Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the “meantimes.” The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.”

Malachi 4:1-2a

A day of blistering heat for the arrogant; a day of healing sun for the righteous

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Do not be idle, but do what is right for the sake of Christ

Luke 21:5-19

Jesus speaks of wars, endurance, betrayal, and suffering for his sake

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

The Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead, try to trap Jesus. They formulate the convoluted case of a serial widow who marries a succession of seven brothers. Jesus responds by teaching about God, to whom all are alive and in whom all relationships are fulfilled.

Job 19:23-27a

I know that my Redeemer lives and I shall see God

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

The coming of the Lord Jesus

Luke 20:27-38

Jesus speaks of the resurrection; the God of the living

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In the assembly today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest,” who have fought the good fight, who have gained the crown. In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of the Lord Jesus in today’s gospel. Recalling that we have been sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we keep on keeping on as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.

Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18

The holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom

Psalm 149

Sing the Lord’s praise in the assembly of the faithful. (Ps. 149:1)

Ephesians 1:11-23

God raised Christ from the dead and made him head over all the church

Luke 6:20-31

Jesus speaks blessings and woes

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

On this day we celebrate the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ—the good news—that makes us free! We pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to unite the church today in its proclamation and witness to the world. In the waters of baptism we are made one body; we pray for the day that all Christians will also be one at the Lord’s table.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

I will write my law in their hearts, says the Lord

Romans 3:19-28

Justified by God’s grace as a gift

Luke 18:9-14

A Pharisee and tax collector pray together

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Returning to the home he had fled many years before after stealing his brother’s birthright and his father’s blessing, Jacob wrestles all night long with a divine adversary who ultimately blesses him and changes his name to “Israel,” a name that means “he wrestles with God.”Jesus tells a parable of a hateful judge who is worn down by a widow’s pleas. Jesus is calling God’s people to cry out for justice and deliverance. For if an unethical judge will ultimately grant the plea of a persistent widow, how much more will God respond to those who call.

Genesis 32:22-31

Jacob’s struggle with the angel: I’ll not let go until you bless me

2 Timothy 3:14--4:5

In the presence of Christ the judge, proclaim the message

Luke 18:1-8

The widow begs for justice; God grants justice to those who cry to him

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Jesus’ mission includes making the unclean clean again. Unexpectedly, a cleansed Samaritan leper becomes a model for those who would praise and worship God and give thanks for God’s mercy.

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c

Naaman washes in the Jordan and is cleansed

2 Timothy 2:8-15

If we die with Christ, we will live with Christ

Luke 17:11-19

One leper made clean by Jesus gives thanks to God

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

A little faith goes a long way is Jesus' point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in baptism and communion, the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

Wicked surround the righteous; wait for the Lord

Psalm 37:1-9

Commit your way to the Lord; put your trust in the Lord. (Ps. 37:5)

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Guard the treasure entrusted to you: faith and love in Christ

Luke 17:5-10

Faith the size of a mustard seed

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

On this unusual but triumphant feast day, the Church throughout the world acknowledges and celebrates that there is more to reality than our eyes can see. We are part of spirit-filled world, where good and evil can feel like they are in a cosmic battle. The forces of evil are not match for God’s holy angels—messengers of God’s grace who call us to “Fear not!” We are safe in the victory of Jesus Christ.

Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3

All who are dead shall arise on the day of the Lord

Revelation 12:7-12

Michael defeats Satan in a cosmic battle

Luke 10:17-20

Jesus gives his followers authority over the enemy

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

As we are invited today to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have, it is crucial to recall that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing—we are nothing. By God’s gracious favor we have everything we need.

Amos 8:4-7

Warnings to those who trample on the needy and poor

Psalm 113

The Lord lifts up the poor from the ashes. (Ps. 113:7)

1 Timothy 2:1-7

One God, one mediator—Christ Jesus—who gave himself for all people

Luke 16:1-13

A shrewd manager: faithful in little, faithful in much; serving God/wealth

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Exodus 32:7-14

Moses begs the Lord to turn from anger against the Hebrews

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Christ Jesus came for sinners

Luke 15:1-10

Looking for the lost sheep, silver coin: Jesus eating with sinners

The grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God wills to seek and to save the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God.