NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Jer 8:4–12; 1 Cor 12:1–11; Luke 19:41–48.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . “The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness” (Luke 16:1–9). The steward’s shrewdness is praiseworthy for two reasons. First, he knew the master would be merciful. He trusted that the master would honor the debts he forgave in the master’s name. In the same way, though we have squandered our heavenly Father’s possessions in selfishness and sin, Jesus is the Steward who has canceled our debt, knowing that His forgiveness will be honored by the Father because of the holy cross. Secondly, the steward was shrewd in using oil and wheat to provide for his earthly welfare. So also do these earthly elements aid us when pressed into heavenly use in the anointing of baptism and the wheat of the Lord’s Supper. Those who have the Sacraments will have an eternal home when their earthly home fails. These provide us aid in times of temptation (1 Cor. 10:6–13). For the Lord is our strength and a shield to all who trust in Him (2 Sam. 22:26–34).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 16:8 “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.” Money is a tool that can be used for good or wicked purposes. Often unbelievers show more shrewdness in this than we Christians. If we really believe all that stuff we say in the Creed every Sunday . . . won’t that affect how we use our money?

PASTOR WILL BE OUT OF THE OFFICE . . . Monday, July 29–Thursday, August 1, for a pastors conference in Racine, Wisconsin. In case of emergency, you may reach him on his mobile phone or contact one of the Elders.

BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, August 4, and will be going to SAM Pantry.  An envelope designated for SAM Pantry has been placed in your mailbox. Please make your check out to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Thank you!

WHY? . . . Why is the Triple Hallelujah sung before the Gospel? The Hebrew word Hallelujah means “Praise God,” and is carried into the Latin tongue without translation as Alleluia. Its use in the medieval Roman Church was restricted to Eastertide, as an expression of the Church’s highest joy. It was sung with long musical phrases on a single syllable, as an expression of joy too deep for words, the joy of the resurrection of Christ. Our use of the Triple Hallelujah before the Gospel is a related use, since we know that our hearing of the words of Christ in the Gospel is nothing less than a hearing of the Resurrected One speaking among us. Such knowledge gives abiding joy, and thus it is fitting to rise in anticipation of the Gospel and to Hallelujahs. In the Western Church, we omit the Hallelujahs from Septuagesima until Easter as a kind of fast. There is even an ancient hymn sung for Septuagesima which bids farewell to the Hallelujah. This serves to make the anticipation for Easter, and the joy of Easter, all the greater. The joy of Christ’s resurrection can scarcely be better expressed than by simple Hallelujahs.

NOT ASHAMED CONFERENCE . . . Registration is open to everyone. Join us to hear about our spheres of influence within God’s orders of creation in the family, society, and the church. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors. Registration is free but limited. Register at this website: https://bit.ly/NotAshamedConf2024