The Rev. Paul J Cain
Luke 19:28-40
Jesus Comes
First Sunday in Advent, 29 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
And as [Jesus] rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
That was the culmination of this Sunday’s Gospel reading. Jesus is coming as King on what we call Palm Sunday. Jesus’ Coming is what we celebrate each Advent. Advent means “Coming.” The Pharisees won’t acknowledge Jesus as King. Their hearts aren’t ready because they have ignored what the Scriptures said. Their hearts are hard as stones. Jesus knows this and rebukes them for it: “I tell you, if these [disciples] were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Sometimes, we too are as reluctant as stones to cry out. It’s hard to get out of a warm bed on a cold morning. We’re intimidated by the thought of talking to someone about our faith in Christ. We’re reluctant to invite people to Bible Class or Church. The worries of the outside world even distract us in our singing.
Our Lord has a way of bringing stones into His service. Saul was a Pharisee and persecutor of the Church. Paul was changed and cried out to all who would listen to him about Christ crucified, even to the point when Paul himself was persecuted for the sake of Jesus.
Sometimes, Jesus uses stones to proclaim the message to us. Isn’t that what a church building does? All of the seats point toward the altar and cross, representing God in Christ. The Lord is our audience. The cross adorns our hymnals where forgiveness was won for us, where Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews was enthroned. We see the Holy Scriptures, Holy Baptism, and Holy Communion also on the cover, where Jesus delivers that forgiveness to you in our day. Paraments show the royal color, blue, that a child is coming. It’s a Boy! It’s a King! Banners proclaim the mighty works God has done. Stained glass windows are Christians sermons, too—in a more permanent form.
Is your heart ready for a king? Not on your own. It isn’t and it can never be. ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’ That’s what Jeremiah preaches in the Old Testament Reading. The Lord delivers the very righteousness He demands. He prepares your heart for His habitation.
Have you ever been silent as stones about Jesus? Here’s hope for you: LSB 333.1: Once He came in blessing, All our sins redressing; Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy; Bore the cross to save us; Hope and freedom gave us.
The Advent season isn’t to jump the gun on Christmas music, and these four weeks are about much more than shopping for family and friends. Jesus first came on Christmas. That’s what we prepare to celebrate each Advent. Repentance. Hope. Prayerful watching. Caring for one another. Sharing the Good News about Jesus. Jesus comes to forgive you.
LSB 333.2: Now He gently leads us; With Himself He feeds us Precious food from heaven, Pledge of peace here given, Manna that will nourish Souls that they may flourish.
Jesus comes today in His Word and Sacraments, especially His Holy Supper. Is your heart ready for a king? Then have faith in Jesus’ Words: “This is my Body.” “This is my Blood.” “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” That makes one worthy and well prepared to Commune. Jesus comes to forgive you.
LSB 333.3: Soon will come that hour When with mighty power Christ will come in splendor And will judgment render, With the faithful sharing Joy beyond comparing.
Jesus comes again on the Last Day—His Second Coming, Second Advent. Repentant, hopeful, watchful faith is how we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ First Coming on Christmas, when He comes to us in His Body and Blood for our forgiveness, and when He comes again in judgment.
Is your heart ready for a king? Our own piety, works, goodness, and preparations cannot prepare us. Jesus Himself prepares us even as we pray: (LSB 333.4) Come, then O Lord Jesus, From our sins release us. Keep our hearts believing, That we, grace receiving, Ever may confess You Till in heav’n we bless You. Jesus comes to forgive you.
Amen.
In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Prayer of the Church for Thanksgiving
Prayer of the Church
Thanksgiving
November 26, 2009
P Gracious and merciful Lord, Your gift of all that we need to support body and life is new to us each day. Receive our thanks and praise for daily bread that comes from Your loving hand.
We are grateful for the gifts You give us from Your work of creation and Your continuing work to care for us and all You have made. Bless and prosper the harvest in our land at this time of the year and all year long. Suppress the spread of disease among animals, and provide health and strength to the crops, that weather, flooding, drought, and parasites may not hinder the bounty You give from being a blessing far beyond the farms and ranches where our food is grown and raised.
In this land of plenty, help us to remember those who are unable to provide for themselves. Teach us to use all of Your blessings to serve those You have entrusted to us according to our vocations. Remind us of the importance of sharing our material wealth, our time, our skills and talents, our possessions, and the wisdom of Your Holy Word. Grant us thankful hearts, observant minds, and generous action to care for our neighbors in need.
Protect and defend all those who protect and defend Your people. We ask Your blessing upon the leaders of the world that they may provide for the common good of all. We pray for peace among nations and within nations. Where there are wars and rumors of wars, grant understanding that leads to peace. Grant courage and resolve to leaders who reluctantly take up the sword in self-defense of their people or to liberate others. Send Your holy angels to protect Your Christian people according to Your promise. Watch over police, state troopers, those serving in our national guard, and all who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, both active duty and reserve.
Bless us with health and healing according to Your good and gracious will. We remember before You all who are sick, suffering, hospitalized, facing surgery, recovering, or struggling with chronic pain (especially __________). Grant comfort and peace in Christ to those who are near death. Give peace to all who mourn, that through the consolation of Your Word, they may hold fast to Your promise of the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Your care for us, O Father, is more than just tending to our physical needs. You provide for all of our needs of both body and soul in the sacrificial death and victorious Resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we return to You our thanks and praise for Your Holy Word, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and Holy Communion, the fruits of Your Son's Holy and innocent suffering and death. We thank You for the gift of the holy Church and the Office of the Holy Ministry. For all Your blessings, grant us grateful hearts this day, this week, and our whole life long.
Bless all who commune this day with You by means of Your Son's Body and Blood given and shed for our forgiveness, that the unity we have in Him may be nourished and strengthened.
O Lord, You alone provide us daily bread, even without our prayers. Help us to remember this and thus receive our daily bread with prayerful thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
To download this message in different formats (MS Word, Rich Text Format), click on the following links:
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-26-09.doc
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-26-09.rtf
To access past prayers at the LetUsPray archives, go to:
http://worship.lcms.org/LUPArchives
Thanksgiving
November 26, 2009
P Gracious and merciful Lord, Your gift of all that we need to support body and life is new to us each day. Receive our thanks and praise for daily bread that comes from Your loving hand.
We are grateful for the gifts You give us from Your work of creation and Your continuing work to care for us and all You have made. Bless and prosper the harvest in our land at this time of the year and all year long. Suppress the spread of disease among animals, and provide health and strength to the crops, that weather, flooding, drought, and parasites may not hinder the bounty You give from being a blessing far beyond the farms and ranches where our food is grown and raised.
In this land of plenty, help us to remember those who are unable to provide for themselves. Teach us to use all of Your blessings to serve those You have entrusted to us according to our vocations. Remind us of the importance of sharing our material wealth, our time, our skills and talents, our possessions, and the wisdom of Your Holy Word. Grant us thankful hearts, observant minds, and generous action to care for our neighbors in need.
Protect and defend all those who protect and defend Your people. We ask Your blessing upon the leaders of the world that they may provide for the common good of all. We pray for peace among nations and within nations. Where there are wars and rumors of wars, grant understanding that leads to peace. Grant courage and resolve to leaders who reluctantly take up the sword in self-defense of their people or to liberate others. Send Your holy angels to protect Your Christian people according to Your promise. Watch over police, state troopers, those serving in our national guard, and all who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, both active duty and reserve.
Bless us with health and healing according to Your good and gracious will. We remember before You all who are sick, suffering, hospitalized, facing surgery, recovering, or struggling with chronic pain (especially __________). Grant comfort and peace in Christ to those who are near death. Give peace to all who mourn, that through the consolation of Your Word, they may hold fast to Your promise of the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Your care for us, O Father, is more than just tending to our physical needs. You provide for all of our needs of both body and soul in the sacrificial death and victorious Resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we return to You our thanks and praise for Your Holy Word, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and Holy Communion, the fruits of Your Son's Holy and innocent suffering and death. We thank You for the gift of the holy Church and the Office of the Holy Ministry. For all Your blessings, grant us grateful hearts this day, this week, and our whole life long.
Bless all who commune this day with You by means of Your Son's Body and Blood given and shed for our forgiveness, that the unity we have in Him may be nourished and strengthened.
O Lord, You alone provide us daily bread, even without our prayers. Help us to remember this and thus receive our daily bread with prayerful thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
To download this message in different formats (MS Word, Rich Text Format), click on the following links:
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-26-09.doc
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-26-09.rtf
To access past prayers at the LetUsPray archives, go to:
http://worship.lcms.org/LUPArchives
Sermon and Prayer of the Church for 22 November 2009
The Rev. Paul J Cain, Jr.
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man
Proper [29] B, Last Sunday in the Church Year, 22 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
For a Lay Reader
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This morning we celebrate the end of the world. We’re not picking a date for when it will happen—only our Father in heaven knows that—the Church did pick this Last Sunday after Pentecost to celebrate it. In Confirmation Class, we have called Judgment Day and the Last Day and also the “Don’t Know Day,” thanks to the creativity of a young Lutheran girl.
The End of the World is something to celebrate for us Christians. In Christ, we have nothing to fear, for the Judge of Judgment Day is our Savior every day. We are judged by the righteousness & holiness He gives us as the ultimate Christmas Gift. That is why He was born, lived, died, and rose again on the third day.
As they were planning her funeral service, Pastor’s Aunt Vonnie told him, “I may fear dying, but I don’t have to be afraid of death.” In Christ Jesus, the end of our life and the end of the world is a good thing—the end of this vale of tears, sorrow, mourning, pain, and death.
It is appropriate this Last Sunday in the Church year to watch Daniel’s vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. Daniel says: 9As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. 10A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
The rich detail of the vision is evident. This is a courtroom and royal throne room setting. Court is in session. The Ancient of Days, our Father in heaven, is the king on the flaming throne with wheels. He is also the Royal Judge, Jury, and Executioner. The million and the hundred million are symbolic numbers of completeness, just like in Revelation. The stream of fire foreshadows the obvious: the court sits in judgment.
The books were opened. The Book of Revelation uses this phrase to talk about the books where all of humanity’s sins are recorded, yours, mine, and all who have lived and ever will live. The way the Lord has it set up, forgiven sins don’t count. And forgiven sinners, also known as saints, are listed in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Just one to list all the believers. Libraries are needed to record all the sins that need to be judged and punished. The books were opened.
Who is being judged? On the Last Day, everyone will be judged. That is the consequence of sin. God is loving and merciful. He is also just and holy. The sin of Adam and Eve alienated humanity from God. We are all conceived and born with that Original Sin. That predisposes each of us to sin ourselves—that’s Actual sin. Even one sin is enough to eternally separate a person from God. We have a loving and merciful God who wants to save the people He created from themselves. His plan is to send a Savior, one born from the family line of Adam and Eve. His name is Jesus. In order to satisfy God’s justice and holiness, Jesus was set apart as a substitute to suffer the consequences of your sin and die in your place. His resurrection shows that the sacrifice was accepted, and also gives you a preview of your Resurrection. That’s also a part of Judgment Day.
On the Last Day, everyone will be judged, but the Lord revealed more about this judgment and human history to Daniel. The context of Daniel 7:1-9 (ESV) reveals the following: In the first year of Belshazzar [Bell Sha (like the a in Cabin) Zar] king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. 2Daniel declared, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. 3And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 4The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. 5And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.' 6After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. 9As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.
You’ve heard the rest through verse 10. What does this mean? To put is simply, Daniel is given a vision of the future from his perspective, leading up to Judgment Day. The animals stand for kingdoms that rule and will rule on earth. The first, the lion with eagle’s wings, is King Nebuchadnezzar’s [Neh Buh Kuh Nezar’s] dynasty. The second, a bear, represents the Medes [Meeds] & Persians. Alexander the Great of Macedonia [c has an seh sound] and Greece is the leopard with four wings. Finally, the fourth beast with iron teeth is the Roman Empire. During its time of rule an eternal kingdom, that of Christ, will be set up, one in the world, but not of this world. Daniel lived in an interesting time.
Exiled to Babylon in 605 B.C., Daniel was one of several young men chosen to serve in [King] Nebuchadnezzar’s court. When the Persians conquered Babylon in 539, Daniel was again given a position of power. He remained faithful to God in both of these hostile environments. From the interpretation of dreams, to the familiar stories of the fiery furnace, the lions’ den, and the handwriting on the wall, to the apocalyptic visions, the recurrent theme of the book is God’s [rule] over human affairs. In the historical sections (chapters 1–6) God supernaturally rescued Daniel and his friends. The rest of the book consists of visions of future judgment and deliverance by the Messiah. Some of Daniel’s prophetic themes are echoed in the book of Revelation.
A Final Judgment is one of those themes. The next verses show the judgment of the beast (#4). Dominion, that is, authority, is taken away from him and given to One like a Son of Man: 11I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
13I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
The Ancient of Days, our Father in Heaven, gives His only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, all authority in heaven and on earth. Kingdoms and nations have ruled and will rule through all human history, but the kingdom of Christ is one that shall never pass away. It will never be destroyed. The gates of hell itself will never prevail against the kingdom of Christ.
At the end of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, [28:18-20 (ESV) ] Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Our Lord wants all peoples, nations, and languages to serve him. His Word, the Bible, and Holy Baptism are for them, that they would be made disciples. All will be judged, this is true, but those in Christ will not be condemned. The Lord desires that all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages, would receive the new birth of the Holy Spirit and be saved. He desires not the death of a sinner, but that they would turn from sinful thoughts, words, and deeds.
Repent. Watch. Pray. Serve your neighbor in every circumstance you have opportunity.
The Lord forgives repentant sinners. If you are a repentant sinner, then the Lord forgives you. You are part of a kingdom that will not be destroyed. Therefore, you will not be destroyed. You are part of a kingdom that endures forever. Therefore, you will endure forever.
Visions like this from Daniel are amazing, overpowering, even frightening. You have nothing to fear in Christ. For the Ancient of Days so loved the world that He sent the One like a Son of Man so that you would not face the fiery flames but dwell in His kingdom, one that shall never be destroyed. Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of the Church
Last Sunday of the Church Year (Proper 29B)
November 22, 2009
P Jesus, until Your glorious return on the Last Day, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life, that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You sent it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Almighty and most gracious God and Father, we implore You to turn the hearts of all who have forsaken the faith once delivered to Your Church, especially those who have wandered from it or are in doubt through the corruption of Your truth. Mercifully visit them and restore them that in gladness of heart they may take pleasure in Your Word and be made wise to salvation; through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Almighty and gracious God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You have commanded us to pray that You would send forth laborers into Your harvest. Of Your infinite mercy give us true teachers and ministers of Your Word who truly fulfill Your command and preach nothing contrary to Your holy Word. May we, being warned, instructed, nurtured, comforted, and strengthened by Your holy Word, do those things which are well-pleasing to You and profitable for our salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Lord of heaven and earth, as we know both from history and current events, there are and have been wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, droughts, and famines in various places. Grant us peaceful hearts in the midst of uncertain times knowing that these are but the beginning of birth pangs. Protect us from the teachings of those who would announce a date for the end of all things, comforted by Your Word that assures us that no one knows the day or the hour but only You, the Father; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P O Lord God, You create and sustain life as a good and precious gift from Your gracious hand. Provide clean water and nourishing food through relief and human care agencies around the world. Enable and embolden us to speak up to defend life from the womb to natural death. By the example of Your blessed Son, grant the sick (especially _______) grace to accept patiently the sufferings of the present time in full assurance of the glory that shall be revealed to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Lord Jesus, You invite all who are burdened with sin to come to You for rest. We now come at Your invitation to the heavenly feast which You have provided for Your children on earth. Preserve us from impenitence and unbelief, cleanse us from our unrighteousness, and clothe us with the righteousness purchased with Your blood. Strengthen our faith, increase our love and hope, and assure us a place at Your heavenly table, where we will eat eternal manna and drink of the river of Your pleasure forever and ever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever.
C Amen.
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man
Proper [29] B, Last Sunday in the Church Year, 22 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
For a Lay Reader
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This morning we celebrate the end of the world. We’re not picking a date for when it will happen—only our Father in heaven knows that—the Church did pick this Last Sunday after Pentecost to celebrate it. In Confirmation Class, we have called Judgment Day and the Last Day and also the “Don’t Know Day,” thanks to the creativity of a young Lutheran girl.
The End of the World is something to celebrate for us Christians. In Christ, we have nothing to fear, for the Judge of Judgment Day is our Savior every day. We are judged by the righteousness & holiness He gives us as the ultimate Christmas Gift. That is why He was born, lived, died, and rose again on the third day.
As they were planning her funeral service, Pastor’s Aunt Vonnie told him, “I may fear dying, but I don’t have to be afraid of death.” In Christ Jesus, the end of our life and the end of the world is a good thing—the end of this vale of tears, sorrow, mourning, pain, and death.
It is appropriate this Last Sunday in the Church year to watch Daniel’s vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. Daniel says: 9As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. 10A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
The rich detail of the vision is evident. This is a courtroom and royal throne room setting. Court is in session. The Ancient of Days, our Father in heaven, is the king on the flaming throne with wheels. He is also the Royal Judge, Jury, and Executioner. The million and the hundred million are symbolic numbers of completeness, just like in Revelation. The stream of fire foreshadows the obvious: the court sits in judgment.
The books were opened. The Book of Revelation uses this phrase to talk about the books where all of humanity’s sins are recorded, yours, mine, and all who have lived and ever will live. The way the Lord has it set up, forgiven sins don’t count. And forgiven sinners, also known as saints, are listed in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Just one to list all the believers. Libraries are needed to record all the sins that need to be judged and punished. The books were opened.
Who is being judged? On the Last Day, everyone will be judged. That is the consequence of sin. God is loving and merciful. He is also just and holy. The sin of Adam and Eve alienated humanity from God. We are all conceived and born with that Original Sin. That predisposes each of us to sin ourselves—that’s Actual sin. Even one sin is enough to eternally separate a person from God. We have a loving and merciful God who wants to save the people He created from themselves. His plan is to send a Savior, one born from the family line of Adam and Eve. His name is Jesus. In order to satisfy God’s justice and holiness, Jesus was set apart as a substitute to suffer the consequences of your sin and die in your place. His resurrection shows that the sacrifice was accepted, and also gives you a preview of your Resurrection. That’s also a part of Judgment Day.
On the Last Day, everyone will be judged, but the Lord revealed more about this judgment and human history to Daniel. The context of Daniel 7:1-9 (ESV) reveals the following: In the first year of Belshazzar [Bell Sha (like the a in Cabin) Zar] king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. 2Daniel declared, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. 3And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. 4The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. 5And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.' 6After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. 9As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.
You’ve heard the rest through verse 10. What does this mean? To put is simply, Daniel is given a vision of the future from his perspective, leading up to Judgment Day. The animals stand for kingdoms that rule and will rule on earth. The first, the lion with eagle’s wings, is King Nebuchadnezzar’s [Neh Buh Kuh Nezar’s] dynasty. The second, a bear, represents the Medes [Meeds] & Persians. Alexander the Great of Macedonia [c has an seh sound] and Greece is the leopard with four wings. Finally, the fourth beast with iron teeth is the Roman Empire. During its time of rule an eternal kingdom, that of Christ, will be set up, one in the world, but not of this world. Daniel lived in an interesting time.
Exiled to Babylon in 605 B.C., Daniel was one of several young men chosen to serve in [King] Nebuchadnezzar’s court. When the Persians conquered Babylon in 539, Daniel was again given a position of power. He remained faithful to God in both of these hostile environments. From the interpretation of dreams, to the familiar stories of the fiery furnace, the lions’ den, and the handwriting on the wall, to the apocalyptic visions, the recurrent theme of the book is God’s [rule] over human affairs. In the historical sections (chapters 1–6) God supernaturally rescued Daniel and his friends. The rest of the book consists of visions of future judgment and deliverance by the Messiah. Some of Daniel’s prophetic themes are echoed in the book of Revelation.
A Final Judgment is one of those themes. The next verses show the judgment of the beast (#4). Dominion, that is, authority, is taken away from him and given to One like a Son of Man: 11I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
13I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
The Ancient of Days, our Father in Heaven, gives His only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, all authority in heaven and on earth. Kingdoms and nations have ruled and will rule through all human history, but the kingdom of Christ is one that shall never pass away. It will never be destroyed. The gates of hell itself will never prevail against the kingdom of Christ.
At the end of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, [28:18-20 (ESV) ] Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Our Lord wants all peoples, nations, and languages to serve him. His Word, the Bible, and Holy Baptism are for them, that they would be made disciples. All will be judged, this is true, but those in Christ will not be condemned. The Lord desires that all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages, would receive the new birth of the Holy Spirit and be saved. He desires not the death of a sinner, but that they would turn from sinful thoughts, words, and deeds.
Repent. Watch. Pray. Serve your neighbor in every circumstance you have opportunity.
The Lord forgives repentant sinners. If you are a repentant sinner, then the Lord forgives you. You are part of a kingdom that will not be destroyed. Therefore, you will not be destroyed. You are part of a kingdom that endures forever. Therefore, you will endure forever.
Visions like this from Daniel are amazing, overpowering, even frightening. You have nothing to fear in Christ. For the Ancient of Days so loved the world that He sent the One like a Son of Man so that you would not face the fiery flames but dwell in His kingdom, one that shall never be destroyed. Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of the Church
Last Sunday of the Church Year (Proper 29B)
November 22, 2009
P Jesus, until Your glorious return on the Last Day, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life, that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You sent it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Almighty and most gracious God and Father, we implore You to turn the hearts of all who have forsaken the faith once delivered to Your Church, especially those who have wandered from it or are in doubt through the corruption of Your truth. Mercifully visit them and restore them that in gladness of heart they may take pleasure in Your Word and be made wise to salvation; through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Almighty and gracious God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You have commanded us to pray that You would send forth laborers into Your harvest. Of Your infinite mercy give us true teachers and ministers of Your Word who truly fulfill Your command and preach nothing contrary to Your holy Word. May we, being warned, instructed, nurtured, comforted, and strengthened by Your holy Word, do those things which are well-pleasing to You and profitable for our salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Lord of heaven and earth, as we know both from history and current events, there are and have been wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, droughts, and famines in various places. Grant us peaceful hearts in the midst of uncertain times knowing that these are but the beginning of birth pangs. Protect us from the teachings of those who would announce a date for the end of all things, comforted by Your Word that assures us that no one knows the day or the hour but only You, the Father; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P O Lord God, You create and sustain life as a good and precious gift from Your gracious hand. Provide clean water and nourishing food through relief and human care agencies around the world. Enable and embolden us to speak up to defend life from the womb to natural death. By the example of Your blessed Son, grant the sick (especially _______) grace to accept patiently the sufferings of the present time in full assurance of the glory that shall be revealed to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Lord Jesus, You invite all who are burdened with sin to come to You for rest. We now come at Your invitation to the heavenly feast which You have provided for Your children on earth. Preserve us from impenitence and unbelief, cleanse us from our unrighteousness, and clothe us with the righteousness purchased with Your blood. Strengthen our faith, increase our love and hope, and assure us a place at Your heavenly table, where we will eat eternal manna and drink of the river of Your pleasure forever and ever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever.
C Amen.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sermon and Prayer of the Church for 15 November 2009, Proper 28B
The Rev. Paul J Cain, Jr.
Mark 13:1-13
Two Questions
Proper [28] B, Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, 15 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” There are two questions from the disciples in verse four. One deals with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and all the city with it. The other has to do with the end of the world. It is appropriate that we talk about the end as the leaves turn colors, the harvest is gathered in, and as snow becomes a regular part of our forecast.
Jesus combines the answers to those seemingly simple questions in the rest of Mark 13. He spends verses 5 through 13 describing everything through the end of the world. Today’s appointed Gospel reading answers their second question. But there’s more to His answer that you need to hear. In verses 14-31, Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem, answering the disciples’ first question. Finally, verses 32-37 warn of false prophets and conclude His teaching on the end of the world.
St. Mark sets the scene: As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Seeing the Jewish Temple in all of its glory would have been awe-inspiring. Jesus shocks His disciples with His response.
3And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
In this world you will have trouble. Jesus’ words ring true. We have good times and bad, but neither one lasts. Persecution will accompany the proclamation of the Gospel. Bad things will happen to good Christians. It is part of life under the cross. Jesus gives his promise: the one who endures to the end will be saved. This is His teaching for you about the end of the world. In the middle of Jesus’ teaching on the end times, his answer to the second question, He takes time to answer their first question.
Now Jesus warns those of that generation about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, when “There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
In Mark 13:14-31 (ESV) Jesus explains when those things will be, "But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be ( let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22False christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. 24"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
What things that generation saw! In 70 AD, Roman troops took the city of Jerusalem. It looked like the world was coming to an end. Sacrifices in the Temple came to an end. We Christians know that they were no longer necessary since Jesus is the Temple, our Great High Priest, and the sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! The fires burned so hot that stone cracked and crumbled, the gold of the temple roof melted and ran like water into cracks, and not one stone of the temple remained upon another. The destruction was mind boggling, the human carnage horrific. Hundreds of years later, Islam built its famous Dome of the Rock Mosque on the temple mount. All that remains of the glorious ancient Temple is the “wailing wall.”
But the disciples also asked “what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” Jesus’ answer to that question resumes in Mark 13:32-37 (ESV) 32"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock crows, or in the morning— 36lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."
A medieval liturgical verse summarizes all of this very well: Guide us watching and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Jesus’ words abide with us and we abide in Him.
We are duly warned about false prophets. They will come. They will deceive some. And the surest sign that one is listening to a false prophet is when you hear a date for the end of the world. You’ve heard of such preachers. The date comes and goes, and they just look foolish. They have their followers, but you are not to be among them. You are given to be on your guard and stay awake in Jesus, no matter what comes.
At the heart of all of this is Jesus. He has warned us ahead of time of what will happen in the last days. We need not be surprised. His words have already been fulfilled. They will be fulfilled again. We, the baptized, are given to be faithful until Jesus return. Until then, Jesus abides with us in Word and Sacrament, the means the Lord has given so that we may remain faithful until the Last Day. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Two Questions. Jesus is our answer, our hope, and our salvation. He is the one who sustains us until the Second Coming and He is the One who comes.
The Lord is present with His people. That’s a promise. Our Triune God has been with Immanuel Sheridan for over a hundred years. We raise to Him our songs of thankfulness and praise, trusting in His promises and His presence in Jesus Christ. Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of the Church
Pentecost 24 (Proper 28B)
November 15, 2009
P Gracious Lord, Your love endures forever. You demonstrated that love by sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world for us and our salvation. He showed forth that love by His innocent suffering and death. You confirmed His loving sacrifice by His physical Resurrection from the dead. You have revealed Your love for us in Your Holy Word. We thank You for the delivery of the gift of faith and of hearts that love You through the work of the Holy Spirit. Help us to love one another with the love You have given to us in anticipation of that great Day of the Lord. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Grant us a proper understanding of good works, O Lord, that they may indeed prove that faith is living. Provide us many opportunities to serve You by serving our neighbors in need. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Protect us from false teachings and false teachers that none may be deprived of eternal life in Your Son. Therefore, bless all pastors, teachers, professional church workers and leaders in Your Church, that they may be grounded in Your Word, pure of character, trustworthy, resolute in purpose, and united in the mind of Christ. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Inspire Your people to serve with eager hearts and faithful hands, O Lord--to gladly support the spread of the Gospel in sharing it themselves and providing for those who do. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P O Lord, bless and protect Barack, our President, the Congress and Judiciary of the United States, __________, the Governor of this State as well as all state and local legislatures, judges, and law enforcement. Grant that they may protect the weak, free the innocent, and detain the guilty, that the rule of law and justice may be preserved in our land.
Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Bless, O Lord, all godly vocations. Break and hinder the work of those whose livelihood is founded in evil and contrary to Your Ten Commandments. We thank You for the abundant harvest of field and farmyard, office and factory, goods and services. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Gracious God, grant Your healing to those who are sick or facing surgery (especially _______). Give their physicians caring wisdom and skill to do their work effectively to Your glory and for the good of their patients. Comfort those who mourn the death of loved ones (especially _______). Calm their troubled hearts and give them peace to face the days ahead in the confidence that You will never forsake them. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Prepare us for Your return, O Lord, through the blessings of Your Holy Supper. Through the eating and drinking of Your most precious body and blood, nourish our troubled hearts that we may watch and await Your return with holy patience. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
To download this message in different formats (MS Word, Rich Text Format), click on the following links:
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-15-09.doc
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-15-09.rtf
To access past prayers at the LetUsPray archives, go to:
http://worship.lcms.org/LUPArchives
Mark 13:1-13
Two Questions
Proper [28] B, Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, 15 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” There are two questions from the disciples in verse four. One deals with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and all the city with it. The other has to do with the end of the world. It is appropriate that we talk about the end as the leaves turn colors, the harvest is gathered in, and as snow becomes a regular part of our forecast.
Jesus combines the answers to those seemingly simple questions in the rest of Mark 13. He spends verses 5 through 13 describing everything through the end of the world. Today’s appointed Gospel reading answers their second question. But there’s more to His answer that you need to hear. In verses 14-31, Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem, answering the disciples’ first question. Finally, verses 32-37 warn of false prophets and conclude His teaching on the end of the world.
St. Mark sets the scene: As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Seeing the Jewish Temple in all of its glory would have been awe-inspiring. Jesus shocks His disciples with His response.
3And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
In this world you will have trouble. Jesus’ words ring true. We have good times and bad, but neither one lasts. Persecution will accompany the proclamation of the Gospel. Bad things will happen to good Christians. It is part of life under the cross. Jesus gives his promise: the one who endures to the end will be saved. This is His teaching for you about the end of the world. In the middle of Jesus’ teaching on the end times, his answer to the second question, He takes time to answer their first question.
Now Jesus warns those of that generation about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, when “There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
In Mark 13:14-31 (ESV) Jesus explains when those things will be, "But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be ( let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22False christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. 24"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
What things that generation saw! In 70 AD, Roman troops took the city of Jerusalem. It looked like the world was coming to an end. Sacrifices in the Temple came to an end. We Christians know that they were no longer necessary since Jesus is the Temple, our Great High Priest, and the sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! The fires burned so hot that stone cracked and crumbled, the gold of the temple roof melted and ran like water into cracks, and not one stone of the temple remained upon another. The destruction was mind boggling, the human carnage horrific. Hundreds of years later, Islam built its famous Dome of the Rock Mosque on the temple mount. All that remains of the glorious ancient Temple is the “wailing wall.”
But the disciples also asked “what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” Jesus’ answer to that question resumes in Mark 13:32-37 (ESV) 32"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock crows, or in the morning— 36lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."
A medieval liturgical verse summarizes all of this very well: Guide us watching and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Jesus’ words abide with us and we abide in Him.
We are duly warned about false prophets. They will come. They will deceive some. And the surest sign that one is listening to a false prophet is when you hear a date for the end of the world. You’ve heard of such preachers. The date comes and goes, and they just look foolish. They have their followers, but you are not to be among them. You are given to be on your guard and stay awake in Jesus, no matter what comes.
At the heart of all of this is Jesus. He has warned us ahead of time of what will happen in the last days. We need not be surprised. His words have already been fulfilled. They will be fulfilled again. We, the baptized, are given to be faithful until Jesus return. Until then, Jesus abides with us in Word and Sacrament, the means the Lord has given so that we may remain faithful until the Last Day. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Two Questions. Jesus is our answer, our hope, and our salvation. He is the one who sustains us until the Second Coming and He is the One who comes.
The Lord is present with His people. That’s a promise. Our Triune God has been with Immanuel Sheridan for over a hundred years. We raise to Him our songs of thankfulness and praise, trusting in His promises and His presence in Jesus Christ. Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of the Church
Pentecost 24 (Proper 28B)
November 15, 2009
P Gracious Lord, Your love endures forever. You demonstrated that love by sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world for us and our salvation. He showed forth that love by His innocent suffering and death. You confirmed His loving sacrifice by His physical Resurrection from the dead. You have revealed Your love for us in Your Holy Word. We thank You for the delivery of the gift of faith and of hearts that love You through the work of the Holy Spirit. Help us to love one another with the love You have given to us in anticipation of that great Day of the Lord. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Grant us a proper understanding of good works, O Lord, that they may indeed prove that faith is living. Provide us many opportunities to serve You by serving our neighbors in need. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Protect us from false teachings and false teachers that none may be deprived of eternal life in Your Son. Therefore, bless all pastors, teachers, professional church workers and leaders in Your Church, that they may be grounded in Your Word, pure of character, trustworthy, resolute in purpose, and united in the mind of Christ. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Inspire Your people to serve with eager hearts and faithful hands, O Lord--to gladly support the spread of the Gospel in sharing it themselves and providing for those who do. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P O Lord, bless and protect Barack, our President, the Congress and Judiciary of the United States, __________, the Governor of this State as well as all state and local legislatures, judges, and law enforcement. Grant that they may protect the weak, free the innocent, and detain the guilty, that the rule of law and justice may be preserved in our land.
Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Bless, O Lord, all godly vocations. Break and hinder the work of those whose livelihood is founded in evil and contrary to Your Ten Commandments. We thank You for the abundant harvest of field and farmyard, office and factory, goods and services. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Gracious God, grant Your healing to those who are sick or facing surgery (especially _______). Give their physicians caring wisdom and skill to do their work effectively to Your glory and for the good of their patients. Comfort those who mourn the death of loved ones (especially _______). Calm their troubled hearts and give them peace to face the days ahead in the confidence that You will never forsake them. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Prepare us for Your return, O Lord, through the blessings of Your Holy Supper. Through the eating and drinking of Your most precious body and blood, nourish our troubled hearts that we may watch and await Your return with holy patience. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
To download this message in different formats (MS Word, Rich Text Format), click on the following links:
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-15-09.doc
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-15-09.rtf
To access past prayers at the LetUsPray archives, go to:
http://worship.lcms.org/LUPArchives
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sermon and Prayer of the Church for 08 November 2009, Proper 27B
The Rev. Paul J Cain
1 Kings 17:8–16
Not Empty
Proper [27] B, Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, 08 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
At the temple, the poor widow put in all she had to live on. Jesus commends her faith. She trusted in the Lord for her daily bread—everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body.
This morning we are introduced to another widow in the Old Testament reading. The Lord uses his servant on the scene to encourage faith in the Lord to provide.
It was a time of famine when the word of the LORD came to Elijah. Famines were relatively common in the ancient world. In Genesis we hear of Abram going to Egypt in a time of famine. Generations later, Joseph was able to provide for all the family of Israel when they came to Egypt. We see the Lord’s hand in providing for His ancient people. Usually, famine tends to bring out the worst in people—hoarding, greed, and despair.
God told Elijah, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” Even in a time of need, the Lord will provide. Even when the cupboard is bare, the Lord knows better than old mother Hubbard. Using earthly wisdom, we would think the Lord would send Elijah to some wealthy landowner, a royal patron—someone of means to help Elijah through the lean times. But He doesn’t. A widow in Zarephath will provide for Elijah. So he arose and went to Zarephath.
And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” Water is hard to come by in a famine. There’s no such thing as “running water” as we know it. That’s a very modern luxury. It used to be—not so long ago—that running water was when someone had to run to get it. You may have used a hand pump. This widow likely used a bucket and a well to get Elijah water.
And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” Water and food? Elijah is sure trusting that the Lord will fulfill His promises. He asks for bread in order to see if this is the widow the Lord told him about.
“As the LORD your God lives,” she says, “I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.”
Sticks. A handful of flour. A little oil. All that she and her son had to live on. No freezer. No pantry. No animals left in the backyard. This family is on the brink of starvation. She is gathering sticks to prepare their last supper. She needs daily bread. She needs some hope.
We know this not only from the situation, but from her words: “As the LORD your God lives,” she says. The woman given up hope in the false gods of her nation. She is a gentile, not of the house of Israel, but she notices that Elijah is of the house of Israel. She may not have known him, his name, or that he is a prophet, but she knows the true God, and she knows that this man serves the Lord.
Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”
The Lord will provide. That is your comfort this day. The Lord your God will provide you with everything you need—not everything you want—but everything you need and enough to provide for your neighbor in need.
She went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.
The widow acted in faith. She gave up the certain for the uncertain and trusted the Word of the Lord given through His servant. The Lord gave His promise and He fulfilled it. His Word is trustworthy and sure. The widow provided for the Lord’s servant and she was blessed. They all ate through the Lord’s miraculous provision until rain came again. It took many days, the text says, but it did rain again.
How big is your God? If your “god” is not big enough to provide for you, your family, your prophet, and your congregation, your “god” is not the true Lord of heaven and earth. The Lord your God will provide you with everything you need—not everything you want—but everything you need and enough to provide for your neighbor in need.
In the Small Catechism’s teaching on the Lord’s Prayer, Dr. Luther teaches us that God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray “Give us this day our daily bread” so that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
The Lord also provides you with the bread of heaven for the forgiveness of your sins. The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ will strengthen and preserve you in body and soul to life everlasting. That prepares you for the Day of Resurrection.
There’s more to the story of the widow of Zarephath. Her son dies and Elijah raises Him to life. This points us forward to the ministry and miracles of Jesus. He raised from death Jairus’ daughter, the son of another widow in the town of Nain, and Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha. We must not forget His own Resurrection from the dead. Because He rose, you also will rise. We pray for restoration of health, but whatever the Lord does not heal in this life, He will heal on Resurrection Day. In that we also take comfort.
The widow provided for Elijah, and the jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah. The Lord provides for you, too. According to His promise, your jar will not become empty, but on the Last Day, your grave will be—just as Jesus’ tomb was on Easter morn. Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of the Church
Pentecost 23 (Proper 27B)
November 8, 2009
P Almighty God, we give thanks for all Your goodness and bless You for the love that sustains us from day to day. We praise You for the gift of Your Son, our Savior, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. We thank You for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter; for Your holy Church, for the Means of Grace, for the lives of all faithful and just people, and for the hope of the life to come. Help us to treasure in our hearts all that You have done for us, and enable us to show our thankfulness in lives that are wholly given to Your service. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Grant Your wisdom and heavenly grace to all pastors and to those who hold office in Your Church that, by their devoted service, faith may abound and Your kingdom increase. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Send the light of Your truth into all the earth. Raise up faithful servants of Christ to advance the Gospel both at home and in distant lands. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P In Your mercy strengthen all newly established congregations, and support them in challenging times. Make them steadfast, abounding in the work of the Lord, and let their faith and zeal for the Gospel refresh and renew the witness of Your people everywhere. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Preserve our nation in justice and honor that we may lead a peaceable life with integrity. Grant health and favor to all who bear office in our land, especially
(USA) the president and congress of the United States, the governor and legislature of this state/commonwealth, and to all those who make, administer, and judge our laws.
(British Commonwealth) Her Majesty the Queen, the governor general, the prime minister and the parliament, the government of this province and all who have authority over us.
Help them to serve this people according to Your holy will. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Sanctify our homes with Your presence, and bless them with joy. Keep our children in the covenant of their Baptism, and enable their parents to bring them up in lives of faith and devotion. Unite the members of all families in a spirit of affection and service that they may show Your praise in our land and in all the world. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P By Your Word and Holy Spirit comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity (especially _______). Be with those who suffer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those to whom death draws near (especially _______). Bring consolation to those in sorrow, and grant to all a measure of Your love, taking them into Your tender care. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served You in Your Church on earth, and who now rest from their labors (especially _______). Keep us in fellowship with all Your saints, and bring us at last to the joys of Your heavenly kingdom. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
To download this message in different formats (MS Word, Rich Text Format), click on the following links:
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-08-09.doc
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-08-09.rtf
To access past prayers at the LetUsPray archives, go to:
http://worship.lcms.org/LUPArchives
1 Kings 17:8–16
Not Empty
Proper [27] B, Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, 08 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
At the temple, the poor widow put in all she had to live on. Jesus commends her faith. She trusted in the Lord for her daily bread—everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body.
This morning we are introduced to another widow in the Old Testament reading. The Lord uses his servant on the scene to encourage faith in the Lord to provide.
It was a time of famine when the word of the LORD came to Elijah. Famines were relatively common in the ancient world. In Genesis we hear of Abram going to Egypt in a time of famine. Generations later, Joseph was able to provide for all the family of Israel when they came to Egypt. We see the Lord’s hand in providing for His ancient people. Usually, famine tends to bring out the worst in people—hoarding, greed, and despair.
God told Elijah, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” Even in a time of need, the Lord will provide. Even when the cupboard is bare, the Lord knows better than old mother Hubbard. Using earthly wisdom, we would think the Lord would send Elijah to some wealthy landowner, a royal patron—someone of means to help Elijah through the lean times. But He doesn’t. A widow in Zarephath will provide for Elijah. So he arose and went to Zarephath.
And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” Water is hard to come by in a famine. There’s no such thing as “running water” as we know it. That’s a very modern luxury. It used to be—not so long ago—that running water was when someone had to run to get it. You may have used a hand pump. This widow likely used a bucket and a well to get Elijah water.
And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” Water and food? Elijah is sure trusting that the Lord will fulfill His promises. He asks for bread in order to see if this is the widow the Lord told him about.
“As the LORD your God lives,” she says, “I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.”
Sticks. A handful of flour. A little oil. All that she and her son had to live on. No freezer. No pantry. No animals left in the backyard. This family is on the brink of starvation. She is gathering sticks to prepare their last supper. She needs daily bread. She needs some hope.
We know this not only from the situation, but from her words: “As the LORD your God lives,” she says. The woman given up hope in the false gods of her nation. She is a gentile, not of the house of Israel, but she notices that Elijah is of the house of Israel. She may not have known him, his name, or that he is a prophet, but she knows the true God, and she knows that this man serves the Lord.
Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”
The Lord will provide. That is your comfort this day. The Lord your God will provide you with everything you need—not everything you want—but everything you need and enough to provide for your neighbor in need.
She went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.
The widow acted in faith. She gave up the certain for the uncertain and trusted the Word of the Lord given through His servant. The Lord gave His promise and He fulfilled it. His Word is trustworthy and sure. The widow provided for the Lord’s servant and she was blessed. They all ate through the Lord’s miraculous provision until rain came again. It took many days, the text says, but it did rain again.
How big is your God? If your “god” is not big enough to provide for you, your family, your prophet, and your congregation, your “god” is not the true Lord of heaven and earth. The Lord your God will provide you with everything you need—not everything you want—but everything you need and enough to provide for your neighbor in need.
In the Small Catechism’s teaching on the Lord’s Prayer, Dr. Luther teaches us that God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray “Give us this day our daily bread” so that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
The Lord also provides you with the bread of heaven for the forgiveness of your sins. The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ will strengthen and preserve you in body and soul to life everlasting. That prepares you for the Day of Resurrection.
There’s more to the story of the widow of Zarephath. Her son dies and Elijah raises Him to life. This points us forward to the ministry and miracles of Jesus. He raised from death Jairus’ daughter, the son of another widow in the town of Nain, and Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha. We must not forget His own Resurrection from the dead. Because He rose, you also will rise. We pray for restoration of health, but whatever the Lord does not heal in this life, He will heal on Resurrection Day. In that we also take comfort.
The widow provided for Elijah, and the jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah. The Lord provides for you, too. According to His promise, your jar will not become empty, but on the Last Day, your grave will be—just as Jesus’ tomb was on Easter morn. Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of the Church
Pentecost 23 (Proper 27B)
November 8, 2009
P Almighty God, we give thanks for all Your goodness and bless You for the love that sustains us from day to day. We praise You for the gift of Your Son, our Savior, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. We thank You for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter; for Your holy Church, for the Means of Grace, for the lives of all faithful and just people, and for the hope of the life to come. Help us to treasure in our hearts all that You have done for us, and enable us to show our thankfulness in lives that are wholly given to Your service. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Grant Your wisdom and heavenly grace to all pastors and to those who hold office in Your Church that, by their devoted service, faith may abound and Your kingdom increase. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Send the light of Your truth into all the earth. Raise up faithful servants of Christ to advance the Gospel both at home and in distant lands. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P In Your mercy strengthen all newly established congregations, and support them in challenging times. Make them steadfast, abounding in the work of the Lord, and let their faith and zeal for the Gospel refresh and renew the witness of Your people everywhere. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Preserve our nation in justice and honor that we may lead a peaceable life with integrity. Grant health and favor to all who bear office in our land, especially
(USA) the president and congress of the United States, the governor and legislature of this state/commonwealth, and to all those who make, administer, and judge our laws.
(British Commonwealth) Her Majesty the Queen, the governor general, the prime minister and the parliament, the government of this province and all who have authority over us.
Help them to serve this people according to Your holy will. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Sanctify our homes with Your presence, and bless them with joy. Keep our children in the covenant of their Baptism, and enable their parents to bring them up in lives of faith and devotion. Unite the members of all families in a spirit of affection and service that they may show Your praise in our land and in all the world. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P By Your Word and Holy Spirit comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity (especially _______). Be with those who suffer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those to whom death draws near (especially _______). Bring consolation to those in sorrow, and grant to all a measure of Your love, taking them into Your tender care. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served You in Your Church on earth, and who now rest from their labors (especially _______). Keep us in fellowship with all Your saints, and bring us at last to the joys of Your heavenly kingdom. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
To download this message in different formats (MS Word, Rich Text Format), click on the following links:
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-08-09.doc
http://www.lcms.org/ca/worship/letuspray/11-08-09.rtf
To access past prayers at the LetUsPray archives, go to:
http://worship.lcms.org/LUPArchives
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sermon and Prayer of the Church for All Saints' Day
The Rev. Paul J Cain
Matthew 5:1-12
Blessed Are You
All Saints’ Sunday, 01 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When your day is Blue, remember, Blessed are you in Christ!
We have lots of “Blue” days, don’t we, even here. Life gets us down. Circumstances threaten to overwhelm us. Finances are always of concern—personal, congregational, and business-related. How will our family make ends meet? And we wonder where everybody else is on a Sunday morning. What about Christianity in an age of Terrorism?
We need precisely what our Lord gives us in today’s Gospel: Seeing the crowds, he [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them…The verses to come begin Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ teaching is found in Matthew in several great discourses. This is the first.
We worry about funds. And then we see the poor in their poverty at home and abroad. And we get some perspective. We know from experience that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God—too many things distract them. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. One cannot serve both God and money. We also know from experience that the financially poor often have more to do with God than the wealthy. Jesus here, speaks to all, rich or poor, who can confess that they are poor in spirit, poor, miserable sinners.
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We may not have treasure in this life, but we are promised greater treasures than we can imagine in the life to come.
Many in our congregation mourn this morning. We mourn the loss of loved ones, family, and friends. We mourn the loss of hopes and dreams. We mourn the loss of a good job, or even a home of many years. And we mourn, just like a death, the end of one relationship or another. We mourn. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. We mourn, but not as those who have no hope. We mourn, but mourn differently than the world. We have a Savior. We have the promise of heaven. Resurrection is our baptismal rebirthright. Our tears are here now, but one day the Lord Himself will wipe every tear from your eyes.
Bullies harass the weak from playgrounds to boardrooms. Brute force has put entire nations under a boot and many people are oppressed yet today. Christians are often considered weak when they turn the other cheek or when they love their enemies instead of taking revenge. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. One day, the Lord will dwell with you, His people, in the new heaven and new earth.
We complain about what’s on the menu at home, in our lunchboxes, or at the cafeteria. But our refrigerators are full. We actually have something called a pantry. Grocery store shelves are stocked. There are no lines for bread. Our Lord gives us our daily bread—daily. And, we are well-reminded that man does not live on bread alone. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Our daily bread includes the Word of God. American Christians have never been fond of “fasting” in the traditional sense. Yet, many who call themselves Christians fast in other ways, ways the Lord would not approve of. Some declare a fast from Him, His people gathered on His day, and from His Word and Sacrament. Blessed are you—not merely because you are here—but because of what you receive today! Luther wrote, “We have the clear assurance that God does not cast aside sinners, that is, those who recognize their sin and desire to come to their senses, who thirst for righteousness” (TLSB 1586).
From youth we are taught the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not a bad paraphrase of what comes later in this Sermon on the Mount. But how often is it followed? We usually see this maxim in practice: I’m gonna do unto others before they do unto me! Instead, Jesus tells us: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. As we forgive, so will we be forgiven. A nice preview of the Lord’s Prayer.
Christians growing up face a lot of peer pressure to try the ways of the world: underage drinking, illegal drugs, experimentation with sex, speeding —and those who don’t participate are often made to feel socially awkward, uncool. It’s no easier for adults. Even substances that are legal can be abused. Sex outside of marriage and abuses of it within marriage are outside of God’s will. Drugs thwart jobseekers here in Wyoming. But there is forgiveness for the repentant sinner. Jesus calls such a forgiven sinner a saint. And there’s more: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. The forgiven are purified in Jesus’ blood—no matter what happened before. We will often have to deal with temporal consequences of our sin—consequences in our life now. But we are white, spotless lambs in the Lord’s eyes because of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
War is a topic that has been on our minds since September 11th. We have loved ones in the service and overseas. Surely, the Scriptures commend good Christian citizenship as an extension of the Fourth Commandment’s teaching to honor father and mother. But there is more. Citizen and government each have responsibility to one another and to the Lord. In Romans 12, the Lord says, “Vengeance is Mine!” Listen to how that plays out before Judgment Day, THE Day of Vengeance:
Romans 13 reads: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Before Judgment Day, it is been given to civil government to avenge wrongdoing, with the Lord’s guidance and authorization--that’s when government works for the good of the governed. We honor God by being subject to and obeying our government authorities and by being active participants through voting, etc. “But what about men like Hitler? What if I lived in Afghanistan under the Taliban?” Well, Acts 5:29 (ESV) makes it clear that "We must obey God rather than men.” We honor and respect the government as an agent of the Lord, placed there by Him, but we are free to disobey if it commands things contrary to the Lord’s Word.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. The purpose of any war should be peace. A just war is the ultimate manifestation of self-defense. Christians have peace with God because of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. As recipients of peace, we are then called to be peacemakers in our homes and communities, wherever we live, learn, and work. And we ought to be peacemakers among ourselves.
Persecution was the common experience of the Old Testament Prophets. Jesus faced it. So did Christians who spoke the truth. Peter was crucified—upside down. Paul was beheaded because one could not crucify a Roman citizen. Others were made gladiators, or fed to lions. And that’s just the first three centuries of Christianity. More Christians died as martyrs in the last 100 years than in the 1900 that preceded them. Christians around the globe today are being hounded because of their faith. Some are killed for the name of Jesus. And sometimes we buckle under just because somebody made a disparaging comment. Fear not. Be encouraged. Be bold in your faith. Be not ashamed of the Gospel, the very power of salvation!
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It is said that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. We know that blood, human or otherwise, is not a good fertilizer, but there is something powerful about seeing the passion of one who would die for the faith. And we are reminded of the famous Confirmation Bible Verse: Be ye faithful unto death and ye shall receive the crown of life.
Augsburg Confession XXI says, “Our churches teach that the remembrance of saints may be commended to us so that we may imitate their faith and good works according to our calling.”
LSB Proposal: “The Lutheran reformers understood that there was great benefit in remembering the saints whom God has given to His Church. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Article 21) gives three reasons for such honor. First, we thank God for giving faithful servants to His Church. Second, through such remembrance our faith is strengthened as we see the mercy that God extended to His saints of old. Third, these saints are examples by which we may imitate both their faith and their holy living according to our calling in life.
“[The Calendar of the Church]…lists a number of men and women from both the Old and New Testaments and from the first 19 centuries of the Church’s life…Their defense of the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith and/or their virtuous living have caused these individuals to stand out over time as persons worthy of recognition. In every case, the purpose of our remembrance is not that we honor these saints for their own sake, but as examples of those in whom the saving work of Jesus Christ has been made manifest to the glory of His holy name and to the praise of His grace and mercy.” (LSB Proposal)
Are we to pray to saints? No. Absolutely Not! We are to pray to God in thanksgiving for them and imitate their faith according to vocations we have in common with them. For more on the Church Year, including Sundays & Seasons, Feasts & Festivals, and Commemorations, see the full list from Lutheran Service Book later in the November newsletter. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Christians ought not hide behind this next and last “Blessed” when we have done wrong—when we have succumbed to the evil one and have done evil. No, on such occasions we should repent, confess our sin to those we have wronged, be forgiven, and move on with our lives. But sometimes, false accusations dog us. The unscrupulous will try anything to discredit Christians, pastors, congregations, and church bodies. We are not alone. And contrary to common sense, we are blessed.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Many groups claim persecution—some have a good case. Other claimants don’t have legitimate claims. Just because one is being persecuted does not mean that one speaks divine truth—sometimes it’s just human wisdom or folly with the name of Jesus slapped on as an afterthought.
We all face Blue days, times of sorrow or pain, times when our own sins make us ashamed. When circumstances beyond your control oppress you, when the law of God has convicted you, when you have nowhere else to turn—when Your Day Is Blue….Remember…Blessed Are You in Christ!
Do you have a good Bible of your own at home in a faithful translation that you can understand? I recommend the English Standard Version, the New King James, or the New American Standard. All are very faithful, scholarly, literal translations. The King James has served the Church well and continues to faithfully serve those who understand its language. It will likely not be as helpful to a new Bible reader. One almost needs a dictionary to understand some of the archaic words and others that have changed meanings since 1611. For example, “Suffer the little children,” has a much different impact now. Yet, please continue to use the old Authorized Version if you understand it. The New International Version is extremely common in the LCMS. While common, the Self Study Bible from Concordia often has to take issue with a vague or even incorrect translation in the NIV—and that’s if one reads the study notes. The Lutheran Study Bible adds strong notes and references to the English Standard Version.
Biblical paraphrases are another animal entirely. Consider the Living Bible or now, The Message. Paraphrases are like a two-edged knife—they cut both ways. They transparently show the theological bias of the author. Yet, paraphrases can add incredible insight by transforming the Word into the word on the street. But the problem is that they reword the Word. This isn’t precisely what the Greek or Hebrew said. While we may get specific, contemporary application, a paraphrase can focus so much on minor applications and parochial issues that the larger sense is missing.
Here is how Eugene Peterson, author of The Message, reinterprets the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12:
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. Matthew 5:1-12 (Msg)
Neat insights, but… The contemporary insights don’t unpack all that the Lord gives in the Greek. What Rev. Peterson says isn’t necessarily wrong, it’s just incomplete. The Lord has more to give. Personally, that didn’t sound much like the Beatitudes. Give me a good, faithful, literal, word-for-word translation any day. Let’s leave the contemporary application to good sermons and one-on-one pastoral care.
Have you noticed the back of the blue insert yet? It’s Blue. Take it home, put it in your Bible, and when you’re having one of those days, pull out your Bible, read it, and let the Lord draw you to Himself in His Word. When Your Day Is Blue ….Remember…Blessed Are You in Christ!
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
When your day is Blue, remember, Blessed are you in Christ! Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(Bulletin Insert)
When Your Day Is Blue….
Remember…
Blessed Are You
in Christ!
Seeing the crowds, He [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
MATTHEW 5:1-2 ESV
Remember…
Blessed Are You
in Christ!
Prayer of the Church
All Saints’ Day
November 1, 2009
For a responsive reading to commemorate those in the congregation who have faithfully departed this life, see: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=764.
P Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom which comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and in the confession of Your name abide unto the end. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P 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. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P Lord God, Your gracious presence attends Your people wherever they go. Be with those whose lives are in transition. Support them in times of challenge or loneliness, and surround them with caring Christian people so that they may find welcome and peace and joy in Your ongoing kindness and love. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P 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. Bless their service 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. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P Bless the peacemakers, O Prince of Peace. Grant us all to live together in unity and peace, and let all hatred and ill will be remembered no more. Give us that peace which the world cannot give, and grant us grace that, delivered from all conflict and strife, we may live in harmony and safety, and finally, having gained the eternal rest of the saints in glory, may praise and bless, worship and glorify You forever. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P Almighty God, Father of all mercies and Giver of all comfort, deal graciously with all those who mourn that, casting every care on You, they may know the consolation of Your love. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P Lord God, creator of heaven and earth, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise You for the abundant mercy which You this day so richly have provided 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; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
Matthew 5:1-12
Blessed Are You
All Saints’ Sunday, 01 November 2009
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When your day is Blue, remember, Blessed are you in Christ!
We have lots of “Blue” days, don’t we, even here. Life gets us down. Circumstances threaten to overwhelm us. Finances are always of concern—personal, congregational, and business-related. How will our family make ends meet? And we wonder where everybody else is on a Sunday morning. What about Christianity in an age of Terrorism?
We need precisely what our Lord gives us in today’s Gospel: Seeing the crowds, he [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them…The verses to come begin Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ teaching is found in Matthew in several great discourses. This is the first.
We worry about funds. And then we see the poor in their poverty at home and abroad. And we get some perspective. We know from experience that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God—too many things distract them. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. One cannot serve both God and money. We also know from experience that the financially poor often have more to do with God than the wealthy. Jesus here, speaks to all, rich or poor, who can confess that they are poor in spirit, poor, miserable sinners.
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We may not have treasure in this life, but we are promised greater treasures than we can imagine in the life to come.
Many in our congregation mourn this morning. We mourn the loss of loved ones, family, and friends. We mourn the loss of hopes and dreams. We mourn the loss of a good job, or even a home of many years. And we mourn, just like a death, the end of one relationship or another. We mourn. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. We mourn, but not as those who have no hope. We mourn, but mourn differently than the world. We have a Savior. We have the promise of heaven. Resurrection is our baptismal rebirthright. Our tears are here now, but one day the Lord Himself will wipe every tear from your eyes.
Bullies harass the weak from playgrounds to boardrooms. Brute force has put entire nations under a boot and many people are oppressed yet today. Christians are often considered weak when they turn the other cheek or when they love their enemies instead of taking revenge. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. One day, the Lord will dwell with you, His people, in the new heaven and new earth.
We complain about what’s on the menu at home, in our lunchboxes, or at the cafeteria. But our refrigerators are full. We actually have something called a pantry. Grocery store shelves are stocked. There are no lines for bread. Our Lord gives us our daily bread—daily. And, we are well-reminded that man does not live on bread alone. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Our daily bread includes the Word of God. American Christians have never been fond of “fasting” in the traditional sense. Yet, many who call themselves Christians fast in other ways, ways the Lord would not approve of. Some declare a fast from Him, His people gathered on His day, and from His Word and Sacrament. Blessed are you—not merely because you are here—but because of what you receive today! Luther wrote, “We have the clear assurance that God does not cast aside sinners, that is, those who recognize their sin and desire to come to their senses, who thirst for righteousness” (TLSB 1586).
From youth we are taught the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not a bad paraphrase of what comes later in this Sermon on the Mount. But how often is it followed? We usually see this maxim in practice: I’m gonna do unto others before they do unto me! Instead, Jesus tells us: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. As we forgive, so will we be forgiven. A nice preview of the Lord’s Prayer.
Christians growing up face a lot of peer pressure to try the ways of the world: underage drinking, illegal drugs, experimentation with sex, speeding —and those who don’t participate are often made to feel socially awkward, uncool. It’s no easier for adults. Even substances that are legal can be abused. Sex outside of marriage and abuses of it within marriage are outside of God’s will. Drugs thwart jobseekers here in Wyoming. But there is forgiveness for the repentant sinner. Jesus calls such a forgiven sinner a saint. And there’s more: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. The forgiven are purified in Jesus’ blood—no matter what happened before. We will often have to deal with temporal consequences of our sin—consequences in our life now. But we are white, spotless lambs in the Lord’s eyes because of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
War is a topic that has been on our minds since September 11th. We have loved ones in the service and overseas. Surely, the Scriptures commend good Christian citizenship as an extension of the Fourth Commandment’s teaching to honor father and mother. But there is more. Citizen and government each have responsibility to one another and to the Lord. In Romans 12, the Lord says, “Vengeance is Mine!” Listen to how that plays out before Judgment Day, THE Day of Vengeance:
Romans 13 reads: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Before Judgment Day, it is been given to civil government to avenge wrongdoing, with the Lord’s guidance and authorization--that’s when government works for the good of the governed. We honor God by being subject to and obeying our government authorities and by being active participants through voting, etc. “But what about men like Hitler? What if I lived in Afghanistan under the Taliban?” Well, Acts 5:29 (ESV) makes it clear that "We must obey God rather than men.” We honor and respect the government as an agent of the Lord, placed there by Him, but we are free to disobey if it commands things contrary to the Lord’s Word.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. The purpose of any war should be peace. A just war is the ultimate manifestation of self-defense. Christians have peace with God because of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. As recipients of peace, we are then called to be peacemakers in our homes and communities, wherever we live, learn, and work. And we ought to be peacemakers among ourselves.
Persecution was the common experience of the Old Testament Prophets. Jesus faced it. So did Christians who spoke the truth. Peter was crucified—upside down. Paul was beheaded because one could not crucify a Roman citizen. Others were made gladiators, or fed to lions. And that’s just the first three centuries of Christianity. More Christians died as martyrs in the last 100 years than in the 1900 that preceded them. Christians around the globe today are being hounded because of their faith. Some are killed for the name of Jesus. And sometimes we buckle under just because somebody made a disparaging comment. Fear not. Be encouraged. Be bold in your faith. Be not ashamed of the Gospel, the very power of salvation!
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It is said that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. We know that blood, human or otherwise, is not a good fertilizer, but there is something powerful about seeing the passion of one who would die for the faith. And we are reminded of the famous Confirmation Bible Verse: Be ye faithful unto death and ye shall receive the crown of life.
Augsburg Confession XXI says, “Our churches teach that the remembrance of saints may be commended to us so that we may imitate their faith and good works according to our calling.”
LSB Proposal: “The Lutheran reformers understood that there was great benefit in remembering the saints whom God has given to His Church. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Article 21) gives three reasons for such honor. First, we thank God for giving faithful servants to His Church. Second, through such remembrance our faith is strengthened as we see the mercy that God extended to His saints of old. Third, these saints are examples by which we may imitate both their faith and their holy living according to our calling in life.
“[The Calendar of the Church]…lists a number of men and women from both the Old and New Testaments and from the first 19 centuries of the Church’s life…Their defense of the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith and/or their virtuous living have caused these individuals to stand out over time as persons worthy of recognition. In every case, the purpose of our remembrance is not that we honor these saints for their own sake, but as examples of those in whom the saving work of Jesus Christ has been made manifest to the glory of His holy name and to the praise of His grace and mercy.” (LSB Proposal)
Are we to pray to saints? No. Absolutely Not! We are to pray to God in thanksgiving for them and imitate their faith according to vocations we have in common with them. For more on the Church Year, including Sundays & Seasons, Feasts & Festivals, and Commemorations, see the full list from Lutheran Service Book later in the November newsletter. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Christians ought not hide behind this next and last “Blessed” when we have done wrong—when we have succumbed to the evil one and have done evil. No, on such occasions we should repent, confess our sin to those we have wronged, be forgiven, and move on with our lives. But sometimes, false accusations dog us. The unscrupulous will try anything to discredit Christians, pastors, congregations, and church bodies. We are not alone. And contrary to common sense, we are blessed.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Many groups claim persecution—some have a good case. Other claimants don’t have legitimate claims. Just because one is being persecuted does not mean that one speaks divine truth—sometimes it’s just human wisdom or folly with the name of Jesus slapped on as an afterthought.
We all face Blue days, times of sorrow or pain, times when our own sins make us ashamed. When circumstances beyond your control oppress you, when the law of God has convicted you, when you have nowhere else to turn—when Your Day Is Blue….Remember…Blessed Are You in Christ!
Do you have a good Bible of your own at home in a faithful translation that you can understand? I recommend the English Standard Version, the New King James, or the New American Standard. All are very faithful, scholarly, literal translations. The King James has served the Church well and continues to faithfully serve those who understand its language. It will likely not be as helpful to a new Bible reader. One almost needs a dictionary to understand some of the archaic words and others that have changed meanings since 1611. For example, “Suffer the little children,” has a much different impact now. Yet, please continue to use the old Authorized Version if you understand it. The New International Version is extremely common in the LCMS. While common, the Self Study Bible from Concordia often has to take issue with a vague or even incorrect translation in the NIV—and that’s if one reads the study notes. The Lutheran Study Bible adds strong notes and references to the English Standard Version.
Biblical paraphrases are another animal entirely. Consider the Living Bible or now, The Message. Paraphrases are like a two-edged knife—they cut both ways. They transparently show the theological bias of the author. Yet, paraphrases can add incredible insight by transforming the Word into the word on the street. But the problem is that they reword the Word. This isn’t precisely what the Greek or Hebrew said. While we may get specific, contemporary application, a paraphrase can focus so much on minor applications and parochial issues that the larger sense is missing.
Here is how Eugene Peterson, author of The Message, reinterprets the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12:
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. Matthew 5:1-12 (Msg)
Neat insights, but… The contemporary insights don’t unpack all that the Lord gives in the Greek. What Rev. Peterson says isn’t necessarily wrong, it’s just incomplete. The Lord has more to give. Personally, that didn’t sound much like the Beatitudes. Give me a good, faithful, literal, word-for-word translation any day. Let’s leave the contemporary application to good sermons and one-on-one pastoral care.
Have you noticed the back of the blue insert yet? It’s Blue. Take it home, put it in your Bible, and when you’re having one of those days, pull out your Bible, read it, and let the Lord draw you to Himself in His Word. When Your Day Is Blue ….Remember…Blessed Are You in Christ!
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
When your day is Blue, remember, Blessed are you in Christ! Amen.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When Your Day Is Blue….
Remember…
Blessed Are You
in Christ!
Seeing the crowds, He [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
MATTHEW 5:1-2 ESV
Remember…
Blessed Are You
in Christ!
Prayer of the Church
All Saints’ Day
November 1, 2009
For a responsive reading to commemorate those in the congregation who have faithfully departed this life, see: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=764.
P Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom which comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and in the confession of Your name abide unto the end. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P 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. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P Lord God, Your gracious presence attends Your people wherever they go. Be with those whose lives are in transition. Support them in times of challenge or loneliness, and surround them with caring Christian people so that they may find welcome and peace and joy in Your ongoing kindness and love. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P 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. Bless their service 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. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P Bless the peacemakers, O Prince of Peace. Grant us all to live together in unity and peace, and let all hatred and ill will be remembered no more. Give us that peace which the world cannot give, and grant us grace that, delivered from all conflict and strife, we may live in harmony and safety, and finally, having gained the eternal rest of the saints in glory, may praise and bless, worship and glorify You forever. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P Almighty God, Father of all mercies and Giver of all comfort, deal graciously with all those who mourn that, casting every care on You, they may know the consolation of Your love. With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,
C we laud and magnify Your glorious Name.
P Lord God, creator of heaven and earth, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise You for the abundant mercy which You this day so richly have provided 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; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
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