St. John's Lutheran Church LCMS

On Monday, September 29, the Holy Christian Church recognizes St. Michael and All Holy Angels.

We do not know on which of the 6 days of Creation, the Holy Angels were created. Nor do we know on which Day the Evil Angels rebelled against God, not wanting to serve man, for which God created them. But there are some important things we do know about the Holy or Good Angels from, “TREASURY OF DAILY PRAYER”, published by Concordia Publishing House, St Louis, 2008, p. 767:

What is the [angels’] attitude toward men?  This the Lord Christ reveals with one word when He calls them “their angels,” that is, the angels of the little ones, the servants of the children and all believers… They render service to every Christian in manifold ways.  While we are children, God assigns our angels to us, as Christ tells us in the holy gospel.  When we grow old and go our own way, that is, walk in the ways of our calling, God also assigns angels to us (Ps. 91:11, 12). When we sleep, the angels watch and protect us against the devil.  When we die, they carry our soul to Abraham’s bosom. (Luke 16:22).  Their protection is ours through life… Why is that angels readily serve the believers though they are much nobler and higher than we?  (1)  Because they are confirmed in the good and therefore gladly and fully obey God’s will. God’s will and order is that they serve us (Heb. 1:14).  The army of the heavens – sun, moon, and stars – maintain their order given them by God for man’s sake.  All the more will the heavenly army of the holy angels maintain order. (2)  Because our nature is raised in Christ above all angels and archangels (Eph. 1:20, 21;  Heb. 1:4)  Therefore, the angels do not refuse to serve us men in honor of the human nature assumed by Christ. As an entire race is brought to honor by marriage, so the marriage of the Son of God with humanity has restored the human race to honor (Matt. 22:2). What wonder, then, that the angels serve us?  (3)  Because love is pure and prefect in them, the angels, joyfully serve us, as does the Lord, who Himself is Love (1 John 4:8), in whose image the angels were created, and who declared:  “I will rejoice in doing them good” (Jer. 32:41).  (4) Finally, because we shall someday be with them in heaven and join their choir in praising God; the angels are happy to serve us here on earth.  John Gerhard

Did you notice the importance of the will and order of God in the above description of Holy Angels?  So also, a lot of what Gerhard says about Holy Angels applies to you and me, the holy people of God.

Have a great September  Pastor Brad Rick

On Friday, August 15, the Holy Christian Church will recognize Mary, the Mother of our Lord.

After Adam and Eve fell into sin, our Lord promised to send a Savior who would save them from their sin. “And I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman (Eve), and between your offspring (Satan’s) and Hers (Jesus); He (Jesus) will crush your (Satan’s) head and you (Satan) will crush His (Jesus) heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

The Promise was fulfilled when the Angel Gabriel visited Mary and Announced to her that she was chosen to be the Mother of the Savior.  What a great God we have.  He always keeps all of His words and promises.

Dr. Martin Luther in writing his Commentary on Genesis tells us that Mary, upon hearing the words of the Messenger Gabriel, experienced conception. This is why for us as God’s people, hearing the proclaimed Word of God is important.  This is how the Father speaks though the Living Word (His Son), by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this manner, the heavens and earth were created, along with all that exists in the heavens and on the earth, faith and a new man were created in our hearts, sins are forgiven, and our faith is fed.

By faith, Mary realized that out of love, our God had chosen and called her for this special task.  By faith, Mary respond, “May it be done unto me as you have said.”  (Luke 1:38)  Faith always agrees with and follows God’s Word. In doing this however, Mary could face devastating consequences. Mary’s reputation could be ruined, she could lose her fiancé, Joseph, she could be disowned by her own family, and finally, she could be stoned to death for committing adultery. But none of this came to pass, because our God continued to watch over Mary, take care of and provide for her.

So also, you have been called and chosen by our Lord for a very special purpose. It is to be you. With the same fingers and hands that He used to create the sun, moon, and stars, He also created you. He called and chose you to be a part of His family in Baptism, when you heard, “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Our God has chosen you to hold special Offices of service: Father or mother, son or daughter, and husband or wife, or single person. The Highest Office you can hold is Christian. The Almighty has also chosen you to have a specific Vocation – butcher, baker, or candlestick maker. As you execute the duties and responsibilities of these Offices and Vocation, Christ is reflected through your words, thoughts, and actions.

So who is more important, Mary the Mother of our Lord or you?  The answer is that both are of equal importance. For we all belong to the body of Christ. The eye is no more important than the ear, or the heart, or the nose. All are of equal importance.

May you have a great August  Pastor Brad Rick