Friday prior to Proper 6

 

Mark 4:26–34—These parables serve as both warning and encouragement to us. We have a role to play in the furtherance of God’s kingdom on earth by sharing the Good News of the Gospel with those around us, but we must never think that the growth of the Kingdom is due to our progression and effort, for it is the Lord and His Word alone which are effective. But neither should we despair if the growth of the Lord’s Kingdom seems somehow unspectacular in our eyes. He alone is the Lord of the harvest (Mark 9:38); thus, we never cease praying “Thy Kingdom come” with patience and confidence.

Only Mark records this parable. Whereas the parable of the Sower stresses the importance of proper soil for the growth of seed and the success of the harvest, here the mysterious power of the seed itself is emphasized. The gospel message contains its own power. 

Some see this parable chiefly as a parable of contrast. As seedtime is followed in due time by harvest, so will the present hiddenness and ambiguousness of the kingdom of God be succeeded by its glorious manifestation. This parable conveys both a warning and a word of encouragement to Jesus’ disciples. However important their role may be (21–25), they are not to imagine that the Kingdom is their kingdom or its triumph their triumph; the Kingdom remains God’s mysteriously creative work. He is “Lord of the harvest” (Mark 9:38). This serves for encouragement also; however slow and unspectacular the “progress” of the Kingdom may be, the outcome is in the sure hands of the Creator. Men may pray, “Thy kingdom come,” with patience and confidence.

From the Catechism we have been taught; The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

Prayer of the Day: God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 1

Sources:

 A Sower went out to sow, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

1. Collect for Proper 6, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Thursday prior to Proper 6

 

2 Corinthians 5:1–10—In Sunday’s epistle reading, St Paul looks forward to eternal life in heaven, when we shall live forever in our glorified bodies, no longer made frail by the ravages of sin. Paul has supreme confidence in what is to come, for his confidence rests, not in the whims of man, but in the surety of God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. The Christian, who lives by faith in the promises of the Lord, rejoices at the thought of being at home with the Lord.

We have such hope because of the resurrection of our Savior Jesus. For three days Jesus slept in the tomb. But on the third day he rose victoriously. The hope we have in Christ; namely the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting comes from the work of Christ who rose victoriously that first Easter morning. Because he lives you will live also!

Paul is speaking about his hope for life after death. He states that when physical death comes God will provide him with a new body – spiritual and immortal. In this passage Paul returns to the fact that he is still on earth in a physical body. To live on earth is to be in a physical body and separated from Christ who is at the right hand of God, to die is to have a new body and to be with Christ. 

Since he is still in the body he must walk by faith and not by sight. He prefers to die that he might be with Christ. Until that happens his aim is to please God who holds him accountable for all the deeds done while in the body on earth. 1

Prayer for the Church: Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and, in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end; 2

Sources:

Jesus Sleeps in the Tomb, image for Easter Saturday copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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

2. Collect for the Church, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Pentecost 4 - Proper 6

Pentecost 4 – Proper 6

June 17, 2018

Mark 4:26-34

To Live is to Grow

When we stop growing. We stop living. When we stop developing physically, mentally and spiritually. A decline begins. Until death is reached.

Life means growth. Both in this world. And the next. Today Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is growing. We do not know how it grows. When we are tempted to think the kingdom has lost its influence and power. Jesus offers this profound assurance. From Christ’s perspective. The kingdom is slowly and surely growing. You can’t see it? That’s the point! The Kingdom grows secretly.  

Christian people need to be encouraged to ever have a growing edge. To be reassured. That the kingdom is in the process of coming upon the earth. The Parable of the Growing Seed is a parable of Jesus. Which appears only in Mark.  The Parable of the seed growing secretly.  Is a parable about growth in the Kingdom of God. Today we consider Jesus’ words. As He teaches us concerning the Kingdom.

I.        The miracle of growth – v.27 - Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.  (Mark 4:27)

A.     Even when the farmer sleeps. The Kingdom of God is still growing. Its growth is due to God. Not man. And follows its own timetable. The seed of the kingdom grows. While the farmer sleeps. The farmer only sows and reaps. Nothing in between. The sower does not cultivate nor irrigate. The seed does its own growing.

Illustration: Anyone who has read to their children or grandchildren, “Frog and Toad together”[1] knows this. You can sing to your corn. Talk gently to your soy beans. I can play Brahms' Lullaby to my eggplant all day long. It won’t make them grow.  

B.     The point Jesus is making. - You can do nothing to bring the kingdom of God on earth. You cannot force God’s Kingdom coming by good works. Social programs. Or legislation. This is solely, completely, and totally The Father’s work. – This is exclusively God’s effort.

II.     The manner of growth – V. 28 – “All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” (Mark 4:28)

Illustration: Just a few weeks ago. As I set out to plant the garden. I happened to find a package of seeds which read, “Tomatoes” and “Experimental.” How long had I had them? At least fifteen years. Maybe longer. No harm in planting them. Why not? Sure enough! They sprouted. And they continue to grow. Notice what the Savior says. “All by itself the soil produces grain…” 

A.      The kingdom of God has a growth from the smallest seed to the greatest shrub. There is a contrast between the beginning and the ending of the kingdom. The minimum becomes the maximum. The kingdom will continue to grow until it covers the entire earth.

B.     The kingdom had a tiny start. Jesus and twelve men. When it ends some day. When the whole number of persons in this world will be added to the kingdom. Then. And only then. Will the end come. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:13-14) Here is hope and optimism for Christians living in these challenging times. And these difficult days. It is the Father’s world. He alone brings about growth. He alone sustains His kingdom. He alone guards and keeps it.

III.   The maturation of growth – v. 29 –“As soon as the grain is ripe; he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:29)

A.     One of the great miracles of nature is the power of life in a seed. Put a seed in the ground. Water it. And in a short time. The seed sprouts with new life. God’s Word. Jesus said. Is like seed sown into the hearts of Christian believers just like you. When this seed is received in faith. It has power to produce new life. As you hear to this Word today. The power of the Word of God is working its work in your life.

1.      The Word planted into your heart is power to bring you to faith. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – (Hebrews 4:12)

2.      The Word planted into your heart is power to grow a harvest of good works in your life. And we continually thank God that in receiving the word of God from us, you did not accept it as the word of men, but as the true word of God. And this is the word which is now at work in you who believe.  (1 Thessalonians 2:13) For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.  (1 Peter 1:23)

B.     The farmer plants in order to reap a harvest. The Father sows His seed in His people to get a harvest. Christianity is not a religion for religion’s sake. It is not an academic adventure. Into theological discussions. Or far-out mysticism. Christianity is a very practical religion. Though we are not saved by our works. Our faith. If it is genuine. Produces fruit. A harvest is gathered. The good and bad are separated and people receive either good or evil. Says the Lord Jesus, Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and caught fish of every kind. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous. (Matthew 13:47-49)

Jesus in these parables is speaking about the Kingdom of God – Not any worldly kingdom. It is not a kingdom that can be seen. It is not one that has a geographical local domain. The Kingdom of God is the people of God who live under the reign of the Father. We call this kingdom the Church. Which is the Communion of the saints.  It is invisible to us. And it subjects are known only to God.

Growth comes as the Father permits it. Growth comes as the Spirit gives life. Growth comes as the Lord continues to support and sustain His Kingdom.  Thanks be to God. Who has promised both to will and to do His good pleasure to those who seek Him.  

______________

Words- 1,160

Passive Sentences-5%

Readability-84.6

Reading Level-3.5

---

[1] http://www.kspu.ru/upload/documents/2010/01/18/8f8eb904a6bf69f48a14396a24e2e3f8/11.pdf

Proper 6 Series B notes

Proper 6 - Series B

Study Notes

Mark 4:26-34

Ezekiel 17:22-24

Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (12)

2 Corinthians 5:6-10 [11-13] 14-17

17 June. 2018 - Pentecost 4

Prayer of the Day

God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Greek Text (NA27)

The Parable of the Seed Growing in Secret- Vv. 26-29

Note Only Mark records this parable.

Whereas the parable of the sower stresses the importance of proper soil for the growth of seed and the success of the harvest, here the mysterious power of the seed itself is emphasized. The gospel message contains its own power. 

Some see this parable chiefly as a parable of contrast. As seedtime is followed in due time by harvest, so will the present hiddenness and ambiguousness of the kingdom of God be succeeded by its glorious manifestation. This parable conveys both a warning and a word of encouragement to Jesus’ disciples. However important their role may be (21–25), they are not to imagine that the Kingdom is their kingdom or its triumph their triumph;the Kingdom remains God’s mysteriously creative work. He is “Lord of the harvest” (Mark 9:38). This serves for encouragement also; however slow and unspectacular the “progress” of the Kingdom may be, the outcome is in the sure hands of the Creator. Men may pray, “Thy kingdom come,” with patience and confidence.

26Καὶ ἔλεγεν, Οὕτωςἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦθεοῦὡςἄνθρωπος βάλῃτὸν σπόρον ἐπὶ τῆςγῆς

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 

27καὶ καθεύδῃ καὶ ἐγείρηται νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ ὁ σπόρος βλαστᾷ καὶ μηκύνηται ὡςοὐκοἶδεν αὐτός.

He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.

οἶδεν (oiden|knows/understands) – 

At first there may be little to show for the sowing of the seed, and a skeptical observer might think that nothing is happening. But there is an inner dynamic in the message which will in due time produce its effect, even if human insight cannot fathom how the process works (ὡςοὐκοἶδεν αὐτός). In the meantime the wise disciple will wait in confidence for God's work to be accomplished in God's way. The kingdom of God, then, does not depend on human effort to achieve it, and human insight will not be able to explain it.

28αὐτομάτη ἡ γῆ καρποφορεῖ, πρῶτονχόρτον, εἶτα στάχυν, εἶτα πλήρη[ς] σῖτονἐντῷστάχυϊ.

The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 

29ὅταν δὲ παραδοῖ ὁ καρπός, εὐθὺς ἀποστέλλειτὸδρέπανον, ὅτι παρέστηκεν ὁ θερισμός.

But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 

The Parable of the Mustard Seed 30-34

The main point of this parable is that the kingdom of God seemingly had insignificant beginnings. It was introduced by the despised and rejected Jesus and his 12 unimpressive disciples. But a day will come when its true greatness and power will be seen by the entire world. See also Matthew 13:31–33; Luke 13:18-f. This is another parable of contrasts, but the contrast may not be, as is sometimes thought, between the Church's insignificant beginnings and the wide spread, powerful organization it was to become: it is rather between the present veiled-ness of the Kingdom of God and its future glorious manifestation at the Parousia.

30Καὶ ἔλεγεν, Πῶςὁμοιωσωμεντὴν βασιλείαν τοῦθεοῦ, ἢ ἐντίνι αὐτὴνπαραβολῇθῶμεν; 

And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?  

31ὡς κόκκῳσινάπεως, ὃςὅταν σπαρῇ ἐπὶ τῆςγῆς, μικρότερονὂν πάντωντῶν σπερμάτωντῶν ἐπὶ τῆςγῆς, 

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 

32καὶ ὅταν σπαρῇ, ἀναβαίνει καὶ γίνεται μεῖζον πάντωντῶν λαχάνων καὶ ποιεῖκλάδουςμεγάλους, ὥστεδύνασθαι ὑπὸ τὴνσκιὰν αὐτοῦτὰ πετεινὰτοῦοὐρανοῦ κατασκηνοῦν.

yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 

κατασκηνοῦν (kataskenoun|to nest/live/dwell) – See also Ezekiel 17:23; 31:6; Daniel 4:12,14,21. When at last he comes in his glory, who is himself the Kingdom (1:15), he will be not only the Judge of all men, but also the one under whose shadow all who have truly trusted in him will find shelter. Drawing attention to these same OT texts and particularly to 'all great nations' in Ezekiel 31:6, the allusion here may be intended to indicate the future wide scope of the kingdom of God, within which many nations (not only Israel) will find their place. Of this and the parable of the growth of the kingdom in verses 26-29, the two parables of verses 26-32 thus both warn against underestimating the significance of the proclamation of the kingdom of God, however unimpressive its initial impact may seem. What has begun in the Galilean ministry of Jesus will, by the power of God, one day prove to be of ultimate significance. If for the time being its power is hidden, it is not for that reason any less certain, and its growth will be spectacular.

33Καὶ τοιαύταις παραβολαῖς πολλαῖς ἐλάλει αὐτοῖςτὸνλόγον, καθωςἠδύναντο ἀκούειν·

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 

34χωρὶς δὲ παραβολῆςοὐκἐλάλει αὐτοῖς, κατ• ἰδίαν δὲτοῖςἰδίοις μαθηταῖς ἐπέλυεν πάντα.

He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

χωρὶςδὲ παραβολῆςοὐκἐλάλει αὐτοῖς - (choris de parabolesoukelaleiautois|apart but from parables not he was speaking) 

- Jesus used parables to illustrate truths, stimulate thinking and awaken spiritual perception. The people in general were not ready for the full truth of the gospel. When alone with his disciples Jesus taught more specifically, but even they usually needed to have things explained. 

https://sites.google.com/site/briansgreekscripture/pentecost-3---mark-4-26-34

Time in the Word - Pentecost 4 - Proper 6

Preparation for New Week Pentecost 3 – Proper 6

June 8-13, 2018

Collect for Pentecost 3: Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for the Church: Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and, in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end; 

Prayer for the mission of the Church and her missionaries: Almighty and gracious God, You want all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Magnify the power of the Gospel in the hearts of Your faithful people that Your Church may spread the good news of salvation. Protect, encourage, and bless all missionaries who proclaim the saving cross that Christ, being lifted up, may draw all people to Himself, 

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, 

The Parables of our Lord convey the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those who are “able to hear it,” that is, “to His own disciples,” who are catechized to fear, love and trust in Him by faith (Mark 4:33–34). He “scatters seed on the ground,” which “sprouts and grows” unto life, even as “He sleeps and rises” (Mark 4:26–27). “On the mountain heights of Israel,” He plants a young and tender twig, and it becomes “a noble cedar.” Indeed, His own Cross becomes the Tree of Life, under which “every kind of bird” will dwell, and in which “birds of every sort will nest” (Ezekiel 17:22–25). His Cross is our resting place, even while now in mortal bodies, we “groan, being burdened” (2 Corinthians 5:1–4). Yet by faith we live for God in Christ, who for our sake “died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:15). We know that, in His resurrected body, “we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Monday, 8 June 2015—Psalm 92:12–15; Antiphon, Psalm 92:1—This ‘Psalm for the Sabbath’ is a hymn of praise, in which the psalmist gives thanks to the LORD for His steadfast love and faithfulness. He declares us righteous and makes us flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. From ancient times, even until to-day, Lebanon has been known for its tall strong cedars: Cedars from Lebanon were used in constructing the temple, and the cedar appears on Lebanon’s national flag. We who are planted in the house of the LORD are strong in the LORD like these trees of renown.

Tuesday, 9 June 2015—Psalm 1—Luther wrote that the psalter is the Bible in miniature. If so, then the opening six verses are the portal leading into a treasure-house of communion with God. Who is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners . . . but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His Law he meditates day in night? First, it is Christ. Secondly, it is all of us who have been incorporated into Christ—the holy Christian Church. The new man, created by Baptism, that comes forth daily and arises to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Wednesday, 10 June 2015—Ezekiel 17:22–24—Things looked bleak when Jerusalem fell and King Zedekiah died in exile (Ezekiel 17:11-21). Through the prophet Ezekiel, the LORD proclaims that He will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and…I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. This tender sprig will never be uprooted, for it is the promised Messiah, Jesus, who will be given the throne of His father David, and whose Messianic kingdom will be established forever.

Thursday, 11 June 2015—2 Corinthians 5:1–10—In Sunday’s epistle reading, St Paul looks forward to eternal life in heaven, when we shall live forever in our glorified bodies, no longer made frail by the ravages of sin. Paul has supreme confidence in what is to come, for his confidence rests, not in the whims of man, but in the surety of God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. The Christian, who lives by faith in the promises of the Lord, rejoices at the thought of being at home with the Lord.

Friday, 12 June 2015—Mark 4:26–34—These parables serve as both warning and encouragement to us. We have a role to play in the furtherance of God’s kingdom on earth by sharing the Good News of the Gospel with those around us, but we must never think that the triumph of the Kingdom is our triumph, for it is the Lord and His Word alone which are effective. But neither should we despair if the growth of the Lord’s Kingdom seems somehow unspectacular in our eyes. He alone is the Lord of the harvest (Mark 9:38); thus, we never cease praying “Thy Kingdom come” with patience and confidence.

Saturday, 13 June 2015—Sunday’s hymn of the day, Creator Spirit, By Whose Aid (LSB 500), is an eighth-century hymn written in praise of the Holy Spirit and the gifts He bestows on the Church. It first proclaims the Spirit as participating in the creation of all things, then testifies that He creates Christians by His gifts to us. The final stanza is a doxology: a hymn of praise to our Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Prayer for persecuted Christians: Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, grant courage that Your children may confess Your saving name in the face of any opposition from a world hostile to the Gospel. Help them to remember Your faithful people who sacrificed much and even faced death rather than dishonor You when called upon to deny the faith. By Your Spirit, strengthen them to be faithful and to confess You boldly, knowing that You will confess Your own before the Father in heaven, with whom You and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, now and forever.

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Artwork by Ed Riojas © Higher Things

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship