Reading July 22-28

SUNDAY’S DIVINE SERVICE—THE FEEDING OF THE 4,000

In the Garden of Eden, our first parents received food freely from the gracious hand of God apart from any burdensome work (Genesis 2:7–17). But after the fall, food would be received only through toil and labor. The curse declared, “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground.” In other words, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:19–23). But into this wilderness world came Jesus the Messiah to restore creation. Having compassion on the weary multitudes, He renewed the bounty of Eden on the third day, freely granting an abundance of bread to the 4,000 (Mark 8:1–9). So also our Lord Jesus, having endured the burden of our sin, was raised on the third day to bring us back to Paradise. He now miraculously turns the bread of death into the Bread of Life in the Sacrament, giving you His very body and blood for your forgiveness. For “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

NEXT WEEKS LESSONS: THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15–23). Deceit has its strength in masquerading as the truth. False prophets speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:16–29) They deny the judgment of the Lord, speaking peace to the unrepentant, when in truth there is condemnation and wrath. “You will know them by their fruits.” The “fruits” of a true prophet are not outward righteousness or success but faithfulness in proclaiming the Word of the Lord. This is the will of the Father in heaven, that pastors take heed to the flock, the Father’s adopted ones (Romans 8:12–17), warning them against the wolves and their lies, and shepherding the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:27–38). For indeed, the cross is that good tree bearing good fruit, namely the body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Collect: Grant to us, Lord, we implore You, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are right, that we, who cannot do anything that is good without You, may be You be enabled to live according to Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord . Amen.

Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:16–29

Epistle: Romans 8:12–17

Holy Gospel: Matthew 7:15–23

Readings for the Week of 7th Sunday after Trinity

July 22                                      The Feeding of the 4,000—Mark 8:1-9

                                       1 Samuel 5:1–6:3, 10-16, Acts 18:1-11, 23-28

July 23  Sadducees Question Jesus on the Resurrection–Luke 20:27-44

                                                        1 Samuel 6:19—7:17, Acts 19:1-22

July 24                              The Widow’s Two Mites—Luke 20:45–21:4

                                                             1 Samuel 8:1-22, Acts 21:15-36

July 25                                          The Signs of the End—Luke 21:5-19

                                                      1 Samuel 9:1-27, Acts 21:37—22:16

July 26                                  Destruction of Jerusalem—Luke 21:20-28

                                                           1 Samuel 10:1-27, Acts 22:17-29

July 27                              The Parable of the Fig Tree—Luke 21:29-38

                                                    1 Samuel 12:1-25, Acts 22:30—23:11

July 28                                                                       Sunday’s readings

                                Jeremiah 23:16–29, Romans 8:12–17, Matthew 7:15–23

Vacation Bible School

Join us for the Amazing Desert Journey, our Vacation Bible School being held on August 6-August 10. Ask God to bring children and adults to our program so they can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior! Registration is on the back table.