Sinner and Saint

I have overcome the world

Easter 6, 2013

John 16:23-33

“I have overcome the world”

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

             There were 15 active duty soldiers carrying 40lb packs in honor of wounded and killed comrades. They would walk the 26.2 mile marathon in hopes of raising awareness for soldiers wounded protecting our freedom and raising funds for a charity that helps them. After 8 hours these soldiers neared the end of the race as bombs went off at the finish line ahead of them. Their walk turned into a run as they immediately set off into helping victims wounded in the blast. In the midst of the carnage they showed the world what it means to serve.

          We live in a time when Christianity is under attack. Christians are being killed Africa for simply believing in Christ. There is a Pastor under arrest and in isolation at an Iranian prison. Coptic Christians are being killed daily in Egypt. Christians around the world suffer from all kinds of persecution. To a lesser extent we suffer persecution for being Christian in this country. When tragedy strikes you for being a Christian…what will you do? Will you show the world what it means to serve? Will you show the world what it means to love…to love your enemy and those who persecute you?

          The night before our Lord would suffer and die He was with His Disciples. He had taken the bread and wine, consecrated the elements, and offered strength and forgiveness to the Disciples with His very body and blood. Our text offers the final words He spoke to them that night. The Disciples speak confidently about their understanding and faith in Jesus being from God…but they still did not understand what would soon take place.

          “His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.” (John 16:29-32)

          Our Lord tells the Disciples that when tragedy strikes…when persecution arrives…when He is arrested and killed…the Disciples would scatter in fear. Peter would be the only Disciple to follow Jesus who was led to the High Priest was Peter…who would deny His Lord three times. Jesus would face Pilate alone. He would be beaten, tortured, and mocked alone. John would be the only Disciple to go to Mount Calvary where our Lord hung on the cross. The other Disciples feared for their lives and hid behind locked doors. When tragedy and persecution struck…these Disciples ran and hid…they served…but only themselves.

          What will we do when tragedy and persecution strike us? For too long Christians have “run and hide.” The Church is being attacked and we willingly give in to the world, try to look like the world in order to stay relevant and popular. When the world opposes Scripture many in the Church decide God’s Word is outdated. We have allowed our world to grow increasingly secular. Where have we been? When divorce was allowed for any unbiblical reason…where were we? When abortions became legal…where were we? When evolutionary theory became the only theory of the world’s beginning in schools…where were we? When adultery, homosexuality, pornography, and other sexual sins became the norm…where were we? As our brothers and sisters in Christ are martyred for their faith in other countries…where do we stand? Far too often we are like the Disciples…and when faced with tragedy and persecution for our faith we run and hide. When we fail to speak up for the truth…we are cowering in fear.

          Even as the Lord was telling His Disciples that they would abandon Him…our Lord tells them that He…that Jesus…would never abandon them. Instead He tells them “I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)

          The Apostles did have tribulation. There fear was valid. The world would hate them. Of the 13 Apostles (The 12 + Paul) only one died of old age…John…who died after persecution and exile to the island of Patmos. The rest were martyred for their faith…James by the sword, Andrew bound by ropes to a cross to prolong suffering, Bartholomew beaten by rods, James the son of Alpheus was beaten, stoned, and clubbed to death after refusing to deny the resurrection, Peter and Philip were crucified upside down, Thomas was struck by spears, tortured with red hot plates, and burned alive, Simon was crucified, Thaddeus was beaten to death, Matthias was stoned to death, and Paul was beheaded.

          At one time the Apostles had fled tribulation…but they died as martyrs. Each of them was killed for standing firm in the faith, for sharing the faith, for believing in Christ alone for their salvation. They did not stay hidden in their homes…but went out…under the threat of persecution…and served Christ and their fellowman. They served by sharing the Gospel; the good news of Salvation in Christ with all people. They shared Christ with all people…even people that would go on to kill them.

          How could the Apostles go from fear of death…to boldly proclaiming? By faith in Christ. By faith they trusted our Lord’s words that “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

          Jesus has overcome the world for you. Yes, there will be tribulation; there will be suffering and persecution, there will be tragedy…but Jesus has overcome the world; sin, death, and the devil. While there is suffering in this world…our hope is in Christ…our hope is in heaven.

          In the face of tragedy and persecution…may each of you and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ be seen…as soldiers of the cross…caring and serving for others even in the face of persecution and death. Share the message of the Savior that others may believe andbe saved. You can do it. Have no fear. Your sins have been forgiven. You have received the strength to overcome this world in the body and blood of Christ. By faith trust in Jesus…our Savior…who has overcome the world for us…as He was given and shed for you on the cross. Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Salvation is for All!

Easter 5, 2013

Acts 11:1-18

“Salvation is for All!”

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

              Even in the face of persecution by the religious leaders of the Jews and by the Romans…the Christian church grew with leaps and bounds after the resurrection of our Lord. “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41) “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42, 47) “And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” (Acts 4:1-4)

          Could you imagine…one day 3000 people baptized and on another day 5000 men come to faith…and that number didn’t include women or children! “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47) Day by day the Lord…the Lord… gave faith to people.

          The Apostles started by proclaiming the Gospel in Jerusalem…and then outward to Judea and Samaria…and in our text they are proclaiming the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Gospel would continue to spread to Asia and Europe. This was a great thing. God’s Word proclaimed; the Gospel proclaimed was creating faith in the hearts of the people.

          But things were not perfect. The Jewish converts…the first believers of Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior…the first believers in the resurrection weren’t happy. They had a problem with the Gentile converts. “So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” (Acts 11:2-3)

          The Circumcision party had two big issues with what took place: these Gentiles were uncircumcised and they ate unclean food. It was even thought that to eat with unclean Gentiles was to make yourself unclean. These Gentiles were breaking the ceremonial laws held for generations by the Jews. How dare they? Who did they think they are? They weren’t worthy to be saved. For those Jews…the Gentile converts didn’t look like them, talk like them, or obey the law like them…and so they weren’t worthy of salvation like them.

          These members of the Circumcision Party were just like Jonah in the Old Testament. The prophet Jonah was called to go to Nineveh by God. He was to proclaim to the Ninevites that if they did not repent God would destroy them. But Jonah didn’t like Nineveh…they were rowdy, evil people. Their town was a cross between Las Vegas, Amsterdam, and New Orleans…and not in a good way. Jonah did all he could to run away from God’s calling. But then came the storm, the being swallowed by a large fish or whale, being spit up on the beach…and repenting to God for not heeding His will. Jonah went to Nineveh, proclaimed God’s Word, and to much surprise the people repented. And Jonah was furious…because Jonah didn’t think they should be forgiven.

          What about us? How do we treat other people? What do we think about non-believers and their need for salvation? Often we like to think of Evangelism…the sharing of the Gospel…as something that happens out there…somewhere… maybe in Africa, South America or Russia. But we often neglect friends, family, and neighbors that need to hear God’s saving Word. How often do we rejoice when the wicked are caught? How happy were people, Christians included, when Osama Bin Laden was killed, or when Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed and his brother Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was arrested? Would we share the Gospel with them? Would we share the Gospel with other terrorists that wish to kill us? Are they too sinful and unclean? Whether it is a terrorist, a grumpy neighbor, drug dealer, alcoholic, homosexual, adulterer, family member or friend…how much do we truly hate them…to NOT share the saving Gospel message with them?

          Remember our Lord’s words: “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:9-13)

          Each and every one of us is indeed a poor miserable sinner. Many think they are better than others…but “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Christians…you and I…are no better than others…we are forgiven. We are forgiven, baptized, made children of God…because the Gospel was proclaimed to us and we were given faith.

          Forgiveness, life, salvation…that is wonderful news. We know the power of the Gospel…for we have seen the Gospel act in our lives and in the lives of many of our own friends and family. The Gospel changes lives and gives eternal life.

          My dear brothers and sisters in Christ…how many of you are Jewish? I’m not truly sure if any of you are…I am not. That would make us Gentiles. Thanks be to God that Jesus came to save sinners…regardless if they are Jewish or German, Russian or Mexican, African or Asian. Thanks be to God that Jesus came to save sinners regardless if they were red or yellow, black or white. Thanks be to God that Jesus came to save all sinners… not just those that tell little lies but those that murder, commit adultery, or any other sin.

          Thanks be to God that you and I have a Savior that died for us…and not only us…but for all people of all time. What a joy and privilege it is for us to share the wonderful news of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. How wonderful it is to share the Gospel…the Word that changes lives and creates life; God’s Word…that radically changes the world and calls sinners to be His children and heirs of heaven. Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

He will wipe away every tear.

Easter 4, 2013

Revelation 7:9-17

“He will wipe away every tear.”

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

            “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

          “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:4-13)

          “But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.” (Jude 1:17-19)

          This has been a tough week. 3 dead, 176 wounded, 17 critically wounded. A Chinese graduate student, 29 year old woman, and 8 year old boy…senselessly murdered.  Many victims were amputees. Flooding in Northern and Central Illinois forces many residents to flee to safety. Within our own Church family we have lost two: Wayne Karrick and Ray Richner. Whether it is death and injury due to violence, accident, or disease…it hurts just the same; it causes us to question the meaning of it all. Tragedy brings perspective!

          Unlike many people, I do not ask the question of “why did this happen?” The cold sterile reality is sin. The question that comes to mind for me is… “what scares me?” This question has come more into focus as Alicia and I anxiously await the birth of our first child… a wait that is now less than 5 months.

          What scares me? Certainly the violence of this world scares me. It scares me to think that you can be on a plane, watching a sporting event, crossing the street, sitting on your front porch, or be anywhere and risk being murdered or hurt for no reason.

          What scares me…as a Pastor? Children being raised without the knowledge of Scripture. Children who are not brought to Sunday School. Children that have not been Catechized. It saddens me to no end when I speak to our children and learn that some of them don’t know what we would call basic Bible stories. I don’t know what to say when a child looks at me with a blank expression when I ask if they  know the stories about Adam and Eve, Noah and the Flood, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, or Jonah and the whale. It scares me to think about how our children are being raised in a world, a society, a nation where sin is called good and true while God’s Word is called old, out-dated, and worthless.

          My biggest fears...the ones I have when thinking of my own child… will they have faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior? Will the world hate them, persecute, or kill them? Will the Church be here for them? They are questions that I simply do not have all the answers to. ..and that scares me. While I feel helpless with these questions…I also know that I am to blame. Look at the world that we are leaving our children.

          When we teach that our emotions outweigh God’s Word…we are leading our children away from Christ and His Word. When we tell our children to follow their wants and dreams…even when they are contrary to God’s Word…we are telling them to reject God and His Word. When we teach our children that life outside of Church is more important…we are teaching them to despise the place our Lord promises to be and the blessings that He bestows upon His people in this place. When we lead children away from God by our own sinfulness…we are leading them not to salvation but to eternal damnation.

          “Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?” (Matthew 7:9-10) I pray that none of us would. Yet when we decide to sleep in on Sunday, or go fishing on Sunday, or do this activity or that activity on Sunday instead of going to Church…what are we teaching our children? When we have more excitement for what we are doing after leaving church rather than being excited for the blessings we receive in Church what are we teaching our children? When we say that teens having sex is normal while God’s Word says it is a sin…what are we teaching our children about marriage? When we tell our children that the Bible is wrong and that you can love anyone you want or marry anyone you want…we make God and His Word into a book of lies that are out-dated.  No, we might not give our children a stone instead of bread or a snake instead of a fish…but we are instead driving them further from saving faith.

          Yes…this world scares me. Wars, terrorism, and disease scare me. My own sinfulness scares me. The thought of leading my child anywhere other than saving faith scares me. In the midst of all this I still have hope.

          “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10) “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15-17)

          These words give me hope. For there will be saints in heaven so great in number that we cannot count them…and they will come from every tribe and nation. My hope isn’t found within myself…but in Christ alone. My hope isn’t in whether I will be a perfect dad…but that I have a perfect Heavenly Father. My hope isn’t in whether I will teach my child well enough…but that they are given faith in the waters of Holy Baptism and sustained by God’s Word and strengthened and forgiven with our Lord’s body and blood. My hope is in a God that died and was raised for me…and my child. My faith is in Jesus alone and what He does for me…what He does for each of you…what He does for our children.

          By faith I trust God’s promise that all who believe in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior will gain eternal life in heaven…where “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17)

          My brothers and sisters in Christ, live as hopeful, forgiven people. Live out the knowledge of Christ in your lives. Share the wonderful news of a Savior. Teach about God’s love for all. Share in the blessings God bestows upon us in this place. Look forward to the day when you are reunited with all the Saints in paradise where God will wipe away all your tears. Look forward to the day when you are with your parents and grandparents…and when you are with your sons and daughters. Have no fear. Christ died for you; Christ rose for you; Christ will see you home to heaven. Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Life Isn't Fair

Palm Sunday, 2013 (Sunday of the Passion)

“Life isn’t fair”

Luke 22:1-23:56

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

             “Life isn’t fair.” Bad things happen to good people. He didn’t deserve that. Those are words that we have often heard and said. If ever there was one person that could say life isn’t fair…it was Jesus. If ever there was someone that we could say didn’t deserve what He got…it was Jesus. Life isn’t fair for Jesus or us…and that is a good thing.

             His mother, Mary, stood at a distance, watching as his body was taken down from the cross and wrapped in a finely woven linen shroud. As the sturdy white fabric enveloped his lifeless remains, she strained to look upon her Son one last time. His head and body already covered by the cloth, all that remained visible were his once powerful hands. Like a snapshot frozen in time, they revealed the intensity of the suffering he had endured.

            Rigid and stiff, they lay folded across his chest, contorted fingers clenched tight. Just above the wrists, unbearably large gashes could be seen—the place where the nails had ripped open a hole in his flesh. The deep, dark crimson of his wounds looked all the more shockingly real against the impressive whiteness of the burial cloth.

             Consumed with sorrow, grief, and pain, Mary turned away from that dreadful image, certain those nails had ruined her life. Life, you see, doesn’t always turn out the way you might expect. Life isn’t fair. Yes, Mary knew that Jesus was her Lord and Savior…but Jesus was also her beloved son. No matter how much she knew He had to die for her sins…didn’t make His death any easier to take.

             Just a few days before, it had all been so different. Riding confidently into town, seated on a donkey, thousands of people waved palm branches and cheered his name. With great enthusiasm, they cried aloud, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! . . . Hosanna in the highest!” (Mk 11:9–10). The excitement, the energy, the passion for her Son was like nothing she had ever seen. Maybe the though arose that He didn’t have to die… that He could save them, lead them, be with them always!

             But then, suddenly, everything changed. He was betrayed, arrested, put on trial, and nailed to that terrible cross. Mary must have been shattered, she had nothing left except the haunting image of his stiff and rigid hands, the unbearably large gashes, the deep, dark crimson of his wounds. Those nails, you see, had ruined her life. Life doesn’t always turn out they way you might expect. Life isn’t fair for mothers that must bury their children.

             The older and older you get, the more you discover how true that statement is. The excitement, the energy, the wonder you experience as a child slowly fades away, leaving you with the mundane routine of bills, work, and family obligations. As you grow up, you come to learn that the hopes and dreams of your youth never quite seem to be fulfilled.

             We spend our lives thinking, If only my marriage were a little bit better; if only I could make a little more money; if only my children were a little more successful; if only I were just a little more attractive—then I would be happy. Then I would finally be content. Then I would get what I deserve. But all too often, loving marriages grow cold, exciting careers turn dull, gifted children lose their way, and youthful bodies grow old. And then, when we least expect it, tragedy strikes. Suffering, disease, and death disrupt our humdrum lives, waking us from our slumber and causing us to cry out in despair.

             “Why, God, would you allow this to happen? Why, God, does life always have to be so full of sorrow and pain and hurt?” These are the ultimate questions we all must face. These are the ultimate questions that can be understood only in light of the cross of Jesus Christ. For as we will soon celebrate at the end of this Holy Week, a few days after he died, Jesus rose again from the dead and appeared before his disciples in the Upper Room where they had been hiding. His mother, Mary, was there as well.

             Strong and full of life, Jesus raised his arms into the air; his hands opened wide, inviting all to see. Incredibly, just above both wrists, the large gashes left by the nails could still be seen, except now they looked—somehow—beautiful. Filled with wonder, joy, and awe, Mary stared at his wounds, realizing in that moment that the nails hadn’t ruined her life after all—the nails had saved her life. Life wasn’t fair…and that was a good, no great thing. The sinless Son of God that died when He should have been praised rose from the dead so that Mary, you, I, and all people that deserved God’s wrath and damnation would be found innocent in Christ as our sins have been forgiven.

             On the day that you stand before the Lord in glory, gazing upon his nail-scarred hands, you, too, will realize that everything you thought had ruined your life was actually used by God to save it. In that moment, every single thing that has caused you sorrow will not simply be forgotten, but will become for you an everlasting source of joy. Your cries of pain will one day be transformed into endless songs of praise. Your complaint that life just isn’t fair…we turn into a joyful thanksgiving that indeed life isn’t fair for you are saved and given heaven.

             For now, our sufferings may seem to bode the undoing of everything we hope for. But since Christ bears those scars for us, through the cross, we can be confident that our present suffering will one day be transformed into everlasting joy. Life, you see, doesn’t always turn out the way you might expect. It isn’t fair. Thanks be to God. Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

God Sent His Beloved Son

  Lent 5, 2013

Luke 20:9-19

“God sent His beloved Son”

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

             The scene is Jerusalem on the Tuesday before Jesus' crucifixion and death. Jesus is addressing the people but His words are aimed specifically at the members of the Sanhedrin; which included the 70 elders, the chief priest, and scribes. And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out.” (Luke 20:9-12)

             God entrusted the Covenant to His chosen people Israel since the time of their deliverance from Egypt. The people of Israel should have produced fruits from their faith. But they never shared the promise of a Messiah with neighboring people. Instead they rejected God and took for themselves false idols and followed their wicked rulers in idolatry. Over and over again God sent messengers to His people; prophets that called the people to repentance and proclaimed punishment and destruction if they did not repent. More importantly the prophets proclaimed the coming of the Messiah; the Savior of the world; the Son of God; and salvation and forgiveness through Him. The lineage of prophets would end with John the Baptist who prepared the way for Christ. How did God’s people treat the prophets? Hear our Lord’s Word: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34) God’s chosen people rejected the prophets…killed them…and stoned those God sent with messages they did not like. What more could our Heavenly Father do? He had sent them Prophets to proclaim His Word to them.

             “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?” (Luke 20:13-15)

             It is becoming clear to the people and the Sanhedrin that Jesus is speaking of God, that "the tenants" are the Jewish leaders, and that the "vineyard" is the people of Israel. The situation is tense and serious. God had sent his son whom He loved to the people even to the Sanhedrin; the tenants left in charge of the people. God truly wanted all of them to repent and be saved.

             The Sanhedrin, like the tenants in the parable, plotted a horrible crime…a murder. Christ had a perfect right to expect the fruits of repentance and obedience from His people but the Sanhedrin wanted the inheritance for themselves on their own terms.

             Then the owner “will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others."  When the people heard this, they said, "May this never be!"  The owner of the vineyard, God the Father, finally comes himself, but not to look for fruit. From verses 9-15 (the beginning of our text) we see the great love and long-suffering of the Father by sending his servants the prophets and finally his Son to them. Now the Father comes to judge. The punishment is proportionate with their crimes.

             But the people there gathered yelled “May this never be!” This cry meant that the people hoped and prayed to God that this terrible act would not happen. They didn’t want to see Jesus killed or the judgment on the religious leaders whom they respected. The people understood what was going on as well as the Sanhedrin.

             “Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone '? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed." (Luke 20:17-18)

             Jesus really cared for them. The parable has ended and Jesus now makes an emphatic point. It's as if Jesus says:  "You mean to tell me it won't happen? It will. It has been prophesied." Truthfully…if anyone should have known what was to take place it was the religious leaders! They should have known the prophecies concerning Jesus! They should have recognized who Jesus was and why He had come. But they rejected. The Jewish leaders could not stand the thought of someone taking the leadership from them. They did away with Him because of jealousy and envy as is pictured in the parable.

             “The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.” (Luke 20:19) The Jewish leaders react immediately. How sad it is that they show their true faith...they feared the people...instead of fearing God. Jesus knew what was going to happen…he wouldn’t be caught off guard. Jesus told them this parable as a final warning for them that they may repent and believe. As we know the plot to murder Jesus was acted out as the Sanhedrin itself rallied the crowds chanting “crucify Him!”

             My brothers and sisters in Christ. Far too many of us, of our loved ones, of mankind are in danger of ignoring and rejecting Jesus. For the majority of the world Jesus is still the stone the builders continue to reject. Many reject the need for a Savior. Many reject Jesus as ever being real. Many reject God altogether. We are coming upon one of the most joyous times in the Church Year with Easter. It is a time of celebration at the victory Jesus won on the cross being raised by the Father that first Easter morning. And yet Easter is a time of mourning for those that do not know this wonderful message. It is a time of mourning for those that ignore and forget Jesus the rest of the year. It is a time of mourning because we forget about Jesus during the week, fail to share the Gospel with others, and fail to act as we should. Faith is expected to bear good fruit.

             Each and every day God promises to be with us, to watch over us, and to take care of us. Each and every week God offers us forgiveness of sins, strength for the day, everlasting life through His Word and forgiveness and strength in Jesus very body and blood. God, in his long-suffering, has chosen to send us messengers. Pastors have been sent to the harvest before the coming of Christ on judgment day. It is out of love that God sends Pastors to proclaim His Word. The time to repent is now. The time to cling solely to Christ is now. God’s Word is for all people and especially for you. It is God’s promise in action for you! As sinful people clinging to Christ for forgiveness; remember God’s promise for you. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The promise is for you. The victory has been won. You will not perish. God's promise of everlasting life in heaven is yours. They are yours in Christ Jesus who died and rose for you. Your forgiveness has been won. You are a child of the Heavenly Father. Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen. 

God is Faithful

Lent 3, 2013

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

“God is faithful”

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

             “Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1-3) The Lord also spoke to Isaac: “Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” (Genesis 26:3-5) And the Lord spoke to Jacob: Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:14-15)

             What can we say about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? They are all fathers of the faith and the fathers of the nation of Israel. To all three God promised to bless them, make their family into a great nation, give them a land of their own, and bless all the families of the earth through them. God is faithful. God indeed blessed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God made their family large and great…the Israelites. God blessed all nations through them…the gift of a Savior born in the lineage of King David: Christ Jesus the Lord. God is faithful.

             “For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness." (1 Corinthians 10:1-5)

             God had rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He watched over them, guarded them, and preserved them. He gave them food, drink, and protection. He protected them as a great cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He showed them great signs and wonders through the plagues, parting the red sea, providing quail and manna, and water from rock. God blessed these people. He took them to the land He had promised to Abraham, Issac, Jacob…and all the people of Israel. But they did not believe. God would punish these people in the wilderness. For their wickedness they would not step foot in the promised land. But God was faithful. He would still lead their children to the promised land…they would still be given a land flowing with milk and honey. God was faithful.

             Though His chosen people would continually fall into disbelief, follow false idols, and reject the true God…God was faithful. Eventually the people of Israel would become so wicked that they were destroyed. Jerusalem and its temple were left in ruins while the people were taken captive by the Babylonians. The nation of Israel would never be the same. But God was faithful. God had promised them a land of their own…that He would bless them and protect them…as long as they remained faithful. While God was faithful…His people were not. While the nation of Israel crumbled…and their land was taken away…God remained faithful, remembered His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…and sent us His Son to be our Savior.

             God is faithful in His promises to you. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21) “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28)

             God is faithful. There are so many things our Lord has promised to His people. He promises us eternal life in heaven. He promises us forgiveness of sins and to be with us always. He promises us so many good things found throughout Scripture. He promises us these blessings even as we are unfaithful…just like our spiritual parents…the Israelites. We too doubt our Lord’s promises. We doubt our Lord’s Word found in Holy Scripture. We doubt the miracles He performs daily in our lives. We seek false gods…money, fame, prestige…and other false gods of our wants and desires. We are unfaithful.

             As Saint Paul warns us: “Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:7-13)

             God is faithful. He has faithfully sent us His Son to be our Savior. Jesus remained faithful unto death on the cross that we would be forgiven. While we are unfaithful Christ is faithful. As we fall into sin Jesus remained sinless. While we deserve God’s wrath upon…Jesus endured the wrath of God that we would be saved. God is faithful even when we are not. He has sent us a Savior to die for us. Jesus gives us His very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. We have been baptized into Christ Jesus…which saves you…so that we will be raised just as Jesus rose from the dead. God is faithful. We know His faithfulness…as we look to the cross…and rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord. God is faithful. He is faithful to His children whom He loves so very much. He is faithful to you…His dear children. Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Stand firm in the Lord

Lent 2, 2013

“Stand firm in the Lord”

Philippians 3:17-4:1

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

               St. Paul was a Jew’s Jew or as Scripture puts it… “a Hebrew of Hebrews.” St. Paul was circumcised on the 8^th day just like the law prescribed. He was of the tribe of Benjamin; the tribe that Saul the first King of Israel belonged to and the tribe whose land Jerusalem was located in. Paul was a highly regarded Pharisee that became famous for persecuting Christians. Paul would say of himself that as far as “legalistic righteousness, (he was) faultless.” (Philippians 3:6) Paul was as close to a perfect Jew as you could get…or so he thought…until Jesus appeared to him and gave him faith.

          “Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” (Philippians 3:17) Paul, a prime example of an unbelieving, anti-Christian Jew who became an ardent believing Christian, tells us to follow his example. We know of Paul’s sinfulness before coming to faith…but what should we learn from his conversion?

             “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:7-11)

             Each one of us has been a perfect example of a sinful anti-Christian person in our lives. As a Pastor I am thankful, like Paul, that you children of God accept me though I have many shortcomings. I have sinned in the past…I do not have a perfect record by any means for I too am a sinner. Yet I joyfully say to you my brothers and sisters in Christ “Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed his blood for me, died that I might live on high, lives that I might never die. As the branch is to the vine, I am his, and he is mine.” ["Chief of Sinners Though I Be verse" 2]

             “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18) St. Paul is sharing his sorrow that there are many deluded people that think they are Christian but are not. Paul’s sorrow is also for all people who are not Christian; those that hate the Gospel and the Cross of Jesus. Many people think that they are Christian because their parents were…or because they believe that as long as they support a Church financially the will be saved. Church is not a club where you can pay a due and be a member in good standing. People also believe that Christianity along with their own works saves them. Salvation by works, according to Paul, is not true Christianity. These people are what Paul was before his conversion. Paul is saddened because he knows what they are going through without the hope of salvation found in Christ alone.

             It ought to be with tears that we admit that there are many that are not Christian…many of them friends and family; not just acquaintances or strangers. Yet Saint Paul has tears for them as well…Paul is saddened by all people, even his own enemies, who are not believers in Christ.

             Saint Paul goes on to describe the way of life for those who reject Christ. “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19) The highest desire of the unbeliever is their stomach. What he means is that these people considered themselves so righteous that they didn't need God. “They are proud of what they should be ashamed of.” How often our world is proud of things they shouldn’t be proud of. We are proud of our wealth and position in life. We are proud of things we have overcome…things that may be sinful or sinfully acquired, how much alcohol we can drink, how much money we have spent, how much sex we have…

             This life is not about what we have, or what we have done! There is no pride in getting away with a sin…whether it is speeding, cheating on a test, committing adultery or any other crass sin. Materialism and self-centeredness in not Christian.

             But for the Christian, our heart lies not in this world but in heaven. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21) Paul is not saying that material things are sinful  per se.  But when physical things, money, fame, etc. become one's god, heaven is lost.

             The wonderful news is that we will be changed as well. The new body is not identical with the present body.  There is a change, but not a destruction of personal identity.  The change is that we will be without sin; we will not have worry about disease or sickness, heartache, or any other problem that this current world and body give to us. Our new bodies will be like Jesus’ glorious body. It may be hard to imagine this…but it will certainly come true for Jesus has promised it will and Jesus does what he promises to do.

             “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” (Philippians 4:1) We like the people of Philippi to St. Paul, are the joy and crown of Christ. We are called joy because we are the Lord’s joy and we are called crown because we are Jesus prize.

             Our joy is in heaven. Our joy is in the crucified and risen Christ. Our joy is in the love of God that we have been given in Christ Jesus. “Oh, the height of Jesus’ love, higher than the heavens above, deeper than the depths of sea, lasting as eternity! Love that found me-wondrous thought-found me when I sought him not.” [Chief of Sinners Though I Be verse 2] God be with you as you share that love that Christ has given you with those that do not know God’s love. Amen.

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen. 

Abandoned in the Wilderness

Lent 1, 2013

Luke 4:1-13

“Abandoned in the Wilderness”

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

             During WWII six Navy pilots left their aircraft carrier on a mission. After searching the seas for enemy submarines, they tried to return to their ship shortly after dark. But the captain had ordered a blackout of all lights on the ship. Over and over the frantic pilots radioed, asking for just one light so they could see to land. But the pilots were told that the blackout could not be lifted. After several appeals and denials of their request, the ship’s operator turned the switch to break radio contact--and the pilots were forced to ditch in the ocean.

          Many people feel like these pilots. They feel like they are abandoned to the darkness. How often do we feel lonely; abandoned by those we love…friends, family, and God. We feel abandoned when we are tempted to do something we know we shouldn’t. Even as we try our best not to fall into temptation…nobody seems to be around to help us…not even God. We feel abandoned when we are hurting and suffering. So often people don’t know what to say or how to help…so they leave those who hurt and suffer alone because they need “time to themselves.” We feel alone when we mourn the loss of loved ones. Nobody knows what we truly feel or what we are really going through…nobody seems to have the right words to say to make us feel better. We feel abandoned as we struggle…no matter what the struggle is…and we wonder where is God when we need Him?

          “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:1-13)

          Jesus knows what it is like to be abandoned. Here in our Gospel text we hear how Jesus was tempted by Satan. Jesus was alone in the wilderness. He had no family with him, no friends, and hadn’t called any Disciples to follow Him. Jesus was alone. He faced Satan alone. He would struggle alone. After 40 days in the wilderness…after being alone, unfed, and tired…Satan tempted our Lord when He was weakest.

          Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted, to suffer and hurt, to mourn, and to struggle. Could you imagine Satan tempting you to eat something…after being without food for forty days?  Could you imagine that in all your struggles…being tempted with the riches of this world? Doesn’t money solve all of life’s problems? Wouldn’t it be easier to live if you were rich? Then there is the temptation to test the limits physically. Throw yourself down so that angels will catch you.

          Jesus was tempted just like each of us. We are tempted with food and drink…to eat or drink too much, to eat things that aren’t good for us, to eat things that don’t belong to us. We are tempted by the lusts of this world…for all the “good” things this world has to offer including wealth. And yes, we are tempted to do things with our bodies that may hurt or destroy us… as we ignore that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we have been purchased with the death of Christ. Jesus was indeed tempted like each of us…and was truly abandoned in the wilderness…and yet did not fall into sin.

          Jesus would be abandoned again. He would be abandoned on the cross. There on the cross God the Father would abandon His Son. There on the cross Jesus would endure the wages, punishment, and wrath of our sins. There on the cross Jesus would suffer and die alone. There on the cross our Lord shouted “My God My God why have you forsaken me?” There on the cross our Lord would proclaim “It is finished.” There on the cross payment was made in full for our sinfulness. There on the cross…is our Lord…our salvation won…and God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us!

          God does not abandon us. Jesus never leaves us. Yes, there are times when we feel abandoned by God and everyone else. There are even times when we “abandon” ourselves from God and the world…as we seek seclusion from others and God and turn to sin. But God is still there. When we feel abandoned during temptation our Lord is with us and interceding for us. It is precisely when we are tempted that we should pray and seek to be near God! We are not abandoned when we are hurting and suffering…Jesus is with us, hurting with us and carrying us when we can no longer carry ourselves. Jesus is with us when we mourn or struggle…crying with us…carrying our sorrows…and sending His angels to watch over us.

          Jesus is the Immanuel; God with us. He never abandons us…but is ever with us….watching over us, guarding us, keeping us safe, and interceding for us. If that weren’t enough…Jesus gives us Himself in His body and blood given and shed for you…for the remission of sin and strength to overcome sin. There it is! Jesus doesn’t abandon you…but is constantly with you and giving you all that you need overcome this sinful world!

          Fear not! You are never abandoned. Christ died for you. Christ rose for you. Christ lives for you. You belong to Christ. You are a child of God. Jesus will never abandon you. When you are weakest then He is strong. When you faint He lifts you up. When you can no longer walk He carries you home. That is the love of your Savior. That is the promise of God. And God always keeps His promises. Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Before you were born

Epiphany 4, 2013

Jeremiah 1:4-10

“Before you were born”

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

           “Before you were born...” I can’t tell you how often I have either been told that or have said that to others. Many of you know that I am the youngest of six children in my family. My oldest brother, Mark, is 17 years older than I am. There is quite an age difference in our family. On quite a few occasions when we have a family get together I hear my older siblings talking about family vacations, events, and other happenings. I can remember a number of times saying I don’t remember that and hearing them tell me “that’s because it happened before you were born!” It always seemed that the more they talked about such things the more I felt like I missed out and that all the cool stuff happened before I was born. 

          Truth be told a lot of things did happen before September 28, 1978 when I was born. Before I was born there were two World wars, Korean war, and Vietnam war. Before I was born Man went to the moon. Before I was born the Cubs went to the World Series and won the World Series. Of course…unfortunately…that happened before most of us were born. Before I was born 38 different men were President of the United States. Before we were born Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the Church door in Wittenberg; Jesus was born, lived, crucified and raised from the dead; Adam and Eve were created and fell into sin. Before we were born, before anything was created there was God and God chose life.

          “Before you were born.” That little phrase means so much more to me now that I am going to be a dad. I have a new perspective…because I will be able to say to my child “before you were born…” you were loved by your mom and me. Before you were born we made plans, and changes, and prepared for you. Before you were born…you brought us great joy. Before you were born God chose life for you…life for all eternity in His Son’s death and resurrection.

          “The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:4-5a)

          On average 1 in 3 women will have an abortion by the age of 45. Since 1973 parents have chosen death instead of life a recorded 54,559,615 (January 2012) times in the United States alone.  On the world scale we average an abortion each second with over 45.6 million abortions taking place in the world this year.  Thats over 3.8 million abortions in the month of January alone. Many supporters of abortion quote that abortions should be “safe, legal, and rare.” Yet murder cannot be called safe by any definition, it is an abomination in the eyes of God, and they are by no means rare. Make no mistake about this: abortion is murder; abortion is a sin.

          Why do so many choose abortion over life? The “best” reasons for allowing abortions is for the life of the mother, health problems for the baby, or a pregnancy due to rape or incest. In total these make up for approximately 7% of reported abortions. The main reasons that are given for abortions are that the parents don’t feel ready to have a child or that responsibility, parents don’t think they can afford to have a child, parents already have all the children they want, they don’t want to be a single mom, it would interfere with their education or job, or their parent or partner want them to have an abortion. These reasons make up 93% of recorded abortions.

          The biggest reason for having an abortion is lack of faith in God. In our text we hear about Jeremiah being set apart by God before birth to be a prophet. Scholars believe that Jeremiah was less than 20 years old when he began his ministry. It was a ministry that Jeremiah doubted he could do because of his youth. “Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:6-10)

          The problem is that our plans; our dreams, our goals aren’t God’s plans. One day Michelangelo came into the studio of Raphael and looked at one of Raphael’s early drawings. Then he took a piece of chalk and wrote across the drawing, “Amplius,” which means “greater” or larger.” Raphael’s plan was too cramped and narrow. So it is when God looks down on our plan of life today and, knowing what He can do through us, writes over the plan, “Amplius!” “Greater! Larger!” God’s plan for you is “greater,” “larger” than anything you could imagine.

          In a world that is full of doubt and despair know that before you were created there was God. All life is created by God. All life belongs to Him. Your life is so precious to God that He sent His Son to redeem your life so that you may live with Him for all eternity.

          As the world continues to depersonalize life by denying personhood at conception and making an aborted baby just unwanted bodily tissue; stand firm in God’s Word. Every child is a person at conception for at conception God creates each and every child. A child in the womb or out of the womb isn’t a child because the Doctor says it is. A child isn’t a child because you or I say it is. A child isn’t a child because the courts, or laws, or the government says it is. A child is a child because God says it’s a child. We are God’s creation. We are God’s children. We belong, not to ourselves, but to God.  

             When considering life and death issues remember and take comfort in God’s Word to you: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5a) “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

          With God there is always forgiveness for God loves you. There is nothing you can do that God will not forgive. For all those that have committed abortions, all those that were part of the decision process, all those that feel the guilt of sin…God loves you and forgives you. Before you were born…God chose you. Before you were born God had a plan of salvation for you. Before you were born God chose you by name to be His beloved child. Forgiveness and salvation is won for all sinners; no matter what their age, it is won for you. As Dr. Seuss said: “A person’s a person no matter how small.” And Christ died for all people.

          “To those children who have been removed deliberately from the temples of their mothers’ bodies. Deprived of the birth below, they are deprived of the sacrament of the birth from above. May the God who calls all children to His Son by Baptism continue graciously to take these holy innocents into His arms,”…for of such is the kingdom of the heavens.” Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

One Body

Epiphany 3, 2013

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

“One Body”

 

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

             There are many horrible diseases in the world that greatly affect the human body. One of those diseases affects me personally…it is diabetes. If left uncontrolled diabetes can have adverse effects on hearing, teeth and gums, emotions, your feet, lead to heart disease, cause loss of eye sight, kidney failure, nerve damage, and much more…even death. This one disease affects the entire body. Thankfully, as a type 2 diabetic, diabetes can be controlled by healthier eating, weight-loss, exercise, and medicine.

          There is another disease…which is far worse than diabetes…that effects each and every one of us…all “bodies” of all time…it is the disease of sin. Sin destroys and kills…it destroys and kills for all eternity. Not only does the disease of sin attack each of our bodies individually…it attacks the Church; the body of Christ.

          Sin leads people to think that they don’t need the Church. Maybe you don’t think you need to go to some building in order to be saved; maybe you think that you don’t need to be at a place where a bunch of hypocrites meet. Sometimes we feel that we aren’t important or needed; we aren’t part of the Church and leave. Other times we don’t feel that we are worthy to be in God’s presence; that God can’t love us or forgive us. Sin always tries to pull members apart…and away from the Church. It tempts us to think that we can make it on our own, that we don’t need forgiveness, or that we can’t be forgiven. Nevertheless, sin destroys…it destroys as it takes a member away from the body; it destroys as it leads solely to hell.

          Our congregation; every congregation is affected by sin. How many members have left a congregation because they did not like the Pastor…how or what the Pastor preached…or taught about? How many people have left a congregation because they didn’t feel important or wanted? How many people have left a congregation because others didn’t want to do the same thing? I’ve heard these and many other “reasons” to leave a congregation…some valid…and many poor excuses; I’m sure you have heard many as well. The saddening part is that those members who leave for the wrong reasons…often hurt the body they have left behind.

          “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

          The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:14-26)

          Each and every member of this congregation is important and needed. Each and every member of this congregation is loved and remembered in prayers. We aren’t important because we think we are important. We aren’t loved just because we think or say we are loved. We aren’t members of our Lord’s Church because we say so either. We also cannot abandon the rest of the body and survive on our own.

          “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

          Each and every believer; Christian, family member of our Lord…is made a member of His body; the Church by baptism. God makes us members of His body; the Church. God does it. God declares us a member and gives us faith in the waters of Holy Baptism. It is God that loves each one of us…even when we fail to love each other. It is God that says we are important…even when we ignore one another. Our importance isn’t ranked upon how good of a singer we are, or how great we are with children, or if we are a good leader, a great speaker or motivator. Our importance is found in the love of our God who sent His Son to die for us that each one of us would have eternal life. God declares that everyone! Yes, everyone! is important to Him. God sent His Son to die for everyone…from conception till death…for the child in the womb to the child 102…God sent His Son to die for all. Each member of the body of Christ is important…for each was given life through the death of God’s Son.

          We are many members that make up one body. We make up the body of Christ/Zion Lutheran Church. We are part of the body of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We are part of the body of Christ…God’s Church…the True Church of all time...made up of all believers. And yes, we are all different members of that body.

          “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts.” (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

          We are members that make up one body. Each member has been given different talents. Those talents are wonderful. Those talents are needed. Those talents are a gift from God. You and I have been given wonderful talents…different talents…and yet one job as the body of Christ. Through all of your talents…you get to share the wonderful news of Jesus. That wonderful news is just as important and needed no matter what part of the body you are. We need to do a better job of joining together and sharing that wonderful news. We need to do a better job at loving each other, sharing with each other, mourning with each other, and rejoicing with each other.

          By God’s grace I have seen the love you have shared with each other even as you have mourned with each other. Through baptism God has made us members of His Church; He has made you members of this church. While we cannot survive on our own…we survive when we are part of the body of Christ…where Jesus is its head. We survive when we are in His Church receiving His gifts. May God strengthen your faith in this place as you receive His Word and His body and blood...giving you the very medicine you need to overcome the disease of sin. May God continue to use you…the members of His Church…to reach out to one another and to the lost. Have no fear or doubt…God has forgiven you in the death of His Son. God loves you that much! Your importance is greater than you can imagine…for God valued you so much He gave up His Son to death…for you! Amen.

 

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.