The First Sunday after Trinity 2024.

 

YouTube

Hymn #262                 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

1. A mighty Fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On Earth is not his equal.

2. With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is.
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there's none other God;
He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none,
He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone,
They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom our remaineth.

Hymn #262
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 46

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

O Lord, I have trusted in Thy mercy: 

my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.

I will sing unto the Lord: 

because He hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm. How long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord? 

How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Collect

O God, the Strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do nothing without Thee, grant us the help of Thy grace that in keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both in will and deed; 

through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual    

Gradual

I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: 

heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee.

V. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: 

the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. Give ear to my words, O Lord: consider my meditation. Hallelujah!

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed             p. 22

The Sermon Hymn #429              Lord, Thee I Love   - Winkworth translation

             The Rich Man Has No Name

The Communion Hymn #342  Chief of Sinners

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #658             Onward Christian Soldiers          

Prayers and Announcements         

• Those continuing in treatment and therapy - Kermit and Maria Way, Pastor Jim Shrader and his wife Chris,  Dr. Cruz Family, Sarah Buck, Lori Howell.
• Zach Engleman is in the Philippines making arrangements with Jayz.
• Pray for wisdom and justice in our Constitutional Republic.

First Sunday After Trinity

Lord God, heavenly Father, we beseech Thee so to rule and govern our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may not, like the rich man, hear Thy word in vain, and become so devoted to things temporal as to forget things eternal; but that we readily and according to our ability minister to such as are in need, and not defile ourselves with surfeiting and pride; in trial and misfortune keep us from despair, and grant us to put our trust wholly in Thy fatherly help and grace, so that in faith and Christian patience we may overcome all things, through Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

KJV 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

KJV Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

The Rich Man Has No Name

KJV Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

     The rich man has no name but the details of his life are worthy of a real estate promotion, like "Hollywood mansions for sale. Pools, golf course, air strip included." One of my students ran internet connections in very large homes for professional athletes. I asked, "Is it true that those people live most of their time in one room, no matter how many rooms they have?" He said, "Yes."

     This rich man is clothed all the time in the richest dye and cloth, and he enjoyed the richest and most expensive foods daily, so that each feast meant even more delicious delicacies to  come. The Roman Empire was known for the upper class to enjoy binge eating and boasting about how expensive their food was, such as peacock tongues, to emphasize the ridiculous cost.

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid (tossed) at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

     Lazarus has a name, and more details about his life. He was a beggar, dumped at the rich man's gate, riddled with sores, and hoping to get some of the food dropped from the table. The wild dogs licked his sores. Even today, dogs find breaks in the skin and patiently apply first aid, whether it is wanted or not. There could not be anything lower than his place in life, even worse when he was so close to some help and obtained none.

    This can be called a parable because the rich man has no name and the details include Heaven and Hell. Jesus is clearly teaching about selfishness and lack of faith versus having nothing - but being guided into Heaven.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

    In a few sentences the story is detailed. This is now a matter of life in heaven or without heaven. As the Gospels teach, faith in Jesus Christ is the pathway to eternal life. Anything other than heaven is torment, but Lazarus was escorted by angels into heaven. The distance between them was very short, before; however, the distance is far beyond the rich man's reach. In the past he could talk to the Roman soldiers walking through the city, or invite the upper class to his deluxe abode. Food was always available, and food attracts people. Lazarus was dumped at the gate to increase his chance for food, which is not so great when it is gone. The rich man was buried, and so his time would come at the very end.

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

    

    God has given us a special present - long life so that we can see how useless many things are, and how valuable the treasures of the Bible are. I was at some gathering where one woman described how she had $5,000 worth of furniture that she no longer wanted, waiting for someone to buy it. In contrast, everyone wants a good Bible, and they last almost forever. A 300 year old Bible is relatively easy to find in an old church. People take the time to use what is valuable in terms of decades and more decades. What God gives is far beyond one's expectations. A few weeks ago I found the I.D. for Christina, which was the day we met at Augustana College - the badge 58 years old - which now boasts about DEI and denies God's Creation of two genders.

    Likewise, the Constitution of the United States is a puzzle to college students and to adults as well. Were our Founders so daft that they could not give clear statements about governing policies? Everything is now flouted in the Bill of Rights, and questioning the first few statements will leave most people sputtering or having blank stares.

    The rich man is a symbol of faithlessness, because the only access to God's grace is faith in Jesus Christ. The entire Bible, especially the Old Testament, is founded on all the Promises of God, which start with the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ, His resurrection, and His ascension. But there are far more things to consider.

    Certain Lutherans talk about Law and Gospel while puffing up their resumes about all their publications. No one wants to talk to me about it, write a critique about how wrong I am, or address their blatant fallacies (cuz the underboss won't like it). In the future, the rich man in the parable will be "a guilt-free saint in Hell," according to the ELS, one of the Walther Four (LCMS-ELS-CLC-WELS).

    When some graduate students were writing about the Ten Commandments and all of the Law expressed there, I referred them to the I AM in the Burning Bush and two examples of the Gospel in the Decalogue (don't you love big words?).

KJV Exodus 20: 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

 There is even more in Luther's Small Catechism on the Ten Commandments.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

    This is another description of the cross, which is outwardly a terrible burden for those bearing the cross and something to laugh about when they see how Christian believers suffer, laughing at them. The rich man exemplifies all the finer things in life, which he lorded over everyone and enjoyed what Lazarus needed. But he had nothing to take with him, not even kindness to the dying beggar at his gate. All this came true as the Roman Empire started to crumble and used the Christians as entertainment for the masses in various colosseums. The paganism of Rome caused more damage than the invaders.

    The rich man was oblivious until he discovered the treasures in Heaven were lasting rather than fleeting. They recently found over 50,000 Roman coins in England, including silver. It seems as large parts of the world discovered they could not take it with them. Tutankhamen had a gold covered resting place because a landslide buried the tomb completely.

    Once the rich man discovered his plight, he asked for mercy from Lazarus, who is now the hero of the story. We know Lazarus was a believer because he was taken to Abraham, the Father of Faith. Look up Abraham in the Kings Bible Concordance here.

 Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

    This is the bargaining stage. God expects faith in His Son and all the wonders of creation. The rich man wants to cut a deal so that his brothers might be given faith, salvation, and eternal life. Abraham said this - which is often overlooked as the masterstroke of conversion of Jews to the Christian Faith. - They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. The Gospel has been before his brothers and they were also stone-hearted and not listening or reading foundational works of salvation through Christ.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

The final request was a bad example for his brothers and him. But if they do not pay attention to Moses and the prophets, they are already blind to the dead and to Lazarus. The conclusion reminds us of people hardened against the Gospel of Jesus, even if they have been taught. The irony in this story is that One did rise from the dead - the Savior, and that should have converted many. However, many have dedicated themselves to mocking the Bible, as if it is just like the works of pagans and those who hate the Christian Faith, even when pretending to believe. 

Luther’s Sermon on the Rich Man and Lazarus

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Trinity 1 2024 - "For the nature of faith is that it expects all good from God, and relies only on God. For from this faith man knows God, how he is good and gracious, that by reason of such knowledge his heart becomes so tender and merciful, that he wishes cheerfully to do to every one, as he experiences God has done to him."

 

Here is Lazarus, waiting for a grant from the Rich Guy Foundation or Thrivent, or both.

Complete Sermon - First Sunday after Trinity, Luke 16:19-31. Examples of Unbelief and Faith. The Rich Man and Lazarus

7. From this now follows the other sin, that he forgets to exercise love toward his neighbor; for there he lets poor Lazarus lie at his door, and offers him not the least assistance. And if he had not wished to help him personally, he should have commanded his servants to take him in and care for him. It may have been, he knew nothing of God and had never experienced his goodness. For whoever feels the goodness of God, feels also for the misfortune of his neighbor; but whoever is not conscious of the goodness of God, sympathizes not in the misfortune of his neighbor.
Therefore as he has no pleasure in God, he has no heart for his neighbor.

8. For the nature of faith is that it expects all good from God, and relies only on God. For from this faith man knows God, how he is good and gracious, that by reason of such knowledge his heart becomes so tender and merciful, that he wishes cheerfully to do to every one, as he experiences God has done to him. Therefore he breaks forth with love and serves his neighbor out of his whole heart, with his body and life, with his means and honor, with his soul and spirit, and makes him partaker of all he has, just like God did to him. Therefore he does not look after the healthy, the high, the strong, the rich, the noble, the holy persons, who do not need his care; but he looks after the sick, the weak, the poor, the despised, the sinful people, to whom he can be of benefit, and among whom he can exercise his tender heart, and do to them as God has done to him.

9. But the nature of unbelief is that it does not expect any good from God. By which unbelief the heart is blinded so that it neither feels nor knows how good and gracious God is; but as Psalm 14:2 says: he cares not for God, seeks not after him. Out of this blindness follows further that his heart becomes so hard, obdurate and unmerciful that he has no desire to do a kindness to his fellow man; yea, he would rather harm and offend everybody. For as he is insensible to the goodness of God, so he takes no pleasure in doing good to his neighbor. Consequently it follows that he does not look after the sick, poor and despised people, to whom he could and should be helpful and profitable; but he casts his eyes upward and sees only the high, rich and influential, from whom he himself may receive advantage, gain, pleasure and honor.

10. So we see now in the example of the rich man that it is impossible to love, where no faith exists, and impossible to believe, where there is no love; for both will and must be together, so that a believer loves everybody and serves everybody; but an unbeliever at heart is an enemy of everybody and wishes to be served by every person and yet he covers all such horrible, perverted sins with the little show of his hypocritical works as with a sheep’s skin; just as that large bird, the ostrich, which is so stupid that when it sticks its head into a bush, it thinks its entire body is concealed. Yea, here you see that there is nothing blinder and more unmerciful than unbelief. For here the dogs, the most irascible animals, are more merciful to poor Lazarus than this rich man, and they recognize the need of the poor man and lick his sores; while the obdurate, blinded hypocrite is so hard hearted that he does not wish him to have the crumbs that fell from his table.

11. Now all unbelieving people are like this rich hypocrite. Unbelief cannot do nor be different than this rich man is pictured and set forth by his life. And especially is this the character of the clergy - as we see before our eyes, who never do a truly good work, but only seek a good time, never serving nor profiting any one; but reversing the order they want everybody to serve them. Like harpies they only claw everything into their own pockets; and like the old adage runs they “rob the poor of his purse.” They are not moved in the least by the poverty of others. And although some have not expensive food and raiment, yet they do not lack will power and the spirit of action; for they imitate the rich, the princes and the lords, and do many hypocritically good works by founding institutions and building churches, with which they conceal the great rogue, the wolf of unbelief; so that they become obdurate and hardened and are of no use to anybody. These are the rich man.