Brothers and sisters, I greet you in the name of Jesus, our Great High Priest who continues to intercede for you before God the Father.
I begin by listing some upcoming events. I encourage you to make plans to attend.
Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday November 28th beginning at 6:30 pm
Advent Season begins Sunday December 1. In preparation for the Christmas celebration we have scheduled mid-week services for December 4th, 11th, and 18th, each beginning at 6:30 pm.
On Sunday, November 10 we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #726 Evening and Morning; #730 What is the World to Me; and #734 All Depends on Our Possessing. We will sing two hymns during the common distribution, #548 Thanks to Thee, O Christ; and #597 Water, Blood and Spirit Crying.
Scripture texts that will be read include Psalm 146; 1 Kings 17:8-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; and Mark 12:38-44.
Psalm 146 is the first in a sequence of five “Hallelujah” psalms, each beginning with the English translation “Praise the Lord”. The psalmist speaks to himself, as a reminder not to trust in worldly powers for salvation, but to instead trust in the God who created the world and reigns over it forever. In His mercy He will use His power to set people free from the oppression of sin and its effects in the world. We lament over the evil going on around us and fret over election outcomes. The psalmist would remind us that though these things can seem quite important, they are only temporary. When feeling oppressed or alone, remember and sing praises to the true God who sent His Son, Jesus to rescue you. His word endures forever. He will bring justice for those who love Him. He can be counted on to provide for your needs and to rescue you from your troubles.
The Old Testament reading from 1 Kings 17 narrates events including God’s prophet, Elijah. The evil king of Israel, Ahab, had angered God by marrying Jezebel, a worshiper of the false god Baal, and erecting altars around the country as places to worship this false god. Baal worship included the sacrifice of children. God told Elijah that we would cause a great drought in the country as punishment for the king’s idolatrous actions. Elijah set up camp along a brook where God sent birds to bring him food. When the drought eventually caused the brook to dry up, God sent Elijah west to Phoenicia to be cared for by a widow and her son. Elijah instructed the woman to bring him some water and to make him some bread. It is important to note that the widow had very few resources. She was down to the last of her flour and oil, just enough for one more meal before they would likely starve. Elijah tells her not to fret. God would provide for them. So, the widow made a cake of bread as Elijah had asked. God performed a miracle. The widow’s flour jar did not go empty for the duration of the drought. The miraculous events demonstrate God’s care and provision though the widow was living in a pagan region of Phoenicia. Her actions are an example to all of us of faithful response to God’s direction. Faith in God’s promises led to her action. Whether you currently have much or little, God has promised good and great to you, especially eternal life and the blessings of heaven through His Son, Jesus.
In the epistle lesson, the writer of Hebrews 9 compares Jesus to the priests who previously interceded and conducted sacrifices on behalf of people living under the Old Testament covenant. Sacrifices were a critical factor in the old system; the animals’ deaths were substitutes for what the people owed God for their sinfulness. Something had to die as payment for sin. As a key example, once a year the high priest would enter into the inner, most Holy Place of the tabernacle (and the subsequent temple) and offer a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus is the far superior priest. He has brought an end to the sacrificial system. By sacrificing His perfect life for you, Jesus permanently fulfilled the old covenant and brought a new covenant of forgiveness received through faith. His death satisfied God’s demand for justice once and for all. Now He has entered again the most holy place, not a tent or a room, but heaven itself where He reigns over all things. He has authority over life and death. He will visibly return to earth one day to save those who eagerly await His appearing. Jesus is the cause of our eternal salvation. Faith receives that promise from God.
In the gospel reading from Mark 12, Jesus compares the attitudes of arrogant scribes (trained to know and apply the law of God) with the attitude of a humble widow. The scribes’ public actions draw attention to themselves. The widow’s offering to the temple is an act of sacrifice demonstrating faith in God, and an act of worship and thanksgiving in response to His care. The widow is an example to all of us of selfless reliance upon God. His Son, Jesus, shed His blood for you that you would have the riches of heaven. Whatever amount of possessions God has given you, don’t be like the scribes, showing off and relying on self. Instead, be like the widow, motivated by faith and thanksgiving be humble and sacrificially generous to the ministry of God.
COLLECT: Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Grant us so firmly to believe in Your Son Jesus that our faith would never be found wanting, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, 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 lessons. God bless you, Pastor Boster
