Saturday prior to Proper 11

Ephesians 2:20 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, The Church’s One Foundation (LSB 644). Paul pictures a house when he speaks of the structure of the church. The foundation is solid as the church is based on the Old and New Testaments the prophets and the apostles. The tested stone on which the church rests is Christ on which everything centers around. With such a structure the church moves forward victoriously.

"The Church's One Foundation" is a Christian hymn written in the 1860s by Samuel John Stone. This hymn describes the church's relationship to its "foundation" being Jesus Christ. The church is represented as the collective Christian fellowship of the earth as it is wholly united by its savior, the son of God.

"The Church's One Foundation" was composed as a primary answer to the division within the Church of South Africa generated by John William Colenso, first Bishop of Natal, who denounced much of the Bible as untrue. This issue is referenced to within the fourth verse of the lyrics "Though with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed." When Bishop Colenso was dismissed for his teachings, he pleaded to the higher religious authorities in England.

It was then that Samuel Stone became included in the discussion. It sparked him to draft a set of hymns based on the Apostles' Creed in 1866. He titled it, Lyra Fidelium; Twelve Hymns on the Twelve Articles of the Apostles' Creed. "The Church's One Foundation" is based on the ninth article, The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints. 1

Collect for this coming Sunday Proper 11 – Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen  2

Sources:

The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright ©WELS used with permission

1. https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/the-church-s-one-foundation/ 

2. Collect for Proper 11, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Friday prior to Proper 11

Mark 6:30-44 — “Retreat” is the key word for today. Christ and the disciples together. Jesus takes His disciples to a lonely place for rest and teaches the crowd that gathers. This lesson combines the conclusion dealing with the sending out of the disciples and the introduction to the feeding of the five thousand. The disciples return from their preaching journey and are exhausted. People with needs throng around them so that they do not get any rest. Jesus takes them in a boat to a secluded spot that they may rest and be apart from the crowd. 

But the people will not let them alone. When the boat comes to shore, the people are waiting for them. Seeing the crowd, Jesus expresses compassion for them because they are as sheep without a shepherd. Before Jesus gives them physical bread, he gives them spiritual food by teaching them. This is the only time Mark refers to the Twelve as “apostles.” It is an appropriate name; for they had just returned from a preaching-healing mission. An apostle is one who is sent forth by Christ. 

Seeing the multitudes might have angered Jesus. He was taking the disciples apart for a retreat so sorely needed. He could have become impatient and told the people to scram. His reaction reveals His heart – compassion. He felt sorry for them because they were in desperate need. He has the heart of God, the God of love. Because of His compassion, Jesus cares about people.

Even Jesus realized the need to get away from people and work to rest and recuperate for later service. Modern life is often lives under high tension and intense stress. There are the rush of work and the hectic schedule of activities. Everyone needs a hideaway, a place to escape periodically. Jesus prescribes a retreat for you…

 Solitariness –“Come away by yourselves.”

 Seclusion – “A Lonely Place.”

 Siesta – “Rest for a while”  1

Collect for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being def3ended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.  2

Sources:

The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright ©WELS used with permission

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

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

 

Thursday prior to Proper 11

Ephesians 2:11-22— Reunion is the key concept covering this Sunday’s Epistle; Jews and Gentile together in Christ. Christ has made us one in God and in the church. The heart of Ephesians is in this passage. In Vv. 13-18 we learn of the peace Christ grained between Jew and Gentile. Vv. 19-22 spell out the consequences of that peace. 

In the person of Christ and His cross, Jew and Gentile are made one. Christ died for both, and they are one in Christ by faith. Thus, they have an oneness in Christ, oneness with God and with each other. Christ’s death has removed the hostility and cancelled the law which separated Jew from Gentile. The two are now one in the church. The practical result is that Gentiles are no longer aliens but members of God’s family.

Humanity is in a state of hostility. The means hatred, oppression, strife and warfare. The hostility exists among people and between God and humanity. They are out to get each other. In modern times the hostility is evident between classes, races, and nations. We live in a seething global cauldron of hatred. 

Peace is the conquest of hostility. It is the work of Christ and a gift of God. Peace is a by-product of a new connection and condition existing between people and between persons and God. By the cross Jesus destroys the hostility, eradicates the Law, and open s up a new reality. Out of this love comes harmony.

Because of the cross, believers are new people gathered in the household of God the church. Individual Christians are held together by Christ just as a cornerstone holds together a building. But the building is not finished. It grows into a holy temple of God. The church is not a dead building but a living, dynamic force that keeps growing not only in size but in truth and grace. 1

You are a part of these living stones build up to be one in the Lord Jesus Christ.  

A Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer the Unemployed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  2

Sources:

The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright ©WELS used with permission

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

2. A Prayer for Home and Family, Prayer for the Unemployed,  Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Wednesday prior to Proper 11

 

Jeremiah 23:1-6—In our Old Testament lesson for this coming Sunday Jeremiah will speak of restoration as exiles come together under a Davidic king. Under new shepherds, God will return His people from captivity, and so a Davidic king will reign. In this passage Jeremiah predicts that because of false shepherds (rulers) the people will go into captivity. This happened in Jeremiah’s lifetime (586 BC) when the Jews were deported to Babylon. Jeremiah goes on to promises that God will raise up true shepherds who will bring back the exiles. In fact, there is to come a Davidic king who will rule with justice and righteousness. Under this Davidic ruler Israel will be restored as a nation.

Because the ruling authorities did not attend to their people’s welfare, God is going to attend to them Himself. The Day of Judgment is coming – assassination, declination, and finally exile. Sin always brings dire consequences. Judgment comes upon all, even the ruling class.

Judah needs a new king, one who will gather the exiles re-establishing them as a nation, and rule wisely and justly. Where such a man could be found? God through Jeremiah says the king will be of the lineage of David, Israel’s greatest king. A good man comes out of good stock. One’s family does count. Christians see in Jesus the fulfillment of this promise. Jesus, the son of David, came to be the world’s good shepherd.  1

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. 2

Sources:

The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright ©WELS used with permission

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

2. Collect for a time of affliction and distress, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Tuesday prior to Proper 11

 

Psalm 23; key verse v.6— Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever... Goodness and mercy both refer to the benefits of being a child of God, namely that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Hebrew for this word suggests, “Throughout the years”. Because of this connection; this union we have with Jesus Christ we will live and reign with Him throughout all eternity. What a comfort it is to have peace with God through our Lord and Savior.

Goodness – God’s goodness consists of righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace and love. Goodness is also one of the fruits of the Spirit which characterizes Christian behavior. {Galatians 5:22}  Christians are called to goodness even as God the Father is perfect and good. Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew: "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

There is a problem, however. It’s a problem found in all of us. It’s a problem with sin. Because of our sinful nature our goodness fails to measure up to the Father’s standard of perfection. What are we to do?

We trust in the mercy of Almighty God. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me...” What is the mercy of God? Mercy is that aspect of God’s love, which causes Him to help those who are miserable. Those who are miserable may be so either because they have broken God’s law or because they find themselves in circumstances beyond their control.

What are we to do when we find ourselves to be in such circumstances? We rely and fall upon the Savior’s amazing grace, which, of course, is that aspect of God’s love that moves Him to forgive those who are guilty. 

God shows mercy on those who have broken His law. Daniel 9:9 reminds us: “To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him”

God’s mercy is given to us although it is undeserved. Paul reminds us in Romans 9:16: “So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  No wonder we cry out to god when we pray the Kyrie: “Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.”

Especially when we poor sinners find ourselves in circumstances beyond our control the Savior reaches down to us with His mercy. Jesus had mercy when He healed the blind men {Matthew 9:27-31; 20:29-34} and when He cleansed the lepers. {Luke 17:11-19}   Because God is merciful, He expects us, His children to be merciful. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Collect for Psalm 23: Lord Jesus Christ, shepherd of your Church, you give us new birth in the waters of baptism; you anoint us with oil, and call us to salvation at your table. Dispel the terrors of death and the darkness of error. Lead your people along safe paths; that they may rest securely in you and well in the house of the Lord now and forever, for your names sake.

Sources:

The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright ©WELS used with permission

Collect for Psalm 23, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. IV, The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1996 Delhi, NY

Monday prior to Proper 11

 

In the lessons for this coming Sunday several themes can be seen: that nature of a good shepherd, the functions of a good shepherd, and the togetherness of God’s people through a Davidic king, Christ, and the church. The last is suggested as the theme – togetherness.

Jesus in the Gospel (Mark 6:30-44) takes His disciples, who just returned from their preaching-healing mission, on a retreat. Jeremiah in the Old Testament lesson (Jeremiah 23:1-6) explains that the exile was due to false shepherds and the scattered sheep will be brought back to Israel under a Davidic king. Jew and Gentile in the Epistle lesson (Ephesians 2:11-22) are made one through the blood of Christ and their oneness in the church. The Psalm’s refrain, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…” (Psalm 23:6) reminds us of the Gospel – “He had compassion on them.” The Hymn of the Day (The Church’s One Foundation; LSB 644) sings of Jesus who is the center of the church’s life and the foundation on which we build.

Psalm 147:7-11, Antiphon, Psalm 145:16— You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing. Jesus sets the table. Jesus supplies all that we may ever need. The Lord is faithful. We will never be in need. He has promised to supply our daily wants and desires. Daily tells how much God should give us, enough for the day. We do not ask God that He give us now what we need in years to come, but it is sufficient if we get what we need each day. Note also that the psalm begins and concludes with a Hallelujah!  In every circumstance we are given to praise the name of the LORD.

Collect for Psalm 147: God our Father, great builder of the heavenly Jerusalem, you know the number of stars and call each of them by name. Heal hearts that are broken, gather those who have been scattered, and enrich us all from the plentitude of your eternal wisdom, Jesus Christ our LORD

Sources:

The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright ©WELS used with permission

Collect for Psalm 147, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. IV The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau © 1996 Delhi, NY

Proper 11 Series B study notes

 

Proper 11 Series B

Proper 11 – Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen 

Jeremiah 23:1–6
Ephesians 2:11–22
Mark 6:30–44

The Lord Jesus Shepherds His Church on Earth by the Ministry of the Gospel

The Lord rebukes and removes “the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep” (Jeremiah 23:1). He gathers the flock, brings them back to the fold and sets “shepherds over them who will care for them” (Jeremiah 23:3–4). He raises up the Son of David, the great Good Shepherd, to “reign as king and deal wisely” (Jeremiah 23:5). He is “our righteousness,” in whom we “dwell securely” (Jeremiah 23:6). 

He has compassion on all of us, who were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). Not only does He teach us many things, but taking the bread, He blesses and breaks and gives it to the disciples “to set before the people.” (Mark 6:41). 

He abundantly provides for His Church on earth, so that everyone is fed and fully satisfied in body and soul. He preaches peace “to you who were far off,” and “by the blood of Christ,” 

He brings you near (Ephesians 2:13, 17). Though you were “separated from Christ” by your sin, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12), now “you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

Also for the feeding of the crowd in Proper 13

Some believe that the crowd could have been over 5,000 as only "men" were counted. If you would count "women and children" it could have been up to 15,000 (See Matthew 14:21). Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana seats close to 17,000 people....

According to the phone conversation I had with the concessions manager the following items were sold at the Indiana v Wisconsin game, on Saturday, March 12, 1994.

> 400 1bs of hot dogs,

> 3,000 popcorn boxes,

> 8,200 cokes (about 1,000 gallons)

> 684 candy bars,

> 436 nachos,

> 284 boxes of caramel corn,

> 917 soft pretzels,

> 247 polish sausages,

> 100 sandwiches,

> 179 bags of peanuts,

> 50 muffins,

> 160 cups of coffee.

This game was played on an afternoon, with tip-off scheduled for 2:00 pm. Most fans had eaten their breakfast and had probably had their lunch also! Besides fans had to pay for their food at the concessions stand! 

Jesus feeds the crowd freely. Without cost! When we pray "give us this day our daily bread" we can know that the Savior will supply us with all that we need to support our body and life.

Mark 6:30-44

Young's Literal Translation

 

Mark 6:30 

Καὶ  συνάγονται  οἱ  ἀπόστολοι  πρὸς  τὸν  Ἰησοῦν,  καὶ  ἀπήγγειλαν  αὐτῷ  πάντα  ὅσα  ἐποίησαν  καὶ  ὅσα  ἐδίδαξαν.

And the apostles are gathered together unto Jesus, and they told him all, and how many things they did, and how many things they taught, 

 Mark 6:31 

καὶ  λέγει  αὐτοῖς  Δεῦτε  ὑμεῖς  αὐτοὶ  κατ’  ἰδίαν  εἰς  ἔρημον  τόπον  καὶ  ἀναπαύσασθε  ὀλίγον.  ἦσαν  γὰρ  οἱ  ἐρχόμενοι  καὶ  οἱ  ὑπάγοντες  πολλοί,  καὶ  οὐδὲ  φαγεῖν  εὐκαίρουν.

and he said to them, 'Come yourselves apart to a desert place, and rest a little,' for those coming and those going were many, and not even to eat had they opportunity, 

 Mark 6:32 

καὶ  ἀπῆλθον  ἐν  τῷ  πλοίῳ  εἰς  ἔρημον  τόπον  κατ’  ἰδίαν. 

and they went away to a desert place, in the boat, by themselves.

Mark 6:33 

καὶ  εἶδον  αὐτοὺς  ὑπάγοντας  καὶ  ἐπέγνωσαν  πολλοί,  καὶ  πεζῇ  ἀπὸ  πασῶν  τῶν  πόλεων  συνέδραμον  ἐκεῖ  καὶ  προῆλθον  αὐτούς.

 And the multitudes saw them going away, and many recognized him, and by land from all the cities they ran, and went before them, and came together to him, 

 Mark 6:34 

Καὶ  ἐξελθὼν  εἶδεν  πολὺν  ὄχλον,  καὶ  ἐσπλαγχνίσθη  ἐπ’  αὐτοὺς  ὅτι  ἦσαν  ὡς  πρόβατα  μὴ  ἔχοντα  ποιμένα,  καὶ  ἤρξατο  διδάσκειν  αὐτοὺς  πολλά.

and having come forth, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion on them, that they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach many things. 

 Mark 6:35 

Καὶ  ἤδη  ὥρας  πολλῆς  γενομένης  προσελθόντες  αὐτῷ  οἱ  μαθηταὶ  αὐτοῦ  ἔλεγον  ὅτι  Ἔρημός  ἐστιν  ὁ  τόπος,  καὶ  ἤδη  ὥρα  πολλή· 

And now the hour being advanced, his disciples having come near to him, say, -- 'The place is desolate, and the hour is now advanced,

 Mark 6:36 

ἀπόλυσον  αὐτούς,  ἵνα  ἀπελθόντες  εἰς  τοὺς  κύκλῳ  ἀγροὺς  καὶ  κώμας  ἀγοράσωσιν  ἑαυτοῖς  τί  φάγωσιν.

let them away, that, having gone away to the surrounding fields and villages, they may buy to themselves loaves, for what they may eat they have not.' 

 Mark 6:37 

ὁ  δὲ  ἀποκριθεὶς  εἶπεν  αὐτοῖς  Δότε  αὐτοῖς  ὑμεῖς  φαγεῖν.  καὶ  λέγουσιν  αὐτῷ  Ἀπελθόντες  ἀγοράσωμεν  δηναρίων  διακοσίων  ἄρτους,  καὶ  δώσομεν  αὐτοῖς  φαγεῖν; 

And he answering said to them, 'Give ye them to eat,' and they say to him, 'Having gone away, may we buy two hundred denaries' worth of loaves, and give to them to eat?' 

 Mark 6:38 

ὁ  δὲ  λέγει  αὐτοῖς  Πόσους  ἔχετε ⇔  ἄρτους;  ὑπάγετε  ἴδετε.  καὶ  γνόντες  λέγουσιν  Πέντε,  καὶ  δύο  ἰχθύας.

And he saith to them, 'How many loaves have ye? go and see;' and having known, they say, 'Five, and two fishes.' 

 Mark 6:39 

καὶ  ἐπέταξεν  αὐτοῖς  ἀνακλῖναι*  πάντας  συμπόσια  συμπόσια  ἐπὶ  τῷ  χλωρῷ  χόρτῳ.

And he commanded them to make all recline in companies upon the green grass, 

 Mark 6:40 

καὶ  ἀνέπεσαν  πρασιαὶ  πρασιαὶ  κατὰ  ἑκατὸν  καὶ  κατὰ  πεντήκοντα.

and they sat down in squares, by hundreds, and by fifties. 

 Mark 6:41 

καὶ  λαβὼν  τοὺς  πέντε  ἄρτους  καὶ  τοὺς  δύο  ἰχθύας  ἀναβλέψας  εἰς  τὸν  οὐρανὸν  εὐλόγησεν  καὶ  κατέκλασεν  τοὺς  ἄρτους  καὶ  ἐδίδου  τοῖς  μαθηταῖς  ‹αὐτοῦ›  ἵνα  παρατιθῶσιν  αὐτοῖς,  καὶ  τοὺς  δύο  ἰχθύας  ἐμέρισεν  πᾶσιν.

And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves, and was giving to his disciples, that they may set before them, and the two fishes divided he to all, 

 Mark 6:42 

καὶ  ἔφαγον  πάντες  καὶ  ἐχορτάσθησαν· 

And they did all eat and were filled  

 Mark 6:43 

καὶ  ἦραν  κλάσματα  δώδεκα  κοφίνων  πληρώματα  καὶ  ἀπὸ  τῶν  ἰχθύων.

and they took up of broken pieces twelve hand-baskets full, and of the fishes, 

 Mark 6:44 

καὶ  ἦσαν  οἱ  φαγόντες  τοὺς  ἄρτους  πεντακισχίλιοι  ἄνδρες.

and those eating of the loaves were about five thousand men.

Pentecost 9 - Proper 11

Pentecost 9 – Proper 11

July 22, 2018

Mark 6:30-44
What is Your Hideaway? V. 31

Even Jesus realized the need to get away from people and work to rest and recuperate for later service. Modern life is often lived under high tension and intense stress. There are the rush of work and the hectic schedule of activities. Everyone needs a hideaway, a place of escape periodically.

Jesus prescribes a retreat for you

1. Solitariness – “Come away by yourselves.” Returning from their mission. The disciples were tired. Weary. And exhausted. Jesus realized they needed to get away from the place as an escape from the people and the work. They needed rest and refreshment. This indicates that Jesus realized that we are humans and need relaxation and rest.

The Savior chose a solitary place. He bid His disciples “come away by yourselves.”  The Savior calls each of us to be a part of a family.  A fellowship. A community. A congregation. He has placed you here at Friedheim. Where you can grow in faith. And serve God and your neighbor. And be connected with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is important to be connected with fellow believers. One of the advantages of this place. Is that we know each other. You worship with family. Friends. And neighbors.

Yet from time to time it is necessary for each of us to get away. Such was the case with Jesus’ disciples – Even more so with His 21^st Century disciples. There is a profound need for us to have a “quiet time” with our Lord. This is what the Savior did in the lives of His disciples. He deliberately took them from the noise and hustle of the world. To a solitary place. Likewise, He desires to take us away from the hurried pace of this world.

Even though the work is of extreme importance. And people urgently need help. These disciples needed some time off. He deliberately sent them away.

We need this solitude in our lives today. We need to take the time. To stop. And have our Savior speak to us. We need to take the time to speak to our Savior in prayer. And then to listen to Him as He speaks to us in His Word. “Faith comes by hearing…” the Scriptures remind us. “And hearing from the Word of Christ.”

Transition: The Lord took His disciples to a solitary place. He took them to a place of seclusion.

2. Jesus leads them to a place of seclusion – He sent them to a “Lonely place.” Is there a place you can go to not simply to get away from it all? But also a place where you can meet the Lord. This secluded space was designed by the Savior so the crowds could not find them. Once secluded. You can spend that needed time with the Savior. Without distractions. Some have referred to it as a “prayer closet”. It is a physical space. And a real place. That only you know exists.

You go there deliberately. To spend the needed time with the Savior in solitude.   Once you are there. In retreat. You can spend time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer. This pattern the Savior used for Himself and the disciples. Should you find it odd or strange that such recommendation is necessary for you too?

Why go to such a space? So that it is only you and the Lord – the two of you alone.  At such a place there is nowhere for you to hide from God. You go to such a place expecting to meet Him. To speak with Him. Why haven’t some wrestled with God? Possibly because they’ve avoided going to a secluded place. Where they will meet God. And deal with Him. And Him with you.

Transition: The Lord directed His disciples to a solitary place, a place of seclusion and to a place of rest.

3. The disciples were encouraged to take a Siesta to “rest for a while.” And in that rest. The disciples were strengthened for the journey. And their work. Where do you find this rest?  You are doing what the great physician describes today. This very hour. As you are taking time from your busy schedule. And hurried lives. To spend time with the Savior this morning.

The body can literally shut down. If it is not given rest. Man was not created to be constantly on the go with any time set aside for rest. At creation the Lord established the 7^th day for rest and reflection.

You are doing this each time you come to His meal. You are doing this each time you come to Bible class. And in your prayer and devotional times. With the focus on the Savior. You will be rejuvenated. To continue on in the life and plan the Savior has for you. This is why you have come today. To reflect on the mercies and blessings the Savior has given to you. And what are these blessings? Forgiveness. Life. Salvation.

Forgiveness in Jesus Christ. All sin is forgotten and forgiven period! As the Savior traveled to the cross. And rose from the sealed tomb. He has won for you complete and total forgiveness from all sin.

He gives you life. Life to be lived in eternity. But also life which starts now! Because we are forgiven. We are given the opportunity to live transformed lives. A forgiven life is what He gives you – living your life blessing and forgiving others is your gift back to Him.

He gives you salvation. That’s nothing more. Than receiving the gifts of God with thanksgiving. With thankful hearts. You bless and worship God.  

This world will continue to be filled with its own agendas. Plans. Schedules. And programs. Already the summer for most is over. When it appears that life has got you stressed to the limit. When you can be stretch no further. Take a time out. To be with the Savior. As your great physician He has written you this prescription; “come unto Me all ye that are weary and heavy laddered and I will give thee rest. Take my yoke and learn from Me for I am gentle and humble in heart for my yoke is easy and burden is light.”

Tomorrow. We head back into a hectic and stressful world. Are you well rested? There‘s still plenty of time yet today. To reflect.  And be refreshed by the Savior. He’s spoken to you today in His Word. He refreshes you in His Supper. As He draws you to Himself. Take advantage of His offer. To spend time with you.

______________

Words- 1,200

Passive Sentences –6%

Readability – 82.5

Reading Level – 3.6

Time in the Word - Pentecost 9 - Proper 11

Collect for the time of  Pentecost —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  

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 Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Prayer the Unemployed: Heavenly Father, we remember before You, those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Lead us so to use the wealth and resources of this rich land that all persons may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Pray for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being def3ended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 

Collect for this coming Sunday Proper 11 – Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen 

Time in the Word 16-21 July 2018

Preparation for next week – The togetherness of God’s People

In the lessons for this coming Sunday several themes can be seen: that nature of a good shepherd, the functions of a good shepherd, and the togetherness of God’s people through a Davidic king, Christ, and the church. The last is suggested as the theme – togetherness. Jesus in the Gospel takes His disciples, who just returned from their preaching-healing mission, on a retreat. Jeremiah in the Old Testament lesson explains that the exile was due to false shepherds and the scattered sheep will be brought back to Israel under a Davidic king. Jew and Gentile (in the Epistle lesson) are made one through the blood of Christ and their oneness in the church. The Psalm’s refrain, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…” reminds us of the Gospel – “He had compassion on them.” The Hymn of the Day sings of Jesus who is the center of the church’s life and the foundation on which we build.

Monday, 16 July 2018—Psalm 147:7-11, Antiphon, Psalm 145:16— You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing. Jesus sets the table. Jesus supplies all that we may ever need. The Lord is faithful. We will never be in need. He has promised to supply our daily wants and desires. Daily tells how much God should give us, enough for the day. We do not ask God that He give us now what we need in years to come, but it is sufficient if we get what we need each day. 

Tuesday, 17 July 2018—Psalm 23; key verse v.6— Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever... Goodness and mercy both refer to the benefits of being a child of God, namely that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Hebrew for this word suggests, “throughout the years”. Because of the relationship with have with Jesus Christ we will live and reign with Him throughout all eternity. What a comfort it is to have a relationship with our Lord and Savior. 

Wednesday, 18 July 2018—Jeremiah 23:1-6— Restoration. Exiles together under a Davidic king. Under new shepherds, God will return His people from captivity, and so a Davidic king will reign. In this passage Jeremiah predicts that because of false shepherds (rulers) the people will go into captivity. This happened in Jeremiah’s lifetime (586 BC) when the Jews were deported to Babylon. Jeremiah goes on to promises that God will raise up true shepherds who will bring back the exiles. In fact, there is to come a Davidic king who will rule with justice and righteousness. Under this Davidic ruler Israel will be restored as a nation. 

Thursday, 19 July 2018—Ephesians 2:11-22— Reunion. Jews and Gentile together in Christ. Christ has made us one in God and in the church. The heart of Ephesians is in this passage. In Vv. 13-18 we learn of the peace Christ grained between Jew and Gentile. Vv. 19-22 spell out the consequences of that peace. In the person of Christ and His cross, Jew and Gentile are made one. Christ died for both, and they are one in Christ by faith. Thus, they have a oneness in Christ, oneness with God and with each other. Christ’s death has removed the hostility and cancelled the law which separated Jew from Gentile. The two are now one in the church. The practical result is that Gentiles are no longer aliens but members of God’s family. 

Friday, 20 July 2018—Mark 6:30-44 — Retreat. Christ and the disciples together. Jesus takes His disciples to a lonely place for rest and teaches the crowd that gathers. This lesson combines the conclusion dealing with the sending out of the disciples and the introduction to the feeding of the five thousand. The disciples return from their preaching journey and are exhausted. People with needs throng around them so that they do not get any rest. Jesus takes them in a boat to a secluded spot that they may rest and be apart from the crowd. But the people will not let them alone. When the boat comes to shore, the people are waiting for them. Seeing the crowd, Jesus expresses compassion for them because they are as sheep without a shepherd. Before Jesus gives them physical bread, he gives them spiritual food by teaching them. This is the only time Mark refers to the Twelve as “apostles.” It is an appropriate name; for they had just returned from a preaching-healing mission. An apostle is one who is sent forth by Christ. Seeing the multitudes might have angered Jesus. He was taking the disciples apart for a retreat so sorely needed. He could have become impatient and told the people to scram. His reaction reveals His heart – compassion. He felt sorry for them because they were in desperate need. He has the heart of God, the God of love. Because of His compassion, Jesus cares about people. 

Saturday, 21 July 2018— Ephesians 2:20 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, The Church’s One Foundation (LSB 644). Paul pictures a house when he speaks of the structure of the church. The foundation is solid as the church is based on the Old and New Testaments the prophets and the apostles. The tested stone on which the church rests is Christ on which everything centers around. With such a structure the church moves forward victoriously. 

Sources:

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

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission ©WELS

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