The Tenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday
August 04, 2024
also known as the Twelfth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
You and I are Mephibosheths Too
In one of my favorite movies, the 1998 film “Saving Private Ryan,” a group of Army Rangers is given an important mission to perform immediately following the D-Day landings in France. They’re sent deep into enemy territory to retrieve (save) a paratrooper, Private Ryan. (The Pentagon had just learned that all 3 of Ryan’s brothers, serving elsewhere in the military, recently had been killed in action. It was decided in Washington that the one surviving son would be removed from combat and returned home.) As part of the mission to save private Ryan, this group of rangers ran into one skirmish after another with the enemy, and some of the group were killed along the way. When they finally reached the French village where Ryan was, and they told him that they’d come to retrieve him and get him back home to the USA, Ryan’s response was decidedly negative. He had no intention whatsoever of leaving his fellow soldiers, who were preparing for a big battle to hold that town. Ryan declared that – although he had lost his natural brothers – he was still with his other brothers, his fellow paratroopers, and he was not going to abandon them.
So, what did those Rangers do? Of course, they all stayed and fought too. And almost all of them died in
that battle, although Private Ryan did survive. At the end of the battle, with victory assured, the Ranger group’s captain played by Tom Hanks, sat on the ground, mortally wounded and about to die.
In a very dramatic scene, Private Ryan leaned over to him as the dying captain whispered, “Earn this.” It
was pure “Hollywood.” You see, it’s very unlikely that any real Ranger would have said “Earn this.” Why? Because the US Army Ranger motto is “Rangers Lead the Way.” In other words, a Ranger knows what he has volunteered for…to lead, and possibly to die by being out in front. So a Ranger very likely wouldn’t have said, “Earn this.” Instead, his last words to Private Ryan would probably have been, “You don’t have to earn this. We gave up our lives for you and our country. That’s our job as Rangers, because Rangers lead the way when there’s a fight.”
When you and I look at the Jesus hanging on His cross, what we wont’ ever hear our Savior saying to us is, “Earn this.” Instead, He tells us, “I chose this. I led the way in saving you from your sins and giving you a place in heaven through faith in Me. I chose to live, die and rise for you. And I promise you, you won’t ever have to pay anything for your eternal salvation, because it’s My free gift to you.”
We call our wonderful gift of salvation “Grace”….which is often defined by the phrase, “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” And that will be the theme of today’s Children’s Lesson, based on the familiar words of Romans 3:23-24.
Our Children’s Lesson is part of today’s Epistle Reading, Romans 3:21-28. Our reading is the end of a discussion about the impossibility of sinners being able to save themselves and earn a place in heaven through obedience to the Law. Instead, Paul stresses that God’s grace alone, that is His undeserved love (and not our good works), is what has motivated Him to save us and gift us both with faith in Him (through the Holy Spirit) and a place in heaven.
This morning’s service focuses on the Biblical concept of Grace. And one of the best examples of “grace” in Scripture might well be our Old Testament Lesson and Sermon Text, the story of David and Mephibosheth. David was king of Israel. Mephibosheth was the previous King’s (Saul’s) grandson. But also the son of David’s best friend, Jonathan. It was common in those days in that part of the world for a new king to eliminate entirely the family of the prior king (so that no one from that family could become a rival and lead a revolt against him). David didn’t do that, and wouldn’t have done that. For example, although King Saul had tired to kill David multiple times, David never sought revenge against Saul when he had the opportunity, let alone Saul’s family. To the contrary, as best friends David and Jonathan had promised each other that if something ever happened to one of them, the other would “show kindness” (the Hebrew word for “grace” or “mercy”) to the deceased person’s family. David had not realized until our lesson begins that any of Jonathan’s family was still alive, but when he learns that Mephibosheth is alive, he summons the young man to his palace. Mephibosheth’s feet had been severely injured in a fall as a 5 year old boy and he remained crippled. He had been living a reclusive life in a small town on the edge of the kingdom, perhaps afraid that if King David learned of his existence that the King would have him killed. Instead, David displayed amazing grace to Mephibosheth. He restored to him all his grandfather Saul’s properties, but also “adopted” him into his family and made him a permanent guest at the king’s table – David’s way of honoring his best friend’s son, as well as his commitment to care for Mephibosheth for the rest of his life.
Similarly, our holy God, Who had every right to destroy our sinful human race in hell, instead – in His grace (undeserved love) – chose to save us from our sins in the Person of God the Son. Jesus not only miraculously became fully human (while retaining His deity) to live under God’s Law (which we break, meriting hell) for our credit, He chose to die on the cross for us, embracing God’s wrath against all our sin so that we are forgiven. Three days after His death, Jesus rose from His grave, displaying His power as God and proving that His sacrifice for our salvation is sufficient to save us all, through faith in Him. That’s redeeming grace…..which, in a sense, Mephibosheth received from David…..and which we are guaranteed through faith in Christ.
Finally, this morning’s Gospel Lesson consists of the opening 18 verses of John’s Gospel. Here he refers to Jesus as “the Word” that became flesh (fully human) and as “the Light” (the assurance of salvation) in this otherwise dark, sinful world. It is because of Jesus’ redemptive work, says Paul, that “we have all received grace upon grace” – in other words, that we have been blessed with God’s undeserved love and guarantee of eternal salvation in heaven, through faith in Christ.
Pre-Service Prayer –
Lord, open now, my heart to hear
And through Your Word to me, draw near;
Let me Your Word e’er pure retain,
Let me Your child and heir remain.
Your Word does deeply move the heart,
Your Word does perfect health impart,
Your Word my soul with joy does bless,
Your Word brings peace and happiness. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Silent Prayer Pre-service music
The Introduction and Welcome to Worship
We Praise Our God
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This Morning’s Call to Worship selected verse of Psalm 116
P: I love the LORD, for He heard my voice;
C: Because He turned His ear to me, + I will call on Him as long as I live.
P: The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, save me!”
C: The LORD is gracious and righteous; + our God is full of compassion.
P: How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me?
C: I will lift up the cup of salvation + and call on the name of the LORD.
P: I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.
C: I will sacrifice a thank offering to You + and call on the name of the LORD. + Praise the LORD!
The Prayer for Today
O LORD, God, heavenly Father, + We implore You to listen to + and to answer our prayer, + so that, although we deserve to be punished for our sins, + we will instead receive from You + the blessings of Your boundless grace: + namely, the full forgiveness of all our sins + and the guarantee of everlasting life in heaven, – not because of our works or personal worthiness – but, because of the merits and mercy of Jesus Christ, + and through faith in Him, + as our LORD and Savior, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the One true God + now and forevermore. + Amen.
After this, the Congregation will be seated for
Our Opening Hymn Hymn 379 Amazing Grace
1 Amazing grace — how sweet the sound – That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see.
2 The Lord has promised good to me; His Word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
3 Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
4 When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.
After which the Congregation will rise for
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, + I confess that I am by nature sinful + and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; + I have done what is evil in Your sight + and have failed to do what is good. + For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, + both now and for eternity. + But I am truly sorry for all my sins, + and trusting in the perfect life + and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, + I plead: + God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, under His command and authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God rest upon all of you.
Congregation Amen.
Lord Have Mercy
P: For all that we need in life, and for the wisdom to use all Your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.
C: (sung) Lord have mercy
P: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from Your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ:
C: (Sung) Christ have mercy.
P: For the well-being of Your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord
C: (Sung) Lord have mercy.
P: Merciful God, Maker and Preserver of life, uphold us by Your power, and keep us in Your tender care:
C: (sung) Amen.
P: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; His name is worthy of praise.
O Lord, our Lord,
How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
Almighty God, merciful Father,
Your crown our life with Your love.
You take away our sin; You comfort our spirit;
You make us pure and holy in Your sight.
You did not spare Your only Son,
but gave Him up for us all.
O Lord, our Lord,
How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
O Son of God, eternal Word of the Father,
You came to live with us;
You made Your Father known;
You washed us from our sins in Your own blood.
You are the King of glory; You are the Lord!
O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth
after which the Congregation may be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson I Samuel 9:1-13
David said, “Is there anyone still left from the house of Saul, to whom I may show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” 2 There was a servant of Saul’s house named Ziba, so they summoned him to come to David.
The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “I am.” 3 The king said, “Isn’t there still a man left who belongs to the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan. He has crippled feet.” 4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.” 5 So King David sent and brought him from the house of Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar.
6 When Mephibosheth, the son of Saul’s son Jonathan, came to David, he bowed facedown to the ground. David said, “Mephibosheth?” He said, “I am.” 7 David said to him, “Do not be afraid. I will certainly show kindness to you because of Jonathan, your father. I will return to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat bread at my table.” 8 He bowed down and said, “What is your servant that you have paid attention to a dead dog like me?”
9 The king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “Everything that belonged to Saul and to his entire house I am giving to your master’s son. 10 You are to work the soil for him, you and your sons and your servants. You are to bring in the crops, so your master’s son will have food to eat. Mephibosheth, your master’s son, will always eat bread at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) 11 Ziba said to the king, “Everything that my lord the king commands his servant, your servant will do.”
So Mephibosheth began eating at the king’s table like one of the king’s sons. 12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. Everyone living in Ziba’s house became servants of Mephibosheth. 13 So Mephibosheth took up residence in Jerusalem because he was always to eat at the table of the king. He was crippled in both his feet.
The Epistle Lesson Romans 3:21-28
21 But now, completely apart from the law, a righteousness from God has been made known. The Law and the Prophets testify to it. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and over all who believe.
In fact, there is no difference, 23 because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 Whom God publicly displayed as the atonement seat through faith in His blood. God did this to demonstrate His justice, since, in His divine restraint, He had left the sins that were committed earlier unpunished. 26 He did this to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so that He would be both just and the One Who justifies the person who has faith in Jesus.
27 What happens to boasting then? It has been eliminated. By what principle—by the principle of works? No, but by the principle of faith. 28 For we conclude that a person is justified by faith without the works of the law.
The Gospel Lesson John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him everything was made, and without Him not one thing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 The Light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as an eyewitness to testify about the Light so that everyone would believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
9 The real Light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 11 He came to what was His own, yet His own people did not accept Him. 12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. 13 They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen His glory, the glory He has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John testified about him. He cried out, “This was the one I spoke about when I said, ‘The one coming after me outranks me because he existed before me.’” 16 For out of His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, Who is close to the Father’s side, has made Him known.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, + and of all things visible and invisible. + And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, + begotten of His Father before all worlds, + God of God, Light of Light. Very God of Very God. + Begotten, not made. + Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made; + Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven + And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary + And was made man; + And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. + He suffered and was buried; + And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, + And sitteth on the right hand of the Father; + And he shall come again with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; + Whose Kingdom shall have no end. + And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and Giver of Life, + Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, + Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, + Who spake by the Prophets. + And I believe one holy Christian and Apostolic Church. + I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, + And I look for the resurrection of the dead, + And the life of the world to come. + Amen.
The Children’s Lesson Romans 3:23-24
23 All l have sinned and fall short of the glory of God 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
GRACE: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
Sermon Hymn Hymn 384 “By Grace I’m Saved”
1 By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless; my soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why waver at this word of promise? Has Scripture ever falsehood taught?
So then this word must true remain: By grace you, too, shall heav’n obtain.
2 By grace God’s Son, our only Savior, Came down to earth to bear our sin.
Was it because of your own merit That Jesus died, your soul to win?
No, it was grace, and grace alone, That brought him from his heav’nly throne.
3 By grace! Oh, mark this word of promise When you are by your sins oppressed,
When Satan plagues your troubled conscience, And when your heart is seeking rest.
What reason cannot comprehend God by his grace to you did send.
4 By grace to timid hearts that tremble, In tribulation’s furnace tried —
By grace, despite all fear and trouble, The Father’s heart is open wide.
Where could I help and strength secure If grace were not my anchor sure?
5 By grace! On this I’ll rest when dying; In Jesus’ promise I rejoice.
For though I know my heart’s condition, I also know my Savior’s voice.
My heart is glad; all grief has flown Since I am saved by grace alone.
The Pre-Sermon Salutation
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
The Sermon Text II Samuel 9
You and I are Mephibosheth’s Too!
after the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, now encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Present our Offerings to the Lord
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship. However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash, please) to our church address: (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745); or
2) You can donate through our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
after the offerings are brought forward, the Congregation will rise as
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We Offer Our Prayers to the Lord
Included in our prayers this morning are Prayers of Intercession for
Tim Pfortmiller, who is hospitalized awaiting surgery for cancer;
and
Ruth Strackbein (Cynthia Tragasz’s mother) who has been placed in hospice care in Wisconsin.
Plus
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for
Harriet and John Johnson, who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this coming Thursday
Today’s General Prayers
The Lord’s Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on
Prayer 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.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
P: The Lord be with you.
C: (sung) And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: (sung) We lift them up to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
C: (sung) It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
P: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who promised that wherever two or three come together in His name, there He is with them. Now have come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ. To Him Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and thanks and honor and glory forever and ever. Amen
(Sung) Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts.
The whole earth is full of Your glory
You are my God and I will exalt You.
I will lift You up for You have become my salvation.
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts.
The whole earth is full of Your glory
The Words of Institution
P: “The peace of the Lord be with you always.”
C: (sung) Amen.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Grant us Your peace. Amen.
After which the Congregation may be seated.
The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper
The Distribution of the Sacramental Elements
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS
We offer the Lord’s Supper this morning only to those individuals who are confirmed, communicant members of Grace
Lutheran congregation, or of a member-congregation of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
To our Guests this morning, we appreciate your presence among us and we celebrate the faith in Christ which we share with you. However, we ask that you will please respect our communion practice (see above). A brochure further explaining the Biblical basis for our Communion practice is available on the tract rack in our front lobby. We encourage you both to examine it – especially the Biblical references within it – and also to speak with our Pastor after the service (or at your convenience) so that you might better understand and appreciate our Biblically-based “Close Communion” practice. Our earnest hope is that you will chose to become part of our close fellowship in the future, and that you will be able to celebrate the Lord’s Supper with us. Meanwhile, we thank you for your understanding, your patience, and for your presence here among us today.
Distribution Hymns Hymn 380 Lord Tis Not That I Did Choose You
1 Lord, ’tis not that I did choose you; That, I know, could never be,
For this heart would still refuse you Had your grace not chosen me.
You removed the sin that stained me, Cleansing me to be your own;
For this purpose you ordained me, That I live for you alone.
2 It was grace in Christ that called me, Taught my darkened heart and mind,
Else the world had yet enthralled me, To your heav’nly glories blind.
Now I worship none above you; For your grace alone I thirst,
Knowing well that, if I love you, You, O Father, loved me first.
3 Praise the God of all creation; Praise the Father’s boundless love.
Praise the Lamb, our expiation, Priest and King enthroned above.
Praise the Spirit of salvation, Him by whom our spirits live.
Undivided adoration To the great Jehovah give.
Hymn 315 Here, O My Lord I See You Face to Face
1 Here, O my Lord, I see you face to face; Here would I touch and handle things unseen,
Here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace, And all my weariness upon you lean.
2 This is the hour of banquet and of song; Here is the heav’nly table spread anew.
Here let me feast and, feasting, still prolong The brief bright hour of fellowship with you.
3 I have no help but yours nor do I need Another arm but yours to lean upon.
It is enough, O Lord, enough indeed; My strength is in your might, your might alone.
4 Mine is the sin but yours the righteousness; Mine is the guilt but yours the cleansing blood.
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace: Your blood, your righteousness, O Lord, my God.
5 Too soon we rise; the vessels disappear. The feast, though not the love, is past and gone.
The bread and wine remove, but you are here, Nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.
6 Feast after feast thus comes and passes by, Yet, passing, points to that glad feast above,
Giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy, The Lamb’s great marriage feast of bliss and love.
The Thanksgiving
(Sung) Thank the Lord and sing His praise.
Tell everyone what He has done.
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice,
and proudly bear His name.
He renews His promises and leads His people forth in joy,
With shouts of thanksgiving, Alleluia! Alleluia!
We Leave with the Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
Hear the prayer of Your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised You here may glorify You in the world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of Your Son may long for His coming again, and that all who have received in his true body and blood the pledge of Your forgiveness may be restored to live a new and holy life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (sung) Amen.
The Benediction
P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord in gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
and be gracious unto you.
The Lord look upon you with favor, and grant you His peace.
C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 323 “Almighty Father, Bless The Word”
1 Almighty Father, bless the word Which through your grace we now have heard.
Oh, may the precious seed take root, Spring up, and bear abundant fruit.
2 We praise you for the means of grace As homeward now our steps we trace.
Grant, Lord, that we who worshiped here May all at last in heav’n appear.
Silent Prayer,
Announcements
Post Service music
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