Skip to content
nimble_asset_clc_logo_header

 

Church of the Lutheran Confession

Search Archives
Search
Lutheran Spokesman page head image

Connect with Us

Contact

WS Hymn 717 “Bright and Glorious Is the Sky”

  • by

A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-SIXTH IN A SERIES)

It was on the second day of creation that God made the expanse of the sky, and since then He has used it from time to time as something of a billboard for important announcements. Abraham, for example, was told to look up into the sky for confirmation of the promise God was giving him (Genesis 15:5). There were the Christmas angels who appeared in the sky, announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Now we come to Epiphany, where the sky again plays a role, hosting the famous “star in the east” which started the wise men off on their journey to find the King of the Jews.

The opening verse of the Danish-Lutheran pastor Nicolai Grundtvig’s (1783-1872) hymn, “Bright and Glorious Is the Sky” turns our attention skyward as well, Where the golden stars are shining, / All their rays to earth inclining (v. 1). Our thoughts fly heavenward as they beckon us.

Skirting the Issue

  • by

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

King Saul, along with three thousand men, was again on the hunt. Out of jealousy, the king was pursuing a most elusive prey: David, the king-elect. Time and time again the outlaw king had eluded Saul with superior tactics and speed. But now David and his men were cornered in a cave near the “Crag of the Wild Goats,” located on the mountainous slopes west of the Dead Sea (1 Samuel 24).

Into the very cave in which David was hiding, Saul entered to relieve himself. Consider David’s position and frame of mind. For months Saul had chased him like a dog, even though David had given Saul no cause for his jealous rage. David’s men were quick to encourage him to take advantage of this golden opportunity to strike a blow for freedom and justice.

Faith in an Almighty Deliverance

  • by

STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.  By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling… 

Hymn 272 “When All the World was Cursed”

  • by

A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-FIFTH IN A SERIES) God had not spoken to His people for 430 years.  More than four centuries had come and gone since Malachi had declared God’s final… 

When God Comes with a Still Small Voice

  • by

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Please read 1 Kings 19:1-18 for context.) Elijah was feeling tired and dejected. To him, all his devotion and hard work in serving the Lord seemed to make little difference.… 

The Calculation of Faith

  • by

STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s… 

Who Won?

  • by

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT What can a baby do? “Not much!” would seem to be the obvious answer. A newborn cannot walk or speak or send a text. Much of early infancy is… 

TLH 36; LSB 895 “Now Thank We All Our God”

  • by

A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-FOURTH IN A SERIES)

When do Christians give thanks?

Initial answers would likely include mealtimes, happy times and moments of success. It’s relatively easy to express appreciation to God when something pleasant is at hand or in hand. But what about those times when things seem to get out of hand, when a serious hardship lingers, when uncommon difficulties become common? Could such times ever be filled with thanksgiving?

The inspired apostle left no room for doubt. In his first letter to the Thessalonians he directed the people of God to give thanks “in everything.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) Since all things are under the direct control of a Lord Who loves us and wants only the best for us, it is fitting to thank Him not only during times of peace and pleasure, but also during turmoil and trouble. We are assured that the Lord “is righteous in all His ways.” (Psalm 145:17) He always has reasons for doing what He does and for allowing what He allows. Christians throughout the ages, therefore, have been led by the Spirit to express gratitude also during uncommonly difficult times—Christians such as Martin Rinckart (1586-1649).

Palm Prints

  • by

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have…