16th Sunday After Pentecost, September 12, 2021
Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am
Livestream at 8:25am
Bulletin for the service
Prayer of the Day
O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Scripture
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 116:1-9
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38
Sermon
“Sticks and Stones”
Mark 8:27–38; James 3:1–12; Isaiah 50:4–9a
But who do you say that I am? Peter is able to answer Jesus’ question correctly: “You are the Messiah.” After that, Peter’s words are all wrong. His protestations run him aground, misled by the little rudder of his tongue. He is rebuked, perhaps harshly but quite correctly: “Get behind me, Satan!” Jesus, the Word of God, will not abide words that run contrary to his purposes. Jesus is heading to the cross, replete with suffering and shame, for the sake of our salvation. He fulfills the promise of Isaiah’s Suffering Servant, this One who does not hide from insults and spitting, but who is vindicated by God. Raised by Christ, we are gifted with the new rudder of the cross. Carrying the cross, we get behind him and follow. As James encourages us, we now use our words to give praise to the Word, which leaves no room for gossip or hate.
Hymns
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise, LBW 526
Oh, Praise the Gracious Power, WOV 750
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song, ELW 808
Lift High the Cross, LBW 377
ELW, Evangelical Lutheran Worship
LBW, Lutheran Book of Worship
In our prayers we remember Refugee One.