Brothers and sisters, next Saturday May 6 is the date for our German Sausage dinner.
But before we get to Saturday, we do have a worship service tomorrow, April 30. Traditionally this 4th Sunday of Easter has been treated as the “Good Shepherd “ Sunday, a time to remember that our risen and living Savior is still defending us, His sheep. and sending out His Holy Spirit to gather even more believers into His sheepfold. To summarize the 23rd Psalm, our Lord will lead us through death to the peace and comfort of His heavenly pasture. This year our Scripture readings are chosen from the Series A lectionary. Rather than emphasizing Jesus as Shepherd of the flock, the gospel reading will be Jesus words in John 10:1-10. Jesus declares Himself to be the door to the Sheepfold. Liars and false teachers will try to attack us suggesting other ways to God. They are agents of the devil trying to rob our souls. Jesus urges us to listen for His voice that we might have true life.
We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One found on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #478 The Day of Resurrection; #530 No Temple Now, No Gift of Price; and #915 Today Your Mercy Calls Us. Those present for communion will sing #627 Jesus Christ Our Blessed Savior.
Scripture readings are Psalm 23; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter:2:19-25; and John 10:1-10.
Psalm 23 is an often repeated psalm, describing the idyllic life of those who God will bring through death to live in the peace and comfort of His eternal presence. The psalm also encourages hope in the here and now as we look forward to the day when all of God’s plan of salvation will be complete.
Acts 2:42-47 describes life amongst Christians in the days soon after Jesus’ ascension, and Pentecost. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and the breaking of bread, and prayers. The love of Christ flowed through them as they combined resources to care for those in need. Physical needs and spiritual needs were being addressed. These early Christians motivated by the Holy Spirit and Christ’s actions of love continue to be role models for the church in our day. Pray that the Church would be unified in faith, and demonstrate Christ’s love throughout the world. In what ways could our congregation do better to express Christ’s love? In what ways could you better express Christ’s love? We love because He first loved us.
In 1 Peter 2:19-25, the apostle encourages disciples of Jesus to follow Him even when it includes suffering. Not merely suffering the troubles of this broken world, but to be willing to be a witness for Christ even when we are abused and ridiculed for it. Jesus suffered and died to heal the hurts of our sin. He searched for you like a shepherd looking for stray sheep, willing to do anything to save you from the devil’s attack. He died for you and now calls you His own.
In John 10:1-10 Jesus identifies Himself as the door that gives God’s sheep access to His eternal protection and care. The devil is a liar and a thief. He speaks through false teachers seeking to steal your soul. Listen to Jesus so that you would not be misled.
COLLECT: Almighty merciful God, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit so that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name, and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
