The God Pause for Sunday, 18 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States "Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow," ELW 327
1. Through the night of doubt and sorrow,
onward goes the pilgrim band,
singing songs of expectation,
marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
gleams and burns the guiding light;
pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim
stepping fearless through the night.
2. One the light of God's own presence
on the ransomed people shed,
chasing far the gloom and terror,
bright'ning all the path we tread.
One the object of our journey,
one the faith which never tires,
one the earnest looking forward,
one the hope our God inspires.
3. One the strain that lips of thousands
lift as from the heart of one;
one the conflict, one the peril,
one the march in God begun.
One the gladness of rejoicing
on the far eternal shore,
where the one almighty Father
reigns in love forevermore.
4. Onward, therefore, sisters, brothers;
onward, with the cross our aid.
Bear its shame, and fight its battle
till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awak'ning;
soon the rending of the tomb!
Then the scatt'ring of all shadows,
and the end of toil and gloom.
***
My friend Andrew had a smile that could light up a room.
His joy was contagious. It was precisely because of this
that we all found it inconceivable that he could have
taken his own life on a tragic night in August. That was a
night of "doubt and sorrow" for me that I thought I would
never escape. I sat weeping in my wife's arms. On that
night, none of my theological training felt useful. None
of my orthodox Christian teachings were adequate to
comfort me in my bone-deep grief.
I let God have it that night. I cursed. I shouted. I cried
out. Somewhere in the middle of my despair I began to
imagine Go''s arms extending farther and farther out to
ensure that every emotion would be held with love. God
didn't need a censored prayer. God needed my whole
heart. God needed my real emotion. So I gave it. During
Lent, we are invited to "let God have it," knowing that
God's arms are big enough to carry all of it, and knowing
that the "great awaking" shall come soon.
"Oh God, I don't love you, I don't even want to love you, but I
want to want to love you" (St. Teresa of Avila)
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
***
The God Pause for Saturday, 17 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - "Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow," ELW 327
1. Through the night of doubt and sorrow,
onward goes the pilgrim band,
singing songs of expectation,
marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
gleams and burns the guiding light;
pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim
stepping fearless through the night.
2. One the light of God's own presence
on the ransomed people shed,
chasing far the gloom and terror,
bright'ning all the path we tread.
One the object of our journey,
one the faith which never tires,
one the earnest looking forward,
one the hope our God inspires.
3. One the strain that lips of thousands
lift as from the heart of one;
one the conflict, one the peril,
one the march in God begun.
One the gladness of rejoicing
on the far eternal shore,
where the one almighty Father
reigns in love forevermore.
4. Onward, therefore, sisters, brothers;
onward, with the cross our aid.
Bear its shame, and fight its battle
till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awak'ning;
soon the rending of the tomb!
Then the scatt'ring of all shadows,
and the end of toil and gloom.
***
On April 3, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King gave a speech
at the Church of God in Christ headquarters in Memphis
entitled, "I've Been to the Mountaintop." In spite of
numerous threats to his life, King talked passionately
about the plight of sanitation workers with confidence
and clarity. In the speech, he framed history as an
ongoing march to the promised land. It is almost as if
King believed that God's promised future and humanity's
difficult past were marching toward each other and
getting ready to embrace. King died the day after his
speech on April 4, 1968.
How could King sing "songs of expectation" amidst his
night of "doubt and sorrow?" He possessed "the hope
our God inspires." He was marching to the Promised Land,
clasping the hands of his brother knowing that he was
not alone. Do you need to be reminded of God's future of
peace and justice for all? Rest in the promises of the One
who is our guiding light. Clasp the hands of your brother
Jesus as you journey toward "the far eternal shore."
God of Promise, we see dimly, you see clearly. Give us your
eyes. We listen poorly, you listen attentively. Give us your ears.
We love selfishly, you love richly. Give us your heart. Amen.
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
***
The God Pause for Friday, 16 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Mark 1:9-15
Mark 1:9 Shortly thereafter, Yeshua came from Natzeret in the Galil and was immersed in the Yarden by Yochanan. 10 Immediately upon coming up out of the water, he saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; 11 then a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with you.”
12 Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by the Adversary. He was with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.
14 After Yochanan had been arrested, Yeshua came into the Galil proclaiming the Good News from God:
15 “The time has come,
God’s Kingdom is near!
Turn to God from your sins
and believe the Good News!” (Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
As the only white kid in an African-American history
course, from time to time I would be questioned as
to whether I had "street cred." This term was used
for someone who had spent time enduring the harsh
realities of life, particularly in communities of color. After
all, it is difficult to relate to a situation that you have
never experienced. These experiences of hardship are
what give you your "street cred."
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus is our God's
"street cred." Through Christ's experience in the
wilderness, we see a God who is tempted and who
can help us when we're tempted (Hebrews 2:8). Jesus
experiences poverty, homelessness, hunger, pain,
sadness, anger, betrayal and the full range of human
suffering so that it all might be redeemed. And you can't
get more "street cred" than that!
God of suffering, we thank you that you are a God with
"street cred" who shows up in our struggles. Where there
is suffering, bring your redemption. Where there is fear,
bring your courage. Where there is pain, bring your
presence. Where there is death, bring your new life. Amen.
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
Mark 1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause for Thursday, 15 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - 1 Peter 3:18-22
1 Peter 3:18 For the Messiah himself died for sins, once and for all, a righteous person on behalf of unrighteous people, so that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but brought to life by the Spirit; 19 and in this form he went and made a proclamation to the imprisoned spirits, 20 to those who were disobedient long ago, in the days of Noach, when God waited patiently during the building of the ark, in which a few people — to be specific, eight — were delivered by means of water. 21 This also prefigures what delivers us now, the water of immersion, which is not the removal of dirt from the body, but one’s pledge to keep a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah. 22 He has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God,[1 Peter 3:22 Psalm 110:1] with angels, authorities and powers subject to him.(Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
Gods don't suffer. And they definitely don't die! They
intervene capriciously with human affairs and are usually
impervious to our pleas for justice. The notion that God
would participate in the depths of suffering--six feet
deep to be precise--is completely absurd. Unless, of
course, that God had a passionate love for humanity that
could only be expressed by joining fully in the human
experience. Knowing that God has stood with us and for
us for the sake of love and freedom, we too are called to
proclaim love to others knowing that we are freed to
do so.
The passionate love of Jesus in the flesh is now released
into the world as we are made alive in our baptism. The
suffering that comes from standing with and for others is
now redeemed in Christ. We can now face the toughest
challenges that our world faces knowing that we belong
to God. As James Baldwin said, "Not everything that is
faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until
it is faced."
Jesus, teach us how to die before we die. Show us that
true power is in vulnerability. Help us put down our
weapons and pick up our cross. Amen.
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit,
19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison,
20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.
21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you--not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
"February 2018: Dust to Dust" Robin Steinke, The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Check out this month's news from Luther Seminary.
Dust to Dust
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
These words from the Ash Wednesday liturgy bring us face to face with a truth we spend too much of our lives trying to ignore: our time is fleeting, each moment a gift from God.
Lenten Devotional: Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow
You're invited to download Luther Seminary's 2018 Lenten Devotional, "Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow," for personal or congregational use throughout the Lenten season.
Paul Hated Women—Or Did He?
Matthew Skinner, Luther Seminary professor of New Testament, explores the question of whether or not Paul’s writings reveal a negative view of women in the church. He invites us toconsider other questions that may be equally important as we work with texts that can be challenging and confusing.
Book Recommendation
This month the final two volumes in Luther Seminary Professor Matthew Skinner's "A Companion to the New Testament" are available. Volume two is titled "Paul and the Pauline Letters" and volume three is called “The General Letters and Revelation.”
February 14, 2018
Share this issue
Join Luther Seminary at these upcoming opportunities.
Fretheim Lecture "We, They, and All in Paul's Letter to the Romans" by Beverly Roberts Gaventa
April 10
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Commencement
May 20
Minneapolis, MN
Festival of Homiletics
May 21-25
Washington, D.C.
News | Events | Resources | Make a Gift | Continuing Education | Stewardship | Admissions
***
The God Pause for Wednesday, 14 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Isaiah 58:1-12
Isaiah 58:1 Shout out loud! Don’t hold back!
Raise your voice like a shofar!
Proclaim to my people what rebels they are,
to the house of Ya‘akov their sins.
2 “Oh yes, they seek me day after day
and [claim to] delight in knowing my ways.
As if they were an upright nation
that had not abandoned the rulings of their God,
they ask me for just rulings
and [claim] to take pleasure in closeness to God,
3 [asking,] ‘Why should we fast, if you don’t see?
Why mortify ourselves, if you don’t notice?’
“Here is my answer: when you fast,
you go about doing whatever you like,
while keeping your laborers hard at work.
4 Your fasts lead to quarreling and fighting,
to lashing out with violent blows.
On a day like today, fasting like yours
will not make your voice heard on high.
5 “Is this the sort of fast I want,
a day when a person mortifies himself?
Is the object to hang your head like a reed
and spread sackcloth and ashes under yourself?
Is this what you call a fast,
a day that pleases Adonai?
6 “Here is the sort of fast I want —
releasing those unjustly bound,
untying the thongs of the yoke,
letting the oppressed go free,
breaking every yoke,
7 sharing your food with the hungry,
taking the homeless poor into your house,
clothing the naked when you see them,
fulfilling your duty to your kinsmen!”
8 Then your light will burst forth like the morning,
your new skin will quickly grow over your wound;
your righteousness will precede you,
and Adonai’s glory will follow you.
9 Then you will call, and Adonai will answer;
you will cry, and he will say, “Here I am.”
If you will remove the yoke from among you,
stop false accusation and slander,
10 generously offer food to the hungry
and meet the needs of the person in trouble;
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your gloom become like noon.
11 Adonai will always guide you;
he will satisfy your needs in the desert,
he will renew the strength in your limbs;
so that you will be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
12 You will rebuild the ancient ruins,
raise foundations from ages past,
and be called “Repairer of broken walls,
Restorer of streets to live in.”(Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
According to author Ta Nehisi Coates, the four million
slaves once living in the United States were worth three
billion dollars to the US economy. With the institution
of slavery so pervasive and lucrative it became easy for
churchgoers to justify their ownership of other human
beings. Imagine fasting for God in the morning, and
beating a slave in the afternoon. This was the life of many
US Christians in the 1800's. There were some people
of faith, however, who knew that God was calling them
to "loose the bonds of injustice." There were people like
Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass who heard God's
call to "let the oppressed go free."
There are some of us who hear this call today. We
know that a God who has broken every yoke elicits a
different kind of worship. In light of the promise of the
resurrection in Christ, our form of worship is participating
in God's enterprise of liberation for the entire cosmos.
Will you answer this call?
God of liberation, you are the source of freedom for all.
We thank you for our ancestors who have partnered with
you in your dream for the world. We thank you for the
prophet Isaiah, for Harriet Tubman, for Fannie Lou Hamer,
for Maya Angelou and all the saints who have come
before us. We also thank you in advance for those saints
who will come after us to continue this work. Mobilize us
so that our acts of worship may bring flourishing to your
planet and be pleasing in your sight. Amen.
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
Isaiah 58:1 Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God.
3 "Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?" Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers.
4 Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high.
5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
10 if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.
12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
onward goes the pilgrim band,
singing songs of expectation,
marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
gleams and burns the guiding light;
pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim
stepping fearless through the night.
2. One the light of God's own presence
on the ransomed people shed,
chasing far the gloom and terror,
bright'ning all the path we tread.
One the object of our journey,
one the faith which never tires,
one the earnest looking forward,
one the hope our God inspires.
3. One the strain that lips of thousands
lift as from the heart of one;
one the conflict, one the peril,
one the march in God begun.
One the gladness of rejoicing
on the far eternal shore,
where the one almighty Father
reigns in love forevermore.
4. Onward, therefore, sisters, brothers;
onward, with the cross our aid.
Bear its shame, and fight its battle
till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awak'ning;
soon the rending of the tomb!
Then the scatt'ring of all shadows,
and the end of toil and gloom.
***
My friend Andrew had a smile that could light up a room.
His joy was contagious. It was precisely because of this
that we all found it inconceivable that he could have
taken his own life on a tragic night in August. That was a
night of "doubt and sorrow" for me that I thought I would
never escape. I sat weeping in my wife's arms. On that
night, none of my theological training felt useful. None
of my orthodox Christian teachings were adequate to
comfort me in my bone-deep grief.
I let God have it that night. I cursed. I shouted. I cried
out. Somewhere in the middle of my despair I began to
imagine Go''s arms extending farther and farther out to
ensure that every emotion would be held with love. God
didn't need a censored prayer. God needed my whole
heart. God needed my real emotion. So I gave it. During
Lent, we are invited to "let God have it," knowing that
God's arms are big enough to carry all of it, and knowing
that the "great awaking" shall come soon.
"Oh God, I don't love you, I don't even want to love you, but I
want to want to love you" (St. Teresa of Avila)
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
***
The God Pause for Saturday, 17 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - "Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow," ELW 327
1. Through the night of doubt and sorrow,
onward goes the pilgrim band,
singing songs of expectation,
marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
gleams and burns the guiding light;
pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim
stepping fearless through the night.
2. One the light of God's own presence
on the ransomed people shed,
chasing far the gloom and terror,
bright'ning all the path we tread.
One the object of our journey,
one the faith which never tires,
one the earnest looking forward,
one the hope our God inspires.
3. One the strain that lips of thousands
lift as from the heart of one;
one the conflict, one the peril,
one the march in God begun.
One the gladness of rejoicing
on the far eternal shore,
where the one almighty Father
reigns in love forevermore.
4. Onward, therefore, sisters, brothers;
onward, with the cross our aid.
Bear its shame, and fight its battle
till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awak'ning;
soon the rending of the tomb!
Then the scatt'ring of all shadows,
and the end of toil and gloom.
***
On April 3, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King gave a speech
at the Church of God in Christ headquarters in Memphis
entitled, "I've Been to the Mountaintop." In spite of
numerous threats to his life, King talked passionately
about the plight of sanitation workers with confidence
and clarity. In the speech, he framed history as an
ongoing march to the promised land. It is almost as if
King believed that God's promised future and humanity's
difficult past were marching toward each other and
getting ready to embrace. King died the day after his
speech on April 4, 1968.
How could King sing "songs of expectation" amidst his
night of "doubt and sorrow?" He possessed "the hope
our God inspires." He was marching to the Promised Land,
clasping the hands of his brother knowing that he was
not alone. Do you need to be reminded of God's future of
peace and justice for all? Rest in the promises of the One
who is our guiding light. Clasp the hands of your brother
Jesus as you journey toward "the far eternal shore."
God of Promise, we see dimly, you see clearly. Give us your
eyes. We listen poorly, you listen attentively. Give us your ears.
We love selfishly, you love richly. Give us your heart. Amen.
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
***
The God Pause for Friday, 16 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Mark 1:9-15
Mark 1:9 Shortly thereafter, Yeshua came from Natzeret in the Galil and was immersed in the Yarden by Yochanan. 10 Immediately upon coming up out of the water, he saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; 11 then a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with you.”
12 Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by the Adversary. He was with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.
14 After Yochanan had been arrested, Yeshua came into the Galil proclaiming the Good News from God:
15 “The time has come,
God’s Kingdom is near!
Turn to God from your sins
and believe the Good News!” (Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
As the only white kid in an African-American history
course, from time to time I would be questioned as
to whether I had "street cred." This term was used
for someone who had spent time enduring the harsh
realities of life, particularly in communities of color. After
all, it is difficult to relate to a situation that you have
never experienced. These experiences of hardship are
what give you your "street cred."
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus is our God's
"street cred." Through Christ's experience in the
wilderness, we see a God who is tempted and who
can help us when we're tempted (Hebrews 2:8). Jesus
experiences poverty, homelessness, hunger, pain,
sadness, anger, betrayal and the full range of human
suffering so that it all might be redeemed. And you can't
get more "street cred" than that!
God of suffering, we thank you that you are a God with
"street cred" who shows up in our struggles. Where there
is suffering, bring your redemption. Where there is fear,
bring your courage. Where there is pain, bring your
presence. Where there is death, bring your new life. Amen.
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
Mark 1:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause for Thursday, 15 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - 1 Peter 3:18-22
1 Peter 3:18 For the Messiah himself died for sins, once and for all, a righteous person on behalf of unrighteous people, so that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but brought to life by the Spirit; 19 and in this form he went and made a proclamation to the imprisoned spirits, 20 to those who were disobedient long ago, in the days of Noach, when God waited patiently during the building of the ark, in which a few people — to be specific, eight — were delivered by means of water. 21 This also prefigures what delivers us now, the water of immersion, which is not the removal of dirt from the body, but one’s pledge to keep a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah. 22 He has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God,[1 Peter 3:22 Psalm 110:1] with angels, authorities and powers subject to him.(Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
Gods don't suffer. And they definitely don't die! They
intervene capriciously with human affairs and are usually
impervious to our pleas for justice. The notion that God
would participate in the depths of suffering--six feet
deep to be precise--is completely absurd. Unless, of
course, that God had a passionate love for humanity that
could only be expressed by joining fully in the human
experience. Knowing that God has stood with us and for
us for the sake of love and freedom, we too are called to
proclaim love to others knowing that we are freed to
do so.
The passionate love of Jesus in the flesh is now released
into the world as we are made alive in our baptism. The
suffering that comes from standing with and for others is
now redeemed in Christ. We can now face the toughest
challenges that our world faces knowing that we belong
to God. As James Baldwin said, "Not everything that is
faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until
it is faced."
Jesus, teach us how to die before we die. Show us that
true power is in vulnerability. Help us put down our
weapons and pick up our cross. Amen.
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit,
19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison,
20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.
21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you--not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
"February 2018: Dust to Dust" Robin Steinke, The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Check out this month's news from Luther Seminary.
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. These words from the Ash Wednesday liturgy bring us face to face with a truth we spend too much of our lives trying to ignore: our time is fleeting, each moment a gift from God.
Lenten Devotional: Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow
Paul Hated Women—Or Did He?
Matthew Skinner, Luther Seminary professor of New Testament, explores the question of whether or not Paul’s writings reveal a negative view of women in the church. He invites us toconsider other questions that may be equally important as we work with texts that can be challenging and confusing.Book Recommendation
This month the final two volumes in Luther Seminary Professor Matthew Skinner's "A Companion to the New Testament" are available. Volume two is titled "Paul and the Pauline Letters" and volume three is called “The General Letters and Revelation.”February 14, 2018
Share this issue
Join Luther Seminary at these upcoming opportunities.
Fretheim Lecture "We, They, and All in Paul's Letter to the Romans" by Beverly Roberts Gaventa
April 10
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Commencement
May 20
Minneapolis, MN
Festival of Homiletics
May 21-25
Washington, D.C.
News | Events | Resources | Make a Gift | Continuing Education | Stewardship | Admissions
***
The God Pause for Wednesday, 14 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Isaiah 58:1-12
Isaiah 58:1 Shout out loud! Don’t hold back!
Raise your voice like a shofar!
Proclaim to my people what rebels they are,
to the house of Ya‘akov their sins.
2 “Oh yes, they seek me day after day
and [claim to] delight in knowing my ways.
As if they were an upright nation
that had not abandoned the rulings of their God,
they ask me for just rulings
and [claim] to take pleasure in closeness to God,
3 [asking,] ‘Why should we fast, if you don’t see?
Why mortify ourselves, if you don’t notice?’
“Here is my answer: when you fast,
you go about doing whatever you like,
while keeping your laborers hard at work.
4 Your fasts lead to quarreling and fighting,
to lashing out with violent blows.
On a day like today, fasting like yours
will not make your voice heard on high.
5 “Is this the sort of fast I want,
a day when a person mortifies himself?
Is the object to hang your head like a reed
and spread sackcloth and ashes under yourself?
Is this what you call a fast,
a day that pleases Adonai?
6 “Here is the sort of fast I want —
releasing those unjustly bound,
untying the thongs of the yoke,
letting the oppressed go free,
breaking every yoke,
7 sharing your food with the hungry,
taking the homeless poor into your house,
clothing the naked when you see them,
fulfilling your duty to your kinsmen!”
8 Then your light will burst forth like the morning,
your new skin will quickly grow over your wound;
your righteousness will precede you,
and Adonai’s glory will follow you.
9 Then you will call, and Adonai will answer;
you will cry, and he will say, “Here I am.”
If you will remove the yoke from among you,
stop false accusation and slander,
10 generously offer food to the hungry
and meet the needs of the person in trouble;
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your gloom become like noon.
11 Adonai will always guide you;
he will satisfy your needs in the desert,
he will renew the strength in your limbs;
so that you will be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
12 You will rebuild the ancient ruins,
raise foundations from ages past,
and be called “Repairer of broken walls,
Restorer of streets to live in.”(Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
According to author Ta Nehisi Coates, the four million
slaves once living in the United States were worth three
billion dollars to the US economy. With the institution
of slavery so pervasive and lucrative it became easy for
churchgoers to justify their ownership of other human
beings. Imagine fasting for God in the morning, and
beating a slave in the afternoon. This was the life of many
US Christians in the 1800's. There were some people
of faith, however, who knew that God was calling them
to "loose the bonds of injustice." There were people like
Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass who heard God's
call to "let the oppressed go free."
There are some of us who hear this call today. We
know that a God who has broken every yoke elicits a
different kind of worship. In light of the promise of the
resurrection in Christ, our form of worship is participating
in God's enterprise of liberation for the entire cosmos.
Will you answer this call?
God of liberation, you are the source of freedom for all.
We thank you for our ancestors who have partnered with
you in your dream for the world. We thank you for the
prophet Isaiah, for Harriet Tubman, for Fannie Lou Hamer,
for Maya Angelou and all the saints who have come
before us. We also thank you in advance for those saints
who will come after us to continue this work. Mobilize us
so that our acts of worship may bring flourishing to your
planet and be pleasing in your sight. Amen.
Dave Scherer, '15
Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist, Luther Seminary
Isaiah 58:1 Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God.
3 "Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?" Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers.
4 Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high.
5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
10 if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.
12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause for Tuesday, 13 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Psalm 25:1-10
Psalm 25:1 (0) By David:
(1) I lift my inner being to you, Adonai;
2 I trust you, my God.
Don’t let me be disgraced,
don’t let my enemies gloat over me.
3 No one waiting for you will be disgraced;
disgrace awaits those who break faith for no reason.
4 Make me know your ways, Adonai,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God who saves me,
my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember your compassion and grace, Adonai;
for these are ages old.
7 Don’t remember my youthful sins or transgressions;
but remember me according to your grace
for the sake of your goodness, Adonai.
8 Adonai is good, and he is fair;
this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],
9 leads the humble to do what is right
and teaches the humble [to live] his way.
10 All Adonai’s paths are grace and truth
to those who keep his covenant and instructions.(Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
When I began what became a 10-year ministry as speaker-producer of the radio program "The Hour of Hope," broadcast by nine radio stations in Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska, I decided to open each program with a psalm. I prepared a brief introduction to each psalm, identifying its personal, worship and historical setting. This process soon led me to a more intentional reflection and study of the Psalms. I became richly blessed by the message and meaning of each psalm as the changes, chances and circumstances of my life were addressed.
Psalm 25 is a prayer to God--a statement about the living and loving God that can be given voice by everyone. While the last phrase of verse three may not be a very universal thought, the rest of verses 1-10 can certainly give voice to what is and can be true for us all.
Living and Loving God, as we lift up our thoughts and voices to you, assure us that you hear us and that you truly do teach us. Lead us, show mercy, forget our sin and remember us. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.Psalm 25:1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
(1) I lift my inner being to you, Adonai;
2 I trust you, my God.
Don’t let me be disgraced,
don’t let my enemies gloat over me.
3 No one waiting for you will be disgraced;
disgrace awaits those who break faith for no reason.
4 Make me know your ways, Adonai,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God who saves me,
my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember your compassion and grace, Adonai;
for these are ages old.
7 Don’t remember my youthful sins or transgressions;
but remember me according to your grace
for the sake of your goodness, Adonai.
8 Adonai is good, and he is fair;
this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],
9 leads the humble to do what is right
and teaches the humble [to live] his way.
10 All Adonai’s paths are grace and truth
to those who keep his covenant and instructions.(Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
When I began what became a 10-year ministry as speaker-producer of the radio program "The Hour of Hope," broadcast by nine radio stations in Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska, I decided to open each program with a psalm. I prepared a brief introduction to each psalm, identifying its personal, worship and historical setting. This process soon led me to a more intentional reflection and study of the Psalms. I became richly blessed by the message and meaning of each psalm as the changes, chances and circumstances of my life were addressed.
Psalm 25 is a prayer to God--a statement about the living and loving God that can be given voice by everyone. While the last phrase of verse three may not be a very universal thought, the rest of verses 1-10 can certainly give voice to what is and can be true for us all.
Living and Loving God, as we lift up our thoughts and voices to you, assure us that you hear us and that you truly do teach us. Lead us, show mercy, forget our sin and remember us. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.Psalm 25:1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause for Monday, 12 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Genesis 9:8-17
Genesis 9:
***
Persons who participated in the once familiar Bethel Series Bible Studies will remember the second and third teaching illustrations with their titles: "Divine Intentions" and "Disharmony." The writer of Genesis tells us that when the living and loving God created, God looked at all that was made and saw that it was very good. Genesis chapter three portrays a very different picture. Because of human rebellion against the Creator, there is chaos, conflict and death. The contrast is unmistakable. However, there is also an implied promise that there would be a restoration.
Following the chaos and destruction of the flood, God's promise becomes more specific. God promises to Noah that his family and his descendants will never face such a deluge again.
Still later, the promise of God will become even more specific when Abraham is told that his descendants will be a blessing to all the earth. Christmas and Epiphany have affirmed again that God always keeps promises that are made and made known.
Living and Loving God, by your Holy Spirit, open up our minds and hearts to hear your promises so clearly that we grow in grace and in faith all life long. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
Genesis 9:8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him,
9 "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you,
10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.
11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth."
12 God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:
13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,
15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth."17 God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth." (New Revised Standard Version)
***
(v) 8 God spoke to Noach and his sons with him; he said, 9 “As for me — I am herewith establishing my covenant with you, with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you — the birds, the livestock and every wild animal with you, all going out of the ark, every animal on earth. 11 I will establish my covenant with you that never again will all living beings be destroyed by the waters of a flood, and there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 God added, “Here is the sign of the covenant I am making between myself and you and every living creature with you, for all generations to come: 13 I am putting my rainbow in the cloud — it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow is seen in the cloud; 15 I will remember my covenant which is between myself and you and every living creature of any kind; and the water will never again become a flood to destroy all living beings. 16 The rainbow will be in the cloud; so that when I look at it, I will remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of any kind on the earth.”
17 God said to Noach, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between myself and every living creature on the earth.”
(Complete Jewish Bible.)Persons who participated in the once familiar Bethel Series Bible Studies will remember the second and third teaching illustrations with their titles: "Divine Intentions" and "Disharmony." The writer of Genesis tells us that when the living and loving God created, God looked at all that was made and saw that it was very good. Genesis chapter three portrays a very different picture. Because of human rebellion against the Creator, there is chaos, conflict and death. The contrast is unmistakable. However, there is also an implied promise that there would be a restoration.
Following the chaos and destruction of the flood, God's promise becomes more specific. God promises to Noah that his family and his descendants will never face such a deluge again.
Still later, the promise of God will become even more specific when Abraham is told that his descendants will be a blessing to all the earth. Christmas and Epiphany have affirmed again that God always keeps promises that are made and made known.
Living and Loving God, by your Holy Spirit, open up our minds and hearts to hear your promises so clearly that we grow in grace and in faith all life long. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
Genesis 9:8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him,
9 "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you,
10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.
11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth."
12 God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:
13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,
15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth."17 God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth." (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause for Sunday, 11 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise," ELW 310
1. Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise;
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar,
branch of royal David's stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
2. Manifest at Jordan's stream,
prophet, priest, and king supreme;
and at Cana wedding guest
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in pow'r divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
3. Manifest in making whole
weakened body, fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight,
quelling all the devil's might;
manifest in gracious will,
ever bringing good from ill:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
4.Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,
present in thy holy word;
grace to imitate thee now
and be pure, as pure art thou;
that we might become like thee
at thy great epiphany,
and may praise thee, ever blest,
God in flesh made manifest.
***
Over the years the readings chosen for the Season of Epiphany have changed somewhat so that the verses of this hymn do not always match the events of the gospel story captured in the readings throughout Epiphany. Still when taken together, the verses of this hymn do lift up and invite contemplation of how the work and words of Jesus show him to be the presence of God--and thus provide a fitting summary of the intent of this season.
Stanza 1 teaches us that people saw Jesus' glory in the star and the visit by the Magi. Stanza 2 shows us that the baptism in the Jordan and the miracle at the wedding in Cana manifest Jesus' transforming presence. Stanza 3 recognizes the rescuing power and purpose of Jesus in healing, confronting and transforming evil. Stanza 4 is a prayer asking that those singing and sharing the hymn might be led to imitate Jesus in our lives.
Living God, help us to see Jesus in such clarity that we truly want to imitate and praise our Lord and Savior, now and forever. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
***
1. Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise;
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar,
branch of royal David's stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
2. Manifest at Jordan's stream,
prophet, priest, and king supreme;
and at Cana wedding guest
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in pow'r divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
3. Manifest in making whole
weakened body, fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight,
quelling all the devil's might;
manifest in gracious will,
ever bringing good from ill:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
4.Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,
present in thy holy word;
grace to imitate thee now
and be pure, as pure art thou;
that we might become like thee
at thy great epiphany,
and may praise thee, ever blest,
God in flesh made manifest.
***
Over the years the readings chosen for the Season of Epiphany have changed somewhat so that the verses of this hymn do not always match the events of the gospel story captured in the readings throughout Epiphany. Still when taken together, the verses of this hymn do lift up and invite contemplation of how the work and words of Jesus show him to be the presence of God--and thus provide a fitting summary of the intent of this season.
Stanza 1 teaches us that people saw Jesus' glory in the star and the visit by the Magi. Stanza 2 shows us that the baptism in the Jordan and the miracle at the wedding in Cana manifest Jesus' transforming presence. Stanza 3 recognizes the rescuing power and purpose of Jesus in healing, confronting and transforming evil. Stanza 4 is a prayer asking that those singing and sharing the hymn might be led to imitate Jesus in our lives.
Living God, help us to see Jesus in such clarity that we truly want to imitate and praise our Lord and Savior, now and forever. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
***
The God Pause for Saturday, 10 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise," ELW 310
1. Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise;
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar,
branch of royal David's stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
2. Manifest at Jordan's stream,
prophet, priest, and king supreme;
and at Cana wedding guest
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in pow'r divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
3. Manifest in making whole
weakened body, fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight,
quelling all the devil's might;
manifest in gracious will,
ever bringing good from ill:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
4. Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,
present in thy holy word;
grace to imitate thee now
and be pure, as pure art thou;
that we might become like thee
at thy great epiphany,
and may praise thee, ever blest,
God in flesh made manifest.
***
When Christopher Wordsworth--nephew of the great romantic-poet, William Wordsworth--wrote this hymn, he stated that it was intended for use on the 6th Sunday after Epiphany. His comment was certainly fitting, for the stanzas identify manifestations (Epiphanies) that are reported in the Gospel accounts of the work and words of Jesus that are read during the successive Sundays of the Season of Epiphany. One year, in order to emphasize this, I had my congregation sing this hymn every Sunday during the entire Season of Epiphany. After about the third or fourth Sunday, one member of the congregation voiced the opinion that the words and the music of this hymn were not worth singing that much. Yet, that person did relent and give it more thought when I pointed out that this is one of 127 hymns published by a highly intelligent orator, educator, lecturer and priest, and further that the music had been arranged by none other than Johann Sebastian Bach.
Living and Loving God, open our eyes to see you in all that Jesus did; open our minds to hear what Jesus says; and make of us persons who radiate in our lives your redeeming presence, power and purpose. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
***
1. Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise;
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar,
branch of royal David's stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
2. Manifest at Jordan's stream,
prophet, priest, and king supreme;
and at Cana wedding guest
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in pow'r divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
3. Manifest in making whole
weakened body, fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight,
quelling all the devil's might;
manifest in gracious will,
ever bringing good from ill:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
4. Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,
present in thy holy word;
grace to imitate thee now
and be pure, as pure art thou;
that we might become like thee
at thy great epiphany,
and may praise thee, ever blest,
God in flesh made manifest.
***
When Christopher Wordsworth--nephew of the great romantic-poet, William Wordsworth--wrote this hymn, he stated that it was intended for use on the 6th Sunday after Epiphany. His comment was certainly fitting, for the stanzas identify manifestations (Epiphanies) that are reported in the Gospel accounts of the work and words of Jesus that are read during the successive Sundays of the Season of Epiphany. One year, in order to emphasize this, I had my congregation sing this hymn every Sunday during the entire Season of Epiphany. After about the third or fourth Sunday, one member of the congregation voiced the opinion that the words and the music of this hymn were not worth singing that much. Yet, that person did relent and give it more thought when I pointed out that this is one of 127 hymns published by a highly intelligent orator, educator, lecturer and priest, and further that the music had been arranged by none other than Johann Sebastian Bach.
Living and Loving God, open our eyes to see you in all that Jesus did; open our minds to hear what Jesus says; and make of us persons who radiate in our lives your redeeming presence, power and purpose. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
***
"God Pause" for Friday, 9 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Mark 9:2-9
Mark 9:
***
Yesterday's reflection noted that many persons neither saw nor heard the truth about Jesus because he did not fit their expectations. They were convinced that when God's promised Savior appeared, his presence would be obvious because his astounding glory would be clearly seen.
Even though Jesus again and again told his closest followers that he would suffer and be executed, they continued to look for that glory. Now on the mountain of transfiguration, Peter seems to want to create some kind of memorial to remember the glory of that mountaintop experience.
Jesus tried and the Holy Spirit tries to make it clear that it is in the death of Jesus that true life becomes real for all who not only hear, but listen and who not only see, but perceive.
Living and Loving God, by your Holy Spirit open up our hearts, minds and eyes to look for Jesus, not in the brilliant light of high mountains, but rather beneath the Cross. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
Mark 9:2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
2 Six days later, Yeshua took Kefa, Ya‘akov and Yochanan and led them up a high mountain privately. As they watched, he began to change form, 3 and his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than anyone in the world could possibly bleach them. 4 Then they saw Eliyahu and Moshe speaking with Yeshua. 5 Kefa said to Yeshua, “It’s good that we’re here, Rabbi! Let’s put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu.” 6 (He didn’t know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud enveloped them; and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Yeshua.
9 As they came down the mountain, he warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
(Complete Jewish Bible.)Yesterday's reflection noted that many persons neither saw nor heard the truth about Jesus because he did not fit their expectations. They were convinced that when God's promised Savior appeared, his presence would be obvious because his astounding glory would be clearly seen.
Even though Jesus again and again told his closest followers that he would suffer and be executed, they continued to look for that glory. Now on the mountain of transfiguration, Peter seems to want to create some kind of memorial to remember the glory of that mountaintop experience.
Jesus tried and the Holy Spirit tries to make it clear that it is in the death of Jesus that true life becomes real for all who not only hear, but listen and who not only see, but perceive.
Living and Loving God, by your Holy Spirit open up our hearts, minds and eyes to look for Jesus, not in the brilliant light of high mountains, but rather beneath the Cross. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
Mark 9:2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.
4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!"
8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (The New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause for Thursday, 8 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Mark 9:2-9
4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!"
8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (The New Revised Standard Version)
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The God Pause for Thursday, 8 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Mark 9:2-9
Mark 9:
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2 Six days later, Yeshua took Kefa, Ya‘akov and Yochanan and led them up a high mountain privately. As they watched, he began to change form, 3 and his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than anyone in the world could possibly bleach them. 4 Then they saw Eliyahu and Moshe speaking with Yeshua. 5 Kefa said to Yeshua, “It’s good that we’re here, Rabbi! Let’s put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu.” 6 (He didn’t know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud enveloped them; and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Yeshua.
9 As they came down the mountain, he warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
(Complete Jewish Bible.)
"2018 Lenten Devotionals are now available!" The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States
This year's contributing authors are:
- Dave Scherer, '15, Christian Public Leader Coordinator and Multicultural Engagement Specialist
- Kathryn Schifferdecker, Associate Professor of Old Testament; Bible Division Chair
- Algie Lewis '18, M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student
- James L. Boyce '72, Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Greek
- Catherine Malotky '86, Grant and Project Manager for the Center for Stewardship Leaders
- Mark Granquist, Associate Professor of Church History
If you have questions, please email devotion@luthersem.edu.
We hope you enjoy "Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow."
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Mark begins his story of Jesus with these words: "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." As we continue reading Mark's "sermon" we hear a voice from heaven announcing Jesus as the beloved Son of God and that he is to be heard and heeded. We see Jesus casting out demons, giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. We hear his proclamation in word and deed that the presence and power of the kingdom of the living God is real and now.
Yet, there are many who do not see or perceive, who do not hear or listen. Even now as they stand with Jesus, Moses and Elijah in the mind-boggling event of the Transfiguration, the closest followers of Jesus still don't seem to get it. What they see and hear doesn't fit their expectations.
It is only when Jesus has died and been raised from death that the Holy Spirit frees us from all that prevents our seeing and hearing. Then we are truly able to begin to know, believe in and fully live with Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
Living and Loving God, whom we meet and know most truly in Jesus, free us from all that clouds our hearts and minds. Use the coming Season of Lent to help us stand "beneath the cross of Jesus" and know that Jesus is the only true home within the wilderness of this world. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
Mark 9:2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.
4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!"
8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (The New Revised Standard Version)
***
Yet, there are many who do not see or perceive, who do not hear or listen. Even now as they stand with Jesus, Moses and Elijah in the mind-boggling event of the Transfiguration, the closest followers of Jesus still don't seem to get it. What they see and hear doesn't fit their expectations.
It is only when Jesus has died and been raised from death that the Holy Spirit frees us from all that prevents our seeing and hearing. Then we are truly able to begin to know, believe in and fully live with Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
Living and Loving God, whom we meet and know most truly in Jesus, free us from all that clouds our hearts and minds. Use the coming Season of Lent to help us stand "beneath the cross of Jesus" and know that Jesus is the only true home within the wilderness of this world. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
Mark 9:2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.
4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!"
8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (The New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause for Wednesday, 7 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
2 Corinthians 4:3 So if indeed our Good News is veiled, it is veiled only to those in the process of being lost. 4 They do not come to trust because the god of the ‘olam hazeh has blinded their minds, in order to prevent them from seeing the light shining from the Good News about the glory of the Messiah, who is the image of God. 5 For what we are proclaiming is not ourselves, but the Messiah Yeshua as Lord, with ourselves as slaves for you because of Yeshua. 6 For it is the God who once said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has made his light shine in our hearts, the light of the knowledge of God’s glory shining in the face of the Messiah Yeshua.(Complete Jewish Bible.)
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During the Season of Epiphany, there is much reflection on light--the light of the star that led the Magi to worship and present their gifts to the new born Jesus, the spiritual "light" that came to those who sought out Jesus, the light of seeing and hearing, the light of healing and wholeness and the light of forgiveness that makes life whole.
The Apostle Paul notes how the darkness of this world keeps us from seeing the light of the good news of Jesus as Savior and Lord. Darkness seems to pervade all of our lives. Political actions, economic swings, health crises and the cost of essential health care--all of these can get in the way of sharing the love and expressing the joy of life with God through faith in Jesus.
The upcoming season of Lent will again remind us that it is not in the easy circumstances that we know joy, love and peace. These come, as we know, through believing in and living with our Savior and Lord who suffered and died, who was raised from death and is with us always.
Living and Loving God, open our lives--eyes, ears and minds--to see the light that does shine in the darkness. Remove from us all that keeps us from seeing light in the face of Jesus. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
2 Corinthians 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5 For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.
6 For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (New Revised Standard Version)
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The God Pause for Tuesday, 6 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Psalm 50:1-6
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During the Season of Epiphany, there is much reflection on light--the light of the star that led the Magi to worship and present their gifts to the new born Jesus, the spiritual "light" that came to those who sought out Jesus, the light of seeing and hearing, the light of healing and wholeness and the light of forgiveness that makes life whole.
The Apostle Paul notes how the darkness of this world keeps us from seeing the light of the good news of Jesus as Savior and Lord. Darkness seems to pervade all of our lives. Political actions, economic swings, health crises and the cost of essential health care--all of these can get in the way of sharing the love and expressing the joy of life with God through faith in Jesus.
The upcoming season of Lent will again remind us that it is not in the easy circumstances that we know joy, love and peace. These come, as we know, through believing in and living with our Savior and Lord who suffered and died, who was raised from death and is with us always.
Living and Loving God, open our lives--eyes, ears and minds--to see the light that does shine in the darkness. Remove from us all that keeps us from seeing light in the face of Jesus. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
2 Corinthians 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5 For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.
6 For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause for Tuesday, 6 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - Psalm 50:1-6
Psalm 50:1
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Psalm 50 invites listeners to imagine a living and loving God who speaks "from the rising of the sun." That conviction certainly fits well with the entire Epiphany season that ends on Sunday. On the First Sunday of Epiphany we heard of the Baptism of Jesus, "the heavens being ripped open" and a voice speaking from heaven. In Psalm 50 we hear that God speaks and the heavens declare God's righteousness. On succeeding Sundays we heard of Jesus inviting those who met him to follow him, to respond to the power and purpose of the living God present in Jesus. Psalm 50 also tells about "gathering God's faithful ones" and how God is the mighty one who calls, gathers and keeps the covenant made with the people of God.
The Season of Epiphany traditionally concludes with the story of the Transfiguration of our Lord, in which Jesus' garments become dazzling white. Psalm 50 also speaks of a "perfection of beauty" and "God shining forth." Now at the end of the Epiphany Season we stand on the cusp of the Season of Lent during which attention is focused on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, the Christ. Psalm 50 in a similar way speaks of a "covenant made with God by sacrifice."
Living and Loving God, help us to see and know your presence, power and purpose in Jesus, the Christ, and lead us to confess our faith in all we are and do. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
Psalm 50:1 The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
3 Our God comes and does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, and a mighty tempest all around him.
4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 "Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!"
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. (Selah) (New Revised Standard Version)
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The God Pause for Monday, 5 February 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul Minnesota United States - 2 Kings 2:1-12
(0) A psalm of Asaf:
(1) The Mighty One, God, Adonai, is speaking,
summoning the world from east to west.
2 Out of Tziyon, the perfection of beauty,
God is shining forth.
3 Our God is coming and not staying silent.
With a fire devouring ahead of him
and a great storm raging around him,
4 he calls to the heavens above and to earth,
in order to judge his people.
5 “Gather to me my faithful,
those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for God himself is judge. (Selah)
(Complete Jewish Bible.)***
Psalm 50 invites listeners to imagine a living and loving God who speaks "from the rising of the sun." That conviction certainly fits well with the entire Epiphany season that ends on Sunday. On the First Sunday of Epiphany we heard of the Baptism of Jesus, "the heavens being ripped open" and a voice speaking from heaven. In Psalm 50 we hear that God speaks and the heavens declare God's righteousness. On succeeding Sundays we heard of Jesus inviting those who met him to follow him, to respond to the power and purpose of the living God present in Jesus. Psalm 50 also tells about "gathering God's faithful ones" and how God is the mighty one who calls, gathers and keeps the covenant made with the people of God.
The Season of Epiphany traditionally concludes with the story of the Transfiguration of our Lord, in which Jesus' garments become dazzling white. Psalm 50 also speaks of a "perfection of beauty" and "God shining forth." Now at the end of the Epiphany Season we stand on the cusp of the Season of Lent during which attention is focused on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, the Christ. Psalm 50 in a similar way speaks of a "covenant made with God by sacrifice."
Living and Loving God, help us to see and know your presence, power and purpose in Jesus, the Christ, and lead us to confess our faith in all we are and do. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
Psalm 50:1 The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
3 Our God comes and does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, and a mighty tempest all around him.
4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 "Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!"
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. (Selah) (New Revised Standard Version)
***
2 Kings 2:1
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The reading from 2 Kings assigned for the coming final Sunday of the Season of Epiphany--also called The Transfiguration of our Lord--tells the story of Elisha succeeding Elijah as a prophet among the prophets and the people of Israel. Some fascinating themes run through the narrative: images of light in the darkness, fire as showing the presence of the living and loving God, reflection on the ministry of the prophet Elijah and the importance of history and communities of faith.
As you read this narrative, you might think about: the importance of the communities of the prophets for the people Israel; the commitment of Elisha to stay with Elijah; the parting of the waters of the Jordan with Elijah and Elisha crossing on dry ground; the travel itinerary that closely follows, in reverse order, the routes and cities on and through which the descendants of Abraham were led by Joshua on the way to the Land of the Promise. Let the Holy Spirit bring new insights to you as you read this scripture passage today.
Living and loving God, show us how our faith and life are rooted in your past purposes and promises. Assure us that you go with us into all that is to come. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
2 Kings 2:1 Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.
2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.
3 The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?" And he said, "Yes, I know; keep silent."
4 Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho.
5 The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be silent."
6 Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on.
7 Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan.
8 Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you." Elisha said, "Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit."
10 He responded, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not."
11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven.
12 Elisha kept watching and crying out, "Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. (New Revised Standard Version)
The time came for Adonai to take Eliyahu up into heaven in a whirlwind. Eliyahu and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal, 2 when Eliyahu said to Elisha, “Please wait here, because Adonai has sent me all the way to Beit-El.” But Elisha said, “As Adonai lives, and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Beit-El. 3 The guild prophets of Beit-El came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that Adonai is taking your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he answered; “say no more.”
4 Eliyahu said to him, “Elisha, please wait here, because Adonai has sent me to Yericho.” He replied, “As Adonai lives, and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Yericho. 5 The guild prophets of Yericho approached Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that Adonai is taking your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he answered; “say no more.”
6 Eliyahu said to him, “Please wait here, because Adonai has sent me to the Yarden.” He replied, “As Adonai lives, and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty of the guild prophets went and stood watching them from a distance, while they stood by the Yarden. 8 Then Eliyahu took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it; and the water divided itself to the left and to the right; so that they crossed on dry ground. 9 After they had crossed, Eliyahu said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away from you.” Elisha said, “Please! Let a double share of your spirit be on me!” 10 He replied, “You have requested a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, you will get what you asked for; but if not, you won’t.”
11 Suddenly, as they were walking on and talking, there appeared a fiery chariot with horses of fire; and as it separated the two of them from each other, Eliyahu went up into heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Isra’el!” Then he lost sight of him. Seizing his clothes, he tore them in half.
(Complete Jewish Bible.)The reading from 2 Kings assigned for the coming final Sunday of the Season of Epiphany--also called The Transfiguration of our Lord--tells the story of Elisha succeeding Elijah as a prophet among the prophets and the people of Israel. Some fascinating themes run through the narrative: images of light in the darkness, fire as showing the presence of the living and loving God, reflection on the ministry of the prophet Elijah and the importance of history and communities of faith.
As you read this narrative, you might think about: the importance of the communities of the prophets for the people Israel; the commitment of Elisha to stay with Elijah; the parting of the waters of the Jordan with Elijah and Elisha crossing on dry ground; the travel itinerary that closely follows, in reverse order, the routes and cities on and through which the descendants of Abraham were led by Joshua on the way to the Land of the Promise. Let the Holy Spirit bring new insights to you as you read this scripture passage today.
Living and loving God, show us how our faith and life are rooted in your past purposes and promises. Assure us that you go with us into all that is to come. Amen.
Jim Thvedt '59
Retired/Interim Pastor, Brookings, S.D.
2 Kings 2:1 Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.
2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.
3 The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?" And he said, "Yes, I know; keep silent."
4 Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho.
5 The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be silent."
6 Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on.
7 Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan.
8 Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you." Elisha said, "Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit."
10 He responded, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not."
11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven.
12 Elisha kept watching and crying out, "Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. (New Revised Standard Version)
The Luther Seminary
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