Pentecost 16 - Proper 20

Respect. Arethra Franklyn the queen of soul sang about giving it. Rodney Dangerfield the comedian complained that he never got it. Often we too, may feel that we get no respect – from our peers, from our parents, from our teammates, and from others around us. People often resort to bizarre means to get respect from others, but so often they end up as fools, still crying for – respect.

We are so concerned about getting respect from other people. What about respect from God? God respects all people in the sense that we all are important to Him. After all, He created us in still preserves us. Are we respectable enough by God’s standards to be in heaven one day with Him? How do we get from God the respect that makes us worthy of eternal life? Today our lesson asks the question how we get respect in God’s sight.

1. God’s respect is not earned.
A. Our humility and service do not measure up to God’s perfect standard.
1. Like the disciples, we would rather be served then serve.
2. Even when we serve, our motive is often self-serving.
3. We make comparisons: “I have served more than you have.” Pride creeps in to stain our service.
B. We labor under the false pretense if we think we can earn God’s respect by our humble serving.
1. Jesus refused to seek people’s respect under a false pretense. They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it (v.30)
2. The way to God’s respect is opened by honest admission that in ourselves we are not respectable people.

2. God’s respect is a gift.
A. Christ earned it for us.
1. He humbled Himself all the way to death on a cross to atone for our pride. for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again. (vs.31)
2. His rising from the dead guaranteed our respectability before God.
B. When we believe that Christ died and rose for us, we can be sure that God respects us as heaven-worthy people.
1. Christ has given us His humility in exchange in exchange for our smallness.
2. Christ has bestowed on us His greatness in exchange for our smallness.

3. God’s respect is demonstrated by us.
A. When we serve people who do not deserve our respect.
1. Willing to place ourselves last. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all (v.35)
2. Willing to serve without recognition or praise and thereby foregoing greatness as the world sees it. But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest (vs.34)
B. When we serve people who are not in a position to reward us for our service.
1. Little children are not in a position to reciprocate our service to them any more than we are able to pay God back for having served us in His Son. Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’ (Vv.36-37)
2. Yet, when we serve even the least of God’s children, God respects our service for Jesus’ sake and graciously rewards us. (v.37)

A woman of some means gifted a great sum of money to charities and missions in her church. One day she decided to take a trip to visit some of the mission projects her money had so generously endowed. She visited a hospital where wonderful help was afforded to needy natives. She stopped at an orphanage where little children of the street were cared for. She went to a leper colony where a loving nurse was treating those who were suffering from the putrefying disease. She commented, more to herself then to the host, “My, I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars.” The nurse who was treating a patient answered, “Neither would I.” In the service of Christ to us, exemplified in the nurses’ service, we find the secret of greatness and the way to get respect in God’s sight.

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Time in the Word - Penecost 16, Proper 20

Sunday’s Theme: The Christian and his opposition can be clearly seen in the three main readings for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson, [Jeremiah 11:18—20] Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies. In the Epistle, [James 3:13-4:10] Opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. In the Gospel, [Mark 9:30-37] Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Christians live in a hostile world, for friendship with the world is enmity to God.

Collect for Proper 20 – O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, 14 September 2009—Psalm 37:5-7, Antiphon, Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. No matter what you are up against, trust in the Lord and He will sustain you. He will prove Himself worthy as you read the rest of the appointed readings for the coming week.

Tuesday, 15 September 2009—Psalm 54; key verse v4— It is the Lord who sustains my life. The Psalmist finds his life is threatened, as were Jesus’ and Jeremiah’s, and he finds God as his helper who rescues him from death. In our opposition God does not forsake those who trust in Him.

Wednesday, 16 September 2009— Jeremiah 11:18-20— Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies. Jeremiah feels like a lamb led to the slaughter by his enemies and he asks to see God’s vengeance upon them. Jeremiah cries out for vengeance upon those seeking his life. God informs Jeremiah that his enemies were out to destroy him. Jeremiah felt like a “lamb led to the slaughter.” His enemies were offended by his preaching of judgment, doom, and the captivity of the nation. Like other prophets (Elijah and Amos), Jeremiah experienced persecution: beaten, threatened with lynching, imprisoned, and thrown into a pit to die. Even his family was a part of a plat to kill him. Jeremiah calls upon God not only for protection but for vengeance upon his enemies.

Thursday, 17 September 2009—James 3:13-4:10 — Opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. James says the wars, quarrels, dissension and strife have their source in earthly wisdom. It is a bad spirit that causes opposition. James will contrast earthly and heavenly wisdom. In this lesson James distinguishes between the types of wisdom. Earthly wisdom is characterized by ambition, rivalry, and selfishness. This kind of wisdom provides disorder and confusion. Heavenly wisdom comes from God. This wisdom is “pure, peaceable, gentle,” etc. The heavenly side; do not boast of themselves, but promote peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. The source of fighting and killing each other is the heart which is full of selfish desire.

Friday, 18 September 2009—Mark 9:30-37 — Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Jesus again announces His approaching passion and teaches the disciples the meaning of greatness. On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus announces a second time that He is going there to suffer, die, and rise on the third day. To avoid being detained, he travels incognito. Unlike the first announcement, the disciples do not understand it and are afraid to ask Him the meaning of it. When the group reaches Capernaum, Jesus asked them what they were discussing during the walk. They were too embarrassed to answer, for they had discussed who would be Number One in the coming Kingdom. Jesus taught that the one ot be first must be last as a servant. To illustrate He takes a child in His arms, for in that day women and children were considered second-class citizens. Jesus makes the point that the greatest will minister to one like a child in His name, and when He does, He serves both Christ and God.

Saturday, 19 September 2009— Exodus 20:1-17 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, These Are the Holy Ten Commandments (LSB 581) Recall the Lord’s requirement of faithfulness to His Law.

Collect for Pentecost 16— Grant, merciful Lord, to Your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You withy a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, 0our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A Prayer for grace to use our gifts – O Lord God Almighty, since You bless Your servants with various and unusual gifts of the Holy Spirit, grant us grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for steadfast faith– Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the Hope of Eternal life in Christ –Almighty, everlasting God, whose Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily and we hold fast to the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For those in distressed - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Pentecost 15 - Proper 19

Even the demons believe and shudder

Lord Jesus Christ, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts.

Jesus does all things well. That was the statement made concerning His authority of sickness and disease. Today we see the Savior demonstrate His mighty power over the father of lies the devil himself. Yes, the devil himself will acknowledge that God exists. He’s more spiritual then the one who has convinced himself in his own mind that there is no God. Says, James in his epistle, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19) The devil knows that God exists. Jesus by His exorcism of the boy with an evil spirit demonstrated how far He will go to win for you salvation.

1. Man is powerless with respect to dealing with the devil and his hoard.

A. The teachers of the law and Jesus’ disciples were drawing a crowd as they were arguing.
1. One could only imagine what they were cussing, fussing and arguing about.
a. Possibly they were arguing about form, method or procedure. They could not exorcise the demon because they weren’t doing it properly.
b. Possibly they were arguing about some hidden or buried sin from the past. They could not exorcise the demon because their faith was lacking or some sin which had not been addressed was hindering a healing.
2. The devil is delighted every time we take our focus off of Christ and make something else of more importance.
a. Can we be found guilty arguing about such things that take our focus off of the main reason why we are here? Churches have split apart over such matters as worship forms, a building design, personalities, etc with each claiming to be “more spiritual” committed and “godly” then the other.
b. St. Paul’s encouragement needs to be our chief focus “I determine to know nothing among you save, Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

B. Who today can stand against the devil and his wiles?
1. By our very nature we are found to be blind, dead, and enemies of God.
2. Our sinfulness has driven a huge wedge between any significant relationship between God and our neighbor.

Transition: Man by his very nature is powerless against the devil. The devil’s mark on this world can be seen by all.

2. The devil can make life a living hell on earth.

A. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.” How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!”

B. Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying “these are demons we must battle”. There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say “I won’t go there” and if we do a friend might say ‘she’s in a bad place.”
a. With this young man the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued. This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.
b. Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better then we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Transition: Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

3. Jesus once again is able to heal, restore and destroy.

A. He alone is able to destroy. The spirit shook the young man violently. It threw him into convulsions. It shrieked as it came out. The crowd thought he was dead. As he lay lifeless on the ground how many thought to themselves – fool, idiot! Serves him right turning his son over to that itinerate preacher! He alone is able to heal. He is returned to his father whole.

B. He alone is able to restore. How long had this family had to live not knowing? Not knowing when the spirit would seize him next. Not knowing how the spirit would try to destroy him. Imagine not knowing what the day would bring. Imagine not being able to plan for tomorrow because you are so overwhelmed by the circumstances of today! Imagine not even knowing there would be a tomorrow. And if there were a tomorrow - how would it turn out to be?

C. The young man is healed at the Savior’s command – restored, redeemed forgiven!

Read the text again. Jesus takes His disciples aside to show them the “big picture”. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days He will rise. (v.32) That, my friends, is where the victory took place. That is where your redemption was won - for you – at the cross and open tomb. Of course, the disciples couldn’t understand it –and neither can you unless you are focused on Christ. The words of Jesus spoken then - are directed to you – “Everything is possible for him who believes!” Lord I believe help me overcome my unbelief! Kyrie Eleison!

Time in the Word - Pentecost 15 - Proper 18

This coming Sunday’s theme: The Faith of a Christian is seen in all three of our readings. In the Old Testament lesson: [Isaiah 50:4-10] The Christian faith endures suffering. In the Epistle lesson: [James 3:1-2] The Christian faith is expressed in impartial service. In the Gospel lesson: [Mark 9:14-29] Christian faith is needed when confronting demon possession. As we begin our program year starting with Rally Day the Hymn for the Day expresses the hope and desire that all of God’s children, but especially our youth would remain faithful to Christ. The extent to which faithfulness is expressed can be seen in how well the Christian faith is fed and nourished. Thus, a hunger and thirst for the Means of Grace is paramount.

Collect for Proper 19 – Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace.

Monday, 07 September 2009—Psalm 31:14-16, Antiphon, Psalm 31:24 – Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! The Psalmist’ faith and trust in the Lord is unwavering; His defense against his powerful enemies is his reliance on God’s faithfulness and discerning judgment. Praise advances to the encouragement of the saints.

Tuesday, 08 September 2009—Psalm 116:1-9; key verse v9—that I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms 116 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for deliverance from death – hence the emphasis on vs. 9 as the key verse. It may have been written by a king. V. 16 is very similar to the writing style of king David however they are very close to the events of king Hezekiah who thanked the Lord for sparing his life in Isaiah 38:10-20. As a whole, psalm 116 is song of seven stanzas falling into three main divisions Vv. 1-6, Vv. 7-14, Vv. 15-19.

Wednesday, 09 September 2009— Isaiah 50:4-10— The Christian faith endures suffering. Isaiah the prophet endured harsh treatment at the hands of his enemies for speaking the truth and being faithful. For this he had to suffer. Yet, as you read these words think of the One whose entire life was that of suffering. Centuries before Christ was even born Isaiah, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah was able to predict with great accuracy the events of Christ’s life as they are outlined in the Gospels. Pay particular attention to Vv. 5-8 and then see their fulfillment in Christ in such places as Luke 9:51; 1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 27:30 and Romans 8:31-34.

Thursday, 11 September 2009—James 3:1-12 — The Christian faith is expressed in a tamed tongue. Because a teacher has great influence, he will be held more accountable. See Matthew 23:1-33. Since the tongue is so difficult to control, anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in all other areas of life as well. This is a lesson each must bear in mind. Gossip, slander, malice are all deadly.

Friday, 12 September 2009—Mark 9:14-29 — Christian faith is needed when confronted by demon possession. The devil can make life a living hell on earth. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.”

How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!” Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying, “…these are demons we must battle”. There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say “I won’t go there” and if we do a friend might say ‘she’s in a bad place.”

With this young man the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued. This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better then we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

Saturday, 13 September 2009—Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Shepherd of Tender Youth (LSB 864) The only offensive weapon the Christian has is the Word of God. Each generation runs the risk of becoming apostate. How is the faith handed down from generation to generation? It is taught and it is caught.

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

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

Time in the Word - Pentecost 15 - Proper 19

This coming Sunday’s theme: The Faith of a Christian is seen in all three of our readings. In the Old Testament lesson: [Isaiah 50:4-10] The Christian faith endures suffering. In the Epistle lesson: [James 3:1-2] The Christian faith is expressed in impartial service. In the Gospel lesson: [Mark 9:14-29] Christian faith is needed when confronting demon possession. As we begin our program year starting with Rally Day the Hymn for the Day expresses the hope and desire that all of God’s children, but especially our youth would remain faithful to Christ. The extent to which faithfulness is expressed can be seen in how well the Christian faith is fed and nourished. Thus, a hunger and thirst for the Means of Grace is paramount.

Collect for Proper 19 – Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace.

Monday, 07 September 2009—Psalm 31:14-16, Antiphon, Psalm 31:24 – Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! The Psalmist’ faith and trust in the Lord is unwavering; His defense against his powerful enemies is his reliance on God’s faithfulness and discerning judgment. Praise advances to the encouragement of the saints.

Tuesday, 08 September 2009—Psalm 116:1-9; key verse v9—that I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms 116 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for deliverance from death – hence the emphasis on vs. 9 as the key verse. It may have been written by a king. V. 16 is very similar to the writing style of king David however they are very close to the events of king Hezekiah who thanked the Lord for sparing his life in Isaiah 38:10-20. As a whole, psalm 116 is song of seven stanzas falling into three main divisions Vv. 1-6, Vv. 7-14, Vv. 15-19.

Wednesday, 09 September 2009— Isaiah 50:4-10— The Christian faith endures suffering. Isaiah the prophet endured harsh treatment at the hands of his enemies for speaking the truth and being faithful. For this he had to suffer. Yet, as you read these words think of the One whose entire life was that of suffering. Centuries before Christ was even born Isaiah, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah was able to predict with great accuracy the events of Christ’s life as they are outlined in the Gospels. Pay particular attention to Vv. 5-8 and then see their fulfillment in Christ in such places as Luke 9:51; 1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 27:30 and Romans 8:31-34.

Thursday, 11 September 2009—James 3:1-12 — The Christian faith is expressed in a tamed tongue. Because a teacher has great influence, he will be held more accountable. See Matthew 23:1-33. Since the tongue is so difficult to control, anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in all other areas of life as well. This is a lesson each must bear in mind. Gossip, slander, malice are all deadly.

Friday, 12 September 2009—Mark 9:14-29 — Christian faith is needed when confronted by demon possession. The devil can make life a living hell on earth. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.” How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!” Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying, “…these are demons we must battle”. There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say “I won’t go there” and if we do a friend might say ‘she’s in a bad place.”

With this young man the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued. This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better then we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

Saturday, 13 September 2009—Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11 - Sunday’s hymn of the day, Shepherd of Tender Youth (LSB 864) The only offensive weapon the Christian has is the Word of God. Each generation runs the risk of becoming apostate. How is the faith handed down from generation to generation? It is taught and it is caught.

Collect for Pentecost 15— Lord of all power and might, Author and Giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of Your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

A Prayer for obedience to God’s Word – O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for education – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, gracious 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.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House and from Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission from WELS
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B – John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH