Brothers and sisters, this is Labor Day weekend and many of you have holiday plans. I encourage you to be in church, to take time to thank God for the ability to work, and the ways He uses various vocations to provide our daily bread.
Sunday September 3 we will again be following the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #531 Hail Thou Once Despised Jesus; HYMN #852 O God of Mercy, God of Love; #642 O Living Bread From Heaven; and#845 Where Charity and Love Prevail.
Scripture readings are Psalm 119:129-136; Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21; and Matthew 16:21-28.
Psalm 119 is a teaching psalm. In verses 129-136 the psalmist recognizes the great value of reading God’s word, and laments that people have been ignoring that word. God’s Word includes both law (instruction, command, and threat) and gospel (expressing God’s grace and promises). Of course, the gospel is expressed in the work of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself so we would have forgiveness and eternal life. The Word gives light and understanding to our hearts, pointing us to Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. So, the psalmist prays that God would teach him all His statutes so that sin would not overwhelm him. Let us join the psalmist in that prayer.
Jeremiah the prophet suffered greatly for proclaiming God’s Word to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. In the years leading up to the exile in Babylon, Jeremiah had called the people to return to God and quit their unjust ways. Most people, including the king refused to listen. While Jeremiah announced the approaching judgment, he also lamented over the scorn and abuse he received from the people. In 15:15-21 Jeremiah cries out to God, wondering why he is suffering for doing the right thing. God answers, urging him to continue proclaiming the word, and easing his doubts assuring him he will not be overcome. God will save His faithful from the hands of the wicked. God has not promised any of us a life of ease in this world. His witnesses will continually be attacked by godless people. As a Christian you will be ridiculed by many. Do not lose hope. God will save you. That promise is guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Romans 12:9-21 is in the section of St. Paul’s letter in which he gives instruction regarding what it is to live a Christian life. In thankful response to Jesus’ redeeming work, we are to love another. Love has been defined or explained many ways. More that mere emotion, love is expressed in actions. So, Paul gives a list of actions that express genuine love. Each of these examples of self-less love are best expressed in the life and sacrifice of Jesus. Though our love is often weak and failing, Jesus’ love for you is perfect, certain, and complete. We love because He first loved us, and gave His life for our redemption from sin and death.
The events and conversation of Matthew 16:21-28 follow St. Peter’s bold confession that Jesus is the Christ (Hebrew=Messiah; English=Anointed One). St. Peter and the other disciples did not yet understand what Jesus’s anointing would include. Jesus explains that they would set course for Jerusalem where he would suffer and die, so that he might be raised from the dead three days later. Peter, intending to block Jesus from suffering, is sharply reprimanded. Jesus came into the world to die for us, that our sin would be paid for, and we would be acquitted. Jesus urges His disciples to recognize that being a Christian and serving Christ in His mission is not an easy task. In attempting to avoid the suffering that accompanies being opposed to the world’s ways, there is a good chance we will turn from Jesus, and as a result we actually lose out on eternal life. But those who lose their life, willing to suffer for following Jesus, will actually find what true and eternal life is. Jesus’ instruction is straightforward. “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
COLLECT: Lord of power and might, Author and Giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of Your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through 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 the Scripture lessons for Sunday. God bless you. Pastor Boster
