The Fourth Sunday of Easter Worship Service The Resurrection of Our Lord

May 24th, 2020 Redeemer Lutheran Church, Owosso Faith Landing Lutheran Church, Davison

Announcements

Order of Confession and Forgiveness P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: Rejoicing in the resurrection, let us seek God's forgiveness, that dying to sin, we may walk in newness of life.

(silence for reflection and self-examination)

P: Faithful God, C: we confess that we have lived by our own strength and not by the power of the resurrection. We have doubted your promises and failed to recognize you in the poor and needy. Have mercy on us, and restore us to the joy of your salvation through our Lord. Amen. P: Christ died to sin once for all, and now he lives to God. He has delivered you from the power of darkness and welcomed you into the kingdom of light. For his sake God grants you pardon and peace, the remission of all your sins. C: Amen.

Apostolic Greeting L: The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ; the love of God; and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. C: And also with you.

The Kyrie L: In peace, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. L: For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. L: For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. L: For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. L: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. C: Amen.

Our Easter Hymn of Praise L: Alleluia! See and hear! The Lord is Risen! C: He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! L: Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain; C: whose blood set us free to be people of God. L: Power and riches and wisdom and strength, C: and honor and blessing and glory are his. L: This is the victory for our God, C: for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. L: Let us praise the Risen Lord for his victorious sacrifice. C: Let us shout and sing praises for our Risen Lord! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture Lessons :12-26 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of , and , and Judas son of James. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, 16 "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17 for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it'; and 'Let another take his position of overseer.' 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us —one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." 23 So they proposed two, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

I Peter 4:12-19 and 5:6-11 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the of God? 18 And "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?" 19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

Our Gospel Reading for this Season of Easter L: This is the Holy Gospel, according to St. John 17:1-11. C: Glory to you, O Lord.

John 17:1-11 1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. 6 "I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8 for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

L: This is the Gospel of Our Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

Message In our lesson from the Book of Acts, and let us note that we are back at chapter 1, we are made aware that at this time in the church there were about 120 members. The risen Jesus has now made a number of appearances after his crucifixion. He has appeared to the disciples, and a number of other people. The eleven disciples, and all the rest of the 120 followers, had just witnessed Jesus accession into heaven. Now they have returned to Jerusalem, and have gathered into a meeting place.

Peter speaks of the , Judas, who has killed himself because of the guilt he felt from betraying Jesus to the Jewish religious leaders. Judas, was “numbered” among the twelve disciples. Having been so “numbered”, Peter sees a need for his position to be filled. There is something significant about the number of disciples being twelve; most Biblical scholars think that the number is significant because it has a parallel to the twelve tribes of Israel. So to keep the number of the disciples at twelve, a replacement for Judas needs to be found.

Let us remember that Jesus gone, having ascended up to heaven. And while he made his resurrection appearances over a period of forty days, during this time he himself chose no such replacement for Judas, So it is now up to the remaining eleven to call forth a new disciple.

Peter offers up a point of qualification that the replacement needs to meet. It must be a person who has been with them, following Jesus, “from the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,” that is, from the Baptism of Jesus to the . That said, they (the 120 followers) proposed two possibilities: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and a man named, Matthias.

These two, having been put forward by the group under Peter’s qualification, these two are equal in their qualifications. So how are they to decide between the two. They use the practice of prayer combined with casting lots (drawing straws). In this way, they believed that God would play a part in the selection of another disciple.

And “the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.” He is now officially, and prayerfully, one of the twelve disciples. Note that the Biblical text calls them “apostles.” Yet, Matthias is acknowledged to be “numbered” among the disciples. The distinction is this: No one else will ever be added to the number of disciples. Yet, others will be added to the position of being an “apostle.” Examples are: James, the brother of Jesus; and the Apostle Paul!

Now, imagine being the one not chosen! Imagine being Joseph Barsabbas. What does not being chosen by the casting of lots say about him—you? Before the casting of the lots, both, Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias, were seen as being equally qualified. After the casting of the lots, Joseph Barsabbas appears not to have the favor of God to be so appointed to the position.

Imagine not being chosen. All of us have had some-kind of experience of not being chosen. Not being chosen happens rather often, and in many different settings. It happens in family life, school, sports, dating and establishing personal relationships, work promotions, and of course, the lottery. And it happens also in our church life.

What it means for us not to be chosen varies from setting to setting. What it means for us not to be chosen in our church life also varies. All too many of us like not being chosen! Who wants the responsibilities Then again, what does it mean when it appears that God is not, in any significant way, choosing us for something? Doesn’t that question carry a heavy spiritual weight upon our mind and heart! And are we not, somewhere deep inside of ourselves, truly wanting to be chosen by God for something?

So, how does one deal with the experience of not being chosen by God for something? My response is three-fold. First, let us look back at our story from the Book of Acts. What happens after the lots are cast? Nothing! Neither Matthias nor Joseph Barsabbas are mentioned again in the . So, in a deep sense of reality, Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas remain as equals.

Yet, in the history of the church, you will find Matthias in more paintings, and in more stories. Even so, both are appointed, numbered, among the of the church. And Joseph Barsabbas is recorded as becoming a , and he is remembered for his kindness and goodness. So, in truth, he was chosen by God! And all of us, are in one way or another, chosen by God!

And I can proclaim that all are chosen by God because I/we believe in Luther’s teaching of all having a vocation in which to serve God. Luther’s teaching is my second response to the question: “How does one deal with the feeling of not being chosen by God?

Luther teaches us: Whether you are washing dishes in the kitchen, changing a diaper, working on a car, studying for school, doing a favor for someone, or giving a thirsty person a glass of water, you are acting upon a vocation wherein God calls upon you to so serve the people around you; and to do it with love. Whatever your job, your work, do it well for the people around you. Do it with a love for the people you are so connected with. This is our being chosen by God!

And now, my third response. Back again to the Book of Acts. In verse 24 it says: Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen.” I have suggested, imagine yourself not being chosen. Now I suggest: imagine yourself being “known by the Lord!” Indeed, this is the truth! “The Lord knows everyone’s heart!” He knows mine, he knows yours, and he knows the heart of everyone around us.

As Peter prays: “Show us which one of these two you have chosen,” we can pray: “Lord show me what you chose for me to do.” And let us keep our eyes, and our hearts, wide open. For God may show us something that is out right mundane, typical or simple, or he might show us something that is exciting, unique, and significant. Or, God may show us anything between these two poles in life.

Whatever it may be, we give it our best, and we do it with care for those around us. For when we do this, this is our being chosen by God! Now note well, we might not sense the being so chosen until after the fact. I know we prefer to sense being chosen before hand. Yet, often, very often, we simply can’t sense it until after we have done what God has chosen us to do.

Now I will add a fourth response to the question: “How do we deal with the feeling of not being chosen by God?” We add to our awareness, not just that “the Lord knows our heart,” we add to that: Imagine being prayed for by Jesus! In the reading from today’s Gospel from John, Jesus is praying for his disciples. As we know that Jesus prays to God on behalf of his disciples, let us know that he also prays to God on our behalf!

The Apostle Paul says in his letter to the Romans: Jesus “is at the right hand of God; and is interceding for us.”

So, on this last Sunday of Easter, let us imagine our Lord knowing our heart; and let us imagine our Lord praying for us. And may we know deep with ourselves, that our Lord Jesus is risen. And with the power and the love of his resurrection, he has chosen us to be his people of faith, hope, and above all, love. Thanks be to God!

The Apostles’ Creed God has made us his people through our Baptism into Christ. Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontiffs Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy , the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer of the Church With joyful confidence, let us approach our Lord’s throne of grace, there to pray on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

O God beyond all praising, we worship you and adore you. Make your Church abide in Jesus, as he abides in you. Cause us to preach the Gospel of salvation. Let us proclaim to the whole world your blessings without number and your mercy without end. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted people a firm confidence in the hope that has been established through the steadfast obedience of Christ their Lord. Give them grace to triumph through their sufferings and rise to serve you even in the presence of those who trouble them. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Unite our hearts with fellow disciples of your Son, and with missionaries of your Gospel. Let us all be so united to your beloved Son and with one another, that in everything, we glorify your Name and spread the bounties of your mercy throughout the world. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let the radiance of our Beautiful Savior fill the hearts and sanctify the ministries of this congregation. Make our worship into a joyful duty, and our service into a sacrifice of praise. Use us to lead others to Jesus, that with us, they may worship, honor, bless and adore him. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we lovingly commend into your care all our beloved dead, especially those who gave their life in service of their country. Keep their memories fresh and bright. Spur us to deeds of faithfulness, generosity, and self-sacrifice. And hasten the day when wars shall cease; evil is vanquished; every tear is wiped away; and you are truly all in all. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You have appointed your Son as King of creation and Lord of the nations. Teach our leaders to praise your name; to love justice and righteousness; and to seek those things that make for peace. Come to the help of those whose lives are troubled by sorrow and hardship; and draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your care all who stand in harm’s way to right wrongs, establish safety, and protect life and liberty. Prosper all they do that serves your will. Bring them home safely and soon; heal those who are wounded. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift our hearts to you on behalf of all whose lives are clouded by any sort of affliction or sorrow.… Let the light of Jesus’ countenance heal and cheer them. Let all who care for them do so with tenderness and compassion; and grant that together we may praise you for your unending mercies. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graduation approaches for many of our people. Give them wisdom as well as knowledge; focus as well as confidence; and righteousness as well as competency in their chosen fields. Use their skills to better this world, and keep their eyes fixed on the world to come. Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Lord, those who have died trusting in your promises now see their Beautiful Savior face to face. Thank you for bestowing this blessing upon them. Continue to show to us your love. Though we are your unworthy servants, bless us with such good gifts as will sustain us and others in this life. Bring us into that endless life and light you share with all whom you have redeemed. Grant that into eternity we always sing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!” Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, most holy Father; we entrust our prayers and petitions to you in the strong name and for the dear sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Benediction L: God the Father who raised Christ from the dead open to you the gate of everlasting life. C: Amen! L: God the Son who burst from the grave give you joy as you celebrate his resurrection. C: Amen! L: God the Holy Spirit who brought you to birth in baptism fill you with strength and peace. C: Amen! L: Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C: Amen!

The Easter Dismissal L: Alleluia! Christ is risen! C: He is risen, indeed! Alleluia! L: Go in the peace of Christ, alleluia! C: Thanks be to God, alleluia!