Category: Lectionary - Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry

Acts 11:27-12:5 - Lectionary for James the Elder

7/26/2021

7/26/21
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.

We often wonder what in the world our government officials might be thinking. Some of the reasoning that comes out in the form of laws or emergency actions seems bizarre at best. Yet it is nothing new.

In Acts 12 Herod had James arrested and killed. Verse one suggests this action was more or less a test, to see what people would think. Because it was a popular action among the Jews, he then arrested Peter. By this method, possibly he could present Peter to the people after Passover. Perhaps they would decide Peter should die. If not, Herod could look like the good guy who stopped Peter from being executed.

Political pragmatism is almost always a bad idea. It leads to division among the people. It makes leaders appear weak. It plants doubt in the minds of the public, and of other leaders, whether policies are actually heartfelt, whether promises mean anything, and to what level a leader will stoop so as to get his own way.

James the brother of John was executed. Yet there were other Christians who were able to take his place among the leaders of the Christians in Jerusalem. God's kingdom can't be stopped so easily. Moved by the arrests, the Christians gathered together to pray. When Peter was released from prison by supernatural means, he went "to another place" which is not specified. No doubt, he took the Gospel with him. So did all the Christians emboldened by the work of God.

No, Christ's kingdom can't be stopped very easily. It is an everlasting kingdom. Though James lost his earthly life, he was instrumental in gaining a heavenly reward for many others.

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 20:1-2, 10-18 - Lectionary for Mary Magdalene

7/22/2021

7/22/21
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.

There sure are a lot of people named Mary involved in the ministry of Jesus. John's Gospel identifies the Mary known as "Magdalene" as the one who is first to not find Jesus on the first day of the week after the crucifixion.

Her expectation was that Jesus would be lying in the tomb, dead. Yet she went anyway. In her time of grief, she may have just wanted to look upon him one more time, or to make sure nobody had done anything with the body. The Synoptic Gospels suggest that she was not alone and that they were planning to make sure the burial customs with ointments and spices were completed all the way.

However it shook out, John wants to be sure we know she went to the tomb, and she arrived there early, before it was light. When she didn't find Jesus, she brought that news to the other disciples.

After some investigation, they went home, but Mary stayed outside the tomb, weeping. She didn't believe the resurrection. She thought Jesus had not only died and remained dead, but that his body had been stolen. This is troubling news indeed.

I wonder if we can rightly appreciate her joy. When Jesus came to her and made himself known to her she realized that he was not only alive, but right there with her. He let Mary be the first eyewitness of the resurrection, and sent her to tell the others. In this sense she was the first evangelist who spoke as a witness to the resurrection.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Mary's message has not changed over the years. She saw the Lord, risen from the dead, perfectly alive. He remains the risen Lord. The message of resurrection is for you and for me, for all people in every generation. It is the message which speaks of the hope all Christians have of rising with their Lord 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.

Acts 13:26-31 - Lectionary for Mary Magdalene

7/21/2021

7/21/21
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.

The apostle Paul, preaching in Antioch, said something extremely timely for us as well as for those in Antioch. In Acts 13:27 he observed that the people who heard the Scripture read every Sabbath in Jerusalem still didn't recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Because they didn't understand the Scriptures, they condemned Jesus to death.

Our world as a whole is living in darkness. They don't recognize that Jesus is the Messiah. They don't understand the Scriptures or take them into account in their thinking. For this reason, when confronted with ideas which are plainly present in Scripture, such as the reality and gravity of sin, the need for a substitute for sin, and the exclusivity of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, our world takes offense or scoffs at the simple Christian truth.

We miss what is revealed plainly. Our minds are darkened. We are not willing to see the truth.

However, to all who do see the truth, to all who receive the grace of God by faith in Jesus, He gives eternal life and salvation.

Salvation in Christ, as Paul describes it in Acts, is not based on our feelings. It is not a shot in the dark. It is something which God has described in detail through the Law and the Prophets, and which he brings to pass through the historical events surrounding Christ's death and resurrection.

We don't have to guess. Jesus has done what is needed for our salvation. Rather than guessing or hoping, we trust in the true events of Jesus' death and resurrection. They are for you and for me, just as they are for the saints in Antioch.

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 73:23-28 - Lectionary for Mary Magdalene

7/20/2021

7/20/21
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.

We've heard that some people are "so heavenly minded they are no earthly good." While that may seem true, Psalm 73 would say something else. The Psalmist here rejoices that God is holding his right hand, giving him counsel, and will receive him into glory. There's a strong element of being heavenly minded here. Yet what do we think is meant by receiving counsel from God?

God gives us no counsel about how to conduct our affairs in the heavenly realm. He receives us there and describes what we will be like, but he never once tells us what we need to do. The heavenly places are, in Lutheran terminology, all about Gospel and not at all related to Law. It's all about what God has accomplished, not about what we do.

In fact, God's counsel is for the way we would live in the earthly realm. Would you like to be heavenly minded? That's well and good. But God teaches us how we need to live right here, loving and serving our neighbors diligently, wallking in God's truth. He tells us how to be good stewards of the planet. He tells us how to do what is good and right in our marriage and family relationships. He tells us how to have a good ethic in our work. He tells us how to care for our greater society, showing his loving care and concern to help the poor, rescue those who are in danger, and nurture those around us so they too can live lives which bring glory to God.

In short, to be heavenly minded is shown through earthly good. Earthly good doesn't make us heavenly minded, but being heavenly minded makes us do good things on earth.

So we receive the counsel of God. And we live this life as those who know what God's priorities and desires are.

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.

Proverbs 31:10-31 - Lectionary for Mary Magdalene

7/19/2021

7/19/21
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 Proverbs 31:10-31 is a tall order. Who can find an excellent wife? If she has to fulfill all of these qualities, all the time, the answer is that nobody can find an excellent wife. In fact, there is not going to be any one person who is able to keep up this kind of a life. Is it worthy? Certainly. Should a woman strive to model her life after this woman? No doubt about it. But will that woman face failure? Day after day, yes.

This is a precious wife indeed. She is worth more than many jewels.

Now many men, faced with this picture, would quickly say, "Just give me the money and I'll keep my own wife, even if she is inferior." In saying this I say nothing against my wife, nor do I criticize the many excellent wives I have known over the years. But if I have a wife who isn't able to run a successful business, who doesn't bring wealth, who doesn't create fine specialty fabrics from raw materials, who doesn't supervise a household of servants, and who actually has to sleep in sometimes, that's fine. I still love her dearly. I wouldn't mind having the jewels instead.

Normally I don't go in for allegorical interpretations of Scripture all that much. I think they can be dangerous. However, I don't see any way of dealing with this passage other than either allegorizing it or using it as bludgeon for the less than perfectly industrious and gifted woman. And I really want to avoid using the Scripture as a club to beat anyone.

In the New Testament quite plainly, and slightly less obviously in the Old Testament, we see God pictured as the husband of Israel, or the husband of the Church. What light does this shed on Proverbs 31? If we look at it in that context, we see that the Proverbs 31 woman is all of God's people, working together.

As a collective, we are able to do all the things the Proverbs 31 woman does. Not all of us can do all of the work. Sometimes we are strong and sometimes not. My talent and ability runs out, but by God's grace your talent and ability pick up there, or we overlap a little bit. What's the result? God is glorified and the whole family, as the one in the text, is blessed, prosperous, respected, and has no fear of the future.

Who can find an excellent wife? God has found an excellent wife, in the Church. We all get to contribute to this life of prosperity, joy, and delight.

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 1:39-56 - Lectionary for Visitation

7/1/2021

7/1/21
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.

There's a debate raging in the United States these days, as advocates for abortion on demand find their support waning, but have managed to grasp some measure of federal political control. Meanwhile, a recent decision by the Roman Catholic Council of Bishops has started the process of an official articulation of several central Christian doctrines, among them the sanctity of life, and a consideration of how to deal with public figures who claim to be Roman Catholic but deny central tenets of the Church. It has all the appearance of a huge conflagration, as the Roman Catholic Church asserts its historic views and many cultural Catholics who have long ignored those doctrines and practices are likely to be called to account.

It's all about life. Protecting the unborn is so very important because, after all, if they never have the opportunity to be born they will never be able to live a life which brings honor and delight to God and to the rest of the world. We are pledged to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Unborn children are the most vulnerable population there is.

Do they have "true personhood"? That in itself is a poorly defined concept, but we'll take it at face value for now. The assessment of Elizabeth and Mary at the visitation, as recorded in Luke 1:39-56, is that both the unborn John the Baptist, probably at about 24 weeks' gestation, and the unborn Jesus, probably at about 12 weeks' gestation, somehow recognize one another's presence, rejoice themselves, and bring delight to their mothers.

They are people. They are certainly very small people. John might have lungs that are mature enough to function, but Jesus doesn't. They both have beating hearts. They have DNA that is their own, not their mothers'. They respond to different stimuli. They wake and sleep. They move. They are growing.

What is it going to take for those voices in our culture, increasingly a culture of death, to admit that the unborn deserve protection, that they rightly receive the full scope of human rights?

Thankfully, opinion is moving in the direction of those small children. Approximately 50% of Americans consider themselves "pro life" but upwards of 85% think that abortion is not acceptable in just any and every situation.

We need to keep talking about these little children. The same practice that has snuffed out the lives of over 65 million Americans, legally, since 1973, has almost certainly ended the lives of scientists, artists, creative geniuses, beloved children, and beloved parents. Who knows how many prophets of God have been killed in this way?

Lord, have mercy. Bring us face to face with the joy of real, live children. Let us see, as did Mary, that God has done great things by bringing children into this 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.

Romans 12:9-16 - Lectionary for Visitation

6/30/2021

6/30/21
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.

Historic Christian church services frequently begin with a confession of sin. In fairly general terms we confess that we are sinful, that we fail to do some good things, that we do some bad things, and that we don't love God or our neighbor perfectly. The majority of Christians around the world also have a custom of private confession, in which the individual comes to the priest or pastor and makes confession of sin, receiving forgiveness, or absolution.

What if we don't think we have anything to repent of? What if we are fairly pleased with the way our life is lived?

On one level that's good. Really. I know you thought that I, as someone who certainly confesses that we all have a sinful nature that we can't overcome by any of our efforts, would immediately condemn people who are pleased with their lives. Not at all. If your life is absent from glaring sin and offense, that's a good thing. You are likely to be respected in the community, your family, friends, co-workers, and employers or employees are probably going to find it easy to get along with you, and your life won't have the kind of troubles that some lives do. It's good.

It doesn't mean that you have nothing to confess, though. We all have something to confess before God, and in the presence of our confessor. Let's unpack just a couple of verses, Romans 12:9-10, to see how.

"Let love be genuine." Do I really do this? Or do I pretend that I love God and my neighbor. Have I ever been guilty of this? What if my enemies are in my face. Do I love them regardless? Or do I need God's forgiveness for my attitude toward some people and situations?

"Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." Again, though I avoid a lot of evil things, do I really hate them, or do I secretly or publicly wink at them and excuse them. Am I concerned about the harm that evil practices can inflict on others? Even if I am safe from some of the evils that could kill me, am I bothered enough that those evils can kill? Considering drug use, physical abuse, poverty, and disease, am I willing to rescue others? Am I willing to work for good no matter what the consequences to me might be?

"Love one another with brotherly affection." Even the person I don't like? And what if my brother happens to be one of those people I don't like? Can I then dislike everyone else? No, maybe I'd better not make those concessions. I need to love others like I would love a brother who is very close to my heart. Even if it means doing something to help them.

"Outdo one another in showing honor." Even for those I don't respect? But . . . but . . . but . . .

We have plenty to confess. What's the good news in this passage? It is that Jesus is the one who forgives our sin. He shines his light on our lives and uses convicting words like these to confront us with our sin. But he is the forgiving Lord who has loved us as we are to love one another.

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 138 - Lectionary for Visitation

6/29/2021

6/29/21 This is an encore post, which originally appeared 7/23/19.
Psalm 138 - Lectionary for Pentecost 7C
7/23/19
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 three-year lectionary.

Modern Christians in the West seem to have three most pressing concerns. They are important, and should not be minimized. I would identify these three concerns as relevance, worship, and purpose. The third of them, purpose, is addressed in very simple terms in Psalm 138:8. Here the Psalmist affirms that “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me” (ESV). This should be the confidence of every Christian. While we are agonizing over decisions, hoping for divine guidance, the Lord is actively directing us.

As I say this, I recognize that there are a few, maybe more than a few, teachers who somehow find God speaking to them supernaturally and frequently. The rest of us may wonder why we don’t hear God’s voice telling us whether to get on the elevator or take the stairs. Maybe we are inferior.

In fact, the Lord will fulfill His purpose. He will direct us in the way we should go. He is, after all, sustaining all His creation. We are always receiving God’s guidance, but most of us seldom realize it. The places we go, the people we meet, the calls we miss and the calls we answer, all have a purpose. Occasionally we might understand the purpose. Normally we are unaware of it. But the Lord is not unaware of any of it. He uses those encounters as part of our human context, as part of His gracious care for us and for others. No life is purposeless. To say it is actively denies the God who has ordered all things by His grace.

Lord, do Your will in your people.

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 11:1-5 - Lectionary for Visitation

6/28/2021

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.

Matthew 16:13-19 - Lectionary for St. Peter and Paul, Apostles

6/24/2021

6/24/21
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.

In Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus asks the disciples who they say he is. Peter, answering for the Twelve, says, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (v. 16, ESV). In response to this confession, Jesus makes a statement which has seemed slightly cryptic for almost 2000 years.

Referring to Simon as "Peter," the rock, Jesus then uses a closely related word to say he will build his church on the rock.

Is the church built on Peter or on something else? Historic orthodox Christianity says it is built on Jesus. So how do we explain Jesus' statement? Normally we take the rock to be the confession that Jesus is the Christ.

We stand built on the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, the savior. There is no more sure foundation. Peter then becomes the spokesman of the truth, pointing to the truth.

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 46 - Lectionary for St. Peter and Paul, Apostles

6/22/2021

6/22/21
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.

"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God" (Ps. 46:4a, ESV). As a resident of the central part of the United States, rivers are a natural part of my life. The Missouri, the Mississippi, the Ohio - these three rivers have been instrumental in bringing food, communication, and prosperity to millions of people. The rivers' streams bring gladness.

God's presence, as the commander of the rivers, brings gladness. It is in him that we live and move and have our being. He is the security of his people.

Not all is well, however, in this river basin. In verse six there is contention. The nations are raging, and they rage against God.

Have you ever experienced a river in flood? Even a small creek can become a rushing torrent which will wash away anything that comes in contact with it.

In the same way, God, the mighty ruler of all, uses the same water of the Holy Spirit to bring joy to His people and to remove the corruption of his enemies. He brings desolations (v. 8) to the end of making an end of wars.

The prayer of the Christian, then, is that we would receive the living water of the Holy Spirit with joy and delight.

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 15:1-21 - Lectionary for St. Peter and Paul, Apostles

6/21/2021

6/21/21
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.

We recognize Acts chapter 15 as a foundational gathering in Church history. In this passage, which scholars generally date in the spring of the year 51, the question had arisen whether Gentiles could become Christians without first converting to Judaism. Additionally, it was unclear whether they would need to take on Jewish law and customs or not.

If we think about it, this was a really huge question. There was no known background for answering it. What would the people recognized as leader of the Christians, assembled in Jerusalem, do? Acts 15:2 and 15:6 both attest to there being a large amount of discussion and debate, and that the discussion involved significant disagreement. This was not a friendly picnic in the park.

Peter's experience at the household of Cornelius, recorded in Acts chapter 10, became very important in the discussion. Though we don't have a clear identification of what Paul and Barnabas brought to the table, Galatians suggests that the same kind of dispute drove them to Jerusalem for the consultation. Paul had been bringing the Gospel to non-Jewish people. They were believing and living as Christians, apart from the dietary customs and other cultural habits of Judaism.

What was the conclusion? Salvation can come to Gentiles, just as to Jews, regardless of their cultural differences. However, in the end of the decision, converts are cautioned to avoid a few things which would be culturally very offensive to Jews. This was to avoid burning bridges across the cultures which could bring people to Christ.

The decisions of Acts 15 are consistent with Old Testament precedent, by which people from any nation could join into Israel, God's covenant people. However, in the New Testament context, the association is done by trusting Jesus and receiving his grace through faith in him, rather than by changing cultural habits and following a series of laws.

God still calls people to himself. Salvation is still, and has always been, by God's grace, received by faith. We still do well to offer that grace to others, and to avoid erecting cultural barriers which would drive others away. We allow the Lord to convert people, changing them from inside out. We trust he is able to do it.

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 1:57-80 - Lectionary for St. John the Baptist

6/17/2021

6/17/21
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.

We've all witnessed proud parents singing the praise of their children, even the newborn ones. It's normal and healthy. We should be pleased with who they are and their achievements, even those like opening their eyes or holding our fingers.

Zechariah is a little different. Is he a proud father? No doubt. But he is focused on how John would direct people to the Christ, who had not yet been born.

The life of the Christian is to be taken up in celebrating Jesus. It doesn't matter so much what we can do. What matters in the end is that Jesus has come to live a perfect life on our behalf and to purchase salvation for every one who believes.

John was a herald of Christ. He lived out his life as a faithful servant of the Gospel, telling all taht they could hear the true Lord and follow Him. The message never gets old. It never disappoints. Jesus is truly Lord 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.

Acts 13:13-26 - Lectionary for St. John the Baptist

6/16/2021

6/16/21
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 13:13-26, the leaders of a synagogue, recognizing Paul as a guest who was an esteemed teacher, asked him if he had any exhortation for the people. So far, it was more or less standard procedure for worship in the synagogue. That all changed rather quickly.

Paul promptly reminded all the people gathered of the one most important element of their faith. God is able to rescue people who have fallen into bondage. This is the Lord's desire. Paul gave four examples, and through these, he brought the people to know that salvation through faith in Jesus is just like being rescued from captivity in Egypt.

Israel, in bondage in Egypt, was rescued through Moses. This event would immediately remind the attendees at the synagogue of the Pssover and the journey through the Red Sea. It was all about someone (a lamb) dying for them so they could be released and be brought out of death and into life. Paul then fast forwarded to Saul, who was used by God to rescue them from sin and bondage. However, Saul, the earthly king, was replaced by David, the godly one. God's promise to David was that a king would be on his throne forever. This was fulfilled in Jesus. He is the one ruling in the name of God, on the throne of David, and who is able to die in our place and rescue us from bondage.

Salvation is in Jesus, the one who gave himself as a substitute for our sin, dying so we would live. This is the Gospel. Paul went there right away. Jesus, the deliverer, was right there for the people.

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 85:7-13 - Lectionary for St. John the Baptist

6/15/2021

6/15/21
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.

Psalm 85:12 boldly affirms that the Lord will give what is good. Here it is tied to an increase from the land. What conclusion can we draw from this? Economic prosperity is good. It is one of the ways God provides for people. The increase from the land means people can eat. This is a very good thing.

Verse seven ties the idea to peace that comes from the Lord. While we would certainly pray for internal peace, in God's kingdom we expect an outward peace as well. Yes, in Christ, no matter the turmoil of this world, I can have peace of mind, orderly affections, and comfort in my soul. But that doesn't put food on my table or on anyone else's.

The peace which brings prosperity includes safety from those marauding hordes who trample and burn your crops.

How does the Lord work this out? First, as we learn to love our neighbors as ourselves, we cultivate a peaceful and orderly community. We end up working for each other's good. This is voluntary in nature, so very different from the modern Marxist idea of forced collectivism. This comes from the bottom up.

Second, we start to see that the Lord of heaven and earth is able to work prosperity for all. It is not a zero sum game, competing for scanty resources. It is a world of a rising tide which can lift all the ships.

Third, we bring honor to God in all things. He is able to bless our land, as he already has through Christ's work to reconcile us to him.

The Lord pours out what is good. 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.

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

6/14/2021

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.

Mark 6:7-13 - Lectionary for St. Barnabas, Apostle

6/10/2021

6/10/21
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.

In Mark 6:7-13 Jesus sends his apostles out by twos. They are given authority over demons and were able to heal the sick as well as engage in proclamation of the Gospel.

All the needs of Jesus' apostles would be taken care of on their journey. They were not to take provisions, money, or extra clothing, though they were to wear sandals rather than going barefoot. They were to take a staff with them, which would provide them with some measure of comfort and a little bit of self-defense.

How did the apostles get by on this journey? People would take them in. What people? Probably people who had been rescued from illness or unclean spirits, or who were glad for the work the apostles were doing. Word would get around the communities that the people doing miraculous works of healing were there.

The apostles would normally be welcomed, but not uniformly. If a place would not receive them, the apostles could "shake off the dust" from their feet (v. 11, ESV), figuratively wiping their feet on the way out the door.

By and large, the work seemed successful, according to all the measures we have. They healed a lot of people, they proclaimed repentance, and apparently they were received most of the time.

The work of the Christian today is rather similar. Though we normally don't have Jesus' strict command not to provide for ourselves, Christians involved in many types of ministry receive their provision from the generosity of those they minister to. Over the years I've been involved in Christian work, even my walking stick has worn out and been replaced, not to mention many pairs of shoes!

Sadly, I have also been in several situations which have reminded me of the apostles' wiping of their feet on the way out the door. But it has not been very often. For the most part, I've had the honor of bringing God's words of hope and help to people who receive them gladly. The Lord has provided and has used me as his instrument of grace.

The work goes on. Keep laboring! Trust that the Lord is able to care for his own.

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 11:19-30; 13:1-3 - Lectionary for St. Barnabas, Apostle

6/9/2021

6/9/21
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.

Our reading in Acts 11 for the day of St. Barnabas introduces us to Barnabas, caling him "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" (v. 24, ESV). Barnabas not only introduced Saul to the Christians in Antioch, later becoming a common traveling companion of Paul, he also served an important purpose among the earliest Christians. He was the one appointed by the leaders in Jerusalem to find out whether the reports of Hellenists believing on Jesus were true. At that time there was still considerable question whether non-Jewish people could actually become Christians. Barnabas verified that indeed they could.

In this way, Barnabas was the point man who represented to the whole Church that the Gospel was for all nations, regardless of whether they had previously been converted to Judaism. It was an incredibly important realization, which has motivated world mission to this day.

Yes, the Gospel is for everyone. There is no people group, no language, no ethnicity, no place of origin where it would be inappropriate to deliver the message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ!

The realization of Barnabas also prohibits Christians from any sort of racist or xenophobic attitudes. If people from every background are to receive the grace of God, they most certainly are to receive our kindness as we express the love God has shed on us through Christ.

May we have grace to be like Barnabas, seeing clearly what Christ has done in every nation!

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 112 - Lectionary for St. Barnabas, Apostle

6/8/2021

6/8/21
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.

Money is something that most of us desire. If you ask a thousand people if they would be able to figure out what to do with a greater income than they have at present, virtually all of them would have some ideas. Psalm 112 speaks to our desire to find security, and it makes some specific comments about financial security.

Before I go on, I should state plainly that the statements in Psalm 112 should not be treated as a magic formula or an invariable plan. However, over time, we can find countless instances of the validity of the principle.

In verse five, the righteous man is generous and he lends. He acts with justice. How does it come out for him? He is not moved. There's a stability in the life of the person who treats people honorably and who is willing to allow his assets to help others.

Even if there are adversaries, the righteous person knows he has done what is right. Frankly, most other people in society recognize it as well. And what do we do for people who routinely do what is good, who are generous in the community, and who treat others right? When they're in trouble we normally reach out to protect them.

The Psalm very briefly draws a contrast, in verse ten. The wicked person? It doesn't say what is wicked about that person. But his life is a shambles. He's angry. He sees his wealth pass away. It is a matter of great distress!

Do we see the irony in this Psalm? The righteous person does good for the poor. The wicked person ends up in need of help from the righteous person.

It doesn't always work out this way, but in general, what do we learn? We want to do good, let our resources be used for good in the community, and live for the benefit of others. The Lord will provide for us. We don't need to fear.

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

6/7/2021

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.

John 10:1-10 - Lectionary for Pentecost Tuesday

6/3/2021

6/3/21
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.

There are times when even the best of teachers are misunderstood. This is precisely what happens with Jesus in John chapter ten. He initially sets out to explain that "the thief" and his representatives try to gather sheep away from their rightful shepherd, and that Jesus is the shepherd who cares for his "sheep," the people who hear his voice and respond to him.

Those who believe Jesus' words are his people, who know his voice and follow him. All who speak in opposition to Jesus are "thieves and robbers" (v. 8). Jesus will not have his sheep follow them.

This has been a matter of dissent among Christians for millennia. We always seem ready, on the one hand, to condemn those who would lead Christians astray. True doctrine must be protected. At the same time, there are voices, which some identify as those of thieves and robbers, who say they are right and that those others are the false teachers.

This whole episode in the work of Jesus calls for careful discernment. Christian teachers are required to evaluate Jesus' words carefully and fairly. We must constantly be ready to ask whether we are discerning what God has said rightly. The individual Christian must also be vigilant. It is a challenge to hear and understand Jesus well. But as we are hearing and understanding the words and works of Jesus carefully, we can know he will lead us faithfully as his sheep, caring for us just as we need.

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 8:14-17 - Lectionary for Pentecost Tuesday

6/2/2021

6/2/21
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.

The work of the Church is intended by God to call people to receive God's word. In Acts 8:14-17, the people of Samaria had received God's word. The apostles who were in Jerusalem wanted to be sure the Samaritans were in Christ. Apparently, in verse 16, the Samaritans had not shown some sign which was expected of those who had believed. The apostles laid hands on those Christians and they received the Holy Spirit. They showed the evidence the apostles could recognize.

We may not always recognize someone's trust in Jesus at first. It's very hard to read some people's reactions. This includes their reaction to the Gospel. We speak the truth of God. Some people hear. They might respond positively or not. And they might not let us know in any way we can identify.

Regardless, we do the same thing. We encourage them, we pray for them, we continue to care. The person who has heard the Gospel continues to hear. At some time, by God's grace, we hope to discern a positive response.

The Word of God and the Holy Spirit will not be hindered. God is working to draw all people to himself by the Gospel of Christ. He boldly proclaims forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God as a free gift. This is God's gift to the Samaritans and his offer to us as well.

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 85 - Lectionary for Pentecost Tuesday

6/1/2021

6/1/21
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.

Forgiveness is atricky thing. We perceive a wrong or we do something wrong. Sometimes there is a lingering coldness, possibly a refusal to speak or interact, often a desire for distance in hopes that time will act to heal the offense. This interruption in the relationship may last for years and even be carried to the grave. We may forgive, but it is often partial in nature.

God's forgiveness, as described in Psalm 85, is nothing like this. The sins of God's people had sent them into captivity. God brought them back, and, in verse two, he forgave them and covered their sin. In verse three, God put away his anger. When he does this, God is all merciful and restores his people. He saves his people, speaking peace to them (verses 7-8).

This is the truth of God which is manifested in mercy and forgiveness. It is active. It is restorative in nature. As we reflect on Psalm 85, we see God's mercy not only as something for which we give thanks, but also something we should imitate. As we see that we have endured offenses, rather than coldly pretending we were not hurt, we try, with God's help, to put away our anger and to seek reconciliation with those who have offended us. Our prayer is that in us, as in God, mercy and truth would meet, that righteousness and peace would kiss, and the world would be filled with truth and righteousness.

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 32:14-20 - Lectionary for Pentecost Tuesday

5/31/2021

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.

John 3:16-21 - Lectionary for Pentecost Monday

5/27/2021

5/27/21
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.

What is God's judgment? In John 3:16-21 it is that the light has come and that people preferred the darkness. This may seem an odd statement for those of us who think as 21st century Americans. Judgment is usually stated in negative terms. But here, the first aspect of judgment mentioned is the coming of God's light, Jesus, into the world.

By speaking in this way, Jesus tells Nicodemus that God's judgment is for good. All the work of God is for the good of his world. He's reconciling the world to himself. It's his desire to show loving care for the created order.

When we are confronted by the idea that God is working for good, that He is actually putting things in order to nurture us, to enlighten us, to make us like him, we also come face to face with our own ideals and desires. We are forced to ask whether we actually want God's kingdom to be at work in us. We have to ask if we are willing to be changed into his image.

Sadly, Jesus' reading of the world in this passage says we are not. We love the darkness rather than the light. We don't want to be changed. We want to change ourselves and to glorify our image.

What hope is there? The light is still shining into our world. Jesus, the light of the world, shines in the darkness. All who see their sin in his light and who turn from their sin to his forgiveness are rescued from the darkness of sin and death. This is Jesus' solemn 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.