Brothers and sisters, tomorrow is Father’s Day, a day to honor fathers. Almost any man can make a baby. But having a father who loves us, provides for us, teaches us about God, disciplines us when we need it, that dad is a very special gift from God. Thank God if you have a dad like that. If you are a dad, those are actions and attitudes God can train and equip you for. And He will pick you up when you fail. If you don’t have a dad like that, remember God is the perfect father who will always do what is best for you. Talk to Him. Read His Word. He sees you and hears you. Jesus is proof that He loves you even at your worst. We pray that God would guide and bless fathers that they might be examples of Christian faith, and properly apply God’s discipline and grace to their children. Come to worship and see what God the Father has to say to you there.
On Sunday June 21 we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Three beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #936 Sing Praise to the Gd of Israel; #713 From God Can Nothing Move Me; #570 Just As I Am; and #920 Forth in the Peace of Christ We Go.
Scripture lessons for the day, the fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7, are Psalm 91:9-16 Jeremiah 20:7-13; Romans 6:12-23; and Matthew10:5a, 21-33.
In this season after Pentecost, we are reminded that Jesus continues His ministry through the members of His Church. We can use terms like witnesses or ambassadors to describe the task of sharing the gospel with others, inviting them to join us living in faith in the kingdom of God.
In both the Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah 20 and the Gospel lesson from Matthew 10, we are reminded that kingdom work is not easy. Sometimes it is even dangerous. the prophet Jeremiah is one who was ridiculed and threatened by those who opposed His proclamation of God’s Word. But God stands with His people. He sent Jesus to stand by you. The Holy Spirit gives us the courage we need. The words and love we are to share are God’s words and love. So, He encourages us not to fear earthly enemies, but to endure, and to continue Jesus’ ministry work in faith. He promises that those who endure, faithfully serving Him to the end of time, will be saved.
In the lesson from Romans 6, St. Paul urges those who have been joined to Jesus and set free from sin, to not return to sin. We are no longer slaves to sin. By the blood of Jesus, He calls us saints. We have been given freedom to live in God’s grace. But that freedom should not be interpreted as a license to keep sinning. Rather we are to turn from our disobedient thoughts and actions, and instead continue returning to Jesus. Jesus’ forgiveness and eternal life are free gifts to you that He paid for. Sin still often tangles up our ways, but Jesus leads us in the way of righteousness.
COLLECT: O gracious God, because Your abiding presence always goes with us, keep us aware of Your daily mercies that we may love secure and content in Your eternal love; 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 questions about Sunday’s lessons or if you have any prayer requests. Your attendance in worship is an encouragement to me and to others. Invite your friends. God bless you. Pastor Boster
