Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of or our risen and ever-living savior, Jesus. I pray that the joy of Easter carries you through the trials and temptations of this life. I also encourage you to be in worship Sunday so that you can receive the faith-sustaining gifts of forgiveness Jesus distributes there.
As a reminder, the German Sausage Dinner is coming Saturday May 4. There will be food and music, a silent auction, and a live auction. The event is a tradition in the community and provides funds for several projects around the church and support of other charities. Your participation is very important in making the day a success. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors. If you have any questions about the event, call the church office or drop us an email.
Sunday April 14th we will worship following the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #483 With High Delight, Let Us Unite; #467 Awake My Heart With Gladness; #585 Lord Jesus Christ, With Us Abide; and #473 Our Paschal Lamb That Sets Us Free. Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 4; Acts 3:11-21; 1 John 3:1-7; and Luke 24:36-49.
The ascription of Psalm 4 says it is a psalm of King David, written for the choirmaster to be accompanied by stringed instruments. In the psalm, David describes the distress he feels when people speak ill of him and others. Instead of being angry at these naysayers and worrying about their mean words, we should trust in God. God is a constant source of defense, peace, and joy. Look to Him for relief when people are putting you down. God gives more than a psychological boost. He assures you that your life is in His hands. He is watching over you day and night.
The book of Acts [of the Apostles] was written by St. Luke, and includes reports on the development of the early church following the Ascension of Jesus. In those early days, the apostles were delegated divine power to do several public miracles. As one example in Chapter 3, Peter was able to heal a lame beggar, enabling the man to walk. And observers were amazed, and surrounded Peter and John. Peter used the occasion as an opportunity to tell the people about Jesus, and the greater miracle He accomplished, forgiving our sins by suffering and dying on a cross for us. The proper response to this message of Jesus is to repent, turning to Him that you too would have this miracle of forgiveness, no matter what other troubles you might have,
In the gospel reading from 1 John 3, the apostle identifies Christians as children of God. He also tells of the coming day when Jesus returns, and we mortal sinful people will be transformed to be like Him. John instructs his readers how they should live as children of God in these days until Jesus’ return. The instruction can be shown to include two aspects. We should not take sin lightly, but struggle and resist against it. When we sin, we should not deny it, but confess it and take it to Jesus to be cleansed. As we are enabled by the Holy Spirit, let us live righteous lives, demonstrating the love of Jesus toward others. Let us love as He has loved us.
The gospel reading is St. Luke’s account of events on the evening of the first Easter. It is his account of the disciples’ gathering in the upper room and Jesus sudden resurrected appearance. (Last week we read the similar John 20 account of that night and “doubting” Thomas). Jesus verifies that He is physically risen from the dead. It seems a story too good to be true. But we should not be surprised. Jesus’ death and resurrection are the fulfillment of God’s promises given through the centuries, and the foundation of the eternal life God has prepared for us.
COLLECT: O gracious Father God, through the humiliation of Your Son, You raised up the fallen world. As You have rescued us from the peril of everlasting death, grant to your faithful people perpetual gladness and eternal joys; 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 Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
