Saturday prior to Proper 21

1

John 14:2; 1 John 4:19; John 8:12- The hymn, Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower (LSB 694), is the Hymn of the Day. Having seen what the Lord has done, having experienced His goodness and mercy, having entered into His presence, we are now called to praise the Name of the Lord which is expressed in this wonderful hymn.

At first the language of this hymn seems to be about my fervent love of Jesus, a kind of “You Are My Sunshine” song. Instead, for the Christian who knows the words of Jesus, it turns out to be a strong reflection on the relationship between “light” and “life.” The “light of the world” is Jesus and Jesus is the one who gives me new “life.” No Jesus, no new life— just the old rebellious self. The poet, Johann Scheffler (1624-1677), at the end of the first stanza makes reference to this connection between light and life (“Thee will I love, O light divine, so long as life is mine”) and he repeats the same thought in the closing stanza. Scheffler, an enthusiast for mystic poets like Jacob Boehme (1575-1624), sought to reach for the Infinite and a sense of oneness between Creator and creature. This hymn, not surprisingly then, reminds today’s singer of what was said in the opening to John’s gospel about Jesus, the “Word,” through whom all things were made: “In him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

Scheffler rightly associates life with light and the “divine Light” is his central poetic image. Indeed, in stanza three Jesus is called the “Sun from heaven, whose radiance hath brought light to me.” For this I give thanks because Jesus’ lips (in the German: “golden mouth”) revealed the Father’s love; because Jesus gave up of his life for me I am “glad and free.” The poet develops the light image in various ways but since not everything comes through in translation permit some reference to his original wording. In the German of the first stanza Scheffler says he loves the “strength” (vigor, intensity) and the “powerful affect” of this light (the translator’s paraphrase says it gives me “hope” and “joy”). In the second stanza Jesus is “my life” (cf. John 1:4) and “truest friend.” 

Then in the second part of this stanza where Scheffler’s German text had three Biblical images for Jesus, namely, that Jesus’ “splendor” (brightness) enlightens a believer, that Jesus is the sacrificial “Lamb of God,” and that Jesus is the “bridegroom” of the church, the translator settled for a single summarizing word, “Redeemer.” In either version the language makes clear that Christian life is sourced in Jesus.

Since Christian life is enlivened by the radiance of the Light, stanza four prays for its power. Scheffler’s original German asks Jesus to “keep me” on the narrow path, from straying in the wrong direction, and from stepping in the wrong places. It also prays for Jesus’ heavenly “brightness” to enlighten my “life and soul.” Finally, in stanza five Jesus is my “Crown” and, in times of greatest need and at my death, the “Light Divine” will always be my “God.” The poetry concludes with a statement of trust.

Since the Light, Jesus, is the source of my life, everything that he does for me causes me to love, praise, and thank him. I recall Jesus’ words: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). When I sing this hymn it becomes my song of trust in Jesus, who enlightens me and gives me life. 2

James L. Brauer

Professor Emeritus, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Collect for Proper 21 –Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the works You have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever

Sources:

1. The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

2 https://www.cuchicago.edu/globalassets/www-digital-team-media-files/documents-and-images/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-church-music/devotions/hymn-of-the-day-devotion---proper-23-series-b.pdf 

2. Collect for Proper 21, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House,  St, Louis

 

Friday prior to Proper 21

1

Mark 9:38-50—Jesus approves a non-follower’s use of His name to cast our demons. He urges the extermination of those sins that result in hell. The first part of the Gospel (verses 38-41) obviously parallels the Old Testament lesson. It deals with Jesus’ approval of a non-disciple casting out demons in Jesus’ name. The next section (verses 42-48) deals with Jesus’ “little ones” – not children but his disciples or new converts. The point is that any sacrifice is worth eternal life rather than going to hell forever which is described as eternal torment. A third section of the reading deals with salt.  It is a call to radical obedience rather than to accommodation to the world. 

In Christ you are free. There is much Christian liberty and freedom the child of God can experience in this life. The Lord wants His followers to enjoy the fullness of life. All that God created is good. However, if any part of us or any habit causes us to sin, we are to get rid of it. It would be better to abstain and deny ourselves certain pleasures and privileges than to allow one pleasure to ruin the whole. When should we allow our Christian liberty to be exercised? When might you deny yourself certain “freedoms” for the sake of someone else? How might we better live balanced lives?

A Collect for those in distress—Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord 2

Sources:

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

2. Collect for those in distress, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Thursday prior to Proper 21

1

James 5: (1-12) 13-20—James calls for intolerance of wickedness and a return to God for the avoidance of evil. This lesson continues where last Sunday’s Epistle has stopped. James urges his readers to turn to God and away from wickedness. Among the evils we are to avoid are judging others, boasting, and injustice to the poor.

“In fulfillment of God’s purposes…” That’s how the opening verses of James have described the purposive nature of God’s “generous acts of giving” and God’s “every perfect gift.”

Confidence in the power of prayer

At the beginning of the letter the author has counseled that if we lack anything that belongs to wisdom, the correct response is to turn to God in prayer, knowing that God will respond “generously and ungrudgingly” (James 1:5). That confidence is now reasserted in these final words to the community. But now the power of prayer holds out some rather telling content and promise. The author speaks of its power to “save” the sick, to “raise them up,” and to occasion the “forgiveness of sins” (James 5:5). In effect the assertion is that in the community’s exercise of prayer the very promise and power of the resurrection remain not just some future hope but now impinge on, recreate, and sustain a living and active community of faith.

It takes a village

In case it has slipped our notice, the author emphasizes it once again — such an exercise of prayer is not either by or for persons in isolation. We might imagine that such counsel jumps over the centuries in being particularly relevant to our own contemporary world. Ours is a very individualist oriented culture. Self-help books proliferate on our bookshelves. And even our so-called “social media” is often structured or utilized primarily to focused on exalting individual identities and chalking up the greatest number of “friends” on our tally sheets (friends for whom the greatest insult might be that in a fit of pique I might “un-friend” them at any moment).

But James knows a wisdom that is communal, especially in its faithful exercise of prayer. Twice he charges that confession should be “to one another,” and that we should pray “for one another,” if we have any expectation that the promised healing is to take place (James 5.16). Such prayer exercised within and on behalf of the community has power — James says it is “effective.” It is effective because it is exercised within the context of a community endowed with God’s gifts in creation, and because it belongs to ones who have been forgiven and empowered by the implanted word of promise in Christ Jesus. In James’ language it is the prayer of ones who are “righteous.” 2

For the Hope of Eternal life in Christ—Almighty, everlasting God, whose Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily and we hold fast to the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 3

Sources:

1.              The Crucifixion” Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for                                 personal and congregational use

2                 https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-26-                        2/commentary-on-james-513-20-4

 

3.                Collect for the Hope of Eternal Life, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing                     House, St. Louis

Wednesday prior to Proper 21

1

 Numbers 11:4-6; 10-16, 24-29—The LORD provides seventy elders to assist Moses in meeting the needs of the people and gives his spirit to others from the seventy.

Moses tolerates the giving of the Spirit. The Lord provides seventy elders to assist Moses in meeting the needs of the people and gives his spirit to others than the seventy. The Israelites are in the wilderness and complain to Moses that they have only manna and no meat. Moses takes the complaint to God who orders Moses to bring seventy elders to the meeting place outside the camp. Some of Moses’ spirit was given to the elders and they began to prophesy. Two men, Eldad and Medad, were not invited to the meeting of the seventy. While in the camp, they received the Spirit and prophesied. Joshua was jealous for Moses and asked him to stop the two. Moses refused and wished that all of the people had the spirit and were prophets.

The “spirit” is the spirit of God. It did not originate on Pentecost, but the same spirit existed from the beginning. It operated at creation and spoke through Moses and the prophets. The spirit may come through human instrumentality. The spirit came out of Moses to the elders from Elijah to Elisha, from the church’s laying on of hands. Proclamation is allied with the spirit. When the spirit is possessed, there is preaching.   2

Especially in the book of Acts, as the spirit comes Luke remarks, “and they prophesied” which simply means the early disciples proclaimed the Gospel.  

A prayer for steadfast faith—Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards 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 come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 3

Sources:

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

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

3. Collect for a steadfast faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Tuesday prior to Proper 21

1

Psalm 104:27-35; key verse, verse 24—How many are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. 

This Psalm has no title but it is attributed to David. 

The psalmist recalls the fifth day of creation. (Genesis 1:20-23).  The realm of the sea is structurally balanced with the celestial realm, (see verses 2-4) as the other boundary to the realm of earth. And the Lord orders each day of your life as He has promised to guide and sustain you.

These all wait for You, that You may give them their food: The psalmist considered all kinds of created things from the land, sea, and air. He recognized that they all depended upon God, who provided for them in due season.

The Lord provides for all we need in due season. God has a timing for all things, and does not feed his creatures by fits and starts; he gives them daily bread, and a quantity proportioned to their needs.

V. 24: O LORD, how manifold are Your works. The psalmist continues in amazement as he looks at nature and creation. He sees it all not as the result of random and purposeless events, but as the wise works of a great God who has right of ownership over all of it (Your possessions).  2

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

Sources:

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

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

3. Collect for Psalm 104, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Proper 21 Series B study notes

Proper 21 B

Numbers 11:4–6, 10–16, 24–29 

James 5:(1–12) 13–20

Mark 9:38–50

  

Christ Jesus, the Son of God, Cares for Us and Serves Us with the Forgiveness of Sins

 

When the people of Israel wept, complaining that they had no meat to eat (Numbers 11:4), Moses cried out to the Lord that “the burden of all this people” was too heavy for him and that he was “not able to carry all this people alone.” (Numbers 11:11–14). So the Lord had Moses gather “seventy men of the elders of Israel.” (Numbers 11:16), and the Lord “took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders” (Numbers 11:25), so that Moses would not carry the burden alone. 

All who thus labor are honored, and all the people are cared for, in the name of the Lord (Mark 9:39–41). Everything is done with reference to Christ Jesus. So we cling to Him, and we flee from all sins that would separate us from Him (Mark 9:42–48). The life of the Church is one of repentant faith in Christ. Christians confess their sins to one another, and they “pray for one another,” that each would be raised up and healed by the Lord Jesus, who covers “a multitude of sins” and saves our souls from death (James 5:15–20). 

The theme is Tolerance. In the Old Testament lesson Moses tolerates the giving of the Spirit. In the Epistle, James calls for intolerance of wickedness. In the Gospel, Jesus approves a non-follower's use of His name. Coupled with tolerance is an underlying theme of resistance. Jesus urges to get rid of anything that causes us to sin while in the Old Testament lesson the Israelites complain about the monotony of daily manna. James condemns the sin of arrogance and persecution of the poor.

Collect for Proper 21 - Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the works You have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Lord, thank You for Your work through the lives of others. Lead me to welcome those miracles and mercies that You show through every one of Your people. 

Lord, give us the lasting faith that can persevere through every trial. Empty our heads of anything that competes with You, and let us hold firmly to You eternally. 

Mark 9:38-50 – Jesus approves a non-follower’s use of His name to cast our demons. He urges the extermination of those sins that result in hell. The first part of the Gospel (Vv. 38-41) obviously parallels the Old Testament lesson. It deals with Jesus’ approval of a non-disciple casting out demons in Jesus’ name. The next section (Vv.42-48) deals with Jesus’ “little ones” – not children but his disciples or new converts. The point is that any sacrifice is worth eternal life rather than going to hell forever which is described as eternal torment. 

A third section of the reading deals with salt.  It is a call to radical obedience rather than to accommodation to the world.

In Christ you are free. There is much Christian liberty and freedom the child of God can experience in this life. The Lord wants His followers to enjoy the fullness of life. All that God created is good. However, if any part of us or any habit causes us to sin, we are to get rid of it. It would be better to abstain and deny ourselves certain pleasures and privileges than to allow one pleasure to ruin the whole. When should we allow our Christian liberty to be exercised? When might you deny yourself certain “freedoms” for the sake of someone else? How might we better live balanced lives?

Vv. 38-41 Jesus opens the disciples' eyes to see those who do God's work in dramatic or simple ways. The work of God goes far beyond us. He show His power and kindness through great life changing miracles and simple cups of water. 

Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us

:38 [a]Ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης· Διδάσκαλε, εἴδομέν τινα [b]ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου ἐκβάλλοντα δαιμόνια, [c]καὶ ἐκωλύομεν αὐτόν, ὅτι οὐκ ἠκολούθει ἡμῖν.

 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name,[a] and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”

-John the Baptist  beheaded in chapter 6 - he's not following us, not one of us...casting out demons correctly. Is this a part of the 70/72? 

-Consistent with John/James shall we call down fire, sit on Your right/left.

:39  ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν· Μὴ κωλύετε αὐτόν, οὐδεὶς γάρ ἐστιν ὃς ποιήσει δύναμιν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου καὶ δυνήσεται ταχὺ κακολογῆσαί με·

But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 

- do not forbid him...do not stop them...for no one who does a powerful work (things) ...in My Name... and turn around and speak evil. 

-Powerful things = proclaiming the Word, baptizing…

:40 ὃς γὰρ οὐκ ἔστιν καθ’ [d]ἡμῶν, ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐστιν

     For the one who is not against us is for us. 

-whoever is not against us is for us...

:41 Ὃς γὰρ ἂν ποτίσῃ ὑμᾶς ποτήριον ὕδατος ἐν [e]ὀνόματι ὅτι χριστοῦ ἐστε, ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν [f]ὅτι οὐ μὴ [g]ἀπολέσῃ τὸν μισθὸν αὐτοῦ.

For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. 

- for whoever gives you to drink a cup of water in the Name because you are in Christ, he will certainly no loose his reward...Christian Vocation... 

-There must have been a conversion. By nature people start out against Christ, in the realm of darkness...

-Jesus also said, "He who is not with me is against me."

-Do not compare yourself to others but also do not compromise the truth.

Vv. 42-50 Nothing is more important than retaining the faith unto eternal life. Let nothing come between you and the Savior.  Though He tests us with fire, He does not consume His own people.  Rejoice, for God graciously gives us the faith in which He preserves us to eternity. 

Temptations to Sin

:42  Καὶ ὃς [h]ἂν σκανδαλίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν [i]τούτων τῶν πιστευόντων [j]εἰς ἐμέ, καλόν ἐστιν αὐτῷ μᾶλλον εἰ περίκειται [k]μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ βέβληται εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν. 

Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,[b] it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 

"little ones" Gk. μικρῶν "smallest child" 

:43 Καὶ ἐὰν [l]σκανδαλίζῃ σε ἡ χείρ σου, ἀπόκοψον αὐτήν· καλόν [m]ἐστίν σε κυλλὸν [n]εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν ἢ τὰς δύο χεῖρας ἔχοντα ἀπελθεῖν εἰς τὴν γέενναν, εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ [o]ἄσβεστον.

And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell,[c] to the unquenchable fire.[d] 

-"hell: Gk. γέενναν from Hebrew name for the Hinnom Valley southwest of Jerusalem, where humans were sacrificed (2 Ch.28:3; 33:6) and garbage was dumped (2 Kings 23:10)  Fire was constantly present in the Hinnom Valley due to sacrifices and burning trash. This became a figure for the everlasting fire of hell. Used in Mark Vv. 43, 45, 47. 

-Hand, foot, eye = Works, your walk, what you take in goes to the heart...

:45  καὶ ἐὰν ὁ πούς σου σκανδαλίζῃ σε, ἀπόκοψον αὐτόν· καλόν ἐστίν [p]σε εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωὴν χωλὸν ἢ τοὺς δύο πόδας ἔχοντα βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν [q]γέενναν.

And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 

:47 καὶ ἐὰν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζῃ σε, ἔκβαλε αὐτόν· καλόν [r]σέ ἐστιν μονόφθαλμον εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἢ δύο ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντα βληθῆναι εἰς [s]τὴν [t]γέενναν,

And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,

:48  ὅπου ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ τελευτᾷ καὶ τὸ πῦρ οὐ σβέννυται.

     where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

:49 Πᾶς γὰρ πυρὶ [u]ἁλισθήσεται.

           For everyone will be salted with fire.

:50 καλὸν τὸ ἅλας· ἐὰν δὲ τὸ ἅλας ἄναλον γένηται, ἐν τίνι αὐτὸ ἀρτύσετε; ἔχετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς [v]ἅλα, καὶ εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἀλλήλοις.

Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Sources

Scripture quotations marked SBLGNT are from the The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

 

Reflections on Proper 21 Series B

Proper 21 Series B

Mark 9:38–50

24 September 2018

Collect for Proper 21 Lord, thank You for Your work through the lives of others. Lead me to welcome those miracles and mercies that You show through every one of Your people. Grant us the lasting faith that can persevere through every trial. Empty our heads of anything that competes with You, and let us hold firmly to You eternally.

What scandals have you heard about in the past month? How did they affect you?

What is John’s worry in v. 38? “John said to HIM, "TEACHER, we saw someone expelling demons in YOUR name and we were forbidding him because he was not following us”. “He's not following us, not one of us...casting out demons correctly.”

Is this man a part of the 70 or perhaps a follower of John the Baptist who was beheaded earlier in Mark's Gospel? 

What is Jesus’ response, and why?

What happens when the scandal within the Church is caused - by the good of non-believers?

What similarity do you see to the passage from Numbers in our Old Testament lesson?

This passage contains some of Jesus’ most spectacular hyperbole. What advice does He give?

To what extent would you apply it?

Does it seem to be connected with John’s complaint, or not?

How does it fit this point in the journey of faith?  

What does it mean to “have salt in yourselves”?

Why was that important for Jesus’ followers?  

Compare and contrast this passage to Jesus’ other statement, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” _{Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23}

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.

Sources

http://goodshepherdnewton.org/wp-content/uploads/B-pdf-Proper-18-Last-Pentecost-RCL-2018.pdf

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

Luther’s Seal © Higher Things

Pentecost 19 - Proper 21

Proper 21 Series B
Mark 9:38–50
24 September 2018

Scandal 

What scandals have you heard about in the past month? How did they affect you?

Scandals. Like gossip. Create news. Headlines. And the patter and chatter of talk shows. Politicians and entertainers. Cause the public concern. With their dress. Their lifestyle. Or their secrets. Indeed. Scandal not only drives public opinion. It can increase profits for media. And visibility for publicity-hungry persons. 

The biggest PR myth of all states. “There is no such thing as bad publicity.” Which suggests. Even if they're saying awful things about you. The publicity is supposed to still be good. Because your name is on the top of people's minds. Keeping you relevant. And in some cases. This might be true. For a season. Yet, the idea that there's no such thing as bad publicity. Is laughable. It's totally insane. 

When it comes to the Church. Scandal multiplies problems. Not only does the community lose faith. The community loses face. With potential converts. Church scandal also gives those who oppose the faith reason for harassment. But. What happens when the scandal within the Church is caused - by the good of non-believers?

Lord, thank You for Your work through the lives of others. Lead me to welcome those miracles and mercies that You show through every one of Your people. Grant us the lasting faith that can persevere through every trial. Empty our heads of anything that competes with You, and let us hold firmly to You eternally.

“John said to HIM, "TEACHER, we saw someone expelling demons in YOUR name and we were forbidding him because he was not following us.  But JESUS said, "Do not forbid him. For there is no one who will do powerful things in my name and will be able to quickly speaking ill of me. For, who is not against us is in behalf of us. For, whoever might give you a drink (from) a cup of water on the grounds that you are of Christ, again; I say to you that he will definitely not lose his earnings.” (VV. 38-41)

John objects to this outsider healing in Jesus' name. John's question seems to say: "How dare He! This outsider should be one of us!" 

Jesus turned the objection to the question of discipleship. No matter how small the kind act. No one. Who does good. In the name of Jesus. Should be stopped. In fact. Anyone who did not oppose Jesus and His movement. Were considered potential friends and benefactors. This outward world view allowed Christianity to grow rapidly. 

Anyone and everyone was a potential Christian. Friendship began with a simple act of kindness. It began with a single act of charity. The good others did for Christ. And His followers. Did matter!

But what good were the disciples doing? Scandal is an attitude or behavior. Which leads another to do evil. Jesus said, “Do not scandalize one of these little ones trusting in ME. It is better that you go into eternal life deformed.” The weight of the statement was simple. Not only could sinners. The "deformed" enter the Kingdom. But the righteous. Those with "two hands." Could suffer eternal punishment! (Vv.41-43)

How has your practice of the faith challenged others? Did it invite others to join? Or, did it cause others to step away? Which is worse? To cause scandal? Or to be scandalized? Neither advance faith, only egos. Both can destroy faith and community participation. Both can lead to spiritual death. 

When believers cause scandal. It is a challenge away from faith. But. When God causes scandal. It challenges us towards faith. God's "scandal" happened when He rejected His Son at the cross. There. Stretched out on wood. Jesus was cut off out of the land of the living. When the Son of God entered this world. He took upon Himself all your embarrassments. All your disappointments. And regrets. 

All the sins you've only realized later. Much to your shock and appall.

Jesus came neither to impress you. Nor to be impressed by you. He came to save you. He took your sins as His. Suffered and died in your place. He received the punishment you deserve. So you won't. have to bear it alone.

Today. Some of you may be feeling grief. Confusion. Anger. Or hopelessness. About the future of this country. You may be a survivor of sexual abuse. You may be quietly hurting.*

Some of you. Might be frightened. Of a sin. Committed years ago. What if someone finds out? What would become of you? If it all comes undone? 

None of this scandalizes Jesus. He is waiting. To welcome you. With your concerns. Fears. And sorrows. Turn to Jesus. He is able to heal and restore.

When you have sinned. Come clean. Confess your sin. REPENT! Receive the Lord’s absolution. If you have been abused. Welcome Jesus’ safe embrace. Seek His peace and presence. And seek out. Your sisters and brothers. Who will welcome you and include you into His family the Church.

George Harrison wrote the words, “You know, it don’t come easy.” True. It’s never easy. Life. It’s hard.  But with the Lord begin your task. Jesus will direct it.

And when someone approaches you. STOP. LISTEN. LEARN. Concerning their pain and suffering. This life you live. Is often filled with misery. Life is sometimes messy. Remember, we’re living outside of Eden. Still.  Enter the swamp. Only to brings others to the side of peace. Bring them to Jesus. The prince of peace.

Have you ever felt conflicted in your spiritual life? Gone from great to little. From high to low?  Behold His cross. And understand. He knows your every sorrow. And see. He has taken it all away. All away to His grave. He died for everything that pains you. For on the third day. He rose victorious from it all.

In the glory of this His resurrection. He declares and pronounces. That you are righteous before God's heavenly throne. That your sins are forgiven. That the gates of heaven are now opened to you. You are forgiven. *

Jesus wanted an increase in faith. Not scandal. So place your focus on Christ. More of Him. And less of you. Trust not in your own merits. Your own strength. Your own understanding. Instead. Place your trust and confidence in Jesus. He bore the scandal of the cross. To give you both. A hope and a future. 

_______________

Words-1,095

Passive Sentences-5%

Readability -80.7%

Reading Level-3.4
* from a facebook message from a dear friend

* Pr. Tim Daub, pastor Pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Hecla, SD  "Great Faith, What Jesus says, Happens" 1.21.2018 

Time in the Word - Pentecost 19 - Proper 21

Time in the Word
 September 24-29, 2018

Proper 21
Preparation for next week, Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday’s Theme is Tolerance. In the Old Testament lesson, Moses tolerates the giving of the Spirit. In the Epistle, James calls for intolerance of wickedness. In the Gospel, Jesus approves a non-follower’s use of His name. Coupled with tolerance is an underlying theme of resistance. Jesus urges to get rid of anything that causes us to sin while in the Old Testament lesson the Israelites complain about the monotony of daily manna. James condemns the sin of arrogance and persecution of the poor.

Collect for Pentecost 18—Keep, we pray. O Lord, Your Church with Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, keep us ever by Your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; 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.

  

Collect for Proper 21 –Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the works You have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A prayer for steadfast faith—Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards 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 come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the Hope of Eternal life in Christ—Almighty, everlasting God, whose Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily and we hold fast to the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For those in distressed—Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day… 

Mon., September 24 - Joseph reveals himself - Genesis 44-45 selective verses

Tues. September 25– Jacob in Egypt – Genesis 45-47 selective verses

Wed. September 26– Chapel Day

Thurs. September 27 - Birth of Moses –Exodus 1-2 selective verses

Fri. – September 28- Call of Moses – Exodus 2-3 selective verses

From the Small Catechism – 9^th & 10^th Commandments  

Monday, 24 September 2018—Psalm 135:1-3, 13-14, Antiphon, Psalm 135:13—Your Name, O Lord, endures forever, Your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages. Psalm 135 is a call to praise the Lord – the one and only true God, the Lord of all creation, the Lord over all the nations, Israel’s redeemer. The Psalmist reminds us that the Lord and His redeeming work will be remembered throughout time. Thus we praise Him for His marvelous deeds.

Tuesday, 25 September 2018—Psalm 104:27-35; key verse, verse 24—How many are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. The psalmist recalls the fifth day of creation. (Genesis 1:20-23).  The realm of the sea is structurally balanced with the celestial realm, (see verses 2-4) as the other boundary to the realm of earth. And the Lord orders each day of your life as He has promised to guide and sustain you. 

Wednesday, 26 September 2018—Numbers 11:4-6; 10-16, 24-29—Moses tolerates the giving of the Spirit. The Lord provides seventy elders to assist Moses in meeting the needs of the people and gives his spirit to others than the seventy. The Israelites are in the wilderness and complain to Moses that they have only manna and no meat. Moses takes the complaint to God who orders Moses to bring seventy elders to the meeting place outside the camp. Some of Moses’ spirit was given to the elders and they began to prophesy. Two men, Eldad and Medad, were not invited to the meeting of the seventy. While in the camp, they received the Spirit and prophesied. Joshua was jealous for Moses and asked him to stop the two. Moses refused and wished that all of the people had the spirit and were prophets.

Thursday, 27 September 2018—James 5: (1-12) 13-20—James calls for intolerance of wickedness and a return to God for the avoidance of evil. This lesson continues where last Sunday’s Epistle has stopped. James urges his readers to turn to God and away from wickedness. Among the evils we are to avoid are judging others, boasting, and injustice to the poor.

Friday, 28 September 2018—Mark 9:38-50—Jesus approves a non-follower’s use of His name to cast our demons. He urges the extermination of those sins that result in hell. The first part of the Gospel (verses 38-41) obviously parallels the Old Testament lesson. It deals with Jesus’ approval of a non-disciple casting out demons in Jesus’ name. The next section (verses 42-48) deals with Jesus’ “little ones” – not children but his disciples or new converts. The point is that any sacrifice is worth eternal life rather than going to hell forever which is described as eternal torment. A third section of the reading deals with salt.  It is a call to radical obedience rather than to accommodation to the world.

In Christ you are free. There is much Christian liberty and freedom the child of God can experience in this life. The Lord wants His followers to enjoy the fullness of life. All that God created is good. However, if any part of us or any habit causes us to sin, we are to get rid of it. It would be better to abstain and deny ourselves certain pleasures and privileges than to allow one pleasure to ruin the whole. When should we allow our Christian liberty to be exercised? When might you deny yourself certain “freedoms” for the sake of someone else? How might we better live balanced lives?

Saturday, 29 September 2015—John 14:2; 1 John 4:19; John 8:12- The hymn, Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower (LSB 694), is the Hymn of the Day. Having seen what the Lord has done, having experienced His goodness and mercy, having entered into His presence, we are now called to praise the Name of the Lord which is expressed in this wonderful hymn. 

Sources:

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

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

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

Pentecost 19 - Proper 21

Luke 16:19-31

Concern about the Unconcerned

The root of the problem in our parable is how to get people like the rich man to be concerned about the hungry, the sick, the poor. The facts are all there. Some have more than they need. Others have only poverty. How can we get the rich to share with the poor? It does little good to describe the rich man’s wealth and poor man’s plight. It is all clear to us. The question asked of us is this where is your compassion? Are you even concerned? 

1. Fear the consequences of not caring – Vv. 22-24 - The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 

 From Amos 6:7 the prophet warns, “Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.” 

America has never had it so good. Compared with the rest of the world. We are the envy of the world. Eight words sum up this nation’s blessings, “America, America, God shed His grace of thee…” 

Even the poorest Americans have it better than most third-world countries. People from almost every conceivable country are trying to get into our nation legally and illegally. America remains the land of plenty. How do we react to our wealth? Are we grateful? Do we return in kind? Do we bless others as we have been blessed? 

Bringing it closer to home, this will be the eighth year we have sponsored Pack Away Hunger. 80,000 meals will be assembled the weekend of March 30 and April 1. We host this event annually the weekend before the start of Holy Week. It is our way of reaching out to our community in a way that is both significant and tangible. Why so? Over half of the students of North Adams qualify for free and reduced lunch. The Heroes Back Pack program feeds students from our community every weekend. Hunger still exists. Even in our own back yard. 

2. Love for brothers and sisters – V. 28 “for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.” 

Consider all as brothers and sisters. Especially those in need. In the world’s family, three are overfed. And five are hungry. There is a spiritual aspect to the vocation of farming. We mention this in our prayers. “May we see by this noble vocation our farmers feed the world.” This is true. Where would this world be without the American farmer? 

Do you see the result of all of your labors? Once you sell your grain what happens to it? It is used to feed another portion of the world. This is why we end our petition with the phrase, “…and cause all people who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.” 

3. Have a father-son/daughter relationship – Vv. 24-25 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.” The rich man refers to Abraham as his father. And Abraham calls the rich man “son.” If God is our Father. We are His children. We care for the other members of His family. This is the Father’s will. This refers to the relationships we have within our own families, within our Friedheim family as well as those relationships we have with others at work, at school, and in the world. We are compelled to reach out to others with the love and compassion of Christ. 

4. Hear the Word –“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ V. 31 

The Word of God, the Bible – Law and Prophets – and the Incarnate Word in Jesus teach us to love one another by caring and sharing. But especially do we heed the Incarnate Word –the words of Jesus Christ. This is the only message we have. The world has no other. If our lives are to be changed. If we are to influence the lives of others. There is no other source. There is no other tool. We have only the inspired, infallible, inerrant, Word of our Lord. 

Lord, teach us to love one another by caring and sharing. Use me to be an instrument of Your love in the life of someone this week. 

Face of Christ - http://spiritlessons.com/Documnets/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm
Words – 870
Passive Sentences –2%
Reading Ease –78.9%
Reading Level – 5.2

Time in the Word - Pentecost 19 - Proper 21

Concerned Christians

The lessons give us a picture of people in luxury, affluence, and leisure but without concern for the less fortunate. In the Gospel, the rich man (known to many as “Dives”) has no concern for the hungry man at his palace gates; the dogs have more compassion for Lazarus than he does. The Old Testament lesson shows us a people enjoying the height of prosperity but who have no concern for the future of the nation. In the Epistle lesson we are admonished not to be concerned about worldly possessions but about the attainment of spiritual values. This is driven home in the words of the hymn to the day “Lord, Thee I love with all my heart.” The theme of this day speaks to our American culture a people with more wealth comforts and leisure than any other nation in world history. Yet are many in our country still looking for contentment?

Collect for the Nineteenth Sunday of Pentecost: Keep, we pray You, O Lord, Your Church with Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, keep us ever by Your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Father, You show Your almighty power in Your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with Your gifts of love. Help us to hurry toward the eternal life Your promise and come to share in the joy of Your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-one: O God, You are the strength of all who trust in You, and without Your aid we can do no good thing. Grant us the help of Your grace that 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.

Collect for Psalm 146: God of glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust in You. Shine the brightness of Your light upon us, that we may love You always with a pure heart and praise Your forever; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer against the love of money: Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, or Lord.

Monday, 19 September 2016—Psalm 119: 73-75 antiphon, Psalm 119:76—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, Let Your steadfast love comfort me according to Your promises to Your servant. Christ will comfort us even in the midst of great testing and affliction. The Hebrew term for unfailing or steadfast love denotes befriending. It is an appeal to God’s unfailing love, His kindness and mercy which was demonstrated by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, 20 September 2016—Psalm 146 — The focus is on God, the hope and help of His people, utterly dependable, caring for all in need. God reigns. While I live I will praise God. I will sing praise to God while I have any being. The grand outburst of Hallelujahs, with which the book of Psalms comes to a climatic close, is carried over to the end of the Bible itself, and is echoed in the heavenly choirs of the redeemed (Revelation 19:1, 2, 4, 6).

Wednesday, 21 September 2016—Amos 6:1-7— Woe to the affluent who have no concern for the nation. Our Old Testament speaks of the American condition today in many respects. Like Israel of the 8th Century BC, American is a people of ease, comfort, luxury and affluence. It is a law of life that like causes produce like effects. American is in danger of the same fate as Israel: judgment, decline, and destruction. Who will sound the alarm as a watchman in the night? Will America take heed?

Thursday, 22 September 2016—1 Timothy 6:6-19— Timothy is charged to seek spiritual values. There are countless people who have no aim in life, no purpose, no reason for living. Others have low aim, such as the massing of world possessions. Some aim only to make as much money as possible, own at least one home, get a higher education, or climb the ladder of success.

What is the aim of a Christian? Paul would suggest the Christian’s aim in life is to seek the highest values – vs. 11 and to fight for the faith vs. 12 while we keep the Lord’s commandments –vs.14.

Friday, 23 September 2016—Luke 16:9-31 — The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It the parable we have a description of wealth and total depravity. This is a description of today’s world. On the one hand is America’s wealth giving us the highest standard of living in the history of the world. On the other hand, we have a third world of poverty and hunger. It could be that the so-called wealth, either nation or individual, is really the poor man as was the case in the parable. Americans may be the richest on earth, but they can be suffering from the poverty of abundance.

Saturday, 24 September 2016—1 John 4:19 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart, (LSB #708). The Christian’s only focus is upon Christ. When we fear, love and trust in Him above all things then we are content. Read the words of stanza three. This is a powerful evening prayer one which has been prayed with many a Christian on their death bed. When we pray these words confidently we truly are at peace with God and with ourselves. “Lord, Let at last Thine angels come, To Abr’han’s bosom bear me home, That I may die un-fearing; And in its narrow chamber keep My body safe in peaceful sleep Until Thy reappearing. And then from death awaken me, That these mine eyes with joy may see, O Son of God, Thy glorious face, My Savior and my fount of grace. Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend, And I will praise thee without end.

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