Pr. DFD : Proper 26

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Sunday, October 23, 2022

Proper 26 Series C

Proper 26 C

(October 30 - November 5)

Isaiah 1:10–18

2 Thessalonians 1:1–5 (6–10), 11–12

Luke 19:1–10

Collect for Proper 26 O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleanse our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Reformation: (31 October) Almighty God, gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all enemies of Your Word, and bestow on the church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One god, now and forever.

Collect for All Saints: (1 November) O Almighty God, by whom we are graciously knit together as one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Jesus Christ, our Lord, grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those unspeakable joys which You have prepared for those who unfeignedly love You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed: (2 November) Almighty God, in whose glorious presence live all who depart in the Lord and before whom all the souls of the faithful who are delivered of the burden of the flesh are in joy and felicity, we give you hearty thanks for Your loving-kindness to all Your servants who have finished their course in faith and now rest form their labors and we humbly implore Your mercy that we, together with all who have departed in the saving faith, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, in both body and soul, in Your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

The God Who Saves

The theme for this coming Sunday goes beyond forgiveness. Salvation is a broader theme which embraces forgiveness. In the Gospel lesson (Luke 19:1-10 salvation comes to Zacchaeus in and through Jesus Christ. The Israelites are saved through forgiveness for their sin of idolatry by virtue of God’s merciful nature and Moses’ intercession. In the Epistles lesson the fact of salvation has occurred, for Paul is writing to those who are “saved” whose faith and love are growing during hard times.

The Lord Comes to Save and Call Us to Himself by the Tree of His Cross

God will judge “those who do not obey the gospel” (2 Thessalonians 1:8), but “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven” (2 Thessalonians 1:7), He will “be glorified in his saints” (2 Thessalonians 1:10). For by His cross, you are “considered worthy of the kingdom of God” (2 Thessalonians 1:5). Therefore, “give ear to the teaching of our God” (Isaiah 1:10), and “let us reason together” by faith in His Gospel (Isaiah 1:18). “Make yourselves clean” (Isaiah 1:16), not by “the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats” (Isaiah 1:11), but by the blood of Christ. His salvation comes to you by grace, as it came to Zacchaeus. That man sought “to see who Jesus was,” but he could not “because he was small in stature” (Luke 19:3).

It is by way of a tree that Zacchaeus is found by the One he sought, for Jesus Himself “was about to pass that way” (Luke 19:4). The Lord calls Zacchaeus down and goes “in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner” (Luke 19:7). So also, He visits us as sinners, securing eternal redemption for us through the tree of His holy cross.

Luke 19:1-10

Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Luke 19:1

Καὶ εἰσελθὼν διήρχετο τὴν Ἰεριχώ.

He (Jesus) entered Jericho and was passing through.

Luke 19:2

καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀνὴρ ὀνόματι καλούμενος Ζακχαῖος, καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν ἀρχιτελώνης καὶ αὐτὸς πλούσιος•

And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.

Luke 19:3

καὶ ἐζήτει ἰδεῖν τὸν Ἰησοῦν τίς ἐστιν, καὶ οὐκ ἠδύνατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου ὅτι τῇ ἡλικίᾳ μικρὸς ἦν.

And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.

Luke 19:4

καὶ προδραμὼν εἰς τὸ ἔμπροσθεν ἀνέβη ἐπὶ συκομορέαν ἵνα ἴδῃ αὐτόν, ὅτι ἐκείνης ἤμελλεν διέρχεσθαι.

So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.

Luke 19:5

καὶ ὡς ἦλθεν ἐπὶ τὸν τόπον, ἀναβλέψας ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν• Ζακχαῖε, σπεύσας κατάβηθι, σήμερον γὰρ ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ σου δεῖ με μεῖναι.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today."

Luke 19:6

καὶ σπεύσας κατέβη, καὶ ὑπεδέξατο αὐτὸν χαίρων.

So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.

Luke 19:7

καὶ ἰδόντες πάντες διεγόγγυζον λέγοντες ὅτι Παρὰ ἁμαρτωλῷ ἀνδρὶ εἰσῆλθεν καταλῦσαι.

And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."

Luke 19:8

σταθεὶς δὲ Ζακχαῖος εἶπεν πρὸς τὸν κύριον• Ἰδοὺ τὰ ἡμίσιά μου τῶν ὑπαρχόντων, κύριε, τοῖς πτωχοῖς δίδωμι, καὶ εἴ τινός τι ἐσυκοφάντησα ἀποδίδωμι τετραπλοῦν.

And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."

Luke 19:9

εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὅτι Σήμερον σωτηρία τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ ἐγένετο, καθότι καὶ αὐτὸς υἱὸς Ἀβραάμ ἐστιν•

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.

Luke 10:10

ἦλθεν γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ζητῆσαι καὶ σῶσαι τὸ ἀπολωλός

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

______________

Lectionary notes LCMS notes

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Proper 26 - Pentecost 21

Proper 26 – Pentecost 21

03 November 2019

Luke 19:1-10

"Salvation has come to this house!"

Jesus does the unexpected. He calls to this chief tax collector by name. "Zaachaeus, come down; for I must stay at your house today." Jesus sides with those on the margins. Those considered down and out. Those not accounted as much in the eyes of the world.

Everything about this story seems impossible. -- That a chief tax collector would want to see Jesus. That Jesus would stay in his home. That it would be revealed that this sinner exceeded the law by his generosity. That Jesus would declare not just him but his whole household saved?

Yet Jesus has already declared that what is impossible for man is nevertheless possible for God. (Luke 18:27) Zaachaeus is one more example of the impossible possibility. Jesus receives sinners. In the life of Zaachaeus. The evidence of repentance is self-evident. Jesus exclaims, "Salvation has come to this house!" Friedheim! “Peace has come to this home!"

In setting the scene in this account. Told only by Luke. Three details stand out – sight wealth, and stature.

Sight - In the passage immediately before this one, a blind man receives sight and, in response, follows Jesus and glorifies God. Now, Zaachaeus desires to see Jesus. But even as he is trying to catch a glimpse of this prophet. Who is passing through. Jesus looks up. Calls him down. And honors him by coming to stay at his home.

Wealth - In the previous chapter - a rich man. When asked to give away all he had. Departs from Jesus in sadness. When Jesus declares that it is nearly impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples. - Who like most of their peers believed wealth a sign of God's favor - are incredulous.

While Zaachaeus is rich. He is nevertheless despised by his neighbors. Counted as nothing. Even as worse than nothing. Yet Jesus singles him out. Jesus declares for all to hear. That this one. Even this chief tax collector. Is a child of Abraham...and child of God. Jesus is again at work. Seeking out those who are lost. In order to find. Save. And restore them.

Statute - Zaachaeus is short. Not just in physical stature. But also in terms of his moral standing among his neighbors who, no doubt, despised him; hence their reaction when Jesus invites himself to Zaachaeus' home. This is not the first time bystanders have been outraged by Jesus' behavior. Think of Simon's reaction. - That Jesus would allow a woman. All known to have a poor reputation. To wash his feet with her tears. (Luke 7:39) Or the reaction of the Pharisees. To the sinners and tax collectors who loved to listen to Jesus (Luke 15:1-2).

This is not the first time tax collectors have figured prominently in Jesus' ministry. Their delight in Jesus' teaching prompts the people to grumble. It is the penitent tax collector. Not the righteous Pharisee. Who returns to his home justified. (Luke 17:14).

1. Zaachaeus is included a son of Abraham

A. Jesus is traveling. Passing through Jericho. The home of the Samaritans. Jesus is passing through. On his way to Jerusalem. Very shortly. He will be there. In order to do a mighty work. Jesus is going to pay off the big debt that we all owe. Jesus is the great sin collector of all time. He takes up all our sins. And carries them to the cross. And pays them off. With His holy precious blood.

All of Jesus’ goods –His righteousness. His forgiveness. His life. His salvation–Behold, the whole of His goods.–Not half of them. But all of them. He gives to the poor. To poor miserable sinners. Like you and me and Zaachaeus. Our tax bill now reads: “Debt paid in full.” Date - Good Friday. Signed, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

1. Jesus calls Zaachaeus by name. "Zaachaeus, hurry and come down for today I must stay at your house!" V5 It’s His opportunity to call Zaachaeus back home to God. To call you to repentance and faith–Faith in Him. The Savior of sinners. So Jesus invites Himself over. He must go to Zaachaeus’ house today.

2. There's the natural reaction from Jesus' detractors, "He has gone to lodge at the home of a man who is a sinner." v7 The crowd - Refuse to see Zaachaeus any different than a sinner. Zaachaeus is short of righteousness. Therefore he can't see Jesus. But he desires to see Jesus. So he finds a way. By going ahead to where Jesus will go.

B. The Holy Spirit calls gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and keeps.

1. In the 1st. Century, Luke would remind us, "The Lord was adding daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2

2. Today, the Lord continues to add to our midst. Do we receive them with joy? Do we welcome them? Or, do we look down at them with disdain? The hymn writer would remind us: “Father welcomes all His children to His family through His Son. Father giving His salvation. Life forever has been won.” [Lutheran Service Book #605]

Transition: Jesus welcomed Zaachaeus. We welcome others. Notice the transformation in the life of Zaachaeus.

2. He demonstrates in his life the genuine fruits of faith

A. He ran ahead. Luke 19:4 "He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way." Zaachaeus was looking where Jesus would be found. Wise men still seek Him. In those places He promised He would be found – In His Word. In His promise of forgiveness. In the elements of water, wafer and wine.

B. He received Jesus with joy. Luke 19:6 "He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully." Because Jesus comes bringing forgiveness into that house. That’s just what Zaachaeus needs. It’s what we all need, really.

C. His life was transformed. Luke 19:8 "Zaachaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much." This is repentance. Zaachaeus has come to grips with his sins. He’s acknowledged them. And is turning away from them. Jesus has that effect on people. The joy of Zaachaeus is the joy of repentance. It’s the joy of finding forgiveness in Christ for all your sins. It’s the joy of finally being found. When you have been lost. Lost in your own messed-up life of sin.

“Zaachaeus was a ‘we’ little man”– Zaachaeus was a lot like “we” are. You and I. He was a sinner. Weighed down with a load of guilt. Just like we are. Zaachaeus was a little man. Who did the little things. The shady things. To work to his own advantage. Just like we do. Maybe fudging on the figures just a bit. I’m sure that in the ledger book of sins. God could find sins that we do that are in the same bracket as those of Zaachaeus. Zaachaeus was a “we little man” in more ways than one.

But no matter how tall or how short you are. No matter how rich. Or how poor. Whether you’re up in a tree. Or out on a limb. If you know you’d be lost without Him. Then Jesus is looking for you today. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” So come down from that lofty perch and greet the Lord Jesus. Into your house. Into your family. Into your life.

Words – 1,270

Passive Sentences –3%

Readability – 80.9%

Reading Level – 3.7

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Proper 26 Series C

Proper 26 C

(October 30 - November 5)

Isaiah 1:10–18

2 Thessalonians 1:1–5 (6–10), 11–12

Luke 19:1–10

Collect for Proper 26: O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleanse our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

The God Who Saves

The Lord Comes to Save and Call Us to Himself by the Tree of His Cross

God will judge “those who do not obey the gospel” (2 Thessalonians 1:8), but “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven” (2 Thessalonians 1:7), He will “be glorified in his saints” (2 Thessalonians 1:10). For by His cross, you are “considered worthy of the kingdom of God” (2 Thessalonians 1:5). Therefore, “give ear to the teaching of our God” (Isaiah 1:10), and “let us reason together” by faith in His Gospel (Isaiah 1:18). “Make yourselves clean” (Isaiah 1:16), not by “the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats” (Isaiah 1:11), but by the blood of Christ. His salvation comes to you by grace, as it came to Zacchaeus. That man sought “to see who Jesus was,” but he could not “because he was small in stature” (Luke 19:3).

Luke 19:1-10

Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Luke 19:1

Καὶ εἰσελθὼν διήρχετο τὴν Ἰεριχώ.

He (Jesus) entered Jericho and was passing through.

Luke 19:2

καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀνὴρ ὀνόματι καλούμενος Ζακχαῖος, καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν ἀρχιτελώνης καὶ αὐτὸς πλούσιος•

And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.

Luke 19:3

καὶ ἐζήτει ἰδεῖν τὸν Ἰησοῦν τίς ἐστιν, καὶ οὐκ ἠδύνατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου ὅτι τῇ ἡλικίᾳ μικρὸς ἦν.

And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.

Luke 19:4

καὶ προδραμὼν εἰς τὸ ἔμπροσθεν ἀνέβη ἐπὶ συκομορέαν ἵνα ἴδῃ αὐτόν, ὅτι ἐκείνης ἤμελλεν διέρχεσθαι.

So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.

Luke 19:5

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today."

Luke 19:6

καὶ σπεύσας κατέβη, καὶ ὑπεδέξατο αὐτὸν χαίρων.

So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.

Luke 19:7

καὶ ἰδόντες πάντες διεγόγγυζον λέγοντες ὅτι Παρὰ ἁμαρτωλῷ ἀνδρὶ εἰσῆλθεν καταλῦσαι.

And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."

Luke 19:8

σταθεὶς δὲ Ζακχαῖος εἶπεν πρὸς τὸν κύριον• Ἰδοὺ τὰ [e]ἡμίσιά [f]μου τῶν ὑπαρχόντων, κύριε, τοῖς πτωχοῖς δίδωμι, καὶ εἴ τινός τι ἐσυκοφάντησα ἀποδίδωμι τετραπλοῦν.

And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."

Luke 19:9

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.

Luke 10:10

ἦλθεν γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ζητῆσαι καὶ σῶσαι τὸ ἀπολωλός

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

______________

Lectionary notes LCMS notes

Time in the Word - Proper 26

Preparation for next week, Pentecost 21 - Proper 26

O Lord, we pray that the visitation of Your grace may so cleanse our thoughts and minds that Your Son Jesus when He shall come, may find in us a fit dwelling place; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

The God Who Saves

Preparation for next week, Pentecost 21 Proper 26

Monday, 28 October 2019—Psalm 119:1-2, 10-12, 16; Antiphon, Psalm 119:32—The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit proclaims, ‘I am laid low in the dust; renew my life according to Your Word’ We are all dust and ash. In Adam we are all one dead sinner. Yet God in Christ has given us new life. We live, move and have our being in Christ. Daily Christ is giving us this new life. The life we now live in not to ourselves. It is lived in and for Christ.

Tuesday, 29 October 2019—Psalm 119:145-152—This psalm is based on the Hebrew Letter “Qoph”. In this Psalm David is crying with the whole heart. The Lord hears David’s cry and answers him according to the Lord’s perfect will. Likewise, the believer cries out to the Lord night and day. Do not give up in your requests to God. He knows your need and will answer your prayers according to His perfect will for your life.

Wednesday, 30 October 2019—Exodus 34:5-9— Salvation is made possible through a forgiving God. God forgives sin but visits the iniquity of the guilty upon late generations. This lesson must be considered in light of the context. While Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days getting the Ten Commandments, the people turned to idolatry by worshiping a golden calf. In his anger, Moses broke the tablets on which were written the law. Now, Moses is instructed to get new tablets and to return to the mountain top to get a second edition. God explains why He is giving the people a second chance – He is a God of mercy.

Thursday, 31 October 2019—2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12—Those who are saved endure suffering for the faith. The Thessalonians are commended for their faithfulness in suffering.

Collect for Reformation: ( 31 October) Almighty God, gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all enemies of Your Word, and bestow on the church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One god, now and forever.

A popular word today is “cope.” People are concerned about coping with inflation, poverty, old age, marital problems. Can Christians cope with persecution, suffering, and hardship? In our Epistles for next Sunday Paul tells of a congregation which learned to cope with hard times. His message to you, You can cope in the face of adversity.

Friday, 1 November 2019—Luke 19:1-10—Sunday’s Gospel gives us the simple steps from a life of sin to a Christian life in Christ. The steps are illustrated in Zacchaeus’ conversion…Climb – he wanted to see and know Jesus because he needed him. Confront – Jesus saw Zacchaeus and ordered him to come down and together they went to Zacchaeus’ house. Change – Christ’s acceptance of Zacchaeus made him change his life.

Collect for All Saints: (1 November) O Almighty God, by whom we are graciously knit together as one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Jesus Christ, our Lord, grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those unspeakable joys which You have prepared for those who unfeignedly love You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Saturday, 2 November 2019—2 Corinthians 12:9 - Sunday’s hymn of the day is How Firm a Foundation, (LSB #728) The Christian faith is based not on our own ideas, agendas and plans. It rests securely in God’s firm and sure word. Trust that word. It is a sure foundation. It will withstand the storms of life.

Collect for the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed: (2 November) Almighty God, in whose glorious presence live all who depart in the Lord and before whom all the souls of the faithful who are delivered of the burden of the flesh are in joy and felicity, we give you hearty thanks for Your loving-kindness to all Your servants who have finished their course in faith and now rest form their labors and we humbly implore Your mercy that we, together with all who have departed in the saving faith, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, in both body and soul, in Your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Morning Prayer Readings for this coming week

October 28 Monday Job –Part 1 Selected verses

October 29 Tuesday Job – Part 2 Selected verses

October 30 Wednesday Chapel

October 31 Thursday Job - Part 3 Selected verses

November 1 Friday Samuel 1 Samuel 1-3

Catechism Review: 2nd Article of the Apostles’ Creed

_______________

Lectionary summary from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Proper 26

Proper 26 –5 November, 2017 – Matthew 23:1-12

“Lord, when the day of wrath comes, we have no hope except in your grace. Make us so to watch for the last days that the consummation of our hope may be the joy of marriage feast of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Our Gospel lesson is for both clergy and laity. Jesus spoke about the scribes and the Pharisees. The scribes were the professional, ordained clergy who were scholars, teachers, and rabbis. The Pharisees were not theologically educated; they were lay people who were leaders dedicated and zealous in keeping the Law.

The people assembled for worship can be classified today as Pharisees. They are the thirty to forty percent of the congregation present for worship Sunday after Sunday. They are the cream of the crop, the most active, and leaders of the congregation. This message is for both pastor and people today.

Jesus urges His disciples to follow what the Pharisees taught but not what they practiced. Jesus exhorts both people and disciples not to follow the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach, but to attain greatness through humility and service.

In contrast to self and title-seeking, Jesus urged His followers to renounce pride and titles in favor of service to God.

Outline: Lord, use me.

1. Our strength: teaching and preaching the Word — vv. 2-3. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat .So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

The Words…Preach ... practice (v. 3). These two belong together, but often they are not. The preaching may be all right, but the practice has not the same quality.

Jesus urges His listeners to practice what the scribes and Pharisees preach, but not to follow their practice. Can we do this? Can we separate preaching from practice? Most of us repudiate the preaching that is not practiced. Yet, what preacher can perfectly practice his own preaching? Can you?

2. Our weaknesses: do not do as the Pharisees — vv. 3-7. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries.[1] wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.

Religious leaders are prone to be proud of themselves, their positions, and their piety.

They want to be “seen.” “Look at me” — they say - see how good I am! They want their gifts publicized and want due credit. They like to wear large crosses and put religious slogans on bumpers. They want to be seated up front and they love their titles. All these add up to pride. They want to be “seen.”

But this morality, my friends will not and cannot save you. A Law that demands anything less than perfection - demands less than Jesus’ perfect obedience. A Law that sinners can keep doesn’t require Jesus’ dead on the Cross…soft peddling the Law just won’t do – not if we want sinners to trust Jesus alone to be saved. Excuses, generalities, house rules, principle for living and all of the moralist of today ultimately rob sinners of their only comfort and hope.

God gave His Law to hunt us down, find us out, corner us and kill us. The Law is powerful, but it is a deadly power because of our sin. In the end, the Law exposes us as the enemies of God we really are…In the end, the Law leaves the sinner utterly sinful, utterly condemned, utterly dead. The Law leaves the sinner without hope in himself or the Law. There is no hope – except one. His name is Jesus Christ. [2] It is only through His merits on the cross of Calvary that you and I find salvation and life.

3. Our goal: humbler service — vv. 11-12. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

The world does not agree with Jesus on this question, “Who is the greatest?” In the world the greatest is a star like Julia Roberts or Brad Pitt. The greatest is a champion like Tiger Woods. The greatest is a billionaire like Bill Gates. The greatest is a monarch of a nation like the Queen of England.

This kind of greatness is for a few people. For Jesus’ greatness, every person can be the greatest. It takes only humble service. The greatest can be poor, uneducated, unknown — just a humble person living for others as the Savior shapes their lives. As Dr. King as said, “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - _{M L
King “Anyone can be Great”}

We must take the attitude of John the Baptist who said of our Savior – He must increase I must decrease. In humility we pray – Lord I am an instrument use me as You see fit. I am Your servant. You are the potter I am the clay. Shape and use me as You deem the best, for Your kingdom – Your glory and my good.

Words-1,006 -
Passive Sentences – 9%

Readability – 76.6%

Reading Level –5.6

[1] Matthew 23:5 That is, boxes containing Scripture verses, worn on forehead and arm

[2] Issues, Etc. Journal Vol. 6, No. 1 “The Law’s Accusations: God’s Perfect, Specific and Unavoidable Demands” by Todd Wilken pp. 9-10

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Time in the Word - Pentecost 22 ~ Proper 26

Time in the Word

Proper 26

October 30- November 5, 2017

The Lessons for this week fall under the theme The Price of Christian Leadership. A national election is upon us. People ask the pressing question who shall lead us and what will tomorrow bring. We need not fear for the Lord directs us. He orders our days. He directs our path. We pray that the Lord would raise up godly people to use their talents for the praise of God and in service to the neighbor. At what price will we be willing to serve? The appointed psalm for the day is. Psalm 43 (antiphon; V.3) In the Old Testament lesson Micah 3:5-12 – we see the price of true instruction in God’s truth. In the Epistle lesson 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – Paul explains the price of godly living. In the Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12 – Jesus explains the price of humble service

Two simple yet heart felt Prayers– Almighty God, source of every blessing, your generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of Your Spirit, lead us to acknowledge Your goodness, give thanks for Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience.

Lord, we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works

For Schools – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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

Collect for Proper 26 -Merciful and gracious Lord, You cause Your Word to be proclaimed in every generation. Stir up our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may receive the proclamation with humility and finally be exalted at the coming of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for Reformation: (31 October) –Almighty and gracious Lord pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for All Saints Day: (1 November) -Almighty and everlasting god, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into on holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, October 30, 2017 – Psalm 34:1-2, 11, 22 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 9:18: “For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.”

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 –Micah 3:5-12 – The price of true instruction in God’s truth. The false prophets predicted peace for Judah while Micah predicted destruction and captivity. One of the chief purposes of Micah was to declare to Judah it sin. Micah along with the rest of the prophets were Spirit-filled messengers. The destruction of Jerusalem happened in history in 586 BC. These verses were quoted a century later in Jeremiah 26:18 Jeremiah 26:19 indicates that Micah’s preaching may have been instrumental in the revival under King Hezekiah. (see 2 Kings 18:1-6; 2 Chronicles 29-31) The words you speak today might not take root until one hundred years from now. We are not called to see results but to remain faithful.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017– 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – The price of godly living. In the 1st Century moral standards were generally very low. Chastity was regarded as an unreasonable restriction. Paul however, would not compromise God’s clear and demanding standards. The warning was needed then and is needed now. Christians are not immune to temptations. (See 1 Corinthians 5:1)

We are not our own. Sexual sin harms others beside those who engage in it. In adultery, the spouse is always wronged. Premarital sex wrongs the future partner by robbing him or her of the virginity that ought to be brought to marriage. Here we see a motive for chastity.

Still another reason for chastity is God’s call to holiness. Sexual sin is against God. He gives the Holy Spirit to believers for their sanctification. To live in sexual immorality is to reject God. Specifically in regard to the Holy Spirit.

Some in the congregation were taking undue interest in other people’s affairs. The Greeks in general thought manual labor degrading and fit only for slaves. Christians took seriously the need for earning their own living. But some, perhaps as a result of their belief in the imminent return of Christ were neglecting work an relying on others to support them. Christians in need because of their idleness are not obedient Christians.

Thursday, November 2, 2017 –Matthew 23:1-12 – The price of humble service. The warning here is against seeking titles of honor to foster pride. Doubly zealous for ritual purification, which fostered pride and false security and brought no salvation was the downfall of these false teachers of the law.

Friday, November 3, 2017 – Psalm 43 - This Psalm is appointed for this coming Sunday. The key verse is verse 3. This psalm is a prayer for deliverance from the enemy and for restoration to God’s presence. The key verse personified as God’s messenger who work our God’s salvation. He shows His faithful care on behalf of His own. Thus we pray with the psalmist, may these guide me back to Your temple.

Saturday, November 4, 2017 –Luke 24:29 - Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn, LSB #585 “Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide” The two Emmaus disciples urged Jesus, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening, the day is almost over.” We pray, Lord, abide with me. Jesus responds. “ So He went in to stay with them.” Jesus is always with you. He will never forsake, never abandon, never leave you. This is His promise, “I am with you always!” Not a wish but a constant reality. The Lord sticks with you forever.

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.
Luther's Seal and the Image of Christ Crucified © Higher Things

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Time in the Word - Proper 26

Two simple yet heart felt Prayers – Almighty God, source of every blessing, your generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of Your Spirit, lead us to acknowledge Your goodness, give thanks for Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience.

Lord, we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works

Collect for Reformation – Almighty and gracious Lord pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for All Saints Day: Almighty and everlasting god, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into on holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for Proper 25 -Merciful and gracious Lord, You cause Your Word to be proclaimed in every generation. Stir up our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may receive the proclamation with humility and finally be exalted at the coming of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, October 27, 2014 – Psalm 34:1-2, 11, 22 - The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 9:18: “For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.”

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 – Micah 3:5-12 – The price of true instruction in God’s truth. The false prophets predicted peace for Judah while Micah predicted destruction and captivity. One of the chief purposes of Micah was to declare to Judah it sin. Micah along with the rest of the prophets were Spirit-filled messengers. The destruction of Jerusalem happened in history in 586 BC. These verses were quoted a century later in Jeremiah 26:18 Jeremiah 26:19 indicates that Micah’s preaching may have been instrumental in the revival under King Hezekiah. (see 2 Kings 18:1-6; 2 Chronicles 29-31) The words you speak today might not take root until one hundred years from now. We are not called to see results but to remain faithful.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 – The price of godly living. In the 1^st Century moral standards were generally very low. Chasity was regarded as an unreasonable restriction. Paul however, would not compromise God’s clear and demanding standards. The warning was needed then and is needed now. Christians are not immune to temptations. (See 1 Corinthians 5:1)

Still another reason for chasity is God’s call to holiness. Sexual sin is against God. He gives the Holy Spirit to believers for their sanctification. To live in sexual immorality is to reject God. Specifically in regard to the Holy Spirit.

Thursday, October 30, 2014 – Matthew 23:1-12 – The price of humble service. The warning here is against seeking titles of honor to foster pride. Doubly zealous for ritual purification, which fostered pride and false security and brought no salvation was the downfall of these false teachers of the law.

Friday, October 31, 2014 – Psalm 43 - This Psalm is appointed for this coming Sunday. The key verse is verse 3. This psalm is a prayer for deliverance from the enemy and for restoration to God’s presence. The key verse personified as God’s messenger who work our God’s salvation. He shows His faithful care on behalf of His own. Thus we pray with the psalmist, may these guide me back to Your temple.

Saturday, November 1, 2014 –Luke 24:29 - Our reading is the inspiration for tomorrow’s sermon hymn, LSB #585 “Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide” The two Emmaus disciples urged Jesus, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening, the day is almost over.” We pray, Lord, abide with me. Jesus responds. “ So He went in to stay with them.” Jesus is always with you. He will never forsake, never abandon, never leave you. This is His promise, “I am with you always!” Not a wish but a constant reality. The Lord sticks with you forever.

Sources:

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Proper 26

3 November 2013

Luke 19:1-10

November 3, 2013

Proper 26

"Salvation has come to this house!"

How do you react when someone you know tells you, "I've found God!" 'Oh ya...right…didn't know He was lost?!' We might think to ourselves because we might have become cynical of others. "All blow...no show!" is what we like to say. Are there fruits of repentance? In the life of Zacchaeus, the evidence of repentance is self-evident.

Jesus exclaims, "Salvation has come to this house!"

1. He is also is a son of Abraham

A. Jesus is traveling, passing through Jericho home of the Samaritans

1. He calls Zacchaeus by name, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down for today I must stay at your house! v5

2. There's the natural reaction from Jesus' detractors, "He has gone to lodge at the home of a man who is a sinner" v7

B. The Holy Spirit calls gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and keeps

1. In the 1st. Century, "The Lord was adding daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2

2. Today, the Lord continues to add to our midst. Do we receive them with joy? Do we welcome them? Do we look down at them with disdain?

Transition: Jesus welcomed Zacchaeus. We welcome others. Notice the transformation in The life of Zacchaeus.

2. He demonstrates in his life the genuine fruits of faith

A. He ran ahead. Luke 19:4 "He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way."

B. He received Jesus with joy. Luke 19:6 "He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully."

C. His life was transformed. Luke 19:8 "Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much."