Thursday (May 9) at 7:15PM to be followed by pie. Bring one to share!
God is not far away but has given us Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar, and absolution to bring Christ very close to us, so that we can have Him not only in our heart but also on our tongue, so that we can feel Him, grasp Him, and touch Him. God did all this for our sake. To make it possible for us to recognize Him, God presents Himself to men and women of faith who hear His voice and clearly recognize His Word together with His signs. So faith accepts these; is only concerned about the divine Word, where Christ says: “The words that I say to you I not speak on My own authority, but the Father Who dwells in Me does His works” (Jn 14:10); again: “He who hears you hear Me” (Lk 10:16); and again: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation; he who believes the Word of God and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:15-16). So we regard these words of the Gospel as well as absolution. The we perceive God and His promises not only with our hearts of faith but also with our eyes and our hands, for He gives us tangible and visible signs of Himself that accompany His Word. At all times God has so governed His people that he could also be recognized visibly by them, so that they don’t say: “Let us go and find God, and roam the ends of the earth in search of Him.” But no, God comes to us. And He wants to come to you, plant Himself into your hands, and say: “Just listen to Me, I forgive you all your sins, take hold of My word, give eye and ear and eat your salvation, open your mouth to this bread of life and drink this cup of your salvation, there you have the Father’s absolution from my lips through the pastor to your ears and heart, there you have the Father’s Lamb that was slain for your peace in the Sacrament of the Altar. Give me your ear and eyes and open your hand, I will press into your palm, your heart, your ear, My words of peace and love for your life and joy, let Me place My hand on your head. I give you water of life which I sprinkled and promised to make you Mine forever.” God is not far away but has given us Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar, and absolution to bring Christ very close to us, so that we can have Him not only in our heart but also on our tongue, so that we can feel Him, grasp Him, and touch Him. God did all this for our sake. Joy!
In the Ascension sermon tonight we will hear how the ascended Lord Jesus makes these blessed realities ours through His continued work as our Prophet, Priest and King.
Increase my faith, dear Saviour, For Satan seeks by night and day To rob me of this treasure And take my hope of bliss away. But, Lord, with You beside me, I shall be undismayed; And led by Your good Spirit, I shall be unafraid. Abide with me, O Saviour, A firmer faith bestow; Then I shall bid defiance To ev’ry evil foe.
–I Know My Faith is Founded TLH #381:2
Bring a pie to share and eat after the service! 7:15PM 🙂
