Brothers and sisters, as most of you are aware, death has come to central Texas in places like resorts and Bible camps that were intended for families to recreate and relax, with time to contemplate God’s creation. Continuing rain and deadly flood waters have shattered that. We are stunned at the destructive power unleashed by streams that are normally part of vacationers’ entertainment. How awful the horror must have been as campers were surrounded by raging and deepening water. We tremble at death’s suddenness and speed. Our hearts grieve for the families who are receiving news of recovered bodies. We pray that more survivors will be found, even as we anxiously listen to weather reports and news of the flood waters moving down stream. The tragedy confuses us. Our faith is shaken. Where is God in all of this? He assures us that He is with us always.
We live in a world that is broken by sin. Even creation is corrupted so that it causes us harm. So God has given us words to consider when we are frightened and confounded by tragedies and grief like these:
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 18:4-6 The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.
God’s ways are often a mystery. But He assures us that it is His will that no one would perish, but that instead everyone would turn to Him, have eternal life, and be saved from His condemnation. So, God did not merely speak words, He backed them up with action. Jesus was sent into the world to save sinners. By the power of His resurrection, Jesus overcame death for each one of us. Death still comes, but it cannot separate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus. Pray that those who grieve would be comforted by the love of Christ. Pray that God would grant us faith to believe His words and actions that we do not understand. Pray that God would protect those who live in the path of advancing flood waters. Pray that God would protect and strengthen emergency workers that they would not be overcome by fatigue, or by the terrible things they might see. Lord in the midst of trouble, draw people to Your Son, Jesus. Grant each of us Your peace.
On Sunday, July 6 we will follow the order of service for Divine Service Setting Three, beginning on page 184 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #966 Before You, Lord, We Bow; #835 On Galilee’s High Mountain; #620 Jesus Comes Today With Healing; and #830 Spread the Regn of God the Lord.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 66:1-7, 20; Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:1-10, 14-17; and Luke 10:1-20.
In Psalm 66, the psalmist gives reasons to rejoice and praise God, even in time of hardship. He restores His people. Set aside time to consider what God has done to benefit you.
In Isaiah 66, God speaks through the prophet to describe Himself as a mother, and Jerusalem as a child. Like a loving mother, God comforts and gives peace to His people.
In Galatians 6, St. Paul instructs Christians about how they are to live—as those accountable to each other. This does not give us license to criticize and lord ourselves over others. But God has brought us together as members of Christ’s body the church, that we would encourage and correct one another as necessary so that we would receive Christ’s blessings. As people created by God and saved by Christ and gathered by the Holy Spirit, we should help each other be the people God intends us to be. We do this, not because good works save us for heaven, but because we have been saved by Christ, and we desire to demonstrate His goodness in our lives.
In Luke Chapter 10, Jesus continues to train disciples that they would continue His ministry of proclaiming the peace of Christ. Last week the gospel reading alerted us that following Jesus is not easy. It requires sacrifice and may involve hardship. As Jesus sends out 72 new workers, He repeats that alert. All followers of Jesus are equipped by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Jesus. Sometimes we will feel like our efforts have been successful. Other times our efforts will be rejected. Remind yourself that it was Jesus’ death and resurrection that led to your name being placed in heaven’s book of life, and rejoice.
Collect: Almighty God, You have built Your Church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. Continue to send Your messengers to preserve Your people in true peace that, by the preaching of Your Word, your Church may be kept free from all harm and danger; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
