Time in the Word - Palm Sunday

Behold, your King is coming to you . . . humble and mounted on a donkey

Our Lord enters in this humble fashion because He is entering Jerusalem to humble Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:5–11). His kingly crown will not be made of gold but of thorns, the sign of sin’s curse. For His royal reign is displayed in bearing this curse for His people, saving us from our enemies by sacrificing His own life. The sinless One takes the place of the sinner so that the sinner can be freed from the curse. It is at the name of this exalted Savior, Jesus, that we bow in humble faith. With the centurion who declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt. 27:54), we are also given to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11).

Collect for Palm Sunday: Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Ash Wednesday (prayed after the Collect for the Day throughout Lent): Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

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 . . .

Prayer of praise and supplication: Lord God, creator of heaven and earth, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise You for the abundant mercy that You this day so richly have provided for us, blessing us not only with daily bread for our bodies but also with heavenly food for our souls. Grant that Your living and powerful Word may abide in our hearts, working mightily in us to Your glory and for our salvation. We commit ourselves to Your divine protection and fatherly care. Let Your holy angels be with us that the evil foe may have no power over us. Look in mercy on Your Church and deliver it from all danger and adversities. By Your Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen all who are in affliction or distress, and grant Your abiding peace to us all; through Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns . . .

Monday, 11 April 2011—Psalm 24:7–10; Antiphon, Psalm 118:26—It is possible that this psalm of David was written for the occasion of the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). It instructs the children of Israel in the right worship of God. The portion used for Sunday’s Introit was sung by the worshippers as they approached the holy city and waited for the gates to be opened. It is sung by us as we commemorate the entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and look forward to His salvific work on Good Friday.

Tuesday, 12 April 2011—Psalm 118:19–29—Psalm 118 is the last of the six ‘Hallel’ psalms, sung by the faithful on the occasions of the great festivals of Israel, such as Passover. This one was sung after the Passover meal, and was probably the hymn mentioned that Jesus and His disciples sang before He went out to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane and to meet His betrayer (Matthew 26:30). The song that was sung on the occasion of Jesus’ entrance on Palm Sunday was based on verses 25–26 (‘Hosanna’ means ‘Save us, we pray.’) We sing it in the Sanctus just before the Lord comes to us in the holy Supper, bringing the forgiveness of sins.

Wednesday, 13 April 2011—Zechariah 9:9–10—Writing approximately 500 years before the birth of our Savior, Zechariah proclaims that the kingdom of God will come to us as the King assumes flesh and enters human history. He will do away with all instruments of war (chariots, war horses, and battle bows) and will speak peace to the nations. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the King of Peace, who entered into Jerusalem amid shouts of acclaim in order to die amid shouts of ‘Crucify Him’ and then to rise again, the angels proclaiming, ‘He is not here. He is risen!’

Thursday, 14 April 2011—Philippians 2:5–11—St Paul here eloquently speaks of both the humiliation and the exaltation of Christ. The eternal Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, humbled Himself and assumed human flesh. This is the reason we bow at the words and became man in the Nicene Creed. But He was glorified by His Father when He died for our sins upon the cross, bearing the sins of mankind in His flesh. Having accomplished our salvation, He resumes His place at the right hand of His Father, being worthy of adoration by all creation.

Friday, 15 April 2011—Matthew 21:1–9—Jesus came to Jerusalem for two reasons: to celebrate the Passover, in fulfillment of the Law; and then to die a criminal’s death as an atonement for the sins of the world. Those who greeted Him with shouts of ‘Hosanna’ were looking forward to a Messiah who would save them from the hand of their earthly enemies. But Jesus came to save all people from more fearsome spiritual enemies: sin, death, and everlasting condemnation. He is called the Son of David, a messianic title, and acclaimed as coming in the name of the Lord. He is the Lord Himself, the Word of God incarnate, the only one who could rescue us from spiritual darkness and death.

Saturday, 16 April 2011—Sunday’s hymn of the day, No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet (LSB #444), is a newer hymn, married to a traditional English tune. It tells of Jesus coming in humility, not with great military or political fanfare, coming for the sake of us mortals, to bear the cross and all its pains. In response, we, the ransomed host, proclaim, Behold, your King!”

Artwork by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, © WELS.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

This week's Time in the Word is written by Pr. Jeffrey Keuning who serves St. John, and Zion congregations in Dexter and Casey, IA

Day 33: Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:13-14

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Navigator; Where in the heck are we anyway?
Driver; Hey, I’m the one who’s driving, I thought you were watching for road signs.
Navigator; How are we ever going to find our way back to the main road from here?
Driver; You were supposed to be watching the map. By the way, where is the map? What did you do with the map? WE NEED THE MAAAAAAAAAAP!

As we live our lives looking forward to heaven we sometimes seem to wander without a clear direction. And there’s not always someone sitting next to us to tell us where to go, which turn to take, and how to act. WE NEED A MAP.

Matthew tells us about Jesus’ ministry and how it gives us a roadmap to follow throughout our lives. As Jesus moved about Galilee preaching, teaching and healing He met the people’s needs wherever He encountered them. His words and example helped to guide them through their lives, guiding them closer to God.

During this ministry large crowds would gather around Him as He was becoming very well known. The disciples who were travelling with Him were also well known and might have been tempted to feel important and maybe even a little possessive of Jesus. At one point outside the city of Capernaum Jesus took His disciples aside and talked with them. Jesus told His disciples that being followers of Him would not always be easy. He laid out His “roadmap” for them to follow, giving them some idea of what God expected of them and how to draw closer to Him and how to live a blessed life.

We learn that being a Christian does not mean that things will always be easy.
Jesus tells us as he told His disciples;
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God
- Blessed are the peacemakers, For they will be called the sons of God
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This is our roadmap through life, this is our way to be blessed through our lives as we look forward to our reward in heaven, spending a glorious eternity with God.

The disciples had made a decision to follow Christ and undoubtedly enjoyed being together at His side. We become a member of God’s family at our baptism and then make a decision to follow Him as we commit our lives to Him at our confirmation. We enjoy being together with other Christians to worship together, commune together, and fellowship together. This is part of living a “blessed” life.

The next time that “going to church” seems routine, or even boring just think about what a special opportunity we have to worship together as Christians and draw closer to God.

Jesus goes on to tell us that we are the salt of the earth. This means that people are watching us and looking for their roadmap also. We have a responsibility to not only live a life that draws us closer to God but also leads others closer to God. May we always set an example of God’s love and mercy that lets people see how wonderful it is to follow Him and live in Him and true fellowship with other believers.
-Stan Stoppenhagen

Lord help us to always seek You and see You in everything, and help others to see You in all that we do and say. Amen
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Lydia’s Senior Recital

Sunday April 10, 2011
Recital Hall, Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN
3:00 – 4:30 pm

Nikolai Choubine is her wonderful accompanist

George Crumb: Three Early Songs
1. "Night"
2. "Let it be forgotten"
3. "Wind Elegy"

Joseph Marx
"Die Begegnung"
"Die Verlassene"
"Die Tote Braut"
"Valse de Chopin"

Reynaldo Hahn
"A Chloris"
"Quand le nuit n'est pas etoileé"
"L'heure exquise"
"Dans la nuit"
"Si mes vers avaient des ailes"

G. F. Handel: Lucrezia, HWV 145 (Complete cantata)

Richard Struass: Der Rosenkavalier
"Presentation of the Rose", with Mary Cloud as Sophie!

And there will be Composer Cakes at the reception!

Headshots © Kelly Kruse Photography

Day 32: First miracle - John 2:1-11

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Imagine you are at a party with lots of people. There are drinks and food there. The drink selections are Pepsi and a different cheaper brown pop. the hosts bring out the Pepsi first then the cheap brown pop when the Pepsi is gone. Soon they run out and there are no drinks left! They could run to the store but that would be rude considering that this is their party. So, what do they do? The people who were at the wedding in Cana ran into the same problem but with a different drink, wine. When their wine ran out the hosts panicked. What were they to do? Then When Mary, Jesus's mother, heard she went to her son and told him that there was no more wine. He basically said “what am i supposed to do?” Mary told the servants to do whatever he said to do. And Jesus chose to fill 6 water jugs that held 20-30 gallons each. When that was done he told the servants to take some of the water, which was now miraculously turned into wine, to the master of the feast. Jesus had just performed his first miracle. And why this miracle? John reminds us this was just the first of Jesus miracles his disciples saw his glory and put their faith in him.
-Kathy Jenkins

Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Lent 5

Prayer of the Day
“Almighty God, our redeemer, in our weakness we have failed to be your messengers of forgiveness and hope in the world. Renew us by your Holy Spirit, that we may follow Your commands and proclaim Your reign of love.”

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. The raising of Lazarus sets the stage for Jesus’ entering Jerusalem for His passion and marks the conclusion of His public ministry. The cross is right in front of us! The raising of Lazarus was the last straw that caused the religious authorities to act. They had to do something quickly to rid society of the menace of Jesus who, through the raising of Lazarus, earned tremendous popularity and notoriety.

There is nothing new about Jesus’ power to raise the dead, for He had already raised several people. In this story, we see the reaction of Mary, Martha, and the people; the humanity expressed in Jesus’ weeping; the power of Jesus’ word; and the teaching of his being the resurrection and the life to all who believe.

Why disturb the dead? Why not let them rest in peace? Lazarus was dead four days. Because of his friendship with Christ, was he not already in Paradise? Why then bring him back? If Lazarus is brought back, will he not only die again in a few years? What good did it to do bring him back to life on earth? The miracle caused Jesus only trouble. The occasion started the works that led to the cross. Jesus must have thought of all of this and yet He still raised Lazarus. Why?

Why Jesus raised Lazarus —
1. To glorify the Father — v. 4. Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” We convince ourselves when we are facing difficult days “All things work together for good to those who have been called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28) Why do we say these things? Do we say it because we believe them to be true? On the other hand, do we recite them because we need to believe it? Do we quote such passages to reminds us of God’s promises or do we need to be prompted into trusting God at lonely and challenging times? Like the anxious father, we need to confess, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) As soon as Jesus received the word that His friend Lazarus was sick He stays put. When He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days. (v.7)

This request, is very similar to His mother's at the wedding of Cana. They have no more wine! (2:4). It presents a need but does not dictate to the Lord how He should respond. In these requests, we have a model of intercession that makes a need known to the Lord with humility and a recognition that it is His will that should be done.

Such humility and submission are key characteristics of true disciples. He knows your needs. He knew them before you even gave it a thought. And the needs you will have tomorrow, He knows them even as we speak. Your situation is not a surprise to Him. He is neither shocked, astonished, or annoyed. Your situation, which is taking all of your time and attention - take it to the Lord in prayer. Your anxiety, which is troubling you – take it to the Lord in prayer. Your helplessness indicates how much you need Him. Take it to the Lord in Prayer.

Transition: Jesus raised Lazarus to glorify the Father. He raised Lazarus to comfort the bereaved.

2. To comfort the bereaved. — Vv. 32-36. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

This phrase, does not indicate a tear or two fell down Jesus’ face. Jesus literally broke down and sobbed. He was human just like you. He knew how it felt to have lost his best friend in death. You are never alone even in something as private and painful as your grief. He was a man of sorrows. He knows and understands your heartache. Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:1-6)

He knew how it felt to have loved and lost. Jesus knew what it meant to have his actions scrutinized and his words analyzed. Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. How do you react when God appears to be silent? When you cry to Him day and night and your prayers go unanswered - how do you feel? Has God given up on you? Does He still care? Remember He will never leave His own. He knows your needs burdens joys and sorrows as you carry them to the throne room of grace. Remain thankful as the Savior answers each petition in His own perfect time.

This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.

Transition: Jesus raised Lazarus to glorify the Father, to comfort us in our grief and to teach us the truth about eternal life.

3. To teach the truth about eternal life — vv. 23-27. Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
We each must ponder this question…

A. Is Jesus the resurrection and the life? Testimony of Scripture is undeniable! – The early disciples would simply say, “We are witnesses of these things!” Acts 5:32; 10:39

B. Do you believe – that whoever believes in Jesus, even though they die will live and not die? Mary and Martha believed this – they knew that they were sinners. But they also knew that Christ is compassionate who has promised to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jesus' love for Lazarus and his sisters teaches us that our faith in God's love, even in the midst of adversity, is well grounded. This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it. In every situation, in every circumstance the Lord your God will shape and mold and use everything to His glory and your good. He did this in the lives of Lazarus, Mary and Martha and He will continue to do in your life.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Day 31: Temptation - Luke 4

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Jesus was in the desert for 40 days being tempted by the devil. The devil tested Jesus but Jesus would pass and make the devil even more angry. Satan tried everything to tempt the Lord but the Lord Jesus Christ would say, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Or “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord, your God and Him only you shall serve” and even, “It has been said, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” The Lord Jesus Christ shall never be tempted by the devil or anyone else.

If you have ever been tempted by someone or something you would know how hard it is to not fall into it. You and I cannot stop the things that tempt us but the Lord can help us. By His dying on the cross to save us we are free from sin, death, and the devil. Unlike the Lord, we cannot fight the demons that come to destroy us but Jesus the Lord can command these demons to flee and leave a clean spirit inside of us – His Holy Spirit.
-Carissa Schultz

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever.

Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and, when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your Son.
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for the 1st Sunday in Lent – Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Collect for the 1st Sunday in Lent – Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 30: Baptism - Luke 3:21

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

At His Baptism Jesus is anointed with the Spirit as God’s Son. Only Luke notes Jesus’ praying at the time of His baptism. Jesus in prayer is one of the special themes of Luke. Luke specifies that the Holy Spirit descended “in bodily form.” To John, it was a sign. Two other times the Gospel writers record the declaration of a voice from heaven addressing Jesus; on the Mount of Transfiguration and in the temple area during Jesus’ final week. (see John 12:28)

How many baptisms are there? Luke emphasizes the anointing of the Spirit in connection with baptism. The Holy Spirit comes to us in and through our baptism. In our lesson “water baptism” and “spirit baptism” are mentioned. In verse 16 John the Baptizer says he baptizes with water but a greater than he will baptism with the Spirit and fire. Water and Sprit baptism are one and the same. The Spirit comes with the Word manifested by the sign of water. Baptism is essentially as spiritual matter, a covenant between God and the believer. It is not a mere external matter of applying water to a person. You are a true and complete Christian by virtue of your baptism. This is your birthright, where faith is born. It’s purpose and power cannot be taken away from you.

Father in Heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for the Baptism of our Lord – Series A - Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis