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Isaiah, Prophet of the Gospel

6/4/2024

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Tuesdays Are for the Old Testament
6/4/24

Lessing, R. Reed, & Steinmann, Andrew E. (2014). "Chapter Twenty-Two: Isaiah." In Prepare the Way of the Lord: An Introduction to the Old Testament. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House. (367-388).

    Lessing and Steinmann identify Isaiah as outstanding among the Old Testament writings "for sheer grandeur, majesty, and supreme artistry" (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 367). Further, they find a very strong influence of Isaiah upon the New Testament writings.
    Since 1789, with a commentary by J.C. Döderlein, the text of Isaiah has drawn critical scholarly attention. With a division of Isaiah into three portions (1-39, 40-55, 56-66), study of the book as a single, unified work became "unimaginable" (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 367). Scholars have mainly considered Isaiah as a smattering of texts with no overall coherence. This opinion held sway until an article in 1979 by Ackroyd positing that the texts were collected as they were to present the prophet Isaiah, rather than to present a unified prophetic message (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 367). Since 1979, many scholars have begun to revise their approach to the work. Critics do still normally assume some sort of composite authorship and editorial process, but with at least a final stage which had a coherent goal (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 368). References to the book from the New Testament, as well as manuscript evidence, promote the view that Isaiah was one literary work, coming from the pen of Isaiah (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 369).
    Lessing and Steinmann observe Isaiah as a work arranged topically (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 369). The unity of the topical arrangement is regularly neglected by the critical community. Lessing and Steinmann see an intricate set of connections among the topics, which suggests unity of composition. They describe the literary sophistication in some detail, then provide an outline (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 369-373). Lessing and Steinmann divide Isaiah into three main sections, based on judgment (1-39), salvation (40-55), and a call for response (56-66).
    Lessing and Steinmann describe two manuscripts of Isaiah, one of which is nearly intact (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 374). The intact scroll has been dated at least three times, with estimated dates of 341-325 BC, 202-114 BC, and 201-93 BC (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 374). The manuscript is in strong agreement with the Masoretic Text.
    Isaiah records events between the reigns of Uzziah (6:1) and Cyrus (44:28; 45:1). Lessing and Steinmann note Uzziah's reign from 791-740 and Cyrus from 539-530. This requires a relatively long period of time to be covered, as the period from Uzziah's death to the rise of Cyrus is approximately a hundred years (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 374). Lessing and Steinmann briefly describe a number of historical events which occurred during the time of Isaiah.
    From a theological point of view, Lessing and Steinmann find God's holiness pre-eminent (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 376). 
    God's plan for his people and history is a second important theme (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 376). God is always working in history, particularly through his chosen people. Lessing and Steinmann note God's alien work of destroying the wicked (Isaiah 28:21) compared with his proper work of restoration (Isaiah 2:1-5) (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 377). 
    A third prominent theme in Isaiah is the gospel of God who comforts and protects Israel (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 377). Isaiah shows God as the redeemer, a special personal role of a close relative (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 378).
    Lessing and Steinmann further note the centrality of the concept of the Servant in Isaiah (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 378). While Christians have routinely considered the servant to be Jesus, a "collective view identifies the servant as a group of people who are described in individualistic terms" (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 378). The role of the servant is normally to substitute for Israel by displaying God to other nations, and to reconcile Israel t oGod (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 379).
    Lessing and Steinmann consider righteousness to be the most important theme in Isaiah, with the concept appearing 81 times, spread throughout the book (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 381). God's people are called to receive God's righteous works and become part of the city of righteousness largely in terms of moral behavior. Chapters 40-55 make it more dependent on justice which Israel should do (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 381). This is additionally seen as a way God brings salvation to Israel. In Isaiah 56-66 it becomes clear that human attempts at righteousness have fallen short. Therefore, passive righteousness, imputed to people by God, becomes the solution to sin (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 382).
    The created order is yet another important theme in Isaiah. Lessing and Steinmann identify many elements to the creation, including sentient and non-sentient  elements among the things to be recognized (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 383). The interactions between humans and the rest of creation are intricate and symbolic of greater truths.
    Isaiah depicts Christ in powerful ways. Lessing and Steinmann adduce numerous passages from Isaiah which are noted in the New Testament as portraying Jesus' life and work (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 384). Though the people of Isaiah have sinned, chiefly through idolatry (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 385), they are provided for through God's grace in raising up Cyrus to release them from Babylon, and by the eventual work of the Suffering Servant.

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Jesus The True Prophet

12/1/2022

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12/1/22
Scholarly Reflections

Akagi, Kai. "The Light from Galilee: The Narrative Function of Isaiah 8:23-9:6 in John 8:12." Novum Testamentum 58 (2016), 380-393.

Akagi considers the context of John 8:12 in the overall flow of chapters 7-8 and concludes that it uses an allusion to Isaiah 8:23-9:6, in the Septuagint numbered 9:1-7, to answer the objection of John 7:52 (Akagi 2016, 380). He briefly surveys interpretations which have suggested the verse as an allusion to some external source. The imagery of light and darkness is very common in the Old Testament and is not uncommon in early Christian sources. However, a purpose for placement at 8:12 has not been widely studied (Akagi 2016, 382).

Akagi observes the Pericope Adulterae, which he considers a later insertion, may obscure the context of verse 12 as a continuation of the material found in John 7 (Akagi 2016, 383). 8:12 may easily be understood as recalling the language of Isaiah 9:1 and, when the Isaianic context is taken into acount, make a strong argument for Jesus' identity as the Davidic Messiah who needs to come from Galilee. Akagi surveys a variety of commentaries and articles which suggest the relationship but fall short of affirming it (Akagi 2016, 384). John's frequent use of Isaiah may strengthen the case for an allusive statement (Akagi 2016, 385).

In John 7:52 the Pharisees had asserted that no prophet arises from Galilee (Akagi 2016, 387). Akagi consiers how parts of 8:12 could be more easily understood if the verse is seen as an allusion to Isaiah. The words "then again" are well seen as referring to some event or statement being continued. This would logically include the statement of the Pharisees (Akagi 2016, 388). Yet Akagi finds many commentators who do not identify a connection. The scorn of the Pharisees for Galilee is striking to Akagi. Therefore he considers it likely to influence other statements in proximity to the end of John 7 (Akagi 2016, 389). Al allusion to Isaiah and the need for the Messiah to come from Galilee both erodes the credibility of the Pharisees' argument and reinforces the role of Scripture in affirming Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus' opponents demonstrate that they don't understand the Scriptures (Akagi 2016, 390).

In sum, Akagi finds that John is identifying Jesus not only as a prophet, but "the" prophet, the coming Messiah. This knowledge eludes the Jewish leaders, but it is made known in the Gospel (Akagi 2016, 391-392). 

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Isaiah 35:5-8 - Lectionary for St. Luke, Evangelist

9/27/2021

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9/27/21
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.

I really don't like it when something is called "foolproof." Experience shows that a fool can make a mess of anything. Yet when Isaiah describes the pathway made by the Lord, in chapter 35 verse eight, he says even fools will not go astray. What can this tell us about the new creation God is preparing? 

When God restores his people he truly intends to draw them out of trouble and darkness to set them on the right path, the way of life. His way of holiness is a place where those who pay attention to God's calling, even if they know nothing else, will be perfectly safe and secure. He will not leave us to get lost and wander into trouble. He will keep us moving toward him, even if our grasp of his kingdom is limited.

Does this mean that Christians should be happy to be ignorant and uninformed? Not at all. But it does mean that as we walk with Christ we have nothing to fear. He has done all that is necessary for our salvation.

In these last days, Jesus has restored all things, and all nations, to himself. He demands only that we look to him with trust that he is the redeemer. We are then placed under his care and guidance, that we may walk with him, even though we may be fools.

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.

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Isaiah 61:7-11 - Lectionary for Mary, Mother of Our Lord

8/9/2021

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8/9/21
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 loves justice. He hates wrong (Is. 61:8). What impact does this have on his people? God's intention is to replace the dishonor that his people have endured with the honor he is able to give. This accomplishes two outcomes.

First, it pours out blessings on God's people. They have received hardship and often hatred and dishonor in this world. In the last day, God's response is to pub an end to the abuse and scorn which is heaped upon his chosen people. Their crime, in the eyes of the world, is trusting God. He will show that trust to be well founded. They receive an inheritance and great joy. They will have what they need, in abundance, forever, as the righteousness they have planted comes to fruition.

Second, it brings glory to God, a glory due his name. He is the author of righteousness, joy, and all salvation. The creator, redeemer, and sustainer of heaven and earth rightfully is due honor and respect. We would literally have nothing without God's work.

God justly brings all the fallenness of this word to a glorious conclusion. In doing so, he pours out blessing on all his people. 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.


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Isaiah 11:1-5 - Lectionary for Visitation

6/28/2021

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6/28/21
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.

Isaiah 11:1-5 describes Jesus, the shoot from Jesse's stump. We realize that, of all people, Jesus is the one upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests.

What do we learn of the Spirit? He is the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. Jesus is full of these characteristics. And as the Lord indwells us, we are also filled with the very same personality. Jesus gives us all wisdom, understanding, and all the rest. These things we need.

The response to all these gifts of the Lord is humility. Jesus does not use the power of the Holy Spirit to show arrogance. Rather, he makes judgment in righteousness. He cares for the poor and weak, defending them against those who would press them down.

Jesus, the tender shoot of Jesse, cares for the least in our world. He is truly the one who walks in the power of the Holy Spirit.

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.

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Isaiah 40:1-5 - Lectionary for St. John the Baptist

6/14/2021

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6/14/21
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 is the comfort God has for Israel? Her warfare is ended, her iniquity is pardoned, and she has "received double for all her sins" (Isaiah 40:2, ESV). God has proclaimed an end to trials. It is over.

A common theme in literature, poetry, song, and film is the end of a conflict. While we might look forward to a sudden return to "life as normal," in fact, that doesn't happen right away. The conflict has always left wounds to be healed, internal and external turmoil, and usually a big part of society to be rebuilt.

God declares the end of the conflict, a return. But there's a big mess to be cleaned up. What will he do?

As he comes to visit his people, God creates a safe haven. He makes a place of safety to walk. He reveals his glory, in the person and work of Jesus. All flesh will see it (v. 5). God has promised.

In Christ, our warfare is ended. We are still encamped in the rubble of a fallen world. We are still broken by sin and suffering. But the Lord has brought a conclusion. He has broken the power of sin.

Now is the time for healing, as we receive God's grace in Word and Sacrament. Now is the time of restoration. God has brought rest in Jesus.

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.

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Isaiah 42:5-12 - Lectionary for St. Barnabas, Apostle

6/7/2021

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6/7/21
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.

Our desire to sing a new song to the Lord, as we read in Isaiah 42:10, is decidedly a good desire. The Lord is great and mighty, worthy of all honor and praise. Verse nine even says that God is declaring new things. So as we recognize new things that God is doing, we rightly desire to sing a new song to him.

Yet before we become too creative, let us carefully remember. God has already done plenty that is worthy of praise. And God never changes in his essence and character. How are we going to sing his praises? We sing them in accord with what he has done in the past. What if we think he is doing something that is new? We want to evaluate it carefully. Is it something that corresonds to God's character? Or is it something that is more aligned with our human nature, which we recognize as earthly, temporal, even sinful? 

God does new things every day. His mercies are always new. His lovingkindness knows no bounds. But he is always going to hold to the same type of righteousness, the same condemnation of sin, and the same definitions of sin and righteousness. That never changes.

How do we praise the Lord? We do it in harmony with his works. He is the one who created, organized, and sustains all things. He is the Lord who gives life. He is the Lord who calls his people by his righteousness and makes them righteous as he is. He is the Lord who uses his holy people as a sign of his grace for all nations. He is the Lord who gives sight to the blind, and rescues prisoners from their condemnation.

That's plenty to be going on with, for now. Yet we also want to recognize carefully that Jesus identified himself as the very God who does all this, and that he specifically says he is the one who rescues all who believe on him from sin, shame, and destruction. All glory be to God on high. He is able to work today just as he has always worked. His righteous character never changes.

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.

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Isaiah 32:14-20 - Lectionary for Pentecost Tuesday

5/31/2021

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5/31/21
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.

Isaiah 32:14-20 describes a progression which leads from desolation to comfort and prosperity. The place which was a home to royalty (v. 14) is forsaken and becomes a desolation. It's where wild animals roam and people might raise flocks. The city is overcome with grass, becoming a pasture. This is the fall of a society.

What hope is there? Do we force society to return to a longed for golden age? Actually, we can't manage that, no matter what the current crop of classical educators says. It isn't within our ability. This is something that only happens by the work of the Holy Spirit.

That's exactly what does happen in Isaiah's description, starting in verse 15. The Holy Spirit comes and the land becomes no more barren. It is fruitful. Yet the fruitful cropland doesn't remain in the same condition it was found. It becomes a forest, which is where Isaiah 32 pictures God's justice dwelling.

A forest, then, at least in this passage, is a place of safety, of provision, a place from where all manner of resources can be derived. The peace, justice, and righteousness that dwells in this forest is a haven for God's people.

Eventually, when the forest falls down, what is left? The people who have been nurtured in God's peace, justice, and righteousness still have a place of safety and peace.

God puts his people in a place of hope. There's nothing that we will lack, at least as it regards eternity. We have all the forgiveness, life, and salvation we could ever need through trust in Jesus. We have been restored to fellowship with God. He is able to keep us in that place of peace and hope.

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.

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Isaiah 57:15-21 - Lectionary for Pentecost Monday

5/24/2021

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5/24/21
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.

Isaiah 57:21 quotes God as saying, "There is no peace for the wicked" (ESV). We easily take a statement like this and recast it as a condemnation of evil, a way of telling those we see as wicked that they are doomed.

On the contrary, the picture Scripture gives us in Isaiah (and elsewhere) is that the wicked, who are going their wicked ways despite God's call to come and receive his loving grace, are objects of pity. God was there all along, offering them his peace. He was warning them of the judgment to come. He was telling them that their future could involve condemnation. He was inviting them to be safe from condemnation through the power of his love. And the wicked have run away, again and again, seeking turmoil like the tossing sea (v. 20). 

What is the ultimate destination of the wicked? Destruction. This flies in the face of God's offer of abundant mercy and grace. For the rich, the poor, the lofty, and the lowly, God offers life. He will revive those who look to him. There will be comfort, restoration, and healing.

In short, God's desire, which he expresses consistently in Scripture, is the redemption of the entire world, all those who would turn to him. Sadly, those who are stubborn, hard-hearted, and desire to work go their own way will eventually be left to their destruction.

This redemptive desire of God in Christ is what has motivated missionary activity throughout history. It is what motivates my work with Wittenberg Door today. We call people to experience the rescue God has made available. That call is for everyone, including you, the reader.

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.

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

5/5/2021

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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.

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

5/1/2021

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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.

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Isaiah 25:6-9 - Lectionary for Easter Sunrise

4/15/2021

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4/15/21
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.

For Easter Sunrise it is traditional to read Isaiah 25:6-9. Many church bodies have regularly kept a fast from Good Friday until Easter Sunday, breaking the fast with a celebration of communion at dawn. The symbolism is that of waiting on the Lord, hoping for his time of resurrection, when we receive life in exchange for deeath. Verse nine, then, says that we have waited for God and his salvation.

We don't like to wait. Yet all through our life on earth, we have to wait. Wait for this or that, for rest, for work, for relationships to start, for meetings to end, for payday, for retirement. We wait and wait.

What are we waiting for? Is it for God to swallow up death and save us? Now that's worth the wait. And in Christ, it is done. 

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.

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Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - Lectionary for Good Friday

4/7/2021

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4/7/21
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.

Are you a pretty good person? If we avoid the overly theological answers which say we are sinful through and through or that we have been made perfectly holy in Christ, most of us would say, and others would agree with us, that we are pretty good people. We can certainly find someone who is a much worse example of general goodness and humanity.

Our reading in Isaiah throws some different perspective on this situation. Let's turn on the lights and look carefully. I'm a pretty decent person, but not perfect. When God says he is going to arrange for someone else to take care of my sin, it sounds like a fine idea. After all, taking care of sin is pretty rough business.

Isaiah 52:14 says he is marred.
Isaiah 53:3 says he is like someone suffering so much we don't know what to do, so we hide.
Isaiah 53:5 says he is wounded, crushed, whipped.
Isaiah 53:7 says he is oppressed, afflicted, and led to slaughter.

How did Jesus deserve all this? He didn't. We pretty good people did. This is the kind of loving offer God makes in the Gospel. Believe that in Christ your sins can be taken away. They are. He suffered the penalty for sin in your place. God now looks on you as his holy child.

Now we can return to the highly theological answers. We have sin, enough to warrant our destruction. We are made perfectly holy by God in Christ. That's not pretty good. It's sublime.

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.

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Isaiah 62:11-63:7 - Lectionary for Wednesday in Holy Week

3/30/2021

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3/30/21
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.

When we distract ourselves from God's priorities and look at the condition of our world, it's easy to fall into discouragement. 2020 has, in some ways, become a verb, and it indicates doom and gloom. Apparently, 2021 has done the same, though it seems to be more like 2020 version 2.0. Recent news has spoken of political intrigue, sharp division among political and cultural factions, and recently a major shipping channel blocked by an accident which has partially paralyzed supply lines for much of the world. What kind of hope do we have?

I might quickly add that nothing has actually changed. The trials we face are different in their specifics, but they are not new. In the time of Isaiah the world was suffering from warfare, political intrigue, diseases, invasions, and all the like. There were no huge ships blocking canals and nobody was carrying goods all around the world, but there were certainly plenty of supply line problems. Trials, disappointments, and dangers are nothing new.

Isaiah gives us some good news, though, and it is still good news for us today, no matter our position in society, in the geography of the world, or our need. In Isaiah 62:11-12 the prophet has a message to "the daughter of Zion" - to everyone who believes God is their savior and reward.

Your salvation comes.
His reward is with him.
He has people, and they are not forsaken.
You who believe in him are his people.

What confidence can we take from this? He may seem slow in coming at times. In fact, it might seem like a promise that we may never realize.

Christians confess that in Jesus, the Lord has come, with salvation. It is by his grace that we are saved. We who believe that He is the Lord can take courage. God's people are not abandoned. 

How does this help us?

Even in a time of plague, even in a time of division, even in times of suffering and warfare, even when we are uncertain how our needs will be met, Jesus has shown himself to be the one who can even conquer death.

Nothing will stand before this King who is coming to rescue his people. Nothing at all. He brings his reward. It is not our reward, it is his. Even though we might be too troubled to do anything, even if we are weak, even if we are at the point of death, Jesus promises that he is our life and salvation. 

With a savior like that, do we really have anything to fear?

Christians are sometimes accused of being "so heavenly minded they are no earthly good." Yet even amidst those accusations, it is Christians who have been at the forefront of moves for justice, for equality, for charity, for showing mercy. Jesus' reward for his people is delivered thrdough his people.

In this there is great hope. There's purpose. There's all the confidence in the world, because God has called all who believe on him "redeemed," "sought out," and "not forsaken." Our prayer is that we will see that realized, to some extent in this life, and in spades on the last day!

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.

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Isaiah 50:5-10 - Lectionary for Monday in Holy Week

3/22/2021

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3/22/21
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 Old Testament passage from Isaiah 50 is easily read as a description of Jesus' humiliation. The process of his trial by the Romans was not terribly unusual. To urge people to recant of their alleged criminal activity, Romans would frequently beat, whip, and otherwise humiliate prisoners. This is precisely what happened to Jesus, as the soldiers dressed him like a king, mockingly called him the king of the Jews, and whipped him. Their expectation may well have been that he would quickly confess that he was not the king of the Jews, that he was an imposter, and that he would never again be willing to face such a threat. Though it would strike many in the modern world, especially in the United States, as a barbaric treatment, it was fairly effective at discouraging people from all sorts of criminal and seditious activity.  Isaiah 50 adds to the description we have in the Gospels the idea of having one's beard pulled out, an activity which in itself would probably make me give up on virtually any criminal ideas I had in mind. Really, don't pull out my beard!

Jesus willingly gave himself over to torture, even though, as he said, he could command angels and they would rescue him if he desired.

Jesus didn't want to be rescued from the death that you and I deserve. He gave himself over to whipping, disgrace, and spitting. Maybe his beard was even pulled out. We don't know for certain.

This seems well and good, at least painless, from my perspective. Nobody is currently trying to arrest me, imprison me, or whip me. Mocking and even spitting are easily imaginable, but I know I can withstand that.

In verses 8-9 the prophet speaks of it all happening, and the Lord standing with him. Maybe we need to let that sink in a little bit.

No matter what we might endure for the name of Jesus, God will stand with us. Jesus was unafraid of a whipping that stripped a good bit of the flesh off his back. He withstood people beating a crown of thorns into his head. He was dressed in a robe, no doubt very roughly, after being whipped. He was mocked and scorned. And he didn't even deserve it, not one bit of it.

The Christian can take comfort from this passage. No matter the animosity that we may face in this lifetime, Jesus has dealt with it. He will in no way abandon his people. Though they kill us, we can have confidence, not only that Jesus has endured the same, but that he endured it without deserving it, for our sake, and has promised to be with us through it all.

What if they take us? What if they imprison us? What if they kill us? Jesus has died on our behalf and has risen from the dead.

There's really nothing that Jesus has not done on behalf of his people. And he promises to stand with us through whatever we will face. This is the confidence of the Christian. This is an unshakable hope.

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.

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Isaiah 7:10-14 - Lectionary for the Annunciation of Our Lord

3/8/2021

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3/8/21
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.

God's stated desire is to bless His people. We seem surprisingly slow to get the memo. In Isaiah 7:10-14, God asks King Ahaz to name a sign he would like to see from God. "Whatever the sign you want to see to know God's favor, name it." Ahaz responds by saying he is too humble to receive a sign from God.

Why is it that we think our humble refusal to trust God's stated will is actually humble? It says that God's promise is not needed. It refuses God's grace. Ahaz effectively says he would find God's gift useless.

The God of the Bible is not ready to let Ahaz or any of us call the shorts. He is going to do something to demonstrate the validity of his promise. But now he will choose the sign. Ahaz doesn't get to choose.

God's sign, given to Israel, is also given to us at a later date. The virgin (Isaiah uses a word which can indicate a young woman who is not necessarily a virgin) will conceive and bear a child. Not much of a sign in itself, but if you were looking for a king born of a young woman, you would find someone who fit the description. In Christ, we have an actual virgin and an inexplicable pregnancy.

Jesus is the one we look for. He is God's sign, the favored one, God with us. We dare not refuse him.

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.

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Isaiah 66:1-2 - Lectionary for St. Matthias, Apostle

2/22/2021

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2/22/21
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.

When I first joined with the Lutheran Church, I noticed that Lutherans had a way of referring to the church building as God's house. This raised questions in my mind. Were they saying that the church building is a special place and that God is not present in other places, such as my house?

Isaiah 66:1-2 describes heaven and earth as God's home. He doesn't need people to build him a house. There's nothing we could do which would provide him with anything he needs. And in many ways, God's presence is, to use a theological term, "illocal." By being everywhere (omnipresent) He doesn't seem to show up in a particular place.

Except that he does. Heaven is his throne. The earth is his footrest. And he is particularly present where the Word of God is preached in truth and the Sacraments are administered rightly. That's different from God just being everywhere. He has promised to be present in the preaching of the Scripture. He gives gifts, such as faith, through the hearing of the Word of God. This indicates a special presence, to bless his people. He gives gifts in the Sacraments, as he uses the waters of baptism to wash us from sin, and as he uses simple elements of bread and wine along with his Word to feed our faith for eternal life.

God is specially present where he has promised to come, meet with his people, and bless them.

Even though we could never build a house that would be adequate to show forth God's glory and majesty, we can take courage. Where the Church is assembled together, God is specially present with his blesing. This means that the great cathedral constructed for God's glory becomes a dwelling place for him when Word and Sacrament ministry is conducted. The little chapel constructed for God's glory is just as much a dwelling place when we gather for Word and Sacrament. Whether opulent or humble, God comes to meet with his people.

So the church building is God's house in that it is set apart for his service. It is God's house in that his people assemble together around Word and Sacrament. It is dedicated to him and he comes to us, according to his promise.

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.

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Isaiah 60:1-6 - Lectionary for Epiphany

1/11/2021

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1/11/21
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.

2020 was a year characterized, in many people's minds, by bad news. Thus far, there's been a good bit of bad news in 2021. In our Old Testament reading for Epiphany, though, we have some good news. Very good news. I think we will benefit from it.

The passage in Isaiah 60:1-6 makes a sharp division between darkness and light. In the Bible the darkness is pictured as a place of sorrow and despair. If you've ever been misplaced in the dark, you know why. It is disorienting. And you really can't tell if you are going to drop into a bottomless hole in that dark cave or go crashing into something dangerous in that dark basement.

Darkness is over the earth, covering the peoples. All the nations are wandering around in the dark, with no clear path. It's a time of discouragement.

What is God's promise? In the day of restoration, which he pictures as coming - sometime - hopefully soon - certainly at the right time, the light of the Lord will come to you and show the way for all nations to come into the light. This is a promise of hope and deliverance.

But when is it going to happen? At some undetermined point in the distant future? The New Testament would understand this to be a prophecy with two fulfillments. Yes, in the very last day, at the end of the world, it is a picture of the reconciliation of all nations, drawn to the Lord. But in the meantime, Jesus, pictured as the light of the world, has come. 

During this season of Epiphany, then, as we look to Jesus, we expect to see true light. It is in Christ that we can make sense of our world. It is in Jesus that we find our way out of darkness, bondage, and even death. We look to Jesus to enlighten our eyes. He is the light who shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. He is the one who enlightens all who trust in him. His light has come.

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.

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Isaiah 30:15-17 - Lectionary for Eve of the Circumcision of Christ

1/3/2021

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1/3/21
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.

On the eve of the circumcision of Christ we often read Isaiah 30:15-17. Here God points out to Israel that they have no need for fear. They will be kept by God. "In quietness and in trust shall be your strength" (v. 15). It isn't our quietness, though, nor our stability, nor even the strength of our trust.

The safety of God's people is part and parcel of the strength of God. It is his strength, his majesty, in which we trust. We are weak, generally incapable of accomplishing any of our own security. But God is the strong one.

I picture this very much like a small child being taken on a long trip. The infant, who can't walk or talk, dress himself, or take care of other basic grooming needs, is taken by loving parents aboard an airplane. The child didn't buy the ticket. The child doesn't understand the ticket or even the trip. The child is with the parents, as the airliner goes through its safety checks, receives instructions and clearance, then takes off. The airplane may climb to an altitude at which the outside air is extremely cold and not breathable. The infant doesn't know where he is going, nor how to get there safely. What happens? Given enough time, the pilot reaches the destination, decreases altitude, slows the airplane, lands it, drives it to the right place, and the infant with parents leaves through the airport. Mission accomplished! All calm!

We trust in the great and mighty God. He is able to carry us through situations which would certainly prove our undoing. If we trust in him, we are perfectly safe from eternal harm. Then again, if we trust in ourselves, if we panic, if we try to put our infant hands on the airplane controls and fly the thing, if we pop the emergency hatch and leap from the airplane at 40,000 feet, we will surely die.

The God of Israel is able to keep his people. Like the infant on the trip, we rest in God's arms, fed by His Word, kept by His Holy Spirit. Here is our comfort and our strength.

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.

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Isaiah 9:2-7 - Lectionary for Christmas Midnight

12/14/2020

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12/14/20
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.

We've all seen the advertisements which introduce products a little at a time, gradually showing the claim that you will get far more than you bargained for and that it will cost less than it might, a true value. Our passage from Isaiah 9:2-7 may look like that kind of advertisement, at least at times. We read about light shining in the darkness. We learn that the light in the darkness includes our nation and others being multiplied, especially multiplied in joy. We read about several different types of joy, all having to do with a greater reward than we would have expected. We see that it has something to do with being rescued from the enemies who would oppress us and force us into servitude. 

How many of our social activists would stop right there, at the end of verse five, then tell us to get busy about doing just those things we thought valuable? Be light. Learn to have joy. Break free from oppression. Break oppression for others. Go and do it.

That's a fine thing to do. I would like to think that I could find joy and bring joy to others. I'd like to stop oppression, especially when it has influence over me, and also when it troubles others. I'd like to enlighten people. That's all find and good.

There's just one problem, and it's a serious one. In myself I am unable to accomplish the task. I can understand some of it, and pursue some of it. I can shine what light I have. But I can't do the whole thing, and neither can you.

Perhaps we will grasp the problem best if we continue through verses six and seven, seeing the context. What did Isaiah think God was telling the people? 

In these verses there is a child to be born, one who will rule, and who will be the great, mighty, fair, and charitable ruler. His reign will increase. He will be the righteous ruler, who can actually complete the goal of light, joy, and freedom. 

Christians understand this child who is king to be Christ, God the Son, very God and very man, born to save us and rescue us from the oppression of sin and death. 

As we begin the season of Christmas, then, let us look to the Christ who will rule the world in righteousness. He is our hope. He is our light. He is our salvation.

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.

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Isaiah 7:10-14 - Lectionary for Christmas Eve (12/24)

12/7/2020

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Isaiah 7:10-14 - Lectionary for Christmas Eve (12/24)
12/7/20
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.

As I promised when we had readings for St. Thomas (December 21) posted some time early, there's now a flurry of special observances that will keep us busy for a while. I may even go to posting more than four days a week at some point. Here's what we have on the docket: Christmas Eve 12/24, Christmas Midnight 12/24, Christmas Dawn 12/25, Stephen 12/26, John the Evangelist 12/27, Holy Innocents, Martyrs 12/28, Eve of the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus 12/31, Circumcision and Naming of Jesus 1/1, then Epiphany ⅙. When people called the end of December "the holidays" that was part of what they were talking about.

There are plenty of times in the Bible when God gives a sign of something. There are also a lot of examples of people asking God for a sign. It's a very normal kind of thing to do. Yet here in Isaiah 7:10-14, God offers Ahaz that he will give a sign to show that he is the mighty God who will rescue his people. Ahaz refuses!

I can picture God rolling his eyes. Really? These faithless people always seem to need some sort of concrete evidence if they are going to believe me. Now I offer it in advance and they refuse? 

So God gives a sign anyway. A virgin will conceive and bear a son, whose name will be Immanuel. 

If we think about it, the sign is a little cryptic. Scholars, especially of the less theologically conservative type, will be quick to observe that the word used for the woman could indicate any sort of a young woman, though it is often used of a virgin. This makes it a very cryptic sign indeed. How many young women will bear sons? Plenty! Who is the child named Immanuel going to be? It means "God with us." Again, not really that remote of a possibility.

In biblical studies sometimes we talk about prophecies being fulfilled twice. There's one fulfillment near the time of the writing or speaking. There's another, which is often fulfilled in Christ or is yet to be fulfilled but which we believe will happen in the last days.

Matthew's Gospel makes it plain that the evangelist considers the birth of Jesus to be the fulfillment of this prophecy. Sure, there was probably some other baby born earlier who somehow fits the descriptor. I've heard reasonable arguments that Israel recognized it as fulfilled in Josiah, the good king, who became king at a young age. However, the ultimate fulfillment is Jesus.

Christians confess the virgin birth of Jesus. He was conceived, as Martin Luther says, through Mary's hearing the promise and receiving it by faith. The angels give him a name. He shows himself to be God with us. 

Do we want a sign? Whether we want it or not, God has given it. In Jesus we are able to see God in the flesh. We are able to wrap our heads around the fact that God actually has cared for us and entered into our world. This is the great news of Christmas. In Jesus, we never have to look somewhere else to find 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.

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Isaiah 64:17-25 - Lectionary for the Last Sunday of the Church Year

11/16/2020

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11/16/20
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 for this week from Isaiah 64:17-25 describes a world that has been reconciled - to one another and to God. In effect, the final reconciliation is an undoing of the curse of sin. There will be no need for things like death. There will be no competition between species. The idea of killing animals for food will go away, even among the carnivorous animals! They simply won't have that desire.

The second half of verse 18 is of special note. What did God create his people, and especially his holy city, Jerusalem, to be? A place of joy, and a people who bring forth gladness.

This is what the Church is to look like in these last days. It is to be a place of joy and gladness, and to bring that joy and gladness to the world. There isn't any way around this. God's people are a source of joy. God rejoices in them, and the rest of the world can too.

Why do we fall so short of this goal? It is surely because we try to do things in our own power and our own authority, rather than trusting in the power and authority of God. When we try to build our structures, legalistic means, all of them - to teach us and others how to do what is good and right, we reach the conclusion that we can keep God's law and do something worthy of merit. In the end, that always collapses under its own weight.

Rather, if we want to make a difference in our world, we do it not in our own power but by trusting in Jesus, who will accomplish all good things through his Church. We never count on ourselves, but only on Jesus.

Jesus is the one who can take a people, reconcile them to God, and make them good for something in this world. And we are especially good for the very simple task of loving and serving our neighbors. If we love God with all our heart and love our neighbors as ourselves, we will accomplish great things for the Lord.

May the Lord God who has reconciled us to himself through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God the Son, use us as His redeemed people, to show the joy and delight of the resurrection to all nations.

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.

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Isaiah 55:1-9 - Lectionary for Trinity 20

10/19/2020

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10/19/20
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.

We're moving into that time of year, "the most wonderful time of the year" when we begin to dream of getting free stuff. Want some? In just about two months most of us will get free things. At least they kind of seem free.

If we think about the exchange rate, we might wonder. But I'm hoping to score some new black socks, maybe a nice bottle of something drinkable, and, if it works out really well, some rope and a tarp or two, because you can never have too much of that. All free! Never mind that we've been buying clothes, books, toys, and gadgets for people we care about. That doesn't matter. Why not? Because someone will give me black socks that I don't have to buy. Absolutely free!

What kind of gifts does God promise in Isaiah 55? Food and drink, that's always goody which we reeive God's redeeming love. I have no idea where to get that. But it's even more precious than my grandchildren washing the bottom half of one side of my car for me! God promises gifts that would motivate people to run to our nation (v. 5) to claim them. He gives us pardon (v. 7).

What does this cost God? He gives Jesus, God the Son. His only-begotten, so that we may have life. And if we give Him something in return, all we have to give is something He gave us in the first place. Yes, I'm talking about dirty, worn-out, black socks that are now grey and have holes in them. 

God as described in the Bible does not think as we do (vv. 8-9). He gives us priceless gifts, all free to us. Why are people not breaking down the doors of the Church to ask for God's forgiveness and reconciliation? We don't understand how enormous those free gifts are. They cost Jesus his life. They are free to us. 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.

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Isaiah 29:17-24 - Lectionary for Trinity 12

8/24/2020

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8/24/20
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 man quietly turned to me after everyone else had left our conversation. I can’t say who it was, as he is concerned about professional criticism for his position. He knows I am not necessarily a “safe space” but it must have seemed safe. He confided in me. He loves his wife, and she is “a white woman.” His younger in-laws are also, and he has a high regard for them. He’s proud of them. They are dedicated to the good of their family. They have family time together. And his grandchildren are being raised in a culture of safety, a secure family, and with reading as a strong part of the family culture. Why would this be controversial? I frankly hae no idea, but it is, at least in some parts of our current activist culture.

Our Old Testament reading from Isaiah 29 speaks of a coming time when God’s blessing will be upon His people. It is a time of restoration, a time of abundance, a time of learning. In verse 18 even the deaf - the deaf, not the blind - will hear from a book. The blind will see. God will show himself to His people. This is a good thing, but in reality, we will see opposition.

In verses 20-21 the ruthless, like some of today’s activist community, will try to oppose such a restoration. Though the prophet says it will come  to nothing, those forces will try to slander, entrap, and redirect all that is right and good.

These are trying times. What do we do? Look to the Lord in hope. But also, we busy ourselves in doing what is good and right. We read to our children. We encourage the things that lead to a stable society. We move ahead despite the scoffers. I pray that the day will come that we can honor our families, that we can be accepting of others regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or economic background, when we can speak in charity, and, yes, even disagree with others but respect their opinions. The time will come. In the meantime, we do what is good and right, regardless of the opposition.

My friend, I pray the time will come when you can speak freely again.

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.

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Isaiah 6:1-7 - Lectionary for Trinity Sunday

6/1/2020

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6/1/20
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 appearance of God’s glory to Isaiah in chapter six would shake anybody up. The Lord of all, seated in the temple, his seraphim with him, and their calling to one another all point to the majesty of the Lord. Here we also have suggestions of the trinity. The seraphim have three pairs of wings. They call out about God’s glory, repeating it three times. We get the picture that this is significant. It speaks of God’s nature.

Above all, God, in his nature, is glorious. Isaiah recognizes in verse five that he is lost, undone, unclean, and probably going to die because he has been confronted by God’s glory. 

How will Isaiah manage to deal with this appearance of God’s glory? In fact, he can’t deal with it. Only God and his messenger can do it. Isaiah is touched with a burning coal from the sacrificial fire of God. With this he is purified. He is not merely redirected. He is purified. His guilt is taken away. His sin is atoned for.

What’s significant about this? In the appearance of God, in His glory, we are confronted with our sin and failure. We cannot stand on our own. We recognize there is no earthly way we can face God. Yet the seraph tells Isaiah his guilt is taken away. Who takes it away? It isn’t the seraph. It’s God himself. Isaiah’s sin is atoned for. Again, Isaiah doesn’t do it, nor does the seraph. God does it.

It is by God’s mercy that we have forgiveness. His righteous wrath has been turned away. And the great mystery in all of this is that God does it himself. This is the work of Jesus, God the Son, who, having one will with the Father and the Holy Spirit, chooses to have the wrath of God poured out on himself rather than on us. Yes, God pours out His anger about your sin, my sin, and the sin of the whole world, on himself, accomplishing two impossible things.

First, as Jesus bears the sin of the world, God the Son dies. The immortal God lays down his life for you. Yes, this is impossible, but God does it, and he willingly dose the impossible because it is the way to rescue you.

Second, by his death, Jesus gives you his righteousness. He transfers your sin to himself and his righteousness to you. Again, this is impossible, but nothing is impossible for God.

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord our God. Our sin has been atoned for. 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.

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