Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 6th January 2015

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

journey-of-the-magi-james-tissotI called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. (Psalm 118:5)

St. Peter writes: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1.Petrus 2,9)

Luther writes in his exposition of Psalm 118 (Das schoene Confitemini) about verse 5: “Here we see where this small band is. It does not move in manifest joy before the world. Anxiety is its abode. The psalmist pictures himself and his condition, namely, his many troubles. As is proper when one begins to talk about something, he is brief; he sums up all kinds of troubles and calls them “distress.” Later he will say and explain more. Thus I may say: “Oh, how much Paul suffered!” This does not yet explain his sufferings; it merely indicates in a general way that he suffered, but not what he suffered. So the psalmist indicates also the comfort and help of God generally and briefly when he says: “The Lord answered me.” As if he were saying: “I must always Suffer, but I am always comforted.” He will soon describe how this happens and wherein his comfort consists.

In Hebrew the word “distress” means “something narrow.” I surmise that the German noun for distress is also derived from an adjective meaning narrow.24 It implies fear and pain, as in a process of clamping, squeezing, and pressing. Trials and misfortunes do squeeze and press, as is indicated by the proverb: “The great wide world is too narrow for me.” In Hebrew “in a large place” is used in contrast to “distress.”25 “Distress” means tribulation and need; “in a large place” denotes consolation and help. Accordingly, this verse really says: “I called upon the Lord in my trouble; He heard me and helped me by comforting me.” Just as distress is a narrow place, which casts us down and cramps us, so God’s help is our large place, which makes us free and happy.

Note the great art and wisdom of faith. It does not run to and fro in the face of trouble. It does not cry on everybody’s shoulder, nor does it curse and scold its enemies. It does not murmur against God by asking: “Why does God do this to me? Why not to others, who are worse than I am?” Faith does not despair of the God who sends trouble. Faith does not consider Him angry or an enemy, as the flesh, the world, and the devil strongly suggest. Faith rises above all this and sees God’s fatherly heart behind His unfriendly exterior. Faith sees the sun shining through these thick, dark clouds and this gloomy weather. Faith has the courage to call with confidence to Him who smites it and looks at it with such a sour face.

That is skill above all skills. It is the work of the Holy Spirit alone and is known only by pious and true Christians. The self-righteous are ignorant of it. They prate about good works, although they have never known or performed any. Nor can they perform them, because human nature cannot acquire this skill. As soon as God touches it with a little trouble, it is frightened and filled with despair, and can only think that grace is at an end and that God has nothing but wrath toward it. The devil also adds his power and trickery, in order to drown it in doubt and despondency. The situation is aggravated by the provoking sight of God showering abundant blessings on the other three groups. Then human nature begins to think that the others have only the grace of God and none of His anger. Then the poor conscience becomes weak; it would collapse were it not for the help and comfort that come from God, through pious pastors, or by some good Christian’s counsel. Some there are who hang, drown, or stab themselves, or otherwise perish, shrivel, and wither.

Whoever can learn, let him learn. Let everyone become a falcon and soar above distress. Let everyone know most assuredly and not doubt that God does not send him this distress to destroy him, as we shall see in verse eighteen. He wants to drive him to pray, to implore, to fight, to exercise his faith, to learn another aspect of God’s person than before, to accustom himself to do battle even with the devil and with sin, and by the grace of God to be victorious. Without this experience we could never learn the meaning of faith, the Word, Spirit, grace, sin, death, or the devil. Were there only peace and no trials, we would never learn to know God Himself. In short, we could never be or remain true Christians. Trouble and distress constrain us and keep us within Christendom. Crosses and troubles, therefore, are as necessary for us as life itself, and much more necessary and useful than all the possessions and honor in the world.

We read: “I called upon the Lord.” You must learn to call. Do not sit by yourself or lie on a couch, hanging and shaking your head. Do not destroy yourself with your own thoughts by worrying. Do not strive and struggle to free yourself, and do not brood on your wretchedness, suffering, and misery. Say to yourself: “Come on, you lazy burn; down on your knees, and lift your eyes and hands toward heaven!” Read a psalm or the Our Father, call on God, and tearfully lay your troubles before Him. Mourn and pray, as this verse teaches, and also Ps. 142:2: “I pour out my complaint before Him, I tell my trouble before Him.” Likewise Ps. 141:2: “Let my prayer be counted as incense before Thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!” Here you learn that praying, reciting your troubles, and lifting up your hands are sacrifices most pleasing to God. It is His desire and will that you lay your troubles before Him. He does not want you to multiply your troubles by burdening and torturing yourself. He wants you to be too weak to bear and overcome such troubles; He wants you to grow strong in Him. By His strength He is glorified in you. Out of such experiences men become real Christians. Otherwise, men are mere babblers, who prate about faith and spirit but are ignorant of what it is all about or of what they themselves are saying.

You must never doubt that God is aware of your distress and hears your prayer. You must not pray haphazardly or simply shout into the wind. Then you would mock and tempt God. It would be better not to pray at all, than to pray like the priests and monks. It is important that you learn to praise also this point in this verse: “The Lord answered me and set me free.” The psalmist declares that he prayed and cried out, and that he was certainly heard. If the devil puts it into your head that you lack the holiness, piety, and worthiness of David and for this reason cannot be sure that God will hear you, make the sign of the cross, and say to yourself: “Let those be pious and worthy who will! I know for a certainty that I am a creature of the same God who made David. And David, regardless of his holiness, has no better or greater God than I have.”

There is only one God, of saint and sinner, worthy and unworthy, great and small. Regardless of the inequalities among us, He is the one and equal God of us all, who wants to be honored, called on, and prayed to by all. Before they became holy and worthy, what did the saints and the deserving souls have that I do not possess? Did they perhaps become holy and worthy by themselves? As unworthy sinners, did they not receive it from the same God from whom I seek to receive it, as a poor, unworthy sinner? He who gave it to David has promised it also to me. He has commanded me to demand, seek, pray, and knock (Matt. 7:7). At His command and promise I kneel down, raise my eyes to heaven, and beg for comfort and help. Thereby He is honored as the true God, from whom I implore help and comfort, as a true God deserves. Thus He regards me as worthy, and He will prove Himself to be what He sees that I think He is, a true God. He will not place His divine honor and name in jeopardy for my sake. Of this I am sure. He who does not call on God or pray to Him in trouble certainly does not consider Him to be God. Nor does he give Him the divine honor which we as creatures owe Him. Much is said about this elsewhere.”26 So far Luther’s exposition.

24 See also Luther’s Works, 13, p. 7, note 6.

25 The Hebrew term is בַּמָּרְחָב.

26 Luther regularly explains the term “god” as a reference, not primarily to the sovereign power or majesty of the Almighty but to His love; see Luther’s Works, 13, p. 6, note 4.

Luther, M. (1999, c1958). Vol. 14: Luther’s works, vol. 14 : Selected Psalms III (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther’s Works (14:58). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.

“Hail, Thou Source of Every Blessing” by Basil Woodd, 1760-1831

1.Hail, Thou Source of every blessing,
Sovereign Father of mankind!
Gentiles now, Thy grace possessing,
In Thy courts admission find.
Grateful now we fall before Thee,
In Thy Church obtain a place,
Now by faith behold Thy glory,
Praise Thy truth, adore Thy grace.

2. Once far off, but now invited,
We approach Thy sacred throne;
In Thy covenant united,
Reconciled, redeemed, made one.
Now revealed to Eastern sages,
See the Star of Mercy shine;
Mystery hid in former ages,
Mystery great of love divine.

3. Hail, Thou all-inviting Savior!
Gentiles now their offerings bring;
In Thy temples seek Thy favor,
Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
May we, body, soul, and spirit,
Live devoted to Thy praise,
Glorious realms of bliss inherit,
Grateful anthems ever raise!

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #129  Text: Matt. 2:11
Author: Basil Woodd, c. 1810
Tune: “O Durchbrecher“

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 5th January 2015

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

our fatherI will worship and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Psalm 138,2)

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6,9)

Dr Martin Luther writes in the Small Catechism: “What is this? Answer: It is true that God’s name is holy in itself, but we ask in this prayer that it may also become holy in and among us. How does this come about? Answer: Whenever the Word of God is taught clearly and purely and we, as God’s children, also live holy lives according to it. To this end help us, dear Father in heaven! However, whoever teaches and lives otherwise than the Word of God teaches profanes the name of God among us. Preserve us from this, heavenly Father!”

In the Large Catechism Luther continues: “This is rather obscure and not in idiomatic German. In our mother tongue we would say, “Heavenly Father, grant that your name alone may be holy.” But what is it to pray that his name may become holy? Is it not already holy? Answer: Yes, in its essence it is always holy, but our use of it is not holy. God’s name was given to us when we became Christians and were baptized, and so we are called children of God and have the sacraments, through which he incorporates us into himself with the result that everything that is God’s must serve for our use.

Thus it is a matter of grave necessity, about which we should be most concerned that God’s name receive due honor and be kept holy and sacred as the greatest treasure and most sacred thing that we have, and that, as good children, we pray that his name, which is in any case holy in heaven, may also be holy and be kept holy on earth in our midst and in all the world.

How does it become holy among us? The plainest answer that can be given is: when both our teaching and our life are godly and Christian. Because in this prayer we call God our Father, it is our duty in every way to behave as good children so that he may receive from us not shame but honor and praise.

Now, the name of God is profaned by us either in words or deeds. (For everything we do on earth may be classified as word or deed, speech or act.) In the first place, then, it is profaned when people preach, teach, and speak in the name of God anything that is false and deceptive, using his name to dress up their lies and make them acceptable; this is the worst desecration and dishonor of the divine name. Likewise, when people grossly misuse the divine name as a cover for their shame, by swearing, cursing, conjuring, etc. In the next place, it is also profaned by an openly evil life and wicked works, when those who are called Christians and God’s people are adulterers, drunkards, gluttons, jealous persons, and slanderers. Here again God’s name is necessarily being profaned and blasphemed because of us.

Just as it is a shame and a disgrace to an earthly father to have a bad, unruly child who antagonizes him in word and deed, with the result that on his account the father ends up suffering scorn and reproach, so God is dishonored if we who are called by his name and enjoy his manifold blessings fail to teach, speak, and live as upright and heavenly children, with the result that he must hear us called not children of God but children of the devil.

So you see that in this petition we pray for exactly the same thing that God demands in the Second Commandment: that his name should not be taken in vain by swearing, cursing, deceiving, etc., but used rightly to the praise and glory of God. Whoever uses God’s name for any sort of wrong profanes and desecrates this holy name, as in the past a church was said to be desecrated when a murder or other crime had been committed in it, or when a monstrance170 or relic was profaned, thus rendering unholy by misuse that which is holy in itself. This petition, then, is simple and clear if we only understand the language, namely, that to “hallow” means the same as in our idiom “to praise, extol, and honor” both in word and deed.

See, then, what a great need there is for this kind of prayer! Because we see that the world is full of sects and false teachers, all of whom wear the holy name as a cloak and warrant for their devilish doctrine, we ought constantly to shout and cry out against all who preach and believe falsely and against those who want to attack, persecute, and suppress our gospel and pure doctrine, as the bishops, tyrants, fanatics, and others do. Likewise, this petition is for ourselves who have the Word of God but are ungrateful for it and fail to live according to it as we ought. If you ask for such things from your heart, you can be sure that God is pleased. For there is nothing that he would rather hear than to have his glory and praise exalted above everything else and his Word taught in its purity, cherished and treasured.” (Quoted from Kolb & Wengert (2000). The Book of Concord : The confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Pg. 445).

Thy name be hallowed. Help us, Lord,
In purity to keep Thy Word,
That to the glory of thy name
We walk before Thee free from blame.
Let no false doctrine us pervert;
All poor, deluded souls convert.

Hymn 458  The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Matt. 6:9 ff.
Author: Martin Luther titled: “Vater unser im Himmelreich”

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Herrenhuter readings for Sunday, the 4th January 2015

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

DSC_0029But I will punish you
according to the fruit of your doings, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 21:14

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6,12

This has been written, lest it shall be forgotten, what is so easy to forget, namely that our doings, our works and actions, but also what we have left undone, is measured and weighed by the Lord God, our Judge and evaluator. We have to live up to his standards and meet his expectations. That’s our responsibility.

Through the ages mankind has realized, that this is too much for us. Even in our best lives, our doings are just not up to scratch. We fail. We leave good undone. We don’t make the grade. That’s rather hard to swallow for those, who really try and even seem to succeed in their surroundings and compared with others. That’s what Jesus stories of the Pharisee and tax collector praying in the temple is all about. Its not so easy to grasp, that we’re not just to be better than the tax collector, but should measure up to God’s standards of holiness, righteousness and sanctity. We’ve got not alternative, but to cry out in desperation: “Lord – have mercy on us – on me!” Luther’s testament “We are beggars. That’s true!” is not merely a bonmont, but the truth and hits the nail on the head. We have nothing to show for all the goodness and mercy the Lord has showered upon us all of our lives. To us so much has been given and thus all the more will be demanded and required. There’s no way of slipping through on this one. God is a righteous God, who judges each one fairly and does not show favouritism. God, almighty, omniscient and vigilant upholds his divine law and we’re to answer for it.

Thankfully that’s just one side of the coin. Our Lord and God has had mercy on us and granted us an outcome through his only begotten Son Jesus Christ. He is the one, who took on our being to fulfil God’s requirements of holiness and godly living in our troubled world and amongst us imperfect beings and our mix-up circumstances. He did so perfectly. He obeyed God’s will to the last letter and minutest detail until he finally breathed his last on the cross on Golgotha. He even bore our burdens of sins and iniquities and those of the whole world. He bore it all so that we would have peace. He paid our debt and came up with the ransom to set us free. He fulfilled the law vicariously – in our stead – for and instead of us – so that we would be counted righteous because of him. His perfection is awarded to us – because of his grace and favour. We are released. Forgiven and at peace +

That’s why we’re no longer caught up in the struggle to stand up for ourselves, but are free to forgive even those, who sin against us. Not just in our families, but in general. We are free from retaliation, free from the need to fight for our own retribution and justification. We are free to bless those, who curse us and free to pray for those, who persecute us. Free to bear the burdens of others – without demanding rewards, but rather because heaven and earth already are ours, we’re heirs of heaven, sons and daughters of the heavenly Father, eternal bliss and salvation in the presence of God and all his angels and saints. We’re not short changed, we’re not discriminated one bit – we’re forgiven, we’re reborn and new creations – we’ve got life and salvation for free although we deserved to be punished, written off and damned forever. Our God has not only made us and blessed us immensely and richly, but he has also forgiven and saved us. Nothing can separate us from his love, grace and favour. We’re free from the obligation to justify ourselves. We’re free from the obligation to prove ourselves before others and we’re free to confess that we’re alive solely because of the goodness and kindness of our God. He’s our all and everything. To him be all glory now and forever. Amen.

“Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice” by Martin Luther, 1483-1546

1. Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice,
With exultation springing,
And, with united heart and voice
And holy rapture singing,
Proclaim the wonders God hath done,
How His right arm the victory won;
Right dearly it hath cost Him.

2. Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay,
Death brooded darkly o’er me,
Sin was my torment night and day,
In sin my mother bore me;
Yea, deep and deeper still I fell,
Life had become a living hell,
So firmly sin possessed me.

3. My own good works availed me naught,
No merit they attaining;
Free will against God’s judgment fought,
Dead to all good remaining.
My fears increased till sheer despair
Left naught but death to be my share;
The pangs of hell I suffered.

4. But God beheld my wretched state
Before the world’s foundation,
And, mindful of His mercies great,
He planned my soul’s salvation.
A father’s heart He turned to me,
Sought my redemption fervently:
He gave His dearest Treasure.

5. He spoke to His beloved Son:
‘Tis time to have compassion.
Then go, bright Jewel of My crown,
And bring to man salvation;
From sin and sorrow set him free,
Slay bitter death for him that he
May live with Thee forever.

6. This Son obeyed His Father’s will,
Was born of virgin mother,
And God’s good pleasure to fulfill,
He came to be my Brother.
No garb of pomp or power He wore,
A servant’s form, like mine, He bore,
To lead the devil captive.

7.To me He spake: Hold fast to Me,
I am thy Rock and Castle;
Thy Ransom I Myself will be,
For thee I strive and wrestle;
For I am with thee, I am thine,
And evermore thou shalt be Mine;
The Foe shall not divide us.

8. The Foe shall shed My precious blood,
Me of My life bereaving.
All this I suffer for thy good;
Be steadfast and believing.
Life shall from death the victory win,
My innocence shall bear thy sin;
So art thou blest forever.

9. Now to My Father I depart,
The Holy Spirit sending
And, heavenly wisdom to impart,
My help to thee extending.
He shall in trouble comfort thee,
Teach thee to know and follow Me,
And in all truth shall guide thee.

10. What I have done and taught, teach thou,
My ways forsake thou never;
So shall My kingdom flourish now
And God be praised forever.
Take heed lest men with base alloy
The heavenly treasure should destroy;
This counsel I bequeath thee.

Hymn 387  The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Rom. 3: 28
Author: Martin Luther, 1523 Translated by: Richard Massie, 1854, alt.
Titled: “Nun freut euch, liebe Christen g’mein”

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Lutheran Order of service for the Holiday Epiphany

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

adoration of Magi EthiopianThe Lutheran Order of Service for the high Holiday of Epiphany (6th January) is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from St.Matthew’s gospel chapter 2 verse 1-12 written by late Bishop Georg Schulz DD (Enhlanhleni, KZN) in  isiZulu (wz1508150104 umkhosi wePhifaniya) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1508150104 Moletlo wa Epifania) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for Epiphany are:

  • Old Testament:       Isaiah 60:1-6
  • The Epistle:            Ephesians 3:2-3a.5-6
  • The Gospel:            St. Matthew 2:1-12
  • Psalm:                    100:1-5

The liturgical colour is white.

May you have a very blessed holiday under the watchword for this festive season: The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. (1Jo 2:8 KJV)

A collect for this Holiday: O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest Thy only-begotten Son to the nations: Grant that we who know Thee now by faith may after this life attain to the glorious vision of Thy Godhead; through the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Lutheran Hymnal of LC in Australia 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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Lutheran Order of service for New Year: Holiday of Circumcision

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

(c) York Museums Trust; Supplied by The Public Catalogue FoundationThe Lutheran Order of Service for the Holiday of Circumcision and naming of our Lord Jesus Christ is available here in English, isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from St.Luke’s gospel chapter 2 verse 21 written by Bishop Weber (Murrayfield, GP) in English (2015 January 1 Circumcision of our Lord)  and translated as usual into isiZulu (wz1507150101 usuku lokuqala lomnyaka) and seTswana (wt1507150101 Letsatsi la 1 la ngwaga o mo_wa) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for this 1st January 2015 are:

  • Old Testament:       Genesis 17:1-8
  • The Epistle:            Galatians 3:26-29
  • The Gospel:            Luke 2:21
  • Psalm:                    8:2a.5-7

The liturgical colour is white.

May you have a very blessed year 2015 under the watchword for this year: Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. (Rom 15:7 KJV)

A collect for this Holiday: O Lord God, who for our sakes hast made Thy blessed Son, our Saviour, subject to the law, and caused him to endure the circumcision of the flesh: Grant us the true circumcision of the spirit, that our hearts may be pure from all sinful desires and lusts; through the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Lutheran Hymnal of LC in Australia Pg. 66)

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 Saturday, the 3rd January 2015

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

nativity of IX in ruinsIncline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. (Psalm 119,36)

And Jesus Christ said unto his disciples: “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Lukas 12,15)

The satirist Wilhelm Busch ventured: “A fulfilled desire immediately bears a new one!” It’s like a neverending story. You just can’t get enough. Yet you recall the bonmont: “You can’t have everything, because where would you put it?” Our Lord Jesus Christ states the fact, that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possess. It does not even determine the value of his life. That’s why we learn all our lives to be content, with what we have and even consciously strive to downscale and to realize that less could be more. It is one of the necessary requirements of growing older and ready to face our saviour and final judge. For we’ll take nothing with us in our graves and if we would, it would be in vain and for nothing and serve no purpose at all. Yet this is easier said than done, because we grow attached to things of this world. We not only use them as good creations and gifts of our God, but we grow dependant on them, trusting and even loving them too. Worse than this is that we often covet those things, which we don’t have and which belong to others. We imagine that we would be better off with those and if we’d have but that, then this or that would work out better. Something like Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov in Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”. He sincerely believes that he’s born for something higher and that if only he had the means of the scrupulous pawnbroker Alyona Ivanovna. He assures himself, that with the new means, he could compensate the crime, committing virtues deeds to offset the obvious misdeed. The positive goal of doing good with the money supposedly justifies the crime. This obviously is nowhere near the truth as Raskolnikov realizes in hindsight as he under the positive influence of Sonia attempts to find redemption in confession and penal servitude to which he is condemned in exile to far-off Siberia.

Living in a time of extreme disparities and where the gap between rich and poor is constantly widening, our Lord’s admonition concerning property, wealth and earthly riches remains relevant and challenging. He does not teach complacency and laissez faire, but wants us to deal responsibly with our gifts and talents – not attaching our hearts to them, not desiring what belongs to our neighbour, not letting our heart be inclined to ccovetousness Rather we should strive to do good, using the things of this world to promote good and to help those, who need it most and can’t help themselves. Our Lord wants us to be wise and prudent stewards of his good creation and to opt wisely and faithfully with the many possibilities and options he has set before us. That is never boring, but rather a challenging lifestyle for we are never perfect and always up for improvement. Thankfully we, who are not saved by many things are not saved by works or merits either. We should not believe, that doing what others are called to do, we could save or redeem ourselves. Rather we should realize, that God has made us unique and called us to a very unique and special life too. In that we are to commit ourselves entirely to his saving grace and mercy, thanking and praising him for all he has given us and for his preservation and guidance in our daily lives, bringing us finally to his goal and our ultimate destination to abide with him in joy, happiness and eternal peace.

Instead of coveting, what is not ours, we should strive to remain faithful in our Lord’s testimonies. Listening, learning and abiding faithfully in his Holy Word, which is the source, means and way of all wisdom, good living and faithful trust and hopeful confidence. Living like Adam and Eve in the paradisical garden, enjoying God’s good gifts and means to a joyful and fulfilled life, but staying away from those things, which he has forbidden and kept out of our possession – for our own good, safekeeping and peace. Yet as we have with Adam and Eve fallen into serious and manifold temptations, committed this and that crime against God’s most holy will, we are to live repentant lives too – confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness consistently through the working of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, grateful for the gracious and effective working of the Holy Spirit, who draws and inclines our hearts, minds and lives to cling to Jesus  Christ alone, opening us up for his promises and confirming our trust in him alone. The Holy Spirit inclines, bends and focusses us towards, to and on Jesus Christ as the world around the sun. He alone is our life, our joy and our salvation now and forever. Amen.

“We Sing, Immanuel, Thy Praise” by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

1. We sing, Immanuel, Thy praise,
Thou Prince of Life and Fount of grace,
Thou Flower of heaven and Star of morn,
Thou Lord of lords, Thou Virgin-born.
Hallelujah!

2. For Thee, since first the world was made,
So many haearts have watched and prayed;
The patriarchs’ and prophets’ throng
For Thee have hoped and waited long.
Hallelujah!

3. Now art Thou here, Thou Ever-blest!
In lowly manger dost Thou rest.
Thou, making all things great, art small;
So poor art Thou, yet clothest all.
Hallelujah!

4. From Thee above all gladness flows,
Yet Thou must bear such bitter woes;
The Gentiles’ Light and Hope Thou art,
Yet findest none to soothe Thine heart.
Hallelujah!

5. But I, Thy servant, Lord, today
Confess my love and freely say,
I love Thee truly, but I would
That I might love Thee as I should.
Hallelujah!

6. I have the will, the poser is weak;
Yet, Lord, my humble offering take
And graciously the love receive
Which my poor heart to Thee can give.
Hallelujah!

7. Had I no load of sin to bear,
Thy grace, O Lord, I could not share;
In vain hadst Thou been born for me
If from God’s wrath I had been free.
Hallelujah!

8. Thus will I sing Thy praises here
With joyful spirit year by year;
And when we reckon years no more,
May I in heaven Thy name adore!
Hallelujah!

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #108  Text: Matt. 1:23
Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1653 Titled: Wir singen dir, Immanuel Composer: Nikolaus Herman, 1560 Tune: Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag… 

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Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 2nd January 2015

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

begging handsYou are O LORD our God. Therefore we will wait upon thee. (Jer 14:22-15:1 KJV) Through our Lord Jesus Christ we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Rom 5:1-2 KJV)

In God we trust. That is why we wait for him. Because he is, who he is, and because he has told us of the things to come, therefore we look forward to them happening, him coming and us seeing, what we have already believed on account of his promises.

Jesus Christ himself is the fulfilment of God’s promises of old. All that he said to our forebears, the patriarchs, the ancient people of Israel, the prophets and kings of old – he has made that true through his only begotten Son – the Messiah – the long-awaited, the promised one, the first born of the blessed Virgin Mary, eventually born in Bethlehem, revealed to sages from the East, proclaimed by St.John the Baptist as the one, who was to come and save Israel and the world. In him, who appeared in public to fulfil his godly mission, did so in faithful obedience to his heavenly Father and all for us and our salvation. He called the lost of Israel, returned the forgotten sons and daughters of Abraham, but also those from Samaria and all those beyond the exclusive borders of Israel – yes, even us gentiles from the ends of the world – by grace to behold his glory as the only begotten Son of the Father – full of grace, peace and mercy. He called us to trust, that we do are heirs of his kingdom, because he holds open the door, invites us in and makes us partakers of the divine promises from of old.

He has done so – not because of what we did or were, but rather because of his infinite goodness, love and kindness, which is new every morning and holds true in eternity. That is why we, who are baptised into his family and united with him in a most profound and lasting way, live in confident assurance awaiting his coming in glory and his final completion of all that, which is still left outstanding. This is just a matter of time. It won’t be long any more and although we know, that with him a thousand years are but as the day that went by yesterday and but one night watch and even if we know, he will come suddenly and surprisingly like a thief in the night, still we are attentive and alert to his possible arrival any time soon. For if we are dead or alive – none of us will miss out his 2nd coming in glory. He is not going to forget anybody, but we will all appear before his mighty judgement throne and see at last, what we have believed long ago already, because he has assured us of it and promised that he will do so. He, who has promised this is faithful, he will surely do it in his good time and to our eternal benefit and final salvation. Amen.

Just as I Am, Without One Plea
By: Charlotte Elliott

Just as I am, without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just a I am; thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be thine, yea, thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Hymn # 359 from Lutheran Worship
Author: William B. Bradbury
Tune: Woodworth
1st Published in: 1836

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Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 1st January 2015

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

zion-2013-sunset-shadowsThese forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing. (5.Mose – Deuteronomy – 2,7) Be ye thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

What a lovely day this first day of 2015! After the raucous night all is calmed down and restful. What a good year 2014 was – and all those years before. In the bible verse for this morning from Dt.2,7 Moses points God’s people to the past years transversing the desert and highlights the fact, that they have lacked nothing. Isn’t that amazing? We’re living in the most beautiful part of the world, with the best climate of all and the most friendly and fascinating people-mix with plenty to do and lots to keep us well occupied – no enemies, no desert stretches, no scorpions or snakes to talk of. How much more than Moses and the Israelites, should we not repeat it every day: God has been with us. We have lacked nothing! And not just forty, but already fifty and more years. Oh – God is good and just so amazing. He achieves great things, while we are sleeping and saves us, whilst we are in despair.

God has given us so much reason to be thankful. He has already brought us to the promised land, where he leads us as the Good Shepherd on green pastures and to quite waters by. He has filled our cup to more than overflowing with goodness, mercy, peace and favour. He has laid out our table with good things – bread of life and the cup of salvation + He speaks friendly with Jerusalem, with Wittenberg and Pretoria + anoints our head with oil, baptismal waters, regenerative and invigorating powers of his Holy Spirit – even in the sight of those, who would put us down and see us put out. But God is with us – Immanuel – Jesus Christ has become our brother and we’re never alone. Rather full of understanding and compassion, gracious and so kindly he comforts, strengthens and accompanies us, so that we need not fear. Rather we can be confident and at peace, for he takes good care of us – every day of our lives – speaking to us words of love, hope and loads of peace. That’s why by his grace and mercy we’ll stay in his godly presence now and always, confessing with Luther’s translation of the Psalmist: If I have but you, I ask not for heaven or earth! (Psalm 73:25)

This trust and confidence in the one, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, the one, who has taken good care of his people even when transversing the inhospitable desert for the best part of their lives so that they were compelled to confess: We lacked nothing at all! lets us look forward with confidence, yes, even with great expectations and joy, for if the Lord is with us, who and what could be against us? What or who could harm us? The Lord is with us and lets all and everything serve us to the very best and most beneficial. Those are really quite exiting prospects. The Lord is with us and will never let us fall out of his hands. He is greater and better and more friendly than anything or anyone. Nothing can severe us from him. That’s our ticket to ride and be grateful. We’re blessed without end – now and forever – because he has forgiven us our iniquities, healed our diseases and has brought us into his most delightful and gracious presence, that we can lift up our heads and be glad, rejoicing and praising our Lord, who is good without end.

1 God loves me dearly,
Grants me salvation,
God loves me dearly,
Loves even me.

Refrain:
Therefore I’ll say again:
God loves me dearly,
God loves me dearly,
Loves even me.

2 I was in slav’ry,
Sin, death, and darkness;
God’s love was working
To make me free. [Refrain]

3 He sent forth Jesus,
My dear Redeemer,
He sent forth Jesus
And set me free. [Refrain]

4 Jesus, my Savior,
Himself did offer;
Jesus, my Savior,
Paid all I owed. [Refrain]

5 Now I will praise You,
O love Eternal;
Now I will praise You
All my life long. [Refrain]

Nicolaus Herman c. 1480-1561 tr F. Samuel Janzow 1913-2001 and August Crull 1845-1923

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Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 31st December 2014

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

1024px-Kölner_Maler_um_1330_001And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them. (Ezekiel 34,23) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13,20-21)

Since the earliest days, God’s people thought highly of shepherds and the calling to take good care of their herds be that camels, cattle, sheep or goats. Abel was one of these and although he was brutally murdered by his very own brother, we remember him as one, whom the Lord himself was well pleased with. The patriarchs, Joseph and his brothers, Moses himself and the great king David were shepherds in the literal sense of the word and even the prophet Amos calls himself “herdsman” (Amos 7:14). Yes, these positive connections made it easy for the people of God to even identify their rulers and leaders in the spiritual and civic realms – their kings, prophets and priests – with shepherds. God himself was their good shepherd, who took good care of them always (cf. Psalm 23).

However in the course of time it became clear that people in high office were disappointing. Most – if not all – failed in their high calling. Leaving God’s people rather disgruntled and disillusioned with their government and overall leadership. Yes, God himself is disgusted with the corrupt and self-serving leaders and lets his prophet Ezekiel proclaim his overall disqualification of the shepherds of his people – his very own flock and herd – his one holy Christian Church. They exploit the people instead of feeding and caring for them. The sheep look haggard, wounded and in desperate poor shape whereas the self-appointed and conceited shepherds are overweight, decorated with all sorts of finery and generally well pleased with themselves.

Another aspect was that by the time of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, shepherds were held to be very much outside the godly fold of righteous people and holy congregation of saints. The reason for this, was that going about their calling of tending the sheep day and night prevented them from adhering to the many laws, prescriptions, rules and regulations set down by the devout, pious and law-abiding citizens of Israel. They couldn’t follow the set times of prayer, offerings and sacrifice. They were busy with dirty work outside and way beyond the boundaries of the holy city of God.

It is remarkable that God himself does not just disqualify the so-called shepherds and bad rulers of his people, but he promises to send a proper  & good shepherd instead, who will do what is right in God’s eyes, tending God’s people and caring for them with grace, peace and mercy: a good shepherd, who’ll be good for the sheep, feed and care well for them, leading them to green pastures and quite waters, protecting and comforting them with his rod and staff, deterring wolves and other dangerous beasts. The sheep know his voice, they follow him and he leads them appropriately – right, meet and salutary.  In the end he even lays down his life for them.  It’s the one, Israel waited for over ages. So much – rather all and everything – depended on him and his coming and his good rule and care of God’s flock. With this promise of the good shepherd for Israel and the people and Church of God, he kept up their hope and confidence even though they were often tempted to despair and give up altogether.

This good Shepherd is Jesus Christ. He, who at his birth was put in a manger. He, who is well know as the proper Lord and God by even the lowliest creatures like ox and donkey – even though his own people disregard and reject him! – is visited firstly by those lowly shepherds, those hirelings, who were tending their employers flocks outside in the field. They visit him, because the angelic host invited them to do so. The heavenly bands announced the life-changing message to them, that the Good Shepherd of God’s own calling, installation and ordination was finally born – right there in Bethlehem. And the shepherds go and see all that the angel told them to find out that it was indeed so. All was just as he had proclaimed. And they too spread the word about little baby Jesus, who was born to save the world. He does the work of the good shepherd from beginning to end. Preaching the Word of God to those desperately in need of both law and gospel. Condemning the wrong ways and showing the right one clearly. Binding up wounds, healing hurts and injuries, feeding, protecting, nurturing and tending all along.

He is the great shepherd, who would do what it takes to redeem God’s people from sin, death and the devil. He would placate God’s wrath and grant everlasting peace and gracious favour through the very forgiveness of all our sins and by himself bearing our iniquities and burdens onto the cross, shedding his precious blood as everlasting covenant and overcoming the pangs of death and the darkness of grave and the terrors of hell.

And there on the cross he pulled all towards himself – the Jews and the gentiles, those near by, but also those far off – paving the way for all to the heavenly Father and eternal salvation for even the most desperate sinners. He prayed for his killers: Father forgive them, for they don’t know, what they are doing! He promised the guilty and convicted felon with heavenly authority: Today you will be with me in paradise!

This good shepherd again calls, installs and ordains shepherds (i.e. pastors) to help serve his people by preaching his Holy Word and administering his sacraments too – to create saving faith where and when it pleases God. Pastors, who are not self-serving, but tend God’s people – just like our Lord Jesus Christ admonished his apostle St.Peter: If you love me, tend my sheep/take care of my lambs. According to his holy will, grace and pastoral care, you pastors are to be made “perfect in every good work to do his will, for he works in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.” Amen.

Prayer for our pastors: “Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give commandment to the apostles that they should go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature: grant to us whom thous hast called into thy church a ready will to obey thy Word, and fill us with a hearty desire to make thy way known upon earth, thy saving health amongst all nations. Look with compassion upon the multitudes that are scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd. O heavenly Father, Lord of the harvest, have respect, we beseech thee, to our prayers, and send forth labourers into thy harvest. Fit and prepare them by thy grace for the work of the ministry/service; give them the Spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind; strengthen them to endure hardness and grant that thy Holy Spirit may prosper their work, and that by their life and doctrine they may show forth thy glory, and set forward the salvation of all men; through Jesus Christ, our Lord – the good Shepherd – Amen.” (Dobberstein 15)

“All My Heart This Night Rejoices” by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

1. All my heart this night rejoices
As I hear Far and near
Sweetest angel voices.
“Christ is born,” their choirs are singing
Till the air Everywhere
Now with joy is ringing.

2. Forth today the Conqueror goeth,
Who the foe, Sin and woe,
Death and hell, o’erthroweth.
God is man, man to deliver;
His dear Son Now is one
With our blood forever.

3. Shall we still dread God’s displeasure,
Who, to save, Freely gave
His most cherished Treasure?
To redeem us, He hath given
His own Son From the throne
Of His might in heaven.

4. Should He who Himself imparted
Aught withhold From the fold,
Leave us broken-hearted?
Should the Son of God not love us,
Who, to cheer Sufferers here,
Left His throne above us?

5. If our blessed Lord and Maker
Hated men, Would He then
Be of flesh partaker?
If He in our woe delighted,
Would He bear All the care
Of our race benighted?

6. He becomes the Lamb that taketh
Sin away And for aye
Full atonement maketh.
For our life His own He tenders
And our race, By His grace,
Meet for glory renders.

7. Hark! a voice from yonder manger,
Soft and sweet, Doth entreat:
“Flee from woe and danger.
Brethren, from all ills that grieve you
You are feed; All you need
I will surely give you.”

8. Come, then, banish all your sadness,
One and all, Great and small;
Come with songs of gladness.
Love Him who with love is glowing;
Hail the Star, Near and far
Light and joy bestowing.

9. Ye whose anguish knew no measure,
Weep no more; See the door
To celestial pleasure.
Cling to Him, for He will guide you
Where no cross, Pain, or loss
Can again betide you.

10. Hither come, ye heavy-hearted,
Who for sin, Deep within,
Long and sore have smarted;
For the poisoned wound you’re feeling
Help is near, One is here
Mighty for their healing.

11. Hither come, ye poor and wretched;
Know His will Is to fill
Every hand outstretched.
Here are riches without measure;
Here forget All regret,
Fill your hearts with treasure.

12. Let me in my arms receive Thee;
On Thy breast Let me rest,
Savior, ne’er to leave Thee.
Since Thou hast Thyself presented
Now to me, I shall be
Evermore contented.

13. Guilt no longer can distress me;
Son of God, Thou my load
Bearest to release me.
Stain in me Thou findest never;
I am clean, All my sin
Is removed forever.

14. I am pure, in Thee believing,
From Thy store Evermore
Righteous robes receiving
In my heart I will enfold Thee,
Treasure rare, Let me there,
Loving, ever hold Thee.

15. Dearest Lord, Thee will I cherish.
Though my breath Fail in death,
Yet I shall not perish,
But with Thee abide forever
There on high, In that joy
Which can vanish never.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn # 77 Text: Luke 2:11
Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1653 Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1858, alt.
Titled: “Froehlich soll mein Herze springen” Composer: Johann Crueger, 1653
Tune: “Froehlich soll mein Herze”

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 30th December 2014

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

adoration of the magiAnd the children of Israel said unto the Lord: “We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.” (Judges 10:15)  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. (Titus 3,4-5) 

Finally it’s all God’s doing and in the end there really is no other refugee to be sought, than the living God himself. That’s what the children of Israel knew then and they have taught us this lesson well. Even if it’s the living God, who has inflicted severe punishment onto his people, hurting, wounding and maiming deliberately, then he’s still the only hope for salvation, healing, recovery and reinstitution into his decisive, vital and crucial favour. It is he alone, who can deliver from all evil, from the final judgement and from sin, death and the devil. Just as the great suffering prophet Hosea admonishes us in the name of the triune God: “Come, and let us return unto the Lord:for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.” (6:1)

Just like Israel we are but poor, miserable sinners and so hard of hearing and so callous in our ways, that we first have to land up all stuck in the mud, hopelessly bogged down and unable to move this or that way in the mother of all cul-de-sacs, before it dawns to us, that we’re unable to help ourselves, that we are not as self-sufficient as we thought we were and that we’re not as in control as we’d like to be. Something like Saul on the way to Damascus, Augustine at his wits end, Luther all caught up in the storm of his life. The endless list could be amended at will. Decisive however is that in this desperate situation, where there’s no way out whatsoever. that’s when God shows his unlimited potential and truly divine power to deliver, rescue and grant a new start. Every single conversion is a miracle and wonder of this kind, because none of us can “by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, or even come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel, enlightened us with His gifts, sanctified and kept us in the true faith.”  (Martin Luther’s Small Catechism 2nd main part “The Creed” 3rd Article).

See, our Lord and God does that work of salvation, redemption, delivery and liberation, before we are ready or have got our ducks all in a row. He gave his only begotten Son, while we were still his enemies, lost in our rebellious ways, far off in idolatry and pagan ways – worshipping horses, stars and all sorts of creatures and man-made-effigies. Not even knowing the true God and creator of all, but rather lost in our own small world, which didn’t dwell much on faithful theology and didn’t bother too much about God’s truth and positive revelation either.

Since Christmas there in Bethlehem, when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared to those shepherds in the fields and called those wise men from the East to witness the incarnation of his divine self lying in the manger and at the breast of the blessed virgin – Mary, the true mother of God, he has not ceased to bring to light this divine truth and saving gospel, which was proclaimed since the earliest days right from the beginning after Adam and Eve lost paradise. The living God has let his kindness and love shine over sinful mankind, drawing them always closer and closer to himself, always in the process of delivering us from all evil and leading us to our true destination in his delightful and blessed presence.

This our salvation and gracious delivery from all sin and evil is not our accomplishment. Rather it’s only due to his mercy and kindness. It’s not our due and not a result of our endeavours or inputs, but rather his work of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. This he does through the wonderful and miraculous washing of Holy Baptism. That’s were we are reborn, made new creations, starting off the new life in Christ – that it’s no longer us living, but Christ in us. Our old sinful selfs is doomed to die, but Jesus Christ lives in us for ever and ever. There in Baptism the Holy Spirit was poured over us in richest measure, granting us the new cloths of Christ’s righteousness, covering up all our iniquities and healing all our diseases. Since then our daily life as Christians is nothing more than the continuous return and re-submersion into this divine flood of grace and saving font of life. The old Adam in us dies again and again, whereas we are raised up together with the true Lord and Deliverer Jesus Christ to live new lives in his righteousness and purity forever. Confession and Absolution is nothing else than living in the power of Holy Baptism. Therefore if we live in these, we live as Christians and can go our way joyfully and gratefully every day of our lives. Amen.

O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is
My paradise at which my soul reclineth.
For there, O Lord, Doth lie the Word Made flesh for us;
here-in Thy grace forth shineth.

He whom the sea And wind obey
Doth come to serve the sinner in great meekness.
Thou God’s own Son, With us are one,
Dost join us and sour children in our weakness.

Thy light and grace Our guilt efface,
Thy heavenly riches all our loss retrieving.
Immanuel, Thy birth doth quell
The power of hell and Satan’s bold deceiving.

Thou Christian heart, Who ever thou art,
Be of good cheer and let no sorrow move thee!
For God’s own Child, In mercy mild,
Joins thee to Him; how greatly God must love thee!

Remember thou What glory now
The Lord prepared thee for all earthly sadness.
The angel host Can never boast
Of greater glory, greater bliss or gladness.

The world may hold Her wealth and gold;
But thou, my heart, keep Christ as thy true treasure.
To Him hold fast Unitl at last
A crown be thine and honor in full measure.

Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76

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