Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry - Blog

2 Kings 2:5-15 - Lectionary for The Ascension of Our Lord

5/10/2021

5/10/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

2 Kings 2:5-15 describes the shift in Israel from the time of the prophet Elijah to the prophet Elisha. It's easy to focus on some of the more spectacular events around this transition. After all, chariots and horses of fire, a whirlwind to bring Elijah to heaven, it's pretty spectacular.

Before the transition, Elijah has a cloak, which apparently identified him as a prophet, or possibly which was simply associated with him personally in some way. For instance, some people may recognize me by the fact that I often wear a red windbreaker. I've had it for about ten years now. It's almost like it is part of my general appearance.

There seems to be some power of the prophet sound up with the cloak. Elijah rolls it up and strikes the water of the Jordan river. The river parts to let Elijah and Elisha cross. Later, after Elijah has gone, Elisha takes the cloak. He crosses back over the Jordan river just the same way. Is it the cloak? Is it the river obeying the desire of the prophet? Whatever it is, they didn't have to swim.

Possessing this cloak, Elisha is recognized by the other prophets as the one who would naturally come after Elijah. He is the possessor of a double portion of the spirit which was on Elijah.

So often we are intent on getting our way. This often includes a desire for power or glory. Did Elisha have to deal with that? We don't really know. What we do know is that when Elisha had the power of God working in him, he used it for the purpose the Holy Spirit intended. He followed the directions of God. He worked for the good of his neighbor and for the glory of God's kingdom.

When God delivers his powerful means of grace to us, how do we use them? He does this primarily by giving us opportunity to know and understand the Scripture, by giving us practice praying for others, and by helping us give wise and godly counsel. What's his purpose? It's so we can pass along his good news to those around us who need God's words. I can promise anyone that there is help and hope in the power of the Holy Spirit as God's Word is living in them. I can do that with or without my red jacket. The Word of God is our true prophetic mantle.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Directions for Baptism

5/10/2021

Monday Tour of Christian History
5/10/21

Schaff, Philip. "Baptism in the Didache." The Oldest Church Manual Called the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1886, 29-35.

The baptismal directions in the Didache have attracted a good deal of attention, especially in the United States. In chapter seven, the instructions specify running water if possible, preferably used for immersion, but if not, pouring is sufficient (Schaff 1886, 30). Schaff compares this to the instructions in Justin Martyr's Apoloty 1.61.

Schaff observes that in the Didache baptism takes place after instruction. This assumes "catechumens, or adult believers" (Schaff 1886, 31). Schaff notes that in places where the Gospel is new, the norm is adult converts. However, within Christian families it has been very common, dating back at least to the second century and likely further.

Baptism is in the triune name of God (Schaff 1886, 31), and is normally by immersion, suggested by the distinction in the allowance of pouring (Schaff 1886, 32). There are early accounts of a triple immersion, which Schaff assumes in the Didache as well. Exceptions to immersion in running water were "other water" or "warm water" if necessary, or by pouring over the head if there was not enough water. "Here we have the oldest extant testimony for the validity of baptism by pouring or aspersion" (Schaff 1886, 33). There was clear acceptance of immersion or pouring . Schaff sees this as reason that disputes about the mode of baptism should stop (Schaff 1886, 34).

Baptism is preceded by a fast of one or two days. Schaff observes that there is no such regulation in the New Testament but that Justin Martyr and Tertullian do mention it. The Didache is more definite in its expectation (Schaff 1886, 35). Schaff sees in the lack of an exorcism or chrismation, and in the fact that the baptism belongs to the congregation rather than a bishop, evidence that the Didache is an early work.

John 14:1-14 - Lectionary for St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

5/8/2021

5/8/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

I recall making an extraordinarily stupid conclusion in a seminary class discussion once. It exceeded the stupidity level of most of my conclusions in the courses that showed me I am not a systematic theologian. The professor, a wise and gentle man, corrected me in such a way that I could realize myself the heresy I had stated. Yes, I backed off of the conclusion. No, I won't tell you what it was.

In John 14:1-14, Philip makes one of these untenable statements. He makes a distinction between the Father and Jesus, one which could suggest that Jesus is not God or that there are two gods. Jesus' response both corrects Philip and lets him have the space needed to look through faithful eyes. Philip stands corrected, but Jesus doesn't punish him. He simply moves Philip along in the right path.

God has graciously given us his Word to show us what God is like, what we are like, and how the world actually works. When we start down the wrong path, as we reflect on Scripture and receive the wise teaching of others, we see the Father, and realize that the Father is glorified in the Son. He will guide us. He is faithful.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 2:19-22 - Lectionary for St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

5/7/2021

5/7/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

There was a serious controversy in the middle of the first century, about the time Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians. The heart of the question was whether it was necessary to become a Jew in order to be a Christian. The people of Ephesus, the vast majority, at least, were Gentiles. Those who believed on Christ were certainly saved from sin. Yet they were strangers. They were not immediately seen as partakers of the promise of God to Abraham.

In Ephesians 2:19-22 Paul speaks clearly of "you" rather than "we." He is addressing the Ephesians as a group, and is not including himself. They, Gentiles, are no longer strangers. They have been made citizens in the household of God. They are not illegal aliens. They are part of the family. Not only that, but their foundation includes both the apostles (New Testament) and the prophets (Old Testament). The Ephesians are on the same footing as Jews from Jerusalem who have trusted Jesus.

Like the Ephesians, all of us who trust in Jesus are truly and certainly part of God's household. There is no room for doubt or fear. We have become a dwelling for God. He has brought us into his family.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Psalm 36:5-12 - Lectionary for St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

5/6/2021

5/6/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Some things are very hard to conceive of. The size of the known universe is something I will never be able to grasp. Even that of the solar system is mind-boggling. Psalm 36 describes God as the one whose influence reaches everywhere. His love to the heavens, faithfulness to the clouds.

All of creation is readily within the reach of God. He is able to watch over it and govern it all, all the time, without missing anything.

In the context, it's hard to conceive of God's loving care and attention given to humans. No, let's make that more specific. It's hard to conceive of God, the majestic Lord of all, actually caring about me and my little life.

Verse seven of Psalm 36 serves as a corrective. We may think we are small, insignificant. God has given us his love. We find refuge under his wings. We have the abundance of his house for feasting. And remember God's house is a universe with a lot of food in it. We not only have a taste of something to drink, but it's a river. You could never drink the whole river.

Our limits are contrasted with God's inexhaustible supply. His loving care for us is precious. Though we seem insignificant, he has poured out his lavish care for us. This is a sign of God's greatness. Nothing is too small to receive his love.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Isaiah 30:18-21 - Lectionary for St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

5/5/2021

5/5/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Our Old Testament reading for St. Philip and St. James promises that the LORD God is the God of all guidance. He is pictured as the teacher. Oddly enough, though, he is waiting to be gracious and show mercy.

Does this indicate that God is delaying in case we don't need help? Maybe he really doesn't want to help. Yet when we see verse 21, we realize the Lord is there, guiding us and supporting us all along the way.

Through much of life, we have been set on a good path. By knowing Scripture, by learning from parents and other wise people, by observing the way life works in community, we are likely to do fine. There should be little agonizing doubt. The Lord appoints paths for our lives and normally guides us by our abilities, interests, and opportunities. Yet sometimes we stop, unsure what to do.

It is in those times that the Lord suddenly seems close. He nudges us this way or that. Really? I'm supposed to turn right here? But I don't know where next!

Turn the corner, see where the Lord has sent you. He won't guide you wrong. Eventually you will see the path you are on as one he has appointed for you.

The Lord is there. He'll give his special gracious and merciful guidance. And sometimes we'll notice it because we wondered what to do.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Development of Christmas Observances

5/5/2021

Wednesday is for Bits and Pieces
5/5/21

Jungmann, Josef A., S.J. "Chapter Twenty-One: The Christmas Cycle." The Early Liturgy to the Time of Gregory the Great. (translated by Francis A. Brunner, C.S.S. R., Notre Dame, Indiana: University of Notre Dame Press, 1959, pp. 266-277.

Jungmann points out the early similarities between the liturgical functions of Christmas and Epiphany, while observing that neither held the importance in the liturgical year which Easter did in the West. The importance of Chrstmas and Epiphany increased in the liturgy during the fifth century (Jungmann 1959, 266). The Christmas observances were "nocturnal" services, generally beginning in Jerusalem with a pilgrmage to Bethlehem, a mass, then a return at dawn to Jerusalem. This was followed by a rest and another mass (Jungmann 1959, 267). The pattern, though without the town of Bethlehem, was adopted in other locations. By the time of Gregory the Great a third mass was commonly used, at least in the papal chapel and probably elsewhere (Jungmann 1959, 268).

The development of extended days of holiday celebratin, according to Jungmann, follows a predictable pattern. The celebration first exists on a day, then is observed additionally in some manner a week later. Then it may grow to the "after-celebration" we now see (Jungmann 1959, 269). Examples are Easter with its 50 days and Christmas with twelve days, filling the calendar until the next holiday. Because of this phenomenon, lesser observances are sometimes subsumed into the greater one, with the liturgy and lectionaries blending.

Because feasts tend to lengthen as "after-celebrations" one must ask where Advent came about. Jungmann finds a multiple-week recognition in Gaul in the fourth century (Jungmann 1959, 271). He theorizes that it was related to the so-called "ember days" of December, which were early times of dedication to prayer and fasting for a week in June, September, and December. A prayer vigil was kept the Saturday night of the ember week, taking the place of the regular Sunday service.

The Gallic Advent observance has an earlier and clearer origin than that of the East (Jungmann 1959, 274). By the hear 490 there is a feast which starts November 11 and continues to Christmas. It likely was an actual preparation for Epiphany, celebrated in Gaul before Christmas was a normal event on the calendar. The parallel to the forty day preparation fo Easter is hard to mistake.

Mark 16:14-20 - Lectionary for St. Mark, Evangelist

5/4/2021

5/4/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Jesus seems to have a lot of trouble with narrow minded and hard hearted followers. On the day he rose from the dead, by Mark's reckoning, an angel sent three women to tell the disciples. They didn't. Jesus then appeared to a woman who told the disciples. They didn't believe. Jesus explained everything to two disciples who went back to the eleven. The eleven didn't believe. Finally, Jesus appeared to the eleven.

Really? I told you I would rise from the dead. Several times. I rose from the dead. I sent messengers. You still don't believe. What should I do with you?

I wonder what I would do. I'd probably give up on the guys.

What did Jesus do? He sent them to tell the whole world. He said the disciples adond those who believed would receive divine protection. He didn't give up on them, but restored them instead.

We can and should take great courage from Jesus' treatment of his disciples. They were a despairing and faithless lot. Yet they had a purpose, a divine purpose. By the power of the Holy Spirit these men brought the good news of Jesus with them wherever they went. Some, many, believed, though not all.

Jesus fulfilled his promise in his disciples. He still fulfills his promises in us. We too can carry the good news that Jesus is victorious over death everywhere we go. We too can know that in Christ we are eternally safe from all harm.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

The April/May 2021 Newsletter Is Here!

5/3/2021

The April/May Newsletter is here! All the news that's worth printing, if you print it out.

2 Timothy 4:5-18 - Lectionary for St. Mark, Evangelist

5/3/2021

5/3/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Our Epistle for the commemoration of St. Mark, Evangelist, does mention Mark as being useful in ministry. Yet there's possibly a more important reason to include this passage.

In 2 Timothy 4, Paul tells Timothy what kind of priorities he should have, as a younger generation minister. Mark is also in that generation. We are in yet another generation of the younger set of Christians. What are we to do?

Verse five speaks of being sober-mided, enduring, and bringing the good news of the Gospel. That's what we do. We look at life realistically. That also means we consider God realistically. We understand that our power has limitations but also that we are made special and can do all things through Christ.

This won't always be easy. Paul has worn himself out running the race of Christ. Timothy and Mark will wear out. So will I. So will you. We endure suffering, as did Christ. He, the risen Lord, is also our hope, even through hardship.

We can keep the work going because we "do the work of an evangelist." The Greek word says we are bearers of good news. That is, first and foremost, that God in Christ has atoned for our sins. But other good news flows from that. God calls us into fellowship with one another. Good news! We have a promsie that the God who never changes is still running the world. Good news! There's every reason to hope in eternity.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

A Foundational Prayer

5/3/2021

Monday Tour of Christian History
5/3/21

Schaff, Philip. "Prayer and Fasting." The Oldest Church Manual Called the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1886, 29.

Schaff interprets the recitation of the Lord's Prayer from the Didache as following the Jewish custom of prayers at 9:00, 12:00, and 3:00. The addition of dawn and dusk he attributes to Tertullian (Schaff 1886, 29).

The wording of the Lord's Prayer has only slight differences from the version in Matthew's Gospel. The doxology at the end is not found in Matthew but appears in similar form in Jewish customs.

Schaff considers that the instruction about fasting "goes beyond the New Testament and interferes with evangelical freedom" (Schaff 1886, 29). Jesus condemned hypocrisy in the Pharisees and did not command particular days for fasting.

Psalm 146 - Lectionary for St. Mark, Evangelist

5/2/2021

5/2/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Justice has become a buzzword in the past decade or two. Add an adjective and you may have yourself a public platform. In Psalm 146:7-9 we can gain insight into God's view of justice.

God executes justice for the oppressed. We see it is not ultimately our task, though we can rightly expect him to use our hands to work justice. He doesn't define "oppressed" very clearly. Do you see someone who is troubled, disadvantaged, downtrodden? Maybe God will use you as an instrument of justice for that person if he has been wronged.

God gives food to the hungry. Sometimes he does it by providing hungry people with jobs. Sometimes it is more direct. Again, maybe he is using you to feed the hungry.

God frees prisoners. This refers not only to people imprisoned in jail, but also to those who are stuck in their wrong thinking, entrapped in sin, or troubled by situations they cannot escape. God frees people to walk in his kingdom and grace.

He gives sight to the blind. Again, this may be metaphorical. We are blind about many things. When God turns on the lights we can see clearly. And again, maybe he uses us to turn on the lights.

The summary? "The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down: the LORD loves the righteous" (Ps. 146:8, ESV). And he uses us as his instruments. Righteousness and justice go together. The LORD cares for his good causes. We are blessed when we act as His representatives in care for our world.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Isaiah 52:7-10 - Lectionary for St. Mark, Evangelist

5/1/2021

5/1/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The good news comes to God's people in Isaiah 52:7-10. The messenger is received with joy, how much more joy should greet the message? What is this message? Verse seven describes it as peace, happiness, and salvation which stem from the reign of God.

So many are hesitant. We want to govern ourselves. We want no other ruler. And by some who have been hurt by the church or have been taught that Christianity is foolish, irrelevant, or even dangerous, news of God's reign is treated as very bad news.

It's still good news. counter to our expectations, God is still the ruler of all, and his realm is full of mercy.

God brings peace. He is the one who breaks down the wall of separation our sins have erected. He is the one who makes peace with God in Christ. And he is the one who both commands us to live at peace with others and equips us to walk in that peace.

God in Christ also gives us happiness. There is a right pleasure to be had as we live in this good and beautiful world our Lord has created. There are delights all around, if we will bother to look for them.

The salvation of God is shown in his promise that his people will not be subject to sin and death forever. He has overcome death. He is able to preserve us in him.

All this comes from God's reign. He is the one who brings redemption and establishes his good and gracious kingdom. Maybe it's time we looked to him with fresh eyes. He is the good king of all.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

John 21:1-14 - Lectionary for Easter Wednesday

4/30/2021

4/30/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

"Jesus is my life." It's easy to say that. It's a little harder when we are confused and doubtful that he actually has a plan. What do we finally do? In John 21:3, Simon Peter decided to go back to his business. Try to re-start the career. He could at least put food on his family's table. Except he couldn't.

After an utterly unsuccessful night at work, Jesus showed up on the shore, about a hundred yards away, possibly back lit, and to people who might have needed glasses. I'll never recognize a face at a hundred yards, even with my glasses.

What does Jesus do? Even for those who didn't recognize him, he provided for their needs. They could say Jesus was their life. They caught several days' income. Jesus provided them with life. And he made breakfast.

If Jesus is our life, he may well use us within our careers, or he may redirect us. He cares for his people. The risen Lord is the Lord of life, on this earth and through eternity. He has revealed himself.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Colossians 3:1-7 - Lectionary for Easter Wednesday

4/29/2021

4/29/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

What are our earthly concerns? What absorbs us? Something different for different people, no doubt. Those are important concerns, at least some of them are. We want the surgeon to be very concerned about anatomy. I sure hope the person who designed that bridge was paying attention. And I have been to some concerts where the concert artist wasn't concerned enough . . .

We don't want to be "so heavenly minded we are no earthly good." But in Colossians 3 Paul does remind the Church that our real life is in Christ. It is a heavenly thing. Our attention is supposed to focus on what is eternal.

All our earthly concerns are merely a reflection of heavenly reality. That means our work with medicine, engineering, performance arts, or anything else the Lord has given us is a reflection of God's perfect kingdom. We are to engage with it to the best of our ability, and to ask God's strength to do it even better. But in the end, it is something seen in a mirror.

The reality, the fulfillment, the perfection, is eternal. We look to eternal concerns first. Then the temporal can fall into place.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Psalm 61 - Lectionary for Easter Wednesday

4/28/2021

4/28/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

"Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy" (Psalm 61:2b-3, ESV). When we endure trials, at times we want a little shelter. Psalm 61 doesn't talk about those times. It is more related to the time to lock yourself into the basement. Someone else's basement. Far awy from the forces bulldozing your home to get to you.

God is the rock that is higher than I am. He is the one who can provide security and hope. He can look at the enemies and let us know when it's safe to come out.

However, in verse three it becomes apparent that he provides refuge of a different nature. He is a strong tower. That's where you stay, watching the enemies attack until they get tired and give up. It's a fort.

When we rest ourselves in Christ, he becomes our home, a place of refuge, a place of safety, a place of confident rest.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Historical Development of Easter

4/28/2021

Wednesday is for Bits and Pieces
4/28/21

Jungmann, Josef A., S.J. "Chapter Twenty: The Easter Cycle." The Early Liturgy to the Time of Gregory the Great. (translated by Francis A. Brunner, C.S.S. R., Notre Dame, Indiana: University of Notre Dame Press, 1959, pp. 253-265.

The festivals surrounding Easter day have developed ove rthe years, creating a progressively longer and more complex series of liturgical services. Jungmann identifies the central observances in series of three days, originally as the Friday to Sunday period, but then including Maundy Thursday through Saturday, then Sunday through Tuesday (Jungmann 1959, 253). The original triduum is probably most significant as it shaped Lenten observances.

Jungmann observes that a period of Lent lasting forty days was already present by the time of Athanasius (Jungmann 1959, 254). Forty days before Good Friday gives us Sunday of Quadragesima. by the sixth century, Sundays were excluded from the fast. The end was then moved to the start of Easter Sunday. Out of a desire to restore the forty days, the start moved back to Ash Wednesday (Jungmann 1959, 255).

Lent also became a period for special observances. From the start, fasting was considered appropriate. However, additional services of the Mass began to be offered (Jungmann 1959, 256). Jungmann describes some of the variations in Lenten service practices especially in Rome, where some of the daily services were at different churches around the city. It becomes apparent from Jungmann's summary that the period contained an emphasis on catechesis and baptism.

Holy Week itself looks forward to Easter. Jungmann notes that in Jerusalem this took the form of services which were very conscious of the day and hour they celebrated. Romen, however, considers the Passion as a whole (Jungmann 1959, 261). Holy week was, above all, a time of quiet sorrow.

The weeks following Easter Sunday were early recognized as a time of celebration, lasting seven weeks. Only the first week developed prominence, with special celebration of the conversion which had resulted in baptisms (Jungmann 1959, 264). The remainder of the Easter season was not characterized by particular special celebrations.

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 - Lectionary for Easter Wednesday

4/27/2021

4/27/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Was I responsible for that? Some of the voices in our society push us to take responsibility for something done or not done by others. The sins of the fathers, or some distantly related group of people with ancestry on the same continent, come back to roost. Is this biblical?

In one sense it is. Peter, speaking to a crowd in Acts, blames the people for denying Christ, even though as a group they personally didn't do it. Yet it was precisely the kind of thing they would have done.

As a people, we humans are just the kind of people who would reject Jesus and put the Author of Life to death. Even though our hands were not involved, given the same circumstances, plenty of us would cooperate.

In the instance of Christ, God took what was evil and used it for good. Christ having been put to death, our sins were put to death as well. Christ being raised from the dead, we are raised to new life.

What's our response? The same as that of the crowd in Acts three. We repent. We turn to God. We find our sins wiped out. As Christ rose from the dead, we are raised to new life. This is the good news of God in Christ.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Luke 24:36-49 - Lectionary for Easter Tuesday

4/26/2021

4/26/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

"I believe because I am persuaded."
"I am persuaded because I believe."

These two statements are not interchangeable. However, they are complementary. In our Gospel passage from Luke 24:36-49, Jesus gives his disciples persuasive evidence of his resurrection. Are they persuaded enough to believe him? It's hard to say. In verse 41 they are disbelieving because of joy. Do they really not believe? Good question.

What we do know is that in verse 45 Jesus "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." At this point, they believed. This resulted in their being persuaded. Suddenly the facts they knew actually made sense and the picture was complete.

With this confidence - belief and persuasion - the disciples were ready to live out their Christian life as witnesses of the resurrection. Jesus shows himself as victorious over death. This includes your death and my death. There's no need to be intimidated by anything in this life.

I believe.
I am persuaded.
Thanks be to God.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Special Days

4/26/2021

Monday Tour of Christian History
4/26/21

Schaff, Philip. "The Lord's Day and the Christian Week." The Oldest Church Manual Called the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1886, 27-28.

The Lord's Day is the day of assembly identified in the Didache (Schaff 1886, 27). At this time, the congregation assembles, making sure they have resolved all conflicts. The eucharist is celebrated, and is considered a pure sacrifice before God. Schaff observes that we can assume the congregation participated in readings from the Old Testament, as this was a long standing habit, recorded in early authors. The first day of the week was also important in other sources, though Schaff also finds Wednesday and Friday as important days for fasting (Schaff 1886, 28). They were also recognized as the days of betrayal and of the death of Christ.

Acts 13:26-33 - Lectionary for Easter Tuesday

4/25/2021

4/25/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

In Acts chapter 13 the apostle Paul brings the good news that God has worked salvation through Jesus. He is speaking to a Jewish audience here. It's really significant that in verse 27 he says that the Jews didn't understand what was written about Jesus.

The message of Scripture seems clear. God is going to rescue his people from sin by means of a substitute who will die in their place. Paul understood this to be Jesus, perfect man and perfect God.

The good news of God is easy to miss. Looking at it through Christian eyes it seems completely obvious. But it is not so clear to those who read or hear with only a natural understanding. Even the apostles, when told of the resurrection, didn't believe. How much more difficult is it for those who have never seen Jesus and hardly heard of him to believe?

Christ is raised from the dead. He is the one who gave his life for you and me. Perfect God, he is holy in every way. Perfect man, he is able to take the place of a man in death. He alone could take our sin upon himself and put it to death by his death.

The good news? He has risen from the dead and lives to raise us as well. So look to him, believe he is what he showed himself to be. Believe and live.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Psalm 2 - Lectionary for Easter Tuesday

4/24/2021

4/24/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Is it a bond of oppression? Is it a safety line? Psalm 2 asks why there is such raging against God. The boundaries he has imposed on the world seem to be a problem for some. They can't wait to get loose.

The Psalm points out God's victory over his enemies. The raging is pointless. The Son of God is able to reign over all.

All our world's rage against God and His people reminds me of a dog my family kept for a while. He always objected to being put in his pen, a large fenced area with sunshine, woods, food and water. He would immediately find a way to pull the gate apart or twist the fence so as to climb out. We eventually found him in a ditch where he was thrown by a passing car. The desire to escape was pointness and proved fatal.

Why do the nations rage? They can't receive what is provided for their safety.

The Lord is victorious over all our enemies. We are well advised to look to him as the one who can care for us.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Daniel 3:8-28 - Lectionary for Easter Tuesday

4/23/2021

4/23/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Daniel chapter three is one of the classic passages we use, especially in children's Sunday school programs. Here, three Jewish men, who we assume to be relatively young because the Babylonians were interested in young prisoners they could influence, refused to worship the king. This was their ticket into a furnace intended to kill them.

The men refused the king's decree, saying if God wanted them alive he would protect them. This angered the king, who tried harder to kill them. They were not even touched by the fire or smoke.

I sure hope nobody reading this blog will ever be faced with the choice of worship to a king or death by burning. Yet in a small way, these conflicts do happen regularly. At heart is the question of our willingness to take an unpopular stand that is in accord with biblical teaching. There may well be penalties. Some are larger. Many are small.

Whether it is a matter of the disrespect of certain people, even friends, or a change to options available in career, place of residence, advancement in the work force, or access to certain goods or services, Christians need to be willing to take a stand on theological grounds. It is quite possible this will become more difficult as our culture becomes more secularized and less tolerant of diversity. But we stand anyway.

Our God will take care of us. Like the Jewish men, the Christian can trust God. He will take care of us.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Luke 24:13-35 - Lectionary for Easter Monday

4/22/2021

4/22/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Our reading from Luke 24:13-35 shows a picture of deep sorrow. As the day of resurrection was coming to a close, some disciples who did not believe were walking to Emmaus. Perhaps this was their home, or maybe it was on the way home.

Even in a society that is used to walking, this is a pretty good walk. About seven miles doesn't happen that quickly. It will be somewhere around two hours. And these are very sad hours.

Jesus was taken, convicted, and put to death at the word of the chief priests. Hope of redemption was broken and killed on a cross. Then, to make matters worse, someone must have taken the body. It's gone. Some of the disciples reported an angelic vision. Maybe they are too disturbed and emotional.

This is a very sad walk. Yet the disciples have a companion. Unknown to them, it is Jesus, the risen Lord. He doesn't seem easy to recognize after the resurrection. But he explains the Scriptures, then appears to them in breaking bread.

The breaking of the bread in communion is one of the gifts Jesus has left for his people. He comes to us in his body and blood, given and shed for us. When we confront doubt, fear, abandonment, and grief, we can know that the same risen Lord, Jesus, is there for us in the breaking of the bread. Like those early disciples, we too can receive his presence and all his joy.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Acts 10:34-43 - Lectionary for Easter Monday

4/21/2021

4/21/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

God shows no partiality. Here's one of those biblical statements, from Acts 10:34, that illustrates why I don't have a bumper sticker on my car. How do we take that idea of no partiality? Does it mean that anything goes? Not at all. The passage goes on to say that God's salvation is for every nation.

Despite salvation being available for all nations, verse 35 specifices that it is related to fearing God and doing right. And as the passage continues, fearing God is identified with recognizing Jesus as the one who rescues people from sin through his death and resurrection.

God shows no partiality. Everyone is welcome to be part of his kingdom, but it is a very specific kingdom. We don't get to make up the rules of how to come to God. We don't get to make up the rules of how one lives a godly life. This is completely impartial, at the discretion of God. But his rules never change.

God in Christ has opened the gates of life. All who believe him may enter and live in God's kingdom. He calls us to enter and walk by faith. In verse 43 we read that "everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (ESV).

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.