Since God Cares for You, You Can Go On.

by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on June 14, 2024 in

The Third Sunday after Trinity                                     June 16, 2024 

Text:  1 Peter 5:6-11       Historic Series                               24:2451

Theme:  Since God Cares For You, You Can Go On.

“Don’t worry!” my friend said.  It was easy for him to say. He had done this many times.  Besides, he was a mountain climbing instructor, so he knew everything about climbing.
I am talking about my friend from college days. His name was also Ed. Back then we worked and travelled a lot together. They called us Ed #1 and Ed #2.  Our problem was we didn’t know which of us was #1 and which was #2. When he left college, he worked for a school in Colorado called Outward Bound. They taught hiking, mountain climbing, and wilderness survival.
“Don’t worry!” he said, as I looked up the face of a stone cliff that we were going to climb in the Rocky Mts. I had done a lot of backpacking and hiking, but I had never climbed with ropes, pitons, nuts, and camming devices. Those are little metal spikes and wheels that a climber wedges into a seam in the rock and to which he attaches his climbing rope. We were going to use those little things to keep us from falling off that cliff! Right! “Don’t worry,” he said. “I know what I’m doing.” Easy for him to say. I was a bit anxious.
Well, he was right. Here I am today, no broken bones, no crippled body, and last I heard, Ed is still climbing somewhere. I guess I didn’t have to worry after all. He did know what he was doing and guided me safely through it.  In fact, we climbed together on several occasions and never got hurt.
“Don’t worry!” That’s easy to say for the one who knows what he is doing.  But for those with little to no experience, the human tendency fills the heart with anxiety.
That’s also true in our lives of faith. Yet, what does God tell us? “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. I will take you safely through. Trust me.” So, Peter encourages, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” God Cares for You.  That’s the key! Since God Cares For You, You Can Go On in life, placing yourself into His hands. I think that’s a great thing to remember on Father’s Day. Our heavenly Father is there for you.
(I.  Accepting your trials in Christ.)
Think of it, He invites you, even pleads with you not to worry. He knows how to deal with everything.  After all He is God; He knows all things and can do all things. More than that, He promises to see us through. So how foolish is it when we worry?
I think Peter understood. Remember the time earlier when he and the other disciples were on the Sea of Galilee and a storm arose?  The waves rolled high; the winds blew strong – at any moment it looked like their boat would swamp. During it all, Jesus slept in the back of the boat until they all anxiously cried out: “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown.” Quietly Jesus arose, waved his hands over the sea, and with a word of rebuke to the winds (and maybe to the disciples too), “Hush! Be still,” and all was calmed.
Sometime later, on the same sea, Peter experienced the strong and gracious hand of his Savior a second time. He was sinking into the waves, afraid that he could not walk on them. The Savior’s hand reached out and caught him, lifting him out of danger.  It was a lesson in humility and trust in the Lord that every Christian has to learn. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (5:5). It took time, but proud Peter learned it well. Years later he encouraged his readers here, “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
That’s true of all types of anxieties and worries. However, Peter was addressing a specific anxiety that troubled the minds of his readers and rendered them powerless in their Christian lives. It was the anxiety they felt over the persecution and the insults that were thrown at them for calling themselves followers of Christ. He called it a “fiery, painful trial” (4:12). It happens in our world today, too. Suddenly, it seems like Christianity is being attacked – in our country! Will it affect you? Yes.  Don’t be surprised if it does.
But when such “fiery trials,” come the Savior’s voice rings clear. This isn’t something strange. It happened to Him; it will happen to you “for the servant is not above the Master” (Mt.10:24). When it happens, cast all your cares on Him; He will care for you.
And if God cares for you, don’t worry, dear friend. Go On with your life, accepting your trials. In Christ you will be blessed.
Blessed? What blessing could possibly come from being despised, insulted, or having your head cut off?  Well, it shows you are His. Peter wrote, “If you are insulted in connection with the name of Christ, you are blessed for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (4:14). Those things mark you as His. You have a Master, the One you call your Savior; the One who IS your Savior.
Christ is yours.  He has redeemed you, made you His own, and He is pleased to dwell with you. Wherever He is, there peace, joy, hope, and confidence rule, even amid insults, because in Him you know where you stand with God – redeemed – His own.
People who insult you for His name’s sake have none of that because they don’t know the Savior.  And they are to be pitied most of all.  Think about it. Such hostile people are lost.  Yet, they are also mission prospects for us.
So, fiery trials then become opportunities to witness to others the love of Christ for all, yes, even for those who bring such trials upon us, “For God would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Yes, God turns fiery trials into good.
  “Don’t worry.” He tells us. “I know what I am doing.  I made it through my sufferings and death for you, didn’t I?  I made it through for your sakes.  And if I made it through for you, won’t I see to it that I get you through it, too?  I won’t let you fall.  I know what I’m doing.”
He cares for you. Since He cares for you, you can go on…
II.  …standing firm in faith until the end.
For “in due time,” Peter writes, “He will lift you up” where insults and painful trials can never affect you again.”  But, for that to happen, you must remain in Him, standing firm in faith until the end. So, Peter continues, “Have sound judgment. Be alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
Picture this scene.  Imagine the plains of Africa – grassland and scrub trees extend as far as you can see.  A herd of zebras slowly moves across the plain.  Suddenly, a lion bolts from the tall grass where it was lying motionless.  In a moment it’s all over.  A young zebra, not experienced with predators, falls prey to the hunter.
Why was the lion successful?  Because it didn’t prowl about in the open, roaring at the top of its voice. It lay silent in the grass. It waited patiently, quietly for its prey. Then, it timed the attack.
Now, think about the lion Peter wants you to consider.  He’s walking about, back and forth, and roaring. That’s not the same picture, is it? Perhaps the picture in our text might more accurately be portrayed as a lion in a zoo behind an iron-barred cage.  It walks about in front of you, an occasional roar breaking the silence. It is frightening at first, but it’s not dangerous. He is caged. Unless you are dumb enough to stick your hand into the cage or get into it, he can’t harm you though he prowls and roars.
That’s the picture of what our Savior did to the devil who wants to terrify and devour our souls.  The Lord Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. He came to render him powerless over us. He bound him. He did that on the cross. Shortly after His resurrection, He descended into hell to proclaim victory over your enemy.  Powerless now is the devil in your life, unless you stick your hand into his cage or try to get in with him. Don’t be so stupid. Have sound judgment.  Be alert.
You have a Savior who died and rose for you to give you forgiveness and life.  That Savior has ascended to heaven where He controls all things for your good.  Stand firm in faith in Him all the way to the end and that lion can do nothing, nothing to you. That’s God’s promise. He may try but “Nothing can pluck you from my hand,” Jesus said to His sheep.  Stand firm in faith.
If the devil should roar into your ear, “God has forgotten you,” laugh and say, “You are wrong! God Cares for Me.  And I will Go On in My Life in Him, trusting Him in all things.  He has told me not to worry.  He knows what He is doing, and He will guide me safely through my climb now until I reach heaven. To Him be the power and glory forever and ever!”  Amen.

Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield

4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)

Church phone: 417.887.0886   Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244 

www.zionluthchurch.com

The Third Sunday after Trinity     June 16, 2024

“Rejoice with Me because I have found (that) which was lost.”  Luke 15:6&9 

Welcome:  The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today.  We encourage children to worship with us.  However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary.  The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall.  Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary.  We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.

U p o n    E n t e r i n g    G o d’ s    H o u s e

“To You, O LORD, I lift my soul; in You I trust my God. Turn to me and be gracious to me, because I am lonely and afflicted.  See my trouble and take away my sin.  In You have trusted. Let not my enemies triumph” (Psalm 25).

W h a t    T h i s    S u n d a y    i s    A b o u t

God’s Loving Grace Inspires Hope. In these lessons for the Third Sunday in the Trinity Season we consider a different angle of God’s love.

On the first Sunday after Trinity, our attention centered on the Christian surrounded by God’s love.  Last Sunday we were drawn to the Christian’s response to God’s love, towards Him and also towards our neighbor.  Today we center on grace and its effect of hope in us.

In truth, love and grace are not two qualities but one.  When love is manifested by what God does for us, that is grace.  Love is the eternal fountain within; grace is the stream that flows from it.  Love is the fire; grace is the heat and warmth. The Greek word for “grace” expresses outward beauty and attractiveness. It conveys the manifestation of God’s redeeming love to us, seen in the person of Christ, our Savior.

To that end we pray:  O God, protector of all the faithful, You alone make strong; You alone make holy.  Show us Your mercy through grace and forgive our sins day by day.  Guide us through our earthly lives so that we do not lose the things You have prepared for us in heaven. For Jesus’ sake we pray.  Amen

T h e   W o r d   o f   G o d   f o r   T o d a y

(The Lessons of the Day are from the Historic Pericope Series of the Christian Church.)

The Old Testament Lesson:  Isaiah 12:1-6

Isaiah sings a song about salvation.  Like one who is dying of thirst, the believer will draw refreshment for His soul from the wells of salvation that spring from the heavenly Father’s fountain of grace.  In Christ, God’s anger is turned aside, and we find hope.  It stirs us to sing for joy.

The Epistle Lesson:  1 Peter 5:6-11

Although they are God’s dear children by faith, Christians will find that they will suffer while they are in this world.  In such sufferings, resist the devil, stand firm in faith, and look to your heavenly Father’s care for you.  He will give you hope as He graciously sustains you.

The Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-10 

Jesus’ parables of The Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin teach God’s loving care and gracious concern for those who are lost in sin. Hope is found in Him, for the worth of each person is great.  He would have all to be saved. Heaven rejoices over each lost one found and returned to Him.

O u r   P r a c t i c e   o f   H o l y   C o m m u n i o n

Out of deep love for the truth of God’s Word and precious souls, we follow the practice of Close Communion in our congregation.  This has been the practice of Christians for centuries and reflects the Bible’s teaching on unity of faith in the reception of the Supper (1 Cor.10:17).  It does not judge a person’s heart but anticipates agreement in that which God says.  Since we do not wish to put anyone in the position of declaring such agreement with us before study in the Word is possible, we ask that only those who are communicant members of this or another Wisconsin Synod or ELS congregation come to receive the Sacrament.

The Organist: Jane Rips                  The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Points to Ponder: “When something evil happens, say, ‘Come, help, O God!  Counsel me!’  Then the curses will disappear…. This anybody can grasp…. You can learn this….Oppose Satan with the name of God! This does help as soon as it is uttered…. (Satan) hears God’s name very unwillingly and cannot remain long where it is invoked from the heart…We should constantly have (God’s) holy name in our mouths, so that (Satan) cannot injure us as he is eager to do.”  — Martin Luther

Outline of  Our Worship

The Preparation

Opening Thoughts on the Service

The Entrance Hymn: #819 st.1-4

Order of Worship:     The Service: Setting Two with Holy Communion: page 172-180

Prayer of the Day

The Ministry of the Word

Isaiah 12:1-6

1 Peter 5:6-11

Gospel Acclamation: God’s Love p.179

Luke 15:1-10

Sermon Hymn: #810

Sermon: 1 Peter 5:6-11   Since God Cares for You, You Can Go On.

The Nicene Creed pg.180

Our Response to the Word

Prayer of the Church: pg.182

The Offering

The Lord Blesses Us

Preparation for Holy Communion     Hymnal page 182-187

(Visitors: Please read above regarding our practice of Holy Communion)

Consecration and Distribution

Distribution Hymns: #576 & 761

Thanksgiving & Blessing     Hymnal: middle of page 187

Closing Hymn: #617

Silent Prayer

 The Third Sunday after Trinity – Historic Series

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 12:1-6 – A Song of Salvation.

1 In that day you will say:

I will give thanks to you, Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away, and you comfort me.

 2Surely God is my salvation. I will trust him and will not be afraid, because Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation.

3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 In that day you will say:

Give thanks to the Lord! Proclaim his name. Declare among the peoples what he has done.
Proclaim that his name is exalted!

5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done amazing things! Let this be known in all the earth!

6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, daughter of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!

Epistle Lesson: 1 Peter 5:6-11 – Regarding Humility and Trust in God.

   6 Therefore humble yourselves under God’s powerful hand so that he may lift you up at the appointed time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Have sound judgment. Be alert. Your adversary, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him by being firm in the faith. You know that the same kinds of sufferings are being laid on your brotherhood all over the world.

   10 After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you. 11 To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-10 – Joy Over the Lost Who Are Found.

   1 All the tax collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

   3 He told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls together his friends and his neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ 7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.

   8 “Or what woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, would not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2019

Calendar  &  Announcements  for  Zion  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church

Today

June 16

 Monday

June 17

 Tuesday

June 18

 Wednesday

June 19

 Thursday

June 20

 Friday

June 21

 Saturday

June 22

 Next Sun.

June 23
9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

with Holy Communion online -Facebook

10:15 am

Fellowship & Bible Study

 

Third Sunday after Trinity

 Pastor and Jim Inniger will be attending the WELS Minnesota

District’s…

 …53rd Biennial Convention from Monday through Thursday… ,,,at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN. 11 am

No Midweek Bible Class this week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

online – Facebook

10:15 am

Fellowship & Bible Study

 

Fourth Sunday after Trinity

 

 A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today

“Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can. Found seldom in a woman, never in a man.” A cute little saying. Perhaps it’s true. But even those who claim to be patient people reach a point where they can be patient no more. What a blessing it is that we have a God who is patient with us, forgiving our many sins, rejoicing in our repentance, promising to hold us firmly in His hands, and to take us to Himself in heaven!

The Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-10  (the answers are found below)

  1. What was ironic about the statement that the Pharisee’s and teachers of the law muttered?
  2. What do these two parables spoken by Jesus emphasize?

Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Kirsten Jaster (Laurie Moon’s sister); Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter); Barbara Long; Robbie Woessner; Kay Schmidt at Quail Creek Rehab; Norine Richardson; Melissa Morlack-Jaeger; Liz Lisenby; Barbara Long.

Meditations There are still plenty of copies of the daily devotions that last until the end of August in the narthex.  If you have friends or neighbors with whom you would like to share the Word of God, please consider taking copies for them.

Favorite Hymns June is a 5-Sunday month.  That means you get to choose some of your favorite hymns for the 30th.  You may deposit your choices in the bin on the credenza in the narthex.

Divine Call Sent  At the joint call meeting of Zion and Peace this past Wednesday evening, Pastor Steven Lange was selected to whom our fifth call for pastor will be sent. He is 53 years old and presently serves Hope Lutheran Church, Louisville, KY.  He and wife Krista have one son, age 21 years old.  Please keep Pastor Lange and family in your prayers over the next few weeks as he prayerfully considers where the Lord would have him serve in His Kingdom of Grace. More information about Pastor Lange may be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.

Upcoming Services and Events

– June 17-19 – WELS MN District Biennial Convention in New Ulm, MN; Pastor and Jim Inniger will be representing our congregations here in SW Missouri. They will be gone from Monday, June 17 until Thursday afternoon, June 20.

– Sunday, June 30 – Favorite Hymns Service

The Week in Review

Last Sunday Worship:28; Bible Study:16; Midweek Bible Class: 4; Offerings: $1,150.

Next Sunday’s Lessons:               

The Fourth Sunday after Trinity: Isaiah 65:17-19,24,25; Rom. 8:18-23; Luke 6:36-42   (Historic Pericope Series) 

Answer to Today’s Gospel Lesson Brief Study:

  1. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were amazed that Jesus would eat with “sinners” like prostitutes and tax collectors. What they failed to see was that they were just as guilty of sinning against God as the other “sinners” were.
  2. These parables emphasize God’s grace and the value that He places on each soul. Jesus told the story of the lost sheep not so much to describe the predicament of the sheep as to dramatize the anxious care of the man who owned it. He told the story of the lost coin not so much to describe the plight of the coin as to show the deep concern of the woman who lost it and her ceaseless efforts to recover it.  May we be led to value people’s souls just as much and share the soul-saving news of the free forgiveness and life that is found in Christ for all people!

This week I am praying for……

 

Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

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