Pr. DFD

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Thursday prior to Proper 15

Hebrews 11:17–31; 12:1–3—The epistle for Sunday continues in the great chapter of faith, recounting Abraham’s testing, Moses, and also the Children of Israel. Therefore, says the writer—that is, since we since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses—we ought to follow their example, and also cling in faith to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, the One through whom we have salvation by His death, and the One through whom we have salvation by His gift to us of faith in that salvific death.

For the Christian life is a matter of keeping and living by faith. In Hebrews 11 we were given a long list of people of the faith. “Therefore” of our text refers to the faithful of Hebrews 11. On the basis of others’ faith and in the light of their faith we are exhorted to run the race of faith. The analogy of an athletic contest is used. In our generation of sports craze, it is an appropriate analogy to running the race of faith. This subject of faith may be harmonized with the theme of the day – the fire of faith needs to burn endlessly in us.

“A great crowd of witnesses” best illustrates that we are in a relay race where those who have finished their course and handed in their baton are watching and encouraging their successors.

“Throw off everything that hinders,” is not necessarily “sin” but a hindrance that could lead to sin, as sin is such as crippling hindrance to good running. Thus, we are to throw off any situation that would be open to sin. We are called to win the race which is long and up-hill. A lot of determination will be needed over the long course of life.

Prayer for grace to receive the Word: Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear 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. Amen. [2]

Collect for Thursday of the Week of Pentecost 9: Almighty God, I bless Thee that Thy banner over us is love. Help us keep our eyes upon it. May we fight under on other banner, and may all our contentions and strivings be in the spirit of Christian love! Let love be kindled in my heart today, and let it blaze and burn for Thee. Amen – JH Jowett -11 August, 2022 [3]

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Wyneken Opening Chapel

1 Corinthians 15:57-58
Won by One

Our Wyneken staff at the conclusion of last year’s term chose today’s theme. Now hear the word of our LORD. “But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ. Therefore my brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that in the LORD your labor is not in vain.”

LORD give these children a thirst for knowledge. Wisdom. And understanding. May their hearts be read to learn this year. At home. Church. And school. Open their minds. May they crave knowledge. And seek it out. For the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Give strength to our teachers. Guidance to their parents. And an eternal perspective and purpose to our students. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Victory is defined. As overcoming. Or winning. In a competition. Or struggle. Over an opponent. Or when facing some difficult problem. You have already been given this victory. The victory is yours!

The apostle John teaches – “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world. Even our faith.” -1 John 5:4

1. There is victory for those in Christ Jesus.

A. There is victory over sin.

The coming of Jesus into our world changes everything. For we do not have a God who is too proud to know His people. Or, a God content to rule from a great distance. Or, a God whose majesty was just too awesome for us to behold.

We have the complete opposite. Jesus is the only ONE who experienced the very same humanity, the very same problems, the very same challenges that you do.

No. You do not walk this road alone. Jesus is the ONE who came down from heaven. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Surely, he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed.”- Isaiah 53:3-5

Behold Christ’s Cross. He did this by Himself, suffering an unjust arrest, by Himself being killed most unfairly. Jesus – the most righteous ONE – the only perfectly righteous ONE – He would be arrested, tried, and put to death, when it was clear he was entirely not guilty.

On His cross, your sin became His. Your troubles His burdens. He died your death. Only to rise again. Look to His cross for your every burden in life. While the world spins, the cross stands!

B. There is victory of death.

St. Paul explains so clearly. “But in fact, Christ has been raise from the dead.” –V.20 Every day, You can say confidently. “Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.” For in fact He is! And because He lives. You will live also. We are always Easter people.

C. There is victory over the devil.

John will go on to explain: “Little children. You are from God. And have overcome them. For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”-1 John 4:4

Transition: Most of you. Before school started. Had to go to the doctor. For a checkup. Since the doctor has given you a clean bill of health. You can now return to school. With the sure confidence that you can successfully carry on your work.

2. This confidence does not disappoint.

A. Stand firm.

St Paul encourages us, Be on the alert. Stand firm. Be steadfast. Immovable. Always abounding in the work of the LORD. – V.58

B. Let nothing move you.

For you are anchored and grounded in Christ. Will there be challenges in this school year? Of course so. But you are not alone. Peter encourages us with these sure words, “Resist him. Firm in your faith. Knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being experiences by your brotherhood throughout the world.” – 1 Peter 5:9 Let nothing move you.

C. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.

King Solomon reminds us, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” – Ecclesiastes 9:10 the LORD’s work began at creation. The LORD created you to join Him in service. The work of the LORD includes what you do every day. In your work as students and teaches motivates you to work with energy and excellence.

Each of you are created with talents, abilities and gifts. To be used for the glory of God and in serviced to your neighbor. That’s what school is for – To discover the abilities the LORD has given you. And then to use them for the glory of God and service toward your neighbor. Like the cleaning company Service Master_{TM –}In all that you do is for Service to the Master.

D. Know this. You labor in the LORD is not in vain.

You rush to school. Every day. Where you spend long hours. And spend tremendous amounts of energy. And what’s the reward? A good grade? A gold star? A paycheck? A pat on the back? Is the reward worth the time and energy? It is all worth it. For your labor is in the LORD.

What is the LORD’s work? Every time you pray for another person. Every time you speak words of cheer and encouragement. Every time you give of yourself. Your time. Your resources to relieve suffering.

Every time you give God glory for His grace and for His mercy. This is the work of the LORD that you do here at Wyneken. Every. Single. Day.

Another school year begins with possibilities. Challenges. Potential. Will it be a good year? The ONE who loves you with an everlasting love - wins you. Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School – Godspeed and God Bless.

Words-990
Passive Sentences –5%
Readability – 82.6%
Reading Level -3.4

Wednesday prior to Proper 15

[1]

“The Fire of God’s Word” is the theme for this coming week.

The readings for this coming Sunday focus upon the Word of God as a fire. In the Gospel (Luke 12:49-53) the fire of God’s Word divides. Jesus, the incarnate Word says He came to send fire upon the earth resulting in not harmony but in division in the most intimate and integrated areas of life, the family. In the Old Testament lesson (Jeremiah 23”23-29) the fire of God’s Word destroys. Here the LORD describes His Word as a fire which destroys. In the Epistle lesson (Hebrews 12:1-13) the fire of God’s Word disciplines. The writer explains suffering as a discipline of God. Since discipline is allied with cleansing, the theme of the Word as fire can be seen as well.

Jeremiah 23:16–29—In the time when Jeremiah prophesied (late 7th and early 6th century B.C.), there was no shortage of false prophets, purporting to speak for the LORD, but really speaking only their own words and what the people wanted to hear. Not much has changed in the intervening 2,700 years. Many people are still drawn to false prophets who prophesy lies and speak that which people want to hear, in order to grow wealthy from the donations of those whom they dupe. Even though it may not lead to churches which are bursting at the seams, orthodox Lutheran pastors must speak [the LORD’s] word faithfully (v. 28).

Nations are ever seeking the latest weapons in sophistication and power. God has the best weapons which cannot be improved; His Word which Jeremiah describes as a fire and hammer. The Lord needs this weapon in the conflict with evil. In Jeremiah’s day the conflict was between the words and dreams of the prophets and the true Word proclaimed by Jeremiah. The Word of God is still the only weapon of the Christian. In His Hymn ‘A Mighty Fortress” Luther referred to this weapon against Satan, “One little word shall fell him.”

An emphasis today has been on the immanence of God. God has become localized, and humanized to the point that God has become to some more of a man then God. While his immanence is an essential attribute, we must not overlook His transcendence. This is the point Jeremiah is making in our lesson. God is also one who is far off. The prophets of history were making God too little and intimate. God was to be understood as One above and beyond the petty wishes and promises of the false prophets. His Word has a majesty and a power that transcended all human thinking and efforts.

Collect for the Pentecost Season: Merciful Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [2]

Collect for Wednesday of the week of Pentecost 10: Grant us Lord, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are pleasing in your sight that we, who without you cannot do anything that is good, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Hoy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3] -10 August 2022

Monday, August 8, 2022

Tuesday prior to Proper 15

[1]

Psalm 119:81–88—The psalm appointed for next Sunday is very similar to the Introit, as it is written by one who is burdened—in this case, by his persecutors. Whence can he—and we—find salvation? The psalmist is confident as he prays, I hope in your word; My eyes long for your promise. The promise of salvation from the persecution of sin and death has been fulfilled in the death and resurrection of the Son of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Vv. 81-82 Seeking comfort in the word of God.

My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word.
My eyes fail from searching Your word,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”

a. My soul faints for Your salvation: The psalmist gives a sense of desperation. His soul aches for God, so much that it faints in waiting for the salvation he needs. Yet he has hope in God’s word.

i. Faints has the idea of “coming to the end.” It is same verb in a slightly different form is used in verse 87: They almost made an end of me. Fainting is a loss of strength; a collapse. Here the psalmist felt that his soul was so weak, so empty of strength, that it was unable to stand.

ii. This place of desperate yet not despairing is known to the followers of God. The Apostle Paul related something of this in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…. In it all, Paul could say, …we have the same spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13).

iii. Your salvation: What he wanted was God’s salvation. “He wished for no deliverance but that which came from God, his one desire was for ‘thy salvation.’ But for that divine deliverance he was eager to the last degree.”

b. But I hope in Your word: In contrast to the sense of weakness and failing, the psalmist found hope and strength in God’s word. 1 Thessalonians speaks of the endurance (patience) of hope (1:3), and refers to the hope of salvation as a protecting helmet (5:8).

c. My eyes fail from searching Your word: This indicates how diligently the psalmist read and studied God’s word. He studied so hard that his eyes hurt. One reason he loved God’s word so much was because he studied it so intently. God’s word yields its treasures to us in proportion to our searching it.

d. Saying, “When will You comfort me?” This was why the psalmist searched so diligently. It was to find comfort in his present distress. Personal need continues to be a greater motivation for diligent study than theological curiosity.

· Comfort will come when we put away unbelief.

· Comfort will come when we are finished complaining.

· Comfort will come when we put away the sin that we tolerate.

· Comfort will come when we fulfill the duties we have neglected.

iii. When we reach out to God in obedient faith, His comfort is always available. The pain may continue, but God’s comfort is there.[2]

Collect for Psalm 119: Lord, your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord. [3]

Collect for Tuesday of the week of Pentecost 9: O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen [4] - 09 August, 2022

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-119/

[4] ibid

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Monday prior to Proper 15

[1]

Psalm 55:1, 12–14, 16; antiphon, Psalm 55:22—When we are burdened, either by the troubles of this world or by the guilt and consequence of sin, we are exhorted to cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Who are they who are righteous? Those who are righteous by faith in the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, as we learned in the readings for yesterday (Sunday). Whenever we call on God, the LORD saves us (v. 16).

PSALM 55 – TRUSTING GOD AGAINST A TREACHEROUS ENEMY

The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David. The psalm describes a time of some kind of rebellion or power struggle against David, and a key leader in the struggle was a trusted associate who betrayed David. The city is dangerous because of the rebellion, and David cries out to God. Most commentators fit this psalm to Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18) and the trusted associate as Ahithophel. Parts of this psalm seem to fit Absalom’s rebellion, but some parts don’t. It’s hard to imagine David wishing Absalom to hell (Psalm 55:15) when he didn’t even want him to die. It may be that the events connected with this psalm are unrecorded in the sacred history of the life of David. [2]

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire . . . and like a hammer which shatters a rock” (Jeremiah 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross—recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus has also conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Collect for Psalm 55: Lord Jesus, you were rejected by your people, betrayed by the kiss of a friend, and deserted by your disciples. In our trouble, give us the confidence that you had in the Father and the assurance of our salvation now and forever. [3]

Collect for Monday of the week of Pentecost 9: God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life. Touched by your hand our world is holy. Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters and to experience the joy of life in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [4] -08 August 2022

[2]https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-55/

[4] ibid

Proper 15 Series C

Jeremiah 23:16–29

Hebrews 11:17–31 (32–40); 12:1–3

Luke 12:49–53 (54–56)

Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire … and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jeremiah 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to interpret the appearance of earth and sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross — recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus also has conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear 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;

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

Jesus longingly states in Sunday’s Gospel, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49). Note how Christ longs for this fire-kindling event to be finished.

This fire-kindling statement is describing the same event that Christ illustrates in His next statement: “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!” (v. 50). Even as Christ desires that the fire already be kindled, so He states how He is distressed until He is baptized.

Of such baptism the Old Testament repeatedly speaks of God’s wrath being poured upon His enemies. Some examples: “Ps. 79:6: “Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you.” Jer. 10:25: “Pour out your wrath on the nations that know you not, and on the peoples that call not on your name.” Ez. 20:8: “Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them and spend my anger against them [rebellious Israel].” Hosea 5:10: “…upon them [rebellious Judah] I will pour out my wrath like water.” Zeph. 3:8: “For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.” [Other examples: Psalm 69:24; 2 Chronicles 12:7; 34:21]. Likely this pouring out of God’s anger is the Baptism of which Christ speaks in Luke 12. It is the Baptism deserved by the unbelieving nations, it is the Baptism deserved by rebellious Israel and her sister Judah…It is the Baptism of God’s wrath that we each deserve to have poured upon us. What event marks this Baptism of Jesus and His kindling of fire on the earth? The cross!

At the cross Jesus would have God’s burning wrath poured upon Him. Christ is made to be sin (2 Cor. 5:21) and thus He will receive the hell fire deserved by every human—past, present and future. No wonder Jesus describes the great distress He feels as He anticipates receiving this Baptism of God’s angry river of lava to be poured upon Him in our place.

What then is the result of Christ’s cruciform “Baptism”? It will spark a fire on the earth, a fire consisting of the wrath of those whose sin is exposed. God’s people are baptized with soothing water, and thus they are brought into and established in Christ’s kingdom. But unbelievers around the world will spend their fiery anger on believers. This anger will even strike home as there will be unbelieving parents fired up against believing children, unbelieving children angry as hell against believing parents, unbelievers in families extended through marriage—unbelieving in-laws as parents or children—wanting to cremate alive their corresponding Christian in-laws.. The wrath of the unbelievers will lash out with the flames of words and deeds against the people of God.

But fear not, dear baptized people of God, in Christ you are fireproof. The fire-absorbing Savior arose from the dead and His gracious victory is for time and for eternity. Presently you remain soaked with the water of Baptism, and the flaming words and deeds cannot consume you wet-ones. The worst that can happen is death—but you realize you are baptized into Christ’s victory, and in Him and His love you are overwhelmingly conquerers. Neither the fire of God’s wrath nor the fiery words and deeds of unbelievers can harm you—for you are in Christ.

Not Peace, but Division

"The tension in the call to live in the world, but not be of the world has some Christians aping the world, others trying to escape it. Both options leave us functioning as exiles. Jesus calls us to follow him as pilgrims, and that tension is the exact shape of a narrow road." - Michelle Van Loon

Luke 12.49

Πῦρ ἦλθον βαλεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ τί θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη;

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!

-I desire it. Jesus saw this fire and embraced it.

Luke 12. 50

βάπτισμα δὲ ἔχω βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ πῶς συνέχομαι ἕως ὅτου τελεσθῇ.

I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!

-This baptism is the distress of the cross. See Luke 3:16. The wrath of an offended God will be poured out upon Him. See His prayer in the Garden.

Luke 12.51

δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ; οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ διαμερισμόν.

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

-Division, dissension, separation and strife will come.

-God is not nice but He’s good. “Of course He’s not safe, He’s the King, but He’s good.” – CS Lewis

Luke 12.52

ἔσονται γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν πέντε ἐν ἑνὶ οἴκῳ διαμεμερισμένοι, τρεῖς ἐπὶ δυσὶν καὶ δύο ἐπὶ τρισίν,

For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.

-There will be division from now on, from this point. It is the cross which divides.

Luke 12.53

διαμερισθήσονται πατὴρ ἐπὶ υἱῷ καὶ υἱὸς ἐπὶ πατρί, μήτηρ ἐπὶ θυγατέρα καὶ θυγάτηρ ἐπὶ τὴν μητέρα, πενθερὰ ἐπὶ τὴν νύμφην αὐτῆς καὶ νύμφη ἐπὶ τὴν πενθεράν.

They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

- There will be a continuous division from now on.

- In the Church Christ trumps all earthly ties even to family.

______________________

Time in the Word - Proper 15

Proper 15

August 08-13, 2022

Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire . . . and like a hammer which shatters a rock” (Jer. 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross—recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus has also conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1–2).

Prayer for blessing on the Word: 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 the 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. Amen.

Monday, 08 August 2022—Psalm 55:1, 12–14, 16; antiphon, Psalm 55:22—When we are burdened, either by the troubles of this world or by the guilt and consequence of sin, we are exhorted to cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Who are they who are righteous? Those who are righteous by faith in the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, as we learned in the readings for yesterday (Sunday). Whenever we call on God, the LORD saves us (v. 16).

Tuesday, 09 August 2022—Psalm 119:81–88—The psalm appointed for next Sunday is very similar to the Introit, as it is written by one who is burdened—in this case, by his persecutors. Whence can he—and we—find salvation? The psalmist is confident as he prays, I hope in your word; My eyes long for your promise. The promise of salvation from the persecution of sin and death has been fulfilled in the death and resurrection of the Son of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, 10 August 2022—Jeremiah 23:16–29—In the time when Jeremiah prophesied (late 7th and early 6th century B.C.), there was no shortage of false prophets, purporting to speak for the LORD, but really speaking only their own words and what the people wanted to hear. Not much has changed in the intervening 2,700 years. Many people are still drawn to false prophets who prophesy lies and speak that which people want to hear, in order to grow wealthy from the donations of those whom they dupe. Even though it may not lead to churches which are bursting at the seams, orthodox Lutheran pastors must speak [the LORD’s] word faithfully (v. 28).

Thursday, 11 August 2022—Hebrews 11:17–31; 12:1–3—The epistle for Sunday continues in the great chapter of faith, recounting Abraham’s testing, Moses, and also the Children of Israel. Therefore, says the writer—that is, since we since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses—we ought to follow their example, and also cling in faith to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, the One through whom we have salvation by His death, and the One through whom we have salvation by His gift to us of faith in that salvific death.

Friday, 12 August 2022—Luke 12:49–53—In this world, we will always have trouble, for we are not of the world (John 15:19). We can expect that those of the world will persecute us, as it did the psalmist in the Psalm for the Day; the devil will try to burden us with guilt, like the psalmist in the Introit; the world will demand that the truth of God is suppressed, and that preachers preach what they want to hear, as in the Old Testament reading, and that, even in our families, there will be division because of the Gospel of Christ. This is because the world is in bondage to sin and the devil, and these things are opposed to God and His loving kindness, grace, and mercy. But, if we continue in faith, we shall endure to the end, and shall receive the crown of everlasting righteousness and eternal life with God in heaven.

Saturday, 13 August 2022—How do we overcome the sin, the devil, the world and its hatred of us. Sunday’s Hymn of the Day has the answer: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word (LSB #655). This great hymn by Martin Luther is a prayer that God would guard and keep us from all those who wish to do us spiritual or physical harm. The Lord does this through the proclamation and preaching of His Word, and by the Sacraments—the Word of God combined with earthly elements, which preserve us in the one true faith until He takes us from this vale of tears to Himself in heaven.

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