Within the liturgy for each Lord’s day, we receive the Word of God through uniquely appointed readings, psalms, hymns, and prayers. This week we will pray the Divine Service Setting One (audio of this liturgy). The following guide will help you to prepare to hear and sing the Propers, i.e. the varied texts and hymns for this week.
Jesus Came for Gentiles, Too
The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Gentile (Rom. 1:8_17). Even in the Old Testament, the Gentiles were beneficiaries of God’s saving power. Though unimpressed at first with the Word of God, a Syrian commander is persuaded to receive that Word, and in the water he is cleansed and brought to faith in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:1_15a). Evil is overcome by good (Rom 12:16_21). So also in the New Testament, a Roman centurion demonstrates great and humble faith in the Lord (Matt. 8:1_13). All he needs is the Word of Christ, for he trusts that Jesus’ Word of healing has authority to accomplish what it says. And indeed it does. The centurion’s faith is praised by our Lord above that of any Israelite. For the last shall be first, and the first last. Apart from faith in Christ, there is no salvationnot even for a Jewbut only weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Collect of the Day: Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Readings:
Old Testament: 2 Kings 5:1-15
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%205%3A1-15
Epistle:Rom. 12:16-21
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.%2012%3A16-21
Holy Gospel: Matt. 8:1-13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.%208%3A1-13
Hymns:
825 Rise, shine, you people Wojtkiewiecz Video
401 From God the Father, virgin-born Deus tuorum militum Video Hymn Study
594 God’s own child, I gladly say it Bachofen Video Hymn Study
621 Let all mortal flesh keep silence Picardy Video Hymn Study