LESSON: 2 THESSALONIANS 2:12‒17

And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.” Luke 19:45‒46

The temple and the whole priesthood was established to promote God’s Word and for the praise of His grace and mercy. This was to be attested with the external service of sacrifices and in public thanksgivings. But the temple services were not simply regarded by the Jews as opportunities for praising and thanking God for His grace and mercy; they turned their temple worship into a monkish doctrine of works. With their sacrifices in the temple, they believed that they could earn God’s grace for themselves, and that by the making of many sacrifices they could influence God to give them heaven and all earthly blessings as well.

All that they should have expected from God on the basis of God’s pure goodness and grace, they based on their own works and merits. In addition, in the devil’s name they went so far in all this that in their greed they set up tables for money-changers and seats for those who sold pigeons and other animals to offer as sacrifices right in the temple, so that those who came from distant lands and cities might find enough to purchase or exchange their money there. This they did to increase the trade in sacrificial animals and to enrich themselves in the process.

In the name of worship and under the excuse of worship, they absolutely distorted all worship and destroyed it. They changed God’s grace and mercy into human merit, and His gift into human work which He had to accept from them and for which He had to thank them.

SL 11:1482 (36)
AE 78:346-361

PRAYER: In Your Word, O Lord, You are giving to us; we are not giving to You. Keep us ever mindful of the fact that You are the source of all blessing, and that we are always receivers solely dependent on Your grace, in and through Christ our Savior. Amen.

LESSON: 1 PETER 4:12‒19

“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for My name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29

In many ways we resemble the Jews. They were more concerned about their bellies than about God, more intent on filling their bellies than on learning God’s plan of salvation for them. Ultimately, therefore, they lost out in both directions, and deservedly so. Inasmuch as they refused to accept eternal life and joy, God also deprived them of their bodily welfare, and so they lost both body and soul.

They offer an excuse which rings much like those we also hear today from our contemporaries, “We would have been quite glad to accept the Gospel, had it not endangered our body and property, and perhaps even cost us wife and children.” “If we let Him go on thus,” some of them said in reference to Christ, “everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation” (John 11:48).

What they here feared would happen did happen, for as Solomon said, “What the wicked dreads, will come upon him” (Proverbs 10:24). These fears prevented the Jews from believing in God. They did not regard the great and rich promises which God had made to them.

We also pass over such matters and do not see the mighty, comforting promises which our Lord has made us. Even if we do lose our earthly property, heaven and earth are the Lord’s, and He will certainly repay us freely and richly.

SL 11:1474 (16)
AE 78:346-361

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Your blessings and benefits to us are many and great, as are all the free gifts of Your love and mercy. Open our hearts in such a way that we never offer any hindrance to the operation of your free and wonderful grace, and so that we may be prepared at all times to suffer everything and risk everything for Christ’s sake. Amen.

LESSON: PSALM 19:1‒4

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed on and triumph, as it did among you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1

In our day, praise God, the Gospel is being proclaimed with a fullness and clarity that has not been known since the days of the apostles. We should appreciate this time of visitation and pray earnestly to God to continue it among us, especially also by continuing the blessings of peace.

The princes and rulers are always only too ready to decide matters with the sword. They are too bold in grabbing hold of God by His beard, and God will strike them on the mouth accordingly. It is high time to pray earnestly to God to keep on making His Gospel known in ever-widening circles among those who have not yet heard it. Should punishment suddenly fall upon us, it would be too late, and many souls would be left behind whom the Word had not yet reached.

This is why I deeply regret the fact that we despise the Gospel in such a horrible manner. This is not said simply for our own sakes, but also for the sake of those who are still going to hear he Gospel. Matters have settled down a little, and, God grant, I hope that this continues and that both the princes and the peasants do not become any crazier. If hostilities break out again, I have grave fears that they will not end.

SL 11:1473 (14‒15)
AE 78:346-361

PRAYER: Preserve unto us times of peace, O Lord, in which Your Word may have free course and still reach many who do not yet know it and believe it, for Your name’s sake. Amen.