Getting into God's Word
Written by Pastor Tim Swenson
Solapublishing.com
Weekly Readings
March 26 5th Sunday of Lent
The Common Thread
A valley of long-dead bones is revivified. A dead man is raised from the grave. And we too, who were dead in our sins, dead men walking in this flesh, are raised to new life in Christ. But this happens, not because a prophet spoke or even because the Lord said, “Come forth,” but because the Son of Man died for the world, becoming the resurrection and the life to everyone who believes. (solapublishing.com)
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 130:1-8
Romans 8:1-11
John 11:1-53
April 2: Palm Sunday
The Common Thread
This is why we know of Jesus today. Long ago, at his Father’s bidding, he came to earth to be crucified. More specifically, he lived among us so that he would die for our sins, his body broken and his blood spilled in order that God’s forgiving grace could be made available to all who believe. In order for this to happen, God had to provide his grace in a just manner; the penalty of the sin of a world had to be paid. So both God and humanity must die: a human because we sinned, and God because he would pay the debt of all. And so, the Son of God became the Son of Man, setting his face like flint, determined to save those who have no strength to save themselves, wasted as they are by sin. As man, he became obedient to God, and suffered every sinner’s sentence—death so that we might live. This is why we know of Jesus today. (solapublishing.com)
Isaiah 50:4-9
Psalm 118:19-26
Philippians 2:5-11
John 12:20-43
April 6: Maundy Thursday
The Common Thread
Moses and the people beheld God, and ate and drank. God is witnessed in all his benefits, so what can we do but eat and drink from the cup of his salvation? His greatest help, of course, is that salvation, and it was won for us at a great price to the Father. Because of immense love for us, he sent his Son to die for us, securing everlasting redemption for those who believe his promise. This love is what we receive as we remember Christ’s sacrifice, his broken body and shed blood. What can we do but eat and drink—and behold the Lord? (solapublishing.com)
Exodus 24:3-11
Psalm 116:12-19
Hebrews 9:11-22
Matthew 26:17-30
April 7: Good Friday
The Common Thread
Who would believe such a thing? A man of sorrows, crushed, pierced, marred—and all this because of our sins. It was God’s will to place the iniquity of all who ever lived upon this despised and forsaken man. Who could believe that in so doing, so many would be made righteous? Yet, we not only believe, but remember and repent. For it is he who we confess, confidently drawing near to him who had been rejected, but whom we cherish. We remember that on this dark day, he went to the cross so that we might receive mercy and grace and the forgiveness of all our sins. Who would believe such a wondrous thing? (solapublishing.com)
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Psalm 22:1-31
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
April 9: Easter
The Common Thread
This is why Jesus was born, lived, suffered, and died: so that “the Lord of all” would be the good news of salvation to “everyone who believes in him,” thereby receiving “forgiveness of sins through his name.” Indeed, there is no good apart from him. So we must always set Christ before us, seeking heavenly things—that is, seeking Christ himself who sits at the right hand of God. This is the life of the new creation, a life buried and hidden in the risen Christ. (solapublishing.com)
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 16:1-11
Colossians 3:1-4
Matthew 28:1-10
April 16: 2nd Sunday of Easter
The Common Thread
Watching basketball on television, one will sometimes hear the commentator say that one team has imposed their will on the game, that they will not be defeated. Sometimes it seems that the devil is winning, or that our sins are so great that salvation is uncertain. But the devil cannot frustrate God’s will—nor can we. Even our sin does not overpower the All Powerful. Look to his hands and side. See! It is finished. God has imposed his divine will on the game through his Christ, and his Spirit is the seal of this great salvation. (solapublishing.com)
Acts 5:29-42
Psalm 148:1-14
1 Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31
April 23: 3rd Sunday of Easter
The Common Thread
Watching basketball on television, one will sometimes hear the commentator say that one team has imposed their will on the game, that they will not be defeated. Sometimes it seems that the devil is winning, or that our sins are so great that salvation is uncertain. But the devil cannot frustrate God’s will—nor can we. Even our sin does not overpower the All Powerful. Look to his hands and side. See! It is finished. God has imposed his divine will on the game through his Christ, and his Spirit is the seal of this great salvation. (solapublishing.com)
Acts 2:14, 36-41
Psalm 116:1-14
1 Peter 1:17-25
Luke 24:13-35
April 30: 4th Sunday of Easter
The Common Thread
How do sheep hear the voice of their shepherd? Likely not by constant bleating. Rather, they keep an ear toward the shepherd. Otherwise, they wander off into trouble. Moreover, without an ear to the shepherd, they will miss a meal. It is the shepherd who calls the sheep to good grazing spots and fresh water. He who thirsted, Gregory of Nazianzus said, exclaimed to the world, “Whoever thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” The suffering shepherd who hungered, still feeds his sheep. But they must hear him call, and come to the meal. This is one reason we must devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. (solapublishing.com)
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23:1-6
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10