Pr. DFD

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Thursday prior to Easter 7

Revelation 22:1-6, 12-20—Jesus is now in glory with the Father. So what? What does the Ascension mean for daily life here and now? Like the disciples, we are content to gaze into heaven? As the two men brought the disciples back to reality, we need to get to the business of life. According to this coming week’s epistle we have hope for Christ’s’ return to earth. The church prays for His coming soon that through His coming there may be a new heaven and a new earth. Our ascended Lord has promised to return on the last great day. When will that happen? When the last pagan is converted. Thus we are always mission minded. May the Lord continue to send us men like FCD Wyneken who championed the gospel of Christ.

A Daytime Collect for Eastertide - Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit.

An Evening Collect for Eastertide – Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us in the end of the day, in the end of our life, in the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with Your Holy Word and sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair when death shall come. Abide with us and with all the faithful through time and eternity

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, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness. May we see by this noble vocation that by Your aid we are helping to feed the world and cause all who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect [2] -26 May, 2022 -

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Wednesday prior to Easter 7

[1]

Acts 1:12-26 – In the first lesson we have the account of Matthias chosen to replace Judas. There were certain qualifications for this office. Apparently several met the requirements but the believers were selecting someone who had ministered publicly and was an eye-witness of Jesus’ resurrection. By casting lots they were able to all God the right of choice. The use of rocks or sticks to designate the choice was common see 1 Chronicles 26:13-16

Acts 1:12–26 narrates what the followers of Jesus did after his ascension. They remained in Jerusalem as Jesus had commanded (Acts 1:4). Luke names the eleven disciples and then summarizes that they were together in unity dedicated to prayer.

“All these were continuously devoted (present participle) with one accord to prayer together with women, also with Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers” (Acts 1:14). Jesus is God in human flesh. God in human flesh as true man has a human mother and human brothers. To emphasize the biblical Christology we confess with the early church that Mary is “the mother of God.” We can also say that these are “the brothers of God.” According to John 7:5, Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him, but now they are part of his disciples. Probably the forty days of post-resurrection appearances led them to faith.

The words; ‘with one accord,’ recurs in Acts. It can be used to refer to the unity of the opponents (Acts 7:57; 18:12; 19:29), but here it stresses the unity brought about by Jesus, in the teaching, confession, and prayer, shared by the followers of Jesus (Acts 1:14; 2:46; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 15:25). This emphasis on unity in Acts 1:14 correlates with the gospel lesson of John 17:1–11, where Jesus prays for those whom the Father gave him, that they may be one even as Jesus and the Father are one. Acts 1 records the beginning of the fulfillment to Jesus’ prayer.

Peter as the first among equals then proclaimed to the group of about 120 believers. He began with the vocative, “Men, brothers.” He spoke to males who are now “brothers.” Whereas in verse 14 “brothers” refers to Jesus’ natural brothers, here it refers to “brothers” in the faith. Jesus creates the family of God so that he is our “brother” and we are “brothers” with him and each other. Peter explained that the Old Testament Scriptures had “to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before hand by means of the mouth of David.” The Scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit, and he spoke them by means of human instruments. In this case Peter was referring to Psalms 69 and 109, both Davidic psalms.[2]

Collect for Easter 7 - O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [3]-25 May, 2022

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] https://concordiatheology.org/2014/05/easter-7-%E2%80%A2-acts-112-26-%E2%80%A2-june-1-2014/

Monday, May 23, 2022

Tuesday prior to Easter 7

[1]

Psalm 133—Sunday’s psalm is a Psalm of brother love, and life forevermore. In verse2: At the high point in his consecration ceremony the high priest was anointed with oil (see Exodus 29:7) In verse3 - The dew is seen as a symbol of blessing. Mt. Hermon has an exceptionally heavy dew fall, which meant greater fertility there than elsewhere in the days before piped water and mechanical sprinklers. This should move us to pray, Lord God; You have poured into our hearts the precious oil of Your Spirit of love. Make us of one heart and of one will, so that we may be true members of the body of Jesus Christ, united as He has commanded us; and to You be the glory now and forever. Amen

Psalm 133 – The Blessed Unity of God’s People

Of the fifteen psalms in the series, Psalm 133 is the last of the four attributed to King David in the title: A Song of Ascents. Of David. We don’t know exactly when David composed this song, but one likely occasion was when David was finally received as king over all the tribes of Israel, ending a terrible season of national division and discord.

It could date from the crowning of David at Hebron when the leaders of the nation were, for a time at least, of one heart and mind (see 2 Samuel 5:1; 1 Chronicles 12:38-40)[2]

Collect for Psalm 133: Lord God, you have poured into our hears the precious oil of your Spirit of love. Make us of one heart and of one will, so that we may be true members of the body of Jesus Christ, united as he has commanded us; and to you be the glory now and forever. [3] - 24 May, 2022

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-133/

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Monday prior to Easter 7

[1]

Psalm 61:3, 5-8; antiphon, Psalm 61:1— In next Sunday’s introit the psalmist makes his plea for the Lord to answer his prayer. The reason he appeals to God – the Lord has never failed him as a refuge. No matter what the issue the Lord has been a source of hope and strength amidst many great and present dangers.

The petition for the king’s long life has been interpreted by many Jewish scholars as referring to the coming Messiah. If this interpretation is so they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, David’s great Son.

Psalm 61 – Hope and Help when my heart is overwhelmed

This psalm is titled To the Chief Musician. On a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David. David was often in trouble; we don’t know the life circumstances which prompted this psalm. It does seem to come after he came to the throne. Because of a reference to the end of the earth, some have thought it comes from the time of Absalom’s rebellion or on his military campaign near the Euphrates (2 Samuel 8:3-4). Those are possible, but by no means certain settings for this psalm.

On a stringed instrument: The word Neginah (the singular of Neginoth) may be understood to be synonymous with the kinnor or harp: that is to say, the instrument of eight strings probably played with a bow or plectrum.[2]

This coming week will be the last Sunday in Easter. Easter 7 serves as a bridge between Ascension and Pentecost. We look back to the Ascension or forward to Pentecost.

Jesus Is with Us in His Holy Christian Church

On the night when He was betrayed, Jesus interceded for His Church — for His apostles and all who believe in Him through their word — that all of His disciples “may become perfectly one” in the Father and the Son (John 17:21–23). For Jesus became flesh and dwells among us in order to reveal the Father and His name, to share with us the glory of His righteousness, and to bring us to the Father in Himself. As the Father loved the Son from “before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24), so He loves the whole world (John 17:23, 26). Through the apostolic witness to the Baptism, cross and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21–22), the Lord gathers His disciples throughout the world “with one accord” as one Body in Christ (Acts 1:14). And so with one voice and by one Spirit, His Bride prays, “Come” (Revelation 22:17). And He comes to us. He gives us “the water of life without price” to wash our robes and quench our thirst (Revelation 22:17); He feeds us from “the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit” (Revelation 22:2).[3]

Collect for Psalm 61: Lord Jesus, love and truth of the Father, you came to earth to relieve the pain of our exile; you took our weakness as your own. When our hearts grow faint, uphold us until we stand with you before God and praise your name forever. [4] -23 May, 2022

[1] The Resurrection of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-61/

[3] Lectionary Study provided by LCMS commission on worship

Easter 7 Series C

Acts 1:12-26

Revelation 22:1-6

John 17:20-26

Collect O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above the heavens, leave us not without consolation but sent us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father, for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Is with Us in His Holy Christian Church

On the night when He was betrayed, Jesus interceded for His Church — for His apostles and all who believe in Him through their word — that all of His disciples “may become perfectly one” in the Father and the Son (John 17:21–23). For Jesus became flesh and dwells among us in order to reveal the Father and His name, to share with us the glory of His righteousness, and to bring us to the Father in Himself. As the Father loved the Son from “before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24), so He loves the whole world (John 17:23, 26). Through the apostolic witness to the Baptism, cross and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21–22), the Lord gathers His disciples throughout the world “with one accord” as one Body in Christ (Acts 1:14). And so with one voice and by one Spirit, His Bride prays, “Come” (Revelation 22:17). And He comes to us. He gives us “the water of life without price” to wash our robes and quench our thirst (Revelation 22:17); He feeds us from “the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit” (Revelation 22:2).

John 17:20-26

John 17:20

Οὐ περὶ τούτων δὲ ἐρωτῶ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ περὶ τῶν πιστευόντων διὰ τοῦ λόγου αὐτῶν εἰς ἐμέ,

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,

John 17:21

ἵνα πάντες ἓν ὦσιν, καθὼς σύ, πάτερ, ἐν ἐμοὶ κἀγὼ ἐν σοί, ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐν ἡμῖν ὦσιν, ἵνα ὁ κόσμος πιστεύῃ ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας.

that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

John 17:22

κἀγὼ τὴν δόξαν ἣν δέδωκάς μοι δέδωκα αὐτοῖς, ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν καθὼς ἡμεῖς ἕν,

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,

John 17:23

ἐγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ σὺ ἐν ἐμοί, ἵνα ὦσιν τετελειωμένοι εἰς ἕν, ἵνα γινώσκῃ ὁ κόσμος ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας καὶ ἠγάπησας αὐτοὺς καθὼς ἐμὲ ἠγάπησας.

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

John 17:24

πάτερ, ὃ δέδωκάς μοι, θέλω ἵνα ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ κἀκεῖνοι ὦσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ, ἵνα θεωρῶσιν τὴν δόξαν τὴν ἐμὴν ἣν [h]δέδωκάς μοι, ὅτι ἠγάπησάς με πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου.

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

John 17:25

Πάτερ δίκαιε, καὶ ὁ κόσμος σε οὐκ ἔγνω, ἐγὼ δέ σε ἔγνων, καὶ οὗτοι ἔγνωσαν ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας,

O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.

John 17:26

καὶ ἐγνώρισα αὐτοῖς τὸ ὄνομά σου καὶ γνωρίσω, ἵνα ἡ ἀγάπη ἣν ἠγάπησάς με ἐν αὐτοῖς ᾖ κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς.

I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Resurrection of our Lord’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Easter 7

This coming week will be the last Sunday in Easter. Easter 7 serves as a bridge between Ascension and Pentecost. We look back to the Ascension or forward to Pentecost.

A Daytime Collect for Eastertide Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit.

Monday, May 23, 2022 – Psalm 61:3, 5-8; antiphon, Psalm 61:1— In next Sunday’s introit the psalmist makes his plea for the Lord to answer his prayer. The reason he appeals to God – the Lord has never failed him as a refuge. No matter what the issue the Lord has been a source of hope and strength amidst many great and present dangers.

Tuesday, May 24, 2022 –Psalm 133—Sunday’s psalm is a Psalm of brother love, and life forevermore. In verse2: At the high point in his consecration ceremony the high priest was anointed with oil (see Exodus 29:7) In verse3 - The dew is seen as a symbol of blessing. Mt. Hermon has an exceptionally heavy dew fall, which meant greater fertility there than elsewhere in the days before piped water and mechanical sprinklers. This should move us to pray, Lord God, You have poured into our hearts the precious oil of Your Spirit of love. Make us of one heart and of one will, so that we may be true members of the body of Jesus Christ, united as He has commanded us; and to You be the glory now and forever. Amen

Wednesday, May 25, 2022 – Acts 1:12-26 – In the first lesson we have the account of Matthias chosen to replace Judas. There were certain qualifications for this office. Apparently several met the requirements but the believers were selecting someone who had ministered publicly and was an eye-witness of Jesus’ resurrection. By casting lots they were able to all God the right of choice. The use of rocks or sticks to designate the choice was common see 1 Chronicles 26:13-16

Thursday, May 26, 2022– Revelation22:1-6, 12-20— Today is Ascension Day. As a church we need to celebrate this important feast day. Jesus is now in glory with the Father. So what? What does the Ascension mean for daily life here and now? Like the disciples, we are content to gaze into heaven? As the two men brought the disciples back to reality, we need to get to the business of life. According to this coming week’s epistle we have hope for Christ’s’ return to earth. The church prays for His coming soon that through His coming there may be a new heaven and a new earth. Our ascended Lord has promised to return on the last great day. When will that happen? When the last pagan is converted. Thus we are always mission minded. May the Lord continue to send us men like FCD Wyneken who championed the gospel of Christ.

Friday, May 27, 2022 – John 17:20-26— In the gospel Jesus prays for those He will leave on earth to further His work. Consider the situation: the church is deserted by her leader; the disciples are on their own in a hostile world with an impossible task to win the world. Jesus apparently realizes the disciples’ need for help. What Jesus prays for indicates what Christians today need. It is important to not that in vs. 20; Jesus says He prays for the Christians of the future, for you today. What do we Christians need: better church programs? More money to finance church programs?More wisdom?More members? Jesus prays for us to be one in God, for us to be one with each other and for us to be one with the Savior in heaven.

Saturday, May 28, 2022 – 1 John 2: 15-17 The Hymn of the Day, What is the world to Me (LSB #730). When John refers to the world he does not mean the world of people (see John 3:16) or the created world (see John 17:24) but the world, or realm of sin which is controlled by Satan and organized against God and righteousness. It is this world which we leave. It is Christ which faith clings to.

A Prayer for Ascension –Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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, especially in this planting season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness. May we see by this noble vocation that by Your aid we are helping to feed the world and cause all who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.

Sources:

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31

Grant O Lord, that as Your Son Jesus Christ prayed for His enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive Your forgiveness. To that end, Lord Jesus, bless Thy Word that we may trust in Thee. Amen.[1]

Jesus continues to explain to us what it means to be merciful. He shows us the gracious, generous heart of the Father who is kindhearted. Full of compassion.

As we hear the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the words of the Magnificat; the song of Mary, come to mind, “He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has sat down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away.” (Luke 1:46-55)

Paul warns us concerning wealth. “Not to be haughty, nor to set our hopes on the uncertainty of riches,” but “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17–18). Covetous desire for what God has not given is idolatry and “a root of all kinds of evils.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Contentment belongs to faith. By which the Christian has “great gain” in godliness. (1 Timothy 6:6). Neither poverty nor riches are virtues! Your best life now is an American religion.

A certain rich man dressed in purple, living splendidly in fine linen feasts lavishly every day. At his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus. A meager beggar. Covered with sores. Lazarus finds himself at the rich man's gate. Lazarus only desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table.

The rich man's neglect of Lazarus signals his failure to "make friends for himself when the day of changed circumstances comes and worldly wealth shall fail.” That critical day. When circumstances change awaits us all. Lazarus is carried away to Abraham’s side. The rich man too is buried.

The Rich man now begs for what he did not give; mercy, care, relief from suffering. He cried "Kyrie Eleison! Lord, have mercy!" but did NOT receive it. He still thinks Lazarus is there to serve him!

Note the contrast. Lazarus is given a name. Which literally means, "He (whom) God helps." The rich man is simply plopped into the ground.

‘Our whole Christian life should be forgiving debts: money, sins, whatever. Some debts are small. Others huge! Some debts we treat as only a trifle. Hardly a drop in the bucket. So insignificant we scarcely and barely take notice. Others leave scares, which last a lifetime.

There is only one way forward. The debts of our enemies must be treated as the debts of the poor. Our enemies will not have enough to pay us. If these debts cannot be paid (and they can’t), then they can only be forgiven. And here we come to the verse from Proverbs: “He who gives to the poor makes a debtor of God.” The Scriptures add: “And He will pay him.”(Proverbs 19:17)’.

Lazarus. Forsaken. Ignored. Forgotten. Reminds us of that One man, that certain One who, “was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; Surely he has borne our grief’s 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

The point of the parable is to warn the self-centered. And point to the Scriptures as the only resource for planning ahead. Worldly wealth failed, showing the need for a better, more lasting basis of hope. Our only hope is in Christ. Who went to the cruel and bloody cross. And then rose again from the dead.

The written word of God. The law and the prophets. Are all we have. God's Word is now available. It calls us to faith. It will not fail. It is Christ's testimony to the judgment and salvation that He will work for you. His Word abides when all fails. It is eternal. His promise of salvation creates saving faith. His Word reveals His plan for eternity.

Illustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (The Book of Books in Pictures). Copyright © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use.

[1]Collect for Friday of Lent 2, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm