Löhe on Hebrews 9:14

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Christus am MarterpfahlChrist, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God! (Heb 9:14 NIV)

If somebody would come around, who has some water or mixture, that could rinse and cleanse the deepest creaks and most serious cracks in our conscience, who could wipe out the hurting memories of sins from your mind and heart – would he not be most welcome? Not to me!  That’s not really a cleansing of my conscience if I forget my sins, even if the sins remain and their detrimental consequences – which do their damage eternally if not dealt with in this time and world. Then they will surface if I am made to stand up before God’s judgment throne. There they will then raise its serpent head and show its poisonous fangs and lethal bite to complete its fatal attraction with eternal destruction and condemnation. However if somebody could work it out, that I don’t have to forget my sins, that I can actually consider them in truth and bright light and still not be afraid of this, no need for intimidation either, because the venomous sting is harmless, the toxic mix neutralized, absorbed, made ineffective – that if I could remember my sin and still be allowed, yes even be encouraged to hope in the grace and restoring peace of my God – then I would truly start praising and rejoicing this one. I would cling to him and not let him go, because he would have the ticket to life. I swear there is only one, who can do this and who has already done this. He – worthy of all our praise and worship alone!

Please – dear reader excuse me when I pretended not to know, whom I should worship and praise. Yet I ask you, do you know him too, who is the one, Israel longed for for centuries and prayed for in their regular morning and evening prayers, the one who was the goal of all sacrifices in the world, which pointed towards him, who would come and bring that all availing and efficient and sufficient sacrifice. The true priest, who was the goal and ideal of all priests who ever sacrificed and yet remained but poor resemblances of this one who is Jesus Christ. Do you know this Jesus Christ, who offered himself to God the Father as unblemished sacrifice to cleanse your conscience from all dead works? What does your heart say, when you hear his name and if you remember his vicarious suffering and death? Is there peace in your hearts as he prays for you in the highest heavens and is your advocate before the Father on your part? May there be peace and quiet in your blessed heart as you consider all he is and what he did for you and your salvation!

O Lord Jesus Christ! Deep peace is mine as I consider the thorough cleansing you gave me in holy Baptism already. You gave yourself as a living sacrifice into death for us and our salvation. You shed your most precious blood for me and for the forgiveness of all my sin. Therefore I worship and praise you my Lord and God. I am looking forward to seeing you from face to face in your holy temple up on high in all your glory. You are my purity and sanctity, my only glory and imperishable splendor – my Jesus Christ + (Wilhelm Löhe)

Oh – I am but a sinner here on earth – opposed to God and lost in my own ways. Jesus died for me – to save and make me live! Should he have saved his enemy by his most precious blood? Yes, that’s what he did. That’s his honour and glory. That’s my story!

Soul and life, body and all his members he offered sacrificially for me and all human kind. Should I not also give you all I have and am? I am yours alone. I dedicate myself to you now and always + Lord, help me and have mercy on me!  (Gerhard Tersteegen, 1697-1769)

This is a translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Wednesday after Judica (5th Sunday in Lent). The hymn is translated more literally than poetically. Both are found on Pg. 148 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 20th March 2013

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

AuferstehungWhen men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God?  (Isaiah 8:19 NIV)

Jesus Christ having disarmed the powers and authorities,  made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15 NIV)

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Finnische evangelisch-lutherische Missionsdiözese gegründet

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Bischof Finnische evangelisch-lutherische Missionsdiözese gegründet: Risto Soramies soll am 4. Mai zum Bischof geweiht werden

Helsinki, 19.3.2013 – selk – Am 16. März haben 22 evangelisch-lutherische Gemeinden, die zur Gemeinschaft der Finnischen Luther-Stiftung gehören, zusammen mit der selbstständigen, auf Vereinsbasis organisierten Aamos-Gemeinde aus Laitila, der St. Marien-Gemeinde aus Rauma und der Elia-Gemeinde aus Sodankylä, die Finnische evangelisch-lutherische Missionsdiözese gegründet. Nach der Festmesse unter Leitung von Bischof Matti Väisänen – die Predigt hielt Pastor Dr. Anssi Simojoki – haben die Vertreter der Gemeinden und ihre Pastoren zusammen das Gründungsdokument unterschrieben.

Bisher gehörten diese Gemeinden unter der bischöflichen Leitung von Matti Väisänen zu der „Missionsprovinz in Schweden und Finnland“. Bischof Väisänen geht in den Ruhestand, nachdem er den neuen, ebenfalls am Samstag gewählten Bischof, den bisherigen Propst Risto Soramies, voraussichtlich am 4. Mai in Helsinki konsekriert haben wird. Propst Soramies hat eine langen Werdegang als Missionar in Deutschland und Istanbul, als erster Pastor der dortigen Evangelisch-lutherischen Kirche, hinter sich, und wird nun der erste Bischof der neugegründeten Finnischen evangelisch-lutherischen Missionsdiözese.

Das Verhältnis zur Missionsprovinz in Schweden wird auch nach der Gründung der Finnischen Missionsdiözese eng bleiben. Diese wird aber eine selbstständige kirchliche Struktur in Finnland sein. Eine neue Kirche oder religiöse Gemeinschaft wurde also nicht gegründet. Die neue Missionsdiözese versteht sich als Kontinuum der Finnischen Lutherischen Kirche und deren geistlichem Leben. Sie hat aber eine eigene Kirchenordnung und eigene Verwaltung und gehört in keiner Weise zur Organisation der Finnischen evangelisch-lutherischen Volkskirche.

Bereits 2003 wurde in Göteborg (Schweden) die schwedische Missionsprovinz gegründet, die sich als nichtterritoriales Bistum innerhalb der Kirche von Schweden versteht, in dem diejenigen Pfarrer einen Platz finden, denen die schwedische Kirche wegen ihrer Ablehnung der Ordination von Frauen zum Amt der Kirche und der Segnung von gleichgeschlechtlichen Partnerschaften seit 1993 die Ordination verweigert. An der Weihe des schwedischen Bischofs Roland Gustafsson durch Erzbischof Walter Obare (Kenia) nahm 2010 als Vertreter der Selbständigen Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche (SELK) Bischof i.R. Dr. Jobst Schöne, D.D., teil.
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“Every preacher should exhibit two things” (Luther)

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

LUTHER TEACHERDr. Martin Luther writes: “Every preacher should exhibit two things. First, a blameless life by which he can defy the world and no one have cause to slander the teaching, and second, irreproachable teaching, that he may mislead none that follow him. So he will be right on both sides: with his good life against the enemies who look much more at his life than at his doctrine; with his doctrine among friends who care more for the doctrine than about his life and will bear with his life for the sake of his teaching.

For it is indeed true that no one lives so perfect a life as to be without sin before God. Therefore it is sufficient that he be blameless in the eyes of the people. But his doctrine must be so good and pure as to stand not only before man but also before God.” (Dobberstein 269)

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LÖHE ON HEBREWS 9:14

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

forgiven by IXHow much more, then, will the blood of Christ … cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!  (Heb 9:14 NIV)

My dear friend! Have you not committed a sin, that lies far back, however still burdens your conscience and is as new and quite unforgotten?  You remember it as soon as the pastor mentions sin and even when your alone and nobody is preaching, it still surfaces and makes its presence felt. You can’t deny it, you must confess it even if your ashamed about it from the bottom of your heart.

Be honest and truthful! Don’t you have such sin lying hidden in your life and at the back of your mind? If you confess positively, then you have found the reason for this scriptural passage pointing out the acts that lead to death if they are not redeemed, wiped out and cleansed from our conscience. You know the filth in your soul and heart – and you have the deep desire to be rid of it for good. Yet, how does it come to that cleansing and purification that we’re in so great need of? You know the filth, you desire its cleansing and removal – yet you find it very hard to achieve that. If somebody could convince you that your sin is just an illusion, that the evil is not evil at all, just a passing calamity or slight illness, which will soon pass over and that you don’t need to bother yourself with it, its ok and not really serious at all – then you would be grateful to that person, wouldn’t you? Really very much – I am sure. Yet nobody can bring this evidence or convincing proof. Sin and evil is no illusion and not just a bad dream. No sin and evil have the power to lead to death – if they are not forgiven, cleansed and you healed by God’s grace +

Lord God, heavenly Father! Grant us your Holy Spirit, that we don’t hide our sin from you or ourselves, but rather confess it in ongoing repentance and contrition. More still grant us the comfort in the faith that the most holy and precious blood of your Son Jesus Christ cleanse us from all sin and that garbed in this most appropriate dress of righteousness we’ll be justified in your sight by your gracious forgiveness +

There is a sorrow in this life that’s global – heavy as the mountains and deep as the deepest sea. That’s the heartfelt sorrow over sin and evil in our life – sin that kills us if we’re not saved by Christ + There’s nothing that can heal this illness besides – no medication that will cure or even balm. No it’s sure death – if we’re not saved by Jesus Christ + To cure and heal this bitter sorrow of the heart and most inner being – Jesus Christ gave himself as savior of the world. His blood and righteousness is the true antidote against sin, devil and all evil – the balm to cure all hurt, sorrow and pain – yes, even overcomes death and the grave! (Emil Quandt: 1835-1911)

This is a translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Tuesday after Judica (5th Sunday in Lent). The hymn is translated more literally than poetically. Both are found on Pg. 147 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 19th March 2013

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

father-carries-his-sonThere you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son. (Deuteronomy 1:31 NIV)

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. (1.John 4:16 NIV)

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LÖHE ON HEBREWS 9:13-14

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Blood of Jesus ChristThe blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!  (Heb 9:13-14 NIV)

The triune God is rich in his graces, but there is none of his means of grace that is instituted to share and apply the blood of Jesus Christ quite like the Lord’s Supper, which has cleansed and forgiven millions and multi-millions of eager expecting Christians. We remember his words of institution, where Jesus Christ said in the night, when he was betrayed: “This is the blood of the new testament, which was shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.” The reason it was shed, is also the reason why it is shared to drink. The Lord sacrificed himself to cleanse and forgive all mankind and this cleansing and propitiation he distributes and hands out in this most holy meal – a blessed sprinkling of sanctification and vivification.

However I don’t believe that these words only point to the Lord’s Supper, but also to the holy washing in water and spirit of Baptism.  Dr. Martin Luther takes this up in his Baptismal hymn: “Our eyes only see water as people are a pouring – yet faith in power of the Spirit understands that’s it the blood of Jesus Christ – that’s why it’s a red flood of blood that heals all ill passed down from Adam and sin committed by our very selves.”  So we perceive in holy Baptism the initial sharing and sprinkling with the blood of Christ, a washing and cleansing for sure it is, this is continued in the Lord’s Supper too – a continual cleansing and sanctification, but also a nutrition to eternal life passing all understanding. Surely heaven opens up to us here. This earth becomes a forecourt to the eternal sanctuaries of the godly heavens. Heaven and earth become one in these most holy sacraments and give us all reason to rejoice, be grateful and full of confidence and faith.

Keep us o Lord in one true faith and living faithful to the end! Let nothing rob us of your grace: Your Word and holy Sacrament+ Fill all the hearts in Christendom with peace and joyful confidence – grant love and faithfulness anew that we come closer still to you + (Friedrich Konrad Hiller, 1662-1726)

This is a translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Monday after Judica (5th Sunday in Lent). The hymn can be sung to the melody of “Erhalt uns Herr in Deinem Wort...” Both are found on Pg. 146 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 18th March 2013

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

graveyard“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.” (Psalm 39:4 NIV)

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20 NIV)

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LÖHE ON HEBREWS 9:11-12

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Christ suffering shameWhen Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (Heb 9:11-12 NIV)

In today’s gospel we perceive our Lord amidst his foes. His word doesn’t impress them. His glorious innocence wakes murderous hatred. This is so furious that they pick up stones to kill him, but his time had not yet come. He was not ordained to be stoned, but to be crucified. Therefore he hid himself and went through their angry midst – unscathed. We see our Lord not only in harms way, but amidst his burdensome suffering.

Our Epistle leads us into profound perceptions, that explain the death of Christ. He is decorated with all the honors of the high priest and we read of his entry into the perfect tabernacle by his own blood. That’s not just a commemoration of the suffering and death of Christ, but also a elaboration of the boundless efficacy with God and how it is brought to bear and made to count in heaven – obtaining eternal redemption! That’s the blessed result of his suffering here on earth – finally there on Golgotha, but also all the way to get there. He brings about the most blessed peace and eternal freedom in the faithful hearts and consciences. Finally the last verse proclaims how the faithful will enter via this powerful blood of Jesus into the very realms of heaven to receive their promised portion and inheritance. Those are the blessed fruits of Christ’s passion for us and our salvation. They are described to us so that we would behold the suffering, death and dying of our Lord all the more carefully and attentively, but would follow him in this suffering willingly and as he leads and guides us. Eyes and hearts are opened by his grace and mercy – and so we are motivated to move along in this intimate celebration and worship of the holy passion and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ – moving closer and closer to the glorious consummation on the cross.

O help Christ, you Son of God by your bitter suffering, to subject ourselves to you and all else avoiding. Help us to consider right Your death and its causes, henceforth though just weak and poor thanksgiving will offer + (Michael Weiße +1534)

This is a translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Judica (5th Sunday in Lent). The hymn can be sung to the melody of “O hilf Christe Gottes Sohn...” Both are found on Pg. 145 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 17th March 2013

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus heals women with blood issuesI am the LORD, who heals you. (Exodus 15:26 NIV)

In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:47-48 NIV)

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