Grace and peace to you in the name of our living Savior, Jesus Christ. I encourage you to set aside time to attend the church service Sunday to hear God’s word and receive His gifts of forgiveness.
Sunday February 16th is the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #904 Blessed Jesus at Your Word; #705 The Man is Surely Blessed; #557 Seek Where You May to Find a Way; and #707 Oh that the Lord Would Guide My Ways.
The Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:5-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; and Luke 6:17-26. As I read through these passages I noticed a number of contrasts contained in each one.
In Psalm 1 the psalmist describes the contrast between those whom God blesses, and those who are not. Described another way, the psalm points out those who are righteous, meditating on and following God’s words, in contrast to those who scoff at God’s word and join themselves to sinners. Imagery in the psalm describes the blessed as deep rooted trees with a flourishing fruitful life, while the wicked scoffers will wither and perish on the day of judgment.
In the Old Testament reading, God speaks through the prophet to contrast blessing from curse. We speak of ‘blessings’ or ‘blessedness’ in various ways, so it can be difficult to define. ‘Blessing’ as used in the Bible to describe people has to do with being favored by God, being recipients of His benefits, including favorable physical conditions like health and prosperity. But ‘blessing’ also includes spiritual assurance, peace, and contentedness that flow from God’s constant kindness and generosity, even when conditions are otherwise difficult. God promises blessings to those who trust Him. Cursing on the the other hand is to ask God to remove favor, to urge Him to inflict harm, destruction and death upon someone. Very similar sounding to Psalm 1, God promises blessings of life on those who trust Him. In contrast, He threatens and curses those who trust in man and personal abilities rather than trusting Him.
The Epistle lesson is a portion of Chapter 15 of St. Paul’s letter to the congregation in Corinth. Paul rhetorically proposes two possibilities–there is no such thing as physical resurrection from the dead , or there is a resurrection. If there is no resurrection, Jesus is still dead, and we will die in our sin separated from God, and that will be our end. Any talk of resurrection would be a lie against God. But in fact Jesus is raised from the dead. Hundreds were witnesses to this miracle. And because Jesus is resurrected and alive, we who trust in Him will also be raised from the dead to live eternal life just as He promised. People may argue about details of what is is to be Christian. Paul argues that our eternity and everything we teach and hope for depends on this crucified and resurrected Jesus. Saving faith is anchored on the fact that Jesus is alive forever.
The Gospel lesson describes people coming from all over the country to see and hear Jesus. As is His habit, He miraculously heals the sick and demon-possessed. The miracles reinforce His teaching. Luke reports on what Jesus teaches, what is often called the ‘sermon on the plain’. Jesus lists a series of blessings to be enjoyed by those who trust in Him even in difficult conditions. Jesus also lists a number of ‘woes’ that will be inflicted on those who are enjoying life. This may sound confusing–Jesus is promising blessing on those whose depend on Him and suffer on His account. They look forward to the heaven that is coming. But in contrast, Jesus warns of curses that will fall upon those who merely live for today, ignoring Jesus’ words and giving no thought to how He has come to ensure our future. Blessing is obviously better than curses. Jesus is the one which is in your future. He encourages all people to be His disciples, to receive His blessings and avoid the curses coming to unbelievers. As the psalmist put in Psalm 1, ‘the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.’ Promise and warning. Gospel and Law. These are the words of Jesus that members of His church continue to speak.
COLLECT: Merciful Father, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who justly suffer the consequences of our sin may be delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; 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.
As another reminder, Ash Wednesday is March 5 and the beginning of the season of Lent. You are encouraged to attend midweek services beginning at 6:30 pm.
Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
