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Lent Devotion for March 13

Reading: 1 Peter 5:6–11

The hand of God created the heavens and the earth, cares for and controls life, displays God’s power, provides for every living thing, executes justice, and brings about victory for His people. But being under the mighty hand of God does not sound like a position in which we would want to be. Under God’s hand, we feel the weight of His justice, and it is much to bear.

Yet, the Father is disciplining His sons for everlasting maturity, purifying His people for eternal glory. Under God’s hand, He lovingly corrects you, so that you may learn to be sober-minded, watchful, resisting the roaring lion firm in your faith. He would teach you to cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (v. 7). The final goal of suffering under God’s hand is “so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (v. 6). This He will do in the eternal glory His Son won for you on the tree when God’s hands were pierced.

The hand you are under is the same hand that upholds you even now and bears you heavenward. And it is this hand that will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you in His dominion forever and ever.

Prayer
Almighty God, You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Grant that we, whom You have made alive in Baptism, may rejoice in being humbled under Your hand, that our desire to live according to Your ways may be fully satisfied in Your eternal glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn
Your hand, O Lord, in days of old
Was strong to heal and save;
It triumphed over ills and death,
O’er darkness and the grave.
To You they came, the blind, the mute,
The palsied and the lame,
The lepers in their misery,
The sick with fevered frame. (LSB 846:1)

Silas Hasselbrook (Sem II, CTSFW)

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Lent Devotion for March 12

Reading: 1 Peter 5:1–5

This reading from 1 Peter really puts us as church workers in our place, doesn’t it? This is geared specifically towards shepherds (pastors), but would seem to apply to any who have leadership or authority in the church. The message is clear: “Be humble!”

For those of us in the pastoral office or headed on that route, the message extends: you are not THE shepherd. You are undershepherds. We serve the Chief Shepherd, Christ. Do not be domineering of the flock that Jesus has entrusted to your care, because it is not your flock, it is His flock.

For all of us Christians, we are all partakers in the sufferings of Christ and the glory that is to come. In Baptism we were buried with Christ in death and raised again to life. This new life is one of service to one another, not of self-gain or abuse of power. We daily drown the old Adam and the new Adam is clothed in “humility toward one another” (v. 5).

Prayer
Almighty God, Your Son humbled Himself for our sake. Grant that we, like Him, may humble ourselves toward you and toward one another, that we might joyfully receive the unfading crown of glory in the life that is to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn
Not unto us, not unto us be glory, Lord;
Not unto us but to Your name be praise;
Not unto us but to Your name all honor be giv’n
For matchless mercy, forgiveness, and grace. (LSB 558:1)

Joseph Highley (Sem IV, CSL)

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Theological Resources: Lent

Spring 2020 Issue—Volume 24, No. 1

The latest issue of For the Life of the World is now available at www.ctsfw.edu/FLOW. Go here to access both new and archived issues, and to manage your subscription. To download a copy of the latest issue, click on the cover photo below:

Daily Lent Devotions
 
Devotions for Lent, written by current seminarians from both CTSFW and CSL, are currently being uploaded to www.facebook.com/ctsfw at 6 a.m. (Eastern Time), beginning with Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday.If you would like a pdf copy of these devotions collected into a single document, email info@ctsfw.edu to request a copy.
 
Lent Sermon Series
 

This year’s 2020 Lent Preaching Workshop focused on the topic of “Christ’s Work of Creation and Re-Creation,” exploring some of the parallels between the days of creation and the events of Holy Week, with a view to Christocentric, Gospel-directed Lenten and Holy Week preaching from Ash Wednesday through Resurrection Sunday.

Dr. Don Wiley, who led this workshop on January 20, is willing to share his handouts. Please note, they do not include the theological foundation for his presentation during the first session. Devotional sermons are included at the end for each of the days.

If you would like a copy for your use, email info@ctsfw.edu to request one.

Lent Lectionary Podcasts

There are lectionary podcasts available at www.ctsfw.edu/lectionarypodcast. Search for “Lent Series A” to find the podcasts specific to the season.

Additional Reading
 

Concordia Theological Quarterly

Book Reviews

Over 10,000 sermons, articles, teaching videos, and other resources are also available at media.ctsfw.edu. You can search by specific subjects, Scripture passages, or author (faculty, ordained ministers, Church forefathers, etc.).

For Worship Planners
www.ctsfw.edu/worship

Verses for Lent

While our “Alleluias” are put away for Lent, there are still options to sing the proper verse for the day. These verses are set for a unison choir or soloist and quickly learned. While they are all similar to one another (giving the feel of a series), they each uniquely reflect the text.

Verse for Lent 1 (Series A)
Verse for Lent 2 (Series A)
Verse for Lent 3 (Series A)
Verse for Lent 4 (Series A)
Verse for Lent 5 (Series A)

Gradual for Lent

Lent Hymn Settings

LSB 425 – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Stanza 3 for two-part voices)
LSB 440 – Jesus, I Will Ponder Now (Stanza 3 for unison choir or soloist and keyboard)

Holy Week

Our chapel staff has also prepared new resources for use during Holy Week, including a script and suggested hymn stanzas for the St. Matthew Passion account (to be used on Passion/Palm Sunday), and a musical setting of Psalm 22 (for use during the Stripping of the Altar on Maundy Thursday). This setting utilizes both organ and piano.

 
 
 


For questions, contact Music@ctsfw.edu

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Lent Devotion for March 11

Reading: 1 Peter 4:12–19

When we think of suffering, it is usually in the context of trying to end it. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements of various products and services that promise us our “Best Life Now,” but we rarely stop to contemplate the reason for our suffering. We run away from suffering, cover it up, and keep it out of sight.

But Christ willingly steps into our suffering and carries it for us. His body bears each of our scars and marks, and we are healed in His weakness. There is no balm or treatment like the blood of Christ who died in our place. There is no suffering that can overtake us for in Christ we find the cure. As the poet John Donne wrote in his Holy Sonnet X:

One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

Through Christ’s triumph over death on the cross, we can find peace in our suffering as we rest in the hope of that final day when we are joined with Him eternally.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, in Your loving kindness You sent Your dear Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for us so that we may be joined to You eternally. Keep our hearts focused on You and allow us the strength to bear whatever suffering we have been called to and rest in Your divine promises; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn
Jesus, refuge of the weary,
Blest Redeemer, whom we love,
Fountain in life’s desert dreary,
Savior from the world above:
Often have Your eyes, offended,
Gazed upon the sinner’s fall;
Yet upon the cross extended,
You have born the pain of all. (LSB 423:1)

Anna Barger (Deaconess II, CTSFW)

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Lent Devotion for March 10

Reading: 1 Peter 4:7–11

Christ is coming and He is coming soon! The day of reckoning and of judgment is drawing closer and closer. Are you ready to stand face to face with your Creator and give an account of your life? Have you done enough? Have you loved constantly? If you’re honest with yourself, the answer is no. You have not done nearly enough to inherit the Kingdom of God. You will never do anywhere near enough to inherit the Kingdom of God.

The story of your salvation, however, does not end at your failures. The story does not stop with you. In fact, it doesn’t even start with you. It starts with God, who sent His Son for you. His Son who willingly gave His life on the cross for you so that you might be justified and spend eternal life with Him in His Kingdom.

Everything between you and God is taken care of. The sacrifice of blood has been fulfilled, though a sacrifice of praise through service remains. A sacrifice of serving and loving your neighbors for their sake so that God might be glorified through His Spirit’s work in your life. It’s all been taken care of! Go love your neighbor!

Prayer
Most holy God, giver of all we have and the ultimate judge, continue to use Your Holy Spirit in me so that I might love and serve my neighbors as you have called me to do; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Hymn
Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure,
Through a world that would deceive us
And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading,
Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father’s bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide;
I shall follow where You guide. (LSB 685:1)

Tim Barber (Sem II, CSL)

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175th Anniversary: Wyneken’s Installation

Next year we’ll begin a number of 175th Seminary Anniversary celebrations, but in the lead-up to the 2020/2021 academic year we’re already beginning to see some significant dates in our history, beginning with:

On this date, September 9, 1845, F.C.D. Wyneken was installed as pastor of St. Paul’s congregation, Baltimore, Maryland.

As one of our Seminary fathers, we’ve talked about Wyneken quite a number of times before. Rev. Wyneken was a pastor and missionary to Indiana, setting his home base here in Fort Wayne, and he also tutored the first two students of Concordia Theological Seminary out of his own home in 1844 (before its first formal classes in October 1846). He was the third founder of the Fort Wayne seminary, as well as the author of “Notruf” (“The Cry of Need” or “Emergency Call”), which was instrumental in moving our Lutheran brethren back in Germany to send spiritual aid to the pioneers in America. Wyneken later served as the second president of the LCMS.

If you want to read more about his history with the Baltimore congregation, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church has a short write-up on their website, which you can read by clicking here. Wyneken plays a key part in the first paragraph of their history.

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Lent Devotion for March 9

Reading: 1 Peter 4:1–6

We are to arm ourselves with the mind of Christ. But what does that mean? Christ lived in obedience to His Father and did not flee from persecution; He suffered on the cross for the sins of the world. Peter tells us that we can expect the questioning of unbelievers who look at our lives and wonder, “Why do they do that?” They think it odd that we no longer live or act as they do. And it is good that they question it, for perhaps they may see Christ.

Our answer to such questioning is that we no longer are slaves to sin, but rather we are sons of the Father and, as such, we live in our Baptism. By daily contrition and repentance the old man is drowned and dies with all sins and evil desires, and a new man daily emerges and arises to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. They are dead, but we live—oblivious to their judgment and persecution (armed with the mind of Christ). Let us pray that they might see Christ and hear His call to repentance.

Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, You desire none to perish—You sent Your Son that He would atone for our sins. Convict us of our sin, create in us new hearts, and forgive us for the sake of Your Son; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn
Oh, create a heart in me
That in Thee, my God, believeth
And o’er the iniquity
Of my sins most truly grieveth.
When dark hours of woe betide me,
In the wounds of Jesus hide me. (TLH 411:4)

Austin Meier (Sem II, CTSFW)

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Lent Devotion for March 8

Reading: 1 Peter 3:18–22

I used to have a washcloth that had a quote ascribed to Martin Luther embroidered on it: “When you wash your face, remember your baptism.” It is unlikely that he said this. By his own admission, Luther’s own hygiene was not the best until he married Katharina. But this apocryphal Luther quote points us to remember what Peter tells us in today’s reading. Baptism is not a mere washing, like when you wash your face to get rid of grime or oils. It is a washing of our souls, which saves us by drowning our old sinful nature just as God drowned the world’s wickedness in Noah’s flood, and which gives us a new, sinless nature.

We have received the benefit of Christ’s resurrection through water paired with His trustworthy Word. But, because we still are sinner-saints in this life, we need to remember our Baptism daily and trust the work of Christ in it, lest our sins and conscience terrify us. When we remember our Baptism, we can say with Luther (echoing Peter): “I am baptized…it is promised me that I shall be saved and have eternal life, both in soul and body” (LC IV 44, Triglotta).

Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, we thank You for the gift of Baptism which You have given us through the death and resurrection of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to daily die to sin and drown the Old Adam, that we might live and conduct ourselves as Your baptized children, secure in our faith that You have made us Your own; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn
Baptized into Your name most holy,
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
I claim a place, though weak and lowly,
Among Your saints, Your chosen host.
Buried with Christ and dead to sin,
Your Spirit now shall live within. (LSB 590:1)

Nils Niemeier (Sem IV, CSL)

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Lent Devotion for March 7

Reading: 1 Peter 3:13–17

Heads up! Watch out! Parents remind their teenage sons and daughters to make wise decisions and be on their best behavior as they leave the house. However, if we are honest with ourselves, these reminders are for us as well. While we still live in the flesh, we do not live for human passions, but “for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2). Therefore, stand firm! Have no fear! It is the will of God to live as people who are free, who have a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). With this living hope, we are not only to be prepared to give a defense of our hope with our words, but also with our actions.

So, “be on your best behavior” and live as who you are, one redeemed by Christ the crucified! You were born again in your Baptism to this living hope, one that is imperishable and kept in heaven for you. Though you may suffer for righteousness’ sake, you share in the sufferings of Christ, who blesses you with His righteousness and guards you through faith until death.

Prayer
Lord God, heavenly Father, we are surrounded by those who revile, slander, and put us to shame. Confirm, strengthen, and establish us in the true faith, that, restored in the living hope of the resurrection of Your Son, we may always be prepared to defend and confess Your Holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn
Lord, let me win my foes
With kindly words and actions,
And let me find good friends
For counsel and correction.
Help me, as You have taught,
To love both great and small
And by Your Spirit’s might
To live in peace with all. (LSB 696:4)

David Woelmer (Sem I, CTSFW)

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Lent Devotion for March 6

Reading: 1 Peter 3:8–12

Have you ever been to a major playoff game of a professional or collegiate sporting event? What was it like? For me, these experiences have been awe-inspiring. One of the things that always stands out is the incredible cohesion demonstrated by thousands of strangers. Everyone is wearing the same colors, repeating the same cheers, urging the team forward toward the same goal: victory.

As Christians we already have the victory, won for us in Christ Jesus. All the more should we strive for unity even greater than fans of some silly sports team (except the Kansas City Royals, they are awesome). That is St. Peter’s message to us here. Have a unity of mind, all of us striving to show sympathy, love, tenderness, and humbleness to one another and the world. That is who we are to be as the Church.

Prayer
Gracious Father, give unity to Your people that we might be of one mind, displaying a Christ-like love to one another and to those around us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn
One bread, one cup, one body, we,
Rejoicing in our unity,
Proclaim Your love until You come
To bring Your scattered loved ones home. (LSB 623:4)

Joseph Highley (Sem IV, CSL)