Sinner and Saint

War and Peace

Pentecost 3, 2014

“War and Peace”

Matthew 10:34-42

 

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

 

            Parenting is hard work. It is filled with many joys and it has many struggles. One struggle that Alicia and I are battling through is Aaron's sleep habits. It is a constant struggle. It is a war too keep him asleep. It is frustrating trying to get him to fall back asleep at night...or very early in the morning. It is frustrating watching him battle to stay awake. He is at war with sleep as he twists and turns, rolls over, flings his arms back and forth, as his eyes are mostly closed. It takes time. It takes patience. Eventually the war ends...and there is peaceful sleep.

            War and Peace. That is very much what the world is like. War is something that we see happening somewhere else. It is something we as Americans are very detached from. Even during the Civil War the aristocracy went out to watch the Battle of Bull Run. The people didn’t think of war in all of its terribleness but soon had to flee as gunfire and artillery came to them. Today isn’t much different. Instead of riding horses or taking a carriage to the battlefield we turn on the TV and watch as Reporters stream  videos of battles in faraway places to our own home.

            War is all around us. Listen again to our Gospel text . “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’” (Matthew 10:34-36)

            Yes…we know all too much about war. We have felt the pain of husbands and wives fighting and divorcing. We have seen the conflict between children and their parents. How sad it is that we can watch the news and see Parents killing their children and Children murdering their parents. How horrible it is to watch the news and see Parents kill their estranged families and then themselves. What an atrocity it is to count the number of unborn children murdered by abortion or the elderly killed because they can’t contribute to society anymore.  

          To see war…we don’t have to watch the news. We can walk into our living rooms and see it just fine! War isn’t just something done in faraway places. War exists in our own homes. It exists in our own lives. It exists deep down inside of us as we battle with our own sinfulness, our fears and our own doubts. The war rages on as we question our faith or why God allows tragedies to occur in our lives. The truth is that we know much more about war than we do about peace.

            We wonder why our Lord would come not “to bring peace, but a sword?” (Matthew 10:34) Christ came to defeat sin, death, and the devil. Satan will not be defeated quietly. Sin is overcome by death. The warfare that Scripture speaks about is physical but it is also spiritual. All of the warfare that happens in our families and outside of our families is due to sin. Sin is at the heart of it all. Yes, Jesus came to overcome sin…but sin, death, and Satan had to be defeated. There is no peace without a Savior dying on the cross...and there is no value to the cross without the death of the King. There is no peace through the cross without warfare with sin, death, and the devil…a battle that Jesus won.

            Through warfare there is peace. Jesus died on the cross and was raised by the Father. The war has been won! But where then is this peace? Where is the peace Zechariah describes?  “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” (Zechariah 9:9-12)

            This peace is found in only one person…in Christ Jesus. As Isaiah wrote of old “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus did not come to bring peace but is the Prince of Peace. Jesus came to battle and defeat sin, death, and Satan once and for all. Through this warfare comes the peace of God.

            Though we continue to battle with sin, death, and the devil we also have peace through Jesus. Though we feel the burdens of this sinful world we are refreshed by the Prince of Peace through His body and blood. While sin continues to plague this world and we battle against it daily...we look forward to a new world in heaven free from sin; free from death; free from Satan.

            Saint Augustine wrote: “Our soul was created by and exists for God and is therefore never quiet till it rests in God. It is with a person’s soul as with Noah’s dove in the Deluge. The dove, after it left the ark, found no rest for the sole of its foot in the world till it returned to the place from which it had come. So there is no sure rest for the fallen soul in the world till it returns to Him from whom it came.”

            Only in Christ do we have rest. Only in Christ do we have peace. While we live in this sinful world we have War and we have Peace. We are continually at war with our very own sin and Satan and yet we have Peace in Christ. Here in this place we are given respite from the world. Here in this place we receive forgiveness from our sin and strength to overcome sin. Here in this place we have peace that surpasses all human understanding as we are lifted to heaven in worship.

            My brothers and sisters in Christ. The war has been won by Christ. As we continue to battle sin and Satan look to Christ who says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Look to the cross for comfort. See Jesus in the bread and wine; body and blood of the Lord’s Supper and “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation.” (Zechariah 9:9) He comes to you  in the Lord’s Supper. He comes to you on the last day with healing on His wings. Then you the Church Militant shall be the Church Triumphant for all eternity. 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.

Call upon the name of the Lord

Pentecost, 2014

Acts 2:1-21

"Call upon the name of the Lord"

 

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

 

             Who can tell me what the best part of celebrating a birthday is? It's the birthday cake and meal. It's being alive and able to celebrate. It's being surrounded by friends that love you. It's the birthday presents. Those are all wonderful. They are indeed the best part of celebrating a birthday. So with that...Happy Birthday! Today...the feast of Pentecost...is the Birthday of The Church. It's a day of celebration...it's a day of feasting, being with friends, celebrating life, and receiving gifts. So it was nearly 2000 years ago when The Church celebrated its first birthday on Pentecost Day.

          Listen again to the sights and sounds in our text. "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

          Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” (Acts 2:1-13)

          That's not exactly the birthday party we may have imagined. Sure there are lots of people that gathered...but not exactly friends and loved ones. There doesn't seem to be any cake or meal...or presents. The only thing that sounds like a party is the accusation that the Apostles "are filled with new wine." (Acts 2:13). They must have had too much to drink!

          Sure, it might be funny to mock those that had too much to drink...but if the Apostles were drunk...how could they speak in real languages, which they didn't know, proclaiming the truth about Jesus to people they have never met. And what about the loud sound like rushing wind that was so loud and overwhelming that a great crowd gathered.

          The Apostles weren't drunk! No. Instead what was taking place was the fullfillment of Joel's prophecy. "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'" (Acts 2:17-21)

          That sounds mighty special. And it was. Every time a prophecy in Scripture is fulfilled it is reason to give thanks out of joy. God's Word has been fulfilled. That is an awesome thing! But it still doesn't sound like much of a birthday party does it. Where is the cake and meal? Where are the friends and loved ones. Where are the gifts?

          The setting is a little different. The 12 Apostles have died and are awaiting Judgment Day in heaven. But the gifts, the feast, and the loved ones gathered for the party are the same today as they were on that first Pentecost Day. Christ our Lord sent the Holy Spirit to the Apostles just as He promised. We are still sent the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Word with the waters of Holy Baptism. Our Lord instituted the Lord's Supper while He was with the Disciples and continues to give us His very body and blood at His Altar. The guests then that heard God's Word proclaimed and were given the gift of the Holy Spirit and faith still worship and gather with us around the same Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

          Maybe this doesn't look like the party you had in mind. The gifts we receive aren't wrapped up in a box or placed in a gift bag...they are found in God's Word with plain water, bread and wine. We aren't gathered in a banquet hall, restaurant, bowling alley, or Chucky Cheese, but we are gathered in our Lord's House. We might not be friends with everyone gathered here together...we might be holding onto grudges...remembering past issues...remembering things that should have been done differently...but even as sinners we are gathered with all the saints of heaven around the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. These gifts might seem plain...or ordinary...or boring...but they are extraordinary in what they give: forgiveness, strength, and life by faith in Christ. And these gifts are for all people of every nation just like the gift was for all to hear that first Pentecost Day.

          The whole point of Pentecost. The whole point of this joyous celebration of the Church's birthday is this. The Holy Spirit comes to God's people through the Word of God creating the faith that calls upon the name of the Lord. That is the best gift we could ever be given. For God's Word is always fulfilled...and God's Word reminds us "that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

          Happy Birthday! Come to the feast. Receive the gifts of forgiveness and strength in our Lord's body and blood. Celebrate with your beloved family in Christ and the very Saints in heaven. You are forgiven. You have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Heaven is yours. Amen.

 

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

He cares for you

Easter 7, 2014

"He cares for You!"

1 Peter 5:6-11

 

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

 

             Try to imagine yourself back in the days of Peter. Crucifixions took place frequently throughout the Empire. It was punishment reserved for criminals and the cursed. In those trying days, there were Emperors who claimed to be god. Of course, they were not. Imagine then, what it was like when the Apostles claimed that this Jesus of Nazareth, though crucified, cursed, despised, was true God and offered all people eternal life! They would be mocked, ridiculed, persecuted, and many killed. It was not easy to be a Christian at that time.

          But, it is no easier to be a true Christian now. Is it easy to suffer? Is it easy to be tried severely, as if by fire? Is it easy to be insulted, to have your name dragged in the mud? Is it easy to witness judgments taking place in the church? Is it easy to see divisions in the church? Is it easy to resist the devil when he comes to us with the same allurements with which he tempts unbelievers, maybe even more so? IT IS NOT. It is not easy to be a Christian.

          In fact our text warns us that our "adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) That someone is you. Satan doesn't have to be on the prowl for an unbeliever...they have already rejected God. No, He is on the prowl to attack believers; believers of all ages. And so we have seen and heard of Christians being attacked, persecuted, and killed for their faith. It is saddening. It is scary.

          So what do we do? Scripture gives us an answer...that doesn't entirely seem to fit our question. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever." (1 Peter 5:6-11)

          Humble yourselves. But Christians are being persecuted. The faithful are being tormented. Sin is all around us. Many are being killed for the faith. This is a time for action. This is a call to arms. This is no time for humility. We need to do something about this! But God says "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God." (1 Peter 5:6) The truth we need to be reminded of is that there is nothing we can do on our own in the battle against Satan. In fact if we look at our lives...we don't really put up much of a fight against sin and the old evil foe. It's not much of a battle when we voluntarily give in to the lusts of this world. Humble yourself. Admit your sin. Seek forgiveness. Be protected, not by your own hands, but "under the mighty hand of God." (1 Peter 5:6)

          Jesus invites you to cast "all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) All of the problems that you have in your life, all of the pain and agony, the suffering, the mourning, the guilt...cast all of your anxieties; all of your problems upon Him. Christ Jesus was born for the sole purpose of taking your sins upon Himself to the cross where He died. Jesus takes all of your anxieties; all of your problems...to the cross. It is there...it is on the cross where Jesus defeated Satan once and for all. It is at the cross where we find comfort. It is at the cross where our Lord gives us His peace. For it was at the cross where our sins were paid for and forgiven.

          Your sins are forgiven. Yet Satan is still prowling "around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Satan looks for times when He can attack you and your faith. He waits for times when you are weak... He waits for times when you are in mourning... when you are suffering... when you have been stricken with cancer and disease... when you lose your job or your home... when a relationship has fallen apart... when you just can't catch a break... when you're at your lowest...then he strikes casting doubt about God's Word and God's love for you. Yes, Satan is defeated...but he prowls like a wounded animal striking at anything. He strikes out of anger and hatred. He strikes to take believers in a final attempt to hurt our Lord. He strikes at believers...he strikes at God's beloved children.

          But God has given His children the gift of faith. Through Baptism you may "resist him, firm in your faith [by your faith], knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:9-10)

          Now is the call to arms. Now is the time for action. It isn't done on our own. It is only by faith that we may stand up to Satan and resist sin. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:11-18)

          My brothers and sisters in Christ. You are baptized children of God. He has given you faith. He has given you the full armor needed to stand up to sin and Satan. He has also given you the gift of prayer. Yes, dear Christians...stand up, fight sin and Satan, share the Gospel message, teach your children, stand firm in the faith. Put on the full armor of God.

          But know this as well. When the battle is fierce. When you question if your faith is strong enough. When you suffer from the pains of this world. When you fail. Cast "all your anxieties on [the Lord], because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) Jesus cares for you. He will guard and defend you, He will fight for you, He has died for you. He will carry you home. He has and continues to do this for you...because He loves 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.