Time in the Word - Epiphany 5

Collect for Epiphany 5—O Lord, keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, 26 January 2009—Psalm 13:3–5; antiphon, Psalm 13:6—This psalm of David reflects the believer’s trust in the Lord to deliver him from the tribulations of this world. When we are in misery, the psalm encourages us with the good news that the Lord has accomplished the salvation of those who trust in Him (v. 5). Our response, then, is reflected in the antiphon: I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Tuesday, 27 January 2009—Psalm 147:1–11—This is a song of praise to the greatness of the Lord, who manifests His greatness not just in mighty works, such as determining the number of stars, and giving them all their names, but especially because of His steadfast love which causes Him to heal the brokenhearted and lift up the humble. For this reason, it is no chore to sing praises to Him, but it is good to sing praises to our God, for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.

Wednesday, 28 January 2009—Isaiah 40:21–31—This is part of a larger section in which the Lord directs Isaiah to Comfort, comfort My people (Isa 40:1) with the good news of forgiveness of sins. This portion tells us that nothing can stand in the way of the Lord and His plan of salvation. He brings those who would oppose Him to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. There can be no doubt that He will accomplish that which He promises, for the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary. When our human frailness would cause us to despair, we take comfort that He gives power to the faint and that they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength.

Thursday, 29 January 2009—1 Corinthians 9:16–27—St Paul boasts, not of himself, but of the Gospel. What a privilege it is for him, and all of us, to proclaim the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus! He cannot but go out to all—Jew, Gentile, weak, strong—and proclaim the forgiveness that belongs to all men through the merits of Christ.

Friday, 30 January 2009—Mark 1:29–39—The Epiphany—manifestation— of our Lord continues as Jesus makes known who He is by demonstrating His authority. Last week, He showed that He has authority over the unclean spirits; this week, He demonstrates His authority also over sickness and disease. He does His proper work, delivering people from the effects of sin. By healing diseases and casting out demons, He foreshadows His eventual defeat of the power of sin and the devil by His death at Calvary.

Saturday, 31 January 2009—The hymn of the day, Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (LSB 398), is a fitting hymn of praise to the Son of God made flesh and anointed at His Baptism. Especially in stanza 2, it recounts His coming to heal those beset by the consequence of sin in the world. But more than providing just physical relief, He comes that their darkness turn to light, to relieve us from the eternal consequences of sin.


This month’s daily devotionals were written by Pastor Jeffrey Keuning who serves the congregations at St. John, Dexter Iowa and Zion, Casey, Iowa.

Epiphany 4

Introduction: In our day we have almost a revulsion against people in authority – preachers, teachers, state officials, parents. The list seems endless. We seem to resent an authority figure because it seems to say we are dominated, directed and denied our independence. We desire to be free to make our own decisions and to do our own thing. In our Gospel Jesus appears as an authority figure and yet the people seem to like it. They are favorably impressed and marvel at His authority. Can we feel the same about Jesus today? Let’s look at Him and the authority He demonstrates.

Consider Jesus as an authority figure today.

1. The source of His authority – who he is – Vs. 24 What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are— the Holy One of God!

A. When confronted by the One who has the words of life the demons must be placed into submission. They know who He is – Most people knew Him as Jesus the carpenter; the man from Nazareth, the son of Mary and her husband Joseph. Now He will go by a different name. He is the Holy One of God – the Savior of the world.

B. As Savior, Jesus will do the will of His Father which is to destroy the works of the devil. Already the demon must place himself into submission. Already he knows he is finished. Already he knows the Son of man has come to destroy the works of the devil. “Have you come to destroy us?” The demon asks.

The demon is no match for the Savior. Every time he confronts the Savior - the devil and his host - the demons find themselves defeated!

1. He was defeated in heaven. And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Revelation 12:7-9

2. He was defeated at the cruel cross of Calvary when the Son of God cried “It is finished!”

3. He will also be defeated in your life – personally - when he tempts and attempts to torment you. Already the victory is yours if you would look to Him who was lifted up on the bloody cross and who broke free from the sealed tomb. As you avail yourselves with those means which He supplies you - His cross; His Supper; His absolution; the demon must leave and flee!


2. The authority of His knowledge is found in His teaching – Vs. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law

A. The authority of Jesus was expressed in both word and deed. He impressed the congregation with His authority and astonished them with His ability (and authority) to cast out a demon. It was an authority without being an authoritarian;which people do not admire.

B. Jesus’ authority was different from other religious leaders. Their authority was second-hand as derived from past “authorities.” Jesus had the authority of His identity as “the holy One of God.” His authority was based on who He is.

3. His authority over evil – Vv. 25-26 Be quiet! said Jesus sternly. Come out of him! The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

A. The One with authority has spoken - the demons are no match - they are defeated by Him who cares for your soul. In this Epiphany season we see Him who commands our respect for He speaks and acts as one who has authority – even the demons submit, shake and shudder!

B.This man was in “church” worshipping and listening to a sermon proclaimed by the best preacher ever to come on earth. An “unclean” person is one possessed by an evil spirit.

Is it strange to you that he would be in the synagogue? This should remind us that evil is present in people who are faithful, religious persons.

We are at the same time both sinners and saints. We possess both an Old Adam as well as a New Man. Christians are not perfect people. Thus we must remember that the church is not a museum of saints but a hospital of diseased people in need of a cure.

C.Having come to the Great Physician this man receives his treatment. When we come to Him needing treatment - where do we find the therapy and medicine that we need? We find it in what He alone can prescribe – He gives us His Word and Sacrament – He gives us Himself –for in the care of Jesus our Great Physician – the cure for our souls is found.

Conclusion: It is one thing to have authority and it is another to have that authority accepted. True lack of respect for authority is a problem of our day. But we can not simply demand respect and think it will come our way. It needs to be earned. 30 years ago in 1979 millions in Iran demonstrated against the Shah to the point that he had to leave the country. Though he had authority as a king, his authority was no longer accepted, respected, and obeyed by the majority of the people. The same can happen to any person of authority. Jesus has earned the authority due Him. May we serve honor and obey Him in word and in deed.

Time in the Word Epiphany 4

The theme for the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany the word authority. Jesus teaches and heals with authority. A prophet like Moses is to be obeyed because he speaks the words of God. This is an authority of God’s Word. In the Epistle lesson authority is implied: Knowledge of God gives authority to be free from idols. A review of Luther’s great teaching hymn “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice” would be an excellent devotional guide as you read the propers for this coming week.

Collect for Epiphany 4— Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers nd carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, January 26, 2009—Psalm32:1-2, 5-7- The Antiphon, is taken from Psalm 32:10 “Many are the woes of the wicked but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.” Appealing to God’s unfailing love, kindness, mercy is frequent in the Old Testament since it summarizes all that the lord covenanted to show to His people. This is an excellent Psalm which gives testimony to the joy the sinner has having experienced the Father’s forgiveness in Christ.

Tuesday, January 27. 2009—Psalm 111—The key verse of this psalm is verse 3,”Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever,” The Psalmist praises the Lord for His unfailing righteousness. The psalm combines hymns of praise with instruction in wisdom. Truly, an excellent Psalm.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009- Deuteronomy 18:15-20— The authority of reception – who gave it to you. God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses. The book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ last address to the people before entering the Promised Land. Sunday’s Old Testament lesson is a part of a section dealing with prophecy. A prophet like Moses is promised to replace the false prophets. This true Moses will mediate between the Lord and the people. The passage explains how through Moses God provided for the institution of prophecy. True prophecy demands obedience on the part of the people and loyalty by the prophets.

Thursday, January 29 2009—1 Corinthians 8:1-13— The authority of revelation – what you know. Knowledge of God gives freedom to eat meat offered to idols. Paul discusses a specific situation in Corinth which caused a problem for Christians. Pagans participated in offering animal sacrifices to their gods. Part of the meat was burned on an altar and the rest was sold for food at the markets. Some Christians had no qualms of buying such meat for home consumption while others were conscience-stricken at the idea, for it seemed to them that they were participating in a pagan practice. Paul says no one should object to meats offered to idols because idols have no existence. God is the one and only true God. However, if some weaker brothers still feels it is wrong, those who have the knowledge that God alone is God should not each such meat to prevent offense and the destruction of their faith.

Luther speaking of “Christian liberty” once said the Christian is the freest of all men but the servant of all. Our knowledge of God frees us from superstition, legalism, and a bad conscience, but love enslaves us for the welfare of our brother who might not yet have such knowledge. How many Christians today are willing to sacrifice their freedom of life-style to prevent offending a narrow Christian?

Friday, January 30, 2009—Mark 1:21-28— The authority of identity – who you are. With authority Jesus teaches and drives out an unclean spirit. After calling four disciples Jesus begins his ministry by teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. The people are impressed by His authoritative teaching compared with the t4eaching of the scribes. A man in the congregation has an evil spirit which addresses Jesus and knows Him to be the Messiah. With authority Jesus commands the demon to leave the man. At the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus comes into contact with evil powers. At God’s Son He conquers the evil spirit. He does it by exercising His authority as God’s Son.

The word “immediately” (Vv.21,23) is a word Mark will often use. It has theological significance. It denotes a sense of urgency and importance. The Kingdom cannot wit. There is no place for laxity nor procrastination. One must work while it is day before the night comes. The fields are white unto harvest. Jesus has a world to save in three years! He has the whole truth of God to reveal. He needs to set up a movement to carry on His work when He leaves. The church today needs to imitate Christ in this matter to overcome lethargy.

Saturday, January 31, 2009—John 6:37- The hymn of the day is, “Just as I Am, Without One Plea.” (LSB 570) God’s action not man’s is primary in salvation and Christ’s mercy is unfailing. See John 6:44, 10:29, 17:6, 18:9. This hymn has become a treasured hymn of many people.

Epiphany 3

Epiphany 3
January 25, 2009
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
A lesson in Repentance

Introduction: All three lessons for today deal with the issue of repentance. Each says individually and collectively “it’s time to repent!” In our Old Testament reading we have a threefold act of repentance: Jonah, Nineveh and God – a trinity of God, others and self. What is repentance? It is more then mere sorrow over sin. It is a complete turn-around. It is a change of mind. It is the beginning of a new life.

Who needs to repent?

1. You do – like Nineveh – Vv. 1-2 A message came to Jonah from the Lord a second time. He said, "Go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce to its people the message I give you. Repent! Remember the 5 “R’s” of repentance…

1. Responsibility – we own up to our sin.
2. Remorse – we are heart sorry.
3. Repair – we attempt to fix what we’ve broken - inasmuch as we are able. Some things can not so easily be repaired, a life, one’s good name, a reputation.
4. Repeat not! – We don’t return to visit!

Note: These four steps; leading to repentance, come from Dr. Laura Schlesinger, she’s a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. She suggests; quite convincingly, that this is all we need to right a wrong. Yet, one component is missing. A 5th step is necessary; the final step, which separates Christians from the rest of the world; a step, which turns from following rules to establishing a relationship with God Himself. The 5th step necessary:

5. Reconciliation - through Christ alone! This we find in the message of the cross. St. Paul would remind us, “I determine to know nothing among you except for Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”


Transition: Who needs to repent?

2. Others – like Nineveh – Vs. 5 The people of Nineveh believed God's warning. They decided not to eat any food for a while. All of them put on black clothes. That's what everyone from the least important of them to the most important did. This past week we witnessed the inauguration of our nation‘s 44th president. I pray that we as a nation will succeed under his administration. But how do we measure success? Is it found in a robust economy, high employment? As Christians are called to be in the world but not of it - that means we are called to be living in America, but not to live by the current American mindset especially if and when that mindset often will run contrary to God's Word.[1] This past week we also witnessed the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision of Roe v Wade. Will abortion on demand be overturned? As I see it, not in the near future. But we as individuals can do our part in standing for life issues and in defense of those who can not speak, for themselves [the unborn], and for us to be advocates for those whose quality of life is in jeopardy or whose life is in danger. Daily we must be a people of prayer, asking the Lord to spare us from peril, praying for Him to direct us, to give order to our days.

Transition: Who needs to repent?

3. God – Yes, God repented - as He changed His mind from judgment to mercy. - Vs. 10 God saw what they did. They stopped doing what was evil. So he took pity on them. He didn't destroy them as he had said he would. This verse is the heart of the Gospel. God didn’t destroy the city of Nineveh. He had pity on them. God has had compassion. He has taken pity on you and me. Christ bore our sins in His own body that we might die to sin and now live unto righteousness. He has taken your sin and in His suffering death and passion given you a new life.

Conclusion: Because we sin we need another chance to obey God. Jonah was given that second chance. In this we see we have a gracious God. As God gives us yet another chance to do better, it is incumbent upon us to give others when they sin against us another chance to make good and to do better.
[1] Thanks to Pr. Eric Brown’s insights on his blog http://confessionalgadfly.blogspot.com/

A prayer for our new president

For our president – Lord keep this nation under Your care. Bless our new president Obama that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that he may make wise decisions for the general welfare and serve You faithfully in this generation; through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

Time in the Word - Epiphany 3

The theme for the third Sunday after the Epiphany is the concept of time. The word time is mentioned in each of the lessons. It was time for Jesus to begin His ministry and to call disciples, time for Jonah to preach to the people and time for them to repent; and it was time for Christians to live in the light of the end of time. As we seize the time to serve God in this generation we have security in the knowledge of God’s nature. The Hymn for the day has its focus on Christ our true and only light.

Collect for Epiphany 3— Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon of infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, January 19, 2009—Psalm113:1-2, 4, 7-8- The Antiphon, is taken from Psalm 113:3 “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! These words are taken from a hymn to the Lord celebrating His high majesty and his mercies to the lowly. It was probably composed originally for the temple liturgy. As the Lord is enthroned on high, He is exalted over all creation.

Tuesday, January 20. 2009—Psalm 62—The key verse of this psalm is verse 8, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” The Psalmist commits himself to Good when threatened by the assaults of conspirators who wish to dethrone him. Verse three suggests a time of weakness and may indicate advanced age. Implicitly the psalm is an appeal to God to uphold him. No psalm surpasses it in its expression of simple trust in God.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009- Jonah 3:1-5, 10—Jonah obeys God’s command to preach to Nineveh; the people and God repent. Jonah refuses to obey God’s command to preach to Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrians. After Jonah repents and is vomited out of a large fish Jonah obeys and preaches judgment to Nineveh. The coming disaster causes the government and people to repent. Thereupon God decides not to condemn the city. Jonah reflects the nationalistic concept of God. The Lord is not the God only Israel but of any would repent and trust the Lord. Judgment motivates repentance and God’s mercy is extended to any people who repent, regardless of nationality or race. God’s salvation depends on repentance and not on national origin.

Thursday, January 22 2009—1 Corinthians 7:29-31—Live in the light of Christ’s imminent return. This reading comes from the chapter dealing with marriage. The Lesson begins with life lives in relation to the end of the world and Christ’s return. Paul teaches that the status quo in one’s life should be maintained, for soon the whole song will be over. A Christian is not to get involved with the world or to change his vocation. He is to continue doing what he has been doing, for the end of life on earth is near. Today’s life is to be viewed in relation to eternity. When this is done, the present issues of earthly life become insignificant. Paul is not teaching withdrawal from the world [such as the Amish community] but to tolerating and persevering in what we are now doing.

In verses 29-31 Paul uses “as though” five times. He urges us to live as though conditions did not exist. It is a kind of “make believe” style of life. Since the end of the world is at hand, we are to live as though the world no longer existed. It is a manner of living that does not take seriously the things of this passing world. Our interests and values are set upon Christ’s values.

Friday, January 23, 2009—Mark 1:14-20— Jesus begins his ministry and calls four disciples. Jesus has been ordained in his ministry at his baptism. He struggles with Satan in deciding upon the method of his ministry. With John the Baptist arrested, He feels the urge to begin His public ministry. He begins to preach in Galilee.

The content of his preaching is the gospel of God, the good news that the King is here. In the light of this, people are believing and repenting. Faith and repentance are not necessarily conditions of bringing or entering the Kingdom, but the response to the fact that the Kingdom is here in Jesus. Then, Jesus begins to choose his leaders by calling four men whose future will be catching men.

Jesus immediately called certain ones to be disciples. He knew whom he wanted and needed. He did not have to weight the matter. There was no problem of making up his mind. In like manner the Disciples accepted the call. To be a Christian one does not need neither to weight doctrinal matters nor to consider theological alternatives. There is the certainty of responding to the challenge of the call to follow the Master. There is no hesitation, no need to think it over. In an instant one knows it is the right thing to do.

Saturday, January 24, 2009—Luke 1:79- The hymn of the day is, “O Christ, Our True and Only Light.” (LSB 839) Those who are lost, separated from God are found only in Jesus Christ. In the season of Epiphany we see more clearly who Jesus really is. By His words and actions we come to the conclusion that He can only be God made flesh. See also Isaiah 9:1-2 and Malachi 4:2
Sources
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Epiphany 2

Lord God, You showed Your glory and led many to faith by the works of Your Son. As He brought gladness and healing to His people, grant us these same gifts and lead us also to perfect faith in Him.

Introduction: How do you related to Jesus? That’s what our text calls to us to consider. What is the proper relationship of Jesus? There are some who haven’t any. They haven’t any connection or association to Him. How does such a relationship start? It is inaugurated by the Savior’s simple invitation, “Follow Me”

We need to examine today our relationship to Jesus Christ to be motivated to a relationship of true discipleship. There are three directions you can go with respect to your relationship with Jesus Christ. You can go before Him, you can go beside Him, or you can go behind Him.

1. You can go before Him. In such a case Jesus is placed second. You are out in front, living your own life, making your own decisions, following your own plans, strategies and agendas. Certain persons from the Scriptures took a similar journey. Such would be found in men such as Pilate who simply didn’t want to be bothered by Jesus. Although Pilate found Jesus innocent of any crimes, nothing close to handing Him a death sentence, Pilate had the Savior scourged hoping this would satisfy the crowd. But it wasn’t enough. Pilate condemned Him to quiet the crowd. Jesus was expendable. For Pilate the goal was to win no matter what the cost.

Caiaphas saw Jesus as a threat to his power base. Jesus had the potential to steal away everything he had worked for which, was the support and the backing of the people. Therefore Jesus had to be eliminated. It was expedient for on man to die for the sake of people, he would explain to his peers.

Peter feared what others might say. He desired a good reputation. What would people think if they knew he was a friend of Jesus? He as willing to compromise clear Biblical principles in order to fit in. In his own mind he really wasn’t denying his Lord. He was merely saving face. It was a limb he was willing to climb, a line he was willing to cross. He said to these in the courtyard “you’re talking to the wrong person. What price will you pay to acquire acceptance, approval, acquiescence? Which is harder to be liked or to be respected? In the case of Judas it led to betrayal. Jesus was the price he was willing to pay to receive financial independence.

Transition: Of course there are other paths to walk with Jesus.

2. There is the path of walking besides Jesus. In this case Jesus is your brother, a fellow-human, a friend. True, very true Jesus is your friend – your closest friend. But let me be clear. You have nothing, absolutely nothing to do with your salvation. God is completely responsible for our salvation from front to back! We don’t one day decide to follow Jesus – Rather, He plants the seed of faith in our heart. He then nourishes that faith by giving us His eternal Word which is able to make us wise unto salvation. This is what St. Paul reminds us when he tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Martin Luther explains in the 3rd Article of the Apostles Creed. I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

Transition: You can walk before Jesus, you can walk beside Him, or you can be a Christ follower.

3. You can walk behind Jesus – “Follow Me” Jesus said. Jesus is the Master, you are His servant. Christ is you leader you are followers. Jesus is the Good Shepherd you are a sheep of His fold a lamb of His flock a sinner of His own redeeming. Yet notice what our Gospel lesson tells us. Philip then found Nathanael, and told him, “We have found the one whom Moses and the prophets wrote about in the Bible. His name is Jesus. (V45) Being a Christ follower means we lead others to Jesus. Being a Christ follower means we heed the voice of the Savior when He says, “follow me.” Being a Christ follower means we invite others saying we have found the Christ.

Conclusion: With the hymn writer may this be our prayer, “Christ be my leader by night as by day. Safe through the darkness, for He is the way. Gladly I follow, my future His care, Darkness is daylight when Jesus is there.” [LSB 861 stanza 1]