Epiphany 4 2024

 

 Matthew 8:23-27

Hymn #648         I Am Jesus Little Lamb              
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 Romans 13:8-10
The Gospel Matthew 8:23-27
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
Sermon Hymn #649     Jesus Savior Pilot Me

Asleep in the Storm

Hymn #307         Draw Nigh                 
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
Hymn #341    Crown Him With Many Crowns                         

Prayers and Announcements

• Zoom tests will start this week, via emails which are the link. Let me know if you do not get them. 
• Medical care - Pastor Jim Shrader, Lori Howell, Randy Anderson, Kermit Way, Sarah Buck.
• Avelin Anderson, 8 pounds, 1 ounce, was born January 24th one year ago.
• 

KJV Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

KJV Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Lord God, heavenly Father, who in Thy divine wisdom and fatherly goodness makest Thy children to bear the cross, and sendest divers afflictions upon us to subdue the flesh, and quicken our hearts unto faith, hope and unceasing prayer: We beseech Thee to have mercy upon us, and graciously deliver us out of our trials and afflictions, so that we may perceive Thy grace and fatherly help, and with all saints forever praise and worship Thee; through Thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.  

Asleep in the Boat

KJV Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

Luther:

This Gospel, as a narrative, gives us an example of faith and unbelief, in order that we may learn how mighty the power of faith is, and that it of necessity has to do with great and terrible things and that it accomplishes nothing but wonders; and that on the other hand unbelief is so fainthearted, shamefaced and trembling with fear that it can do nothing whatever.

KJV John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Epiphany -  Jesus Seen by the Wise Men

Epiphany 1- Jesus Talking with the Elders

Epiphany 2 - Jesus Turned Water into Wine

Epiphany 3 - Jesus Cured the  Centurion's Servant 

Epiphany 4 - Jesus Is Asleep in the Storm.

The word epiphany is used for the divine power of the Son of God revealed to others, and miracles are the visible sign of Jesus' work. People fall prey to doubts and fears, even when their knowledge includes a lot of Biblical evidence. This season leads to Lent, where faith was tested and the faith of Jesus strengthened the disciples in their fears and doubts.

This miracle is especially memorable because the disciples left with Jesus after the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5 - 7, and were in the boat with Him when a fierce storm struck. They were in a state of terror, yet Jesus was asleep.

KJV Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

This is the great battle, between faith and fear, one working wonders of the highest rank, fear doing the opposite - making us weak, shameful, quivering in fear, crying that there is no hope.

How many students have stormed out of the classroom because the test was too great? Or quit because everything seemed overwhelming? Previous difficulties can foster fear and create an almost instant response to the problem because it is happening again. The ship was swamped with the waves crashing over the hull. We often say we are swamped at work, but this was life-threatening.

We are very courageous when nothing is happening, but even the fear of something can make reason and faith fly out the window.

25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

The disciples were especially upset because of Jesus! They were alive, but wet, and cold, and they fear the next blast from the storm. "Lord, save us. We are perishing!" As Luther observed, fear makes faith fly out the window.

Luther:

For it is the great characteristic and power of faith to see what is not visible, and not to see what is visible, yea, that which at the time drives and oppresses us; just as unbelief can see only what is visible and can not in the least cleave to what is invisible.

26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

The great pity is we have overwhelming numbers of clergy, professors, and synodical managers - who are followers of the fads, not leaders of faith. Two recent fads are Refuge and Unstuck. Both are contrary to the Scriptures, which is their desire. 

Faith begins with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is the One who explains God the Father to us, and the Holy Spirit is source of that spiritual knowledge. Where would we be without the comfort and inspiration of the Savior. The managers, professors, and clergy are too overwhelmed with doubt to teach the truth about Jesus Christ. In the echo chamber of the Now, these sayings build up in their minds and the congregations are deprived of the Gospel.

Seminary students are not taught the Truth, but the status quo of loving and obeying Holy Mother Synod. Try to prove Walther was less than divine - the hatred and scorn will be the waves crashing on your little boat. Fellow students will laugh at someone who takes the Scriptures seriously, especially in Hebrew and Greek. The Greek New Testament they are given (Unfaith Bible Society and/or Apostate Bible Society) is a joke borrowed from Tischendorf (Codex Sinaiticus hoax)  and Westcott/Hort (the secret Greek New Testament behind the Revised KJV that flopped). The CPH Gospel of Mark two-volume set uses the Vatican Codex as its model, as if Rome protected it from error. It is very common today to have these great scholars - ahem - say Mark ends with Mark 16:8, so there is no empty tomb, no risen Christ. 

We should follow Luther's example in faithfulness and note that the unseen things are the most powerful, coming from God, and following their own schedule, not ours. The things we see or anticipate seeing are fearful to us. That is why we should end the day with prayer to God through Jesus Christ. The first part should be thankfulness to God for family, friends, fellow believers, blessings from God, etc. Asking forgiveness is another part. Addressing needs and fears are also an important part of prayers. Even Jesus said, "If it is Your will, take this cup from Me."

Fears come upon us but they are vanquished by faith in the Savior. The false teachers are victims of their own fears. They do not want to be scolded by their peers or lose choice benefits, so they take the easy way which leads the fear-mongers to say, "Atta-boy, atta-girl." That is how the radical unbelievers took over the denominations. 

But no matter how bad things are - that which we see - the blessings and eternal life are invisible and yet the surest thing in life itself, through Christ.

The end.

Epiphany 3 2024

  

Bethany Lutheran Church - Springdale

10 AM Central Time

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

The Hymn #450             Soldiers of Christ Arise! - Wesley, Tune - Crown Him

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

The Introit

Worship Him, all ye His angels: 

Zion heard and was glad.

The daughters of Judah rejoiced: 

because of Thy judgments, O Lord.

Psalm. The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice: 

let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.

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

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle 

The Gradual

The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord: 

and all the kings of the earth Thy glory.

V. When the Lord shall build up Zion: 

He shall appear in His glory. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice: 

let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Hallelujah!

      

The Gospel              

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

The Sermon Hymn #381    I Know My Faith Is Founded  

Faith and Reason

The Hymn #525           As Pants the Hart

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 #586     A Pilgrim and a Stranger  - Gehrhardt

     

Prayers and Announcements

• Aveline's (Aby's) first birthday is this week. Ivy is completing her US citizen's qualification.
• Gary and Alicia's wedding anniversary is January 27th.
• Chris Shrader just had a birthday (January 19), and so did Pastor Shrader (January 15).
• Doctor's care - Randy Anderson's CT scan, Pastor Jim Shrader's operation, Lori Howell, Sarah Buck, Kermit Way.
• Pray for the Bill of Rights, our elected President and his supporters, our military justice system.
• Norma Boeckler's book, My Good Shepherd, Jesus' Titles of Majesty, edited by Pastor Jackson, is in its final stage of production. 

  Graphic by Norma A. Boeckler

            

KJV Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

KJV Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 

    5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Third Sunday After Epiphany

O almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all dangers and necessities stretch forth Thy mighty hand, to defend us against our enemies; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

Faith and Reason

KJV Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

I happened upon a lecture by a Harvard professor teaching Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. He pointed out that Gibbon was a skeptic about Christianity and continued by lecturing the audience about the Christian Faith. Professor Leo Damrosch dismissed all the miracles in the Bible because he saw no evidence of them. He also claimed, like my Harvard Biblical scholar (deceased) at Augustana College - "The Trinity is not found in the New Testament." I said, "What about the ending of Matthew?" He said, "Others put that on the lips of Jesus." 

That is why I enjoy the Epiphany season, which is all about the miracles of Jesus. People continue to confuse faith and reason, as if one's reasoning can explain and reject the miraculous acts of God. The reason argument is used against infant baptism, because they say, "The baby is not old enough to decide," which alarms me. When I hold a baby for the first time, that tiny creature immediately looks for his mother and gets a squall going to get matters straightened out. Being held by his mother or someone he knows will immediately calm the baby. He has faith in his mother and uses his newborn reason to indicate something has gone wrong. 

The true background of baptism is the power of God's Gospel Word. The purpose of Holy Baptism is to impart faith through the Spirit of God in His Word and to seal God's Promises. This is effective or efficacious. Moreover, in the Greek, the Word is energon/energy. Engineers do not turn on electrical lines - they energize them. That is a current pun, but an important one to remember always. Whenever the Word of God is heard, read, or remembered, the Holy Spirit is at work in the Word. Spirit and Word are never separated.

This leper believed in Jesus Christ. He was part of the multitude that listened to the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. He politely and humbly said, "If You will, You can make me whole."

3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 

The leper came to the Sermon on the Mount with hope and faith, doubtless from hearing about the miracles from other lepers. He was cleansed of this horrible disease. Jesus instructed the healed leper to tell no one but go directly to the priest. Why? Because it would be natural for the crowd to gather around him and listen to the story. In fact, they saw the transformation. Jesus wanted the priest to hear this Gospel in the flesh, and the healed man took the Gospel to that priest, not unlike the Presentation of Jesus and His talking with the elders in the Synagogue.

5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

A centurion was a very powerful and respected person, a full-time soldier and leader of men. They were so organized that they won all their battles, including the destruction of Jerusalem. He came to Jesus aware of His healing powers and Jesus was willing to come to his home, knowing what He would do next. This elicited a very important response to the soldier.

8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

The centurion's power was life and death, and he knew without doubt that any of his own commands would be followed. He was humble and unwilling to have such an honor as the visitation of Christ. But he also recognized that the Word of Jesus Christ alone was enough to heal his servant, stating that the Lord's power was parallel to his but much greater.

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The centurion caused Jesus to express His wonder at this supposed pagan, who definitely believed in the divine power of the Savior. Jesus knew what was in this soldier's mind, and He compared it to all the rest. He also stated that many would come from all over the globe to be part of the Kingdom of God, which was predicted to Abraham. However, those who merely claimed to belong to Abraham (John 8) were enemies of Jesus, who clearly said to Jewish elders, "Before Abraham was, I AM."

13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

This is one of the great healing miracles in the Bible, one that strikes us directly. Jesus did not make conditions, but it was the soldier that said, "Only speak the Word." There are many healings in the Gospels, and they have different messages, including the Canaanite woman who seemed to be having no results with the Savior. Once that miracle is carefully read, it is clear that Jesus led the pagan woman into a contrite plea for mercy for her daughter, who was accomplished without Jesus going there. That discussion, which exasperated the disciples, brought to light the faith of the mother, which has been an example ever since.

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany, 2024

 

Bethany Lutheran Church, Springdale, Arkansas

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany, 2023

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson 

Hymn #128                Brightest and Best - Bishop Heber                

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

All the earth shall worship Thee: and shall sing unto Thee, O God.

They shall sing to Thy name: O Thou Most High.

Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: 

sing forth the honor of His name, make His praise glorious.

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

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth, mercifully hear the supplications of Thy people and grant us Thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual   

Gradual

The Lord sent His Word and healed them: 

and delivered them from their destructions.

V. Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness: 

and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts. Hallelujah!

    

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
Hymn #39          Praise to the Lord the Almighty       

 The Better Wine Last

Hymn #456     Approach My Soul the Mercy Seat             

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
Hymn # 47   Savior Again To Thy Dear Name          

Prayers and Announcements

• Doctor's care - Pastor Shrader, Sarah Buck, Lori Howell, Randy Anderson, Kermit Way, Dr. Lito Cruz, Alicia Meyer.
• Some problems were solved with Zoom last week.

KJV Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

KJV John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins [GJ -10 gallons per firkin] apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

The Better Wine Last

KJV John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

Sceptics (aka seminary professors) enjoy their removal of anything divine, whether miracles or anything beyond human. Their other target is faith, because they do not understand or teach faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This miracle begins with a precise location and setting. 

The mother of Jesus was there, most likely to manage the wedding of the couple. Jesus and His discipled were invited (called) to attend, which means the Savior did not despise marriage. Not being married was a corruption of God's Creation, which came from paganism. That notion corrupted the Medieval Church and corrupts people today. Where marriage is scorned, the priestly ones make themselves holy and above all women and marriage itself. Jesus' presence at the wedding, with all His disciples, honors marriage, and the miracle was the first one, seen by all of them. They began the public ministry of Christ with faith in Him, because of this remarkable event.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Wedding remain the same over the centuries. The manager-in-chief is the mother of the bride. Mary is the substitute for parents and takes charge of the event. The couple must have been poor - They ran out of wine. Mary was the key person, and she trusted in Him.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Jesus' response is the key to this miracle, a sign  not only for His disciples but also for us. People who make fun of miracles and reject them are often anxious to experience one when they are in a crisis. Isaiah 7:14 teaches us that Ahaz refused any miracle - in his arrogance - and had one anyway, a direct sign from God - a virgin would conceive a son, not just any son, but one born of a virgin, and the Name would God-with-us, Immanuel.

Luther:

For this is the reason there is so much care and unpleasantness in marriage to the outward man, because everything that is God’s Word and work, if it is to be blessed at all, must be distasteful, bitter and burdensome to the outward man. On this account marriage is a state that cultivates and exercises faith in God and love to our neighbor by means of manifold cares, labors, unpleasantnesses, crosses and all kinds of adversities, that are to follow everything that is God’s Word and work. All this the chaste whoremongers, saintly effeminates and Sodomites nicely escape, serving God outside of God’s ordinance by doings of their own.

Luther himself was a celibate and did not marry until he was 38 years old. The nun Katy had escaped from the convent and was lined up to marry Glatz, an older man. She did not want to but suggested Luther himself. He laughed at this idea but his father approved. And so Luther married Katy and the Church of Rome was horrified! - even though priestly marriage was allowed by Rome and paid for with a tax, so Luther's virtue in following God was mocked by those who rejected marriage, an institution created by God. 

This miracle has three parts. The first is Mary telling Jesus they had no wine. She did not tell Him what to do, but she knew what God could do. Telling the Son of God what to do is the same as demanding marshmellows growing on trees and rivers full of bottled water from France.

The second is Jesus being very short with His mother. There is no escape, even if He says "dear" mother, which He does not. One translator wrote in a note - "Woman is a sign of respect." That word alone, not matter how it is spun, continues with "Is that my fault? This is not my time."

The third part of the miracle is in the order of spoken words - "Whatever He says, do it." We get our order of words from Greek. For emphasis - Whatever He says. That is first in order. It is her faith and the emphasis on Him... and ... whatever follows. Not a frantic, DO SOMETHING! to the servants, because the emphasis is on Jesus' Word.

Luther emphasized what the Bible clearly teaches - the bitter comes first, the sweetness later. That is true of grief, when someone can endure thousands of pains based on loss, but then the peace and blessings of memories. We see it in children, who have special needs that seem to be an enormous burden, and yet the unique qualities what makes them special, much stronger than the typical child in other ways, much more a miracle in many ways.

If the bitter brings on sweetness from God, then we should not berate God for the first step - they have no wine. If our country flounders for another year, could that be the signal that the evil ones will collapse from their own evil?

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins [GJ -10 gallons per firkin] apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

We can easily recall Gospel miracles that involved touching, but this one has servants doing the work (not the disciples), the pots filled with 20-30 gallons of water, which the servants saw, and then Jesus commanded them to draw the liquid to the toastmaster. This makes unbelievers realize the power of God's Word, unless they harden themselves against it.

Denial of the water turned into wine is a parallel to the bread and wine as the body of Christ. The miracles caused by the Word are plentiful and should cause us to consider the power of God.

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

The ruler - also called governor of the feast - was invited to do his job at checking out the food and drink. When he tasted the water turned into wine (το υδωρ οινον γεγενημενον) not knowing its origin, he promptly called the bridegroom. The best wine is always served first, but this rule was violated. The toastmaster did not know anything about the water miraculously made wine, so he was upset that the best wine came last.

This is a metaphor for how God works at all times. He knows in advance and lets us go through many kinds of difficulties. The worst students I ever had in class were those whose tuition or new cars or gigantic phones or apartments were paid instead of being the fruit of their labors. Parallel to that was a student who did not have any more paper at home to print his paper (in olden days when dinosaurs still roamed the earth), so he printed his paper on the back of 5 pages of cell phone use. I said, "No wonder you cannot afford typing paper.

The lesson is very clear for marriage and children. There are many bad times for various reason. However, God transforms so that even when things remain the same or worse, life is transformed and blessed. 

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

The disciples are good examples of facing the worst kind of distress and opposition, with only the Apostle John living a long time, according to tradition. He was the one who took care of the mother of Jesus. Mary perhaps suffered more than anyone else, but she also had great faith from God's own messenger.

John 19:19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!    

19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

 This faith came from God's Word -

KJV Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

The end.

The First Sunday after the Epiphany 2024

  

The First Sunday after the

 Epiphany, 2024

Bethany Lutheran Church

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

The Hymn # 196                   I Am Content                          

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne: high and lifted up.

And I heard the voice of a great multitude, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.

Psalm. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness.

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

Collect

O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully to receive the prayers of Thy people who call upon Thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfill the same; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc

The Epistle and Gradual             Romans 12:1-5

Gradual

The Lord sent His Word and healed them: and delivered them from their destructions.

V. Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness: and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts. Hallelujah!

The Gospel                                 Luke 2:41-52
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #660    Heaven Is My Home

 The Divinity of Christ

The Hymn #652        I Lay My Sins on Jesus

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 #651        Be Still My Soul       

Prayers and Announcements

• Hymn suggestions are always welcome.
• Dealing with cancer - Lori Howell, Randy Anderson, Sarah Buck, Kermit Way, Pastor Jim Shrader. 
• Our media ministries - Alec Satin, Norma Boeckler. 
• Parsonage reading list - Zoom for Dummies, Zoom Beginner's Guide.

                

KJV Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

KJV Luke 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Prayer - Viet Dietrich

Lord God, heavenly Father, who in mercy hast established the Christian home among us: We beseech Thee so to rule and direct our hearts, that we may be good examples to children and servants, and not offend them by word or deed, but faithfully teach them to love Thy Church and hear Thy blessed word. Give them Thy Spirit and grace, that this seed may bring forth good fruit, so that our homelife may conduce to Thy glory, honor and praise, to our own improvement and welfare, and give offense to no one; through the same, Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

The Divinity of Christ

Epiphany began yesterday. The Wise Men came from the East because they saw the Star, as everyone did, appearing and then disappearing. Experts made fun of Kepler for saying there really was a Star of Bethlehem, something he verified by math. Now the planetariums show Christmas crowds the guest-stars, as the Chinese called them. A guest-star could be a comet or the temporary conjunction of planets and stars. "Scholars are divided," but they no longer mock the Star of Bethlehem. Jupiter and Saturn were in conjunction in the sky and some observers add the star Regulus. The wise men could have become discouraged about the heavenly changes, but they kept believing and saw the baby Jesus and His parents.

KJV Luke 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

Every Sunday we have been reading the Exodus together, the escape from Egypt that took place roughly 1200 years before Christ. Exodus is filled with references to Christ, from the Burning Bush in chapter 3 to the spotless lamb in the Passover to the miracles which come up again in the Gospel of John - the living water, the supernatural bread. The Gospel of John is a series of sermons about the Exodus, so we should always be aware of both books, so closely linked together.

This passover became a terrible trial for Joseph and Mary. Everything seemed normal, a tradition they observed every year. This was annual for them, so that should have been routine. However, they had the worst kind of sorrow.

Luther:

Although the holy mother Mary, who was highly blessed and upon whom many favors were bestowed, had undoubtedly the greatest delight in her child, yet the Lord so ruled that her joy was not without sorrow and like all others she did not attain complete blessedness until she entered heaven. For this reason she had to suffer so much sorrow, pain and anguish on earth. It was her first great sorrow that she had to give birth to her child in Bethlehem, in a strange town, where she found no room with her babe except in a stable. Then her second sad experience was that soon after the six weeks of her purification she was compelled to flee with her child into Egypt, a strange country, which was indeed a poor consolation. She undoubtedly experienced many more like trials, which have not been recorded.

That is not unlike what many parents experience, from the difficulties at birth to growing into adults. Being a parent has many trials, sudden misfortunes, and also great joy.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

Routine matters do not stir up alarm, so how this developed is common to many parents. Apparently, they always went with a group going to same way back home. They had friends and relatives with them. Jesus was old enough to follow the people they knew, so there was no need to be anxious until...

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Any parent can identify with this. Anxiety rises to peak level and provokes all kinds of emotion, from sorrow to anger to bewilderment. The imagination is very powerful when things like this go wrong. One day of tracing back to Jerusalem would have been bad enough because there would probably be a string of people going back home, people they knew or Jesus knew. But this was heart-rendering sorrow, looking-search-asking, getting no positive responses from anyone.

Luther:

She undoubtedly experienced many more like trials, which have not been recorded.
3. One of them is related here, when her son caused her so much anxiety, by tarrying behind in the temple and letting her seek him so long, and she could not find him. This alarmed and grieved her so that she almost despaired, as her words indicate: “Behold, thy father and I, sought thee sorrowing.” For we may well imagine that thoughts like these may have passed through her mind: “Behold this child is only mine, this I know very well, and I know that God has entrusted him to me and commanded me to take care of him; why is it then that he is taken from me? It is my fault, for I have not sufficiently taken care of him and guarded him. Perhaps God does not deem me worthy to watch over this child and will take him from me again.” She was undoubtedly greatly frightened and her heart trembled and was filled with grief.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

This was only the second visit by Jesus to the Temple. The previous one was His circumcision, 12 years before. This event captured the attention of the doctors, Jesus both asking them questions and listening to their responses. Like the Star of Bethlehem and the preaching of John the Baptist, God was establishing the fulfillment of the Messianic Promises. Even though Joseph and Mary would suffer greatly from their special role, the destiny of Jesus was even more painful.

Luther:

For this reason God sometimes permits their faith to grow weak and to be prostrated, so that they might see who they are and be forced to confess: Even if I would believe, I cannot. Thus the omnipotent God humbles his saints and keeps them in their true knowledge. For nature and reason will always boast of the gifts of God and depend upon them. Therefore God must lead us to a recognition of the fact that it is he who puts faith in our heart and that we cannot produce it ourselves. Thus the fear of God and trust in him must not be separated from one another, for we need them both, in order that we may not become presumptuous and overconfident, depending upon ourselves. This is one of the reasons why God leads his saints through such great trials.

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Here we see an example of the vast gulf between our understanding and God's wisdom. "They understood not..." No matter what we predict for the future, there will be great areas of mystery. If we trust on our own understanding, we will always be baffled. That is why God builds us up slowly and also teaches us to rely on His benevolent attitude and His miracles. We have to learn, again and again, that our Good Shepherd not only guards us but also gives us His everlasting love. He teaches us faith in Him because He is only grace, forgiveness, peace, love, and eternal life. 

He was preparing Joseph and Mary for their trials in the future. No parent has known more more anguish, and yet they also earn the glory, through faith in Him.