Brothers and sisters, peace be with you as we continue through the season of Epiphany. I encourage you to come to church Sunday to hear God’s Word and to receive His gifts of forgiveness.
A shrimp boil and sale are scheduled for next Saturday January 25, from 11 am to 2 pm, or we sell out. Price is $15 per plate. We also sell by the pound. Let your friends and neighbors know.
On Sunday January 19 we will be using the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal.
Hymns chosen for the day are #792 New Songs of Celebration Render; #408 Come, Join in Cana’s Feast; #629 What is this Bread; and #538 Praise Be to Christ.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 128:1-6; Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; and John 21-11.
Psalm 128 is a song of ascents, the kind of song religious pilgrims would have sung as they made their way up the mountain to Jerusalem, and up the steps leading to the temple. The psalm describes some of the blessings God grants to individuals and families, especially the gift of children. The psalm encourages all people to fear God and to walk in His ways.
In Isaiah 62, Gods speaks through the prophet to the people of Israel. His message is a bit like the later fairy tale Cinderella. Israel is about to come under God’s destructive judgment by means of the Assyrian army. The people will feel like a poor woman, seemingly forsaken and desolate. God promises to come like a rescuing prince. He will lift the nation up out of her destruction and poverty, and take her to Himself like a groom takes a bride—He rejoices in her, He will be committed to her, and will give her a new and joyous name. He will put His crown on her head and treat her like royalty. In our spiritual poverty we may feel alone and forsaken. Jesus has come as a bridegroom. He has rescued you from the brokenness of this world. His Spirit has brought you into the Church, His bride. Like wedding vows which promise love, nourishing, and commitment even in times of poverty and illness, Jesus has made a commitment to you. Despite your sin, He delights in you and has given His life for you so that you may be with Him forever. In heave He will crown you with His crown of righteousness.
Speaking in tongues has often been treated as evidence of “real” Christianity. In Chapter 12 of 1st Corinthians, St. Paul puts speaking in tongues in its proper place as just one of the various spiritual gifts God grants to Christians. God apportions those gifts to individuals as He wills, and for the benefit of the Church. Don’t be envious of other’s gifts. God will equip you and use you as He determines. The greatest gifts are faith, hope, and love. They motivate us to believe and to say, ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Let’s keep our eyes on Him, not on our abilities or lack of.
The gospel lesson is the Apostle John’s account of Jesus’ first public miracle, transforming water into wine at a wedding at a town named Cana. The new wine was better than what they had been drinking. Jesus does all things well. The account leads to another epiphany. Jesus with His divine creative power has the ability to transform nature. Even in small moments like a wedding, Jesus brings joy. In the miracle, we are able to see His glory. And His disciples believed in Him. Jesus came into the world to die for you that you would be set free from your sin and be restored to God. By His divine power He overcame death and rose to new and glorified life. He wants you to believe in Him and share in His joy.
COLLECT: Almighty and everlasting God, You govern all things in heaven and on earth. Mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; 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 lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
