Celebrate today the the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News that sets us free from the bondage of sin, death, and the Devil. What better way is there to celebrate that than by going to church today and rejoicing in God's Word and Holy Sacraments? And what better way than to ponder a hymn of Dr. Martin Luther? This one is not as well known as some of his other ones. This one is based on a 15th century German litany. It is rich with substance on this day when we celebrate that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, as revealed in Scripture alone!
Triune God, be Thou our stay;
O let us perish never!
Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,
And grant us life forever.
Keep us from the evil one;
Uphold our faith most holy,
And let us trust Thee solely
With humble hearts and lowly.
Let us put God’s armor on,
With all true Christians running
Our heavn’ly race and shunning
The devil’s wiles and cunning.
Amen, amen! This be done;
So sing we, “Alleluia!”
(LSB 505, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
An Angel, A Mediator
Read Job 33
Read 1 Kings 9
Elihu poetically describes a man afflicted, but notice that he stops short of saying that Job was suffering because of specific sins. Now, let's be clear - he does say that Job is sinful. But he doesn't really single Job out. He even seems to want to put Job at ease. He says that he will not pressure him heavily.
So, instead of harsh accusations, Elihu speaks in general terms. We all go through times of suffering, and probably almost all of the time we don't know "why." We ask God "why," and we want to hear him give a definitive "because" answer. We don't get one. And wisely Elihu doesn't try to make up reasons for "why" like Job's three friends did.
Instead, Elihu speaks of an angel, a mediator who could help in times of suffering. There is one who procures a ransom, that the suffering one might be restored. There is one who can restore our flesh to be like that of a youth (like Naaman's skin was restored to be like a baby's after his leprosy was cured). There is one who can redeem us from the pit (grave). There is one who has the light of life.
Elihu speaks of the coming Christ. He is an angel, that is, a messenger who proclaims good news to the poor in spirit. He is a mediator, the only mediator between God and man, who intervened to appease the wrath of God and who continues to plead to the Father on our behalf. He is the ransom, shedding his own holy, innocent, precious blood and giving his own life for our eternal life. He has bought us back from the kingdom of the devil and brought us into his gracious kingdom. And whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
What an incredible Savior! And what a hope in times of suffering. It is OK to ask God "why," but we have to be content if God does not give us the "because." In times like those, we should focus less on "why," and focus more on "who," that is, on Jesus Christ.
Maybe you are not in a hospital right now. Maybe you are not dealing with a chronic illness. Maybe you are not on hospice care, or even going through a difficult time. But you know someone who is. The one suffering goes through a million questions, feels terrible about themselves, and maybe lashes out at God. We have to point them to Jesus. He is love, and he is their only hope.
Ask Yourself:
Do I ask "why" questions about what is going on in my life?
Are those around me struggling to cope with a time of suffering?
How can I point myself and those around me toward Christ?
Pray:
Pray concerning what is on your heart today, and remember to ask God for boldness that you might point others to Jesus.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read 1 Kings 9
Elihu poetically describes a man afflicted, but notice that he stops short of saying that Job was suffering because of specific sins. Now, let's be clear - he does say that Job is sinful. But he doesn't really single Job out. He even seems to want to put Job at ease. He says that he will not pressure him heavily.
So, instead of harsh accusations, Elihu speaks in general terms. We all go through times of suffering, and probably almost all of the time we don't know "why." We ask God "why," and we want to hear him give a definitive "because" answer. We don't get one. And wisely Elihu doesn't try to make up reasons for "why" like Job's three friends did.
Instead, Elihu speaks of an angel, a mediator who could help in times of suffering. There is one who procures a ransom, that the suffering one might be restored. There is one who can restore our flesh to be like that of a youth (like Naaman's skin was restored to be like a baby's after his leprosy was cured). There is one who can redeem us from the pit (grave). There is one who has the light of life.
Elihu speaks of the coming Christ. He is an angel, that is, a messenger who proclaims good news to the poor in spirit. He is a mediator, the only mediator between God and man, who intervened to appease the wrath of God and who continues to plead to the Father on our behalf. He is the ransom, shedding his own holy, innocent, precious blood and giving his own life for our eternal life. He has bought us back from the kingdom of the devil and brought us into his gracious kingdom. And whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
What an incredible Savior! And what a hope in times of suffering. It is OK to ask God "why," but we have to be content if God does not give us the "because." In times like those, we should focus less on "why," and focus more on "who," that is, on Jesus Christ.
Maybe you are not in a hospital right now. Maybe you are not dealing with a chronic illness. Maybe you are not on hospice care, or even going through a difficult time. But you know someone who is. The one suffering goes through a million questions, feels terrible about themselves, and maybe lashes out at God. We have to point them to Jesus. He is love, and he is their only hope.
Ask Yourself:
Do I ask "why" questions about what is going on in my life?
Are those around me struggling to cope with a time of suffering?
How can I point myself and those around me toward Christ?
Pray:
Pray concerning what is on your heart today, and remember to ask God for boldness that you might point others to Jesus.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
God Himself is Present
A brief word on Job: Elihu enters the scene. He is a godly young man from a godly family who has entered the conversation at some point but only sat quietly and respectfully. Now he is compelled to speak. What is interesting about him is that when God will finally speak, there is a rebuke for the three friends, even a rebuke for Job, but none for Elihu. So what do we make of Elihu's words? He seems to get it right. His position is sort of "defense attorney for God," and while he says things that sound like the things the three friends said, he stops short of directly applying them to Job. We won't hear him say that Job's suffering is a direct result of specific sin. Elihu will argue, though, that God is just and that Job is a sinner - a confession that will come from Job's own mouth. Keep all that in mind. Perhaps we'll talk more about Elihu in the days ahead. But our main focus today has to be on the 1 Kings reading. It has to - it's too incredible! So...
Read Job 32
Read 1 Kings 8
This is a long and wonderful chapter that describes the incredible dedication of the temple. We hear that "the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord" (v. 11) This occurred when the ark of the covenant was brought in. And we should expect to hear this because the ark has been the location for the presence of God to this point. Now God would reside in his temple.
You hear Christians talk about God being present, and ask God to be present, and exhort others to be mindful of God's presence. But what does all that mean? Well, I can't answer what others think it means (and I'm almost sure that many focus only on God's "power" and miss all of the "redemption"), but I will point out what Solomon proclaims in his blessing, prayer, and dedication in this chapter. Solomon makes it clear that God's presence is to be a gracious, forgiving, merciful presence. A powerful one, to be sure, but definitely redemptive in nature.
This is why Solomon goes on about how we are all sinners, but how when people come to the temple to confess, heaven will hear and God will forgive. This is why Solomon and Israel slaughter thousands of animals (think of all the blood!). Those sacrifices were a means that God provided to deliver his forgiveness. They atoned for the sin of the people. God is gracious and desires to redeem his people! This is why Solomon talks about times of famine, persecution, difficulty, exile, etc. in the the context of sin and God's forgiveness. When the people repent, God will forgive.
This is the purpose of the temple. We see that purpose come to fulfillment in Christ, who is the very presence of God. Dying on the cross, he is the Lamb of God (even God Himself!) who atoned for the sins of the whole world. And, as we heard yesterday in our devotion, God continues to be present among us in grace.
God is not simply a big therapist who tells us to feel good about ourselves. He is not simply a source of power so that we can succeed in life. He is a just God who calls us to obedience and who punishes sin. He is also a loving God, whose gracious presence washes us clean in the blood of Jesus, so that we might come into his gracious favor again.
For our closing meditation and prayer, we concentrate on a great hymn:
1
God Himself is present: Let us now adore Him And with awe appear before Him.God is in His temple; All within keep silence; Humbly kneel in deepest rev’rence.He alone On His throne Is our God and Savior; Praise His name forever!
2
God Himself is present: Hear the harps resounding; See the hosts the throne surrounding.“Holy, holy, holy!” Hear the hymn ascending, Songs of saints and angels blending.Bow Your ear To us here: Hear, O Christ, the praises That Your Church now raises.
3
Fount of ev’ry blessing, Purify my spirit, Trusting only in Your merit.Like the holy angels, Worshiping before You, May I ceaselessly adore You.Let Your will Ever still Rule Your Church terrestrial As the hosts celestial.
(LSB 907, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Job 32
Read 1 Kings 8
This is a long and wonderful chapter that describes the incredible dedication of the temple. We hear that "the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord" (v. 11) This occurred when the ark of the covenant was brought in. And we should expect to hear this because the ark has been the location for the presence of God to this point. Now God would reside in his temple.
You hear Christians talk about God being present, and ask God to be present, and exhort others to be mindful of God's presence. But what does all that mean? Well, I can't answer what others think it means (and I'm almost sure that many focus only on God's "power" and miss all of the "redemption"), but I will point out what Solomon proclaims in his blessing, prayer, and dedication in this chapter. Solomon makes it clear that God's presence is to be a gracious, forgiving, merciful presence. A powerful one, to be sure, but definitely redemptive in nature.
This is why Solomon goes on about how we are all sinners, but how when people come to the temple to confess, heaven will hear and God will forgive. This is why Solomon and Israel slaughter thousands of animals (think of all the blood!). Those sacrifices were a means that God provided to deliver his forgiveness. They atoned for the sin of the people. God is gracious and desires to redeem his people! This is why Solomon talks about times of famine, persecution, difficulty, exile, etc. in the the context of sin and God's forgiveness. When the people repent, God will forgive.
This is the purpose of the temple. We see that purpose come to fulfillment in Christ, who is the very presence of God. Dying on the cross, he is the Lamb of God (even God Himself!) who atoned for the sins of the whole world. And, as we heard yesterday in our devotion, God continues to be present among us in grace.
God is not simply a big therapist who tells us to feel good about ourselves. He is not simply a source of power so that we can succeed in life. He is a just God who calls us to obedience and who punishes sin. He is also a loving God, whose gracious presence washes us clean in the blood of Jesus, so that we might come into his gracious favor again.
For our closing meditation and prayer, we concentrate on a great hymn:
1
God Himself is present: Let us now adore Him And with awe appear before Him.God is in His temple; All within keep silence; Humbly kneel in deepest rev’rence.He alone On His throne Is our God and Savior; Praise His name forever!
2
God Himself is present: Hear the harps resounding; See the hosts the throne surrounding.“Holy, holy, holy!” Hear the hymn ascending, Songs of saints and angels blending.Bow Your ear To us here: Hear, O Christ, the praises That Your Church now raises.
3
Fount of ev’ry blessing, Purify my spirit, Trusting only in Your merit.Like the holy angels, Worshiping before You, May I ceaselessly adore You.Let Your will Ever still Rule Your Church terrestrial As the hosts celestial.
(LSB 907, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Beauty
Read Job 31
Read 1 Kings 7
When the temple was completed it was then time to put all of the furnishings in it. These were very sacred items used in the worship of the One True God by Israel. All of them were holy, meaning that they were set aside for sacred purposes. Some of them were very costly. Some were ornate. Together they made the most magnificent building every made even more beautiful.
When it comes to architecture buildings are often evaluated concerning their form and function - aesthetics and practical usability, I suppose you could say. The objects in a room are judged likewise - their lines, shapes, colors, patterns, and how they compliment or supplement one another.
Really, the temple must have been the most stunning sight on the planet. And why shouldn't it be? That was the place where God Himself came to be with his people (as we'll hear tomorrow). That was the place where God came to forgive sins, and to make a people his own. That was the place where heaven came down to visit earth. Beautiful.
Jesus tells his disciples that he has come to replace the temple. Maybe he didn't look that ornate or beautiful (in fact, Isaiah prophesied that there would be nothing about his appearance that would make us desire him), but in the person of Jesus Christ, heaven had indeed bowed down to earth to touch us with grace. Where did God come to forgive sins and make people his own? In Jesus. This is why when Jesus died and finally and fully won forgiveness through the cross, the temple curtain was torn. Jesus' flesh was torn so that the curtain that separated men from God would be torn in two.
And that is not all! Jesus continues to be in and among us. He has promised to be with us if even two or three gather together in his name. He promises to be with us to the very end of the age. He promises to continue to help us in times of trouble, to forgive all our offenses, to lead and guides us, to protect us from all harm, and to bring us safely to our heavenly home!
And one of the ways he powerfully delivers all this is in the divine worship service (that means in church!) Heaven bends down to earth to touch us with grace. So, is it any wonder why some of our Sanctuaries are beautiful and ornate? I'm not saying that have to be. Since North America is the 3rd largest mission field on the planet, maybe there is something to having simple structures that are easier to setup and maintain in an environment that is hostile to the Christian message (and it is hostile! - if not violently, then with a subtle philosophy and antichrist "religious" teachings). I guess I am trying to say that I understand simple, plain, and functional.
But I think our Sanctuaries - and even more so: our lives - should be beautiful. God has given us abilities. We have gifts. Talents. We have creative expression and an appreciation for the beautiful. We can and should use that to glorify God and proclaim Christ - painting, sculpting, singing, composing music, playing instruments, designing, building, crafting, etc. We can use the arts for the glory of God.
After all, the temple was beautiful, Christ is and always will be beautiful, and because of his transforming love, we are beautiful too.
Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
What gifts can I use for the Lord in my church?
How can I use my gifts to proclaim Christ outside of church?
Pray:
Pray from your heart concerning the answers to the questions. Thank the Father for the beauty of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus. Ask for his strength for holy living. Ask for his guidance as you use your creative expression to proclaim him.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read 1 Kings 7
When the temple was completed it was then time to put all of the furnishings in it. These were very sacred items used in the worship of the One True God by Israel. All of them were holy, meaning that they were set aside for sacred purposes. Some of them were very costly. Some were ornate. Together they made the most magnificent building every made even more beautiful.
When it comes to architecture buildings are often evaluated concerning their form and function - aesthetics and practical usability, I suppose you could say. The objects in a room are judged likewise - their lines, shapes, colors, patterns, and how they compliment or supplement one another.
Really, the temple must have been the most stunning sight on the planet. And why shouldn't it be? That was the place where God Himself came to be with his people (as we'll hear tomorrow). That was the place where God came to forgive sins, and to make a people his own. That was the place where heaven came down to visit earth. Beautiful.
Jesus tells his disciples that he has come to replace the temple. Maybe he didn't look that ornate or beautiful (in fact, Isaiah prophesied that there would be nothing about his appearance that would make us desire him), but in the person of Jesus Christ, heaven had indeed bowed down to earth to touch us with grace. Where did God come to forgive sins and make people his own? In Jesus. This is why when Jesus died and finally and fully won forgiveness through the cross, the temple curtain was torn. Jesus' flesh was torn so that the curtain that separated men from God would be torn in two.
And that is not all! Jesus continues to be in and among us. He has promised to be with us if even two or three gather together in his name. He promises to be with us to the very end of the age. He promises to continue to help us in times of trouble, to forgive all our offenses, to lead and guides us, to protect us from all harm, and to bring us safely to our heavenly home!
And one of the ways he powerfully delivers all this is in the divine worship service (that means in church!) Heaven bends down to earth to touch us with grace. So, is it any wonder why some of our Sanctuaries are beautiful and ornate? I'm not saying that have to be. Since North America is the 3rd largest mission field on the planet, maybe there is something to having simple structures that are easier to setup and maintain in an environment that is hostile to the Christian message (and it is hostile! - if not violently, then with a subtle philosophy and antichrist "religious" teachings). I guess I am trying to say that I understand simple, plain, and functional.
But I think our Sanctuaries - and even more so: our lives - should be beautiful. God has given us abilities. We have gifts. Talents. We have creative expression and an appreciation for the beautiful. We can and should use that to glorify God and proclaim Christ - painting, sculpting, singing, composing music, playing instruments, designing, building, crafting, etc. We can use the arts for the glory of God.
After all, the temple was beautiful, Christ is and always will be beautiful, and because of his transforming love, we are beautiful too.
Thanks be to God!
Ask Yourself:
What gifts can I use for the Lord in my church?
How can I use my gifts to proclaim Christ outside of church?
Pray:
Pray from your heart concerning the answers to the questions. Thank the Father for the beauty of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus. Ask for his strength for holy living. Ask for his guidance as you use your creative expression to proclaim him.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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