Lectio Concordia

The Word for All – Thursday

Preparing for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Series: Lectio Concordia

February 6, 2025 By Rev. Mark Ryman

• Online jigsaw puzzle of today's reading • Index

• Collect: Help us not to hoard your Word, Lord, that it would only be for us in the church. Give us courage and strength to take your Word into the world. Amen.

• Psalm 2:1–12

• Mark 16:9–20

• Scripture is full of testimonies that teach sacrifices ex opere operato do not reconcile God. Accordingly, since Levitical services have been abrogated, the New Testament teaches that new and pure sacrifices will be made—namely, faith, prayer, thanksgiving, confession, preaching the gospel, afflictions on account of the gospel, and the like. Malachi 1:11 speaks of these sacrifices: “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering.” The adversaries spin this passage, applying it to the Mass, and quote the authority of the Fathers.Our reply is easy, for even if Malachi referred to the Mass, it would not follow that the Mass justifies ex opere operato, or that, when applied to others, it merits forgiveness of sins, etc. The prophet says nothing about these distortions of monks and sophists. Besides, the very words of the prophet express his meaning. For they first say that the Lord’s name will be great among the nations (Malachi 1:11b). This is accomplished by the preaching of the gospel, making known the name of Christ and the Father’s mercy promised in Christ. The preaching of the gospel produces faith in those who receive the gospel. They call upon God, they give thanks to God, they bear afflictions for their confession, they produce good works for the glory of Christ. Thus the name of the Lord becomes great among the nations. [The Defense of the Augsburg Confession, The Mass]

• "A Mighty Fortress" Tune

A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God's own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!

• Benediction: May you be blessed with great faith in the promise that the gospel, the Word of God, is for you too. Amen.

• Memory Verse: In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

• Memory Verse Aid: ITSW, LYLSBO, STTMS YGW AGGTYF WIIH. (M516)