Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 24th November 2014

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

BambergApocalypseFolio031vDragonPursuingWomanInWildernessI know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. (Ecclesiastes 3:14 KJV) and St. John writes: And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (Revelation 14:6 KJV)

That’s one of God’s fundamental attributes: Eternity. It’s a characteristic of the divine creator. It’s way beyond our human comprehension really, because it remains out of reach for our logic, which is bound by the categories of space and time. Yet the triune God himself is not limited by our knowledge and perception. Instead he has formed and made us this way, that we should be subject to these rational boundaries beyond which he is and was and will be – one God now and forever.

Now God has also revealed that eternity is not just his own essence, but rather that he grants this to his works too. That was one of Luther’s groundbreaking insights, that he realised that the righteous God is not just righteous for himself, but rather that he is righteous because he pronounces, declares, makes and gives righteousness to – when and where it pleases him. It would seem that this passage from Ecclesiastes underlines this reformational discovery. God is not just eternal, but grants and gifts eternity to whom he likes when and where he prefers – even to us, whose lives would otherwise just be short, limited and vain toil all along.

This mind boggling attribute of eternity makes up the divine gospel too. The gospel that our Lord and God, who has created all that is visible and invisible out of pure fatherly goodness and mercy, who has redeemed his people through the vicarious sacrifice of his only begotten son Jesus Christ, our Lord there on Golgotha and still sanctifies his holy Christian Church through daily forgiving all sins of his people richly and freely, is truly an everlasting gospel too. It held true for Adam and Eve, whom he did not punish with death as they had rightly deserved, but kept and preserved them even through the expulsion from paradise by his grace and mercy, that they could live and see the first of that long line of descendants born from whom he would eventually bring for the one, who would crush the head of the serpent and restore forgiveness, life and salvation. It held true for the faithful saints in the temple Simeon and Hanna, who were waiting for the redemption of Israel and beheld the promised one, when he was brought to the temple to start fulfilling all the righteousness required of him for us and our salvation. It holds true for that large cloud of witnesses, who were not put off by the temporal persecution, discrimination and suffering they underwent, but put all their trust in him, who had called, elected and predestined them before the beginning of time to finally be with him in the eternal dwellings of his father in heaven. It holds true for all people, the people from up north, from down south, from east and west no matter what language they speak and think in. There is no discrimination of race, heritage, statues, works or merits. The gospel is free for all – thanks to the exuberant grace and goodness of our God.

That eternal gospel is preached throughout the world towards its very ends and outposts, its corners and hidden parts and it is the very gospel that will serve as criteria and faithful standard at the end of days. That is why we don’t give up, but rather persevere. We know, trust and believe that our Lord is gracious to us, forgiving all our sins for Christ’s sake and thus opening up heaven and paradise for us – even though we ourselves lost it over and over again. We do not deserve this free gift, but rather have earned eternal condemnation. Yet God does not deal with us according to our sins and iniquities, but according to his grace and mercy. That is why nobody will stand ashamed, who trust in God and puts his faith in him. He is faithful, he will surely do the work of salvation – now and forever. To him be praise and thanks now and forever more. Amen.

Lord heavenly Father, we give thanks and praise to you for being so merciful and gracious to us sinful people. We laud and magnify your name, because you are like this and you act accordingly not just once off, but continuously, consistently and absolutely trustworthily. This your eternal faithfulness is the foundation of our hope, trust and faith. You have assured us of our salvation and we are confident, that you will see this through even though heaven and earth pass away, our strengths and assets disappear and we ourselves die and pass on. We know, that nothing can separate us from you – our Lord and God in life and death, always, eternally. We pray that you would strengthen our weak faith daily and that you would let your eternal gospel be carried out into all the world and its many people by angels, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, bishop and pastors so that many more will come to the knowledge of truth and to eternal salvation, which is only in your son Jesus Christ – our Lord and God. Amen.

God loved the world so that He gave
His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in Him believe
Should everlasting life receive.

Christ Jesus is the Ground of faith,
Who was made flesh and suffered death;
All that confide in Him alone
Are built on this chief Cornerstone.

God would not have the sinner die,
His Son with saving grace is nigh,
His Spirit in the Word doth teach
How man the blessèd goal may reach.

Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son
Forgives all sins which thou hast done,
And, justified by Jesus’ blood,
Thy baptism grants the highest good.

If thou be sick, if death draw near
This truth thy troubled heart can cheer:
Christ Jesus saves my soul from death;
That is the firmest ground of faith.

Glory to God the Father, Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To Thee, O blessèd Trinity,
Be praise now and eternally!

LSB 571 from Stettin 1778 translated by August Crull 1845-1923

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sol t plaatje

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

semper's avatarbooks touched by Africa

The Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Anthology Vol IVHe came from the very south of the continent. He wrote about his life in the nineteenth century, about Mafeking. He made a name for himself. And others attached his name to a poetry anthology. His name is Sol T. Plaatje.
This month a new volume is published.

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Herrenhuter readings for Sunday, the 23rd November 2014

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

virginsWherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. (2.Samuel 7:22 KJV) and Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour proclaims: Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:17-18 KJV)

Today is the Lord’s day. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. For we know, that it is he, that saves and preserves us all the days of our life. It is he, who we have not seen, but have heard so much about, that we trust, confide and hope in him alone – loving and fearing him more than anything and anyone else be it in heaven, on earth or underneath the earth under the sea.

Today is also the very last Sunday in the Church year. Germans call it “Sunday of the dead” (Totensonntag). Perhaps it would be fitting to translate it with Nürnbergers words: “Sunday of the living dead”. Others call it “Sunday of the blessed eternity” (Ewigkeitssonntag) or with Hopf “Holiday of the very last day” (Fest des Jüngsten Tages). Be that as it may, together with the entire Church on earth we remember that our Lord has promised to return in glory to judge the living and the dead. Then he will complete his wonderful work of salvation and let us see, what we have hereto believed on account of his holy Word.

This is a great comfort for us, because he is our friend and saviour, our loving brother and most caring Lord too. Nobody and nothing will stop him from finishing his good work in us and throughout the Church and the entire world/cosmos most perfectly and amazingly by the absolute power at his disposal. He uses this for our benefit, for our beatifcation and final sanctification that we will see him as he is and thus be fulfilled with blessedness and divine abundance of life.

We don’t see this yet. We are still troubled now by this and that. Yet our Lord admonishes us to not fear. He comforts us with the same words. We should remember that we are completely and utterly his. Nothing can seperate us from his goodness, mercy and kindness. In his wisdom and gracious foresight he controls all and everything in such a way that it will serve our best. That is why we are confident in all suffering, we don’t give up hope or dispair. We know, that our Lord is alive and well and is coming soon to fulfil his gracious promises.

Just like he died and is  now alive and evermore in the presence of the heavenly Father, so we too shall pass from this life into eternity – either by dying first or by being transformed miraculously by his intervention and doing. We will not be lost in space or time, but rather will be liberated from this categorical limitations and creaturly boundaries to be with him face to face in blessed eternity without end. That is why we are not afraid, but confidently look forward to seeing him soon.

We pray: “Come Lord Jesus and free us from all that still holds us back from perfect union with you. Strengthen our faith as long as we are still on our way and can’t see your glory yet. Grant us your Holy Spirit in richest measure through your holy Word that we will trust your gracious promises and live faithfully all the days of our life in this world and time. Prepare us to be ready when you come. Grant that we will be awake and that our lamps will be filled with oil and burning brightly when you come to take us in to the holy of holies – the great wedding feast that you have prepared for your saints from all nations and corners of the earth. Lord holy God and blessed Trinity come and complete your mission. In Jesus name we ask and confidently pray: Amen + Come Lord Jesus + come soon +”

Wake, awake, for night is flying; The watchmen on the heights are crying: Awake, Jerusalem, at last! Midnight hears the welcome voices And at the thrilling cry rejoices; Come forth, ye virgins, night is past; The Bridegroom comes, awake; Your lamps with gladness take; Alleluia! And for His marriage feast prepare For ye must go and meet Him there.

Zion hears the watchmen singing, And all her heart with joy is springing; She wakes, she rises from her gloom; For her Lord comes down all glorious, the strong in grace, in truth victorious. Her Star is risen, her Light is come. Ah come, Thou blessèd One, God’s own belovèd Son: Alleluia! We follow till the halls we see Where Thou hast bid us sup with Thee.

Now let all the heavens adore Thee, And saints and angels sing before Thee, With harp and cymbal’s clearest tone; Of one pearl each shining portal, Where we are with the choir immortal Of angels round Thy dazzling throne; Nor eye hath seen, nor ear hath yet attained to hear What there is ours, but we rejoice and sing to Thee Our hymn of joy eternally.

(Philipp Nicolai, 1556-1608 tr Catherine Winkworth 1827-1878)

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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 22nd November 2014

Posted on November 22, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

duccio_di_buoninsegna_-_healing_of_the_blind_man_-_wga06779“Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me” (Psalm 28:1 KJV) and the blind men cried out, saying: “Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.” (Matthew 20:30-31 KJV)

We have the sure and sound promise that the Lord will hear our cry. He will answer us and we shall praise him. That is why the faithful of all times have not tired in crying to the Lord for help and mercy. They know, that he hears their sighs and lamentations. They know, he will answer them in his good time. That is why they wait for the Lord even more than the watchmen wait for the morning. For often in our estimation, the Lord hesitates and lingers far too long. It seems as if the Lord has given up his favourite task and mission i.e. to help and save those in distress and dire need to life and salvation. That is why, we hear so frequently: “How long oh Lord!”

This waiting is prolonged and even aggravated, because we don’t just have to cope with our own impatience and hastiness, but also with that of our fellows and friends. Probably worst of all for the faithful, is the premature exultation of our enemies and faithless foes, who poke fun at us for trusting and waiting for God’s intervention. In the bible we read about Job’s wife, who encourages him foolishly to give up on God and get done with. We are reminded of Goliath, who in his beastly vitality ridiculed the living God and tormented the faithful like David. Even the apostles rebuke those dear mothers with their infants and babies, that they should not to come to Jesus and bring their cares before him. Here with the blind men it is some unknown people, who are obstacles and stumbling stones for them in their rather pathetic approach to Jesus. The blind men however are not deterred nor discouraged by this opposition. They cling firmly to their only hope. That’s why they cry even louder and harder in their otherwise lost cause: “Kyrie eleison + Christe eleison + Kyrie eleison”.

It’s the cry of the militant Church. It’s the cry of the suffering saints throughout the ages. It’s our own cry, when we don’t find anymore words for help, comfort, deliverance and healing in our trouble, worries and cares.  It resounds daily throughout the world and especially on Sundays, when the holy Christian Church gathers in God’s sanctuary to receive his gracious gifts and mercies, but also to call upon him in faith, love and hope.

Thank the triune God, who has heard our prayer and answered our call. He is the one, who forgives all our iniquities and heals all our diseases. Therefore we join the Church in singing his praises: “Hallelujah – soli Deo gloria +” He gave sight to those blind men, he healed the lame, he preached the gospel to the poor and delivered us from sin, death and devil.

We pray: Lord heavenly Father, we thank you for your promise that you hear our prayer. We are grateful that you gave sight to the blind and we pray that you would give us eyes to see your miracles and wonders without fail and doubt. We thank and praise you for hearing the prayers of your Church throughout the ages and that you have done so day in day out – even in these our own times. You have kept us even to this delightful day in your love, peace and mercy. We are grateful for your gracious response to our need, that you don’t deal with us as harshly as we have rightly deserved, but rather according to the richness of your grace and mercy. We therefore are confident to ask you even more, please forgive us our sinful impatience as we wait for the glorious fulfilment of all your wonderful promises in Jesus Christ our Lord at his glorious return to judge the living and the dead. Forgive us our tardiness and poverty in prayer and grant that we be more watchful and obedient to call upon you for the needs of the Church, your people and of all people far and wide. Lord, we cry to you and plead in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and because of his command and promise: Have mercy on us + your Christian Church + now and in the hour of our death + Amen.

All glory be to God on high, And thanks for all His favour; No harm can touch or terrify A child of God forever. God shows his good will And grants His peace, the world to fill – All strife at last has ended.

We praise and laud and worship You; We give You thanks forever, O Father, for Your rule is true and just and changes never. With boundless pow’r , Your mighty reign Fulfills whatever You ordain. Lord grant us every blessing!

O Jesus Christ, the only Son Begotten of the Father, Your saving death has made us one With God and with each other. O Lamb of God, to You on high In our distress we sinners cry, Have mercy on us, amen!

O Holy Spirit, our delight And source of consolation, Protect us from the devil’s might Through Jesus, our salvation, Who by His death upon a tree Has rescued us from misery: To this we hold forever. Amen.

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Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 21st November 2014

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

daniel_in_the_lions_den_zoomThen Daniel said, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me.” (Daniel 6:23 NKJV) and St. John wrote: “He, who has been born of God is kept by him, and the wicked one does not touch him.” (1.Joh.5:18 NIV)

That is one of my favourite stories right from the start. God’s miraculous preservation of Daniel in the lion’s den. Throughout the night Daniel, who was wrongfully thrown into prison by his distractors and opponents, survives without a scathe amongst those fearful beasts. Because that’s what they really are. Or have you not heard of those tourists, who want a lovely selfie and stand amongst the drowsy lions lounging around? Well, the guys in the car could hardly pick up their cameras before their friend was violently mauled and devoured before their very eyes.

God kept Daniel – and praise him for that. We probably know of quite a number, who did loose their lives due to false implications and tyrannous malice. Bonhoeffer comes to mind or those countless victims of political purges by ideologues and other crazies. Terrorists like the Islamic state publicly demonstrate their horrific demagogy even in these latter days.  Still our God reminds us, that the wicked one will not touch us + Don’t fear those, who harm and even kill you here. Rather fear him, who can destroy and condemn you eternally in hell. And the good news there is, that he, for whom Daniel was waiting even in distant Persia, has come. He – the dragon slayer, the lion catcher, the binder and conquerer of satan and all evil – Jesus Christ, the living Lord and saviour. Thanks to him, we are safe and sound. Nothing can separate us from the love of God – neither life nor death. We are his living and dying. Praise be to him always.

Therefore we don’t need to be afraid. We may walk tall all the days of our life. Fearing the triune God alone, but nothing else. He is the one, who holds us safe and out of reach of the roaring lion, the poisonous snake, the treacherous evil foe and smelly ilk. Rather at his time he carries us safely home and to eternal rest. Thanks be to him now and always +

We pray: “Lord keep us through Thy mighty word in the true faith and guard us against the assaults of the evil one, that we may go about our calling with diligence, love and hope – not despairing, but trusting in your promises even in the dark of night and suffering serious afflictions, temptations and other tribulations by the wily foe. We build on your goodness and mercy – our Lord and our God + Amen”

“The Word they still shall let remain Nor any thanks have for it; He’s by our side upon the plain With His good gifts and Spirit. And take they our life, Goods, fame, child, and wife, Though these all be gone, Our vict’ry has been won; The Kingdom ours remaineth.” (Martin Luther LSB 656:4) 

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Lutheran order of the divine service in isiZulu and seTswana.

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Trinity 20 parable-of-the-wedding-feast-The Lutheran Order of Service for the Last Sunday in the Church Year (Holiday of the blessed Eternity) is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from St. Peter’s 2nd letter chapter 3 verses 8-13 written by Rev. Sibongisile E. Sithole (PhD) in isiZulu (wz1457141123 n Tr 27) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1457 141123 n Tr 27) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for this Last Sunday in the Church Year are:

  • Old Testament: Isaiah 65:17-19 (20-22) 23-25
  • The Epistle: Revelation 21:1-7
  • The Gospel: St Matthew 25:1-13
  • Psalm: 126:1-2.5-6

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this Last Sunday in the Church Year: “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning” (Lk.12:35)

Oh Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son, we pray, to lead home His bride, the Church, that with all the company of the redeemed we may finally enter into His eternal wedding feast; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, passion 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 Thursday, the 20th November 2014

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

HolzwegHave you not brought this on yourself, In that you have forsaken the Lord your God When He led you in the way? (Jeremiah 2:17 NKJV) and Jesus said: “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand” (Matthew 7:26 NKJV). 

The Lord our God does not want anybody to go astray or get lost. Rather he would have everybody come to the knowledge of truth and eternal salvation. He does not enjoy our mishaps nor does he rejoice if we disregard his holy will and divine admonitions and prescriptions so that we build our houses on sand instead of on solid rock. It is not in his character that he just waits to say: “I told you so!” or “I knew all along.” Rather he warns and deliberates, engages with us and tries to get us back on track without further delay. There is no advantage or hidden positives in lingering on the wrong and misleading path. Instead it is the best to get right back to where he leads and guides us on the road meant for us. He wants us to get home eventually and into blessed peace and final rest.

Our sinful being is deeply opposed to this. It rebels against the straight and holy ways. Prefers rebellion and selfish independence. Humility and obedience are not very high on our agenda as we try to make it on our own and laud and praise those, who can boast to be self-made success and stand on their own. No wonder we go wandering off into the woods and get lost in the sticks regularly. Or who could say that they actually understand the weather, the intricate ways of the economy or even politics? Isn’t the prevailing upheaval on all fronts – not to say “chaos” – more than enough proof, that mankind is not in control, but that we are getting things seriously messed up?

The root of all evil is the deep mistrust on the living God. Thinking that we can get by without staying on his pathways, neglecting his laws and testimonies, his holy orders and rules of nature and creation. We should be warned by the terrible calamities that God brought upon those, who thought they could get by without him and opposing his sacred will. The great deluge (Noah and his family), Sodom and Gomorrah (Lot and his daughters), Israel in Egypt, Babylon and Rome etc are just some of the terrible warnings that God does not continue to endure ridicule and rebellion endlessly. There is a final judgement coming. His last reckoning is nearly upon us. So wake up from your sleep. Repent, while it is day. Believe in the gospel. Rise up, wake and pray that you don’t fall into temptation, disbelief, despair and other terrible shame and vice.  It is his goodness and mercy, that calls you to repentance +

“I walk with Jesus all the way, His guidance never fails me; Within His wounds I find a stay When Satan’s pow’r assails me; And by His footsteps led, My path I safely tread. No evil leads my soul astray; I walk with Jesus all the way.” (LSB 716,5)

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Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 19th November 2014

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

10688406_872907682733956_3429468859134659957_oFor, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. (Isaiah 65:17) and Jesus Christ said: “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) 

In Germany and some of its extensions today’s holiday is called “Buss- und Bettag”: Holiday of repentance and prayer. A good day before the last Sunday of the Church year. An opportunity to remember God’s goodness and his gracious favour towards us. He does not want anybody to be lost, but rather that everybody be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. In his loving generosity and kindness towards all of mankind he calls men to repentance and leads them in the way’s of righteousness and justice. He does not deal with us as we deserve, but rather forgives us all our iniquities and heals all of our diseases.

Our calamity is that we are so stuck in our old and evil ways, despite God’s mercy and compassion. A hard-core pharisee does not just turn around to be repentant sinner praying to God: “Lord have mercy on me a poor, miserable sinner.” A seasoned tax-collector does not just stand up from his booth, remitting all his collected treasures to the poor to follow Jesus in humility and self-denial. A self-made man does not just wake up one morning to recognize his utter dependance on God’s forgiving grace either. Just as a leopard can’t change his spots nor a Ethiopian the colour of his skin so neither can anybody used to godless and sinful ways just change them for good. (Jeremiah 13:23) Yet the things that are impossible with us are possible with God. That is an excellent antidote against doubt, faithlessness and despair.

Through the dynamite of his holy Word the living God does not just fire up a storm in this world. He doesn’t just break rocks and boulders, shatters mountains and lets the earth tremble and shake. He also changes men’s callous hearts into believing and faithful ones. That’s truly a miracle and wonder. He did change Saul into Paul. He brought St. Matthews to follow him faithfully and Zacheus to give his riches to the poor. He gave Mary Magdalene a new start in a life of holiness and righteousness. He called and kept St. Peter in his new and sanctified ways again and again – before and after his cruxifiction and resurrection – even though that rocking apostle again and again thought he knew better and needed to amend God’s ways. Yes, our God gave hearing to the deaf, sight to the blind, healing to the ill, freedom to those in bondage and life to the dead. He brought divine abundance in the desert and created new hope, where there was nothing to look forward to. He truly did great miracles and wonders for us and our salvation. And he does the same even today. He’s coming close to completing his great mission of salvation. He’s not far off, but drawing very near. It’s his Advent soon. That is why we don’t have to despair in the old ways of this world, rather we can hope and rely on the creative powers of our Lord and Saviour. He makes all things new – through his holy Baptism and the washing of regeneration in the Holy Spirit. He forgives daily all our sins and grants us his pardon and favour together with all Christendom. Therefore praise his holy name and sing with the congregation of forgiven saints: “Jesus sinners doth receive; Oh may all this saying ponder, Who in sins delusions live And from God and heaven wander! Here is hope for all who grieve – Jesus sinners doth receive.” (TLH 324,1)

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 18th November 2014

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

walking_away_by_rah_xephon-d3e724f“Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?” (Job 3:20-21)  and we cry: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mk 9:24) 

There are many things we do not fathom. One of them is the suffering and even dying of promising and flourishing youth, while others are just so tired, finished and despondent longing to pass away, but just wake to see another day of misery and bitterness. I think it is one of the most trying things to see you own child suffer and wither away, but you can do nothing else than commit it to the mercy and loving care of our heavenly Father and his Son, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Just like that father, who came to Jesus after trying so much and many different things to help and save his suffering child. He was quite desperate and at his own wits end. He didn’t know, what or who could help. Yet he was longing so deeply for cure, healing and salvation. He knew, that his own faith would not be the power to save – not his positive thinking, not his healthy attitude. Rather, he calls from the bottom of the pit: Help my unbelief! And that’s what the Lord has come to do. Seek and save the lost. He grants forgiveness, life and salvation – even in and through illness and death – and even on account of vicarious petitions and pleas. The ill child does not even feature actively in the account. It is healed because the helping Lord and saviour answers the anxious pleading and begging of the father so favourably and willingly. Praise be to him now and always +

“Now with the humble voice of prayer Thy mercy we implore; Then with a grateful voice of praise Thy goodness we’ll adore.” (Philip Doddridge, 1737 TLH 434:5)

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 17th November 2014

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

10169417_728258680587748_4504439265943070887_nBut be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create. (Isaiah 65:18 NIV) and Jesus Christ our Lord says: “I do the will of him who sent me and finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (Joh 4:34-35 NIV) 

Our Lord and God Jesus Christ encourages us to be glad and rejoice in his holy works of creation. They are wonderful, plentiful and for us and our salvation. His work is in line with his heavenly Father’s mission and he has come not only to compliment it, but to finish this godly work most satisfactorily and perfectly. Finally he can say: “It is done. It is complete. It is finished.” Already the fields are ripe for harvest and the reapers are going out in his name to the ends of the world to gather in his harvest. Let us rejoice and be glad in the holy works of our God. He has begun the good work in you. He will finish it also. Amen, Amen + It shall be done, because he is faithful and carries out all his promises most praiseworthily.

We pray: Lord heavenly Father send out faithful workers into your harvest, who will do your will diligently according to your most holy will and for the benefit of many +

God’s Word forever shall abide, No thanks to foes, who fear it For God Himself fights by our side With weapons of the Spirit. Were they to take our house, Goods, honour, child or spouse, Though life be wrenched away, They cannot win the day.        The Kingdom’s ours forever!

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