Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus. I pray that the freeze did not cause you any significant problems.
Remember that Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent on February 14. Please note the time— midweek services will begin at 6:30 pm.
For the service Sunday 21st, the third Sunday after Epiphany, we will be following the liturgy of Divine Service 3 beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #538 Praise Be to Christ; #839 O Christ, Our True and Only Light; #627 Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior; and #856 O Christ Who Called the Twelve.
Scripture lessons for the day are Psalm 62:1-8; Jonah3:1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; and Mark 1:14-20. These texts have some themes in common. There is a call to repent, there are examples of outreach with the word of God; there is a sense of urgency as the time of this world is coming to an end. Each of the lessons would draw our attention to Jesus and the rescue He has brought to us sinners.
Psalm 62 is ascribed as a psalm of David and is addressed to the choirmaster. In addition, the psalm is “according to Jeduthun”, maybe assigning the performance of the psalm to one of David’s musicians, or perhaps indicating a style of music or instrumentation he was known for. It is not clear which event(s) led to the writing of the psalm. Two ‘Selahs’ indicate the words were to be given deep consideration. David reminds us that God is our strength and salvation. He will assure us of His protection and care when we are under physical, verbal, or spiritual attack. Verse 8 urges us to trust in God at all times; feel free to pour out your heart to Him. When your world is being shaken, God is a sure foundation and a faithful refuge.
The Old Testament lesson is a portion of the story of Jonah, a reluctant prophet. God sent him to Nineveh, the capital city of Israel’s enemy, the Assyrians, to alert them to His coming judgment. Instead, Jonah ran and sailed in the opposite direction, trying to get as far away as possible. It is not exactly clear which factors led to Jonah’s reluctance. He may have felt inadequate for the task. There is strong indication he feared or despised the Assyrians. When the Assyrians heard God’s warning, they repented, and He withheld His punishment. And Jonah was angry about it. He wanted Assyria to get the punishment they deserved. He was angry that God would show them favor. He did not grasp the extent of God’s patience, grace, and forgiveness. He thought certain people (the people he deemed to be on the right side) should receive favor; those whom he thought unworthy should receive no relief. Thank God that He did not reject us, or give us the punishment we deserve. Through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, God has forgiven the sins of all people. This is a truth that has come to us. As His disciples we should proclaim His message to all people without showing bias. Even our enemies need Jesus. Let’s look for opportunities to tell them.
The epistle lesson is a portion of the first letter St. Paul sent to the congregation in Corinth, southern Greece. Paul urges the members and all Christians to not let the daily routines and concerns of the world consume all you time and interest. As you take care of your responsibilities to community and family, do not forget God and the eternal truths of Jesus. The things of this world will fade out of existence, but Jesus and His word go on forever.
The gospel lesson is from the account of St. Mark. Very soon after Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, He begins His public ministry. He calls people to repent, to turn away from evil, and turn to Jesus. It is a rather urgent message that brings people to Jesus’ heavenly kingdom. Jesus originally called twelve apostles to begin the main task of the Church, making disciples, bringing more people into His kingdom. He calls them to be ‘fishers of men.’ Jesus has brought you the message of the gospel that you would follow Him into His Church. He also entrusts you to be one of His witnesses to the people within your sphere. Believing in Him, we proclaim His message of forgiveness to all people. Jesus has come into the world to defend us from the devil and rescue us from his evil ways.
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.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Bible lessons. The Lord be with you. Pastor Boster
