The Second Sunday in Lent (NTA)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 13:1–13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

During the Time of Lent we often think of God as being wrathful. But here we find the express statement of Love. Faith, Hope, and Love are the greatest things. These are the truly powerful gifts of the Spirit. Many people believe the gift of the Spirit is speaking in tongues. But the real gift of the Holy Spirit is Faith, Hope, and Love.

If you do not have faith in Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins, you have nothing. Likewise if you do not have hope in everlasting life, you have nothing. Again if you do not have Love, whether Love for Christ or Christ's Love for you, our life would be in vain. Without speaking in tongues, I can still confess the faith of Christ and hope of salvation and Love for God.

Christians enjoy these gifts from the Holy Spirit. We receive these gifts in a few different ways but primarily through the Word of God. God speaks through his various prophets and teachers. He speaks through the written word in which His Apostles and Prophets have spoken. They have told us about Christ's death for the forgiveness of our sins. They have taught us of our new life in Christ Jesus.

The Second Sunday in Lent (GA)

Matthew 20:17-28
17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 20:17–28). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus is going up to Jerusalem in order to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. The Mother of the sons of Zebedee seems to almost know Jesus will be coming into his kingdom soon. Jesus is headed to be crucified and die for the forgiveness of sins. This connection is very interesting for us to understand.

It is very interesting to put this text together. Jesus talks about his future death. Jesus is approached by the Mother of two of his disciples. She asks him to have her sons sit with him when he enters into his kingdom. He says they must drink the same cup he will drink. This same cup he asks to be taken from him, when he prays to the Father in the Garden. Jesus will enter his Kingdom with one on his right and one on his Left. These two men will be crucified with him.

Jesus Christ enters into his kingdom when he dies on the cross. Jesus reminds his disciples that the Kingdom is not about authority or power. The Kingdom of God is about being saved from death. The Son of Man goes to be killed so that others may have life. Christ died so that you may have life everlasting.

The Second Sunday in Lent (OT)

2 Kings 17:7-23
7 And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods 8 and walked in the customs of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced. 9 And the people of Israel did secretly against the LORD their God things that were not right. They built for themselves high places in all their towns, from watchtower to fortified city. 10 They set up for themselves pillars and Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree, 11 and there they made offerings on all the high places, as the nations did whom the LORD carried away before them. And they did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger, 12 and they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this.” 13 Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, in accordance with all the Law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets.”
14 But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the LORD their God. 15 They despised his statutes and his covenant that he made with their fathers and the warnings that he gave them. They went after false idols and became false, and they followed the nations that were around them, concerning whom the LORD had commanded them that they should not do like them. 16 And they abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made for themselves metal images of two calves; and they made an Asherah and worshiped all the host of heaven and served Baal. 17 And they burned their sons and their daughters as offerings and used divination and omens and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger. 18 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight. None was left but the tribe of Judah only.
19 Judah also did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the customs that Israel had introduced. 20 And the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel and afflicted them and gave them into the hand of plunderers, until he had cast them out of his sight.
21 When he had torn Israel from the house of David, they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. And Jeroboam drove Israel from following the LORD and made them commit great sin. 22 The people of Israel walked in all the sins that Jeroboam did. They did not depart from them, 23 until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had spoken by all his servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their own land to Assyria until this day.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (2 Ki 17:7–23). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Simply put the people of Israel abandoned the LORD who brought them up out of the Land of Egypt. God had the people of Israel conquer Canaan because of the sins of the people of Canaan had become so great. God has nation rise up against Nation because of the sins of their people. The Idolatry in the Land of Israel had become very great.

Israel followed the religions of the people of Canaan. Verse 14 states, "But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the LORD their God." Most people follow after their parents in their lack of faith. Parents can teach their children to listen to the Word of the LORD. But each of us should remember actions speak much loader than words. If you do not attend church or do devotions regularly, your children are listening to you. If you curse and swear or abandon the Word of God, your children are listening.

Listen God is calling. Calling each of you to repent and come to him. Christ is calling you to rejoice in his sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins. He is inviting you to receive life everlasting. God brought his people up out of the Land of Egypt from their bondage to slavery. Christ has died to release us from the bondage to slavery and sin. Listen God is Calling through the Word inviting offering forgiveness, comfort, and joy.

The Second Sunday in Lent (OTA)

Jeremiah 8:4-17
4 “You shall say to them, Thus says the LORD:
When men fall, do they not rise again?
If one turns away, does he not return?
5 Why then has this people turned away
in perpetual backsliding?
They hold fast to deceit;
they refuse to return.
6 I have paid attention and listened,
but they have not spoken rightly;
no man relents of his evil,
saying, ‘What have I done?’
Everyone turns to his own course,
like a horse plunging headlong into battle.
7 Even the stork in the heavens
knows her times,
and the turtledove, swallow, and crane
keep the time of their coming,
but my people know not
the rules of the LORD.
8 “How can you say, ‘We are wise,
and the law of the LORD is with us’?
But behold, the lying pen of the scribes
has made it into a lie.
9 The wise men shall be put to shame;
they shall be dismayed and taken;
behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD,
so what wisdom is in them?
10 Therefore I will give their wives to others
and their fields to conquerors,
because from the least to the greatest
everyone is greedy for unjust gain;
from prophet to priest,
everyone deals falsely.
11 They have healed the wound of my people lightly,
saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
when there is no peace.
12 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?
No, they were not at all ashamed;
they did not know how to blush.
Therefore they shall fall among the fallen;
when I punish them, they shall be overthrown,
says the LORD.
13 When I would gather them, declares the LORD,
there are no grapes on the vine,
nor figs on the fig tree;
even the leaves are withered,
and what I gave them has passed away from them.”
14 Why do we sit still?
Gather together; let us go into the fortified cities
and perish there,
for the LORD our God has doomed us to perish
and has given us poisoned water to drink,
because we have sinned against the LORD.
15 We looked for peace, but no good came;
for a time of healing, but behold, terror.
16 “The snorting of their horses is heard from Dan;
at the sound of the neighing of their stallions
the whole land quakes.
They come and devour the land and all that fills it,
the city and those who dwell in it.
17 For behold, I am sending among you serpents,
adders that cannot be charmed,
and they shall bite you,”
declares the LORD.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Je 8:4–17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

My favorite line here is probably, "The wise men shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD, so what wisdom is in them?" St Paul tells people, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." Many people in our world today think they are wise and knowledgeable. But is that something?

Scientists can be very brilliant people. Politicians in some cases may be very smart people. But there are many people that are wise in the world, but are condemned by God. God will put these people to shame. God will leave these people dismayed. If you want scientific examples, I am not a scientist. But there are repeatedly new discoveries that either change our way of thinking or prove previous thoughts to be foolish. God knows these things, I do not know these things.

But what I do know is there are people who are rejecting the word of the LORD. The wisdom of this world can not trump the wisdom, which God has revealed to us in his word. Scientists do not have to reject the Word of the LORD. Religious people should not reject the Word of the LORD or compromise it for anything else. Jesus Christ our LORD was crucified for the forgiveness of all people. Christ Crucified for the forgiveness of sins shames the wise, but gives new life to all who believe.

The Second Sunday in Lent (NT)

1 Corinthians 10:14-22
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 10:14–22). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

We cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons. The bread we break and the cup we take are participation in the body and blood of Jesus Christ. There is one bread that unites the body of Christ together. There is one cup that unites the those who proclaim Christ crucified together.

Most of us have a problem with understanding what idolatry is today. Most of the time it is explained as an image or statue which people used to venerate. But today most people do not have statues or images they pray to. But strangely enough most of the people who do have an altar in their house have placed a statue or image upon it of a saint or even of Jesus Christ. Are these images idols?

Other people have established structures of belief around false doctrine. They have twisted the words of scripture to suit their own societal beliefs. Some of even abandoned the whole of scripture for the parts they like similar to Marcion. These various heresies could be compared to idolatry. Idolatry is worshiping false gods or a perversion of God. Muslims and Jews have long perverted the truth of Scripture. There are many Christian Churches today that have fallen into similar heresies.

You can not partake in both the table of demons and the table of the Lord. St Paul has told us many things concerning idolatry. God has spoken repeatedly about the worship of false gods. But here all these false gods are equated to the worship of demons. Turn from the worship of false things. Listen to the Word of God.

Jesus Christ offers forgiveness. God has provided salvation for your soul. He does not condemn you forever. But he will gladly welcome you to turn for these tables to His table. Come and worship Jesus Christ who was crucified for the forgiveness of your sins. Come and worship God who created all things. Come and Worship because God saves you by his grace.

The Second Sunday in Lent (CL)

Matthew 21:12-22
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,
“ ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies
you have prepared praise’?”
17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.
18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.
20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 21:12–22). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus comes into his Father's house and finds it in a depraved state. People are buying and selling like they do in the market place. The market place or public square is where many people are cheated and some expect to get cheated. But God requested a temple to be a place of prayer and respect. Jesus is filled with anger and overturns the tables and money-changers.

But here should be the real focus. Children were still crying out "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Children sometimes seem to be a little more honest about things than adults. Adults will see a place of worship as a place of entertainment or a show. Adults can see the house of God as a community center. But God's house is a place of prayer.

I once heard a pastor say, "Your church is such a nice and welcoming place because you can see the children running and playing around the altar." Is the Altar just another "kitchen table"? Is the holy place where God has promised to dwell with his people a place of games? If Jesus came into your church would he find children crying "Hosanna to the Son of David" or running and screaming from the man turning over tables?

I am not sure what the answer is even for my own Church. But I would hope that God would look at our Churches as a place of prayer. Our Father's house is supposed to be a place of prayer. It is a place where people should not be solicited or surrounded by requests for money, but a place of quiet reflection and prayer. The Church should be a place where the people of God gather together to meet their loving Lord and Savior who does hold a whip in his hand.

The First Sunday in Lent (Ps) February 26th

Psalm 91:1-16
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 91:1–16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.


It is easy in this text to talk immediately about Satan's quotation, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." Jesus reminds Satan that this is not so that we can test God. But this is given to comfort people.

Look in the text a little closer. "For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence." God is our rock and our fortress. He is our refuge in times of distress. It should remind us that there are times of distress. God does not promise in this text that everything will be a bed of roses. But God promises that he will stand by your side in all things. He will show you your salvation.

Life of a Christian is rough. We look and see thousands and 10,000 fall on either side. We see people being lead here and there by whims of doctrine. There is true terror in the night, when people are lead into sin. Satan has flung his arrows at people during the day. The people of God face plagues and death in this life. Look around and tell me you do not see destruction.

But God longs to gather his people under his wings like a hen gathers her chicks. God is our Might Fortress who defends us from evil on all sides. He is the one who gives us Armor to face spiritual threats. God also rescues his people from the Kingdom of Satan. He delivers us Life and Salvation. He shows this to us in sending his Son to die for the forgiveness of all our sins.

The First Sunday in Lent (GA)

John 1:1-14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jn 1:1-14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Who is the one true God? Is Jesus Christ true God? Is he the only true God? Has Jesus Christ created everything? If the Word was God how can he be with God? Answer God is three persons, Father Son and Holy Spirit, in one divine being. This is the only true God. God the Father sent his only begotten Son into the flesh.

Jesus is the Light of Light. He is true man and true God. He is the Word made flesh. This is the one we serve as Christians.

I once told someone that in order to be God you must have created everything. If you are going to fulfill the job requirements for God, you have to have made everything. So is it important that Jesus created everything? Yes, he reveals his power over Creation in Christ's various miracles.

This is the one in whom we bear witness. Jesus Christ is the Light that overcomes the darkness. He is the one that has given us forgiveness of sins. He is the one who gives us life and salvation. He alone makes us children of God. Jesus is not an Idol. Jesus is YHWH the LORD God who brought his people out of the land of Egypt.

The First Sunday in Lent (NTA)

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
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.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Th 3:1–5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

St Paul does not want to sway the people by his Suffering. People are moved by emotions and the suffering of others. We use pictures of people suffering and in pain to help solicit money and donations to different charities. We pull on people's emotions. But this is not the message of scripture.

St Paul does not want to pull on people's emotions. St Paul wants the Thessalonians to know what God has done for them. God desires all people to learn about him. He has revealed himself in Holy Scripture. He has shown himself to people through words and through his sacrifice. Not through our pity.

When you see a man hanging on the cross, do you cry? Why? Do you feel sorry or pity for Jesus? God desires us to praise him. God desires us to serve him. He does not desire to pull on our emotions. But he desires to save us from our sins.

Jesus Christ has sacrificed himself for you so that when you look to the cross you can thank and praise him. Jesus Christ hangs on the cross and bleeds to give you life and salvation. This is not something to mourn over but to celebrate the sacrifice of Christ for our forgiveness.

The First Sunday in Lent (OT)

1 Samuel 7:1-17
1 And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD and brought it to the house of Abinadab on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to have charge of the ark of the LORD. 2 From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriath-jearim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
3 And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the LORD only.
5 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD for you.” 6 So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the LORD and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah. 7 Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 And the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. And Samuel cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him. 10 As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the LORD thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the LORD has helped us.” 13 So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14 The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel delivered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites.
15 Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16 And he went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah. And he judged Israel in all these places. 17 Then he would return to Ramah, for his home was there, and there also he judged Israel. And he built there an altar to the LORD.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Sa 7:1–17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Samuel builds an altar to the LORD. Jesus Christ is the LORD of all and he has delivered his people from their enemies. Samuel offers up a sacrifice to the LORD while the Philistines attack. The Philistines are thrown into confusion. The Philistines are sent packing by the LORD. The LORD has the power to kill and make alive. Samuel placed a simple stone there in between Mizpah and Shen. This simple stone was called Ebenezer, "stone of help".

I was asked a question recently why we don't name things like they did in the Old Testament. I do not know the answer, but one could easily say that people don't believe in God anymore. To take a simple thing like a stone, and it reminds the people of Israel that the LORD has helped them. The LORD is our help in any kind of trouble or danger. Remember the stones that were placed by the River Jordan. Remember to rock on which Jacob put his head to dream. Jesus gives us another rock.

Jesus says upon this rock I will build my Church. Many say he is talking about Peter, but what about Peter's confession. Who is the Son of Man? He is the only Begotten Son of the Living God. He is true God in the flesh. Upon the faith of Christ and the Confession of his name all other things are built. Jesus Christ is our rock and foundation. He is the LORD of all. He has delivered his people from bondage and their enemies that attack even while they worship him. We stand upon Christ alone.

The First Sunday in Lent (OTA)

Joshua 24:14-28
14 “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 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.”
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods, 17 for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
19 But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” 21 And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.” 22 Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23 He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.” 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD that he spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 28 So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Jos 24:14–28). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The people of Israel had to deal with many other religions. There were people on all sides and even people within the promised land that worshiped idols. God told the Israelites to watch out for the people in the Land of Canna. God commanded the people of Israel to separate themselves from these people who would lead them astray. We are to avoid those people who teach falsely and worship idols.

Joshua reminds the people of Israel that the LORD is the one and only God. He will continue to remind his people that they are to follow God. The LORD continues to remind the people he is the God who brought them up out of the land of Egypt. The LORD reminds the people of Israel that he is the one who has given them the strength to conquer their enemies. The LORD is the one and only true God.

As for us and our Church we will follow Christ. As for me and my house we will serve the LORD through the grace of God. The Grace of our LORD Jesus Christ has called his people to live under him and serve and obey him in all things. Jesus Christ has claimed you to be his own. He calls us away from the devil and his minions who are dressed in stone and wood. God calls us to himself where he provides life and salvation.

The First Sunday in Lent (NT)

1 Corinthians 8:1-13
1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.
4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 8:1–13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

We do not worship idols for an idol is nothing. An Idol is nothing but stone and wood. We have been given knowledge from scriptures that God is the only true God. Jesus Christ is true God and true Man. Jesus Christ has sent the promised Holy Spirit. Thus, we know that an Idol is nothing. We should not be afraid of them.

True God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ gives us knowledge so that we can build each other up. We use our knowledge in the Lord not to tear people down but to build one another up. We use our knowledge to educate people in scripture.

There is one Lord Jesus Christ who has redeemed us from our sins. He has cleansed us from our sins. He has claimed us to be he very own. He alone we serve and honor. He is the one true God. Anyone who does not serve and honor him only should be warned.

The First Sunday in Lent (CL)

Matthew 4:1-11
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,
“ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and
“ ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’ ”
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 4:1–11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus Christ is tempted by the Devil. Matthew tells us of three temptations which Jesus faced while he was in the wilderness. Jesus is faced with the temptation of hunger. This could reflect all our bodily needs or desires including food and clothing. The second is security and safety. This could include dangerous animals or war. The Last temptation for me, seems like the greatest temptation.

Some have said that the Last Temptation of Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane. But is it not here. Jesus stands before his greatest enemy, Satan. Jesus is offered the one thing he has come to do. God sent his son into the flesh in order to claim his creation and save it from the power of the Devil. Jesus is offered all the kingdoms of the world in which he will eventually redeem.

But the real temptation is bowing down before Satan. Thou shalt not worship other gods! Jesus, the son of God, is tempted to give up his rule and reign of heaven for the rule and reign of the earth. But God knows that when he dies for the sins of the world he will claim all the kingdoms of the world.

Jesus worships the LORD his Father only. He teaches us to worship God alone. Because it is through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection that we have be delivered from our bondage to Satan and the Devil. He gives us new life.

Ash Wednesday

The Lessons for Ash Wednesday are as follows:
Genesis 6:1-8 (CL)
Joel 2:12-19 (OTA)
1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (NT)
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (NTA)
Matthew 15:10-20 (G)
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (GA)
Psalm 14:1-7 (Ps)

God noticed that every inclination of man's heart was bent on evil. We start the season of Lent and recognize our own sinfulness. All of humanity is born in the image of Adam. All of humanity is born sinful and unclean. Original Sin leads humanity into further sin. Thus, we start this season of Lent with a reminder of our sinfulness. We will say to ourselves, "We are dust and to dust we shall return."

The Sunday of the Transfiguration (Ps) February 19th

Psalm 4:1-8
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 4:1–8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

We offer proper sacrifices to the LORD our God. He is the one who shines light into the World. In Revelation, St John notices that the only light in the new Jerusalem is Jesus Christ. Jesus calls himself the Light of the World. But my favorite part of this psalm is being able to lie down and sleep.

Most of us struggle with sleeping problems. Some of us are tired all day long. Others are can not get to sleep at night. Some of the older crowd may find themselves sleeping constantly. A lot of people struggle with sleep because they are anxious about their life. Other people suffer from sleep lose because they are busy doing various activities. The busy world around us makes getting a good nights sleep impossible.

But the psalmist writes, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." In God's hands we can put all our anxieties. God is the one who takes care of our bodies. God is our Heavenly Father who takes care of his People. God is the one who enlightens our darkness. God is the one who protects us from our enemies. God gives us his righteousness and makes us new. In him we can pray our anxieties away and slumber.

The Sunday of the Transfiguration (NT)

1 Corinthians 4:1-21
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Co 4:1-21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

St Paul can be so sarcastic sometimes. St Paul could say the same thing to this generation. So you think you are kings because you can beat a video game. You think you are a king because you have raised children better than the parents down the street. You must be a King if you can go a Week without cursing this day in age.

God expects a great deal from his people. God does not just place a crown on your head and seal you with his Holy Spirit so you can do whatever you want. God gives you a command to proclaim his truth. God demands truth from his people.

St Paul reminds us through sarcasm that we are not real kings nor should we expect everything to be done for us. Jesus Christ our Lord has died for the forgiveness of our sins. He has placed a crown of victory upon our heads. He has made us sons of God. Jesus has also given us his promised Holy Spirit. You are Kings but need to act like servants.

The Sunday of the Transfiguration (GA)

Luke 9:28-36
28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Lk 9:28-36). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus takes with him Peter, John, and James with him up the mountain. He goes up on the Mountain to help instruct them. He shows them something very personal. He reveals to them his true nature. But has them conceal this truth from the others. Think of all the effort it must have taken St Peter not to tell Bartholomew or Judas.

But the little amount of effort it has taken for most of us to keep our mouth's shut. We are more than happy to talk to people about what the neighbors are up to, but often are silent about God. How much of the day do you spend complaining about job, co-workers, and community? How much of the day do you spend reading the bible, praying, and telling others about Jesus?

Most of us do not have very good balance. Most of us spend a lot more time talking about worldly things, than Godly things. But Jesus reminds his disciples there are some things that people are not ready for. There are some things people just are not ready to hear.

Jesus Christ is the one who is walking to his death. Jesus Christ counsels the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. Jesus counsels his own disciples. The Christ must suffer and die. He must be punished for the sins of the world. Jesus Christ takes Elijah's place, Moses' place, and our place of torture. He dies so that you may live. This is why St Peter and St John will not shut up after Jesus' resurrection.

The Sunday of the Transfiguration (OT)

Exodus 24:1-18
1 Then he said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. 2 Moses alone shall come near to the Lord, but the others shall not come near, and the people shall not come up with him.”
3 Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.” 4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. He rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. 6 And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” 8 And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”
9 Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, 10 and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. 11 And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank.
12 The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” 13 So Moses rose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. 14 And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever has a dispute, let him go to them.”
15 Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16 The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. 18 Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ex 24:1-18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The LORD commanded Moses and the Elders to come up on the Mountain. God is going to give Moses the two stone tablets again. Moses leaves the Elders at the base of the Mountain and goes up on the Mountain with Joshua. There the cloud covered Mount Sinai for six days. In the midst of the cloud, Moses will converse with God. He will receive many instructions.

The Lord commands the people of Israel in various ways. He gives Moses the Ten Commandments. He gives Moses His Word. It is in the midst of the Fire and Cloud that God reveals his will for the people. He reveals our corruption.

Jesus Christ also is covered by a cloud. He is covered by the cloud upon the Mountain. There he speaks with Moses and Elijah concerning his Death and Resurrection. Jesus is Transfigured and Moses is Transformed. God reveals his plan of salvation from sin for the people of Israel.

God reveals in His Word not only our corruption by sin. But he also reveals our salvation from sin. Jesus Christ is our Salvation.

The Sunday of the Transfiguration (NTA)

1 Corinthians 4:1-7, 14-21
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 4:1–7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 4:14–21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

St Paul has sent St Timothy to the people of Corinth to minister to them. Christ has placed people as stewards over his Church. These stewards are supposed to teach the people of God. They are not to become Christ or take Christ's place, but to help take care of the people of God.

God is the ultimate Judge. The steward is there to help warn people of Judgment. We all need to recognize that Judgment is coming. There is one who will judge the living and the dead. He knows all your sins. So we should not be arrogant and think that God will acquit us of all charges.

We are not acquitted of all charges, but Jesus Christ has taken our place in the dock. He sits in our place. Jesus Christ sits in the seat of judgment when he is upon the cross. He takes all the sins of the world upon himself and proclaims you innocent of all charges. You are forgiven or released from your sins.

The Sunday of the Transfiguration (OTA)

2 Kings 2:1-14
1 Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”
4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take away your master from over you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” 10 And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” 11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more.
Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 13 And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (2 Ki 2:1–14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Elijah is one of the few people who are taken up into Heaven. Elijah travels a great way before he is taken up into Heaven. He travels with his loyal friend, Elisha. Elisha sees his master Elijah taken up into Heaven by a whirlwind. The Chariots of fire and horses of fire come to separate the two prophets. Elisha will be left on the other side of the River Jordan outside the land of Israel. It is there where Elisha no longer sees his Master.

Elisha has been told repeatedly, his master will be taken from him this day. Elisha even knows this to be true, but still desires for there to be some other way out. Elisha desires for his master to remain with him. There are all these people who continually remind him of something he does not want to have happen.

For most of us, it is not the lose of a master or teacher. For most of us, we can hear it repeated over and over again but will not listen. We do not want to hear the truth anymore. We do not want to listen to instruction. We only desire to know what we want to know. Even when the truth is staring us in the face, we do not want to listen to it.

Elijah was taken up into Heaven. Elisha was left with a truth he did not want to believe. There may be many of us that face truths we do not want to believe. But God has shown us to be sinful human beings. He has shown us that we are corruptible. He even reminds us that what we want is not always what is best for us. But God has a plan for his people. He had a plan for Elijah and Elisha. He had a plan for His only Son who died on a cross. He has a plan for you also.

Listen and you will hear the truth God has set forth for you. He has called you to believe in Him. He has called you to see the truth of your sins. He has called you to new Life through His only Son. He has a plan for you also.

The Sunday of the Transfiguration (CL)

Matthew 17:1-13
1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 17:1–13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus Christ went up the mountain and was transfigured. St Peter speaks up to make three tents for the great prophets. Jesus was overshadowed by a bright cloud. The voice of the cloud speaks, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." Repeatedly, Jesus has reminded the people to listen to the Law and prophets. But the voice from the cloud reminds the disciples to listen to Jesus. He is the one who was foretold.

Most of us enjoy the story of Jesus being transfigured. We generally think of transfiguring as people getting a face lift or some other plastic surgery. They have been changed for the better. While others think of only disfigurement, people in accidents of various kinds. But Jesus shows his disciples his glory. He shows them an image of God. We have lost the image of God.

God decided to make man in his own image. He desired to make him like himself. When Adam and Eve had Seth, he was born in Adam's image. They had lost the image of God. Thus, all of us born of Adam are born in his image and with his sin. We are born with original sin. Thus, our image is sinful and unclean.

Jesus Christ is God and Man. He is born without sin. He is born with the full Image of God. And for those who are washed in the blood of Christ, he has given them the image of God again. The Image of God is restored in those who believe in Jesus Christ. Through his death and resurrection, he gives them his glorious image. Just as Jesus is transfigured on the mountain, he transfigures all of us from sinful monsters into God's Holy Children.

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (Ps) February 12th

Psalm 127:1-5
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 127:1–5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Unless the LORD does it, it is done in vain. The LORD is the one who protects and watches over his people. It is all in vain for us to work excessively just to put bread on the table which God provides anyway. The LORD has created all things. It is the duty of every human being to be good steward of the LORD's creation. Therefore, the one who trusts in the LORD is able to rest in peace.

What is your sleep number? How many pillows are on your bed? Have you ever looked at the beds people slept in a hundred years ago? Many beds strung with rope and padded with a thine straw quilt. The padding would give minimal comfort from the ropes. Other beds were simply a slab of wood with a similar straw or maybe fur padding. But the question that I still have is: Why so much fancy sleep technology?

The Psalmist might indicate that most of us would sleep better if we would put our trust in the LORD. Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of our sins. The LORD is your creator and provides you with all you need to support this body and life. The Holy Spirit speaks and groans in prayers. Jesus stands before the throne of God as your advocate. It is in him that we can sleep at peace. It is God who gives us rest from our enemies.

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (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.

Jesus Christ offers the people of Israel but one sign of great significance. The Gospel according to St John recalls several signs as miracles of which Matthew, Mark and Luke are full of miracles. But Jesus only offers this one sign when they request of him one. The Sign of Jonah who was in the bell of the great fish for three days and three nights. So Jesus will rest in the earth or grave for three days and three nights. But is this the sign or is it that it will only be three days in the tomb. The Son of Man will than rise to new life.

Is this not the same sign Jesus offers the wicked generation when he says destroy this temple and in three Days I will raise it up again? Jesus proclaims one great truth to the people. This is the same truth Christ has St Paul proclaim. St Paul proclaims Christ and him crucified alone. Jesus Christ has died and rose again to new life. He is our strength and our life.

Many people even today request signs and miracles from God in order to believe. But God still offers this wicked generation only one real sign. Jesus Christ has died and rose again to new life in three days. This shall be a sign for you to know that he is the only Son of Man and Son of God. Even though we do not get to see it before our eyes, Jesus still offers that same sign to each of you. God has revealed to you this sign through Jesus Christ in His Holy Word. In His Word we hear witness of this sign repeatedly and of our forgiveness of sins.

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (NT)

1 Corinthians 1:18-31
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 1:18–31). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Many Christians have fallen into a very grave whole. Jesus tells us we can not serve two masters. But Christians have decided to serve the master of "wisdom" or "Philosophy" and God. This lends itself to many heresies throughout the years. Philosophers teach us that if we are good we will receive Good things. Jesus was perfect but he went the Cross and he tells us to take up our cross and follow him. "Wisdom" or "Reason" in the modern sense lends us to think that God could not create in 6 literal days. Things have become too confusing for people to make sense out of it.

But St Paul reminds us that the wisdom of this age is foolishness to God. God laughs at the wise people who claim to actually know how something works. It is like Phebe said to Ross about the theory of Evolution. Not long ago people thought the Cell was the smallest thing in existence. Then they noticed there are all sorts of things inside. Then they claimed that an Atom was the smallest thing. But it is made up of Protons and Neutrons and Electrons. And now there is something called quarks which I can not explain. What science has told you as fact has been disproved in the past.

Wisdom of God makes fools out of all of us. God has given his people reason, but even that reason can not comprehend God's truth even in the least. Even Pilate has to stand before Jesus asking what is truth, the truth stands directly in front of him but reason can not understand it. Jesus comes to reveal the truth of God to his people.

Jesus Christ has sent his Holy Spirit into our Hearts and minds to call the foolish of this world. He calls the foolish of the world and the weak of the world to shame the wisdom of this World. God has revealed true wisdom and strength through his crucified son upon the cross. It is in Jesus Christ that you are made righteous and redeemed from all your transgressions. He has truly made something incomprehensible come to pass.

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (OT)

Isaiah 49:8-18
8 Thus says the LORD:
“In a time of favor I have answered you;
in a day of salvation I have helped you;
I will keep you and give you
as a covenant to the people,
to establish the land,
to apportion the desolate heritages,
9 saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’
to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’
They shall feed along the ways;
on all bare heights shall be their pasture;
10 they shall not hunger or thirst,
neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them,
for he who has pity on them will lead them,
and by springs of water will guide them.
11 And I will make all my mountains a road,
and my highways shall be raised up.
12 Behold, these shall come from afar,
and behold, these from the north and from the west,
and these from the land of Syene.”
13 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the LORD has comforted his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted.
14 But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me;
my Lord has forgotten me.”
15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me.
17 Your builders make haste;
your destroyers and those who laid you waste go out from you.
18 Lift up your eyes around and see;
they all gather, they come to you.
As I live, declares the LORD,
you shall put them all on as an ornament;
you shall bind them on as a bride does.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Is 49:8–18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Zion will never be forgotten by their Father. He will not let any of them die or be forgotten. Just as a mother can not forget her nursing child, God will not forget you. It does not matter the situation or struggle in which a person is going through. God knows his people in all things. God will bring for his people renewal and salvation.

Isaiah is take the people of Israel from their time in exile. The people of God are not in their promised happiness. The life of a Christian is not always a happy one. It is full of struggle and even shame. We are shamed and disgraced because we look to the cross and know we have sinned. It is our fault that Jesus went to the cross. It is our fault that he was cursed upon that bloody tree.

But even when we are traveling through rough times, God sees you. When you are having a bad day, God loves you. When you have stress building up in piles, Jesus has pity upon you. He clothes you with his righteousness. He stands before your father in Heaven as your Advocate. The Holy Spirit continues to bring prayers before the throne of God. He knows when we are hungry or thirsty. He knows when we are trapped in prison.

In all these things he bids us to come out. Jesus calls to you saying follow me. He throw our anxieties upon him. He is there to take care of our needs. He is there to watch over his people and protect them. Thus, he has written your name upon his palm. He can not forget you. But remembers to listen to you and answer your prayers. Even when we say, "The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me." The LORD is standing right beside you. He promises to always be with you. You are his dwelling place.

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (NTA)

1 Timothy 6:1-19
1 Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. 2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.
Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Ti 6:1–19). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Why does a man on a sinking ship grab material goods before running for his life? We may sympathize with the woman who runs back into the burning building to save her child, but what about to save her photo album? What can we take with us when we go to heaven? We come into the world naked and with nothing but body and soul. We die with only body and soul which become divided for a time, until the resurrection.

St Paul would remind Timothy that you can not take anything out of this world. People can gladly gain many things. They can gain many and various possessions, but none of which can they take with them when they die. Thus, you should be content with all you receive. You receive food and clothing from God your Father. He is the one who provides for all your needs. But many of us desire to lay up for ourselves treasures on Earth. We like to think that we can buy our way out of any trouble.

But your price has already been paid. The debt you owe has already been settled with the manager. You came into the world sinful and unclean. You will die because of your sins. But Christ Jesus will wash you in his own blood and cleanse you from your filthy sins. He will give you knew life in the Resurrection of the Dead on the last day.