CW 880 - For All the Saints

CW 880: For All the Saints  

The festival of All Saints’ Day has traditionally been celebrated by the church on November 1. All Saints’ Day has its roots in the ancient Christian Church as a day to remember the martyrs who gave their lives for their confession of faith. All Saints’ Day encourages us to look back in time and give thanks to God for the Christian saints and martyrs who have preceded us. In modern times we often use this day to remember all those saints who have been called home to heaven in the last year. The festival of All Saints reminds us that we too await that glorious day when we will be called home to heaven and receive our eternal reward. 

For all the Saints is a glorious hymn of praise that reminds us that our salvation is found in Christ alone. While we are alive in this world, we are part of the church militant. We face a constant struggle against the forces of Satan who wants to lead the whole world astray. When a Christian dies they are no longer a part of the church militant but become a part of the church triumphant. Our battle is ended, and we receive the glorious crown of eternal life that is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. For All the Saints reminds us of this truth and comforts us as we remember all those who have died and received the crown of life. 

Verses 1-2: For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Many people wrongly believe that a saint is someone who lived a perfect and virtuous life. Scripture reminds us that there is only one person who has ever been perfect, Jesus. All of us are by nature lost and condemned creatures who deserve only God’s wrath and punishment. The saints we sing about in this hymn are the believers who have died and now received their eternal rest and reward in heaven. As we remember those who have died in the Lord we remember the example of their faith. Their faith was not based on their works or their righteousness but was founded on the solid rock of Christ alone. 

Verses 3-4: Oh, may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold fight as the saints who nobly fought of old and win with them the victor’s crown of gold. Alleluia! Alleluia! Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia! Alleluia! 

While we live on this earth we fight a constant battle against the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh. This battle has been raging since Adam and Eve fell into sin. All believers throughout the ages of this world have struggled against sin and temptation. On our own, we could never win, but God in his great mercy sent Jesus to be our champion and defeat the power of the devil. By his death and resurrection, Christ has destroyed the devil’s work. When we die, we receive the glory of heaven and are freed from the power of sin and death. As we continue in our struggle, we look forward to the day we can join those who have gone before and dwell in the glory of the Lord. 

Verses 5-6: And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph-song, and hearts are brave again and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia! The golden evening brightens in the west; soon, soon, to faithful warriors cometh rest; sweet is the calm of paradise the blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! 

As Christians we long for the day when we will be united with our Lord in the never-ending joy of heaven. We grow weary in our struggles in this world. The festival of All Saints reminds us that there is an end to our struggle. We look forward with joy and longing to the day of our Lord’s return. Heaven is a glorious rest from the pain and sorrow of this world. In heaven, we will know peace and joy as we dwell in the eternal light and love of our Lord. 

Verses 7-8: But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day: the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia! Alleluia! From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! Alleluia! 

At times it can feel like we are all alone in our struggle. For all the Saints reminds us that we are part of a countless host of believers. On the Last Day, our Lord will return in all his glory, and we will join the triumphant host as we stream through the gates of heaven. On that Last Day, the church militant will no longer exist. We will all be part of the church triumphant. The struggle will be complete, and we will dwell forever in the glory of the new heavens and the new earth.

For all the Saints is a wonderful reminder of the connection we have to those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Death is a terrible thing and was never part of God’s plan for creation. Death separates us from those that we love. But that separation will not last. As Christians we know that death is not the end for us, but just the beginning of our eternal life with the Lord. As we think about those who have fallen asleep in the Lord, we rejoice in the crown of salvation that they have now received and we look forward to that great day when we will be united with all the saints at the wedding supper of the Lamb. 

CW 866 - If God Had Not Been on Our Side

Our hymn for our devotion this week is hymn 866 If God Had Not Been On Our Side

This coming weekend, many Lutheran churches across America and across the world will be celebrating Reformation Sunday. This festival in the church year is a celebration of the work that Martin Luther and the rest of the Lutheran reformers did over 500 years ago by bringing law and gospel back into the Christian church.

A common misconception is that this Sudnay is “Martin Luther Sunday.” We mention him by name in our prayers and sermons. We sing his hymns in our worship services. We call ourselves Lutheran because of him. But Luther hated the idea of his followers being called “Lutherans” (at least at first.) Rather, he preferred those who were a part of the Reformation to call themselves evangelicals (because they preached the gospel) or simply Christians. We don’t worship Luther, or give him more credit than he’s due. We simply acknowledge the work God did through him and the other reformers by bringing the life-giving gospel back into our churches.

One amazing example of how Luther brought the gospel back into the church was with his hymns. No Reformation Sunday is complete without singing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” or “Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word.” But there are many other beloved hymns that Luther wrote over his career. The hymn for our consideration is one such example. It’s a paraphrase of Psalm 124, a song of thanksgiving for God’s protecting hand.

Verse 1: “If God had not been on our side and had not come to aid us, our foes with all their pow’r and pride would surely have dismayed us, for we, his flock, would have to fear the devil’s wolves, both far and near, who rise in might against us.”

Sometimes as Christians, it can feel like we’re surrounded. The devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking to devour us. He erodes faith through a constant stream of doubts and questions throughout the day and throughout our lives. He will never stop hunting us and seeking to undermine our faith. As if that wasn’t bad enough, we also live in a sinful world that hates and rejects the message of Christ. Jesus told us to be prepared to be hated by the world because it hated him first. At best, we can expect indifference to the life-changing gospel. But a time may come when the gospel message won’t just be ignored, but it will be stifled and repressed. And perhaps worst of all, even though we’ve got the devil and the world out to get us, our own sinful nature is constantly warring against the gospel message in our hearts and minds. Every day it’s a struggle to lead a God-pleasing life. Yes, our foes are certainly powerful, and they are seeking to dismay us. But we have God on our side! These enemies rise against us every day, but we don’t have to fear them because God will fight for us. He daily pours out his Holy Spirit on his people. That Holy Spirit works through the means of grace, the gospel in word and sacrament to increase our love and strengthen our faith. We have nothing to fear.

Verse 2: “Their furious wrath, did God permit, would surely have consumed us and as a deep and yawning pit with life and limb entombed us. A hellish storm would o’er us roll from Satan, who desires our soul and seeks to overwhelm us.”

Around this time of year, people love watching and talking about football. For fans of both college and professional football, every weekend there are dozens of games that can be found on a number of television networks. Sometimes in those games, the matchup between teams is very one-sided. It’s not unheard of to see scores like 49-6, or 21-0 even before the game is finished. Sometimes announcers will talk about how teams get “eaten alive” by the other team, or they’re “dead and buried.” The odds are simply too great to overcome. The other team is simply too good. Player morale is too low to make a comeback. It’s those kinds of situations that we on this earth would be facing if we didn’t have God on our side. The foes that face us are simply too powerful for us sinful human beings to overcome. If God allowed it, we’d be eaten alive by that roaring lion, or we’d be dead and buried because of a sinful world and our own sinful flesh. Our enemy wants us completely defeated and hopeless without a chance for a comeback. But that’s why Jesus came to give us the victory. God did not permit our foes to overwhelm us. Rather he overwhelmed them by sending his only begotten son to die for us and rise again. Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 3: “Blest be the Lord, who foiled their threat that they could not devour us. Our souls, like birds, escaped their net; they could not overpow’r us. The snare is broken—we are free! Our helper and our strength is he who made the earth and heavens.”

There’s something so encouraging about watching people rescue helpless animals who are trapped and in need of assistance. Whether it’s a sick-looking cat or dog found on the side of the road, or an owl or hawk trapped in a soccer net, or a cow or a sheep trapped in a farmer’s fence, it’s so gratifying to see an animal escape being trapped and being released back to freedom. It’s that picture of a helpless animal that’s trapped and in need of assistance that King David used in Psalm 124, and the picture that Luther used in his final verse of his hymn. Just like those animals who were trapped with no way out, our souls were trapped in our ways and sin. Without assistance, we were destined to die without any hope of saving ourselves. This was the plan of Satan, who first led us into sin. But God foiled his plans! Jesus came and crushed satan’s head, and freed us from sin forever. The same God who made the earth and heavens became a helpless baby, lived like us, and died for us so that we might rise again. The same God who set the stars in place and raised mountains from the ground is our helper and our strength in times of trouble. That gospel truth is what frees us to lead lives of faith, free from the cares of the world and the guilt of our sins. It frees us to live as Christians and rejoice in the gospel day after day.

When looking back on his career as a reformer, Luther said “I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing… the Word did everything.” God’s Word is powerful and effective. It’s like a hammer that breaks rock. It is sharper than any two-edged sword. It is the mighty rock upon which we build, and the sword that breaks our chains and frees us to go and lead lives of faith. That is what we celebrate on the Reformation, and every day when we live our lives as Christians liberated by the Word. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone taught in scripture alone on account of Christ alone. It is Christ alone who frees us. He is on our side, still fighting for us and forgiving us day after day. It is Christ alone who promises to bring us at last to the joys of heaven. It is Christ alone we celebrate on Reformation, and no one else. Glory to God alone for his forgiveness found in Christ alone! Amen.

CW 540 - O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild

CW 540 O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild

It isn’t surprising that this hymn is sometimes sung at Christmas since it emphasizes Jesus becoming a child. The original German title – O Jesulein süss – makes that clear. Translated literally, it means: “O sweet little Jesus.” Doesn’t that immediately make you think of Jesus as a baby? The description of Jesus as sweet and mild are words that we often associate with the babies we raise.

While this hymn pictures Jesus as a small child, it also declares that Jesus completed the work he came to do which benefits each one of us.

Stanza 1: O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild, for sinners you became a child. You came from heaven to fulfill your Father’s just and holy will, O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild.

It doesn’t take long to realize that the innocent looking baby in our arms is not always sweet and is not always mild-mannered. The baby in our arms is a sinner like you and me. The baby, like us, needs a Savior. It is the sweet and mild Jesus who takes on that role for us.

And it was God’s will for Jesus to take on human flesh and blood and come into this world. Jesus willingly and obediently followed his Father’s will. In German, the word translated mild can also have the idea behind it of being charitable. Doesn’t that help describe Jesus’ attitude toward us? The Apostles Paul wrote these words in his first letter to Pastor Timothy (1:15): “This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” of whom I am the worst.” Thank God that Jesus is mild toward us!

Stanza 2: O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild, with God we now are reconciled. You have for all the ransom paid, your Father’s righteous anger stayed, O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild.

Our relationships with people are often fractured. Sometimes we can resolve those things on our own. Sometimes we need a professional to help mediate.

Because of sin, our relationship with God was completely broken. It is not within our capability to make that relationship whole. It was, however, within God’s capability to fix it. So, he sent a professional: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6) Jesus paid the ransom for us with his holy precious blood and with his innocent sufferings and death. O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild!

Stanza 3: O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild, joy fills the world which sin defiled. Whate’er we have belongs to you, O keep us faithful, strong, and true, O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild.

What hasn’t sin touched? Paul says: “For we know that all of creation is groaning with birth pains right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:22) Because sin affects all of God’s creation, it affects us and everything that we do. It even affects our moods and our attitudes.

But because of Jesus, there is joy in the world. True joy. Lasting joy. Joy that is rooted in substance. This is not a manufactured joy, but one that comes naturally from believing hearts.

The second to last phrase of this verse is a petition to Jesus: “O keep us faithful, strong, and true.” Being faithful, strong, and true is not an easy task. It means following the example of Jesus and being ready to sacrifice. Not to win Jesus’ love, but because Jesus loves us.

We may look at a baby and say “Isn’t she sweet.” Isn’t that really a commentary on how precious that child is? How much more true is that of Jesus?! There is no one more precious to us than Jesus. There can be no one more precious to us than Jesus. In his grace, he showed his love for us, mercifully making us his own. May we live for our sweet Jesus!

CW 560 - Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ

CW 560 - Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ

One of my biggest fears is to be trapped. Not just trapped so I can’t get out. But trapped so I can’t even move. Trapped under an avalanche of snow. Trapped under a cave-in of rocks. Trapped under a pile-up of vehicles on the freeway. There is a huge weight pressing down on me. And I can’t move! Terrifying!

The law of God is like that weight. We are hopeless to move under it. God’s laws weigh us down, crushing us under the burden of all the perfection God’s demands of us. “No one will be declared righteous in [God’s] sight by works of the law, for through the law we become aware of sin … because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:20, 23).

The relief comes through Jesus Christ. He takes the unmovable weight and moves it off us through his sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection from the grave. “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Our Hymn of the Day, “Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ,” speaks of this weight that is taken from us by Jesus Christ.

Verse one: Your works, not mine, O Christ, speak gladness to this heart; they tell me all is done, they bid my fear depart. (Refrain) To whom but you, who can alone for sin atone, Lord, shall I f lee?

We die and are damned if we attempted to be saved by our good works. It is the works of Jesus Christ that only save us. His work of being born in our place. His work of living perfectly for us. His work of paying for our sins. His work of dying our death. His work of rising from the grave. These works alone atone for our sins and make us “at one” with our holy God.

Verse two: Your blood, not mine, O Christ, can heal my sinful soul; your wounds, not mine, contain the balm that makes me whole. (Refrain)

The Bible teaches that “without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). God demanded blood as payment for sin. That’s why there were so many bulls, sheep, and goats sacrificed to the Lord in the Old Testament. But the Bible also teaches that “the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). All that blood shed upon the Old Testament altars pointed ahead to the blood of Jesus Christ – a lamb without blemish or defect – that only cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

Verse three: Your cross, not mine, O Christ, has borne the dreadful load of sins that none could bear but the incarnate God. (Refrain)

The load of our sins is a crushing weight upon us. The Bible says, “God erased the record of our debt brought against us by his legal demands. This record stood against us, but he took it away by nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). We cannot begin to bear the dreadful load of sins. The only One who could bear this weight is the Son of God in human flesh, our incarnate Christ.

Verse four: Your death, not mine, O Christ, has paid the ransom due; ten thousand deaths like mine would have been all too few. (Refrain)

The devil trapped us. He was holding us ransom. We could try to pay that ransom price on our own ten thousand times, and nothing would work. Only the death of the Son of God is the acceptable ransom price. Jesus said of himself, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Now we are free to go. Now we are free to live.

Verse five: Your righteousness, O Christ, alone can cover me; no other righteousness can set a sinner free. (Refrain)

The Bible teaches, “All our righteous acts are like a filthy cloth” (Isaiah 64:6). Even our best attempts at righteousness are tainted by sinful motives (Romans 8:7-11), but in Christ we are clothed in his perfect righteousness. The Bible also teaches, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Indeed, as many of you as were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27). Only the righteousness of Christ can clothe us. Only the righteousness of Christ can set us free. As we sing in the refrain, “To whom but you, who can alone for sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?”

The weight of sin buries us. Christ takes that weight off us and places it upon himself. That is why we can sing, “Your works, not mine, O Christ, speak gladness to this heart; they tell me all is done, they bid my fear depart.”

CW 760 Oh, Blest the House

CW 760: Oh, Blest the House 

Family is a gift from God and was part of his perfect design for this world. At Creation, God created all of the animals: male and female. He then tasked Adam to name all of the animals and as Adam was doing this, he noticed that there was not a helper suitable for him. God was pleased with Adam’s reasoning and created for him a wife. God intended marriage to be a life-long union between one man and one woman. God’s plan was for this couple to be united as one flesh and have children who they would then instruct in the knowledge of the Lord. 

This was God’s perfect plan, but when Adam and Eve fell into sin, they corrupted all of creation including God’s institutions of marriage and family. Satan is constantly seeking to undermine the family. We see the institutions of marriage and family under constant assault in our world today. In our readings for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, we give thanks to God for our families. We stand convicted by his law that we have not always been faithful in our callings as husbands, wives, or children. We give thanks that our Savior gathers us in his arms as dearly beloved children and forgives all our sins. Oh, Blest the House reminds us of the amazing blessing of a Christian home that is centered and gathered around the Word of God. 

Verse 1: Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall, where Jesus Christ is all in all! A home that is not wholly his—how sad and poor and dark it is! 

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. His amazing love motivates us to show love to others. This is true in our families as well. The Word of God should be the center of our family lives. We should strive to gather together around the Word of God in devotion and prayer. We should go to church and worship together as a family. It is only by being reminded of the amazing forgiveness that Christ has shown us that we can show love and forgiveness in our own families. 

Verse 2: Oh, blest that house where faith is found and all in hope and love abound; they trust their God and serve him still and do in all his holy will. 

A Christian house is a wonderful blessing from God! One of the most solemn duties we have as parents is to raise our children in the Christian faith. We do this by teaching our children the truths of God’s Word. We do this by modeling Christian behavior in our words and actions. We forgive our children when they sin against us, and we ask for their forgiveness when we sin against them. We make church and the reading of God’s Word a regular part of our family life. All of these things are good and pleasing to our Heavenly Father. 

Verse 3: Oh, blest the parents who give heed unto their children’s foremost need and weary not of care or cost. May none to them and heav’n be lost! 

No one ever said raising children was going to be easy. This verse reminds us that there are many costs and struggles associated with raising children. By nature, we are all selfish and want to put our own needs first. It can be a struggle when we need to make decisions that put our child's needs before our own. When we face those difficult decisions, we can look to the example of our dear Savior. He did not consider the cost when he offered his own life to save us. As parents, we want what is best for our children. As Christian parents, we mirror the selfless love of our Savior and put the needs of our children first. We also remember that the greatest need of our children is not sports or having the newest and best toys. The greatest need our children have is to regularly hear the Word of God. 

Verse 4: Blest such a house, it prospers well; in peace and joy the parents dwell, and in their children’s lives is shown how richly God can bless his own. 

In Ephesians 6 the Apostle Paul gives godly advice for parents and children. Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with a promise: ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live a long life on the earth.’ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Unfortunately, because we are sinners, we do not follow these commands of God well. In fact, as both parents and children, we sin against God and each other all the time. This is why we need to return to the cross of Christ again and again. It is only there that we receive the certainty that our sins are forgiven. It is there that we see the love of Christ and offer forgiveness to one another. 

Verse 5: Then here will I and mine today a solemn promise make and say: though all the world forsake his Word, I and my house will serve the Lord! 

The final verse of our hymn echoes the words of Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household—we will serve the Lord!” We are under constant assault by Satan, the world, and our own sinful flesh. Families that are rooted in the Word of God and regularly attend worship are a bastion against these assaults. Fathers and mothers have a solemn obligation to raise their children in the Word of God.  

Oh, Blest the House reminds us of the amazing blessing that God has given us in our families. Children are a gift from God. God wants us to raise our children in the training and instruction of the Lord. He emphasizes this in Deuteronomy 6, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Let us make the most of the amazing blessing of our families as we read and study God’s Word together. 

CW 499, Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken.

Our hymn for our devotion this week is hymn 499, Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken.

Battles are terrifying things to think about. The sheer scale of death and destruction that they unleash is terrible to consider. So why do we spend an entire Sunday focusing on a battle? Because that’s what this coming Sunday is all about: the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels. This festival in the church year focuses our attention on the great battle that took place between the angels of God at the beginning of the world, and the battle that will take place again at the end of time when Christ comes again in his glory. But as we clearly see in the hymn, we don’t need to fear this battle or the outcome, for Christ’s victory is already established!

Verse 1: Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken by the devil’s seething rage, thwarts the plan of Satan’s minions, wins the strife from age to age; conquers sin and death forever, slams them in their steely cage.

Satan is a terrible enemy. The Bible describes him as a Lion as he prowls around seeking to destroy us. Satan is our sworn enemy, and he has perfected how to trap and ensnare us in our ways and sin. Christ is the answer to our dread enemy. Satan holds no power over him! Just like a skilled lion tamer at a circus can easily handle a ferocious lion, so too Jesus takes hold of Satan and slams him and his evil minions into an impenetrable cage.

Verse 2: Michael fought the heav’nly battle, godly angels by his side; warred against the ancient serpent, foiled the beast, so full of pride, cast him earthbound with his angels; now he prowls, unsatisfied.

At different times in ancient history, two armies would at times choose a champion or a group of champions to fight a battle instead of using the whole army to fight. This one champion would represent the army he fought for, and if he won it would spare the lives of many others. In the first battle of heaven, Michael was the champion who fought on behalf of the faithful angels. He led the charge against Satan and his rebellion, throwing him down to earth and to his impending judgment. But even though he was defeated, Satan still prowls! That’s why we still need and give thanks for angel warriors like Michael who fight for us today.

Verse 3: Long on earth the battle rages, since the serpent’s first deceit twisted God’s command to Adam, made forbidden fruit look sweet. Then the curse of God was spoken: “You’ll lie crushed beneath his feet!”

No matter how soundly evil is defeated, it never stays dead for long. It finds ways to creep back into the world through different forms and means. That’s exactly what Satan accomplished when he came to Adam and Eve in the form of a serpent. He couldn’t overthrow the Lord Almighty through force, so he used more subversive means. Through his treachery, mankind fell into sin. But even then, when Satan had successfully tempted mankind to their own destruction, his own destruction was foretold. His victory wouldn’t last! The son of man would come and crush his head once and for all.

Verse 4: Jesus came, this word fulfilling, trampled Satan, death defied; bore the brunt of our temptation, on the wretched tree he died. Yet to life was raised victorious, by his life our life supplied.

While the church festival is called “St. Michael and All Angels” the festival is really about Jesus and his victory over Satan. Michael is just a champion of the greater power: Jesus who is King of kings and Lord of lords. It was his sacrifice on the cross that truly defeated satan once and for all. And it was that sacrifice that gave us life! And not just life on earth, but eternal life in heaven as well. Death was defeated! Life is given to all who believe. Jesus took Satan’s greatest weapon, death, and turned it against him. Christ’s victory over death proves that Satan is completely powerless. The one weapon he had has been taken away! This lion’s teeth and claws are gone. All he can do now is snarl.

Verse 5: Swift as lightning falls the tyrant from his heav’nly perch on high, as the word of Jesus’ vict’ry floods the earth and fills the sky. Wounded by a wound eternal now his judgment has drawn nigh!

Sometimes after a definitive battle is fought and a nation is defeated, it will take weeks or even months before all the enemy troops have stopped fighting. Satan’s defeat wasn’t like that at all. The second the tomb door was broken open by the victorious Christ, satan was immediately defeated and disarmed once and for all. As quick as a lightning bolt, Jesus’ victory covered all sins past, present, and future. The crushing wound to Satan’s head will never heal. His defeat will never be changed. And as a result, when the end comes and all the living and dead will be judged after the last battle, we have nothing to fear.

Verse 6: Jesus, send your angel legions when the foe would us enslave. Hold us fast when sin assaults us; come then, Lord, your people save. Overthrow at last the dragon; send him to his fiery grave.

Even though Satan is defeated, he and his evil angels are still all around us. Just because he will ultimately lose doesn’t mean he can’t score a few wins against us in the meantime. Many Christians have fallen away and will continue to fall away. The love of many will grow cold. The world will continue to hate Christ and his followers, and our sinful natures will still resist and despise the Word of God every day. We will ultimately win, but we need help in the meantime! That’s why we need to cling more tightly to our victorious Savior and to his Word. And he, in turn, will continue to send out the angels to guard and protect us night and day. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! And thanks be to the mighty hosts of heaven, whose sleepless eyes protect us from foes seen and unseen night and day.

The battle of heaven is over. The battle for Earth has begun and still rages on to this day. Wars cannot be won by a force as weak and outnumbered as we Christians are on earth. That’s where St. Michael the Archangel and his legions of angels come in. Commanded by the lamb who was slain and who lives again, these angels have fought and will fight for us as long as Christ’s church remains on earth. So let us give thanks for these angels. And let us rejoice and celebrate the victory that our savior has won for us now and always. Amen.

CW 767 – Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us

CW 767 – Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us

This week’s Gospel lesson mentions an argument Jesus’ disciples were having among themselves. What were they arguing about? Sheepishly they told Jesus that their argument was about who the greatest was among the Twelve.

Whatever they were arguing about, one thing was clear. Their pride and selfishness were clouding their understanding of what true greatness is all about. This hymn reminds us that the accolades belong to the Lord of Glory. We in turn, want to reflect his tremendous sacrificial attitude and action toward us.

Stanza 1: Lord of glory, you have bought us with your lifeblood as the price, never grudging for the lost ones that tremendous sacrifice; and with that have freely given blessings countless as the sand to th’‿unthankful and the evil with your own unsparing hand.

When Jesus came to earth, many people wanted to prop him up as an earthly king. But Jesus’ glory was in his suffering. Jesus came to earth not be served, but rather to serve and to give up his life as a ransom for many. His own blood was the cost he paid to redeem us. To buy us back from certain death and destruction and instead to make us his own, giving us countless blessings.

What makes this so eye-opening? The Apostle Paul wrote: “It is rare indeed that someone will die for a righteous person. Perhaps someone might actually go so far as to die for a person who has been good to him.” (Romans 5:7) What makes Jesus’ sacrifice so tremendous is that he died for people who either regularly forget to thank him or who will never thank him. He died for the worst of the worst. And he didn’t need to be coerced. He did it 100% willingly.

Stanza 2: Grant us hearts, dear Lord, to give you gladly, freely, of your own. With the sunshine of your goodness melt our thankless hearts of stone till our cold and selfish natures, warmed by you, at length believe that more happy and more blessèd ’tis to give than to receive.

Do you like to give? By nature, aren’t we all like the selfish toddler who screams “That’s mine!” Each Christian is God’s workmanship. We are his pet project which he continues to work on. In this verse we recognize that fact and we pray that the Lord would work on our hearts to lead us to willingly give back some of that which he gave us.

It has happened on occasion that my wife will hand me something and say: “Here, you can give this to me for Christmas.” When Christmas comes, I wrap it up and give it to her. Isn’t that really what the Lord is doing for us? He hands us a load of gifts and he says: “Now remember to give some of this back to me.” Not all of it, but some of it. Our prayer is that God turns our selfish attitudes into hearts that understand that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Stanza 3: Wondrous honor you have given to our humblest charity in your own mysterious sentence, “You have done it all for me.” Can it be, O gracious Master, that you need what we can do, saying by your poor and needy, “Give as I have giv’n to you”?

Have you ever found yourself lacking something and too proud to ask someone for help? “I don’t want to be a charity case” you say. And yet, we are all charity cases in one sense. Jesus did it all for me. He lived for us. He died for us. He makes us alive in him. He gives us spiritual riches beyond compare. And he gives us money and material possessions.

In response to our giving God, we are to look out for the needs of others. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us: “And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Keep your eyes open to those around you. Who is it that needs your help?

Stanza 4: Lord of glory, you have bought us with your lifeblood as the price, never grudging for the lost ones that tremendous sacrifice. Give us faith to trust you boldly, hope, to stay our souls on you; but, oh, best of all your graces, with your love our love renew.

The author of this hymn, Eliza S. Alderson asked her brother, John Bacchus Dykes, to compose the music for these stanzas. He agreed to it and then added this stanza. It is interesting that the first half is simply a repetition of the opening lines of the hymn. Those lines are pure gospel and they are worth repeating!

Dykes then concludes this stanza with petitions based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” May we be continually filled with the love of Jesus so that we are moved to express that love toward others.

When the Twelve were arguing about who the greatest among them was, Jesus responded by putting a child in front of them and embraced that child, saying: “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me, welcomes not just me but also him who sent me.” In response to Jesus’ love, there is no service that is beneath us. May we freely give of ourselves and of what we in service to others and in honor of the Lord of glory.

CW 517 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness

CW 517 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness

This Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is “Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness.” The author, Howard M. Edwards III, wrote of the text of this hymn, “It is astounding how much Jesus did in such a brief earthly ministry, yet more astounding is how God’s blessing and saving acts continue on through Christ. How can we do other than to praise this Light in the darkness” (Christian Worship Handbook, p. 371)?

For our devotion, we’ll hear the hymn verses, then we’ll hear Bible verses of what Jesus did to break the darkness of sin and death in our world. These astounding acts of power and mercy are the reasons we praise him.

Verse one: Praise the one who breaks the darkness with a liberating light; praise the one who frees the pris’ners, turning blindness into sight. Praise the one who preached the gospel, healing ev’ry dread disease, calming storms and feeding thousands with the Father’s word of peace.

Praise the one who breaks the darkness with a liberating light. Jesus said of himself, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Praise the one who frees the pris’ners, turning blindness into sight. Jesus says he is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

Praise the one who preached the gospel, healing ev’ry dread disease, calming storms and feeding thousands with the Father’s word of peace. Matthew writes, “Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23). Mark writes, “Jesus got up [from the boat], rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind stopped, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). Matthew writes, “Jesus broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples. The disciples gave the food to the people. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not even counting women and children” (Matthew 14:19, 21).

Verse two: Praise the one who blessed the children with a strong, yet gentle, word; praise the one who drove out demons with the piercing, two-edged sword. Praise the one who brings cool water to the desert’s burning sand; from this well comes living water, quenching thirst in ev’ry land.

Praise the one who blessed the children with a strong, yet gentle, word. Mark writes, “[Jesus] took the little children in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:16).

Praise the one who drove out demons with the piercing, two-edged sword. We hear about Jesus healing a demon-possessed boy in this Sunday’s Gospel lesson. Mark writes, “When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit [of the boy]. ‘You mute and deaf spirit,’ he said, ‘I command you to come out of him and never enter him again!’ The spirit screamed, shook the boy violently, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many of them said, ‘He's dead!’ But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him up, and he stood up” (Mark 9:25-27). The Bible teaches about God’s Word being like a double-edged sword: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to the point of dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, even being able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Praise the one who brings cool water to the desert’s burning sand; from this well comes living water, quenching thirst in ev’ry land. Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, “Waters will flow in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland. The burning sand will become a pool, and in the thirsty ground there will be springs of water” (Isaiah 35:6-7).

Verse three: Let us praise the Word incarnate, Christ, who suffered in our place; Jesus died and rose victorious that we may know God by grace. Let us sing for joy and gladness, seeing what our God has done; let us praise the true Redeemer, praise the one who makes us one.

Let us praise the Word incarnate, Christ, who suffered in our place. The word “incarnate” means God in human flesh. Jesus is the Word of God in human flesh and blood. John writes, “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Jesus died and rose victorious that we may know God by grace. St. Paul writes about Christ’s death and resurrection, “This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,’ of whom I am the worst. But I was shown mercy for this reason: that in me, the worst sinner, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his unlimited patience as an example for those who are going to believe in him, resulting in eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16).

Let us sing for joy and gladness, seeing what our God has done; let us praise the true Redeemer, praise the one who makes us one. We join St. Paul in praising Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer for all he has done to save us, “Now to the King eternal, to the immortal, invisible, only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

CW 769 Your Hand O Lord in Days of Old

CW 769: Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old 

The Scripture readings for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost focus on the truth that our Lord is the Great Physician who gives health and healing to his people. Sickness, disease, and suffering are all part of life on this earth, but they were never part of God’s plan for us. Sickness and disease are consequences of sin. When Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they disobeyed God’s command and brought sin into this world. All creation suffers and groans under the curse of sin. Because of sin, our bodies don’t function in the perfect way that God intended. We know what it is like to feel pain. We get sick and hurt and as we age our bodies gradually break down.

None of this is according to God’s plan. God wanted us to live forever in the perfection of a sinless world. When Adam and Eve sinned, he could have destroyed this world and started over. Instead, he promised to send a Savior who would rescue humanity from the curse of sin. God loved us so much that he fulfilled this promise by sending his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to suffer and die for the sins of the world. God continues to show love and compassion to us by caring for our physical needs as well. When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we are asking God to take care of our physical needs. This includes the health of our bodies. We pray to God in times of sickness to give us health and healing. God promises to be with us every day of our lives and give us healing and comfort. Sometimes this healing is granted in the life, and sometimes God grants healing in the eternity of heaven where there is no more sickness or pain. 

Verse 1: Your hand, O Lord, in days of old was strong to heal and save; it triumphed over pain and death, o’er darkness and the grave. To you they came, the blind, the mute, the paralyzed and lame, the lepers in their misery, the sick with fevered frame.

The Old Testament is full of God’s promises about the Messiah. One of these promises is that the Messiah would heal the sick and give sight to the blind. Isaiah 35:5-6 promises, “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unplugged. The crippled will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy.” This is exactly what Jesus did during his earthly ministry. He healed the sick and gave sight to the blind. Jesus showed perfect love and compassion to those who needed his love and care. Our hymn this week reminds us of Jesus’s perfect love and compassion. In the same way, our Savior continues to watch over us when we are afflicted with pain and disease. During these times of trial, we can cling to the love and promises of our compassionate Savior.

Verse 2: Your touch then, Lord, brought life and health, gave speech and strength and sight; and youth renewed and frenzy calmed revealed you, Lord of light. And now, O Lord, be near to bless, almighty as before, in crowded street, by beds of pain, as by Gennes’ret’s shore.

Our Gospel this week from Mark chapter 7 tells us of one instance when Jesus restored the hearing of a deaf man. As Jesus went from town to town in the region of Galilee large crowds of people followed him hoping that he would touch them and heal them. Jesus willingly healed these people, but this was not his only goal. He used these occasions to teach the people about the kingdom of God. Jesus healed the sick to fulfill the promises of God and to show mercy and compassion to those who desperately needed it. But this was not the main reason that Jesus came to this world. Jesus came to fulfill a far greater purpose. He came to remove the sickness of sin. By his death on the cross, Jesus removed the curse of sin. He washed us with his holy precious blood and restored our status as beloved children of God. By faith in him, we are healed of our sins and given the certainty of eternity in heaven with our Lord.

Verse 3: O be our great deliv’rer still, the Lord of life and death; restore and quicken, soothe and bless, with your life-giving breath. To hands that work and eyes that see give wisdom’s healing pow’r that whole and sick and weak and strong may praise you evermore.

When we are sick or hurt, we can be tempted to feel that God has forgotten us. We may even be tempted to believe that God is punishing us for our sins. Neither of these things is true. God is with us every day of our lives. He is watching over us and protecting us. God does not punish us for our sins because he punished Christ on the cross. Our sins have been fully forgiven by the blood of Jesus. In our times of sickness, we cling to the promises of God knowing that he will watch over us. We take comfort in knowing that the burdens of this life are temporary and that the glory of eternal life in heaven waits for those who trust in Christ.

Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old, is a beautiful hymn that reminds us of the love and compassion of our God. Christ showed love and compassion to countless people as he healed and comforted them during his earthly ministry. Jesus continues to watch over us when we suffer from sickness and disease. God has given us the blessings of doctors and modern medicines that offer comfort and relief. When we face times of sickness we cling to the promises of God and know that he is always by our side. Just as Christ healed the sick according to his will, we know that God will give us healing if it is his will. Sickness and suffering help us to put our trust in God and remember that he is the one who grants healing and comfort.

CW 740 O God My Faithful God

Our hymn for this week’s hymn devotion is hymn 740: O God, My Faithful God

In the Gospel lesson appointed for this coming Sunday, the Pharisees confront Jesus about his disciples. The Pharisees were upset that Jesus allowed his disciples to eat with “unclean hands.” This was a rabbinic tradition that developed among the Jews, and wasn’t a necessary part of God’s law for his people. This allows Jesus to speak about something far more important than ceremonial cleanliness: why we obey God’s commands in the first place. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus says: “These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain, teaching human rules as if they were doctrines.” Jesus doesn’t want followers who blindly do what he asks but don’t care why. Jesus wants dedicated followers who serve him out of love, not anything else!

The hymn we’re focusing on this week helps us remember to do God’s will out of joy, not out of fear because we’re forced to. Each stanza of the hymn focuses on ways we glorify God: our thoughts, our words, and our actions. As we look at each hymn stanza, we’ll be reminded how we need God to bless our efforts if they are to succeed.

Verse 1: O God, my faithful God, O Fountain ever flowing, who good and perfect gifts in mercy are bestowing, give me a healthy frame, and may I have within a conscience free from blame, a soul unhurt by sin.

At Yellowstone National Park, there’s a geyser named “Old Faithful.” It earned its name because out of the hundreds of geysers in Yellowstone, Old Faithful consistently erupts every 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how long the last eruption was. Ever since the area was first surveyed in the late 1800s, the geyser has been erupting on a consistent schedule year after year. That’s pretty cool given the random nature of geysers! But God’s faithfulness is more incredible than even that amazing natural phenomenon. Even though we’re sinful and don’t deserve God’s faithfulness, he shows it to us day after day. With that faithfulness comes many gifts, like a healthy frame of mind. Each of us has been washed and redeemed through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Because of that, our consciences can trouble us no longer, and our souls are freed from satan’s accusations and the penalty of death. It’s in this forgiveness and new life that we ask for the strength to do God’s will, which is what the next verse is about. 

Verse 2: Grant me the strength to do with ready heart and willing whatever you command, my calling here fulfilling, that I do what I should while trusting you to bless the outcome for my good, for you must give success.

Sometimes as Christians, we will be called to do things we don’t want to do. Maybe it’s letting go of a pet sin that we’re especially fond of. Maybe it’s dealing with rejection or ridicule from the people of this world. Or maybe it’ll be preaching the gospel to people who don’t want to hear it. These situations will be hard in different ways and for different reasons. But regardless of how difficult it may be or how much we don’t want to do it, we don’t have to worry. Jesus will be there to strengthen our faith and trust in him. He does so through his Word and sacraments poured out on us day after day. Whenever we feel weakened or unable to do as he asks, this verse is a wonderful reminder to us to seek strength in him through prayer and his Word.

 Verse 3: Keep me from saying things that later need recalling; grant that no idle words may from my lips be falling, but when within my place I must and ought to speak, then fill my words with grace lest I offend the weak.

Living in an online world has made people forget just how powerful words can be on another. We’ve all heard the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me.” And while it’s true, words don’t cause bodily injuries, they leave mental wounds that are much harder to see and heal. As Christians, we use words to tell others about the Word that became flesh and lived among us. Therefore we need to be extra careful how we talk about Jesus and how we use the gift of speech. In order for us to be faithful and careful stewards of the Word of God, it’s important for us to remember the power of the gospel, and how it is able to change hearts and minds from death to life. When we speak, may we remember well the prayer contained in this verse: to use our speech to glorify God and to bring others to know him when he grants us the opportunity to speak about him.

 Verse 4: Lord, let me win my foes with kindly words and actions, and let me find good friends for counsel and correction. Help me, as you have taught, to love both great and small and by your Spirit’s might to live in peace with all.

It’s difficult being a Christian sometimes. We live in a world that hates us among people that don’t understand us. At all times we are tempted by our own sinful natures and a devil who is constantly on the prowl, looking for weaknesses. Jesus wants followers who follow him and serve him from the heart and nothing else. This is hard, dangerous work! This is why we need encouragement and help. And we have both in abundance! We have Christian friends who are able to pick us up when we fail and to help us bear our burdens. We have a savior who loved us enough to die for us and give his life in exchange for ours! And that same savior sends out his Holy Spirit to keep us strong and to help us grow in our faith! Yes, being a follower of Christ is hard. But with the Spirit’s help and the urging of our fellow brothers and sisters, we will make it through this world of hardship and arrive at last at our true home in heaven.

 Why serve God at all if it’s going to be so difficult? How can we be expected to succeed when there’s so much that stands in the way of being a faithful follower? The answer is quite simple: we look to Jesus for our strength. He is faithful, he will not leave us without help. He promises to be with us. All we need to do is seek him, and he will find us, walk with us, and bring us home to be with him. May he help us in our heavenward journey all the days of our lives. Amen.

CW 764 Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing

CW 764 Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing

The subject of our hymn this week is marriage. As part of our 175th anniversary, First Evan is focusing on the wonderful gift of marriage and family in worship this week.

The author of this hymn is Stephen P. Starke, a pastor in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. This hymn is one of over 175 that he has written. “Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing” is one of eleven of his hymns that are in our current hymnbook. It is appropriate to use this hymn at weddings or at any time there is a focus on the estate of marriage.

Stanza 1: Gracious Savior, grant your blessing to all husbands and all wives, that in peace they live together in your love throughout their lives. Christ, defend them from the tempter and from all that would destroy love’s foundation you’ve established and its pathways paved with joy.

It is a practice in our churches that before a man and woman get married, the pastor counsels them. What is talked about in these sessions? Certainly, there is a focus on the wedding itself, especially the wedding promises the couple makes to each other. The promises made there show the permanency of marriage. Marriage is a lifelong union. With that in mind, a pastor will use counseling sessions before marriage to focus on life after the wedding.

This first stanza reminds us to pray to our Savior Jesus to bless husbands and wives as they figure out this blessed union. They need Jesus’ help in marriage to fend off temptations from Satan and all others who would try to destroy the bond they have in Christ.

Stanza 2: Lord, if you are not the builder, then the house is built in vain, for a home without your presence shall without true love remain. Yet when you within a marriage come and dwell with grace divine, there you fill the empty vessels, changing water into wine.

Our church is hoping to build an addition which will connect to our current church building. Not just anyone can do that, so we have carefully selected an architect and general contractor to help us do that. Not just anyone can build a marriage properly either. Wise King Solomon reminds us: “If the LORD does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work hard over it.” (Psalm 127:1) God is the one who designed marriage. He is the expert! Therefore, in order to build a healthy marriage, husbands and wives need to look to him for help.

Jesus’ first miracle was performed at a wedding in Cana. He changed water into wine. It is Jesus who works on the hearts men and women changing them into loving spouses. How does he do it? He does it as couples hear and read God’s Word together.

Stanza 3: Cana’s guest, this union hallow; in your arms embrace this pair. Savior, clothe them with the garments they will daily need to wear: patience, kindness, and compassion, gentleness, humility; robe them, Lord, with love to bind them in a perfect unity.

This stanza is especially appropriate for the wedding itself. It is a wonderful paraphrase of Colossians 2:12-14. When we read or sing this stanza, we are praying that Jesus clothes the couple being married with attributes necessary for a Christian marriage. Patience, kindness, etc. don’t come naturally. Nor will couples be able to carry these things out perfectly. But out of love couples will seek to carry them out and also forgive each other when they fall short.

Stanza 4: Let our love in marriage picture how you dearly loved your bride: when you gave yourself to cleanse her, when for her you bled and died. Jesus, you have made her holy, pure and fair her radiant train; to yourself, your Church presenting, without wrinkle, spot, or stain.

When a Christian marriage is functioning the way God intended it to be, it is a beautiful picture of the relationship between Christ and his bride, the church. This stanza is a beautiful summary of Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:22-33.

These verses spell out the roles of husbands and wives. In describing the husband’s role of loving his wife to the extent that he is willing to die for her, we are reminded that is what Christ did for you and me. In dying for us, Christ made us pure and spotless in God’s sight. Remember that the next time you see a bride in her beautiful white dress walking down the aisle.

Stanza 5: Father, you created Adam, crafted Eve, and made them one; Jesus, from their sin you saved us, as God’s true incarnate Son; Holy Spirit, you forgive us; from our sins we are released. Bring us, Lord, at last to heaven, to the endless wedding feast.

When God formed Adam from the dust of the ground and Eve from Adam’s rib, he united them, forming a perfect marriage bond. However, it didn’t take long for sin to ruin that perfect bond. But the more important bond it ruined was the one both Adam and Eve had with their Heavenly Father. Undeterred, the Father sought to make things right on behalf Adam, Eve, and us. He sent his Son, Jesus, into the flesh to rescue us by taking our place on the cross. Now, God forgives all our sins for Jesus’ sake.

In Jesus’ day, wedding receptions lasted more than a few hours. They lasted for days. Even that is extremely short compared to the wedding feast that awaits us when Christ returns. There, whether you were married or not on earth, you will enjoy a feast that lasts forever. And that is true, because the Holy Spirit reminds us through confession and absolution, baptism, and communion that our sins are forgiven.

Thank God for the blessing of marriage. Whether you are married or single, celebrate this gift God gives through which he produces so many blessings, and encourage all who are married to faithfully carry out their wedding promises to each other.

CW 633 Speak, O Lord

CW 633 - Speak, O Lord

Samuel served as an apprentice, aiding the priest Eli in various traditional priestly duties. Samuel assisted with the sacrifices and prayers as well as watched the Ark of the Covenant at night and opened the sanctuary doors at dawn. Samuel slept in one of the courtyard rooms near the Ark. In the darkness, Samuel heard a voice. He assumed it was Eli. Because Eli was very old and nearly blind, he would often call Samuel to assist him.

Samuel displayed his humble servant attitude by immediately going to Eli’s side and saying, “Here I am.” However, Eli did not call him … the Lord had. By the third time the Lord called to Samuel, Eli finally figured it out. So, when the Lord called a fourth time, Samuel replied, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:1-10).

In our Hymn of the Day, we are like young Samuel saying, “Speak, O Lord.”

Verse one: Speak, O Lord, as we come to you to receive the food of your holy Word; take your truth, plant it deep in us, shape and fashion us in your likeness, that the light of Christ might be seen today in our acts of love and our deeds of faith. Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us all your purposes for your glory.

How often do you set aside 15 minutes at home to listen to God speak to you in your daily Bible reading? Have you made it an intentional part of your weekly activities to hear God’s voice speak the refreshing words of forgiveness over you in worship? Have you made it a point to really hear God speak to your heart with a weekly Bible study at church?

We are not very good listeners, are we? We are too rushed, too busy, tooilled with sin. Besides, we would much rather be the ones doing the talking. Instead of saying to God, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” we would rather say, “Listen, God, for your servant is speaking.”

But what happens when we are like Samuel and say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”? When God speaks, what do we hear? We listen to God announce that he has taken all our sins away. God tells us that his Son died as a sacrifice for us, to pay for all the mistakes we’ve made in our lives. God tells us that because of Jesus, he completely forgives us all our accidental and intentional sins. This forgiveness is like food to starving people and like light to those living in darkness.

Verse two: Teach us, Lord, full obedience, holy reverence, true humility; test our thoughts and our attitudes in the radiance of your purity. Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see your majestic love and authority. Words of pow’r that can never fail, let their truth prevail over unbelief.

The voices of the world, the devil, and our sinful flesh are so loud. We desire to listen to them! These voices tell us to hate what God loves and love what God hates. We listen to every other voice except for the voice of the One who became flesh and blood to save us. We can’t hear

God’s still, small voice calling over the commotion all round us. We refuse to listen to the One voice that loves us above all else – the voice of our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier.

But what happens when we stop and listen to our God? His gentle whisper drowns out the cacophony of voices around us. His voice creates new priorities and new behaviors in our lives. He teaches us obedience, reverence, and love. He makes us eager to sit still and listen to everything he has to say. He makes us love what he loves and hate what he hates. There is an urgency and an ecstasy in listening to the voice of the Lord.

Verse three: Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds, help us grasp the heights of your plans for us, truths unchanged from the dawn of time, that will echo down through eternity. And by grace we’ll stand on your promises, and by faith we’ll walk as you walk with us. Speak, O Lord, till your Church is built, and the earth is filled with your glory.

Let us be humble servants like young Samuel. Let us be eager to approach the Lord and hear him speak to us. We hear God speak about his plans for our lives, his eternal truths amid this world’s lies, and his promises that never fail. Then let us speak to God saying, “Speak, Lord, for I need to hear your voice absolving me of all my sins. Speak, Lord, for I need to hear your words comforting me, calming me, loving me, reminding me. Speak, Lord, for I need to hear your call driving away my doubts, dispelling my fears, curbing my sinful nature, advising me. Speak, Lord, for your gospel takes my unwilling heart and makes me willing. Speak, Lord, for your Sacraments change me, mold me, transform me, sanctify me. Speak, Lord, for it is through your Word that the Church is built and the earth is filled with your glory. Speak, O Lord. Amen.”

CW 857 Glorious Things of You Are Spoken

The hymn for our devotion this week is hymn 857 Glorious Things of You Are Spoken.

Our worship this coming weekend is centered around a lesson from John’s gospel, in which Jesus confronts the crowds of people following him. These people had been following him incessantly since the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. They had dogged his steps chasing him back and forth across the Sea of Galilee. In the story, Jesus confronts them for this behavior because he knows why they’re fervently seeking after him. Jesus understands what they really want. They aren’t following him because they think he’s the savior, nor do they follow him to learn from him. Instead, they follow only because Jesus had been able to feed them and they wanted that same kind of food without the work to get it. Jesus, however, sets the record straight with these words: “‘I am the Bread of Life,’ Jesus told them. ‘The one who comes to me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in me will never be thirsty.’”

Our savior bountifully provides for us! He gives us daily bread, which is all that we need for body and life. Yet he provides something that is far more precious and important: the bread of life itself! The forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternity with him in heaven, which is all that we need to sustain our souls as long as we walk this earth. All it takes is one bite of this bread of life to be completely satisfied with the providence of our savior. What an amazing thing to receive!

Our hymn for this week focuses on the amazing things that God has done and will do for his people. Using pictures from the Old Testament, the hymn writer draws the singer’s attention to the abundance of God’s care and protection, and the complete lack of the world in comparison to the glory of our God.

Verse 1: Glorious things of you are spoken, Zion, city of our God; he whose word cannot be broken formed you for his own abode. On the Rock of Ages founded, what can shake your sure repose? With salvation’s walls surrounded, you may smile at all your foes.

Imagine for a moment that someone was able to create an unbreakable brick. It would be impervious to all outside damage. No tornado, hurricane, earthquake, fire, or war could destroy a building made of those bricks. Everyone in the world would want that kind of brick for their buildings! People would pay millions of dollars to guarantee they would never have to fear the building passing away. Now what if I told you that such a brick exists? The thing is, it’s not a literal physical brick. It’s the incarnate word of God, Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone on which the church is built. And those bricks aren’t physical objects made of stone or clay. They’re people. People who have been made into something far greater. We, through the cleansing of our sins, have been formed into God’s living house. We are made into a stronghold that no earthly trouble can penetrate or destroy. Through the work of our savior, surrounded by his protecting arms, we can laugh at the weak and pitiful assaults of the devil, the world, and our own sinful natures.

Verse 2: See, the streams of living waters, springing from eternal love, well supply your sons and daughters and all fear of want remove. Who can faint while such a river ever will their thirst assuage? Grace which, like the Lord, the giver, never fails from age to age.

In medieval times, a castle served many purposes. The primary purpose a lord would construct a castle would be to provide shelter for his subjects in the event of an attack from an enemy army. One of the main things a castle would need to do is withstand a siege, and so one of the first things that would be put in when a castle was built was a dependable well. So long as the people in the castle have water and food stored up, they can survive a siege for months if needed. In the same way, our savior’s grace is a neverending stream of living water which daily renews the heart and mind. Just like those people sheltering in the castle don’t need to fear or wonder what will happen if they run out of water, we too don’t need to fear anything this world throws at us. When we feel weak or miserable or when we inevitably fall in our task of loving and serving, this water fills us up again, giving us strength for another day of God’s grace.

Verse 3: Round each habitation hov’ring, see the cloud and fire appear for a glory and a cov’ring, showing that the Lord is near. Thus deriving from their banner light by night and shade by day, safe they feed upon the manna which God gives them on their way.

When God’s people were on their exodus from Egypt and in the years of wandering, they faced many dangers and perils in the wilderness. There were venomous animals, little food, no water, and the risk of getting lost. They were also constantly exposed to the elements, with high temperatures and hot, dusty wind. To survive in this wasteland, the people would need help from the Lord their protector and provider. And that’s exactly what he did. With the pillars of fire and cloud, he provided shelter and light for his people, as well as a clear beacon of where they were to go. Through manna which was provided daily, he ensured that they would never run out of food to eat in a place where food was scarce. But even after the people were settled in the promised land and no longer had manna or the pillars of fire and cloud, God still provided for them. He sent his son, Jesus, to be the true bread of life. And Jesus would provide true freedom, not from slavery in Egypt nor from wandering in the wilderness. He provided the full forgiveness of sins and life everlasting to all who believe in him.

Verse 4: Savior, since of Zion’s city I thro’ grace a member am, let the world deride or pity, I will glory in your name. Fading are the world’s vain pleasures, all their boasted pomp and show; solid joys and lasting treasures none but Zion’s children know.

One of the main criticisms people have about Christianity is that it draws people out of their world and deposits them in the next one. By this, I mean there are those who are critical of Christianity because they feel like it makes Christians not care at all about what happens in this world, because we have a second, far better home waiting for us. This makes Christians withdrawn and indifferent to the real problems and suffering that nonbelievers go through here on earth. While this is a danger that Christians can fall into, we also recognize how much of a blessing it is to be freed from this earth and its petty ambitions. We have been brought into something that is far greater than the fleeting treasures of this world. We have been made members of the eternal city! All the finest things this earth has to offer like money, power, fame, and earthly pleasure are only temporary, and they don’t last. But what heaven has to offer, a home, a family, and a purpose are far greater. This is why we ignore the petty distractions of this world. Because in the end, our true home is beyond this world.

When the crowds pursued Jesus to make him their bread king, they didn’t understand what kind of a king he was. Along with that, they didn’t understand what he, the almighty king, would ask of his subjects. Jesus told them: “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Do not continue to work for the food that spoils, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Our purpose in this world isn’t to seek after the petty, fleeting things of this world. Rather, it is to serve God gladly and pursue him with our whole hearts! By being connected to the Word of God, that bread of life, we are strengthened and kept in the true faith. By listening to and gladly obeying and teaching his instruction, we are fed and strengthened to do his will. May Jesus continue to feed us, and may we continue to strive for him and chase after him all the days of our lives. Amen.

CW 803 Day by Day

CW 803: Day by Day 

The Apostle Paul wrote his second letter to the young pastor Timothy near the end of his life. Paul knew that the end was near at hand and yet he was still filled with hope and comfort. Paul understood that this life is a constant struggle against sin and temptation. He knew that death was not something that needed to be feared but was the beginning of eternal life with the Lord. Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Day by Day is a hymn of comfort that reminds us that God is with us every day of our lives. God is in control of all things. He watches over us and sends his angels to guard and protect us. The struggles of this life can often seem overwhelming. We will face many different kinds of trials and hardships. We may endure sickness and disease. We may face times of loss and poverty. We will face hatred and persecution for our faith. During all of these times, we cling to the promise that God is with us every day. We know that God is in control of all things, and we have the absolute certainty that Christ has won the victory for us. Like Paul, we look forward to receiving our crown of righteousness.

Verse 1: Day by day, your mercies, Lord, attend me, bringing comfort to my anxious soul. Day by day, the blessings, Lord, you send me draw me nearer to my heav’nly goal. Love divine, beyond all mortal measure, brings to naught the burdens of my quest; Savior, lead me to the home I treasure, where at last I’ll find eternal rest.

Anxiety is something that many people struggle with. We may be anxious about our health, about our finances, or the state of the world. We may be tempted to wonder if God is still in control because so often it seems like the influence of Satan is growing. The number of believers seems to be shrinking and the church seems like it is constantly under attack. Verse 1 of our hymn reminds us to turn to the Lord to find rest for our anxious souls. God’s Word reminds us that God is in control of all things. We know that the power of Satan has been destroyed. Christ has won the victory by his death and resurrection. Because of the resurrection of Christ, we look forward with joyful anticipation to the great day when we will receive our heavenly treasure. We yearn for the day when we will be reunited with our blessed Savior and receive our reward of eternal rest in him. 

Verse 2: Day by day, I know you will provide me strength to serve and wisdom to obey; I will seek your loving will to guide me o’er the paths I struggle day by day. I will fear no evil of the morrow, I will trust in your enduring grace. Savior, help me bear life’s pain and sorrow till in glory I behold your face.

As Christians, we fight against the temptation of our sinful flesh every day of our lives. On our own, we cannot win this fight. God’s Word reminds us that our hope and strength are found in Christ alone. God’s holy Law serves as a mirror that reminds us of our many sins and our desperate need for a Savior. The Gospel tells us the beautiful news that Jesus Christ offered his perfect life as a sacrifice for our sins. God’s Law also serves as a guide for our lives. It shows us God’s will for how we should live. We follow God’s Law not because we have to, but because we want to live in a way that is good and pleasing to our God. God’s Word in Law and Gospel gives us the strength and encouragement to fight our good fight until we see the glorious face of our Lord in heaven.

Verse 3: Oh, what joy to know that you are near me when my burdens grow too great to bear; oh, what joy to know that you will hear me when I come, O Lord, to you in prayer. Day by day, no matter what betide me, you will hold me ever in your hand. Savior, with your presence here to guide me, I will reach at last the promised land.

The Christian life is one of struggle. Jesus tells us that to be his disciple means we need to take up our cross and follow him. Often, we feel like this is a burden that is too great to bear. We face sorrow and hardship each day of our lives. We know the pain that we have caused others by our sins, and we know and feel that pain and hurt that has been done to us. When we grow weak and tired of our burden our hymn reminds us that we can turn to our Lord for relief and comfort. Jesus knows our weaknesses. He has been tempted in every way that we are and yet he was without sin. By his death, Jesus has removed our burden of guilt and shame. Our sins have been completely forgiven by the blood of the Lamb. God will never leave us or forsake us. He will be with us every day of our lives.

Day by Day is a wonderful hymn of comfort. It reminds us that God has not promised his people easy lives. We will be tempted, we will be hard-pressed, and we will face times of pain, suffering, and loss. However, God promises that he will be with us every day of our lives. Our God is merciful and compassionate. He loves us and wants to comfort and care for us. When we face difficult times in our lives, we cling to our God knowing that he is with us. We take comfort in knowing that God has kept all of his promises. And we live with the certain knowledge that our victory is assured. Christ has defeated the power of sin, death, and hell and has to us given to the crown of eternal glory.

CW 827 Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing

CW 827 Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing

Next to Martin Luther, the author of this hymn – Paul Gerhardt – is perhaps the best known and loved of all Lutheran hymnwriters. He has authored approximately 125 hymns, about 20 of which are in the blue hymnal (Christian Worship 2021).

Gerhardt originally wrote 18 stanzas to this hymn. His thought was not to sing them all at once, but to spread them throughout the worship service. Two previous Lutheran hymnals trimmed that number down to only 6 stanzas. Our current hymnal combines those six stanzas into three and pairs it with a newer melody which you may not yet be familiar with.

The hymn is in the “Trust” section of the hymnal which will come to you as no surprise once you read its verses. Joyfully trust in our gracious God is the theme of this hymn.

Verse 1: Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing, a cheerful trust maintain; for God, the source of ev’rything, your treasure shall remain. Why spend the day in blank despair, in restless thought the night? On your Creator cast your care; he makes your burdens light.

What a perfect verse for the wandering Israelites! This coming Sunday’s First Reading is taken from Exodus 16 where the Israelites are facing some uncertain times while traveling in the wilderness. Their trust in God and in Moses and Aaron wavered so much that they thought they were better off being enslaved!

Be honest with yourself. Your trust in God has wavered at times too. But God always comes through, doesn’t he? Just as he rained down manna and quail for the Israelites, he rains down countless blessing on you too. So, cheerfully trust God. “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Trusting in God lightens your load.

Verse 2: Did not his love and truth and pow’r guard ev’ry childhood day? And did he not in threat’ning hour turn dreaded ills away? He always will with patience chide, his rod falls gently down; and all your sins he casts aside in ocean depths to drown.

When Gerhardt was very young, his father died. When he was 30 he was affected by the Thirty Years’ War during which the Swedish army burned his house, church, and town to the ground. Despite these tragedies, Gerhardt experienced the Lord’s loving protection. And so do you. Day by day the Lord protects you from things you are not even aware of. The Psalmist (121:7) reminds us: “The Lord will watch to keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life.”

He watches over your life in another way: through discipline. Sin, when it is unchecked, can take over your heart and life. You need the Lord to interject and point out to you when you stray. When he brings your sin to your attention, he doesn’t punish you. Rather, he takes that

sin away, casting it into the deepest ocean where it can never do you any harm. (See Micah 7:18m19)

Verse 3: His wisdom never plans in vain nor falters nor mistakes; all that his counsels may ordain a blessèd ending makes. Upon your lips, then, lay your hand, and trust his guiding love; then like a rock your peace shall stand here and in heav’n above

Since the world was created, people have searched for wisdom. People like Plato, Confucius, and Ghandi are revered for their wisdom and still studied today. Their wisdom cannot compare to God’s. God’s wisdom never fails. God in his wisdom sent his Son to save us. Through his Son, he accomplished the peace which surpasses all understanding. Peace with God both now and in heaven above. You certainly cannot comprehend all of God’s wisdom, but you can be reassured that God is always planning and working for your good.

You have every reason to trust God. Trust him to provide for you. Trust him to protect you. Trust him to forgive you. Trust in his wisdom. Trust in his love which saved you and now guides you.

CW 756 Shepherd of Tender Youth

Our hymn for this week is hymn 756, Shepherd of Tender Youth.

The ninth Sunday after Pentecost, year B, focuses on Jesus’ compassion for people as the good shepherd. In our gospel lesson for this weekend, Jesus sees the crowds of people harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. The compassionate shepherd’s heart of Jesus is what led him to go to the cross and pay for our sins. And it’s that tender, loving heart that this hymn so beautifully focuses on.

The hymn is one of the oldest hymns in our hymnal, and is attributed to one of the church fathers, Clement of Alexandria, who lived between 170 and 220 AD. Its beloved verses have long been used to remind singers of the wonderful shepherd who is a lifelong protector and caretaker of his sheep. Let’s now focus on those beloved words.

Verse 1: Shepherd of tender youth, guiding in love and truth through devious ways, Christ, our triumphant King, we come your name to sing and here our children bring to join your praise.

There’s no doubt about it, we live in a very devious world. It’s hard to know who or what to trust when the truth is so easily twisted to advertise a certain product or endorse a certain individual. In our own lives, it can be difficult to try and determine what’s best for us, our families, and our churches. We need a guide to show us the way. And thanks be to God we have one in our good shepherd. He has been our guide from a very young age. He is always there with his word and sacrament to draw us closer to him and to remind us he will always be there. That’s why we join together to praise him every Sunday. That’s why we bring our families to know his truth. He is our triumphant king who fought and won for us and gives us confidence he will be with us through all of life’s devious ways.

Verse 2: You are the holy Lord, Christ, the incarnate Word, healer of strife. You did yourself abase that from sin’s deep disgrace you might thus save our race and give us life.

Jesus is the good shepherd who laid his life down for the sheep. But he is so much more than that, as we see in this verse. He is first and foremost Lord. Through him all things were made, and he is the head over every earthly ruler and authority. He is the Christ, the anointed one, who was chosen to be our savior and redeemer. He is the incarnate word, who became flesh and dwelt among us to be our brother. And he is a healer of strife. Christ brings a peace that surpasses understanding. He brings his love and forgiveness, which calms even the most restless and bitter hearts. Despite being all these great and powerful things, Christ, who had no sin lowered himself and became sin for us so that we might live. Truly we have a unique and wonderful good shepherd!

Verse 3: You are the great High Priest; you have prepared the feast of holy love; and in our mortal pain none calls on you in vain; our plea do not disdain; help from above.

As the good shepherd, Jesus provides for our needs both earthly and spiritual. Here, we see how our good shepherd cares for both of those things. First, he feeds us at a feast not of earthly food and drink, but of love! Through word and sacrament, we are sustained and kept in his church, and his love is poured out on us freely. Every day, every week, every time we come to him seeking forgiveness we find not just a simple reply, but a feast of love laid out for us, where we can eat and have our full! This feast of love that is so readily available is what leads us to have such confidence that our pleas for earthly aid are not in vain. We have a heavenly helper who is all too glad to share, and will never turn away those who come to him seeking forgiveness.

Verse 4: O ever be our guide, our shepherd and our pride, our staff and song. Jesus, O Christ of God, by your enduring Word lead us where you have trod; make our faith strong.

There are two kinds of leaders: those who lead with their words, or those who lead by example. One leader will simply tell you what to do and expect you to figure it out. The other will show you how it’s done. Jesus is the latter of the two. Jesus came into this world to suffer and die for us, fully paying the price for our sins once and for all. This forgiveness is given to us freely, and we aren’t expected to have to work for it. It’s in this free and full forgiveness that Jesus leads us in lives of sanctification. He is the author and perfector of our faith, who leads us and guides us during our brief time on this earth. Through his enduring word, which will never pass away until he comes again, we are led and shown how to be Christian lights in a world of darkness. Jesus is the one who accomplishes this in us, and who makes our faith strong until we at last finish the race and make it home to heaven.

Verse 5: So now and till we die sound we your praises high and joyful sing: infants and all the throng who to your Church belong, unite to swell the song to Christ, our King

One of the most powerful and inspiring images in the bible is the picture of the host of heaven in Revelation 7. There are people there from every nation, tribe, people, and language, all joining in praise to the lamb who sits on the throne. Such a host no one can count, and it’s that host that you and I and all other Christians are a part of. When we worship on earth together, parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends and strangers, we are taking part in that great song. What an amazing picture! Our good shepherd has brought so many into his fold, and he allows even small children to join in praising him for his free gift of salvation! May we, until we are called home, never tire of singing that amazing song.

Truly we have a good shepherd who is so unlike anything else in this world. He freely gives us so much, and never expects anything in return. His compassion is what moves us to share that love with others. To rejoice in his grace and to share in that grace with others. May this hymn serve as a reminder first of how we are richly and fully cared for. But may it also lead us to wish to show that same care and concern for others. May we, too, show that same tenderhearted shepherd in our own words and actions while we still can. May we always remember that shepherd of tender youth, who has been with us and will be with us for our entire earthly journey. Amen.

CW 897 Lord Jesus You Have Come

Our hymn devotion for this week is Hymn 897 - Lord Jesus, You Have Come.

The eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, focuses our attention on God’s gospel servants being sent out to preach the gospel. This theme is the central, beating heart of the Christian church. We are called to proclaim the gospel! And what a wonderful opportunity that is, to share with others the good news that we are forgiven and eternal life is ours through faith in Christ Jesus!

But the task of spreading the gospel message isn’t an easy one. Jesus has told us that the world will hate us and our message, just as it hated him. Christians must work against three bitter rivals of the gospel message: the devil, the world, and the sinful flesh of those hearing our gospel message. Proclaiming the gospel can get so very discouraging.

There’s also fear involved. Fear of rejection, ridicule, or even fear of being ignored are all strong factors that fight against the gospel ministry. “How will they react when I tell them?” “Will I lose a friend or an opportunity if I tell them about Jesus now?” “I’ve told them this before, how much is too much? When do I wait, and when do I speak?” These are all questions any Christian trying to proclaim the gospel has struggled with.

In response to all these enemies, doubts, and fears, we have an amazing answer from our God in heaven: we have been sent with God’s own authority! Jesus clearly tells us that he is the one sending us out and he will be with us. He also promises to send his Holy Spirit to guide us and give us the words to say when the time is right.

Our hymn for this week is a great encouragement to us in this gospel ministry. It focuses our attention on how Jesus came first, he preached the gospel first, and as the Word of God made flesh for us, he is ultimately the one responsible for the gospel message. He gives us these precious words of life and gives us the authority and the opportunity to go out and proclaim that gospel message to others.

Verse 1:

Lord Jesus, you have come a teacher sent from heaven, and by both word and deed, God’s truth to us have given. You wisely have ordained the holy ministry that we, your flock, may know the truth that sets us free.

Those familiar with the G.I. Joe action figures might also know a tagline from the G.I. Joe TV show: “Knowing is half the battle!” Sun Tzu also reflected this in his well-known work “The Art of War” with the phrase: "if you know yourself and your enemy, then you need not fear the outcome of a thousand battles.” For a soldier or a general to be effective, they must know their own strengths and weaknesses and the strengths and weaknesses of their enemies. In our task as Christians, we must also know our own strengths and weaknesses and the strengths and weaknesses of our enemies. Our greatest strength is the knowledge that our fight is already won! Our enemy has already been defeated! We have been set free from the bondage of sin and given eternal life! Never forget this amazing truth that sets us free. With this knowledge, we go out and preach the gospel.

Verse 2: O blessèd ministry of reconciliation, that shows the way to God and brings to us salvation! Lord, by your gospel pure you bless and keep your fold, you call, enlighten, keep, you comfort and uphold.

A well-known aphorism is “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” By this, people mean that it’s important to make sure that your own needs are taken care of before you see to the needs of others. With the recent rise of mental health and wellness, people are learning that they can’t always help unless they’ve been helped first. To put this into Christian terms, a person can’t preach the gospel until they’ve been preached to first. Through the preaching of the gospel, God’s servants are brought to God and washed in his forgiveness and redemption. This verse lists the many different ways God’s people are filled up and encouraged by the gospel! The gospel calls, enlightens, keeps, comforts, and upholds Christians. If we want to go out and preach the gospel, we need to be fed on the gospel first.

Verse 3:

Preserve this ministry while harvest days are keeping; and since the fields are ripe and hands are few for reaping; send workers forth, O Lord, the sheaves to gather in, that not a soul be lost which you have come to win.

Jesus’ words about the harvest and the workers are very familiar to us these days. As churches and schools across America face pastor and teacher shortages, many are left scratching their heads and wondering what can we do if we don’t have called gospel ministers to go out and proclaim the gospel. The answer is found right here in this verse, hiding in plain sight. We pray that God would preserve his ministry! God has promised that his word will go out and will not return to him empty. So, we take him at his word and we trust that he will continue to do exactly that. But at the same time, we also recognize that God has placed us in unique situations where we, not a pastor or a teacher, can tell someone about Jesus. Through prayer and trust, we can all go out and gather the sheaves from Jesus’ harvest field, so that no one is lost.

Verse 4:

The servants you have called and to your Church are giving, preserve in doctrine pure and holiness of living. Your Spirit fill their hearts and charge their words with pow’r; what they should boldly speak, O give them in that hour!

The prophet Zechariah has a well-known phrase that is quoted in the gospels: Strike the shepherd and the flock will scatter. Pastors and teachers make excellent targets for the devil’s evil attacks. He knows that if he can get a leader in the church to fall, the souls they are responsible for will likely follow. This is why God’s people need to keep their pastors and teachers in their prayers! But again, there is an active role they can play in this as well. Through words of encouragement like cards, posts on social media, even kind comments in the narthex on Sunday morning, God’s people can fill their pastors and teachers with those words of power that the Savior has given us. May we all remember to keep our pastors and teachers in our thoughts and prayers, and to encourage them and work with them in the gospel ministry to which all of us have been called.

Verse 5:

Bring those into your fold who still to you are strangers; guard those who are within against offense and dangers. Press onward with your Word till pastor and his fold through faith in you, O Christ, your glory shall behold.

One of the best pictures to describe a church is used by Jesus in the gospels: we are a sheep pen! We have been called out of the dangers of the world around us and brought into safety together as a church. We have a Good Shepherd who looks out for us, and undershepherds who assist in the gospel ministry. But just because we’re in the sheep pen doesn’t mean we’re free from danger. People can wander off. Predators can get in. The flock can shrink as people go home to heaven. That’s why the flock needs to be looking for strangers on the outside of the sheep pen! That’s why they need to guard and protect against false doctrine! How is the flock able to do this? Through the preaching of the Word! When we’re fed on the Word we will naturally want to share that word with others. And when we’re fed on the Word, we know how to sense dangers and stay away from them! May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, keep us protected and fed until we’re safely home in heaven with him.

The gospel ministry is a team effort. Just like a body can’t be all eyes or ears or hands, so too, a church can’t be only the pastors and teachers preaching the gospel. God has sent us all out with the authority of Jesus! And each of us will have opportunities to preach the gospel at the proper place and time. Think of how many people your pastor might interact with within a week. A couple dozen? A hundred? Several hundred? Now think of how many people everyone sitting in church on Sunday morning interacts with within one week. Thousands! There are so many opportunities for us to extend the gospel ministry by telling someone we know about Jesus. May Jesus give us the strength and the knowledge to choose the proper time and place to tell someone about him. And may he encourage us and keep us strong in the faith during our time on this earth, until he brings us at last to the joys of heaven. Amen.

CW 639: God Has Spoken by His Prophets

CW 639: God Has Spoken by His Prophets

How do we know the will of God? Sometimes things happen in our lives that are difficult for us to understand. We don’t know why God allows certain trials and hardships to occur. Or we may be facing a difficult decision and would like God to tell us what to do. In those times we may want a direct answer from God. Wouldn’t it be great if God would speak to us directly? God has not promised that he will speak to us directly, but he has promised he will speak to us through his Word.

God Has Spoken by His Prophets is a hymn that praises God for revealing his Word to us through the Prophets and the Apostles. The Bible is an amazing blessing that our God has given to us. In it, we learn his will. We learn of our sinfulness and that we can do nothing to save ourselves. We also see the beauty of the Gospel that while we were still sinners God sent his one and only Son to offer his perfect life as a sacrifice for our sins. We praise God for this glorious gift and praise God for the Prophets he spoke his Word to us.

Verse 1: God has spoken by his prophets, spoken his unchanging Word, each from age to age proclaiming God, the one, the righteous Lord. In the world’s despair and turmoil one firm anchor holds us fast: God is King, his throne eternal, God the first and God the last.

If there is one constant in this world it’s that things change. The world is constantly changing: one season flows into another, people are born, grow, and die, and nations rise and fall. In all this change, there is one thing that does not change: the Word of God. God’s Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This verse also reminds us that as we face times of despair and turmoil we can cling to God’s Word. In the Word, we find hope and comfort. In the Word, we find the unalterable truth that God loves us and will never leave us or forsake us. Praise be to God for giving the sure and certain foundation of his Word.

Verse 2: God has spoken by Christ Jesus, Christ, the everlasting Son, brightness of the Father’s glory, with the Father ever one; spoken by the Word incarnate, God from God, before time was; Light from Light, to earth descending, he reveals our God to us.

God’s Word is a record of his love for us. From the first verses of Genesis to the last verses of Revelation we see God’s great and abounding love. We see this love most fully in Christ. God sent his one and only Son to humble himself and be born of a virgin. Christ lived a perfect life in our place and then offered that perfect life as a sacrifice to pay for our sins. Jesus was able to do this because he was both true God and true man. God’s Word is the only place we learn of the sacrifice of Christ. It is only with the revelation of the Word that we can come to faith and believe in Christ as our Lord. God’s Word is clear that salvation is found in Christ alone. Praise be to God that he has given us the written Word that so clearly shows us our Savior.

Verse 3: God is speaking by his Spirit, speaking to our hearts again, in the ageless Word declaring his own message, now as then. Thro’ the rise and fall of nations one sure faith is standing fast: God abides, his Word unchanging, God the first and God the last.

Verse 3 reminds us that God speaks to our hearts through his Word. As we read the Word of God, we see the heart and mind of God. We learn God’s will and how he desires us to live our lives. God’s Word serves as a steady and constant guide for our lives. God’s Word never changes. The truths of sin and salvation were true in the Garden of Eden, and they remain true in our world today. God’s will does not change. As we walk through this world, we will face trials and dangers on every side. We will be tempted and hard-pressed. As we face this dark world we can cling to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. God’s Word is powerful, and it will remain forever.

God Has Spoken by His Prophets is a beautiful reminder of the power of God’s Word. Unlike every other book that has ever been written God’s Word has the power to change lives. It has the amazing power to bring those who are spiritually dead and make them alive in Christ. In a world that is constantly changing God’s Word remains an unchanging foundation of life and truth. We praise God for the blessing of his Word. We marvel at how he has preserved his Word during the long centuries since the creation of the world. We cling to this unshakeable foundation as we continue our pilgrimage in this life and look forward to our crown of glory.

CW93 433 Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

CW93 433 Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

This week, instead of looking at a hymn in our blue hymnal, we will look at a hymn from Christian Worship 1993 that did not make the cut in our new hymnal. Considering the readings chosen for this coming Sunday at First Evan. Lutheran Church, the hymn is very appropriate.

Summertime evokes the thoughts of travel and recreation on the water including cruises, fishing, kayaking, and trips to the beach.

The author of the hymn had men who made their living on the sea in mind since he first anonymously published this hymn in six stanzas in The Sailor’s Magazine in 1871. The author was later revealed as Edward Hopper, a Presbyterian minister who served three parishes, the last one being the Church of Sea and Land in New York City where he served sailors.

The sea imagery used by the author makes the hymn easily relatable even if one has little or no experience with manning a vessel on the water.

Verse 1: Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea;

Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal.

Chart and compass come from thee: Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

Summer brings thunderstorms and threats of tornadoes. We often experience those in the safety of our own homes. Experiencing a storm on the water is an entirely different experience as the boat is tossed around by the winds and the waves and the occupants hold on for dear life.

The disciples experienced that as they were crossing the Sea of Galilee. See Mark 4:35-41. Their boat began to quickly fill up with water. They thought their ship was going down, so what did they do? They turned to Jesus who was sleeping.

Life is like a “tempestuous sea.” Just ask the Apostle Paul. You can read about Paul’s experience with a storm in Acts 27:13-26. Of course, the storm at sea paled in comparison to the persecution he faced. What ‘storms’ have you had to deal with? Whatever they might be, remember who is steering the ship. It’s your Savior, Jesus.

Verse 2: As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild.

Boist’rous waves obey thy will When thou say’st to them, “Be still!”

Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

I’ve seen it on countless occasions. A fussy baby is handed back to mom and immediately stops crying. The disciples turned to Jesus in the storm because they knew he was their best shot to calming their nerves and surviving the storm.

Jesus proved them right. With just the simple command “Peace! Be still!” the storm instantly subsided. They were safe.

What does this teach us? It teaches us that Jesus is all powerful. As the Second Person of the Trinity, he was there as Job 38 says when the foundation of the earth was laid and the earth’s dimensions were determined.

When we are in the middle of a tornado warning or a family crisis, we need only remember the one who has absolute power over the winds and the waves is the one watching over us. Our hearts can be still, knowing that Jesus has hushed sin’s threat to condemn us by taking sin and its condemnation on himself. So even in the middle of a storm, our hearts can be at peace knowing that Jesus has taken care of our most crucial need.

Verse 3: When at last I near the shore And the fearful breakers roar

‘Twixt me and the peaceful rest, Then, while leaning on thy breast,

May I hear thee say to me, “Fear not! I will pilot thee.”

Think of life as a journey from earth to heaven. It is as if you are put in a boat through baptism that gives you a good start on your journey to the other side. Once that happens, God doesn’t just say “Okay. Good luck. You’re on your own.”

No, he provides us with a pilot. A pilot who will see us safely through the storms and troubles of this life. A pilot who knows the way because he is the Way. And even when we near the other side, when we face our own mortality, our pilot, Jesus, tells us that there is nothing to fear. Our pilot’s own resurrection has taken the sting out of death, assuring us that we also will rise and will live with him forever.

The Sea of Galilee is my favorite spot to visit in the Holy Land. Unlike most of the other places a tourist goes to, one can say with 100% certainty that Jesus was there on the water. The first time I floated on the Sea of Galilee, I sang this wonderful little hymn – “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” – with 20 other pastors. How appropriate! Just as Jesus piloted several of the disciples’ journeys back to shore, Jesus is the one who still pilots you and me.

CW 865 - O Lord, Take Pity Once You've Seen

CW 865 - O Lord, Take Pity Once You've Seen

This Sunday, our congregation of Water of Life Lutheran Church is celebrating the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession. During the time of the Lutheran Reformation in Germany, the Emperor and the Pope had the power to arrest and kill anyone who disagreed with them. The Lutherans decided there was only one thing to do – confess.

On June 25, 1530, a group of faithful Lutheran princes and electors met in Augsburg, Germany, to present the confession of their faith to Charles V, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. These were not theologians that were standing before the Emperor. They were courageous Lutheran laymen – like yourselves. They confessed their faith and told the Emperor and the Roman Church what they believed, taught, and confessed. They relied on the promise of God’s Word, as contained in Psalm 119:46, “Then I will speak of your testimonies before kings, and I will not be put to shame.” The Augsburg Confession was presented as a statement of biblical truth and a proposal for true unity in the Christian faith. It has never been withdrawn or found in error.

This Sunday, as we celebrate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, we sing “O Lord, Take Pity Once You’ve Seen.” This is an old hymn written in German by Martin Luther. It was made new and available to us through the translation of Michael Schultz into English.

Verse one: O Lord, take pity once you’ve seen what’s leaving us so shaken: your saints are few and far between— we feel we’ve been forsaken. So many call your Word untrue, refusing to believe in you—they have us far outnumbered.

The Augsburg Confession was presented 494 years ago. Things haven’t really changed all that much in five centuries and an ocean away. There are plenty of people today who would say: stop arguing about theology; stop worrying about silly religious disagreements; about right and wrong; about how one is saved; and by whom. That stuff doesn’t matter. Let’s all just get along and do what’s really important. (Whatever they think is really important. Whatever the current issues of the day are. Whatever battles the social justice warriors think are worth fighting for.) That’s kind of what the Emperor was saying 494 years ago.

Our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations confess subscription to the Augsburg Confession. We use it in our youth and adult confirmation classes, along with Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms as faithful explanations of Scripture. Every teacher and pastor in our church body has stood before their church’s altar and sworn faithfulness to the Word of God as explained in our Lutheran Confessions. They are asked, “Do you accept the statement and exposition of that Word of God in the Ecumenical Creeds, namely, the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds, and in the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, namely, the Augsburg Confession and its Apology, the Small Catechism, the Large Catechism, and the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord—as these are contained in the Book of Concord?” They confess: “Yes, I believe and

confess these creeds and confessions as my own because they are in accord with the Word of God. I also reject the errors they condemn.”

As churches in our little Wisconsin Synod, we may feel greatly outnumbered. As God’s saints, we may feel few and far between. As Christ’s followers, we may feel forsaken. But for centuries, by God’s grace, the saints who have gone before us have clearly proclaimed the Scriptures and rightly administered the Sacraments. We pray for God’s grace upon the saints who come during the centuries after us to continue to cling to the Augsburg Confession.

Verse two: May God root out all those who teach religion that is twisted, who say with bold, defiant speech: “We cannot be resisted. For we alone have right and might; our views are welcomed with delight. To whom must we now answer?”

There are many in our culture – sadly, many who call themselves Christian – who say that it doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you believe in Jesus. They say this so that they can discount Jesus’ teachings and make room for their abhorrent lifestyle choices and decadence. They subtract what Scripture says about sexuality, marriage, and the roles of men and women. They add to what Scripture says about creation, the way to heaven, and the reality of hell.

Verse three: Therefore God says: “I won’t delay! My people’s hopes are waning. Their sighs disclose their great dismay; I’ve heard their sad complaining. My healing Word will work as planned, will bring relief, will make them stand, will strengthen and uphold them.”

There is a historic saying in Lutheranism that the Church stands and falls on the article of justification. “Justification” means “to declare righteous.” The fourth article of the Augsburg Confession emphasizes: “Our churches teach that people cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works. People are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. By His death, Christ made satisfaction for our sins. God counts this faith for righteousness in His sight.”

This article teaches that what we cannot do for ourselves, Christ has done for us. He is the solid Rock on which God builds his Church. In him, and him alone, we stand forgiven. It is this Word of God – and particularly the doctrine of justification – that brings healing to our sin-sick souls, that provides relief when we despair of our sinfulness, and strength when we realize how weak we are on our own.

Verse four: Dear Lord, the godless gather round the guides whose teachings suit them. Within your Church let there be found the courage to refute them. Preserve your Word and keep it pure, and thus we shall remain secure from evils that surround us!

“Doctrine” is almost looked upon as a bad word in our American Christian climate. But doctrine is the answer to Jesus’ own questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”