Opening Prayer
O God, let truth and love permeate our souls. Amen.
Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ – from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Devotion
In the midst of all confusion you make your way in meekness and love, and hold fast to that which you heard from the beginning. When someone cries out: “Here is Christ,” and another says: “No, Christ is here,” don’t go after them and don’t follow them. Now you are mature enough in faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son that you know it is the devil’s greatest desire to establish sects and schisms, to rip in two, tear asunder, cut apart the Body of Christ! Isn’t that the devil’s own work? Let us now no longer be children, who are tossed about by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine by human devices, by craftiness to beguiling tricks. Let us now walk soberly, and work in truth and love for the Lord, serving one another in every way. Don’t move one hairbreadth from the known truth, but love all God’s children, even if they are not of one mind with you in everything! Seek clarity and steadfastness in your thoughts so that you know what truth is and cling to it with unswerving loyalty. But in all your certainty do not violate love and lose meekness! Seek no controversy, but do not flee or desert your post when you are attacked. “Work with one hand, and with the other hold a weapon” (Nehemiah 4:17). Go on your way in goodness and charity, so that you yourself shall grow and you may edify others. The strength is given to us. The Word and the Spirit are there with grace for the growth of the Body of Christ. But work confidently, however dark the outlook. In the end, all who believe the truth in love will become one in faith. A beautiful goal to work toward!
Devotion
God, give us this great grace that we always may be truly faithful in love. Give us grace for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Hymn
Up, Zion’s watchmen, never sleep;
God’s people teach His way to keep!
For Joseph’s shame and misery
Remember now both night and day;
Let nothing make you insecure,
But trust in God’s good promise sure.
Th’ accounting that but once was giv’n
To rescue for the bliss of heav’n
The precious souls, intact and whole,
May well have worried your weak soul;
But Jesus’ blood our souls has bought;
Against us now there can be naught.
O watch and pray and strive to stand
Against the roaring lion’s band
With craft they seek in ev’ry land
Those who let go God’s faithful hand
If he their shepherd can deceive,
Then many lambs he shall receive.
O Jesus, give us shepherds, who
Will love Your holiness so true,
Guard them against the world’s fierce pow’r
And Satan’s craft in darkest hour;
Make them with You in union blest,
Until they have eternal rest.
Danish: Op Zions Vægtre sover ei! L 231 tr. DeGarmeaux;
tune: Vater unser (ELH 493); alternate hymn: Arm these Thy soldiers, mighty Lord ELH 508