Brothers and sisters, delivered by Christ, I encourage you to attend worship this Sunday to receive His gifts of salvation. Greetings to you in the name of our Savior, Jesus. I encourage you to not neglect the preaching of God’s word or the reception of the Lord’s Supper through which He distributes forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Midweek Lenten services will continue this coming Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Sunday March 16th is the second Sunday in Lent. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #850 God of Grace and God of Glory; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #579 The Law of God is Good and Wise; and #725 Children of the Heavenly Father. During the Distribution of the Lord’s Supper, we will sing #693 O Holy Spirit Grant Us Grace and #689 Let Me Be Thine Forever.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 4:1-8; Jeremiah 26:8-15; Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Luke 13:31-35.
The introduction to Psalm 4 states it is a psalm of King David, intended to be accompanied by stringed instruments. Two times ‘selah’ is used, which may be a marker for a musical interlude, indicating time should be used to contemplate the meaning of the verse just sung . The psalm has an interesting flow to it. the psalm begins as a lament asking God for help against enemies. These enemies have caused anguish apparently by dishonoring the king’s name. In speaking a false witness against God’s anointed one, they set themselves against God’s will. David urges such people to repent, to make right sacrifices and to trust God. The psalm ends with a confession of confidence that God provides safety and peace. So rather than being angry at enemies, we should be joyful that God hears us and gives us relief from our troubles. As Christians we might apply this passage as a confession of trust. Our enemies including the devil may speak ill of us. Such talk may trouble us, even make us angry. God assures you that through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, He protects you from the accusations of the devil.
In the Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah, God has sent the prophet to accuse the people of their sin, and to warn them of the approaching destruction and their subsequent captivity in Babylon. The citizens weren’t really worshipping God; instead, they were treating Him like a good luck piece (compare with what happened at Shiloh, 1 Samuel 4). The leaders and citizens of Jerusalem rejected Jeremiah’s prophecy, and threatened to kill him. Jeremiah responded with a confession trusting in God. Even if they were to kill Jeremiah, God’s warning would still stand. Jeremiah was not the source of the warning of judgment; it came from God. We should listen to God’s word, wheover is speaking it to us. Christianity was not invented by men. God is the One who wants you to repent from your sin and to turn to Him in faith.
The Epistle lesson is a portion of St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, a city in northern Greece, in the region of Macedonia. Roman soldiers were stationed at a garrison there. Persecution against Christians was increasing. St. Paul himself had been imprisoned for preaching the gospel. He urged the congregation to imitate him, to be faithful, not imitate the society or give into desires of the flesh. Emphasis is not so much on obedience, but rather to keep looking to Jesus, and holding on to His promises.
In the gospel lesson recorded in Luke 13, Jesus had been teaching in the villages along the way to Jerusalem. Jewish religious leaders told Jesus that He should leave because King Herod intended to kill Him. It is not clear what motivated them to warn Him—were they sincerely concerned for Him, or was this merely a good reason to send Him further away from their jurisdiction. In any case, it could be considered a temptation for Jesus to abandon His mission. Rather than being concerned about His own safety, Jesus remains committed to His task of suffering and dying on Jerusalem to restring people to God and redeeming them from their sins. He desires to save them all. But similar to the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, Jesus laments that people are not listening to His message. Jesus warns, and He invites. Who will listen to Him? Those who do not will be destroyed. Those who do will be eternally saved from God’s condemnation.
COLLECT: O, Almighty and gracious God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul,; 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 schedules or Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you, Pastor Boster
