, he was countering claims by some that his ministry was self-serving: We never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people. Rather, Paul was eager to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, and to show mercy to them: We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

Friday, 21 October 2011—Matthew 22:34–46—What is the Lord’s measure of holiness? Love. Love toward God and love toward the neighbor. Jesus summarizes the two tables of the Law: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Commandments 1—3); You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Commandments 4—10). These commandments are perfectly fulfilled by Christ, and are God’s standards for holiness in our lives. Thus, after we have received the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in the Sacrament of the Altar, it is our prayer that God would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and in fervent love toward one another: the two tables of the Law (which are depicted on the cover using Hebrew numbering).

Saturday, 8 October 2011—The hymn of the day is The Law of God Is Good and Wise (LSB #579). Though the Law of God always condemns us, because we are unable to keep it perfectly, it does not follow that the Law is defective. On the contrary, it reveals God’s standard for living, and, when we see that we are unable to meet that standard, the Law drives us to the cross of Christ, where our salvation was accomplished, and to the Means of Grace—Word and Sacrament—where His salvation is apportioned to us. The hymn on the facing page, The Gospel Shows the Father’s Grace, is the perfect complement.

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Artwork by Ed Riojas, ©Higher Things.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

This week's Time in the Word is written by Pr. Jeffrey M. Keuning  St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Casey, IA and Zion Lutheran Church, Dexter, IA

Pentecost 19 - Proper 22

Luke 17:1-10
What your faith can do for you

Faith is a practical thing in a Christian’s daily life. Does the common man know this? Is faith for him only a creed? Could faith be something for preachers only? Faith is meaningful in the day to day life of a Christian. Note that this gospel lesson on faith is addressed to the disciples, men of faith in Christ. Jesus is teaching them about the implications or responsibilities of that faith. What faith can do for you.

1. Keep you from leading others astray – Vv. 1-2 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
We are unworthy servants.
Have we not sometimes caused offense?
1. We have lived selfishly, without regard for the needs of those around us. Like selfish children always looking out for what is mine.
2. We have lived “immoderately” always wanting more – but it is always just beyond our reach and so we are impatient, never satisfied, not content, never at peace.
Little ones (those who struggle or who are weak in the faith) may thereby have been led astray – a serious matter. (See vs. 2) To cause offense is to be an unworthy servant.
Lord, increase my faith that I may not cause offense!

2. Cause you to forgive – Vv. 3-4 So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
Have we not sometimes refused to deal lovingly with sinning brothers and sister?
1. We have failed to rebuke them personally for a sin we see them committing..
a. Rebuking a brother of is difficult.
b. We can come off as a busy body
c. In our “live and let live” world most people’s reaction is “whatever”.

2. We have failed to forgive them as often as they repent
a. Forgiving can be difficult too!
b. After a rebuke we might feel as if we have the power and the upper hand.
c. If we refuse to forgive we break the bond of peace which the Savior has given us.
d. There should be no limit to our forgiveness.
i. If he sins against you 7 times in a day and 7 times comes back to you and said “I repent” you must forgiven him.
ii. There is to be no limit to our forgiveness.
iii. Forgiveness needs to be complete.
Lord, increase my faith when I’m called upon to forgive!

3. Perform wonders – Vv. 5-6 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
Faith makes it possible for us to do our duty.
1. We need only to exercise the faith we have.
a. What matters is not the amount of faith, or ever faith itself, as though we were now obligated to get faith to do our duty. Rather, faith is instrumental.
b. Faith joins us to Christ so that through faith we receive His power. Thus, even a little faith can do great things.
c. Wherever there is faith in Christ, Christians will deal lovingly with each other.
2. We should not expect praise for doing our duty.
a. Jesus alone gives faith and then increases it.
b. He does not owe us a thing; it is by His grace alone that we have faith and are able to do our duty.
Lord, increase my faith when I’m called to render service to my neighbor!

4. Motivate you to serve with no desire for reward – Vv. 7-10 “Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”
We have been called into Christian service.
1. In such service there are certain expectations. The servant is called to perform specific tasks.
a. To plow, look after sheep etc, when the Master calls.
b. To render service – to cook supper, and wait on the Master.
2. The expectation is service rendered.
a. No need to say thanks. “Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?” Apply this lesson to school or your first job – boot camp for life!
i. Show up on time.
ii. Do what you’re told.
iii. Don’t have an attitude!
b. The final reward of the child of God is to be ushered into mansions glorious.
i. We enter glory not due to any merit on our part. All we have is a gift.
ii. Rather, we are unworthy servants; we are only doing our duty as the Master has pressed us into His service.
Lydia’s violin instructor would often say, “We are all students” – Rightly applied to our Christian walk – we are all servants. We are to each humbly walk before God and our neighbor, forgiving and restoring our brother gently for in the final analysis we are to remind ourselves – we are only servants – simply doing our duty.

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

Time in the Word Pentecost 19 - Proper 22

The Faith of a Christian

This coming week’s theme “The Faith of a Christian” can be found in all three lessons. In the Gospel lesson Minimal faith produces maximum results. In the Old Testament lesson faith waits for God to vindicate His own. In the Epistle lesson we find the sincere faith of the faithful. The famous phrase of the Reformation comes from the Old Testament lesson – ‘The just shall live by faith.” The Epistle deals with the “sincere faith” of Timothy, the faith of his mother and grandmother, and Paul’s faith. The heart of the Gospel lesson deals with faith: the disciples’ request for more faith and the faith the size of a mustard seed. The verses preceding and following the passage on faith (Vv. 5, 6) may give us difficulty in seeing faith in the entire gospel. These verses can be reconciled if we see them as the behavior of those with faith. Thus the hymn of the day will bear out this theme in the words, “I Know My founded on Jesus Christ my God and Lord.” The focus of faith is always directed at the Savior.

Collect for the Nineteenth Sunday of Pentecost: O God, the Strength of all who put their trust in Your, mercifully accept our prayer, and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without Your aid, grant us the help of Your grace that, keeping Your commandments, we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Father, Your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires. Forgive our failings, keep us in Your peace and lead us in the way of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-two: O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 62: Lord God, in a constantly changing world we look to You as our rock of hope. Hear us as we pour out our hearts to You, and give us Your grace and secure protection; through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord.

Prayer for a steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Preparation for next week, the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Monday, 27 September 2010—Psalm 119:162, 164-165, 167 antiphon, Psalm 119:166—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, I hope for Your salvation, O lord, and I do your commandments. Faith is another word for trust. Trust is another word for taking God at His Word. The Psalmist has trust because He follows after the Lord and does His will. This is not something the natural man can do be himself. It is something we do as we walk by faith. Thus we are forced to look to Christ where the hope of our salvation finds its root. We trust in Him to bring all of this to pass.

Tuesday, 28 September 2010—Psalm 62 — Psalm 62 is a psalm of longing and trust. Humbly, trustingly, the psalmist commits his cause to God. Man is bent on destruction (vv.3-4) but what is he (vv.9-10)? Power belongs to God alone, who wields it with love and justice (vv.11-12).

Wednesday, 29 September 2010—Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4— In a world of adversity a righteous one lives by faith. Our Old Testament lessons brings up the perennial problem: Why? Why does God permit evil to thrive in the world? When a Christian cries for help in distress, why does he not get an immediate answer? Why doesn’t God do something about what Habakkuk experienced? – “violence,” “wrongs,” “trouble,” “destruction,” “strife and contention.” The answer received: Wait for the lord and He shall bring it to pass. The righteous waits for God to make things right, to come to the rescue because He has faith in God’s character. The world seems to be waiting for God who never comes. Christians by faith know God is coming eventually to save. We need faith to wait for God.



Thursday, 30 September 2010—2 Timothy 1:1-14— Paul remembers the faith of Timothy and confesses his faith in Christ. We face challenging times. The loss of faith is seen in a decline in church membership, a fall-off of church attendance, in the popularity of radical sects, and the secularization of society. Some have a view of the church today with faith becoming traditional and zeal burning low. Hence the encouraging words of St. Paul to a young Christian pastor whose church was facing considerable challenges. As we go through life and as the years pass we need to be exhorted to keep the faith vibrant. We do this as we continue in the faith of the fathers – vs. 5 and as we hold fast to the faith even in times of suffering – vs. 8.

Friday, 01 October 2010—Luke 17:1-10 —The apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. The Savior responds in reminding us that even a little faith is a lot. This might catch some off guard. Like the disciples, many of us are eager for a larger portion of faith – the faith to guide people aright, faith to forgive, faith to serve just for the privilege. As we face the tough issues of life, we cry out for more faith. No one can honestly say, ‘I have all the faith in the world.” If we really have faith do we need more? Jesus corrects the disciple’s desire for more faith. He says the quantity or degree of faith does not matter. It is sufficient just to have faith. The parable of the mustard seed emphasizes that the smallest amount of faith can do wonders.

Saturday, 02 October 2010—2 Timothy 1:12 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is I know My Faith is Founded, (LSB #587). Faith finds its focus in Jesus Christ. This is the message of our hymn for the week. As we focus on Christ our faith will be sustained and grow as the Lord directs us. The next three months will be extremely busy for most. Some may feel overwhelmed. Can your faith take all that life has to offer? Our faith is sufficient when it finds its focus in Christ.

Sources:
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 17 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Pentecost 19 - Proper 23

Enlighten our minds, we pray, O God, by the Spirit who proceeds from You that , as Your Son has promised, we may be led into all truth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One god, now and forever.

Many people identify with the man of our text who could not wait to taste real life. He ran to Jesus. Kneeling, he begged Jesus to give him life. He wanted “eternal life”. He had life in the sense of its existence, but he wanted something more – he wanted a life of quality.

It was that kind of life that existed both in this world and in the next. Today, people are more interested in life lived today rather than in life after death. The tragedy of this story is that the young man turned down the opportunity to get real life – the price was simply too high.

How do you then get real life?

1. By earning it? It is not a reward for obeying the commands. This man sensed that keeping the commandments wasn’t enough for a spiritually satisfying life, He was right. Jesus told him to sell everything, literally, not figuratively, and follow Jesus. That made the young man sad, just as our losses during the recession have saddened and angered us. In painful loss we look for deliverance, for something more than a spiritualized religious lesson for our souls. We need a flesh and blood deliverer.

You know how the game is played. You simply follow the rules. This man was an expert at following the rules. He felt that he could receive real life by obeying the laws of God. He was only fooling himself. For there is only one person who has lived the perfect life. That was the man to whom this young man was speaking; the man Jesus Christ. He is the only person to follow the law of God perfectly.

2. So, you can’t earn it. In that case, then do the next best thing. By buying it? The young man had the wealth to buy it – if it could be bought. This man was rich man of many resources. If he had want it, he got it, and as we know in this world those who “have it” have it good! Or, so they think. For some the mark of success is never having to ask now much does it cost. And yet, there are some things which go beyond being able to pay for it.


3. By being taught? This man called Jesus a “good teacher.” Hoping Jesus would teach him how to get eternal life. Jesus refused to be his guru. “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answers. “No one is good but God alone.” (v.19) If this young man call Jesu “good” and only God is good, then did the young man accept the idea that Jesus was God? Only God is good. Human are not. The way to God is not to discover from another his secret for a good life in order to earn God’s favor. Rather it is to come in faith to God, who alone can bestow eternal life.

4. By receiving it as a gift. Eternal life is “inherited” as a gift from the One to whom we are fully committed. Jesus did not want anything standing in the way of this relationship. Instead of following Jesus this man choose to stay with his money and his wealth. He walked away sad and bitter for he was a wealthy man it was his money which he had given first priority in his life. What is you destiny? What is God’s desire of you? His desire is to give you life, liberty and peace, freedom, security, happiness and joy regardless of cost or price. He gives you all these things freely – without any cost without any price. It was all bought and paid for by His on Son’s blood.

Sadly by the world’s standards we are valued by our salary, position, our home, our education our status in the community our appreciation for culture. Jesus looked at him and loved him. One thing you lack, he said. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. We have nothing without Jesus Christ. To know Him is to know all. To have Him is to have all.

All Jesus asks of you is your life. He asks that you simply follow Him and no one else. By following Jesu you gain everything. It’s as simple as that. The one thing missing without this relationship is Jesus Christ. With this one thing, a relationship with Christ you have everything. Having everything but that one thing Jesus makes all the difference in the world. For what dies it profit a man to gain the whole world but to loose his own soul? Today trust Jesus. Follow Him! Obey Him! He is the one thing which makes everything else secondary.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 19 - Proper 23

The theme for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost is The Root of Evil. You will sometimes hear a person say ‘Money is the root of all evil.’ Usually it is said in a judgmental tone, used to condemn another. But such a one doesn’t quote Scripture correctly, for the Bible does not say that money is the root of all evil, but ‘the love of money is the root of all evil.’ (1 Timothy 6:10)

All of next Sunday’s readings exhort us not to depart from the Lord, but to remain faithful to Him. Oftentimes, not only the cares of this world, but the things of this world divert our attention from the Lord.

The sin of the rich young man in next Sunday’s Gospel reading was not that he had great riches, but that those riches were the most important thing to him. A Christian who is wealthy need not be ashamed of his wealth, for it is a gift from God, but he must not let his wealth rule him. He must realize that he is but a steward of the gifts God gives, and must use those gifts in a manner pleasing to God.

Monday, 5 October 2009—Psalm 112:3–6; Antiphon, Psalm 112:1—Sunday’s Introit tells of the blessedness of the man who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments. This man delights especially in the First Commandment, You shall have no other gods. He fears, loves, and trusts in God above all things, especially earthly things. Thus, he is truly wealthy, for he possesses wealth that is far greater than material things; he has the righteousness of God that comes by faith.

Tuesday, 6 October 2009—Psalm 90:12–17—Psalm 90 is a psalm written by Moses, and is a great comfort in times of sadness. It starts out with a confession that the Lord abides with us always: Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Verses 12–17 are a prayer for the continuation of God’s favor, and the wish that He would carry out His work of salvation and bless His people’s undertakings to that end.

Wednesday, 7 October 2009—Amos 5:6–7, 10–15—The prophet Amos lamented over the Israelites, who had turned their back on the Lord. Here the Lord exhorts the people through His prophet: Seek the Lord and live. He judges them for delighting in material things—houses of hewn stone and pleasant vineyards—but taking advantage of the poor and afflicting the righteous. Again they are exhorted, Seek good and not evil, that you may live.

Thursday, 8 October 2009—Hebrews 3:12–19—This portion of our reading through the book of Hebrews also contains an exhortation, that the hearers not be like the Israelites of old, who rebelled against God. No person, on his own, can fully withstand temptation. But God has given us His Word and Sacraments to keep us strong in the faith, and He also provides what our Confessions call the mutual conversation and consolation of brethren (SA III, IV). Therefore, we Christians exhort one another, that none of us may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Friday, 9 October 2009—Mark 10:17–22—The rich young man was off in his thinking from the very start, when he asked, What must I do to inherit eternal life? Inheriting eternal life is not a matter of our doing; it is a gift of grace. Jesus tried to show the man that he could not earn his salvation, by directing him to the commandments. Yet, the young man persisted in his self-righteousness by proclaiming that he had kept them all from his youth.

Still, Jesus looked on him with love and compassion, as a wayward sheep. He directs the man to the First Commandment, by asking him to give up all he had. This young man loved the things of the world more than the things of God, and so he went away sorrowful.

How can any person enter the Kingdom of God? Not on his own merits, for with man it is impossible…but all things are possible with God.

Saturday, 10 October 2009—Sunday’s hymn of the day, Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower (LSB 694) is a hymn of resolute determination to love God above all things, not of our own selves, but prayerfully asking, Permit me nevermore to stray (v. 4).

Collect for Pentecost 19— Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always precedes and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Written by Pr. Jeffrey Keuning who serves St. John and Zion Lutheran Churches in Dexter and Casey IA