Jephtah’s daughter

Judges 11

 Jephthah’s daughter

Jephthah ruled at the time of the Judges. The Ammonites, whose power had been broken by one of the earlier Judges, had again become strong, plundering Israel. The Lord gave Jephthah a great victory over the Ammonites to deliver Israel but at a great cost.

Jephthah (jĕf´thə), in the Book of Judges, was a Hebrew raider, the son of Gilead and a judge of Israel. He vowed if victorious over the Ammonites to sacrifice the first of his household to meet him on his return. His daughter was the price of this vow. Jephthah, a prostitute’s son, disowned from any portion of the family inheritance by the “legitimate” sons of the common father, leading a game in criminal behavior would not seem to be a likely candidate for God’s service, yet this is how the Lord sometimes makes His ways known.

This is the amazing thing about our Savior. He chooses to be found in those places the world would least expect. He chooses to reveal Himself in those places the world considers unimportant. He chooses to exert His power in what an unbelieving world considers weak and of little consequence.

Does the death of a condemned man seem compelling enough to offer atonement? Could His life and sacrifice really save you?  The surroundings and the circumstances of Jesus’ death give you life. They are the means by which we find peace with God and absolution for our sin.

Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessing remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness, and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS

Halley’s Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962 Zondervan Grand Rapids

Collect for the Morning, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Time in the Word Lent 4

The Theme for Lent 4, “God Receives Sinners” is seen in all three lessons. In the Old Testament lesson - Isaiah 12:1-6 – Salvation is of God. In the Epistle, - 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 – Paul speaks of the renewing quality of our salvation in Christ. We are new people. In the Gospel lesson - Luke 15:1-3; 11-32 – we see the response to salvation. The Hymn for the Day “Salvation unto us has come” sings the story of salvation. 

Collect for Lent 4 Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment., You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; 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 Home and Family – Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

A morning prayer – Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessings remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

A prayer before worship –O Lord, our Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter, as we come to worship You in spirit and in truth, we humbly pray that You may open our hearts to the preaching of Your Word, so that we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ as our only Savior, and grow in grace and holiness. Hear us for His same. 

A prayer for help in times of temptation – Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek Your help and , by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Monday, 04 March 2013—Psalm 51:2-6, Antiphon, Psalm51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundance mercy blot out my transgressions. The psalmist asks that God in His mercy would grant pardon. Throughout this psalm look at the words the psalmist will use, mercy, unfailing love, great compassion, blot out, was, cleanse, transgressions, iniquity sin. This psalm sings the story of salvation. As we are in the midst of Lent our focus is now on the cross and of Him who suffered and died for us. 

Tuesday, 05 March 2013—Psalm 32; key verse v11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart. This psalm is a grateful testimony of joy from God’s gift of forgiveness toward those who with integrity confess their sins and are receptive to God’s rule in their lives. It is a fitting psalm to be used in this Lenten season. As you pray this psalm reflect on all Christ has done to win for you salvation and life. 

Wednesday, 06 March 2013— Isaiah 12:1-6– The Old testament lesson deals with the basic element of the Christian faith: God’s grace in the cross for man’s reconciliation. Isaiah reminds us that salvation is from God and that salvation is all by grace. This causes us to be thankful as we receive this gift of salvation freely by grace through faith. 

Thursday, 07 March 2013—2 Corinthians 5:16-21 –Paul will admit that before coming to faith in Christ he had a secular understanding of Jesus based purely on human considerations. But now having been united with Christ through faith in Him and committed to Him now he is a new creation. Everything in his life now centers in Christ. God takes the initiative in redemption. He sustains it and brings it to completion. When the Savior died, God’s justice was satisfied, His anger was appeased. At the cross God was reconciled to the world. 

Friday, 08 March 2013 – Luke 15:1-3; 11-32– The Gospel lesson for this week assures us of God’s joyous reception for the repentant sinner. Jesus was criticized for associating with sinners. In His defense Jesus tells the parables recorded in Luke 15 of God’s acceptance of a repentant sinner. Jesus associated with sinners not because He approved of their way of life. He knew they needed Him. They needed friendship and understanding. He went to them for a purpose, to lead them to repentance. He did not, nor should we, go to them to become one of them but to get them to become one with Him. This is the reason for today’s church to go to the worst – to win them back to God. Do you honestly feel about sinners as God does? Are you glad when a sinner sees his error and comes back? Do you love the sinner, and accept him as though nothing happened? Like God will you forgive from the heart without passing judgment or asking questions? Would you take an ex-murderess into your home to care for your youngest child? Really? Then you identify with the Father. 

Saturday, 09 March 2013—-Romans 3:1—31; 8:1-11; Galatians 3:1-25; Ephesians 2:1-10- Sunday’s suggested hymn of the day is Salvation unto us has come (555 LSB). Originally written for children the hymn tells the story of salvation from beginning to end. It teaches the faith and it a hymn that can easily be put to memory. I recall a few years ago walking across the playground hearing a student singing this hymn while swinging back and forth on the swings. We are now in the middle of our journey through Lent. The cross becomes ever clearer. As you meditate on this hymn rejoice in your salvation. 

 Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House 
 Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use 
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Esau

Genesis 33

 Esau Embraces Jacob 

Having been estranged from his brother for years, Jacob goes to meet Esau. Looking up he sees Esau coming with four hundred men. Fearful of the outcome he leaves his wives Leah and Rachael and his children in the rear. 

Jacob was afraid of what would happen when he saw his brother Esau. Their early lives together were turbulent to say the least. They had a falling out. Their lives were filled with anger, bitterness, and jealousy. But apart they matured and changed. It didn’t all happen overnight. It took years. Their meeting and the forming of good, strong, and positive bonds is an example and lesson for us. We cannot let things separate us. We must overcome the things that would set us at each other’s throats. The peace and the compassion of Christ needs to be at the center of all that we do in our families, our work places, and in our neighborhood. Christ came to reconcile us to Himself and then to each other. Each of us has a place in the Father’s world. As we seek to find that place, let us be caring and compassionate to those we meet, for they many times end up being our neighbors! 

Almighty God, because You know that we of ourselves have no strength, keep us both outwardly and inwardly that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Schnorr von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS 

Halley’s Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962 Zondervan Grand Rapids, 

Collect for Lent 3 Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Lent 3

Lent 3

Luke 13:1-9

Facing Destruction

Judgment is delayed to allow time to repent

Almighty God, because You know that we of ourselves have no strength, keep us both outwardly and inwardly that we may be defended form all adversity that may happen to the body and form all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul,

Of what use were you in this world? Our gospel lesson begs us to contemplate this question. This is one of life’s most searching questions. Did your life count for anything?  What say you? Has your life been a bang or a bust?  A life, according to Jesus can be like the fig tree from our text for today.

1.       Planted by God.

A.      God created man. In His own image, He created them. Male and female He created them. He has provided and cared for man from the beginning of time. In your life, you are not far from His watchful eye. He cares for you. He provides for you. He sustains your life.

B.      As a result, man has a responsibility to produce fruits worthy of God’s praise. It’s simple. You owe God. Who gave you life. Who provides the air you breathe several times each minute throughout your life. Who provided the soil and water that grew your food. Who looked after you when you did stupid or self-destructive things in your life? It is He, who didn’t turn His back on you when you begged for mercy and leniency. It is He, who daily forgives your many sins.  

2.       The Patience of God.

A.      God is willing to give man another chance. He wants him to become fruitful. He wants him to be productive. He wants him to repent. That’s the entire point of the parable. It explains grace, God’s big do-over. Your heavenly Father is the champion of second chances. He is not willing that any perish.

B.       There is one more year before destruction. The vinedresser pleads with the landlord.  He pleads that the fig tree be given a chance to live and be productive. He dares to save the fig tree when it’s wasting space. After all, it’s sitting in the middle of a vineyard. Don’t save it! Get rid of it! And yet, the vinedresser pleads for the fig tree.  This again says something about the Savior. The Lord is in the business of saving those who are not really worth saving.  An unproductive fig tree, who had been taking up valuable space in a vineyard for three years, should be cut down and discarded. Yet, the vinedresser pleads with the landlord, “Give it one more year.” Jesus intercedes to the Father for you.  Lent is a time to repent.

C.      Lent is also a time of grace.  Not only does the vinedresser plead for the tree. He has a plan. A good plan. He will fertilize the tree and water it. He will do anything and everything within His power to save the tree. Christ goes to the cross for you. He bears your sins. He will stop at nothing to redeem and save you.

3.       The Plight of man.

A.      The justice of God however will be visited. His patience will not last forever. Judgment will come. The vinedresser was given only a year.  We don’t know if the fig tree produced any fruit. Did the extra fertilizer and water work? We don’t know. If it didn’t work, we know what would happen next. The ax would be laid to the tree. Likewise, judgment will be visited upon unrepentant sinners. A useless, fruitless person will be cut down if there is no life in that person.

B.      To prevent this damage from happening man must repent. God will save him from certain destruction. So we keep on. We proclaim and share the message of the cross. The message of the Cross-— of death and resurrection — meets resistance from both inside and outside the Church (not to mention within each and every one of us) because God’s message isn’t a nice message, it’s a foolish message, through and through.

It’s foolishness because God isn’t for first place finishers, winners, heroes, or living legends. He’s for suffering and conflicted people. Christ afflicted on His Cross, suffering our punishment that we may be set free from cheapjack living to be children of God. He meets us in our suffering and conflicts not in the promise to take them away. He’s simply always with us. In death. And in life.

So once again, of what use were you in this world? To be effectively used by God that is our ultimate purpose in life. We are placed here to believe in Christ, to serve our neighbor – and praise the Savior.

When we do all this, not only will be producing “good fruit” but we will also come to the right conclusion that our life is worth a lot.  You count for much. Every person in this room is important and special to Christ. Does your life count for anything? According to Jesus, it counts greatly! May each of us then make the best of our days dong all to the glory of God.

Deborah

Judges 4:1-11, 5:1-123

Deborah Judge over Israel

One of the few female judges Deborah was used by God to save the Israelites from the Canaanites. Deborah is one of the most famous women of the Old Testament. She is remembered for her courage, wisdom and faith. Her song of victory in chapter five commemorates Israel’s victory and is believed to be one of the oldest poems in the Bible. In this song of Deborah, we are reminded of the mighty acts of God and are called to give Him thanks and praise.

Deborah remains a powerful example for us. She had a strong sense of discernment. She saw Israel’s plight knowing that Israel was walking away from the Lord. She made no excuses. She did not rationalize. She didn’t explain things away; rather she confronted Israel’s problems straight on. She believed in God and so her strength and courage was found in following God’s commands. In Lent, we examine our faith and rededicate ourselves in following Christ. Deborah stands as an example for us how we rely on God in every circumstance.

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

Collect for the blessing on the Word, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

They're Back!

Sure sign of an early spring - turkey buzzards spotted just south of Southtown and the Wippy Dip opened last night in Monroeville! Oh happy day!

Isaac

Genesis 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 35

Rebekah goes to Isaac

Isaac was the son of promise. The Lord speaking to Abraham had promised him, as many as the stars in the sky and as many as the sands on the desert floor would be the number of his descendants. Abraham was given this promise when he was an old, old man. Would the Lord keep his promise?  With the arrival of Isaac the promise was being fulfilled. 

The life of Isaac foreshadows what Jesus will do in His life.  As we examine the life of Isaac, we will have a deeper appreciation for what Jesus has accomplished for us in His life, suffering, death and resurrection.  According to Geneses 22 Isaac was a son of promise as Jesus is the Father’s only begotten Son. (John 3:16) As Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac on Mt. Moriah Jesus was sacrificed on the cross of Mt. Calvary in Jerusalem. As Isaac was considered dead by his father Jesus was dead for three days according to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; as Isaac carried wood for his own sacrifice Jesus bore His own cross. (John 19:17-18) As Isaac submitted willingly to his earthly father, Jesus submitted willingly to His heavenly father. (Matthew 26:39) As Isaac was raised from the altar, his life spared by the power of God Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God. (Romans 6:4)  In short, Isaac is a type of Christ. As we examine and understand his life and faith, we will gain a greater appreciation for the life we have in Christ. The experiences Isaac lived are greater lived out in the life of Jesus our Savior. 

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so heart them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS

Halley’s Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962 Zondervan Grand Rapids

Collect for Grace to receive the Word, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis