Löhe on Luke 17:17

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Holy Scripture 01Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (Joh 17:17 NIV)

The Church is one, everywhere and always one. That brings up the question: In what is the Church one? If we answer, that she is one in the truth, then nobody will disagree, just as they will all agree that this truth is God’s word and finally also that it is this truth, which unifies and makes one Church out of all believers from all ages and lands: God’s word spoken and written down by the apostles and prophets of old.  The King of all truth – Jesu Christ – himself said to the apostles: “For whoever hears you, hears me!” This apostolic word has been the unifying factor of the Church all along and it will continue to be this until the end of time. The Church was not unified around certain persons or people, not this or that constitution or regulation, but only through the apostolic truth. This united Jews and gentiles. It was able to unify the most diverse people, cultures and traditions into the one holy Christian Church here on earth. As long as the apostles were alive, their spoken word was authoritative. After their death it became more and more their written testimonies – the New Testament. That is like a living fountain and source of the truth. Around this the Church gathered and to this centre it called and invited everybody else too. Everything the Church owns, has and does derives from this apostolic foundation. That is why it calls itself “apostolic” even to this day. This means that it is based and grounded and organized and regulated by the true teaching of the apostles. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, as the world grows old and the final evening draws near, grant to your Church and living congregation the faithful confession of your true Word. Awaken in her the courage and boldness to stand by the truth, but also the seriousness of loyalty and devotion against defection and ridicule, against doubt, deception, heresy, idolatry and other evils. Grant a joyful love towards you and your holy Church. Let us finally be gathered with all saints around your throne and thank you eternally.  Amen. (Wilhelm Löhe)

1 The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. She is his new creation by water and the word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride. With his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

2 Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth, her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth. One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.

3 Though with a scornful wonder this world sees her oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up: “How long?” And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.

4 Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war, she waits the consummation of peace forevermore: till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest, and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.

5 Yet she on earth has union with God, the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won: O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, may live eternally. (S.J. Stone 1866)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the 8th January during the high holiday of Epiphany. It is found on Pg. 49 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 8th January 2014

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

ZechariahSing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth! (Isa 42:10 NIV) and St. John the Baptist’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” (Luk 1:67-68 NIV)

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Löhe on Luke 12:32

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

church.people“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luk 12:32 NIV)

There may well be times in which the Church appears to be but a mere stream, which is struggling to flow through the thorny brush of desert lands. Times when not much confluence occurs from the ground and the heavenly gates are shut down. Those are times, when the scarcity of saved souls convince even an Elijah that he alone is left over. These times may occur in countries and even continents, where the Christians are but few and isolated. There was a time however, when St. Cyprian  could write a triumphant booklet on the “Unity of the Church” and the Christians were multiplying in significant numbers. There were such times in history, when the Church and its congregations were like the city on the mountain – visible and impressive in its appearance.

Yet even if there are many or just few, what is the issue? There is no truthful statistics for the Church on earth anyway. Yet the big idea of the one, holy and worldwide Church and the glorious vision of Revelations 7 strengthen the lonely heart and faithful believer even in their isolation whilst in the barren stretches and deserted lands. Even if there is but one faithful member of the Church, the holy Christian Church is truly present there. The Lord does not forget or exclude even these faithful individuals from the Church although they are so far removed from the rest of the Christian congregation. He knows those, who are his. Finally they will appear as the great and glorious multitude, that nobody can count, whereas now this is not visible and far removed from our experience. It remains an article of faith. The narrow path followed by the little herds in most lands and eras culminate into that wonderful congregation revealed to St. John and for whose appearance we are waiting with great hope and faithful conviction. It will be that we will see that truly global (catholic) Church of heaven and eternity – by God’s grace and goodness. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, our saviour and our God. Bless your holy Church, where you are known both here and there, inside and outside our borders and boundaries. Bless all those souls, that worship you and all hearts that confess your holy name. Bless especially all those congregations of the old and young Churches throughout the world that are small and insignificant in their own eyes and let them grow and flourish in the true faith and knowledge of the truth, that you have made them part of your one, holy Christian Church and that they don’t need to despair or give up, because you are with them with your word and sacrament, with your abiding faithfulness, love and mercy. We commend all our being and doing into your hands as nothing is too small for you and your caring benevolence. We commit all our loved ones into your gracious care, but also our people and countries and continents. Amen. (Wilhelm Löhe)

Oh, how I love that precious maiden and can’t get her out of my mind. Praise, honour and good order are hers always. She’s got my heart all right and even if I should suffer calamity, she will continue to please and uplift me with her love and faithfulness as she cares graciously for all my desires. (Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the 7th January during the high holiday of Epiphany. It is found on Pg. 48 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 7th January 2014

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Warrior Statue Silhouette and Orange SkyEvery warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. (Isa 9:5 NIV) and Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (Eph 6:14-15 NIV)

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Löhe on Revelation 7:9-10

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

GL46980After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Rev 7:9-10 NIV)

The Old Testament Church was limited. The New Testament Church is unlimited. It goes as far as the clouds travel and the winds blow. It is a communion of all those, who from the ends of the world are on their way to the eternal Zion. All people and nations are called to this communion. Whoever wants to see this one communion, will have to wait for the day, when this vision of St. John will be revealed and visible to all. Then he/she will see this multitude, that will be worthy of the King of kings and Lord of Lord. This gathering is the grand plan of the triune God throughout the ages. That has been his purpose and mission all along. At that time there will be nothing that will disturb the union. There will be no Jew nor gentile, no German nor Slav, no black nor white, no Semite or Arian. All these individual contempts, tribal antipathies, racial prejudices and national aversions will no longer be. There at last we will be truly one in Jesus Christ, the one and only Lord of all. Here our experience is still far removed from this grand design of the triune God and from his truth – but we are on the way there by his grace and calling. Amen.

Lord, our God. We are waiting for your eternal kingdom, where joy overflows and lovely being reigns. There at last that, which was separated and apart here, will be united in true fellowship and communion. There the gifts and treasures of your people around the world will be assembled before your throne to laud, praise and magnify your name. Let us here hold on this your grand design, mission and promise faithfully as we wait for its fulfilment on that wonderful day of your glorious return. Increase our joy and fill us with your peace so that we will live as your redeemed people here on earth. Keep us hopeful in the great expectations by thy mercies and profound love. Amen. (Wilhelm Löhe)

1. O blest communion, fellowship divine, We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia! Alleluia!

2. But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of Glory passes on His way. Alleluia! Alleluia!

3. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!

4. The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon, to faithful warriors cometh rest. Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! (William W. How, 1823-1887)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the 5th January during the high holiday of Ephiphany. It is found on Pg. 46 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 6th January 2014 (Epiphany)

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Simeon mit JesusRemember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them.  (Psa 106:4 NIV) and Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation! (Luk 2:29-30 KJV)

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Löhe on Isaiah 60:1-2

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Nativity Ethiopian with King David“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.”  (Isa 60:1-2 NIV)

The situation of the gentile nations was dismal before Jesus Christ came. Even Israel was going through bleak and dreary times. No prophet was about. God’s word had fallen silent and it was only flickering here and there. Yet, when all seemed most miserable and dark, the promise of old came to fruition: The LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you! The Lord, our saviour Jesus Christ appeared in Israel. He is born in the middle of the holy Land. Thirty three years he dwells on earth. Three years he preaches publically and fulfils his godly mission of forgiveness, healing and salvation  amongst God’s people. When he had died, was buried and then rose after three days his name did not diminish. Rather his glory spread across the globe. His gospel enlightened the nations. He was like the sun bringing light to the world. Now Israel could stop the lament and Jacob could rejoice. Now it was true: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. And that holds true for all of us.  +  Amen.

Hosanna to him, who has come in the name of the Lord. The light to enlighten the nations and for praise amongst the people of Israel. Hosanna in the name of all gentiles, who have come to worship at his manger and who have passed away in the light of Zion and those, who still live in this light and those, who are still coming to him. Hosanna in the name of the first and the last. May the fill of gentiles soon come into the godly fold of Christ’s one, holy Church and the rest of Israel be gathered too. Yes, may our Lord Jesus Christ himself return in glory and rule visibly over his eternal kingdom . Amen. Amen. (Wilhelm Löhe)

1 O Christ, our true and only light, Enlighten those who sit in night; Let those afar now hear Your voice And in Your fold with us rejoice.

2 Fill with the radiance of Your grace The souls now lost in error’s maze; Enlighten those whose inmost minds Some dark delusion haunts and blinds.

3 O gently call those gone astray That they may find the saving way! Let ev’ry conscience sore oppressed In you find peace and heav’nly rest.

4 Shine on the darkened and the cold; Recall the wand’rers to Your fold. Unite all those who walk apart; Confirm the weak and doubting heart,

5 That they with us may evermore Such grace with wond’ring thanks adore And endless praise to You be giv’n By all Your Church in earth and heav’n. (Johann Hermann, 1585-1647; tr Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the high holiday of Ephiphany. It is found on Pg. 47 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Sunday, the 5th January 2014

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

6 Communion FinalSurely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. (Psa 54:4 NIV) and The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2Th 3:3 NIV)

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Löhe on Galatians 3:28

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

BambergApocalypse WorshipBeforeThroneOfGodFor he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations…He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Eph 2:14-18 NIV)

It’s no longer like in the days of the Old Testament. Then the Church was limited to the narrow confines of the people of Israel. Even at the time of Jesus Christ’s birth the Church was really a national Church (Landeskirche), the church of but one nation. All other nations were just gentiles, “excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” (Eph 2:12 NIV)

The Church of the New Testament is no longer a national or tribal church, but rather the Church from all people, nations and tribes. A Church with members in all countries. A Church which calls, gathers and unites its members from all ends of   the world in the one herd with the one good shepherd. They are brought together from various folds and pastures. It is the one, truly universal (catholic) Church, which flourishes throughout the ages and has confluence from all people and all nations – big and small, rich and poor, high and low, young and old. She is God’s great idea, that is coming to fulfilment. It is God’s work in the final stages of this world, the favourite reality of all saints in their lives and when they are dying. They lived and live for this Church, died and die for it still. This is the reality, which is the central core, purpose and essence of the Churches mission or else it doesn’t know, what it is and what it should do. For the Mission is nothing else than God’s one holy Christian Church in motion – the realization of the one, communal, truly universal (catholic) Church. Wherever this mission reaches, there barriers separating people, tribes and nations from each other fall and are removed. Wherever it comes, there it draws near, what was previously far and separate. Where it finds room, there the wonderful unity is established, that enables the “different people from all tongues of this world” to understand each other in all matters. This Church and its mission are inseparable. Nobody can tear them apart, without doing the impossible – killing both +  Amen.

Praise be to God, the eternal King of his imperishable kingdom. Praise be to God, the eternal bridegroom of the immortal and eternal Church. Praise be to the Lord, the Holy Spirit, who gathers an elect congregation from all times and ages to the one and only bridegroom. Praise be to the triune God and Lord. Blessed be his Church! Blessed she truly is, for the portals of hell will never overwhelm it. Amen. Amen. (Wilhelm Löhe)

1 O Christ, our true and only light, Enlighten those who sit in night; Let those afar now hear Your voice And in Your fold with us rejoice.

2 Fill with the radiance of Your grace The souls now lost in error’s maze; Enlighten those whose inmost minds Some dark delusion haunts and blinds.

3 O gently call those gone astray That they may find the saving way! Let ev’ry conscience sore oppressed In you find peace and heav’nly rest.

4 Shine on the darkened and the cold; Recall the wand’rers to Your fold. Unite all those who walk apart; Confirm the weak and doubting heart,

5 That they with us may evermore Such grace with wond’ring thanks adore And endless praise to You be giv’n By all Your Church in earth and heav’n. (Johann Hermann, 1585-1647; tr Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the 4th January during the high holiday of Christmas. It is found on Pg. 45 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 4th January 2014

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

flightintoegyptrembrandtHe was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (Isa 53:3 NIV) For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. (2Co 4:6 NIV)

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