Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of our risen and living Savior, Jesus Christ.
I begin this email by asking you to mark your calendars for Thursday May 18th. Those keeping track of days will notice that date is 40 days after Easter. It is also the anniversary of our exalted Lord’s ascension out of the sight of His disciples with the promise He will return to gather them and all believers. Jesus reigns with all authority, continuing to care for His Church. The Feast of the Ascension has been a tradition of the Church since before the 4th century. We will celebrate the Ascension with a service on the 18th at 6:30. You are encouraged to attend.
This Sunday, May 7, you may notice that the gospel lesson begins the lectionary shift from the Easter season and focusing on Jesus’ resurrection, to His Ascension and anticipation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (50 days after Easter), and to Jesus’ ministry continued through the members of His Church.
We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal (Lutheran Service Book). Hymns chosen for the day are #480 He’s Risen, He’s Risen (written by CFW Walther, the first president of the LCMS); #468 I am Content, My Jesus Ever Lives; and #687 Thine Forever, God of Love. Those present for communion will also sing #633 At the Lamb’s High Feast, and #652 Father, We Thank Thee.
Scripture texts to be read include Psalm 146; Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60; 1 Peter 2:2-10; and John 14:1-14.
Psalm 146 is the first of the so-called Hallelujah psalms, hymns of praise prefaced by the encouragement to “Praise the Lord”. It is also an acrostic psalm, that is, in the original Hebrew each subsequent line begins with the next letter of the alphabet. The psalmist praises God for His power and His acts of restoration, deliverance, and continued care. The psalmist reminds us to not trust in men for they are fickle and temporary, but instead rely on God for He is just, trustworthy, and eternal.
The selected verses from Acts 6 and 7 tell how the early Church established the office of deacon, an office of service caring for physical needs, freeing up the apostles and future evangelists and pastors to focus on spiritual matters and proclaiming the word of God. The work of one deacon named Stephen is highlighted. In his role as deacon, Stephen was led by the Holy Spirit to speak the good news of Jesus as well. His preaching and call to repentance angered a group of Jews. To silence Stephen they incited others to stone him to death. He is known as the first Christian martyr. His death reminds us that being a Christian and speaking about Christ can be dangerous. But he is also an example of courage and witness inspired by the Holy Spirit. Let us pray that we may remain faithful and bold when rejection and persecution threatens to silence us.
In the epistle lesson, St. Peter uses several descriptive metaphors to encourage Christians. As newborn infants we should desire to drink the “spiritual milk” of the gospel so we can grow up to salvation. Also, we Christians are “living stones” being built together on the foundation of Jesus that we might be His spiritual house. You are also a member of a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” people set apart by God to be different from the world. You belong to God, you are His people, and you have been shown His mercy in many ways, especially in the sacrificial death of Jesus who redeemed you from your sin. God loved you so much He sent His Son Jesus to rescue you from condemnation. What are appropriate responses to the new identity He gives? Peter gives some answers to that question in the rest of his letter. I’ll mention three: 2:5 “offer spiritual sacrifices” ; 2:9 “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”; 2:11 “abstain from passions of the flesh.” Peter goes on to describe what Christian relationships should look like in regard to to government, to bosses, to spouses, and to others. Take time to read Peter’s letter. In a world marked by increasing hostility toward Christians it is good to be reminded of our baptismal identity in Jesus.
In John 14, Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending departure. They are a bit confused what He is referring to—where is He going? What will He do there? Jesus tells them He is going to prepare a place in God’s house for them, and promises to return so He can take them there. Jesus, the way the truth, and the life is the only way for sinners to approach God. Until Jesus returns His disciples are to be busy continuing His ministry. All who act in His name will accomplish great things for His kingdom.
COLLECT: Almighty merciful God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what you have commanded, and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world we might always hold to the joyous victory of our Savior; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, 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 lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
