The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, 2020
Pastor Gregory L. Jackson
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
Jesus Teaches Us To Trust
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 #309 O Jesus Blessed Lord - Kingo
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 #309 O Jesus Blessed Lord - Kingo
Announcements and Prayers
- The flowers are in memory of Gary Meyer, Air Force veteran, who died on September 17, 2014.
- Continued seizures - Jeshra Palangyos, 12.
- Cancer treatment - Mary Howell, Randy Anderson, Chris Jackson, Rush Limbaugh.
- Medical concerns - Pastor Jim Shrader, Kermit Way, Diane Popp's daughter - Joan Scott, had a heart attack and stents put in.
People ask about our Holy Communion, since some are opposed to our social distancing eucharist, broadcasting from Springdale to Australia to the Philippines.
Roman Catholics put an emphasis on the ordained priest. The presence of the priest validates the communion service. The forgiveness is partial; the elements become only the body and blood of Christ. The priest and his ordination make it effective.
Calvinists reject Baptism and Communion as sacraments. The elements remain bread and wine and do not convey forgiveness. Calvin mocked the Real Presence.
Lutheran Biblical teaching shows what 1 Corinthians 10:16 reveals. The Body of Christ is with the bread through the Consecrating Word; the Blood is with the wine through the consecrating Word. The Word is always effective.
Distance does not attenuate or weaken the power of the Word, which is always divine. When Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish through His Word, the 5,000 families were stretched across the grassy oasis. Nevertheless, these miracles showed Jesus could create this miracle for the entire crowd. If the liturgy, hymns, creed, readings, and sermon are effective, then how could the Words of Consecration be ineffective? Those who agree with the Augsburg Confession are one with us and are welcome to join the distribution - after God's Word has consecrated the elements for those who hear and believe.
KJV Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
KJV Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank Thee for all Thy benefits: that Thou hast given us life and graciously sustained us unto this day: We beseech Thee, take not Thy blessing from us; preserve us from covetousness, that we may serve Thee only, love and abide in Thee, and not defile ourselves by idolatrous love of mammon, but hope and trust only in Thy grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.
Background for the Gospel, Matthew 6:24-34
This is an unmistakable example of Jesus, the Creating Word, using the Creation to explain why we should trust in God's protection. The difference between humans and animals is worry. The Lord of Creation has put in the lowest life forms a set of directions for them to follow - and they do. They do not stop and wonder why they must eat a certain kind of food and be eaten besides. They do not plan their winter stay, but curl up in dens, fly away, or become dormant. Birds will stop by a feast of food, take some, and depart - not like the relatives who decimate the banquet table and ask to take home extras. The burden and blessing is that we get to think about all these things, to watch the ant working hard and without grumbling, to marvel at the bugs appearing in spring to feed to newly hatched birds. Everything around us in Creation is there to fill us with trust in God, because Jesus tells that the Father watches over the common bird, so how much more does He watch over us?
Jesus Teaches Us To Trust
KJV Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
This is a powerful section from the Sermon on the Mount, which teaches us that we can comply with one master or another but not two at once. When we favor one, we look at the other with disfavor.
Even if people have two places to work, they will say, "I would rather work at GM than Ford." I knew a GM worker who drove a Ford truck. I asked why. He said, "A Ford truck drives better." Our neighbor Ranger Bob loves GM products, no matter what, and truly despises Ford and Chrysler. I told him, as I drove by, "I have the best of both worlds - Ford quality and Chrysler engineering. He laughed and laughed.
In this case Jesus is contrasting whether we are serving God or serving mammon. The word mammon needs explaining. It is not simply earnings or money, but riches beyond our requirements - to have enough and some to share with others. An example of mammon would be someone with billions of dollars who also wants to sell vaccine to the entire world.
This is also a matter of trust. Are we trusting God and finding peace and security with Him - or trusting mammon, with the thought that enough piles of wealth would make us peaceful and secure, with no money worries? An abundance of trust in one will mean de-emphasizing the other.
Although this is a passage on faith, Jesus begins with the harshness of the Law. Rather than congratulating His audience, He makes a clear statement about where their trust lies. This is so vivid that most people know the entire passage.
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
This is pure diagnosis. Jesus knew what was troubling people then, just as He does now. This is a case of either/or. Our brains can only consider so much. We can either worry about every material thing, or trust God and dwell on spiritual matters. When something about the Bible troubles us, the reward is finding a solution and enjoying the spiritual wisdom that comes from study and meditation.
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
A Facebook friend wondered about the lack of birds at the bird-feeder. With a few exceptions, birds do not store up food, because God provides and stores food for them. This time of year is one of abundance for birds. Berries are everywhere in my yard - poke berries, raspberries, wild strawberries, blackberries, poison ivy, and beauty berries. Crepe myrtles have developed hundreds of seeds loved by cardinals and other birds. Earthworms are active in the soil, and bugs are abundant.
But in winter - berries cling to their plants and crepe myrtle seeds are high and dry. The refrigeration system preserves bug larvae on every tree and bush. Warm days may wake up earthworms and bugs.
Imagine getting up every morning to an empty fridge, empty cupboards, no food or water and yet singing carefree songs! Birds sing before they eat, and they must find their food and water every day. God provides abundant food and water when the hatchlings are preparing for flight school, but that is a lot of work for the parents. I used to bring sunflower seeds to the Blue Jay nest. The parents watched me and never dive-bombed me.
God sends the delicate birds south for the winter. They even know when a terrible storm system is forming. During the Armistice Day Blizzard, 1940, hunters were pleased to see so many birds in the sky - but they were fleeing!
When we think about God providing for all His creatures, Jesus - the Lord of Creation - asks, "Does He not care even more about you?"
Tyranny feeds the ruling class while the poor starve. If everyone trusted God, there would be an abundance of food and medicine. Free people are far more productive, and Protestant Christianity has set entire nations free. Dictatorships come about because a few want to have mammon and weapons in abundance, to keep them secure and to calm their worries.
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
This is absurdly funny. We have what God has given us, but we think about having a different set of circumstances. Yet various scenarios go through our minds. They tend to filter out all bad results and focus on good results. No matter what, most things are not going to change. Sometimes people take a long time to become grateful for what God has given them rather than being sorry for being short-changed.
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
The more the flowers grew, the more we wanted to watch them. Instead of gazing at the lawn, we look at a constantly changing garden. Even the regular visitors ask, "What's that over there?" and "Did you notice that one in the corner?"
I enjoy bending down to work on a rose, only to see around it, at the soil level, wild strawberries planted by the birds, little red jewels or the yellow flowers that precede the berries.
People take the mints and other herbs for granted, but they love the air show as butterflies, birds, bees, and hummingbirds show off their skills. Everyone loves the roses, but all the flowers are unique in their form, colors, and fragrances.
The comparison with Solomon is vivid and easy to remember. Every powerful ruler has special clothing that distinguishes him from all others. Solomon was unusually rich and powerful, yet he was never as beautifully robed the wildflowers are, especially when we realize how many functions and "machines" are built into those plants by the Creator.
I pre-ordered a book by Jessica Walliser on companion plants, because it is known that certain plants get along with and strengthen opposite plants - just like married couples having opposite skills, personalities, and methods.
This comparison with wild flowers reminds us, rather pointedly, that the Creating Word (Jesus, John 1:3) has designed countless flowers that outshine anything worn by King Solomon.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
This is a challenge to stop worrying and realize that anxiety is the product of little faith. Jesus primary accusation was having little faith, because the lack of faith is the foundation of all sin. God clothes the believer with the righteousness of faith. That is why the wrongly dressed wedding guest is tossed out - he did not come clothed in faith but in the righteousness of works. (Matthew 22)
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
After describing the human condition so well - anxiety about daily needs - Jesus concludes the illustrations with the Promise that God knows, understands, and provides.
The Gentiles here means - the pagans.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
One must be absolutely amazed that so many clergy, professors, and officials could miss what these verses are all about - the righteousness of faith. Those who believe are in the Kingdom of God, and He takes care of the entire world, the universe even, and special care of those within His family.
We were talking about Luther's dog yesterday and what Luther observed from that dog he called Blockhead. No matter how many times Luther said no to his dog, Blockhead still continued to ask, expecting the best from his master. Luther said we should pray the same way, always expecting the best from our Heavenly Father. When we are in that frame of mind, we keep asking.
I was calling on someone when his daughter began asking for night-time treats, grinning after each request. Each request was followed by her father saying "No!" She never stopped grinning and kept asking. About the tenth time, he said, "OK." And she grinned harder. I commended him for his tough approach, making her ask 10 times. It was fun to watch because of the loving spirit involved.
From the Promises and Blessings of God, we grow in faith.
We can worry about the distant future, but we have no idea what is ahead.
44. That is the chief passage in this sermon, and states the right rule and manner how we are to proceed in order to get both the divine or eternal gift, and what we need for this life. Would you rightly and well take care whereof it behooves you to take care, then let this be the first, aye, indeed, your only care, that you strive according to God’s Word to do your duty, to serve him in his kingdom as his Word teaches you — for in this consists the righteousness belonging to this kingdom — and to prize this more highly than all pertaining unto this temporal life.
If you do this you have done and provided well and need not take any further burdens upon you nor cherish any cares in your heart; indeed, it should be much too small a thing for you to care for so slight a matter as the wants of your belly, and therefore to aggrieve yourselves. Rather do this for the honor of God, and furthermore for your own use and benefit, that you strive after the great and eternal good; which if you attain and keep, the rest will surely take care of itself. Neither can you in any better way arrive at obtaining it from God, than in this wise that you first seek and ask of him the great things.
If you do this you have done and provided well and need not take any further burdens upon you nor cherish any cares in your heart; indeed, it should be much too small a thing for you to care for so slight a matter as the wants of your belly, and therefore to aggrieve yourselves. Rather do this for the honor of God, and furthermore for your own use and benefit, that you strive after the great and eternal good; which if you attain and keep, the rest will surely take care of itself. Neither can you in any better way arrive at obtaining it from God, than in this wise that you first seek and ask of him the great things.
What is great to us is small to God, who rules and manages everything. Acknowledging the truth of God's Word means making the great Promises the center of our thinking.
