The Pastor’s Corner

This passage is a severe indictment aimed at those who hold power, whether it be the civil magistrate or leaders of churches. The issue is the same: they are heaping on the people unjust and burdensome laws and ruling with tyranny, forcing them into harmful and evil things. Note what the prophet states in 10:1, "Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees." The term ("woe") is pregnant with meaning. It is a word of great warning towards those who would commit such evil and decree such evil over the people. The description of the problem is evident: the leaders are demanding evil, sinful things over the people, and the result is that the people live in despicable circumstances. The prophet offers a list of the atrocities of such people: First, they "turn aside the needy from justice." That is, the leaders are not interested in justice as God determines it in his Word. They are perverting justice and using it for their gain. Second, "they rob the poor of my people of their right." That amplifies the first charge in that it plainly states that God's people are to be afforded due justice. This justice is to be afforded all of God's people, not merely the rich but the poor as well. Third, The "widows [are] their spoil." True religion consists of caring for the weak and helpless -- the widow (Cp. James 1:27). Fourth, they "make the fatherless their prey." They take advantage of a lack of leadership in the home and use it for their sinful gain. None of this passes the attention of Jehovah. He sees it and warns these evil leaders. He tells them that they will not escape their treachery. They will have no help on the day of judgment.

Prayer: Almighty God and Father, we gladly bow before your throne today to offer you our sacrifice of praise as the one true God of heaven and earth. You are the alone sovereign of heaven and earth, ordering all affairs and actions of men to your own glory and the good of your people. We confess that we are often bewildered by your providence as we attempt to do what we should not do: peer into the secret chambers of your divine will. As a result, we fret and worry and grow anxious. Instead of turning to you with complete trust, we begin to allow our minds to wander into worry, which accomplishes nothing. Mentally, we can say with confidence that you are in the heavens and do what you please and what you do is good and right. Emotionally, however, we wrestle to make sense of all of it. You have told us to trust you, so please help us to do so. We know we easily wander into speculating about your will. Still, we also find great security in knowing that we are the apple of your eye, your treasured possession, and a people of whom you have placed your eternal love. So, be patient with us, Father. Please grant us a greater measure of your Spirit that we might trust you today with the problems of today and not borrow trouble from the future. We pray these things in the name of your beloved Son, our Lord, and Savior. Amen.

Call to Worship: Psalm 48:1-2
Confession of Faith: Westminster Shorter Catechism Q1-3
Hymns and Psalter Selections:

1. Hymn: Come, Thou Almighty King (#212)

2. Psalm: Be Merciful, O God (#57)

3. Hymn: How Shall They Hear the Word of God (#445)

Sermon: Mark 4:1-20

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did Jesus use parables and what is the central theme of the parables?

2. Who are the people that are able to hear the parables of the Savior? What language does Jesus use in 4:3? Why is it that people do not hear? See Mark 4:10-12. Cp. with Isa. 6.

3. List the four soils that Jesus uses in his parable. When the Word of God is preached, the “seed” of the Scriptures fall on one of four places. Where does it land in your life?

4. What is the seed?

5. What does this parable teach regarding the success of the Word of God preached?

Prayer: Our God and Father, there are times in life when the troubles and concerns of our world seek to bring us to the dust. We confess that those troubles sometimes succeeded to cause us to doubt and grow despondent. We look around our world, and we sin the raging effects of sin. We know that there is nothing new under the sun. We observe in your Word the numerous times when your church struggled with the culture and the world around them. The people of old were assailed by enemies of the gospel. Some of them caved into the pressure, but some remained faithful to you. We confess that we are often tempted to give up and to merely live our lives without all the stresses and burdens that come when we stand for the truth of your Word. We often feel like the psalmist who cries out to you to hear us and do something! We confess that our hearts sometimes grow faint. We long to see your glory and your name vindicated in all the earth. We long to be relieved of the misery of this life. Please help us, Father. Please lead us to the solid rock of your Son and spread out your wings of protection for your people. Please grant us a renewed love and understanding of the refuge you are in a world that is seeking their own destruction, professing to be wise they become fools. Watch over your people, Lord, and lead them safely home. We pray these things in the name of the Good Shepherd of the Sheep, the Lord Jesus. Amen.