Lectio Concordia

The Strength of His Might – Wednesday

Preparing for Palm Sunday

Series: Lectio Concordia

April 9, 2025 By Rev. Mark Ryman

• Online jigsaw puzzle of today's reading • Index

• 2025 St. Paul Theological Conference ... Register today!

• Collect: I thank you, Father, that when I was powerless to effect any change in myself, you sent your only Son, so that in the weakness and curse of his cross he might become strength over sin in me, and the blessing of life forever. Amen.

• Psalm 73:21–28

• John 9:1–7

• Afflictions are not always punishments or signs of wrath. Frightened consciences should be taught that there are more important reasons for afflictions, so that they do not think they are rejected by God when they see nothing but God’s punishment and anger in their troubles. Other more important ends are to be considered, namely, that God is doing his strange work so that he may be able to do his own work as Isaiah teaches in a long discourse (Isaiah 28). When the disciples asked about the blind man who sinned (John 9:2-3) Christ replies that the cause of his blindness is not sin, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. Jeremiah says that “those who did not deserve to drink the cup must drink it” (Jeremiah 49:12). The prophets and John the Baptist and other saints were killed, so afflictions are not always punishments for certain past deeds, but are the works of God, intended for our profit, and that the power of God might be made more evident in our weakness. [The Defense of the Augsburg Confession, More False Teachings]

• “Eternal Father, Strong To Save,” William Whiting Tune

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm does bind the restless wave,
Who bids the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

O Savior, whose almighty word
The winds and waves submissive heard,
Who walked upon the foaming deep,
And calm amid the rage did sleep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

O Holy Spirit, who did brood
Upon the waters dark and rude,
And bid their angry tumult cease,
And give for wild confusion peace;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and pow’r,
Your children shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire, and foe,
Protect them where-so-e’er they go;
Thus, evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

• Benediction: May you not die, but live to enter the gates of the heavenly kingdom through the righteousness of Christ Jesus who has become your strength and salvation. Amen.

• Memory Verse: Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41

• Memory Verse Aid: WAP TYMNEIT. TSIIW, BTFIW. (M2641)