Löhe on Ephesians 4:26-27

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

cain-and-abel-1911Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. (Eph 4:26-27 KJV)

As opposite and contradiction to an angry being the apostle posits the mild light of peaceful and forgiving love. The apostle thereby wants to put a clear and definite end to the endless sin of anger and violence. This even flares up in Christians, yet this wrath is not to persist or take over eventually. That is why this should be clarified and overcome even before the sun sets. Peace, love and tranquillity is to rule our minds and hearts during the night so that we can face it more readily with its other temptations and threatening dangers – and not be side-tracked or preoccupied with sinful conflict and strive. Evil is not to gain space or break in to our lives. If peace is threatened and strife breaks out, it is not to be accommodated, but rather removed without delay and unnecessary hesitation. Make haste to rid yourself of your passionate inflammation and enraged fury – at least before the sun is setting in the West – otherwise the devil (our evil foe) will entangle your heart more and more in the chords of discord and strive. As you grant him room – and let the fire of hatred and anger burn and scorch  – you will fall into even more sinful traps and snares doing what is not right in the sight of God and against your fellow people. My dear friends: Don’t let anger take control over you and don’t give it permanent residence in your lives! Rather fight the first inclination towards anger and conflict – and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts +

Holy Lord and God, free us from sinful anger and wrath. Keep us from doing what is not right in your eyes. Keep us from harming those, whom you have given at our sides to love and care for – and preserve us from doing wrong against them and thus acquiring new guilt and more shame. Grant that we would recognize the danger of giving room to the evil one in our lives, minds and hearts – and keep us safe from his destructive doings and temptations. We are you own and children of your family o God. Abide with us and keep us safe and sound in true faith, love and hope o good Lord throughout this day and even after the sun has set – throughout the night and in all darkness and loneliness. We don’t have anywhere else to go o Lord, but stay with you our gracious host and sanctuary in all trouble and need. You are our King and Saviour. Help us even in this our affliction by the means you deem best and most salutary. Amen.

A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon; He helps us free from every need That hath us now o’ertaken. The old evil Foe Now means deadly woe; Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight; On Earth is not his equal.

With might of ours can naught be done, Soon were our loss effected; But for us fights the Valiant One, Whom God Himself elected. Ask ye, Who is this? Jesus Christ it is. Of Sabaoth Lord, And there’s none other God; He holds the field forever.

Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us. We tremble not, we fear no ill, They shall not overpower us. This world’s prince may still Scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none, He’s judged; the deed is done; One little word can fell him.

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, Let these all be gone, They yet have nothing won; The Kingdom our remaineth. (Martin Luther 1483-1546)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Friday after the nineteenth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 353 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 the 11th October 2013

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Praying the Lord's prayerThen I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. (Psa 119:6 NIV)

Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you– guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (2Ti 1:14 NIV)

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Löhe on Ephesians 4:25

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

ChurchWherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. (Eph 4:25 KJV)

Here lying and truth are standing opposed to one another like night and day, shadow and light. The apostle supports his argument with the statement: “for we are members one of another.” Members of one body – the holy Christian Church. This expresses the truth that lying is a serious sin against the ecclesiastical communion and that filial love and harmony depend primarily on truthfulness and honesty. What purpose does lying have? It is destructive to those sharing all spiritual goods here and there in eternity. It is harmful to those, who have come to realize not only the negativity of falsehood, but also that every lie burdens the heart with new afflictions and draws it deeper and deeper into darkness and corruption. Lies have no positive value for those, who are eager to save souls – theirs and others. Even if lies purport  to put something into a better light, yet the truth will come out – even if it is only on the last day of judgement. Some would even argue that the truth often gives rise to conflict and strive as it uncovers evil, sin and corruption – yet the Christian congregation is far more strengthened by the truth than by falsehood and cover-ups committed by even the best of intentions. Lies and cover-ups give rise to hypocrisy and more shameful vices, because the evildoers start to get convinced that they can get away with murder. Truthfulness on the other side is like a fresh breeze that enlivens and invigorates all. Lies however are like poisonous clouds which suffocate those it covers up. Therefore beware of lies and untruthfulness!

Lord, our God! Keep us from untruthfulness and all superficial affirmations, assertions and declarations. Keep our words simple and true. Grant that we will remain honest, straightforward and truthful as we remember that we will have to answer you at the last judgement. Keep us from the temptation to lie and give false testimony and witness by the ever faithful and truthful witness of your dear and most beloved Son Jesus Christ – our Lord, saviour and God. Amen. (Württembergisches Kirchenbuch 1931)

The Law of God is good and wise And sets His will before our eyes, Shows us the way of righteousness, And dooms to death when we transgress.

Its light of holiness imparts The knowledge of our sinful hearts That we may see our lost estate And turn from sin before too late.

To those who help in Christ have found And would in works of love abound It shows what deeds are His delight And should be done as good and right.

But those who scornfully disdain God’s Law shall then in sin remain; Its terror in their ear resounds And keeps their wickedness in bounds.

The Law is good; but since the fall Its holiness condemns us all; It dooms us for our sin to die And has no pow’r to justify.

To Jesus we for refuge flee, Who from the curse has set us free, And humbly worship at His throne, Saved by His grace through faith alone. (Matthias Loy, 1828-1915)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Thursday after the nineteenth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 352 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 Thursday, the 10th October 2013

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus before PilateDiviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain.  (Zec 10:2 NIV)

Jesus answered, “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (Joh 18:37 NIV)

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Confessional address on Col.3:12ff

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Office of the KeysHere is this mornings confessional address based on Colossians 3:12-17 

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Als Sisyphos nach Sueafrika kam … (FAZ)

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Nadine GordimerA good overview (sorry – it’s in German!) about Nadine Gordimer in the FAZ from a few days ago: Als Sisyphos nach Afrika kam

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Löhe on Ephesians 4:24

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

new-manAnd that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Eph 4:24 KJV)

Here now the new man is shown as the opposite and contradiction of the old self. God by far outdoes Satan in wisdom and ability. Satan corrupted the original creation, yet God renews and recreates something by far surpassing the old right in the midst the corruption. God creates a new man created in righteousness and true holiness in the likeness of God. Thus God restores his true and best image in the midst of the old corrupted state. Even if this new creation is initially still an insignificant infant, who is opposed by more than just one evil Herod and whose light of life more than one Pontius Pilate wants to extinguish, yet still the creator keeps and preserves, yes nurtures and prospers this new man until he carries out his mission victoriously. Just as in the old corrupted being you found vain and deceitful passions, so you now find righteousness and true holiness in the new one. The old and new are like two natures in one person. They don’t have anything to do with each other, but rather are in constant opposition and conflict with each other. Both are seeking to take over control of the person and his ways. The apostle compares these two natures as two different garments – and old and a new dress. Every person is to discard the old and put on the new one. In this the triune God grants most gracious assistance and help, motivation and accomplishment – according to his goodwill and mercy. Amen.

Lord of our life, and God of our salvation, Star of our night, and Hope of every nation, Hear and receive Thy church’s supplication, Lord God Almighty.

See round Thine ark the hungry billows curling! See how Thy foes their banners are unfurling! Lord, while their darts envenomed they are hurling, Thou canst preserve us.

Lord, Thou canst help when earthly armor faileth; Lord, Thou canst save when sin itself assaileth; Lord, o’er Thy rock nor death nor hell prevaileth; Grant us Thy peace, Lord.

Peace, in our hearts, our evil thoughts assuaging, Peace, in Thy church, where brothers are engaging, Peace, when the world its busy war is waging; Calm thy foes raging!

Grant us Thy help till backward they are driven; Grant them Thy truth, that they may be forgiven; Grant peace on earth, or after we have striven, Peace in Thy heaven. (Matthäus Apples von Löwenstern, 1594-1648 tr Philip Pusey, 1799-1855)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Wednesday after the nineteenth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 351 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 9th October 2013

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Joseph and his brothers DoreBut as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good. (Gen 50:20 KJV)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col 3:13 NIV)

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What a glorious and marvelous arrangement…

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

cfw walther old“It is a glorious and marvelous arrangement, passing comprehension, that God governs the kingdoms of this world, not by immediate action, but through the agency of men who—not to mention other things—are far too short-sighted and far too feeble for this task. But it is marvelous beyond comparison with this arrangement that even in His Kingdom of Grace, God performs the planting, administering, extending, and preserving of His kingdom, not in an immediate manner, but through men who are altogether unfit for this task. This is proof of a loving-kindness and condescension to men on the part of God and, besides, of a wisdom of His that no intellect of men can encompass or sound to its depth. For who can measure the greatness of God’s love which is revealed in the fact that God desires not only to save this world of apostate men, but also to employ men from this very world, fellow-sinners, for this task? Who can compute the riches of the wisdom of God, who knows how to accomplish the work of saving men by the agency of other men who are quite unfit and unqualified for this work, and that He has hitherto gloriously pursued, and still is pursuing, this work?” 

Walther, C. F. W., Dau, W. H. T., & Eckhardt, E. (2000, c1929, c1986). The proper distinction between law and gospel : 39 evening lectures. Forward by Jaroslav Pelikan. Includes index. (electronic ed.) (36). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.
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Political commentary on “Church and State”

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

de KlerkCHURCH AND STATE
By Dave Steward, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation

No doubt to the alarm of his minders and keepers, President Zuma deviated from the prepared text of his speech yesterday to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Giyani, Limpopo. His speech should have been suitably innocuous – with a nod to the older generation on International Grandparents Day, exhortations to the youth and the expression of justifiable pride in the fact that the number of children infected with HIV within the East and Southern African region has more than halved in the past 10 years. There was only one reference to “apartheid colonialism” – and for the rest, the tone of the speech was suitably presidential.

However, few politicians are impervious to the invective of their critics and the slings and arrows of unflattering cartoonists. President Zuma evidently is no exception and, no doubt, swept up by the religious fervour of the occasion, decided to depart from his prepared text to theologise on the nature of the relationship between the church and state.

According to media reports he said that “If you don’t respect authority, then you are bordering on a curse”. “Whether you like it or not, God has made a connection between the government and the church. That is why He says you as a church should pray for it”.

According to the reports the President also asked the church to pray for politicians who insult leaders – “because if you allow them to insult those in authority, you are creating a society that is angry with itself”.

So much for unkind speculation regarding president Zuma’s reading habits. It is quite clear that he has been immersed in Romans 13 which expresses similar views. It says: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” and goes on to warn that “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (I have quoted from the King James Version – because King James knew a thing or two about the divine right of kings.) The president would presumably number among those who “resisteth the power” the many critics who “insult” him because of his handling of Guptagate; his retirement home at Nkandla and the manner in which the independence of the National Prosecuting Authority has been compromised.

However, the president has evidently not been reading the Constitution which does not recognize any connection between the government and the church. The Constitution rightly guarantees the freedom of religion, belief and opinion – but carefully avoids any connection between church and state. There is also no prohibition on insulting those in authority since freedom of expression – including the right to criticise government – is expressly recognised. There is also the underlying idea that respect for authority should be conditional on authority’s respect for citizens and for the Constitution.

When political leaders deviate from their prepared speeches their remarks often provide a much clearer insight into their real views than the carefully vetted and anodyne texts written by their speechwriters. The image of our president that emerges from his off-the-cuff remarks at Giyani is of a leader who has been deeply hurt by the “insults” of his critics; who feels that, as president he is entitled to respect because of the office he holds – rather than because of his actions; who believes that God is on his side; and who has only a limited commitment to the principles underlying our Constitution.

King James I – and his hapless son Charles I – held similar views – in Charles’s case with the most unhappy consequences.

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