Another chapter in Roodepoort mission station – a final one?

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Roodepoort.pngWell, the Church of Roodepoort near Ventersdorp (NW) has been pulled down and “returned to dust”. It was vacant for more than a decade now and it had fallen into disrepair after the congregation  moved on. A lot has been said about this and some things have been written too. The quotation “returned to dust” is from Psalm 90 – which continues to emphasize that our days here on earth are numbered and that our lives are but short and troubled. I am comforted, that the Word of God that was preached in this Church is still preached elsewhere and that the baptismal waters flowing in that font have fulfilled their saving purposes according to God’s command and promise – and that they continue to flow when and where it pleases the triune God – even if not longer flowing in Roodepoort.

 

In this our beloved Lutheran Church in Southern Church was constituted in 1967 on the 1st of April and the honourable Bishop G.Schulz DD was elected and inducted into office a day later by the eldest serving pastor Rev. Absalom Sibiya from the Eastern Transvaal. More than 26 years later the honourable Bishop D. P. Tswaedi DD was inducted into office in December 1993. I thank and praise God for everything he did in this Church for us and our salvation and I commit all else to him and his gracious mercies, which are new every morning. Just as Psalm 90 confidently pleads in its conclusion: “May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendour to their children. May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us– yes, establish the work of our hands.” (16-17).  Here is the newspaper excerpt from the local NW-Beeld: Media_24_Sentraal-NW-NWNews002-Noordwes-JHB-2

 

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LÖHE ON 1.JOHN 5:10

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

St. John in PatmosAnyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. (1.John 5:10 NIV)

The world does not accept the divine witness about Jesus Christ. It’s children despise the divine word, that comes from heaven and do not let it penetrate their hearts and minds. They don’t comprehend, how somebody can trust this testimony let alone be convinced and enthusiastic about it.

The world does however like all that, which is in opposition to God’s divine revelation and will. If God’s kingdom makes inroads into this world by overcoming and conquering it, then the world is well aware of this and starts to fear and panic just as Herod and the entire city did when the message of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem got around to it. The world realizes the beginning of the end, its own demise and final destruction drawing near. It is already feeling the burning pangs of the fire, which are going to destroy and swallow it finally – even as it sees the first sparks fly. That is why the world and all those belonging to it are not just waiting patiently for this to happen, but rather does all in its power to not only extinguish the sparks, but also to build up its defenses and armaments to resist the divine onslaught. This battle has off course run its course. It’s not about some sparks anymore, but rather all about the last and final stand. That’s what the apostle John experienced, when he entered the mission field of Asia minor after Saint Paul’s was martyred in Rome. Now Saint John was called to step in as bishop of these vacant congregations. The pagan society persecuted these small pockets of Christians most severely like wolves let loose on a herd of sheep. It was as St. Paul had predicted, that after his passing angry and hungry wolves would fall into the Church ferociously. Misleading teachers, deniers of Christ’s divinity, masters of illusion and disseminators of false intelligence, half truths and blatant lies stood up in the congregation to distract the Christians from the revealed truth and finally to pull them away from their living Lord and savior Jesus Christ. It was in this time and temptation that Saint John, the Bishop of the 7 Churches in Asia Minor, received the divine call to lead this persecuted bunch through all the mean and treacherous assaults of evil to victory in Christ their Lord.

O Lord Jesus Christ! All the shame and slander, vice and lies, idolatry and impunity this world bears gladly and willingly. However it does not want to hear your holy word or get along with us, who follow you. Therefore together with the one, holy Christian Church in all places we call on your most holy name against your and our enemies. Preserve us in and by your holy word and keep all, who belong to you, in your trust and care. Amen.

 The truth and honor, o Jesus pure it’s yours and yours alone for sure; therefore o Lord protect and keep, those, you’ve rescued from the deep. (Nikolaus Selnecker, 1530-1592)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Thursday after the first Sunday after Easter: Quasimodogeniti. It is found on Pg. 170 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 11th April 2013

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA“I am troubled; O Lord, come to my aid!” (Isaiah 38:14 NIV)

He, who has the Son has life; (1.John 5:12 NIV)

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LÖHE ON 1.JOHN 5:4-5

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

IX crucifiedEveryone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1. John 5:4-5 NIV)

Dear brothers and sisters, I can not imagine a better context and frame of reference than that created by the main ideas of our reading. Initially we see the threefold witness of the Father concerning his son. The Lord bows himself low towards this poor old earth and also to the lost sheep of humanity. They on their part answer this fatherly testimonial with a hearty confession: “I believe”. It’s like the normal liturgical procedure we practice in the divine service. There the godly witness is read from the lectern in Epistle and Gospel, whereupon the congregation answers with the holy Christian creed. It is as if the Father bows low to us his children down below and we hug him around his neck und show our passionate devotion and adoration of him, who has loved us so dearly. Our faith, trust and belief depends entirely on God’s witness and testimony – and through this on God himself – and thus faith transforms the inner person, changes and creates him anew – 2nd birth – so that the person is reborn to the new creation in Jesus Christ.

You are our crowned head, whom our souls trust. Let us behold our election in your wounds and incorporate us through them with you.

That’s a most marvelous thing, which may first seems small to children, but is far too big for mighty men even. It’s praised down here and beyond the crystal waters.

First our friend calls our souls to rest and then to eat and later to be productive. That’s how he trains us to grow in faithful knighthood. Do it hopefully, but never stopping in contemplation of it, but rather moving on in faith.

And should ever we rejoice in our works of mercy, then quickly shame arises too, because there’s not more than to thank and praise that we have a merciful and gracious savior in Jesus Christ + (Nikolaus Ludwig Graf von Zinzendorf, 1700-1760)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Wednesday after the first Sunday after Easter: Quasimodogeniti. It is found on Pg. 169 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 10th April 2013

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

DSC_0099Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10 NIV)

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace. (Hebrews 13:9 NIV)

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LÖHE ON 1.JOHN 5:6

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

bloodwatercrossThis is the one who came by water and blood–Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. (1.John 5:6 NIV)

Blood and water flow from the pierced side of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not just water, but rather blood and water. In his congregations our Lord works with water and blood, with the grace-filled water of life and with the blood of sprinkling. Words full of life and spirit flow from his mouth and give testimony to our spirit. Who is this, who for this world is testated through word, water and blood in this everlasting testimony and of whom a threefold, eternal testimony is alive in heaven? It is he, who is adored and worshipped by an elected people, collected by this testimonial of heaven and earth. It is the very same, who was hanging on the cross, was dead and buried in the grave and who rose again victoriously on the 3rd day – our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

He testifies: “I have overcome this world!” Honor and praise, power and strength, glory and majesty are his. He is the king of kings, the Lord of lords. His people, who don’t see him and yet still see him, because they believe and trust in him are like him, Lords and conquerors of this fallen world. We have seen it with our own eyes and the centuries proclaim it that those, who believe in him, have overcome this world too. They have shed their blood and died in shame, but they have overcome their foes and all opposition. Their spirit, their faith, their word and doctrine has triumphed, have overcome nations and kingdoms and have been proven right and true over and above all wisdom, philosophy and ideology of this world even.

Lord, you and your people have overcome this world. Now let me by your power overcome the world in and around me so that with the twelve apostles and all the holy martyrs I may praise your glory and thank you eternally, that your people eventually overcome all their enemies by your power.  Amen.

The enemies of your cross o Jesus oppose your kingdom and threaten to destroy it. You as the son of God can repel their evil threats. Your throne remains forever and hell’s power strives in vain to tumble it.

Your kingdom is not of this world and no human institution either. No worldly power can resist your victorious progress. Your inheritance is yours eternally and even your foes protestations must promote and increase your honor and glory. (Balthasar Münter, 1735-1793)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Tuesday after the first Sunday after Easter: Quasimodogeniti. It is found on Pg. 167 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 9th April 2013

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

1264033101rkS9GyThe LORD is the strength of his people. (Psalm 28:8 NIV)

Continue to stay rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)

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LÖHE ON JOHN 21:24

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

JohnThis is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. (John 21:24 NIV)

Saint John, the Evangelist, has the eagle as an emblem. His perspective penetrates the sunny heights, where we can’t follow him. His flight is so high and majestic as it appears simple and easy. We follow him with our eyes, amazed  just as we listen to his flight. Who is able to follow him in the spirit and fathom the words he utters? This is not the teaching of some teacher, but rather the revelation of God’s apostle and prophet, who elaborates divine mysteries and pens down his profound wisdom and theology.

Is there anybody who can fathom and penetrate the epistle of our day in a profound and meaningful way?  Don’t we all have to admit that we are more like swimmers, who are just paddling on the surface of the oceans? Or somewhat like that youth Saint Augustine mentions, who was trying to empty the seas of this world by using his breakfast bowl?

Almighty, heavenly Father! We thank your holy name, that you have proclaimed forgiveness of sins, righteousness and eternal life through your beloved Apostles. We ask you from the bottom of our heart, that you would lead and guide us by your Holy Spirit, that we follow their doctrine, faith and patience willingly and remain in this saving faith faithfully until the very end. Bless and keep us and ours in this night and grant us your peace. Amen.

Look up to the heavenly heights, the starry skies and the circling eagles flight. Eternal suns, holy graces inviting to his beautiful throne. Follow your divine calling. The endless expanses are opening up and the most distant ages are drawing nearer pulled close by God’s love central. (“Volat avis sine meta” by Hermann von Bezzel, 1861-1917)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Monday after the first Sunday after Easter: Quasimodogeniti. It is found on Pg. 167 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 8th April 2013

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

God's HandsIn God’s hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10 NIV)

God is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:27-28 NIV)

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LÖHE ON 1.JOHN 5:9-10

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

ResurexitGod’s testimony is this, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. (1Jo 5:9-10 NIV)

Today’s gospel underlines and emphasizes the proof of our savior’s resurrection from the grave. The Church has added this wonderful passage from the first epistle of St. John to be read during the divine service as epistle reading. This points to the testimony God has given about the living Lord – his only begotten Son – in heaven and on earth. Gospel and epistle agree in this holy purpose to jointly testify and witness about the risen and glorified savior in such a way that the congregation will be firmly grounded in its faith in the living Lord and will thus find profound peace and intense joy in him. This divine harmony in expressions of God’s holy word works in our hearts, that we worship God the Father and the Son without any contradiction or doubt – in unanimity and faithful communion – praising him from the bottom of our content and peaceful hearts with Hallelujahs of this blessed Easter tide!

Almighty God! We pray that you may grant to us, who have celebrated Easter holidays, the power to live lives of joy and peace in word and deed. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (O.J. Mehl)

Oh my Lord Jesus Christ, who has risen from the dead, save us from devils might and cunning and from deaths bonds that we all together enter the new life, which you have gained.

Be praised in this time by all God’s children and eternally by all those, who have overcome by thy very blood. Lord Jesus Christ grant power and courage that we too may overcome! (Laurentius Laurenti, 1660-1722)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the first Sunday after Easter: Quasimodogeniti. It is found on Pg. 166 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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