Sinner and Saint

Set your hearts on things above

Easter 2008

Colossians 3:1-4

“Set your hearts on things above.”

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

            There was a man of very notable interest that was born to a father that was very hostile to Christianity. This man would go on to live with a mistress and having a child out of wedlock. The man was drawn even further into sexual excess. He was a follower of Manichaeism, one of the early heresies that rejected the Trinity. He followed Neo-platonic thought. He practiced witchcrafts and mysticism. Hearing all of these things I’m sure you would never expect that this man would be known as one of the greatest Theologians of all times. This man is known to us as Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine had many short comings but changed his ways after being given faith in Christ and baptized under Saint Ambrose.

            “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

            This morning we come here to church as people that live in sinful excess. There are many that have committed all of the sins that Saint Augustine committed. There are many sins that we have committed on top of those. Sure many of us have not committed the sins of witchcrafts, sexual excess, adultery, fornication, or the like. But many do. Many of us do not love our neighbors, ourselves, or our husbands and wives as we should. Many of us would rather focus on acquiring wealth than sharing out of Christian love. Many of us would rather sleep in each Sunday than to be here in church.

            For all of these sins, all the sins we cannot think of, and all of the sins that weigh heavy on our hearts this day be assured that you, like Augustine, may be forgiven. Today of all days know that salvation and forgiveness have been won. Christ died on the cross that first Good Friday suffering and dying with the weight of our sins upon His shoulders. This day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The Lord is Risen! He is Risen Indeed.

            The problem with truly celebrating Easter and the Resurrection of Christ is that many people, unfortunately at times us included, do not seem to have a need for a Savior; for Jesus to die or be raised. That simply isn’t the focus of our world today. Who wants to talk about sin and suffering when there are so many better things to discuss. The idea of sin, Satan, and hell are rejected by the world.

            Take a look at Barnes and Noble or Borders these days. Books urging readers to look out for number one make the best seller lists. Dallas-based firms sell success in three-day seminars costing participants $900 apiece. These seminars teach self-confidence, enthusiasm, and goal setting. There’s nothing wrong with drive and objectives, but the success is financial, and goals are defined by dollar amounts. In the words of one of the success merchants, “God created Cadillacs, Lincolns, and Mercedes for His followers, not for sinners.” When challenged with “But I thought the meek were to inherit the earth,” he replied, “They may inherit it, but they’ll have to work like hell to gain title to it.”

            Jesus not only worked but went through Hell to gain salvation for you. Jesus didn’t die for nothing…Jesus died for you! Through the death of Christ you have been made sinless in the sight of God. Through the Resurrection of Christ you have been made children of God and heirs of everlasting life.

            “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

            How unfortunate it is that instead of turning to God for help people turn inward. It’s nice to think that you can accomplish anything you desire. It’s nice to think that if you are a Christian that nothing bad will ever happen to you. It’s nice to think that if you pray and have a strong enough faith God will grant all that you wish for in this world. Did God really make Cadillacs, Lincolns, and Mercedes for Christians? But what happens when we realize that life is hard. What happens when our prayers aren’t answered the way that we want? What happens when sickness and disease, heartache and death, poverty, troubles, murder, and war are all around us? What happens when we think that God doesn’t love us, won’t help us, or isn’t even there?

            J. S. Stewart reminds us of a night when Henry Drummond lectured to a group of students at Edinburgh University. As part of his lecture, he read the letter of a man who signed himself “Thanatos,” the Greek word for “death.” The man described himself as a miserable failure socially, morally, and spiritually. He stated that there was no way out but suicide. Henry Drummond shrugged and said, “I don’t know what to tell this man; he’s beyond my help.” A year and a half later, Henry Drummond lectured again to the students at Edinburgh. Once more he drew a letter from his pocket. “Some of you will remember a letter I read from ‘Thanatos.’ I have here another letter from him.” And he read a portion that heralded: “I am a new man—in Jesus Christ!”

            All of us live in a world that we fail often. Sometimes it seems there is no way out. Maybe it seems that God doesn’t listen, answer, care, or exist. Our Father in heaven most certainly hears each and every one of our prayers. Out of love for us the answer to our prayer was death. Death of Jesus Christ. Through the death of God’s Son we would be forgiven. God decided to send Jesus to die as payment for our sins and raise Him from the dead. Through baptism into Christ we have joined in the death of Jesus so that we may also join in the resurrection.

            Today we come together to celebrate a wonderful and joyful event. Today is Easter! Every Sunday is Easter! Every Sunday is a day to be in Church to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and to look forward with joy and hope to everlasting life.

            The Lord is Risen. He is Risen indeed! You are a beloved child of God. Set your hearts on things above…set your hearts on Jesus who lives 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.

Saving Tears

Maundy Thursday, 2008

Psalm 22

“Saving Tears”

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

            “When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!" In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.” (Matthew 27:35, 39-44)

            It wasn’t enough to beat and torture Jesus. It wasn’t enough to nail him to the cross and kill Jesus. The religious leaders of Israel, passerby’s, soldiers, and even the thieves being crucified next to Jesus mocked him. Yet Jesus never seems to get riled up. Jesus never asks the Father to cast His wrath upon them. Jesus never seems to get bothered or upset. He rarely said a word as He was accused, judged, and murdered.

            Things are never “enough” with us either. We like to have the last word, we like to have the last laugh; we like to sin…but sinning isn’t enough either…we have to go on sinning more and more. Sin is like a snowball…it just keeps growing and growing until the light of God’s forgiveness melts the sin away. But like Frosty the snowman…it keeps coming back.

            Jesus was in the midst of dying because of the sin of the entire world…sin that kept growing and growing until the only light that could melt it was the Light of the World Jesus Christ. An innocent man dying for something he never did, was never found guilty of…and was then mocked by those that were truly guilty.

It’s impossible for us to comprehend. Jesus, the Son of God, dies for sinful creation. Jesus never tried to get out of dying. Jesus never used His own divine powers to save Himself or to punish others. God the Father, seeing all that is happening to His Son, never sends the angles to save Jesus; and God the Father never sends His wrath upon those sinful people…but casts His wrath upon His innocent Son.

The saving tears of Christ. But we haven’t seen any tears from our Savior have we. Surely they were there. As we look back at Psalm 22 we realize what Jesus was living and dying through.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him." Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.” (Psalm 22:1-2, 6-8, 12-18, 22)

As a Pastor I have been at the bedside of many a dying Christian. This is both a blessing and a curse. It is a curse because of the heartache and mourning it causes. Death is something I will never get used to. But it is a blessing because I see the love of families, the faith of those dying, and the grace and comfort God shares. Through the death of one man we have hope in salvation and eternal life.

Like many who we have seen and been with dying, Jesus never complains about the pain and suffering He is going through. Jesus never questioned why this was all happening. Remember…Jesus was only 33 years old and His Mother was “bedside” at the cross with Jesus as He died. We know of the tears that Mary the Mother of our Lord shed. We know the tears that we shed as we reflect on Jesus death…His death because of us…His death for us. These are tears of guilt, tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. But what about Jesus?

In the midst of all the pain, suffering, and dying Jesus thoughts were on all of us. Jesus took care of His mother. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27) As Jesus was crucified He asks God to forgive those responsible for His murder. “When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:33-34) Jesus also brings a criminal to faith while dying on the tree forgiving this man’s sin. “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:39-43)

Such mercy and love by Jesus. In all the trial and tribulation…the pain and suffering…Jesus’ heart goes out to those around Him. Jesus heart goes out to each of us. Jesus is concerned not with himself or his suffering…but with all those that are in need of forgiveness of sins; namely you and I. Jesus went through torture and humiliation for you, He went through dying for you, He rose from the dead for you. There is no greater love than that shown from God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have hope for Jesus has risen. Share the wonderful news that Jesus died for the sins of the world and has risen indeed. 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.

Father

Lent 5, 2008

Romans 8:11-19

“Father”

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

            On a cold winter day a man was watching the rapids above Niagara Falls. He noticed the carcass of a sheep floating along in the swift current. Presently he saw an eagle swoop down on the carcass to feed. The eagle was aware of the falls but it had no fear, for when it got to the brink, it could lift its powerful wings and fly away in safety. But the eagle had not considered one thing, namely, the paralyzing power of frost. At the last moment it lifted its wings to fly, but its feet were frozen fast to the sheep’s fleece, and so this “king of birds,” in spite of its powerful wings, went over the falls and was dashed to pieces on the rocks below.

            “Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.” (Romans 8:12)

            This is a danger that all Christians face. As children of the King that know of God’s forgiveness of all our sins we sometimes forget how dangerous sin really is and take God’s forgiveness for granted. This leads to a criticism of Lutheranism that I recently read by a Roman Catholic professor. This professor attacks the Lutheran understanding of justification apart from works for this very reason. In this professor’s eyes justification is just a cover all for our sins…it is a false doctrine that allows us to do whatever we want because God will go and forgive us. For further reference he attacks this famous quote of Luther:

            “If you are a preacher of grace, then preach a true and not a fictitious grace; if grace is true, you must bear a true and not a fictitious sin. God does not save people who are only fictitious sinners. Be a sinner and sin boldly,  but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly, for he is victorious over sin, death, and the world. As long as we are here [in this world]  we have to sin. This life is not the dwelling place of righteousness,  but, as Peter says,  we look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. It is enough that by the riches of God’s glory we have come to know the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world.  No sin will separate us from the Lamb, even though we commit fornication and murder a thousand times a day. Do you think that the purchase price that was paid for the redemption of our sins by so great a Lamb is too small? Pray boldly—you too are a mighty sinner.” (LW 48:281)

            This can be very confusing to many. As our Epistle lesson warns us we have an obligation but not to the sinful nature. We are to live according to our obligation to the Christians life. This is where many look to good works. But as we know good works do not save the sinner. Herein lies the danger of the Lutheran to ignore good works altogether and to go on and sin boldly.

Natural man feels that life owes him the pleasures of the flesh. Look around…isn't it so? As Christians we are severely tempted to agree with that. We are often tempted with the “better” things of this life. You and I are constantly tempted by “stuff.” There are many things that we want…but we don’t need. But as Christians we are called to something other than our sinful nature. The believer is one who is under obligation, but what kind of obligation? Paul says in Romans 13:8: "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for the one who loves another man has fulfilled the law." In what sense am I obligated? To follow the promptings of the Spirit to produce the fruits of the Spirit; "We are under no obligation toward the flesh, our sinful nature. It has not done anything good for us." The Triune God has done everything for us from eternity to eternity. We are under obligation to this God, not the flesh.

Now we can go back to the idea of “sinning boldly.” Those two little words seem to shout out to sin as much as we like. But this is not Luther’s point. Luther's point is not to go out and commit multiple amounts of gleeful sin everyday, but rather to believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly despite the sin in our lives. Christians have a real savior. No amount of sin is too much to be atoned for by a perfect savior whose righteousness is imputed to the sinner who reaches out in faith.

^“If you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:13-19)

As children of God we are called to live according to the Holy Spirit living in us. The natural result of faith is good works. Good works do not save but are proof that faith is alive and well in the Christian. This is why James tells us in his epistle “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)

Yes, the devil tempts us often. The devil tempts us to believe that we should go on sinning because sin does not harm. Sin always does harm; sin is the cause of Jesus death. Jesus died on the cross to take our sins away…ALL of our sins. But this does not mean that we go on sinning purposely.

My brothers and sisters in Christ we strive to live free from sin because we are Christian. As the devil tempts you to believe that God doesn’t care or that you don’t need God I pray that you come here to church not because you have to…but because you want to; you want forgiveness of sins and strength for the day. Thanks be to God that through the death of His only Son we are indeed forgiven. Thanks be to God that this very day we are offered forgiveness and strength in Jesus body and blood.

Through the faith first given to us in baptism we may cry out “Abba, Father” and receive all that we need in this world and the next. When the devil tempts you remember that you belong to Christ. When the devil accuses you of being a sinner and an heir of eternal damnation remember that you have been redeemed by Jesus. God remembers your sins no more. You are an heir of salvation as a child of God. Rejoice in Christ for he is victorious over sin, death, and the world…and so are 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.

Front Row Seats

Lent 4, 2008

Matthew 20:17-28

“Front Row Seats”

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

            When you go to a sporting event what are the best seats you can get? If it’s football it’s front row seats on the 50 yard line, basketball…front row seats center court, hockey would be center ice, and if it’s a baseball game it would either be right behind the dugout or home plate. But these seats also cost the most money. The people you see in these seats are usually wealthy, important, or famous. Front row seats…I know I have never had front row tickets…but are they really the best?

            “Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Matthew 20:17-19)

            The disciples are again with Jesus…they had front row seats with their Lord…and Jesus is telling them something extremely important. Jesus is telling them that He was going to be betrayed, condemned, tortured, and then murdered. Jesus knew the disciples needed to hear this so that they would be comforted when it all would happen. This time the disciples don’t try to stop Jesus or discourage talk about the crucifixion…they must have had something far more important going on.

            “Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” (Matthew 20:20-23)

            Salome, the mother of Zebedee’s sons, wanted earthly greatness for her sons. Salome wasn’t thinking of her sons seated next to Christ in heaven…but on earth. She wanted them to be great for all the world to see. She thought they may be powerful like Pontius Pilate or Herod if Jesus would grant her that one favor. Here Salome wants for her sons what Satan tempted Jesus with “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4: 8-9)

            Are we really any different in our own desires? If we could afford them or aquire them…wouldn’t we rather have the front row seats? Greatness in God’s eyes means service and sacrifice. Our sinful nature seeks to serve…serve itself, to “lord it over” others and to exercise “authority” over those below us.

            This corrupt world is full of sin and sinners. Authority is abused each and every day. We read in the news of police officers being abusive, teachers having improper relations with students, law makers cutting corners or helping out their cronies. The abuse of authority also finds its ways into the life of the Church when Pastors abuse their authority and when the church itself abuses its authority by not sharing God’s Word of love and truth with others.

            As Christians we shouldn’t be battling each other to get to the top but to get to the bottom. We need to seek out ways to serve others, to benefit them, to give them, so to speak, the nice car, the country house, the big chair…the benefits of Christ: Forgiveness and Salvation. The life of the Christian should be one of constant service to others.

            “Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

            We have been given the greatest example of a sacrificing servant in Christ our Lord. Jesus was constantly seeking people out to help them. Jesus healed all kinds of physical ailments as He reached out to heal their souls. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for all people by taking up the sin of the world and dying for all of us.

            If Jesus would have acted like the God we and the disciples wanted things would be very different. Jesus would have punished us all and called us out for our sinfulness. He would expect perfect obedience and demanded service. If God acted like the tyrants and governments of this world we would have all been punished with God’s wrath. Yet Jesus didn’t act like this. Jesus didn’t live like a King in this world; he was born in a stable, lived in poverty, homelessness, suffered, and died out of love and mercy for us.

            After all this God our Father raised Christ from the dead. Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father; the seat of authority. Jesus now reigns over all creation as Lord. Yet Jesus still serves His people. Jesus offers to us forgiveness of sins and His very body and blood. All the while our Lord continues to intercede on our behalf to the Father. The Risen Christ continues to serve creation.

            Praise be to God for not being a tyrant, “lording it” over us or seeking to control us. Let’s give thanks that God chose to humble himself, to suffer for us, and to give himself as a sacrifice for us. His love for us is that great. He continues to come and lead us ever downward to the bottom of the world’s pyramid, seeking more and more opportunities to serve others. One day, we will gather around his throne, to his left and to his right, and sing praises forever to our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of service to us is the greatest and most worthy of praise in all the universe.

            Front row seats…they aren’t always the best. Sometimes the best seats are up in the nose bleeds with your child for their first game, sometimes their at home with all your family and friends, sometimes they’re with your aging parents listening on the radio. All the seats in heaven are the best seats for they are in the company of Christ our Lord. 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.