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.
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