Sinner and Saint

The Just shall live by faith

Reformation, 2022

Romans 3:19-28

"The Just shall live by faith"

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

Entire service including sermon may be viewed here.

            "Fast bound in Satan's chains I lay; Death brooded darkly o'er me. Sin was my torment night and day; In sin my mother bore me. But daily deeper still I fell; My life became a living hell, So firmly sin possessed me." Those words are from Martin Luther's hymn "Dear Christians One and All Rejoice." Those words described much of Martin Luther's life.

          “A living hell.” Those aren’t the words we would expect from a person we think of as a “giant in the faith.” After taking vows to become an Augustinian monk, Luther found that no matter what he did...he couldn't do enough to please God and win forgiveness. No matter how many times he tried or how he tried...whatever Luther did wasn't enough. Luther knew that he was a poor, miserable sinner; a bag of worms before God. He knew that he deserved torment and damnation in hell. Nothing soothed him. He studied and studied. He tortured himself with self flagellation. He went on pilgrimages. He went to confession repeatedly and sought counsel. But nothing helped. Life was a living hell...because he thought that God could not and would not forgive him, help him, or love him.

          None of us need to run out and take vows to a Holy Order to know what Luther went through. All of us suffer. In our own varied lives we live through or have lived through times we would consider “a living hell.”

          We feel this way as we suffer through our own trials and failures. We feel this way when nothing is going the way we planned it. We feel this way as we watch friends and family members suffer.

          When your loved one is suffering from a sickness or disease that cannot be cured and you are left with a heart breaking because you cannot do anything to take that sickness away…your life may feel like a living hell. When your child has behavioral issues, has been diagnosed with a mental disability, and medications don’t seem to help, and they are at risk of being told to change schools and leave friends behind…your heart breaks that you cannot do anything to “fix” the problem and you feel like life is a living hell. When you lose a job, when a loved one dies, when your relationships are strained, when marriages break…and you feel helpless…when you feel alone…life feels like a living hell.

          There are countless issues that we face. There is constant heartache and problems. We ask many “what if” questions. We often blame ourselves for not doing more. We blame ourselves that we might be the cause of these issues. We blame our brokenness and our sinfulness as to why this is happening. We question God’s love. We hit rock bottom. And life has become a living hell. At these times we might call out, like Saint Paul, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24) Who will deliver me from my problems? Who will deliver me from my suffering, pain, and agony? Who will deliver me from my brokenness? Who will help me and love me?

          Those questions tormented Luther as they continue to torment us and others today.

          “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law…the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith…For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:21-28)

          Amid his living hell Luther found forgiveness and life in the Gospel. He learned that “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17) What does it mean to be justified and found righteous by God? God as a perfect and loving judge declares that you are innocent for the sake of Christ. God declares that Jesus has atoned for your sins and your sins have been forgiven, washed away, remembered no more. This righteousness, this forgiveness is made ours through the faith God has given to us through His Word and Sacraments.

          The Reformation, which we observe and celebrate this day, is not a celebration of Luther. It’s not a celebration that we are right and others are wrong. It’s not a celebration that says we are better than others, more righteous than others, or more just than others.  What we celebrate is God’s work in restoring and preserving His Church through the proclamation of the pure Gospel.

          We celebrate the Good news about Jesus and His tender love for us. The Gospel is what changed Luther’s life. Luther learned that salvation came from God as a gift. He learned that God declares the sinner just for the sake of Christ who died on the cross. It wasn't about what Luther had to do to be saved...it was all about what Christ did for Him.

          "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling...“Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11)  

          Luther learned to be still and know that God is God. He learned that no matter what the world might throw at him...God was still God; God still loved him and God would protect him. God was his refuge, strength, and fortress. Luther knew that while he would face temptation, hardships, suffering, pain, and death...that He, his family, and all believers would have life with Christ in paradise.

          "Tho' devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us, We tremble not, we fear no ill, They shall not overpow'r us. This world's prince may still Scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none, He's judged; the deed is done; one little word can fell him." (A Mighty Fortress is our God,  TLH 262 stanza 3)

          One little world can fell Satan...all his lies...all his torment...and that little word is Jesus who is the Word made flesh. Jesus has defeated sin, death, and the devil. The very gates of Hell shall not prevail over Christ. And because they shall not prevail over Christ...they shall not prevail over you; His beloved child for Christ died and rose for you. Dearly beloved you have been declared innocent for the sake of Christ. Live by faith. Love by faith. Rejoice by faith. Hope in the resurrection by faith. And by faith that is strengthened by God through His Word and Sacraments have confidence that Jesus loves you, helps you, defends you, strengthens you, will give you all that you need and more…and remember that Jesus has defeated your living hell once and for all. 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.

Take Your Stand

Pentecost 17, 2022

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

“Take Your Stand”

You may listen to the sermon by clicking here.

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

            Two questions that I would like you to ponder during the Sermon this evening/morning: 1. Where has God placed you? 2. What has God called you to do in that place?

          There isn’t really much known about the prophet Habakkuk. Most kids only remember him as the prophet who’s name is really hard to say. What we do know is that Habakkuk was a prophet during hard times in Judah. Luther and other scholars believe that Habakkuk was prophet just before Babylonian captivity. The people of Judah had turned their backs on God. They were wicked. The nation was morally corrupt. God would punish His people.

        The Egyptians had defeated Judah. Josiah, king of Judah, was killed. Pharaoh hand picked the new king of Judah. He picked Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim had no real power outside that which came from Pharaoh. He abused His position. Rabbinical literature, while not Scripture, give us insight. They describe Jehoiakim as a “godless tyrant who committed atrocious sins and crimes. He had incestuous relations, murdered men, abused widows, seized property, mocked the prophets, and burned the scrolls with the prophets words.

        This is where God had placed Habakkuk as prophet in a nation that turned its back on God during the reign of a puppet king that rejected God and the prophets as well.

        Habakkuk complained. “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (Habakkuk 1:2-4)

        God placed Habakkuk in Judah during hard times. We too could take these same words and use them as our own. Wickedness surrounds us. Justice is perverted. The law is paralyzed. Destruction and violence surround us. Lincoln has had a rise in crime but we make ourselves feel better by saying its not as bad as Omaha. Omaha just saw a 13 year old murdered. It doesn’t matter why he was out at a park in the middle of the night. A 13 year old was murdered. But many will seek to comfort themselves by saying its worse somewhere else… Chicago… New York City… or wherever.

        Violence should not happen anywhere. Murder should not happen anywhere…regardless of age, time, or location. Our society has a heart problem. It has rejected God and calls evil good. Destruction is around us. Violence is before us. Strife and contention continue on. The law is paralyzed. Justice is perverted. And we cry out with Habakkuk “How long, O Lord?”

        Where has God placed you? He has placed you in a difficult time as well. He has placed you into different vocations. He has placed you in Lincoln and surrounding areas. He has placed you as a child. He has placed many of you as parents. Our vocations are many: child, brother/sister, parent, employee, employer, student, citizen, child of God, brother or sister in Christ…and the list goes on. And often we face difficulties within these vocations…these places that God has placed us. Life is difficult. Questions arise. Our faith is under attack. We have doubts and despair. And do we complain? To God? You bet.

        But what has God called you to do in the place He has called you to? Habakkuk took his stand. It began standing up and waiting for God’s response. And God would respond. Habakkuk would go on to stand as God’s  prophet. He was called to proclaim God’s Word to a king and people that didn’t want to hear him. He was called to remain faithful and to trust God even in the face of uncertainty, war, violence, corruption, and other wickedness.

        God told Habakkuk: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:2-4)

        Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: take your stand. Not in questioning God but in hearing His Word. God’s vision has been written. We know that the end of the world will come. We know that there will be wars and rumors of war. We know that there will be earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other disasters. We know that violence and corruption and persecution will happen. We know that there will be struggles in our vocations. There will be times we would rather give up or run away. But God calls us to stand firm.

        Stand firm in the faith God has given you. For “…the righteous shall live by…faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Stand firm in sharing God’s love. Stand firm in trusting in Scripture. Stand firm in attending God’s House and bringing your children to this place. Stand firm in putting God and worship first as priorities.

        Stand firm. That’s a lot to ask. It isn’t easy. But it is possible. It is possible in Christ who stood firm on the cross to save you. In all of the places God has placed you…in each of your vocations… God has given each one of you so many wonderful and varied gifts to use to share His love. Each of you is a gift and blessing from God…to the place God has called you to. Stand firm and remember that you do not stand alone. You stand with other brothers and sisters in Christ. You stand with angels, archangels, and the company of heaven, and if you still feel alone… Christ stands with you, his beloved child.

        Take your stand as God’s beloved child in all the places God has placed you.  Love. Comfort. Pray. Help. Sacrifice. Remember God’s Word through the Apostle Paul: “Therefore, my beloved brothers [and sisters], be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Take your stand. Your labor is not in vain. 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.

At What Cost?

Pentecost 13, 2022

Luke 14:25-35

“At what cost?”

Worship service may be viewed by clicking here.

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

            This past week I came across a news article whose headline was “Aspiring Navy SEALs are using Viagra to self-medicate when they start coughing up blood during qualifying drills. They say it works—but at what cost?” Young men at the top of charts for mental and physical strength go through what is known as “Hell Week.” These training exercises take these men to the limits. Recently there has been critiques about the harshness and severity of the challenges these men face. Some recruits died while others face serious health issues. Others have found different ways of self-medicating to help get them through the physically daunting struggles they face…but they do it at the cost of possible addiction and added stress to the heart and liver. These drugs might help them make it through training…but at what cost for their long-term health?

          Our lives are faced with our own struggles…physical, spiritual, and emotional. We often are forced to make decisions and then deal with the consequences. We often look at our own options and are faced with the question…at what cost?

          When you’ve had a bad day at work… when you’ve been pulled over and given a ticket… when you have a fight with your husband or wife or boyfriend or girlfriend… when you’re facing hard decisions because of financial issues… when your struggling with all kinds of disappointments in life…. And you hold your feelings in… at least momentarily as not to blow up… you do so…at what cost? Is the cost of holding those emotions in blowing up at those you love? Is the cost of holding things in turning to drugs and alcohol? Is the cost of holding things in doing unseen physical harm to your body? Or emotional harm? Or Spiritual harm? Intentionally or not…we make many decisions that affect us and others…but at what cost?

          There are other decisions we face as well. How involved do we get in our children’s activities… sports teams that travel and have commitments every weekend? Theater, robotics, choirs, and other extracurricular activities that take much of our time outside of school and work…and church. We decide to accept the demands they bring…but at what cost? Added stress. Less time to recharge. Missing out on the place where Christ calls all of us who are weary and heavy laden to receive His rest namely Church, Bible Class, and Sunday School.

          I love sports. I get it. I love recalling the days I played baseball, soccer, and pickup games of football and basketball. My boys have played baseball this past summer and are currently playing soccer through the Y…with games on Sunday afternoon. Getting done with church, rushing to get boys into uniforms and maybe a bite to eat while grabbing water bottles and chairs and then rushing across town to Wright fields to  hopefully find a parking space and quickly get to the field on time…and then leave one child at his game…rush the other to another field for another game…run back to collect the first child and again go to the other field… it can be done…it is stressful…it has much to enjoy and be excited about…but at what cost? The cost of stress for us? The cost of stress on our children? The cost of time to recharge? Sometimes the cost of going to church to make up for sleep, recharging, relaxing, and having more time to get to the games… Sports are great for our kids. Extracurricular opportunities are blessings for our children. But sometimes we need to ask… at what cost? At what cost to our own sanity and health? At what cost to our and our children’s faith?

          On the other hand we often look at the cost of having faith. We look at the cost of being disciples. We look at the cost of church…and we don’t always see its value. The cost of discipleship is high. Christ warns us that believing in Him and following His ways is not easy. In fact there will be suffering. You may be mocked. You may be persecuted. Many have been. We risk alienating others, offending others, and being accused of many things: that we are hateful, homophobic, anti-women, hypocritical bigots. Many of us will have relationships that crumble. Opportunities may be lost. We might start to question… I could be a Christian but at what cost?

          I’d have more time to do other things on the weekends without church. I’d be able to do other things that I like without being told it’s a sin. Life would be easier. I could still believe…still have faith…still be a Christian on my own terms…doing it my own way.

          You could try to be that kind of a Christian…but at what cost? The cost of fellowship? The cost of receiving Jesus’ very gifts of forgiveness and strength? The gift of God’s pronouncement of forgiveness in the Absolution? The gift of God’s Word?

          Thanks be to God that He did not question the cost of His love for you and me. Make no mistake God paid a steep price for you. Our heavenly Father loved you so much that He was willing to give up His own Son to die for you that you would have life eternal. Jesus willingly went to the cross, received the full wrath of hell in our place, so that we would be spared of damnation and receive the rights of sons and daughters of God. You have been forgiven. You have been saved. Heaven is already yours in Jesus. At what cost? The cost of Jesus’ own life…and God decided you were worth it! That is God’s love for you!

          There are many wonderful opportunities for you and your children in this world and life. I’m not saying you cannot be involved in sports or theatre or choir or take wonderful family vacations… but I am saying to look at the cost. Weigh the cost. Remember the gifts God has for you in Church and Sunday School, and Bible class. And remember that in all the opportunities we have…that they are also opportunities to share and witness our faith to the world. We know the cost of being a disciple of Jesus is high…but we also know the reward: salvation and life in Him with all the saints for eternity in paradise.

          There is no greater desire that I have than to do all I can to ensure my children hear God’s Word, receive His gifts, have faith…and life eternal. My family is my greatest treasure…and they are the only treasure in this world that I will see in paradise.

          Kids…when your parents on constantly reminding you to get up to go to Church and Sunday School…when they’re encouraging you to go to confirmation class…they do so not because they want to annoy you but because they love you and want you to have faith in Christ and be in heaven.

          Parents… when your Pastors and DCE are bugging you, sometimes annoying or angering you; reminding you, and encouraging you to be in Church with your families…to make sure your kids are at Sunday School and that you are invited to Sunday School… its not because they are mean or sticklers…they want to be sure that you and your family are saved and go to heaven!

          “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) 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.

The Whole Armor of God

Pentecost 14, 2021 (Rally Day)

“The Whole Armor of God”

Ephesians 6:10-20

[Recording of Worship Service can be found clicking here]

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

At the center of the battle were two flags. The battle flag of the Confederacy and Old Glory, the flag of the United States. Both sides would face heavy casualties. This was especially so for those who held, marched, and led with the flags. These men were the standard bearers and they suffered some of the highest mortality rates in the war.

Civil War standard bearers played a practical role as well as a highly symbolic one. The colors helped soldiers see where their units were located in the confusing, smoke-filled battlefield. Standard bearers also set the pace for the march, making sure it was the proper length and cadence. Flags were the centerpieces of the battle, often resulting in high casualty rates of color bearers and their guards. In addition, standard bearers didn’t carry weapons, increasing their likeliness of being killed or wounded. If a standard bearer happened to be shot down, a member of his guard would immediately pick up the standard leaving his weapon behind in order to rally the troops to charge to hopeful victory or to seek safety in retreat.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ we are at war and we need to rally…not to a flag but to the cross. As Christians we are at war with sin, Satan, those that reject Christ, and with our very own nature. We are at war with rulers, authorities, and a society that sides with Satan against God and His Word. These are tough words to hear and accept. Do you feel like you’re at war? When you go to the store, to school, to the doctor’s office…does it look like we are at war? We argue between being Republican or Democrat… conservative or liberal. We yell at each other for being pro vaccine or anti vaccine. We look down on those that wear masks or don’t wear masks. We continue a fight against a virus that kills indiscriminately. There were mandates given by the government, rescinded, and some back in place. We continue to argue, groan, and besmirch those that don’t agree with us…and all the while Satan is seemingly winning. For he has divided people. He has divided Christians. He has divided God’s children.

Not only are we divided as God’s people by Satan but we are also attacked as Christians from the world around us for simply believing in Christ as Lord.

 We have brothers and sisters in Christ that are imprisoned and killed for their faith in Africa and the Middle East. Christians that are often called “sexist, bigots, homophobic, or hateful” for doing their best to follow Scripture which often calls the ways of this world wicked, evil, and sinful.

Satan uses every means possible in his war against Christians. If you want to know how powerful, cunning, and deceitful Satan is…read the Bible. Remember how he attacked Job with the weather, his wife, diseases, and his friends, to make his life very miserable. Some suffer from physical ailments and others mental illness or emotional problems. Some suffer from terrible diseases and calamities. We all suffer. We are all tempted. We are all at war with sin and Satan.

But what do we do? Satan is stronger than any of us…he is stronger than all of us combined. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17)

God gives to the Christian the means of protection, defense, and attack. The protections are three: the breastplate, the girdle, and the shoes; the defenses are two: the shield and the helmet; the weapons is the sword of the Spirit. Literally these items are: truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. These items are given to us because we cannot win the battle on our own. God has given us these weapons not only to keep us in the faith but to share the faith with the world. The Gospel must prevail and will prevail for all generations.

In this current climate of division concerning Covid 19 I will remind you again of Luther’s words while combating the plague. “I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I will fumigate, purify the air, administer medicine, and take medicine. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order to not become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me. But, I have done what he has expected of me, and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person, but will go freely. This is a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.” (Martin Luther)

To make these thoughts and words my own: I do not enjoy wearing a mask. I do not like getting vaccine shots that I do not know entirely their efficacy. But I also trust the talents and wisdom God has given others in medicine and science. I wear the mask when asked and I have been vaccinated. I do these things because of good counsel, out of love of my family, and so that I as a Pastor am best able to be allowed to visit our homebound, our hospitalized, and those in long term care facilities. I do these things so that I may continue to faithfully serve Christ and His Church…neither being brash nor foolhardy, and without tempting God.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. You have been given the full armor of God. Even more so…you have been sent a Savior. Jesus has already defeated sin and Satan. He has made you His beloved child. Mask or no mask…vaccine or no vaccine…we  must remember that we are united in faith. We are united in love. We are one in Christ. Do not let Satan divide you from one another. Act out of love for Christ and love for one another. Pray for one another. Pray…that “Jesus, lead thou on. Till our rest is won; And although the way be cheerless, We will follow calm and fearless. Guide us by Thy hand to our fatherland.” 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.

Calming the storms of life

Pentecost 4, 2021 (Father’s Day)

Calming the storms of life

[Redeemer Lutheran Church worship service with Sermon may be viewed by clicking here]

Mark 4:35-41

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

            Ships nearing a dangerous shore in a violent storm throw out an anchor. This has a twofold effect. It keeps the vessel from being driven toward the rocks that line the shore and from being dashed to pieces on them, and it holds the nose (or bow) of the vessel straight into the wind, so that the onrushing waves are cut in two and do not strike the ship sideways and swamp it.

          “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:35-38)

          Our text doesn’t give us the most details about how far from shore the boats were when the storm took place in our text. This sea (really a lake) is 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. It’s nearly half as long as Lake McConaughy but twice its width. Truthfully its not all that large. But what I do know from visiting the Sea of Galilee is that while it isn’t large the weather can change quickly and be fierce. The Sea of Galilee is nestled 700 feet below sea level next to the Golan Heights which stand 2500 feet above sea level. The sea's location makes it subject to sudden and violent storms as the wind comes over the mountains and drops suddenly onto the sea. 

          Certainly some of the disciples would be prepared for such a situation. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fisherman from the area. Yet even with their expertise the disciples feared for their life, the waves were crashing upon them, and woke up Jesus. It certainly seems that the Disciples feared the storm and did not set an anchor to keep their boat straight into the wind to cut the waves in two.

          The storm they faced right then and there caused them to fear and panic. They lost faith and doubted.

          You and I…everyone…faces many storms in this life. We face storm in our marriages as two people who love each other sometimes can’t seem to exist near each other. We have the storms of health problems to ourselves, our friends, and those we love. Those storms rock us as we watch young and old alike suffer from diseases and trauma, suffering and pain. The storms of life attack us as they attack our relationships and cause division and the destruction of friendships and family ties. The storms of life gather as we reflect on our own short comings and failings in life. What do the storms of this life do to us? They cause us to fear and doubt; they cause us to panic…to give up or give in…they cause us to lose faith.

          Today we celebrate Father’s Day and we certainly give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all the faithful fathers He has blessed us with. Fatherhood, as all of parenting, isn’t easy but is under attack by Satan. The storms of life surround us as 25% of children in the United States live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. The heart of the problem of all the storms of life is sin.

          Sin causes us to question God and His love. Sin causes us to question where God is when we need him. Sin has clouded our hearts and minds as to God’s perfect love for us. Sin has caused our relationships, our knowledge, trust, hope, and faith to be clouded from seeing what is to come. Sin hurts us and those around us. Sin attacks our faith. Sin brings hopelessness and despair. Much like the storm scared the Disciples...the storms of this life caused by sin scare us!

          But there is wonderful news. While the storms of life gather and strike upon us, we by faith are anchored to Christ and hold fast to Him. While there are many things that happen in our lives that make us question God we must always look to the plan God has for creation from before the beginning of the world: Jesus. God’s plan has always been about us. As Jeremiah records our Heavenly Father “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) God's plan for us was and is Jesus. 

          Our Heavenly Father loves us. He has shown His perfect love in sending His Son to die for us. Our sins have been forgiven. We have been restored. Dear Fathers. Thank you for your faithfulness. Fatherhood isn’t easy and God Your Father knows that. He forgives and restores you; He gives you everything you need to be a faithful and loving father…so that you may reflect His love to your children, raise them in the knowledge of Christ, and learn to anchor to Jesus by faith no matter the storm that arises: seeking His Word, repenting of sin, and being restored.

          Certainly we have an “Eternal Father, Strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the mighty Ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to thee, for those in peril on the sea.” (LSB 717) 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.

Christ died for..?

Lent 2, 2021

Romans 5:1-11

“Christ died for..?”

Recording of Redeemer Lutheran Church worship service.

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

 

            It’s bound to happen that there will be someone you know that likes to boast about their accomplishments. Sometimes this can start to get on your nerves. I remember a classmate at the Seminary that seemed to boast about everything. For example…if I got a 92% on a hard exam he boasted about getting a 95%. And if I lamented that I had failed on a quiz and earned a 52% he would boast about doing even worse and earning a 48%. It wasn’t a “sorry to hear you didn’t do well…if it makes you feel better…” He always seemed to do better than me and worse than me. The boasting drove me nuts.

          I have heard and seen those outside of the Church express those same feelings towards Christians and the Church. Some see Christians and the Church as boasting about being better people. They see Christians as being similar to the Pharisees in Jesus’ time that focused on themselves and for others to be as good as they were. When the world sees that…they see the Church as being filled with hypocrites. And too often they might be right in their assessment.

          There are many Christians that seem to boast. There are some that will say that as Christians they no longer sin. There are times when it seems Christians claim to be better than those around them. The Church is filled with hypocrites…for the Church is filled with sinners. Forgiven sinners.

          Yet Christians should be boasting. Kind of sounds absurd at this point doesn’t it. But what does Scripture say in our text? “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

          Did you catch the part about boasting in there? kaucwmeqa is translated as “rejoice” in our text. Yet it can also be translated and might be better translated as boast. Saint Paul says: “boast in our hope…” and “boast in our suffering…” Yes, we rejoice…but we also boast; we speak out with pride about our hope and suffering.

          Why would we boast about these things? What are we really boasting about? This makes all the difference. Christians ought boast of Christ in any and in every situation…especially during the struggles of this life!

          Our boasting is in Christ alone and what He does. We boast that Christ has brought peace and hope. We boast that Christ has reconciled the world and won salvation for all. Our boasting should never be about ourselves; what we have done; what we have earned. Our boasting is always about Christ and what He has done…not only for me…but for the world.

          Christians get to boast; rejoice, shout out… that Jesus died for all! That all are sinners. That all are born sinful. That all are enemies of God. That all fall short. All of us… you, me, and everyone in this world… all of us need a Savior. And we get to boast that Jesus died for all people! Not just the wealthy or poor. Not just those who are important or well known. Not just a few people. Not just for Germans…or Europeans, or Americans. Not just for Lutherans. Christ died and rose for all! And offers all forgiveness and life.

          Truly, Jesus was born for, died for, and rose for the ungodly; for God’s enemies! Jesus came to save the worst among us, the lowest among us, the unwanted among us. ALL. And make no mistake…each and every Christian is a sinner and before faith an enemy of God. But that’s what makes this text to wonderful…that we rejoice and boast about it.

          “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:6-11)

          Dear brothers and sisters in Christ you have much to boast about. You may boast about the peace you have through Christ. You may boast of the hope you have in the resurrection. You may boast that in Christ you have been made a child of God. You may boast that you have been saved and promised life eternal in paradise. And you may boast that these wonderful blessings that bring you joy are for EVERYONE!

          These gifts allow us to be like this… “there once was a family that lost three of its four children within just two weeks from a virulent disease. One child was left, a four-year-old boy. The family had buried the third child just two weeks before Easter. On Easter morning the parents and the remaining child went to church. The mother told her Sunday school class about the resurrection of Christ. The father read the Easter story in Sunday school as he led the devotions. People who knew of their great loss wondered how they could do it. On the way home, a 16-year-old youth asked his father, “Dad, that couple must really believe everything about the Easter story, don’t they?” “Of course they believe it,” said the father. “All Christians do.” “But not as they do,” said the youth.”

          By faith live your Christian life in such a way that rejoices, confesses, shares and boasts to the world Jesus and His resurrection. Boast and rejoice in a way that shows the world that your faith; your hope, your joys…even in the midst of problems and suffering. Rejoice and boast for all good gifts are from God and they are offered for all.

          Rejoice! Boast! Christ has died for you. Your sins are forgiven. 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.

Celebrate Anew the Year of the Lord's Favor

Advent 3, 2020

Isaiah 61:1-4 & 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

“Celebrate Anew the Year of the Lord’s Favor”

[Video of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE service may be found here]

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

            Who is ready for 2020 to be over and done with? Here’s a brief recap of some of the events 2020 brought: Australia had wildfires that burned millions of acres of land killing an estimated 1 billion animals, The United States had wildfires on the west coast and in Colorado, there were more hurricanes that hit the South and South East, Coronavirus spread worldwide and still plagues us, many businesses closed and jobs were lost, there were more cases of police brutality that reignited racial tensions that brought protests and riots, murder hornets arrived in the Northwest, locusts swarmed in parts of Africa, a Saharan dust storm sent dust that made its way to Nebraska and beyond, there was another Ebola outbreak in Africa, and our presidential election is still being contested in the courts. Again, who is ready for 2020 to end?

          Scripture gives us a reminder though of how we should approach every year; every day; every moment in this life: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

          The way this year has gone I can understand “pray without ceasing.” But…rejoice… always? Give thanks in all circumstances? You must be kidding. Who on earth can rejoice and give thanks all the time with the kind of year we have had?

          I’m reminded of Rev. Martin Rinckart. Many of you know at least something about him. He wrote these words: “Oh, may this bounteous God through all our life be near us. With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us. And keep us in His grace and guide us when perplexed. And free us from all ills in this world and the next!” Those words are found in the beautiful hymn “Now Thank We All Our God.”

          Rinckart wrote a mealtime prayer that is dated to 1630; right in the midst of the 30 years war. That prayer became the beautiful hymn just quoted. Those words certainly would have continued to be used near the end of the war as the plague also struck the city of Eilenburg. Due to the plague and war Rinckart would lose his wife to death and being the only Pastor left buried 4000 people in one year. Following the plague came a severe famine leaving little for food. Rinckart would share most of what he had barely keeping enough to feed his family. Rinckart wore a ring with the inscription MVSICA. Being a hymn writer it seems fitting. Those letters actually stood for “Mein Vertrauen Steht In Christo Allein” (“my trust is in Christ alone!).

          Trust centered in Christ. Trust centered on Scripture. Scripture such as our Old Testament lesson. Hear it again:  “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” (Isaiah 61:1-4)

          I know that it is hard to imagine that this past year could be called “the year of the Lord’s favor.” With all the problems; the death, the suffering, the loss…it has been on all accounts a terrible year for the vast majority of the world. And yet, this year, like every year, is the year of the Lord’s favor in Christ. It is the year of the Lord’s favor found in that miraculous birth, the sacrifice of death, and our Lord’s joyous resurrection.

          Throughout all the problems of this life God still sustains us, blesses us, and keeps His promise to never forsake us. We are continued to be blessed with house and home, we still have talents and the ability to work, we have been given loving families, friends, and Church family. We have the blessing of knowing our salvation is sure in Christ. Yes, we still live in a sin filled world full of problems, heartache, loss, and death…but God still loves us, carries us in His bosom, strengthens us so that we may persevere in this life, and gives us salvation and life eternal with all our loved ones that have died in the faith.

            Knowing that this is the Year of the Lord’s favor in Christ we may sing, praise, and pray these words: “Lay on the sick thy healing hand and make the fallen strong to stand; show us the glory of thy face till beauty springs in every place.” (On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry)

            May this Advent Season bring you again with wonder and awe to the coming celebration of Christ’s birth even as we await His coming again in glory. Let us celebrate anew the year of the Lord’s favor that we have each year; each day in Christ who was born, lived, died, and rose for you that you would have life eternal with Him. Prepare for the birth of our King. Prepare for His coming in glory. Rejoice.  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.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Pentecost 18, 2020

“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”

Philippians 3:4b-14

[Recorded Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WI3VRy4BCI]

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

    Before he was known as Paul; Saul was a Jew’s Jew or as Scripture puts it… “a Hebrew of Hebrews.” (Philippians 3:5) Saul was circumcised on the 8th day just as the law prescribed. He was of the tribe of Benjamin; the same tribe that King Saul, his name sake belonged to and the same area where Jerusalem was located. Saul was a highly regarded Pharisee that became famous for persecuting  and murdering Christians.

    Saul would say of himself that as far as “legalistic righteousness, (he was) faultless.” (Philippians 3:6) Saul was as close to a perfect Jew as you could get. Saul’s goal was to rid the world of all who, in his mind, mistakenly followed Jesus; those who he considered idolators.

    Saul had everything going for him…so much so that He said: “If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more!” (Philippians 3:4b) He was gaining prestige and power. He was a Roman citizen and likely had earthly wealth. His father was a businessman, tent maker, and came from the wealthy and important city of Tarsus. Saul grew up being well educated…tutored by Gamaliel, the best Jewish teacher money could buy. He traveled all over the known Roman world, could read and write in both Hebrew and Greek, had his own scribe to record his words.

    Things were going great for Saul…until he journeyed to Damascus. There on the road to Damascus Jesus would appear to Saul. Saul was blinded. He was taken aback by Jesus question of why he persecuted Him? Saul would be led, blind, to those he sought to arrest. He would have to rely on his enemies for help. He would be forgiven, restored, and called by Christ to share His love and forgiveness with others.

    In response to coming to faith in Christ Paul has this to say about all the worldly wealth and accolades he had: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:7-11)

    Saint Paul considered all of the earthly wealth and honor and prestige…all the comforts he had and the privileges they carried to be worthless; to be garbage compared to knowing Christ. Nothing in this world carried the value of Jesus and His love and His salvation. Life eternal meant more than any of the riches of this world.

    In January of this year another very wealthy, notable, talented man died. While I do not think he was the greatest of all time… Kobe Bryant was certainly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He had everything going for him, like Paul, wealth, prestige, honors, and more. He, like Paul, also fell into sin; a very public sin.

    In a 2006 interview Stephen A. Smith speaks with Kobe Bryant about overcoming his very public sin. Smith “What did you learn from that whole experience. Just having to go through what you went through?” Kobe: “God is great.” Smith: “Is it that simple?” Kobe: “God is great. It don’t get no simpler than that bruh.” Smith: “Did you know that?...I mean everybody knows that but the way you know it now did you know it before that incident took place?” Kobe: “You can know it all you want but until you got to pick up that cross that you can’t carry and He picks it up for you and carries you and the cross…then you know.”

    When Christ takes all of your sin; your burdens; your anxieties, troubles and pains upon His shoulder to the cross…then you know. God is great. And knowing Him is worth more than anything in this world. Knowing Jesus we look forward to the Resurrection. As people; believers that suffer from the effects of sin in our own lives we look forward to the life to come that is free from sin; free from the problems of this world; free from fighting and hurting, free from the Corona virus and cancer; free from murders and rapes; free from violence, hatred, prejudice, racism, and genocide. By faith we keep our eyes focused on Christ and the hope we have in Him.

    This is what Paul focused on. This was his hope as well. But Paul also realized that until the day of resurrection comes…he is still in this world striving to gain life eternal. Paul says “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

    In this life it would serve us well to remember the meaning of the great Civil Rights song “Keep Your Eye on the Prize…Hold On.” “Paul and Silas bound in jail. Had no money for to go their bail. Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on. Paul and Silas thought they was lost. Dungeon shook and the chains come off. Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on. I got my hand on the gospel plow. Won't take nothing for my journey now. Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on.”

     These words remind us to remain steadfast in our determination. The words of that Spiritual referred to those who were determined to live a Christian life and were sung in the civil rights protest movement. They referred to being resolved to continue that protest and to share the love of Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel in spite of the possibility or the probability of very serious consequences. They did this knowing that “Thee Prize" was salvation; freedom from sin, death, and the devil found in Christ Jesus.

    In this wicked world Christians need to keep their eye on the prize of life eternal won by Christ. We need to remain steadfast in sharing the love of Jesus to all people even at the risk of serious temporal consequences. We need to contend; fight for the faith. For this fight isn’t against the flesh of man but Satan. We do this because the prize of life eternal; of forgiveness; of Jesus is worth more than anything in this world.

    So “come let us fix our eyes on Jesus. The author and perfector of our faith. Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2) to save you. By faith share the love of Jesus; share the good news that Christ died for all people. Keep your eye on the prize. Amen.

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

Seek the Lord while He may be found

Pentecost 16, 2030

"Seek the Lord while He may be found"

Isaiah 55:6-9

 [Video Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLidERiYlmg]

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

 

            Tragedies affect each and every one of us. Tragedies occur every day. We have lost loved ones to many different tragedies...but they all have the same characteristic: you can't plan for them. They cause pain, heartache, and hopelessness. They cause us to question our faith.

          It has been 19 years since the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Do you remember the pain and suffering? Do you remember how many people felt the need to be in church? They needed to be with God and receive His comfort. There were also many others that used September 11^th as a reason to remain or become an atheist. Many people were quoted as saying that if there was a God this wouldn’t happen. Others said that “they don’t want a God that would let tragedies happen.” “Where was God?”  Many people have since drifted away from the church thinking there is no answer.

            So where is God during tragedies? Where was God when our brother or sister was killed? Where was God when our son or daughter was taken from us? Where is God during war and turmoil throughout the world? Where was God on 9/11? But if we ask these questions, shouldn’t we also then ask, “Where is God” when we act sinfully throughout the week? Where is God when we hurt those we love? Where is God when we ignore His will? Many people on 9/11 rejected God. While others were pulled, pushed, and carried by Christ into everlasting life we continued to question God’s love.

            The nails ripped through Jesus’ flesh. He hung on the cross praying for our forgiveness. He yelled “Eloi Eloi Lama Sabactani” “My God My God why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) Do we still ask where is God? Jesus said, “It is finished,” (John 19:30) gave His last breath and died. Where was God? God was there at the cross mourning the death of His innocent Son. God raised Christ from the dead and forgave us all our sins. Where is God? The answer is always the same. God is with us! He is here in His Word. He is here in with and under bread and wine.

            An email I received from a dear sainted past member of mine Hubert Stoll was entitled “Meet me in the stairwell” puts it this way: You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I. I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK…I am ready to go.' I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night. I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.' I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered. I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them. I was in Illinois, West Virginia, Arizona, Texas, New York and Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face…I knew every name - though not all knew Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there. I did not place you in the Tower that day…You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me? Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.' I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.      

            “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)

          The opportunity to repent is now. Repentance and faith are not something to be procrastinated. Faith saves us from sin, but faith does not come after we die. The tragedies we encounter in this life are wake up calls to faith. God does not cause these terrible events. Sin in the world cause these tragedies. We have seen with horror how quickly death may come and without notice. God is calling us to repent and believe now. God is also using us as His witnesses; witnesses of His love and mercy; witnesses calling out to the lost.

          God continuously offers us forgiveness, faith, and salvation. We may begin to think, “If it is continuously offered, why then is there such a rush to ask for forgiveness.” The rush occurs not because the gift of forgiveness is taken away, but because we do not know when death shall come. God always wants to be near us.

          "Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts." (Isaiah 55:7) We are all guilty of sin and we are called to forsake our ways. We know that sin demands punishment. This punishment was paid for by Christ hanging on the cross. The text then says, “Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)

          In 9/11 we saw God act in the lives of many. He worked through firefighters, police officers, Iron workers, teachers, stockbrokers, farmers, construction workers and pastors. We don’t want tragedies to happen, but they do and God will work in the world despite all of our sin. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

          We have had great tragedies affect us...some national...many within our families. Each and every day someone dies without faith is also a very great tragedy. Yet God continues to work for the good of His people. He works through you and I sharing His love, His presence, His mercy and His forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is at hand…and you my brothers and sisters in Christ are forgiven. Where is God? God is with us here. He is with us in His Word. Jesus is with us in His body and blood. God is with us through all our tragedies. God continues to be with all His children; He is with you to the very end of the age. Amen.

 

Now may the Peace of God which passes all understanding keep our Hearts and minds with Christ Jesus. Amen.

Act like a child!

Pentecost 13, 2014

"Act like a child?"

Matthew 18:1-5

[Video Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p3kKL1YFF4]

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

            Little children can be so very adorable. The way they giggle or smile...the way they learn to wave or give a high five. Even their clothes can be adorable...the cutest dress or the most dapper suit and tie. This week is my Aaron’s birthday and Facebook reminds me of his past birthdays. The memories of his first birthday bring so many smiles. He was the center of attention as he opened gifts and started clapping. It was cute and entertaining as he ate and smashed his first birthday cake. His smile, giggle, and clapping lit up the room.

          While little ones are cute and cuddly and entertaining...they don't offer any practical help. Babies can’t change their own diapers...wouldn't that be nice. Little ones need constant reminders to get tasks accomplished. They don't cook or clean...they can't get a job. They really can't do much for themselves yet...they rely on adults for their needs. They need time to grow up and learn. That's just the way that life is.

          The 12 Disciples were most certainly adults. They came from many various backgrounds...some were fisherman, another was a doctor, and one was a tax collector. They were hard workers. They were also known to be a little hard headed. Two of the disciples came with their mom who asked Jesus to let them sit to his right and left in heaven...the most important seats next to a King. Peter would proclaim that he would follow Jesus even when the others would fall away in fear only to deny our Lord three times. Here in our text the Disciples came to Jesus with a question...a selfish question...a vain question...a childish question.

          "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1) Maybe they thought it would be one of the great Patriarchs... Abraham, Joseph, Noah, or David. Maybe they hoped that one of them would not only be the greatest Disciple...but the greatest in heaven as well. One might have been the most learned, another the best preacher, another the best evangelist. Who could it be? Was it one of them?

          "And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:2-4)

          Become like a child? What is Jesus talking about? They can't go out and teach and preach! They haven't studied God's Word or learned at Jesus very own feet. They can't even cook or clean or take care of themselves. They can't do much of anything...especially a baby or toddler! They need someone else to take care of them. Why would you want us to become like that?

          Okay Jesus...let's go with your plan here...become like a child...how hard could that be? The truth is that it's very hard. Growing up we've been taught to be self dependent...to rely on ourselves to get things done. We live in a dog eat dog world...it's the survival of the fittest...and we have to strive to be the best at what we do! We dare not show any sign of weakness. We dare not open our lives to others and risk being let down or betrayed. Trust no one but yourself.

          But that's not the only problem we have at becoming like children. We even struggle with God's Word...with "Doctrine" of the Church. We need to have mature faiths. We need to do things to strengthen our faith. We need to do this and to do that. We need to choose to go to church, to believe, and to grow. All that stuff about becoming like a child just doesn't make sense. And for many...a child being able to have faith makes even less sense...along with that old idea of baptizing children; babies. What good could that do...a child can't choose to believe...or do anything else. They need to mature like us. Then they can choose to be baptized and believe.

          How hard can it be to become like a child as our Lord says...it's impossible for us to do on our own. Truly, we are in need of being transformed by God's Word. It is only in Christ that we can become little children. And that is what He says we need to be!

          When I was little I would often fall asleep in the car or on the couch downstairs. It was usually my dad...but one of my parents would pick me up, cradle me in their arms and carry me up the stairs to my bed. Without them...I would have never made it to my room.

          Each one of us...no matter how strong or smart we think we are...are truly weak and helpless babes that are dependent upon God. Truly our Lord cradles us in His loving arms and carries us through baptism to salvation. How important it is to remember that in Baptism we are born again from above and made CHILDREN of God. In baptism we are made children! Regardless of your age...you are made a child in baptism...and baptism is for all...even little children.

         Jesus, the only Son of the Father, makes us children of that same Father by Holy Baptism. Infant Baptism is the most beautiful display of the Gospel, because it visually demonstrates our complete dependence on God and his grace: Every Christian is beloved by the Father. Every Christian is carried in the tender arms of the Heavenly Father. Yes, we are sinners and thus totally dependent upon God. But we are loved by our Heavenly Father. We are saved by the death of His Son. We are carried home to eternal salvation in those tender arms.

         By God's grace you have been made a child of the Heavenly Father through the waters of Baptism. Salvation and life are yours...for you are a child of God. By grace you may act like a child…in a good way… by having faith and trusting God completely like a child; a child-like trust that doesn’t waver or forget; a trust that  God will always keep His promises. A trust that God will take care of your every need and carry you in His loving arms. 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.