Bible Study: Being Remembered

The prophet addresses the complaint and temptation of many Christians: “What point is there in being faithful to the Lord? We suffer, but the arrogant and proud unbelievers prosper!” Let us renounce all such thoughts. Though we may suffer in this life as Christ’s faithful Christians, there will be a day in which we who have hoped in Christ will be vindicated. Christ’s suffering is the source of an eternal life with God in Christ. Shall we, therefore, spurn suffering in our own lives for the sake of Christ?

 By no means. Colossians 1:13-20: Christ is confessed to be the Father’s faithful Son. He redeemed us by His blood and He is the head of all things for the sake of His Church. He has made peace with God for us by the blood of His cross. Luke 23:27-43: This year, the last Sunday in the Church Year presents a scene from the Passion of Our Lord that is often neglected: the daughters of Jerusalem mourn, weep, and lament as Jesus carries His cross to Calvary. As we look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of the Church Year, we remember that He is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” by virtue of His suffering and death upon the cross. It is precisely in His suffering and death that He inaugurated His kingdom.

 When He comes again in glory, His body will still bear the marks of His suffering in His hands and His side. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is always and eternally at the center of our faith and worship. The highest worship of God in this life is to mourn and lament one’s sin in true contrition and repentance and to long to hear and receive His Word of absolution. Indeed, in this portion of the Passion, Jesus prays for those who crucified Him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” His prayer upon the cross foreshadowed how He continues to intercede for us in heaven until His Second Coming.

 On the day of His return, we shall hear Him say to us the same thing that He said to the malefactor who hung next to Him: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

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Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person!

Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​

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