Remember, the shrimp boil fund raiser is Saturday January 28, 11am to 2 pm. Cost is $15 per plate. Invite your friends.
Brothers and sisters, I hope you can attend worship Sunday to hear God’s word and receive His gifts of forgiveness. We continue in the season of Epiphany, a season that emphasizes the revelation or epiphany of who Jesus is and why He came to earth to live among us. The gospel lesson indicates two reasons He came—to add followers/disciples, and to help people in their need. But note, both of these purposes point to His greater, eternal mission. By His death and resurrection Jesus heals us of our sin, and restores us from the curse of death.
The LSB hymns chosen for Sunday January 28 are #849 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness; #841 O Son of God in Galilee; #839 O Christ, Our True and Only Light; and those present for communion will sing #628 Your Table I Approach; and #921 On What Has Now Been Sown.
Scripture texts for the day are Psalm 27:1-9, 14; Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-25.
Psalm 27 is a psalm of King David. In the psalm David speaks of God in terms of protection. Trusting that God was at his side, David was confident. But the last half of the psalm indicates there were times David was uncertain; he prayed that God would make Himself known and not be hidden. In the end, David tells himself and others to be patient, and to trust and wait on the Lord. God is always present, even if He is hidden from view. Trust Him. Trust His word, not what the world and His enemies say. He is your strength against all adversaries, including the devil and the consequences of sin. Because God has redeemed you with the blood of Jesus, you belong to Him; you are His and He will care for you; you have nothing to fear.
The Old Testament reading from Isaiah 9 is a portion of Isaiah’s prophecy often recited at Christmas time. Using images of people moving from darkness to light, and from sadness to rejoicing, God foretells the restoration He will bring upon His people. He mentions specifically the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali—these were two of the sons of the ancient patriarch Jacob, and in summary also describe the tribal lands given their descendants after the exodus out of Egypt. These two tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali, were given land in the northern and eastern regions of the Promised Land. Because of their border location, they were always on alert to attack from foreign armies. About the time of Isaiah, they were the first to be attacked and taken captive by the Assyrians. God makes an announcement that they should remain hopeful. They would be among the first to restored. It was a promise that a defeated and discouraged people would hold on to and take great comfort in. Centuries later, the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali were generally aligned with what came to be known as the region of Galilee. As Jesus begins His ministry among the people of Galilee, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in a new and greater way.
The Epistle lesson continues what we began last Sunday, a reading of St. Paul’s letter to the congregation in Corinth, in Greece. Paul began his letter thanking God for making Christian followers there. People were believing in Jesus. However, members of the congregation were also at odds with one another, divided by several issues. One of the reasons Paul was writing the letter was to guide them to resolve the conflicts. In the reading for Sunday Paul addresses an issue of favoritism, that is, the congregation was divided over who was their favorite preacher. Paul admonishes and corrects them. The only one they should be drawn to is Jesus. Paul and the other preachers each had a role in teaching the faith. But they are on the same team with the same purpose—to lead people to Jesus, the only one who is essential to our salvation.
In the gospel lesson, Matthew 4:12-25, Jesus chooses His first disciples. Then He begins His ministry by calling people to repentance, alerting them God was now visibly in their midst. The kingdom of God is at hand! And Jesus backed up His claims of divine care, authority, and power, by performing miracles. He gives an insight as to why He had come. Much more than temporary physical healing and restoration, He was getting ready to demonstrate healing and restoration of souls through His death and resurrection. Through the gospel and by the power of the Holy Spirit He continues to make disciples, and care for people still today. Amidst the darkness and sorrows of this life, Jesus is the Light and joy we need. Heed His words. Follow Him.
COLLECT: Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal us and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Join us for worship 10:30 Sunday mornings. Bible study and Sunday School are at 9. Services are streamed on Facebook Live.
