Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of our Savior Jesus. I encourage you to be in bible study and worship on Sunday. God’s word commands and encourages His people to assemble to hear His Word and receive His forgiveness.
Sunday, September 15 we will be following the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. As part of our ongoing catechetical study, we will also recite the second article of the Apostles Creed regarding Christ, and Luther’s explanation.
Hymns chosen for the day are #907 God Himself is Present; #849 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness; #620 Jesus Comes Today With Healing; and #559 O How Great is Your Compassion.
Scripture texts assigned to the day are Psalm 116:1-9; Isaiah 50:4-10; James 3:1-12 and Mark 9:14-29.
Psalm 116 is a psalm that would have been used in conducting the annual Passover remembrance. There are phrases that would remind participants of the exodus account, God freeing His people from slavery in Egypt. There are also several phrases that are prophetic, connecting the psalm to the yet unborn Messiah, Jesus, and the abuse and suffering He would endure for us sinners to set us free from God’s condemnation. The psalmist praises God for hearing the cries of His servants and delivering them. Jesus was sent into the world to be your substitute, undergoing the punishment you and I deserve for our disobedience toward God. By His death and resurrection, Jesus has delivered you from eternal death. Let us join the psalmist (and the Messiah) in praising God while we await the day we are taken to the heavenly land of the ever-living.
In Isaiah 50, the prophet speaks the words of a suffering servant. While the words in many ways describe the abuse Isaiah underwent, they are also prophetic, pointing to the abuse Jesus endured for us sinners. For this Sunday we might pay extra attention to verses 4 and 5. The verses refer to the ear and the tongue, that the servant has heard and been taught by God’s Word, and in response speaks as one taught. He knows the will of God because he learned it from God and His word, and now he is able to tell others as well. We too should listen to God’s word that we would know His will. While our knowledge is still hazy this side of heaven, the Holy Spirit enlightens us to know the source and the way of eternal salvation. The Spirit also enable and empowers us now to be Christ’s witnesses. The world is not an easy place to speak about Jesus, our Savior. The enemies of the Church will abuse us, the servants of Jesus, even as they abused Him, our Master. Jesus did not waiver from His mission. He endured the shame of the cross, and overcame the grave, that we could share in His victory and glory. Let us remain steadfast as we witness to His saving message.
The writer of the New Testament book of James was the half-brother of Jesus. After Jesus’ death and resurrection James became a believer and key leader in the Christian congregation of Jerusalem. In Chapter 3, James encourages Christians to demonstrate their faith in the way they live and talk. In the verses we will read Sunday, James warns each of us regarding the use of our tongue. The tongue is small, but it is powerful. We can speak truth; we often speak lies. Our words can build up people; sadly, these same tongues also tear people down. We can use our tongues to sing praises to God and say loving things to our neighbor; we also often use our tongue to curse and spew hatred that divides us, and to spread gossip that ruins reputations and relationships. James urges us Christians to bridle our tongue, and get our speech under control and set in a positive direction. As you focus on Jesus’ life-giving words recorded in Scripture for you, the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit will help and guide you in this difficult task.
The events recorded in the gospel account of St. Mark Chapter 9 occurred very soon after Jesus’ transfiguration. Returning from time on the mountain, Jesus comes upon a crowd arguing with religious scribes, and His disciples nearby thoroughly frustrated. A man tells Jesus that the cause of the ruckus is that his son has an evil spirit that causes the boy to be thrown to the ground convulsing and foaming at the mouth. He had asked Jesus’ disciples to help the boy, but they had been unable to remove the demon. In their frustration and despair, the man (and the disciples) were about to give up. The man asks Jesus to help in any way “if You can”. Jesus corrects the man’s words, ‘if you can’, reminding him “all things are possible for one who believes”. The man responded with a cry we Christians have all expressed in one way or another, Lord, ‘I believe. Help my unbelief.’ Jesus demonstrates that He is God, the One whom we should trust whatever the circumstances. He orders the demon to come out and get gone. The demon submits to Jesus’ saving power. Frequently, difficulties and suffering in life threaten to overwhelm our Christian faith. Jesus doesn’t encourage us to try harder; instead, He encourages us to pray to Him. When Jesus encourages His disciples to believe, He is not suggesting we trust more in ourselves or our abilities, or that if we want something fervently enough, we will receive it. Jesus is the power we need to overcome the consequences of sin in this world. Faith receives what Jesus promises. In your struggles, do not give up hope or trusting in Jesus. All things will work out to the good for those who love Him and trust in Him.
COLLECT: Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and grant her Your peace; for You reign with the Father 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 readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
