April 2009
What Shall I Render to the Lord?
—Psalm 116

The Offertory from Divine Service One from the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) Page
159-160 asks the Question, “What Shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me”?

As you receive this month’s newsletter the Church year will be approaching it’s most sacred and holy time, Holy Week and Easter. Think for a moment of all that the Life, Death and resurrection of Jesus offers you and all who believe.

Now consider the question posed by the canticle mentioned above: What Shall you render to the Lord for all that His life and work brings to you? Recently, my family and I went to dinner at a moderately priced restaurant. After receiving the bill, I noticed that on the bottom of the bill, percentages of the bill were given just in case I was unable to calculate them myself. What truly amazed me was the amount of the percentages that had been calculated for me. The recital began with 15% then jumped to 18% and ended with the calculation for 20% of the bill.

My reason for sharing this with you is simple. If what you put into your belly when dining away from home is served in such a spectacular manner that it is worth a 15 to 20 percent tip, then what of your earthly blessings that you daily receive from God? What are they
worth; what “tip” shall you render unto the Lord? Not only does your God give you His First Article gifts that support your body and Life, but He also gives you the Second Article gifts that flow from the Cross of His Son; gifts that impart Pardon, Peace and Forgiveness to sinners.

The Old Testament people of God gave the tithe or ten percent of all their possessions to the Lord. As New Testament Christians, you are not mandated to give anything to God. Rather you are to give freely in response to what you have been given from God!

First you receive God’s gifts for your body and soul, and then you by faith live your life in thankfulness to God for His gifts. This is done as you serve the neighbor in need through your vocation!

The greatest need of your neighbor is to know that in Jesus Christ there is forgiveness of sin, Life and salvation.

“What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?
I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will take the cup of salvation and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the Lord’s House in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.”

Joyfully I have received; joyfully I render!

Pastor Froh