Posted by on February 1, 2025

Psalm 28

The Scriptures often encourage us to be silent, but we never want the Lord to be silent toward us (v1). What would happen to us without his Word?

Zechariah 11.4-17

For younger children read at least Zechariah 11.12b “They weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver” and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also remind them that Jesus was betrayed for 30 piece of silver (a terrible trade) and you were bought with his holy precious blood. You are worth so much to Jesus!

For older children you could read and discuss this – “The prophet/shepherd gave names to his two staffs that describe the Lords historic relationship with Israel: His favor and the union they enjoyed with Him and one another. Both staffs will be broken.” The Lutheran Study Bible How are favor and union restored for us in Christ? Talk about Baptism and the Supper as gifts of favor and union.

2 Timothy 4.1-18

For younger children read at least 2 Timothy 4.7 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also ask “How do you feel after a race?” Tired. “How do you feel after a race when you did not try very hard?” Maybe disappointed in yourself. “How do you want to feel at the end of your life?” Like you tried, you did not waste your life. Remember your Baptism and God’s grace and your life will not be a waste.

For older children you could focus on this quote from the Apology to the Augsburg Confession about the crown of righteousness in v. 8: The justified are due the crown because of the promise. Saints should know this promise, not that they may labor for their own profit, for they ought to labor for God’s glory. But saints should know it so they may not despair in troubles. They should know God’s will: He desires to aid, to deliver, and to protect them.”

Write it on the heart verses – Zechariah 11.12b and 2 Timothy 4.7

Small Catechism for the week: Table of Duties – What hearers owe their pastors – Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over yours souls as men who will give an account. Obey them, so that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13.17

Small Catechism question for the day: What gives pastors joy? Ephesians 1.15,16 – For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

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