433. Thursday after Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity.
Lord, let thy word chasten us
and cause us to examine ourselves. Amen.
Titus 3, 1-7. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
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It is wonderful how often the apostles exhort the believers to obey the civil authorities. This must, then, be a matter of vital consequence, of the greatest importance for our salvation; and there must be strong temptations for us men to be disobedient to those in authority over us. We should heed this well; for it has not been written without good cause. If we allow free scope to our appetite for power and our spirit of disobedience, we are not fit for anything good, but fall into all the vices of heathenism. Note the words of our text: Believers are to be “subject to principalities and powers,” and “ready to every good work.” These two things, subjection to those in authority and readiness to every good work, belong together, then; nay, they are one. Formerly, when we lived in heathenism, our condition was a different one, says the apostle; for the heathen spirit is foolish, disobedient, envious, and full of hate; directly contrary to Christian subjection and obedience. Such we were; but now that we have been regenerated and made partakers of God’s mercy, we have received a loving and meek spirit. Therefore we must now prove ourselves wise, submissive, and obedient, to the glory of God. In like manner Peter says: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake; for so it is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; as free, but as the servants of God.” Therefore, he that is submissive and obedient to authority shows good sense, and has true liberty, and does good; he understands the will of God, and obeys it. He, on the other hand, who will not submit to authority is foolish and ignorant and wicked, knows not the meaning of liberty, and is a slave of the prince of darkness. — Christians, do not drift with the current; but prove that a new spirit dwells in you; prove that you are in truth the disciples of Jesus; prove the truth of the word of God, that submission to authority is a fruit of the new life created by the Spirit of God.
Lord, point out to us the royal path of humility, and give us strength to follow it. Teach us more and more to know that he whom the Son makes free is free indeed. Lord God, assist us against the evil spirit of willfulness which threatens to take possession of the whole world. Have mercy, and save our people and our country, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.*
Lord God, we worship thee!
For thou our land defendest;
Thou pourest down thy grace,
And strife and war thou endest.
Since golden peace, O Lord,
Thou grantest us to see,
Our land, with one accord,
Lord God, give thanks to thee!
[suggested tunes: Nun danket alle Gott (TLH 36), listen here; or O Gott, du frommer Gott (TLH 395), listen here]
* Here the head of the family says a short morning or evening prayer in his own words, and closes with the Lord’s Prayer and the Benediction. This is to be done every day. If the stanzas are not sung, they may be read in their proper place before the impromptu petition and the Lord’s Prayer.