MONTAG: MORGENGEBET

Eingang: Herr, frühe wollest du meine Stimme hören, frühe will ich mich zu dir wenden und aufmerken.  (Ps.5,4)

Confession: Almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth: we confess that we have sinned against thee in thought, word and deed. Have mercy upon us. O Lord, have mercy upon us after thy great goodness; according to the multitude of thy mercies, do away our offences; wash us thoroughly from our wickedness, and cleanse us from our sins; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord. Amen.

Psalm 119:33-40   Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.  Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.  Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.  Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

Creed: I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that he has given and still preserves to me my body and soul, with all my limbs and senses, my reason and all my faculties of my mind, together with my raiment, food, home, and family, and all my property; that he daily provides me abundantly with all the necessaries of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me and guards me against all evil; all which he does out of pure, paternal, and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I am in duty bound to thank, praise, serve, and obey him. This is most certainly true.

Lesung vom Amt:

Ezekiel 13: 1-16;   

II Corinthians 3:4-6

Jeremiah 20, 7-13

II Corinthians 3, 7-18

I Corinthians 3, 1-17

Matthew 5, 11-19

Malachi 2,1-9

II Corinthians 4,1-18

Luke 12,35-38

Meditation:

I Corinthians 9,16-17

Revelation 2,10

Daniel 12,3

II Corinthians 5,9-10

Luke 12,32

Matthew 19,29: καὶ πᾶς ὅστις ἀφῆκεν οἰκίας ἢ ἀδελφοὺς ἢ ἀδελφὰς ἢ πατέρα ἢ μητέρα ἢ τέκνα ἢ ἀγροὺς ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός μου, ἑκατονταπλασίονα λήμψεται καὶ ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσει.

Luke 11,23: Ὁ μὴ ὢν μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ κατ᾽ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν, καὶ ὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ σκορπίζει.

II Corinthians 11,13-16

Jeremiah 6,13-15

Matthew 12,36-37

Matthew 25,21.30

Revelation 22,11-12

Freies Gebet oder Tagesgebet

Herr, mein Gott, erwecke mein Herz. Laß es wach sein, dir zu dienen, laß es wach sein für dein Gebot. Herr, gib mir ein unverzagtes Herz zur Arbeit in deiner Kirche. Hilf mir, daß ich ihr Wohl und Wehe bedenke bei allem, was ich tue. Hilf, daß ihre Sorgen meine Sorgen werden. Gib mir Treue im Großen wie im Kleinen, daß ich mich nicht verliere in den Geschäften des Tages, daß keine Mühe mich verdrossen macht. Gib mir ein fröhliches Herz. Ich bitte dich für alle, die im Amt und Dienst deiner Kirche stehen. Hilf ihnen und segne ihre Arbeit. Bewahre mich vor Lieblosigkeit, vor Ungeduld und Hochmut, schenke uns, daß wir zusammenstehen in rechtem Vertrauen.

Erneuere und belebe deine ganze Kirche. Laß die dürren Felder des Todes rauschen vom Hauch der Auferstehung. Herr, deine Gnade ist groß. Du baust dein Reich zu allen Zeiten. Du baust dein Reich auch in dieser Zeit. Du führst es herrlich hinaus.

Herr, ich glaube, hilf meinem Unglauben. Amen.

Vater im Himmel, ich danke dir für meinen Beruf, für Gesundheit und Arbeitskraft. Segne meine Arbeit in dieser Woche. Behüte mich und meine Mitarbeiter vor Hetze, vor Überanstrengung, vor der Diktatur des Terminkalenders. Hilf uns zu einer guten Zusammenarbeit. Behüte mich vor Selbstsucht und Ehrgeiz. Öffne mir die Augen für das, was wirklich notwendig ist. Gib mir die Freiheit, das zu unterlassen, was du nicht für wichtig hälst. Amen.

Vater unser:  Dein  Reich komme

Was ist das?
Gottes Reich kommt auch ohne unser Gebet von selbst,
aber wir bitten in diesem Gebet, daß es auch zu uns komme.
Wie geschieht das?
Wenn der himmlische Vater uns seinen Heiligen Geist gibt,
daß wir seinem heiligen Wort durch seine Gnade glauben und danach leben, hier zeitlich und dort ewiglich.

Fürbitte (Für  die Mission, für die Verkündigung des Evangeliums in aller Welt an Heiden, Juden und Muslimen, für die Jungen Kirchen und ihre Leitung, ihre Prediger, Lehrer und Helfer: für die Missionsgesellschaften und ihre Leitung, Missionare, Ärzte und Schwestern; Bitte um geistlichen Nachwuchs bei uns und draußen; Missionsfreudigkeit in der Heimat und offene Türen unter den Völkern; um die rechte Zusammenarbeit zwischen jungen und alten Kirchen der Ökumene, um die Einigkeit im Geist und brüderliche Liebe):

LCSA

Kirchenleitung:

Vize-Bischof Viktor Mphikeleli Vilakazi [Mpumalanga: Thandakukanya]

Laien: Peter Ntsoe; Mpolaise Masibi; Kassenführer nn

Tebelo Johannes Mafereka (North-West: Potchefstroom; Klerksdorp – Jouberton) und Christopher Mosenogi [Tshing/Ventersdorp] Mandhlakayise Thwala (KwaZulu/Natal: Durban/Ntshongweni) und Jabulani Nkosi [Limehill]; Siphiwe Danisa [Gauteng: Kathlehong] und Mbongeni John Nkambule [Naledi/Mothlakeng]; Botswana: Paul Thabane Mosenogi [Gaborone] und Mothlatlosi Sebeelo [Serowe]

LTS in Tshwane:

Lehrer Sibongisele Eliot Jobe Sithole, Musawenkosi Nathan Mntambo, Glenn Fluegge; Papa Weber [Andrew Bartelt; Anssi Simojoki; Klaus-Eckart Damaske, Wally Hischke, Matthias Albers, Daniel Preus, Moses Okoyo; Andrew Dimit; Cliff Herd; David Zersen; Harald Schoubye; Jim Bauer; Günter Hohls; John Nordling, Reijo Arkkila, Larry Rast; Carl Rockrohr, Tim Quill, Detlev Schulz, William Schumacher, Werner Klän, David Tswaedi, Lessing Reed; Joel Heck, Cameron MacKenzie, Larry Rast, John Pless, Philip Radikobo Ntsimane [LTI: Pmb/Glencoe]; David Phaledi Tswaedi DD [Lucy, Xhotso, Mamohau];

Pastorenkonvent:

KwaZulu:

Dekan Mandlakayise Thwala [Ntshongweni, Durban];

Deputy Jabulani Nkosi (Pella); Isaak Ngwenya (Nondweni); P. Radikobo Ntsimane (Glencoe/LTI Pmb); Aaron Ntuli  [+ 4. Juni 2010] und David Tulo (Enhlanhleni); G. Gule (Tugela Ferry Ruhestand 5.6.2011); Director Majola [+ 2009], Abel Sibanyoni (Madadeni/Newcastle); Mkhabela (Gamalakhe, Mafu, Mvutshini, Mzumbe, Vungi, Ohlangeni); Pastor i.R. Petros Lubede [Shongweni/Umlazi]; Ndwalane [Ohlangeni Ruhestand 5.6.2011]

LKM/MLC Missionare: Peach & Simone, Luka, Fynn und Sara Thandasile (Gamalakhe, Mafu, Mvutshini, Mzumbe, Vungi, Ohlangeni); Toffie & Sigrid, Cornelia, David, Lydia, Maria: [Umlazi] Jan Meyer & Hanna [Phoenix & Chatsworth]; Christian and Christa-Maria Tiedemann: [Our Saviour/Pella]

FELSiSA: Shelly Beach; Durban/Westville; Pietermaritzburg; Our Saviours/Warburg; Greytown; Uelzen; Vryheid/Newcastle; Lüneburg;

LCMS: Shara Cunningham; Julia Wehrenberg;

Mpumalanga:

Dekan: Victor Mphekeleli Vilakazi (Piet Retief/Thandakukanya)

Msibi i.R./Marco Siphelele Zikhali (Amtersdam/Panbult); Mthimkhulu (Dumbe); Frederick Mtshali (Fernie); Jairus Mathebula (Itshelejuba); N. Biyela (Dirkiesdorp); Jakob Nkambule (Ncotshane/Pongola); Mntambo (Nthithane); (Salem), William Maphalala + Norman Masi Monthato [Ermelo]; Mavusu; Ronald Lushaba [Mayflower]

Dr. Mandla Khumalo [St. Peters, Middleburg]

Masimula i.R.

FELSISA: Wittenberg; Piet Retief/Panbult;

Gauteng:

Dekan Siphiwe E. Danisa (Germiston/Kathlehong);

Deputy Dean John Nkambule [Naledi]; Ngcobo (Bethal/Secunda); Themba Z. Mkhize (Suspended 2011: Daveyton); Solomon Maleke [Tembisa]; Dirang Bojane Vusi (Mabopane); Deacon Abraham Segoe (Mabopane); Moroe [Gefaengnis Cullinan 2009]; David Phaledi Tswaedi [Mofolo-North] Modise Maragelo (Kagiso);

LKM/MLC/ALM: Axel, Mareike & Sophie Wittenberg [Seminary Congregation]

FELSiSA: Arcadia/Pretoria; Fairlands; ELF: Randfontein; Kemptonpark;

LCMS: Mike Rodewald and Cindy 2009; Glenn Fluegge and Susan 2010; Joe Burnham and Anita and Robbie ; Carl Rockrohr and Debbie, Tim 2011;

North West:

Dekan: Tabelo Johannes Mafereka [Klerksdorp/Jouberton – Potchefstroom]; Deputy Christoph Mosenogi (Roodepoort/Ventersdorp/Tshing),

Lentswe Sefako (Itsoseng); Phogoyane (Ikopeleng);  Sephai (Mafikeng); Mathulwe (Motlatla); Molebatsi (Potchefestroom); nn (Ramathlabama); Mogorosi (Boikhuotso);  Orapeleng Godfrey Shuping [Tsetse/UP/LTS]; Mantshonyane i.R./ (Holfontein); Simon Moate [Ledig]

Botswana:

Acting Dean: Paul Thabane Mosenogi (MLC – Gaborone);

Pieter Ditlhareng (Ranaka Moved to NW); Odirileng Sengwaketse [Molepolole]; Buka Ntsimako [Jwaneng]

MLC: Mcidisi Jim Gumede [Kanye: Resigned on the 2nd October 2010]; Paul Mosenogi [Gaborone]; Mothlatlosi Sebeelo [Serowe]; Boss Sebeelo [Tutume, Francistown]; Vicar Phenyo Mokgaimena and his wife Nancy [Gaborone]

LKM: Missionsdirektor Roger Zieger; Missionsleitung und –kollegium: Herr Borchers [Farven]; Dr. Manfred Neubauer; Ruth Keidel [Berlin: Annen Straße]; Dr. Siegfried Schwertner [Heidelberg]; Herr Meyer [Kassenführer/Rodenberg]; Propst Johannes Rehr; Martin Benhoefer; Frau Lange; Rainhard Muehlinghaus;

Junge Gemeinde in München

LCMS: Matt and Kathy Harrison; Herb and Joy Mueller;  Daniel and Linda Preus; Scott Murray;  Kim and Jon Vieker; Al Colver;

ILC: Albert Collver III; Joel Lehmbauer;

LCMS World Relief: Barbara Hoffman, Sally Hendricks, Grace Rao;

LCMS World Mission: Ken Greinke, Dr. Mike Rodewald [Africa]; David Birner, Yohannes Mengsteab; Allan Buckman,  Debbie Williams [Projects], Nelson/Bri; David Muench;

SID: President Timothy Scharr, Vice Michael Walther [Collinswood]; Roth; [Kollmann retired President] Mission committee, Sue Hasselbring; Dr. Wally and Anita Hischke, P. Engfern and Vicar … [Holy Cross] Eunice and Richard Weber [Immanuel], Jim and Denise Henning [Prairie Town]; Craig and … Eden; Faith Richardson; Lee and Pat Hoffmeier; Bonnie Hartmann; Ruth-Anne Brinkmann; Peter Marks; [Trinity]; Tim and Dawn Mueller [New Minden]; P. Young [Spanish Missions]; Mark and Paula Willig; Jeff [Prison Ministry]; Dave Fletcher [Chinese]; P. Michael Walther, Archie [Good Shepherd/Collinsville]; Eunice and Ray Haussler; Diana Karlen; P.David Fern;

CID: President Bueltman

Rocky Mountain District: Michael and Danielle Grosse [… … Justin, Jordan]; Pastor Allan Anderson; District Pres. Randy and Elisabeth Golter; St. Lukes [P. Hilmer]; Dr. Harry Krueckeberg; Mary Marten; Gary Rahe; Duane Nyen; Hugh Taylor;  Jim Bauer; Ralph Patrick; Andrew Dimit;

Ft.Wayne: Dean Wenthe [Retired June 2011], [William Weinrich], David Scaer, Kurt Marquart [+2009], Detlev Schulz, Tim Quill, Peter Scaer, Robert Roethemeyer; Lawrence Rast [President June 2011]; John Nordling;  John Pless; Arthur Just;  Douglas Rutt [LHM]; Adam Francesco [Irvine California];   Cameron McKenzie; Charles Gieschen [Academic Dean 2011] David Coles [Promoter of Eliot Sithole];

St.Louis: President Dale Meyer; Andy Bartelt; Bruce Schuchard; William Schumacher, Robert Kolb, James Voelz, Charles Arand, Lessing Reed; Robert Rosin; Jeff Gibbs;

Phittsburgh in Philadelphia: Concordia Lutheran Ministries; Jim Wolf [Nachkomme von C.F.W.Walther]; Pastor Jamison Hardy; Keith Frntack

 

Bob Funk Phoenix, Arizona

LHF: Jeff and Robert Rahn, Anssi Simojoki [Finland]; James E. Fandrey; James May [Kenya, Nairobi]

CLEF: John Fehrmann, James Meichsner;

Lutheran Academy: Daniel and Linda Preus

Schwan Foundation: Larry and Eric Burgdorf; Keith Boheim;

 

Allmächtiger, barmherziger Gott, der du durch Jesus Christus zum Heile aller Menschen ein Reich angefangen hast bis an die Enden der Erde, sende Boten in die Völkerwelt, die das Licht deines Wortes zu denen bringen, die da sitzen in Finsternis und Schatten des Todes. Mache die Gemeinde in der Heimat willig zu deinem Werk in Gebet und Opfer.

Dir befehlen wir unsere Brüder und Schwestern, die draußen in der Arbeit stehen. Rüste sie aus mit deinem Geist, daß sie mit Freudigkeit Zeugnis von dir ablegen. Laß dein Wort überalle offene Türen und willige Herzen finden.

Dir befehlen wir alle Missionsgesellschaften mit ihren Leitern und Lehrern und die jungen Brüder in der Ausbildung:

1998-2005: T.Doe Johnson [MTh] – Suah, Esther, Cindy und Marco Siphele Zikhali

1999-2004: John Nkambule [Th.Hons], Tandi in Naledi Soweto

2000-2006: Godfrey Shuping, Naledi, Botlare und Rorisang + ? [1]

2001-2006: Vincent Cane [?] und William Maphalala [passed away in 2007][2]

2003: Vusi Dirang Billy Boy Bojane [Mabopane], Masi Norman Monthato [Ermelo] und Odireleng Sengwaketse  [Molepolole] [3]

2004: Alex Sigubudu [dropped out in 2007] und Boss Sebeelo [Tutume/Francistown] [2]

2005: [Angus Lukeeta dropped out in 2006], Bongani Dlamini [Jagdrift], Ngobese Bheki,[dropped out in 2007 to restart in 2008; Vicarage in Ohlangeni] Moses Mokopanele [Vicarage in Mofolo N.] Rev. Motlhatlosi Sebeelo [Serowe], Rev. Jerome Wamala [Kampala], Rev. Samuel Ogwang, Kamya Moses Wako, Aaron Bamuwamye, Thomas Beneke. [10]

2006: Silas Mogale; Phenyo Mokgaimena; Johnson Obura; Johnson Balihikya; Robert Wakiso; Benson Barahuka;  Nicholas Bwire and Daniel Nkoyooyo [8]

2007: [Jabulani Chris Khumalo], [Paul Mosimanegape Sephai], Eric Ghebotoe [Ghana], [Sipho Hlatshwayo], Alex Ambani [Kenya], Gemah P.F. Ballah [Liberia], Peter Anibati [Sudan]; James Odoo, York Waako, Peter Maganda and Frank Kainerugaba [Uganda], Boitumelo Magosinyana, Ipeleng Makoka.

2008: McBen Enoch; Obed Gyaba[dropped out in 2009]

2009: Isaac Madonsela; Matthews Tokpah; Madara Eboro; Jacob Mstoe; Staneley Chepkwoney; David Ombogo;

2010: Thulani Hadebe [Belgrade/Itshelejuba]; Ashenafi Desta Gonemo [Ethiopia]; Daniel Fitebo [Ethiopia]; Benjamin Kaumba [Zambia]; Dennis Borbor [Liberia did not return in 2011]; Simon Ishaya Gyang [Nigeria]; Nogukhanya Shabalala [did not return in 2011]; Non-Resident 2010: Christoph Weber; Christian Straeuli;

2011: Mr. Maqoba [Middleburg/N]; Noguthula Dlamini [Themba]; Amos Kilimba; Herman Gacha; Harold Mkaro; Trafaina Nkya; Jonah Mkumbwa; [Left LTS in the Easter Holidays 2011]

Part-time/Non-Resident: Lenkwe; Rantshwantswe; Raputhu; Hermann Madimabe; Siza Lugojolo; Thomas Beneke; Deacon Mosenogi;  [6]

 

Wir bitten dich für dein altes Bundesvolk Israel: Nimm die Decke von seinen Augen, daß es Jesus Christus als seinen Messias erkenne und annehme.

Erbarme dich aller, die falschen Propheten anhangen, dass sie sich bekehren zu dem wahren Propheten Jesus Christus.

Nimm dich der jungen Kirchen, ihrer Gemeinden, Hirten und Lehrer an, daß sie wachsen in der Erkenntnis der Wahrheit und in der Liebe zu dir und dich mit glaubwürdigem Wandel unter ihren heidnischen Volksgenossen bezeugen.

Führe den Tag herauf, da die eine Herde unter dem einen Hirten herrlich in Erscheinung tritt und wir mit allen deinen Kindern vereint sind in deinem ewigen Reich. Amen.

Wir beten für Südafrika: Entzünde die Flamme deiner Liebe. Brich die Zweifel des Unglaubens, besiege allen Widerstand des Hasses. Wir bitten dich für alle Völker: Laß dein Licht aufgehen über allen, die im Todesschatten sitzen. Wirke du selbst, das das Zeugnis deines Heils gepredigt werde in neuen Zungen. Wir bitten dich für alle deine Kinder: Laß vereinigt werden deine ganze Christenheit. Bringe zusammen, die du gerufen und dir erwählt hast. Zerbrich die Mauern, die uns trennen, und wehre allen, die Unfrieden stiften. Laß vereinigt werden alle, die dich anbeten, den einigen Gott. Herr, wir bitten dich, es komme der Tag, da eine Herde und ein Hirte ist. Amen.

Herr Jesus Christus, wecke und stärke in unserer Mitte die Liebe zur Mission. Laß uns von ganzem Herzen teilnehmen an dem Ringen, Leiden und Leben der jungen Kirchen in aller Welt. Besonders bringe ich vor dich diejenigen Brüder und Schwestern, die aus unserer Heimatkirche ausgesandt sind. T.Doe Johnson, Marco Siphele Zikhali, John Nkambule, Mandlakayise Thwala, Christoph Mosenogi, Jim Mcidisi Gumede [resigned 2.10.2010], Lentswe Sefako, Godfrey Orapeleng Shuping, William Maphalala, Vincent Cane [without call since 2009], Dirang Bojane, Masi Monthato, Odireleng Sengwaketse, Boss Sebeelo, Motlatlosi Sebeelo, Moses Mokopanele, Bongani Dlamini [Without vicarage since 2009]. Aaron Bamuwamye, Samuel Ogwang, Jerome Wamaala & Moses Kamya Wako; Johnson Obura; Robert Wakiso; Daniel Nkoyoyoo; Nicholas Bwire; Benson Barahuka; Silas Mogale; Phenyo Mokgaimena; Bheki Ngobese;

Gib, daß ich die Gemeinde so unterrichte, das ihre Aufmerksamkeit wachbleibt für alles, was du von uns erwartest. Wir können nur im Glauben bleiben, wenn wir mitarbeiten. Wir können nur Zuversicht behalten, wenn wir sehen, wie du dich auch heute als der Lebendige erweist, bei uns, in der Nähe und in der Ferne.

Laß die Gemeinde kommen, wenn sie gerufen wird, um zu hören auf die Botschaft von dem Wachsen deines Reiches. Erwecke dir unter uns Männer und Frauen, die das Feuer der Liebe schüren.

Mache uns bereit, deine Handlanger zu sein. Schaffe bei uns und in der ganzen Christenheit, auch unter den anderen Völkern und Rassen, neues Leben.

Fördere du die Liebe und die Wahrheit unter den verschiedenen Bekenntnissen und Missionen, hilf der von Streit zerrissenen Welt zum Frieden. Führe uns alle durch dein heiliges Wort zusammen unter dir, dem einen Hirten. Herr, wir warten auf dein Heil. Ja, komm Herr Jesu, und rüste uns zu auf den Tag, da du erscheinen wirst als Herr aller Herren und König aller Könige, vor dem sich alle beugen müssen. Amen.

O Herr Jesu Christus, der du von einer hebräischen Mutter geboren wurdest, aber voll Freude warst über den Glauben einer syrischen Frau und eines römischen Soldaten, der du die Griechen, die dich suchten, freundlich aufgenommen hast und es zuließest, daß ein Afrikaner deiner Kreuz trug, hilf uns, Menschen aller Rassen als Miterben in dein Reich zu bringen! Amen.

Segen: Der Herr ist treu; der wird euch stärken und bewahren vor dem Argen. (2.Thess.3,3)

 

MITTAGSGEBET

Eingang: Gelobt sei Gott, der Vater unsers Herrn Jesus Christus, der Vater der Barmherzigkeit und Gott alles Trostes. (2.Kor.1,3)

Psalm 146: Halleluja! Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele! Ich will den Herrn loben, solange ich lebe, und meinem Gott lobsingen, solange ich bin. Verlaßt euch nicht auf Fürsten; sie sind Menschen, die können ja nicht helfen. Denn des Menschen Geist muß davon, und er muß wieder zur Erde werden; dann sind verloren alle seine Pläne. Wohl dem, dessen Hilfe der Gott Jakobs ist, der seine Hoffnung setzt auf den Herrn seinen Gott, der Himmel und Erde gemacht hat, das Meer und alles, was darinnen ist; der Treue hält ewiglich; der Recht schafft denen, die Gewalt leiden, der die Hungrigen speist. Der Herr macht die Gefangenen frei. Der Herr macht die Blinden sehend. Der Herr richtet auf, die niedergeschlagen sind. Der Herr liebt die Gerechten. Der Herr behütet die Fremdlinge und erhält Waisen und Witwen; aber die Gottlosen führt er in die Irre. Der Herr ist König ewiglich, dein Gott, Zion, für und für. Halleluja!

Lesung

Gebete

Du Herr, hast die Welt geschaffen und trägst sie mit großer Kraft. Du schaffst alle Dinge täglich neu durch dein mächtiges Wort. Du waltest durch die Zeiten und füllest die Jahre mit deiner Frucht.

Samen gibst du und gibst die Ernte, die Arbeit gibst du und segnest das Werk. Inmitten der Schmerzen erquickest du mit Wonne, inmitten der Unrast rufest du uns mit heiligem Ruf zu Sammlung und Stille. Wir beten dich an. Amen.

Herr, immer wieder werde ich untreu und sinke ab in den eitlen Dienst der Zeit, vergesse meine Berufung, erniedrige mich und verleugne die Gabe deines Geistes. Herr, laß mich nicht los, hilf mir, richte mich auf, und befreie mich durch deine heilige Gegenwart. Amen.

Herr, schenke mir ein demütiges Herz, daß ich mich so klein achte wie ein Kind, daß ich in all meinem Tun und Werk nichts zu rühmen weiß als deine unverdiente Gnade, daß ich vor dir nichts bin als eine leere Hand, die sich bittend nach dir ausstreckt, daß ich lebend und sterbend nichts begehre als allein die Gnade, die dem Petrus und dem Schächer am Kreuz zuteil ward – diesen demütigen Sinn gib und erhalte mir. O lieber Gott und Vater, der du Wohlgefallen hast an den Demütigen, erhöre mich. Amen.

O gnadenreicher, heiliger Vater, verleihe uns Weisheit, dich zu erkennen; Verstand, dich zu verstehen; Eifer, dich zu suchen; Geduld, auf dich zu warten; Augen, dich zu schauen; ein Herz, über dich nachzusinnen und ein Leben, dich zu verkündigen – in der Kraft des Geistes unseres Herrn Jesus Christus. Amen.

Segen: Der Frieden Gottes, welcher höher ist als alle Vernunft, bewahre eure Herzen und Sinne in Christus Jesus. Amen. (Phil.4,7)

ABENDGEBET

Eingang: Psalm 103:2  Lobe den HERRN, meine Seele, und vergiß nicht, was er dir Gutes getan hat:

Psalm 17:5-9.15:  Erhalte meinen Gang auf deinen Wegen, daß meine Tritte nicht gleiten.  Ich rufe zu dir, denn du, Gott, wirst mich erhören; neige deine Ohren zu mir, höre meine Rede! Beweise deine wunderbare Güte, du Heiland derer, die dir vertrauen gegenüber denen, die sich gegen deine rechte Hand erheben.  Behüte mich wie einen Augapfel im Auge, beschirme mich unter dem Schatten deiner Flügel vor den Gottlosen, die mir Gewalt antun, vor meinen Feinden, die mir von allen Seiten nach dem Leben trachten. Ich aber will schauen dein Antlitz in Gerechtigkeit, ich will satt werden, wenn ich erwache, an deinem Bilde.

Lesung

Freies Geben oder Tagesgebet

Allmächtiger Herr und Heiland unseres Lebens, wir danken dir, daß du uns berufen hast durch das Wort deiner frohen Botschaft, daß wir Boten sein sollen denen, die auf dich warten. Wir bitten dich in dieser Abendstunde: Schaffe den Verlorenen Rettung, den Gebundenen Freiheit, den zerstoßenen Herzen Heilung und Frieden. Gib uns für die Brüder offene Augen und Hände, willig zum Helfen. Stärke in uns den Geist der Kindschaft, daß wir alles von dir erwarten und dir die Ehre geben.

Herr, unser Gott, der du uns durch deinen Sohn erlöst hast, du bist bei uns geblieben den ganzen Tag mit deiner Kraft und mit deinem Schutz. Wir bitten dich, vergib, wo wir schwach und unbeständig waren. Schenke uns deinen Frieden, den die Welt nicht geben kann. Laß uns sicher schlafen in der Nacht und am Morgen gesund erwachen.

Vater unser: Dein Reich komme…

Fürbitten (Für die Mission und die Bibelvorbereitung)

Unser Herr, der du uns befohlen hast, deine Zeugen zu sein bis an die äußersten Enden der Erde – wir bitten dich: Erwecke unter uns Männer und Frauen, die vom Feuer deiner Liebe entzündet, bereit sind zum Dienst, wohin immer du sie senden willst. Laß Missionare ausgehen von den alten zu den jungen und von den jungen zu den alten Kirchen, damit der ganzen Kirche neues Leben geschenkt und der unerschöpfliche Reichtum deines Evangeliums offenbar werde. Wir bitten dich für die vielen Millionen im Osten und Westen, die dich nicht kennen. Laß deine Kirche nicht ruhen, bis der Tag kommt, an dem alle Völker in allen Ländern deine frohe Heilsbotschaft gehört haben. Und laß uns Glieder deiner Gemeinde durch deine große Gnade und Barmherzigkeit demütig daran mitarbeiten, daß dein Reich gefördert und dein Name geheiligt werde. Um Christi willen. Amen.

Du Herr aller Welt! Laß uns dir danken, daß dein Plan und dein Ziel feststeht über alle Verkehrtheit der Menschen; daß niemand und nichts dich hindern wird, dein Reich zum Siege zu führen und dein Heil offenbar zu machen. Laß uns nicht erschrecken vor dem Toben der Völker und den Irrtümern inmitten deiner Kirche. Und wenn wir dich preisen für alle deine Barmherzigkeit, die in den Tagen unserer Väter bei uns gewesen ist, so laß uns gewiß sein, daß deine Treue auch in Zukunft nicht von uns weichen, sondern uns geleiten wird zum Tag der Vollendung. Mache uns geduldig und laß uns ganz vertrauen auf deine starke Durchhilfe, Tag und Nacht. Strafe uns nicht damit, daß dein heiliges, tröstendes Wort uns mangelt. Rüste uns und alle Prediger und Hirten aus, daß wir deine Gemeinde aufbauen mit gesunder Lehre, in Weisheit von oben, mit klarer Predigt in der Vollmacht deines Geistes. Segne die Boten, wo immer sie deinen Ruf verkündigen. Laß uns in deinem Frieden ruhn und fröhlich erwachen.

Herr, unser Gott und Vater! Wir danken dir, daß du uns den Schatz deines heiligen Wortes anvertraut hast. Wir müssen jedoch vor Dir bekennen: Wir sind lau und nachlässig gewesen und haben oft genug dein Wort gering geachtet. Darum bitten wir dich: Vergib uns diese Sünde, habe Geduld mit uns und erwecke uns, daß wir die Heilige Schrift zur Hand nehmen und darin lesen, wie es unsere Väter taten. Schenke uns erneut die Erkenntnis, daß dein Wort nicht nur für uns und den Sonntag da ist, sondern für die ganze Menschheit und daß es unseren Alltag heiligen und das Leben unserer Mitmenschen mit deinem Licht erfüllen will.

Segne das Werk der Bibelgesellschaften in unserem Land und in aller Welt. Laß die Übersetzer in deinem Geist die frohe Botschaft übertragen. Gib den Druckern und Buchbindern gute Einfälle bei der Herstellung des Bibelbuches. Schenke den Bibelboten Ausdauer und Mut auf den Straßen und Märkten der Welt, wenn sie in deinem Namen das „Buch der Bücher“ zu den Menschen bringen.

Stärke und bewahre alle, die so im Dienst an der Bibel stehen, damit sie in rechter Verantwortung handeln und dazu beitragen, daß Dein Wort laufe und wachse, daß es mit allem Freimut gepredigt und deine Gemeinde in aller Welt dadurch gebaut werde. Amen.

Segen: Eine ruhige Nacht und ein seliges Ende verleihe uns der allmächtige und barmherzige Gott, der Vater, der Sohn und der heilige Geist! Amen.

Johann Sebastian Bach – one of the greatest composers and one appropriately called the 5^th evangelist – died 260 years ago.  With music he underscores the good Lord’s story. A feast for hungry ears! “Made in heaven!” is a fitting label even as he signs off his inspirational work: Soli Deo Gloria. This grandmaster of music composed at least 3 cycles of cantatas for every Sunday in the year and an oratorio for most Christian holidays – thus preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with music close to perfection. A musical banquet prepared for those with ears to hear: “Glad tidings of great joy I bring, whereof I now will say and sing…”

Isaiah – one of the most gifted sages of old, a top evangelist of the ancient times, truly inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that he preached him who was to come: Jesus Christ. It was given to him to see what was to finally come about – the last things – happy ending of God’s story with his people. This eventually culminates in an exuberant celebration, a festival of divine abundance and the best of the best in food and drink. Everybody has a super seat prepared, is clothed with celestial garb in the latest divine fashion, drinks heavenly nectar, enjoys food fit for the Gods and probably listens to music even better than Bach + Beatles!  It’s the stuff feeding human myths like those describing revelry down in the magnificent mines of Moria or the partying at Hogwarths when all is done or even “Babettes feast.” Out of this world stuff really – hardly experienced, but longed for by people on their way there, who have not quite forgotten, that this is not everything yet – not by a long shot. It is part of God’s way of keeping his people dreaming of the better world out yonder – the promised land flowing with milk and honey.

The refugees fleeing the drought gripping the Horn of Africa would know, don’t you think? They too are striving for a better land, they know it’s not back home, but ahead, still out of reach, but by the grace, mercy and calling of God they will finally get there – just like good summer rains are not up to us to make, but only to receive; just as the good life in God’s sight remains a gift from him, never just product of our skills, ingenuity or planning. Overcoming misery, grief, tears, pain and finally death – God’s doing, not ours. So also getting into God’s kingdom is God’s business. Thankfully he does that too – just as he promised through Isaiah – even for poor, miserable sinners, undeserving, but admitted by grace as the watchword for this week underlines: “For by grace you have been saved through faith…” Eph.2,8f.

See, this evangelist of the Old Testament is enabled to see what the Lord of Hosts is up to. The Holy Spirit shows how the Lord himself is preparing a feast for all people –  a feast of rich food, well-aged wine, marrow, well refined. That’s the feast of feasts, the culmination of all parties and wedding celebrations the final banquet after the last judgment, the wedding of the bridegroom with his bride the church when finally all sin is forgiven, guilt redeemed and reproach vicariously removed – the burden is lifted. Time to celebrate!

Jesus Christ already fulfilled this messianic prophecy in his time. He provided heavenly abundance to 4-5 thousand in the desert, changed water into best wine, brought outsiders like Zachaus and Magdalene back into God’s family and demonstrated how the prodigal son is reinstated by the father and the elder brother is invited to join the celebrations as the angels intone the glorious Hallelujahs in heaven. Yes, Jesus brings the dead like Lazarus back to life and restores joy, bliss and salvation to the mourning and opens heaven’s doors for poor miserable sinners: Come taste and see, how friendly your God is. His final testament given in the night, when he was betrayed remains our highest good and most precious treasure: for us and our salvation!  

Here and now even these divine things are a yet but a foretaste of the eschatological things to come. Realized yes, at least partly already, but still somewhat “not yet”. Only little portions of heavenly bliss for now, just a sip of most precious divinity out of silver chalice and only morsels from golden plates, but don’t despair there’s more to come in good time, better still in God’s time! Here and now the Church resembles more a hospital or dispensary than a festive dance- and banquet hall. The abundance, exuberance and even excess of the church triumphant is still beyond our reach, we are still caught up in the militant one: sobriety and temperance, moderation, fasting and restraint are called for. Therefore liturgy is more appropriately Gregorian chant than playful tunes and rhythmic vibes; church buildings resemble waiting-stations more than cozy homes and that’s probably fitting for migrants, refugees, people on the move; dress more that of pilgrims, athletes or even soldiers than of fancy wedding guests; prayers still abounding with Kyrie eleison and include numerous litanies, petitions and lamentations even if hallelujahs are in good order and resound here and there; suffering, hardship, even persecution might be our lot still – and not yet the divine celebration without end.  Still the vision is given, never to be recalled. We are on our way and by God’s grace we will see, what was promised and already believed.

In contrast to J.S.Bach Max Reger consciously included inharmonious and dissonant parts in his musical compositions like a hick-up. In that way he emphasized our human limitations and imperfections and pointed faithfully to the one mediator and savoir, who alone is able to finish and perfect the good work in us and bring it to immaculate completion there, where all discordant melodies will finally be harmonized in faultless perfection:  “What joy to know, when life is past, the Lord we love is first and last, the end and the beginning! He will one day, oh, glorious grace, transport us to that happy place Beyond all tears and sinning! Amen, Amen! Come Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness! We are yearning for the day of your returning!” 

Interessante Wochen liegen vor uns. Am kommenden Mittwoch treffen wir uns zu fünfzehn zu unserem Klassentreffen. Es sind sechzig Jahre vergangen, seitdem wir in Piet Retief unseren Schulabschluss machten. Sieben können mit ihren Frauen, bzw. Männern kommen. Eine Schulkameradin von denen, die kommen, ist schon länger Witwe, deshalb die ungleiche Zahl. Vier haben sich abgemeldet, weil es zu weit sei oder weil sie in diesen Tagen schon eine Fahrt nach Botswana und Namibia geplant hatten. Vier haben nicht auf die Einladung reagiert. Mit zweien haben wir schon Jahre lang keinen Kontakt. Da weiß ich nicht, was aus ihnen geworden ist, oder ob sie überhaupt noch leben. Sechs der Mitschüler sind bereits gestorben.Wie bei den fünf vorigen Klassentreffen halte ich dieses Mal eine Andacht mit Gebet, Lob- und Dankliedern. Dieses Mal habe ich die ersten 5 Verse von Ps 103 zugrunde gelegt für die Ansprache. Lob und Dank für das, was der Herr für uns getan hat, täglich tut und im ewigen Leben vollenden wird, wo wir es sehen werden, dass wir von Sünden rein und von allen Gebrechen frei sein werden.  Bis dann ermuntert uns der Glaube an das in den Versen Zugesagte.

Andere feiern in diesem Jahr 60jähriges Ordinationsjubiläum, Papst Bendikt XVI sogar mit 11 anderen, die mit ihm am 29. Juni 1951 ordiniert wurden. Die es gesundheitlich noch können, hatte er zu der Feier nach Rom eingeladen. Sein Bruder und ein Freund aus ihrem Geburtstort Traunstein sind sogar noch einige Jahre älter als er. 44 sollen es damals gewesen sein, die zusammen ordiniert wurden. Die große Zahl war bedingt, weil eine ganze Reihe Kriegsteilnehmer dabei waren, weil sie erst nach dem Krieg ihre Studien abschließen konnten, ähnlich wie der älteste Amtsbruder in der SELK, der am 7. Oktober 1951 ordiniert wurde. Da sind es nun schon zehn Jahre her, dass sein Sohn uns um Beiträge bat zur Festschrift zu seines Vaters achtzigsten Geburtstag und zum 50. Ordinationstag. Einige, die jünger waren als der Jubilar und zur Festschrift einen Beitrag schrieben, hat der Herr inzwischen schon heimgerufen.

Zum 14. Und 15. August hat Missionsdirektor Zieger die Bleckmarer Ruheständler zu einem Treffen nach Durban eingeladen. Anschließend werden wir einige Tage nach Shelly Beach fahren, Magdalene Gesellschaft zu leisten, weil Kurt in den Tagen zu einer Konferenz weg sein wird.  Zum 19. August wollen wir dann wieder zu Hause sein, weil Ekkehard, Elisabeth und Ruth Heicke sich für ein paar Tage hier auf Welbedacht angemeldet haben. Wir freuen uns, dass wir in den Tagen in Shelly Beach Webers von Umhlangeni erleben können zum Erzählen über unsere und ihre Wochen in Deutschland. Zum 3. September zu Christianes Konfirmation und zu der Feier von Angelikas und Wilhelms 50. Geburtstagen sind wir nach Wartburg eingeladen. Am 25. September ist unser Flug nach Griechenland gebucht. Zu den Tagen bis zum 5. Oktober haben Sigrid und Christoph uns zusammen mit ihren Eltern eingeladen. Das habe ich mir nicht träumen lassen, dass wir nach Israel vor zehn Jahren auch Griechenland einmal besuchen würden. Besonders freue ich mich, die Areoparkrede von Paulus dort an Ort und Stelle in Kupfer zu lesen. Wenigstens hoffe ich das. Ein Abstecher nach Patmos lässt sich leider nicht einplanen. Das würde zu viel Zeit in Anspruch nehmen. Christoph hat in den vergangenen Tagen die Hotels für die Unterbringung der Eltern, bzw. Großeltern gebucht. Sigrid und Christoph mit ihren Kindern schlafen in einem gemieteten Wohnmobil. Ein Zweitwagen bietet dann genug Platz für die Fahrten. Über 70jährige dürfen die Mietwagen nicht mehr fahren. Da sind wir froh und dankbar, dass wir von den Kindern mitgenommen werden.

Für die Reise im Heiligen Land hatten wir einen sehr schönen Reiseführer geschenkt bekommen. In gleicher Aufmachung konnten wir uns antiquarisch jetzt einen für Griechenland besorgen. Von Simone hatten wir eine CD bekommen, dass wir uns ein wenig mit dem heutigen Griechisch befassen. Mit Kasetten und Videos konnte ich immer nur wenig anfangen. Ich freue mich, dass jüngere Mitreisende noch bessere Ohren und Aufnahmefähigkeiten mitbringen. Die werden dem alten Mann zurechthelfen, wie Bernhard Daniel das mit dem Großvater in Amerika gemacht hat, und anschließend auch die nötigen Bilder zur besseren Erinnerung zur Verfügung stellen. Diese Voraussicht macht die Vorfreude noch größer, wenn ich bedenke, was ich erst im Nachhinein durch die DVD von Bernhard Daniel von dem Festakt anlässlich der Verleihung des Ehrendoktors und der anderen Ehrungen in Fort Wayne mitbekommen habe und mich hier zu Hause vor dem Fernseher an allem freuen konnte.

 

 

Dithero tsa Tirelano mo Kutlwanong

Thero ka Sontaga wa 4 morago ga moletlo waBorarobongwe, e le ka 17. 07. 2011    38/2011

Mo leineng la Modimo o e leng Rara le Morwa le Mowa o o Boitshepo!

 

1. Sefela sa 155  – 138/139

 

2.         Thapelo: Morena Modimo, Rara wa boutlwelobotlhoko, wena yo o tlhabisetsang letsatsi la gago ba ba molemo le ba ba bosula, mme o le tsalano mo go bone ba ba se nang tebogo le mo baikeping, o pelotelele ruri le mo go rona rotlhe ka fa dikhumong tsa boutlwelobotlhoko jo bogolo jwa gago, jo bo ne bo  le teng go tswa tshimologong ya lefatshe. Thusa, gore re latele sekao sa gago le sa Morwao yo o rategang ka go ithuta bopelonomi mo ditsaleng le mo babeng ba rona, le gore re bipe bokoa jwa mokaulengwe wa rona, re mo itshwarele ka pelo e e se nang boitimokanyo, mme jalo re direle mongwe le mongwe, re supe maungo a tumelo ya rona ntlheng tsotlhe ka Jesu Keresete, Morena wa rona, yo o tshelang yo o busang mmogo le wena le Mowa o o Boitshepo jaanong le ka bosenabokhutlo. Amen

 

3.         Epistolo ka fa thulaganyong ya 2 e kwadilwe mo go Baroma 14:10-13

Efangele ka fa thulaganyong ya 1 e kwadilwe mo go Luka 6:36-42

 

 

4.         A go ipolelwe tumelo ya bokeresete!                                                                                                                                                                             5. Sefela sa 300 – 275/282

 

6.         Thapelo ya mmadi wa thero.                                                                                                                               7. Lefoko la Thero ka fa thulaganyong ya 3 e kwadilwe mo go

Genesi 50:15-21 le re: “Jaanong e rile bomorwa-rraagwe Josefa ba bona, fa rraabo a sule, ba re: ‘Fa Josefa a ka re tlhoa, a re busetsa tota tse di bosula tsotlhe tse re di mo diretseng, re tla reng?’ Ke ka moo ba rometseng lefoko kwa go Josefa le le reng: ‘Rraago o laetse a ise a swe a re: ‘Rayang Josefa jaana lo re: Ka thapelo a ko o itshwarele boleo jwa bomorwa-rrago le sebe sa bone; gonne ba go diretse bosula.’ Mme jaanong a ko o itshwarele boleo jwa batlhanka ba Modimo wa ga rrago!’ Mme Josefa a lela, fa ba bua jalo nae. Le gona bomorwa-rraagwe ba ya ba wela fa fatshe fa pele ga gagwe ba re: ‘Bona, re fano, re batlhanka ba gago.’ Mme Josefa a ba fetola a re: ‘Se boifeng! A ke boemong jwa Modimo? Ke nnete, lona lo ne lo ikaeletse go ntirela bosula, mme Modimo o bo fetotse molemo gore, o tshedise batho ba bantsi. Jaanong he, se boifeng! Ke tla lo babalela le bana ba lona.’ A ba gomotsa jalo, a bua tse di itumedisang dipelo tsa bone.” Amen.

 

8. Thero: Barategi mo Moreneng Jesu Keresete, a re tlhokomeleng gore re se ka ra bula phatla mo go ope ka tiragalo ee. Ke raya, re se ka ra bula phatla mo go bone ba ba batlang go fitlha boleo jwa bone, ba re: le fa re leofa Modimo o ka dira se se molemo ka sone, ke ka moo ga go na bothata. Re se ka ra lebala se Moapostolo Paulo a re mo Epistoleng ya gompieno: “Ke ka moo mongwe le mongwe wa rona o tla ikarabelang ka boene mo Modimong.” (Baroma 14:12).  Molato wa boleo o setse le fa Modimo o fetotse bosula molemo. Ga se gore bomogolowe Josefa ba se nang molato ka go mmogisa le go mo rekisa, molato o teng fa pele ga Modimo. Fela Josefa o ne a itse gore ene ka boene ga e na thata go atlhola, go atlholwa ke Modimo.

 

Se re se ka bonang gompieno ke gore Modimo o ka dirisa diphoso tsa rona, o na le thata go fetola bosula molemo. Ke gore Modimo o batla go fetsa maikaelelo a gagwe. Ke ona o o laolang lefatshe – o ka dirisa dikgosi le bagolo ba lefatshe go fetsa maikaelelo a – jaaka Pharao, Darius gongwe Kaisara Auguseto. Mme bopelotlhomogi jo jwa Modimo ga se gore boleo bo ka dirwa fela. Re se ka ra dumela gore Modimo o tlhoka boleo go dira sengwe se se siameng. Fa Modimo o ka fetola bosula molemo ga ke bone gore o ka palelwa ke go fetsa maikaelelo a gagwe ka tsela e nngwe. Gangwe le gape re a utlwa mo Beibeleng, fa batho ba leka go itirela sengwe ba se ka ba letela thuso ya Modimo. Jakobo o a tsietsa rraagwe le mogolowe, e bile a utswa boswa ja gagwe. Moše o ne a bolaya moegepeto, Petoro o batlile go bolaya Malego kwa Getsemane. Modimo ga o tlhoke thuso eo ya go fetsa tiro ya gagwe. “Thato ya Modimo e e molemo, e e bopelotlhomogi, e a dirafala, le fa re sa rapele; mme re kopa ka thapelo e gore e dirafale le mo go rona.”

 

Lefoko le thero e theilweng mo go lone ga le nnyenyefatse molato wa bomogolowe, mme le re supetsa go rata ga Modimo gore re se ka ra atlhola ope. Josefa o tshegofaditswe ke Modimo ka botlhale le tlhaloganyo, ee go tswa mo tshimologong sengwe le sengwe se ene a se dirang se diragale sentle ka ntlha ya thuso ya Modimo. Gongwe re ka tlhaloganya gore lefufa le tsena mo go bomogolwe, gonne ene Josefa o ne a gaisa bone ka sengwe le sengwe. Mme Josefa o rutilwe sentle ke Modimo gore a ikokobetse. Dineo tsa gagwe di tswa Modimong, ke ka moo tlotlo e nne tsa Modimo fela. O ka re Josefa o ithutile sentle lefoko le le builweng ke Moapostolo Paulo morago ga dinyaga tse dintsi. Paulo a re: Gonne ke raya mongwe le mongwe wa lona ka bopelotlhomogi jo ke bo neilweng ka re: “A a se ikaye mogolo go feta tshwanelo ya go ikaya, mme a a akanye go nna tekano ka fa tumelong e Modimo o e lekanyeditseng mongwe le mongwe.” (Baroma 12:3).

 

Josefa o ka na sekao mo go rona gore re dumele lefoko la Pesalome 1. “Go sego monna yo o sa tsamayang ka fa kgakolong ya baikepi, le e seng go gata mo tseleng ya baleofi. … Gonne Morena o itse tsela ya basiami, mme tsela ya baikepi e isa tshenyegong.” Se se laolang botshelo jwa gagwe ke go rata ga Modimo. Re a itse fa mosadi wa mong wa gagwe a leka go raela  Josefa, Josefa a fetola a re: “Kana nka dira jang bosula jo bogolo joo, ka leofela Modimo!” Josefa o ne a ipona tshegofatso e e tona ya gore Morena Modimo o ne a nna nae, ga o batle go senya kabelo e ka boleo. Boleo bo kgaoganya batho le Modimo, bo ka tshwantshiwa le kgapetla e e dirisiwang go kgaoganya dikgong. Mmaba yo o bosula o ne a leka go kgaoganya batho le Modimo ka boleo, a jwala dipeo tsa kilo le dipelaelo mo dipelong tsa batho. Mme dipeo tsa boleo di ungwisa botlhoko, go tshaba le molato. Le fa Satane a ne a leka go kgabisa bosula ka maaka ka go solofetsa batho monate, fa ba leofa, boleo bo a bogisa, bo utlwisa batho botlhoko.

 

Mme re se ka ra boifa Satane go feta Modimo, gonne jaaka Josefa a re: “Ke nnete, lona lo ne lo ikaeletse go ntirela bosula, mme Modimo o bo fetotse molemo.” Modimo o dirile jalo, e seng fela ka nako ya ga Josefa, segolo segolo o dirile jalo ka go tla ga Morwaona Jesu Keresete. Gonne ene Jesu o tsile go fenya ditiro tsa ga Satane. Ka kgololo eo ya gagwe, Jesu o re ipaakanyeditse molemo otlhe wa Modimo. Ka bopelotlhomogi jo jwa Modimo jo bo se nang tshimologo, jo bo senoletsweng mo Beibeleng yotlhe, bakeresete ba ka ipolela ba phuthologile ba re: “re tlhomamiseditswe gore le fa e ka nna loso gongwe botshelo gongwe baengele gongwe balaodi gongwe dilo tse di leng teng gongwe tse di tla tlang gongwe dithata gongwe bogodimo gongwe boteng, le fa e ka nna sebopiwa se sele, ga di kgone go ka re kgaoganya le lorato lwa Modimo lo lo mo go Keresete Jesu, Morena wa rona,” Baroma 8:38-39.

 

Josefa o ne a itse gore Modimo ga o tlhoke boleo go itsweledisa botshelo jwa gago pele, ga o tlhoke go bogisa ba bangwe, ga a thuse go leofa. Re se ka ra itsietsa ka botlhale jwa ga Satane, yo o kgabisang bosula jwa gagwe ka maaka. Mme a ke re re a itse gore le fa re a leka thata, re tla wela mo boleong e seng ka mafoko le ditiro fela, nayaya re a itse gore tlhago yotlhe ya rona e senyegile, re setse re amogetswe re na le dibe. Popego yothe ya rona e latlhegile fa pele ga Modimo. Ke sengwe se se re hutsafatsang mme “khutsafalo e e batlwang ke Modimo e dira tlhabologo e e sa swabiseng e e isang phologong, mme khutsafalo ya lefatshe yona e isa losong,” 2 Bakor. 7:10. Ka mafoko ao a moapostolo Paulo re ka ithuta go solofela mo bopelotlhomoging jwa Modimo fela, yo o re itshwarelang molato wa rona ka ntlha ya dipogo le loso lwa ga Jesu Keresete. Re se ka ra leka go itirela tshiamo ka tsela e nngwe, re se ka ra leka go fitlha boleo le molato wa rona, mme re tshabeleng kwa go Jesu Keresete ka tsone. “Re lebile Jesu, mosimolodi le mofetsi wa tumelo, yo o neng a itshokela sefapaano boemong jwa boitumelo jo bo mo lebanyeng, a nyatsa ditlhong, a ba a nna ka fa ntlheng ya le le jang ya sedulo sa bogosi sa Modimo,” Baheb. 12:2). Ka go itshwarelwa ke Morena re tlhotlhelediwa go itshwarela le bone ba ba re leofetseng.

 

Ka re itse gore re atamela fa pele ga sedulo sa katlholo ya Modimo go ikarabela fa pele ga Modimo, re se ka ra atlhola ba bangwe, re se ka ra supetsa ba bangwe molato, fa re sa ipone molato wa rona ka rosi. Re se ka ra leka go ipusolosetsa, fa re utlwisitswe botlhoko ke ba bangwe, mme a re suteleng bogale jwa Modimo gonne “re itse yo o buileng a re: “Pusoloso ke ya me, ke tla busolosa.” a ba a re: “Morena o tla atlhola batho ba gagwe”. Ke se se boitshegang go wela mo diatleng tsa Modimo o o tshelang,” Baheb 10:31. “A motho wa mogolo nna! Ke mang yo o tla nkgololang mo mmeleng wa loso lo? Ke leboga Modimo, ka ke gololwa ka Jesu Keresete, Morena wa rona,” Baroma 7:24-25. Amen.

 

9.         Thapelo: Morena Modimo o re itshwarela maleo a rona ka malatsi otlhe, mme o batla gore le rona re itshwarele ba ba nang le molato le rona, o re thuse gore re se atlhole ope, mme re direlane ka bopelotlhomogi ka ene Jesu Keresete Morwao, yo o tshelang, a busa mmogo le wena le Mowa o o Boitshepo jaanong le ka bosenangbokhutlo. Amen

Thapelo ya Morena: Rara wa rona yo o mo legodimong …

 

10. Sefela sa 38 – 36/37

 

A kagiso ya Modimo e e fetang tlhaloganyo yotlhe e boloke dipelo tsa rona le maikutlo a rona mo go Keresete Jesu, Morena, Morepholosi. Amen.

Thero eno e kwadilwe ke C. D. Weber ka ngwaga wa 2005.

Kgatiso le go rongwa ga dithero tseo go tshegediwa ke kopano e e bidiwang The Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

Izintshumayelo zokuSebenzelana ekuZwaneni

Intshumayelo ngesonto 4 emva komkhosi wobuThathwemunye, ka 17. 07. 2011                 38/2011

Egameni likaNkulunkulu onguYise, neNdodana, noMoya oNgcwele

1.         Iculo 229/331

 

2.         Umkhuleko: Nkosi, Nkulunkulu, Baba womusa, wena ophumisa ilanga phezu kwababi nabahle, owasiza nabo abangabongi, nezihlubuki, onokubekezela nakithi ngokwengcebo yakho yomusa omkhulu, owawukhona kusukela phakade, siza ukuba silandele isibonelo sakho, neseNdodana yakho ethandekayo ngokufunda ukuphatha abangane nezitha ngesihe ukuba sisibekele ubuthakathaka bawomakhalwane bethu, sibathethelele ngenhliziyo yonke engenakuzenzisa, sikhonze bonke, sithele izithelo zokukholwa ezinhlangothini zonke ngaye uJesu Kristu, iNkosi yethu, ophila, obusa kanye nawe noMoya oNgcwele, manje, kuze kube phakade. Amen.

 

3.         Iphistola ngohlelo lwesibili lilotshiwe kuRom. 14:10-13;

Ivangeli ngohlelo lokuqala lilotshiwe kuLuka 6:36-42.

 

4.         Isivumo senkolo: Ngiyakholwa nguNkulunkulu uYise …                                         5.Iculo 230/335

 

6.         Umkhuleko wakhe ofundayo intshumayelo   7. Izwi lentshumayelo ngohlelo lwesithathu lilotshiwe

kuGenesise 50:15-21, lithi: “Sebebonile abafowabo bakaJosefa ukuthi uyise ufile, bathi: Mhlawumbe uJosefa uzakusizonda, asiphindisele nokusiphindisela konke okubi esakwenza kuyena. Base bethumela kuJosefa, bethi: Uyihlo wayala engakafi, wathi: Niyakusho kuJosefa ukuthi: Ake uthethelele abafowenu isiphambeko sabo nesono sabo, ngokuba bakwenzela okubi; manje siyakucela ukuthi: Ake uthethelele isiphambeko sezinceku zikaNkulunkulu kayihlo. UJosefa wakhala, besakhuluma kuye. Base befika nabafowabo, bawa phansi ebusweni bakhe, bathi: Bheka, siyizinceku zakho. UJosefa wayesethi kubo: Ningesabi; kanti ngisesikhundleni sikaNkulunkulu na? Yebo, nina nangisongozela okubi, kepha uNkulunkulu wakuceba kwaba-kuhle ukuba akwenze kube-njenganamuhla, asindise abantu abaningi. Ngalokho ningesabi; mina ngiyakunondla, nina nezingane zenu. Wabaduduza, wakhuluma kuzo izinhliziyo zabo.” Amen.

 

8. Intshumayelo: Bathandekayo eNkosini uJesu Kristu, ake siqaphele ukuba singaniki noyedwa ithuba ngalomlando, ngisho ngithi singaniki labo ithuba lokufihla izono zabo abathi: Noma beqa umthetho wakhe, uNkulunkulu unamandla okwenza okuhle ngezeqo zabo. Mabangazilanduleli ngokusho ukuthi okubi kwabo akulutho, abanacala. Masingakhohlwa okushiwo ngumphostoli uPawulu kulo iphistola lanamuhla ukuthi: “Ngalokho-ke yilowo nalowo phakathi kwethu uyakuziphendulela kuNkulunkulu,” Rom. 14:12. Phambi kukaNkulunkulu icala lezeqo nelokubi okunjalo kumi, noma uNkulunkulu uphendulile okubi okwenziwe ukuba kuzale okuhle. Akushiwo lapha ukuthi abafowabo kaJosefa babengenacala ngokuhlupha nangokumthengisa njengesigqila. Icala lalikhona phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Kuphela uJosefa wayekwazi ngokwakhe ukuthi yena wayengenamandla okwahlulela, ngokuba ukwahlulela kusemandleni kaNkulunkulu.

 

Esikutholayo kulelizwi lanamuhla yilokhu: UNkulunkulu unamandla ukusebenzisa amaphutha nesono sethu, nokuguqula okubi kwethu kuvele okuhle. UNkulunkulu uyathanda ukufeza izinhloso zakhe. Nguye obusa umhlaba, unamandla okusebenzisa amakhosi, nezikhulu zomhlaba njengoFaro, uDariyu, noAwugustu  ukufeza izinhloso zakhe. Lomusa wakhe awukusho ukuthi isono senziwe nje. Masingakholwa ukuthi uNkulunkulu uyadinga izono zethu ukuba enze okuhle. Uma uNkulunkulu eguqula okubi kuvele okuhle ngakho, singazikhohlisi ngokucabanga ukuthi uNkulunkulu akakwazi ukufeza izinhloso zakhe ngenye indlela. Ngokuphinda nokuphinda siyezwa eBhayibhelini ukuthi abantu babezama ukuzenzela okuthile, bengalindeli usizo lukaNkulunkulu. UJakobe wakhohlisa uyise nomnewakhe, wazithathela ifa lakhe. UMose wabulala umGibithe; uPetru wagenca uMalkuse, wamnquma indlebe eGetsemane. Konke lokhu uNkulunkulu wayengakudingi ukufeza umsebenzi wakhe. “Intando kaNkulunkulu elungileyo, enomusa iyenziwa kambe nangaphandle komkhuleko wethu; kodwa kulomkhuleko siyanxusa ukuba yenziwe, yenzeke nakithi futhi.”

 

Izwi lentshumayelo ya namuhla alinciphisi icala labafowabo bakaJosefa, kodwa liyasikhombisa ukuthanda kukaNkulunkulu, ukuba singahluleli muntu, sithethelelane. UJosefa wabusiswa nguNkulunkulu ngengqondo enhle. Kwasekuqaleni konke okwenziwe nguye kwakukuhle ngosizo lukaNkulunkulu. Kwenzeka ukuba siqonde ukuthi umona wabafowabo wangena kanjani, ngokuba uJosefa wabadlula ngakho konke. Kodwa uJosefa wafundiswa nguNkulunkulu ukuba azithobe. Izipho zakhe zavela kuNkulunkulu. Ngobuhle bukaJosefa kwadunyiswa uNkulunkulu kuphela. Ungathi uJosefa wafunda kahle izwi elalotshwa nguPawulu emuva elithi: “Ngokuba ngomusa engiwuphiweyo ngisho kulowo nalowo phakathi kwenu ukuthi angacabangi athi mkhulu kunalokho afanele ukukucabanga, kodwa acabange kube-ngokuqonda, njengalokho uNkulunkulu abele lowo nalowo isilinganiso sokukholwa,” Rom. 12:3.

UJosefa uyisibonelo esihle kithi ukuba sikholwe izwi leHubo 1:1.6, elithi: “Kubusisiwe umuntu ongahambi ngeziluleko zababi, ongemi endleleni yezoni, ongahlali enkundleni yabaklolodayo, … Ngokuba uJehova uyayazi indlela yabalungileyo, kodwa indlela yababi yobhubha.” Umkhombindlela ekuhambeni kukaJosefa wayengukuthanda kukaNkulunkulu. Siyazi ukuthi umkamnini wakhe wazama ukumlinga uJosefa, kepha yena waphendula wathi: “Pho, ngingenza kanjani lobobubi obungaka, ngone kuNkulunkulu, na?” Gen. 39:9. UJosefa waqonda isibusiso esikhulu sokuthi uNkulunkulu wayenaye, wayegafuni ukulahlekelwa lesabelo esikhulu. Isono siyahlukanisa abantu noNkulunkulu, singafanekiswa nembazo ecanda izinkuni. Isitha esibi sahlukanisa abantu noNkulunkulu ngesono, satshala izimbewu zenzondo, nokungabaza ezinhliziyweni zabantu. Izimbewu zesono zithela izithelo ezibuhlungu, ukubaleka kuNkulunkulu, nokuba necala phambi kwakhe. Noma uSathane ezama ukuhlobisa ububi ngamanga ngokwethembisa abantu ubumnandi ngokubadonzela esonweni, isono sehlelisela unembeza emuntwini, siyamlimaza kabi.

 

Nokho masingamesabi uSathane kunoNkulunkulu. Simuzwe uJosefa owathi: “Yebo, nina nangisongozela okubi, kepha uNkulunkulu wakuceba kwaba-kuhle ukuba akwenze kube-njenganamuhla, asindise abantu abaningi.” UNkulunkulu wayengakwenzi njalo esikhathini sikaJosefa kuphela, wakwenza njalo kakhulu ngokuthuma iNdodana yakhe. Ngakho akwehlelwe khona uJesu wanqoba imisebenzi kaSathane, ngobubi abenzelwe bona uJesu wasihlenga, wasilungisela konke okuhle kukaNkulunkulu ngomusa ophakade, esiwambulelwe eBhayibhelini lonke. Kanjalo amakholwa bavuma ngenkululeko nesibindi esikhulu athi: Ngiqiniselwe ekukholweni “ukuthi nakufa, nakuphila, nazingelosi, nababusi, nakho okukhona, nakho okuzayo, namandla, nakuphakama, nakujula, nanto enye edaliweyo akuyikuba namandla okusahlukanisa nothando lukaNkulunkulu olukuKristu Jesu iNkosi yethu,” Rom. 8:38-39.

 

UJosefa wayekwazi ukuthi akadingi isono ukuba aqhube impilo yakhe ngaso. Wakwazi ukuthi akadingi ukuhlupha abanye. Wazi ukuthi ukona, nokweqa umthetho kaNkulunkulu akusizi. Masingazikhohlisi ngobuqili bukaSathane ohlobisayo ububi ngamanga akhe. Siyazi ukuthi noma sizama ngamandla amakhulu, sisengozini njalo sokuba siwele esonweni, kungabi ngemicabango, ngamazwi nangezenzo zethu kuphela, kodwa sesiphakathi kokubi kwemvelo yethu eyonakele, sathatshatwa, sazalwa siyizoni. Konke ukuma kwethu phambi kukaNkulunkulu konakele ngokwemvelo yethu. Kuyiqiniso elisilimazayo impela, liveza usizi olubi nokudabuka okukhulu kithi. Kulendawo kuyangena izwi elilotshiwe ku 2 kwabaseKorinte 7:10 elithi: “Ngokuba ukudabuka okuya ngokukaNkulunkulu kuveza ukuphenduka angezisole ngakho umuntu, kube-ngukusindiswa, kepha ukudabuka okuya ngokwezwe kuveza ukufa.” Umphostoli uPawulu uyasifundisa kulendawo ukwethemba umusa kaNkulunkulu osithethelela icala lethu ngenxa yokuhlushwa nokufa kukaJesu Kristu. Masingazami ukuzilungisela ukulunga ngendlela enye, singazami ukufihla isono necala lethu, kodwa sibalekele kuJesu Kristu, sithole intethelelo kuye, njengokusho kwezwi kumaHeberu 12:2, elithi: “Sibhekile kuJesu, umqalisi nomphelelisi wokukholwa kwethu, owathi esikhundleni sentokozo ayibekelweyo wathwala isiphambano engalinaki ihlazo, wahlala ngakwesokunene sesihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu.” Ngokuthethelelwa ngokwethu siyaqhutshwa yiNkosi ukuthethelela nabo abasonele.

 

Ngokwazi ukuthi siyakuma phambi kwesihlalo soMahluleli, silande phambi kwakhe ngayo yonke imicabango yethu, namazwi ethu, nangezenzo zethu, siyagqugquzelwa ukuba singahluleli abanye, singaphawuli icala labanye, uma singavumi icala lethu, singaziphindizeli, mhla silinyaziwe ngabanye, kodwa sidedele ulaka, “ngokuba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Ngokwami ukuphindisela, ngiyakubuyisela mina, isho iNkosi,” Rom. 12:19. Kulotshiwe ukuthi: “Ngokuba uJehova uyakubahlulela abantu bakhe,” Dut. 32:36; nokuthi: “Kuyesabeka ukuwela ezandleni zikaNkulunkulu ophilayo,” Heb. 10:31; nokuthi: “Wo mina-muntu wosizi, ngubani oyakungikhulula kulomzimba wokufa na? Makabongwe uNkulunkulu ngoJesu Kristu iNkosi yethu, “ Rom. 7:24-25. Amen.

 

9.         Umkhuleko: Nkosi Nkulunkulu, uyasithethelela izono zethu ngezinsuku zonke, uthanda ukuba nathi sithethelele abanecala kithi, mawusisize ukuba singahluleli, sithethelelane, samukelane ngomusa ngaye uJesu Kristu iNdodana yakho, ophilayo, ebusa kanye nawe noMoya oNgcwele kwamanje naphakade. Amen.

Umkhuleko weNkosi: Baba wethu osezulwini …

 

10.       Iculo 226/272

 

Ukuthula kukaNkulunkulu odlula ukuqonda konke makulondoloze izinhliziyo zethu nemicabango yethu kuKristu  Jesu, iNkosi noMsindisi wethu. Amen.

 

Lentshumayelo ilotshiwe ngo-2005 ngu-C. D. Weber.

Ukucindezelwa nokuthunywa kwezintshumayelo kuyasekelwa yinhlangano ethiwa: Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

My presence shall go with thee … [From “Bagsters Daily Light” for July 12, 2011 

 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  ¹

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” ²

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ³

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ⁴

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” ⁵

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,  ⁶

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ⁷

I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. ⁸

My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! ⁹

______________

 

¹Exo 33:14; ²Deu 31:6,8; ³Jos 1:9; ⁴Pro 3:6; ⁵Heb 13:5,6; ⁶2Co 3:5; ⁷Mat 6:13; ⁸Jer 10:23; ⁹Psa 31:15;

    Dithero tsa Tirelano mo Kutlwanong

Thero ka Sontaga wa 2 morago ga moletlo waBorarobongwe, e le ka 03. 07. 2011                                                                                 36/2011

Mo leineng la Modimo o e leng Rara le Morwa le Mowa o o Boitshepo!

 

1.         Sefela sa 224 – 210/218

 

2.         Thapelo: Modimo, Rara yo o mo legodimong, re galaletsa tsela e o re bitsang ka yona gore re tle mo moletlong wa lenyalo la gago. Gantsi re masilo mo go tse di siameng, mme re matlhale mo bosuleng. Ke gona re kopang mo go wena gore o re baakanye, re amogele taletso ya gago, re rate go ipaakanyetsa nako e sa le teng ka go apara seaparo sa lenyalo se o re apesitseng ka sona ka Keresete Jesu Morwao. Amen.

 

3.         Epistolo ka fa thulaganyong ya 2 e kwadilwe mo go Baefeso 2:17-22;

Efangele ka fa thulaganyong ya 1 e kwadilwe mo go Luka 14:15-24.

 

4.         A go ipolelwe tumelo ya bokeresete!                                                        5. Sefela sa 184 -170/177

 

6.         Thapelo ya mmadi wa thero.                                 7. Efangele ka fa thulaganyong ya 3 e kwadilwe

mo go Matheo 22:1-14, e re: “Jaanong Jesu a tswa molomo, a bua gape nabo ka ditshwantsho a re: ‘Puso ya magodimo e tshwana le motho yo e leng kgosi e e kileng ya direla morwaayona moletlo wa lenyalo. Ya roma batlhanka ba yona go bitsa ba ba laleleditsweng moletlo wa lenyalo; mme ba gana go tla. Ya ba ya roma batlhanka ba bangwe ya re: ‘Rayang ba ba laleditsweng lo re: Itseng, ke baakantse dijo tsa me; dipholo tsa me le tse di nontshitsweng di tlhabilwe, tsotlhe di baakantswe; tlaang lenyalong!’ Mme ba tlhokomologa, ba itsamaela, mongwe a ya kwa tshimong ya gagwe, yo mongwe kwa papading ya gagwe. Ba ba setseng ba tshwara batlhanka ba yona, ba ba diraka mo go maswe, ba ba bolaya. Foo kgosi ya galefa, ya bolotsa mephato ya yona, ya bolaya babolai bao, ya tshuba motse wa bone. Jaanong ya raya batlhanka ba yona ya re: ‘Lenyalo lone le baakantswe, mme ba ba laleditsweng ba ne ba sa tshwanela. Ka moo, yaang kwa makgabaganong a ditsela, mme botlhe ba lo tla ba fitlhelang, lo ba laleletse lenyalo.’ Batlhanka bao ba tswela kwa ditseleng, ba phutha botlhe ba ba ba fitlhelang, ba ba bosula le ba ba molemo, ntlo ya lenyalo ya tlala ba ba ntseng fa dijong. Ya re kgosi e tsena go sekaseka ba ba ntseng fa dijong, ya bona motho teng yo o sa aparang seaparo sa lenyalo. Ya mo raya ya re: ‘Tsala, o tsenya jang fano, o sa apara seaparo sa lenyalo?’ Ene a tlhoka puo. Ke fa kgosi e raya badiredi e re: ‘Mmofeng maoto le mabogo, lo mo latlheleng kwa ntle kwa lefifing le le kwa ntlentle; go tla nna selelo le phuranyo ya meno teng.’ Gonne ba ba biditsweng ba bantsi, mme ba ba tlhaotsweng ga ba banene.'” Amen.

 

8. Thero: Barategi mo Moreneng wa rona Jesu Keresete, kajeno re utlwa kgang, o ka re: Fa e lebiswa mo go ba bangwe, ga e re sepe, mme fa motho a e lebisa mo go ene ka nosi, e ka mo tshosa mo go maswe. Re utlwa ka ga taletso, re utlwa ka ga lenyatso la taletso. Re utlwa ka ga ba ba laleditsweng ba ba sa amogeleng taletso. Re utlwa le ka ga ba ba siamelang lenyalo, le yo o sa siameleng lenyalo. Mo bofelong re utlwa ka ga tatlhego ya yo o neng a sa apara seaparo sa lenyalo. Ga a ka a kojwa gore a boele gae, mme o latlhetswe mo lefifing, mo moleteng wa molelo, kwa go tla nnang selelo le phuranyo ya meno teng. Kgang eo e reng mo go nna? E reng mo go wena? E re kaela rotlhe gore

1. A re tlhomameng mo taletsong e re laleditsweng ka yona!

2. A re se ka ra galefisa Morena ka go amogela taletso e e seng ya sepe!

 

1. Ditsala tse lo di rekolotsweng ke Morena, a re akanyeng ka ga taletso eo. Tota ga go na motho yo o sa rateng go lalediwa. Fa re lalediwa re letela letsatsi la moletlo oo ka maikaelelo a go ya tota. O ka re ga le phirime, le fa e le gangwe fela, re sa gopola gore re laleleditswe moletlo oo. Bangwe ka go itse gore ba laleditswe, ba reka diaparo tse dintšhwa gore ba lebege sentle mo moletlong. Ke gore mo pelong ya bone ba re: A re tlhomameng mo taletsong e re laleditsweng ka yona! Le Morena Modimo o re laleleditse go ja boswa jo bo sa khutleng jo re bo baakanyeditsweng ke Morwa Modimo Jesu Keresete. Ke gore re biditswe, re kgethetswe, re tlhaoletswe moletlo. Ka go amogela taletso re tla bona boitumelo. Fela ke Jesu yo o re baakanyeditseng boitumelo jo mo tumelong. Go gakgamatsa mo go maswe go bona le go utlwa gore manyalo a a fela, le fa re itumeletse mo go kalo, ra a letela ka keletso e kgolo. A re boneng gore go na le dikotsi ka metlha tsa gore fa re letela taletso, re rata gore letsatsi la yona le tle, re tle re tshele sentle le mo mmeleng. Ke ka ntlha ya eng, fa Morena a re laletsa, a sa bue, a re: Le fa o ka nna bokoa jang mo tumelong, go tla bo go siame? Go ka nna jang gore re kope ka metlha mo Moreneng gore a re tiise mo go leteng, re se ka ra lapa mo tseleng, re se felelwe ke thata. Thapelo e batlega thata mo mothong yo o boifang, a rata, a ikanya Modimo o itse tsotlhe, e bile o itse, fa re tshwanetse go tiisiwa mo tumelong. Wayi, phuthego! Itiseng mo kotsing e e ntseng jalo! Ra apara Keresete mo kolobetsong. Seaparo seo se ka onala mo dipelong tsa rona, fa re sa se tlhokomele, se sa tlhole se bonala mo go rona, fa re se fitlha ka diaparo tse dingwe tse di kgotlegileng. Diaparo tseo di ka nna go tlhokomela tse di felang go feta tsona tse di sa feleng. A re tlhokomeleng tsa legodimo! Re kaelwa gore re tlhalefe mo go tse di siameng, e seng mo go tse di bosula. Fela jalo go na le bagolo le bašwa ba le bantsi ba ba tlhalefileng mo go tsa lefatshe. Mme fa ba tla mo tirelong-Modimo, ba tshwenyega, ga ba tlhagise kitso ya bone. Kajeno ke tshwanelo gore ba tsoge sešwa, ba itse gore Morena o sa ntse a ba letetse gore a ba senolele thato ya gagwe le lorato lwa gagwe. Re setse re bonye gantsi le mo selalelong sa Morena gore go na le batho ba ba tshwakgafetseng. Morena o re laleditse gore re atamele. Le fa go ntse jalo, re gana go tla, le fa e le mo tirelong-Modimo.

 

2. A re tlhokomeleng gore re se galefise Morena ka go amogela taletso e e seng ya sepe. Gantsi re gopotse gore go botoka go akabatsa Modimo bogolo go go akabatsa batho. Fa go na le metshameko mo mafelong mangwe, go emisitswe gore fa o tla teng o se ka wa tla o tshotse sebolai, le e seng se se tagisang. Fa go na le motho yo o tlolang ditaolo tseo, o tla galefisa batlhokomedi mo mejakong. Ba tla mo koba foo gore a se ka a dumelelwa ke go tsena mo motshamekong oo. Fa re itse gore ke seaparo seo sa lenyalo se se tla dirang gore Modimo o galefe, fa ba itshwara ka go senya mo magaeng a bone, ba ntse ba itse gore Modimo o teng mo mafelong otlhe, o galefiswa ka makgapha, ka dipolao, ka boaka, ka maaka, ka botagwa, ka ditshebo, ka melomo e e buang tse di nkgang mo go maswe, e le tse di nyatsang, di sa buiwe ke ba ba sa itseng Modimo. Go molemo thata jaanong, gonne go sa ntse go na le nako ya go tlhabologa. Mo lenyalong la bofelo go tla bo go se na nako ya go tlhabologa, go tla nna go ja lenyalo, gongwe go romelwa mo moleteng wa molelo. Efangele e tshwanetse go tlhaba mo pelong, e tlhongwe mo go yona gore e se tlhole ya ntshiwa, le fa ke yo o bosula ofe. Mo Efangeleng go na le tse di gakgamatsang ka metlha. Modimo o dirisa lorato lwa ona gore lorato lo nne teng lwa gore motho a o amogele. Ke tiro ya lorato lwa Modimo. Gore Modimo o se re galefele go batlega gore re o ikokobeletse, o dire mo dipelong tsa rona. Wayi, go tla nna jang, fa re itsiwe gore re badumedi, mme mo lenyalong la bofelo re kobiwe, re romelwe mo felong ga botlhoko, mo lefifing le le kwa ntle-ntle. A re kopeng mo Modimong ka metlha gore o re fe Mowa o o Boitshepo wa ona gore re ineele mo go tse di rategang mo go ona, re o itumedise, re se o galefise. Ona o molemo jang! Ga o kgatlhwe ke loso lwa rona. O rata gore rotlhe re tshele ka go apara seaparo se re se roketsweng ke Morena se e leng tshiamo ya gagwe e re e amogelang ka go itshwarelwa maleo a rona mo kolobetsong, le go tlhatswetsiwa ke ene mo boipolobolng le mo selalelong, fa re atamela. Amen.

 

9.         Thapelo: Modimo o o rategang, o re apese seaparo sa lenyalo se se sa onaleng gore mo lenyalong la gago re amogelwe sentle. Ga re itse sepe, wena o itse tsotlhe, Rara, o re fe gore re tlhalefele tse di siameng, re amogele taletso, re nnele ruri mo seaparong se re se apesitsweng mo kolobetsong ke Jesu Keresete, Morwao, Morena, Morepholosi. Amen.

Thapelo ya Morena: Rara wa rona yo o mo legodimong …

 

10.       Sefela sa 280 – 262/269

 

A kagiso ya Modimo e e fetang tlhaloganyo yotlhe e boloke dipelo tsa rona le maikutlo a rona mo go Keresete Jesu, Morena, Morepholosi. Amen.

Thero eno e kwadilwe ke T. Mkhize, ka ngwaga wa 1991/1999/2005

Kgatiso le go rongwa ga dithero tseo go tshegediwa ke kopano e e bidiwang The Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

 

Izintshumayelo zokuSebenzelana ekuZwaneni

Intshumayelo ngesonto 2 emva komkhosi wobuThathwemunye, ka 03. 07. 2011                        36/2011

Egameni likaNkulunkulu onguYise, neNdodana, noMoya oNgcwele

1.         Iculo 241/206

2.         Umkhuleko: Nkulunkulu, Baba osezulwini, siyababaza indlela osibiza ngayo ukuba size edilini lakho. Kaningi siyiziwula kokuhle, nokho sihlakaniphile kokubi. Ngalokho siyakucela ukuba usilungise, samukele isimemo sakho, futhi sithande ukuzilungiselela kusenesikhathi ngokwembatha ingubo yomshado osigqokise yona ngoKristu Jesu iNdodana yakho. Amen.

3.         Iphistola ngohlelo lwesibili lilotshiwe ku-Ef. 2:17-22;

Ivangeli ngohlelo lwesithathu lilotshiwe kuMathewu 22:1-14.

4.                                                                        Isivumo senkolo: Ngiyakholwa nguNkulunkulu uYise …     5.Iculo 176/165

6.                                                                                                                                                   Umkhuleko wakhe ofundayo intshumayelo     7. Ivangeli ngohlelo lwesithathu lilotshiwe

kuMathewu 22:1-14, lithi: “UJesu wathatha wakhuluma futhi kubo ngemifanekiso, wathi: Umbuso wezulu ufaniswa nomuntu oyinkosi, owenzela indodana yakhe umshado. Wathuma izinceku zakhe ukubiza abamenyiweyo emshadweni; kepha abavumanga ukuza. Waphinda wathuma ezinye izinceku, wathi: Shonini kwabamenyiweyo ukuthi: Bhekani, sengilungisile ukudla kwami; izinkabi zami nokunonileyo sekuhlatshiwe; konke sekulungile, wozani emshadweni. Kepha badelela, bahamba; omunye waya ensimini yakhe, omunye waya entengweni yakhe. Abaseleyo babamba izinceku zakhe, baziphatha kabi, bazibulala. Kepha inkosi yathukuthela, yathuma amabutho ayo, yabulala labobabulali, yashisa umuzi wabo. Khona yathi ezincekwini zayo: Umshado usulungiselwe, kepha abamenyiweyo bebengafanele; ngakho-ke hambani niye ezinhlanganweni zezindlela, nibizele emshadweni bonke eningabafumana. Lezozinceku zaphuma, zaya ezindleleni, zabutha bonke ezabafumanayo, ababi nabahle; indlu yomshado yagcwala abahleziyo ekudleni. Kuthé inkosi ingena ukubona abahleziyo ekudleni, yabona khona umuntu obengayembethe ingubo yomshado; yathi kuye: Mngane, ungené kanjani lapha ungayembethe ingubo yomshado na? Kepha wathula. Khona inkosi yathi ezincekwini: Mbopheni izinyawo nezandla, nimphonse ebumnyameni obungaphandle; lapho kuyakuba-khona ukukhala nokugedla amazinyo. Ngokuba baningi ababiziweyo, kepha bayingcosana abakhethiweyo.” Amen.

8. Intshumayelo: Bathandekayo eNkosini yethu uJesu Kristu, namuhla sizwa indaba okungathi, uma ibhekiswa kwabanye abantu ingasho lutho, kodwa uma umuntu eyibhekisa kuye uqobo ibiungamethusa kabi. Sizwa ngesimemo, sizwa ngokudelela isimemo kwabamenyiweyo, sizwa ngokumenywa kabathile ababengamenywanga ngenxa yokungaphumeleli kwabamenywa boqobo, sizwa futhi ngokulungela nokungalungeli idili lomshado kwabahlezi ekudleni. Ekugcineni sizwa ngokuhlupheka kongayembethe ingubo yomshado, akaxoshwanga ukuba abuyele ekhaya, kodwa waphonswa ebumnyameni, kwahlongasibi, lapho kukhona ukukhala okukhulu nokugedla kwamazinyo. Ithini lendaba kimi nakuwe? Ithi kithi:

1. Masigxile esimemweni esabizelwa kuso.

2. Masingathukuthelisi iNkosi ngokwemukela isimemo esiyize.

Bazalwane abathengwe yiNkosi, ake sicabange ngesimemo. Ngempela akekho umuntu ongathandi ukumenywa. Uma simenywa siyalindela usuku lolu lwedili ngokukhulu ukuzimisela. Kungathi alishoni elilodwa ilanga singakhumbulanga ukuthi kambe simenyiwe edilini elithile. Abanye ngokwazi ukuthi bamenyiwe baze bathenge ngisho namasudi amasha ukuba babukeke kahle emcimbini. Okusho ukuthi ezinhliziyweni zabo bathi:

1. Masigxile esimemweni esabizelwa kuso. NeNkosi uNkulunkulu isimemele ekudleni ifa laphakade eyasilungisela lona ngeNdodana yayo uJesu Kristu. Lokhu kuchaza ukuthi sibiziwe, futhi sikhethiwe, sahlukaniselwa idili. Ekwamukeleni kukhona intokozo. Phela, uJesu wayidala intokozo ekukholweni. Kuyamangalisa kabi ukubona nokuzwa ukuthi imishado ephelayo siyayithokozela futhi siyilindela ngokukhulu ukuzimisela lokhu. Masimbone-ke ukuthi kukhona njalo ingozi yokuthi uma silinda isimemo sithanda ukuba kufike usuku lwaso siphile kahle nasemizimbeni. Kungani pho ukuba kuthi uma iNkosi isimemele esidlweni sayo sithi: Cha, noma ngabe ngibuthakathaka kanjani ekukholweni kulungile? Kungaba njani uma singacela njalo ukuba iNkosi isiqinise ekulindeni, ukuze singakhathali endleleni, singapheli amandla, singehlulwa yiminotho yomhlaba. Umkhuleko ubaluleke kakhulu emuntwini owesaba, ethanda futhi ethemba uNkulunkulu. Noma kunjalo abanye bathi akulutho noma singakhuleki ngokukhuthala ngoba uNkulunkulu wazi konke, uyazi futhi ukuthi siyadinga ukuqiniswa ekukholweni. Awu bandla! Qaphela lengozi engaka. Samembatha uKristu ngombhapathizo. Lengubo yethu enguKristu ingonakala ezinhliziyweni zethu uma singayinakekeli, futhi ingase ingabonakali nokuthi iyiyo uma siyixuba nezambatho ezingcolileyo. Lezozambatho ezingcolileyo zingaba ngukunaka okuphelayo kunokungapheli. Masinake okwaphezulu. Siyayalwa ukuba sihlakaniphe ngokuhlakanipha okuhle, hhayi okubi. Kanjalo kukhona abadala nabasha abahlakaniphe kabi ezindabeni zezwe, nokho uma kufika enkonzweni baqala ukuba bakhathale, bangavezi ulwazi lwabo. Namuhla kufanele ukuba bavuke kabusha, bazi ukuthi iNkosi isabalindele ekubonisiseni intando yayo. Sesibonile kaningi ukuthi nasesidlweni seNkosi kukhona abantu abavilaphayo. INkosi isimeme njalo ukuba size khona. Nokho siyala ukuza ngisho nasezinkonzweni, masibheke ukuba:

2. Masingathukuthelisi iNkosi ngokwemukela isimemo esiyize. Kaningi sibona kungcono kakhulu ukuphoxa uNkulunkulu kunokuphoxa abantu abasemhlabeni. Uma kukhona imidlalo ezindaweni ezithile kubekwa khona imigomo njengeyokuthi: Uma uza khona ungaphathi isikhali, ungaphathi uphuzo oludakisayo. Uma kukhona umuntu ongeqa lemithetho uzothukuthelisa abagcini masango, futhi bazomxosha ukuba angaphumulele ukuba khona emdlalweni lowo. Uma besazi ukuthi yiyo leyo ingubo yomshado besizoqonda ukuthi uNkulunkulu uthukuthela kanjani ngabantu abaziphatha ngokungalungi emakhaya abo bebe bazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu ukhona ezindaweni zonke. Amanyala, ukubulala, ukuqamba amanga, ukungathembeki ngokwezimali, ukudakwa, umbulalazwe wokuhleba, imilomo ephuma ukunuka kwenhlamba engasetshenziswa ngisho nangabantu abangamazi uNkulunkulu. Kuhle kakhulu manje ngoba kusekhona ithuba lokuphenduka. Kulomshado wokugcina konke ukuphenduka kobe kungasekho, kuphela ukudla idili noma ukuya kwalasha esihogweni. Ivangeli lifanele ukuba lihlabe laphukele enhliziyweni yomuntu ukuze lingakhishwa ngomubi noma kunjani. Lapha evangelini kukhona njalo izimangaliso. UNkulunkulu usebenzisa uthando lwakhe ukuze kube khona ukuthanda kumuntu omamukelayo. Yiwo umsebenzi wothando. Ukuze uNkulunkulu angathukutheli ngami nawe sifanele ukuba simthobele, simnike ithuba lokusebenza ezinhliziyweni zethu. Maye kobe kubi kangakanani uma besazana singamakholwa kodwa kuthi emshadweni wasezulwini sibone sesixoshwa, siyiswa ebumnyameni obungaphandle, lapho kukhona ukukhala nokugedla kwamazinyo. Masicele njalo ukuba uNkulunkulu asisize ukuba ukukholwa kwethu kungabi yize ekugcineni. Masicele njalo ukuba uNkulunkulu asiphe uMoya oNgcwele wakhe ukuze siqondisise okuthandeka kuye, funa sithi siyamthokozisa kanti siyamthukuthelisa. Yena muhle ngoba ngeke nje aze asilahle. Amen

9. Umkhuleko: Nkulunkulu othandekayo, sifake ingubo yomshado engagugiyo ukuze umshado wakho usithole sisawufanele. Asazi lutho, nokho wena Baba wazi konke. Siphe ukuhlakaniphela okuhle. Amen  Umkhuleko weNkosi: Baba wethu osezulwini …

10. Iculo 238/203

Ukuthula kukaNkulunkulu odlula ukuqonda konke makulondoloze izinhliziyo zethu nemicabango yethu kuKristu  Jesu, iNkosi noMsindisi wethu. Amen.

Lentshumayelo ilotshiwe ngo-1991/1999nguT. Z. Mkhizee.

Ukucindezelwa nokuthunywa kwezintshumayelo kuyasekelwa yinhlangano ethiwa: Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

 

 

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’ But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.  “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

 

 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 

 

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live…

 

 

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

 

 

When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'”

 

 

Dear friends of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

 

Well – another royal wedding. This time in Monaco. Prince Albert II married SA swimming champion Charlene Wittstock on Friday. Protocol was not quite as pompous as a few weeks ago, when Prince William married Kate Middleton in London, but it was spectacular indeed. The rich and famous, the high and mighty, the crème de la crème of society, the pretty and witty celebrities made sure they were there – to see and be seen, to party and enjoy and to bring their respects and special gifts and presents to the royal couple. On TV I saw King Mswati III mix and mingle with pop stars like Elton John. Well, they have their own ideas about marriage, but I won’t go that route today. However you understand, what kind of people get to go to these kind of weddings. Special people – strictly by invitation only – very exclusive, very exclusive indeed! At yesterday’s wedding of Dean Thwala and his bride in Ntshongweni things were comparatively low-key, but still – a wedding is a wedding. To this one I was invited together with others from the LCSA, the Thwala family and friends and friends of friends. I made sure I was there. Long distance, early hours, party pack and fancy dress – no problem. An invitation to a wedding is serious family and friendship business. You don’t just let a party like that go by. No – you make space in your calendar, buy a nice present, dress accordingly in your best suit and tie, flowery hat, fancy shoes, make-up and all the rest of it and make sure you are there on time to party at the party.  You know all about that, don’t you?

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us that the kingdom of heaven is very much like this: A king giving a wedding feast for his son. We read all about it in the gospel of St. Matthew in the 22 chapt: 1-14. As always things are quite a bit different in the kingdom of God to our experience. We are invited to a cross-cultural experience of a different sort. Allow me to highlight three aspects of God’s culture and his ways of doing weddings and things that might come as a surprise:

 

1. The king [God] invites guests, but they don’t come!
2. Eventually everybody is invited, but those improperly clad are expelled!
3. Not just fun and games, but also revenge and rejection.

 

 

The great invitation. That’s what this Sunday is about – just like every day, when God voices his good news: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!  He calls from the altar: Come and taste the goodness and friendliness of your Lord!  The prophetic invitation is addressed to those far off and to those nearby, to Jews and gentiles, to strangers and fellow citizens:  “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live… becomes reality in the work and life of Jesus Christ. He quenches thirst of the thirsty with living waters. He feeds multitudes so that they have their fill right there in the desert and out in the harshest wilderness. He provides heavenly food and drink in his holy sacrament for the forgiveness of sins and for the nurturing of saving faith. He does that even today and he does it worldwide. It’s God’s invitation to his people – good, bad and ugly – around the world. It’s his standing invitation to be part at the wedding feast for his son. A great party has been prepared. Invitations have been sent out and everything is ready. He leaves no doubt about this: All is done, prepared, finished and complete. However there is still too much open space in the wedding hall, too many guests have declined the invitation, they have better things to do than to be part of the kings party. That is unbelievable! Completely unheard of! What a cheek! No wonder the king is offended. And the invitees don’t only ignore the invitation – that’s downright ungracious and very, very rude –  no, they also abuse the servants, shame them and even kill them. Now that is just too much insolence, too much impudence, far too much audacity! Remember it’s the kings invitation – not just some insignificant side-kick or ignorable nincompoop! The king can’t go along with this atrocious disrespect and horrible disloyalty. He has to draw the line somewhere – and this frightful rudeness needs to be punished. He is angry, no infuriated – he sends out his troops [angels] and they carry out his revenge fast and furious. The murderers of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, missionaries and Christian witnesses are finally destroyed and their dwelling places wiped out – finish en klaar. [On Thursday, the 30^th June the Church remembered the martyrs under Nero in 64 AD]. There’s no way that trespassers of God’s law will get away with murder or any other kind of  evil, vice or malice. The Church calls this kind of transgression against the divine will “sin”: “faithlessness”, “idolatry” and “disbelief”.

 

 

In the olden times people did not come dressed according to their own whim or fancy, but rather clad with the finery their host had gifted them with. The king gave special festive clothing to his invited guests and they obviously were overjoyed to dress up in these new, flashy and oh so royal garments. It’s like you getting an outfit from Carl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein or Christian Dior or even a presidential shirt ala Mandela made by Desré Buirski. You’ll wear it at the next best occasion, now wouldn’t you? I would. I remember having a silk shirt by Christian Dior in my varsity days. Man – I really liked that shirt and I wore it at every special event. Well, that’s what the king expects of his guests at the wedding feast of his son. He provides the technicolor dream coat for his guests and he anticipates that that’s what they are going to wear for this royal occasion – that’s the formal dress code or royal uniform. Just like Prince William wore that parade uniform in red, blue and black. Very snazzy, very glamorous and very proper too! You can’t beat the real and proper thing. It’s just right! Well, and now comes the surprise: There are guests who just don’t do it. They fail to give the king credit for his choice of wedding protocol. They don’t dress up. They come in their own garb and thus add insult to injury. Not only did too many people ignore the king’s invitation, disregarded it point blank, but then some of those who do eventually come, still don’t follow the rules of the ruler. And again the king acts predictably. He expels the impudent intruder. Has him bound and thrown out of the royal palace. No longer part of the party, but rather weeping and gnashing teeth in utter darkness outside.

 

In holy Baptism we are dressed with the magnanimous clothes of Christ’s righteousness. With them our Lord covers our dirty unworthiness and ugly sinfulness and thus graciously makes us acceptable in God’s sight. No longer shameful outsiders, aliens and strangers, but rather respectable family members of God’s household and fellow citizens of his saints. It’s according to this divine dress code that we get past God’s final judgment and to fill our seats at the heavenly banquet. Without this baptismal dress we are just not worthy to enter God’s kingdom, just not good enough to pass his divine judgment and doomed to rejection and expulsion from his divine presence. But who on earth would not want to be dressed up in divine luxury and affluence if given half a chance? So don’t be silly, rather be grateful that you are baptized in the name of the triune God and flaunt the baptismal garment’s procured by Jesus Christ your savior. You’ll never be underdressed at any party – not even in the heavenly realms of the highest king of Kings. So walk tall as a baptized Christian and don’t even play with the idea, that you make a better figure dressed your own, original and independent way. Christ’s baptismal dress is the absolute non-plus-ultra – even by divine standards.  So get your children baptized! Make sure that you together with them appreciate the heavenly baptismal dress as your most fitting outfit here and there in eternity – and don’t be afraid to show it off to others too: Look – I am baptized and that is why I am a Christian and I live like one too! You should try this new baptismal look – it’s truly divine and works wonders even in our everyday lives, because it first makes us God’s children and fellow citizens of the saints, but then also makes us identifiable as such. Thank God for this wonderful wardrobe!

 

 

Remember this story [parable] told by Jesus Christ is about the kingdom of God and that’s a lot different to our human experience even if it has numerous connections. The kingdom of God brings about divine judgment on human kind. Finally it will again be obvious that it is not human judgment that sets reality, but rather God only. He is the one, who defines truth and reality – not us. That is why at the final judgment lot’s of human commonplaces are going to go down the drain  – flushed away together with the rest of human excrement – worthless even if at this stage of the race these ideas, philosophies and theories keep many, many people enthralled and enraptured.  The final judgment is going to distinguish between truth and deception, tell apart what’s lasting and what’s passing, differentiate between heaven and hell, saved and lost, chosen and rejected, joy and despair. Blessed are those, who put their trust in the Lord – they will see, taste and enjoy what he has promised eternally. Woe to those, who don’t.

 

This should come as no surprise, because God had long ago made his criteria clear. Even in the days of Noah, he showed clearly that he would not turn a blind eye to the evil of mankind. In the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah he underlined his intentions to discriminate between what’s pleasing to him and what’s deplorable in his sight. Nobody should say that he didn’t know. There is a too late, too bad and just not acceptable in God’s sight – and Jesus Christ sets the standard. His father said: This is my beloved son – listen to him! That’s why we should give close attention to his directions, intentions and institutions, abide in them and live through them: Sit at his table, give ear and thought to his voice and teaching, have eyes for his goodness, eat his divine food, wear his clothes and talk his talk, walk his walk and sing his songs. He is the one, who does, what he says and therefore we can trust his friendly invitation: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!  You too are invited. Therefore hurry up, come, see and taste, how good your Lord Jesus Christ is + Amen.

 

And the peace of our Lord that passes all understanding bless and keep you in Christ Jesus + Amen.