Wednesday prior to Easter 4

[1]

Acts 20:17–35—The devil hates Jesus, and hates all whom He has redeemed, that is, the Christian Church. In this farewell address by St Paul to the pastors at Ephesus, where Paul had served for a year and a half, he warns that the devil will try to attack the flock of God by way of false teaching. False teaching slips into a congregation subtly, speaking things which appeal to people and their feelings, shifting the focus from what God has done for us in Christ to what we can do for God. We must ever be on our guard, that the whole counsel of God is taught among us, especially the forgiveness of sins earned for us by Jesus Christ, by the shedding of His own blood.

This passage taken from Acts 20 is given to an entirely Christian audience. It’s Paul’s handoff of ministry responsibility to the Ephesian elders before he departs for Jerusalem.  The LORD gave Paul a message and a mission that created a ministry.  The reading can be broken down in this way.

Paul’s Message (vv.17-21) Paul did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable.

Paul’s Mission (vv. 22-27) Paul is headed to Jerusalem even though imprisonment and afflictions await him.

This Ministry (vv. 28-35) Be alert, knowing you are commended to God and the word of His grace.

Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter: Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; 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]-

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[1] The Good Shepherd by William Dyce https://www.flickr.com/photos/17903031@N00/7819877018

[2] Collect for Easter 4, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St., Louis

 

Tuesday prior to Easter 4

[1]

Psalm 23—All three readings for Sunday use sheep and flock imagery. It is no surprise, then, that the Psalm of the Day is the beloved Twenty-third Psalm. It speaks of the Good Shepherd, whom we know is our Lord Jesus. He brings true peace and comfort to us, even in the presence of our enemies and when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, for He has overcome all enemies. Even as our enemies—sin, death, and the devil—surround us, we take comfort in the table He has prepared before us. At the Lord’s Table, He feeds us with His body and blood, given and shed for us for the remission of all our sins. We have true peace, for we have peace with God.

Psalm 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd and Host

Like many others, this beloved psalm bears the simple title A Psalm of David. Most account it to be a psalm of David’s maturity, but with vivid remembrance of his youth as a shepherd. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “I like to recall the fact that this psalm was written by David, probably when he was a king. He had been a shepherd, and he was not ashamed of his former occupation.”

“It [Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching grief’s, of orphans in their loneliness. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter’s angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. It has made the dying Christian slave freer than his master, and consoled those whom, dying, he left behind mourning, not so much that he was gone, as because they were left behind, and could not go, too.”

“Millions of people have memorized this psalm, even those who have learned few other Scripture portions. Ministers have used it to comfort people who are going through severe personal trials, suffering illness, or dying. For some, the words of this psalm have been the last they have ever uttered in life.”  [2]

Collect for Psalm 23: Lord Jesus Christ, shepherd of your Church, you give us new birth in the waters of baptism, and you anoint us with oil, and call us to salvation at your table. Dispel the terrors of death and the darkness of error, Lead your people along safe paths, that they may rest securely in you and dwell in the house of the Lord now and forever, for your name’s sake [3]. -

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[1] The icon on the cover shows Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In the upper corners, we see the stylized letters IC and XC, which are abbreviations for Jesus Christ in Greek. The Greek words on either side of the head of Christ say Ο ΠΟΙΜΗΝ Ο ΚΑΛΟΣ, meaning “The Good Shepherd.” Again, notice the pierced hands of the Good Shepherd who lays up His life for the sheep. Copyright © Google Images

 

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-23/

[3] Collect for Psalm 23, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Easter 4 Reflection

 

Shepherd & Sheep

When are children were little. Our neighbors down the road raised dairy cows. On a nice and sunny day we could walk down the road just to stare at the cows in the pasture.

We could look at them. And even talk to them. But they would just sit and stare back at us.

But as soon as our neighbor would talk or whistle. The entire herd would perk up their ears and head back to the barn!

And why was this true? Because the cows knew the voice of their Master. They would listen to his voice. Because they trust him.

In our Bible reading for today Jesus calls Himself “the Good Shepherd.” He says, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them.” This is wonderful good news. Because Jesus is your Good Shepherd you know His voice. And you know of His love and tender care.

Today Jesus your good shepherd gives you a wonderful word and promise. He will say “I give them eternal life. And they will never perish. And no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Law/Gospel Theme: Our lesson comes from an important passage of John’s Gospel. Jesus is questioned about His identity and responds by telling us that His true sheep know His voice.  We can be a “sheep.” And know what Jesus tells us.

Sometimes it is challenging to know who or what we can trust. We know that we need a savior. And it’s important to know that what Christ said was true.

Jesus’ words in the Bible are true. And His grace is also available to us now. We show that we are followers (“sheep”) of Jesus when we do what obeys God. We recognize His voice by reading the Bible, praying, and focusing on Him.

Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, union; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen[1]

Hymn: 40 How Firm a Foundation

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.  In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

John 10:22-30

22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.

24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”[2]

Hymn: 39 Holy, Holy, Holy, LORD God Almighty

In the Gospel lesson today. Jesus talked about recognizing His voice.

Some people came and asked Him if He was really the  Savior. Jesus responded by saying that His sheep knew Him. There are several times in the Bible that Jesus called Himself a good shepherd. Saying that He would take care of His people.

And who are you? You are a sheep of His fold. A lamb of His flock. On of his own redeeming.

Here, Jesus is saying that His followers recognized the voice of their Shepherd.  Sadly others missed it.

Jesus said that His sheep, those who truly followed Him, knew His voice.

So what does that matter for us? How can we be sheep? We know that Jesus is good because He rose from the grave. And the claims of the Bible are true.

You follow the Good Shepherd. We know that the promises Jesus made are good. He promises to provide blessing and strength as you follow Him.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish–ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!”

Jesus’ eternal promises are for you.

1.       He gives eternal life.

2.    He promises that we will never perish.

3.    He promises that no one will ever be able to snatch us out of His hand.

How do we recognize His voice? By being familiar with who Jesus is and what He says.

You read the Bible and look to the Word of God for information about Christ. You pray and ask for understanding and wisdom.

You think about things that are true, and lovely, and Holy, and you rest in the guidance and peace of God.

A good shepherd leads his sheep to calm. Clean water. As a good shepherd. The Lord guides us to green pasture. That is, He provides for us. Giving  abundance. Rest. And peace. Jesus. The Good Shepherd. Provides all this care for you.

David writes that the Lord provides rest in green pastures. And guides us to still waters. Shepherds  do not "drive" their sheep. Instead of pushing the herd from behind. They walked ahead of the flock, which followed. 

Shepherds needed to guide their sheep to green pasture. Otherwise. The sheep would go hungry.

Sheep will not drink from a rushing stream. Nor will they instinctively seek out clean water. —They are prone to drinking whatever is nearby. A good shepherd leads his sheep to calm, clean water.

As a good shepherd, the Lord guides us to green pasture. He provides well for us. Giving in abundance. Rest. And peace. Jesus. The Good Shepherd. Provides all this care for His own. He gives us rest. Abundance. And peace.

You are precious because of what Jesus has invested in you and continues to invest.

As we go through this week, let’s listen carefully so we can understand what He might have for us!

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for your forgiveness in Jesus. Thank you for the Bible and its truth. Thank you for the Bible and its truth. Thank you for calling us yours. Help us to follow you and serve you all our days.

As the Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

As the Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

As the Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

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Image copyright Agus Day 

[1] Prayer of St. Francis

[2] New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday prior to Easter 4

[1]

Psalm 78:70–72; 79:13; antiphon, John 10:14, 15b—Sunday’s theme of the Good Shepherd Who Cares for His Sheep is set by the Introit. The Good Shepherd is really a Noble Shepherd, who loves the sheep of His flock so much that He lays down His life for the sheep. He guides us with His skillful hand throughout our lives into His eternal kingdom. In response, we can do nothing else than give thanks to Him forever, and make future generations aware of all the Good Shepherd has done for them by recounting His praise, and by making known to all the salvation we have through His death and resurrection.

The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came from the Father and became flesh among us in order to rescue us, His sheep. He laid down His life for us and took it up again in order to give us eternal life. By the preaching of His Gospel, He calls His sheep to Himself and keeps them with Him forever. As they hear His voice and follow Him, “they will never perish” (John 10:28), for “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). In the same way, faithful pastors (literally, “shepherds”) “care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood” (Acts 20:28), “testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Therefore, with all the company of heaven, the Good Shepherd gathers his flock in worship, as they cry: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10).

Collect for Psalm 78: Lord Jesus Christ, shepherd of your Church, to strengthen our faith and to lead us to the kingdom, you renewed and surpassed the marvels of the old covenant. Through the uncertainties of this earthly journey, lead us home to the everlasting pastures, where we may praise you now and forever. [2]

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[1] The icon on the cover shows Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In the upper corners, we see the stylized letters IC and XC, which are abbreviations for Jesus Christ in Greek. The Greek words on either side of the head of Christ say Ο ΠΟΙΜΗΝ Ο ΚΑΛΟΣ, meaning “The Good Shepherd.” Again, notice the pierced hands of the Good Shepherd who lays up His life for the sheep. Copyright © Google Images

 

[2] Collect for Psalm 78, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Easter 4 Series C study notes

 

Series C
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 

Acts 20:17–35
Revelation 7:9–17
John 10:22–30

 Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter:

Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; 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.

 The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came from the Father and became flesh among us in order to rescue us, His sheep. He laid down His life for us and took it up again in order to give us eternal life. By the preaching of His Gospel, He calls His sheep to Himself and keeps them with Him forever. As they hear His voice and follow Him, “they will never perish” (John 10:28), for “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). In the same way, faithful pastors (literally, “shepherds”) “care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28), “testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Therefore, with all the company of heaven, the Good Shepherd gathers his flock in worship, as they cry: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10).

 

John 10:22-30

I and the Father Are One

John 10:22 –

Ἐγένετο [a]τότε τὰ ἐγκαίνια ἐν τοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις· [c]χειμὼν ἦν,
At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter,

Hanukah, winter, feast of lights, a reference to the external light! Not a pilgrimages so feast...

 John 10:23 –

καὶ περιεπάτει ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ἐν τῇ στοᾷ τοῦ Σολομῶνος.
and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon

Jesus was in Solomon's colonnade  it was winter. A place for the rabbis to gather.

John 10:24 –

ἐκύκλωσαν οὖν αὐτὸν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι καὶ ἔλεγον αὐτῷ· Ἕως πότε τὴν ψυχὴν ἡμῶν αἴρεις; εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ χριστός, εἰπὲ ἡμῖν παρρησίᾳ.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

The Jews circled him and said, if you are the Christ tell us.  

They are set to arrest Him. Seeing the works they do not believe. Hearing they do not listen.  The words and works are not enough. They are looking for something else.

 John 10:25 -26 –

ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Εἶπον ὑμῖν καὶ οὐ πιστεύετε· τὰ ἔργα ἃ ἐγὼ ποιῶ ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ πατρός μου ταῦτα μαρτυρεῖ περὶ ἐμοῦ· 26 ἀλλὰ ὑμεῖς οὐ πιστεύετε, [e]ὅτι οὐκ ἐστὲ ἐκ τῶν προβάτων τῶν [f]ἐμῶν.

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 

You are not believing and continue not to. Because you are not of my flock.

Jesus will refer back to the Father and His name. They are looking for a political leader. They do not accept His word, yet He teaches with authority.  Look at John's context...Jesus gives sight to the blind man resorting him. The Pharisees are blind now they are deaf.

 John10:27 –

τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἐμὰ τῆς φωνῆς μου [g]ἀκούουσιν, κἀγὼ γινώσκω αὐτά, καὶ ἀκολουθοῦσίν μοι,
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

My sheep hear my voice and I myself know them...

(Notice - all present verbs) the sheep continue to hear his voice....He knows them as a husband knows his bride. 

John10:28 –

κἀγὼ [h]δίδωμι αὐτοῖς ζωὴν αἰώνιον, καὶ οὐ μὴ ἀπόλωνται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, καὶ οὐχ ἁρπάσει τις αὐτὰ ἐκ τῆς χειρός μου.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

I give them life eternal and no one, no, not ever, will ever snatch them up.

Avoid Jesus as being the means to the end rather than the end itself. Avoid being a "daily bread" Christian. Jesus is more then a mere spiritual aspirin tablet.

There are two kai phrases.  Possible sermon outline. Luther predicates eternal life with salvation.

Jesus’ eternal promises…for you

1.  I give eternal life.

2.  They will never perish.

3.  No one will ever snatch them out of My hand.

John 10:29 –

ὁ πατήρ μου [i]ὃ δέδωκέν [j]μοι [k]πάντων μεῖζων ἐστιν, καὶ οὐδεὶς δύναται ἁρπάζειν ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς τοῦ [l]πατρός.
My Father, who has given them to me,[a] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.

The Father of me has given to me all greater and no one can snatch them.

a.  Some manuscripts render, “What my Father has given to me”

John 10:30 –

ἐγὼ καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ἕν ἐσμεν.
I and the Father are one.” 

Sources: 

-The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software
-ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
-LCMS Lectionary notes © 2018
-Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing

Saturday prior to Easter 3

[1]

The Hymn of the Day, With High Delight, Let Us Unite (LSB #483), continues the theme of joy in Christ’s resurrection. The whole Church on earth, together with those already in heaven, as we saw in the epistle, joins together in singing joyous songs of high praise to the risen Lord Jesus Christ, our salvation.

The delight we experience as Christians comes from the faith given to us by the Holy Spirit. After His resurrection Jesus meets two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus where he opens the Scriptures to them. Here we see the work of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God and the Gospel story. The disciples’ response to this work: “Did not our hearts burn within us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”1

 The work of the Gospel penetrated their hearts, minds, and souls. Today our experience is just as profound as we gather in church to hear the Gospel proclaimed and partake in the sacred meal. In this context Christians sincerely sing with high delight let us unite in songs of great jubilation. Our worship is a response to the faith that God has first given us. It is a response full of sincere delight in the realities of Easter Day. As the hymn puts it, we sing Jesus Christ, our salvation to set us free forever.

The entire Easter drama, from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, to his celebrating the first Eucharist with his disciples, to his sacrifice on the cross, his descent into hell to proclaim His victory, to His glorious resurrection, this is what we live to tell. Jesus, because he is God, cannot but be raised from the dead. Jesus is ris’n and sends to all earth’s ends good news to save ev’ry nation. This is what the delighted, faith-filled disciples do when Jesus vanishes from their sight. They immediately go back to Jerusalem, find the eleven disciples and say the Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon! Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of bread. 

The story that we sing is quite the story. The second stanza captures this beautifully, True God, He first from death has burst forth into life, all subduing. His enemy doth vanquished lie; His death has been death’s undoing. This story is like no other story. God, out of His great love becomes man so He can die to save His creation and in doing so crushes Satan. Satan no longer has dominion over death! “And yours shall be like victory o’er death and grave,” Saith He, who gave His life for us, life renewing. When we hear this astounding story of love and sacrifice we cannot help but let praises ring!

This is the wonderful thing about being a baptized Christian, we are redeemed. No matter where we find ourselves in life we are the Lords and he will sustain us day by day. The hymn says so shall His love give us above, from misery and death set free, all joy and full consolation. The Lord has made us his in our Baptism, he has done it. This is the surest foundation a person can stand on. Not only are we redeemed, but we are loved too. This is the consolation for every Christian, we are: redeemed, loved, comforted, and sustained; because we are the Lord’s. [2]

Grant that we may with thankful hearts receive these great mercies and express our gratitude, not only with our lips but also in our lives as we give ourselves to Your service and walk before You in holiness and righteousness all our days. Deliver us from sin and error, from the frailties of the flesh, the allurements of this present age, and the temptations of the devil. Give us faith that works in love, hope that never disappoints, kindness that never fails, confidence in You that never wavers, patience that does not grow weary, and courage always to be ready to confess Christ, that we may live in Your mercy and die in Your peace; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [3]

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[1] Jesus Appears to His Disciples by the Sea, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts  copyright © WELS for personal and congregational use

[2] https://www.cuchicago.edu/globalassets/www-digital-team-media-files/documents-and-images/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-church-music/devotions/hymn-of-the-day-devotion-easter-3-may-4-2014.pdf

[3] Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Friday prior to Easter 3

[1]

John 21:1–14—This is the third appearance of the risen Christ to His disciples. The setting is simple, normal—Jesus appears amidst the everyday occupations of a fisherman. He performs a miracle, in which they recognize Him as the Lord. Once again, Jesus shows that He is concerned for us in our everyday lives. Peter is so overjoyed when He recognizes Jesus that he immediately swims to shore. The disciples eat breakfast with Jesus, the account once again proving the bodily resurrection of our Lord, as ghosts do not eat food. Truly there is joy for the disciples in meeting the risen Christ.

Under the theme “The Joy of the Resurrection” we find the joy of meeting the risen Christ.

The Gospel lesson selected from the last chapter of Jesus’ life in John’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ appearing to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Notice that Jesus sudden appearance on the shore is accepted reality. The disciples did not have to ask who was beckoning them. ”They knew it was the LORD.”

The disciples were waiting together. They know that something is soon to happen, but what should they be doing in the meantime? Going fishing is natural and well accepted. We Christians are in a position of waiting; waiting for the LORFD to return in glory and to end our worries and trials on earth and to take us to our true home in heaven. But what to do in the meantime?

We can come up with our own ideas to try to fill our lives, and we can convince ourselves that they are good and acceptable ideas. But who successful can they be if the LORD Jesus is not included? How can we keep from letting our selfish nature control our lives and stop or at least hinder our labors in God’s kingdom if Jesus is not present?  We will have just as much success in our spiritual labors as Peter and the others had in fishing.

But the risen Savior appeared and directs the activity of the disciples. By His almighty power they were given success. The powerful presence did not this time instill fear in Peter, but rather gave him great joy and energy. We need not fear His presence, for He has cleansed us from sin and guilty. He has risen victorious from the grave. His living presence inspires us and equips us for our labors. With Him in our lives we will have a great catch.

Prayer of adoration, praise, and supplication: Almighty and eternal God, we adore You as the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus, and with the whole Church on earth and all the hosts of heaven we ascribe to You honor and blessing, thanksgiving and praise. Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord God Almighty; heaven and earth are full of Your glory. You created us in Your own image and redeemed us with the precious blood of Your Son. By Your Spirit You sanctified us and called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light.  [2] –

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[1] Jesus Appears to His Disciples by the Sea, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts  copyright © WELS for personal and congregational use

[2] Collect for Adoration and Praise, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis