Category: Moments of Meditation

Luke 18:10,14
09/04/2025

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10. ‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’

14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’’ (ESV)

‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’… I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’’

In honor of the Labor Day weekend just passed, we have been looking at the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in light of working with each man. Working with the perfectionist Pharisee, in his pride of keeping the law perfectly, would be difficult. Make one mistake, he would be intolerant and scornful. After all, didn’t the Pharisee tell God that he was thankful he was not like the tax collector, someone who was considered a traitor to the Jewish people?

On the other hand, the tax collector realized that he was not perfect, that he needs God’s grace and mercy. In his humility, he dares not to compare himself to others, even to claim that he is just one of many sinners. No, the tax collector confessed, ‘‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’’

In our liturgy each Sunday we quote the first epistle of Saint John.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.[1]

The tax collector when home forgiven. The Pharisee, who claimed no sin, still was living with the sin of pride and arrogance.

May our Lord grant us the faith to confess our sin and thus receive His mercy. Amen.

Luke 18:10,13
09/03/2025

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10. ‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’

13. But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’’ (ESV)

‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’… But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’’’

Yesterday we saw the religion of the law, the arrogance which comes from trusting and believing that we, by our own reason, strength, and power, can earn our salvation from sin and death. We saw the Pharisee who looked down on others, who truly was the paragon of religious righteousness.

Back in the shadows, however, stood another man. Our English translations of this parable suggest the tax collector numbered himself as one of many who sinned. Saint Luke, however, used a singular verb, ‘‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’’ Our neighbor, the tax collector, didn’t compare himself to others, didn’t suggest that he was one of many who sinned. No, he was the sinner, the one who needed God’s grace and mercy.

How would it be to work with one who has such an attitude? Rather than arrogance and pride, maybe they would be gentle and helpful. After all, as a sinner, they understand that we all are imperfect, that we all make mistakes, that we all fall into temptation. Rather than berating and scolding, this man would be understanding and helpful. He might be a very nice person to have as a neighbor, as an office mate, as a fellow student, as another employee.

May our Lord grant that we see ourselves as ones who need His mercy, grace, and love. Amen.

Luke 18:10-12
09/02/2025

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10. ‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’
11. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’’’ (ESV)

‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’ The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’’’

How many religions are in the world? When you look at the question, you realize there are only two. One is a religion of the law, where we depend on our own goodness and strength to earn God’s favor. The other is a religion of grace, where God declares us righteous in spite of our sin.

Our friend, the Pharisee, was the epitome of the perfect religious leader. He did everything right, kept every law perfectly. As he entered the Temple, the crowds gave him room, even as they admired his powerful position.

He was, in fact, the poster child for the religion of the law. In every way he not only kept the minimum of the law, but exceeded it. Because he could claim human perfection, he told God why he should be blessed. If he was so forceful with God, you can bet he was like the rich and famous people today, looking down on the mere mortals who simply don’t have the right to make such claims of greatness.

Frankly, the Pharisee for all his boasting and pride was not someone for whom you would like to work or serve as a customer. He was demanding and arrogant, reveling in his personal perfection.

May our Lord grant that we look to God as our strength rather than our own accomplishments. Amen.

Luke 18:9-10
09/01/2025

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9. He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
10. ‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’ (ESV)

Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers, according to the United States Department of Labor. Grover Cleveland signed the law which declares the first Monday in September as a national holiday to recognize the achievements of American industry.[1]

This week’s Gospel lesson, the parable about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, may not be about labor and management, but the attitude of each man in the story reflects not only their relationship with God, but with their neighbors.

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’

Two times each day, the priests and Levites in the Temple offered a sacrifice of atonement, acknowledging that God is the source of all blessings. These sacrifices were first commanded fourteen hundred years before the birth of Jesus as the children of Israel left Egypt and camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. While the lambs were offered on the altar, people would gather for prayer.

This week we will look at the prayers of both the Pharisee and the tax collector to discover their relationship with God.

May our Lord grant His rich blessings on this nation, especially His protection for those who are returning home on this holiday. Amen.

Luke 19:41-44
08/29/2025

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41. And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,
42. saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
43. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side
44. and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’’ (ESV)

Saint Luke wrote:

And when [Jesus] drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’’

One of the difficult questions people ask, ‘‘Why are some people saved and not others?’’ Those who are assured of the forgiveness of sins for the sake of Christ Jesus, have faith in their Savior because of God’s rich grace and love alone.

Jesus’ death and resurrection paid the price for all sins, even the sins of those who reject Him. God, who gave us the will to turn our back on the truth, forces Himself on no one.

The children of Israel, the people of Jerusalem, did not take the Word of God seriously. They did not pay attention to the prophets sent by God. They silenced God’s only-begotten Son by putting Him to death.

Today is the day of your visitation. Our Lord invites you to hear His Word, to learn of His grace, to receive the things of peace. Please join us each Sunday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church to learn of our Savior, who died and rose again to give to you life everlasting.

May our Lord grant that we know the time of our visitation for our eternal blessing. Amen.

Luke 19:41-44
08/28/2025

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41. And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,
42. saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
43. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side
44. and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’’ (ESV)

Saint Luke wrote:

And when [Jesus] drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’’

There are two times in history that Jerusalem was destroyed. The first, which was prophesied by Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many other prophets, was in 587 BC, which began the Babylonian Captivity of the children of Israel. Ezra, Nehemiah, and the latter prophets wrote of the rebuilding of the city. The second was in 70 AD, when Titus destroyed Jerusalem and scattered the Jewish people. That diaspora lasted almost 1,900 years.

Because Jesus so clearly foretold the fall of Jerusalem, noted also in Matthew and Mark, we can use this prophecy to help date the New Testament writings. Frequently the apostolic writers would note, ‘‘This was done to fulfill’’ the words uttered by Jesus. The New Testament is quiet about this prophecy’s fulfillment, however. We can surmise that the New Testament books, other than Revelations, were written before 70 AD. This prophecy and the silence about its fulfillment stand as an indication that the New Testament is what it claims to be, an eyewitness account of Jesus, His teachings, and the history of the early Church.

May our Lord grant that we hear His Word, and trust in Him. Amen.

Luke 19:41-42
08/27/2025

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41. And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,
42. saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. (ESV)

Saint Luke wrote:

And when [Jesus] drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

All Scripture is written for our learning, both about our sin and about God’s grace, love, and mercy. According to Saint Paul, the punishment for sin is to be allowed to do exactly that which the heart desires. Because the desires of our heart, the desires of our selfish, sinful nature are not for the good of others, our selfishness brings our own destruction.

We are shown God’s desire that all people come to Him, to acknowledge the truth that Jesus Christ is our only hope for redemption for sin, death, and the power of the devil. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, God’s will is clearly shown. ‘‘Return to the LORD, your God, for He is gracious and merciful,’’[1] the prophet Joel implored the children of Israel.

Jesus died and rose again to pay the price of the sins of all people. The reason people are condemned is not God’s will, but their refusal to hear of His love and grace. There is a point when we will no longer be able to hear the good news of salvation by grace through faith for the sake of Christ. Reject God, and He will give you even His absence, if that is what your heart truly desires.

May our Lord grant that we hear the things that make for peace, the good news of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and God’s grace and mercy. Amen.

Luke 19:41-42
08/26/2025

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42. And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,
43. saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. (ESV)

Our preschool open house is this week at Trinity. Once again we will have the pleasure of having the three and four year old students in the building. Although they will learn the alphabet and numbers, one of the biggest lessons they will learn is how to get along with each other. Parents learn quickly that they do not need to teach their children how to be selfish and demanding. Rather, the parents, and those who act in place of the parents, labor long and hard to instill politeness and manners in their offspring.

We believe, teach, and confess that everyone is born with a sinful nature, that we have the imprint of Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God as part of our inheritance. Because of this inherent sin, we also daily commit sins against both God and neighbor.

Saint Luke wrote:

And when [Jesus] drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

God’s offer of peace is extended to all people. Most people reject that offer, believing that they, by their own abilities and talents, can please both God and man. But everything we try to do to reconcile ourselves to others, to reconcile ourselves to God, come from our selfish nature. Therefore, we fail.

God offered forgiveness and redemption to the children of Israel, and they rejected Him. God offers each of us the same forgiveness.

May our Lord grant that we truly know the things that make for peace, and trust in Him alone for our redemption from sin and death. Amen.

Luke 19:41-44
08/25/2025

Broadcast

41. And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,
42. saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
43. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side
44. and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’’ (ESV)<\li>

Saint Paul wrote to the congregation in Rome: ‘‘For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.’’[1] This week’s Gospel lesson, which comes from Saint Luke’s account of Palm Sunday, truly gives us both a warning and hope. The warning, if God would punish His chosen people for rejecting Him, will He not do the same to all who reject His love? The hope, our Savior weeps over those who turn from the truth, for they are the cause of their own destruction.

And when [Jesus] drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’’

In these few verses is enough to study about our salvation from sin and death to last for a long time. Here we see the punishment of sin and God’s rich grace, love, and mercy. Here we see our sin and God’s response to redeem us from the guilt of our transgressions. This week we will ponder these words of Jesus, spoken the Sunday before He was crucified for our salvation.

May our Lord grant that we recognize the day of our visitation. Amen.

August 22, 2025

Broadcast

Faithful in Little, Faithful in Much – Part 5
Luke 16:13
08/22/2025

13
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (ESV)

This week we have been discussing stewardship as evidence of our faith. Either we trust in God to provide our daily bread, or we trust in the temporal and changing things of this world. Jesus warned His disciples:

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

The way we use the gifts of God entrusted to us in this life clearly reflects our faith in Him. All that we have and do is given to us by God as a trust, as something for which we will give an account when we depart this life. On the day of judgment, the good stewards will be commended by God for using their time, talents, and treasure to reflect His love to their neighbors.

We are not redeemed from sin, death, and the power of the devil, by our good stewardship. Rather, good stewardship of those things entrusted to us is a response to God’s grace, love, and mercy. You and I have the assurance of eternal life because of the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, not our works.

Being a good steward of God’s blessings includes accepting His invitation to gather together with others to receive His love. Please join us each Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church as we hear of His grace and mercy.

May our Lord grant you the peace of knowing His blessings are both temporal and eternal, given for the sake of Christ Jesus. Amen.