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Mark 6:14-29 - Lectionary for the Martyrdom of John the Baptist

8/26/2021

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8/26/21
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.

Mark 6:14-29 gives us some of the details of Herod's execution of John the Baptist. It was a grisly event, on the occasion of Herod's birthday. And we can reasonably believe, based on verses 26 and 16 that Herod was genuinely sorry. Verse 20 says that Herod was perplexed by John's testimony but that he heard it willingly. After John's death, he even thought Jesus was doing miracles in John's power.

Herod was right, though he had the characters reversed. John's powerful testimony came from the power of Jesus. Herod had been hearing the truth of God, the words of life. This was precisely what he needed to hear.

What is our attitude when we are exposed to God's word? Like Herod, we might both fear and desire it. Like Herodias we might despise it. Or maybe, by the mercy of God, we will hear it, take heed, and trust that the Lord can use it to turn our hearts toward Him.

Jesus is the Lord of life. He is still the hope of the world. May we have grace to receive him gladly, knowing he is the one who can forgive our sin and bring us with him as heirs of the resurrection.

After this post, we'll take a brief break until Monday, September 6. The lectionary readings for feasts and festivals don't always align with weekly progress all that well.
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Romans 6:1-5 - Lectionary for the Martyrdom of John the Baptist

8/25/2021

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8/25/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Jesus loves to forgive sin. Maybe you think that's great news. I do too. But why is it such a good thing? Theologian Michael Horton says frequently that the reason matters. Do we say, "Jesus loves to forgive and I love to sin, so it work out great!"?

The apostle Paul will have none of it. In Romans chapter six he uses probably the most forceful way there is in Greek to say that we don't continue in sin. He then reminds the Romans that as they believed in Crhist and were baptized they "died to sin" (v. 2). They were buried in baptism, which the Lutheran Reformers said was the equivalent of drowning the sinner.

Where does this break down? If we read ahead to Romans chapter seven Paul recognizes that even though he hates sin, he is still drawn to it. That old sinner Paul, though drowned in baptism, swims awfully well.

Let's be really clear. We don't drown anyone in baptism. The water is symbolic of drowning, and also of washing. But we do believe, with the historic church, that the water along with God's Word does have an effect. It delivers God's promise of forgiveness, and does it in a very concrete way, a way commanded by Jesus and affirmed by all Christian practice.

Have you been united with Christ in baptism? Then live as an heir of his resurrection. What, then, do we do when we realize our sin? We ask forgiveness and we strive again to live as his people, who have died to sin and live to 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.

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Psalm 71:1-8 - Lectionary for the Martyrdom of John the Baptist

8/24/2021

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8/24/21
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.

Research shows that trust in institutions and individuals has dropped to extreme lows in recent years, in Western societies. I'm not going to cite the studies. You wouldn't trust me . . . or them. So I'll just say it. We sure look like a people with trouble trusting. Maybe it's reasonable caution. Maybe not.

I do know, however, that humans have an intrinsic need to trust someone or something. We all want to. Psalm 71:1-8 speaks of God as a refuge, the one we can hope in and trust (v. 5). And look at verse six. When does the Psalmst say this trust began? Before he was even born.

This leads us to consider John the Baptist, who leapt in his mother's womb when the newly-conceived Jesus walked into the room inside Mary's womb. John was trusting Jesus the savior even then.

Who is the Christian to trust? There are certainly plenty of candidates, but it is only Jesus who proves himself worthy of all our trust. No matter what may happen in this life, Jesus is the one who shows he can deliver resurrection and an eternal hope.

Trust me? Maybe not. Trust 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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Revelation 6:9-11 - Lectionary for the Martyrdom of John the Baptist

8/23/2021

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8/23/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

How long, O Lord? Just a little longer. In Revelation 6:9-11 the souls of those who have died for their faith cry out to God. How long? Are you ready yet to judge those who have rejected you and have killed us? When will you bring vengeance?

The Lord's answer to them is a resounding, "not yet." The mercy of God, that great mercy which has rescued all who believe on Jesus from eternal death, is not yet finished. The Lord is still calling people to himself. Just as he called those who cry out to him out of their darkness, out of futility, out of sin and death, he is calling others to himself. Those who despise him will continue their work for now, and the work of sinful man is to sin. Yes, this may include killing Christians. It does include killing Christians.

We may rightly be concerned about public health issues, with diseases killing thousands around the world. But it's also a public health issue when people are persecuted and killed for their Christian faith. So far the 21st century has proven to be a dangerous time for Christians to live.

How long? A little longer. Those who die in Christ are not eternally dead. By his resurrection Jesus showed that he conquered death. There is no need to fear. He is able to keep all who trust in him. The body they may kill. God's Word abides still. Jesus is victorious even over death. He can keep you and me also.

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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