Devotion and Readings for August 16 & 17

We are at the start of a new school year. A common ritual for many families at this time of year is to acquire new clothes for school. This points to another school ritual regarding clothes. Near the end of the school year for high school students is prom time. During the rest of the year students wear all sorts of different things which are acceptable for the classroom. Students generally wear clothes at the prom which give them a totally different look. The dresses, shirts, vests, suits, and tuxedos which are worn give the youth a dramatically different look.

In our reading from Mark we have one of the more surprising scenes in all of scripture. We read in Mark 14:51-52, “A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.” There is no name give for who this young man was, nor do any of the other three Gospel accounts have this scene. Church tradition suggests that this might have been Mark himself. It is suggested that he included this unique interaction because he personally experienced it.

This brief interaction points to two truths of our life with Jesus.

1 – The Work of Jesus. As noted in The Lutheran Study Bible, from Concordia, “Jesus is abandoned by His disciples, including a young man (possibly Mark) who has witness the arrest. We cannot count on our own courage or strength in the face of Satan and his forces. Jesus accomplishes the plan of salvation without aid from any human ally.”

2 – God’s clothes us. In various places in the New Testament the image of being clothed is a sign of God’s mercy and grace for us. God’s grace is the final word on our lives. It is an important aspect of being restored to God. Here are some examples:

*In teaching about God’s gift of the new life we have in Jesus, Paul writes these things: “But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:8-10)

*And also in Galatians 3:27, “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

*After Jesus heals the naked, demon possessed man at the Gerasenes (Luke 8:26-39), “Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.”

*In the Old Testament we read of God’s grace being expressed for Adam and Eve through the gift of clothing. They had sinned against God, and they realized they were naked. In this fall from God’s will they were facing death away from the Lord. Out of loving grace God restores them to fellowship with himself. They had tried to cover themselves with fig leaves, which left a lot to be desired. In Genesis 3:21 we read, “And the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife, and clothed them.”

In all this, we come before God with nothing. We are beggars before him, seeking relief from the burden of sin and shame. By his merciful goodness he clothes us with the garment of salvation, the life and forgiveness we need from final power of sin, death and evil in our lives.

Prayer

As our prayer I give you the text of the great hymn, Rock of Ages. Pay special attention to verse 3.

Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

let me hide myself in thee;

let the water and the blood,

from thy riven side which flowed,

be of sin the double cure;

cleanse me from its guilt and pow’r.

2 Not the labors of my hands

can fulfill thy law’s demands;

could my zeal no respite know,

could my tears forever flow,

all for sin could not atone;

thou must save, and thou alone.

3 Nothing in my hand I bring;

simply to thy cross I cling.

Naked, come to thee for dress;

helpless, look to thee for grace;

foul, I to the fountain fly;

wash me, Savior, or I die.

4 While I draw this fleeting breath,

when mine eyelids close in death,

when I soar to worlds unknown,

see thee on thy judgment throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

let me hide myself in thee.

Text: Augustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778

Amen

The 11th Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings, Synod August 15, 2020

Readings, Devotion, and Prayers for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 16, 2020, for both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

We resumed in-person services on the weekend of June 6-7, following the normal schedule for both MLLC and Waldeck. The Facebook Live services will be offered on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. from Waldeck, and at 10:00 a.m. from MLLC.

Below are the readings, prayers, and Sunday sermon.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

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For both of our congregations, Waldeck and MLLC, please remember that our expenses continue even when we are unable to meet as usual. Please make a point to give your offerings as you would on a typical week. Here are some ideas of what to do:

For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

– give offerings through the church web site: mllccarmine.com/online-giving This page has a link to our secure giving page. Offerings can be made by bank draft, debit card, or credit card through this special web site.

AUGUST 16, 2020

ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

First Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

R: A reading from Isaiah, the 56^th chapter.

The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God’s imminent intervention to save. Righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the Israelite community—not race, nationality, or any other category. And now the reading.

¹Thus says the Lord:
Maintain justice, and do what is right,
for soon my salvation will come,
and my deliverance be revealed.

⁶And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,
and hold fast my covenant—
⁷these I will bring to my holy mountain,
and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house shall be called a house of prayer
for all peoples.
⁸Thus says the Lord God,
who gathers the outcasts of Israel,
I will gather others to them
besides those already gathered.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 67

R: Psalm 67, read responsively by verse.

¹May God be merciful to us and bless us;
may the light of God’s face shine upon us.
²Let your way be known upon earth,
your saving health among all nations.
³Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
⁴Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations on earth.
⁵Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
⁶The earth has brought forth its increase;
God, our own God, has blessed us.
⁷May God give us blessing,
and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe.

Second Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

R: A reading from Romans, the 11^th chapter.

God has not rejected Israel. Rather, the call and gifts of God are irrevocable so that, while all have been disobedient, God has mercy upon all. And now the reading.

[Paul writes:] ¹I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. ^2aGod has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

²⁹For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. ³⁰Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, ³¹so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. ³²For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

*Gospel: Matthew 15:10-28

P: The holy gospel according to St. Matthew, the 15^th chapter.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus teaches his disciples that true purity is a matter of the heart rather than outward religious observances. Almost immediately, this teaching is tested when a woman considered to be a religious outsider approaches him for help.

¹⁰[Jesus] called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand:¹¹it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” ¹²Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the

Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” ¹³He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. ¹⁴Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” ¹⁵But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” ¹⁶Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? ¹⁷Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? ¹⁸But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. ¹⁹For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. ²⁰These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”]
²¹Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. ²²Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” ²³But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” ²⁴He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ²⁵But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” ²⁶He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁷She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” ²⁸Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Devotion

“God’s Goodness for Us”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Calculators are great tools. These tiny computers help us deal with our various simple and complicated math needs. With just a few taps on the keys you can balance your checkbook, figure percentages, compare prices, or do some quite complicated calculations.

Over the years I have heard school aged youth make some statement like this: “I don’t need to learn this math, I’ve got a calculator.” Whenever I hear that I have to laugh. I’ve learned that one cannot rely upon the answer of a calculator. Sure, they device is doing the math correctly, but operator error is common and frequent. If the source material was in error, then the results will be in error.

In today’s reading we have a teaching of Jesus about what truly defiles a person. Many were concerned about the purity laws of Judaism, especially in regard to food and hand washing. Jesus basically states that these are secondary considerations. What really matters is what our internal and spiritual life is about and how that expresses itself in what we say and do.

As we reflect on this story, we can see that the connection between who we are and what we do is important. If we are in bondage to sin and death, then that will come out in our lives. If we are more connected to God and his way, that will also show in our lives.

Jesus’ teaching invites us to a consider some things:

1) that our inner thoughts and motives need to be godly;

2) that our actions matter;

3) that we have the greatest resource to make it possible to live in God’s most excellent way.

And, finally 4), that we are all people who need God’s help and forgiveness.

Our account in Matthew is in the context of an argument regarding purity laws in the Jewish religion and culture. The Pharisees, or teachers of the law, made a big deal about proper purity and cleanliness before eating. The general idea of cleanliness is not challenged by Jesus. Jesus, in his typical way, broadens the discussion to regard the way that God wills his people to live. I believe Jesus is saying that life is about a connection with God which leads to us to express sacrificial love, compassion and forgiveness.

At issue here is that we need to focus on our faith connection with the Lord. The Lord is concerned about what is happening in our spiritual heart. As that is healed and redirected, we begin to live and speak in ways which honor the Lord and are a blessing to others.

The only way we can truly have any faithful connection with God’s healing and forgiveness is through the saving work of Jesus Christ. God knew that inside our spiritual hearts we are broken, foul and filled with mixed motivations. What is inside us is not pure or holy. Through Jesus’ suffering and death, he meets us in the depths of our souls. He enters our lives and meets us at the cross. What is lost and wrong and unclean inside us is brought to the cross. All of this is forgiven by Jesus. All of what is tainting our action and faith dies with Jesus on the cross. Through his rising from the dead he grants to us a new and right spirit.

St. Paul writes about this in Romans chapter 6. We read: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” God has acted for us, and we get a fresh start on life. From that wonderful new start we get to live the new and most excellent way of Jesus.

There is system of thought which helps connect the work and Word of God with how we live. It uses the phrase, “Because; therefore.” This teaches us that Because God has done such great things for us, therefore we are called to live according to his ways. Because Jesus served others and gave himself on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin, we are called to serve others and to give of ourselves for their benefit.

As we study God’s Word more deeply we come to see this pattern. We see that God has done great things for us. The logical response to what God has done is to worship God and serve others. With our reconnection with God through Jesus Christ we get to have our internal faith and motivation purified by the Spirit. We then go forward in life spurred on and guided to action by what God has first done for us.

As we receive God’s goodness, we are given the opportunity to follow his most excellent way. We are invited to receive the goodness of God in Jesus Christ, and then to express this goodness in thought, word and deed. We are invited to respond to what God has first done for us in our spiritual life by expressing our lives with worship of God and serve to others.

Let us pray – Loving God, your Good News is for us and for of humanity. Help us to receive the good news of Jesus Christ more fully in our lives. By your Spirit transform our knowledge of this message into action which is blessing to others. We pray this in your most holy Name. Amen

*Prayers of Intercession

A: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, your grace is sufficient for us, your mercy is everlasting. Receive our prayers, our praise, and our heartfelt thanksgivings. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

In the midst of our brokenness and sin we come to you seeking your forgiveness. Graciously restore us to fellowship with you and one another. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We lift in prayer the martyrs and persecuted Christians of all ages in Syria and Iraq. Be with all who follow the Way of Jesus Christ. Help us to stand firm in faith. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for your strength and presence for those who face difficult grief. Help us to offer care and support for those who remember those who rest in you. (We especially remember…) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray that you would bring healing, strength and hope to those who struggle in mind, body, or spirit, especially . . . and those we now name aloud or in quiet prayer… Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Other petitions may be added here.

We look to you in the midst of the heat of summer. We pray that you will provide refreshing rain and favorable weather for all. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray that you would help us to grow in our joy in giving. By your Spirit open our spiritual hearts for the joy of generous giving. Receive our tithes and offerings for your glory and service in the world. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

P: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

LORD’S PRAYER

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

BLOOD DRIVE is scheduled for next Sunday, August 23 from 9:30 – 2 in the Fellowship Hall at Martin Luther in Carmine. Appointments will be required to donate. This is to keep group sizes small. It is in conjunction with Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Round Top.

Go to the MLLC website to make an appointment:

https://mllccarmine.com/2020/08/06/blood-drive-august-23/

Or, you may contact Kelly Hardin at 832-212-2799 or email her at khardin@giveblood.org

There is a great need for blood, so please consider giving the Gift of Life.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF Three 40-foot shipping containers with LWR items were lost in the Beirut, Lebanon port explosion. Lost were: 22,000 quilts; 100 cartons of school kits; 300 cartons of personal care kits; and 125 cartons of baby care kits. They are in need of donations. To make a monetary contribution go to the MLLC website with the following link:

https://mllccarmine.com/2020/08/10/beirut-explosion-and-lutheran-world-relief/

Devotion and Readings for August 13-15

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings August 15, 2020

Leonardo da Vinci - Last Supper

Bible Readings and Devotion for August 13-15, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

August 13

August 14

August 15

Devotion for August 13-15, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

Decades ago I heard this story. There was a young man who made very specific promises about when he would arrive at a location. This could be for a meeting, a party, a date with a girl, or any number of other things. He would say something like, “I will be at the park at 7:15 to pick you up.” There is another thing about this young man. He would often be running late from one thing to the next. His solution was to drive his car at speeds way above the speed limit to get to a location. He would tell his friends that specific time, but he really needed more time to get there. They would see him driving toward them like a maniac doing all he could to beat the clock. So, rather than adjust his plan to be more realistic, he would endanger himself and others to get to the location as promised.

In our reading from Mark, Peter and the various Apostles heard the difficult news that Peter would soon deny that he knew Jesus. Peter’s bold response was, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” The others affirm their same belief. This seems to come from their sense of commitment to Jesus. As we know a few hours later Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, just as the Lord predicted. It also appears that all the others, except John, abandoned Jesus in his most difficult hour. Thankfully, later, Jesus restored the Apostles to the fellowship.

This enthusiastic promise of the Apostle was not the first time, nor would it be the last time, a person of faith has made a promise such as this. It is not the last time that a person could not or would not fulfill the promise. This is regrettable, but it is also real.

This is the struggle of knowing the right but doing the wrong. It is the struggle of sensing the call to faithfulness, yet sometimes being unfaithful to the Lord. It is the struggle of promising great things, yet sometimes falling quite short of the goal. It is a bit like that young man who over promised on his schedule and risked his life and the lives of others to get there in time.

It is important to note a couple of things in this:

1) God is good. We are reminded many times in Holy Scripture that the Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

2) Living out our Commitment to God and striving to live according to his will are both good and holy things to do.

3) We sometimes are inconsistent, but God loves us anyway.

4) Even when we seem to fail in our faith, it is not the end for us. By the grace of God we can revisit God’s love for us and our commitments to him. These commitments may need to change, to be adjusted, or, in some instances, be abandoned. Once adjustments are made, we get to continue our connection with the Lord, both now and forever.

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, but always to your glory and the welfare of your people, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Devotion and Readings for August 12

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings August 12, 2020

Mr. and Mrs. Tinker on their wedding day in 1954.

Bible Readings and Devotion for August 12, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for August 12, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

Stories of our lives help us understand and remember who we are. My late father would tell certain stories to us throughout our lives to remind us of these things. One of these he told was about how my parents met.

It starts out in high school. My father struggled with English grammar. Then he decided to approach it as an engineering problem. With this new approach he finally got it, and he did well. As he approached college planning, he looked to pay for his studies with an Navy ROTC scholarship. This included taking a placement test for various subjects. He did exceptionally well in the English and Grammar text. At the University of Minnesota, he majored in Petroleum Engineering. The college engineering magazine editor was looking for good writers, so he got ahold of the list of students who had done well in the various English placement exams. He saw my father’s score, and he invited my father to write for this student publication. Some months later there was a need to hire a new typist for the articles. Only one person applied, and that was my mother. The editor told my father, “We have hired a new typist. Her name is Elaine. I think you will like her.” And the rest is history.

We continue to review this story over the years because it tells us what has gone before us, and help us clarify our identity as a family.

In our psalm today we have a grand review of the history of the people of Israel. They are reminded of God’s work, the Covenants, and so much more. They get to see again and again who they are and what the Lord has done for them. The final response to hearing this the people conclude the psalm with a resounding, “Praise the Lord!” or “Hallelujah!” depending on which translation you read. Hallelujah or Alleluia mean “Praise the Lord.”

As we review the saving work of God in Jesus Christ, we get to see everything which is noted in the psalm, plus so much more. We mostly focus on the distinct action of God in Jesus. His Incarnation, Birth, Baptism, Temptation, Teachings, Miracles, and then the events of Holy Week. We especially review the action and purpose of his suffering, death on the cross, placement in a tomb, and his rising from the dead. Our lives especially intersect with his at the point of his greatest love for us – his death on the cross and his rising from the dead.

The story of my parents meeting intersects in many and various ways with the work of Jesus. Most importantly is that they both had saving faith in Jesus, even before they met. They raised their children to know the Lord, and each of them had their own lives intersect with Jesus by faith and baptism.
Your stories of life and faith get to intersect with that of Jesus. All of us are invited to respond to God’s love by connecting with the greatest story ever told, that of Jesus and his love for us.

Prayer

Sovereign of the universe, your first covenant of mercy was with every living creature. When your beloved Son came among us, the waters of the river welcomed him, the heavens opened to greet his arrival, the animals of the wilderness drew near as his companions. With all the world’s people, may we who are washed into new life through baptism seek the way of your new creation, the way of justice and care, mercy and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Devotion and readings for August 11

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings August 11, 2020

Mileage Texas to El Paso

Bible Readings and Devotion for August 11, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for August 11, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

Texas is big. (Yes, I know Alaska is bigger). One of the ways we measure things in Texas is by exit numbers and mileage markers on highways. The highway which I hear the most about is Interstate Highway 10. This is the longest Interstate highway in Texas. From East to West is runs about 880 miles. The immense distance of the east to west of this road is marked dramatically by a sign at the Texas-Louisiana border – see photo above. It tells the traveler the distance from that point to the city of El Paso, the westernmost major city in Texas. We see it is 857 miles.

In today’s reading from Psalm 103 we read in verse 12: “…as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.” This is a powerful image. It also needs context to make sense. In one way, if one would travel east or west in a straight line across the surface of the earth, then one would come back to the exact spot again. If two travelers would set out in opposite directions, east and west, then these two would come across each other on the other side of the world.

So, what do we do with this? We enter the context of the King David as he wrote this prayer song. There was no way for him to travel around the globe. He lived in the Holy Land. If he headed west, he would hit the ocean and stop. If he headed east, then he would eventually hit the desert and stop or get a camel. Eventually he would hit more desert, ocean, or high mountains and have to stop at one of these. Even if he just traveled from the Mediterranean Sea to the desert, he would still travel a great distance.

It is a distance such as this which he is talking about. As far as one can travel in opposite directions is the figurative distance God places between us and the damage and cruelty of our sin. God’s forgiveness is what does this. Our loving Lord continues to forgive and to put aside what we have done wrong which harms our relationship with God, others or ourselves individually.

In a sense, the Lord is removing from us the final and negative effect of sin on our lives. Think about it this way: we are standing on the border between Texas and Louisiana, and the bad thing, sin, is at the western edge of El Paso. That bad thing is not going to have any effect on us at that distance. Our amazing Lord is saying that, by his abundant love and forgiveness, the final power of sin over us is removed so far that it is no longer a consequence in our lives. This is all brought about by the power expressed by the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for us. For this we can give thanks daily for God’s great love for us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we humbly thank you for your goodness to us and to all that you have made. We praise you for your creation, for keeping us and all things in your care, and for all the blessings of life. Above all we bless you for your immeasurable love in redeeming the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies that with thankful hearts we praise you, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving ourselves to your service and by living in your gifts of holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all worship and praise, now and forever. Amen

Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Devotion and Readings for August 10

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings August 10, 2020

CommunionBreadWine

Bible Readings and Devotion for August 10, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for August 10, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

It hurts when somebody betrays us. Betray is defined by Websters Dictionary as: “1: to lead astray especially, seduce; 2: to deliver to an enemy by treachery; 3: to fail or desert especially in time of need.” Our reading from Mark 14 tells us the initial plans of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. We read in verse 10 and 11, “Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So, he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.”

This was one of the Twelve Apostles. These men had ministered side by side with Jesus for three years. Together they built trust and friendship in their life together. Even so, one, Judas Iscariot, was still willing to deliver Jesus to our Lord’s enemies. Even though Jesus saw this coming, there must have been significant pain in this situation for Jesus.

Despite this betrayal, and the later abandonment of Jesus by his disciples, Jesus continued to love. This love brought a continued offer to forgive them for their actions. On the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Sadly, due to his immense guilt over betraying his Lord, Judas Iscariot killed himself by hanging. After the resurrection, Jesus offered restoration and forgiveness to St. Peter, who had previously denied even knowing Jesus. We read about this in John 21:15-19. In all this, forgiveness is central to what Jesus, God the Son, is all about.

This leads us to what is said at communion. In the standard, “Word of Institution,” used at Holy Communion we begin with the statement, “In the night in which he was betrayed.” This is based on the New Testament passages about Holy Communion, especially 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

In my piety and spiritual walk with the Lord I find it significant to begin the Words of Institution in this way, “In the night in which he was betrayed…” This is a constant reminder to me, and to the church, that we are loved by Jesus despite our sin. He gave us this Sacrament, not because we were perfect and good friends. Rather, he gave it to us because we need his love and forgiveness. He took this action for the Apostles, and for us, at the Last Supper, knowing that we would not always be loyal friends, knowing that we would sometimes disregard his calling for our lives.

In using the statement, “In the night when he was betrayed,” we are not rubbing it in that we are sinners. Rather, we are being assured by God Word that we are loved. We are reminded that God overcomes our rejection, betrayal, and more, all so that we can have life now and forever in Jesus’ name.

Prayer

Merciful God, we do not presume to come to your table trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat and drink the body and blood of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, that we may live in him and he in us, now and forever. Amen

Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

The 10th Sunday after Pentecost

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings, Synod August 9, 2020

Nativity Sacred Art NatShepherdMurillo

The Birth, life and ministry of the Jesus is the greatest expression of God being with us. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

Readings, Devotion, and Prayers for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 9, 2020, for both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

Below are the readings, prayers, and Sunday sermon.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

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For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

AUGUST 9, 2020

THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9-18

R: A reading from 1 Kings, the 19^th chapter.

On Mount Horeb, where God had appeared to Moses with typical signs of God’s presence—earthquake, wind, and fire—Elijah now experienced God in “sheer silence.” God assured Elijah that he is not the only faithful believer. Seven thousand Israelites are still loyal. God instructed Elijah to anoint two men as kings and to anoint Elisha as his own successor.

⁹At [Horeb, the mount of God,][Elijah] came to a cave, and spent the night there.
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁰He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”
¹¹He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; ¹²and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. ¹³When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁴He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” ¹⁵Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. ¹⁶Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. ¹⁷Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. ¹⁸Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 85:8-13

⁸I will listen to what the Lord God is saying;
for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you.
⁹Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,
that your glory may dwell in our land.
¹⁰Steadfast love and faithfulness have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
¹¹Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth,
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
¹²The Lord will indeed grant prosperity,
and our land will yield its increase.
¹³Righteousness shall go before the Lord
and shall prepare for God a pathway.

Second Reading: Romans 10:5-15

R: A reading from Romans the 10^th chapter.

A right relationship with God is not something we achieve by heroic efforts. It is a gift received in the proclamation whose content is Jesus Christ. This proclaimed word creates our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence Christian proclamation is an indispensable component of God’s saving actions.

⁵Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” ⁶But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) ⁷“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). ⁸But what does it say?
“The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart”
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); ⁹because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. ¹¹The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” ¹²For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. ¹³For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
¹⁴But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? ¹⁵And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

*Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

The holy gospel according to St. Matthew, the 14^th chapter.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Matthew’s gospel typically portrays Jesus’ disciples as people of “little faith,” who fail despite their best intentions. In this story, Matthew shows how Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in trouble and sustains them in their time of fear and doubt.

²²[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.

When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the

morning he came walking toward them on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
²⁸Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Devotion

“God is With Us”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a traditional story about trusting in God. A man was stranded on his roof during a massive flood. The flood waters were rising all around him. In fear for his life he prayed and asked him to save him from the rising waters. Suddenly a neighbor came by in a boat. The neighbor encouraged the man to climb down from the roof into the boat so they could escape the dangerous flood. But the man on the roof replied that he had prayed and had complete faith that God would protect him and save him. Therefore, no thanks for the boat ride.

Several hours passed and then the sheriff’s deputy came by in another boat. By this time the waters were lapping at the eaves of the roof. Still the man refused the help and insisted on staying at his home. He was sure that God would not allow any harm to come to him, and would save him from the flood waters.

Later a National Guard helicopter arrived to lift him from the roof. By this point the man was perched atop his chimney because the flood waters had risen so high as to cover his roof. But still the man would not take the rescue line lowered to him. He screamed at the rescue crew that God would save him from the flood. Soon afterward the helicopter left, the house collapsed and the man drowned in the flood waters.

Later the man found himself in heaven, standing before the Lord. Even so, he was quite exasperated. The man confronted God and said, “Lord, how could you have failed me? I put faith in you, and I bore testimony to that faith again and again. Why didn’t you save me from the flood?”

To this the Lord answered, “What do you mean? I sent two boats and a helicopter to save you. What more did you want me to do?”

One of the struggles of people throughout time is that we often look for powerful signs and wonders from God, yet miss out on what God is doing right now for us. Maybe this problem comes because we lack the faith to recognize that God is present and active with us in simply amazing ways each day.

Gospel Reading: A dramatic sign of God’s presence and power – Jesus walking on the water.

In today’s reading from First Kings we see that Elijah doesn’t get it at first. The powerful signs are not really God’s presence. God was not in the earthquake, the strong wind, or the fire. Rather, God was present in the sound of sheer silence, or the “Still Small Voice”. In that quiet moment, God is there, speaking to Elijah, assuring him of the prophet’s call, and sending him to live out his ministry.

Our Lord is with us today in many ways, including the quiet and simple moments. Here are some examples:

In the quiet of the end of our day as we pause to pray– God is there.

In the reading of God’s word, individually, or with others– God is there.

In the sharing of the Holy Communion– God is there.

In the kind and encouraging words we share with others– God is there.

In the fellowship we have with others– God is there.

In those whom we serve in any way– God is there.

In the most difficult moments of loss – God is there.

In the singing of joyful songs in worship – God is there.

In the times when we remember all that God has done for us through Jesus’ death on the cross and in his rising from the dead– God is there.

In all this, we give thanks that God first loves us and seeks us out. A faithful response to God loving us is to utilize disciplines of the Christian life. I have shared many times about the Six Marks of Discipleship. As a reminder, these are:

I will strive to…

*Pray daily

*Worship weekly

*Read the Bible daily

*Serve at and beyond Martin Luther Lutheran Church or Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

*Be in Relationship with others to encourage spiritual growth

*Give of my time, talents and resources in a generous manner and to the glory of God

We practice these Marks of Discipleship or spiritual disciplines because these are part of God’s gifts which help us to be transformed into the image of Christ. The core purpose of these and any other Christian spiritual discipline is to become more like Jesus. We don’t do these for the mere sake of doing them. It always goes back to the core purpose – to be with God and to be transformed by the presence of God. The Holy Spirit does this work in us. As we engage in any of these Marks of Discipleship, we are stepping into the reality that we are being worked on by God. We are being transformed by God into something else. As we spend time with God in these Marks of Discipleship, we are becoming more like the company we keep. We are becoming more and more holy as God is with us, and as we are united with Jesus.

I encourage you to reflect on your own lives and to ponder where God has been present in the ordinary and quiet and powerful points of each week. As you do, remember that our God loves each of us with a love which surpasses all understanding. His love draws us to himself, and in this, we are becoming more and more like Jesus. We are becoming what he designed us to be in this life and forever more. For this we give thanks.

Let us pray – Lord God Almighty, you are amazing beyond measure. We praise you because you are the God who loves us, forgives us, and leads us toward our eternal home. By your Holy Spirit enable us to see and to believe that you are present with us each day. Transform our hearts and wills so that we grow to rejoice in the simple and quiet ways you bless us each and every day. This we pray in Jesus’ holy name. Amen

*Prayers of Intercession

A: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, your mercy is everlasting and your grace is sufficient for us. Draw us to a closer walk following the way of Jesus. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We lift in prayer all of those who mourn. Draw us together in care for those who have suffered a recent loss. (We especially remember the family and friends of …) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We ask that you bring healing, strength and hope to those who struggle in mind, body, or spirit, especially . . . and also those whom we name aloud or in quiet prayer… We pray that you will be their help and their shield. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for the ministry of Lutheran World Relief. Help us as we work with this organization to bring comfort and care to those who face difficulty. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Other petitions may be added here.

Grant us greater joy as we encourage faith in the lives of others. Help us to reach out with your Good News so that our neighbors will know what you have done for them. We pray that your Holy Spirit will open their spiritual hearts to receive this Gospel. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

P: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

LORD’S PRAYER

Devotion and Readings for August 8 & 9

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings August 8, 2020

Book of Common Prayer Cover

Bible Readings and Devotion for August 8 & 9, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

August 8

August 9

Devotion for August 8 & 9, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

Our reading from Psalm 92 reminds me of a powerful Christian practice of prayer. It is essentially to have preplanned prayer times each day. It can be a great benefit to many to invest in one’s prayer life through these daily disciplines. The psalmist tells us, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night…” Psalm 92:1-2

This is one of the various places which reminds us to include prayer times in the beginning and of the day. Throughout history the church has helped the faithful by providing resources for daily devotions, scripture reading and prayer.

A few months ago I prepared a daily prayer guide. It was initially distributed through the Martin Luther – Carmine monthly newsletter. It is a combination of two traditional resources. One is Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. The other is the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer has a simply format for morning, noon, evening and nighttime prayers for individuals or families. I have added in some prayers from the Small Catechism which give us something more connected to the Lutheran faith tradition.

I present these to you in two formats. Please feel free to share this as you desire.

1 – I have formatted this into a PDF. Click Link.

This is formatted to be printer ready to make a booklet. Print it on both sides, and have the pages flip on the short edge. Once printed you can keep this with your Bible and/or other devotional materials.

2 – On this web page below is the complete document in the same format at the rest of this page. Feel free to use this in whatever format you wish to use.

Daily Devotion Format for Individuals, Families, and Households

Adapted from the Episcopal Church Book of Common Prayer and Luther’s Small Catechism

In the Morning

From Psalm 51

Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

A Reading from Daily Readings, personal choice or this:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Peter 1:3

A hymn or song may be used; the Apostles Creed may be said.

Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.

The Lord’s Prayer

Luther’s Morning Prayer

I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I ask that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you. Into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.

At Noon or Midday

From Psalm 113

Give praise, you servants of the LORD; *
praise the Name of the LORD.
Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, *
from this time forth for evermore.
From the rising of the sun to its going down *
let the Name of the LORD be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.

A Reading from Daily Readings, personal choice, or this:

“O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are
fixed on you; for in returning and rest we shall be saved; in
quietness and trust shall be our strength.” Isaiah 26:3; 30:15

Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer

Blessed Savior, at this hour you hung upon the cross,
stretching out your loving arms: Grant that all the peoples of
the earth may look to you and be saved; for your mercies’
sake. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to
you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins,
but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and
unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the
Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.

In the Early Evening

This devotion may be used before or after the evening meal.

O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.

A Reading from Daily Readings, personal choice, or this:

“It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ
Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus’ sake.
For the same God who said, “Out of darkness let light
shine,” has caused his light to shine within us, to give the
light of revelation–the revelation of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Prayer

Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is
past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and
awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in
Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake
of your love. Amen.

At the Close of Day

Psalm 134

Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, *
you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; *
the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

A Reading from Daily Readings, personal choice, or this:

Lord, you are in the midst of us and we are called by your
Name: Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14:9,22

The following may be said:

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see;
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.

Prayers for ourselves and others may follow. It is appropriate that prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of the day, and penitence for our sins, be included.

The Lord’s Prayer

Luther’s Evening Prayer

I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today. I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. Into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us. Amen.

Devotion and Readings for August 7

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings August 6, 2020

Widow mite

Bible Readings and Devotion for August 7, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for August 7 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

The young children’s Sunday School teacher at a church years ago asked her eight students if they would give $1 Million to the missionaries. “Yes!” they all screamed.

“Would you give $1,000 to the missionaries,” asked the teacher.

“Yes!” they all screamed.

The teacher asked a new question, “Would you give $10 to the missionaries?”

“Yes!” they all screamed.

Finally, she asked the group, “Would you give $1 to the missionaries?”

All the group screamed, “Yes!”

All expressed their commitment, except one boy, Johnny. The teacher noticed the boy clutching his pocket, so she asked, “Johnny, why didn’t you say ‘Yes’ this time?”

“Well,” he stammered, “I have a dollar.”

Today’s reading from Mark tells of an impoverished widow who gives all of her wealth as an offering to God. We read in Mark 12:42 and following: “A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Here Jesus points out a new way of thinking for many of us. Instead of simply a portion being for God, he shows us that everything is for God first and foremost. The woman gave abundantly of herself, rather than just a portion. All was for God. Ultimately, this giving of money in this section of Mark is really about our relationship with God. Sure, offerings support ministries and such, but the more important and much more deeply significant meaning of offerings is about how we love and serve our gracious God.

As we look at our uses for monetary resources, such as for taxes, offerings, food, charity, utility bills, or whatever, we see that the use of these resources is not about money itself. The resources entrusted to us by God, such as money, are a means to an end. We get to use these things as a means of expressing our faith and exhibiting our priorities in life. What comes first is our connection to God. Our generous use of God’s provision is a follow up to what God has done for us first in Jesus Christ.

Our use of financial resources can be summed up in the teaching of St. John in his first letter, chapter 4, verse 19, which reads, “We love because he (God) first loved us.” Founded in God’s immense love for us, we are called upon to use and distributed our resources for the love of God, neighbor, and one another. We are given opportunities each day to give generously and to build up life around us, all for the glory of God.

Prayer

God of abundance, you have poured out a large measure of earthly blessings: our table is richly furnished, our cup overflows, and we live in safety and security. Teach us to set our hearts on you and not these material blessings. Keep us from becoming captivated by prosperity, and grant us in wisdom to use your blessings to your glory and to the service of humankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Devotion and Readings for August 6

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings August 5, 2020

solomon-wisdom

Bible Readings and Devotion for August 6, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Matthew 17:1-13

2 Peter 1:12-21

Psalm 27, 80

1 Kings 11

Devotion for August 6, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

A few days back I mentioned the wisdom of Solomon. It is true that he was a wise person. It was a wonderful gift from the Lord. Remember, Wisdom, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is, “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.” In many things, Solomon did use experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The devotion from the end of July – Click link – shows a powerful example.

In some other things, Solomon was a complete fool. He was highly unwise and extraordinarily disobedient. The centerpiece of his foolish disobedience was his marriage life. His was unique among the Kings of Israel. There were some who took more than one wife. Solomon took not just a few wives, but 1,000 wives. That is not a misprint in scripture nor this devotion. 700 of these were princesses, or regular wives. There were also 300 concubines, or servant/slave wives. It has been said that two girls/wives are too many, three’s a crowd, and four you’re dead. I don’t really know how to describe what he put himself through.

It is likely that the marriages to the princesses were for political alliances with foreign nations. The princess wife of greatest status and affection was the daughter of the Egyptian Pharaoh. He also married women and princesses from the neighboring kingdoms, as listed in the reading.

These marriages, even just one to a foreign wife, were a deep problem. The problem was that these foreign wives were people who worshiped any of various false gods and goddesses. They did not know, worship and serve the one true God, the Lord. Solomon’s foolishness was compounded in that he accepted the invitation of these various wives to worship their false idols.

Solomon became distracted and drawn away from faithfulness to the Lord. It was not pleasing to our God. We read where the Lord says about the resulting judgment against Solomon, “Since this has been your mind and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and give it to your servant.” After his lifetime the kingdom was split between north and south, Israel and Judah.

It is painful thing to see how our foolishness hurts us and others. Each of us can reflect on our lives and see something or numerous things which were signs of our foolishness and which had negative consequences.

Even more important is that God’s final word for our lives in mercy. Sure, we have often been foolish when we could have utilized God’s wisdom. We, like Solomon, have been inconsistent. We have been a mix of faithful and sinful, wise and foolish. As St. Paul notes in Romans 7:24-25a, “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Our only hope in this struggle of life is the source of all goodness and wisdom, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen