Proper 27 (NT)

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Th 1:1-10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

St Paul prays for the church in Thessaloniki even as he writes to them and knows their great faith. Often times I think about prayer lists and who is on our prayer lists. Jesus teaches the disciples to pray the Lord's prayer. St Paul talks about praying for the saints in specific cities.

But I always seem to come down to one basic question: "How sick does one have to be to be put on a prayer list?" Often times people who are in nursing homes or even shut in are not all that sick compared to the younger person in the hospital. The one going through cancer treatment but not the care giver who has to deal with the struggle of time, energy, and even spiritual drain. But St Paul prayers for all these people in this church.

Should we not just put our membership roles on the prayer list. Not just praying for the people who are struggling now, but those people who will face dangers in the coming weeks, months and years. Pray for the saint that is not quite sure of their sainthood. Pray for those who are cleaning the church, doing their duty, following their vocation and preparing for their dark days.

St Paul says he is constantly praying for the Saints in Thessaloniki. Pray for the members of your congregation (all of them). Prayer for the members of churches else where. Pray Jesus will deliver all of us from the wrath to come. Pray God will lead us all to repentance. Pray everyone in your community will hear the gospel truth and live.

Proper 27 (OTA)

Deuteronomy 7:6-16
6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, 10 and repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them. He will not be slack with one who hates him. He will repay him to his face. 11 You shall therefore be careful to do the commandment and the statutes and the rules that I command you today.
12 “And because you listen to these rules and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that he swore to your fathers. 13 He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you. 14 You shall be blessed above all peoples. There shall not be male or female barren among you or among your livestock. 15 And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you knew, will he inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you. 16 And you shall consume all the peoples that the Lord your God will give over to you. Your eye shall not pity them, neither shall you serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Dt 7:6-16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Listen to the rules of the LORD. He has made an everlasting covenant with his people. He swore his love for your fathers and even shared that love by delivering the people from the Land of Egypt. He swore his love for you and even shared that love by Sacrificing his only son on Mt Calvary.

Listen to the rules of the LORD. He tells you to consume all peoples. Your eye shall not have pity on them. You should not serve their gods or be led astray. You must remove all the snares from around you. Pray that Christ will lead you out of all temptation and deliver you from your own evil and the evil of others.

Listen to the Rules of the LORD. You are his treasured possessions. You are counted with the number of His Saints. He has claimed you to be his own. This is the covenant he makes with you.

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, and repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them." Love the LORD as he first loved you. Keep his statutes, and repent of all your wickedness. Know Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of all your transgressions.

Proper 27 (NTA)

Romans 2:1-11
1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ro 2:1-11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

God shows no partiality in his judgments. But all people need to repent of their transgressions. God will judge even those who stand in the judgment seat. God's righteous judgment will be revealed upon all people. God will reckon to all people according to their works.

St Paul reminds us of eternal and everlasting Judgment. This is the Righteousness of God we are facing, not the judgment of men. God knows your heart and mind. God searches you and knows you. He is the one who will judge you. It is the wrath of God that concerns St Paul here.

But God does not show partiality in his judgments. God judges everyone according to what they have actually done, not by the testimony of others. God gives life and immortality to all those who believe in Jesus Christ. God honors those who trust in him. God gives glory to those who believe in Jesus Christ their Lord. Jesus Christ has taken the wrath and righteous judgment of God upon himself.

Proper 27 (GA)

Matthew 4:12-17
12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 4:12-17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

"Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." The region of Zebulun and Naphtali see the light of the Christ coming. Jesus Christ shines this same light in our lives. He calls us to repentance and to turn from our wicked ways. Jesus Christ comes with a simple message of repentance.

Jesus will teach the disciples about How they are to live and act toward one another. But he does not just teach them simple rituals to follow. But also teaches them a deeper meaning of following these commands in thought word and deed. His instruction reminds us of how we have fallen short. Therefore, Repent of all your sins.

Once you have repented of all your sins. Jesus Christ provides forgiveness of all your sins. Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of all your sins. He is the sacrifice for your life. You will not die, because Christ has taken your place. The Wicked person should repent and hold to the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Proper 27 (G)

Matthew 21:28-32
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 21:28-32). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus tells us about two sons. One son says he will be righteous and follow the will of his father but does not. The other son speaks wickedness toward his father but repents of his wickedness and actually does what is righteous. Jesus uses this to remind the Jews and Religious leaders that tax collectors and sinners are entering the Kingdom ahead of them.

You know the ways of the LORD. You know what the LORD has commanded to you in the Old Testament. Even in Matthew chapter 5 and 6, Jesus illustrates his renewal for the commandments of God. Your Father has asked for you to work in his Vineyard. But what is your response.

Most of us within the Church happily stand up and say, "Yes." But just like the Israelites on Mt Sinai gladly say, "Yes," to obeying all the LORD commands. They turn from the ways of their Father and lead sinful lies. The wicked person must change his mind go into the Vineyard. Jesus calls all the people to repent and believe. Turn from your wickedness and believe in Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior.

Proper 27 (CL)

Ezekiel 18:19-32
19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
21 “But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 22 None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? 24 But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die.
25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? 26 When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die. 27 Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. 28 Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 29 Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ O house of Israel, are my ways not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?
30 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Eze 18:19-32). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

How can anyone say that the way of the LORD is not just? There are still people today which claim the LORD is unjust. The problem is people do evil in their hearts but do not recognize it. The unrighteous person must be shown his wicked ways. The wicked person needs to turn from his iniquity.

People face struggles and hardships. People struggle with disease and destruction. The people of Ezekiel's day recognized children were suffering, but they could not see their sins. Therefore, the LORD must be unjust, because people are suffering in the world.

The world is full of wickedness. These people have abandoned the righteousness of God. But if you turn from your wickedness you will be saved. The LORD says that the wicked person can turn from his sins and he shall live. But if the righteous person turns or falls from his righteousness he will die.

Hear O House of Israel, the Way of the LORD is just. He has justified you through Jesus Christ our LORD. In Christ's death and resurrection you have been justified. You are made righteous through the blood of Christ.

All Saints Sunday (Ps) October 30th

Psalm 41
1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor!
In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;
2 the Lord protects him and keeps him alive;
he is called blessed in the land;
you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed;
in his illness you restore him to full health.
4 As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you!”
5 My enemies say of me in malice,
“When will he die, and his name perish?”
6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,
while his heart gathers iniquity;
when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
7 All who hate me whisper together about me;
they imagine the worst for me.
8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him;
he will not rise again from where he lies.”
9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
10 But you, O Lord, be gracious to me,
and raise me up, that I may repay them!
11 By this I know that you delight in me:
my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity,
and set me in your presence forever.
13 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 41:1-13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Blessed be the LORD God who helps those in need. He looks after the poor and the lowly. He sustains people on their sickbed and gives them full health. This is what we all want. The LORD God to give us good things and help us when we are in times of need. But we still utter empty words of praise. We give him our sins and transgressions. We whisper our desires to see him hanging on the cross.

I think David says that about his enemies not about himself. David desires for the LORD to give him good health so that he could repay his enemies. One can assume David desires to triumph over his enemies who seem to be conquering him. But this is all self serving. We look to Jesus healing people and therefore desire God to just make us better when we are sick.

But the sickbed is made healthy in Christ Jesus. Your iniquity is removed in Jesus Christ. You have been given Victory in Jesus Christ. Thus, you go from being poor and sick to being upheld in Christ Jesus because of His glory. "But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever." So David is in the presence of the LORD God now and forever and all the Saints are in the presence of the LORD God.

All Saints Sunday (GA)

Matthew 18:10-14
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 18:10-14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

None among you should be despised. Even the little ones or frail ones should be expected. Thus, even the lost sheep of Israel must be tracked down and brought into the fold. These Lost Sheep bring great joy to the Father. Just as whenever a saint is called to faith God and the Angels rejoice.

This means it is the duty of every saint to search for other saints. It is also their responsibility to protect the ninety-nine. The saints are to help build each other up. Sometimes this means correcting one another when we stray. other times this means forgiving the sins of each other as we come to repentance. The idea is not to divide the flock but to strengthen those in the flock even the Little ones.

Do not look down upon any of the saints of God. Jesus Christ our Lord has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. He has searched all the mountains and fields for you. He has searched out his Saints and brings them back. All those who have gone astray will be brought back. The Father does not desire to lose any of His Saints or little ones.

All Saints Sunday (NTA)

1 John 3:1-3
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Jn 3:1-3). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

People ask all the time "Do you know where your going when you die?" The general expected answer is "No." Thus you can tell people about Heaven. But St John reminds of the Love of God. He reminds us not of some distant place or future presence in the Resurrection of the Dead. This world does recognize those beloved by God because they did know His Son Jesus Christ.

You are beloved by God. You are children of the Holy One. You are his beloved Saints. It does not matter where God takes you when you die. What matters is are you beloved by God? The answer is here in our text. Everyone who hopes in Christ Jesus is perfected by Christ's Sacrifice. It is not our doing but the one who Loves us.

Celebrate not your eventual reunion in Heaven nor the renewed body on Earth but the one who is with you. The one who loves you and deigns to dwell with you now deserves Celebration. Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit are with you right now. Thanks be to God that he has claimed you to be his Child. He loves all His Children and dwells with them forever. I just want to be in the Father's loving Arms and so I am through Jesus Christ's Death and Resurrection.

All Saints Sunday (NT)

2 Corinthians 7:2-16
2 Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. 8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. 13 Therefore we are comforted.
And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. 15 And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice, because I have perfect confidence in you.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (2 Co 7:2-16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

St Paul talks about regret over his letter but also about the affliction that he had while he was with them. This affliction was over come by the comfort of Titus coming. The comfort we receive in the communion of the saints. When St Paul shares with the Corinthians and Titus the comfort of the Gospel this brings rejoicing and comfort to him.

His letter caused grief for the Corinthians. It caused strife and affliction but it also produced repentance. St Paul takes great joy in calling people to repentance. When we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive our sins. Therefore, repentance leads to sainthood.

St Paul gives us a picture of the repentant person. The one who comes to God with fear and trembling. He writes this not only for the wrong doer nor the one suffering wrong but for all to repent of their sins. This is so you will come to repentance. You will call upon the Name of the LORD and he will call you his Holy Saints. In Christ Jesus you have been made perfect.

All Saints Sunday (OTA)

Micah 6:1-8
1 Hear what the Lord says:
Arise, plead your case before the mountains,
and let the hills hear your voice.
2 Hear, you mountains, the indictment of the Lord,
and you enduring foundations of the earth,
for the Lord has an indictment against his people,
and he will contend with Israel.
3 “O my people, what have I done to you?
How have I wearied you? Answer me!
4 For I brought you up from the land of Egypt
and redeemed you from the house of slavery,
and I sent before you Moses,
Aaron, and Miriam.
5 O my people, remember what Balak king of Moab devised,
and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”
6 “With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mic 6:1-8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The LORD serves his people with an indictment. They have committed sins against God. They have followed Balak and other heathen ways. The LORD urges the people to plead their cases. The LORD urges for them to do their best. They are in need of redemption. God brought His people or saints out of the Land of Egypt.

He has redeemed his people. They give God burnt offerings and various Sacrifices. They may even feel the urge to sacrifice their first born. But these are not what God requires. God requires Holiness. God requires justice and kindness. Those who are merciful and those who are peacemakers walk in the ways of the LORD.

They do not redeem themselves. But the receive grace and mercy from our LORD Jesus Christ. He delivers the poor in spirit and the broken hearted to new life. He provides true justice and righteousness for the saints of God. Therefore, we should gather as the communion of Saints and give praise to our Redeemer.

All Saints Sunday (OT)

Isaiah 61:1-11
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.
5 Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;
foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers;
6 but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;
they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
you shall eat the wealth of the nations,
and in their glory you shall boast.
7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;
instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;
therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;
they shall have everlasting joy.
8 For I the Lord love justice;
I hate robbery and wrong;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their offspring shall be known among the nations,
and their descendants in the midst of the peoples;
all who see them shall acknowledge them,
that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to sprout up before all the nations.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 61:1-11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The LORD God binds up the broken hearts or poor in Spirit. He sets the prisoners free from their bonds. The LORD God comforts those who mourn. Isaiah talks about the Year of the LORD's favor. Then tells of the people returning to the Land of Israel. The devastated places will be rebuilt.

God will cause the righteous to sprout up like spring time. This is a time of renewal. This is a time of rebirth. Jesus Christ our Lord brings favor to all those suffering under the oppression of the Devil. People that are shamed by their life or the world around them have comfort. They are given comfort in a double portion. Truly these are those who have eternal life.

You have been made to be the priests and ministers of our God. You have been called and chosen by Jesus Christ our Lord. Just as Adam was planted in the garden of Eden the LORD will plant all His Saints in Paradise and the promised Land.

All Saints Sunday (CL)

Matthew 5:1-12
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 5:1-12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Blessed are you who are called to be saints for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. All the saints of God have been called sons of God and they will inherit the Earth. Jesus Christ at the start of His Ministry has a grand call for many different kinds of People.

These are the various types of people in which Jesus has come to save. Some are searching for righteous in all the wrong places. Some are poor in faith. Some mourn for those they have lost. Others are being persecuted for even listening to Jesus. Today people are being persecuted on account of the name of Jesus.

Where do you place yourself on this list? There are days when we may find ourselves needing a little reminder. God chose you to be his own. God sent His only Son to die for you. You will inherit the earth. Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven. God has had mercy on you through our Lord Jesus Christ's death for the forgiveness of all your sins.

Reformation Sunday (Ps) October 23rd

Psalm 87:1-7
1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. Selah
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 87:1-7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Zion was born of the Father because Christ has established her. The Lord registers new workers every hour for Zion. Zion has singers and dancers but does not say anything about mourners. Zion is the City of God in which all the people of God dwell. They have been brought together by Faith. They dwell in the City of God with God ever in the midst of them. She eats and drinks and enjoys her Labor.

Zion is truly the City of God and the place where he dwells. He establishes Zion on Earth so that his people can continue to call other workers. They are also there to help build each other up in the Word of God. They give each other strength by praying for one another and carrying each other's burdens.

But still in Zion these people need to be renewed. They sing and dance in praise to God. They do this because he has called them to work in his vineyard. He has justified them through the blood of his son. Christ has died for them. Come join the great throng in Zion reborn out of their wickedness.

Savior, since of Zion's city I through grace a member am,
Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in your name.
Fading are the world's vain pleasures, All their boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasures None but Zion's children know.

Reformation Sunday (OTA)

Jeremiah 14:1-12
1 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought:
2 “Judah mourns,
and her gates languish;
her people lament on the ground,
and the cry of Jerusalem goes up.
3 Her nobles send their servants for water;
they come to the cisterns;
they find no water;
they return with their vessels empty;
they are ashamed and confounded
and cover their heads.
4 Because of the ground that is dismayed,
since there is no rain on the land,
the farmers are ashamed;
they cover their heads.
5 Even the doe in the field forsakes her newborn fawn
because there is no grass.
6 The wild donkeys stand on the bare heights;
they pant for air like jackals;
their eyes fail
because there is no vegetation.
7 “Though our iniquities testify against us,
act, O Lord, for your name’s sake;
for our backslidings are many;
we have sinned against you.
8 O you hope of Israel,
its savior in time of trouble,
why should you be like a stranger in the land,
like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night?
9 Why should you be like a man confused,
like a mighty warrior who cannot save?
Yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us,
and we are called by your name;
do not leave us.”
10 Thus says the Lord concerning this people:
“They have loved to wander thus;
they have not restrained their feet;
therefore the Lord does not accept them;
now he will remember their iniquity
and punish their sins.”
11 The Lord said to me: “Do not pray for the welfare of this people. 12 Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Je 14:1-12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Listen to those words repeatedly. I will wait as you read through them again and again. -- This is a distraught people. This is a desolate people. This is a people upon whom you would have mercy or pity. These people see their sins. They have backslid as far as one can imagine.

God does not desire to hear prayers from them anymore. He has turned his back on them he will no longer listen to them. These people have continually turned their back on God. Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on me, fool me three times now we are getting closer. They have been turned back to God repeatedly, but now their sins need to be purged by sword, famine and pestilence. How close are we?

Our iniquities testify against us. All of us have piled up more sins than could be measured. Let us shout to the Lord, "Yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us." St John tells us the LORD listens to us on account of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the one who has redeemed his people. He is the one who gave the promise to never leave us. Thanks be to God that he has come because otherwise we would be reading Jeremiah again and again. But you have salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior.

Reformation Sunday (NTA)

Romans 3:19-28
19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ro 3:19-28). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Luther is said to have found Justification in this passage. But here you see nothing you do can save you. All have fallen short of the glory of God. Those indulgences are meaningless. The prayers you have made to the saints will not be answered. Your many vows will not bring you any closer to redemption.

The Law speaks to us. The Law tells me how I have not loved God enough. We swear and make vows to do things of which we find too difficult. Our Labor keeps encroaching in on the Lord's Day or time. Our parents are way to stubborn to love, honor, and cherish. The neighbors make it to difficult not to think bad things about them. Sexual passions and desires seem to consume our minds. If that is not enough St Paul reminds us all have fallen short of the glory God expects. Be Holy as the LORD your God is Holy.

But you have been justified not by works of the Law but by faith. God has claimed you to be his very own. Your redemption is not found in actions and deeds but in the fact that Jesus took your sins upon himself. He who knew no sin became sin for us. His blood becomes a propitiation for your sins. Therefore St Paul and Luther can conclude, "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."

Reformation Sunday (NT)

1 John 5:9-21
9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Jn 5:8-21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." What a simple way to end such a difficult discussion on sin. John tells us that those born of God can not keep on sinning. God protects us from evil. Yet, when your brother sins pray for him that he might be given life.

You have Life in Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior. He is the one who has died for the forgiveness of all sins. In him we beleive and put our trust in his true testimony. In this we have eternal life. Christ Jesus is the power to overcome sin and death. Therefore, No christian or one born of God could keep on sinning.

But we are sinners. We are in the world and the world continues to corrupt us. The Evil One continues to persue us. The World corrupts us with material matters. The Evil One devours us with worry and guilt. But God has claimed you to be his little children. God has made you his very sons.

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." Pray for strength and know that the one who hears you will answer your prayers. Pray for forgiveness and be certain that Jesus Christ has already given it to you.

Reformation Sunday (GA)

Matthew 11:12-19
12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
17 “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 11:12-19). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus compares his ministry with John the Baptist ministry. I think many pastors over the years have compared their ministry with others, but these seem to be complete opposites. Jesus comes drink and eating but the people reject him for his actions. John the Baptist did the exact opposite and the pharisees said he had a demon. Which is correct?

John the Baptist had a Spirit of Great power putting words in his mouth to prepare the way for the Son of Man. The Son of Man has the road prepared for him and becomes a friend of sinners so he can release them from their sins. But first you have to be reminded you are sinners. You are the idle people. You are the ones who seek after the wind. You are the one who seeks to fill your belly but can not find sleep.

God has sent many ministers into the world to point us to the redemption of our sins. Some had ministries that clashed with the leaders of their day. Some of them affirmed the truth of God in the midst of Lost people. But who would you compare yourself to? Do you listen to the Law and prophets proclaiming the good news to you? Do you proclaim that good news to others?

The Kingdom continues to suffer violence as it goes forth. It does not matter how hard we try to accommodate the people of this world. The truth must be spoken. The Truth here is do you have ears to hear or not. Jesus and John both call people to repent and believe but what did you hear. Jesus died and rose so people could see new Life but what did you hear. Hear the word of God in your heart and mind: Jesus Christ died for your sins and claimed you to be his own.

Reformation Sunday (G)

Matthew 20:1-16
1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 20:1-16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus tells us another parable. The Owner of the vineyard calls Laborers to come and work for him. He does not run out of work for people to do. He goes out early in the morning and calls all that were there to come work for a denarius in his vineyard. Then about three hours later, more people are standing in the marketplace. He calls those people to come and work for him. This can lead to a couple of questions.

First, how come there are still people standing in the marketplace? In our day, we can easily think of people who show up late to work. We can think of people who do not want to do hard labor. But don't these people need work. He goes out every three hours and still finds more people who have not come to work in his vineyard. People can make many excuses but are these not people who have decided that they are too good to work for him.

Second, how can he afford this or does he really have that much work? Most of the time you would expect the owner of Vineyard to come get a couple of people. Those people would work that day and the rest would be sent home. I think of work on the docks in the early 20th Century. But there is only so much that one can do in a vineyard. How many people can pick grapes and how many can process the grapes? But this guy must have a huge Vineyard to be able to hire all these people and still need more people to work. Then he pays the one who works only one hour the same as the one who worked all day.

This is truly and example of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus shows us not everyone is willing to come when they are called. Everyone is treated equally. Your deeds do not buy you a better place. But Jesus Christ has forgiven you all your sins. He still comes to us every hour calling us to come and follow him and receive his forgiveness.

Reformation Sunday (CL)

Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
13 There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14 and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16 This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? 17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.
18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ec 5:10-20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The rich man can not sleep and the man who toils after the wind leaves with nothing. Should I be on the side of the laborer or the Owner? You even have the man with a Son but nothing to give him. But I guess it is better to eat and drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. This is where most of us are left. Give up, throw your hands in the air it is all meaningless.

But God does not have us labor in vain. God does not leave us empty handed. No, I am not just jumping to the fact that he has given us Christ Jesus and Eternal Life. He has given you gifts in your life. Yes, here gifts and talents and things you enjoy. These are where you labor and enjoy it. God is telling us to find something you Love to do and do it. This can be staying home and taking care of your family. This can be sitting in front of your Computer all day. But this does not mean to lose sight of responsibilities.

God has given you various vocations. Not necessarily religious vocations, but has placed you in positions to use your talents. This can be in the church, but that does not make the work any more sanctified. If you are a garbage collector do your best and hold your head up high. If you are working in food preparation or a dirty factory enjoy your time.

Eat and drink and enjoy your labor as you do it for the glory of God. Spend time with those you love. The Rich man is worried about his money. The man who toils after the wind is always worrying about his next step or project. The man who spends time with his son does not have to worry about possessions he leaves behind. Enjoy the Life God has given you and serve and obey the one who has redeemed you. God gave you life and God has given you redemption even when you fail. He is still there with you.

Proper 24 (Ps) October 16th

Psalm 118:1-14
1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
10 All nations surrounded me;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees;
they went out like a fire among thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 118:1-14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The LORD is on my side and therefore we fear the LORD alone. But people often put their trust in man. We put our trust in ourselves to produce food. We look to our nation to produce defense from threats. We look to our schools to teach our children. We put our trust in man to do all these things.

But God is your helper. God is your strength. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is the one who is our sure defense. He is the one who created us and all things. The LORD feeds us with rich food. The LORD teaches us through discipline and through his Word. This is where we find life and salvation.

Whether we find ourselves in the middle of a desolate place in need of food, the LORD is there. If you are without water and ready to make your last meal, the LORD is there. When the Devil is crouching at your doorstep ready to devour, the LORD is there to strengthen you. The LORD is Love. As the Psalmist writes, "His steadfast love endures forever."

Proper 24 (GA)

Matthew 14:13-21
13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 14:13-21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Disciples always seem a little more sensible than other people to myself. Even here they urge Jesus to send the crowds away so that they can buy food for themselves. This has been a long conference and there is not money in the budget to pay for a banquet. One might even add, it is a desolate place and food here would cost way too much. Just think of the price of a hot dog at a NFL or MLB game.

But Jesus simply responds that you need to feed these people. Take from what little you have and feed these people. I don't care how much you think you have. This is about how much I can give you. We often think of the practical matters and forget the great power of God. This is God in the flesh the one by whom all things were created. As John says, "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."

Jesus looked up into heaven giving thanks to his Father. Jesus blesses the food for the use of satisfying the crowds. Jesus then brakes bread and feeds the disciples and the crowd of more than 5,000 people. This is not a matter of practical things it is a matter of Godly things. Jesus is our bread giver and has had mercy upon his people.

Proper 24 (OTA)

Micah 7:1-13
1 Woe is me! For I have become
as when the summer fruit has been gathered,
as when the grapes have been gleaned:
there is no cluster to eat,
no first-ripe fig that my soul desires.
2 The godly has perished from the earth,
and there is no one upright among mankind;
they all lie in wait for blood,
and each hunts the other with a net.
3 Their hands are on what is evil, to do it well;
the prince and the judge ask for a bribe,
and the great man utters the evil desire of his soul;
thus they weave it together.
4 The best of them is like a brier,
the most upright of them a thorn hedge.
The day of your watchmen, of your punishment, has come;
now their confusion is at hand.
5 Put no trust in a neighbor;
have no confidence in a friend;
guard the doors of your mouth
from her who lies in your arms;
6 for the son treats the father with contempt,
the daughter rises up against her mother,
the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.
7 But as for me, I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
my God will hear me.
8 Rejoice not over me, O my enemy;
when I fall, I shall rise;
when I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be a light to me.
9 I will bear the indignation of the Lord
because I have sinned against him,
until he pleads my cause
and executes judgment for me.
He will bring me out to the light;
I shall look upon his vindication.
10 Then my enemy will see,
and shame will cover her who said to me,
“Where is the Lord your God?”
My eyes will look upon her;
now she will be trampled down
like the mire of the streets.
11 A day for the building of your walls!
In that day the boundary shall be far extended.
12 In that day they will come to you,
from Assyria and the cities of Egypt,
and from Egypt to the River,
from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain.
13 But the earth will be desolate
because of its inhabitants,
for the fruit of their deeds.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mic 7:1-13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I am reminded of the fact that Joshua stood up and said, "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." But here the house is no longer united. The people of your own house are turned in different directions.

There are no longer any righteous people or godly people upon the earth. Everything has turned evil. There is even the illustration of the Fall found in "The best of them is like a brier, the most upright of them a thorn hedge." People are lying in wait for blood or to kill people. These people are not ripe figs or even good fruit. Therefore, woe is the proper introduction to this text.

There will be a time of judgment. The LORD will have his vindication. The LORD will trample down these people. But his enemies rise up against him. "Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me." The LORD is our light and our salvation. The nation will fall but it shall rise again. Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus Christ Rose from the Dead. He is the Light of the World for all those sitting in darkness.

The Earth will be desolate because their deeds were evil. People put their trust and strength in themselves and their military. But our trust should be in God. As for you maybe not your entire household even, trust in the LORD the Light of the World and giver of Life.

Proper 24 (NT)

1 John 5:1-8
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (1 Jn 5:1-8). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

There are three that testify to the truth. God has given us three witnesses. The Spirit of God proclaims the truth in the world. He continues to call gather and enlighten people in the grace of God. The Water washes us clean of our sins. It is in the water that we are drowned with Christ. The blood testifies to the sacrifice that was prepared for the forgiveness of your sins.

These three testify to the truth concerning Jesus Christ. It is these three witnesses who help you conquer the world. You overcome the world and its crazy ways by the grace of God. He is the one who calls you to life. And these witnesses testify to this truth.

The world is full of hatred. The world tells us to destroy each other. The world teaches us to look out for ourselves. The world does not have love and compassion. The world only does good to others for benefit to itself. But you can overcome the world. Jesus Christ has compassion on people without a shepherd. He is your chief shepherd who died for you. Jesus Christ is the sacrifice who bled for you. Jesus Christ is the one who died with you in the waters of Baptism. Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to call you to faith.

Proper 24 (NTA)

1 Peter 5:1-11
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (1 Pe 5:1-11). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Be Humble in all things. Many of the people of this world are proud. They are proud of their accomplishments. They are proud of their children. They are proud of their jobs or investments. They are proud of their Faith. Some people will say that some of these things are good. But God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves. But there are even people that find pride in their own humility. Anytime I do something or help someone out I always make sure to humble my self. Is this not taking pride in your own humility. Can't you see the devil prowling around these words seeking to devour us.

The Devil is real. The Devil is their boasting with us. The Devil is giving us a good pat on the back. But the God of all mercy and the God of all grace humbles us. You are prideful and arrogant people. But Jesus Christ humbled himself to be born of a virgin. He even humbled himself to the point of death on the cross.

Therefore, do not be anxious about life or death, because Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of your sins. In Jesus Christ our Lord you have life. Jesus even tells us he is the resurrection and the life. There is a chief shepherd who was willing to humble himself for you.

Proper 24 (G)

Matthew 10:34-42
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 10:34-42). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Whoever loves their children more than God is not worthy of God. Moses wrote that you must Love God with your entire Heart entire Mind and entire Soul. He even adds the command to Love your neighbor as yourself. You are not supposed to Love God as yourself, but more than your closest family. Otherwise you are not worthy of Christ.

Jesus tells us he has come to split families apart. Jesus comes with a sword. Those whom you lean upon for your needs are nothing compared to Jesus. Jesus is the one we looked to for help in our time of need. Jesus is the prophet who comes to bring life to his people.

You can not place others over him. But we share in our Love for the LORD. We call upon him in times of drought. We give thanks to him in times of plenty. Therefore, even if my parents and family be taken from me, I give him love and praise. Luther would remind us these people are only the masks of God. It is God the Father who has given you life. It is God the Son who has redeemed your life from the pit. It is the Holy Spirit who continues to call you to faith.

Take up your cross and the burdens of life and follow your life giver. Take up the last of all you have and follow the Lord through the Valley of Death to New Life in Christ Jesus our Savior.

Proper 24 (CL)

1 Kings 17:7-16
7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.’ ”
15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (1 Ki 17:7-16). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

It is great to make a cake and die. What a better last meal than a German Chacalote Cake? But while the widow prepares for her and her son's death, God has other plans. God has protected Elijah through his time of exile. After he told Ahab that there would be no rain. God protected him. Now he sends him to a widow so he can save others.

The widow is gathering sticks to have one last meal with her son. They will celebrate their family and prepare for death. God takes people who are on the brink of Death, and saves them. The problem is people have to be reminded they are on the brink of death. Humans are sinful people. Sinful people disobey God and deserve punishment. This is the reason for the drought. This is the reason the river dried up, because of the people's sins.

The Widow of Zarephath is ready for her death. But it is God who delivers her a savior. Jesus is our savior from death. Jesus is the one who gives us life. God is the one who provides food and shelter for his people. Therefore, the flour does not disappear and the oil does nt dry up. God provides life to dying people. Do you want a last meal or do you want to live?

Proper 23 (GA) October 9th

Matthew 10:5-15
5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 10:5-15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Do not take more than you need for the Journey. Do not take extra Money but take the Word of God on your tongue. If people do not listen to you, wipe the dust off your feet and let that stand in judgment against them.

There are many times in people's lives when we would just like to be rid of others. We do not want to listen to other people. We do not desire to heed people's warnings. Parents often tell their children things their children do not understand until they face their own trials. It is not until Sodom and Gomorrah fall that many people realized how bad things had gotten.

Do not wait for someone to come and wipe their feet off. Listen to the Word of God. It calls you to repent of your wickedness. Turn from the wicked ways of the world. Come and hear the truth. Come and Hear about the Judgment of God. God punished Sodom and Gomorrah but God also punished his own Son. Jesus Christ died taken the judgment you deserve upon himself. He is the one who has Victory.

Do not worry about what to take with you. It is simply the Word of God that has given you Power. Jesus Christ sent out the 12 with the Word on their tongues. He has promised all of us, "I will be with you always." Those who abide in the word, God abides in you. He is your strength and shelter.

Proper 23 (NTA)

1 John 4:1-6
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Jn 4:1-6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

"Test the spirits to see whether they are from God." Jesus Christ warned his disciples about false prophets. Jesus Christ warned the people of Jerusalem about their Leaders. These both are very applicable to the Church Today. This is a text were you are the beloved of God.

God has loved you so much. He has given you his Gifts. God calls you Beloved because you are his dear Children and claimed at a high price. But even though you are his beloved there are those among you who will lead you astray. The AntiChrist comes from within the Church. The False Prophets call themselves Christians. It is easy for us to think there are no false teachers in the Church. (But look around!)

Jesus Christ is True God and True Man. Jesus Christ is the Son of the Father. Jesus Christ was from the Beginning. Jesus Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate and died on a Cross. Jesus Christ was bodily raised from the Dead. The Father Created all things through his Son Jesus Christ in six days and continues to Work Life and Salvation by means of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit creates faith in you. It is by grace through faith that you have been saved. Beloved in the LORD test the leaders of your Church.

Proper 23 (OTA)

Judges 7:1-8, 19-24
1 Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
2 The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ 3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’ ” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.
4 And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ shall not go.” 5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” 6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. 7 And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” 8 So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jdg 7:1-8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
19 So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands. 20 Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” 21 Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran. They cried out and fled. 22 When they blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath. 23 And the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian.
24 Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them, as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jdg 7:19-24). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

"A Sword for the Lord and for Gideon!" The people were too many. So the Lord sent home the people who were afraid. Then the LORD sent home those people who drank a certain way. The Army that was left was given a torch and a trumpet. Where is the Sword?

When the Army shouts these simple words, "A Sword for the Lord and for Gideon," the swords appear. The Midianites turn on one another and strike each other with their swords. The Sword of the LORD comes directly out of your mouth. The Word of God is a Sword to cut people to the heart. This Sword gives glory to God when it is used. This Sword kills and also frees or makes alive.

All of this is done for the glory of God. God is given glory because the people did not free themselves by their strength. The Glory of the Battle is given to the Lord because it is his Sword that conquers. It is God who fights on our side. He is the one who comes to you to kill you for your sins.

The Sword is their to kill you. It is the instrument of your death. But it is also the instrument of Christ's Death. The Word of God himself died on the cross to free you from your sins. It is the Sword that now fights to protect you and proclaim your Victory in Christ Jesus. "A Sword for the Lord and for" You.