Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

We often divide humanity into groupings that are not really significant: this ethnic group versus that one, men versus women, wealthy versus poor. Yet, every ethnic group is under God’s law. That law equally convicts men and women of sin. Because of sin, both the wealthy and poor will die. Only through faith in Christ is sin forgiven and the sting of death removed. God’s Word creates that saving faith, but not in everyone who hears it. Fallen mankind retains the awful power to reject the Word and God’s gift of faith. Therefore, God’s Word produces the only people distinction that matters—believers and unbelievers. We desire to live in peace with other people. But Jesus teaches, this side of heaven, that desire is a pipe dream. Those who embrace the gospel in faith will inevitably face hostility. Following Jesus will come at a price. Yet he promises that our perseverance will be rewarded.

Gospel—Luke 12:49–53

First Reading—Jeremiah 23:23–29

Second Reading—Hebrews 12:1–13

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 4

Hymn of the Day—O Holy Spirit, Enter In (CW 590)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMmqiUt7hzLEq6EF5lIPNM_v&si=Qys-LAlkmdbZkfNt

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

When it comes to the uncomfortable topic of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, it is natural to want to avoid the issue. One way we do that is to direct our attention to more theoretical questions. “What is heaven like?” “How old will we be there?” Today someone asks, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” Jesus brushes all such questions aside. Instead, he answers the question we should be asking. “How might I be saved?” Jesus explains there is only one way—entering through a very narrow door. Jesus’ words cut deep! For he teaches that it is very easy to develop a false sense of security about our standing before God based on some superficial familiarity we have with him. Jesus warns that many who think they are on the path to heaven will end up shut out. These wounding words of Jesus provide healing, pushing us toward that narrow door: faith in him.

Gospel—Luke 13:22–30

First Reading—Isaiah 66:18–24

Second Reading—Hebrews 12:18–24

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 103

Hymn of the Day—Seek Where You May to Find a Way (CW 698)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkJr6C1YRbksx4ikOy-B8Yh&si=o-PUCTWBazZI9_vn

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Everyone knows that humility is a positive trait and pride is a negative one. So, why bother talking about what we already know? Because in spite of that knowledge, we still helplessly fall into the trap of pride. We all desire acclaim, recognition, and praise. Jesus’ sharp words this week teach us that seeking exaltation in futile and fleeting ways will only result in receiving the opposite. Those who attempt to exalt themselves will eventually be humbled by God. In contrast, Jesus promises that those who leave their exaltation to God will receive honor and glory far greater than any that can be awarded in this life. Our exaltation does not need to be our responsibility, because Jesus has already made it his.

Gospel—Luke 14:1,7–14

First Reading—Proverbs 25:6,7a

Second Reading—James 2:1–13

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 112

Hymn of the Day—Son of God, Eternal Savior (CW 729)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMlFNoaQU2ciQ21BsmfkELmG&si=kqNGOUv58Ekgawe8

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

This week Jesus’ sharp words expose our desire to pursue comfort and avoid pain at all costs. Jesus explains that following him will be hard. Jesus’ disciples will be called to let go of things they love and embrace things we naturally loathe. Jesus promises that discipleship comes with crosses—a unique type of pain. So, Jesus tells us that we must count the cost of following him. He wants us to do that now, ahead of time, rather than waiting until we are in the heat of the moment and emotions are running high. However, our calculations must not only consider what we might give up for Jesus. They also entail calculating what we get through him! When we perceive the infinite blessings we find in Christ, the decisions we must make, while difficult, will be clear. Whatever is lost as we follow Jesus pales in comparison to what we gain.

Gospel—Luke 14:25–35

First Reading—Deuteronomy 30:15–20

Second Reading—Philemon 1,7–21

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 1

Hymn of the Day—Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken (CW 694)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMluPL756iDsoaTPdV0d4ZXU&si=VytkjkHkydMuys21

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

“He’s lost.” We use that term not only to refer to someone who is bewildered about where they are but also to refer to someone who is in a helpless, hopeless state. Mankind’s natural state is one of complete spiritual helplessness, a profound lostness. It manifests itself in countless ways. The one who simply wants God to leave him alone: lost. The one who feels she can handle life on her own: lost. The one who thinks he has the right to repent of his sins on his own timetable and terms: lost. The one who thinks God owes her in some way: lost. Wandering around physically lost can lead to winding up in bad places. Jesus’ wounding words this week teach that wandering around spiritually lost puts you in the worst place of all. Fortunately, Jesus does not leave us in our lostness. He relentlessly seeks us. He involves the rest of the Christian community in seeking the lost and rejoicing over the found.

Gospel—Luke 15:1–10

First Reading—Hosea 3

Second Reading—2 Corinthians 2:5–11

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 51

Hymn of the Day—Jesus Sinners Does Receive (CW 654)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMmicBoWP0K6PBCEGUxI6LN7&si=c_5dJePfSdOpHKBG

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

There are more than 2,300 Bible passages that speak about money. Why? Money is a master Satan frequently tempts us to serve. In fact, out of all the masters competing for our service besides God, money is probably at the top of the list. Money provides us with a false comfort and sense of security. Money serves as a source of pride. This week, Jesus’ sharp words identify the impossibility of serving more than one master. More, Jesus teaches that if we dedicate our lives in service to money, money will always let us down. In contrast, God has proven that he is a master worth serving. When we serve God, money is put in its proper place. Instead of it being a master to serve, it becomes a tool in our service of our true Master.

Gospel—Luke 16:1–13

First Reading—Ecclesiastes 5:10–20

Second Reading—1 Timothy 6:6–10,17–19

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 128

Hymn of the Day—All Depends on Our Possessing (CW 807)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMkmA07nu3j7PV3r8tcDenaO&si=XOuELoxKS6LZhS_K

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

What do John D. Rockefeller, King Solomon, Henry Ford, and Joseph Stalin all have in common? Two things. First, they are all in the list of the 20 wealthiest individuals who ever lived. Second, they are all rotting in the ground. The reality is that while money may help you achieve some objectives, it fails to prevent death. So Jesus speaks some sharp words this week, warning that those who live with hearts filled with love for money and void of love for God will receive the only eternity that money can buy—one void of God and filled with torment. Money seems helpful, but it fails in death. Conversely, what often seems of little help in this life will be our only source of help in death. The world scoffs at those who set aside plenteous time to listen to Jesus’ words and eat his holy meal. “Of what practical good are such things?” Only this. Such things enable us, at death, to receive a reward that dwarfs even the best things money can buy.

Gospel—Luke 16:19–31

First Reading—Amos 6:1–7

Second Reading—Hebrews 14:1–6

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 146

Hymn of the Day—Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart (CW 817)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMm1aqi1aAx3Mhhy9JxV9Z1q&si=FhMKIzgN37iXZhfh

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

As someone rises through the ranks at work, there are typically benefits: higher salary, more authority, better benefits. However, there is often a corresponding increase in responsibility: longer hours, more meetings, raised expectations. So, if someone is offered a promotion, they might ask, “Is this worth it?” It is similar in God’s kingdom. As our faith grows, there are obvious benefits: the comfort of knowing you are a redeemed and loved child of God, the peace of knowing your eternity is secure. However, increased faith also increases duty. There are ever more opportunities for service. This week, Jesus has sharp words for those who want the benefits of being Christian but would shirk those responsibilities. However, to lead us to take up those responsibilities, our Savior doesn’t threaten or cajole. He helps us see that while increased faith increases duty, increased duty increases delight. The believer knows he serves the One who came to serve us first. Just as Christ’s service brought him great joy, so does our service to others.

Gospel—Luke 17:1–10

First Reading—1 Chronicles 29:1-2,10–18

Second Reading—2 Thessalonians 1:1–5,11-12

Psalm of the Day—Psalm 62

Hymn of the Day—Brothers, Sisters, Let Us Gladly (CW 748)

Service Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsz_kDgPJyMm4COd7-f6uMwPi5i-gL71x&si=SZ__v-738e9CUDZS