Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus. I assume many people have their minds considering what needs to be done, preparing for the approaching hurricane, trying to get as many things as possible done before the rain and wind hits. I encourage you to set aside time to attend worship, to hear God’s Word and receive His gifts.
July 7 is the seventh Sunday after Pentecost. We will follow a modified version of Divine Service Setting Three beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnal. After the Invocation we will do some catechetical review of the Sacrament of the Altar (see page 326). Following that, we will sing Hymn #948 All Glory Be To God Alone, a variation on the Kyrie and Gloria in Excelsis. Other hymns we will be singing are #792 New Songs of Celebration Render; #839 O Christ, Our True and Only Light; #575 My Hope is Built On Nothing Less; and #632 O Jesus Blessed God to Thee.
Scripture texts assigned to the day are Psalm 123; Ezekiel 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; and Mark 6:1-13.
Psalm 123 is a song of ascents, the sort of hymn pilgrims would have sung on the way up the mountain to Jerusalem, or climbing the stairs to the later temple. The psalmist speaks as a servant, desiring to see and follow the leading of God, the Master. The ‘servants’ are used to physical and verbal mistreatment by their arrogant and scornful neighbors. As the pilgrims approach for worship, they cry out to God, asking Him to show them mercy. Xay-na-nanu Yahweh! (Hebrew); Kyrie eleison! (Greek). The cry of God’s repentant people throughout history is, ‘Have mercy on us Lord!’ Don’t give us the punishment our sin deserves! Grant us the benefits we don’t deserve! Though the world would mock us, let us continually pray that we would have eyes of faith to see God’s mercy in the midst of the troubles of this world. Jesus is the greatest evidence of God’s mercy and grace. God will do what is best for you.
The Scriptures teach that God the Holy Spirit works through means, or instruments, more specifically that is God’s Word and the Sacraments. In the Old Testament lesson, God calls Ezekiel to be His prophet and instructed him to speak His Word to a stubborn and rebellious community. Some people will listen and repent, returning to follow God. Others will continue on their way to destruction, stubbornly ignoring God warnings, threats, and promises. God urges Ezekiel to be faithful; don’t give into criticism or peer pressure; don’t compromise the proclamation of God’s Word. Whether they listen or not, they will all know that a prophet has spoken, for he speaks truth and God will do it. We are not all prophets, But God’s instruction to Ezekiel informs all of us as we witness to the good news of Jesus.
The epistle reading is from St. Paul’s letter, 2nd Corinthians, chapter 12. One theme throughout the letter is Paul’s defense of his ministry. Critics questioned his commitment, and from that questioned his message. In Chapter 12 Paul responds in a rhetorical, roundabout way, talking about himself in the third person, “I know a man in Christ” who was caught up to the third heaven. It is not exactly clear what third heaven is, but apparently corresponds to paradise, the place where God dwells in full splendor. It’s not clear if Paul was physically carried up like Elijah, or if this was an extended spiritual vision. For Paul, deeper explanations and specific details are not important to his story. In this third heaven, Paul was taught things of God too marvelous for human words to tell. Then Paul changes his argument—the same man once gone to heaven was now also under attack from a thorn. The thorn is a messenger of Satan to harass him. Again, it’s not clear if this thorn is a chronic physical ailment, or if it is a human adversary. The well-known missionary to the Gentiles, the faithful man of God was kept from conceit. Paul prayed that God would remove this thorn. But God’s response is something that should give us all comfort as we deal with our various thorns: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is mad perfect in weakness.” We often lament our weaknesses whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. We would like to be stronger so we could do more. But God reminds us, He is the one doing. He reminds us to depend on Him, not upon ourselves.
The gospel lesson, Mark 6:1-13, is the evangelist’s account of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth, the small town where He grew up. It was a rather sad homecoming. Jesus had come to teach and to heal, letting the people know that God’s kingdom was coming to them through Him. But the people took offense at His words and did not believe Him. Then Jesus sent out His twelve disciples/apostles giving them authority over unclean spirits. These messengers of Jesus were to go to every village telling them about Him. But Jesus also gave a warning, that if households did not receive their message, the disciples were to knock the dust off their feet as a sign of judgment (they don’t even want to be associated with the town’s dust). The Church today continues to be witnesses to Jesus. But that witness should be faithful without compromise. The gospel is power of salvation for all who believe. But God’s word, Law and Gospel, are also divisive. They call for confession, repentance, and trust in Jesus alone. Unbelievers will reject that message for a number of reasons. It is tempting to alter the message in an attempt to get people to church. But changing the message, or leaving parts out, is not being faithful. Pray that God would grant missionaries, evangelists, and all His witnesses that right mix of faithfulness to God’s Word while also being friendly, welcoming, and encouraging.
COLLECT: Almighty God, Your power is made known chiefly in showing mercy. Grant us the fullness of Your grace that we may be called to repentance and made partakers of Your heavenly treasures; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know of you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
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