Brothers and sisters, this past Thursday was 40 days after Easter and the anniversary of Jesus’ ascension. Ascending does not mean Jesus has left us. Though He is hidden from our eyes, Jesus continues to work among us in a greater way than during His earthly ministry. That is, in His glorified body, He now fills all things, able to be with us at all times wherever we are, including being in, with, and under the bread and wine served in the Lord’s Supper. As St. Paul writes in Ephesians 1, Jesus watches over you and the Church with power and authority far above all earthly rulers, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Jesus is the head over the Church and leads and protects us. He continues to pray for you before God the Father. He works though the church to call evangelists to proclaim to the world His message of forgiveness and eternal life. In a similar way, He calls pastors and teachers to proclaim forgiveness and teach the truth of His Word to the church. When we sin, Jesus continues to advocate for us. I hope you can see that Jesus’ baptism is important to our salvation and relationship to God. Thank God that Jesus continues to use His power and authority for our benefit.
The service on Sunday, May 17 is the last of this year’s Easter season. Next week we will celebrate Pentecost. On the 17th, we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #534 Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor; #754 Entrust Your Days and Burdens; #623 Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray; and #747 No Saint on Earth Lives Life to Self Alone.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 68:1-10; Acts 1:12-26; 1 Peter 4:12-19. 5:6-11; and John 17:1-11.
The reading from Acts 1 follows after the report of Jesus’ ascension. The disciples chose a replacement for Judas who had betrayed Jesus. As you read the passage, notice the habit of prayer among the disciples.
In the passage from St. Peter’s epistle, Christians should not be surprised that they will suffer, not merely the suffering that occurs in a sinful world, but the suffering the opponents of Jesus cause to those who follow Jesus. Suffering for following Jesus should be considered a blessing. Peter would encourage Christians to avoid compromise, and to be aware that the devil will attack us in the weak moments suffering can cause. Peter points us to the assurance that God will graciously preserve us if we continue to follow Jesus.
Jesus’ words recorded in John 17 are part of His discussion with His disciples on the night He was betrayed and arrested. He would soon demonstrate His divine glory in His crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus prays for the disciples. Later he would pray for those who are brought to faith through the apsotles’ teaching. Jesus prays that those who are brought to saving faith would be protected from the devil’s attacks, and ‘kept in Jesus’ name’, preserved and unified in the true, saving faith that Jesus alone can rescue us from sin and condemnation.
Summer can be a busy time. I encourage you to set aside time to read the Bible and attend Bible class and worship. Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the information posted above. God bless you. Pastor Boster
