The Order of Vespers p. 41
The Psalmody Psalm 1 p. 123
The Lections Joel 2:12-19
Matthew 6:16-2
The Sermon Hymn #578 Lord, While For All Mankind We Pray
The Sermon – Treasures in Heaven
The Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
The Collect for Grace p. 45
The Hymn #654 Now the Day Is Over
Prayers and Announcements
- Pink roses and garden daffodils are there for our congregation's little girls.
- Medical care - Callie, Doc Lito, Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Pastor K; Dr. Kermit Way - hospitalized.
- We also pray for various people who have special medical needs.
KJV Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? 18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. 19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
KJV Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Treasures in Heaven
KJV Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
First of all, we have this warning from Christ, not to be sourpuss cranks - telegraphing how much we do, how pure we are, so everyone can say, "That person is righteous for his works." The reward they get is the awe expressed by others. One pastor liked to tell everyone how successful he was, gloating and grinning from ear to ear. Obviously, he did it and everyone should admire him. Then it evaporated almost overnight, and he treasures on earth were immediately taken away, along with the prestige and the glory.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
But if someone is going to fast, he should be happy and not suffering. The rewards should come from God, not the approval of neighbors and colleagues. The pastor I mentioned above was very keen about rubbing it in, as they say, looking down on us who had to put up with his politicking and showing off. Many of my college students have gone through tough times, so I tell them - "You may feel crushed now, but you will be much stronger and abler because of what you have gone through, and God will help you. Miracles happen through faith, and faith often recognizes them long afterwards.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Luther emphasized this, and the terms often appear in the Book of Concord - the treasures on earth versus the treasures in heaven. Every time they dig up silver and gold and rare artifacts, I think, "Nobody missed them, and now they are going to be locked up in museum." Rare paintings are stolen from museums, I read, because they are guarantees for enormous criminal deals. They are less bulky than money, bonds, and precious metals. Whatever we have for a time passes on.
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Three kinds of destruction are listed. Moths destroy clothing. Rust destroys iron and steel. Thieves break in and take away everything else.
God gives us infinite space in our intelligence to glory in all the wonderful things associated with our lives -
- Joyful hearts because of the Spirit guiding us, reminding us, teaching us through the Gospel Word, applying Jesus to every part of our life on this earth.
- Forgiveness of sin and everlasting life.
- Friendships among people locally and across the world.
- New things to discover, all part of God's Creation.
