Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Monday after the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (NKJV)
 
5:12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
 
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
 
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
 
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
 
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
 
25 Brethren, pray for us.
 
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
 
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
 
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
 
Devotion
 
As St. Paul concludes his first epistle to the Thessalonians, he emphasizes the catholicity of that which has been written: “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.” That which has been written to the Church is edifying in every generation. Even when the holy apostle is addressing circumstances in a particular church, that which is taught is applicable to the whole Church.
 
As he concluded his epistle, the apostle once again appealed to the Church to show due respect for the servants of the Word: “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” The Word and Sacraments were instituted by the Lord of the Church to be those instruments through which He would continue to guide us in repentance and faith toward Him.
 
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” In the care of souls, all of this is accomplished through the Word, as the Law admonishes and warns, and the Gospel grants peace. The unruly may need to hear the word which binds their sin; the weak, the consolation of the absolution. In all things, the Word accomplishes that for which the Lord has sent it, and it will not return to Him void.
 
Prayer: Almighty and Everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, make us to love that which Thou dost command; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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