We cannot remember and rejoice in St. Matthias, the Apostle, without recalling and mourning Judas, that wretched Apostle whom he replaced.
Judas sought peace and rest, but found only despair. He ended his own life in a suicide of soul and body. He abandoned his vocation and office and went to his own place of death and destruction. It would have been better for that man had he never been born.
How is it with you? Are you weak and weary, weighed down and burdened? Why? It is because you are surrounded on all sides and always threatened by sin and death, within and without, and you are constantly tempted to look for life and love in all the wrong place.
There is no life and love, nor any peace and rest, until you rest in God, your Creator. Apart from the Lord, your own homestead and household are desolate; you will not abide in them for long.
But examine yourself honestly, and ask yourself: How do you flee despair? Where and how do you seek relief and satisfaction? Is it by your own wisdom, works and ingenuity? You'll not find rest that way, because you won't find God that way. It will not work for you to find "a place" for God in your life, but your life is found in Him alone.
So, for example, in the case of your vocations and your stations in life: these are not a means by which you are to achieve and obtain life for yourself, but the place where you are given to live the life that is yours by the grace of God.
But do you, then, go about your vocations and stations in life in faith and love, content with God and His gifts? Or do you strive to make a life for yourself, whether by the manipulation and misuse of your office, or by moving outside of your vocations in search of that which God has not given? What is it that you're chasing after with your life? Money or sex? Fame and fortune? Recreation, entertainment and personal pleasure? What is your personal tower of Babel?
You'll not find what you're looking for — you'll not find life and love, nor peace and rest — not apart from God. But you won't find God by any wisdom, reason, strength or intelligence of your own. You'll not find God at all, except as He reveals Himself and gives Himself to you.
How so? God has hidden Himself and His righteousness from the wise and intelligent, but He reveals and gives Himself to nursing babies and infants, and to those who are like little children by repentant faith. That is the good pleasure and gracious good will of God, that He makes Himself known in love, with life and salvation, to the One who is gentle and humble of heart.
Which is really to say that God and everything pertaining to Him are both hidden and revealed in Christ Jesus, the incarnate Son, crucified and risen. He alone reveals the Father to you, by grace. He does it by His Word and in His own flesh. He does it by the means of His Gospel, wherein the Lord your God is both hidden and revealed — from His Baptism to His Cross and Resurrection, in your ears and in your mouth.
That is the point and purpose of the holy office which Judas abandoned and to which St. Matthias was called and ordained by the Lord.
Are you weak and weary, weighed down and burdened? Come to Jesus. Take His yoke upon you. Learn from Him the way of life and love.
Hear and heed the preaching of the Word of Christ. Listen to Him. That is the key. Avail yourself of the good gifts Christ freely gives by the Ministry of the Gospel. And follow Him, living in whatever place He has put you, doing whatever it is He gives you to do there.
What all of this means is received in and with the Cross of Christ. As He Himself was crucified; as St. Matthias and almost all of the holy Apostles were martyred; so are you put to death, in order to live.
But how, then, can Jesus call this "yoke" of His Cross a light and easy burden? What sort of "rest" is this?
It is peace and rest for your soul, even in adversity, and the resurrection of your body, too, at the last; because in His gentle humility, even unto death, He has reconciled you to the Father by His Cross. It is in His Resurrection and Ascension that He has established a place for you, a home and family in His Church (on earth as it is in heaven). Therein, He gives you His good gifts: Apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers, to serve you with the Gospel of His Cross, the forgiveness of your sins and peace in His Body.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
24 February 2009
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
The ministry of the Law is not without divine glory. It is the Word and will of God. It is good and right. It is impressive and powerful, so as to shake mountains and cause sinners to tremble.
But the righteousness of the Law cannot save you. It does not make you righteous, but condemns you. It does not bring you to God in peace, nor does it glorify you. It will either terrify you, or mislead you into selfish pride; not because it is bad or dishonest, but because of the hardness of your heart.
The Law never was intended to give you life, but it points you to the life and love of God, which are in Christ Jesus, your Lord.
Because the Law is God’s good Word and His will, and because it points to the Lord Jesus Christ, to contradict or deny the Law, to disregard or disobey it, is all the more deadly and damnable than trying to save yourself by it. Better to live according to the Law than to break it. For if you reject the Law of God, you will surely die in your wickedness. Yet, if you endeavor to save yourself and live by the works of the Law, then you are under its curse and condemnation.
When God comes down with commandments engraved in stone, and confronts your stony heart with them, then there is wrath and fear, terror and dread. That glory of the Law brings not life, but death.
But when God comes down from the Mountain in the flesh and blood of Christ, then His greater glory is manifested in mercy and compassion.
That which the Law commands — faith and love toward God, and love for the neighbor — is fulfilled and accomplished by Christ Jesus, specifically in His Body: crucified and risen. Not simply as an unraveling of your disobedience and failure, but as the true keeping of God’s good and gracious will for you. The life, death and resurrection of God’s Son in the flesh is the full realization of His divine glory; and all of this is for you, that you may live and not die.
Thus, when Jesus comes down from the mountain, He is not leaving His glory behind, but He proceeds to the greater glory of His Cross and Passion. Everything else, before and after, hinges on that.
The glory of the Law gives way to the glory of the Cross, by which Christ establishes His righteousness for you. And all the miracles of Christ Jesus, as well as those of His Prophets and Apostles, are gathered up into the Resurrection of His Body from the dead.
It is in the flesh of Christ, crucified and risen, that you behold the glory of God and come to Him in peace. It is by the Word of Christ Jesus, His Gospel of forgiveness, that you hear and know, believe and trust the good and gracious will of God (who is your Father in Him).
Thus, the highest Mountain of God is not Mt. Sinai, nor even the Mountain of Transfiguration (Tabor?), but Mt. Calvary, upon which Christ Jesus is lifted up in death upon the Cross.
And the true Mt. Zion, where the glory of the Lord resides, and where His holy Name abides, is not the Temple in Jerusalem (which has long since been destroyed), but the Altar of the Holy Communion. It is to His Altar that the Word of Christ brings you in love, to the center of life in His Body and His Blood.
Here, you also are transfigured by the glory of God in the flesh of Christ — in your body and life — to live in holy faith and perfect love. Not by impressive deeds of worldly grandeur, but in self-sacrifice and humble service. For the gracious Word of Christ has clothed you in the glorious garments of His righteousness and holiness. You are not condemned, but forgiven and set free.
Your flesh, also, is glorified by the flesh of Christ, to live in love, both here in time and hereafter in the resurrection of your body forever.
By His Cross and in His Resurrection, you are saved; for He has made His tabernacle here with you, not on the exceedingly high mountain that you could never climb, but in your own flesh and blood.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
But the righteousness of the Law cannot save you. It does not make you righteous, but condemns you. It does not bring you to God in peace, nor does it glorify you. It will either terrify you, or mislead you into selfish pride; not because it is bad or dishonest, but because of the hardness of your heart.
The Law never was intended to give you life, but it points you to the life and love of God, which are in Christ Jesus, your Lord.
Because the Law is God’s good Word and His will, and because it points to the Lord Jesus Christ, to contradict or deny the Law, to disregard or disobey it, is all the more deadly and damnable than trying to save yourself by it. Better to live according to the Law than to break it. For if you reject the Law of God, you will surely die in your wickedness. Yet, if you endeavor to save yourself and live by the works of the Law, then you are under its curse and condemnation.
When God comes down with commandments engraved in stone, and confronts your stony heart with them, then there is wrath and fear, terror and dread. That glory of the Law brings not life, but death.
But when God comes down from the Mountain in the flesh and blood of Christ, then His greater glory is manifested in mercy and compassion.
That which the Law commands — faith and love toward God, and love for the neighbor — is fulfilled and accomplished by Christ Jesus, specifically in His Body: crucified and risen. Not simply as an unraveling of your disobedience and failure, but as the true keeping of God’s good and gracious will for you. The life, death and resurrection of God’s Son in the flesh is the full realization of His divine glory; and all of this is for you, that you may live and not die.
Thus, when Jesus comes down from the mountain, He is not leaving His glory behind, but He proceeds to the greater glory of His Cross and Passion. Everything else, before and after, hinges on that.
The glory of the Law gives way to the glory of the Cross, by which Christ establishes His righteousness for you. And all the miracles of Christ Jesus, as well as those of His Prophets and Apostles, are gathered up into the Resurrection of His Body from the dead.
It is in the flesh of Christ, crucified and risen, that you behold the glory of God and come to Him in peace. It is by the Word of Christ Jesus, His Gospel of forgiveness, that you hear and know, believe and trust the good and gracious will of God (who is your Father in Him).
Thus, the highest Mountain of God is not Mt. Sinai, nor even the Mountain of Transfiguration (Tabor?), but Mt. Calvary, upon which Christ Jesus is lifted up in death upon the Cross.
And the true Mt. Zion, where the glory of the Lord resides, and where His holy Name abides, is not the Temple in Jerusalem (which has long since been destroyed), but the Altar of the Holy Communion. It is to His Altar that the Word of Christ brings you in love, to the center of life in His Body and His Blood.
Here, you also are transfigured by the glory of God in the flesh of Christ — in your body and life — to live in holy faith and perfect love. Not by impressive deeds of worldly grandeur, but in self-sacrifice and humble service. For the gracious Word of Christ has clothed you in the glorious garments of His righteousness and holiness. You are not condemned, but forgiven and set free.
Your flesh, also, is glorified by the flesh of Christ, to live in love, both here in time and hereafter in the resurrection of your body forever.
By His Cross and in His Resurrection, you are saved; for He has made His tabernacle here with you, not on the exceedingly high mountain that you could never climb, but in your own flesh and blood.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
23 February 2009
Hymns for Holy Week Series B
Sunday of the Passion
John 12:12–19 (Palmarum)
Zechariah 9:9–12
Philippians 2:5–11
Mark 14:1—15:47
Processional Hymn
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442) (Catechetical in Odd Years)
Sequence
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
Hymn of the Day
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O Lord, how shall I meet You (LSB 334)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634) (Catechetical: Even)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Processional Out
Ride on, ride on in majesty (LSB 441)
Alternative Hymns
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Christ is the world’s Redeemer (LSB 539)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
Hosanna, loud hosanna (LSB 443)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus! Name of wondrous love (LSB 900)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lift high the cross (LSB 837)
O darkest woe (LSB 448)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Monday in Holy Week (Prayer Office)
Psalm 36:5–12 (antiphon: v. 9)
Isaiah 50:5–10
Hebrews 9:11–15
Matthew 26:1—27:66
Office Hymn
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442) (odd years)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634) (even years)
Alternative Hymns
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Rock of ages, cleft for me (LSB 761)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
Monday in Holy Week (Divine Service)
Isaiah 42:1–9
1 Peter 2:21–24
John 12:1–23
Hymn of the Day
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Alternative Hymns
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Tuesday in Holy Week (Prayer Office)
Psalm 54 (antiphon: v. 4)
Jeremiah 11:18–20
1 Timothy 6:12–14
Mark 14:1—15:47
Office Hymn
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442) (odd years)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634) (even years)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Tuesday in Holy Week (Divine Service)
Isaiah 49:1–7
1 Corinthians 1:18–25 (26–31)
John 12:23–50
Hymn of the Day
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Alternative Hymns
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Wednesday in Holy Week (Prayer Office)
Psalm 70 (antiphon: v. 5)
Isaiah 62:11—63:7
Revelation 1:5b–7
Luke 22:1—23:56
Office Hymn
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442) (odd years)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634) (even years)
Alternative Hymns
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, in Your dying woes (LSB 447)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Wednesday in Holy Week (Divine Service)
Isaiah 50:4–9a
Romans 5:6–11
John 13:16–38
Hymn of the Day
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Alternative Hymns
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Draw near and take the body of the Lord (LSB 637)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Maundy Thursday Morning
The Litany (LSB 288–289)
Corporate Confession and Absolution (LSB 290–291)
Office Hymn
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Alternative Hymns
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
Maundy Thursday Evening (Divine Service)
Exodus 12:1–14
1 Corinthians 11:23–32
John 13:1–17, 31b–35
Processional Hymn
Now, my tongue, the myst’ry telling (LSB 630)
Hymn of the Day
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Offertory Hymn
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
Additional Lord’s Supper Hymns
Draw near and take the body of the Lord (LSB 637)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving bread (LSB 625)
Lord Jesus Christ, You have prepared (LSB 622)
O living Bread from heaven (LSB 642)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
Thee we adore, O hidden Savior (LSB 640)
Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9
John 18:1—19:42
Hymn preceding the Passion
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Hymn interspersed with the Reading of the Passion
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Hymn of the Day
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Hymn for the Reproaches
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
Offertory Hymn
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O darkest woe (LSB 448)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Hymn of Departure
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
Alternative Hymns
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, in Your dying woes (LSB 447)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
Thy works, not mine, O Christ (LSB 565)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Holy Saturday Morning (Simplified Matins)
Psalm 16 (antiphon: v. 10)
Daniel 6:1–24
1 Peter 4:1–8
Matthew 27:57–66
Office Hymn
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)
Alternative Hymns
I lie, O Lord, within Your care (LSB 885)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
O darkest woe (LSB 448)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
This body in the grave we lay (LSB 759)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
John 12:12–19 (Palmarum)
Zechariah 9:9–12
Philippians 2:5–11
Mark 14:1—15:47
Processional Hymn
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442) (Catechetical in Odd Years)
Sequence
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
Hymn of the Day
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O Lord, how shall I meet You (LSB 334)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634) (Catechetical: Even)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Processional Out
Ride on, ride on in majesty (LSB 441)
Alternative Hymns
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Christ is the world’s Redeemer (LSB 539)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
Hosanna, loud hosanna (LSB 443)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus! Name of wondrous love (LSB 900)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lift high the cross (LSB 837)
O darkest woe (LSB 448)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Monday in Holy Week (Prayer Office)
Psalm 36:5–12 (antiphon: v. 9)
Isaiah 50:5–10
Hebrews 9:11–15
Matthew 26:1—27:66
Office Hymn
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442) (odd years)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634) (even years)
Alternative Hymns
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Rock of ages, cleft for me (LSB 761)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
Monday in Holy Week (Divine Service)
Isaiah 42:1–9
1 Peter 2:21–24
John 12:1–23
Hymn of the Day
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Alternative Hymns
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Tuesday in Holy Week (Prayer Office)
Psalm 54 (antiphon: v. 4)
Jeremiah 11:18–20
1 Timothy 6:12–14
Mark 14:1—15:47
Office Hymn
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442) (odd years)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634) (even years)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Tuesday in Holy Week (Divine Service)
Isaiah 49:1–7
1 Corinthians 1:18–25 (26–31)
John 12:23–50
Hymn of the Day
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Alternative Hymns
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Wednesday in Holy Week (Prayer Office)
Psalm 70 (antiphon: v. 5)
Isaiah 62:11—63:7
Revelation 1:5b–7
Luke 22:1—23:56
Office Hymn
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442) (odd years)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634) (even years)
Alternative Hymns
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, in Your dying woes (LSB 447)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Wednesday in Holy Week (Divine Service)
Isaiah 50:4–9a
Romans 5:6–11
John 13:16–38
Hymn of the Day
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Alternative Hymns
All glory, laud, and honor (LSB 442)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Draw near and take the body of the Lord (LSB 637)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Maundy Thursday Morning
The Litany (LSB 288–289)
Corporate Confession and Absolution (LSB 290–291)
Office Hymn
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Alternative Hymns
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
Maundy Thursday Evening (Divine Service)
Exodus 12:1–14
1 Corinthians 11:23–32
John 13:1–17, 31b–35
Processional Hymn
Now, my tongue, the myst’ry telling (LSB 630)
Hymn of the Day
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Offertory Hymn
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
Additional Lord’s Supper Hymns
Draw near and take the body of the Lord (LSB 637)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving bread (LSB 625)
Lord Jesus Christ, You have prepared (LSB 622)
O living Bread from heaven (LSB 642)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
Thee we adore, O hidden Savior (LSB 640)
Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9
John 18:1—19:42
Hymn preceding the Passion
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Hymn interspersed with the Reading of the Passion
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Hymn of the Day
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Hymn for the Reproaches
Lamb of God, pure and holy (LSB 434)
Offertory Hymn
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O darkest woe (LSB 448)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Hymn of Departure
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
Alternative Hymns
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, in Your dying woes (LSB 447)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
Thy works, not mine, O Christ (LSB 565)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Holy Saturday Morning (Simplified Matins)
Psalm 16 (antiphon: v. 10)
Daniel 6:1–24
1 Peter 4:1–8
Matthew 27:57–66
Office Hymn
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)
Alternative Hymns
I lie, O Lord, within Your care (LSB 885)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
O darkest woe (LSB 448)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
This body in the grave we lay (LSB 759)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
20 February 2009
Katharina Marianna Regina Felicity Stuckwisch
Short post for now.
She was born this morning, by Caesarean, 7:47 a.m.
8 lbs. 4 oz. 21 inches.
LaRena and Katharina are both doing well.
It is exactly one year to the day after our little Job departed from his life in the womb to the nearer presence of Christ Jesus in heaven. So it seems that Katharina was determined to share her birthday with someone in the family.
We're still considering when she will receive the new birth of water and the Spirit.
Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
She was born this morning, by Caesarean, 7:47 a.m.
8 lbs. 4 oz. 21 inches.
LaRena and Katharina are both doing well.
It is exactly one year to the day after our little Job departed from his life in the womb to the nearer presence of Christ Jesus in heaven. So it seems that Katharina was determined to share her birthday with someone in the family.
We're still considering when she will receive the new birth of water and the Spirit.
Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
15 February 2009
A Really Useful Engine
My wife picked up the phrase from Thomas the Train Engine, who is always eager to be a "really useful engine." She made the observation that the same thing is true of our little boys, especially Justinian as the particular case she had in mind. I think it is true of our little girls, too, but with them it is expressed in different ways.
Little boys do want to be "really useful engines," and so do men. They want to be useful, and they want to be admired and appreciated for being useful. They are keen to figure things out and to fix what is broken, to find solutions and solve problems, and to accomplish good things. They want to be useful, and they are gladly willing to work at it, in order to achieve results.
This can be problematic. Like most everything else in this fallen world, the desire to be "useful" is easily twisted into works righteousness and self-idolatry. Men are prone to define who they are in terms of what they do and accomplish; to measure their worth by their achievements. "Usefulness," then, may have more to do with pridefulness than sacrificial loving service. The male ego is surely one of those false gods and household idols that must be dethroned and broken through daily contrition and repentance.
For all of that, though, there is an inherent goodness in a man's desire to be a "really useful engine." The inclination to help and serve, to fix what is broken, to rectify what is wrong, to be strong for the weak, to work hard for the benefit of others — surely all of this is good and right, and it is put to good use by the Lord through the order of natural law. A lot of good stuff is done for lots of neighbors by men who may be driven by no other motivation than to be "really useful engines." Many wives and children are well served in this body and life because their man wants to be useful. That is even apart from the sanctified law of Christian faith and love.
Our Lord Jesus Himself is a "really useful engine," if it is not too crass a thing to say concerning Him who is our Life, our Light and our Salvation. "My Father is working until now," He says, "and I Myself am working." His "usefulness" does not define or constitute who He is or what He is worth, but derives from His Person as the Son of God, the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. He does what He does, for us, because of who He is. And men made in His own Image are at their best when they work to serve their neighbor in love; when they are useful, not in order to become what they are not, but to be who they are created to be.
The zeal of little boys to be "really useful engines" needs to be guided and governed by fathers who have learned to be useful in faith and love, as men after God's own heart. They need to be taught the knowledge and skills to be useful; for good intentions and trying hard are not always so helpful. They also need a good example of sacrificial service for love's sake; like father, like son. And young men especially need the consolation and comfort of the Gospel, which never does hinge on their usefulness. For it is only when they know themselves to be sons of God in Christ Jesus that they can truly know the desire to be "really useful engines," not for prideful self-righteousness, but gladly, for the sake of their Father in heaven and their neighbor on earth.
I've been pondering how it may be similar and different for little girls, young ladies and women. I don't doubt that women also want to be "really useful," but I have a sense that such a desire may take a very different form with them. Women seem less inclined than men to define who they are and what they are worth in terms of their abilities and achievements. Perhaps they interpret their "usefulness" more in terms of their relationships: in the giving and receiving of love, in nurturing and caring, in listening and speaking. Am I missing the mark? A little help, anyone?
What isn't different for girls and boys, men and women, is that "usefulness" is best exercised in faith and love, and that human identity and real worth are not achieved by "usefulness" of any sort, but are bestowed by the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Little boys do want to be "really useful engines," and so do men. They want to be useful, and they want to be admired and appreciated for being useful. They are keen to figure things out and to fix what is broken, to find solutions and solve problems, and to accomplish good things. They want to be useful, and they are gladly willing to work at it, in order to achieve results.
This can be problematic. Like most everything else in this fallen world, the desire to be "useful" is easily twisted into works righteousness and self-idolatry. Men are prone to define who they are in terms of what they do and accomplish; to measure their worth by their achievements. "Usefulness," then, may have more to do with pridefulness than sacrificial loving service. The male ego is surely one of those false gods and household idols that must be dethroned and broken through daily contrition and repentance.
For all of that, though, there is an inherent goodness in a man's desire to be a "really useful engine." The inclination to help and serve, to fix what is broken, to rectify what is wrong, to be strong for the weak, to work hard for the benefit of others — surely all of this is good and right, and it is put to good use by the Lord through the order of natural law. A lot of good stuff is done for lots of neighbors by men who may be driven by no other motivation than to be "really useful engines." Many wives and children are well served in this body and life because their man wants to be useful. That is even apart from the sanctified law of Christian faith and love.
Our Lord Jesus Himself is a "really useful engine," if it is not too crass a thing to say concerning Him who is our Life, our Light and our Salvation. "My Father is working until now," He says, "and I Myself am working." His "usefulness" does not define or constitute who He is or what He is worth, but derives from His Person as the Son of God, the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. He does what He does, for us, because of who He is. And men made in His own Image are at their best when they work to serve their neighbor in love; when they are useful, not in order to become what they are not, but to be who they are created to be.
The zeal of little boys to be "really useful engines" needs to be guided and governed by fathers who have learned to be useful in faith and love, as men after God's own heart. They need to be taught the knowledge and skills to be useful; for good intentions and trying hard are not always so helpful. They also need a good example of sacrificial service for love's sake; like father, like son. And young men especially need the consolation and comfort of the Gospel, which never does hinge on their usefulness. For it is only when they know themselves to be sons of God in Christ Jesus that they can truly know the desire to be "really useful engines," not for prideful self-righteousness, but gladly, for the sake of their Father in heaven and their neighbor on earth.
I've been pondering how it may be similar and different for little girls, young ladies and women. I don't doubt that women also want to be "really useful," but I have a sense that such a desire may take a very different form with them. Women seem less inclined than men to define who they are and what they are worth in terms of their abilities and achievements. Perhaps they interpret their "usefulness" more in terms of their relationships: in the giving and receiving of love, in nurturing and caring, in listening and speaking. Am I missing the mark? A little help, anyone?
What isn't different for girls and boys, men and women, is that "usefulness" is best exercised in faith and love, and that human identity and real worth are not achieved by "usefulness" of any sort, but are bestowed by the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
13 February 2009
Legalistic and Lazy / Free and Easy
Sinful selfishness is both legalistic and lazy at the same time. It drives us to work as hard as we have to while seeking to get away with as little as possible.
Faith and love enable us to live free and easy in the grace of God, resting in the mercy and forgiveness of Christ Jesus, while gladly working as hard as we are able to benefit our neighbor.
Faith and love enable us to live free and easy in the grace of God, resting in the mercy and forgiveness of Christ Jesus, while gladly working as hard as we are able to benefit our neighbor.
12 February 2009
Blown Away by Black Stone Cherry!
I am thinking about more than rock 'n' roll these days. In fact, I've got several more important things on my mind, which I'd like to blog about and eventually will. But I've also got too many pots on the stove at the moment, and focusing my thoughts into written words is difficult while I'm waiting for my daughter to be born. So, under the circumstances, a little r'n'r has been a welcome distraction. It has also led me to a welcome discovery this week.
I've eyed Black Stone Cherry on the shelf at Target, off and on, for the past six months or more. Their second record, Folklore and Superstition, looked promising, but I really wasn't sure; I'd never heard of this group before, and I was reluctant to spend the money on an offside chance. Recently, though, inspired by Chinese Democracy and the musical interests I share with my son Zach, I did a little looking online to see what I could find on Black Stone Cherry. The description and reviews on Amazon were encouraging, and that further piqued my interest. So, when I spotted Folklore and Superstition for a bargain price at Wal-Mart, I finally snagged it.
Wow! These guys are great. They've taken a classic rock sound and made it their own, and they have got the chops to do it. Nothing outdated about this music, but it hearkens back to the glory days of the rampaging early 70s. It rocks without being raunchy or racy. It's thoughtful without being artsy. It's interesting without losing the energy or the fun. It's got both variety and solid consistency.
I've been racking my brain to know how best to describe this best new find of 009. Comparing Black Stone Cherry to other bands doesn't do them justice, but how else does one define something new? Lots of people emulate the classics, or try to, but most of them end up sounding like cover bands or karaoke chumps. Not so in this case. Black Stone Cherry sounds like the real deal to me; not by imitation, but by living and growing from within a tradition they were clearly weaned on. Think Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Lynyrd Skynyrd; there's definitely a southern rock component to this band. There's some Eric Clapton sensibilities, too, and occasional shades of Jimi Hendrix. But think back to early Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, and even early Metallica. Channel all of that through Daughtry and Velvet Revolver, and you're getting close to Black Stone Cherry. Then again, oddly enough, there are times when I am most reminded of Tim McGraw when he's in his own 1970s classic rock groove.
In sum, Black Stone Cherry has blown me away like nothing else I've discovered in quite a while. Highlights include "Blind Man," "Things My Father Said," "Long Sleeves," "Peace Is Free," "You," and "Ghost of Floyd Collins." But there aren't any duds among the thirteen tracks on Folklore and Supersitition. Recommended for anyone who likes to rock.
I've eyed Black Stone Cherry on the shelf at Target, off and on, for the past six months or more. Their second record, Folklore and Superstition, looked promising, but I really wasn't sure; I'd never heard of this group before, and I was reluctant to spend the money on an offside chance. Recently, though, inspired by Chinese Democracy and the musical interests I share with my son Zach, I did a little looking online to see what I could find on Black Stone Cherry. The description and reviews on Amazon were encouraging, and that further piqued my interest. So, when I spotted Folklore and Superstition for a bargain price at Wal-Mart, I finally snagged it.
Wow! These guys are great. They've taken a classic rock sound and made it their own, and they have got the chops to do it. Nothing outdated about this music, but it hearkens back to the glory days of the rampaging early 70s. It rocks without being raunchy or racy. It's thoughtful without being artsy. It's interesting without losing the energy or the fun. It's got both variety and solid consistency.
I've been racking my brain to know how best to describe this best new find of 009. Comparing Black Stone Cherry to other bands doesn't do them justice, but how else does one define something new? Lots of people emulate the classics, or try to, but most of them end up sounding like cover bands or karaoke chumps. Not so in this case. Black Stone Cherry sounds like the real deal to me; not by imitation, but by living and growing from within a tradition they were clearly weaned on. Think Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Lynyrd Skynyrd; there's definitely a southern rock component to this band. There's some Eric Clapton sensibilities, too, and occasional shades of Jimi Hendrix. But think back to early Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, and even early Metallica. Channel all of that through Daughtry and Velvet Revolver, and you're getting close to Black Stone Cherry. Then again, oddly enough, there are times when I am most reminded of Tim McGraw when he's in his own 1970s classic rock groove.
In sum, Black Stone Cherry has blown me away like nothing else I've discovered in quite a while. Highlights include "Blind Man," "Things My Father Said," "Long Sleeves," "Peace Is Free," "You," and "Ghost of Floyd Collins." But there aren't any duds among the thirteen tracks on Folklore and Supersitition. Recommended for anyone who likes to rock.
09 February 2009
Freedom to Love
From Dr. Luther's 1535 Lectures on Galatians:
"‘You were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another’ (Gal. 5:13). It is as though Paul were saying: ‘Now you have obtained freedom through Christ. That is, you are far above all laws, both in your own conscience and in the sight of God; you are blessed and saved; Christ is your life. Therefore even though the Law, sin, and death may frighten you, they can neither harm you nor cause you to despair. This is your brilliant and inestimable freedom. Now it is up to you to be diligently on your guard not to use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.’
"This evil is very widespread, and it is the worst of all the evils that Satan arouses against the teaching of faith: that in many people he soon transforms the freedom for which Christ has set us free into an opportunity for the flesh. Jude complains of this same thing in his Epistle (v. 4): ‘Admission has been secretly gained by some ungodly persons who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness.’ For the flesh simply does not understand the teaching of grace, namely, that we are not justified by works but by faith alone, and that the Law has no jurisdiction over us. Therefore when the flesh hears this teaching, it transforms it into licentiousness and immediately draws the inference: ‘If we are without the Law, then let us live as we please. Let us not do good, let us not give to the needy; much less do we have to endure anything evil. For there is no Law to compel or bind us.’
"Thus there is a danger on both sides, although the one is more tolerable than the other. If grace or faith is not preached, no one is saved; for faith alone justifies and saves. On the other hand, if faith is preached, as it must be, the majority of men understand the teaching about faith in a fleshly way and transform the freedom of the Spirit into the freedom of the flesh. This can be discerned today in all classes of society, both high and low. They all boast of being evangelicals and boast of Christian freedom. Meanwhile, however, they give in to their desires and turn to greed, sexual desire, pride, envy, etc. No one performs his duty faithfully; no one serves another by love. This misbehavior often makes me so impatient that I would want such ‘swine that trample pearls underfoot’ (Matt. 7:6) still to be under the tyranny of the pope. For it is impossible for this people of Gomorrah to be ruled by the Gospel of peace.
"What is more, we ourselves, who teach the Word, do not perform our own duty with as much care and zeal here in the light of the truth as we used to in the darkness of ignorance. The more certain we are about the freedom granted to us by Christ, the more unresponsive and slothful we are in presenting the Word, praying, doing good works, enduring evil, and the like. And if Satan were not troubling us inwardly with spiritual trials and outwardly with persecution by our enemies and with the contempt and ingratitude of our own followers, we would become utterly smug, lazy, and useless for anything good; thus in time we would lose the knowledge of Christ and faith in Him, would forsake the ministry of the Word, and would look for some more comfortable way of life, more suitable to our flesh. This is what many of our followers are beginning to do, motivated by the fact that those who labor in the Word not only do not get their support from this but are even treated shamefully by those whom their preaching of the Gospel has set free from the miserable slavery of the pope. Forsaking the poor and offensive figure of Christ, they involve themselves in the business of this present life; and they serve, not Christ but their own appetites (Rom. 16:18), with results that they will experience in due time.
"We know that the devil lies in wait especially for us who have the Word — he already holds the others captive to his will — and that he is intent upon taking the freedom of the Spirit away from us or at least making us change it into license. Therefore we teach and exhort our followers with great care and diligence, on the basis of Paul’s example, not to think that this freedom of the Spirit, achieved by the death of Christ, was given to them as an opportunity for the flesh or, as Peter says, ‘to use as a pretext for evil’ (1 Peter 2:16), but for them to be servants of one another through love.
"Therefore, the Apostle Paul imposes an obligation on Christians through this law about mutual love in order to keep them from abusing their freedom. Therefore the godly should remember that for the sake of Christ they are free in their conscience before God from the curse of the Law, from sin, and from death, but that according to the body they are bound; here each must serve the other through love, in accordance with this commandment of Paul.
"Therefore let everyone strive to do his duty in his calling and to help his neighbor in whatever way he can. This is what Paul requires of us with the words ‘through love be servants of one another,’ which do not permit the saints to run free according to the flesh but subject them to an obligation.
"Of course, it is impossible to teach or persuade unspiritual people of this teaching about the love that is to be mutually observed among us. Christians comply with it voluntarily. But when the others hear this freedom proclaimed, they immediately draw the inference: ‘If I am free, then I have the right to do whatever I please. This thing belongs to me; why should I not sell it for as much as I can? Again, if we do not obtain salvation on account of good works, why should we give anything to the poor?’ In their great smugness such people shrug off this yoke and obligation of the flesh, and they transform the freedom of the Spirit into the license and lust of the flesh. Although they will not believe us but will make fun of us, we make this sure announcement to these smug despisers: If they use their bodies and their powers for their own lusts — as they are certainly doing when they refuse to help the poor and to share, but defraud their brethren in business and acquire things by fair means or foul — then they are not free, as they loudly claim to be, but have lost both Christ and freedom, and are slaves of the devil, so that now, under the title of ‘Christian freedom,’ their state is seven times as bad as it used to be under the tyranny of the pope. For when the devil who has been cast out of them returns to them, he brings with him seven spirits more evil than himself. Therefore their last state becomes worse than the first (Matt. 12:43–45).
"We for our part have the divine command to preach the Gospel, which announces to all men, if only they believe, the free gift of freedom from the Law, from sin, from death, and from the wrath of God, for the sake of Christ. We have neither the intention nor the authority to conceal this freedom or to obscure and cancel it once it has been made public through the Gospel; for Christ has granted it to us and has achieved it by His death. Nor are we able to compel those swine, who are rushing headlong into the license of the flesh, to be servants of others with their bodies and their possessions. Therefore we do what we can. That is, we diligently admonish them that this is what they should do. If we do not accomplish anything with these warnings of ours, we commit the matter to God, to whom it belongs anyway. In His own time He will inflict just punishment on them. Meanwhile, however, we are comforted by the fact that our labor and our diligence are not in vain among the godly, many of whom have undoubtedly been rescued by our ministry from the slavery of the devil and have been transferred to the freedom of the Spirit. These few — who acknowledge the glory of this freedom, who at the same time are ready to be the servants of others through love, and who know that according to the flesh they are debtors to the brethren — give us a happiness that is greater than the sadness that can be caused by the infinite number of those who abuse this freedom.
"Paul speaks in clear and precise terms when he says: ‘You were called to freedom.’ To prevent anyone from imagining that he means the freedom of the flesh, he explains himself and says what kind of freedom he has in mind: ‘Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another.’ Therefore every Christian should know that in his conscience he has been established by Christ as a lord over the Law, sin, and death, and that they do not have jurisdiction over him. On the other hand, he should know also that this external obligation has been imposed on his body, that through love he should serve his neighbor. Those who understand Christian freedom differently are enjoying the advantages of the Gospel to their own destruction and are worse idolaters under the name ‘Christian’ than they used to be under the pope." (Luther’s Works, Volume 27, CPH 1963)
"‘You were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another’ (Gal. 5:13). It is as though Paul were saying: ‘Now you have obtained freedom through Christ. That is, you are far above all laws, both in your own conscience and in the sight of God; you are blessed and saved; Christ is your life. Therefore even though the Law, sin, and death may frighten you, they can neither harm you nor cause you to despair. This is your brilliant and inestimable freedom. Now it is up to you to be diligently on your guard not to use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.’
"This evil is very widespread, and it is the worst of all the evils that Satan arouses against the teaching of faith: that in many people he soon transforms the freedom for which Christ has set us free into an opportunity for the flesh. Jude complains of this same thing in his Epistle (v. 4): ‘Admission has been secretly gained by some ungodly persons who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness.’ For the flesh simply does not understand the teaching of grace, namely, that we are not justified by works but by faith alone, and that the Law has no jurisdiction over us. Therefore when the flesh hears this teaching, it transforms it into licentiousness and immediately draws the inference: ‘If we are without the Law, then let us live as we please. Let us not do good, let us not give to the needy; much less do we have to endure anything evil. For there is no Law to compel or bind us.’
"Thus there is a danger on both sides, although the one is more tolerable than the other. If grace or faith is not preached, no one is saved; for faith alone justifies and saves. On the other hand, if faith is preached, as it must be, the majority of men understand the teaching about faith in a fleshly way and transform the freedom of the Spirit into the freedom of the flesh. This can be discerned today in all classes of society, both high and low. They all boast of being evangelicals and boast of Christian freedom. Meanwhile, however, they give in to their desires and turn to greed, sexual desire, pride, envy, etc. No one performs his duty faithfully; no one serves another by love. This misbehavior often makes me so impatient that I would want such ‘swine that trample pearls underfoot’ (Matt. 7:6) still to be under the tyranny of the pope. For it is impossible for this people of Gomorrah to be ruled by the Gospel of peace.
"What is more, we ourselves, who teach the Word, do not perform our own duty with as much care and zeal here in the light of the truth as we used to in the darkness of ignorance. The more certain we are about the freedom granted to us by Christ, the more unresponsive and slothful we are in presenting the Word, praying, doing good works, enduring evil, and the like. And if Satan were not troubling us inwardly with spiritual trials and outwardly with persecution by our enemies and with the contempt and ingratitude of our own followers, we would become utterly smug, lazy, and useless for anything good; thus in time we would lose the knowledge of Christ and faith in Him, would forsake the ministry of the Word, and would look for some more comfortable way of life, more suitable to our flesh. This is what many of our followers are beginning to do, motivated by the fact that those who labor in the Word not only do not get their support from this but are even treated shamefully by those whom their preaching of the Gospel has set free from the miserable slavery of the pope. Forsaking the poor and offensive figure of Christ, they involve themselves in the business of this present life; and they serve, not Christ but their own appetites (Rom. 16:18), with results that they will experience in due time.
"We know that the devil lies in wait especially for us who have the Word — he already holds the others captive to his will — and that he is intent upon taking the freedom of the Spirit away from us or at least making us change it into license. Therefore we teach and exhort our followers with great care and diligence, on the basis of Paul’s example, not to think that this freedom of the Spirit, achieved by the death of Christ, was given to them as an opportunity for the flesh or, as Peter says, ‘to use as a pretext for evil’ (1 Peter 2:16), but for them to be servants of one another through love.
"Therefore, the Apostle Paul imposes an obligation on Christians through this law about mutual love in order to keep them from abusing their freedom. Therefore the godly should remember that for the sake of Christ they are free in their conscience before God from the curse of the Law, from sin, and from death, but that according to the body they are bound; here each must serve the other through love, in accordance with this commandment of Paul.
"Therefore let everyone strive to do his duty in his calling and to help his neighbor in whatever way he can. This is what Paul requires of us with the words ‘through love be servants of one another,’ which do not permit the saints to run free according to the flesh but subject them to an obligation.
"Of course, it is impossible to teach or persuade unspiritual people of this teaching about the love that is to be mutually observed among us. Christians comply with it voluntarily. But when the others hear this freedom proclaimed, they immediately draw the inference: ‘If I am free, then I have the right to do whatever I please. This thing belongs to me; why should I not sell it for as much as I can? Again, if we do not obtain salvation on account of good works, why should we give anything to the poor?’ In their great smugness such people shrug off this yoke and obligation of the flesh, and they transform the freedom of the Spirit into the license and lust of the flesh. Although they will not believe us but will make fun of us, we make this sure announcement to these smug despisers: If they use their bodies and their powers for their own lusts — as they are certainly doing when they refuse to help the poor and to share, but defraud their brethren in business and acquire things by fair means or foul — then they are not free, as they loudly claim to be, but have lost both Christ and freedom, and are slaves of the devil, so that now, under the title of ‘Christian freedom,’ their state is seven times as bad as it used to be under the tyranny of the pope. For when the devil who has been cast out of them returns to them, he brings with him seven spirits more evil than himself. Therefore their last state becomes worse than the first (Matt. 12:43–45).
"We for our part have the divine command to preach the Gospel, which announces to all men, if only they believe, the free gift of freedom from the Law, from sin, from death, and from the wrath of God, for the sake of Christ. We have neither the intention nor the authority to conceal this freedom or to obscure and cancel it once it has been made public through the Gospel; for Christ has granted it to us and has achieved it by His death. Nor are we able to compel those swine, who are rushing headlong into the license of the flesh, to be servants of others with their bodies and their possessions. Therefore we do what we can. That is, we diligently admonish them that this is what they should do. If we do not accomplish anything with these warnings of ours, we commit the matter to God, to whom it belongs anyway. In His own time He will inflict just punishment on them. Meanwhile, however, we are comforted by the fact that our labor and our diligence are not in vain among the godly, many of whom have undoubtedly been rescued by our ministry from the slavery of the devil and have been transferred to the freedom of the Spirit. These few — who acknowledge the glory of this freedom, who at the same time are ready to be the servants of others through love, and who know that according to the flesh they are debtors to the brethren — give us a happiness that is greater than the sadness that can be caused by the infinite number of those who abuse this freedom.
"Paul speaks in clear and precise terms when he says: ‘You were called to freedom.’ To prevent anyone from imagining that he means the freedom of the flesh, he explains himself and says what kind of freedom he has in mind: ‘Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another.’ Therefore every Christian should know that in his conscience he has been established by Christ as a lord over the Law, sin, and death, and that they do not have jurisdiction over him. On the other hand, he should know also that this external obligation has been imposed on his body, that through love he should serve his neighbor. Those who understand Christian freedom differently are enjoying the advantages of the Gospel to their own destruction and are worse idolaters under the name ‘Christian’ than they used to be under the pope." (Luther’s Works, Volume 27, CPH 1963)
On Godly Christian Cursing
More from Dr. Luther's 1535 Lectures on Galatians:
"‘I wish those who unsettle you would mutilate themselves!’ (Galatians 5:12). Is this proper for an Apostle, not only to declare that the false apostles are troublemakers, to condemn them, and to hand them over to the devil but even to call evil down upon them and to wish that they would perish and be utterly destroyed — in other words, to curse them? It seems to me that Paul is making an allusion to circumcision, as though he were saying: ‘They are forcing you to be circumcised. I wish that they themselves would be mutilated from the very foundation and root!’
"Here the question arises whether Christians are permitted to curse. Yes, they are permitted to do so, but not always and not for just any reason. But when things come to the point where the Word is about to be cursed or its teaching — and, as a consequence, God Himself — blasphemed, then you must invert your sentence and say: ‘Blessed be the Word and God! And cursed be anything apart from the Word and from God, whether it be an apostle or an angel from heaven!’ Thus Paul says earlier: ‘Even if we, or an angel from heaven, etc., let him be accursed’ (Gal. 1:8). Here one can tell that ‘a little yeast’ was so important to Paul that he even presumed to curse the false apostles, men who gave the appearance of great authority. Therefore let us not underestimate the importance of the yeast of doctrine either. No matter how little it is, if it is despised, this causes the eventual loss of truth and salvation, and the denial of God. For when the Word is distorted and, as necessarily follows, when God is denied and blasphemed, there is no hope of salvation left. But if we are the ones who are slandered, cursed, and killed, there is still One who can revive us and set us free from the curse, from death, and from hell.
"Therefore let us learn to praise and magnify the majesty and authority of the Word. For it is no trifle, as the fanatics of our day suppose; but one dot (Matt. 5:18) is greater than heaven and earth. Therefore we have no reason here to exercise love or Christian concord, but we simply employ the tribunal; that is, we condemn and curse all those who insult or injure the majesty of the divine Word in the slightest, because ‘a little yeast leavens the whole lump’ (Gal. 5:9). But if they let us have the Word sound and unimpaired, we are prepared not only to exercise charity and concord toward them but to offer ourselves as their slaves and to do anything for them. But if they refuse, let them perish and be banished to hell, and not only they themselves but the whole world with all its godly and ungodly inhabitants, just as long as God remains; for if He remains, life and salvation remain, and so do the truly godly.
"Therefore Paul acts properly when he curses these troublemakers and pronounces the sentence that they are accursed along with everything they are or teach or do, and when he calls down upon them the evil that they may be cut off from this life, and especially from the church, that is, that God may not govern and prosper their teaching and all their actions. This curse proceeds from the Holy Spirit. Thus in Acts 8:20 Peter curses Simon: ‘Your silver perish with you!’ The use of curses is frequent in Holy Scripture against those who disturb the Spirit this way, especially in the Psalms. Thus: ‘Let death come upon them; let them go down to hell alive’ (Ps. 55:15). And again: ‘The wicked shall depart to hell’ (Ps. 9:17).
"Up to this point Paul has been reinforcing the doctrine of justification with powerful argument. Now, in order not to skip anything, he has interspersed the discussion with rebukes, commendations, exhortations, and warnings. At the end he has added the example of himself, his own suffering of persecution on account of this doctrine. In this way he warned the faithful not to be offended or frightened but to rejoice and be glad if they see tumults, stumbling blocks, and sects arise during the age of the Gospel. For the more violently the world rages against the Gospel, the better the position of the Gospel is.
"This should be a very pleasant comfort for us. For it is sure that the world hates and persecutes us for no other reason than that we present the truth of the Gospel. It does not accuse us of being thieves, adulterers, murderers, etc.; but what it despises in us is solely this, that we teach Christ faithfully and purely, and that we do not forsake the heritage of the truth. Therefore we should know for certain that our doctrine is holy and divine, because the world hates it so bitterly. Otherwise there is no doctrine too wicked, stupid, ridiculous, or dangerous for the world to accept it, embrace and defend it gladly, in fact, to treat it reverently, support it, fawn upon it, and convert everyone to it. The teaching of godliness, life, and salvation, together with its ministers, is the only one that it despises and treats in an utterly shameful way. This is evident proof that the world is angry with us only because of its hatred of the Word. Therefore when our opponents raise the objection against us that our doctrine produces nothing but war, sedition, stumbling blocks, sects, and endless other evils, let us reply: ‘Blessed be the day when it becomes possible to see all this! But the whole world is in an uproar. All right. If it were not in an uproar, and if the devil were not in such a rage and were not creating such havoc everywhere, we would not have the pure doctrine which such tumults and havoc inevitably follow. Therefore what you think of as evil we regard as the highest good.’"
(Luther’s Works, Volume 27, CPH 1963)
"‘I wish those who unsettle you would mutilate themselves!’ (Galatians 5:12). Is this proper for an Apostle, not only to declare that the false apostles are troublemakers, to condemn them, and to hand them over to the devil but even to call evil down upon them and to wish that they would perish and be utterly destroyed — in other words, to curse them? It seems to me that Paul is making an allusion to circumcision, as though he were saying: ‘They are forcing you to be circumcised. I wish that they themselves would be mutilated from the very foundation and root!’
"Here the question arises whether Christians are permitted to curse. Yes, they are permitted to do so, but not always and not for just any reason. But when things come to the point where the Word is about to be cursed or its teaching — and, as a consequence, God Himself — blasphemed, then you must invert your sentence and say: ‘Blessed be the Word and God! And cursed be anything apart from the Word and from God, whether it be an apostle or an angel from heaven!’ Thus Paul says earlier: ‘Even if we, or an angel from heaven, etc., let him be accursed’ (Gal. 1:8). Here one can tell that ‘a little yeast’ was so important to Paul that he even presumed to curse the false apostles, men who gave the appearance of great authority. Therefore let us not underestimate the importance of the yeast of doctrine either. No matter how little it is, if it is despised, this causes the eventual loss of truth and salvation, and the denial of God. For when the Word is distorted and, as necessarily follows, when God is denied and blasphemed, there is no hope of salvation left. But if we are the ones who are slandered, cursed, and killed, there is still One who can revive us and set us free from the curse, from death, and from hell.
"Therefore let us learn to praise and magnify the majesty and authority of the Word. For it is no trifle, as the fanatics of our day suppose; but one dot (Matt. 5:18) is greater than heaven and earth. Therefore we have no reason here to exercise love or Christian concord, but we simply employ the tribunal; that is, we condemn and curse all those who insult or injure the majesty of the divine Word in the slightest, because ‘a little yeast leavens the whole lump’ (Gal. 5:9). But if they let us have the Word sound and unimpaired, we are prepared not only to exercise charity and concord toward them but to offer ourselves as their slaves and to do anything for them. But if they refuse, let them perish and be banished to hell, and not only they themselves but the whole world with all its godly and ungodly inhabitants, just as long as God remains; for if He remains, life and salvation remain, and so do the truly godly.
"Therefore Paul acts properly when he curses these troublemakers and pronounces the sentence that they are accursed along with everything they are or teach or do, and when he calls down upon them the evil that they may be cut off from this life, and especially from the church, that is, that God may not govern and prosper their teaching and all their actions. This curse proceeds from the Holy Spirit. Thus in Acts 8:20 Peter curses Simon: ‘Your silver perish with you!’ The use of curses is frequent in Holy Scripture against those who disturb the Spirit this way, especially in the Psalms. Thus: ‘Let death come upon them; let them go down to hell alive’ (Ps. 55:15). And again: ‘The wicked shall depart to hell’ (Ps. 9:17).
"Up to this point Paul has been reinforcing the doctrine of justification with powerful argument. Now, in order not to skip anything, he has interspersed the discussion with rebukes, commendations, exhortations, and warnings. At the end he has added the example of himself, his own suffering of persecution on account of this doctrine. In this way he warned the faithful not to be offended or frightened but to rejoice and be glad if they see tumults, stumbling blocks, and sects arise during the age of the Gospel. For the more violently the world rages against the Gospel, the better the position of the Gospel is.
"This should be a very pleasant comfort for us. For it is sure that the world hates and persecutes us for no other reason than that we present the truth of the Gospel. It does not accuse us of being thieves, adulterers, murderers, etc.; but what it despises in us is solely this, that we teach Christ faithfully and purely, and that we do not forsake the heritage of the truth. Therefore we should know for certain that our doctrine is holy and divine, because the world hates it so bitterly. Otherwise there is no doctrine too wicked, stupid, ridiculous, or dangerous for the world to accept it, embrace and defend it gladly, in fact, to treat it reverently, support it, fawn upon it, and convert everyone to it. The teaching of godliness, life, and salvation, together with its ministers, is the only one that it despises and treats in an utterly shameful way. This is evident proof that the world is angry with us only because of its hatred of the Word. Therefore when our opponents raise the objection against us that our doctrine produces nothing but war, sedition, stumbling blocks, sects, and endless other evils, let us reply: ‘Blessed be the day when it becomes possible to see all this! But the whole world is in an uproar. All right. If it were not in an uproar, and if the devil were not in such a rage and were not creating such havoc everywhere, we would not have the pure doctrine which such tumults and havoc inevitably follow. Therefore what you think of as evil we regard as the highest good.’"
(Luther’s Works, Volume 27, CPH 1963)
The Stumbling Block of the Cross
From Dr. Luther's 1535 Lectures on Galatians:
"‘But if I, brethren, still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been removed’ (Gal. 5:11).
"Here Paul wants to show that it would be an absurdity and a disgrace if the stumbling block of the cross were to end. He speaks the same way in First Corinthians (1:17): ‘Christ sent me to preach the Gospel, not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.’ It is as though he were saying: ‘I would not be willing to remove the stumbling block and the cross of Christ.’ Here someone may say: ‘Christians must be quite insane if they expose themselves to dangers voluntarily. For all they accomplish with their preaching is to gain for themselves the anger and hatred of the world and to create stumbling blocks. And that, as the saying goes, is laboring in vain and simply looking for trouble.’ ‘This fact,’ says Paul, ‘does not offend or bother us at all; it only makes us courageous and optimistic about the success and growth of the church, which flourishes and grows under persecution.’ For Christ, the Head and the Bridegroom of the Church, must ‘rule in the midst of His foes’ (Ps. 110:2). On the other hand, when the cross and the raging of tyrants and heretics have been removed, and the stumbling blocks have come to an end, and when the devil ‘guards his own palace, and his goods are in peace’ (Luke 11:21), this is a sure sign that the pure teaching of the Word has been taken away.
"Bernard had this in mind when he said that the church is in the best position when it is under pressure on every side from the power and craft of Satan, and that it is in the worst position when it is most at peace. By a fine use of catachresis he cites this statement from the canticle of Hezekiah: ‘Lo, in peace was my greatest bitterness’ (Is. 38:17) and put it into the mouth of the church when it is living in security and peace. Therefore Paul regards it as a sure sign that what is being preached is not the Gospel if the preaching goes on without its peace being disturbed. On the other hand, the world regards it as a sure sign that the Gospel is a heretical and seditious doctrine when it sees that the preaching of the Gospel is followed by great upheavals, disturbances, offenses, sects, etc. Thus God wears the mask of the devil, and the devil wears the mask of God; God wants to be recognized under the mask of the devil, and He wants the devil to be condemned under the mask of God.
"The term ‘stumbling block of the cross’ may be understood either actively or passively. The cross immediately follows the teaching of the Word, in accordance with the statement of Psalm 116 (v. 10): ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken. But I am greatly afflicted.’ Now the cross of Christians is ignominious and merciless persecution; therefore it is a great stumbling block. To begin with, they suffer as though they were the vile scoundrels. The Prophet Isaiah predicted this about Christ Himself: ‘He was numbered with the transgressors’ (Is. 53:12). In addition, the punishments of thieves and criminals are commuted, and people are touched by pity toward them, so that there is no stumbling block connected with the punishment. But because the world regards Christians as dangerous men, it believes that no punishment that can be inflicted on them is severe enough. Nor is it touched by any pity toward them, but it imposes the most shameful kind of death on them. By this means it seeks to gain a dual advantage: first, it offers service to God by killing them (John 16:2); and secondly, it hopes to reestablish public peace by getting rid of these nuisances. Thus the cross and death of the godly are filled with stumbling blocks. ‘Do not let that bother you,’ says Paul, ‘the inhuman treatment and the continuance of the cross and of the stumbling block, but rather let it encourage you; for as long as these things continue, the Christian cause is doing very well.’
"Christ also comforts His followers in this way: ‘Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven; for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you’ (Matt. 5:11–12). The church will not permit this joy to be taken away from it. Therefore I would not want the pope, the bishops, the princes, and the fanatical spirits to be in accord with us; for such accord would be a sure sign that we had lost the true doctrine. In short, the church must suffer persecution because it teaches the Gospel purely. The Gospel proclaims the mercy and the glory of God; it discloses the wickedness and the wiles of the devil, portraying him in his true colors and taking away his mask of divine majesty, by which he has made an impression on the whole world. That is, it shows that all the forms of worship, religious ways of life, and monastic orders invented by men, as well as the traditions about celibacy, special foods, etc., by which men think they can gain the forgiveness of sins and justification, are all ungodly things and ‘doctrines of demons’ (1 Tim. 4:1). Thus there is nothing that vexes the devil more than the proclamation of the Gospel; for this takes away from him the mask of God and shows him up for what he is, not God but the devil. Therefore it is unavoidable that when the Gospel flourishes, the stumbling block of the cross will follow; otherwise it is sure that the devil has not really been attacked but has only been gently caressed. If he is really attacked, he does not remain quiet but begins to raise a terrible disturbance and to create havoc everywhere.
"If Christians want to keep the Word, they must not be offended or frightened when they see the devil breaking his reins and running wild, or the whole world in tumult, or tyrants in rage, or sects arising. But they should know for a certainty that these are signs, not of terror but of joy, as Christ interpreted them when He said: ‘Rejoice and be glad’ (Matt. 5:12). Therefore may the stumbling block of the cross never be taken away, which is what would happen if we were to preach what the ruler of this world (John 14:30) and his members would like to hear, namely, the righteousness of works; then we would have the devil friendly to us, the world on our side, and the pope and the princes kindly disposed toward us. But because we illumine the blessings and the glory of Christ, they persecute us and rob us of our goods and our very lives."
(Luther’s Works, Volume 27, CPH 1963)
"‘But if I, brethren, still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been removed’ (Gal. 5:11).
"Here Paul wants to show that it would be an absurdity and a disgrace if the stumbling block of the cross were to end. He speaks the same way in First Corinthians (1:17): ‘Christ sent me to preach the Gospel, not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.’ It is as though he were saying: ‘I would not be willing to remove the stumbling block and the cross of Christ.’ Here someone may say: ‘Christians must be quite insane if they expose themselves to dangers voluntarily. For all they accomplish with their preaching is to gain for themselves the anger and hatred of the world and to create stumbling blocks. And that, as the saying goes, is laboring in vain and simply looking for trouble.’ ‘This fact,’ says Paul, ‘does not offend or bother us at all; it only makes us courageous and optimistic about the success and growth of the church, which flourishes and grows under persecution.’ For Christ, the Head and the Bridegroom of the Church, must ‘rule in the midst of His foes’ (Ps. 110:2). On the other hand, when the cross and the raging of tyrants and heretics have been removed, and the stumbling blocks have come to an end, and when the devil ‘guards his own palace, and his goods are in peace’ (Luke 11:21), this is a sure sign that the pure teaching of the Word has been taken away.
"Bernard had this in mind when he said that the church is in the best position when it is under pressure on every side from the power and craft of Satan, and that it is in the worst position when it is most at peace. By a fine use of catachresis he cites this statement from the canticle of Hezekiah: ‘Lo, in peace was my greatest bitterness’ (Is. 38:17) and put it into the mouth of the church when it is living in security and peace. Therefore Paul regards it as a sure sign that what is being preached is not the Gospel if the preaching goes on without its peace being disturbed. On the other hand, the world regards it as a sure sign that the Gospel is a heretical and seditious doctrine when it sees that the preaching of the Gospel is followed by great upheavals, disturbances, offenses, sects, etc. Thus God wears the mask of the devil, and the devil wears the mask of God; God wants to be recognized under the mask of the devil, and He wants the devil to be condemned under the mask of God.
"The term ‘stumbling block of the cross’ may be understood either actively or passively. The cross immediately follows the teaching of the Word, in accordance with the statement of Psalm 116 (v. 10): ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken. But I am greatly afflicted.’ Now the cross of Christians is ignominious and merciless persecution; therefore it is a great stumbling block. To begin with, they suffer as though they were the vile scoundrels. The Prophet Isaiah predicted this about Christ Himself: ‘He was numbered with the transgressors’ (Is. 53:12). In addition, the punishments of thieves and criminals are commuted, and people are touched by pity toward them, so that there is no stumbling block connected with the punishment. But because the world regards Christians as dangerous men, it believes that no punishment that can be inflicted on them is severe enough. Nor is it touched by any pity toward them, but it imposes the most shameful kind of death on them. By this means it seeks to gain a dual advantage: first, it offers service to God by killing them (John 16:2); and secondly, it hopes to reestablish public peace by getting rid of these nuisances. Thus the cross and death of the godly are filled with stumbling blocks. ‘Do not let that bother you,’ says Paul, ‘the inhuman treatment and the continuance of the cross and of the stumbling block, but rather let it encourage you; for as long as these things continue, the Christian cause is doing very well.’
"Christ also comforts His followers in this way: ‘Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven; for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you’ (Matt. 5:11–12). The church will not permit this joy to be taken away from it. Therefore I would not want the pope, the bishops, the princes, and the fanatical spirits to be in accord with us; for such accord would be a sure sign that we had lost the true doctrine. In short, the church must suffer persecution because it teaches the Gospel purely. The Gospel proclaims the mercy and the glory of God; it discloses the wickedness and the wiles of the devil, portraying him in his true colors and taking away his mask of divine majesty, by which he has made an impression on the whole world. That is, it shows that all the forms of worship, religious ways of life, and monastic orders invented by men, as well as the traditions about celibacy, special foods, etc., by which men think they can gain the forgiveness of sins and justification, are all ungodly things and ‘doctrines of demons’ (1 Tim. 4:1). Thus there is nothing that vexes the devil more than the proclamation of the Gospel; for this takes away from him the mask of God and shows him up for what he is, not God but the devil. Therefore it is unavoidable that when the Gospel flourishes, the stumbling block of the cross will follow; otherwise it is sure that the devil has not really been attacked but has only been gently caressed. If he is really attacked, he does not remain quiet but begins to raise a terrible disturbance and to create havoc everywhere.
"If Christians want to keep the Word, they must not be offended or frightened when they see the devil breaking his reins and running wild, or the whole world in tumult, or tyrants in rage, or sects arising. But they should know for a certainty that these are signs, not of terror but of joy, as Christ interpreted them when He said: ‘Rejoice and be glad’ (Matt. 5:12). Therefore may the stumbling block of the cross never be taken away, which is what would happen if we were to preach what the ruler of this world (John 14:30) and his members would like to hear, namely, the righteousness of works; then we would have the devil friendly to us, the world on our side, and the pope and the princes kindly disposed toward us. But because we illumine the blessings and the glory of Christ, they persecute us and rob us of our goods and our very lives."
(Luther’s Works, Volume 27, CPH 1963)
07 February 2009
In the House Where Jesus Is
They brought to Christ Jesus the sick and the demon-possessed, and He healed many who were ill with various diseases.
So what are the frailties and failures, the weaknesses and infirmities of your mortal flesh and blood? Not only of your body, but of your heart and mind, of your spirit and emotion. For there is a connection between the fall into sin and the curse of death, between unbelief and the demonic: fightings and fears, within, without.
Do you know who Jesus is? According to His Law, or according to His mercy? Do you trust Him? Or fear Him?
What do you want Jesus to do for you? Where and how do you look for Him? Or do you?
Come to His house and enter by the door of your Baptism into Christ. Listen to His Word, and pray.
There is this transition that has taken place, from the synagogue to the house of the Apostles; from the Word of the Prophets to the apostolic Word of Christ in the flesh. Now, then, in the apostolic house of His Church on earth, the flesh of Christ heals your flesh and raises your body from death to life.
How can this be? Because, by His death and burial, He has borne your sins away in His own body. In the evening, He has taken all the deadly sickness of your sin upon Himself; He has put it to death and buried it, once and for all. Thus, He has shut up the spirits who know only the Law of God, but not His mercy. For that which is spiritual apart from Christ and His preaching of the Gospel is demonic and deadly. But Jesus the Christ, anointed by the Holy Spirit for your salvation, quiets your troubled spirit and grants peace to your heart and mind, your body and soul, by the forgiveness of all your sins.
By His Cross, He has dealt with your sins. In the morning, He rises for you with His unfailing love. For in His bodily Resurrection from the dead, He also raises you to new life; and in His Ascension, He opens the way to the Father for you. There, at the right hand of the Father, He ever lives to make intercession for you. He prays for you in the presence of God, that you may have a place with Him there.
Yet, that is not to say that He has left you behind. He has not. For He causes His Word to be preached in every place; in every town and city, and also in this place, in this apostolic house of His. Where His Word is preached, there He is. Not only that, but by His preaching He casts out demons, heals the sick, and raises the dead. All of this He does for you.
You, then, hear His preaching in His house, and pray, as He prays (for He joins your prayer to His own). And serve Him in His Body with your own body of flesh and blood.
For here in His Church, the preaching and catechesis of His Word calls you to repentance and faith by His forgiveness of your sins. And the flesh of Christ, crucified and risen, heals you in body and soul. He takes hold of your flesh with His own. He touches your lips and your tongue with His body and blood. He cools your fever, removes your infirmity, and raises you up to life with Himself in the presence of the Father.
And the Peace of Christ, which surpasses all human understanding, keeps your heart and mind in the same Lord Jesus Christ, unto life everlasting.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
So what are the frailties and failures, the weaknesses and infirmities of your mortal flesh and blood? Not only of your body, but of your heart and mind, of your spirit and emotion. For there is a connection between the fall into sin and the curse of death, between unbelief and the demonic: fightings and fears, within, without.
Do you know who Jesus is? According to His Law, or according to His mercy? Do you trust Him? Or fear Him?
What do you want Jesus to do for you? Where and how do you look for Him? Or do you?
Come to His house and enter by the door of your Baptism into Christ. Listen to His Word, and pray.
There is this transition that has taken place, from the synagogue to the house of the Apostles; from the Word of the Prophets to the apostolic Word of Christ in the flesh. Now, then, in the apostolic house of His Church on earth, the flesh of Christ heals your flesh and raises your body from death to life.
How can this be? Because, by His death and burial, He has borne your sins away in His own body. In the evening, He has taken all the deadly sickness of your sin upon Himself; He has put it to death and buried it, once and for all. Thus, He has shut up the spirits who know only the Law of God, but not His mercy. For that which is spiritual apart from Christ and His preaching of the Gospel is demonic and deadly. But Jesus the Christ, anointed by the Holy Spirit for your salvation, quiets your troubled spirit and grants peace to your heart and mind, your body and soul, by the forgiveness of all your sins.
By His Cross, He has dealt with your sins. In the morning, He rises for you with His unfailing love. For in His bodily Resurrection from the dead, He also raises you to new life; and in His Ascension, He opens the way to the Father for you. There, at the right hand of the Father, He ever lives to make intercession for you. He prays for you in the presence of God, that you may have a place with Him there.
Yet, that is not to say that He has left you behind. He has not. For He causes His Word to be preached in every place; in every town and city, and also in this place, in this apostolic house of His. Where His Word is preached, there He is. Not only that, but by His preaching He casts out demons, heals the sick, and raises the dead. All of this He does for you.
You, then, hear His preaching in His house, and pray, as He prays (for He joins your prayer to His own). And serve Him in His Body with your own body of flesh and blood.
For here in His Church, the preaching and catechesis of His Word calls you to repentance and faith by His forgiveness of your sins. And the flesh of Christ, crucified and risen, heals you in body and soul. He takes hold of your flesh with His own. He touches your lips and your tongue with His body and blood. He cools your fever, removes your infirmity, and raises you up to life with Himself in the presence of the Father.
And the Peace of Christ, which surpasses all human understanding, keeps your heart and mind in the same Lord Jesus Christ, unto life everlasting.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hymns for Historic Lent
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12–19 (or Jonah 3:1–10)
2 Peter 1:2–11
Matthew 6:(1–6) 16–21
Hymn of Invocation
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation (LSB 881)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977e; TLH 25; LW 439)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
Now rest beneath night’s shadow (LSB 880)
O Christ, who art the Light and Day (LSB 882)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
First Sunday in Lent (Invocabit)
Genesis 3:1–21 (or 1 Samuel 17:40–51)
2 Corinthians 6:1–10 (or Hebrews 4:14–16)
Matthew 4:1–11
Hymn of Invocation
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
Hymn of Departure
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken (LSB 521)
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In Adam we have all been one (LSB 569)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Second Sunday in Lent (Reminiscere)
Genesis 32:22–32
1 Thessalonians 4:1–7 (or Romans 5:1–5)
Matthew 15:21–28
Hymn of Invocation
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Hymn of Departure
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Come, my soul, with ev’ry care (LSB 779)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Third Sunday in Lent (Oculi)
Exodus 8:16–24 (or Jeremiah 26:1–15)
Ephesians 5:1–9
Luke 11:14–28
Hymn of Invocation
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
Hymn of Departure
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Alternative Hymns
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
Awake, O sleeper, rise from death (LSB 697)
"Away from us!" the demon cried (LSB 541)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding (LSB 345)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Rock of ages, cleft for me (LSB 761)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare)
Exodus 16:2–21 (or Isaiah 49:8–13)
Galatians 4:21–31 (or Acts 2:41–47)
John 6:1–15
Hymn of Invocation
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving bread (LSB 625)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
O living Bread from heaven (LSB 642)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Hymn of Departure
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Alternative Hymns
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Father, we thank Thee who hast planted (LSB 652)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Lord Jesus Christ, You have prepared (LSB 622)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The Gospel shows the Father’s grace (LSB 580)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Fifth Sunday in Lent (Judica)
Genesis 22:1–14
Hebrews 9:11–15
John 8:(42–45) 46–59
Hymn of Invocation
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
We all believe in one true God (LSB 954)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Hymn of Departure
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Not all the blood of beasts (LSB 431)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
The God of Abraham praise (LSB 798)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
We sing the praise of Him who died (LSB 429)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Joel 2:12–19 (or Jonah 3:1–10)
2 Peter 1:2–11
Matthew 6:(1–6) 16–21
Hymn of Invocation
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation (LSB 881)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977e; TLH 25; LW 439)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
Now rest beneath night’s shadow (LSB 880)
O Christ, who art the Light and Day (LSB 882)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
First Sunday in Lent (Invocabit)
Genesis 3:1–21 (or 1 Samuel 17:40–51)
2 Corinthians 6:1–10 (or Hebrews 4:14–16)
Matthew 4:1–11
Hymn of Invocation
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
Hymn of Departure
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken (LSB 521)
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In Adam we have all been one (LSB 569)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Second Sunday in Lent (Reminiscere)
Genesis 32:22–32
1 Thessalonians 4:1–7 (or Romans 5:1–5)
Matthew 15:21–28
Hymn of Invocation
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Hymn of Departure
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Come, my soul, with ev’ry care (LSB 779)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Third Sunday in Lent (Oculi)
Exodus 8:16–24 (or Jeremiah 26:1–15)
Ephesians 5:1–9
Luke 11:14–28
Hymn of Invocation
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
Hymn of Departure
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Alternative Hymns
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
Awake, O sleeper, rise from death (LSB 697)
"Away from us!" the demon cried (LSB 541)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding (LSB 345)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Rock of ages, cleft for me (LSB 761)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare)
Exodus 16:2–21 (or Isaiah 49:8–13)
Galatians 4:21–31 (or Acts 2:41–47)
John 6:1–15
Hymn of Invocation
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving bread (LSB 625)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
O living Bread from heaven (LSB 642)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Hymn of Departure
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Alternative Hymns
A multitude comes from the east and the west (LSB 510)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Father, we thank Thee who hast planted (LSB 652)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Lord Jesus Christ, You have prepared (LSB 622)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The Gospel shows the Father’s grace (LSB 580)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Fifth Sunday in Lent (Judica)
Genesis 22:1–14
Hebrews 9:11–15
John 8:(42–45) 46–59
Hymn of Invocation
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
We all believe in one true God (LSB 954)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Hymn of Departure
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Not all the blood of beasts (LSB 431)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
The God of Abraham praise (LSB 798)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
We sing the praise of Him who died (LSB 429)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Hymns for Lent Series B
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12–19
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21
Hymn of Invocation
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation (LSB 881)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977e; TLH 25; LW 439)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Now rest beneath night’s shadow (LSB 880)
O Christ, who art the Light and Day (LSB 882)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
Today Your mercy calls us (LSB 915)
First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 22:1–18
James 1:12–18
Mark 1:9–15
Hymn of Invocation
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Hymn of Departure
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken (LSB 521)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (LSB 809)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, lead Thou on (LSB 718)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16
Romans 5:1–11
Mark 8:27–38
Hymn of Invocation
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Hymn of the Day
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647) (Catechetical)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Hymn of Departure
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (LSB 690)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Sing praise to the God of Israel (LSB 936)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
The God of Abraham praise (LSB 798)
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
Third Sunday in Lent
Exodus 20:1–17
1 Corinthians 1:18–31
John 2:13–22 (23–25)
Hymn of Invocation
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
Built on the Rock the Church shall stand (LSB 645)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord (LSB 728)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lord, help us ever to retain (LSB 865)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Take my life and let it be (LSB 783)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Numbers 21:4–9
Ephesians 2:1–10
John 3:14–21
Hymn of Invocation
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Hymn of the Day
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Hymn of Departure / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The Gospel shows the Father’s grace (LSB 580)
Alternative Hymns
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lord, ‘tis not that I did choose Thee (LSB 573)
My faith looks up to Thee (LSB 702)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Jeremiah 31:31–34
Hebrews 5:1–10
Mark 10:(32–34) 35–45
Hymn of Invocation
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Hymn of the Day
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451) (Catechetical)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Hymn of Departure
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Alternative Hymns
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
Joel 2:12–19
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21
Hymn of Invocation
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation (LSB 881)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977e; TLH 25; LW 439)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Now rest beneath night’s shadow (LSB 880)
O Christ, who art the Light and Day (LSB 882)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
Today Your mercy calls us (LSB 915)
First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 22:1–18
James 1:12–18
Mark 1:9–15
Hymn of Invocation
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Hymn of Departure
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken (LSB 521)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (LSB 809)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, lead Thou on (LSB 718)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16
Romans 5:1–11
Mark 8:27–38
Hymn of Invocation
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Hymn of the Day
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647) (Catechetical)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Hymn of Departure
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (LSB 690)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Sing praise to the God of Israel (LSB 936)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
The God of Abraham praise (LSB 798)
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
Third Sunday in Lent
Exodus 20:1–17
1 Corinthians 1:18–31
John 2:13–22 (23–25)
Hymn of Invocation
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
Built on the Rock the Church shall stand (LSB 645)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord (LSB 728)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lord, help us ever to retain (LSB 865)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Take my life and let it be (LSB 783)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Numbers 21:4–9
Ephesians 2:1–10
John 3:14–21
Hymn of Invocation
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
Hymn of the Day
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Hymn of Departure / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The Gospel shows the Father’s grace (LSB 580)
Alternative Hymns
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lord, ‘tis not that I did choose Thee (LSB 573)
My faith looks up to Thee (LSB 702)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB 634)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Jeremiah 31:31–34
Hebrews 5:1–10
Mark 10:(32–34) 35–45
Hymn of Invocation
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Hymn of the Day
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451) (Catechetical)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Hymn of Departure
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Alternative Hymns
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
01 February 2009
The School of Rock
I do recommend the movie, "School of Rock," starring the generally hilarious Jack Black, but that's not what this post is about. It's basically a little stress relief in the midst of too many far more important things, and a bit of a break after finishing my fifteen hymnwriter biographies.
The recent release of Chinese Democracy, finally, has had me reminiscing and waxing nostalgic on my personal rock 'n' roll history. I've been fondly thinking back on the bands and records and songs that have more or less defined rock 'n' roll for me and set the standard by which I measure the rest of what's out there.
True to form, I've come up with a list. Since I like the number twenty-four, that's how long it is. Being entirely subjective, and of no eternal significance, there's no "wrong answer" here." I welcome comments from the peanut gallery, or peanuts in the comment gallery; readers may even post their own lists, if they like. It's only rock 'n' roll, but I like it.
Just a few more introductory remarks, and then I'll post my list of four-and-twenty rockers. I've not included anyone who wasn't around by the early 1990s, for all sorts of reasons that I won't bother to explain. I have included a number of folks from the 1960s and 70s, even though I didn't discover them for myself until the 80s. Some of these groups are simply unavoidable, because rock music wouldn't be what it is today without them. Others here probably wouldn't show up on someone else's list, but, as I say, this is a subjective exercise. I've included some bands that I'm not all that excited about, because I appreciate their contribution to the genre. Conversely, I've omitted some "obvious" choices, because I just don't care for them. The Boss, for example, should probably be counted here, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
So here's my School of Rock:
1. The Beatles
2. Led Zeppelin
3. Bon Jovi
4. Black Sabbath / Ozzy Osbourne
5. Def Leppard
6. Judas Priest
7. Guns 'n' Roses
8. Queen
9. Van Halen
10. Eric Clapton
11. The Rolling Stones
12. AC/DC
13. The Scorpions
14. Whitesnake
15. Cinderella
16. Quiet Riot
17. U2
18. Tesla
19. Aerosmith
20. Deep Purple
21. Metallica
22. Nirvana
23. KISS
24. Mötley Crüe
Which goes to show, perhaps, that I'm not quite the fuddy-duddy that some people think I am. Just don't put the rock band in the chancel! There I'm at home with Luther and Gerhardt, Nicolai and Heermann, and I wouldn't want it any other way. I'll explain why some other time.
The recent release of Chinese Democracy, finally, has had me reminiscing and waxing nostalgic on my personal rock 'n' roll history. I've been fondly thinking back on the bands and records and songs that have more or less defined rock 'n' roll for me and set the standard by which I measure the rest of what's out there.
True to form, I've come up with a list. Since I like the number twenty-four, that's how long it is. Being entirely subjective, and of no eternal significance, there's no "wrong answer" here." I welcome comments from the peanut gallery, or peanuts in the comment gallery; readers may even post their own lists, if they like. It's only rock 'n' roll, but I like it.
Just a few more introductory remarks, and then I'll post my list of four-and-twenty rockers. I've not included anyone who wasn't around by the early 1990s, for all sorts of reasons that I won't bother to explain. I have included a number of folks from the 1960s and 70s, even though I didn't discover them for myself until the 80s. Some of these groups are simply unavoidable, because rock music wouldn't be what it is today without them. Others here probably wouldn't show up on someone else's list, but, as I say, this is a subjective exercise. I've included some bands that I'm not all that excited about, because I appreciate their contribution to the genre. Conversely, I've omitted some "obvious" choices, because I just don't care for them. The Boss, for example, should probably be counted here, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
So here's my School of Rock:
1. The Beatles
2. Led Zeppelin
3. Bon Jovi
4. Black Sabbath / Ozzy Osbourne
5. Def Leppard
6. Judas Priest
7. Guns 'n' Roses
8. Queen
9. Van Halen
10. Eric Clapton
11. The Rolling Stones
12. AC/DC
13. The Scorpions
14. Whitesnake
15. Cinderella
16. Quiet Riot
17. U2
18. Tesla
19. Aerosmith
20. Deep Purple
21. Metallica
22. Nirvana
23. KISS
24. Mötley Crüe
Which goes to show, perhaps, that I'm not quite the fuddy-duddy that some people think I am. Just don't put the rock band in the chancel! There I'm at home with Luther and Gerhardt, Nicolai and Heermann, and I wouldn't want it any other way. I'll explain why some other time.
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