Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus our ascended and living Lord. Though He is out of sight, Jesus continues to use His power and authority to lead and protect His Church. It is important to listen to His Word that proclaims forgiveness of sin, enlightens us for daily living, and prepares us for heaven. Gather with us Sunday to hear His Word and receive His gifts. School is out for the summer, but our schedule of Bible study at 9 and worship at 10:30 remains the same.
Sunday June 1 is the 7th Sunday of the Easter season. We will be following the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the Lutheran Service Book (LSB). Hymns chosen for the day are #792 New Songs of Celebration Render; #829 Christ the Eternal Lord; #623 Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray; and #564 Christ Sits at God’s Right Hand.
Scripture lessons assigned to the day are Psalm 94:3-15, 18-19, and 22; Acts 1:12-26; Revelation 22:1-6, 12-20; and John 17:20-26.
To a world where evil and secular power seems to have control, Psalm 94 declares that God still reigns. He sees all that goes on and will bring judgment and retribution against those who disregard Him and harm others. You may suffer affliction as part of His discipline and training, but God will not abandon you. Though we may fall into sin, and our cares sometimes overwhelm us, God assures those who trust in Him that He remains our help, our refuge, and our consolation. Speak to God about the things that trouble you. He will hear, and He will help.
Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, ended his life in grief and guilt. After Jesus’ ascension, the remaining 11 apostles gathered with other disciples to find a replacement for Judas, and one who could join them in continuing Jesus’ ministry. The reading from the book of Acts describes the process they took. They reviewed several men’s qualifications, then prayerfully sought God’s will in the matter. The apostles’ prayerful deliberations are an example for all congregations as they choose pastors and conduct their business. We are all encouraged to humble ourselves and submit our lives to God’s gracious authority.
In the second reading from Revelation 22, St. John continues to recount a vision he’d received of the new heaven. The image of a tree-lined river indicates unending life and fruitfulness. God the Father and Jesus the Lamb are centrally located. Their constant presence removes all darkness and all things that might afflict us. The passage ends with an invitation extended from Jesus and His Church to everyone that they should join Him by repenting of their sins and turning to Him. His gift of forgiveness is free to all who will receive it. There is assurance given that Jesus is coming. Those who deny Him will be shut out from heaven. But those who trust Jesus will receive eternal life. So the faithful pray with anticipation, ‘Amen, Come Lord Jesus!’
The gospel lesson is part of a prayer Jesus prayed after eating the Passover meal with His disciples, and before He was arrested and crucified. Knowing the opposition and persecution His apostles would face, He prayed for them. In the verses we will be reading, Jesus turns His attention to praying for the future Church, those who come to faith through the witness of the apostles. That is, Jesus was praying for you and all who belong to His Church. Specifically, He prays that the Church would be unified, and that the Church would remain in Him, and that we would demonstrate His love. The many Christian denominations and congregations in our country are evidence that we too should pray for what Jesus calls a perfect or complete unity. Denominational differences are significant for they confuse our witness to the world as to who Jesus is and what He is doing. Unity is not achieved by agreeing to disagree, or by merely meeting in the same room as others. Love is not a matter of compromising truth. We are to speak the truth in love. Unity and love worked in us by the Holy Spirit as we study and discuss the truths the Bible reveals about Jesus. He is the Head. His commitment, humility, and sacrifice demonstrate love. He is our only Savior from sin, death, and the devil. We are His body. A body works best when all parts are healthy and working together. Such things are impossible without God’s help. Be assured that Jesus is still praying for you, and the Holy Spirit is still working in you.
COLLECT: O Jesus Christ, King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all kingdoms, do not leave us without consolation but continue to send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father, for You live and reign with Him 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
