Shortened Trinity 8 2025

  

KJV Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

KJV Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Zion Rise! Zion Rise!

KJV Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 

The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes in Chapter 5 and ends with the warning about false prophet. The conclusion of the Sermon is the house built on the Rock. Jesus is the Bedrock, as He taught with Peter as the little rock.

The warning is pivotal, teaching that among all teachers are the false teachers, which are seem to be appealing but actually predators not pals. People have trouble with "fruits," but that is not food but the outcome of efforts.

"Beware of false prophets" is ignored these days and even now is revealing the dangers following error and not the truth. I attended a Church Growth session in downtown Columbus (St. Paul "Lutheran") years ago [$80 fee, I let someone else pay]. The expert kept preaching/bragging - "Do this and you will have Happy Campers!" That congregation is almost completely gone now. 

Jesus did not (and does not) promote falsehood. The truth is freely available around the world. Those who pretend to be friendly are really the most dangerous, which we can see in many cults but also in neglect of the Word of God, which is the Word of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

These comparisons are so clear - and ironic - so no one should ignore the message. There are good Bibles (one is easily the best) and good teachers, based on health rather than sugar and various temporary treats. Fact - it takes time to give up expensive but useless foods (ice cream, candies, chips) because of the craving and seductive label designs. 

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

[Note the two "mission leaders" who ranted and raved against my essay on the Means of Grace. That became the final chapter of Liberalism, Its Cause and Cure, "The Means of Grace." ]

There is a simple but often ignored foundation in all of this. Or call it a comparison similar to verses 18ff.

A. Faith in Jesus Christ

versus

B. Production

The basis for all of Christianity, all of the Bible - is faith in Jesus the Good Shepherd. There are all kinds of false claims about Jesus - only a rabbi, not divine, a teacher but not part of the Trinity, someone who is much like Buddha, etc. etc.

Most of the world depends on production as proof of their success. All the synods we know have glamorous, expensive castles to prove they are successful, as Marvin Schwan boasted. They are equally rich in cash but impoverished. They do not know the best Bible in English - and they loathe Martin Luther as much as they slobber over their California gurus.

That comes down to the individual's faith in the Good Shepherd, which is first taught as early as newborn and baptized, renewed through teaching and learning when able. I remember well that my mother had me learn Psalm 23 by heart when she was my Sunday School teacher (Plymouth Congregational, Moline) as a young lad. She became a Lutheran and she lived in our house in Phoenix at the end, 90+ years. I read the 23rd Psalm to her - she had a hospital bed in the sunny living room. I said, "You taught me this, Mom." She passed into eternal life.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

This is the ultimate in distinguishing faith in the Good Shepherd from making a lot of noise, insisting that Jesus has done wonderful things outwardly Very dramatic and wonderful. Luther had a response to this, "A believer does not search for a cross to bear - it is already on his back."

Link ->Luther's Three Sermons on Matthew 7:15ff - Beware of False Prophets

Eighth Sunday After Trinity

Lord God, heavenly Father, we most heartily thank Thee that Thou hast caused us to come to the knowledge of Thy word. We pray Thee: graciously keep us steadfast in this knowledge unto death, that we may obtain eternal life; send us now and ever pious pastors, who faithfully preach Thy word, without offense or false doctrine, and grant them long life. Defend us from all false teachings, and frustrate Thou the counsels of all such as pervert Thy word, who come to us in sheep's clothing, but are inwardly ravening wolves, that Thy true Church may evermore be established among us, and be defended and preserved from such false teachers, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

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 - Gerhardt

Trinity 7 - 2025. Feeding of the 4,000

  

David boasts of this in Psalm 37:25: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” 

The melodies are linked in the hymn title. 

The lyrics are linked from the Bethany Hymnal Blog.

• The melody site is linked here.
• TLH lyrics are found here.

The Hymn #480      Lord of the Worlds Above - Isaac Watts      

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Oh, clap your hands, all ye people! 

Shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Psalm. He shall subdue the people under us: 

and the nations under our feet.

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

Collect

O God, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth, we humbly beseech Thee to put away from us all hurtful things and to give us those things which be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual       

Gradual

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: 

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

V. Look unto Him and be lightened: 

and let your faces not be ashamed. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. Oh, clap your hands, all ye people:

shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Hallelujah!

The Epistle

KJV Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord! 

Praise be to Thee, O Christ!

KJV Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, 2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. 4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? 5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. 6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. 7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. 8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. 9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

The Nicene Creed             p. 22

The Sermon Hymn #462           I Love Thy Kingdom Lord - Timothy Dwight

           

Faith - Worries

The Communion Hymn #313        O Lord We Praise Thee, Luther

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 #577        God Bless Our Native Land

Announcements and Prayers 

• Alicia Meyer's birthday was July 27th.
• Medical care - Kermit Way; Pastor and Mrs. Shrader; Sarah Buck; Lito Cruz' family; those dealing with metabolic and stress disorders.

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord God, heavenly Father, who in the wilderness didst by Thy Son abundantly feed four thousand men besides women and children with seven loaves and a few small fishes: We beseech Thee, graciously abide among us with Thy blessing, and keep us from covetousness and the cares of this life, that we may seek first Thy kingdom and Thy righteousness, and in all things needful for body and soul, experience Thine ever-present help; through Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.            

Faith - Worries

KJV Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,

Halle University is the source of American Lutherans - whether groups pick one label or another to describe themselves. Some will admit, "We are the ones who soon made fun of the miracles of the Bible. In fact, because we published it, we called those Halle miracles fictional stories." Others say "We believe exactly what is taught in the Scriptures." 

    Those people who came to America followed the path of Pietism, which by Martin Stephan and CFW Walther, taught "the entire world is forgiven, without faith." That has a bunch of similar names - General Justification which also meant Universal Justification - without faith; Objective Justification; Universal Objective Justification; variations that all omitted Justification by Faith. 

Imputed means counted, pure and simple; justification means forgiven.

 Faith in Jesus Christ means we are forgiven and have peace with God through Christ.

The answer is not Rationalism or Pietism but the clear, plain revelation of God's Word.

2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

This is the turning point of the miracle, not only for this miracle of needed food but also many other miracles. The disciples only know food at this point, but the real issue is faith in Jesus. Many today have the same response - they want or even demand a miracle, but the real issue is faith in the Good Shepherd. Jesus held out the problem of fasting, the long distance back to home, the distance - nothing left to eat. The rationalistic mind demands a miracle on the spot; God is always active through faith in Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater the miracle.

4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?

This is the purist form of human reason. Thousands of people cannot provide food in the desert. "God will provide." Answer from the doubter - "But will God provide until He provides?" 

5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. 6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.

The area was grassy, which means they had abundant water in that desert place, but oh how that splashes into empty stomachs, especially among thousands. The difference between starving is suddenly abundant. As Luther wrote, "Yes, you must wait a long time until roasted ducks fly into your mouth, for reason sees nothing, grasps nothing, and nothing is present." I have suggested that among people worried about lack of funds, food, etc. 

7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

These fish are like the fish the disciples did not trust to leap into their nets and threaten their boats. If someone gets out his comparison of miracles, one must either give up to mockery  (very common today) or trust that miracles have not ceased in the last 2,000 years. Imagine how this affected the area, more than once. People saw the individual miracles, followed Jesus without qualms, and sat down to experience enough bread and fish to overwhelm them.

8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. 9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

We can easily imagine how the crowd went back, no longer famished and worried like the disciples (initially), who were likewise stunned by the miracle. That was even greater in showing them all that they had more leftovers than they had food from the start. People say at gatherings, "I almost starved from waiting," but that was not even close to the miracles of the desert.  If we consider how much was done for everyone in three years, the numbers were astonishing in covering the Jewish people who had waited so long after John the Baptist, with outsiders being converted later because they were drawn to the Good Shepherd too.

Someone thought out loud, "I hope our group continues." But the more precise thought was, "The effective Word will keep moving on, because the Spirit 

John 16:8 And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on Me;

The ultimate sin is not believing in Jesus Christ, so the Holy Spirit will accuse those who do not believe in Him, our Good Shepherd.

Luther " - 14. Therefore, beloved friends, let us once make a beginning to believe; for unbelief is the cause of all sin and vice, which now have taken the upper hand in all stations of life. How does it come to pass that everywhere there are so many foolish women and rogues, so many rank imposters, thieves, robbers, usurers, murderers and sellers of indulgences?"

Trinity 6 - 2025.

  

The melodies are linked in the hymn title. 

The lyrics are linked in the hymn number.

• The melody site is linked here.
• TLH Lyrics are linked on The Bethany Lutheran Hymnal Blog

The Hymn # 342     Chief of Sinners

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

The Lord is the Strength of His people: 

He is the saving Strength of His anointed.

Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance: 

feed them also and lift them up forever.

Psalm. Unto Thee will I cry, O Lord, my Rock; be not silent unto me: lest, if Thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

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

Collect

Lord of all power and might, who art the Author and Giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of Thy name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of Thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual   

Gradual

He shall call to the heavens from above: 

and to the earth that He may judge His people.

V. The heavens shall declare His righteousness: 

for God is Judge Himself. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. The ransomed of the Lord shall come to Zion with everlasting joy upon their lands: 

they shall obtain joy and gladness, 

and sorrow and weeping shall fly away.

 Hallelujah!

   

The Gospel              

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

The Sermon Hymn #298   Baptized into Thy Name

                       

The Communion Hymn #310      Thy Table I Approach

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 #584        Swell the Anthem, Raise the Song

In Our Prayers

• Happy Birthday, Alicia Meyer!
• Diagnosis and treatment, Sarah Buck; Kermit Way; Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris Shrader; those suffering from emotional and metabolic distress; those we name in our hearts.
• Clinton Michael Roberts, the son of one of our Lutheran friends, was passed onto eternal life, the funeral broadcast yesterday.

                                    

Sixth Sunday After Trinity

Lord God, heavenly Father, we confess that we are poor, wretched sinners, and that there is no good in us, our hearts, flesh and blood being so corrupted by sin, that we never in this life can be without sinful lust and concupiscence; therefore we beseech Thee, dear Father, forgive us these sins, and let Thy Holy Spirit so cleanse our hearts that we may desire and love Thy word, abide by it, and thus by Thy grace be forever saved; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

KJV Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

KJV Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Spiritual - Not Bought and Sold - Outline

See the Melanchthon graphic at the bottom.* 

KJV Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

I often write about the activities of denominations, especially the Lutherans, so I think about the religious meanings of this age. I divided the two categories into the spiritual and the material. These days, the material side (costumes, incense) overwhelms the spiritual.

Praying and meditating

The most powerful and least realized is prayer, because it is not limited by dungeons, cells, speaking out loud, locations, status, or anything else - and is also the most ignored or mechanical. Someone can be named from 1,000 miles away. I name each member almost every night, plus others in our circle or interest.

Faith in Christ is essential, and one involves the other. Reading and hearing about the Savior lets us dwell on the infinite divine power of the Universe. And that is not the Universe itself but we have all God has given, also with the evidence. Without hesitating - though we do - we have whatever the Good Shepherd teaches.

Studying the Bible and Luther

The Bible (KJV) and Luther are not material, but spiritual, the fruit of ancient times, going back so far that we barely grasp it - escaping the Egyptians, riding the whale rather than the ship. When we go over the Old Testament we have the Gospel filling our hearts with all the work the Spirit teaches us - the Word in the Psalms.

Our country should be stunned that so many ignore the Reformation, which was ideal in making people free through the wine (printing) press and free enough to go to new lands for freedom of religion.

Husbands and wives teach the children

This is far too late. Men are no longer writing books, and everything is being sugared up, as if knowledge does not matter anymore. Therefore, only the determined are going to be literate in 20 years. Fathers have the most leverage in being spiritual. Some will be replacing denominations with the home library, parents tutoring children because they have to do that.

Preaching and teaching the efficacious Gospel 

The teaching of the Savior is 99%. What He clearly teaches in the Scriptures must be what was given to us through the Holy Spirit.

Providing Holy Communion

The Last Supper takes us back to the escape from Egypt and the freedom of the Promised Land. In this and every spiritual work, Jesus Chris is with us in every possible way.

TRINITY 5 2025

  

The melodies are linked in the hymn name. 

The lyrics are linked in the hymn number.

• The melody site is linked here.
• TLH Lyrics site is linked here.

The Hymn #530 Thy Ways O Lord
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

The Introit

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: 

Thou hast been my Help.

Leave me not, neither forsake me: 

O God of my salvation.

Psalm. The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear?

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

Collect

O God, who hast prepared for them that love Thee such good things as pass man’s understanding, pour into our hearts such love toward Thee that we, loving Thee above all things, may obtain Thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual   

Gradual

Behold, O God, our Shield: and look upon Thy servants.

V. O Lord God of hosts: hear our prayer. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. The king shall joy in Thy strength: and in Thy salvation, how greatly shall he rejoice! Hallelujah!

The Gospel             
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn # 649 Jesus Savior Pilot Me

 Nevertheless at thy Word I Will Let Down the Net

The Communion Hymn #307 Draw Now and Take
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 #52          Almighty Father, Bless the Word

Prayers and Announcements

• Christina Jackson's birthday was July 20th.
• In our prayers - Kermit Way, Christina's brother-in-law. Pastor Jim Shrader and his wife Chris.
• 
  

KJV 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

KJV Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Fifth Sunday After Trinity

O Jesus Christ, Thou Son of the living God, who hast given us Thy holy word, and hast bountifully provided for all our temporal wants, we confess that we are unworthy of all these mercies, and that we have rather deserved punishment: But we beseech Thee, forgive us our sins, and prosper and bless us in our several callings, that by Thy strength we may be sustained and defended, now and forever, and so praise and glorify Thee eternally, Thou who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

Nevertheless at thy Word I will Let Down the Net

KJV Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

Those who have gone fishing can easily remember the sights of a river or lake, sounds, and stink of the fish, the waves slapping against the boats, the discussions about where the fish might be, the people sharing in the event, the food getting ready. In this situation, the key issue was the Word of God drawing people to Him, This one verse reminds us of the dramatic events coming up, the anguish and fears, and details of the miracle. Those who are finishing the Acts of the Apostles (Tuesday and Thursday 10 AM) recognize the vivid descriptions concerning Paul, Luke as the narrator, and key figures good and bad.

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 

The ships were empty of fish, not full, the nets being washed, hard labor after a night of work and discouragement. Attention is brought to the situation, food needed for the people involved, but the agenda is Word first of all, not work and ordinary food. The greater the hunger, the more important the food is.

3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 

The empty nets, clogged with debris, only made the hunger worse. Jesus has an important message, but the disciples - we can assume - were like the big event with no food. Jesus' action is to use the fishing boat as a platform, the lake a sounding board so more people can hear and see the Messiah. Jesus immediately began teaching from the strong, steady ship. The Sermon on the Mount reached the multitude because Jesus had the pulpit of projecting His Word across the lake's expanse of listeners below. The reverse was true at the edge of the lake because the water served so well as a sounding board for those crowded around the shore and higher up (which was much later called the Akron Plan). 

Sitting was the formal means of speaking in Judaism (Sermon the Mount) and continues in some Christian denominations for a bishop (chair translated as cathedral). The fish-head (mitre) for the bishop goes back to Babylon.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 

We should adopt what Luke says, especially when it is a blessing from the Savior. This event is a miracle, not a practical effort. Luke has the best, clearest, and miraculous results. There is no requirement to do this - except Jesus' will. In fact, tossing out  the heavy nets after a night of work with no results suggests more failures, and weariness.

5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

"Letting down the net" is especially anxious when there has only been failure. That is why so many people with gimmicks have been completely discouraged or eager for  a magical solution. The miracle often comes with asking. And it also comes with the will of God. Variations come from the combination of Spirit and Word. 

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

God's abundance is displayed many ways, often before people even think to ask. It is no accident that theses miracles were recorded for everyone's benefit. We often experience the pain and difficulties before the blessings arrive.

Remember When...

9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

God gives us the sweetest memories and also the unexpected and difficult ones that emphasize faith.