Brothers and sisters, peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we continue through the season of Lent, I encourage you to set aside time to be in worship to hear God’s promises and receive the forgiveness He delivers through the absolution and the Lord’s Supper.
As a reminder, if you like Cantata music, then plan to attend a performance of the Houston Lutheran Chorale at Immanuel Lutheran Church (306 E 15th Street in the Heights) on Sunday March 17 beginning at 4 pm. Note: the parking lot of Immanuel is entered from Arlington Street. Sally Boyd will be one of the singers. She can give you more information.
Sunday, March 3rd is the third Sunday in Lent. We will continue to follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. For example, during Lent we are omitting ‘Alleluias”, substitute Hymn 422 for the hymn of praise, and add a Lenten response before the reading of the Gospel lesson..
Hymns chosen for the day are #429 We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #530 No Temple Now, No Gift of Price; #623 Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray; and #526 You are the Way; through You Alone.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 19:7-14; Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; and John 2:13-22.
Psalm 19 is a psalm of David, intended for the choirmaster. It is a hymn of praise to God, especially for His Law. In this context, the Torah, the Law, includes all of God’s instruction, both His demands and His promises. This Law is a desirable gift, for it helps to designate and guide God’s people. God’s demands and restrictions are a good thing, they help to keep us safe. But because we are sinners, we rebel against the Law. In that way the Law shows us our sin, and our need for a Savior. Jesus died for you, paying for your sin, that you would be seen blameless by God. That is something to celebrate.
The Old Testament reading is from Exodus 20, and describes some of the events during the Israelite wandering in the Sinai desert on the way to the promised Land. God declares Himself to be their God. Then He gives what is called the Decalogue, the Ten Words or Ten Commandments. As the Israelites go into the Promised Land, the Commandments would guide the faithful in their behavior and distinguish them from their pagan neighbors. As history shows, the Ten Commands also expose the people as sinners. They would need someone greater and more perfect than they to be God’s people.
The epistle reading comes from the opening Chapter of St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in southern Greece. The question, “How can we know God?”, was an issue in the congregation. Jews wanted to see miracles. The Greeks wanted some kind of secret knowledge or wisdom. People would brag about miracles they had experienced, or wisdom they had gained. Instead, Paul argues that the way to know God is in the cross of Jesus. The cross may seem foolish. It was an instrument of execution. How could a dead man save anyone? But it is at the cross that God’s forgiving and delivering attitude toward us is revealed. Jesus, His death, and His resurrection, are examples of the surprising and saving wisdom of God. It is a wisdom we gain through faith worked in us by the Holy Spirit. And it available to anyone.
The Gospel reading from John 2 describes Jesus ridding the temple of the merchants and money changers who had set up shop there. The temple was to be a place of worship and sacrifice to God, not a place of profit. When Jesus was questioned about His action, He responded by saying of the temple was destroyed, he would rebuild it in three days. Jesus was not speaking of the building, but of his own body. We no longer make sacrifices to appease God. Jesus has made the final sacrifice that ended all sacrifice, once, and for all people. Jesus is the temple where God is worshipped in truth. He died as an atoning sacrifice forgiving our sin. Three days later He was raised from the grave, demonstrating His power over death. Those who trust in Him will live forever sharing in His victory over death.
COLLECT: O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways, and bring them with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word,; 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.
Lenten Response: Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.
Please contact me if you have any prayer requests or questions about the Scripture readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
