Book: John 2:1-11

How Important – Jesus’ Presence!

By James Wiese on January 12, 2024

Epiphany 2 (The Wedding at Cana)                          January 14, 2024

Text: John 2:1-11 Historic Series                          24:2423

Theme: How Important – Jesus’ Presence!

There was a wedding at Cana of Galilee. Some very important and distinguished guests were present. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there, perhaps as a relative of the bride or groom for she seems to take the part of housekeeper or hostess for the event. Peter, James, John, and others were in attendance. They would become the founding pillars of the New Testament Christian Church. But the most illustrious and helpful guest present was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. He was invited, He came, and His presence proved a joy and blessing to all who were there.
His Presence always makes a vast difference. If He were taken into every marriage, His presence would so bless the home that no need would be felt, no anxiety would enter, and no lack of love and faithfulness would occur. If he were taken into every life, His Presence would greatly bless each one so that constant comfort, contentment, and confidence would flourish. His divine Presence always proves a great blessing.
How Important – His Presence! We see an example of that at the Wedding in Cana of Galilee.

I. His Presence was Important as He offered the best counsel.
Granted there is no mention of His speaking here. As far as we are told, Jesus preached no sermon or gave no lecture on marriage and the home. But knowing Him as Lord and Savior and Messenger of the New Covenant from God, who would doubt that He spoke to the bridal couple? Without a doubt He favored them with words of loving approval and divine wisdom. As Creator of marriage and the home, are not married couples dear to His heart? With His Presence and the wondrous miracle He later performed, does He not reveal how great marriage is in His eyes and how important any two such people who come together as husband and wife are to Him? Will He not offer them the best counsel, heavenly counsel?
As the Son of God, He instituted marriage at the very beginning when He brought Adam and Eve together in the Garden of Eden. He still brings couples together who look to Him and invite Him into their lives. With their eyes on Him, He joins them as one and warns lest anyone should ever come between them (Mt.19).
You see, marriage is not just a human arrangement. It is not a mere social custom that man developed to make life easier or more enjoyable. It is a creation of God. As such He knows what is right and good for it. He knows how blest He intended it to be. He knows the “instructions” for a life together of one man and one woman, and how such a life is carried out to His glory and His creatures’ welfare. Therefore, He is the best marriage counselor and offers the best counsel to guide us. Would you doubt that He gave such advice at this beginning point in His earthly ministry so that people would be blessed and see His heavenly glory that surrounded them? And will He not do the same for you?
His Presence is Important and always proves a great blessing as He offers the best counsel in our lives and in our homes. He has promised that wherever people come together in His name, there He is in their midst (Mt.18:20). As you go to Him, He will bless you with His divine presence and guidance. The sad part is that too many, even too many who call themselves Christians, do not see the Importance of His Presence in their lives. And they will struggle.

II. That is such a shame for with His Presence in our lives, we will be blessed as He seeks to build our faith and confidence in all that He can do. That is what all couples and all homes need – faith and confidence in the Lord Jesus for no marriage, no home, no situation on earth is perfect. We need His help. So it is that Christ seeks to draw our hearts to rely on Him for the help we need. The couple at Cana’s wedding feast needed help, for they soon had difficulties.
As the festivities proceeded (and remember, in biblical times they would last several days, up to a week), it became evident that the provisions were running low. There was a need. Mary felt it and came to Jesus saying, “They have no wine.” Some have felt that she was out of place here, telling Jesus what He should do. But she does not command, “Son, furnish us with wine.” She merely states the fact, “They have no wine.” And with that she touches upon His kindness of which she is fully assured. It is as if she thought, “He is so good and gracious, there is no need of my asking. I will only tell Him what is lacking, and He will do of His own that which is needed, perhaps even more.”
This is the way of faith, dear friends. It pictures God’s goodness to itself, never doubting that His goodness is true. Faith approaches Him boldly to present the need. “Ask, seek, knock,” He tells us. “And you will find.” Therefore, dear friend, when in need, make bold to come into His Presence, bringing your petition to Him. He seeks to build faith and confidence in Him.
But notice how unkindly Jesus seems to turn away the humble request of His mother who addresses Him in confidence: “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My time is not yet here.”
Observe here the nature of faith. What does her faith have to rely on? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! All is darkness. It feels its need and seems to see no help anywhere. Whenever a need is felt, Christ Jesus does not always come at once to grant what is desired. He delays and tests our faith and trust, even as He did here. Yes, what is even more severe, He may act as though He would not help at all, and may even appear to speak harshly, with austerity, just as He treats His mother here. It seems like everything is lost since the one support on which she relied appears gone.
But this, dear friends, is where faith and confidence stand in the heat of battle. See how she acts and teaches us. No matter how harsh Jesus’ words might sound, she did not interpret them as anger or refusal. Instead, she firmly held the conviction that our Savior is kind and loving. She will not dishonor Him in her heart by thinking otherwise of Him, as people who are without faith do. His words did not frighten her, otherwise she would have gone away silently and displeased. Instead, she approaches the servants to advise, “Do whatever He tells you,” confident that He will act.
This is the way of faith that expects of Christ nothing but grace and kindness. Even, dear friend, should you be in the highest distress of conscience for sin and feel God declaring, “What is to me to you,” know and understand the nature of Christ. He only acts thus to test us as He seeks to build our faith and confidence in Him. He cannot forsake those who trust in Him anymore than He can forsake Himself. Should He dare to delay, He cannot deny Himself for He is good and gracious and kind. Only hold out in faith until His hour comes and He will give the best help possible.

III. The omniscient Son of God had already detected the need. When the proper time came, He did not hold back. With divine power He provided wine with such quantity and quality that all were amazed. And so “He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.”
Yet, far more glorious is the fact that this same Jesus who was present at the wedding in Cana is available not only to married couples but to us all in our troubles. In His time and according to His hour He gives the best help possible to those who cling in faith to Him in their need. He may delay for a time. He may test so that we set our eyes more firmly on Him. He may even act and speak most harshly to our human understanding. Still, He is God – ever good, gracious, and compassionate. He cannot be otherwise to those for whom He gave His life to pay for sin.
If then He is for us, what can be against us? If He gave Himself up for us all, how will He not also, along with Himself, graciously give us all things? And so we are convinced that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus (Ro.8:31f).
Such is the lesson of faith we learn in the first of His miraculous signs at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. He was invited, He came, and His Presence proved a great joy and blessing to all who were there. His Presence always makes a vast difference. How Important it is! God grant it in our lives of faith, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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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                 email: revelehmann@gmail.com

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Second Sunday after the Epiphany         January 14, 2024

He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in Him. John 2:11

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

“All the earth bows down to You. They make music to You. How awesome Your deeds for all people! Shout praise to God, all the earth! Make music to the glory of His name! Say: ‘How awesome are Your deeds!’” (Psalm 66).

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

Jesus Manifests His Glory at Cana   Miracles tend to impress people because of the power displayed. However, Jesus’ purpose in performing miracles was not to impress people with His ability. Rather, His purpose was to reveal His glory as God’s Son who came to earth for a greater purpose – to save the people from their sins. So what was the purpose of His miracles?

Jesus’ miracles acted as signposts, pointing people to Him that they might believe in Him and be saved from their sins. He is our gracious Helper in all needs. There is no doubt about that. But He is more, much more. He is our divine Savior.

May we who have seen His glory in the Word, kneel in faith before Him and worship Him for the blessings of salvation and life that He brings.

To that end we pray: Almighty God, You gave Your one and only Son to be the Light of the world. Grant that Your people, illumined by Your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that He may be known, worshiped, and believed to the ends of the earth.

Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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

The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-6

The Spirit of God will rest upon the Christ when He comes. The Spirit will equip Him for His work. With the Spirit upon Him, Christ will use His divine gifts for the eternal welfare of His people.

The Epistle Lesson: Romans 12:6-16  

God bestows different gifts upon His Church to be used for the good of all. The believer’s Christian love is shown to be sincere as he follows in the footsteps of the Savior, using his or her gifts for the advancement of His Kingdom.

The Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11          

Jesus takes up His work as He begins the time of His public ministry among the people. He reveals His glory in His first miracle at Cana’s wedding, changing the water into wine and manifesting Himself as the Christ, come to help His people.

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The Organist: Jane Rips                The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Points to Ponder: “The miracle also reveals the glory of marriage in four ways. First, we see that marriage is a holy institution that God Himself ordained. Second, it is an institution that God preserves by His almighty power. Third, God Himself provides for the needs of this institution. Finally, in it, God wants to reveal Himself to man.

“As Christ once went to the wedding at Cana and there revealed His glory by a miracle, so today He uses marriage as a way to reveal Himself to all who do not shut their eyes and hearts to Him…. Marriage with its sorrows and joys is a way in which countless couples, relying on Christ, have had their faith strengthened and preserved. For them, marriage has become a source of both temporal and eternal blessings.”

“This then is the fourfold glory with which God has honored the state of holy matrimony. He instituted it, preserves it, provides for those who enter it, and makes it a school of faith and love.”                    — CFW Walther

“Whenever the need is felt, the Lord does not at once hasten and bestow what is needed and desired. Often He delays and tests our trust in Him….This is the way of faith. It pictures God’s goodness in this manner….He will reach out in His time and way to help.”     — Martin Luther

Outline of Our Worship

The Preparation

Opening Thoughts on Today’s Worship

The Entrance Hymn: #496

Order of Worship:  The Service: Setting One    page 154-160

Prayer of the Day

The Ministry of the Word

Isaiah 61:1-6

Psalm 67

Romans 12:6-16

Gospel Acclamation: Epiphany  Pg.161

John 2:1-11

Hymn: #374

Sermon: John 2:1-11    How Important – Jesus’ Presence!

The Apostles’ Creed pg.163

Our Response to the Word

Prayer of the Church: pg.164

The Offering

Hymn: #518

The Lord Blesses Us

The Closing Prayers and Blessing        Hymnal page 171

Closing Hymn: #763 st.1,5,6

Silent Prayer

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The Second Sunday after the Epiphany – Historic Series

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-6 The Spirit Rests on the Servant

      ¹The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the afflicted. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for those who are bound, ² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance for our God, to comfort all who mourn, ³ to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a cloak of praise instead of a faint spirit, so that they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord to display his beauty.

      ⁴ They will rebuild ancient ruins. They will raise up what was formerly devastated; they will renew ruined cities, which have been devastated for generations. ⁵ Strangers will stand and shepherd your flock, and foreigners will be your farmers and vinedressers. ⁶ You will be called the Lord’s priests. You will be named ministers of God. You will eat the wealth of nations, and you will boast about their riches.

Epistle Lesson: Romans 12:6-16 Using the Gifts God Has Given You

      ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace God has given us. If the gift is prophecy, do it in complete agreement with the faith. ⁷ If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. ⁸ If it is encouraging, then encourage. If it is contributing, be generous. If it is leadership, be diligent. If it is showing mercy, do it cheerfully.

      ⁹ Do not just pretend to love others. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another with brotherly love. Think of others as deserving more honor than yourselves. ¹¹ Do not be lagging behind in zeal, but be fervent in spirit, as you continue to serve the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope. Endure trials patiently. Persist in prayer. ¹³ Share with the saints who are in need. Be quick to welcome strangers as guests.

      ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who are rejoicing; weep with those who are weeping. ¹⁶ Have the same respect for one another. Do not be arrogant but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly of yourselves.

Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11 Jesus’ First Miracle – Wine out of Water

      ¹Three days later, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. ² Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. ³ When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.” ⁴ Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My time has not come yet.” ⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

      ⁶ Six stone water jars, which the Jews used for ceremonial cleansing, were standing there, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. ⁸ Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” And they did. ⁹ When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had now become wine, he did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew). The master of the banquet called the bridegroom ¹⁰ and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have had plenty to drink, then the cheaper wine. You saved the good wine until now!”

      ¹¹ This, the beginning of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

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

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Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

Today Jan.14	Monday Jan.15	Tuesday Jan.16	Wednesday Jan.17	Thursday Jan.18	Friday Jan.19	Sat. Jan.20	Next Sun. Jan.21
9:00 am Divine Worship Service online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study   Epiphany 2		6 pm Elders, Trustees, and Council Meeting		11 am Midweek Bible Class			9:00 am Divine Worship Service With Holy Communion) online – Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Annual Meeting   Transfiguration

                                                                                                                                                                    

A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today

“Grace” is a beautiful biblical word. Grace is God’s undeserved love. It suggests the idea of giving a gift without a sense of obligation. If there is an obligation involved in the giving of a gift, it is no longer a gift. Jesus loves us not because He is obligated. He didn’t die for us out of a sense of guilt. He didn’t owe us. Everything Jesus does for us is done for one reason only: He is gracious. He does it because he wants to, freely! Yes, Jesus is our gracious Savior.

The Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11 (the answers are found on the back side)

1. What problem arose at the wedding in Cana to which Jesus and His disciples were invited?
2. How did Jesus react when Mary told Him that they had run out of wine? Why did He react this way?
3. What did Jesus do to resolve the problem?

Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Pauline Jaeger; Kirsten Jaster (Laurie Moon’s sister); Greg Pierson (Long’s son-in-law); Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter); Barbara Long; Kathy Workentine; Robbie Woessner; Liz & Roger Lisenby; Lois Wiese; Kay Schmidt in Cox Hospital following surgery.

Forward in Christ’s latest issue for January is here. You may pick up copies for family and friends in the narthex. Also if you have not yet received offering envelopes for 2024, you will find them in your mailboxes along with your offering statements for 2023. Should you need help, please see Jim Wiese.

Divine Call Sent At the joint call meeting of Zion and Peace this past Thursday, Pastor Jason Enderle was selected to whom our call for pastor will be sent. He is 38 years old and presently serves Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, Washington, MI. He and wife Hannah are blessed with 2 children, 2 years old and under. Please keep Pastor Enderle 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.

Thank You very much for your kind holiday and retirement greetings by which you remembered me and our family this past holiday season. We very much enjoyed hosting many of you at our home for the Post-Christmas get-together, and, God-willing, will be able to celebrate such another gathering in the future. May the Lord bless your families with a rich measure of His grace in the days lying ahead. Pastor, Elizabeth and family.

Upcoming Services and Events

Tuesday, January 16, 6 pm – Elders, Trustees, and Church Council Monthly Meetings

Sunday, January 21 – Annual Voters and WWFC Meetings following the worship service

The Week in Review

Last Sunday Worship: 31; Bible Study: 21; Midweek Bible Class: no class this past week; Offerings: $1,515.

 Next Sunday’s Lessons:               

Transfiguration: Exodus 3:1-6; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9 (Historic Pericope Series)

Answers to Today’s Gospel Lesson Brief Study:

1. They had run out of wine. It was customary in Jesus’ day for weddings to be celebrated for several days. It seems clear that the wedding hosts had not adequately prepared.
2. Jesus asked why Mary involved Him, stating, “My time has not yet come.” Jesus seems to be suggesting that it wasn’t yet time for Him to publicly reveal Himself as the promised Savior through His miracles. It seems that the forthcoming miracle was performed quietly. At least we are only told that because of the miracle the disciples believed in Him.
3. He changed water into wine. Although His disciples put their faith in Him, it seems His miracle went otherwise unnoticed.

This week I am praying for……          

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“Jesus Still Reveals His Glory to Us”

By James Wiese on January 13, 2023

Epiphany 2 (The Wedding at Cana)                                                                                                  January 15, 2023
Text: John 2:1-11                                            Historic Series                                                      23:2361
Theme: Jesus Still Reveals His Glory to Us.

Suppose that you and I received an invitation to attend the wedding at Cana in Galilee. Dressed in our finest clothing, bringing our little wedding present, we arrive. All is delightfully prepared. The bride appears gorgeous in her bright wedding gown. The groom looks stately in his handsome wedding apparel. The guests cheerfully smile, awaiting the arrival of the blessed couple. All is delightful.
Jesus arrives. Heads turn to see Him. He is the most illustrious guest present. Recently coming from His baptism by John in the Jordan River, He is accompanied by 5 or 6 of the disciples. A low buzz fills the air as some guests tell a little of what they have heard and know about Him. Not too much yet for He has just begun the work of His public ministry. But this promises to be no ordinary occasion to which we are invited. All who learn to know Him find in Him such glory as excels anything known in this world.
Psalm 45 describes Him: “You are more excellent than the sons of man. Grace is poured out on (anointed) Your lips” (v.2). Later John wrote, “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jn.1:14). Peter once asked, “Lord, where shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. You are the Holy One of God” (Jn.6:69). So great is the blessedness found in Christ, that despite persecution and suffering, those who followed Him were filled with gladness. And the shame they endured for Him, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” was to them a great honor.
As you learn to know Christ, like them you find in Him heaven on earth. You come into possession of a blessedness in life which makes the joys of this world pale into nothingness. Day by day Jesus becomes more glorious to you. He grows more precious, more indispensable. He is your Treasure, your Joy, your Comfort, and your Hope. Life centers in Him, the Savior. Is that your experience?
It began to be revealed at Cana’s wedding. He was invited, He came, and His divine presence proved a great blessing as He manifested His glory by a miracle. But He did not intend to limit the manifestation of glory to just one instance. Jesus Still Reveals His Glory to Us, and we see it, unless we prevent Him. How does He Still Reveal His Glory to Us? Like here, He Reveals His Glory when our need is exposed and we are convinced only He can fill it.
I. Think of how it happened here. The wedding was well underway when something unforeseen took place. The supply of wine began to fail. When Mary heard this, she must have thought of the prophecies and angelic revelations about her son. She remembered His kindness, mercy, and grace with which He approached all things the past 30 years as He lived under her roof. So, she approached and informed Him: “They have no wine.” What did she expect of Him?
She most certainly expected Him to do something. Why? There is only one adequate answer. She hoped, dare we say expected Him to do something in an extraordinary, wondrous way as was fitting of the Messiah. She merely stated the fact, asked nothing, not even: “Can, or will You help?” She laid before Him the need and left the rest to Him. It was a simple prayer aroused by faith’s intuition.
The Son of God’s response: “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My time has not yet come.” What did He mean?
Sometimes I have thought His response somewhat harsh, even cold towards His mother. But His words don’t indicate a chilly refusal to help. They merely state that the proper time for action had not yet arrived. When the proper time arrived, He would do what was needed to be done, and many, not just a few, maybe all would see His Glory. So, Jesus waited until the need was exposed.
When that moment arrived, He had the servants fill the stone jars with water, draw and take some to the steward of the feast who tasted and discovered the most excellent wine. The servants knew from whence it came. The steward remarked in astonishment to the groom how excellent it was. Then the realization sunk in as to what had happened. Jesus performed a miracle when the need was the greatest. All who were aware of it saw His glory, His kindness, and the majesty of His creative power. So, we are told, “This was the first sign Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He revealed His glory.”
This is the way Jesus still acts in our lives. First, we must become aware of our great need and must learn that only Jesus can fill it. That is done through the Word of God. If we would see the glory of Christ and have our need filled, we must hear His Word. For the inspired Word of God is the only source from which we gain sure knowledge of Christ – who He is, why He was born into our world, what the object of His mission is. As true God and true man in one Person, He is the Savior of mankind. He suffered for sin, shed His blood, and died for all. And so He reconciled us to God, redeemed from eternal death. The sins of all are pardoned; they are saved by grace through faith. That is what the Word of God teaches.
“God so loved the world that …..” “It is by grace that you have been saved….” “God was in Christ reconciling….” All men can know this for thus it is written. However, a man may have an excellent, intellectual knowledge of what the Bible says of Christ and still know nothing of the glory of Christ. One must learn to say, “How wonderful Christ is to me, a sinner! What light, comfort, life, and power I find in Him! How blessed is fellowship with Him, my Savior.” And for that to happen, you must be convinced of your deep need before Him and that only He can fill it.
Sadly, so many who know Him have never been convinced of their deep need and that only Jesus can fill it, otherwise they would be constantly found in Him, in His Word, and in worship and service to Him. It is natural for us in our fallen human nature to think that we are not so bad, that we are not such great sinners, that we do many good things so pleasing to God. Oh, perhaps we might deserve correction for a few shortcomings, but we certainly don’t deserve eternal damnation. Many fail to see and feel how deep is sin’s corruption in each one’s soul.
We must realize how lost and condemned we are on our own. We must realize the utter hopelessness of our natural spiritual condition, and that none can save himself from the eternal wrath of God except through Christ Jesus. When that need is exposed and we are convinced only He can fill it, similar to what happened at Cana, then and only then the veil drops from our sight and the Glory of Christ in our lives Is Revealed to our great joy and comfort. So…

II. …we turn in faith to Christ and trust Him with all our heart.
It happens much like it did at the wedding in Cana, except on a far greater and eternal plain.
At Cana’s wedding, Jesus tarried until the people were fully aware that the supply of wine had failed. But if they refused to believe that the water had been changed into wine, they would still not have seen the glory of Christ. It was the need that arose which prompted Jesus to manifest His glory by that miracle. And by believing that Jesus had performed a miracle to fill the need, the guests saw His glory revealed. That was true of the disciples of whom it is said, “And His disciples believed in Him.”
Already they had faith in Him. But this miracle strengthened their conviction that He was the Messiah. It made Jesus all the more precious to them. By faith alone in the Savior from sin, you too will experience that same blessedness.
This applies most of all to eternal things, but it’s not limited. It also applies to our temporal needs, as it did in Cana, for how will He not, along with our eternal needs, graciously provide all things that we truly need in Him (Ro.8:32). As a loving father provides for his children, so He will provide for us. In that His Glory Is Revealed.
Be assured that as you turn in faith to Christ and trust Him with all your heart, like Mary did, He will change the water of your tears and troubles in this life into the wine of joy and gladness. Your sighs and laments over sin will be changed into songs and praise in His divine pardon. Your weakness will be turned into strength, your fears into confidence, death into life, hell into heaven, and more. All treasures are found in Him. You will know Him, full of unspeakable love, untiring faithfulness, and unfathomable mercy. And His glory will be revealed in you through faith as you trust Him with all your heart. This is what the changing of the water into wine means to us in the Epiphany Season. “Jesus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” God grant it to us in faith for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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The Second Sunday after the Epiphany                               January 15, 2023

   Welcome in the name of the newborn Savior. We are happy to have you worshipping with us today as the Lord continues to reveal in His Word the divine glory of His Son born at Christmas.

Miracles tend to impress people because of the power displayed. However, Jesus’ purpose in performing miracles was not to impress people with His ability. Rather, His purpose was to reveal His glory as God’s Son who came to earth for a greater purpose – to save the people from their sins. The miracles acted as signposts, pointing people to Him as their gracious Helper, their divine Savior.

May we who have seen His glory in the Word, kneel in faith before Him and worship Him for the blessings of salvation and life that He bring.

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Jesus Manifests His Glory at Cana’s Wedding

The Preparation

Opening Thoughts on the Service

The Entrance Hymn: “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”                                         #386

Order of Worship: Service: Setting Two with Holy Communion:                 pages 172-178

Hymn in Place of the Glory to God: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”                          #350

Prayer of the Day

The Ministry of the Word

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

Isaiah 61:1-6 The Spirit of God will rest upon the Christ when He comes. The Spirit will equip Him for His work. With the Spirit upon Him, Christ will use His divine gifts for the eternal welfare of His people.

Romans 12:6-16 God bestows different gifts upon His Church to be used for the good of all. The believer’s Christian love is shown to be sincere as he follows in the footsteps of the Savior, using his or her gifts for the advancement of His Kingdom.

The Gospel Acclamation for the Epiphany Season                                            page 179

John 2:1-11 Jesus takes up His work as He begins the time of His public ministry among the people. He reveals His glory in His first miracle at Cana’s wedding, changing the water into wine and manifesting Himself as the Christ, come to help His people.

The Sermon Hymn: “The Star Proclaims the King Is Here”                                        #374

The Sermon:               “Jesus Still Reveals His Glory to Us”                      John 2:1-11

Our Response to the Word

The Confession of Faith: The Nicene Creed                                                     page 180

Prayer of the Church                                                                                           page 182

The Offering

The Lord Blesses Us

The Order of Holy Communion                                                                  pages 183-187

(We invite our communicant members to the Lord’s Table, believing that in the bread and the wine, they receive the Savior’s true body and blood for forgiveness of sins. Since Holy Communion implies a oneness of faith, our practice is that of close communion. We therefore ask visitors to speak with the Pastor before communing.)

The Distribution

(There will be no Distribution Hymns sung this morning)

Thanksgiving & Blessing                                             Beginning the middle of page 187

Closing Hymn: “Lord, Bid Your Servant Go in Peace”                                               #950

Silent Prayer

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The Organist: (Jane Rips is absent today, visiting her mother in Iowa)

The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Point to Ponder: “The miracle also reveals the glory of marriage in four ways. First, we see that marriage is a holy institution that God Himself ordained. Second, it is an institution that God preserves by His almighty power. Third, God Himself provides for the needs of this institution. Finally, in it, God wants to reveal Himself to man.

“As Christ once went to the wedding at Cana and there revealed His glory by a miracle, so today He uses marriage as a way to reveal Himself to all who do not shut their eyes and hearts to Him….Marriage, with its sorrows and joys, is a way in which countless couples, relying on Christ, have had their faith strengthened and preserved. For them, marriage has become a source of both temporal and eternal blessings.”

“This then is the fourfold glory with which God had honored the state of holy matrimony. He instituted it, preserves it, provides for those who enter it, and makes it a school of faith and love.”                                                        — CFW Walther on John 2:1-12

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The Second Sunday after the Epiphany – Historic Series

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-6 The Spirit Rests on the Servant

      ¹The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the afflicted. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for those who are bound, ² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance for our God, to comfort all who mourn, ³ to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a cloak of praise instead of a faint spirit, so that they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord to display his beauty.

      ⁴ They will rebuild ancient ruins. They will raise up what was formerly devastated; they will renew ruined cities, which have been devastated for generations. ⁵ Strangers will stand and shepherd your flock, and foreigners will be your farmers and vinedressers. ⁶ You will be called the Lord’s priests. You will be named ministers of God. You will eat the wealth of nations, and you will boast about their riches.

Epistle Lesson: Romans 12:6-16 Using the Gifts God Has Given You

      ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace God has given us. If the gift is prophecy, do it in complete agreement with the faith. ⁷ If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. ⁸ If it is encouraging, then encourage. If it is contributing, be generous. If it is leadership, be diligent. If it is showing mercy, do it cheerfully.

      ⁹ Do not just pretend to love others. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another with brotherly love. Think of others as deserving more honor than yourselves. ¹¹ Do not be lagging behind in zeal, but be fervent in spirit, as you continue to serve the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope. Endure trials patiently. Persist in prayer. ¹³ Share with the saints who are in need. Be quick to welcome strangers as guests.

      ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who are rejoicing; weep with those who are weeping. ¹⁶ Have the same respect for one another. Do not be arrogant but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly of yourselves.

Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11 Jesus’ First Miracle – Wine out of Water

      ¹Three days later, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. ² Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. ³ When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.” ⁴ Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My time has not come yet.” ⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

      ⁶ Six stone water jars, which the Jews used for ceremonial cleansing, were standing there, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. ⁸ Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” And they did. ⁹ When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had now become wine, he did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew). The master of the banquet called the bridegroom ¹⁰ and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have had plenty to drink, then the cheaper wine. You saved the good wine until now!”

      ¹¹ This, the beginning of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.           The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version^® (EHV^®) copyright © 2019

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                           Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

A member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue), Springfield, MO 65810

Church phone: 417.887.0886                   www.zionluthchurch.com

Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244            email: revelehmann@gmail.com

You can also find us on Facebook

Today Jan.15	Monday Jan.16	Tuesday Jan.17	Wednesday Jan.18	Thursday Jan.19	Friday Jan.20	Sat. Jan.21	Next Sun. Jan.22
9:00 am Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion online -Facebook 10:15 am Annual Voters’ Meeting   Epiphany 2		4 pm Confirmation Class		11 am Midweek Bible Class			9:00 am Divine Worship Service online – Facebook  10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study   Epiphany 3

 

A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today

“Grace” is a beautiful word. We normally define grace as God’s undeserved love. That is exactly right! Grace suggests the idea of giving a gift without a sense of obligation. If we feel obligated to give a gift, it’s no longer a gift. Jesus loves us not because He is obligated. He didn’t die for us out of a sense of guilt. He didn’t owe us. Everything Jesus does for us, He does for one reason only: He is gracious. He does it because He wants to, freely! Yes, Jesus is our gracious Savior.

The Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11  (answers are found on the back side)

1. What problem arose at the wedding in Cana to which Jesus and His disciples were invited?
2. How did Jesus react when Mary told Him that they had run out of wine? Why did He react this way?
3. What did Jesus do to resolve the problem?

Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; Lou Schulz; William & Laurie Moon; Pauline Jaeger; Kirsten Jaster (Laurie Moon’s sister); Greg Pierson (the Long’s son-in-law); Libya, Jodi Milam’s granddaughter, diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis; Lucille Huston; Barbara Long; Lois Wiese.

Forward in Christ’s January issue has arrived. There are plenty of copies in the narthex for family and friends.

2023 Offering Envelopes are in your mailboxes or fellowship hall where you may pick up your new set for the year ahead.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, January 15 – Annual Voters’ Meeting following the ending of the 4^th quarter

The Week in Review

Last Sunday Worship: 28; Bible Class 22; Midweek Bible Class: 4; Offerings: $2,588..

Next Sunday’s Lessons:               

Epiphany 3: 2 Kings 5:1-19; Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 8:1-13 (Historic Pericope Series)

Answers to Today’s Gospel Lesson Brief Study:

1. They had run out of wine. It was customary in Jesus’ day for weddings to be celebrated for several days. It seems clear that the wedding hosts had not adequately prepared.
2. Jesus wondered why Mary involved Him, stating, “My time has not yet come.” Jesus seems to be suggesting that it wasn’t yet time for Him to publicly reveal himself as the promised Savior through His miracles. That would take place in the Father’s and His time, not Mary’s.
3. He changed water into wine, and His disciples put their faith in Him.

This week I am praying for……    

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The Creator, Our Savior, Uncovered in His Love and Care

By James Wiese on January 15, 2022

Second Sunday after the Epiphany                                                                                         January 16, 2022
Text: John 2:1-11                                               CW 3 Year Series C                                     22:2297
Theme: Our Creator, the Savior, Uncovered in His Love and Care.

Do you like to celebrate and have a party? – birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. The fun, the games, the delicious things to eat. But the best thing about celebrations is the people – the guests invited. Being with them makes the day special.
You might say that in His love and care God made it that way. He made you part of a family, so that you are not all by yourself. He provided companionship for us in life. At the very beginning of things He declared, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Gn.2). Then He created a companion for Adam. We are social beings, not solitary individuals.
The Lord Jesus was the same way. He had family and friends with whom He enjoyed fellowship. They were of all different kinds – wealthy, poor, educated, fishermen, important people, and plain folk like you and me. He liked to be with them, talk to them, point the way to His heavenly Father to them. He saw them as sheep without a shepherd and made time to be with them.
Did the people who surrounded Him realize who He was? Some experienced some extraordinary things about Him. But for the most part between day 1 and the day He turned 30 the full extent of Jesus’ person went unrealized
Then one day, not too long after His baptism, He went to a celebration. A wedding was held in Cana of Galilee. Many distinguished guests were invited. But the most illustrious and helpful guest there was the Lord Jesus. He was invited and came because He cares about people. He does not despise being with them. He came and His presence proved a great blessing.
His presence always makes a vast difference. If He were fully invited into every home, His presence would so bless the family that it would fill every need. If He were fully taken into every heart, His presence would so bless that life that there would never be any need for alarm. His loving and caring presence always proves a great blessing. Look what happened here.

(I. But He works in His time and in His ways.)
Cana was a very small place, just a dot on the map of Palestine. It lay to the north and west of Nazareth, about 10 miles. Have you ever noticed that many of the big events in the Bible happened in small places? Jesus was born in the little town of Bethlehem. He grew up in a small carpenter’s shop in Nazareth. He was baptized in a desert area near the Dead Sea. Big events often happened in small places. And this obscure town of Cana was about to become the sight of the most famous wedding celebration ever held.
In a sense it became the “coming out” time for our Savior. In this little town something big would happen. The Lord Jesus would be uncovered as the loving and caring Creator in His first miracle.
According to our way of thinking, we might expect that such an event would take place with a great deal of splash and publicity. He would change the world; He would affect people of all time; this would begin the march to eternity for us. The beginning of such an event ought to burst with excitement and expectation. It ought to shout, “God’s Son is here! The Savior has come!”
Do you think Mary saw it that way? When she gazed at the crowd, saw the impending problem with the wine, and looked upon her son, perhaps she thought, “What a good time to catch everyone’s attention!” At very least, she went to Him for the help that He always so readily gave. Approaching Him she presumed to tell Him the problem, “They have no wine.”
Was it a compassionate petition for help so that the young married couple could be spared the embarrassment of running out of supplies for their guests? Was it her desire to show off her son’s ability? Was it her thought that as Mother she should inform Him of that which needed to be done? Whatever motivated her to ask, Jesus’ response reveals that Mary did not take into account the time and the ways of God’s workings. “Woman,” He said, “what have I and you to do with each other? My hour has not come yet.”
Mary didn’t see His ways. She was rushing Jesus. She was His mother, but it was out of place for her to decide when God should act. Although there is no higher authority on earth than that of father and mother, still, this ends when God’s ways and work begin. In divine things neither father, mother, nor any person should interfere.
This was not the mother-child relationship of the carpenter shop in Nazareth anymore. Christ was on His divine mission, being anointed with the Holy Spirit and power at His baptism. The timing of Jesus’ first miracle and His subsequent ministry was not hers to call. That would be decided by higher Authority which works out everything with divine understanding and will. God’s ways are not haphazard. Nothing is incomplete or done at the wrong time.
The answer to our prayers, the lifting of a burden, the deliverance from a sorrow, or the granting of a desire, they are scheduled for fulfillment not according to the clocks and calendars on our kitchen walls, but according to the time set in our Father’s house above. He is with us and knows best when to go about things. For that reason, the Psalmists write, “My times are in your hands, O Lord.” And again, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Ps.31:15f;37:7).
We need to think deeply what it means when we pray, “Thy will be done.” We have been conditioned by the world in which we live to be impatient with almost everything. We want fast food, instant communications, immediate service. But shall we rush God, our Creator and Savior?
If He came into this world when the time was right (Ga.4:4), He has timed everything perfectly for our benefit. Just as Christ died on the cross for our sin at just the right time, so He will carry everything out at the right time for our eternal good. For He is the Creator, Our Savior, who will reveal His love and care for us in His time. He never comes too late with too little, nor too soon with too much. He works in His time and in His ways to relieve the need and draw us to faith in Him.

(II. To draw us to faith in Him.)
Nearby stood 6 stone water jars used for the ceremonial washings of the Jews. Each of them held 20-30 gallons. The Lord Jesus ordered the servants to fill them to the brim, no room for anything more so that the genuineness of this miracle could not be missed. In went water; out came wine, the best tasting wine. Can you explain the method that produced such a change in which the tastelessness of water disappeared and was replaced by the full flavor of wine? It was not a mixing. It was a creation that produced a transformation with quantity and quality. How it happened cannot be explained. But God’s creative power was revealed in the result that was achieved. It marked Our Creator, A Savior, Uncovered in His Love and Care for His people in need.
Here is reason to be drawn to faith in Him. He can turn simple water into exquisite wine in an instant. Miraculous! But the most important thing that day was not to be found in the jars filled with wine. It was to be found in the winemaker Himself and in the greater news that God, our Creator had come to be our Savior. He came in His Love and Care to be one with us and to Uncover for the world the forgiveness and salvation found only in Him.
He who rescued a wedding in Cana from disaster and can help you in any situation in life, came to save a world from sin. Just as He changed water into wine, He has also changed us from God’s enemies in sin into His friends forgiven. He has changed us from people once dead in sin to those alive in Him. He has changed us from people without a purpose for living into a people equipped with the miraculous message of life for the purpose of declaring that Gospel to the world. Changed by Him through faith in Him. That’s the greater importance of His presence in our lives, which now begins to be Uncovered in its completeness for us.
God grant us the faith that draws us to see in Him our loving and caring Savior; for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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 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                                                            email address: revelehmann@gmail.com

You can also find us on Facebook

The Second Sunday after Epiphany          January 16, 2022

 “This, the beginning of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.”  John 2:11

 F o r   O u r     V i s i t o r s

 We extend a warm and sincere welcome in our Savior’s name. Please sign our guest book, located to the right just outside the sanctuary. If you desire more information about Zion Lutheran Church or are in need of spiritual guidance, please call upon our pastor at any time. We are delighted to have you join us today and invite you to return soon.

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

“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend Your works to another. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Psalm 145)

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

Uncovered, a Loving Creator and a Glorious Savior. We need God to appear to us and make Himself known to us.   Not only is God beyond our understanding, but His works and His ways are contrary to mankind’s natural assumptions about Him. The truth about God cannot possibly be discovered by us. Rather it has to be uncovered for us.

That is what takes place in our lessons during the Epiphany Season. Truths about Jesus, the Christ, and our lives in His kingdom are uncovered. God reaches out and reveals in ever brightening circles the glory of His Son. Through Jesus’ miracles and preaching He shows us the grandeur of His person and works so that we might believe in Him and have hope. Life with Him is not a life with less, but infinitely more.

To that end we pray: Almighty God, You gave Your one and only Son to be the Light of the world. Grant that Your people, illumined by Your Word and sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that He may be known, worshiped, and believed to the ends of the earth. Amen.

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

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 62:1-5  

The Lord speaks to His Church for her comfort and joy.   Although she appears less than stunning to the eyes of the worldly, God will not rest or be silent until the glory of His redeemed Church is uncovered and made known. He will lift her up as His bride and will rejoice over her.

The Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 3:14-21

Suffering may cause Christians to lose heart. St. Paul uncovers for his readers that in all things Christ’s love for the saints is unbounded and surpasses all knowledge. That is to His glory for He is able to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

The Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11            

Jesus begins His ministry working His first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Changing water into wine, He reveals Himself as the Creator who provides gifts of quality and quantity to meet His people’s needs. Thus, His divine glory was uncovered, and His disciples believed in 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

The Lord’s Supper is a wonderful gift in which we receive Jesus’ own body and blood to forgive our sins and strengthen us in faith. It is a gift given with certain responsibilities. The Sacrament is intended for those who have been instructed, understand, and confess as one what they are receiving and doing.   Through it we express our unity of faith (1 Cor.10:17). Therefore, we ask that only confirmed members of Zion Lutheran Church or our sister congregations of the WELS or ELS approach to receive Communion. If you would like to become a communicant member of Zion or have any questions about our practice, the pastor would be happy to meet with you after the service.

The Organist: Jane Rips                The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Point to Ponder: “Whenever the need is felt, the Lord does not at once hasten and bestow what is needed and desired. Often He delays and tests our faith and trust in Him.   This you can see in the case of His mother. He puts her off for a time, yet she continues to touch upon His kindness, of which she is fully assured. This is the way of faith. It pictures God’s goodness in this manner, never doubting but that His goodness is really so and He will reach out in His time and way to help.”

— Martin Luther on “Changing the Water into Wine”

Outline of  Our Worship

 The Preparation

Opening Hymn: #91

Order of Worship:  Service of Word and Sacrament   Hymnal page 26

The Ministry of the Word

Isaiah 62:1-5

Ephesians 3:14-21

Hymn Response: #79 st.1-3

John 2:1-11

The Gospel Response: pg.30

Sermon Hymn: #714     Choir: st.1-2   Congr: st.3-4

Sermon: John 2:1-11

The Creator, Our Savior, Uncovered in His Love and Care.

Our Response to the Word

The Nicene Creed: page 31

The Offering & Prayers     Hymnal page 32

Lord, Bless Us

Order of Holy Communion:  Hymnal pages 33-35

(Visitors: Please read box inside about the practice of Holy Communion)

Distribution Hymn: #79 st.4-5

Thanksgiving & Blessing:  Hymnal pages 36-37

Silent Prayer

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The Second Sunday after the Epiphany – Series C

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 62:1-5 – Zion’s Glory Will Be Seen

¹For the sake of Zion I will not be silent. For the sake of Jerusalem I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth shining brightly, and her salvation burns like a torch.

²Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings will see your glory. You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will assign to you.

³Then you will be a beautiful crown in the Lord’s hand, and a royal diadem in the palm of your God.

⁴You will never again be called Abandoned, and your land will never again be called Desolation,

for you will be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land will be called Married, because the Lord delights in you, and your land will be married.

⁵For just as a young man marries a virgin, your sons will marry you, and just as a bridegroom rejoices over a bride, your God will rejoice over you.

Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 3:14-21 – Christ’s Love Surpasses Knowledge

¹⁴For this reason I kneel before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵from whom the entire family in heaven and on earth receives its name. ¹⁶I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he would strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner self, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸I pray that you would be able to comprehend, along with all the saints, how wide and long and high and deep his love is, ¹⁹and that you would be able to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.

²⁰Now to him, who is able, according to the power that is at work within us, to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, ²¹to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11 – Jesus’ First Miracle – Water into Wine

¹Three days later, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. ²Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.

³When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”

⁴Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My time has not come yet.”

⁵His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

⁶Six stone water jars, which the Jews used for ceremonial cleansing, were standing there, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. ⁸Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” And they did.

⁹When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had now become wine, he did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew). The master of the banquet called the bridegroom ¹⁰and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have had plenty to drink, then the cheaper wine. You saved the good wine until now!”

¹¹This, the beginning of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version^® (EHV^®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project.

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        C a l e n d a r     &     A n n o u n c e m e n t s     f o r     Z i o n     L u t h e r a n     C h u r c h

 

Today Jan.16	Mon. Jan.17	Tues. Jan.18	Wed. Jan.19	Thurs. Jan.20	Fri. Jan.21	Sat. Jan.22	Next Sun. Jan.23
9:00 am Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Annual Meetings   Epiphany 2				11 am Midweek Bible Study 4:30 pm Confirmation Class Choir			9:00 am Divine Worship Service online – Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study     Epiphany 3

 

A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today

“Grace” is a beautiful Bible word. We normally define grace as God’s undeserved love. Grace suggests the idea of giving a gift without a sense of obligation. If a gift is given out of obligation, it is no longer a gift. Jesus loves us not because He is obligated. He didn’t die for us out of a sense of guilt. He didn’t owe us. Everything Jesus does for us, He does for one reason only: He is gracious. He does it in love because He wants to – freely! Yes, Jesus is our gracious Savior.

The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 62:1-5  (answers are found on the back side)

1. Who is speaking in these verses through the prophet Isaiah?
2. For whose sake would Jesus do what He did as our Savior?
3. What is the result of Jesus’ gracious work for His people?

Those We Remember In Our Prayers:   Greg Miller; Lou Schulz; Jodi Milam; William & Laurie Moon; Pauline Jaeger; Dave Ballou; Lois Wiese; Barbara Long; John Workentine; Brandon Schulz; Paul & Patsy Michelson; Gary Sellin; Kevin & Tom Jaster (Laurie Moon’s brother & nephew), Harry Jones (Jodi Milam’s brother-in-law), Richard Tag, and Don & Bobbie Day, all with Covid; Khendra Murdoch, husband Jason, and new-born Vincent.

New Hymnals   Zion’s copies of Christian Worship – 21 and its accompanying volumes arrived 2 weeks ago. This morning you have a chance to look at them. Copies are at the end of each pew. We will use the new hymnal for the hymn right before the sermon. The choir will lead introduce the hymn by singing stanzas 1-2. We invite you to join in singing stanzas 3-4.

2022 Offering Envelopes & 2021 Statements are in your mailboxes or fellowship hall where you may pick up your new set for the year ahead.

No Face Mask Regulations Facemasks are not required in a church setting in Springfield. If you feel more comfortable wearing a face mask, you may certainly do so. Masks and sanitizer are in the narthex and the fellowship hall for your use.

Upcoming Events

Monday-Tuesday, February 7-8 – Southern Conference Pastors’ Conference at Zion LC, Springfield

This Year the Lenten Season begins with Ash Wednesday, March 2; Easter Sunday is April 17

The Week in Review

Last Sunday Worship: 18; Bible Class: 11; Midweek Bible Class: 6; Sunday Offering: $1,606.

Next Sunday’s Lessons: Uncovered. Rejection Is Not the Exception but the Rule.                 

Epiphany 3 – Isaiah 61:1-6; Acts 4:23-31; Luke 4:16-30   (CW-21, 3-Year Series C)

Answers to Today’s Old Testament Lesson Brief Study:

1. The pre-incarnate Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, is the speaker.
2. Jesus says that He would speak “for Zion’s sake” and “for Jerusalem’s sake” (In the Old Testament “Zion” and “Jerusalem” often represent the people of God, the Church. That is the case in these verses). In other words, Jesus serves as our advocate; He speaks on our behalf before His heavenly Father (1 Jn 2:1; Ro 8:34).
3. No longer are we estranged from our heavenly Father because of our sin. Instead the Lord delights in us (Hephzibah) and we are “married” (Beulah) to Him. All this is a result of Jesus’ work as our gracious Savior.

This week I am praying for……      

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Lord, Show Us the Importance of Your Presence.

By James Wiese on January 23, 2019

(cf. Luther’s works, Lenker, Gospels #11)
Second Sunday after the Epiphany                                                                                            January 20, 2019
Text: John 2:1-11                                          CW-ILCW Series C                                             19:2106
Theme: Lord, Show Us the Importance of Your Presence.

People love to celebrate – birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. The fun, the games, the delicious things to eat, etc. But the nicest thing about celebrations is the people – the guests invited. Being with them makes the day special.
You might say God made it that way. He made us as social creatures. At the very beginning He said, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Gn.2). He created us as social beings.
As a true man the Lord Jesus was the same. He had family, companions, disciples, friends with whom He enjoyed fellowship. And they were of all different kinds – wealthy people, poor people, educated people, fishermen – important people, ordinary ones, plain folk like you and me. He liked to be with them, talk to them, point the way to His heavenly Father to them. For 30 years, before the time of His public ministry began at His baptism, He was around people. Don’t you wonder sometimes what those years were like? Scripture tells us very little. Yet, it makes clear: “He grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and people”(Lk.2).
Did they realize who He was? After all, He was the perfect child and adult, totally obedient, totally respectful, totally in line with God’s will and ways and wisdom. He was the most prodigious person ever. Did people realize who He was? His parents should have for there were many extraordinary revelations to which they were witnesses. Mary kept them all, pondering them in her heart. But for 30 years the full extent of His person went unnoticed.
Then one day, not too long after His baptism and the great revelations from heaven that took place then, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Distinguished guests were present. Mary, the mother of our Lord was there, too, quite possibly as a relative or close friend of the bride and groom for she seems to have played a role in the banquet. But the most illustrious and helpful guest there that day was the Lord Jesus, who came to be with people. He was invited, He came, and His presence proved a great blessing.
His presence among people always makes a vast difference. If He were fully invited into every marriage, His presence would so bless the husband/wife relationship that there would be no need. If He were fully taken into every home, His presence would so bless the family that there would be complete harmony. If He were fully taken into every heart, His presence would so bless that life with comfort, confidence, and guidance that there would never be any alarm. His presence always proves a great blessing and makes a vast difference. Look what happened here at this home in Cana.

(I. That we might see the timing of Your ways.)
Cana was a very small place, just a dot on the map of Palestine. It lay to the north and west of Nazareth, about 10 miles. Have you ever noticed that big events often happen in small places? Jesus was born in the little town of Bethlehem. He grew up in a carpenter’s shop in Nazareth. He was baptized in a deserted area of Israel near the Dead Sea. Big events often happen in small places. And this obscure little town of Cana was about to become the sight of the most famous wedding celebration ever held.
But that is the way it should be, for the Holy Spirit wants to direct our attention to the wedding’s most memorable guest, our Lord Jesus. When He is around no one or nothing, not even a bride or groom on their wedding day, should rise to the forefront. The Lord Jesus should.
In a sense this was His coming out time as the Savior. In this little town something big was about to happen. The Lord Jesus would reveal His glory as the Son of God in His first miracle.
According to our way of thinking, we might expect that such an important event would take place with a great deal of splash and publicity. This would change the world; this would affect people of all time; this would begin the march to eternity for us. The beginning of such an event ought to burst with excitement and expectation. It ought to shout, “The Savior is here! The Savior is here!” At least that’s the way we would see it.
Mary might have seen it that way, too. For when she gazed at the crowd, saw the impending problem with the wine, and looked upon her son, she thought, “What a good time to catch everyone’s attention!” So, she went to Jesus and presumed to tell Him the problem, “They have no more wine.”
Was it a compassionate petition for help so that the young married couple could be spared the embarrassment of running out of supplies for their guests? Was it a humble petition of confidence in her son’s ability and desire to fix a problem? Was it her thought that as Mother she should inform Him of that which needed to be done? Whatever motivated her to ask, Jesus’ response reveals that Mary’s intentions did not take account of the things and ways of God. “Woman,” He responds, “what have I and you to do with each other? My hour has not come yet.”
Mary didn’t see His ways. She was rushing Jesus. She was His human mother, but it was out of place for her to take the part of His heavenly Father. Although there is no higher authority on earth than that of father and mother, still this ends when God’s Word and work begin. In divine things neither father nor mother nor any other person may interfere, only God’s Word is to teach and guide
This was not the mother-child relationship in the carpenter shop of Nazareth any longer. Christ was on His divine mission, being anointed with the Holy Spirit and power at His baptism. The timing of Jesus’ first miracle and His subsequent ministry was not hers to call. That would be decided by higher Authority which perfectly plans such things according to divine understanding and will.
God’s timetable will not be altered, nor should we want it to be. And God forbid should we ever demand it. Such a show of impatience in us reflects doubt in God’s wisdom and providence and reveals a desire to dislodge Him from the driver’s seat in life.
The answer to our prayers, the lifting of a burden, the deliverance from a sorrow, or the granting of a desire, they are scheduled for fulfillment not according to the clocks and calendars on our kitchen walls, but according to the time set in our Father’s house above. He is with us and knows best when to go about things. For that reason, the Psalmists write, “My times are in your hands, O Lord.” And again, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Ps.31:15f;37:7).
We need to think deeply what it means when we pray, “Thy will be done.” We have been conditioned by the world in which we live to be impatient with almost everything. Fast food, instant communications, immediate service. But shall we rush God?
If the Creator sent His Son into this world when the time was right (Ga.4:4), He has timed everything perfectly for our benefit. Just as Christ died on the cross for our sin at just the right time, so He will carry everything out at the right time for our eternal good.
So, as His dearly loved people for whom He gave His life, we are quick to pray: Lord, Show Us the Importance of Your Presence, I. that we might see the timing of Your ways, II. and trust in You completely, for You never come too late with too little nor too soon with too much. You come on time to relieve the need and draw us to faith in You.
Nearby stood 6 stone water jars used for the ceremonial washings of the Jews. Each of them held 20-30 gallons. The Lord Jesus ordered the servants to fill them to the brim, no room for anything more so that the genuineness of this miracle could not be questioned. In went water; out came wine, the best tasting wine. That’s quantity and quality because Jesus made it so.
Here is reason to trust Him completely. He can turn simple water into exquisite wine in an instant. Miraculous! But the most important miracle that day was not to be found in the jars filled with wine. It was found in the winemaker Himself and in the greater news that our God came into this world as one with us to proclaim to the world forgiveness and salvation in Him.
He who rescued a wedding in Cana from disaster and helps you in any situation in life, He came to save a world from sin. And just as He changed water into wine, so He has changed us from God’s enemies into His people. We, who were once dead in sin have been raised to life in Him. He has changed us from people without a godly purpose into a people equipped with the miraculous message of eternal life for the purpose of declaring that Gospel to the world. Changed by Him through faith in Him! That’s the greater importance of His presence in our lives.
To that end we pray: Lord Jesus, Show Us the Importance of Your Presence, so that we see the timing of Your ways and trust in You completely. God grant it in our lives for Jesus’ sake. Amen.