Tag Archives: Apostles

July Thoughts… Prophets, Apostles, and Marys Oh My!

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Through July, we have a variety of encouraging examples for us. Many this month are from the Old Testament including three prophets and a matriarch beginning the month. From there we have a number of those who were close to the Lord during His earthly ministry including two of the many New Testament Marys. There are also two who seem to not fit the general theme that emerges, however, this is due to the date of their heavenly birthdays. As you read this I hope you find the comfort of the Gospel and are encouraged by God’s care for His people of all times and of all nations for the sake of His beloved Son Jesus Christ.

July 6: Isaiah, Prophet

Isaiah (8th century BC – c. 681 BC) the son of Amoz, was a prophet in the kingdom of Judah. He prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (1:1). His book is filled with many prophecies of the Messiah and is quoted more than any other prophet in the New Testament. Some are so explicit and so clear, such as the Songs of the Suffering Servant, that he is sometimes known as the Fifth Evangelist. Much of his work is focused on calling people to repentance for their idolatry and oppression of the poor. He foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people if they would not repent. Yet, he also preached of the peace to come in the time of the Messiah, the defeat of death, the conversion of the nations, and God’s deliverance of the people after the exile through King Cyrus of Persia. Traditionally it is held that Isaiah was put to death on the orders of King Manasseh by being sawed in half (possibly referenced in Hebrews 11:37). Overall, Isaiah serves as both one who pointed to Christ by his office as prophet as well as serving as an example of hope.

For to us a child is born. To us a son is given. The authority to rule will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no limit to his authority and no end to the peace he brings. He will rule on David’s throne and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from now on, into eternity. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

July 16: Ruth

Ruth in Boaz’s Field (1828) by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld

Ruth (11th century BC) was a Moabite who came to faith in the God of Israel and is an ancestor of David and the Lord Jesus. As a Moabite, Ruth grew up outside of the covenant, but during a famine in Judah she married a Bethlehemite named Mahlon, who was sojourning in Moab with his parents. By the time the famine was over, Ruth’s husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law had died. As her mother-in-law Naomi was returning to Bethlehem she urged her daughter-in-laws to return to their people and their gods, but Ruth had come to faith and was loyal to Naomi and gave the confession, “Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you make your home, I will make my home. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” On returning to Bethlehem she gleaned in order to support herself and Naomi. Eventually, she and Naomi would come to be redeemed by Boaz, who would marry her, and give her a son: Obed, the father of Jesse. Ruth is an example of God’s desire to save people from all nations, of patience and perseverance, and of a steadfast faith in trial.

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to abandon you or to turn back from following you. Because wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you make your home, I will make my home. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

Ruth 1:16

July 20: Elijah, Prophet

Greek icon of Elijah. The scroll says, “As surely as the Lord God lives, the God of Israel” and are the first words he speaks in 1 Kings 17.

Elijah (c. 900 BC – c. 849 BC) the Tishbite was a prophet in the kingdom of Israel in the time of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. We do not know much about the beginning of Elijah’s life or call. He first appears in 1 Kings 17 where he announces to Ahab that the Lord will cause a drought in the land because of Ahab’s trust in the false fertility and rain god Baal. In response, Ahab and Jezebel persecuted the prophets of God and supported the prophets of Baal causing Elijah to go into hiding in the land of Zarephath. It is here where he prefigured Christ’s saving work by the raising of a widow’s son. Much of what we have in the Scriptures regarding Elijah points to a life of suffering for the faith. After the ending of the drought and the demonstration of the power of the Lord through the fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, Elijah was once again hunted by Jezebel. At this time the Lord led him to Mount Hebron/Sinai where he was for 40 days. Despite not writing anything, Elijah is seen as the prophet par excellence in the Scriptures. Malachi prophesies that the forerunner of the Messiah will come in the spirit and power of Elijah. At the end of his life, Elijah was taken up to heaven in a flaming whirlwind after appointing a successor. During the ministry of our Lord Jesus, Elijah appeared alongside Moses at the Transfiguration of Jesus and spoke with Him regarding His departure. Elijah for us serves as an example of steadfastness in trial and boldness in our confession of faith no matter the consequences. 

When the time of the evening sacrifice had arrived, Elijah the prophet stood up and said, “O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and that I have done all these things by your word. 37 Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you are turning their hearts back to you.”

1 Kings 18:36-37

July 21: Ezekiel, Prophet

Ezekiel (c. 622 BC – c. 570 BC) the son of Buzi, was a priest and prophet during the exile of the Jewish people in Babylon. As a prophet among the exiles, Ezekiel continued to call for the people to repent and believe that Jerusalem (which had not yet been destroyed) would be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Many of these prophecies were to be enacted out in his person and actions. In this he exposed himself to ridicule. Yet, he followed the commands of the Lord and endured mocking for the name of God. In the time after the Temple was destroyed, he turned to comforting the people with the hope of the return to the land and God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. Throughout all of this he points to the New Covenant and the Kingdom of God in Christ which would include all nations. His writing includes one of the most clear Old Testament prophecies regarding Holy Baptism (Ezekiel 36:25-27). We give thanks to God for raising up the prophet Ezekiel and for his witness of the coming Prophet like Moses, Jesus Christ.

I will sprinkle purifying water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurity and from all your filthy idols. Then I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you. I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you and will cause you to walk in my statutes, and you will carefully observe my ordinances.

Ezekiel 36:25-27

July 22: St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene in a Landscape by Lucas Cranach. She bears the spices she brought for the Lord. In the top corner the resurrected Lord is surrounded by angels.

St. Mary Magdalene (1st century AD) was a prominent female disciple of our Lord Jesus and the first witness of the resurrection. She most likely came from the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee and she began to follow Jesus after He drove out seven demons from her (Luke 8:2). She, along with a number of other women including Jesus’ mother Mary and the Apostle John were some of the only believers present at our Lord’s crucifixion. And while she has been identified throughout Church history with the woman who anointed our Lord with perfume and tears in Luke 7, but this is not certain. However, we do know that the Lord appeared to her after His resurrection and sent her to tell the Apostles of His resurrection. For this, she is known as the Apostle to the Apostles. In her we see both an example for us of repentance and service, for after her conversion she and other women provided for the Lord and His disciples. We are also strengthened by the example of the Lord’s mercy to her in driving out seven demons.

Jesus told her, “Do not continue to cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father—to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” She also told them the things he said to her.

John 20:17-18

July 25: St. James the Elder, Apostle

St. James the Elder (c. AD 3 – 44), also known as St. James the Great, and St. James the Greater, was the brother of St. John the Apostle and an apostle of our Lord. James was one of the “inner three” of the Lord’s disciples along with Peter and John and as such witnessed the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and was asked to stay awake while Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. After the resurrection and ascension of our Lord, James was the first of the Apostles to be martyred for the faith. He died at the hands of King Herod Agrippa in AD 44 by being put to death by the sword (Acts 12:1-2). Besides his steadfastness unto death, there are a number of examples in James’ life that serve us as disciples. The first is that our zeal for the truth must be tempered by love. For James asked the Lord when He was rejected at a Samaritan village if he and John should call down fire from heaven to destroy them (Luke 9:51-56). The Lord rebuked them for this, and later, at the preaching of the Gospel many of the Samaritans would come to faith, most likely including some from this unnamed village (Acts 8:4-8). Thus, our zeal for the truth of the Gospel must not result in desiring the destruction of our enemies (as James desired at first), but their conversion. The second example is that of humility. James and John both asked Jesus if they could sit at His right and left hand in His glory. In response, the Lord said that the greatest must be a servant, and the one who would be first must be a slave of all (Mark 10:43-44). Finally, there is his steadfastness to death. For all of these examples which God may use to strengthen us we give thanks to God.

Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:43b-45

July 28: Johann Sebastian Bach, Kantor

Portrait, 1748 by Elias Gottlob Haussmann.

Johann Sebastian Bach (March 31, 1685 – July 28, 1750) was a composer and remembered for his vocation as kantor within the Church. Bach grew up in a Lutheran household and this Christ-centred faith was a central component of his life. He knew well the doctrine of vocation and that all we do we do for the Lord. At the beginning of all his musical compositions (both secular and sacred) he would write I.I. which stood for Iesu Iuva, which means, Jesus Help Me; at the end he would write S.D.G. which stood for Soli Deo Gloria, which means, To God Alone be Glory. As the kantor in Leipzig he was responsible for the music for the church. As a result, he wrote cantatas for each Sunday and other festivals which would include the chorale meant for the day (like our hymn of the day). These works both added beauty and majesty to the worship of God while also proclaiming the Gospel through their words. Our own hymnals still use some of the music which he wrote and his other sacred works are still regularly performed around the world continuing to spread the Gospel accompanied by beautiful music meant to glorify God. For this we are thankful and give thanks to God for his example and works while also praying for God to continue to raise up and bless all church musicians who accompany our worship today.

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will make music to my God as long as I exist.

Psalm 146:1-2

July 29: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (1st century AD) were three siblings from Bethany near Jerusalem (not to be confused with Bethany beyond the Jordan) and disciples of Christ. These siblings were not only disciples, but good friends of our Lord. In Luke 10 Jesus and His disciples stayed at their home and He taught there. He also stayed at their home prior to the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (John 12). Lazarus, through his resurrection by Jesus, pointed forward to Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead. The faith of these siblings is for us a great example. Mary demonstrates for us the importance of Christ and His teaching being the thing of greatest importance in our lives. For when Martha asked Jesus to rebuke her sister for sitting at His feet and learning while she prepared a meal, Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better portion. Following this, Mary demonstrates a love willing to sacrifice goods in using an expensive perfume to anoint Jesus before the triumphal entry. In addition, their faith in the resurrection from the dead and hope in the midst of death is a great example for us. For they believed and had hope in the resurrection on the Last Day when their brother died. And when the Lord said that He was the resurrection and the life, they likewise had faith in Him. Thus, we give thanks for these three siblings who God has used to show us the life and hope of a disciple in times of mourning.

Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never perish. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

John 11:25-27

July 30: Robert Barnes, Confessor and Martyr

The martyrdom of Robert Barnes from Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.

Robert Barnes (1495 – July 30, 1540) was an English martyr during the Reformation. Barnes was an Augustinian friar who studied at both Cambridge and Lueven, earning his Doctor of Divinity. While at Cambridge, Barnes was a member of the faculty who met at the White Horse Tavern to discuss theology. It was here that he first became aware of seriously and read the writings of Martin Luther and was convinced of the evangelical truth. As a result he began to preach this truth in his sermons. After being condemned for this he was put under house arrest where he continued to preach to his visitors and distribute evangelical works in English. He later escaped to the continent where he spent some time in Wittenberg and stayed at the home of Martin Luther. Because of this he became a good mediator between Henry VIII and the Wittenberg faculty when he returned to England. While there he continued to preach and write the truth of Lutheran doctrine. After one particularly fiery sermon in 1540 he was arrested. After refusing to recant and remaining steadfast in the faith, he was put to death by being burnt at the stake. Later, Luther would say of him, “This Dr. Robert Barnes we certainly knew, and it is a particular joy for me to hear that our good, pious dinner guest and houseguest has been so graciously called by God to pour out his blood and to become a holy martyr for the sake of His dear Son.” We likewise give thanks to God for this martyr who held the faith steadfast even unto death.

Do not fear anything that you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you will be tested, and you will suffer for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10

July 31: Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph of Arimathea (1st century AD) was a member of the Sanhedrin and a disciple of Jesus. Like Nicodemus, a Pharisee who sought Jesus out by night so as not to be seen as a disciple, Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus because of his position on the ruling council of the Sanhedrin. However, the death of our Lord (which he did not agree with (Luke 23:51)) brought out a change of heart in him (and Nicodemus). When Jesus had died, he openly became a disciple and used his influence as a member of the Sanhedrin in order to approach Pilate boldly to ask for the body of Jesus that they might bury Him. Joseph and Nicodemus then took the Lord down from the cross and wrapped him in linen with aloes before placing Him in Joseph’s own new tomb, thus fulfilling the prophecies of the burial of the Messiah. Joseph is especially an example for us in boldness of our confession, even when it will cost us influence, friends, and prestige in this life. For while at first he was afraid of a public confession, he later was given the courage to profess His faith by God’s grace. May we always be encouraged by this, and pray that God would grant us this same grace when we feel timid about confessing our faith.

Joseph from Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. He summoned the centurion and asked him if Jesus had been dead for a long time. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he granted the body to Joseph. Joseph bought a linen cloth, took him down, and wrapped him in the linen cloth. He laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of rock, and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

Mark 15:43-46

May Thoughts… Spring of the Church

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In May we remember many people and events at key points in the history of the Church and see how God has always cared for His people and brought about growth to His Church. The saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and this month we remember these men and women of flowers of God which He raised up and used as His instruments to bring about the growth and flourishing of His Church throughout history.

May 1: St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

English image of the apostles from the 19th century.

St. Philip (1st century AD – 80) is one of the Twelve Apostles and is not to be confused with Philip the Deacon who is featured prominently in Acts. St. Philip is listed in the apostolic lists in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but other than that does not appear. However, in John, Philip is featured prominently in a number of events including the feeding of the five thousand where Jesus tests Philip by asking him where they will buy bread (John 6:1-7); Philip was approached by some Greeks who wished to see Jesus as He neared His passion (John 12:20-23); and he asked Jesus to show them the Father when they were gathered at the Last Supper to which Jesus answers “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” (John 14:1-14). Philip is also a great example of the way Christians witness to friends and family, for after being called by Jesus as a disciple Philip finds his friend Nathaniel to tell him about Jesus (John 1:43-45).

St. James (1st century AD) the Less, also known as the son of Alphaeus, is like Philip, one of the Twelve. Like Philip, he is not to be confused with other Jameses in the New Testament including James the Greater (the son of Zebedee) and James the Just (of Jerusalem). Not much is known about James, other than that he was younger or shorter than James the son of Zebedee. Despite both being members of the Twelve we know little of Philip and James, even in extra-biblical tradition. However, in this we see an example for us in the faith today. Not much is recorded because it would seem, not much is extraordinary about them. They were called by the Lord and they continued steadfast in their vocation with no care as to whether they would be remembered, only focusing on sharing the Gospel so that more would know Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and be saved.

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

John 1:45

May 2: Athanasius of Alexandria, Pastor and Confessor

Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296/298 – May 2, 373), was bishop of Alexandria, staunch defender of the deity of Christ, and theologian. Athanasius was born to a Christian family and was given a good secular education. While still a deacon he wrote his famous treatise On the Incarnation of the Word of God which clearly and beautifully teaches on the incarnation of the Word in human flesh. He was close to his bishop Alexander and accompanied him to the Council of Nicea which was convened in 325 in order to deal with the heresy of Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria who argued that Jesus was not fully God. At the death of Alexander Athanasius was elected bishop of Alexandria and continued to steadfastly defend the deity of Christ and His being of “one substance with the Father.” His outspoken defense of Christ’s deity would cause him trouble with Arian (Constantine II), pagan (Julian the Apostate), and Arian friendly (Valens) emperors. Because of this, he would be exiled five times while bishop of Alexandria. While not written by him, the Athanasian Creed is named in his honour because it confesses the same truth which he defended throughout his life.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1

May 4: Friedrich Wyneken, Pastor and Missionary

A young Pastor Wyneken

Friedrich Conrad Dietrich Wyneken (May 13, 1810 – May 4, 1876), was a missionary in the Americas and pastor who helped with the formation of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Wyneken was born in the Kingdom of Hanover and came to America in order to serve the many Lutherans who at this time had a very difficult time getting pastors. In addition to his time he served as a parish pastor in Friedheim and Fort Wayne, Indiana, he also served as a missionary to the First Nations people in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. In response to the difficulties he saw among German Lutherans in getting pastors, he wrote “The Distress of the German Lutherans in North America” calling on Europeans to send pastors to North America. This book is that which inspired Wilhelm Loehe to begin his work of training and sending pastors to North America. He also founded Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne and was its first president. As the second president of the LCMS he helped to continue to shape its confessional character and helped to organize it, gathering German speaking Lutherans together from Canada to South America.

And how can they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news of peace, who preach the gospel of good things!

Romans 10:15

May 5: Frederick the Wise, Christian Ruler

Portrait by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1525

Frederick the Wise (January 17, 1463 – May 5, 1525), was Elector of Saxony and is remembered as a wise and just Christian ruler. Frederick founded the University of Wittenberg, which would become a centre of the Reformation and Reformation teachers. He fought for the cause of justice regarding the various trials of Martin Luther, ensuring that he would not be treated by the Empire like Jan Hus, that is, promised a fair trial and safety but then executed. Because of this, he refused to let Luther go to Rome to face trial. Following the Diet of Worms in 1521 when Luther was formally declared an outlaw in the Empire and thus could be killed by anyone with impunity, Frederick had him kidnapped and hid in Wartburg Castle so that he would be protected from those who sought his life. On his deathbed Frederick received Holy Communion in both kinds, a mark of his confession of the Evangelical faith. He was succeeded by his brother, John the Steadfast, who continued to provide protection for the Reformers in Saxony and advanced the cause of the Reformation among other princes and rulers. 

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to evil. Would you like to have no fear of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will receive praise from him.

Romans 13:3

May 7: C. F. W. Walther, Theologian

Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (October 25, 1811 – May 7, 1887) was a pastor and important theologian, not just in the founding of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, but for all Lutherans. Walther was one of the pastors who emigrated with the group of pastors and lay people to the United States under Bishop Martin Stephen in order to freely worship after fears of a Union Church (a forced merger of Lutherans and Reformed) began in Saxony. After the sexual misconduct of Martin Stephen resulted in his defrocking and exile, there were serious questions among the immigrants as to whether they were still a church without a bishop. Walther rose to prominence at this time, arguing from the Scriptures and the writings of Luther that a bishop was not of the necessity of the church, but instead it was the pastoral office and laypeople together who made up the church. In the founding of the LCMS, Walther supported a strong confessional position, and encouraged familiarity with the Augsburg Confession among the laity. He founded Der Lutheraner, a magazine which helped to bring many independent German Lutheran congregations into the LCMS. He also founded Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and was its first president. Important works of his include On the Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel, and Church and Ministry. He also served twice as president of the LCMS.

You see, if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, because an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16

May 9: Job

“Job and His Friends” by Ilya Repin, 1869

Job (late 3rd or early 2nd millennium BC) was a blameless and upright man from the land of Uz (Job 1:1) (thought to be connected with Edom, on the west of the Jordan River) and the main person in the book that bears his name. Job was not an Israelite, but predated Jacob, and thus is an example of God’s mercy and love in always ensuring a remnant and that He is remembered. Job, like Melchizedek (another righteous non-Israelite), would have learned of the Lord from the descendants of Noah after the flood who kept the worship of the Lord alive. In the book of Job we see how in the midst of so many trials and temptations that Job remained faithful and steadfast to the Lord God. Because of this, he is cited and alluded to numerous times as an example of steadfastness in the New Testament (Jas. 5:11, 1 Cor. 10:13, 2 Cor. 12:7-10). In the midst of his suffering, Job also confessed the belief in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come, and in doing so, he also prophesied of the coming Messiah who is God and Man in one person (Job 19:23-27). Thus, Job is an example of faithfulness and patience in suffering and holding to the hope of the resurrection and eternal life in the new heavens and new earth.

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the end of time he will stand over the dust. Then, even after my skin has been destroyed, nevertheless, in my own flesh I will see God.

Job 19:25-26

May 11: Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs

Cyril (826 – 869) and Methodius (815 – 885) were two brothers who together through their mission work among the Slavic peoples brought the light of Christ to them. Cyril and Methodius were from Thessolonica and later moved to Constantinople for theological and philosophical study. Around 860, Cyril was first sent as a missionary to the Khazars. By 862, both Cyril and Methodius were sent as missionaries to the Slavic kingdom of Great Moravia. While there, they worked tirelessly to bring the faith to the Slavic peoples. Rather than working in Latin (the language of the West) or Greek (the language of the East and their native language), the two brothers evangelized in the local language. They even invented an alphabet in order to help in the spreading of the faith so that the Scriptures could be translated and passed on in Slavonic. In addition, they used the local language in the liturgy that they developed for the Churches. Combined with the translation of the Scripture this meant that the people would be able to worship and hear the Scripture in their own language. Cyril and Methodius are remembered for their missionary work and are an example for us today in bringing the Gospel to the people in their own language. We give thanks to God for the work among the Slavic peoples that He did through them.

Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord. Praise his name. Proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. Tell about his glory among the nations, about his marvelous deeds among all peoples

Psalm 96:1-3

May 21: Constantine, Christian Ruler and Helena, the Mother of Constantine

Mosaic of Constantine and Helena from St. Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Constantine (February 27, 272 – May 22, 337) was the first Christian Roman Emperor, and the one responsible for the legalization of Christianity so that it could no longer be persecuted by the government. While Constantine was raised as a pagan in the Roman imperial religion before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312 the Lord showed him a vision of a staurogram (⳨) and said, “In this sign, conquer.” Constantine ordered that this be painted on all the army’s shields and when they won the battle, he credited it to the intervention of the God of the Christians. By 313, when the Edict of Milan legalized Christianity, Constantine himself was a Christian. It was under him that the First Council of Nicea was called in order to deal with the Arian heresy. 

Helena (c. 246/248 – c. 330) was the mother of Constantine and an important figure for her work in Jerusalem and Palestine. Eusebius of Caesaria, the Christian historian from the time of Constantine, said that Helena converted to the true faith shortly after her son. On a pilgrimage to Jerusalem Helena searched for where the local Christians held that many of the events of Christ’s life took place. At her direction both the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (at the site of Jesus’ death and burial) and the Church of the Nativity (at the place of His birth) were built. According to tradition, she is said to have also discovered the true cross while they were building the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but this cannot be certain. Together, her and her son are examples of Christian rulers who work to promote peace so that the Gospel of Christ may have free course throughout the realm.

[Wisdom says,] By me kings reign, and rulers administer justice. By me officials govern, as well as nobles and all just judges. I certainly love those who love me, and those who eagerly look for me find me.

Proverbs 8:15-17

May 24: Esther

Esther approaches Xerxes, unknown.

Esther (500s – mid 400s BC), was a Jewish exile and eventually queen wife of Xerxes I of Persia (Ahasuerus in Hebrew). While in exile, the Lord raised up Esther and used her influence in order to save His people from the plot of Haman after it was discovered by her adoptive father, Mordechai (Esther 2:19-7:10). In order for this to happen, she needed to approach and speak to the king, something which was forbidden and punishable by death if the king did not accept her (Esther 4:11). By God’s grace, Xerxes heard her, and she was able to tell him of the plot of Haman to kill the Jewish people, including her. At this, Xerxes ordered Haman and all the enemies of the Jewish people in Sus, the capital city, to be killed. In great irony Haman was hung on the very gallows he built to hang Mordechai and the other Jews. The Jewish Feast of Purim is held in honour of Esther and God’s deliverance through her. For us Christians she is an example of courage in the face of danger and speaking up for what is right. 

If at this time you keep totally silent, relief and deliverance for the Jews will spring up from somewhere, but you and the house of your father will perish. Who knows whether you have become queen for a time like this!

Esther 4:14

May 25: Bede the Venerable, Theologian

Bede (c. 672 – May 26, 735) was an English monk in Northumbria and is known for his historical writings regarding the Church in England as well as his theology. Today Bede is most known for his work, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, a book that documents the history of the Gospel in England, and a good source of history for the time period. He is also known for helping to popularize the method of dating we use today, Anno Domini, which uses the time of Christ’s birth as the dividing line. However, in his own day and after Bede was known as a theologian. He wrote commentaries on multiple books of the Bible and was also known for his preaching in the monastery where he lived. Today his sermons and commentaries are still valuable resources exegeting the Scriptures and pointing to the centrality of Christ. At the end of his life Bede translated the Gospel of John into Old English demonstrating the importance to him of having the Gospel in the language of the people.

[Jesus] said to them, “Therefore every expert in the law who has been trained as a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his treasure both new things and old things.”

Matthew 13:52

May 31: The Visitation (Three Year Lectionary)

The Visitation, from The Altarpiece of the Virgin by Jacques Daret, c. 1435

The Visitation of St. Mary to St. Elizabeth, is a feast which celebrates and commemorates the visit of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord, to her relative Elizabeth following the annunciation. This event is found in the Scriptures in Luke 1:39-56. In this event in the life of our Saviour we have many memorable scenes which declare what our Lord came to do. It is here where Elizabeth calls Mary, “The mother of my Lord,” confessing the divinity of the Son that Mary carried within her womb. Here too, the Holy Spirit causes St. John the Baptist, still in the womb of his mother Elizabeth, jumped with joy at hearing the sound of Mary’s voice. Thus, even in the womb, John the Baptist pointed to Christ. Finally, it is during the visitation where the Magnificat, the song of Mary, is recorded. The Magnificat is a wonderful hymn of praise which speaks to all that the Lord God will do through Mary’s Son, the Son of God, and as such has been remembered by the Church in having it as the canticle sung at Vespers. If a congregation is following the One Year Lectionary, this feast is celebrated in July.

Just as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

Luke 1:41-43