Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

This weekend is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of the Independence of the United States of America. American citizens from many backgrounds are celebrating in many ways. What makes Christian citizens different? Christian citizenship is not connected to a particular political party. Christian citizenship is not connected to particular civic activities. Christians understand that they live in two kingdoms. God does not need our good works, but our neighbors do. God’s Word informs our choice of political activities as we seek to be faithful to our calling as Christian citizens.

Gospel—Matthew 22:15–22
First Reading—Daniel 1:3–21
Second Reading—Romans 13:1–7
Psalm of the Day—Psalm 96
Hymn of the Day—Praise the Almighty; My Soul, Adore Him (CW 619)

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Planting seed by hand can be extraordinary. In your hand, the seed looks lifeless and insignificant. You put the seed into the soil, and suddenly, all by itself, the seed germinates and sprouts and reaches to the sun. Except when it doesn’t! Plant multiple seeds, and often only some will grow.
The Bible describes Christians as planted by the Word. Why do some people grow in faith, and not others? What makes Christians different? The Bible describes the supernatural process by which God calls people to faith through the gospel. He promises that his Word always accomplishes his purpose. It is powerful all on its own, without our help. As we grow in faith, we give God thanks for the miracle of his work in our lives.

Gospel—Matthew 13:1–9,18–23
First Reading—Isaiah 55:6–11
Second Reading—1 Corinthians 3:5–11
Psalm of the Day—Psalm 65
Hymn of the Day—Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast (CW 644)

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

The wheat that grows in the Middle East is a variety that looks much like wild grass or weeds. It is difficult to tell wheat and weeds apart until shortly before harvest time, when the wheat stalks develop a head containing the kernels of grain. Pulling the weeds out of a wheat field could lead to accidentally pulling up a fair amount of wheat. People need to wait for the harvest to separate wheat from weeds.
Jesus uses that image to illustrate life this side of heaven. What makes Christians different? They are wheat planted by the Lord. Unbelieving evildoers are pictured as weeds. We might want God to take care of evil now, pulling up all the weeds. But he tells us to wait for the harvest of judgment day. So we live as wheat among weeds, being faithful, fruitful, and mindful of the coming harvest.

Gospel—Matthew 13:24–30,36–43
First Reading—Isaiah 44:6–11
Second Reading—Romans 1:18–25
Psalm of the Day—Psalm 19
Hymn of the Day—Come, You Thankful People, Come (CW 491)

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

What do you consider your life’s top priorities? Many people start with family and friends. Financial security and health follow closely. Reputation and recreation make the cut. How about faith? Is it the top priority? What if other priorities must be sacrificed to keep faith the top priority?
The Bible helps Christians keep worldly wealth in perspective. It can buy the things of this world, things that rust and decay, but there is something more valuable. True wealth is spiritual wealth. It can be found only in God and his eternal blessings for us in Christ.

Gospel—Matthew 13:44–52
First Reading—1 Kings 3:5–12
Second Reading—1 Timothy 6:17–21
Psalm of the Day—Psalm 63
Hymn of the Day—Your Kingdom, O God, Is My Glorious Treasure (CW 859)

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

The hardest times to trust God are the times we need him most. It’s easier to trust God when your job is going great, your health is fine, your relationships are fine, and your family is good. It’s easier to trust God when the sun is shining, but what happens when your life is suddenly overshadowed by dark days?
When tragedy strikes, we may wonder if God continues to care for us. At those times, Christians do not despair like those who have no hope. Instead, Christians focus on certain foundational facts. We are chosen and adopted as God’s dear children. God provides us innumerable spiritual blessings and promises us an eternity of peace and joy. If we recognize those spiritual blessings, how can we doubt that God will give us everything we truly need at the right time? Christians trust God to provide.

Gospel—Matthew 14:13–21
First Reading—1 Kings 17:1–6
Second Reading—Ephesians 1:3–10
Psalm of the Day—Psalm 136
Hymn of the Day—All Praise to God Who Reigns Above (CW 603)

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Wherever faith clings to the promises of God, doubt is always lingering. Doubt asks the serpent’s garden question, “Did God really say?” People doubt God’s care, God’s promises, or God’s providence.
The answer to doubt is not found in loud, dramatic demonstrations. The true answer to doubt is found in the still small voice of our Savior God whispering to us in his Word. Through Word and sacrament, Christ reaches out to us with nail-scarred hands, proof of his great love. Jesus gently says, “Why did you doubt?” Our faith is restored. Christians answer doubt with faith.

Gospel—Matthew 14:22–33
First Reading—1 Kings 19:9–18
Second Reading—Romans 8:28–39
Psalm of the Day—Psalm 73
Hymn of the Day—Be Still My Soul (CW 847)