Proper 28

Proper 28

17 November 2013

Luke 21:5-28

The Church year is ending. Next week we proclaim, “Christ is King” The rule and reign of Christ is the objective of the entire Christian story. Yet today, the Second-to-Last Sunday of the Church year, Jesus predicts that the end of days will come. We are reminded that this reign will come with sure, clear signs.

When will these stones fall? That’s what the apostles wanted to know. The destruction of the Temple. Will that be the end of the world? Jesus wants to make one thing perfectly clear. When these things happen, it is not the end of the world.

Stones have been tumbling for centuries. In recent years, stones have been dropping in the streets of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. It happens also in the private lives of people who lose jobs, get divorced, and face medical issues.

When these things happen, be not deceived. The end is not yet. These are only birth pangs. Labor pains. When there are labor pains, we know that new life is near. Rather than looking for escape into the afterlife, Jesus calls for us to give birth. In the midst of a world filled with stones falling, war and earthquakes (Vv.9-11) Jesus points you to cling to Him for life.

Today you have been put on notice. Turmoil in nature and amongst people will plague the earth. As a follower of Jesus, you will be singled out for persecution, betrayal and hatred. All because of His name. Yet, not a hair on your head will perish.

How can this be? How can you escape? How do you dodge the bullet aimed at every Christian? Over thousands of years and countless generations, Jesus speaks directly to us with the freshness of this morning. By your endurance, you will gain your soul.

You can’t help but feel that following Jesus isn’t unlike being a turtle without a shell. There is no call to arms. There’s no warning to stockpile goods. Or food. Or weapons. In preparation for what’s to come. There’s no command to build a bomb shelter. Or an ark. There are only three brief commands. Don’t be terrified…Don’t be led astray…Don’t prepare a defense.

Don’t be terrified. “Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed. For I am your God and will still give you aid; I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand. Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”^[1]

Don’t be led astray. False Christ’s and counterfeit Messiahs are always about. They exist to seduce and mislead. Don’t follow them. Listen still to the voice of your shepherd Jesus.

When the world around you descends into darkness, you can still shine with light. Don’t expect society to go your way. Bear witness to another Way.

Don’t prepare a defense. The reason you were born, the purpose for which God brought you into this world, is to bear Christ’s forgiving presence into a world that is desperate for it.

Because Jesus loves you, He always tells you the truth. Even when it is hard to find the good news behind the dire predictions. These words of the Savior were spoken just before His Passion. Jesus clearly sees what He must endure for your sake. He looks beyond His looming agony and foretells what we must endure for His sake.

To carry you home, Jesus will soon carry His cross. To follow Him home, you must carry your cross, too. For some, the cross is relatively light; minor inconveniences, petty prejudices, snide remarks, negative peer pressure, constantly navigating a world of vanishing values.

For others, the cross means martyrdom, either by the sword or by prejudice. Many face sanctions - ranging from death to imprisonment, harassment to expulsion.  

This Christian life is more than a marathon. It can also be a dangerous obstacle course. Expect to be tripped. Expect to fall. Endurance means more than just chugging alone. We must often pick ourselves up and get back into the race.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.  For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.  So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.^[2]

For endurance look not only to the cross, we look to the Resurrection. That’s because you know how this story ends…not in tragedy, but in triumph. That is the source of your strength, your hope, your joy. Let us run with perseverance…looking to Jesus…who endured the cross…so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.^[3] 

Thank you, Jesus. In Your love, we rejoice and endure.

---

[1] How Firm a Foundation stanza 2 Lutheran Service Book  © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[2]  2 Corinthians 4:8-12

[3] Hebrews 12

Time in the Word - Proper 27

Time in the Word:

Preparation for next week, Pentecost 25 Proper 27

The End of the World

The theme for this coming week’s theme deals with the theme of the end of the world. In the Gospel (Luke 21:5-9) Jesus tells us what will happen as He gives us signs of the end. Judgment is pronounced in the Old Testament lesson (Malachi 4:1-2a) as the wicked will be burned up but the righteous will be saved. In the Epistle lesson (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13) Paul teaches that we are not to be idle but to work and provide for our needs. We work until the end comes. Today’s world is in a terrible mess. Each generation seems to think that conditions are so bad that the Day of the Lord is nigh. What is the answer? Can the world be saved from destruction? Is the answer in an international army, or in strengthening the dollar abroad, or in raising the economic level of the Third World, or in the conquest of illiteracy? The lessons have other options to propose. What can be done about the world? Burn – God’s fire both destroys and restores – Malachi 4:1-6 Earn – Work while waiting for the end – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 – Warn – An opportunity to witness to the world – Luke 21:5-19

Time in the Word

11-16 November 2013

Preparation for next week, Pentecost 26 Proper 28

Monday, 11 November 2013— Psalm121:1-2, 5,7-8 antiphon, Luke 21:33—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray the words promised by the Savior, Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. The world is surely coming to an end. This is more noticeable as the days become shorter and as the church year is drawing to a close. Yet we need not fear. Our Savior has given us a wonderful promise. Every word He has given us will be fulfilled. Although the world passes away He word will never pass away.

Tuesday, 12 November 2013— Psalm 98 — This week’s psalm is a song to God the Victor. He comes to rule His kingdom. Let the whole world go wild with joy. Three stanzas progressively extend the call to ever wider circles – the worshiping congregation at the temple, all the people of the earth and the whole creation. The first stanza recalls God’s revelation of His righteousness (vs. 2) in the past; the last stanza speaks confidently of His coming rule “in righteousness.” (vs.9) The middle stanza is enclosed by the jubilant cry, “shout for joy” (Vv. 4, 6)

Wednesday, 13 November 2013— Malachi 4:1-6— Think of the end of he4 world in terms of the rising sun. It means a new day and a new era. Theun of God brings light and healing. When you are not feeling well, doesn’t lying in the warm sun make you feel better? The sun for us in the Son of God. When He rises in our lives, we can shine with gladness and hope. When He comes at the end of time, it is the beginning of an eternity of life and love. The end of the world is not to be feared nor dreaded but to be greed with the phrase, “Come Lord Jesus!”

Thursday, 14 November 2013—2 Thessalonians3:6-13— Jesus may return within a year. That means one year to love on earth! Or, put it this way: you have a terminal disease which will kill you within one year. What would you do with the time until the end? In Paul’s day, the Christians were convinced that Jesus would return shortly.

They gave up their jobs and were idly standing by as they waited for his coming day after day. Throughout history there have been groups of people convinced of Jesus’ immediate return – they quit their jobs, sold their property, took their children out of school and lived in a commune. What would you do? Paul encourages us to keep busy and to work until the end comes. See especially verses 10-13.

Friday, 15 November 2013- Luke 21:5-28 — Many believe we are living in the worst of times. Perhaps every generation says this. But has there been a generation with so much destructive power; nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communication, supersonic travel? Are we not on the edge of a worldwide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-ill many times over? What can a Christian do about it? We could hide or flee but where? In the passage Jesus calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances. The worst calls for us to be at our best – to feel secure in God’s protection and to endure until the end. See especially verses 18-19.

Saturday, 16 November 2013— Isaiah 28:16, 41:10; 43:1-7- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is How Firm a Foundation. (LSB #728). We need not fear the end of time for our faith has its foundation in the words and work of our Savior Jesus. As we sing this magnificent hymn tomorrow we can be confident that our Lord will sustain and guide us to the end.

Martin of Tours, pastor

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; we give Thee thanks for all those Thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them Thy mercy and the light of Thy presence, that the good work which Thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. 

Lord God of hosts, Your servant Martin the soldier embodied the spirit of sacrifice. He became a bishop in Your Church to defend the faith. Give us grace to follow in His steps so that when our Lord returns we may be clothed with the baptismal garrment of righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Time in the Word - Proper 27

 God of Glory

The goodness and greatness of God are brought out in the lessons for next Sunday. According to the Gospel (Luke 20:27-40) we serve an eternal God - A God of the living. God is eternal life and all who live in Him have this life. His glory is seen in His conquest of death. In the Old Testament lesson (Exodus 3:1-15) Moses encounters the living Lord through the burning bush. The bush is on fire yet is not consumed. Moses is commanded to take off his sandals for he is standing on holy ground. In the Epistle (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17) God is a faithful God a God of steadfast love. The days are getting shorter. The end of the church year is approaching. We are in the midst of harvest. The eternal and faithful Lord has prepared for Himself a harvest of souls. Will you be numbered with His saints? Our good and gracious God has a destiny for you. He is the God of glory.

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

God of power and mercy, protect us from all harm. Give us freedom of spirit and health in mind and body to do Your work on earth. WE ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper Twenty-seven: Living God, Your almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Grant us the fullness of Your grace to lay hold of Your promises and live forever in Your presence; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 148: God Most High, by Your Word You created a wondrous universe and through Your Spirit You breathed into it the breath of life. Accept creation’s hymn of praise from our lips, and let the praise that is sung in heaven resound in the heart of every creature on earth, to the glory of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Monday, 4 November  2013—Psalm 115:2-4, 8, 17-18 antiphon, Psalm 115:11—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray, You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. We trust in God because He holds Himself to His Word. We trust in Him because He has proven Himself to be faithful; faithful to His Word, faithful to His promises, faithful to His people.

Tuesday, 5 November 2013— Psalm 148 — Let the angels praise God. Let the sun, moon and stars praise God. Let the heavens shout, Hallelujah! Everything that it owes praise to the Creator; the angels in heaven, sun, moon, and stars; nature, the deep, every creature on earth and all mankind.

Wednesday, 6 November 2013— Exodus 3:1-15— The Lord promises Moses to come down and to rescue His people. Notice in verse 12 the Lord promises I will be with you. The Hebrew word translated “I will be” is the same as the one translated “I am” in verse 14. The sign the Lord gives to Moses is a visible proof or guarantee that what God has promised He would surely fulfill.

Thursday, 7 November 2013—2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17— Paul wishes that God’s blessings may come to His people. In a day of discouragement, depression, and despair many feel there is no hope out of their troubles. Some consider themselves or others as hopeless. Hope disappears when we think that things will never improve. Are we doomed to things as they are? But, there is hope, for hope is not based on us or on the world but on God. Hope is a gift of God. If we go to god, we can have hope. For hope is ultimately based on God’s nature. In verse 16 two eternal truths are brought forward. God loves us in Christ and God has saved you through the grace of Christ.

Are we a praying people? Prayer is a two-way communication between God and the believer. It should also be a two-way deal among Christians. As one prays for another, the other reciprocates in prayer. We need to pray for each other, for we all are in need of prayer. In our lesson Paul prays for his people and he asks them to pray for him. Here is an ideal situation between a pastor and the people. It would also work in the family and on the job.

Friday, 8 November 2013- Luke 20:27-40 — Heaven lacks a number of things; no stress, no hunger, no tears. Best of all there is no cemetery there, because there is no need for one. Heaven is where the living God is and where His people live in and with Him. These people do not die but share eternal life with Christ. There is no death in heaven because God is a God only of the living as people live in and to God. (vs. 38)

Saturday, 9 November 2013—2 Corinthians 12:9 - Matthew 8:23-27 - Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me. (LSB #715). This background of our hymn written in 1870 lies in the work of Edward Hopper, during his ministry at the “Church of the Sea and the Land,” in New York. He was noted for his work among the sailors, to whim he devoted the last years of his ministry in the Presbyterian Church. In common with many hymns, “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” was first written as a poem. It was first published in The Sailor’s Magazine in 1871 and later came to be used in hymnals. The second stanza of the hymn suggests the miracle of Jesus calming the waves, when He was with His disciples on the sea. The way of life is compared to a voyage on the sea. There are great waves threatening to destroy, rocks upon which our ship may break. But the power of Jesus in our hearts can smooth the waters and carry us on to safety in the harbor of Heaven.

Sources: Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 24 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY The Story of 50 Hymns © 1934 By General Mills, Inc Minneapolis, MN
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Proper 26

3 November 2013

Luke 19:1-10

November 3, 2013

Proper 26

"Salvation has come to this house!"

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

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

1.  He is also is a son of Abraham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    

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

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

Commemoration of the Faithful Departed

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

All Saints

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