Pr. DFD

Friday, April 5, 2024

Saturday prior to Easter 2

—The Hymn of the Day, All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name (LSB #549), is a hymn of praise, similar in content to the psalm, calling upon all people to praise the name of Jesus, God incarnate, who suffered, died, and rose for the salvation of all. Those on earth, those who have passed into glory and all the angels raise the strain of praise to our Lord forever and ever.

The Story Behind All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

Edward Perronet was born in Sundridge, England, in 1726 and died in Canterbury in 1792. His family came from the Huguenots of Switzerland, and according to The United Methodist Hymnal editor Carlton Young, “was closely associated with and esteemed by the Wesleys.”

The lyrics of this hymn, originally eight verses, were written by Edward Perronet in 1779. The first title was "On the Resurrection, the Lord is King". Only the first verse was originally published in the Gospel Magazine in November 1779 anonymously. All eight verses were later published in the April 1780 issue and were accompanied by an acrostic poem that spelled out Edward Perronet, revealing the author. Edward Perronet was ordained into the Anglican Church but eventually deferred to the evangelical movement of John and Charles Wesley.

The popularity of this late-18th-century hymn may be partially explained by the fact it is included in hymnals with as many as three different musical arrangements: CORONATION, DIADEM and MILES’ LANE. Each tune reflects a different cultural and denominational context in which this hymn is sung.

Collect for Easter 2— Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:.

https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/all-hail-the-power-of-jesus-name/

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Friday prior to Easter 2

—John 20:19–31—There are two appearances by the risen Christ in Sunday’s Gospel, each bringing us a great deal of comfort. In the first, Jesus establishes the Office of the Holy Ministry, and assures us that, in the words of the catechism, ‘when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they…absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself.’

As God breathed into Adam and he became a living soul, Jesus breathes upon the disciples. The Hebrew word for “spirit” is the word ruach, meaning ‘breath.’ At this time, according to John, the disciples received the Holy Spirit. This identifies the Holy Spirit with the spirit of Christ.

In the second appearance, our Lord appears to Thomas. Thomas wanted the certainty of seeing his risen Lord in the flesh, as the others had. When he beholds the wounds in the One who was crucified on our behalf, his faith is sure, and he confesses, ‘My Lord and My God!’ Thomas’s assurance is ours also. We need never doubt that our Lord is truly risen from the dead, ‘the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.’ (1 Corinthians 15:20)

Prayer for spiritual renewal: Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for those who care for others: Most merciful Father, You have committed to our love and care our fellow human beings and their necessities. Graciously be with and prosper all those who serve the sick and those in need. Let their service be abundantly blessed as they bring relief to the suffering, comfort to the sorrowing, and peace to the dying. Grant them the knowledge that inasmuch as they do it unto the least of the Master's brethren, they do it unto Him; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

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Easter 2 reflection

Today we enter the Easter season. In Lent our focus was on the cross. Now we look to the new life Jesus gives us. Because He is alive forever. None of us has seen the living Jesus. But we still believe even though we have not seen. The early disciples believed with their eyes. You believe with your ears. Because you believe all that the Bible tells you.

There are plenty of things that are difficult to prove. Especially in the story of the resurrection. But we know from the Bible that Jesus rose. And that He appeared to His disciples. He also told them that those who believe without sight are especially blessed.

Collect for Easter 2 Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God.

In our gospel lesson today, Thomas had a hard time believing what others tried to tell him. The story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after Easter is so exciting. Imagine watching Him die. And feeling so upset. And then seeing Him alive again! But Thomas missed out.

He wasn’t there in the room when Jesus came. Thomas didn’t see Jesus personally.

He did not believe what his friends told him about witnessing Jesus. Thomas promised that he wouldn’t believe it until he saw Jesus face to face.

When Jesus did show up later. And showed His wounds. Thomas must have felt embarrassed. But the wonderful thing is that Jesus said “blessed are those who have not seen, and yet still believe.” Jesus was talking about you!

He commended people who believed in Him without witnessing face to face. Do you know who that is? That’s you! You haven’t physically seen Jesus. But you can still believe in Him.

How? How do you know about Jesus? The Bible tells us. Remember they song? “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so!” We might hear about Jesus from other people, and that is great.

But we have the word of GOD, most importantly.

We have the stories of the Bible, and we know what God’s word says is true. In order to trust someone or something, we have to know that it is trustworthy. God has most definitely proved Himself trustworthy. He does what He says He’ll do. His promises are real and are true.

Some people might make promises that they cannot keep. The promises Jesus gives us are always true. They are always good for us. And Jesus has promise He will keep every word He has given us.

The Bible gives us great hope. We can’t see God. But we see His evidence. And know He gives us life. The Bible is God’s word. Given to us so that we can know and believe!

Prayer: LORD Thank you for saving us. Thank you for your love. Help us to believe. Even in what we cannot see. Thank you for Jesus! In His name. Amen

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Thursday prior to Easter 2

1 John 1:1—2:2—If we confess our sin, God forgives us, for Jesus’ sake.

St. John, in his epistle, assures us that his knowledge of Christ is from a first-hand experience. John testifies to the fact of Christ’s resurrection by recounting how he has seen the resurrected Savior, how he has heard him, and how he has touched Him. We need have no doubt that Christ is risen from the dead, and therefore, has forgiven all our sins.

John explains that the message Christ gave these witnesses: God’ is light. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with him and with each other. To sin is to live in darkness. For this reason Christ came to the world; to expiate the sins of the world. To deny sin is to be untruthful. To confess sin is to be forgiven by God for Jesus’ sake.

John uses a strong word; “expiation.” Expiation is more than covering our sin. Expiation eradicates sin. John says the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin. (v.7) Blood means life and Jesus’ sacrifice of his life on the cross made it possible for our sin to be washed away.

This leaves us spiritually clean and acceptable to God. It was Jesus’ sacrifice that satisfied the justice of God. Grace is the fact that God paid the price for us in Jesus.

Prayer for teaching the faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, even as You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know Your eternal truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for faith, hope, and love: Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Sources:

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book (2006) Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Wednesday prior to Proper 9

[1]

Isaiah 66:10–14—Those who remained faithful to the Lord during the days when Isaiah prophesied in Judah had reason to mourn over Jerusalem: hypocrisy, unbelief, and idolatry were common among the people. Likewise, through the ages, including our own, God’s faithful people have reason to mourn when they see the condition of the visible Church: rejection of the authority of the Word of God, acceptance of sins, rather than forgiveness of sins, being preached, and so on. Yet, we know that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Lord’s Church (Matthew 16:18), so we can rejoice. We can rejoice, for the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ provides nourishment, comfort, and abundance for our souls. As a mother nurses her child, so we are nursed by the Holy Word of God.

Under the theme “The Nature of God’s Kingdom” Isaiah tells us of life in the New Jerusalem. There is reason to rejoice for God blesses her with prosperity and comfort.

The birth of a baby is a miracle, a wonder to behold. Thus, Isaiah begins this oracle with the exhortation to rejoice in Jerusalem. Don’t mourn for her! She is not dead! Her inhabitants have been carted off into long captivity in Babylon and it would seem that there is no life in her; yet she is very much alive. The LORD will cause her to bring forth sons who will rejoice in her.

Isaiah’s prophecy breaks into our gloom and doom with a startling announcement; Like Jerusalem of old, the LORD’s church is very much alive! Despite appearances, it is not yet time to mourn over her. The LORD has begotten a Son twice; once in eternity and once in time, as He sent His only begotten Son into the world that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. And this Son has “given birth” to His Church. It is His church, it is His body. He has brought it into existence through His life, death and resurrection and He will maintain it and make it prosper.

Collect for Proper 9: Almighty God, You have built Your Church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. Continue to send Your messengers to preserve Your people in true peace that, by the preaching of Your Word, Your Church may be kept free from hard and danger; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[2] Amen

Collect for Wednesday of the week of Pentecost 4: Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope and love; and that we may obtain what you have promised, make us love what you have commanded; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3]

Wednesday prior to Easter 2

—Acts 4:32–35—St. Luke gives us a snapshot of the early Church in Jerusalem. Reflecting the love that Christ has for us, they loved each other by taking care of one another. Two thousand years later, we can reflect that same love of Jesus for us by caring for one another.

The early Christians prayed dynamically, witnessed boldly, and shared their possessions unselfishly.

The first Christians had everything in common: a common faith, love for God, possession of the Spirit, and a common concern for each other as members of God’s family. What they had in common enabled them to have a community, and in that community they were able to communicate with each other and with Christ. To have commonality is to have a oneness. Yet, like all of us today, they were people of many difference; age, talents, education, size, weight, etc. The common faith welded all of these differences of people into a community of love.

What did the Apostles preach? What power they gave a gospel of the Resurrection. The Resurrection then was the keystone of the Christian faith. Take out the Resurrection and the gospel falls apart because then it is no longer good news! The Resurrection assures us that Jesus is the Son of God whose death was a sacrifice for sin. The central theme of every sermon must still be Christ crucified and risen.

Prayer for the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for life as a baptized child of God: Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You called us to be Your own possession. Grant that our lives may evidence the working of Your Holy Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

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Monday, April 1, 2024

Tuesday prior to Easter 2

—Psalm 148—In Sunday’s psalm, the psalmist calls upon all of creation—those on the earth, those under the sea, and those in the heavens—to join in a chorus of praise to the LORD. Animate and inanimate, all of creation proclaims the glory of the LORD.

Psalm 148 is part of the Psalter’s concluding section that offers and calls for praise to the Lord.

Psalms 146-150 are linked by the words “praise the Lord” that appear in the first and last verse of each psalm. Psalm 148 focuses on God’s control of the created order as reason for praise. But verse 14 also hints at God’s salvation of Israel as reason to celebrate God’s might.

Psalm 148 is a glorious Psalm of praise to the LORD! There is no doubt, after reading this Psalm, that the LORD alone is to be praised above all, for there is no other one like Him. Not only are we commanded to praise the LORD, but all of creation; from the heavens above to the earth beneath, are called to praise Him.

As verses 9-12 make clear, human beings stand in alongside other animals and the inanimate objects of the earth to praise God. This suggests that the human exercise of dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26, 28) is intended to be a partnership for the good of creation and ultimately to give glory to God. As stewards there is a great responsibility to care for and preserve of the natural resources the LORD has given us.

In spring new life returns back to the once dormant earth. Soon, area farmers will return to their fields in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. As the world awakens from a long winter’s slumber the entire earth breaks forth in celebration of the life around us. This particular Psalm is appropriate for use in this Easter season.

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 creations’ hymn of praise from our lips, and let the praise that is sung in heaven resound in the heart of ever creature on earth, to the glory of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

A Prayer for Agriculture – Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper, we implore You, the work of farmers, grant them seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruit of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving. May we see by this noble vocation that with Your help they feed the world. And cause all those who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with both honor and respect; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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