Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus, our only savior from sin.
The Old Testament and Gospel readings for Sunday August 13 point to Jesus’ divine power over creation. In the midst of a terrifying storm, Jesus’ disciples are reminded that He is always present. He assures them of His care. Nothing is out of His control. He tells them, “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” May these words also give you comfort in the midst of your troubles.
In Sunday’s service we will follow the liturgy for Divine Service Setting 3, beginning on page 184 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #838 The Saints in Christ Are One in Every Place; #555 Salvation Unto Us Has Come; #693 O Holy Spirit Grant Us Grace; and #824 May God Bestow On Us His Grace.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 28:1-9; Job 38:4-18; Romans 10:5-17; and Matthew 14:22-33.
Psalm 28 is a psalm of David. In the psalm David cries out to God for help, and refuge from evildoers. They are deceivers who speak peace but do evil. David prays that God would keep him from being one of these wicked people who ignore God’s word. Scripture indicates that some of these wicked people may be members of his own family, some hoping to take over his throne. David speaks of the punishment they deserve. Then he rejoices that God has listened to his cries. God gives him strength and protection to carry on.
The ancient patriarch Job is known primarily as one who patiently and faithfully suffered all sorts of misery. The devil claimed that Job only worshipped God because life was going well for him. So to disprove that premise, God allowed the devil to test Job through suffering. Eventually Job began to ask why he was suffering. We have all asked that kind of question. Why do people suffer? We can only speculate about the answer. That is what several of Job’s friends did. They suggested several reasons why Job was suffering, and urged him to take corrective measures. In doing so, they imagined they understood what God was thinking and doing. Finally, God had enough of their speculation. In Chapter 38, God challenges and humbles their thinking. He uses the creation of the world to describe the mystery of His ways. He didn’t need our help! His ways of doing things are far above our understanding. He certainly does not need our advice or depend upon our cooperation. Unless God has revealed it through His word, we should humbly admit we don’t have all the answers, and confess our continual need for God’s mercy and care. Even in suffering, God is working for your benefit. All things will work out for the good of those who trust in Jesus.
In chapter 10 of Romans, St. Paul continues his explanation of who are members of the true Israel. In Sunday’s text, his explanation implies two chief doctrines found throughout Scripture—the Law, and the Gospel. The Law might be described as what God commands us to do, or what He expects from us. The Law includes punishment for those who disobey. The Gospel on the other hand expresses what God mercifully and graciously does for us, especially sending Jesus to die for us that we would be forgiven of our disobedience and underlying sinful nature. Sinners tend to like the Law because they wrongly imagine their efforts earn them benefits from God. We like check lists. We use the Law to imagine our progress, or at least how much better we are than others. But that arrogance is eventually dashed, as the Law accuses us that we always fall short of what God requires. Sin stains everything we do. So thanks to our Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit uses the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection to work saving faith in hearts. Our works cannot save us from sin or the punishment it deserves. But Paul points us to Jesus. Whoever calls on Jesus, believing in Him, will be saved. So Paul urges his readers to proclaim that message, and send out preachers so that others might hear and be saved. Saving faith is a miracle, and it comes from hearing the words of Christ.
On the evening following the feeding of the 5000, St. Matthew reports in Chapter 14 that Jesus went to pray by Himself. He also sent His disciples out in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. During the night, they faced a strong headwind which caused waves beating against their boat. Far out on the lake, Jesus came to them walking on the water. Several were experienced fishermen, but this terrified them. They thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus assured them who He was, and told them not to be frightened. Peter put to Jesus to the test. “Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter began to also walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind he took his eyes off of Jesus and he began to sink. He cried out for Jesus to save him. Jesus challenged him, “Why did you doubt?” Jesus urges us to also keep our eyes on Him. When you are afraid or need any kind of help, cry out to Him. He will hear you. With eyes on Jesus, the Son of God and our Savior, and trusting His words, He will bring you through every storm of life. Things may not work out the way you desire, but Jesus will accomplish His gracious will for you.
Collect: Almighty and merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; 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.
Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. I’ll use this opportunity to also invite you to a “Free Conference” presentation at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, Friday evening, August 25 and Saturday morning August 26. Dr. Carl Beckwith of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne will be the presenter. Contact the church office for more information. God bless you. Pastor Boster
