Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 20th January 2015

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus and centurion

For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. (Psalm 33,9)

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. (Matthews 8,8)

That’s our Lord. That’s how he performs. That’s how he fulfils all his promises. He speaks and it is done. He commands and it stands firm and unshaken. That’s the authority that has been given to him in heaven and on earth as he rules and reigns over all things visible and invisible.

The pagan centurion, who was not a Jew, confessed this. He was confident that Jesus could do this by speaking up and for the healing of his servant. Efficacious words, that’s what he entrusted Jesus with – sure that Jesus could and would do this. That’s why he would not need to go to any more trouble of visiting, performing rites and rituals, hopping and dancing, making a big scene – no, just one word and the servant would be healed.

It’s just like an officer commanding a trooper. The command is given and the foot soldier obeys and carries out the order. It’s very simple really. The officers wish is the soldiers command. The centurion holds that Jesus works in the same efficient manner. He commands all and everything. They bid his calling. Not only all people and nations, but also wars and peace, winds, currents and seasons, good and bad times, health and sickness, life and death.

Jesus agrees with the conviction of the centurion. He does not only speak the word and actually heals the servant, but he also praises this faith and confession of the centurion as exemplary and invites Israel and all the world: “This is what you should expect of me !” I can and will do it, because it is the good will of the triune God that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. Therefore come to me all of you, who are heavily laden and I will give you rest. I will grant you peace. I will forgive your sins and heal all your diseases. Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace + And the servant was healed at that precise hour.

Because Jesus can do this, that is why the faith in him and his promises can move mountains. That is why we should not despair, but rather be hopeful and confident. Does he not invite us to pray: “Ask and it will be given to you”? If you, who are evil can give good things to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those, who ask him for it? Therefore come and seek his presence and fall to your knees like a humble supplicant before his benefactor and ask him, to help, save and heal you. Pray as he has taught you with words of the “Our Father”. Pray a fitting Psalm or two. Call out as those helpless men of old: “+ Kyrie eleison + Christe eleison + Kyrie eleison +” and he will surely do it. Before you have called, he will have answered even. More and above you have ever dared to wish for – a full and overflowing measure of grace, mercy and peace + Who would not rejoice with a Lord like this? Amen.

Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
By: Charles Wesley

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my god and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.

The name of Jesus charms our fears
And bids our sorrows cease,
Sings music in the sinner’s ears,
Brings life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin;
He sets the prisoner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood avails for me.

Look to the Lord, who did atone
For sin, O fallen race.
Look and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all our sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb has made us whole.
His soul was once an offering made
For every human soul.

To God all glory, praise, and love
Be now and ever given
By saints below and saints above
The Church in earth and heaven.

Hymn # 276 from Lutheran Worship Author: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 19th January 2015

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

monk praying

Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my soul is also sore vexed (Psalm 6:2.3 KJV)

St. Paul writes: And the Lord said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. (2.Corinthians 12,9 KJV)

All depends on God’s mercy. And in Jesus Christ he has had mercy on us. We are free, we are forgiven and his grace is sufficient for us. That is what our Lord told St. Paul. That’s what we hear from his holy Word today. That is how he answers our calls in distress, our plea for help and healing even as our soul is sorely vexed.

As we begin the work of the new week, strengthened and at peace through his gracious gifts handed to us in richest measure during his divine service yesterday in word and sacrament, we are encouraged and motivated by our Lords declaration, that his grace is sufficient for us. It’s all we need. He, who grants willingness and accomplishment too, is the same, who uses our shortcomings, failings and misdoings to show his greatness and power.

Remember yesterday’s gospel? The story of Jesus at the wedding of Cana? Well, empty water jars are filled with superb wine. God’s abundance is revealed when our possibilities run empty. No wonder God had to lead his people through the desert initially. Otherwise they would have thought it was they themselves, who had kept, preserved and allowed themselves to flourish in those past 40 years. Yet – in the desert it became clear, that it was God alone, who fed them, who preserved them against enemies, who gave fresh water and prevented them from getting lost and perishing in the wilderness.

It’s not that the merciful God would want us to suffer really. He wants to bring us to the promised land. Yet, the suffering helps towards this goal. It’s a means to an end. It is because of the hardness of our hearts – our soul’s callousness, our incredulity and stubbornness, we know it as our poor, miserable sinfulness, that he has to show, prove and let us experience again and again our own helplessness and his unfailing willingness to help, promote, heal and rescue, save and deliver – so that our hope would not be on our own strength or ingenuity, but rather trusting faithfully in God’s great mercy, which is new ever morning.

The suffering kills off the old sinful self – the old Adam in us – drowning him with all sinful desires, faithlessness and lack of trust, love and fear of God. It also rekindles the new creation in us, started off by the Holy Spirit in us through our Baptism, so that we live in righteousness and holiness all the days of our life. A continual struggle yes as long as the old sinful being is still with us and that is until our dying day, when they finally bury us in the earth from which we were originally taken – only to rise up again as a new man at the final Judgement day at the resurrection of the dead, when we will rise in this very flesh yet sinless to be with our God eternally.

So let us bear with our and others weakness patiently. Knowing it is passing. The Lord is eternal. His mercy is forever and that is why, we too have sure hope and the blessed conviction that there will come a time, when we will at last be free from this sinful burden that is ours from the start and we will at last behold and experience God’s perfection as it is – without end. He in us and we in him – nothing will ever part us. Amen.

Oh, How Great Is Your Compassion by Johannes Olearius:

Ho, how great is your compassion,
Faithful Father, God of grace,
That with all our fallen race
In our depth of degradation
You had mercy so that we
Might be saved eternally!

Your great love for this has striven
That we may, from sin made free,
Live with you eternally.
Your dear Son himself has given
And extends his gracious call,
To his supper calls us all.

Firmly to our soul’s salvation
Witnesses your Spirit, Lord,
In your sacraments and Word.
There he sends true consolation,
Giving us the gift of faith
That we fear not hell nor death.

Lord, your mercy will not leave me;
Ever will your truth abide.
Then in you I will confide.
Since your word cannot deceive me,
My salvation is to me
Safe and sure eternally.

I will praise your great compassion,
Faithful Father, God of grace
That with all our fallen race
In our depth of degradation
You had mercy so that we
Might be saved eternally.

Hymn # 364 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Johann Olearius 1611-1684 tr August Crull 1845-1923
Tune: Ach, was soll ich Suender machen? 

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Auszug aus Vater Wilhelms Rundbrief

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber
41fIUx68L1LÜber zwei kürzlich gelesene Warnungen habe ich mich sehr gefreut.
Da schrieb einer davon, dass das gut gemeinte Lob der “bedingungslosen” Gnade irreführend sei, dass sie weder charismatisch an bestimmte Forderungen angebunden noch antinomistisch ausgenutzt werden dürfe, als ob die bedingungslose Gnade, bzw. bedingungslose Liebe auch ein Freibrief sei für ein Leben und Lehren ohne Bindung an Gottes Gesetz und Evangelium. Dazu wurde betont, dass die Gnade und die Liebe Gottes und damit der Grund für die Vergebung aus Gnade und Liebe nicht ohne den Sühne- und Kreuzestod Christi und seine leibliche Auferstehung am dritten Tag und die Bindung ans geschriebene Wort Gottes zu denken und zu verstehen sei.
Die andere Warnung vor dem Missbrauch der Grundsätze von Nida, die Bibel so zu übersetzen, dass sie auch vom Menschen in einem ganz anderen Volk oder in der neuen Zeit verstanden werden kann. Diese Grundsätze dürften nicht dazu genutzt werden, dass durch die Übersetzung  die fragwürdigen Überzeugungen der Übersetzer gegen die urspüngliche Aussage in Griechisch bzw. Hebräisch untergebracht werden. Wörtlich heißt es zu dieser zweiten Warnung in einer Rezension zu dem Buch von Stefan Felmer: Kommunikative Bibelübersetzung: Eugen A. Nida … in der EM 3/14, p. 163: “… Somit reihen sich diese Bibelübersetzungen in eine ‘Tendenz zur Säkularisierung der Sprache’. Laut Felmer herrscht inzwischen ein großer Konsens, dass ‘zwischen Oberflächen und Tiefenstrukturen nicht sinnneutral transformiert werden kann … , d. h. ‘passive Konstruktionen sind nicht neutral auf aktive zurückführbar.’ Transformationen fügen Sinn hinzu, ändern, oder lassen Sinn weg.’” So konnte das schon beim ersten Erscheinen der “Good News for modern man” beobachtet werden, wenigstens bei denen, die die Bibelübersetzung Luthers liebten und von den Ursprachen her dachten.
Die erste Warnung las ich im ersten Band von Bernhard Rothen: “Die Klarheit der Schrift. Martin Luther: Die wiederentdeckten Grundlagen” auf Seite 238-9: “Luther hat die Gnade an das Wort gebunden gesehen, an das Wort allein: ‘Es will dich Christus nirgends anbinden denn an seinen Mund und sein Wort, er will  dich nicht lassen fladdern.’ Damit geht Luther in seiner Verkündigung den Weg zwischen einer ‘gesetzlich verteuerten’ und einer bedeutungslos ‘billigen’ Gnade hindruch. Es ist zumindest irreführend, von einer ‘bedingungslosen’ Gnade zu reden. Die Gnade ist äußerlich bedingt und begründet und nimmt den Menschen in diese ihre Bedingungen hinein: Das Wort, …, ist die Bedingung der Gnade (ohne das Wort wird sie ja nirgends deutlich faßbar), … Sonst könnte der Mensch … entsprechend leben, ohne von der wirklichen, irdisch im Opfer Christi begründeten Gnade gebunden und verändert zu werden. Die Gnade ist für Luther selbstverständlich bedingt durch Christi Werk und ist ohne Bindung an dieses Werk nicht zu haben. …”
Im zweiten Band in seiner Kritik an Karl Barth sagt Rothen deutliche Worte “zum wortreichen Plädoyer für ‘die frei erbarmende Liebensmacht’ des Geistes” Karl Barths ohne die Bindung an das geschriebene Wort und die Geschichte von Jesu Menschwerdung, Tod und leiblicher Auferstehung. Ihr könnt sicher meine Freude und Dankbarkeit nachempfinden für die Begegnung mit solchen Veröffentlichungen anlässslich von Besuchen bei Söhnen, bzw. Schwiegersöhnen im Amt der Kirche, oder auch durch E-Mailbotschaften, die interessante Veröffentlichungen anzeigen, z. B. die Übersetzung in Deutsch von dem Buch von John T. Pless: Handling the Word of Truth: Law and Gospel in the Church Today. CPH, 2004, von Christoph Barnbrock. Hoffentlich findet auch diese Übersetzung viele Leser, und manchen, der es für die eigene Arbeit in Predigt, Unterricht und Seelsorge in Kirche und Mission beherzigt. Es wäre Grund zur Freude und Dankbarkeit, wenn das Buch von C. F. W. Walther: Die rechte Unterscheidung von Gesetz und Evangelium, nach so vielen Jahren wieder neu und effektiv in der heutigen theologischen Auseinandersetzung zum Tragen käme, echte lutherische Unterscheidungskunst zu lernen und anzuwenden.
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Herrenhuter readings for Sunday, the 18th January 2015

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

coffin-at-funeral

“Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither.” (Job 1:21)

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1.Timothy 6:7-8)

Contentment is a wonderful thing. Something of Spinoza’s “amor fati”, but not just resignation into our sorry state, but rather the blessed conviction of St. Paul:

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  (Phil 4)

It is as the wise Job declares and Paul Gerhard sings: “Nackend lag ich auf dem Boden als ich kam, als ich nahm meinen ersten Odem. Nackend werde ich auch hinziehen, wenn ich werd’ von der Erd als ein Schatten fliehen.” (This is translated rather freely “I lay in fetters, groaning…” (LSB 334:3) Knowing were I come from and my destination too is a good antidote against overrating the presence and even absolutising it. It’s just a relative short time of passing through. That of course makes the suffering bearable, but increases our reluctance to let go of the good things. Job confesses in the same breath: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21b)

This conviction should let us receive our daily bread with thanksgiving, knowing that it is the good Lord himself, who blesses and keeps us together with all good and bad people, letting it rain over all and granting life and its support every day anew.

He knows best, what is good for us and let’s everything serve to our best. Having or not having both has its challenges, burdens and even joys. Therefore however things are, we should recognise thankfully that the Lord favours us so much, that he deals with us personally to our very best and as is most edifying and salvific to us. We however should not be envious of what others have, nor covet what is not ours. Rather we should accept that God knows best and therefore not be dissatisfied with our lot, nor grumble or be discontent. For it is like those old desert fathers taught us: “Less is often more” and “More is not necessarily better.” The wise people from the far East know this too.

This insight also helps us to deal wisely with the goods and materials of this world. Not clinging to them as if they were eternal, but rather as good gifts of our Lord, which we are to use appropriately – and mostly to attain eternal and heavenly treasures, seeking the kingdom of God first and trusting that all else will befall us in good – meaning his – time. So act prudently – like faithful stewards of those things, which the Lord has entrusted to you for a time to do, what is good, meet, right and salutary.

Sometimes the Lord takes away, so that we recognise that having him surpasses all. He is not just a means to an end, but rather the final goal and summum bonum (highest good). Having him is more than heaven and earth even. His grace is better than life. He truly is all in all – and being in him and him in us we lack nothing, but are well taken care of. Our being is fulfilled by being in and with him now and always. Amen.

“O Savior, Precious Savior” by Francis R. Havergal, 1836-1879

1. O Saviour, precious Saviour,
Whom, yet unseen, we love;
O Name of might and favour,
All other names above.
We worship Thee, we bless Thee,
To Thee, O Christ, we sing;
We praise Thee and confess Thee,
Our holy Lord and King.

2. O Bringer of salvation,
Who wondrously has wrought
Thyself the revelation
Of love beyond our thought,
We worship Thee, we bless Thee,
To Thee, O Christ, we sing;
We praise Thee and confess Thee,
Our holy Lord and King.

3. In Thee all fulness dwelleth,
All grace and power divine;
The glory that excelleth,
O Son of God, is Thine.
We worship Thee, we bless Thee,
To Thee, O Christ, we sing;
We praise Thee and confess Thee,
Our holy Lord and King.

4. Oh, grant the consummation
Of this our song above
In endless adoration
And everlasting love!
We worship Thee, we bless Thee,
To Thee, O Christ, we sing;
We praise Thee and confess Thee,
Our holy Lord and King.

Hymn #352  The Lutheran Hymnal Text: 1 Pet. 1:8
Author: Francis R. Havergal, 1870 Composer: Arthur H. Mann, 1881
Tune: “Angel’s Story”

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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 17th January 2015

Posted on January 17, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

gorlitz Gottesdienst

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. (Ps.24:7)

 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately (Lk. 12:36)

There are some dates that are fixed in stone. Dates which we can’t forget. Dates for which we need to make room and plans and space. One of those is 2017. A year of great significance for the Lutheran Church, because that’s its 500th anniversary. The local Lutheran Church in Southern Africa will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of its constitution in Ventersdorp 1967. God willing I’ll be ordained 25 years then too. That’s high on our agenda. Lots of preparations are on the front burner. The rollout has started. Yet daily business often pushes these big dates aside. The telephone needs answering, the post needs to be addressed. The doors need to be unlocked and locked again. Day and night come quicker than we anticipated. Another day has passed and the big dates are looming ever larger. And it already more than half way through the 1st month of 2015.

There is one date, which is drawing near just as relentlessly, yet we don’t know, when it will be. We need to be prepared even if we don’t know the time schedule. Yet it is the one date, which none of us will miss. The date of Christ’s glorious return and the final Judgement day. Nobody knows when this will be, but the Father. It will come like a thief in the night and it will surprise many. Just like in the days of Noah, when everybody was going about their business as usual until the floods started rising and swallowed all except those in the safe sanctuary of the arc. In the same way those, who are members of the holy Church because they are baptised in the name of the triune God and believe in Jesus Christ as their saviour, will also be carried through that final calamity and storm, that will swallow everything even the earth and moon and sun – the entire cosmos. Yet extra ecclessiam nulla salus (Cyprian: “Outside the Church there is no salvation!”)

Today’s reading reminds us to be ready. To remember this crucial date. To plan accordingly and not to go about our daily chores and business with our lots of stuff as if we are going to live like this for ever. The end is coming up – just like the finish of every film even if it is longer than usual. There comes an inevitable end. We all must die even if we might live a little longer than our neighbour or spouse or even our own children. Therefore we should reckon with our death and demise. We should also remember that we are not just dying and that’s it. Even if many faithless and unbelieving people try to convince us of this dissolution into nothingness. No, our death is not the end, but just the passing through to face God’s eternal judgement. That’s where we’re heading. We’ll have to answer him for all we thought, said and did every day of our lives – and also left undone. And we’ll have to answer who and what we were, are and will be. That’s off course far more than we can cope with for we’re but poor, miserable sinners. Yet, we believe and trust that our Lord and God has had mercy on us. He has given his only begotten Son Jesus Christ to live and die for us, so that by his gracious redemption we should have forgiveness of sins, life and eternal salvation. Solus Christus + Sola gratia et sola fide as the Holy Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments inspired by the Holy Spirit and penned down by his inspiration through his apostles and prophets testify in unison, clarity and utter sufficiency. Therefore the 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is not as intimidating and terrifying for us anymore, because we trust and believe that he is coming for us and our salvation. He is coming to finish off the good work, that he has already started long ago in each one of us. Calling, inviting and tenderly caring for us daily, so that we would trust him and his loving goodness and favour – not doubting because of our weakness, failings and unworthiness, but building on his promises and his faithfulness.

So we’re assured, that the Lord is coming, not when we’re ready, but when he is. For his return does not depend on our work or preparation or accomplishments, but rather on his grace and mercy, which is still drawing closer to him all those, who are lost and without saving faith all over the world, living in darkness and the shadow of death. Afraid, helpless and clueless – but our Lord wants everybody to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. That is why there is still time. It is still day. His good tidings are still being proclaimed. His servants are still going out inviting people to come in for the big wedding feast of the Lord. Inviting, calling: Come all you, who are weary and heavily burdened – our Lord Jesus Christ will give you rest! Peace that passes all understanding. Life and eternal salvation. Come and taste how friendly our God is. Hear of his glorious works, miracles and wonders. Hear and look forward to the wonderful vision of his new creation, which he has revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

He is coming graciously to take up his blessed bride – the Church, the holy Christian congregation of those, who have been saved through the washing and regeneration of the Holy Spirit in holy Baptism. This Church, which has been fed by his most holy body and his precious blood and which therefore abides in him – come what may. This Church, which is his joy and delight, because through the forgiveness of sins, he has made her lovely, precious and most glorious too. She reflects his grace and goodness. She is the living proof that he is faithful and does what he says. It’s not something to behold with our poor and weak and failing eyes, but rather something to hear from his promises. He has said: Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, that’s where I am too + So, don’t forsake the assembly of the holy Church. Don’t run off and try and do your own thing. Stay in the congregation of those, who partake and share in the true gospel preaching and the administration of the most precious sacraments according to his mandatory and efficacious institution. And when you art converted, strengthen the brethren. (Lk.22:32) Together wake and be prepared, for the Lord is coming soon. Take comfort and don’t give up. Keep the faith, hold on to Christ’s promises and don’t despair. For he, who has called you is faithful. He will surely do it  + Therefore we pray: Maranatha + Come Lord Jesus + Come soon + Amen.

“Almighty, everlasting God, who through thy Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, we pray thee, strengthen us by thy Holy Spirit, that we may daily increase in this trust in thy grace in Christ, and hold fast to the hope that we shall not die, but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.” (Dobberstein 54)

Now into thy keeping, O God, I put all my doings, all my delights, all my disappointments, all my negligences, all my sins, and all my work. And to Thee, O Lord, I commit all whom thou lovest, thou Maker, Restorer, Shepherd, Healer and Lover of our souls, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Dobberstein 56)

Seek Where You May to Find a Way by: Georg Weissel

Seek were you may
To find a way,
Restless, toward your salvation.
My heart is stilled,
On Christ I build,
He is the one foundation.
His word is sure,
His works endure;
He over throws
All evil foes;
Through him I more than conquer.

Seek whom you may
To be your stay,
None can redeem his brother.
All helpers failed;
This man prevailed,
The God man and none other,
Our Servant King
Of whom we sing.
We’re justified
Because he died,
The guilty being guiltless.

Seek him alone,
Do not postpone;
Let him your soul deliver.
All you who thirst,
Go to him first
Whose grace flows like a river.
Seek him indeed
In every need;
He will impart
To every heart
The fullness of his treasure.

My heart’s delight,
My crown most bright,
O Christ, my joy forever.
Not wealth nor pride
Nor fortune’s tide
Our bonds of love shall sever.
You are my Lord;
Your precious Word
Shall guide my way
And help me stay
Forever in your presence.

Hymn # 358 Lutheran Worship Georg Weisel 1590-1635 tr  Arthur P. Voss 1899-1955
Tune: Such, wer da will ein ander Ziel die Seligkeit zu finden… 

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Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 16th January 2015

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Baptism-1

The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you! (Dt. 7:7-8) 

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.(Rom.9:16) 

These are core sentences. Central to our Lord’s ways and doings. Nothing to boast about ourselves – our numbers, our abilities, our merits, our good sides or our potential or credentials. This really is about, what makes God choose and call people to be his, members of his Church, sheep of his pasture and fold. It’s all about his love (Chesed/Grace) and his unfailing mercy and favour.

If you’re loved, appreciated and favoured, you feel just great and wonderful. You know deep down its undeserved and quite a miracle really. Yet if familiarity breeds contempt and the longer you are loved, the more you take it for granted too. It happens in the best of families. Then the undying love is no longer as highly appreciated, it is considered old news and common. Something which was rather deserved after all. That’s where Israel wronged too, liberated from the clutches of Pharaoh, released from slavery, delivered from the pursuing army and the towering Red Sea, sustained in the desert by manna, quail and fresh water and against ever present enemies and dangers. They had experienced the deliverance as a gift by God’s miracles and wonders – just like the return from exile in Babylon later. This was all a shadow of the things to come – the true and fundamental salvation and redemption of sinners through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, his words and deeds, his love and grace, his forgiveness of all our sins.

After a time the liberated and freed exiles, slaves and vagrants believed that they deserved it. It was their right. They could step up demands and get a better deal. Ridiculous, pitiful, disgraceful, shameful. That is why they have to hear it again – and again. It’s not your doing. Not your achievement or success, but rather God’s free election. Not your running or willingness which counts, but rather God’s heart and gut feel for you. His undeserved love for you. His favour and mercy, which is new every morning. That’s what worked for Abraham – that lonely migrant transversing the Middle East. It worked for his descendants being freed from Egypt. It worked for Amos, that farmer tending sycamore figs. It worked for ruddy David out in the fields. It worked for Isaiah, Jeremiah, Solomon – kings and prophets, but also for all those other saints too Elisabeth and Mary, for John and James, Peter and Andrew, Paul and so on. Even those wise men from the East, Lydia in Europe, Simon from Cyrene and the treasurer of Candace both from Africa – all had this working in their favour and for their gracious salvation – the undeserved love and mercy of our God and Lord. Not their willingness or running power, but God’s grace and goodness. It’s what makes all the difference. It’s the crucial part of the story. It’s the hinge and anchor of all and everything. Without it – all would be lost. In, with and through it all is possible and going to work out good and even perfect.

That’s why we Christians can’t be proud, haughty or conceited without loosing basic truths and realities. We can’t look down on others as if we were intrinsically better than those without forgetting that we too are but poor, miserable sinners, who have been granted pardon and forgiveness through grace and mercy for Christ’s sake. If we are saved, its only God’s doing and miraculous working, just as it remains the sorry truth that if we are lost it is but our own grievous fault and only we are to be blamed for that too. The corollary of this is the good news too, that we have got no reason to despair or give up, because our salvation is in good hands with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He does not fail or falter. He continues to do his good work without tiring. He loved us even before the foundation of the world. From the very beginning, he has predestined us for life and blessed salvation with him in eternity. There is nothing and no one, who will stop him from achieving his glorious gaol and put his gracious will through. That is why we can relax and enjoy his goodness and mercy every day anew. He is taking good care of us and he will not forget or reject us, but rather pull us towards him continuously until we are with him in blessed unity and finally at peace. Just as he started his work of salvation in us when we were baptised as tiny, helpless infants so he continuous to work his gracious work of salvation in us by his very means of grace overcoming our shortcomings, our faults and sinful being wonderfully and lovingly. “For this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.” (ML 3rd Article SC)

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my god and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.

The name of Jesus charms our fears
And bids our sorrows cease,
Sings music in the sinner’s ears,
Brings life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin;
He sets the prisoner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood avails for me.

Look to the Lord, who did atone
For sin, O fallen race.
Look and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all our sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb has made us whole.
His soul was once an offering made
For every human soul.

To God all glory, praise, and love
Be now and ever given
By saints below and saints above
The Church in earth and heaven.

Hymn # 276 from Lutheran Worship Author: Charles Wesley, 17-7-1708

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Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 15th January 2015

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus is the light of the world 1

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD (Jer 31:38 KJV)

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Mat 5:14 KJV)

The Lord our God has done great things in Jesus Christ our Saviour. One of the most awesome miracles and wonders is his institution and setup of the one holy Christian Church – the city of God. This is truly magnificent and wonderful even if we can only observe some glimpses of it now and again, yet it has spread across the entire globe and it has become the beloved sanctuary and refuge, the hospital and hospice, the temple and place of worship for countless faithful. It is the ongoing and salvific divine service being carried out in God’s name and authority, creating saving faith where and when it pleases him. His holy law is preached, taught, confessed, learnt, heard and obeyed just as his most gracious gospel is believed, trusted and all trust and confidence is built upon it. His gracious forgiveness is dealt out in richest measure, it is shared and received with grateful and joyful hearts as the praises and glories of the Lord resound throughout the universe by all things visible and invisible. It is the communion of saints from the very beginning and encompasses those already glorified just as those, who are still bearing their cross in faithful obedience, but also with his gifts of undying hope and unrelenting love. A fellowship and brotherhood uniting all nations, tribes and languages of this world – bringing together traditional enemies, breaching ancient barriers and rifts and making them one in the closely knit communion of those forgiven, redeemed and liberated by the gracious favour of our Lord and maker, our saviour and redeemer, the very crucified, risen and reigning  Jesus Christ – very God of very God. We all participate in the fellowship and union of the holy, gracious and efficacious gifts of our Lord – his forgiveness of all our sins and iniquities – shared through his most precious Word and sacraments of holy Baptism as the regeneration through water and the Holy Spirit and his very body and blood given for us into death on Golgotha and shed for the remission of all our sins right there – outside the city of Jerusalem.

Our Lord has founded his wonderful city – the Church – and it has magnified beyond the wildest dreams. The wonderful thing is that this is still happening even today. The Church is constantly pushing its borders further and further into the realms of darkness, spreading light, live and blessed salvation. The Church is gathering more and more of those, who also belong to the Lord Jesus Christ into its very fold. He is still sending out workers into the harvest to gather in those, who have been elected and predestined from the ends of the world. Our Lord wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. That is why there is no relenting in spreading the good tidings of God’s favour and mercies until he comes again to judge the living and the dead. Until then it is still day and time to throw out the nets in his name and authority. Watering the vines, olive and fig trees, digging around them, pruning them and gathering in the harvest of our Lord and God. It is he, who is the vine and the gardener. Without him, we can do nothing. Yet in and with and through him we can do and endure and bear all and everything. Ask and it will be given to you. If you, who are evil can give your children good things, how much more will the Lord give his Holy Spirit to them, who ask him? Therefore don’t tire, but continue to plead and request, ask and you will receive a full and overflowing measure of grace and goodness, because the Lord is good and his mercy endures for ever.

The Lord is going about his work relentlessly – even as we tire, fall back and sometimes even give up, fail and corrupt. The Lord’s work and especially his wonderful creation of the Word – the holy and lovely Church – is being prepared most magnificently and delightfully to meet him as his very own and specially nurtured Church and holy congregation of the forgiven sinners, the most holy saints and communion of believers. Already we can have a peak or two – here and there – when the sun breaks through the clouds, but the time is coming, when we will see it as it is – perfect, holy and absolutely beautiful, without blemish, fault or scratch befitting him, who is all in all, the bridegroom and head of the Church. Then all sorrow and trouble of sin and evil, godlessness and faithless shortcomings will be forgotten and past. Joy and peace and divine bliss will prevail. And all and everyone will see and acknowledge, praise and worship the one, who said: I am the light of the world +

He has lit up the light and it will never succumb to darkness again – nor shall we ever be overcome by the darkness either. For we are of the light and his light shines in us. That faith and confidence will be seriously afflicted when we hurt and will not be able to help ourselves anymore, when our eyes are closed by others for the last time and when they shut us up in the narrow confines of the uncomfortable and unhomely coffin and lay us down to rest in the dark ground. Yet, he has promised, that he will not forsake us nor let us be pulled from his hand. So, even in that last hour, we’ll be enveloped by his light and carried through by his might – through to the everlasting life and salvation in his most gracious and beautiful light. He has promised the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. That promise is what our faith is based on and because he is faithful and because he will surely do it, that is why we are of good hope and full of confidence now and forever. Amen.

1 I want to walk as a child of the light;
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world;
The star of my life is Jesus.

Refrain:
In him there is no darkness at all;
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2 I want to see the brightness of God;
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father. [Refrain]

3 I’m looking for the coming of Christ;
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus. [Refrain]

Kathleen Thomerson * 1934

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Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu/seTswana

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

wedding-feast-of-cana-icon

The Lutheran Order of Service for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the gospel of St. John in the second chapter the verses 1-11 written by Pastor Gerhard Heidenreich (Lachendorf, Germany) and by Pastor Petrus Lubede (Umlazi LC, KZN). Both sermons were translated by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN) into isiZulu (wz1510150118 Phifaniya 2) and seTswana (wt1510150118 Epi 2).

The readings for this 2nd Sunday after Epiphany are:

  • Old Testament:      Exodus 33:17b-23 (2. Book of Moses)
  • The Epistle:            Romans 12: (4-8) 9-16
  • The Gospel:            St. John 2:1-11
  • Psalm:                     105:1-4

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this week: For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (Joh 1:17 KJV)

A collect for this Sunday: Almighty and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of Thy people, and grant us Thy peace all the days of our life; through Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. (Lutheran Hymnal of the LC in Australia 1973: Pg. 67)

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, enthusiasm and 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)

We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za.

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Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 14th January 2015

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

saint paul preaching

Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. (1Sa 3:9 KJV)

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. (Act 16:14 KJV)

Without God speaking, we would hear nothing – or at least not the crucial bit. We’d be having ideas, dreams and schemes popping up here and there, but nothing relevant to God and his workings. Without God shedding light on heavenly matters and godly things, we’d be left stranded out in the dark. The divine truth and trinitarian story is inaccessible to us without the lamb of God – Jesus Christ – opening up the book with 7 seals and letting us hear, see and taste, what it’s about and what he has done for us and our salvation.

Obviously there are many things which we human beings are free to figure out. St. Augustine lists up the regular issues, which were quoted in the Augsburg Confession and which we consider common place even today:

“We confess that there is a free will in all human beings. For all have a natural, innate mind and reason—not that they can act in matters pertaining to God, such as loving or fearing God with their whole heart—but they do have the freedom to choose good or evil only in the external works of this life. By ‘good’ I mean what can be done by nature: whether to work in the field or not, whether to eat and drink, whether to visit a friend or not, to dress or undress, to build a home, to marry, to engage in a trade, and to do whatever may be useful and good. To be sure, all of this neither exists nor endures without God, but everything is from him and through him. On the other hand, a human being can by personal choice do evil, such as to kneel before an idol, commit murder, and the like.” (Kolb & Wengert Pg. 52).

We could add all the engineering and accounting business, even fine arts and technology. Yet to know God’s heart and how he’s inclined towards us, remains obscure and hidden from us unless he himself reveals that to us. We can’t really figure out, where we are coming from and where we are going really. Our origin and destination remains just as hidden. That’s what Luther elaborates on in his Disputatio de homine: 

  • 4. And it is certainly true that reason is the most important and the highest in rank among all things and, in comparison with other things of this life, the best and something divine…

  • 10. In spite of the fact that it is of such majesty, it does not know itself a priori, but only a posteriori.

  • 11. Therefore, if philosophy or reason itself is compared with theology, it will appear that we know almost nothing about man,

  • 12. Inasmuch as we seem scarcely to perceive his material cause sufficiently.

  • 13. For philosophy does not know the efficient cause for certain, nor likewise the final cause,

  • 14. Because it posits no other final cause than the peace of this life, and does not know that the efficient cause is God the creator.

  • 15. Indeed, concerning the formal cause which they call soul, there is not and never will be agreement among the philosophers.

Theology though tells us that it is only by grace through faith that man is saved as is written: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” (Rom 3:28 KJV). The need for justification is not taught by philosophy, but rather by theology – just as the beginning and end of our existence. That’s metaphysical as Aristotle would define it – after the physical things perceivable and measurable by the staticians of our world. Not that they are not there, but rather, that we can’t grasp, hold and control them. These things and truths are beyond our human capacity and categories of time and space. They belong to God’s very own – and he reveals them through his divine service of his holy word and precious sacraments – where and when it pleases him.

Through these means of grace he creates and brings about faith in the gospel as is held, taught and confessed in the first and main article of the Christian faith:

Furthermore, it is taught that we cannot obtain forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God through our merit, work, or satisfactions, but that we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God out of grace for Christ’s sake through faith when we believe that Christ has suffered for us and that for his sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are given to us. For God will regard and reckon this faith as righteousness in his sight, as St. Paul says in Romans 3[:21–26] and 4[:5]. (ebd 38)

Everyone, who believes this is living proof that God does speak, call and bring us to living faith in Jesus Christ. This conversion from darkness to light,  from idolatry to theology, from being lost to being saved – coming to true faith is God’s gift and doing. He is the one, who brought the wise men from the East to Bethlehem, showing them the way by that shining star, but confirming and clarifying it finally through the promises of old, the prophecies of the Old Testament. He called the shepherds through his messengers, the angels and carriers of good tiding. He himself called Matthew, Peter and James, John and Andrew – and finally also Saul and converted him into St. Paul. He spoke through this very apostle and missionary so that Lydia was baptized and brought to the saving faith in the triune God. It is he, who lit up the light of the gospel for Martin Luther and got the reformation of the Christian Church going and back to the truth, so that the gospel was preached from many pulpits, practiced at the altars of countless parishes and taught in schools and confirmation classes. It is he who still today calls, gathers and keeps people gathered around the holy Word of God in both the Old and New Testaments, hearing his divine law and godly promises spelt out. Ane we continue to pray: Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. (1Sa 3:9 KJV) Amen.

Thy strong word  did cleave the darkness; at thy speaking it was done; for created light we thank thee, while thine ordered seasons run: Alleluia, alleluia!  Praise to thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia!  Alleluia without end!

Lo, on those who dwelt  in darkness, dark as night and deep as death, broke the light of thy salvation, breathed thine own
live-giving breath: Alleluia, alleluia!  Praise to thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia!  Alleluia without end!

Thy strong word  bespeaks us righteous; bright with thine own holiness, glorious now,  we press toward glory, and our lives our hopes confess: Alleluia, alleluia!  Praise to thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia!  Alleluia without end!

God the Father, Light-Creator, to thee laud and honor be; to thee, Light of Light begotten, praise be sung eternally; Holy Spirit, Light-Revealer,  glory, glory be to thee; mortals, angels, now and ever  praise the Holy Trinity.

From the cross Thy wisdom shining Breaketh forth in conqu’ring might; From the cross forever beameth All Thy bright redeeming light. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia!  Alleluia without end!

Give us lips to sing thy glory, Tongues thy mercy to proclaim, Throats to shout the hope that fills us, Mouths to speak thy holy name. Alleluia! Alleluia! May the light which thou dost send, Fill our songs with alleluias, Alleluias without end!

God the Father, light-creator, To Thee laud and honor be. To Thee, Light from Light begotten, Praise be sung eternally. Holy Spirit, light-revealer, Glory, glory be to Thee. Mortals, angels, now and ever Praise the Holy Trinity!

Martin H. Franzmann, 1907-1976.

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 13th January 2015

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

TheSpiritualityoftheRitesoftheHolyLiturgyintheCop-3_1

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. (Jer 23:24 KJV)

Walk as children of light. (Eph 5:8 KJV)

If it wasn’t so fatal, it would be hilarious. Playing hiding-g0-seek with the Almighty, with him that fills heaven and earth. Yet even while its ludicrous as there are no secret places, no hidden corners, no sanctuary from our maker and sustainer, from our judge and king. You can run, but you can’t hide. There is nowhere, where you would not be seen by the omniscient and omnipresent God. Nobody can his judgement. Everybody has to face up to his ruling, when we are compelled to answer him, given an account of all we did and left undone, respond to his demands of living holy lives and being good stewards of the many and various gifts and talents we have received from him.

Still people have tried to escape again and again. Adam and Eve thought by covering up their shameful nakedness, they could hide their sinfulness and fallen state. They imagined that they could escape his scrutiny. Jonah thought he could hide on the wide open seas, yet God caught up with him no time. Rather Jonah had never left God behind. It is as the Psalmist sings:

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
(Psa 139:7-11 KJV)

In the past people resorted to cremation and the scattering of their ashes as if that could annihilate their existence completely, ending their responsibility before God, escaping the coming Judgement. Yet that too is but vain and rather wasted energy, because he who calls everything that is out of nothing, will also not fail at the resurrection of the dead and all people. Everybody – whether he was cremated, buried or dissolved in acid – will have to face his throne, when he reappears in glory to judge both the living and the dead. Nobody will be missing. Nobody will be able to be AWOL. Everybody will be there. Everybody will bow their knees and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord of all and the eternal Judge, but also the only Saviour of the world.

That is why we should live as children of light every day and everywhere. That is his holy will, mandate, command and calling for us. We are to continue in holy living always abiding by his high and holy standards. That’s our lives purpose. That is what we should be concerned with and that’s our daily business. It’s not about taking chances and even trying to get away with murder. Rather it’s about answering our divine calling and living up to his will and command. We are to be obedient and compliant with his rulings and holy laws.

So what about Adam and Eve? What about Jonah? What about us finally? Well, God did not punish those first parents as they deserved. Yes, they were expelled from paradise. Yes, they had to bear the consequences of their sins in manifold ways, yet they did not die. God took further care of them and promised them a saviour, who would come for us and our salvation. He would crush the head of the deceiver and would restore paradise and God’s presence to his lost children. Jonah too did not drown in the depths of the stormy seas, but was rescued by that fish carrying him for three days and nights before restoring him to shore and putting him back on track to comply with his godly calling and divine mission.

In Jesus Christ God himself became man and sought out lost humanity and restored all mankind to blessed salvation and eternal life through his most gracious forgiveness by shedding his blood for them under Pontius Pilate and giving his very body and life as a ransom for many. He is the light that dispels all darkness. He is the life that overcomes death. He is the one and only, who can cope with our sinful state, our miserable poverty and hopeless godlessness – and he did. In and through him we have the forgiveness of all our sins, life and blessed salvation now and forever. For he no longer deals with us as we deserve it, but rather according to his undying love and mercy. So live in this gracious light. Walk in this god-given peace. Continue to taste and see, how good your God is! It is he, who blesses you and keeps you. It is he, who makes his face shine upon you and is gracious to you. It is he, who looks upon you with favour and grants you his peace + Amen.

1. I want to walk as a child of the light;
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world;
The star of my life is Jesus.

Refrain:
In him there is no darkness at all;
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2.  I want to see the brightness of God;
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father. [Refrain]

3.  I’m looking for the coming of Christ;
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus. [Refrain]

Author: Kathleen Thomerson
Tune: HOUSTON (Thomerson)

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