Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of our Savior, Jesus. Area schools will begin classes this Wednesday. Please be alert around bus stops and school zones. Take time to pray that the students and faculty would enjoy the learning and teaching experience and grasp the wonders and order of God’s creation. The beginning of a school year is also an opportunity for me to encourage you to set aside time to study God’s word that you would mature in faith toward Him, and further appreciate His grace and mercy revealed in the work of His Son.
That reminds me, Concordia Publishing House (CPH.org) is currently running a sale on Bibles.
Sunday August 10 is the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost. We will be following the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Three beginning on page 184 in the Lutheran Service Book hymnal (LSB). Hymns chosen for the day are #873 Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies; #726 Evening and Morning; #625 Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread; and #746 Through Jesus Blood and Merit.
Following the Common Lectionary for Proper 14, the Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 33:12-22; Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-16; and Luke 12:22-34.
In Genesis 12, God speaks to a pagan idolater named Abram (meaning exalted father), telling him to take his nephew, Lot, and their wives and immediate household, and leave the rest of his family to go to a land occupied by the Canaanites. Abram does what God has told him, but in Chapter 15 (several years later) expresses a concern. He is more than 75 years old and has no children to give his inheritance to. God assures Abram telling him not to be afraid. God promises descendants (seed) as numerous as the stars in the sky. Several times over many years God repeats this promise. By God’s grace, Abram believes. When it becomes humanly impossible, in God’s timing, He keeps His word. A son of promise is born to Abraham and Sarah which leads to the twelve tribes of Israel and ultimately to all who trust in the promises of Jesus. God credits such faith as righteousness.
You may be familiar with various ‘Halls of Fame”, where industries celebrate people who have been very successful at what they do. In the book of Hebrews, Chapter 11, there is what some call a ‘Hall of Faith’, Bible characters who have exhibited great faith in God. Among the list is Abraham and Sarah who we read about in the Old Testament reading. Actually, it is God who is faithful. Abraham and Sarah are among those who trusted His faithfulness. God will be faithful to you as well. He will keep His words of forgiveness and eternal life guaranteed by the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.
In Luke 12, Jesus emphasizes that because God is faithful, there is no reason to be anxious. God takes care of the lesser creatures and the mundane things of life. You are far more important to Him. Whatever trials and temptations you face, He will not forsake you. By the sacrificial death of Jesus, He has redeemed you. He promises to give you the treasures He has prepared in heaven. Jesus speaks a truism: where your treasure is, there will be your heart also. So, be generous with the material blessings God has given you to manage. Do not fret over worldly treasure that can quickly be taken away. Set your mind on Jesus and heaven, treasures that eternal .
Collect: Almighty and merciful God, it is by Your grace that we live as Your people who offer acceptable service. Grant that we may walk by faith and not by sight, in the way that leads to eternal life; 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 or questions about this week’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
