Matins in the morning

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

 

Here is this mornings sermon on Acts 4:13-22 “Judge for yourself!” to read Ac4,13-22 Matins 2016.5.19  and to listen to 

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Sermon on Ac 2:42

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

This morning’s sermon by Dr. Karl Böhmer on Acts 2.42: And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

A small crowd has assembled to watch the big man start his motorcycle. It’s a vintage motorcycle, you know, the kind you need to kick start. Passively, effortlessly he turns out the kickstart with a flick of his leg. The engine is primed; the choke is in position; the gear is in neutral and the ignition is switched on. He places his foot on the kickstart. Then he shifts his weight onto one side and swings up and brings all of it to bear down on the lever. The first time, of course, the engine turns over once, splutters, and – dies. So he does it again, In an instant the massive engine turns over and comes to life with a magnificent bang. He revs once, twice, puts his feet up with a wink, and the chopper roars off, and with a series of glorious backfires, disappears over the next hill. – But: It is a vintage motorcycle. It is fickle. It is tricky to maintain. Two kilometres up the steep road it begins to sputter and cough; the fuel can’t get through. The machine starts to jerk. The engine peters out and dies and after the splendid start the machine comes to a sputtering stop at the side of the road.

 Steadfastness is as important for spiritual life to continue as the beginning was for it to start. Is that not so? Overall, the Christian church has in many instances behaved rather like a vintage motorcycle. It came to life in the magnificent bang of Pentecost – a glorious sermon, a mass conversion, a growth explosion. Great numbers of repentant and dedicated believers, too big to be contained in any one building; groups of followers springing up all over the city. But: Just a bit down the road, there are arguments in the church, there is false teaching; there are sinful practices, there is uncertainty, people are fitfully wavering, there are factions in the body of Christ.

Is it not similar for us individual Christians? We get kickstarted into the faith at baptism, our childhood faith roars off, we experience a highlight at confirmation or when we join the congregation; and then there come times when our faith life gets fickle. As we head up the steep parts of the road in life your faith splutters and coughs; your journey is a sputtering series of Anfechtungen; you sin; sometimes it seems your faith is liable to peter out.

There are times when we look at the daily running of the church, the ordered quietness of things, the seeming ordinariness of Sunday worship, and we ask: What ever happened to the glorious beginnings of the church? Or we examine our own faith, and we sense that we’re slipping and spluttering and a far cry from our exciting, confident beginning. And at such times we get disillusioned and we question the beginnings. Can it be that we looked at things too idealistically back then? Can it be that Pentecost and the beginnings of the church weren’t all that great after all?

Well, Scripture at least doesn’t idealize the beginning of the church. It fully makes mention of all the problems: Dishonesty and deceit, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1ff), racism in the church, needy people getting neglected (6:1), disunity over doctrine and practice, even in the leadership echelons (ch.15). Even so the church boomed. After the 3,000 conversions on the day of Pentecost, people came to faith every day. The church grew. But this growth did not come about by a continued increase in ecstatic events. There wasn’t a greater Pentecost on the second day, or even bigger miracles on the third; no, rather, people quietly came to faith and were baptised – and congregations formed. People became Christians, and God continued to work steadfastly at His people as He had done from the earliest beginning in the Garden of Eden. The day of conversion is followed by countless other days characterized by constancy, steadfastness, devotion. The vitality and the intensity of the beginning – of the church, of faith – lead into the orderliness of church life and the steadfastness of daily faith.

Scripture characterizes the early church as devoted to doctrine, fellowship, Holy Communion, and prayer. They devoted themselves… Is this true of you? Are you devoted to these things? So often we Christians emphasize our freedom. We aren’t under the law anymore, right? But in that freedom we often choose to wean ourselves from devotion to these things. Others will watch the doctrine, we don’t always have to attend, or commune, or pray. With the best of intentions, we have moved our Christianity into everyday life; but because everything is supposed to be holy for us, it seems nothing is holy anymore. Dear saints: We do not live in heaven yet. Sinners are only steadfastly justified before God by continuing to get help from Him.

Let me illustrate what I mean. Those old vintage motorcycles worked very differently to the way the new ones do. Their engines worked on a “total loss” lubrication principle. Here is how it worked: Early motorcycle engines had hand pumps on their oil tanks. When you started the engine you gave ‘er a shot of oil. Every so often you would give the engine another stroke of the pump. The engine used up the oil and got more clean, fresh oil to the bearings with each stroke of the pump. This gave regular spurts of clean, fresh oil going into and through the engine. The point is that the engine was not self-contained – it constantly needed, it depended on new oil being fed through it to keep it running. Now we also work on a total loss principle. God gives you grace – you use it up! In other words, you are not self-contained, closed units either, as if you could keep on going forever on what you got at baptism. Oh no – you constantly need the Holy Spirit to replenish His gifts to you, and your spiritual engines operate by using that grace up and giving it out. Without God working in you on a regular basis through his Word taught rightly and the Lord’s Supper administered purely in the fellowship of believers, without the communion of regular prayer, you run out of oil – usually when you need it most. A Christian doesn’t have to attend church or commune or pray; he just does. How could we ever stay away from the place where the Lord is to be found with all His gifts? So it was with the Pentecost Christians. After the kickstart of their baptism they steadfastly devoted themselves to ordered Christian life with the emphasis on four things: the teaching of the apostles; fellowship; Holy Communion; and prayer. And this steadfast regular devotion was as important for their spiritual life to continue as the beginning was for it to start.

The Pentecost Christians modeled that for us in many ways. The first thing they were devoted to was the teaching of the apostles. The teaching of the apostles, the apostolic doctrine, was and is the lifeblood of the church. It is recorded in Scripture, it is all about God revealing Himself in human flesh, in an historical event that needs to be told. The doctrine of the apostles was about Christ. This doctrine needs to be pure and free of the gunk and sludge of false doctrine that corrodes engines and makes them fail. No false Christ will serve, nothing but the crucified Christ will do, it is the doctrine of God incarnate living and serving and suffering and dying, the doctrine of God incarnate rising and redeeming and reigning and returning. Once for all, one for all. That’s the doctrine we need to keep our engines running, you and I.

The second part of this Christian devotion concerns fellowship. Our Christian community encompasses not only Sunday worship, but the rest of our life as well. The Lord not only wants us to serve each other with our presence here on Sundays, but also in the sense of material needs, that we help one another where there is need. The last time you went to the movies, how much contact did you have with the guy next to you? Probably not much; when the movie’s done, you go your separate ways. Too often we view ‘the Sunday experience’ like a movie at the cinema, as if we come together to witness something here and then each go home to a separate life afterward. The Lord does not want ‘moviegoer Christians’. Fellowship means sharing in something together- sharing in Christ and sharing Christ out, sharing in life, sharing in love. The Lord provides for you and through you so that all share, be it with time and listening, be it with service or material help, be it with prayers and mutual consolation. That’s the fellowship we need and need to give to keep the engine running.

Prayer – steadfast prayer – belongs in this community as well. God calls for our prayers. Many things would be different in this world were it not for the prayers of steadfast Christians. Many things can change through the prayers of steadfast Christians. Not because we have to persuade God to do something, but because He wants to be prayed to. He wants to give us good things by our prayers. It goes without saying that communion is the most intense expression of this fellowship and grows out of it and quite rightly belongs therefore in the center of our worship. Because we have fellowship in the apostles’ teaching, we also have fellowship at the Lord’s Table. Here we are again wired into Christ; here in the Lord’s Supper again our fellowship with each other is celebrated and strengthened. It is tremendously significant that already the very first Christians regarded communion as one of the pillars of their fellowship – so it comes as no surprise that they devoted themselves to making use of it steadfastly.

Without regular maintenance and fuel, not even the most beautiful motorcycle will run. So it is with faith and the life of the church. We can only continue if we are refreshed and strengthened by the Lord regularly. The first Christians found their strength where God offered it: In the pure teaching of Christ, in fellowship, in communion and in prayer. Scripture provides here God’s maintenance program to keep the engine running and drawing the fuel of faith in Christ and doing what needs to be done. He does that because He is devoted to you. He turns total loss into total gain. When we also devote ourselves to these things, neither our faith nor the church will peter out – and by God’s grace we will reach our destination. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Pastor Karl Böhmer

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Vater Wilhelms Rundbrief

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber
Gestern abend erfuhren wir, dass ein Filter, ein Nachkomme vom ersten Pastor der Lüneburger Gemeinde in seinem Haus auf seiner Farm von sechs vermummten Räubern angegriffen und erschossen wurde. Die Filters wohnen auf der Farm, die Urgroßvater Kohrs mit zwei anderen bewohnt und bearbeitet hat, nachdem sie aus dem Hermannsburger Dienst ausschieden. Urgroßvater Christian Kohrs gehörte zu den Kolonisten, die 1859 ausgesandt wurden.
Die Räuber hatten wohl nicht damit gerechnet, dass die Tochter mit ihrem Mann gerade zu Besuch gekommen waren, weil die Mutter krank war. Die Tochter wollte ihrem Vater zu Hilfe kommen. Da benutzten sie ihre Schusswaffe. Man rechnet damit, dass es Männer aus der Gegend sind. Einer in der Nachbarschaft hätte am Nachmittag mit einer Waffe “gespielt” und einem Kind in den Fuß geschossen. Weil es sechs waren, rechnet man damit, dass irgendeiner irgendwann ihre Untat ausplaudern wird.
Die Polizei sei mit Hunden gekommen, aber die hätten keine bestimmte Spur aufgenommen, weil zu viele zusammengekommen waren und zu viele Spuren waren. Viele Farmer aus der Gegend waren versammelt, der Polizei beizustehen, aber in der Nacht haben sie die Mörder nicht dinghaft machen können. Man rechnet damit, dass sie den Mord nicht beabsichtigt hatten, sondern nur gekommen seien zu stehlen, oder Herrn Filter zu zwingen Geld herauszurücken. Oft werden gerade die Netten angefallen. Es ist erschrechend, dass die täglichen Nachrichten von so viel Vergewaltigungen, Einbrüchen, Morden, oder Korruptionsfällen zu berichten haben. Man schreibt davon, weil es gerade wieder einmal ganz in der Nähe geschehen ist.
In den Morgenandachten habe ich gerade von dem Verbot gesprochen, vom Baum der Erkenntnis des Guten und Bösen zu essen mit der Drohung: “Wenn ihr davon esst, werdet ihr des Todes sterben.” Das ist ein Warnung, die seitdem alle Nachkommen Adams im Bewusstsein geblieben ist. Als Beispiel brachte ich, dass es ganz selbstverständlich sei, dass Eltern ihre Kinder vor Giftpflanzen und besonders vor Giftpilzen warnen: “Wenn Ihr die esst, sterbt ihr.”
Gott hat uns das Gewissen mitgegeben, aber da ist die Erbsünde mit ihrer bösen Lust, Schaden zu tun. Da sprechen die Zulu von “ugovana”. Den kann man am besten mit einer Schlange vergleichen, die einen verleitet, Böses zu tun. Wenn das Gewissen dann totgeritten ist, und nicht mehr sagt: Tu es nicht! Es ist böse, sagt govana: “Tue es! Es ist gut.” Wie soll es da anders sein, wenn so viele ungetauft sind, oder ihre Taufe und Gott vergessen haben? Der Herr erbarme sich über Afrika, einfach über die ganze Welt. Leider hören so viele eher auf  “uGovana”, und beachten nicht mehr “unembeza – ihr Gewissen.”
Neben der Schreckensnachricht ist von viel Erfreulichem zu berichten, von Besuchen zu erzählen. Gerhard mit Familie besuchten uns, und wir feierten seinen Geburtstag hier. Die Kinder nahmen an der Rüstwoche in Fels teil. Gerhard hatte in den Tagen hier in der Gegend auch einiges zu tun gehabt. Hans und Renate feierten am vergangenen Sonnabend in Commondale – Augsburg eine Hochzeit mit, kamen am Freitag und fuhren am Montag wieder nach Hause.
Elisabeth hat vor einiger Zeit bei sich einen Kursus mit den entsprechenden Leuten organisiert, dass Frauen und Mädchen etwas von Altenpflege lernen konnten. Das hat ihnen dort in Wartburg so gut gefallen, dass Ruth hier dasselbe unternommen hat. Obwohl die Teilnehmer R 1000 bezahlen mussten, haben hier in Paulpietersburg über zwanzig an dem Kursus teilgenommen. Es hat ihnen so gut gefallen, dass es wiederholt werden soll. Die drei Frauen, die den Kursus anboten, haben hier auf Welbedacht übernachtet, damit die Ausgaben für ein ‘bed und breakfest’ gespart werden konnten. Sie fuhren deshalb täglich von hier nach Paulpietersburg. Gestern abend gab es zum Abschied hier ein Fleischbraten (Afrideutsch). In Deutschland spricht man von Grillen.
Und ich freue mich, wie Missionarstöchter sich ehrenamtlich fürs allgemeine Wohl einsetzen. Hier gerade Ruth, in Wartburg Elisabeth, nicht zu schweigen von Renates Einsatz am Seminar in Arcadia, und Magdalene in Shelly Beach. Magdalene fliegt mit ihrem Mann jetzt nach Deutschland und soll da von ihrem Einsatz berichten.
In Afrika gibt es viel zu tun, und es wird viel getan. Dabei denke ich daran, wieviele Farmer mit ihren Arbeitern täglich Andacht halten, oder einen benachbarten Pastor oder Evangelisten der LCSA darum bitten. Ein anderes Beispiel ist, dass z. B. hier in der Lüneburger Gemeinde Farmer oder ihre Frauen darum gebeten haben und nicht nur aus der Schwesterkirche der LCSA, dass ihnen zum Verteilen unter ihren Arbeitern die über die Jahre hin versandten sonntäglichen Predigten zugeschickt werden möchten, inzwischen einige durch E-Mail.
Mit herzlichen Grüßen und Segenswünschen zum Pfingstfest
Euer Wilhelm Weber aus Welbedacht.
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The Holiday of Pentecost

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Watchword for the Holiday of Pentecost from Zechariah 4:6  This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)

Old Testament reading from Ezekiel chapter 36 the verses 22-27: Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

 The Epistle reading from Acts the 2nd chapter verses 1-18: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.

The gospel of St. John the 14th chapter verses 23-31a: Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.

Collect: Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Liturgical colour: Red (The Holy Spirit, the Church, the office of the ministry and mission)

 

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Matins in the morning

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

A sermon on the gospel of St. John, the 7th chapter held in the chapel of St.Timothy at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane. You can read it here (Joh7,33-39 Matins 2016.5.12) and listen to it here here: 

Here is a recording of the last hymn  “When peace flows like a river…”

 

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Burden, work and joy in the service of Lutheran Mission

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Read here a translation of a report on the mission work by Superintendent Christoph Johannes (Salem, S.E.Transvaal) as written by the inspector of Lutheran Missions Friedrich Wilhelm Hopf (Bleckmar, Germany) in early 1951: 1951 Januar Nr 2 43 Burden, work and joy in the mission service

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Mary of Bethany

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Read a translation of the devotion by the inspector of Lutheran Missons (Bleckmar) Pfarrer Friedrich Wilhelm Hopf DD in the 2nd “Missionsblatt” edited by him: 1951 Januar Nr 2 43 Mary of Bethany

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“Exaudi Domine vocem meam…”

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

7th Sunday in Easter: “Exaudi Domine vocem meam…”

Introit: Hearken, O Lord, unto my voice which has called out to you, alleluia; my heart declared to you: “Your countenance have I sought; I shall ever seek your countenance, O Lord; do not turn your face from me, alleluia, alleluia.” The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

 Watchword from the gospel of the evangelist St. John 12:32  Jesus says: When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself.

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah 31:31-34  1 “The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.  32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD.  33 “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.  34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

From the epistle to the Ephesians 4:2b-16  Be patient, bearing with one another in love.  3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  4 There is one body and one Spirit– just as you were called to one hope when you were called–  5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.  7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.  8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”  9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)  11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,  12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up  13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

The holy Gospel according to the evangelist St.Matthew 13 (This is for the theme of this Sunday: Prayer for the unity of the Church).  1 Jesus Christ told another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.  32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”  33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

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Holiday: Ascension of our Lord

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

May you have a very blessed Ascension Holiday and have time to meditate on the watchword for this day. Our God, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ said to his disciples: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (Joh 12:32 KJV)

The readings for this Holiday of Christ’s Ascension to heaven are:

  • Old Testament:       1 Kings 8:22-24.26-29
  • The Epistle:              Acts 1:3-4 (5-7) 8-11
  • The Gospel:              St. Luke 24 (44-49) 50-53
  • Psalm:                        47:2.6.8-9

The liturgical colour is white (Christ Holiday/Feast)

Here is today’s sermon preached during Matins in St.Timothy’s chapel at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane to read (Mk16,14-20 Matins 2016.5.5) and to listen to 

A collect for this Holiday of Ascension: Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. (LSB Altar Book Pg.899)

If you are called to preach this holiday, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)

 

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Pastor Ndwalane + 28.4.2016

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Pastors convention 2010

Our Lord and triune God has called home out of this life into His eternity our dear brother in Christ P.Ndwalane last Thursday, the 28th April 2016. In the last years he was living in the vicinity of the Lutheran Church in Ohlangeni on the S.Coast of KZN. At the pastor’s convention in Cyara 2010 he was seated between my father Rev. E.A.W. Weber DD and Professor J.T. Pless (CTS Ft.Wayne). Together with Pastors Gule, Lubede and my father he was recognised at this occassion for his faithful ministry in the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa throughout many years. May the heavenly Father comfort the bereaved in this time of loss with the promise of the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the eternal life for Jesus Christ our saviour’s sake and teach us all that we too must die and give an account of our life to Him the Lord and Judge of all.

Here’s the Bishop’s letter of today: Rev S. Ndwalane Passing

Psalm 90: Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. (KJV)

“Who Knows when Death May Overtake Me”
by Aemilie Juliane, 1637-1706

1. Who knows when death may overtake me!
Time passes on, my end draws near.
How swiftly can my breath forsake me!
How soon can life’s last hour appear!
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

2. The world that smiled when morn was breaking
May change for me ere close of day;
For while on earth my home I’m making,
Death’s threat is never far away.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

3. My end to ponder teach me ever
And, ere the hour of death appears,
To cast my soul on Christ, my Savior,
Nor spare repentant sighs and tears.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

4. Help me now set my house in order
That always ready I may be
To say in meekness on death’s border:
Lord, as Thou wilt, deal Thou with me.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

5. Reveal the sweetness of Thy heaven,
Earth’s galling bitterness unfold;
May I, amid this turmoil riven,
Thy blest eternity behold.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

6. My many sins blot out forever
Since Jesus has my pardon won;
In mercy robed I then shall never
Fear death, but trust in Thee alone.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

7. Naught shall my soul from Jesus sever;
In faith I touch His wounded side
And hail Him as my Lord forever.
Nor life nor death shall us divide.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

8. Once in the blest baptismal waters
I put on Christ and made Him mine;
Now numbered with God’s sons and daughters,
I share His peace and love divine.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

9. His body and His blood I’ve taken
In His blest Supper, feast divine;
Now I shall never be forsaken,
For I am His, and He is mine.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

10. Then may death come today, tomorrow,
I know in Christ I perish not;
He grants the peace that stills all sorrow,
Gives me a robe without a spot.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

11. And thus I live in God contented
And die without a thought of fear;
My soul has to God’s plans consented,
For through His Son my faith is clear.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.

Hymn #598  The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Ps. 90:12
Author: Ämilie Juliane (1686) titled: “Wer weiss, wie nahe mir mein Ende”

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