Sinner and Saint

Easter 6, 2008

1 Peter 3:15-22

Acts 17:22-31

“Be prepared”

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

            After uprisings in Thessalonica and Berea Paul was forced to flee to Athens. He had been preaching “Christ and him crucified… [which was] a stumbling block for the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles.” (1 Corinthians 1:23) Many had believed but those that did not started an uprising and they chased Paul out of town.

            Now Paul came to Athens the home of the great Philosophers. Athens had been the home to such philosophical giants as: Socrates, Sophocles, Plato, and others. Athens was also the home of the great temples; the home of the Areopagus. Here philosophical discussions and arguments took place civilly on a daily basis.

            “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:22-23) Paul proceeded to tell them of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul was prepared to share God’s Word and gave an account of his faith.

            “Be prepared.” These well known words of the boy scouts rang true as I was watching the show Survivor Man on the Discovery Channel. Survivor Man was filming in various locations in Alaska but the part of the episode I wanted to watch the most was when he put a survivor suit on and jumped into the frigid Bering Sea. As Survivor Man put the suit on he said that it was most important to be prepared for situations to arise and to have the right equipment and know how to use it. Survivor Man jumped into the sea wearing a survivor suit that would help to keep him alive for hours as opposed to only minutes if he did not have the suit on. Survivor Man also had a beacon that sent out a radio signal to the Coast Guard who would come to rescue him out of the sea.

            “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)

            Saint Paul was ready to give an account of his faith and hope and that faith and hope was based in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul was prepared with the proper equipment namely faith and Scripture. I imagine that Paul may have heard the same expression that I have heard from my confirmands and others about the knowledge of Scripture; namely: but you’re a Pastor…your supposed to know that. The thought that crosses my mind is that you’re a Christian…your also supposed to know that.

            During the week I was listening online to Rev. Todd Wilken, formerly (I am saddened to say) of Issues Etc. He was giving a lecture on worship and theology and I heard something that goes directly to the heart of Pastors who are supposed to know all kinds of stuff about Scripture.

            Pastor Wilken asked where the idea arose that only Pastors are supposed to know Scripture. He said Pastors are called to Preach God’s Word…not to be the only authority of what the Bible says. It is the duty of every Christian to know God’s Word…to put it in familiar words: to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest it. The reason we are to know God’s Word is that it gives faith, it strengthens faith, and it gives us the very knowledge, truth and words to share with others that they might be saved as well. The problem is that you cannot truly share God’s Word if you do know God’s Word. Be prepared.

            A famous theologian once said that his favorite picture was of a girl clinging to a cross shaped rock in the midst of the storm-tossed sea. Clinging tightly with both hands she was saved. This is a picture of the believer’s faith.

            Another picture was found that made the first seem almost meaningless by comparison. The picture was almost the same—the same girl, the same storm-tossed sea, the same rugged cross like rock. But now the girl clung to the rock with only one hand and with the other reached out to save another from the sea. This is witnessing. This is sharing Christ today: clinging to Christ’s Word tightly and sharing it freely that all may hear and by God’s grace believe and live.

            Often that person that a believer grabs is a complete stranger…but not always. Sometimes the person we take hold of and share Christ with is a friend; sometimes they are your mother or father, your sister or brother, or even your own child. It’s easy enough for us to imagine doing all we can to save someone we love…but we are called to share our faith with all people.

            As Christ clung to the cross, dying for our sins, He reached out to save all people. We share our faith with others as Christians out of love. For we have been given the greatest example of love. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

            God has many opportunities planned for us to share our faith with others and we are simply called to “be prepared” “to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) That hope is in the resurrection. That hope is in forgiveness of sins. That hope is in everlasting life in paradise. That hope is in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again. That hope, my brothers and sisters in Christ is eternal.

            Hark! The voice of Jesus crying who will go and work today? If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul…you can tell the love of Jesus, You can say He died for all. You can lead the little children to the Savior’s waiting arms. With your prayers and with your bounties you can do what God demands. Answer quickly when God calls you…Here am I send me send me!

            While this world fades away God’s Word will never fade away! Jesus died for you that you may have life. Jesus rose for you that you may have life in paradise for all eternity. Jesus will come again to take you home. Share that wonderful and joyful promise with all those around you no matter if they are your friends or family, young or old, for out of love God is calling them home through you. Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Amen.

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

McMansion

Easter 5, 2008

John 14:1-3

“McMansion”

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

            “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These famous words from the Preamble to the Constitution have been incorporated into many a nation’s constitution as well as into our own lives. What is interesting is that the words created and Creator are usually forgotten as people remember the words life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

            People take these words to heart and live by them. One of the pursuits that people have is to own their own home. Yet people didn’t want just a home…they wanted as big a house that they could get…homes that became known as McMansions. In recent years it seemed that everyone and anyone could own their own home. Many got loans that we have come to known as “sub-prime” and many homes have been lost to foreclosure as people bought more than they could really afford. Now homes are losing their values, many have lost their homes and declared bankruptcy, others have been abandoned. The stock markets are volatile and the lending industry is in turmoil.

At least it seems that these famous words are holding true: there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. The more trouble that people have in this life whether it be from purchasing a McMansion you couldn’t afford, to sickness and disease, or some other problem it seems that the Preamble should really read Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of sadness.

The pursuit of happiness isn’t what it’s made out to be. The way our country and the world looks at the pursuit of happiness is really a pursuit of sadness. Happiness, while being completely arbitrary to each individual, is focused on self. What makes you happy? As I have shared with you before I want a truck. A truck would make me happy…but for how long. As Freddie Thomas, who jokingly asked me this past Friday if I had gotten my truck, said: what would life be if you got everything you want? This really is the problem. I suppose if I had gotten my truck I might want a bigger, newer, or better truck or at the very least the money to pay for the gas to put in my truck.

When happiness is centered on self it will always end with sadness. Mansions may burn down, cars and trucks will have engines and transmissions fail, clothes get worn out, diamonds (even if they are a girls best friend) will not last forever! The more stuff we accumulate the more we want…and in the end it doesn’t make us happy, it doesn’t make life perfect, and it will wear out to nothing.

It is in this world; a world where people lose their homes, their jobs, cars and even their families that our Lord came. It is in this world where people die from disease, murder, and accidents that Jesus came to live. It is in this world of troubles that our Lord came to die. Jesus came to this corrupt world; a world that will one day come to an end and be destroyed to save you. It in the context of this sinful world and all of it’s troubles that our Lord calls us this day with the words from our Gospel.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

It’s hard not to worry when you don’t know what the future holds. It’s hard not to worry when there is so much unknown and it affects not only yourself but your family and your friends. Even when we want the best there is so much unknown. We wish that God would give us answers and give them to us quickly. Jesus tells us “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1)

It’s hard not to worry when a loved one is sick or ill; when a loved one has cancer and the future is unknown. It’s hard not to worry when your child is born with some kind of condition or has an ailment that the doctor’s can’t figure out. It’s hard not to worry when a loved ones life is on the line. Jesus tells us “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1)

A child was asking his mother “What is it like to die? Does it hurt?” His mother responded “remember when you were little, you liked to crawl into your big brother’s bed? And around midnight big loving hands would carry you into your own bed. You would wake up in your own room. That’s what death is, being carried by your loving Father and waking up in your own room.”

Why shouldn’t we be troubled or worry? Because the victory has been won in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord tells us “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)

Yes, this world is full of all kinds of troubles but they will come to an end. True happiness isn’t found in the stuff of this world for it will not last. True happiness comes in the Resurrection. Jesus has promised that our home is truly in heaven. That home will never end. That home will never come with any problems our heartache; it will have no troubles. It is a home that is beyond all our grandest dreams and wants. It is better than any McMansion in the sky.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” You have been redeemed by Christ. Your Father in heaven is waiting to bring you home. Have joy my brothers and sisters in Christ. You are more than conquerors of this world you are God’s precious child and He will never let you go. 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 Black Sheep of the family

Easter 4, 2008

John 10:1-10

“The Black Sheep of the family”

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

           “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.” (John 10:1-5)

            Have you ever wondered how many different religions there are in the world? This was a question that came into my mind as I read our Gospel lesson in preparation for the sermon this morning. For you that might wonder I’m not sure if there is a definitive answer. I tried to search on the internet for an answer and the best I was able to find was a website that held statistics for 4200 “religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, cultures, movements, ultimate concerns, etc.” Such a confusion and mess the world is in. How could anyone find their way to the truth of God’s Word when all claim to be the “truth?”

            A traveler relates that one day he came to a well at the time when the shepherds watered their flocks. Many different flocks came there at the same time. The sheep of the various flocks mingled, and no attempt was made to keep them separated. The traveler thought that the shepherds would have a tedious and difficult job separating them. But when the time came, each shepherd went his way calling his sheep, and every sheep followed its shepherd. Every sheep of Christ knows and follows His voice.”

            Don’t get the idea that Jesus is just one of many shepherds. Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.” (John 10:1)

            How does one recognize the shepherd? The text seems to be quite confusing when it seems that Jesus says: “the Lamb is the Shepherd who is the Door that marks the Shepherd who leads the sheep.” How confusing! Jesus, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world is our Great Shepherd. Jesus, the Great Shepherd is the Door to everlasting life. Jesus is the mark of the true shepherd. One can recognize a faithful Pastor, an under-shepherd of God, by his being marked by the Good Shepherd. You know a Pastor is faithful by his voice; by what is taught and preached. “His sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:4b)

            Behold in Christ the seeking God. He comes to seek and to save the lost. A Chinese convert expressed that truth in this way: “A man fell into a deep pit, miry and slippery. As he lay injured at the bottom, Confucius looked in and said, ‘My friend, I am sorry for you; if you ever get out of that place, take care that you never fall in again.’ Then a Buddhist priest came along. ‘I grieve to see your plight. If you can manage to climb up two thirds of the way, or even half, I might help you up the rest.’ Unable to rise, such advice was mockery. Then Christ came by. Descending into the pit, He lifted the man to safety. That is the difference between Christ and the others.

            Yet this is also a danger we have within Christianity. There are many true believers in Christ that get it all wrong. When you believe that man works to earn righteousness or has to decide to believe you make Christ into something He is not. Jesus came and carried us out of the pit. Jesus did not throw down a rope and require you to pull yourself out, Jesus did not send down a ladder for you to climb out yourself, Jesus jumped into the muck and mire of this world, took all the sin upon himself, carried each of us as He went to the cross to die for our sins. Jesus has done it all!

            In this world there are many who do not follow Jesus’ voice; there are many that have never heard Jesus’ voice and many that once had followed but no longer do. These people might be considered a little out there, uniformed, odd, or even undesirable. As all people were created by God maybe these would be considered the “black sheep” of God’s family. It seems that every family has an outcast.

            I tell you the truth each one of us is the black sheep of God’s family. As sinful people we are all black sheep from a family of black sheep. Our wool is dark by nature. We tend to roll around in the dirt and muck. Thistles and briars stick to us. We re a dark, dirty mess! So it is with our sins we are dark with original sin and completely dirty due to our own sinful thoughts, words, and deeds.

            Our Good Shepherd doesn’t leave us like that. Our Good Shepherd died on the cross for each and every one of us. Through Baptism we have been washed; the dirt, grime, and muck of our sinfulness has been washed away and we have been made as white as snow.

            The promise of forgiveness of sins is for all the black sheep in this world; for each of us that follow our Lord and for those that do not. Through Christ all may be made clean. Jesus says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:9-10)

            Jesus has come that all may have life and have it to the full. The devil prowls like a roaring lion seeking those he may devour; sending thieves to steal God’s sheep. Listen to the voice of your Savior and follow Him alone. Look out for the thieves in this world that try to lead you away from Christ. Proclaim the truth of God’s Word and share the love and hope of a Savior with all people for they are more than just the “black sheep” of this world but are sheep that God is seeking out through you. Amen.

Long and winding road

Easter 3, 2008

Luke 24:13-35

“Long and winding road”

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

            Survey data is often relied on to note or to forecast a trend. Politicians rely on polls and samplings to get a feel of where they stand with the voting public. But the data is not absolute. It can be misread, misinterpreted, and gathered incorrectly. This we have seen in past elections. Whether it was the unreliable polling that took place during the last presidential election or even in current primaries…polling isn’t always accurate. It would seem that even when pollsters and the newspapers seem to have all kinds of facts to back it up…they just don’t get it right. In a sense the disciples on the road to Emmaus were like this. They had many facts and bated them around like a Ping-Pong ball, but they didn’t know how to interpret the data of all that had taken place in Jerusalem over the past days.

            There were two followers of Jesus, disciples (not of the 12) that were on their way to the town of Emmaus. They were discussing all that had taken place with Jesus. Suddenly this traveler comes upon them and asks what they are discussing. What these disciples didn’t realize was that this traveler was Jesus, their Risen Lord. They question him and treat him as being ignorant…don’t you know what just happened?

            “What things?" [Jesus] asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” (Luke 24:19-24)

            “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel…but… and then we heard that just maybe…But him they did not see.” Can you hear the disappointment in these words…the lack of faith. They had all these facts…but they just didn’t get it. They were followers that were in deep despair and turmoil; they were on the verge of giving up their faith…you can see that the testimony of the women didn’t convince them. They had put all their hope in this Jesus and now they thought it was all in vain.

            They seem to have the same kind of hope and trust you see in children. Parents…help me out here. I’m not going to make you admit to anything in particular but you would have to agree on this. Children remember every little promise that is made to them…and if for any reason…ANY reason that promise is broken they are going to be very disappointed. I would have to admit as my parents child there were many occasions I would remind my parents of promises they didn’t keep; at least promises they didn’t keep in my mind. These followers had a true and wonderful faith…but they were convinced that Jesus didn’t keep His promise of being the Messiah.

            “He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25-27)

            How many times did Jesus tell His followers that He HAD TO DIE! And that on the third day would rise again. They were told the facts, they were given the knowledge…but they just didn’t get it.

            But then again…we don’t always get it either. We like these followers want Jesus to show himself, to prove His godliness by meeting our own expectations. Let me meet you on the mountain, Lord, Just once.You wouldn't have to burn a whole bush. Just a few smoking branches And I would surely be ...your Moses. Let me meet you on the water, Lord, Just once. It wouldn't have to be on Clinton Lake. Just on a puddle after a Central Illinois rain And I would surely be...your Peter. Let me meet you on the road, Lord, Just once.You wouldn't have to blind me on I 55. Just a few bright lights on the way to church And I would surely be...your Paul. Let me meet you, Lord, Just once. Anywhere. Anytime. Just meeting you in the Word is so hard sometimes Must I always be...your Thomas? Just one time Lord…and I will believe with all my heart, I’ll be in church every Sunday…I’ll…you fill in the blank.

            How foolish are we and how slow of heart we often are. Jesus died for each one of us and was raised from the dead. We are forgiven. We are saved. We are heirs of eternal life.

            "When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:30-32)

            I pray that we may recognize and be strengthened in our faith when we see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we receive Him in His body and blood.

            It is when we truly see Jesus by faith that we are able to live with true hope. It is when we look to Jesus as our Savior who died for us and won forgiveness and salvation for us that we may look forward by faith and hope for our future in heaven. It is then that we may take all the sadness, pain, and heartache of this world, cast it upon our Lord, and joyfully await to be called to heaven. By faith we know that we have a Savior that is always with us, always looking out for us, protecting us, guiding us, and carrying us home to be with Him.

            It is by faith that we may sing those wonderful words first written by Henry Francis Lyte: “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven’s morning breaks, and earths vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.”

            In this long and winding road of life Jesus is with you always. You are conquerors and victors. Live as hope-filled people, for Christ died for you and has risen as He said. 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.