Brothers and sisters, the recent storm has downed trees, littered our yards, and knocked out power. In the midst of such earthly struggles God is with us. He reminds us that these troubles are temporary. They help us to see the fragility of life and would draw us to Him who does not change. He is a shield and fortress, our help in every time of trouble. As we clean up and restore our yards, let us remember how He sent Jesus to clen up our lives and restore us to Him.
This Sunday May 19 we will celebrate the feast of Pentecost. Originally designated by God as an Old Testament harvest festival fifty days after the Passover, Pentecost takes on a new meaning fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus had promised that after His Ascension He would send the Sprit to comfort us and Witness to the salvation Jesu has earned for us. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is poured out in a spectacular way and brings about spectacular results. The Holy Spirit is no mere power or energy. He is the third Person of the one Triune Godhead. He is also eternal and has been active on earth even before it was created. Throughout history the Spirit has used God’s Word to work repentance and faith in sinners so they would trust in God. On the New Testament Pentecost, the Spirit uses public preaching about Jesus Christ to bring about a harvest of thousands of souls. In a less spectacular way, but just as sure, the Spirit has also worked faith in you through baptism or the words of Scripture. The Spirit continually points to Jesus so we too would continue to repent and believe. I encourage you to take time to celebrate Pentecost .
On Sunday we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Three beginning on page 184 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day include #496 Holy Spirit, Light Divine; and #693 O Holy Spirit Grant Us Grace.
Scripture readings assigned for the day are Psalm 139:7-14; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-21; and John 15:26-27 and 16:4b-15.
In Psalm 139 we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is always with us. There is nowhere we go that He is not trying to influence us. We would do well to listen as He points us to the works and promises of Jesus.
Ezekiel 37 narrates a vision given to the prophet. He sees a valley of dry bones which represent the people of Judah in exile in Babylon. They are grieving; they feel as though they have no life in them. Ezekiel is instructed to preach to the bones, and surprisingly they come to life. In a similar way, the preaching of Jesus Christ brings new life to people dead in their sin. The Spirit uses the word of God to restore sinners and give them eternal life.
Acts 2 is Luke’s report on the miracle that took place on the Pentecost following Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. By preaching the good news of Jesus, thousands were brought to faith by the Spirit.
John 15 and 16 includes portions of Jesus so-called “High Priestly Prayer” prayed after Jesus had eaten the Passover meal with His disciples, and hours before His arrest and crucifixion. Jesus would be leaving the sight of His disciples. He knew they would be grieved, saddened, and confused. On their own they would accomplish little. So, Jesus prays that God the Father would send the Spirit to comfort them. In addition, the Spirit would use the word of God to convict people of sin, but also convict people opening their minds and hearts to God’s righteousness given through the gospel. The Spirit of truth would remind people that Jesus has defeated Satan the deceiver. The Spirit gathers people to Christ and preserves them in the true faith against falsehood. Study the word of God so that the Spirit will use it to do His work in you.
Collect: O gracious God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit: Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort;
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you, in communion with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please contact me if you have any prayer requests or questions about the Scripture readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
