Pr. DFD : Proper 15

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Sunday, August 13, 2023

Time in the Word - Proper 15

Time in the Word:
Proper 15

14-19 August 2023

The Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ
and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy

By her persistent prayer that Jesus would have mercy and help her (Matthew 15:22, 24), and even in the face of His initial silence and apparent rejection (Matthew 15:23–26), the Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Him (Matthew 15:28). Her beautiful example encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel, even in the face of the Law that accuses and condemns us. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 10:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that He may have mercy on all” (Romans 10:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed, but her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ. Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His Table, but He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father (Matthew 15:26–27). He has brought us to His “holy mountain,” and He makes us joyful in His house, where He hears our prayers and accepts our sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross (Isaiah 56:7).

Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Prayer for 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, who lives and reigns…

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

Prayer for unity of faith: O God, Your infinite love restores to the right way those who err, seeks the scattered, and preserves those whom You have gathered. Of Your tender mercy pour out on Your faithful people the grace of unity that, all schisms being ended, Your flock may be gathered to the true Shepherd of Your Church and may serve You in all faithfulness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Monday, 14 August 2023—Psalm 28:1–2, 6–7; Antiphon, Psalm 28:8—This psalm of David was probably written during the rebellion of his son, Absalom. Recognizing that he is unable to protect and redeem himself, David cries to the Lord, his Rock, to hear the voice of his pleas for mercy, and then gives thanks to the Lord for having heard and delivered him. Verse 8, used as the antiphon, shows that God’s blessings extend to all His people.

Tuesday, 15 August 2023—Psalm 67—All of the Propers of the day express the fact that God’s salvation is for all people. The psalmist begins with the familiar Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24–26), a blessing originally applied to the children of Israel, but then extends it to all people: that Your way may be known on earth, Your saving power among all nations.

Wednesday, 16 August 2023—Isaiah 56:1, 6–8—Writing about 700 years before Christ, Isaiah prophesies of the Lord: Soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance will be revealed. The Lord’s salvation and righteousness have been revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for all, regardless of race, the Lord is pleased to gather to Himself people of all nations and races, and accepts their offerings and sacrifices: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.

Thursday, 17 August 2023—Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32—St Paul recounts how salvation is from the Jews (for Jesus was a Jew), but that it extends to all peoples, even to the Gentiles. Indeed, he laments over the fact that his people have now been disobedient by rejecting the Savior, but hopes that they may yet be saved.

Friday, 18 August 2023—Matthew 15:21–28—In Sunday’s Gospel account, Jesus heals the daughter of one who was despised by the Jews of His day—a Cannanite woman. Jesus shows that His ministry is not limited to the Jews; it extends to all people. Like the woman, we are all poor beggars before the Lord, and are privileged to receive His crumbs of mercy, for even His crumbs are more than sufficient for us.

Get this woman off my back!

The disciples show great compassion…Not! They say concerning this Canaanite woman, “Send her away! She keeps crying out after us!” How did Jesus feel about her? At first he ignores her, Then He insults her by calling her a dog!

No one likes someone who nags. Yet, she uses her nagging to get a cure for her daughter! Could we learn something from her today?

This woman had no right to nag.

1. She was a woman with no rights Vv. 21-22

2. She was a gentile with no claim on the Jews. Vs.26

3. She was a pagan, a devotee of a false religion. Vs.22

This woman had reason to nag.

1. She had a serious need. Vs. 22

2. She had humility. Vv. 25-26

3. She had faith. Vs. 28

Saturday, 19 August 2023—The hymn of the day, In Christ There Is No East or West (LSB #653), reflects the theme of the readings: that, according to the order of salvation in Christ, there is no difference between any of the people of His Church. All man-made distinctions are gone as regards His forgiveness: Jew/Gentile, black/white, male/female, Anglo/Hispanic, etc. The Body of Christ, the Church, comes from all nations. Indeed, even our liturgy reflects this, as it is drawn from Jewish, African, and European sources. Likewise, our hymns come from many cultures across many ages.

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Artwork by Ed Riojas, © Higher Things

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Proper 15 Series C

Jeremiah 23:16–29

Hebrews 11:17–31 (32–40); 12:1–3

Luke 12:49–53 (54–56)

Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire … and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jeremiah 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to interpret the appearance of earth and sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross — recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus also has conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Blessed Lord, 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, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life;

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

Jesus longingly states in Sunday’s Gospel, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49). Note how Christ longs for this fire-kindling event to be finished.

This fire-kindling statement is describing the same event that Christ illustrates in His next statement: “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!” (v. 50). Even as Christ desires that the fire already be kindled, so He states how He is distressed until He is baptized.

Of such baptism the Old Testament repeatedly speaks of God’s wrath being poured upon His enemies. Some examples: “Ps. 79:6: “Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you.” Jer. 10:25: “Pour out your wrath on the nations that know you not, and on the peoples that call not on your name.” Ez. 20:8: “Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them and spend my anger against them [rebellious Israel].” Hosea 5:10: “…upon them [rebellious Judah] I will pour out my wrath like water.” Zeph. 3:8: “For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.” [Other examples: Psalm 69:24; 2 Chronicles 12:7; 34:21]. Likely this pouring out of God’s anger is the Baptism of which Christ speaks in Luke 12. It is the Baptism deserved by the unbelieving nations, it is the Baptism deserved by rebellious Israel and her sister Judah…It is the Baptism of God’s wrath that we each deserve to have poured upon us. What event marks this Baptism of Jesus and His kindling of fire on the earth? The cross!

At the cross Jesus would have God’s burning wrath poured upon Him. Christ is made to be sin (2 Cor. 5:21) and thus He will receive the hell fire deserved by every human—past, present and future. No wonder Jesus describes the great distress He feels as He anticipates receiving this Baptism of God’s angry river of lava to be poured upon Him in our place.

What then is the result of Christ’s cruciform “Baptism”? It will spark a fire on the earth, a fire consisting of the wrath of those whose sin is exposed. God’s people are baptized with soothing water, and thus they are brought into and established in Christ’s kingdom. But unbelievers around the world will spend their fiery anger on believers. This anger will even strike home as there will be unbelieving parents fired up against believing children, unbelieving children angry as hell against believing parents, unbelievers in families extended through marriage—unbelieving in-laws as parents or children—wanting to cremate alive their corresponding Christian in-laws.. The wrath of the unbelievers will lash out with the flames of words and deeds against the people of God.

But fear not, dear baptized people of God, in Christ you are fireproof. The fire-absorbing Savior arose from the dead and His gracious victory is for time and for eternity. Presently you remain soaked with the water of Baptism, and the flaming words and deeds cannot consume you wet-ones. The worst that can happen is death—but you realize you are baptized into Christ’s victory, and in Him and His love you are overwhelmingly conquerers. Neither the fire of God’s wrath nor the fiery words and deeds of unbelievers can harm you—for you are in Christ.

Not Peace, but Division

"The tension in the call to live in the world, but not be of the world has some Christians aping the world, others trying to escape it. Both options leave us functioning as exiles. Jesus calls us to follow him as pilgrims, and that tension is the exact shape of a narrow road." - Michelle Van Loon

Luke 12.49

Πῦρ ἦλθον βαλεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ τί θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη;

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!

-I desire it. Jesus saw this fire and embraced it.

Luke 12. 50

βάπτισμα δὲ ἔχω βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ πῶς συνέχομαι ἕως ὅτου τελεσθῇ.

I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!

-This baptism is the distress of the cross. See Luke 3:16. The wrath of an offended God will be poured out upon Him. See His prayer in the Garden.

Luke 12.51

δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ; οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ διαμερισμόν.

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

-Division, dissension, separation and strife will come.

-God is not nice but He’s good. “Of course He’s not safe, He’s the King, but He’s good.” – CS Lewis

Luke 12.52

ἔσονται γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν πέντε ἐν ἑνὶ οἴκῳ διαμεμερισμένοι, τρεῖς ἐπὶ δυσὶν καὶ δύο ἐπὶ τρισίν,

For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.

-There will be division from now on, from this point. It is the cross which divides.

Luke 12.53

διαμερισθήσονται πατὴρ ἐπὶ υἱῷ καὶ υἱὸς ἐπὶ πατρί, μήτηρ ἐπὶ θυγατέρα καὶ θυγάτηρ ἐπὶ τὴν μητέρα, πενθερὰ ἐπὶ τὴν νύμφην αὐτῆς καὶ νύμφη ἐπὶ τὴν πενθεράν.

They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

- There will be a continuous division from now on.

- In the Church Christ trumps all earthly ties even to family.

______________________

Time in the Word - Proper 15

Proper 15

August 08-13, 2022

Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire . . . and like a hammer which shatters a rock” (Jer. 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross—recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus has also conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1–2).

Collect for the Pentecost Season: Merciful Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for grace to receive the Word: Blessed Lord, 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, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for blessing on the Word: Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which has been spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Give us strength to fight the good fight and by faith to overcome all the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world so that we may finally receive the salvation of our souls; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 08 August 2022—Psalm 55:1, 12–14, 16; antiphon, Psalm 55:22—When we are burdened, either by the troubles of this world or by the guilt and consequence of sin, we are exhorted to cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Who are they who are righteous? Those who are righteous by faith in the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, as we learned in the readings for yesterday (Sunday). Whenever we call on God, the LORD saves us (v. 16).

Tuesday, 09 August 2022—Psalm 119:81–88—The psalm appointed for next Sunday is very similar to the Introit, as it is written by one who is burdened—in this case, by his persecutors. Whence can he—and we—find salvation? The psalmist is confident as he prays, I hope in your word; My eyes long for your promise. The promise of salvation from the persecution of sin and death has been fulfilled in the death and resurrection of the Son of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, 10 August 2022—Jeremiah 23:16–29—In the time when Jeremiah prophesied (late 7th and early 6th century B.C.), there was no shortage of false prophets, purporting to speak for the LORD, but really speaking only their own words and what the people wanted to hear. Not much has changed in the intervening 2,700 years. Many people are still drawn to false prophets who prophesy lies and speak that which people want to hear, in order to grow wealthy from the donations of those whom they dupe. Even though it may not lead to churches which are bursting at the seams, orthodox Lutheran pastors must speak [the LORD’s] word faithfully (v. 28).

Thursday, 11 August 2022—Hebrews 11:17–31; 12:1–3—The epistle for Sunday continues in the great chapter of faith, recounting Abraham’s testing, Moses, and also the Children of Israel. Therefore, says the writer—that is, since we since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses—we ought to follow their example, and also cling in faith to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, the One through whom we have salvation by His death, and the One through whom we have salvation by His gift to us of faith in that salvific death.

Friday, 12 August 2022—Luke 12:49–53—In this world, we will always have trouble, for we are not of the world (John 15:19). We can expect that those of the world will persecute us, as it did the psalmist in the Psalm for the Day; the devil will try to burden us with guilt, like the psalmist in the Introit; the world will demand that the truth of God is suppressed, and that preachers preach what they want to hear, as in the Old Testament reading, and that, even in our families, there will be division because of the Gospel of Christ. This is because the world is in bondage to sin and the devil, and these things are opposed to God and His loving kindness, grace, and mercy. But, if we continue in faith, we shall endure to the end, and shall receive the crown of everlasting righteousness and eternal life with God in heaven.

Saturday, 13 August 2022—How do we overcome the sin, the devil, the world and its hatred of us. Sunday’s Hymn of the Day has the answer: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word (LSB #655). This great hymn by Martin Luther is a prayer that God would guard and keep us from all those who wish to do us spiritual or physical harm. The Lord does this through the proclamation and preaching of His Word, and by the Sacraments—the Word of God combined with earthly elements, which preserve us in the one true faith until He takes us from this vale of tears to Himself in heaven.

Sources:

Image © Ed Rajas Higher Things

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Proper 15 Series B

Proper 15 Series B

Proverbs 9:1–10 or Joshua 24:1–2a,14–18

Ephesians 5:6–21

John 6:51–69

Jesus Is the Word and Wisdom of God, Who Gives You Life and Light in His Flesh

Jesus is the divine Word by whom all things were made, who has become flesh and dwells among us. He gives His flesh “for the life of the world,” not only as a sacrifice for sin but as “the living bread” from heaven (John 6:51). Eat His flesh and drink His blood (John 6:54–57), and no longer walk in the darkness of sin, but walk in His light.

"Arise from the dead” and live in Him, because you are “light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8, 14). Being filled with His Spirit, confess Him to “one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart” (Eph. 5:18–19).

Fear, love and trust in Him, “and serve him in sincerity and faithfulness” (Josh. 24:14). For He has brought you “out of the house of slavery” by His cross and resurrection, and now He does “great signs” in your sight (Josh. 24:17). Indeed, He is the divine wisdom, who has built His house, prepared His feast and set His table; He bids you to recline and eat of His bread and drink of the wine He has mixed (Prov. 9:1–5).

Jesus is the divine Word by whom all things were made, who has become flesh and dwells among us.

Collect for Pentecost 12- Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to life eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Jesus declares that He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. It is through Him alone that we can be forgiven, that our sins can be removed, that we can partake of eternal life. Through Word and sacrament, Christ feeds us, bestowing faith and nourishing it. The bread that He gives does not just satisfy for a short time, like earthly food; whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

Christ explained in John 6 that by eating His flesh and drinking His blood, a person possesses eternal life! Many throughout Church history have understood this eating of Christ’s flesh and blood to be a spiritual eating (e.g. Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Cardinal Cajetan, Erasmus, Luther). Others have viewed this invitation to feed upon Christ’s flesh and blood to be especially Eucharistic (e.g. Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Cyprian, Chrysostom, Ambrose, Augustine, John Hus). In our era there are at times vitriolic disagreements between these two perspectives, but it appears that in previous eras the different points of view were simply accepted. [See Weinrich, John, 740ff. The distinction between spiritual eating and sacramental eating is discussed in the “Formula of Concord.” The Book of Concord, Tappert, 579.]

When Jesus in John 6:51ff describes eating His flesh and drinking His blood, those who do not consider this to be a reference to the Lord’s Supper, see it as spiritual eating. Spiritual eating is simply faith in Christ. To believe in Christ is what it means to spiritually eat His flesh and drink His blood, with the “flesh and blood” terminology identifying especially His substitutionary death on the cross. Jesus magnifies spiritual eating in this text by making statements such as: Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. [v 47]. Believing in Jesus is a critical part of what He is describing in John 6. To believe is to spiritually eat Christ’s flesh and blood. Certainly spiritual eating is critical, for people cannot rightly eat of Christ in the Lord’s Supper unless they first spiritually eat of Him. Christ first and foremost desires His people to participate in such spiritual eating, consuming His body and blood by believing in Him. However He also desires that they eat and drink His body and blood sacramentally—by physically participating in His sacrifice through bodily eating in the Sacrament of the Altar. This is called sacramental eating. It is a miraculous eating that—though it is truly physical eating—transcends the eating of a normal meal. When communers eat the bread and wine of the Sacrament of the Altar, Christ’s flesh and blood are also physically consumed, as Christ so promises. (Though we eat Christ’s sacrifice, the Eucharist has never been celebrated with a dead Christ; Christ-risen is a necessary part of receiving Christ-crucified.).

His Jewish audience certainly would have connected Christ’s dining invitation to the sacrifice-related meals performed in their Tabernacle/Temple worship. For instance in Deuteronomy 12, immediately after listing the sacrifices to be offered at His Tabernacle, God says, And there you shall eat before the LORD your God… [Dt 12:7]. This was not describing an incidental meal, nor a spiritual meal, but it was describing the eating of the sacred flesh drawn from the sacrifices listed in the previous verse. Christ’s crucifixion became the fulfillment of every OT sacrifice; but where is the meal? Is our New Testament meal purely spiritual? By speaking of His flesh and blood as true food and true drink, and by using a Greek word to indicate chewing and eating with the mouth, Christ appears to be going beyond spiritual eating. Spiritual eating does not involve true food, but Jesus says, My flesh is true food and my blood is true drink [John 6:55]. By describing His flesh and blood as real food and drink, Jesus is apparently not referring to spiritual eating, but He is speaking of sacramental eating. Sacramental eating here makes sense.

Even as OT believers physically participated in sacrifice-related eating, so now NT believers physically participate in sacrifice-related eating. Christ’s people bodily participate in His once-for-all sacrifice as they eat Him with their mouths. Jesus promised that by eating and drinking His flesh and blood—first spiritually and then when eligible physically communing His sacrifice—His people indeed have eternal life, which includes the resurrection of the body! In the Christian faith the human body is of the utmost importance; it will rise from the grave. As emphasized in last week’s Cross Words devotional, Jesus weaves the topic of His raising the dead into this John 6 account (vv 39, 40, 54). So Christ Jesus appropriately connects resurrection with eating His flesh and blood: Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day [v 54].

So go and spiritually eat His flesh and blood as you hear and believe the word of the cross, and physically eat His flesh and drink His blood in the Sacrament. In this spiritual and sacramental eating know that you have the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting in the flesh and blood of the crucified Christ.

Proper 15 Series B

John 6:51-58

ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 6:51-58 Greek NT: Nestle 1904

6:51 Ἐμάχοντο οὖν πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες Πῶς δύναται οὗτος ἡμῖν δοῦναι τὴν σάρκα φαγεῖν;

I am the living bread that came down (descended) from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

He gives His flesh at the cross and in the Supper.

6:52 - Ἐμάχοντο οὖν πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες Πῶς δύναται οὗτος ἡμῖν δοῦναι τὴν σάρκα φαγεῖν;

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

How can He do it? Thinking in an earthly way, such as, “how can one be born again?” in John 3

They battle against each other.

6:53 - εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐὰν μὴ φάγητε τὴν σάρκα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καὶ πίητε αὐτοῦ τὸ αἷμα, οὐκ ἔχετε ζωὴν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς.

So Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

First time he’s mentioned his blood. Some use this as an argument for infant communion. Drinking of blood was never done in pagan practice.

6:54 ὁ τρώγων μου τὴν σάρκα καὶ πίνων μου τὸ αἷμα ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον, κἀγὼ ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ.

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day;

τρώγων - an intensifying verb. see The Formula on the Supper, Article 7 we eat not in a capernetic way.

We comprehend by faith which comes in the Word.

6:55 -ἡ γὰρ σάρξ μου ἀληθής ἐστιν βρῶσις, καὶ τὸ αἷμά μου ἀληθής ἐστιν πόσις.

for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.

6:56 ὁ τρώγων μου τὴν σάρκα καὶ πίνων μου τὸ αἷμα ἐν ἐμοὶ μένει κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ.

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.

We remain see chapter 15 the reference to the vine/branch. This is jarring language. No one speaks in this way except Jesus. The Protestants turn these words into a metaphor.

6:57 καθὼς ἀπέστειλέν με ὁ ζῶν Πατὴρ κἀγὼ ζῶ διὰ τὸν Πατέρα, καὶ ὁ τρώγων με κἀκεῖνος ζήσει δι’ ἐμέ.

Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me.

6:58 - οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, οὐ καθὼς ἔφαγον οἱ πατέρες καὶ ἀπέθανον· ὁ τρώγων τοῦτον τὸν ἄρτον ζήσει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.

This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever (unto eternal life).”

This is an exulted view of Moses and the fathers from the people. Jesus is no respecter of persons. If you claim to be a follower of Moses you will follow me. He’s putting them in their proper place.

6:60 These words are hard/difficult. Peter will speak for the 12 these “disciples” a part of the 72, they too criticize.

6:61 -Jesus responds, “this offends you.” See also “we preach Christ, a scandal…” Matthew 11 13:41, Romans 9:33, John 16:1.

6:62 - You offended at this. What if you were to see the Son of Man ascended to where he was at first. A reference to the cross not Ascension according to Bultman. “Being lifted up” is where Jesus will demonstrate His glory. If you are offended by what you have seen thus far just you wait.” You will see him from whence he came.

6:63 - look at the verb for preaching. The flesh gives nothing. Contrast between spiritual/flesh is contrast between fallen nature and the new man. It must be given by the Spirit. See John 3 that which is born of flesh and spirit.

Time in the Word - Proper 15

Time in the Word

August 09-14 2021

Proper 15

The subject of bread continues as we make our way through John 6. The theme for this Sunday after Pentecost is Incarnating the Christ. Christ is the Living Bread who came down from Heaven, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who gives His flesh for the life of the world.

We can find this Living Bread nowhere else but in Christ. As Peter answered, when asked by Jesus if he wanted to leave, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” After Jesus ascended into heaven, when called before the Jewish council, Peter would proclaim again, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Come, feast on the Living Bread. Gladly hear His Word, and eat His Body and Blood, given for you for the remission of all your sins.

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 and those under employed. 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 defended 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 Pentecost 13: Merciful Father since You have given Your only Son as the sacrifice for our sin, also give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His ways; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 34: Lord, graciously heart us, for we seek You alone. Calm our bodies and minds with the peace which passes understanding and make us radiant with joy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, 09 August 2021—Psalm 111:1–5, 9; Antiphon, Psalm 111:10—Atheist groups are took out ads on city buses in cities across the U.S., even in Indiana (South Bend and Bloomington,), that proclaim that there is no God (‘You Can Be Good Without God’; ‘In the Beginning, Man Created God’). What utter nonsense! What through-and-through foolishness! The psalmist tells us what it truly means to be wise: to fear the Lord, to recognize all that He has done for us. Those so-called ‘atheists,’ far from disbelieving in a god, have made themselves their own god, and a very poor one at that.

Tuesday, 10 August 2021—Psalm 34:12–22—This is a continuation of the psalm for last Sunday. In the antiphon for to-day (verse 11), David calls us to listen to him, that he may teach us the fear of the Lord: one who is not foolish, and acknowledges the Lord, will turn away from evil and do good; he will seek peace and pursue it. These righteous ones will the Lord deliver out of all their troubles.

Wednesday, 11 August 2021—Proverbs 9:1–10—In the Old Testament reading, we continue our education in the way of wisdom from the wisest man who has ever lived, Solomon. Here, he gives wisdom a personality, and we start to understand that the personification of wisdom is Christ our Lord, for it is Christ who invites us to eat of His bread and drink of His wine. These are His body and blood, which He gives for the life of the world.

Thursday, 12 August 2021—Ephesians 5:6–21—In this section of our reading from the book of Ephesians, St Paul continues his instruction of how we ought to live. Since Christ has made us His own, and, since, by Word and Sacrament, we have eaten the living Bread that comes down from heaven, we ought to walk, not as unwise, but as wise.

We ought not allow ourselves to be deceived by charlatans masquerading as men of God; we ought not take part in the sins that the world takes pleasure in; we ought, rather, make the best use of time, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friday, 13 August 2021—John 6:51–69—Jesus declares that He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. It is through Him alone that we can be forgiven, that our sins can be removed, that we can partake of eternal life. Through Word and sacrament, Christ feeds us, bestowing faith and nourishing it. The bread that He gives does not just satisfy for a short time, like earthly food; whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

Saturday, 14 August 2021—This week, the final two stanzas of O Living Bread from Heaven (LSB 642) serve as the hymn of the day. Having received from the Lord Jesus Christ living bread, we seek to serve Him with holy fear, living as wise, not foolish ones, during our days on earth, and looking forward to the day when we leave this world below, and enter Heaven, where joys unmingled flow.

Collect for Proper 15 Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to life eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

This Week’s Morning Prayer Readings

Read and review the following Bible stories for each day…

Monday, August 09 - The Creation Part 2 - Genesis 1:20-2:3

Tuesday, August 10 - Man in Paradise - Genesis 2:7-9, 15-18, 21-25

Wednesday, August 11 – Chapel Day

Thursday, August 12- The Fall of Man - Genesis 3:1-7

Friday, August 13 - First Promise of a Savior – Genesis 3:18-24

From the Small Catechism – 1st & 2nd Commandments

Sources:

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Proper 15 Series A

Proper 15 Series A

16 August 2020

Isaiah 56:1, 6–8

Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32

Matthew 15:21–28

The Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that he may have mercy on all” (Romans 11:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed, but her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ.

Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His Table, but He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father (Matthew 15:26–27). He has brought us to His “holy mountain,” and He makes us joyful in His house, where He hears our prayers and accepts our sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross (Isiah 56:7).

Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy through Jesus Christ our Lord.

She Would Not Let Go
Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege

I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matthew 15:24)

The patriarch Jacob wrestled with a mysterious man, and the wrestling match occurred because Jacob wanted this man’s blessing (Ge 32:22ff). This man, as implied in the account and as explained by the prophet Hosea (12:3-4), is indeed God. Jacob would not let God go until God blessed him. Of this account Luther wrote: “The unbelievable power of faith…prevails over God…God cannot shake loose.”

Now, almost 2,000 years after Jacob, a Canaanite woman comes to The Man, asking his blessing upon her demonically-troubled daughter. Though the woman was not Jewish, she nonetheless believed that Jesus was the long awaited Christ, for she implores Him, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David.” This Jesus whom the woman approaches is exactly what she believes: He is her Lord, the long awaited Son of David, the one prophesied to be the Merciful One. Her faith in Jesus had been generated by someone who shared God’s Word with her, for faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ.

For the Apostles and for us who now read the account, Jesus rebuffs her faith three times. He does this to reveal the woman’s bear-trap faith, which having snapped shut on the Christ would not let Him go. He first gives her the silent treatment. Then He informs her that He was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Thirdly Jesus tells this gentile-dog that it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs. The Canaanite woman’s faith would not release Jesus. Jesus finally reveals what He knew was happening all along: “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (28).

Jacob confidently promised his wrestling opponent, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Ge 32:26). In lieu of Jacob’s tenacious faith, God blessed him and changed his name to Israel, which means, “He strives with God.” Through faith—a faith wrought by God through His Word—Jacob had striven with God, and prevailed; now Jacob is named Israel. In Sunday’s Gospel account Jesus apparently denies giving help to the woman by informing her that He had been sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As the Kingdom-work of Christ unfolded through His Holy Apostles, we realize who the citizens of the Israel of God are (Gal 6:15-16). As explained by Paul in Romans 9, there is of course Israel according to the flesh…the physical descendants of Israel. But then there is Israel according to the promise: For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring…This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring (6-8). The Canaanite woman who implored the Son of David to have mercy on her daughter was indeed a child of the promise, a spiritual descendant of Israel, a child of God by faith. We thus see how appropriate it was for Jesus to heal her daughter, for she was—in the loftiest sense—a lost lamb of the house Israel for whom Jesus had been sent.

Why was Jesus “sent”? He was not sent by the Father to merely travel the countryside and heal/exorcise those who needed it, but he was sent to save, and not just to save the physical descendants of Israel. The universal salvation of Christ Jesus is attested by the fact that His death was for the entire world. Scripture informs us He died for all, and thus God was reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Cor 5); He is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world (1 Jo 2). Through the healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter Jesus was giving a sneak-preview of the salvation that would reach beyond the Jews. This salvation is not simply temporal healing, it is eternal. It is received by the lost sheep of the house of Israel, by those brought to faith in the crucified and risen Christ.

Matthew 15:21–28
The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

Matthew 15.21
Καὶ ἐξελθὼν ἐκεῖθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὰ μέρη Τύρου καὶ Σιδῶνος.
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.

Matthew 15.22
καὶ ἰδοὺ γυνὴ Χαναναία ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων ἐξελθοῦσα ἔκραζεν λέγουσα• Ἐλέησόν με, κύριε υἱὸς Δαυίδ• ἡ θυγάτηρ μου κακῶς δαιμονίζεται.
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”

Matthew 15.23
ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον. καὶ προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἠρώτουν αὐτὸν λέγοντες• Ἀπόλυσον αὐτήν, ὅτι κράζει ὄπισθεν ἡμῶν.
But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”

Matthew 15.24
ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν• Οὐκ ἀπεστάλην εἰ μὴ εἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ.
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Matthew 15.25
ἡ δὲ ἐλθοῦσα προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγουσα• Κύριε, βοήθει μοι.
But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.

 Κύριε, βοήθει μοι – the most powerful prayer in Scripture

Matthew 15.26
ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν• Οὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων καὶ βαλεῖν τοῖς κυναρίοις.
And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Matthew 15.27
ἡ δὲ εἶπεν• Ναί, κύριε, καὶ γὰρ τὰ κυνάρια ἐσθίει ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν.
She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.”

Matthew 15.28
τότε ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῇ• Ὦ γύναι, μεγάλη σου ἡ πίστις• γενηθήτω σοι ὡς θέλεις. καὶ ἰάθη ἡ θυγάτηρ αὐτῆς ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης.
Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.[ ‘from that hour’]

Faith believes that God is not a Divine Accountant or Probation Officer. Rather, He’s an indulgent father. Who throws a party for his indigent son. He’s like an employer. Who pays employees a full day’s wage. Even though they only worked an hour. He’s like a lavish wedding host. Who provides copious amounts of only the best and finest wine. He’s your Good Shepherd. Content to leave behind ninety-nine of His herd in safety. Who will risk all. To save just one, that is lost.

This is the God who desires to bless all people I’m tempted to curse. He includes those whom I’d exclude. And embraces the very people I would shun. This good news, He says, is for all people. No one is to be excluded from the Father’s presence.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Time in the Word - Proper 15

Time in the Word:

Proper 15

10-15 August 2020

The Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy

By her persistent prayer that Jesus would have mercy and help her (Matthew 15:22, 24), and even in the face of His initial silence and apparent rejection (Matthew 15:23–26), the Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Him (Matthew 15:28). Her beautiful example encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel, even in the face of the Law that accuses and condemns us. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 10:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that He may have mercy on all” (Romans 10:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed, but her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ. Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His Table, but He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father (Matthew 15:26–27). He has brought us to His “holy mountain,” and He makes us joyful in His house, where He hears our prayers and accepts our sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross (Isaiah 56:7).

Monday, 10 August 2020—Psalm 28:1–2, 6–7; Antiphon, Psalm 28:8—This psalm of David was probably written during the rebellion of his son, Absalom. Recognizing that he is unable to protect and redeem himself, David cries to the Lord, his Rock, to hear the voice of his pleas for mercy, and then gives thanks to the Lord for having heard and delivered him. Verse 8, used as the antiphon, shows that God’s blessings extend to all His people.

Tuesday, 11 August 2020—Psalm 67—All of the Propers of the day express the fact that God’s salvation is for all people. The psalmist begins with the familiar Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24–26), a blessing originally applied to the children of Israel, but then extends it to all people: that Your way may be known on earth, Your saving power among all nations.

Wednesday, 12 August 2020—Isaiah 56:1, 6–8—Writing about 700 years before Christ, Isaiah prophesies of the LORD: Soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance will be revealed. The LORD’s salvation and righteousness have been revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for all, regardless of race, the LORD is pleased to gather to Himself people of all nations and races, and accepts their offerings and sacrifices: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.

Thursday, 13 August 2020—Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32—St Paul recounts how salvation is from the Jews (for Jesus was a Jew), but that it extends to all peoples, even to the Gentiles. Indeed, he laments over the fact that his people have now been disobedient by rejecting the Savior, but hopes that they may yet be saved.

Friday, 14 August 2020—Matthew 15:21–28—In Sunday’s Gospel account, Jesus heals the daughter of one who was despised by the Jews of His day—a Cannanite woman. Jesus shows that His ministry is not limited to the Jews; it extends to all people. Like the woman, we are all poor beggars before the Lord, and are privileged to receive His crumbs of mercy, for even His crumbs are more than sufficient for us.

Some thoughts from this weeks Gospel

Get this woman off my back!

The disciples show great compassion…Not! They say concerning this Canaanite woman, “Send her away! She keeps crying out after us!” How did Jesus feel about her? At first he ignores her, Then He insults her by calling her a dog!

No one likes someone who nags. Yet, she uses her nagging to get a cure for her daughter! Could we learn something from her today?

This woman had no right to nag.

1. She was a woman with no rights Vv. 21-22

2. She was a gentile with no claim on the Jews. Vs.26

3. She was a pagan, a devotee of a false religion. Vs.22

This woman had reason to nag.

1. She had a serious need. Vs. 22

2. She had humility. Vv. 25-26

3. She had faith. Vs. 28

Saturday, 15 August 2020—The hymn of the day, In Christ There Is No East or West (LSB #653), reflects the theme of the readings: that, according to the order of salvation in Christ, there is no difference between any of the people of His Church. All man-made distinctions are gone as regards His forgiveness: Jew/Gentile, black/white, male/female, Anglo/Hispanic, etc. The Body of Christ, the Church, comes from all nations. Indeed, even our liturgy reflects this, as it is drawn from Jewish, African, and European sources. Likewise, our hymns come from many cultures across many ages.

 Morning Prayer Readings for this Coming Week:

Aug. 11 Tuesday Opening Chapel

Aug. 12 Wednesday The Creation

Aug. 13 Thursday The Creation

Aug. 14 Friday Man in Paradise

Catechism Review 1st and 2nd Commandments

Prayers for the week:

Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy;

Prayer for the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Prayer for 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, who lives and reigns…

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

Prayer for unity of faith:O God, Your infinite love restores to the right way those who err, seeks the scattered, and preserves those whom You have gathered. Of Your tender mercy pour out on Your faithful people the grace of unity that, all schisms being ended, Your flock may be gathered to the true Shepherd of Your Church and may serve You in all faithfulness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Sources:
Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship
Artwork by Ed Riojas, © Higher Things
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Pentecost 10 - Proper 15

Pentecost 10 – Proper 15

18 August 2019

Luke 12:51

The fire of God’s Word Divides – Go in Peace or to pieces”

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”

“Merciful Father, since You have given Your only Son as the sacrifice for our sin, also give us grace - to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one God, now and forever.”1

I would share with you a facebookTM post from a friend which sums up our Gospel lesson for this morning. “The tension in the call to live in the world, but not be of the world has some Christians aping the world, others trying to escape it. Both options leave us functioning as exiles. Jesus calls us to follow him as pilgrims and that tension is the exact shape of a narrow road.” 2

We usually think of Jesus in terms of the Prince of Peace. Our Gospel reminds us there is another side of Jesus. He’s not always nice. But He is good. He can also cause trouble, controversy, disharmony and division, Jesus will have no cheap peace. Sometimes He says, “Go in peace,” but other times people go to pieces in terms of disagreement and division.

There can be no peace at any price. Agreement with falsehood, compromise with evil will not do. When Christ enters as truth, love and goodness people divide themselves either pro or con. It is said that whenever St. Paul preached there was either a revival or a riot. With Jesus there is no neutral ground. You are either for or against Him. Division occurs even in the close-knit family. Some are for while so are against – Jesus.

How does Jesus cause division?

1. He speaks Truth.

A. If the word had not been preached the world would have gone undisturbed. But the preaching of the Word causes division. Not because of God or because of the Word but because of the sinfulness of humankind.

1 Man cannot believe in Jesus Christ or come to him by his own reason. “Because the natural man cannot accept the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.” – 1 Corinthians 2:14

2 Man cannot believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him by his own strength. “You were dead in your trespasses and sins. “ – Ephesians 2:1

3 Man cannot believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him by his own will. “The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the Law of God, for it is not able to do so,” – Romans 8:7

B. This is why Jesus came preaching both Law as well as Gospel. In the Gospel of John, the Savior reminds us, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuses for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father as well. “ - John 15:22-23

The miracles Jesus performed and the words He had spoken were clear. They were light and life. The sins of Jesus’ enemies are both deliberate and inexcusable. But they would have nothing of it. They could not take Jesus’ clear word. Human nature has not changed, People will embrace Him and champion His cause or they will reject, refuse and revolt.

Transition: Jesus causes division when He speaks the truth. He causes division when He refuses to compromise.

2. He refuses to compromise principle.

A. The sinless Christ suffered at the hands of sinners. They finally brought Him to death. The fire of God is not necessarily an eternal flame. Luther: “The Gospel is sometimes life a refreshing summer shower. It can go from one place to the other.” Where is the center of Christianity today? It resides in the continent of Africa.

B. The fire of God can and sadly sometimes goes out.

1. By the water of this world.

2. By smothering the fire by the cares of this life.

3. By letting it burn out for lack of fuel. Sometimes its rust out instead of burn out.

Transition: Jesus causes division when He speaks truth. He causes division when He refuses to compromise, and when He lives by love.

3. He lives by love.

A. The fire of God’s love can and must be used for good.

1. The fire is contagious.

2. If a Christian is on fire for God, those who come in contact are set on fire too.

B. Christians, followers of Jesus, are to be spiritual arsonists. As we gossip the Gospel we want to deliberately set others on fire with the Gospel of Christ.

1. Jesus tells us, “I have come to set fire on this earth”

2. Where will the newt fire be set? Who will set it? What will be the result? Riot or revival?

3. Christ’s suffering in the fire for you enable you to endure the heat. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus, “endured the cross despising the shame.” – Hebrews 12:2

He did all this for you. In the midst of your struggles – no matter what they may be - “consider Him who endures from sinners such hostility against Himself so that we do not grow weary or fainthearted.” – Hebrews 12:3

“There is no perfect life, no perfect job, no perfect childhood, no perfect marriage, and no perfect set of people who will always do what you expect them to do. What we have is a perfect God. Who is able to lead us through this imperfect life with unfailing strength incomparable wisdom, and infinite love.”3

Jesus suffered in your place when He was forsaken by His father so that you will not be rejected. Your baptism into His baptism of death is the pledge that you will be with Him in paradise forever. He uses the fiery trials you experience as a Christian to refine, purify and disciple you. True. The cost of discipleship is great. For that reason we are both strangers and pilgrims in this land. But He paid the ultimate price in your place and now uses even trials for your benefit.

_____________________

Words – 1,080

Passive Sentences – 5%

Readability – 77.7%

Reading Level - 5.2

2. Facebook post by Michelle Van Loon 08 August, 2019

3. Facebook post by Pr. Sean Esterline August 3, 2019