Lectio Concordia

This World Is Not Our Home

Tuesday before the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Series: Lectio Concordia

May 20, 2025 By Rev. Mark Ryman

• Online jigsaw puzzle of today's reading • Index

• Collect: Lord, uncertainty and trouble punctuates life in this world. Grant me such faith that I may live in confident hope that this world is not my home. Give me the eyes of the Revelator, that I may see your coming kingdom. Amen.

• Psalm 18:1–12

• 1 Peter 1:3–9

• Just as justification pertains to faith, eternal life also pertains to faith. Peter says that the outcome of faith is the salvation of souls (1 Peter 1:9). The adversaries confess that the justified are children of God and coheirs of Christ. Afterward, because faith pleases God, they earn other bodily and spiritual rewards, as there will be distinctions in the glory of the saints.

But here the adversaries reply that eternal life is called a reward, and that it is therefore earned de condigno (on the condition) of good works. We reply briefly and plainly. Paul calls eternal life a gift (Romans 6:23) because we are made both sons of God and coheirs of Christ by the righteousness presented for Christ’s sake, as John says. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). Augustine adds, as do many others who follow him, “God crowns his gifts in us.” [Defense of the Augsburg Confession, Salvation by God’s Mercy]

• “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer,” William Williams Tune

Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.

• Benediction: May the Lord Jesus Christ grant you assurance in his promises, the confident hope of heaven, and the still peace of eternity in him. Amen.

• Memory Verse: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

• Memory Verse Aid: IHSTTTY, TIMYMHP. ITWYWHT. BTH; IHOTW. (J1633)