Dear brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Christ. I encourage you to attend Bible study and worship Sunday to hear God’s Word and receive His gifts of forgiveness.
Sunday, July 26 is the ninth Sunday after Pentecost. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Three beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #574 Before the Throne of God Above; #567 Not What These Hands Have Done; and #573 Lord, Tis Not That I Did Choose Thee.
Scripture lessons assigned to the day, Proper 12, are Psalm 25:4-13, 20-21; Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Romans 8:28-39; and Matthew 13:44-52.
The ancient Israelites should not be thought of as only a nation, but as a people chosen by God, and therefore a precursor of the Church. Like the faithful descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Christians throughout history are the beloved people whom God has called and gathered into His kingdom. We are not loved because we are so great or loveable, but because He is so gracious. What an amazing statement: that the eternal Creator and Judge has set His love on you and chosen you in spite of your sin and weaknesses. God loved you so much that He did not spare His own Son Jesus but gave Him up to crucifixion as an atoning sacrifice that paid for your sin and reconciled you to Him. His saving actions were predestined, set in motion before Creation. That should give you confidence of heaven.
Jesus is now bodily risen from the dead, and ascended into heaven applying His divine authority as He continues to intercede for you. As St. Paul explains it in the epistle lesson, nothing, not even death can separate you from God’s love. So follow Jesus, for God will work out all things for the good of those He called according to His purpose. God is God, He is faithful, and keeps His covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love, that, receiving what you have promised, we may love what you have commanded; 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 Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
