 |
|
|
|
Angels Watching
Monday of Pentecost 22
|
|
 |
"Be careful what you pray for; you might get it." When I was a child, even though I was a Canadian, children aspired to be President of the United States. They would say, "When I grow up I want to be President." It is a good and godly aspiration, but one, despite the honor ascribed to it, chock full of trouble. There is much suffering attached to high office. From a distance being president appears to be a golden opportunity. Once in the White House, the office becomes a shackle and slavery. How difficult is the job of being President!
This is one of the reasons why we ought to pray fervently for the person who holds political office. However, the President is never alone, even if sometimes he might feel that way. God promises to send his holy angels, even St. Michael, to watch over and guard the office of the president and the country which he serves.
God does this, not for the sake of the person of the office holder, but for the sake of the nation which is served by him. No person is worthy of such honor, yet he gives himself for the good of those whom he serves.
Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray
Memorial Lutheran Church
|
|
|
Martin Luther
"Holding civil office is really a kind of punishment-not light and small but very severe and cruel-against original sin, in order that we may learn how great the malice of men who are ruled is, and how great Satan's malice is. For no one understands or believes this except the magistrate, whom the devil resists with all his might. And Michael fights with the bad angels not only in the church but also in the state; for plunderings, thefts, frauds, and murders are works of the devil, which the magistrate cannot remove from the hearts of men. Yet in one way or another he restrains outward crimes with punishments and the sword, which he bears for this use by the command and authority of God."
Martin Luther, Lectures on Genesis, 41.45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Genesis 41:41-45
Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, "Bow the knee!" Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt. (ESV)
|
|
|
Prayer
Eternal Lord, Ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that they may be guided by your Spirit, be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For Baby Eleanor Talitha Braun, that she would be a source of joy to her parents Carrie and Jonathan and that the holy angels would keep watch over her until the day when she will receive the new life in holy baptism
For Pastor Marvin Donaire of the Lutheran Church of Nicaragua, that the Lord would be with him as he leads the church
For President Donald Trump, that the holy angels would keep watch over him
For all those who receive Christ's body and blood in the sacrament of immortality, that they might live the life given by God
|
|
|
Art: Albrecht DURER, The Adoration of the Trinity (1511)
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
