The Second Sunday of Advent (GA)

Matthew 24:29-31
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 24:29-31). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Day of the Lord is a Day of thick darkness. There will be no so called natural light from Sun or Moon. All the people will become sorrowful. All the people will mourn over the destruction of life. Christ will return with a loud call like a trumpet.

The Day of the Lord will be a Day of Darkness. But Jesus Christ is the light of the World. Christ has give you light. Christ has shined light into his chosen people. Even though that day will be disastrous, God will gather his chosen people together from the four winds. He will gather them from the ends of the Earth.

The Day of the Lord is a Day of Darkness. God will gather his Holy Elect from the four winds. He will give them light. They will have no need of Sun or Moon because Christ will be their light. But it is also the end of the Tribulation or time of suffering. God's Holy Elect will no longer suffer. God will have wiped away the last tears of pain.

The Second Sunday of Advent (NT)

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Th 4:13-18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Lo, he comes on clouds descending reminds us God will return. St Paul tells us when Christ comes he will give life to the dead. He will descend with a loud cry. All people will be brought together in the temple of God. All the people of God live forever with him.

The world around us is fallen and corrupt. People have to deal with lose and pain. Each of us have to face different trials and struggles in our life. But we are to encourage each other with these words of St Paul. Christians need to help build each other up with the hope of Christ's Return. Christians encourage each other by reminding them of their salvation.

St Paul tells us not to grieve as those without hope. Do not face suffering and disgrace on your own. Remember that God has claimed you to be his own, and the Apostles and Prophets who came before you struggled as well. But God has promised to be with you. He has shown you his plan for your eternal life.

The Second Sunday of Advent (OT)

Amos 5:18-27
18 Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!
Why would you have the day of the Lord?
It is darkness, and not light,
19 as if a man fled from a lion,
and a bear met him,
or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall,
and a serpent bit him.
20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light,
and gloom with no brightness in it?
21 “I hate, I despise your feasts,
and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
I will not look upon them.
23 Take away from me the noise of your songs;
to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
24 But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
25 “Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 26 You shall take up Sikkuth your king, and Kiyyun your star-god—your images that you made for yourselves, 27 and I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Am 5:18-27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

This is one of my favorite texts, because I desire the Day of the Lord. I am reminded that this Day is not a Day of celebration for everyone. Most people will find this the Day of their eternal destruction. The Day of the Lord is the Day of Judgment.

Amos reminds the people of Israel and even the Church that this is not something to desire. God does not desire for people to die. God desires all people to have life. This is the reason he sent his only Son into the flesh. God so loved the world so that he would give them life. You have life in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the only true way to everlasting life. You are not delivered from the Day of Judgment by sacrifices nor by worshipping stars not even Meditation. Jesus is the only sacrifice which can give us life. He is the only way to salvation and life everlasting. He has called you out of Darkness into God's Light.

The Second Sunday of Advent (OTA)

Daniel 5:5-28
5 Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, opposite the lampstand. And the king saw the hand as it wrote. 6 Then the king’s color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. 7 The king called loudly to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. The king declared to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and shows me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” 8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known to the king the interpretation. 9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and his color changed, and his lords were perplexed.
10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, “O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, 12 because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
Daniel Interprets the Handwriting
13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, “You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah. 14 I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 15 Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter. 16 But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty. 19 And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled. 20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him. 21 He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will. 22 And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, 23 but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.
24 “Then from his presence the hand was sent, and this writing was inscribed. 25 And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. 26 This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; 27 Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; 28 Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Da 5:5-28). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

God reveals himself in many and various ways. Some people tell us God only comes to us through his written word. In our text he writes that word on a wall for the King to see. But the King can not understand it unless someone interprets it for him. Therefore, he goes to the prophet Daniel. Daniel tells him a not so happy story.

Daniel talks about a King that will eat grass and is confused. He teaches the King a lesson about the end of his reign. God has numbered the days of Belshazzar and his kingdom. But they do not know when it will end. The Kingdom will be divide among the Medes and Persians as they conquer it.

What does this have to do with us? God has revealed to us the end is coming. Jesus Christ will return and raise the dead to new Life. He will restore his people who are in exile to life. This is what God has revealed to his people in His Word.

The Second Sunday of Advent (CL)

Matthew 25:1-13
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 25:1-13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Nobody knows the day nor the hour of the coming of Christ. Christ reminds his disciples to be alert. They need to be ready at any moment in time for his coming. What if Christ came while you are still reading this. Would you feel ready? What about earlier today or even yesterday? Out of the ten virgins 50% actually make it with the Bridegroom. But many are called and few are chosen.

Most of us have days when we truly pray come Lord Jesus. But for many those days a few and far between. It is not until someone brings up the immanent return of our Savior, that we really give it a second thought. Pastors and church leaders can not be prepared for their people. But they can remind their people to be prepared. The Wise Virgins should remind the foolish Virgins to get extra oil, but they do not. The Foolish Virgins should have remained prepared, but they were arrogant.

But we are still left with no knowledge of when our Lord will return. Be mindful of our Lord's coming. Be on guard and be prepared, because we do not know when the bridegroom will arrive. When the hour comes, your enemies have been destroyed. The Victory has been won through Jesus Christ our Bridegroom.

First Sunday of Advent (Ps) November 27th

Psalm 13:1-6
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 13:1-6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Have you ever felt forgotten? Have you ever felt left out? Have you ever sat in the middle of a crowded arena or coffee shop and felt alone? I have to admit there are times in my life when even the person sitting next to me seems so distant. The Psalmist feels this way about God. God has left his people to their own misery and despair.

Some people like to be alone. But most people do not want to feel cut off. They desire to connect to something or someone. God is there with you. No matter how alone you feel, God is with you. He is there in the crowded arena or coffee shop. He is there in the locked room. God is always with you. You might not always notice it, but that does not mean he isn't there.

God loved you so much that he sent his son to die for you. God loved you so much that he created you, and gave you people to look after and care for you. God loved you so much that he sent his Holy Spirit to make a home with you. God has prevailed over all your enemies. God has awakened you from death. He has even promised to be with you. When you feel alone or left out, turn to God. He always has a proverbial shoulder to cry on.

First Sunday of Advent (GA)

Matthew 6:25-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 6:25-34). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Look at the Birds. Look at the Lilies of the field. God knows everything that you need. He can support this body and life. He is the one who has created all things. He knows when anything dies. He does not ask or require anything of the birds or Lilies. But he requires truth and righteousness from you.

God places food on your table. He clothes you with his sacrifice. Just as at the end of Genesis Chapter 3, he clothed Adam and Eve. He provided them with every vegetation and herb for food.

Thus, we need not worry about such things. Seek the Lord and his forgiveness. Seek his Kingdom and Everlasting Life. As St Paul says put on Christ Jesus. He should be our shield and Armor. But also Christ Jesus is the one who has given you new life.

God requires much from all his creatures. But all of creation has been corrupted by sin and the fall of humanity. Therefore, do not be anxious about these hings. Christ has claimed you to be his very own. Jesus has redeemed your life from the pit.

First Sunday of Advent (OTA)

Genesis 19:1-22
1 The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” 3 But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” 6 Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him, 7 and said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. 8 Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” 9 But they said, “Stand back!” And they said, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door down. 10 But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them and shut the door. 11 And they struck with blindness the men who were at the entrance of the house, both small and great, so that they wore themselves out groping for the door.
12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.
15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” 16 But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” 18 And Lot said to them, “Oh, no, my lords. 19 Behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life. But I cannot escape to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me and I die. 20 Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” 21 He said to him, “Behold, I grant you this favor also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. 22 Escape there quickly, for I can do nothing till you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ge 19:1-22). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Two angels are guests in the village of Sodom. They come to see how truly wicked this place has become. Are there 10 righteous men in Sodom? Are there enough righteous people in the Land so that it could be saved? Are you one of these righteous persons?

maybe a better textual question is Lot. Lot certainly desires to rescue the two angels from the rest of the Village. But is Lot truly righteous. Lot offers his own daughters up to the people to be defiled. "Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof."

Yet, the Angels still have mercy upon Lot and his family. They rescue him from the fate of Death. The Village is found guilty of many sins. They are sentenced to Death. Yet, Lot even though he is not Righteous or Holy as God is Holy. Lot shows himself faithful and fears God enough to protect his Angels.

First Sunday of Advent (NT)

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Th 4:1-12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

You know how you ought to live. you have been instructed in the way of the World. You have also been instructed in moral living. They knew how St Paul acted. Do you know how you are supposed to act? Abstain from sexual immorality. Do not transgress or sin in any way. Love your neighbor as yourself.

God has called you to be holy as He is Holy. Anything less and you have failed. you are no longer acting as a christian ought to act. But don't mourn your failing.

A basketball coach once told me, "Its not the last thing you did wrong, but the nest thing you do right." In various sports players will get distracted by their mistakes. But the player needs to focus on the next play. He can not undo the mistake. He can only do his best not to make the mistake again. This is your duty in Christian Love.

The Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven you all your sins. Your previous mistakes have been removed. Your slate wiped clean. He gives you his Love so you may share that with others. He gives you his Holy Spirit to help you to be Holy.

First Sunday of Advent (NTA)

Acts 20:7-16
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.
13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ac 20:7-16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

St Paul preaches to the people about life and Death. St Paul has always confessed Christ crucified above all things. They gather together for the breaking of bread in Troas. But St Paul always the zealous preacher speaks late into the Night. Eutychus makes it long after most of us.

Many people can not last more than 10-15 minutes before they fall asleep. But his sleep does not find a soft pillow nor hard pew. Eutychus falls down the three stories to death. But the Word of God brings him back to life. Here the Word of God should bring all people to comfort. You have Life in God.

St Paul sails to continue to spread the message of Life. He hands to Jerusalem where he will face more trials and pain. St Paul has desire to continue to preach Christ's Victory over death. It is through his death and resurrection you have new life as well. When you sleep know Christ will awaken you.

First Sunday of Advent (OT)

Isaiah 51:9-16
9 Awake, awake, put on strength,
O arm of the Lord;
awake, as in days of old,
the generations of long ago.
Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces,
who pierced the dragon?
10 Was it not you who dried up the sea,
the waters of the great deep,
who made the depths of the sea a way
for the redeemed to pass over?
11 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
12 “I, I am he who comforts you;
who are you that you are afraid of man who dies,
of the son of man who is made like grass,
13 and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth,
and you fear continually all the day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
when he sets himself to destroy?
And where is the wrath of the oppressor?
14 He who is bowed down shall speedily be released;
he shall not die and go down to the pit,
neither shall his bread be lacking.
15 I am the Lord your God,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
the Lord of hosts is his name.
16 And I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you in the shadow of my hand,
establishing the heavens
and laying the foundations of the earth,
and saying to Zion, ‘You are my people.’ ”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 51:9-16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The people of God covered in the shadow of his hand. God led his people out of Egypt. He dried up the sea before them. He comes to comfort his people. He is the maker of Heaven and Earth. It is when the LORD comes with Power to Save his people.

The Advent of our King is at hand. Awake your soul. Awake your strength. The LORD of the Ages past has Awakened. He has come with words of Great Power. He has come to lay new foundations. Christ comes to make things new for his people.

Those who are awake at the LORD's coming will be saved. Those who are in Zion are God's chosen people. When they turn their back upon God they are left to sleep. But Christ comes to his people to wake them up and Give them Life.

First Sunday of Advent (CL)

Matthew 9:18-26
18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 9:18-26). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

"Don't make me lay a hand on you!" or "Don't you dare lay a hand on her!" How often have you heard these phrases? These are not thought to be good things. But in our text if Jesus only comes and touches the daughter she will live. If the woman can only reach out and touch him she will be healed.

Is that all we need? As long as we touch the relic of Christ we will be healed? No it is faith and trust they put in God. Jesus is the one touched by God. He is the one we can hold onto for security. It is still the gracious gift of God to give us life.

He is the one we go to when troubles come. Because he is the one who was sent to give us life. he is the one who will wake all the dead when he returns. He was sent so that upon his coming we would have life.

The Sunday of Job (Ps) November 20th

Psalm 89:1-18
1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
2 For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;
in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
3 You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’ ” Selah
5 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
6 For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,
7 a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
and awesome above all who are around him?
8 O Lord God of hosts,
who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
with your faithfulness all around you?
9 You rule the raging of the sea;
when its waves rise, you still them.
10 You crushed Rahab like a carcass;
you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11 The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
12 The north and the south, you have created them;
Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
13 You have a mighty arm;
strong is your hand, high your right hand.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
16 who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
17 For you are the glory of their strength;
by your favor our horn is exalted.
18 For our shield belongs to the Lord,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 89:1-18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The LORD God King of the Universe has steadfast love for his people. He has chosen them from among the Nations. He has chosen them from all Creation. God set forth the foundations of this World. It was not Evolution or Satan but God alone who rules the waves.

You look up into the sky and see planets and stars. You may even use a telescope and see nebulae. Did these come about by natural selection? Did they just come by random molecules or particles colliding? God placed these things there for beauty. These things only remind us how little we can comprehend.

Who are You? Are you claiming that you have done these things? Are you the one who set forth the foundations? Listen to the one who was there. God set forth the North and the South. He sent Jesus Christ so that sinners would have righteousness and Justice.

He is your shield. Who are You? You are the one chosen by God. You are the one with whom God made an everlasting covenant. You are Christ's Beloved.

The Sunday of Job (OTA)

Exodus 3:1-12
1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7 Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ex 3:1-12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Moses is out minding his own business or really his father-in-law's business. Then he sees a burning bush. God tells Moses what He has seen. He has seen the affliction of his people. The People of God are suffering in the Land of Egypt. God sees fit to send Moses to the land of Egypt in order to bring his people to freedom.

Moses asks the question which plagues the hearts of many Christians. "Who am I to speak?" If you do not speak then who will? Every Christian has been given a duty to speak the Word they have been told by Christ.

God came down to rescue you from your slavery to sin. He came to release you from bondage and suffering. On account of this we still suffer. But we suffer with the knowledge that God is with us. God has redeemed us from our sins. He has called the children of Israel his people. Moses is His messenger.

Who are You? You are the one God has claimed to be his. You are the one for whom Christ died. You are the one he has placed before others to speak so that they might have life. You have been called not by a bush or fire but by Christ Himself.

The Sunday of Job (NT)

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Th 3:1-13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.


The Gospel of Christ does not come without a price. Christians will suffer for their faith. They will suffer at the hands of Satan. They will also suffer discipline by God. St Paul warned them of the affliction they would suffer on account of Christ.

St Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for him and his mission. But pray for your faith and our faith. All those who have faith Will be tempted. The Tempter is there to lead people astray. He does this by afflicting people.

In your time of affliction where do you turn? The Gospel of Christ is a great place to turn. Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of sins. God the Father will direct your ways. He is the one who looks into your hearts and sees them blameless in Jesus Christ. Through Christ's sacrifice you have been renewed and made Holy. He has claimed you to be his.

St Paul still reminds us we will face struggles. But know that whether we struggle or feel secure God is there with us. Your Father in heaven has not forsaken you.

The Sunday of Job (NTA)

Ephesians 6:10-24
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Eph 6:10-24). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

How do you keep your faith strong? Many People read their bibles. Others go to church regularly. Some even do both! But how do you keep your faith strong? Satan is constantly there to affirm your sinful life. Satan uses the many influences in your life to strengthen your sinful behavior. He is there to have you give in to your sinful desires. Thus, tearing down your faith and trust in God.

St Paul tells us to put on the Full Armor of God. This Armor will protect you from the assaults of Satan. He reminds us our fight is not with physical rulers and authorities. But it is against cosmic powers and spiritual forces which we fight. We fight against the Devil and his many angels, along wit those whom he uses to lead you into sin.

Choose your armor! Are you going to put on the belt of truth or hold the Sword of the Spirit? What do you use to strengthen your faith? Most people like to think they have the belt and Sword but set aside the Breastplate and Helmet. Others like the sword and the shoes but nothing else is necessary. How do you keep your faith strong? Put on the Full Armor of God. Be clothed in Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the Life. Be clothed in the Righteousness of Christ and protected by faith and the Word of God. Put on the Full Armor of God!

The Sunday of Job (GA)

Matthew 8:23-27
23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 8:23-27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Who can comprehend God Almighty? Who knows what it was like as the foundations of the World were laid? Jesus knows. He was there at the beginning. Jesus set the limits of the waves. Here in the text the Disciples find themselves with out of control waves. These waves are not being very nice.

They call for help from Jesus. They wake him up from down below. They call him to the Deck to face the unruly enemy. Jesus simply rebukes the winds and the waves. But only after rebuking the Disciples for their little faith.

Jesus easily reminds us of the Faith of Job. Job might not have been on a ship nor out to sea. But Job took the Good with Bad. Job was much closer to perishing than the disciples (especially if they knew how to swim). But Job fears God.

When the Seas are rough call upon the name of the LORD.
When the Seas are calm call upon the name of the LORD.
When you are afraid fear the LORD alone
When you are at peace fear the LORD alone

The Sunday of Job (G)

Matthew 14:22-33
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 14:22-33). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus goes and prays by himself. He lets the boat get out upon the waters. Yet, why not just walk out to the boat? Jesus walks on the rough waters in the early morning. He appears like a ghost to the disciples. They an not comprehend a man walking on Water.

St Peter being the wise or most adventurous in the group, asks to walk out to Jesus. Jesus wanting to assure the disciples of his power over creation and affirm the faith of St Peter. Yet, St Peter walks out on the water and finds something greater than God to fear.

Fear not. Doubt Not. You of little faith, how can you fear that which God has created. Jesus reaches down and pulls the sinking Peter from his watery grave. Once upon the Boat the waves and turmoil stops. All is Calm when Jesus is in the Boat.

Fear God alone. He is the one who gives the waves their limits. He is the one who while we are drowning lifts us up to new life. Jesus is always in control.

The Sunday of Job (CL)

Job 38:1-18
1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors
when it burst out from the womb,
9 when I made clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and prescribed limits for it
and set bars and doors,
11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
12 “Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
and caused the dawn to know its place,
13 that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth,
and the wicked be shaken out of it?
14 It is changed like clay under the seal,
and its features stand out like a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
and their uplifted arm is broken.
16 “Have you entered into the springs of the sea,
or walked in the recesses of the deep?
17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
18 Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?
Declare, if you know all this.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Job 38:1-18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

In the Musical "My Fair Lady" there is a song, "Without You."
"What a fool I was what a dominated fool
to think you were the Earth and sky ...
You are not the beginning and the end. ...
There'll be spring every year without you.
England still will be here without you,
There'll be fruit on the tree and shore by the sea,
There'll be crumpets and tea without you. ...
Without your pulling it the tide comes in
Without your twirling it the Earth can spin.
Without your pushing them the clouds roll by.
If they can do without you Ducky SO CAN I."

This may be true about Henry Higgins and Job, but it is not true about God. The Tide does not come in without God. The Earth would stop spinning without God. The Clouds would not come or go without God. God reminds Job and all of us that without Him we are nothing.

God is the one who created all things. How can you talk to him with such insolence? You are just a fallen creature. You are not even worthy of the things God gives you. You can not even comprehend the mercy God has shown you even by giving you joy in life. How much can you comprehend the grace and peace of God in Christ Jesus?

This is all by the grace of God. He sent His beloved Son so that you would be redeemed and have eternal life. This not of our comprehension but a free gift of the mercy, love, peace, and joy of our Father in Heaven. They can not do without Him, and neither can we.

The Sunday of Jonah (OTA) November 13th

Malachi 2:17-3:5
17 You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”
1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mal 2:17-3:5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

God has sent his messenger to bear witness to the truth. he prepares the way for the LORD coming into his temple. The LORD of Hosts is coming and brings Judgment. But why are there people saying to the wicked they will survive. The wicked will surely perish on the Day of Judgment.

Bear witness to the adulterer, sorcerer, oppressor, and those who swear falsely that all of these stand under Judgment. Repent and believe in Jesus Christ or you will surely perish. God has set forth a refiners fire to purify you through the Blood of Christ.

The LORD of Hosts calls all to bear witness to his Justice. He will come to separate the sinners and the redeemed. Those who believe in Christ and trust in his Word separated from those who deny the truth and flee from his presence.

The Sunday of Jonah (GA)

Matthew 12:38-42
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 12:38-42). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

People often desire signs and proof before they will believe anything. In order to say you are #1 you have to beat everyone else. But Jesus gives us the proof. He offers this wicked generation the sign of Jonah. He will rest in the belly of the Earth 3 days and 3 nights.

Jesus reminds the people of Jonah's preaching. Jonah preached to the people on the boat and in Nineveh. Preached creation and redemption to these people. Jesus preaches that he is greater than Jonah. He will rest in the earth 3 days and rise again to new life.

He fulfills this sign for all to know. He died on the cross for your guilt and sin. He rose from the dead 3 days later for your victory and your redemption. He gives you new life. He is our Creator and Redeemer.

The Sunday of Jonah (Ps)

Jonah 2:2-9
2 “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,
and he answered me;
out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
and you heard my voice.
3 For you cast me into the deep,
into the heart of the seas,
and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves and your billows
passed over me.
4 Then I said, ‘I am driven away
from your sight;
yet I shall again look
upon your holy temple.’
5 The waters closed in over me to take my life;
the deep surrounded me;
weeds were wrapped about my head
6 at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land
whose bars closed upon me forever;
yet you brought up my life from the pit,
O Lord my God.
7 When my life was fainting away,
I remembered the Lord,
and my prayer came to you,
into your holy temple.
8 Those who pay regard to vain idols
forsake their hope of steadfast love.
9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving
will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
Salvation belongs to the Lord!”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jon 2:2-9). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jonah prays in the belly of a great fish. He prays from the depths of the sea. He prays from Sheol. He feels completely driven out of God's Sight. Jonah finally gets his desire to flee from the presence of God. He has went down and can go down no further.

But Jonah knows the promises of God. Jonah prays with hope to see the Holy Temple. With sea weed wrapped about his head like a crown. He calls out to God from the pit to bring him back to life.

Find the belly of the fish. Find the depth of the sea. Know this is where your sins have lead you. This is the place of death which is the fruit of your sinful life.

"But I with voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!" Salvation does belong to the LORD. He is the one who commands the fish to vomit Jonah. He is the one who makes the Sacrifice of His Son to redeem you from the pit. Jesus Christ is our Salvation.

The Sunday of Jonah (NT)

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 (17-20)
1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But God’s wrath has come upon them at last!
17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Th 2:1-20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Word of God must be preached to all. St Paul reminds the people of his ministry. He declares to them the truth of the Gospel not in flattery of words nor for greed and gain. But the Labor of St Paul is to proclaim the truth.

He does not desire to please men but to please God. Those who receive the Word of God and accept it with faith. All the Brothers should imitate Christ Jesus and preach the good news.

Jesus Christ is the LORD our God King of all creation. He has become man so that he could take our place in death upon the cross. Christ was crucified for our transgressions. He has forgiven all your sins.

Satan often times stands in the way of this message. The world and its ways also stand in the way of this message. But Go and spread this message of salvation even when you do not feel like it.

The Sunday of Jonah (NTA)

Acts 27:13-38
13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship’s boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.
21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.”
27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go.
33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ac 27:13-38). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The tempest rages upon the Mediterranean Sea and once again we find ourselves in a sailing vessel. The wise mariners chose not to winter on Crete but moved on into the storm. The Northeaster struck down upon their ship. They throw into the sea their goods in order to lighten the load. Most likely even calling out to their Roman gods.

St Paul gives them a message of Hope. The Angel tells him that he will stand before Caesar and proclaim the truth. God has granted for the ships entire crew to be saved as long as they trust in St Paul's testimony.

Some men lose heart and try to escape but they are rescued from the depths of a stormy sea. These men trust in the testimony of St Paul and the Word of God. Even after 14 days without food, they eat and give thanks to God. All in the end will make it to shore. All are rescued by their trust in the Word of God.

The Sunday of Jonah (G)

Matthew 8:23-27
23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 8:23-27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The greater Jonah has truly arrived. Jesus is found asleep in the boat. While not the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea the waters of Galilee can sink a boat as well. The disciples do not make offerings to the sea nor call upon various gods but cry to the Lord who sleeps.

They wake him and he rebukes them. Fear not the storm. Fear not the waters. Fear not created things. Fear God alone who rules wind and wave. Those of little faith face trials without hope.

Jesus rises from slumber and sleep to show his power to all of us. He rebukes the sins of all creation. He rebukes the violence in man's heart. He rebukes the winds and the sea and they become perfect. As Jesus rises He makes all things a new.

The Sunday of Jonah (CL)

Jonah 1:1-17
1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.
4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. 5 Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. 6 So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”
7 And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, “Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” 9 And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.
11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. 12 He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.” 13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they called out to the Lord, “O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.
17 And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jon 1:1-17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The joy it would be to preach on this text. To tell of how Jonah a prophet of God chosen by his Heavenly Father for this mission so easily turns away. he flees from his responsibilities and duties to serve those whom God desires to call.

Yet God pursues those whom he has desired to save. Those on the ship even when Jonah flees, God uses him to bring them to faith. They trust the Word of the LORD enough to kill an innocent man. They throw him overboard in order to save themselves. They do not desire the blood of this innocent man to be upon themselves.

Jonah can do nothing but proclaim the LORD God. He is the one who controls the water and the land, places of trouble and places of security. He gives these people security but for the one who flees from his presence only finds the depths of the sea and the belly of a fish.

PS: please visit www.reverendfun.com for other very funny pictures, that is where I got this picture from.

Proper 27 (Ps) November 6th

Psalm 34:1-22
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
21 Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 34:1-22). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

"Turn away for evil and do good" reminds us of our constant need for repentance. "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them," reminds us of our redemption through Jesus Christ. The children of Israel need to be constantly reminded to repent of their wickedness.

The church today is no different. People are lead away by practical or worldly thoughts. People have a difficult time putting their trust in God and Fearing God only. But the Psalmist reminds us that God is with you. He is there to watch over you.

Jesus Christ encamps around his people. Even as in Revelation John sees Jesus standing among the lamp stands, God is there to protect you. The Psalmist also reminds us to stay vigilant and do what God has commanded. "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit."

The LORD has given you food to eat and claimed you to be his very own. Therefore, turn from your wicked ways and live. "The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned." He has redeemed your life from the pit.