Pentecost 6 - Proper 11

July 21, 2019
Luke 10:42
“One thing necessary”

[1]

“Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her.” 

Grant us, Lord, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are please in Your sight that we, who without Your guidance cannot do anything that is good, may be enabled to live according to Your will. [2]

It was the June meeting of the Tabea Society. Some years ago.  Each month there was roll call. Along with a question. Asked by the host. And the question for the JUNE meeting was…”what are your plans for Thanksgiving?”  This seemed only natural for those sitting around the table.

Thanksgiving?  Why ask such a question? In June?  We hadn’t even celebrated Flag Day! Or the 4th of July. Or Labor Day. Or Columbus Day. Thanksgiving? “What are your plans for Thanksgiving?” In June?

Well, over time I’ve discovered that Thanksgiving is the one holiday when people travel. Especially if you have family living out of state. So it’s only natural to be making plans for Thanksgiving even as early as June. Who cares if the holiday is five months away!  If you’re hosting an event. And it’s your responsibility. It’s never too soon to start making preparations now.

And now that the children are out of the house, living far, far away Tammy and I, from time to time have had the discussion, “so, what are our plans...for Thanksgiving?”

Mary and Martha have Jesus over for dinner. He is invited for a meal in their home. Martha was concerned about everything. The furnishing. The guests seated at the table. The meal.  Everything had to be perfect. Mary is content to sit at the feet of the Savior.

Martha is distracted with much serving. She’s frustrated. Because her sister ignores her. So she asks Jesus to intervene. “Lord, you do care, don’t you, that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Assist me. Make her cooperate. Tell her to take up this service!

What can be gleaned from this conversation the Savior had with the members of this family?

1. Only one thing is needed. The one thing needed is for you to sit at the feet of the Savior; to listen to His Word, to abide in Him, to know of His direction and care in your life. 

A. To sit at the feet of the Savior.

1. You are doing this, this very moment. You are sitting at the feet of the Savior, listening to His Word. Drinking deep from His instruction.

2. This has been your habit, your routine. In a word, it’s called “faithfulness.” You have been found to be faithful. Faithful in coming to service. Faithful in your hearing of the Savior’s word. Faithful in receiving His gifts with thanksgiving.

B. To listen to His Word.

1. As Christ comes to you in His Word, which is preached, taught shared and read. You respond with a faithful heart. 

2. Make it a daily habit. Make it a part of your daily ritual. There are countless resources, which are readily available. Our daily devotionals; Time in the Word, Portals of Prayer, and for our children – the daily Bible stories read in Morning Prayer at school.   Use them! [3]

C. To abide in Christ. 

1. He alone initiated this with you when you were baptized. St. Paul would remind us, “When we were baptized into Christ Jesus, we were baptized into His death. We were buried with Him by our baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection life His.” – Romans 6

2. He will keep this promise. The writer to the Hebrews speaks of this wonderful promise. “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever Amen.” –Hebrews 13:21

D. To know of His direction and care.

1. He has been doing this all your life. His word and promise to you on the day of His Ascension is an enduring promise. He said, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” – Matthew 28 

2. Every moment of your life. In every circumstance. He is shaping and using these events of your life to draw you closer to Himself.  The temptation of this age is to live in the moment. Christ has the perspective of eternity. Know this – He orders all of your days. He directs your path.

3. Yet, will He change? Will He change His mind concerning your situation? He can never change. You and I are so fickle – changing our minds constantly. Not so with your Lord. He has bound Himself to His Word.  He has clearly spoken this truth through His prophet Malachi, “I am the Lord, I do not change.” – Malachi 3:5

Transition:  Only one thing is needed. To sit at the Savior’s feet is a wise choice.

2. Mary chose what is better. She chose to trust and believe in Christ first. Serving has its place – yet, serving comes from believing.

A. To trust and believe in Christ is of the first import.

1. It must be top priority. When Christ is not the center of everything we do – we violate the 1st Commandment.  We must fear love and trust in God above all things. 

2. It must be chief among all of us. Says St. Paul, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:2

B. Serving does have its place.

1. Without serving nothing would get done. There are so may needs. We need faithful people. To be the hands and feet, the fingers and toes of Jesus. 

2. There is much to do. What then should be our motivation? Consider the instruction of St. Paul: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Then He gets specific:

a. Wives – submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

b. Husbands – love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

c. Children – obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 

d. Parents – do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

e. Employees – Obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. – Colossians 3:18-22

C. Yet serving comes from believing.

1. We serve. Only after we have sat and listened at the feet of Jesus. We receive instruction first. Then, we go out into the world as ambassadors for Christ. We serve, with all our strength. But first, we’re fed.

2. Serving is our response to sitting and listening. We go to a worship service. Then, in service, we worship. We worship on Sunday. Service is performed Monday through Saturday – as you live your live in your given vocation as husband, wife, child, employee, master – praising God while you serve your neighbor. Remember the slogan of the cleaning service, ServiceMaster® - providing Service to the Master.

Transition: Because you choose to sit at the feet of the Savior and listen – your reward cannot be taken from you. 

3. It will not be taken away from her. A faith, which trusts, is an enduring faith. It is the blessed assurance you have in Christ. It is a faith that endures though out time. 

A. A faith, which trusts, is an enduring faith. Faith is nothing more than another word for trust. Trust is nothing more than taking God at His Word. 

1. The Spirit gives you faith. It will get you through times of testing – When you are tempted to believe, whether God your Father will act for you.

2. The Spirit gives you faith. It will get you through times of doubt – In which you are called to question whether God your Father is concerned for you. 

B. This is the “blessed assurance” you have in Christ. He relieves all fear. He removes all doubt. He sets you apart to be His for time and eternity.

C. It is a faith that will endure.

1. The devil, world and flesh cannot defeat faith. They are already crushed. As Jesus went to the bloody and cruel cross of Calvary. Where He suffered for you, and then victoriously rose from the grave. To defeat your last enemy – death. 

2. Every time you commune at His altar. The promise of the cross and tomb is given to you. Christ’s body is given – for you – as His blood was shed –for you!

3. You are secure in Christ. That’s why you pray in the morning and evening, “…into Thy hand I commend myself (placing) my body and soul and all things (into Your care.) Let Your Holy Spirit be with me – that the devil, world, and flesh – may have no power over me. “

Only one thing is needful. What was evident in the life of Mary – sitting at the feet of Jesus –may it continue to be found in you – today, tomorrow – and throughout your days! In Jesus’ Name. Amen 

_________________

Words – 1,690

Passive Sentences –11% 

Readability-82.6%

Reading Level – 4.0  

[1] Luther’s Seal © Higher Things

[2] Collect for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[3] If you would read the daily readings contained in Time in the Word over a three- year period you would go through much of the Bible. The readings found in Morning Prayer contain 140 Bible stories - 70 from the Old Testament, 70 from the New Testament.
Woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden [The Book of Books in Pictures]) ©WELS.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 6 - Proper 9

Pentecost 6– Proper 9

June 29 –July 4, 2115

The theme for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9) will focus upon the word of the minister (prophet). His work of proclamation is very difficult due to the unreceptive attitude of the people to whom he is sent to preach. Even Jesus in the Gospel lesson didn’t do a good work in His hometown because the people do not believe in Him. Ezekiel is called (Old Testament lesson) to preach to a people whom God describes as “impudent and stubborn.” Paul, (in the Epistle lesson) prays to have a thorn removed that he might be more effective in his ministry, but the request is denied. We are blessed with pastor and people work in harmony and peace. Yet we live in a broken world. May we pray the Spirit’s help to always be open and receptive to the preaching of God’s holy Word. 

Collect for Pentecost 6—Grant, Lord, that the course of this world may be so governed by Your direction that Your Church may rejoice in serving You in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for Proper 9 – O God, Your almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy. Grant us the fullness of Your grace that we may be called to repentance and made partakers of Your heavenly treasures; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for the Feast of St Peter and Paul, Apostles (29 June): Merciful and eternal God, Your holy apostles Peter and Paul received grace and strength to lay down their lives for the sake of Your Son. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that we may confess Your truth and at all times be ready to lay down our lives for Him who laid down His life for us, even Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer in time of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for our country: Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Make us who come from many nations with many different languages a untied people. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that they may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful. In troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Monday, 29 June 2015—Psalm 132:13-16; Antiphon, Psalm 34:8— David reminds us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” The circumstances surrounding each of our lessons for next week might suggest that all is not well. Yet the Psalmist reminds us that our Lord’s care for His people goes beyond circumstance. He is our Lord in good times and in stressful times. He is with us when we are successful in life and when there are objects “in our road”. Despite obstacles to ministry, the Lord’s church moves forward. As we see the Lord active in His church and in the individual lives of His people, we can join with the Psalmist and say, “taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Tuesday, 30 June  2015—Psalm 123—This Psalm of David is a prayer of God’s humble people for Him to show mercy and so foil the contempt of the proud. There are many obstacles to ministry in this world. This earth is fallen. Yet despite obstacles, the Lord has not left His church to ruin nor has He turned His back on us. To the contrary, this psalm speaks of God’s control of the universe, His church and His people. Fare thee well child of God the Lord remains constant regardless of the contempt and ridicule the world might bring upon us.

Wednesday, 1 July 2015—Ezekiel 2:1-5— Obstacles to ministry may occur with the rebelliousness of God’s people. Ezekiel receives the Spirit and is sent to preach to a rebellious people. In this passage, Ezekiel is commissioned to go to the exiles in Babylon to preach God’s Word. To do this he is empowered by the Spirit. The Lord warns him that the people may not listen to his preaching because they are a rebellious people. It is not important whether his preaching is accepted. At least, they will hear God’s Word and know a prophet was with them. Application to our day? How do you want people to respond to you? Would you rather be accepted or respected? What’s the difference? Which of the two is more difficult and why?

Thursday, 2 July 2015—2 Corinthians 12:1-10— Obstacles to ministry may occur with the handicap of the preacher.  Paul is promised grace to bear his thorn in the flesh. Paul is fed up with his opponents who cast doubt on his apostleship and boast about their work and religious experiences. This lesson is a part of the “terrible letter” (chapters 10-12) in which Paul makes a heated defense of his apostleship. If his opponents can boast of their accomplishments, he can, too.

This passage is part of his boasting. Paul claims he, too, has had an abundance of revelations, but to keep him humble God gave him a thorn in the flesh. Repeatedly he prayed to have it removed, but God assured him His grace was enough to bear it. Now Paul boasts of his weaknesses, handicaps, and sufferings, for through weakness the power of Christ comes upon him. Americans love winners. There is an aversion in our day to weakness, pain, and suffering. Where are you weak? When has God said “no” to your prayers only to say, “My grace is sufficient”?  What life lessons can we gain through suffering, setback and loss?  

Friday, 3 July 2015—Mark 6:1–13—The rejection by one’s own people. Obstacles to ministry may occur with rejection. Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth takes offense at Him and His work.  Earlier Jesus was rejected by His family and religious leaders. Now He is rejected by the people (friends and relatives) of His hometown, Nazareth.

They were astonished at His teaching and mighty works. They could not explain His greatness; they referred to Him as a carpenter and as the son of Mary along with brothers and sisters. Unable to explain Him, they took offense or were scandalized by Him. Jesus reacted by saying that a prophet was without honor among His own people. He was unable to do mighty works because of the people’s unbelief. Therefore, Jesus left with His disciples to teach in other towns. This week we celebrated our country’s independence. God has blessed America in that given our representative form of democracy and our rights to practice our faith as outlines in the constitution the Gospel has had free reign. Not all however is well within our country. Many would want to stifle the Gospel. We have no guarantee that America will last forever. The Lord could allow the Gospel to flourish in another place. Many of our Lutheran forefathers (and others) came to America to escape religious persecution happening in Europe. If the church in America received the same reception as did the Savior in His hometown would many simply stop coming?  How do some today practice their faith because it is convenient?      

Saturday, 4 July 2015— Luke 1:78-79 The first stanza of Sunday’s hymn of the day, O Christ, Our True and Only Light (LSB 839), asks the Savior to enlighten those who sit in night. There are many today missing from the Father’s table because they sit in ignorance. They know nothing of the saving work of Jesus Christ. While there are obstacles to ministry, there are tremendous opportunities to witness in the midst of our nation’s heartland. As the Lord gives us opportunity may we “gossip the Gospel” that souls may be won and the kingdom expanded.

Sources:

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

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

Pentecost 6 - Proper 12 - Time in the Word

Three parables of the nature of the kingdom of God are told by the Savior in the Gospel for this coming week. Three parables are directed to the disciples concerning the kingdom. The first two deal with the kingdom as being of top value worthy of any sacrifice to gain it. The third parable concerns are similar to wheat and the weeds parable, the separation of the good and the wicked on judgment day. Jesus asks the disciples if they understand these parables. They claimed that they understood. Consequently, they were to be scribes trained for the kingdom who bring out of the treasure the old and the new. The old truths are to be applied to the new conditions in the world. These are addressed in our Epistle and Old Testament lessons for the coming week.

Two simple yet heart felt Prayers – “Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another.”

“Pour out upon us, O Lord, the spirit to think and do what is right, that we, who cannot even exist without you, may have the strength to live according to your will.”

For blessing on the Word – Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.

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

A prayer for Pentecost 6: O God, the Protector of all who trust in You, without whom nothing is strong and nothing is holy, increase and multiply Your mercy on us that with You as our Ruler and Guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Proper 12 – Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love that, receiving what You have promised, we may love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, July 18, 2011 – Psalm 105:2-6 – This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” The psalmist exhorts us to worship the Lord. Thus, we are called upon to give thanks to God through our worship and praise. When we call upon God and as we give thanks, our worship shall be blessed. Praise and prayer are the two expressions of our worship. As we recall the many acts of kindness the Lord has given to us, we will trust in Him and share with others what He has done. We will make known among the people His many deeds.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 – Deuteronomy 7:6-9- The Lord is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love. We are loved and blessed because the Lord first loved us. Yet this love must be reciprocated by His people to others. Thus in the New Testament we are reminded, “We love because He first loved us” {1 John 4:19}

Wednesday, July 20, 2011– Romans 8: 28-39 - The Father spared not His own Son but gave Him up for us all. These words are read at many Christian funerals. They have comforted many troubled hearts. They have soothed and given encouragement to many who are troubled. St. Paul’s words are sure. No charge can be brought against the Christian because the Father has already pronounced a verdict! Not guilty! How so? No one can condemn God’s elect. Christ has died for you. He is alive at the right hand of God. He is interceding for you.

Thursday, July 21, 2011 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Christ treasures the world, and so He redeems it. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a treasure, something of supreme worth. It is a treasure of infinite worth because it is the kingdom of God. This includes Jesus, the priceless treasure, the riches of grace, and the wealth of God’s love. This treasure is discovered by accident. It is always found where no one expected it.

The kingdom of God can be a surprise. It may come in unexpected ways and places. Must we ask whether the average Christian considers Christianity the top treasure?
Both the farmer and the merchant sold all their goods to get the treasure.
This implies that the two men considered all their possessions to be inferior to the treasure or the pearl. It was a matter of establishing priorities. Because the treasure and pearl were evaluated as the best, the price of total sell-out, or exchanging all other possessions, was considered worth the price.

When a person finds a treasure, how can he help but be overjoyed? If a merchant has been looking for the perfect pearl for years and then finds it, is there any wonder that he would be as happy as can be? Many church members lack the joy of being Christians. They are not happy about their religion. Could this be the reason? They have not found the treasure or the pearl of Christ?

Friday, July 22, 2011 – Psalm 125 - This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. This psalm speaks of Israel’s peace in testimony, prayer, and benediction. Bible scholars believe it was written after the exile when those held in Babylonian captivity were allowed to return to the Jewish homeland. This psalm was most likely prayed as part of the liturgy in the Jewish worship service. Thus, the Psalms we pray in worship reach back into the Old Testament. Through the centuries, our prayers have remained constant.

Saturday, July 23, 2011 – Joshua 24:16 –This passage is the inspiration for the hymn, “From God can nothing move me” {LSB 524}. The people react to Joshua’s commitment to serve the Lord. The people respond, “We will not serve other gods.” If we say of the Lord, “He is our God,” we cannot serve any other.

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.
Artwork by Ed Riojas, © Higher Things

Pentecost 6 - mid-week

Luke 9:51-62

There are many excuses for people not wanting to follow the Savior. There were plenty of excuses given then and there are plenty today. Commitment to Christ requires total surrender. We encounter numerous excuses not to follow Christ in the Scriptures. The question for us to ponder today, have things changed over the years? Let’s consider what the Savior was up against shall we?
1. “I will follow you wherever you go” – Such a bold statement! One of unswerving and unwavering faith! Yet, consider the response the Savior gives this bold confession: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
A. I will follow so long as I am not inconvenienced. I’ll follow You Lord as a disciple - as long as my creature comforts are not compromised. I will follow - as long as I do not have to get involved in the lives and concerns of others.
B. What this excuse says loud and clear is - don’t make discipleship too difficult. This could happen when one might complain that the service went over an hour. Yet would we even blink an eye if a Wizards game, for example, went into extra innings? Or if we limit our time of discipleship to a few hours a month have we become overly taxed?
2. The 2nd excuses “Let me burry my father” – Jesus responds by saying, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
A. Do not allow personal relationships to get in the way.
B. Do we not want anything to be inconvenient or problematic for us? Does everything have to fit into a perfect timetable? We don’t want anything awkward some may say. But is this always possible?
C. Jesus’ response reminds us that there is urgency about our relationship with Him. Being a disciple demands an immediate response. Jesus’ response is a sobering one at that! Not even something as important as arranging and attending your parent’s funeral should keep you from responding.
The point the Savior is making is a profound one – The Kingdom of God cannot wait until you fulfill lesser responsibilities. There will always be commitments demanding our time, our attention, and our resources. The issue we must address is our priorities – what is the most important? What is your first love? Where is your passion?
3. “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.” Jesus replied. “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
A. We need a total focus to the task at hand. Proclaiming and sharing the truth of the Gospel, and then reaching out to our neighbors and friends with the message of the cross. Paul said, “I desire to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
B. We need to keep our focus on Christ. May the main thing always be - the main thing. There needs to be a singleness of purpose in our lives. No one who plows looks back! The eye is on the goal ahead. You cannot go back. Paul would remind us, “One thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind…” A true disciples has a one track mind, there is one purpose in life, one task, one devotion – the person Jesus Christ.
What is your purpose in life? Follow the example of Christ He knew where He was going and His mission and why He was doing it. He had a total commitment to the Father’s call to be the world’s Savior. He gave us these words “when the days drew near for Him to be received up.” (Vs. 51) He knew the time was short, that His days were numbered, that He must work while it was day for soon of night of Calvary would come. His mission was to give His life as a ransom for the sin of the world. Your mission is to share His story with those whom the Lord places into your life.