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Daily Readings:
Saints/Martyrs/Heroes/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: John and Charles Wesley, Preachers, Reformers
Scriptural Readings:
March 2nd, 2011
Wednesday of Sexagesima
Read today's Higher Things Daily Reflection
March 2, 2011 - Wednesday of Sexagesima
Daily Lectionary: Job 33:19-34:9; John 11:1-16
You shall not murder. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.(The Fifth Commandment)
In the Name + of Jesus. The Lord didn't give us the Ten Commandments so we could think we're better than others. The Fifth Commandment is one of those commandments that our sinful flesh likes to make us think that: “I've never murdered anyone. I've never stabbed or shot or run someone over with my car. Yep. I've kept the Fifth Commandment.”
But the Catechism reminds us what Jesus said about this commandment, too: “If you are angry with your brother” that's murder, too. (Matthew 5:22) And St. John reminds us that if we don't love our brother, we don't love God, either. (1 John 4:21). So, there you go. You're a murderer. You may not have killed someone physically, but you kill with your words and lack of compassion all the time. Fight with your brother or sister? Tell your parents how stupid they are? Tell off that annoying person at school? You're a murderer. Stare at the Fifth Commandment. Like a mirror it will reflect back at you: Murderer!
So, it's a good thing Jesus is the Savior of murderers. When Jesus went to Calvary, He took a murderer's place. He was exchanged for Barabbas by the shouts of a crowd that wanted Jesus dead. Murdered. But that's what Jesus does: He swaps places with murderers like Barabbas and you. To save you. To set you free.
Now, clothed with Christ's forgiveness in Baptism, you are not a “murderer”, but a “not guilty child of God.” Absolution says that your murders are forgiven and forgotten. Jesus' Body and Blood says that no murderer lives in you, but the Son of God, who is the Savior.
The Fifth Commandment won't prove that you're a good person. Just the opposite: It testifies that you're a sinner. But the Savior who traded places with a murderer has forgiven you and set you free. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
They rise and needs will have My dear Lord made away; A murderer they save, The Prince of Life they slay. Yet cheerful He To suff'ring goes That He His foes From thence might free. (LSB 430:5)
Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflectons Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collect
O God, the Strength of all who put their trust in You, mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
First Reading: Job 33:19-34:9
19"Man is also rebuked with pain on his bed
and with continual strife in his(A) bones, 20so that his(B) life loathes bread,
and his appetite(C) the choicest food. 21His flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen,
and his bones that were not seen(D) stick out. 22His soul draws near(E) the pit,
and his life to(F) those who bring death. 23If there be for him(G) an angel,
(H) a mediator,(I) one of the thousand,
to declare to man what is(J) right for him, 24and he is merciful to him, and says,
'Deliver him from going down into the pit;
I have found(K) a ransom; 25let his flesh(L) become fresh with youth;
let him return to the days of his youthful vigor'; 26then man[a](M) prays to God, and he accepts him;
he(N) sees his face with a shout of joy,and he(O) restores to man his righteousness.
27He sings before men and says:'I(P) sinned and perverted what was right,
and it was not repaid to me. 28He has redeemed my(Q) soul from going down(R) into the pit,
and my life shall(S) look upon the light.'
29"Behold, God does all these things,
twice,(T) three times, with a man, 30to bring back his soul from the pit,
that he may be lighted with(U) the light of life. 31Pay attention, O Job, listen to me;
be silent, and I will speak. 32If you have any words,(V) answer me;
(W) speak, for I desire to justify you. 33If not,(X) listen to me;
be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
Elihu Asserts God’s Justice
1Then Elihu answered and said:
2"Hear my words, you wise men,
and give ear to me, you who know; 3for(Y) the ear tests words
as the palate tastes food. 4Let us choose(Z) what is right;
let us know among ourselves what is good. 5For Job has said, 'I am(AA) in the right,
and(AB) God has taken away my right; 6in spite of my right I am counted a liar;
my wound is incurable, though I am(AC) without transgression.' 7What man is like Job,
who(AD) drinks up scoffing like water, 8who travels in company with evildoers
and walks(AE) with wicked men? 9For(AF) he has said, 'It profits a man nothing
that he should take delight in God.'
Footnotes:Job 33:26 Hebrew he
Cross references:Job 33:19 : Job 30:17 Job 33:20 : Psalm 107:18 Job 33:20 : Prov 23:3 Job 33:21 : Psalm 22:17 Job 33:22 : Job 33:24, 28 Job 33:22 : 2 Sam 24:16, 17; Psalm 78:49 Job 33:23 : Gen 16:7; 22:11; 48:16; Psalm 34:7; Isa 63:9; Mal 3:1 Job 33:23 : Gen 42:23; Isa 43:27 Job 33:23 : Eccles 7:28; Song 5:10 Job 33:23 : Prov 14:2; Ezek 18:21, 22 Job 33:24 : Job 36:18; Psalm 49:7 Job 33:25 : 2 Kgs 5:14; Heb 9:12 Job 33:26 : Job 22:27 Job 33:26 : Psalm 17:15 Job 33:26 : 2 Sam 12:13; Prov 28:13; Luke 15:21-24; 1 John 1:9 Job 33:27 : Psalm 106:6; Rom 6:21 Job 33:28 : Isa 38:17 Job 33:28 : Job 33:22, 24 Job 33:28 : Job 3:9 Job 33:29 : Job 33:14 Job 33:30 : Psalm 56:13 Job 33:32 : Job 33:5 Job 33:32 : Job 34:33 Job 33:33 : Psalm 34:11 Job 34:3 : Job 12:11 Job 34:4 : 1 Thess 5:21, 22 Job 34:5 : Job 33:9 Job 34:5 : Job 27:2 Job 34:6 : Job 33:9 Job 34:7 : Job 15:16 Job 34:8 : Psalm 1:1 Job 34:9 : Job 9:22, 23, 30, 31; 21:7, 15; 24:1; Job 35:3; Mal 3:14
Second Reading: John 11:1-16
The Death of Lazarus
1Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of(A) Mary and her sister Martha. 2(B) It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord,(C) he whom you love is ill." 4But when Jesus heard it he said, (D) "This illness does not lead to death. It is for(E) the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
5Now(F) Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6So, when he heard that Lazarus[a] was ill,(G) he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7Then after this he said to the disciples, (H) "Let us go to Judea again." 8The disciples said to him,(I) "Rabbi,(J) the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" 9Jesus answered, (K) "Are there not twelve hours in the day?(L) If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10But(M) if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." 11After saying these things, he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus(N) has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him." 12The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." 13Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus has died, 15and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." 16(O) So Thomas, called the Twin,[b] said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go,(P) that we may die with him."
Footnotes:John 11:6 Greek he; also verse 17 John 11:16 Greek Didymus
Cross references:John 11:1 : Luke 10:38, 39 John 11:2 : John 12:3 John 11:3 : John 11:5, 11, 36 John 11:4 : John 11:11; Matt 9:24 John 11:4 : John 11:40; John 9:3; 13:31 John 11:5 : John 11:3 John 11:6 : John 2:4; 7:6, 8 John 11:7 : John 10:40 John 11:8 : John 1:38 John 11:8 : John 8:59; 10:31 John 11:9 : Luke 13:33 John 11:9 : John 9:4; 1 John 2:10 John 11:10 : Jer 13:16 John 11:11 : Matt 27:52 John 11:16 : John 14:5; 20:24, 26-28; 21:2; Matt 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13 John 11:16 : John 13:37
Wednesday Father Reading
"Consider deeply within yourself, O man, what Victim you are asked to receive, and what Table you are about to approach. Also consider this, that you, who are but dust and ashes, are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ." [St. Chrysostom. "Homily on the Lord's Birth" 5th Century]
All Scripture Readings: English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Daily Readings:
Saints/Martyrs/Heroes/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: John and Charles Wesley, Preachers, Reformers
Scriptural Readings:
March 2nd, 2011
Wednesday of Sexagesima
Read today's Higher Things Daily Reflection
March 2, 2011 - Wednesday of Sexagesima
Daily Lectionary: Job 33:19-34:9; John 11:1-16
You shall not murder. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.(The Fifth Commandment)
In the Name + of Jesus. The Lord didn't give us the Ten Commandments so we could think we're better than others. The Fifth Commandment is one of those commandments that our sinful flesh likes to make us think that: “I've never murdered anyone. I've never stabbed or shot or run someone over with my car. Yep. I've kept the Fifth Commandment.”
But the Catechism reminds us what Jesus said about this commandment, too: “If you are angry with your brother” that's murder, too. (Matthew 5:22) And St. John reminds us that if we don't love our brother, we don't love God, either. (1 John 4:21). So, there you go. You're a murderer. You may not have killed someone physically, but you kill with your words and lack of compassion all the time. Fight with your brother or sister? Tell your parents how stupid they are? Tell off that annoying person at school? You're a murderer. Stare at the Fifth Commandment. Like a mirror it will reflect back at you: Murderer!
So, it's a good thing Jesus is the Savior of murderers. When Jesus went to Calvary, He took a murderer's place. He was exchanged for Barabbas by the shouts of a crowd that wanted Jesus dead. Murdered. But that's what Jesus does: He swaps places with murderers like Barabbas and you. To save you. To set you free.
Now, clothed with Christ's forgiveness in Baptism, you are not a “murderer”, but a “not guilty child of God.” Absolution says that your murders are forgiven and forgotten. Jesus' Body and Blood says that no murderer lives in you, but the Son of God, who is the Savior.
The Fifth Commandment won't prove that you're a good person. Just the opposite: It testifies that you're a sinner. But the Savior who traded places with a murderer has forgiven you and set you free. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
They rise and needs will have My dear Lord made away; A murderer they save, The Prince of Life they slay. Yet cheerful He To suff'ring goes That He His foes From thence might free. (LSB 430:5)
Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflectons Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collect
O God, the Strength of all who put their trust in You, mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
First Reading: Job 33:19-34:9
19"Man is also rebuked with pain on his bed
and with continual strife in his(A) bones, 20so that his(B) life loathes bread,
and his appetite(C) the choicest food. 21His flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen,
and his bones that were not seen(D) stick out. 22His soul draws near(E) the pit,
and his life to(F) those who bring death. 23If there be for him(G) an angel,
(H) a mediator,(I) one of the thousand,
to declare to man what is(J) right for him, 24and he is merciful to him, and says,
'Deliver him from going down into the pit;
I have found(K) a ransom; 25let his flesh(L) become fresh with youth;
let him return to the days of his youthful vigor'; 26then man[a](M) prays to God, and he accepts him;
he(N) sees his face with a shout of joy,and he(O) restores to man his righteousness.
27He sings before men and says:'I(P) sinned and perverted what was right,
and it was not repaid to me. 28He has redeemed my(Q) soul from going down(R) into the pit,
and my life shall(S) look upon the light.'
29"Behold, God does all these things,
twice,(T) three times, with a man, 30to bring back his soul from the pit,
that he may be lighted with(U) the light of life. 31Pay attention, O Job, listen to me;
be silent, and I will speak. 32If you have any words,(V) answer me;
(W) speak, for I desire to justify you. 33If not,(X) listen to me;
be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
Elihu Asserts God’s Justice
1Then Elihu answered and said:
2"Hear my words, you wise men,
and give ear to me, you who know; 3for(Y) the ear tests words
as the palate tastes food. 4Let us choose(Z) what is right;
let us know among ourselves what is good. 5For Job has said, 'I am(AA) in the right,
and(AB) God has taken away my right; 6in spite of my right I am counted a liar;
my wound is incurable, though I am(AC) without transgression.' 7What man is like Job,
who(AD) drinks up scoffing like water, 8who travels in company with evildoers
and walks(AE) with wicked men? 9For(AF) he has said, 'It profits a man nothing
that he should take delight in God.'
Footnotes:Job 33:26 Hebrew he
Cross references:Job 33:19 : Job 30:17 Job 33:20 : Psalm 107:18 Job 33:20 : Prov 23:3 Job 33:21 : Psalm 22:17 Job 33:22 : Job 33:24, 28 Job 33:22 : 2 Sam 24:16, 17; Psalm 78:49 Job 33:23 : Gen 16:7; 22:11; 48:16; Psalm 34:7; Isa 63:9; Mal 3:1 Job 33:23 : Gen 42:23; Isa 43:27 Job 33:23 : Eccles 7:28; Song 5:10 Job 33:23 : Prov 14:2; Ezek 18:21, 22 Job 33:24 : Job 36:18; Psalm 49:7 Job 33:25 : 2 Kgs 5:14; Heb 9:12 Job 33:26 : Job 22:27 Job 33:26 : Psalm 17:15 Job 33:26 : 2 Sam 12:13; Prov 28:13; Luke 15:21-24; 1 John 1:9 Job 33:27 : Psalm 106:6; Rom 6:21 Job 33:28 : Isa 38:17 Job 33:28 : Job 33:22, 24 Job 33:28 : Job 3:9 Job 33:29 : Job 33:14 Job 33:30 : Psalm 56:13 Job 33:32 : Job 33:5 Job 33:32 : Job 34:33 Job 33:33 : Psalm 34:11 Job 34:3 : Job 12:11 Job 34:4 : 1 Thess 5:21, 22 Job 34:5 : Job 33:9 Job 34:5 : Job 27:2 Job 34:6 : Job 33:9 Job 34:7 : Job 15:16 Job 34:8 : Psalm 1:1 Job 34:9 : Job 9:22, 23, 30, 31; 21:7, 15; 24:1; Job 35:3; Mal 3:14
Second Reading: John 11:1-16
The Death of Lazarus
1Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of(A) Mary and her sister Martha. 2(B) It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord,(C) he whom you love is ill." 4But when Jesus heard it he said, (D) "This illness does not lead to death. It is for(E) the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
5Now(F) Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6So, when he heard that Lazarus[a] was ill,(G) he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7Then after this he said to the disciples, (H) "Let us go to Judea again." 8The disciples said to him,(I) "Rabbi,(J) the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" 9Jesus answered, (K) "Are there not twelve hours in the day?(L) If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10But(M) if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." 11After saying these things, he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus(N) has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him." 12The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." 13Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus has died, 15and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." 16(O) So Thomas, called the Twin,[b] said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go,(P) that we may die with him."
Footnotes:John 11:6 Greek he; also verse 17 John 11:16 Greek Didymus
Cross references:John 11:1 : Luke 10:38, 39 John 11:2 : John 12:3 John 11:3 : John 11:5, 11, 36 John 11:4 : John 11:11; Matt 9:24 John 11:4 : John 11:40; John 9:3; 13:31 John 11:5 : John 11:3 John 11:6 : John 2:4; 7:6, 8 John 11:7 : John 10:40 John 11:8 : John 1:38 John 11:8 : John 8:59; 10:31 John 11:9 : Luke 13:33 John 11:9 : John 9:4; 1 John 2:10 John 11:10 : Jer 13:16 John 11:11 : Matt 27:52 John 11:16 : John 14:5; 20:24, 26-28; 21:2; Matt 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13 John 11:16 : John 13:37
Wednesday Father Reading
"Consider deeply within yourself, O man, what Victim you are asked to receive, and what Table you are about to approach. Also consider this, that you, who are but dust and ashes, are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ." [St. Chrysostom. "Homily on the Lord's Birth" 5th Century]
All Scripture Readings: English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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