Epiphany 6

Mark 1:40-45
Come clean

Most people want to be clean, at least physically. Consider the amount of soap and detergents sold annually. Eighty-five percent of the American people have bathtubs. We want clean bodies and hair, clean clothes, and we want to live in clean houses. Are we as interested in soul cleanliness? Sin is associated with dirt: dirty jokes, filthy minds, polluted values, cesspools of iniquity. Isaiah described himself as a sinner “A man of unclean lips” In contrast, God is perfectly pure. Christ is spotless of sin. God demands clean hands and a pure heart in those who come into His presence, leprosy is a sign of sin. Healing is cleansing. The leper called himself “unclean”. Today we deal with the cleansing of sin, the cure for spiritual leprosy.

How to come clean to God –

1. Realize the need for cleansing – listen to verse 40 of our text. “ And a leper came to Him, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying to Him, "If You are willing, you can make me clean." This miracle teaches us, how to apply ourselves to Christ. We are to simply come as this leper did. In His great need, he sought out Christ.

With great humility, this leper came beseeching him, and kneeling down to him (v. 40). This man, as sick and as dirty as he was realized that he had come into the presence of the Savior Himself.

This man’s action teaches us that those who would receive grace and mercy from Christ, must ascribe honor and glory to Christ, and approach Him with humility and reverence. What is your attitude toward Christ? Is it one of humility? With humbleness of heart, this man approached the Savior in his time of need.

2. Desire to be clean - “beseeching…kneeling” He bowed before Him. v. 40 Notice what is happening here. What we believe of the power of Christ we must bring home to our particular case. This leper’s particular case was he needed to be cleansed. That need spurred him into action. He went to the only one who could help. He went to Jesus and in faith; he said to the Savior “You can do this for me!”

Is Jesus just one among many that we might try to consult or is He the only person to whom we turn in every need? Jesus says so plainly "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) Find you rest in Jesus today for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. In your need come to Jesus He will sustain you He will uphold you.

3. Accept the cleansing – listen to verse 41 of our text.”… moved with compassion, He stretched out His hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." Jesus’ willingness to cleanse is based on pity – . Christ's power was put forth by a word, to signify the way He would ordinarily work spiritual cures; He sends His word and He heals. Psalm 107:20 tells us this very thing! “He sent forth His Word, and healed them…” This is what we should expect of Jesus. He can do no other. No one can work like Him!

Jesus has the ability to cleanse – Listen to what Mark says in verse 42 of our text. “And immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.” Miracle after miracle we see the same thing happening repeatedly. Someone’s in trouble, Jesus helps, and the people are blessed! Jesus performed these miracles for a reason and a purpose…that the people would believe and put their trust in Him.

Today the Savior calls us to place our faith in His words and His works. Trust Him. Hold Him to His Word. He is able to save you. He is able to perform a miracle in your life. "Call upon Him in every trouble. HE will deliver you and you will honor Him". (Psalm 50:15)

Mission-Philosophy-Vision Statement

Mission-Philosophy-Vision Statement For our Friedheim Family

Preamble: The birthday of Missions occurred on the day of Pentecost circa AD 30 in the city of Jerusalem. On February 25, 1838 Zion-Friedheim Lutheran Church was chartered to be a House of Peace, a Haven of Hope for those who suffer and a Harbor of Light in this sin-darkened world. As followers of Jesus we are Christ’s ambassadors – commissioned by Him who has reconciled the world to Himself to be salt and light.

The Mission of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is to be “A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith”

The Philosophy of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is recorded in Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfast in the Apostles’ doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayer”

The Vision of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is to be one with respect to four specific objectives of mission and ministry.

Ø “The Apostles Doctrine” Being one in unity and faith. Basing our lives on God’s Holy Word as He speaks clearly to us through that Word.

Ø “Fellowship” Being one in the Lord Jesus Christ. Experiencing true joy in Christ. Living at peace with each other and enjoying one another.

Ø “The Breaking of Bread” Sacramental living. Experiencing daily the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation as Christ comes to us in and through the Sacraments.

Ø “Prayer” Upholding one another. Taking our needs burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. Being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.

Adopted: February 6, 2003

Time in the Word - Epiphany 6

Preparation for next week, the 6th Sunday after Epiphany

All Things Are Made New by the Washing of Water with Jesus’ Word

“Moved with pity,” the Son of God has come in the flesh, willing and able to save us. He goes to the Cross to give His body as a sacrifice and to shed His blood for the forgiveness of all our sins.  Now He stretches out His hand to touch us with His body and His blood in the Sacrament, and with His Word He cleanses us of all iniquity (Mark 1:40–42). Already in the Old Testament, by the promise of His coming, the Word that He spoke by His prophets had the power to cleanse and restore the flesh of fallen man. Thus, “according to the word of the man of God,” Naaman, the Syrian warrior, was cleansed of his leprosy when he washed in the Jordan, and “his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child” (2 Kings 5:14). By the washing of water with His Word, we also are cleansed of all our sins and set free from the burden of the Law. As little children of God, we now seek the good of our neighbor and “do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:24–31).

Collect for Epiphany 6—O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people that we who justly suffer the consequence of our sin may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers for the sick: O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need, look with favor upon Your servant(s) [name(s)]. Assure [him/her/them] of Your mercy, deliver [him/her/them] from the temptations of the evil one, and give [him/her/them] patience and comfort in [his/her/their] illness. If it please You, restore [him/her/them] to health, or give [him/her/them] grace to accept this tribulation with courage and hope; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

O Lord, You are the great Physician of soul and body; You chasten and You heal. Show mercy to Your servant(s) [name(s)]. Spare [his/her/their] life (lives) and restore [his/her/their] strength. Even as You gave Your Son to bear our infirmities and sicknesses, deal compassionately with Your servant(s) and bless [him/her/them] with Your healing power. We commit [him/her/them] to Your gracious mercy and protection; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Prayer for those undergoing surgery: Lord Jesus Christ, hear our prayers on behalf on Your servant(s) [name(s)] as [he/she/they] undergoes(undergo) surgery. Bless [him/her/them] with faith in Your loving-kindness and protection. Endow the surgeon(s) and the medical team(s) with ability and skill so that, according to Your will, this surgery may bring Your servant(s) to a full restoration of health and strength; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Prayer in times of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Prayer of thanksgiving for restoration of health: Almighty and gracious God, we give thanks that You have restored the health of Your servant [name], and for this blessing we praise Your name. Grant that [he/she] may continue joyfully through the days You have given [him/her] in this world and also share in eternal glory at the appearing of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Monday, 6 February 2012—Psalm 112:1, 3, 7–9; antiphon, Psalm 112:4—Psalm 112 speaks of the blessedness of the man who fears the LORD. This psalm is a complement to the preceding psalm, which tells of the blessings, physical and spiritual, which God bestows upon us. Those who trust in Him—who fear the LORD—show their gratefulness to Him by their lives, which are conformed to His will. The one who trust in the Lord greatly delights in His commandments.

Tuesday, 7 February 2012—Psalm 30—This psalm of David is written and sung in gratitude for the Lord’s deliverance. He thanks the Lord for physical blessings in vv. 1–5, and thanks Him for adversity in vv. 6–10. Thanking the Lord for adversity? Yes, because it was just that which caused David to turn from his pride and trust in himself, and to plead to the Lord for mercy. Thus, the Lord has turned his mourning into dancing, resulting in David’s pledge to give thanks to You forever!

Wednesday, 8 February 2012—2 Kings 5:1–14—What would you do to be healed of a horrible disease? Naaman was willing to do almost anything—except place his trust in the LORD and in His prophet. When his unbelief was pointed out by his servants, he relented, and was healed, as God had said through the prophet Elisha. Verse 15, not included in our reading, shows that Naaman then trusted in the one, true God.

Thursday, 9 February 2012—1 Corinthians 10:31—11;1—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, 10 February 2012—Mark 1:40–45—We live in a fallen world. One of the effects sin has on our world is disease. When Jesus walked here on earth, He healed diseases, beginning the work of restoring the fallen creation. When He died on the cross, he won the victory over sin and the devil. On the Last Day, that victory will be brought to fulfillment, as the present heaven and earth pass away, to be replaced by a new heaven and earth—one in which there is no sickness or disease.

Saturday, 11 February 2012—The hymn of the day, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (LSB 394), recounts some of the epiphanies, or appearances, of our Lord: in His birth, to the Wise Men, in His Baptism, in His healing, and, finally, at the Last Day. What is our response to these epiphanies? Songs of thankfulness and praise! ‘Anthems be to Thee addressed, God in man made manifest!’

This week’s Time in the Word  is written by The Revd Jeffrey M. Keuning, Pastor St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Casey, Iowa  and Zion Lutheran Church Dexter, Iowa

Lectionary summary on the front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

Artwork by Ed Rojas, © Higher Things

Epiphany 5

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
All things to all people

We continue a reading series in our Epistle lesson, which contains St. Paul’s instruction to us concerning Christian living. The issue in the Corinthian congregation was the eating of meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Some believed that if you eat a burger you were communing with an idol since most of the meat sold in Corinth came from pagan temples. Their contention was that eating the meat makes idol worship legitimate. Others said, “The idol is not real, so how could I commune with something that does not exist? I am free in Christ, so my eating should not offend you!”

True, eating meat sacrificed to an idol is not an issue anymore. Nevertheless, there are well meaning Christian who can become just as offended concerning a whole number of issues. For example, certain well-meaning Christians have suggested the targeting and boycotting of certain companies and businesses that engage in purported unwholesome practices. They would argue that if you do not take your business elsewhere you are condoning and consequently joining in that company’s sin. What is the Christian to do?

On a personal level, there are well meaning Christians who would argue that Christians are not to engage in certain behaviors. “Don’t smoke, drink or chew, or date any gal that do!” is an old yarn, which has been used to suggest that Christians are to refrain. How do we respond to such practices such as the playing of cards, playing the lottery, or holding a wedding during the season of Lent for example? Are these practices that are to be strictly forbidden? How do we respond?

Liberty verses License…Freedom from sin verses Freedom to sin.

Where do we go with these issues? In our text for this morning, St. Paul gives us some practical advice on our Christian living as he encourages us to be all things to all people.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has set us free from our sin. Every one of our sins has been forgiven – period! The sins we commit today and tomorrow and the rest of our lives have been forgiven – period! This fact, however, sometimes gives people the wrong idea. They will say, “Let’s go out and sin all we want - because our sins are all forgiven!” This sort of thinking turns “liberty” into “license”. We are forever free from sin but that freedom does not make us free to sin. We can’t go out, sow our wild oats, and then pray for crop failure! We cannot have the attitude that we can sin all we want because God is a forgiving God.

We are called to become all things to all people according to St. Paul. What does that mean? Before we can help people, we must understand their needs. First, we must accept them as persons in need of God’s forgiveness. Before we can win people for Christ, we must identify with them in their situation. We simply cannot win people to Christ unless we first become their friends. Paul gives us the motivation for our behavior. We are to become one with people…

1 We do this first by sacrificing personal freedom to be the people’s servant. Listen to verse 19 of our text for this morning…“Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all that I might win the more…”

I am free in Christ, and under that freedom, I am at liberty and no one should judge me. Yet, Paul will tell us that he willingly makes himself a slave, he abandons that liberty so that he can win others for Christ. The issue is not my freedom and my liberty. Paul makes that point clear.

You are free. No one is to judge you with respect to your observance of certain actions, practices, or behaviors. Yet to win even more people for Christ I make myself a slave. I restrict my Christian liberty for the sake of winning more for Christ. This is not something that is forced upon me like another law. I do this willingly, of my own accord. Paul says, “I make myself a slave…too win the more”

2 To become one with people I identify with people. Listen to verse 22 of our text for this morning “To the weak, I become weak; that I might win the weak I gave become all things to all men that I might by all means win some.”

Why do we refrain when there is freedom? I do this because there are others who might be weak in their faith. There are some, which might not understand. There might be some, which would put themselves under undue duress and pressure. To not mislead them I become weak. Paul reminds us that when comparing another person to our personal freedoms and liberties I give up my personal freedom so that the faith of another might have the opportunity to grow.

Since Paul was not paid for his work, he was not obligated to any person. He could speak freely the truth of God without fear of personal consequences. This enabled him to identify with every class and condition of people. His goal for doing so was to “win” people to faith in Christ. The truth is that we cannot win people to Christ until we first win them to ourselves. If they do not like the witness, they will not like the witness’ Christ!

3 By being all things to all people I am motivated by the gospel. Listen finally to verse 23 “I do it all for the sake of the gospel that I might share in its blessings’

This is what motivates us into action. We do what we must for the sake of the gospel. We will not allow anything to stand in the way of the gospel. Therefore, when we must choose between personal freedom and the opportunity for the gospel to take root, we will willingly give up on our personal freedom so that something better and longer lasting can flourish.

Out of necessity, we are called upon to share Christ with all that we meet. Every single one of us is a “witness”. To win such people for Christ we must first identify with them. We are not obligated to any, but for the sake of the gospel, we make ourselves to be all things to all people. If this means giving up our Christian liberties, we do so, so that some might be saved.

How will this be applied to your life? That’s how the sermon is to be lived in your life starting today. May the Lord enable you to become all things to all people in the hopes that we might win some for the kingdom.

Time in the Word Epiphany 5

Time in the Word

30 January–4 February 2012

Preparation for next week, Epiphany 5

Collects 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.

O God, our loving Father: Through the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, Thou dost plant the gifts of love into the hearts of Thy faithful people. Grant to Thy servants soundness of mind and body, so that they may love Thee with their whole strength, and with their whole heart do these things that are pleasing in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Morning Prayer – I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.

Evening Prayer – I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.

Healing for Suffering Humanity

In the season of Epiphany we look at Jesus as He begins His earthly ministry and we ask the question, “is he legitimate?” The answer is found in what Jesus says and what He does. He fulfills the predictions and prescriptions set forth in the Old Testament Scriptures. With the Apostle John we can say, “And we behold His glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Can Jesus deliver on this foretelling? He is the healer of a suffering humanity. That is our theme for this week. Sufferings, hardship and adversity are facts of life in this fallen world.

  

Monday, 30 January 2012 – Psalm 112:1, 3, 7-9; Antiphon, Ps 112:4 – In Hebrew, this psalm has a special form: it is an acrostic. After the opening Hallelujah, its 22 lines start with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order. It extols the blessedness of the “man who fears the LORD;” that is, he acts out of reverence and awe of God’s commands and works, and gladly does what pleases his Lord. He is righteous, not by what he does, but by what God has done for him; as a result, he lives in an upright manner.

Tuesday, 31 January 2012 – Psalm 147:1-12 – “How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!” We praise the Lord for His mighty power and unlimited understanding (v. 4); for His mercy shed upon the humble and needy (vv. 2, 3, 6); for His judgment upon the wicked (v. 6); and His provision and sustenance of all creation (vv. 8-9).

Wednesday, 1 February 2012 – Job 7:1-7 – Job endures physical as well as mental suffering. The lament of Job that life is hard is the lament of all men since the Fall of Adam. We suffer in countless ways, some more and some less, but look forward to the end of our days here in this vale of tears, for our God will gather us to Himself, and there will be no more pain, sorrow, or suffering. Jesus began this work, as we shall read in the Gospel, as He went about healing the sick and afflicted. His work shall be brought to completion on the Last Day.

Job experiences the misery of life. The depth of suffering is illustrated in Job’s experience. We know that God has allowed these sufferings. Job’s friend Eliphas hints that Job is somehow at fault as he suggests that God rewards the righteous and afflicts the wicked. Job maintains his innocence despite his despair and hopelessness.

Thursday, 2 February 2012 – 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 – Paul identifies with people of all conditions to win them for Christ. 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, 3 February 2012 – Mark 1:29-39 – Jesus heals various  physical and mental diseases. Here we see Jesus, doing His proper work – delivering people from the effects of their sins. He goes about healing diseases, foreshadowing eternal life, where there will be no disease. He casts out demons, foreshadowing how He will defeat the devil on the cross and cast out the prince of this world into the abyss.

He preaches – preaches the Good News of salvation which God has delivered unto His people in the sending of His Son into the world for the redemption of our sins.

There is a spiritual side to human suffering. Jesus identifies the source of disease; demon possession. Yet the demons must keep silent until Jesus has gone to the cross. Notice the Centurion’s faith as he confesses Jesus as Lord.

Some questions this text raises:

That which cannot kill you can only make you stronger. True?

Does god only reward the righteous and afflict the wicked?

The church today “trauma center” or “gymnasium” which is it?

How can disease and hardship be in fact “the work of the devil”?

Can we say that sickness is akin to demon possession?

What if a person doesn’t get better?

Saturday, 4 February 2012 – Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (TLH 134) – “Epiphany” means “appearance.” In this season of Epiphany, we celebrate many of the epiphanies of God in human flesh: to the wise men, at His Baptism, and in His healing (stanzas 1-3). And, we look forward to His final appearance, when He shall come in judgment (stanza 4), and we shall sing His praises eternally, even as we sing them now (stanza 5).

Source:

Concordia Self-Study Commentary, © 1971, 1979, Concordia Publishing House.

Lutheran Worship, © 1982, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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

Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Artwork by Ed Rojas, © Higher Thing

Epiphany 4

Mark 1:21-28
"Authority, so what?"

It is one thing to have authority and it is another to have that authority accepted. Lack of respect for authority is a problem of our day. Thirty-five years ago, millions in Iran demonstrated against the Shah to the point that he had to leave the country. The people refused to bow to his authority. Though he had authority as a king, his authority was no longer accepted, respected, and obeyed by a majority of the people. The same can happen to any person of authority, including Jesus Christ. What is our response to His authority? We must consider that question this morning. How should we properly respond to Jesus’ authority?

1. First, we must recognize His authority – Listen to verse 22 of our text for today. “And they were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as {one} having authority, and not as the scribes.”

From the testimony of the Scriptures, we see quite clearly that when Jesus speaks and when He acts people are bound to take notice. Jesus proved that He had that authority that comes from God by what He said. He spoke for God. But He backs up His words with His works. Jesus speaks and Jesus acts! He says only those things that God can say. He works miracles and acts of kindness that only God can perform. This truly is God in the flesh. No one can work like Him. No one can speak like Him. By His words and by His works we are called to recognize that there is none other. On He can be the Son of God.

Transition: But there is more than merely recognizing Jesus’ works and words for what they are. Few today would dispute what He has done. Few, if any, would put a disclaimer on His words and actions. But how do we respond to what He has said? What is our reaction to the miracles that He works? His words and works call us to action.

2. We must also respect Jesus’ authority – Listen to verses 23 and 24 of our text for today. “And just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "What do we have to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are-- the Holy One of God!"

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19) The devil himself recognizes Jesus’ power and authority. This is clearly demonstrated in our lesson for today. The devil was calling Jesus out. Respecting His authority, the devil knew that Jesus has the authority to destroy him. “What are going to do to us?” The demon asks. “Have You come to destroy us?” The demon knew his fate. He will be doomed forever by the one who has the authority to destroy him. That’s why he asks the question! It’s not a matter that he would be destroyed. That fact is perfectly obvious. The question is when, when will this demon be destroyed. Will you destroy me now or later, for You are the Holy One of God.

Our enemies make for our best critics. The demon gives testimony that this Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of God. We too, are called to acknowledge what even Jesus’ fiercest enemies are called to do. We are to respect Him for He is our Lord Almighty. The one to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He, Jesus, is Lord of all.

3. We must finally respond to Jesus’ authority – Listen to verses 25 and following of our text for today. “And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" And throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice, and came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."

The inevitable happens. After nine anxious months a baby is finally delivered. We know what is coming. Yet, when that blessed event happens, we are filled with awe. We take in a spectacular sunrise or sunset. We recognize that this is something that happens every day.

The sun is supposed to rise and the beginning of the day. We expect it to set as dusk turns to night. However, when we take it all in we are filled with wonder and awe. Likewise when recognizing Jesus we respond with shouts of thanksgiving. As we are reminded in the catechism. “For it is my duty to thank and to praise, to serve and obey Him!” Yes, this is most certainly true!

The confrontation of Jesus with the demon only heightened the reality that this Jesus is King and Lord of all. May we resound in kind by offering Him our lives for service in His kingdom. Willingly following Him and praising Him for all that He has done.

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 and 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.

Prayers for the Epiphany Season – O God, you know that we cannot withstand the dangers which surround us. Strengthen us in body and spirit so that with your help, we may be able to overcome the weakness that our sins has brought upon us.”

Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit, that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind upon the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives.

O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

For citizenship – Lord keep this nation under Your care. Bless our nation with faithful leaders 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.

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.

Monday, January 23, 2012—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 24. 2012—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 25, 2012- 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 26, 2012—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 27, 2012—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 29, 2012—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.

Sources

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

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

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.