Category: Old Testament - Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry

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.

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.

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.

Psalm 43 - Lectionary for Pentecost Monday

5/25/2021

5/25/21
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.

How do we make sense of this world? Psalm 43:3 says we do it by the power of God's light and truth. These gifts of God lead us where we need to go - directly to God's altar.

It is at the altar of sacrifice that we realize God has made atonement for our sins. It is at the altar of sacrifice that we recognize our need for Jesus, the perfect substitute, dying in our place. It is at the altar of sacrifice that we can finally admit that we were unable to take care of our greatest problem, the problem of sin, and that we needed God in Christ to take care of it for us.

This light of God draws us through an increasingly dark world, a world of turmoil, a world which casts us down (verse 5). Instead of that turmoil, God in Christ gives us life and hope.He delivers us and provides a refuge.

This is exactly the hope we need. For this reason we give thanks and praise to God, who is able to deliver us from sin and death, and to provide us a place of safety and peace.

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 57:15-21 - Lectionary for Pentecost Monday

5/24/2021

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.

Psalm 85 - Lectionary for Pentecost Eve

5/18/2021

5/18/21
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 has an interesting view of time. God was favorable to his land. He restored his people. He forgave. He withdrew wrath.

In short, God already did all sorts of good for his people Israel. It's over. It's done.

This should be the end of the story. What more is there to expect? We really can't anticipate much more. God has shown his favor.

Did it last? From God's perspective it should have lasted. The work of God was completed.

Sadly, God's people are like sheep. We go astray easily. Sometimes it is by mistake, because like sheep we aren't all that smart. Sometimes it is on purpose, because like sheep we are easily frightened into not trusting our shepherd. We run away and try to escape.

What's the cry of the Psalm? Lord, restore us. We need to see your favor. We need your forgiveness. We need you to withdraw your wrath. We need you to speak peace to us.

At the end of verse eight we find confirmation of our tendency. The Psalm asks that God's people should be prevented from returning to their folly.

We can call out to God the same way today. Have we turned to folly? You bet. Do we endure times of trouble? Indeed. Do we need God to show favor? No doubt about it.

When God's faithfulness is springing up from under us and his righteousness is falling from the sky, we want to be right in the middle, between the two, like a sandwich. There, God will catch us with his favor. There, we can dwell in 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.

Joel 3:1-5 - Lectionary for Pentecost Eve

5/17/2021

5/17/21
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.

The people of this world don't seem to mind plundering God's people or God's resources, when it fits their desires. In Joel 3:1-5 God condemns several particular practices. The people of Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia have displaced God's people Israel and have confiscated and divided up the land which God had apportioned for the different tribes of Israel. Some of the people have been taken into slavery and have been considered as stakes to be wagered for. Human trafficking, particularly for the sex trade, has been practiced, and the perpetrators have gone to such an extent in their folly that they would sell a girl, take the proceeds in wine, and drink it up, leaving themselves with nothing of value.

Are these the acts of a people God should respect? Not at all! In verses 4-5 God has no respect for this kind of crime. It is unwarranted folly. God will return payment in kind. The people of Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia will be plundered, scattered, and sold into slavery if they should survive.

Our world remains in a terrible state. Human trafficking is rampant. People rejoice in successful fraud. There are power-brokers engaged in profiteering.

Those who think God won't notice need to think again. None of it has escaped God's notice. He understands our human injustice. And one day, it will be repaid.

This should strike fear in the hearts of those who wish to use their power and authority, or their resources, including their intelligence, to plunder, dominate, and oppress. Your desires are known to God, and your actions are known to others. He will settle accounts in his time.

What comfort does this bring to those who are downtrodden, who have been scattered, whose resources have been confiscated, who have been treated as objects to be bought, sold, used, and discarded? God also sees you. He is not going to be silent forever.

Christians believe that in Christ, even death and hell have been conquered. Those who are looking to him in hope will find life and assurance in this world as well. There is nothing that can harm us eternally. No matter how we may have suffered, Jesus has overcome all who would try to destroy us. This is the Christian hope. God will put everything to rights in his time.

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 110 - Lectionary for The Ascension of Our Lord

5/11/2021

5/11/21
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.

"If only the Lord would come and usher in his kingdom of love and peace!" Yes, we long for the peace of the Lord. We wait eagerly for the tine when wars will end and when peace will cover the world. We want harmony. We want the lion to lie down with the lamb.

Psalm 110 describes the process of God bringing peace. His rule is established with his scepter as he sits on his throne. His people offer themselves to him. It's a time of praise and joy.

Sadly, not all is peace and joy. In verse five the kings of the earth are not ready to embrace God's rule. They object quite forcefully. And the true God of all asserts his authority and rule. He shatters them. Those wo reject God's rule are, eventually, destroyed.

At the end of the process there is peace and harmony. Yet it doesn't come apart from God's work of judgment. Those who trust in him, as he has revealed himself in the Scripture, they will partake of his peace and joy. Those who God's redemptive love will reap destruction. It will be a sad day for them, full of tragedy.

How are we going to gain when the Lord ushers in his kingdom of love and peace? By trusting in him, as he has revealed himself in these last days, with the love of Christ for us. In that way, as we receive from his forgiveness and graces, we will see that everlasting kingdom of love.

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

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

5/10/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5/6/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5/5/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God as Merciful Above All Else

5/4/2021

Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
5/4/21

Augustine. Exposition on the Book of Psalms. Schaff, Philip (editor). New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co, 1886. Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers: Series 1: Volume VIII. Re-published 2014, Catholic Way Publishing. Kindle electronic edition, ISBN-13: 978-1-78379-372-3.
“Psalm 115"

Commenting on Psalm 115:1, Augustine claims that praise is due the Lord primarily due to his mercy, by which he provides for the needs of his people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338635, par. 1). In verse two we see the joining of mercy and truth. God's judgment is in truth but he shows mercy in judgment so as to let the nations know he is the merciful God (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338644, par. 2). This, to Augustine, explains verse three and the use of "heaven above." This is not merely in heaven but at an exalted place in heaven (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338644, par. 3).

Verse four contrasts God with the idols made by humans. Augustine observes the difference between a god made of materials and a divine presence in the Holy Spirit, who cannot be made (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338656, par. 4). In verses 5-7 the weaknesses of the idols are described. This leads Augustine to observe that the people who make the idols are infinitely greater than the idols themselves (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338664, par. 5). Even the wild animals are more expressive than the idols, sometimes even expressing their superiority by building nests in idols.

Augustine observes that some would seem superior in what they worship, but that Paul condemns all of it in Romans 1 when he rejects worship of the creation (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338677, par. 6). There is a possible objection in the creation of objects used in worship, for instance, the vessels for the Sacrament. Yet these are used in worship but not to be worshiped (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338689, par. 7). Verses 8-9, then, go on to describe the difference. Those who trust idols are blind. Those who hope in the Lord see clearly (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338694, par. 8).

In the end, all our hope is centered on the mercy of God (vv. 10-13). For this reason, we find a benediction in verse 14. God raises up children to draw all nations together in one, in Christ (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338706, par. 10). The Psalm then continues speaking of the blessed nature of God's people. Again, Augustine finds this to come through God's merciful provision (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338719, par. 12).

Psalm 146 - Lectionary for St. Mark, Evangelist

5/2/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5/1/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 61 - Lectionary for Easter Wednesday

4/28/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms Set Patterns

4/27/2021

Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
4/27/21

Augustine. Exposition on the Book of Psalms. Schaff, Philip (editor). New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co, 1886. Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers: Series 1: Volume VIII. Re-published 2014, Catholic Way Publishing. Kindle electronic edition, ISBN-13: 978-1-78379-372-3.
“Psalm 114"

Augustine introduces Psalm 114 by reminding his readers that the things in Scripture are to serve as examples to us (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338567, par. 1). The events of the Exodus, related in the opening of Psalm 114, may also predict future things. It also asks what happened, that nature operated in such a way as to bring Israel into the land of promise. Augustine sees it as a call of God's grace, as given to Abraham, inviting us also to receive the same promises (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338580, par. 3).

From a typological perspective, then, Augustine sees Egypt as bondage, similar to this world, from which we need to be delivered (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338589, par. 4). He goes on to tie various other Old Testament events to the Exodus (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338601, par. 5). For this reason, Christians can consider themselves to be children of Abraham by faith. At the same time, this calls for self-examination. After all, if Israel fell into bondage, a Christian could as well (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338618, par. 6). For this reason, in verses 7 and following, the people are to consider the fearful nature of God. His might could condemn, but in verse 8 he also rescues his people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338631, par. 9).

Psalm 2 - Lectionary for Easter Tuesday

4/24/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel 3:8-28 - Lectionary for Easter Tuesday

4/23/2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 100 - Lectionary for Easter Monday

4/20/2021

4/20/21
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.

Why do God's people give Him thanks? It is not, as a skeptic friend of mine once said, because God is stuck on himself and can't do without praise. Psalm 100:5 tells us it is because God is good. He is the faithful and loving God. he keeps generation after generation of his people in grace and peace.

Christians are well counseled to recount God's good deeds. As he has shown himself in the past to be the God who provides for our needs, we can expect he will remain the God who supplies. As God has shown his reconciling love in Christ, we can be hopeful for reconciliation. As God has shown his name to be holy, we can trust in God's holy care, making us holy as well.

What has the Lord done in the past? We can read much of it in the Scripture. All his works are good and faithful. He will never change. When we reflect on this love of God, we return him praise all our days.

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

A Heap of Care for the Humble

4/20/2021

Tuesdays are for the Old Testament
4/20/21

Augustine. Exposition on the Book of Psalms. Schaff, Philip (editor). New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co, 1886. Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers: Series 1: Volume VIII. Re-published 2014, Catholic Way Publishing. Kindle electronic edition, ISBN-13: 978-1-78379-372-3.
“Psalm 113"

The opening words of Psalm 113, addressed to "children," Augustine takes to refer to people of all ages, just as in the New Testament Christians are frequently called children (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338515, par. 1). The job of all God's children is to praise the Lord (vv. 2-3_ The praises of God are to continue forever, from the time we open our mouths to praise him (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338519 par. 2).

Verse four makes a seeming distinction among men, pointing out that "the Lord is high above all heathen" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338527, par. 3). Augustine notes that the pagans worship things in the heavens, but God is presented here as above the heavens.

Despite God's exalted nature, Augustine recognizes him as caring for the humble (v. 5). God's work is to exalt the humble and raise them up to be with him (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338536, par. 4). Verses 7-8 go on to describe God raising people from the dust. Augustine sees this as God's work for all sorts of people (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338552, par. 6). He goes on to speak of the great value of God's redemption in terms of relative measures. "The whole heap of corn compared with the separate chaff may seem to contain few in number, yet considered by itself, it is abundant" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 338557, par. 7). Though the Church may seem small, it is exalted by God.

Exodus 15:1-18 - Lectionary for Easter Monday

4/19/2021

4/19/21
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.

Much biblical symbolism ties up the ideas of the Exodus and baptism. In our readings for Easter Monday we also have the vivid recollection of death and resurrection, which guides us through both baptism and Exodus.

In Exodus 15, Israel sings of the Lord's deliverance, bringing them through the waters of death and captvity in Egypt, giving them life but ending the lives of their pursuers.

Much of our contemporary world likes to think life is for everyone. And, on one level, it is. This is why Christians protect life. However, in matters of eternity, those who reject God and act as his enemies are bound for destruction.

On the other hand, those who realize they cannot rescue themselves from death, who look to God in hope, are brought out of the bondage of Egypt, rescued through the certain death of the Red Sea, and brought out of the watery grave to be raised to new life. This is the hope of the Christian. We have been transferred from death to life, through faith 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.

Psalm 16 - Lectionary for Easter Sunrise

4/16/2021

4/16/21
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.

We use Psalm 16 on Holy Saturday as well as Easter Sunrise. Let's take a look at verse 10, which fits this celebration very well. "You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption" (ESV).

Augustine of Hippo always made sure we were aware of the Psalms being about Jesus. Here, as we realize especially on Easter, Jesus was not allowed to see corruption. He died, yes. But he was placed in a tomb undergorund and didn't have time to decay. He was raised again to life.

When we die, we have every reason to expect that we will see corruption. In this we are different from Jesus. This is one of the main reasons that Christians have historically been relatively unconcerned with embalming. Our body can decay. Jesus did not decay. He rose from the dead and can raise us as well. There's no need to fear.

On Easte, then, and every day, we remember that Jesus remains the uncorrupted one who will raise us in the last day. He can 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.