Letters On The Page

 Pr. Jordan B. Cooper is a Lutheran Pastor and Professor at American Lutheran Theological Seminary of the Association of American Lutheran Churches. This is a most helpful Lutheran approach to spiritual disciplines of prayer.

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 56:1, 6-8  Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32  Matthew 15:21-20 O Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen. In Genesis 32, the Patriarch Jacob, grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, is in the process of leaving Laban and returning home. He will shortly confront the reality of his broken relationship with his twin brother Esau. Jacob is afraid. He sends his family ahead of him bearing gifts for Esau. He hopes that Esau will have mercy upon him for his family’s sake. He is alone. In the dark of night, a stranger comes. Jacob and the stranger get into an hours long wrestling match. The fight is a draw. No one is a clear winner, except that Jacob had a hold on the stranger and will not let go. As daylight breaks, the stranger demands, “ Let me go, for the day has broken .” But Jacob says, “ I will not let you go unless you bless me. ” Jacob was true to his word. He did not let go...

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost   Job 38:4-18   Romans 10:5-17   Matthew 14:22-33 O Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. In the state of Indiana, public school has either started or is about to begin a new school year. It’s been a while since I or our son was in school, but I imagine some things have not changed. Before school, parents, teachers, and students meet one another. Questions are asked and answer. Then, on the first day of class there is a statement about expectations, stated goals for learning, sometimes called projected outcomes. One class period turns to another, then time passes by and before we know it, progress reports are issued. Students and interested parties learn the progress of learning and striving toward the desired goals and outcomes. Most of us are both relieved and happy when progress is observed and applauded.  All of this came to mind as I reflected up...

Pentecost 10 (Proper 13)   Isaiah 55:1-5   Romans 9:1-5   Matthew 14:13-21 O Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. The feeding of the five thousand is found in all four of the gospels. (Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14) Because the Holy Spirit allows the authors of the gospels to record their unique observations and memories, we are blessed with additional details that provide a richer, fuller picture of this miraculous event. For example, from the gospel of John we learn that because of what the people are hearing, seeing, and experiencing with Jesus, some are already wondering out loud if Jesus is indeed the prophet of God that Moses spoke of. In Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Moses declared “ The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers - it is to him you shall listen – just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the as...

Rev. Dr. Arthur Just, retired Professor of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN is interviewed on the On the Line podcast.  Professor Just has written and published a theological memoir Ever to Emmaus: A Theological Memoir . This is a wide ranging and informative conversation. Well worth your time!

  The Ninth Pentecost Sunday after Pentecost  (Proper 12A) Deuteronomy 7:6-9 Romans 8:28-39 Matthew 13:44-52 O Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen.  Through the book of Deuteronomy Moses retells the teaching and events of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. As Moses speaks to the people these words and commits them to written form, he knows that he is near the conclusion of his earthly journey.  The Lord will call him home soon. Moses will not go into the Promised Land. The mantel of leadership will pass on to Joshua. He will lead them in the conquest of the Promised Land.  Through Moses God addresses the new generation of Israel. Those who originally witnessed the mighty plagues that God visited upon Egypt, crossed the Red Sea on dry land, and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, are passing on or soon will. The new generation needs to hear anew that God views them as His tre...