What is Divine Service?

What is Divine Service?

Divine Service is God’s service to His people when they gather around Word and Sacrament. This comes from the greek word λιτυργια, meaning “service” and where we get the word “liturgy”. This is the focal point of worship, receiving the gifts of God to strengthen and preserve one’s faith.

What are God’s gifts?

The primary gifts that God gives during the Divine Service are His Word and Sacrament. His Word is given in Confession & Absolution, the Scripture readings, and the Sermon. He then gives His own body in the Sacrament of the Altar (The Lord’s Supper).

Why are the Scripture readings & Sermon important?

Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1) and faith in God comes by hearing this Word (Romans 10:17). Therefore, an Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel reading are each read so that faith may be strengthened. The Sermon is then given by the pastor in order to explain and proclaim that Word of God to the people. The pastor is God’s voice to the people, so he preaches God’s Word to them, increasing their understanding and faith.

What is Confession & Absolution?

Confession is where all people admit that they are poor, miserable sinners and plead guilty of all sins of thought, word, and deed. Having confessed their sins, the pastor, as a called and ordained servant of Christ (John 20:22-23), then speaks the Absolution, where he forgives them of their sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

What is the Lord’s Supper?

The Lord’s Supper, also known as the Sacrament of the Altar, is the true body and blood of Christ, physically present in the bread and wine. They are given to us by Christ for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. This Supper was instituted by Christ on Maundy Thursday in the upper room (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) where he tells his disciples, “Take, eat, this is my body…take, drink, this is my blood…” We continue to eat and drink His body and blood as a means of forgiveness and a foretaste of the feast to come in the new heaven and new earth.

Why does any of this matter?

Because of original sin, man is completely corrupted and cannot do anything to save himself. But that is not the end of the story. God sent His Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world. He continues to come to us and grant us that forgiveness of sins in His Divine Service, where He gives the gifts of Word and Sacrament to His people. It is through these Means of Grace that sins are forgiven and faith is strengthened. When you realize that church is primarily a place where God serves you as opposed you serving Him, it will change your whole life.