Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus. I encourage you to attend worship to receive God’s gifts of forgiveness.
There are a few events I want you to be aware of. First, the stained-glass windows in the narthex have been installed. I think you will be very pleased. During Sunday’s service we will include a dedication of the windows to God’s service .
Tomorrow, Saturday 7th, the shrimp boil fund raiser will be serving food from 11 until we run out. Plates are $15. Shrimp can also be purchased at $20 per pound.
And I will use this opportunity to add an alert that Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Season of Lent is February 18. Midweek services during Lent will begin at 6:30 pm.
Sunday, February 8 is the fifth Sunday of Epiphany. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151. Hymns chosen for the day are #873 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies; #526 You are the Way; #729 I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus; and #805 Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 112:1-9; Isaiah 58:3-9a; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12; and Matthew 5:13-20.
Last Sunday the Gospel reading was from Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes were a list of blessings that Jesus’ disciples will enjoy, now and in the future. One theme in the Scripture readings this week is ‘what are some proper responses to the blessings God/Jesus freely gives?’
In the Old Testament lesson, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah. The passage begins with the people of Israel spiritually blind and tone deaf to what God wants from them. They want God’s blessings. They believe they have acted righteously. They ask rhetorically, we have prayed, we have fasted, we have acted humbly, so why is it that God doesn’t give us any credit? God answers, yes, they went through the motions, fasting and sitting in sackcloth. But they were only giving lip service, doing things so God would give them their desires, with no love for Him, and with no remorse over sin. They’ve spent their time fasting as a time to quarrel and fight and to abuse their workers. God follows with a list of what fasting ought to be: turning from sin; stop being judgmental; show kindness to others especially the needy, setting aside time to hear and contemplate God’s word. Love for neighbor is an important response of God’s people who have experienced His love and mercy.
In the epistle lesson, St. Paul encourages the Corinthian congregation (and all Christians) to grow in wisdom. Scripture tells us that wisdom begins with proper fear of God. As Paul explains it, wisdom is also based on the cross of Jesus. It is not by our works but through Jesus’ crucifixion that we receive the favor of God. If you want to know what God thinks of you, look to the cross. God loved you so much that Jesus was sent to die for you, paying for your sin and breaking down the barrier that separated you from Him. It is impossible to fathom the depth of God’s love. But the Holy Spirit enlightens us to see Jesus as our Savior, and the eternal benefits He has prepared for us who believe in Him.
The gospel lesson is a continuation of the so-called Sermon on the Mount. After telling the disciple of the benefits they will receive, Jesus instructs them (and us) to respond, to be lights and salt in the world. One of our challenges is to understand what is meant by salt and light. Jesus gives a summary of their meaning by saying let others see your good works so they will give glory to God. There is also a reminder that God’s Law is not bad, it is good for us. Jesus doesn’t relax the Law so we can live recklessly. Instead, He emphasizes the strictness of the Law. When we realize what the Law demands and recognize the punishment we sinful wretches deserve, then we can better appreciate Jesus’s obedience and sacrifice. Jesus fulfilled the Law for you. He saved you from God’s condemnation. How should we respond?
COLLECT: Almighty Lord, keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith so that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; 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.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests, or questions about schedules or the Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
