Brothers and sisters, people loved by God, I greet you in the name of Jesus. I encourage you to attend worship Sunday that you might receive the gifts of forgiveness Jesus offers there.
Please also plan to join us for a Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday November 22 beginning at 6:30.
During the 10:30 service on October 22 we will follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #549 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name; #940 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name; #529 Since Our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus; #619 Thy Body, Given For Me Christ Jesus; and #643 Sent Forth By God’s Blessings.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 96:1-10; Isaiah 45:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; and Matthew 22:15-22.
Psalm 96 is a song of praise and invites others to join in singing. The words are very similar to a song David used when the ark of covenant was brought into Jerusalem, marking the presence of God’s glory among them (1 Chronicles 16:23-34). The first Greek translation of the Old Testament (called the Septuagint, often signified by the Roman numerals LXX) indicates this psalm was also sung at the re-dedication of the temple after being rebuilt by the exiles from Babylon. The psalm is joyous, extolling the glory of the true God who is our salvation. He rules over us as a faithful and righteous judge. Connected to Him, every day is new for us. Anything or anyone else we might worship or rely upon is worthless. God came to earth in the person of Jesus to redeem us from our sin. There is no condemnation for those who trust in Him. Jesus gives us reason to sing, whatever circumstance we may be in. Come, join together in singing His praises.
Cyrus was the king of Persia around 500 BC. Even though Cyrus was a pagan ruler, God used him to conquer the Babylonians, and to release the Jews who had been exiled in Babylon. God speaks through Isaiah the prophet to announce this message. In chapter 45 the prophet points to the Lord’s care, Who calls His people by name and equips them for life. Isaiah also alerts the people to God’s power, that they would acknowledge and worship Him. God would use Cyrus to subdue enemies and break through the strongest of prison doors in order to set His people free. Cyrus is a small example of the greater and eternal care and deliverance God gives through His Son, Jesus. By His death and resurrection, Jesus destroys the devil and opens the gates of hell so that you would be free from sin’s grasp and shame.
The epistle lesson is from 1 Thessalonians. Paul first taught in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey, after being jailed and forced out of Philippi. In Thessalonica, Paul gave evidence that Jesus was the Messiah promised by God. Jews there opposed him and started a riot, so again Paul was forced to leave. It is not clear exactly when, but a year or two later Paul wrote a couple of letters to follow up on what he had taught them. In 1:1-10, Paul praises the Thessalonians for their continued support of his ministry even though they too were undergoing persecution and suffering. Paul lifts up the Thessalonian congregation as an example for all Christians to follow. We like them are chosen by God. That was the foundation of their message, the assurance that motivated them. They were hopeful, anticipating the return of Jesus who was coming to gather them up to heaven. Like all believers, we too are eagerly looking forward to that day. And the Thessalonians show us that hoping is not a matter of idle wishing, but rather involves boldness and active participation in the life of Christ.
The gospel lesson is Matthew 22:15-22. Pharisees test Jesus, intending to trap him into saying something either blasphemous against God, or treasonous against the government. They question Him about whether it is proper for Jews to pay taxes to Caesar the Roman emperor, supporting the army and other policies. Jesus sidesteps their test, and uses the image of Caesar on a coin to show that money is a currency of the government. ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and render to God the things that belong to God’. God reveals that He works in the world through the Church and through governments. The Church speaks grace and the forgiveness that come through Jesus. God has established governments and delegated them authority to keep order, curtail wickedness, and to punish evildoers. So in honoring the Church and the government we are honoring God. Keep in mind that all things ultimately belong to Him. Since God uses government and other worldly agencies to care for His people, it is proper to support them. But Jesus’ question does suggest a question of allegiance. Who are we loyal to? Does the way we live life and spend resources give honor to God and His Son Jesus?
COLLECT: O God, Your divine wisdom sets in order all things in heaven and on earth. Put away from us all things hurtful and give us those things that are beneficial for us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, 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 of questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
