Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 11th February 2015

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Kathe Kollowitz_1897_The March of the Weavers in Berlin_214x297

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126,5-6)

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6,9 )

Being a child and suffering mishap is often a great calamity. It seems as if the trouble is just here to stay and all is going wrong and there’s just no help in sight. Weeping and wailing seems the only thing left to do. Growing older we realise that tears will give way to laughter once again, just as fun and jest alternate with sorrow and being down now and again. It’s the way of life and of growing up learning that.

If however the trouble is just too bad and takes too long, we grow ah so weary and tired of all. Our reserves are running on empty and we are about to give up, faint and pass out and away. I think pastor Paul Gerhard knew something about this. 30 years of ongoing war, gruesome destruction and a degree of desolation and degradation that is hardly imaginable. Losing one wife after the other, burying your own children and even being sent into clerical exile, banished from your pulpit and having to vacate your post. Well, God’s people know hardship that’s for sure. The bible tells one story after the other about this. Something like slavery in Egypt or 40 years migration through the desert lands. It’s not just in modern times, where a life-time behind the iron curtain or even in N.Korean tyranny or some concentration camp (Gulag) has become the most frightening lot of all. Sometimes individuals go through one calamity after the other like the proverbial Job. That’s just so tough and can get anyone to give up hope and despair. Those are such hard times, that people are tempted to just forget about God and doing good. They’re trying to survive by hook or by crook. They are tempted to believe that it’s all up to themselves, that they are left solely to their own devices and that there’s seemingly nothing and nobody out there, caring for them.

Into this situation the Psalmist sings his comforting encouragement and hopeful hymnody: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126,5-6) It happens again and again. The walls come crashing down. The people escape and are free. The tyrant does die eventually and the despotism finally has and end. The promised land does open up and the people enter in. For God is alive and does reign and finally gives a good ending.  Therefore there is always hope. Relief is on its way. Christ the Lord is coming to judge the living and the end. He is going to make an end to all hardship, suffering, death and dying. He’s going to wipe away all tears and let his people rejoice with gladness and in eternal bliss. His time is coming. Therefore take courage and look up, your salvation is drawing near. Amen.

“If God Himself Be for Me” by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

1. If God Himself be for me,
I may a host defy;
For when I pray, before me
My foes, confounded, fly.
If Christ, my Head and Master,
Befriend me from above,
What foe or what disaster
Can drive me from His love?

2. This I believe, yea, rather,
Of this I make my boast,
That God is my dear Father,
The Friend who loves me most,
And that, whate’er betide me,
My Savior is at hand
Through stormy seas to guide me
And bring me safe to land.

3. I build on this foundation,
That Jesus and His blood
Alone are my salvation,
The true, eternal good.
Without Him all that pleases
Is valueless on earth;
The gifts I owe to Jesus
Alone my love are worth.

4. My Jesus is my Splendor,
My Sun, my Light, alone;
Were He not my Defender
Before God’s awe-full throne,
I never should find favor
And mercy in His sight,
But be destroyed forever
As darkness by the light.

5. He canceled my offenses,
Delivered me from death;
He is the Lord who cleanses
My soul from sin through faith.
In Him I can be cheerful,
Bold, and undaunted aye;
In Him I am not fearful
Of God’s great Judgment Day.

6. Naught, naught, can now condemn me
Nor set my hope aside;
Now hell no more can claim me,
Its fury I deride.
No sentence e’er reproves me,
No ill destroys my peace;
For Christ, my Savior, loves me
And shields me with His grace.

7. His Spirit in me dwelleth,
And o’er my mind He reigns.
All sorrow He dispelleth
And soothes away all pains.
He crowns His work with blessing
And helpeth me to cry,
“My Father!” without ceasing,
To Him who dwells on high.

8. And when my soul is lying
Weak, trembling, and opprest,
He pleads with groans and sighing
That cannot be exprest;
But God’s quick eye discerns them,
Although they give no sound,
And into language turns them
E’en in the heart’s deep ground.

9. To mine His Spirit speaketh
Sweet word of holy cheer,
How God to him that seeketh
For rest is always near
And how He hath erected
A city fair and new,
Where what our faith expected
We evermore shall view.

10. In yonder home doth flourish
My heritage, my lot;
Though here I die and perish,
My heaven shall fail me not.
Though care my life oft saddens
And causeth tears to flow,
The light of Jesus gladdens
And sweetens every woe.

11. Who clings with resolution
To Him whom Satan hates
Must look for persecution;
For him the burden waits
Of mockery, shame, and losses,
Heaped on his blameless head;
A thousand plagues and crosses
Will be his daily bread.

12. From me this is not hidden,
Yet I am not afraid;
I leave my cares, as bidden,
To whom my vows were paid.
Though life and limb it cost me
And everything I won,
Unshaken shall I trust Thee
And cleave to Thee alone.

13. Though earth be rent asunder,
Thou’rt mine eternally;
Not fire nor sword nor thunder
Shall sever me from Thee;
Not hunger, thirst, nor danger,
Not pain nor poverty
Nor mighty princes’ anger
Shall ever hinder me.

14. No angel and no gladness,
No throne, no pomp, no show,
No love, no hate, no sadness,
No pain, no depth of woe,
No scheme of man’s contrivance,
However small or great,
Shall draw me from Thy guidance
Nor from Thee separate.

15. My heart for joy is springing
And can no more be sad,
‘Tis full of mirth and singing,
Sees naught but sunshine glad.
The Sun that cheers my spirit
Is Jesus Christ, my King;
That which I shall inherit
Makes me rejoice and sing.

Hymn #528  The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Rom. 8:31-39 Author: Paul Gerhardt
Translated by Richard Massie, 1857 Titled: Ist Gott fuer mich, so trete
Composer: Melckior Teschner, 1613 Tune: Valet will ich dir geben

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LTS Newsletter

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

LTS Badge

The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane is out with its first newsletter for 2015.

Read more about our more than ten new students starting with the beginners course this year and student Ashenafi Desta Gonemo’s trip with long-standing director of the Seminary Mr Michael Grosse to the USA this month.

Then there’s two views on vicar Enoch Macben’s shadowing Professor Dr. John Nordling’s Greek Grammar class in CTS Ft.Wayne last fall quarter, a recent Facebook posting by an LTS old boy and also an introduction to one of the new lecturers at LTS: Rev. Karl Boehmer.

Finally there are some building plans in the pipeline and we pray that they’ll be put into action rather sooner than later. Our kind and gracious supporters and faithful friends across the globe are acknowledged and you’ll find some useful links to connect to our Seminary here in Pretoria and ways to even support it actively yourself.

 

Please read and find out more about the LTS in Tshwane here in DIN A4 format: 2015,1 LTS News DINA4 and here also in letter format (USA): 2015,1 LTS News US Letter

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 10th February 2015

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

St. Mary singing Magnificat

I know that the Lord will maintain
The cause of the afflicted,
And justice for the poor. (Psalm 140,13)

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? (James 2,5)

In a world after the French Revolution, where liberty, equality and fraternity supposedly reign supreme, this might not sound as exiting as I’m sure it did in those days, when poor people had no voice, were exploited beyond measure even unto death and no respite was in sight ever. Into this unfair world of inequality and serfdom, slavery and discrimination God let’s his people know, that he will maintain the cause of the afflicted and grant justice for the poor.

Some of us may be quite disillusioned with the revolutionary realities of our world. Loud proclamations of liberty, equality and fraternity sound from the rooftops, yet bondages of some seem greater than ever before. Real existing socialism was probably the grandest social experiment carried out with the greatest expectations and costing just too much freedom, blood and lives ending up as the greatest failure at least on most counts – one big disappointment and disillusionment leaving even its most staunchest supporters standing ashamed and at a loss. All went wrong and not only in N.Korea, but China, Russia, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Greece. The list just goes on and on.  Yet today even worse perverse fantasies of exploitation, suppression and ruthless tyranny  are hailed as the next level of emancipation. Eat and you will be like God! Inject and you’ll have extra-terrestrial experiences, psychedelic and blue! What blatant perversion of truth and reality! The exact opposite is the case. In the end the revolution gobbles up its own children. The guillotine razes off Robespierre’s crazy head too. The adicts land in rehab at best or in an early grave. Disillusionment all around.

Yet our God and Lord does not make empty promises. He grants deliverance and salvation.  He gives us a wake-up call and invites us to listen closely: “Listen, my beloved brethren” writes St. James and continues to ask rhetorically: “Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2,5) The poor Jacob – with just a stone as rest for his head, when he flees empty handed and destitute to work as a migrant worker with his uncle Laban, only to return finally out of exile a wealthy man. The slave Joseph is elevated higher than princes and second only to Pharaoh.

Well, yes – Zacharias sings the Benedictus, Simon and Hannah hold the Messiah in their arms and he sings the lovely Nunc dimittis, while the blessed Virgin and mother of God sings the Magnificat praising the Lord’s doing to her and all the world – especially the poor and downtrodden:

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior; For He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden. For behold, from this dayall generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things to me,and holy is His name; And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.

Jesus Christ preaches the gospel to the poor. They too are heirs of heaven. They are given access to the kingdom of God and the awesome treasures of God, which can’t be stolen, never rust and can’t be eaten by moths either. No bank crash, inflation or tax-man can reduce this treasure ever. It’s paradise regained. The shepherds in Bethlehem beheld it first, but Jesus continued throughout his life granting divine abundance and a foretaste of the great banquet, which will never end. And access is granted by grace through the forgiveness of sins – even to that poor bugger on the cross, who had by worldly standards lost all. In the end he’s promised: “Today you will be with me in paradise!” Amen.

One thing’s needful; Lord, this treasure
Teach me highly to regard;
All else, though it first give pleasure,
Is a yoke that pressed hard.
Beneath it the heart is still fretting and striving,
No true, lasting happiness ever deriving.
The gain of this one thing all loss can requite,
Can teach me in all things to find true delight.

If you seek this one thing needful,
Turn from all created things.
Turn to Jesus and be heedful
Of the peace and joy he brings.
For where God and man both in one are united,
With love and forgiveness the heart is delighted;
There, there is the worthiest lot and the best,
Where Jesus alone is your joy and your rest.

How were Mary’s thoughts devoted
Her eternal joy to find
As intent each word she noted
At her Savior’s feet reclined!
How kindled her heart, how devout was its feeling
While hearing the wisdom that Christ was revealing!
For Jesus all earthly concerns she forgot
In love and devotion to what Jesus taught.

So my longings, upward tending,
Jesus, rest alone on you.
All my life on you depending,
Teach me what to will and do
Although all the world should forsake and forget you,
In love I would follow, I’ll never desert you.
The words of your teaching, O Lord, are my life,
My joy and my peace in this vain world of strife.

Wisdom’s highest, noblest treasure,
Jesus, is revealed in you
Let me find in you my pleasure,
Make my will and actions true,
Humility there and simplicity reigning.
In paths of true wisdom my steps ever training.
If I learn from Jesus this knowledge divine,
The blessing of heavenly wisdom is mine.

Therefore you alone, my Savior,
Shall be all in all to me;
Search my heart and my behavior,
Root out all hypocrisy.
Through all my life’s pilgrimage, guard and uphold me,
In loving forgiveness, O Jesus, enfold me.
This one thing is needful, all others are vain;
I count all but loss that I Christ may obtain!

Hymn # 277 from Lutheran Worship “Eins ist Not ach Herr, dies eine...”  by Johann Heinrich Schroeder, 1667-1699 translated by Frances E. Cox, 1812-1897.

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 9th February 2015

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

jesus-christ-the-great-high-priest

Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me? (Job 17:3 KJV)

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Rom 8:34 KJV)

Another teacher of mine has passed away. Saturday Pastor Horst Nickisch was called home by our Lord and maker, the Lord over life and death. He was 76 years old and led the “Praktisch-Theologische Seminar” in Bleckmar whilst I was busy doing vicarage in Gr.Oesingen under my mentor Pastor Manfred Griesheimer. It is as we sing nearly every Saturday evening; “Mein Leben ist ein Wandern zur grossen Ewigkeit...” (My life is a pilgrimage towards the great eternity). And as we go along one after the other of the strong pillars falters and falls, one teacher after the other fades and dies. Finally we are alone when we too are called to die. This end brings us face to face with our maker – no intermediaries anymore, no other advocates or soothsayers. It’s just me and Him + Kyrie eleison + Christe eleison + Kyrie eleison +

That’s why Job in dire straits calls on the Lord himself to be his surety. He calls on the Lord to stand in for him in his frailty and weakness, in his affliction and hardship. For in the final analysis there’s nobody else. We can’t build on lords and princes, for they too are but men – passing away like shadows, not in control by a long shot, rather prone to failure and dismal disappointment themselves. If one blind man leads the other, they both fall into the pit! Whoever trusts in men will stand ashamed for they are but mortal too and can’t stand up to the final challenge of facing the living God and judge of all.

Yet there is one, who is absolutely dependable and has offered himself as true and unfailing advocate of those, who trust in him: Our Lord Jesus Christ + He went through trials and temptations, torture and death victoriously. Even the grave, hell and the devil couldn’t hold him. He overcame them once and for all. He lives, reigns and rules now and forever. And he did that for us – vicariously, so that we united with him through the divine floods of holy Baptism would pass through these very depths of death victoriously too. No longer bound with sinful fetters of evil and caught up by the countless accusations of the ongoing accuser, but rather free as God’s children and heirs of the kingdom of heaven. The accusations aimed at us come to naught against Christ. He reigns gloriously at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us without fail. That’s why we are in God’s favour and good books. Nobody and nothing can be against us effectively for Christ Jesus himself is for us – and with that all is sorted. We have surety and therefore we are at peace and can go our path joyfully and gratefully – doing our daily business until he comes to call us home – and even singing glad songs of victory and praise at graves like that of Pastor Nickisch. Our God and Lord Jesus Christ lives and we shall live too – world without end. Amen.

“Come, Thou Bright and Morning Star” by Christian K. von Rosenroth, 1636-1689
Translated by Richard Massie, 1800-1887

1. Come, Thou Bright and Morning Star,
Light of light, without beginning!
Shine upon us from afar
That we may be kept from sinning.
Drive away by Thy clear light
Our dark night.

2. Let Thy grace, like morning dew
Falling soft on barren places,
Comfort, quicken, and renew
Our dry souls and dying graces;
Bless Thy flock from Thy rich store
Evermore.

3. May Thy fervent love destroy
Our cold works, in us awaking
Ardent zeal and holy joy
At the purple morn’s first breaking.
Let us truly rise ere yet
Life has set.

4. Ah! thou Dayspring from on high,
Grant that at Thy next appearing
We who in the graves do lie
May arise, Thy summons hearing,
And rejoice in our new life,
Far from strife.

5. Light us to those heavenly spheres,
Sun of grace, in glory shrouded;
Lead us through this vale of tears
To the land where days unclouded,
Purest joy, and perfect peace
Never cease.

Hymn #539  The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Ps. 88: 13
Author: Christian K. von Rosenroth, 1684, Translated by: Richard Massie, 1857
Titled: “Morgenglanz der Ewigkeit” 

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Herrenhuter readings for Sunday, the 8th February 2015

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

joseph-and-his-coat-of-many-colours

Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
and to depart from evil is understanding. (Job 28,28)

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17) 

Wisdom is a gift from God. Some have, others don’t. It’s like faith, love and hope too. Part of this wisdom is to fear God and to depart from all evil. It’s pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Examples of such wise men where Joseph, Daniel, Isaiah and off course Jesus Christ himself. However they are far and few between. Rare birds really!

That’s why we should pray to God continuously and ask for this precious gift of divine and holy wisdom – especially for those, who need it most. Rulers and judges, kings and presidents, bishops and teachers, pastors and elders in congregations, parents and all those in authority. Imagine a society, where such godly wisdom would abound? Even driving in the most serious traffic would be a joy and memorable pleasure!

Our Lord and God invites us: Ask and it will be given to you! If you, who are evil can give good things to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father grant the Holy Spirit to those, who ask him? The Holy Spirit after all leads and guides in all truths. He’s the font of life and all goodness, but also of all wisdom. Therefore continue to call upon the Lord and plead him for this special treasure of true wisdom, insight and doing of God’s most holy will. It is most precious for “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)

Lord God, Jesus Christ have mercy on us and send us Your Holy Spirit that he may lead and guide us in all truth – you are the truth. So let him keep us in the communion with You and Your Father now and forever. Amen.

O God, my faithful God, True fountain ever flowing, Without whom nothing is, All perfect gifts bestowing: Give me a healthy frame, And may I have within A conscience free from blame, A soul unstained by sin.

Give me the strength to do With ready heart and willing Whatever you command, My calling here fulfilling. Help me do what I should With all my might, and bless The outcome for my good, For you must give success.

Keep me from saying words That later need recalling; Guard me lest idle speech May from my lips be falling; But when within my place  I must and ought to speak, Then to my words give grace Lest I offend the weak.

Lord, let me win my foes With kindly words and actions, And let me find good friends For counsel and correction. Help me, as You have taught, To love both great and small And by Your Spirit’s might To live in peace with all.

When dangers gather round, Oh, keep me calm and fearless; Help me to bear the cross When life seems dark and cheerless;Help me, as you have taught, To love both great and small And by your Spirit’s might To live at peace with all.

Let me depart this life Confiding in my Saviour; By grace receive my soul That it may live forever; And let my body have A quiet resting place Within a Christian grace And let it sleep in peace.

And on that final day When all the dead are waking. Stretch out Your mighty hand, My deathly slumber breaking. Then let me hear Your voice, Redeem this earthly frame, And bid me to rejoice With those who love Your name.

Hymn # 371 from Lutheran Hymnal Author: Johan Hermann, 1585-1647 tr Catherine Winkworth 1827-1878.  Tune: O Gott, du frommer Gott… 

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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 7th February 2015

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Agnus_Dei_with_Vexillum

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19,9)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.(Colossians 3,16)

Our Lord and God Jesus Christ is the supreme judge of all. At the end he will judge the living and the dead. That will be the day, that ultimate and perfect judgement will be passed. Nobody is just gonna slip by. Every knee is going to bow before him. Everybody will acknowledge him to be the Lord to the glory of his Father, who together with himself and the Holy Spirit rules over all and everything – now and forever.

His judgements are true and righteous altogether. There is no exception. There is no falsehood or fraudulence slipping in. Instead his justice is perfect and his implementation of it without any blame, fault or error. It is but just righteousness, good, right and salutary. We don’t recognise it as such yet. Our perception is marred and impaired. It will take the completion of Christ’s mission and work, his consummation and perfection of the good work, he has already started to get us to see clearly and without sinful, faithless bias.

For presently we mean to behold lots of injustice and far too many getting away with murder and other shameless sins and vices. There are crooks sitting in high places. Thieves and murderers are held in high honours and occupy prominent offices. They bend the law and they cover up for their cronies and it’s one big fraudulent mafia. Not only in Africa and Russia, in India and China, among Arabs and Turks, but also in the rest of the world. The really big fish swim free, whilst the little ones are caught and hanged for next to nothing. Widows get overrun, orphans get discarded, foreigners, refugees and other persecuted victims are left discriminated, sidelined and even outlawed. Yet even we too are guilty of this and that. We too are not free from sin and can’t throw stones living in glasshouses as we do. We too struggle, suffer and are heavily burdened under our own hardness of heart, lovelessness and sinful faithlessness. We too are part of the problem.

That is why we are waiting so eagerly for the return of our Lord and God, the perfect and righteous judge of all. He will put things right, he will set the records straight, he will let peace, justice and truth reign supreme. It’s going to be pure heaven. He has already given us good illustrations of his righteousness and truth. He overcame evil by good. He suffered injury, cross and death innocently and thus overcame sin, death and the devil victoriously. He did this on our behalf. So that we, who are not free from sin and also fail and fall short when measured by God’s holy law and perfect will, would not go punished, but be freed by him and his vicarious salvation. Christ’s blood and righteousness that my beauty are, my glorious dress (LSB 563) This lovely turn-around, the glorious exchange and most gracious gift of life and salvation is what God’s justice and righteousness looks like. He is not just the upholder of law and order, the ultimate judge and perfecter of justice – as such he could only be feared, fled and perhaps even loathed. Yet his justice and perfect righteousness is this, that he forgives sinners and pronounces them be justified, righteous and truly holy by his divine grace and favour.  This is the way he will put his justice and righteousness in place – not just demanding it, but granting it. Thus the last will be first and the first last. Divine Justice for sure – true and righteous as only God could perceive and implement in absolute perfection and beauty.

In the meantime as we are waiting for our final deliverance and for our salvation to become visible in all glory and christological victory, we sigh and groan here, suffering willingly injustice and knowing that the injuries, hurts and deaths of this time and age carry no weight when compared with the coming glory. We take up the apostolic admonition and live up to it: Letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. This Word of the Lord, which we hear, learn and meditate in our hearts, this Christian wisdom and faith, which we learn not only in its main parts, but also in all its details and subdivisions  encourages us and edifies us in our daily lives, building and strengthening our faith. We sing, pray and say the Christian psalms, hymns and spiritual songs – not just with our mouths, but also in our hearts. They admonish us, they teach und instruct us, lead and guide us, uplift and encourage us, strengthen and empower us too. Yes – and they help us to live faithfully as Christians. Suffering willingly, but also standing up for the rights of others – especially those unfairly discriminated against, the young and defenceless, the marginalised and hurting, the poor and struggling, the ill and dying. Already the divine justice casts its bright beams of light into our life and changing all. The morning star is risen. The night is no longer all-consuming. It’s passing. It’s not long anymore and then everything will be different. He will be there in all his divine truth and perfection – and all will be at its very best. Until then we sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. Amen.

“Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness” by Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1700-1760 translated by John Wesley, 1703-1791

1. Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.

2. Bold shall I stand in that great Day,
For who aught to my charge shall lay?
Fully through these absolved I am
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

3. The holy, meek, unspotted Lamb,
Who from the Father’s bosom came,
Who died for me, e’en me t’atone,
Now for my Lord and God I own.

4. Lord, I believe Thy precious blood,
Which at the mercy-seat of God
Forever doth for sinners plead,
For me–e’en for my soul–was shed.

5. Lord, I believe were sinners more
Than sands upon the ocean shore,
Thou hast for all a ransom paid,
For all a full atonement made.

6. When from the dust of death I rise
To claim my mansion in the skies,
E’en then, this shall be all my plea:
Jesus hath lived and died for me.

7. Jesus, be endless praise to Thee,
Whose boundless mercy hath for me,
For me, and all Thy hands have made,
An everlasting ransom paid.

Hymn #371  The Lutheran HymnalText: 1 John 1:7
Author: Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1739, translated by: John Wesley, 1740
Titled: “Christi Blut und Gerechtigkeit” Composer: George J. Elvey, 1862: “St. Crispin”

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Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu/seTswana

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus sowing

The Lutheran Order of Service for Sexagesimae (2nd Sunday before Lent) is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the gospel of St. Luke in the  eight chapter the verses 4-8 (9-15) written by Missionary Peter C. Weber (Ohlangeni, KZN) in isiZulu (wz1513150208 Seksagesime) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1513150208 Seksagesime) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for Sexagesimae are:

  • Old Testament:       Isaiah 55: (6-9) 10-12a
  • The Epistle:            Hebrews 4:12-13
  • The Gospel:            St. Luke 8: 4-8 (9-15)
  • Psalm:                    119:105.114.116-117

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this week of Sexagesimae: To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  (Heb 3:15 KJV)

A collect for Sexagesimae: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You, mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity;  through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. (LSB Altar Book 865)

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 Friday, the 6th February 2015

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Eucharist

I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. (1Ch 29:17 KJV)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Mat 5:8 KJV)

Create in me a clean heart o God

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Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 5th February 2013

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

germany-s-children-starve-1924 KKolwitz

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. (Psa 57:2 KJV)

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Mat 7:11 KJV)

There are good reasons to pray. First of all, God wants it so. He has ordered us to call upon him in every need and life’s situation. Secondly, he has promised that he will hear us and bid our calling: … and I will answer you. Ask and it will be given to you or with words of today’s NT reading: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”  Thirdly, the need of others and our own is ever so great, that we need divine intervention for salvation and preservation. In the “Our Father” Jesus Christ teaches, how we should pray and the Church has through the ages used these petitions to guide its daily prayer. It follows the mandate of its Lord, who said: “Watch and pray, that you don’t fall into temptation.” This prayerful life has characterized the Church throughout the Ages. The Psalms teach us, how the old Church prayed just as the canticles from the New Testament and the hymns and chorals of the reformation and into our times too. We are taken up into this cloud of witnesses and with the Psalmist cry out: “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.”

Our prayers are not just vain lament and complaining. It’s not just blowing into the wind. No, God performs all things for me. Now that is a heavy, weighty and momentous confession and truth. It too has various aspects, which are made clear in the various translations:

  • A83 Psalm 57:3 Ek roep na God, die Allerhoogste, na God wat my sal help.
  • ESV Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
  • KJV Psalm 57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
  • LEE Psalm 57:2 (57:3) I will call unto God, the Most High; unto God that accomplisheth his kindness on me.
  • NAS Psalm 57:2 I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me.
  • NIB Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfils his purpose for me.
  • NIV Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me.
  • L45 Psalm 57:3 Ich rufe zu GOtt, dem Allerhöchsten, zu GOtt, der meines Jammers ein Ende macht.
  • LUT Psalm 57:3 Ich rufe zu Gott, dem Allerhöchsten, zu Gott, der meine Sache zum guten Ende führt.
  • BGT Psalm 56:3 κεκράξομαι πρὸς τὸν θεὸν τὸν ὕψιστον τὸν θεὸν τὸν εὐεργετήσαντά με
  • WTT Psalm 57:3 אֶ֭קְרָא לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים עֶלְי֑וֹן לָ֜אֵ֗ל גֹּמֵ֥ר עָלָֽי׃

    VUL Psalm 56:3 clamabo ad Deum altissimum Deum qui benefecit mihi

God, does not only end my calamaties, but brings all to a very good end. He benefits me – does truly good and the very best to me – That is his kind and favourable purpose. Thus he helps me and vindicates my trust in him. So let us join Adam Reusner and together with him sing the wonderful hymn:

1 I trust, O Lord, Your holy name;
O let me not be put to shame
Nor let me be confounded.
My faith, O Lord,
Be in Your Word
Forever firmly grounded.

2 Bow down Your gracious ear to me
And hear my cry, my prayer, my plea;
Make haste for my protection,
For woes and fear
Surround me here.
Help me in my affliction.

3 You are my strength, my shield, my rock,
My fortress that withstands each shock,
My help, my life, my tower.
My battle sword,
Almighty Lord–
Who can resist Your power?

4 With You, O Lord, I cast my lot;
O faithful God, for sake me not,
To You my soul commending.
Lord, be my stay,
And lead the way
Now and when life is ending.

5 All honor, praise, and majesty
To Father, Son, and Spirit be,
Our God forever glorious,
In whose rich grace
We run our race
till we depart victorious.

Adam Reusner, 1496-1575; tr Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878. Melody: “In Dich hab ich gehoffet Herr, hilf, dass ich nicht Zuschanden werd’,  noch ewiglich zu Spotte…”

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Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 4th February 2015

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Baptismal-Font

Thus says the Lord: For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. (Jer 24:6 KJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1 KJV)

This is a wonderful promise from the Lord our God to Israel through the prophet Jeremiah. No longer will he look for ways to threaten, punish and harm them. He will restore their fortunes. Return them out of exile. Rebuild the ruins and start anew with wholesome goodness and lasting peace.  Rather he will watch over them for good, to promote their wellbeing and let them flourish and prosper in the promised land. There he will no longer tear them down, uproot them and cast them aside, but rather he will build them, edify them, let them grow, be established and multiply fruitfully by his daily blessings and mercies.

People in deep trouble like exile, suffering persecution, terminal illness or being at war, easily conclude that they have been deserted by God and that he has turned elsewhere and perhaps even left them for good and that they are therefore now left to their own devices. Being without God and fearing that God himself has turned against us and is our mortal enemy is the worst punishment and the most dire lot. It’s hell. The corollary to this is the widespread illusion of godless people, who are well-off to think that they are automatically on God’s side, because they are healthy, doing good and flourishing as they go about their daily business.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and saviour came into this world, so that we poor, miserable sinners, would know different and that only through him we would be saved, delivered and redeemed from the power of Satan, the deception of this world and the detrimental network of sin in which we were so tightly enmeshed and entangled, that we could not free ourselves. Through their evil machinations and our own fault, our own fault, our own most grievous fault, we were captives to the faithless and mortal sin, that God was our bad enemy, forever against us and seeking our eternal condemnation. Jesus Christ, the son of God and Lord of all, became one of us, so that we would be convinced otherwise. He came to reveal God’s goodness and mercy, his willingness to forgive sins and restore sinners. All he did, was sharing God’s grace, love and peace with the lost sheep of Israel and granting hope to the nations, that they too would be drawn nearer and closer to God – to be part of his kingdom and heirs of the divine promises of salvation and eternal life. Through his mission here on earth, we have learnt that even small children are to be brought to Christ and into his Church: Let the children come to me and don’t hinder them – for theirs is the kingdom of God! He let blind people see God’s kindness, let deaf people hear God’s goodness, let ill, bedeviled and possessed people experience deliverance, healing and God’s new life without fetters and bonds. Samaritans were made welcome in his family – just as shepherds, greedy tax-collectors, fanatical zealots, desperate harlots and self-righteous pharisees. They all were granted peace by his grace of forgiveness and healing of all their ills. Until the very end he prayed for those, who crucified him and paved the way into paradise for that one crucified next to him: “Today you will be with me in paradise!” All those, who were lost due to their own sin and guilt, now had lost all hope of redemption, salvation and eternal life due to sin, death and devil, now had a chance of new life in Jesus Christ, without condemnation, but rather heard the gracious words of forgiveness: “Fear not + Your sins are forgiven + Go in peace +”

That holds true in the greatest trouble – like hanging crucified to a tree: “Today you will be with me in paradise!” That is the divine promise, which overcomes all stress and hardship. Being burdened and heavily laden with sinful guilt and grievous trepasses, you are saved by the gracious welcome of the Father, who takes you in his arms, washes off all stains and hurts with the redeeming blood of the sacrificial lamb, clothes you with the perfect white dress of righteousness and lets you sit at the table set for that great and awesome banquet prepared for God’s people from all nations, languages and corners of the earth. There is no condemnation for those in Jesus Christ + Baptised, forgiven, restored and reinstated into the godly family of the holy Christian Church + Free to live a life of righteousness and holiness right in this world and there, where God has called you to live faithfully and in his ways until he comes to fetch you so that you too can see all that he has promised long ago. Amen.

God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ!  He, because I could not pay it, gave my full redemption price. Do I need earth’s treasures many?  I have one worth more than any That brought me salvation free, Lasting to eternity!

Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ!  I have comfort even stronger: Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. Should a guilty conscience seize me, since my baptism did release me In a dear forgiving flood, sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?

Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ! Drop your ugly accusation; I am not so soon enticed. Now that to the font I’ve traveled, all your might has come unraveled, And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me!

Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ! When I die, I leave all sadness to inherit paradise! Though I lie in dust and ashes faith’s assurance brightly flashes: Baptism has the strength divine to make life immortal mine.

There is nothing worth comparing to this lifelong comfort sure! Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure. Though my flesh awaits its raising, still my soul continues praising: I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise!

 Erdman Neumeister, 1671-1756 tr Robert E. Voelker *1957

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