Sinner and Saint

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.

One Body…One Confession

Pentecost 12, 2020

“One Body…One Confession”

[Video Recording of Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtrhz5vJQRM ]

Romans 11:33-12:8 & Matthew 16:13-20

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

              “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (Matthew 16:13-14)

          The Disciples had heard the people talking and had seen their reaction to Jesus’ teaching, preaching, and miracles. Most of the people didn’t quite know who Jesus was…but they knew He was someone very special. Many treated Jesus like a miracle worker or a prophet reincarnated. Some knew that Jesus was the Son of God like the woman in our text last week that begged Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter. The people that should have known the most about Jesus identity were the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law. But from their actions we see their rejection of Jesus as their Savior.

            Most of the world around us acknowledges that there was in fact a historical Jesus. Unfortunately that does not mean they know the truth about Jesus. Throughout history people have offered ideas about who Jesus is. The German atheist Fichte wrote: “Till the end of time all the sensible will bow low before this Jesus of Nazareth, and all will humbly acknowledge the exceeding glory of this great phenomenon.” Richter the pantheist calls Jesus “the purest of the mighty, the mightiest of the pure, who still continues to rule and guide the ages.” Hegel the philosopher wrote: “Among the improvers of ideal humanity He stands in the very first class and remains the highest model of religion within the reach of our thought.” Renan, the French rationalist, said: “Jesus is unique in everything, and nothing can compare with Him. He is a man of colossal dimension.” Such answers are complimentary, but they express nothing about the true nature or mission of Jesus. Our verdict of His person is inadequate if we merely elevate Him to the highest rank among the sons of men.

          The world hasn’t changed. There are many religions that claim Jesus to be part of their teachings…and while they claim Jesus…they don’t truly know Him. Jehovah’s Witnesses claim Jesus in their writings to be a creation of God; not God Himself in the flesh. Mormons make the claim to be another Christian denomination and yet say that Jesus is A lord just as every good Mormon may become lord. Seventh Day Adventists also claim to be Christian and yet proclaim that Jesus was a creation that God exalted to be His son. The Unification Church says that Jesus was a perfect man, not God—the son of Zechariah. Jews and Muslims believe Jesus to be nothing more than a prophet.

          “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15) So who is Jesus? Who do you say He is? Jesus is our Savior. Jesus is our God and Lord. That is the truth! That is the correct answer. But is that what you believe? Is that what you profess by word and action? If we take a hard look in the mirror the best we can answer is “sometimes.”

          The truth is that we often proclaim Jesus to be Lord (its easy to share on Facebook!) and yet have a hard time being found in the place our Lord promises to be; namely His church. There are often times when we are found in Church proclaiming Jesus as Lord and yet fail to share that with others once we leave this place. We often fail at sharing the truth of Jesus with others; those we love and are close to and those whom we barely know. We fail at telling our family and friends who Jesus is by our words and actions.

          When we fight with others, when we cuss or swear, when we steal, murder, commit adultery, put others, other things, or ourselves first, watch lewd movies or televisions shows, drink too much…or any other sinful act… we proclaim loud and clear to all around us that Jesus is not our Lord or our Savior. There isn’t a single person among us that has not failed at sharing the truth about Jesus. Each of us is indeed a poor miserable sinner. We are not alone. Even the Disciples…who were with Jesus…who saw the miracles firsthand…didn’t always believe, proclaim, or live as they should as people of Christ; Christians.

           I was reminded by Rod, Redeemer's DCE, this morning that the number one influence on children's faith are their parents. How many of you are scared by that fact? I am. I am because I know that I fail often as a Parent. I say things I shouldn't. I'm not always a good example. I do things I shouldn't. Keeping the faith isn't easy. It's so hard to keep the faith and be a proper example of the faith to children that it's often downright scary. Knowing that I fail often...my hope lies not in myself...but in God.

          God is always faithful. Despite all our sinfulness He loves us. God gave His Son to die on the cross…to bear our sin…to bear the wrath we deserve…that we would be forgiven for Jesus sake. We are forgiven. God washes away all our sins and makes us new. God has given us the gift of His Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in you. The Holy Spirit creates and sustains your faith. Through the Holy Spirit Peter was able to make his good confession.

            “Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:16-18) For “no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)

          My brothers and sisters in Christ, God has given each of you the same ability to proclaim Jesus is Lord to your family, friends, and neighbors for He has given you the gift of the Holy Spirit. That is joyous news! You are God’s tools to share the joyous news that Jesus is Lord! You get to invite them to come to the place Jesus promises to be…this place…this Church. You get to share the good news that salvation is theirs in Christ! You get to share life saving news! Because Jesus is Lord; because Jesus is God in the flesh we are indeed forgiven and heirs of life eternal.

            While the world around us rejects Christ and continues to spiral towards destruction have no fear. As false churches pop up claiming Christ as their own only to teach lies…have no fear. Even as Churches are closing have confidence in Christ. Remember the words of the hymn: “Built on the Rock the Church doth stand, even when steeples are falling; crumbled have spires in every land, bells still are chiming and calling, calling the young and old to rest, but above all the soul distrest, longing for rest everlasting.”

            The Church shall ever stand in this world until our Lord’s return. No matter how Satan attacks God’s Church…no matter how desperate the world becomes the Church shall stand. The Church is built on the Rock. That Rock is the confession that Jesus is Lord. That Rock is Christ Jesus. He is found in this place. When you have doubts come to His place. Look to the Baptismal Font where you were clothed in Christ, look to the altar where Christ comes to you in His body and blood, look to the cross where Christ won salvation for you.

            Who is Jesus? Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior; who died and rose for you, for me, and for all people. 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.

Why bother?

Pentecost 6, 2020

Isaiah 55:10-13

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

“Why Bother?”

(Video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgyNUkY5gAk)

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

            While I was on vacation last week we drove by a corn field that reminded me of my time in Central Illinois. It reminded me of another corn field. A corn field that happened to be located in a flood plain located next to the Sangamon River just outside of Springfield, IL. Every year the farmer planted corn. And as I recall every year the field would flood.

          I’d contemplate over and over again why the farmer kept planting in a field that always flooded? Why bother? Why bother planting at all… it just seemed to be a waste of seed; a waste of time; a waste of energy. Could he get crop insurance on a field located in a flood plain? Was the ground so rich that if it did grow once every five years it was still worth it? If it was me…why bother with this field…why waste the time and effort.

          Our Gospel lesson talks about planting as well. “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:3-8)

          Maybe our reaction to this farmer is “what a waste!” What kind of farmer wastes seed like that? But this seed…is no ordinary seed. This seed is the Word of God. It is the Gospel; the good news about Jesus and the salvation He won for all through His death on the cross.

          Our text explains what is happening with this seed. “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:18-23)

          Even being told what the seed is and what is taking place with the seed…we still wonder “why bother?” Why bother sharing the Gospel where faith will not grow? Why bother sharing the good news of salvation where faith will be abandoned? Why bother talking to people that refuse to listen? Why bother sharing the love of Christ with those who are filled with hatred and contempt for the Savior? Why bother sharing something that might cause lost friendships, fractured relationships, and torn families? Why bother sharing Jesus…when we will be mocked, scorned, hated, and persecuted? Why bother?

          Thanks be to God that He was bothered enough to send a Savior to those who were evil and rejected Him. Thanks be to God that Jesus was bothered enough to die on the cross for poor miserable sinners.

          Why bother sharing God’s Word? Our Old Testament Lesson shines light on this question. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

          Why share God’s Word…regardless of whom we share it with or if we think its fruitless? Because God’s Word accomplishes what God desires and achieves the purpose for which He sent it. God’s Word proclaimed does not come back empty. The Law in God’s Word convicts the sinner and cuts to the heart. The Gospel heals us, strengthens us, and gives us peace and joy.

          We share God’s Word out of love and trust in Christ. We proclaim Law and Gospel out of concern and love for our family, friends, and neighbor. And we trust that when God says His Word will not come back empty…that it really won’t come back empty.

          Dear brothers and sisters in Christ at a time like this when there are questions and doubts, struggles and fears, hatred and revolt, troubles and tempest… we ought not say ‘why bother” but instead double our efforts in sharing the love of Christ Jesus to all people. We need to bother…out of love for Christ and neighbor. And while this sinful world will continue to despise and hate you for sharing the love of Christ we have a joyous and hope filled future with Jesus and all the saints in the resurrection.

          You have Pastor Dietrich’s permission. Go out and be a bother to someone by being a brother or sister of Christ to someone and sharing His Word and love.

          And as you go out remember these words: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12) Rejoice! 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.

Life or Death?

Epiphany 6, 2020

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

"Life or Death?"

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

 

            You just finished a wonderful prime rib dinner at Misty’s. After paying the bill you walk outside into the sunlight and remember the wonderful memories made as you listened to the marching band and cheered the Cornhuskers with the cheerleaders during at one of the pep rallies.

          Suddenly you trip over something. It’s a duffle bag filled with cash. You look around the parking lot but there doesn’t seem to be anyone else out there but you.

          Do you pick up the bag and go back into Misty’s to find the owner? If so turn to page 18. If you call the police to report what you found turn to page 34. If you decide to take the bag and donate it to your favorite Church…Redeemer go see Pastor in his office after Church.

          When I was in junior high, I used to love the Choose Your Own Adventure books. I would read the book over and over again picking all the different choices. Sometimes I'd look ahead to make sure that my choice wouldn't suddenly end the story right then and there. This is how many would like to live. Jumping to each page of the book to see what happens while keeping one finger on the page your still on. We want to know ahead of time which choice we make will give us our desired result.

          "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

          Sounds just like a Choose Your Own Adventure book! Choose life and its blessings or choose death and punishment. The only thing missing are where to turn the page to after you make your choice. But in this life... we don't get to look ahead to make sure we make the right choice. In this life we don't get to start the book over...and over...and over again until we get the right ending. In this life we choose....like the Israelites...death. Think you'd make a better choice since you know how the Israelites ended up? They did too... only... they knew the results from another story in Scripture... one that we know too.

          "The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Genesis 2:15-17)

          From the very beginning mankind has chosen death. Adam and Eve chose death. The Israelites chose death. When we choose our own wants and desires ahead of God's Word...we choose death. When we ignore God and His Word we choose death. When we lie, cheat, and steal we choose death. When we disobey our parents, teachers, and others God has placed over us we choose death. When we ignore the sin of this world, when we fail to share God's love, when we are afraid to call that which is wicked and evil; that which is contrary to God's Word a sin we choose death. When we fail to call sinners to repentance we choose death. Every time we sin...we choose death.

          But God chose life. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart..." (Jeremiah 1:5) "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) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

          From the very beginning God chose life. He chose life for you. He chose life for you knowing that it would cost the death of His only begotten Son. He chose life for you even though you sin often. He chose life for you because He loves you. Jesus willingly went to the cross, knowing the wrath He would endure, because He loves you. God loves you. He chose life for you. He gives life to you in this place. He gives life through the Holy Waters of Baptism. He gives life in His Word. He gives life in Jesus' very body and blood given this day.

          By faith we choose life as well. By faith we choose life as we come to this place week after week to receive God's gifts of life. We choose life as we bring our children to be baptized in this place. We choose life as we confess our sins and receive forgiveness. We choose life as we forgive those that have sinned against us. We choose life as we share the wonderful message that God loves all people and sent His Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world. We choose life as we love others as Christ has loved us.

          In a world that is numb to sin and death... in a world that values their best life now rather than their best life to come... in a world that devalues life in the womb as well as life that draws closer to its end... know that God chose life for you! He chose eternal life for you! He chose your life even as He gave up the life of Jesus for you!

          In Kris Allen’s song “Live Like We’re Dying” are these words: “We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to Turn it all around or to throw it all away. Gotta tell them that we love them while we got the chance to say. Gotta live like we're dying.” Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Live like your dying. Live each second loving others and sharing Christ as if your dying. Die like your living. Die knowing that your sins are forgiven. Die knowing that life is yours in Christ for all eternity. Die with the hope and joy that Christ alone gives. For God chose you to be His child; and God chose for you to have life…life for all eternity with Him in paradise. 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.

Are you blessed?

Epiphany 4, 2020

Matthew 5:1-12

“Are you blessed?”

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

            One of the greatest singers of all time, at least in my opinion, is Bing Crosby. One of my favorite songs that he sings in the movie “White Christmas” is “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.” Some of the words go like this: “When I'm worried and I can't sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep and I fall asleep counting my blessings. When my bankroll is getting small I think of when I had none at all and I fall asleep counting my blessings. I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads and one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds. If you're worried and you can't sleep just count your blessings instead of sheep and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.”

            Count your blessings. You would think that it would be easy for people to come up with a huge list of blessings to be thankful for…but that’s often not the case. Many people in this world don’t consider themselves to be blessed and many don’t see others as being blessed. I would say that all people are blessed…but I’m sure there are those that would disagree.

            The problem really begins when we start looking at our lives and the world around us. We hurt. We suffer. We worry. We doubt. Many watch loved ones suffer battling cancer. Many mourn the loss of loved ones to death. Reports show that children are suffering at increasingly higher levels of mental disorders and parents are beside themselves trying to figure out how to help them. Families and relationships get torn apart. The world seems to be on the brink of disaster. Not only the world…but our own lives. It’s hard to count or see any blessings when we see how sin has ravaged our world.

            Hear again God’s Word about blessings. “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12)

            What our Gospel lesson gives us is a description of true blessedness here and now. When Jesus spoke the beatitudes, He was not telling his disciples how they could merit; how they could earn blessings from God. He was telling them what they already possessed by virtue of their God given faith. What Christ would teach us now is absolutely opposite of what the world would teach. The world teaches us to be confident in ourselves and to be bold in demanding what we think is fair but Jesus says that blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. As we come to God in utter helplessness, as we admit our sinfulness, as we reach out for God as a beggar pleads for a morsel of bread…then and only then the kingdom of God comes among us.

            The world would say that the truly happy people are those who are rejoicing in their own accomplishments and achievements.  But Jesus says, “blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” As we come to the foot of the cross with eyes that are moist and hearts that are breaking and knees that are weak and hands that are trembling…it is then that we find comfort. True comfort is none other than the forgiveness of sins.

            The world and our sinful flesh like to tell us that we have to take care of ourselves and that it is the survival of the fittest out there and that we simply cannot let people take advantage of us. But Jesus says, blessed are the meek (who are humble before God) and blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (for they seek God in his Word and Sacraments) and blessed are the merciful (for they show mercy towards others just as Christ has shown mercy on them). They shall be inheriting the earth and they will be filled and they will be shown mercy. In her magnificat, Mary said it this way, “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich empty away.”  

            The world says that we will be blessed if our hearts are full of steel and strength and determination but Jesus says, blessed are the pure in heart. The world says that the blessed are the powerful and the persuasive but Jesus says, blessed are the peacemakers. The world says that the happy are those who get along with everybody and whose lives are smooth sailing. Jesus would teach us today to give up the idea that we can follow God and have smooth sailing at the same time. Blessed are those who are persecuted for my sake. Blessed are those who are insulted on account of me. Blessed are you when people falsely say all kinds of evil against you because you are following Jesus Christ.  

            Yes, each and every one of us is truly blessed. As we were drowned and raised again in the waters of Baptism we were made God’s beloved children and heirs of life eternal in heaven. While there are days, weeks, or maybe even years that go by with nothing more than trouble and heartache…we are still blessed; blessed beyond imagination! For Christ died for you! Yes, this life may be faced with many problems but we may say by faith that we are blessed for we belong to Christ; we are heirs of His kingdom; we are saved and redeemed. And we know this is true for Christ does not fail. Christ has risen 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.

The Lamb

Epiphany 2, 2020

John 1:29-42a

“The Lamb ”

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

            For 400 years silence fell on Israel. God had not sent a prophet to His people. But that silence was shattered by the voice in the wilderness; John the Baptist. John looked different. John ate some interesting things. And he told the people just how it was. He pulled no punches. He wasn’t “P.C.” But his message was from God. And after hundreds of years…what was that message?

         "He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:7-9) "And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." (Luke 3:3)

          John told the people that sinners needed to repent and be baptized. And who are “those” sinners? We all are. Being called a sinner isn’t something we like to hear. Being reminded of how we fall short isn’t music to our ears. And it isn’t what those outside of the Church like to hear either. But as much as we don’t like hearing God’s law and how we have fallen short…the truth remains that we are sinners.

          And while we need to be reminded of our need for a Savior…it doesn’t take much for us to realize our lost condition. We live in a broken world. We live with broken relationships. We might not like to admit it…but we know that we fail often. We know that we have said and done things that we regret…that have hurt others; even those that we love.

          Our complete state of brokenness…our sinfulness is described by Scripture all too well.  “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:10-18)

          Even John the Baptist; the forerunner of Christ admits “I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:33-34) Without God’s gift of the Holy Spirit no one would know God; no one would have faith, no one would be saved. Instead we would all be slaves. As our Lord says, “everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) Scripture also tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and that “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)

          All that is left for us…on our own…is misery. It is OUR sin and OUR guilt…that deserve damnation. We have no one to blame but ourselves. Sure we may try to ignore our sin and guilt…we may try to forget what we have done or what we deserve…we may try to justify our actions. But the misery continues. Our sin continues. The guilt continues. Our punishment draws closer. Because of our sin…we suffer…we hurt…we get depressed…and we are ridden with guilt for what we have done. We cry out with Saint Paul, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24)

          But there is hope. There is something that brings us joy in this dark world. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Jesus is the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. Jesus has come to take away your sin. He has taken your sin to the cross. The wickedness of your sin has been forgiven. Your guilt has been taken as well. No longer are you a filthy wretched sinner. You are God’s beloved child. Jesus not only took your sins to the cross, He also took the wrath of God you deserved upon His shoulders.

          My brothers and sisters in Christ, “behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) The Lamb of God is here. He is found in this place. He is found upon the altar. We behold the lamb of God every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. In Communion we see the Lamb of God who takes away your very sin. What comfort it is to receive Jesus in with and under the bread and wine. What comfort it is to receive strength and forgiveness in that meal.

          “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). It is because Jesus is in with and under the bread and wine that we should want to take Communion as often as possible. It is because it gives us strength to overcome this dark world that we should want to take Communion as often as possible. It is because our sins are forgiven that we should want to take Communion as often as possible.

          In a world where we are constantly buffeted by sin and Satan; in a world where we are surrounded by unbelief, in lives that struggle with sinfulness, guilt, and despair….we have Jesus. We have Jesus who comes to us in His body and blood. He gives us the very best: Himself…that we would have life in Him.

          What a wonderful message we have been given: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) The Lamb of God has taken away the sin of the world. We are forgiven. we are restored. We are heirs of heaven. What a wonderful message we have been given to share. 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.

Where is Jesus to be found?

Christmas 2, 2020

Luke 2:40-52

“Where is Jesus to be found?”

 

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

 

            Growing up my parents took us to church. That makes a lot of sense…after all my dad is a Pastor. What I mean is this. Growing up my parents took us to church. It was a given. We weren’t asked if we wanted to go to church. We all went to church. I remember one Sunday waking up…LATE! The house was silent. I checked bedrooms, the living room, the kitchen, and nobody was home. What happened? Why didn’t they wake me up…or make sure I was up? How could they leave me home? These were certainly not typical questions coming from a teenager. I didn’t know what to do with myself. There was no way for me to get to church…and yet I felt lost being home…alone…with nothing to do. When my parents came home…I actually yelled at them for NOT taking me to church. Their reason…was that my mom thought I sounded sick when she tried to wake me up…so they made the decision to let me sleep so that I felt better. Looking back on the event…I’m not mad at my parents for their decision. What I believe though is that this was a defining moment in my life. Where was I supposed to be on Sunday morning? My conclusion was church; it was to be in God my Father’s House.

          “Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:41-52)

          What happened? How did Mary and Joseph forget Jesus? It was a simple mistake. Mary and Joseph weren’t traveling alone. Mary and Joseph were also traveling with a larger group of relatives, friends, and acquaintances together. They simply thought Jesus was with this large group even though he wasn’t right next to them traveling.

          What is remarkable is that after rushing back to Jerusalem, searching for this child…that Mary and Joseph found him in the temple. Jesus wasn’t with other children his own age. He wasn’t just living it up and enjoying what the big city had to offer. He wasn’t begging…or causing a ruckus. He was in the temple. He was there discussing God’s Word with the teachers. He was impressing them with His knowledge.

          Where was Jesus found? Where did he make it a habit to be? “And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” (Luke 2:49) “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.” (Luke 4:16) Even though Jesus is “greater than the temple” (Matthew 12:6) He still makes it his habit to be in the synagogue…to be in the temple…to be worshipping God on the Sabbath. Jesus made it His habit to be in Church. It was a habit…it was something he did and kept on doing. It was a place he went to regularly. In fact…in a quick search I found over 30 verses in the Bible that speak about Jesus not only being found in the temple and synagogue but healing and teaching there.

          But why was Jesus there? He is God…He doesn’t need to worship Himself. He doesn’t need forgiveness. So why was He there? He went there for many reasons. Jesus kept the commandment to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8). Jesus went there because it is His Father’s house; it is the place God promised to be. Jesus went there to teach and preach the truth of God’s Word. He went there to cleanse the temple. He went there to heal His people. He went there to receive strength. He went there…because ultimately…it is the place where He was and continues to be found.

          Where do we go to find Jesus? Many like to find Jesus in nature. Others like to find Jesus wherever they happen to be…in their home, car, hotel room, etc. While Jesus is everywhere…He is God after all…there is one place He promises to be. Always! For us! In His house; the Church. Where God’s Word is preached correctly. Where the Sacraments are administered rightly. There is the Church. And there is Jesus! It is Jesus that forgives us. It is Jesus who is found in the proclamation of Scripture. It is Jesus who feeds us His very body and blood. It is Jesus who gives us strength. It happens here!

          Remember what you were taught from the catechism about confession of sins. “I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.” (p.29 of Luther’s Small Catechism CPH 2005) Remember what John records in his Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  (John 1:1-3, 14) Remember what we sing right before the Gospel lesson is read: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) Remember these words following the reception of Jesus body and blood in with and under the bread and wine. “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)

          As Simeon saw the Christ as He was presented at the temple…so have we in this place. Jesus is found here in His Church. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead us, guide us, and carry us to this place…that we may see Jesus; be fed and nourished, strengthened, and forgiven by Him. Jesus is here…He is here for you! Always. 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 Word is our Comfort

Christmas Day, 2019

“The Word is our Comfort”

Isaiah 52:7-10 & John 1:1-14

 

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

 

            God’s people were split. The nation of Israel divided. North and South. Israel and Judah. Their kings became more wicked. Idols were brought in. God would punish the people. Israel would be destroyed. North and South destroyed. Jerusalem would be plundered. The temple destroyed. Walls, gates, homes toppled. Many were killed. More were exiled. Could you imagine? We wouldn’t want to. Loved ones killed or enslaved. Homes destroyed. Valuables taken. The city was left as rubble.

          Maybe some of these things aren’t hard to imagine for some of us. We have loved ones that lived through nightmares like this in the Second World War. Some of us have loved ones that live through this in other nations of this world today. Even within our own nation we see murder and chaos, terrorism, rape, and torture; communities, neighborhoods, and families destroyed. People living without homes or food or clothing. All for nothing. All because of sin in the world.

          This sadness. This horrible image. This is the backdrop of Isaiah’s words of comfort to Israel and to us. This is the context of God’s comfort to a world suffering from sin. This Christmas text gives us and the world the true reason to rejoice.

          “Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 52:9)

          Here is the news that brings singing; a joyous celebration. These are words that describe the defiant hope of exiles that will not succumb to the despair of the sinful world that surrounds them. This is news for all ages; for all people…for believers surrounded by the wickedness of this sinful world and life. Here is news that causes the very ruins and rubble of God’s people to sing out in the face of misery and despair. “The Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 52:9b)

          These words of hope can be said in another way…in a song that we are more familiar with at this time of year: “God rest ye merry gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior. Was born on Christmas Day. To save us all from Satan's pow'r. When we were gone astray. Oh tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. Oh tidings of comfort and joy.”

          Lost in the change of language through the years…. God make you MIGHTY gentleman. Let nothing dishearten you; nothing surprise or alarm you; nothing perturb you! Why? For Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day in order to save us from Satan’s power while we had gone astray. This. This is the message of comfort and joy! This is how God redeemed Jerusalem, His people, His creation and world.

          God’s Word is our comfort and hope and joy. And this Word isn’t just any old word. It’s not a secret word for only a few. It’s not just a word that can be written down or translated or copied. This Word is “the [very] Word [that] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

          Jesus, the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, the babe placed in a manger, the babe from Bethlehem, is our comfort; our hope; our joy.

          Our comfort this Christmas isn’t found in the food that we eat. It isn’t found on the Hallmark Channel. It’s not sold in a mall or even on Amazon. Our comfort is found in Jesus. For through His birth, life, death, and resurrection we have life. Through Jesus our warfare with sin, death, and the devil is over.  Our sins are paid for and covered. We are made perfect through His blood. We are made children of the Heavenly Father and heirs of His kingdom.

          Our hope this Christmas is far beyond getting that dream present. Our hope shouldn’t be in any earthly gift or found in a sinful person. Our hope…even for peace and love is only found in Christ.  Our hope is found in Him who rose for us. Our hope is in the resurrection and the life.

          And our joy; our happiness, our delight, our gladness…is found in Him who loves us. Our joy springs forth out of faith to share the love we have in Christ Jesus with those we love.

          Today is all about _________? You. ??? Because today is all about Christ: His birth; His coming to live and die and rise for you… its all about you. For Christ was born for YOU. Christ lived and died for YOU. Christ rose for YOU! “For God so loved the world [each one of you] that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

          God make you mighty people. Let nothing in this sinful world dismay you. Remember Christ our Savior. Was born on Christmas Day. To save us all from Satan's pow'r. When we were gone astray! Share those tidings of comfort and joy this Holy Day and every day. Merry Christmas. 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 shall be called Immanuel

Advent 4, 2019

Isaiah 7:10-17

“He shall be called Immanuel” 

 

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

  

 

          “Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, "Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test." Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also?” (Isaiah 7:10-13)

          It sounds like Ahaz is being righteous while Isaiah is overreacting. A little knowledge of Ahaz will help with this confusion.

          For 16 years Ahaz was the epitome of evil. Among his many misdeeds, Ahaz not only sacrificed to idols, he even sacrificed his own son to idols. As a result, Ahaz was handed over to the Syrians, and many of his subjects were taken captive to Damascus. Despite this, Ahaz refused to repent to God for his sins. As he continued to sin, his people (the Kingdom of Judah) continued to suffer. In one day, 120,000 of his soldiers were slaughtered by Pekah, king of Israel. Following the carnage, Pekah gathered 200,000 women and children from Judah and was intent on enslaving them before God sent a prophet to intervene. Because God intervened Pekah released these 200,000. In spite of this act of compassion by God, Ahaz still refused to repent and trust in the Lord.

          God’s love and patience for his people is very evident in the History of Israel. God brought them out of captivity from Egypt. God fed them with Manna and Quail in the wilderness for 40 years. God gave His people the 10 commandments, promised them a land of milk and honey, promised to watch over them, love them, protect them, make them a great nation, and send them a Savior. God gave them military victories over larger and greater armies and nations. God gave and His people ignored, rejected, and forgot. God promised Ahaz protection from his foes and offered to give Him a sign. The very sign Isaiah offers on behalf of God in our text. But Ahaz rejected. Ahaz didn’t want this sign or any sign…he didn’t want for there to be proof that the Lord was God, Ahaz didn’t want to be obligated to believe in the Lord. Because of Ahaz the entire nation of Judah suffered.

          All of us have days that are miserable. All of us suffer, have doubts, and wish for a sign from God to let us know everything will be ok. When thinking about the want for a sign I am often reminded of the movie “Bruce Almighty.” In the movie Bruce was fired from his job, had a huge fight with his girlfriend, and everything kept going wrong. He asks God for a sign while driving down the road. He passes all kinds of road signs, including a truck filled with them, that say “stop,” “wrong way,” “do not enter,” and “turn back”. But Bruce ignores and rejects those signs.

          It seems that while we all want signs from God…we look for signs of our own choosing. Very often we ignore God’s plans and try to put our own plans at work. Every once in a while we feel the effect of disaster in our world. It is at these times that we see the “signs” of this age in the wrath of hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and terrorism. At times of great need…people try to find God. But when things don’t go the way we want them to we question God and His love for us.

          Like Ahaz, when we sin and keep on sinning we hurt not only ourselves but those around us. How often our own sinfulness leads to fights with our spouses, parents, and children. How often our sinfulness breaks hearts and causes others to lose hope. How often does our sinfulness cause others to lose faith and fall away from God? The truth is sin kills! But maybe if there were just a sign in our lives than we would know to stop, to help, to have hope…then things would be so different. But we don’t want a sign…we just want our own desires.

          In the face of sinfulness, rejection, and hopelessness God gave Ahaz and us a sign. This sign was to offer hope. This sign would be for all the people. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Luke 7:14) A virgin bearing a child. A miracle of miracles. But not just any child… this child would be called Immanuel. God with us.

          In the midst of a king and people that rejected the true God; at a time when people prayed or thought god was somewhere else not listening to their cries; to a people that thought God had abandoned them…God promises to send a Savior; Immanuel…God with us. God in the midst of His people. God contending for the people of this world with the people of this world. God here in our presence living and dying. God with us.

          This Christmas and every Christmas is a sign unto you! A Savior has been born and He is Christ the Lord. This Christ would go on to die for you. In fact “While we were still sinners [enemies of God], Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

          As we approach Christmas; look no further for God’s sign of His love for you. Hear the message of the Angels to the Shepherds and to us: “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12) As we gather together this Christmas, as we share gifts with our loved ones, as we pray for those less fortunate remember that Christ was born. Share the greatest gift ever…share God’s love found in the wonderful news that in this baby wrapped in swaddling clothes we have forgiveness and life. Rejoice. Immanuel comes. God is with us now and forever. 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.

Set free from all sorrow

Advent Midweek 2

“Set free from all sorrow”

Matthew 2:1-12

 

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

 

 

 

            Don’t you just love this time of year. It seems that every store you enter is playing Christmas music. You can close your eyes and recall Christmases past. The smell of coffee shops and confectioners brings sweet memories as well…maybe of grandma’s baking of Christmas cookies. And as you purchase that perfect gift for a loved one you imagine the beaming face that your loved one will have as they open their present. Advertisers use all of our senses… sights, sounds, smells…to promise that perfect Christmas we so desire.

          But for all the joy that advertisers promise and we desire…joy can be hard to come by. There are many far removed from joy. Mourning loved ones, anxious over strained finances, saddened by family strife or broken relationships…many aren’t looking forward to a joyous Christmas…but instead a blue Christmas.

          But true joy may still be found for all. Where? Right here. True joy comes not in shopping malls, not at Starbucks, not in our sinful brokenness…but here in God’s house where we celebrate once again the birth of our Savior. Tonight, as we seemingly jump ahead in the season, we rejoice with the Magi, for Christ is the answer to our brokenness and sorrow.

          In the midst of this fallen world and all of the problems that sin brings upon us we have reason for joy. Consider all the blessings God has bestowed upon you. God provides house and home, food and clothing, family and friends…and a Church family. But too often the wants of this world and the problems we face distract us from God’s blessings.

          Herod was distracted too. The Magi arrive in Jerusalem looking for the One who has been born King of the Jews. That doesn’t sit well with Herod the puppet king. Herod calls the scribes together asking where Jesus was to be born.  The answer is found in the prophet Micah. The promise of a Savior prophesied of old is fulfilled in Jesus. What generation upon generation of faithful believers had been longing for, what so many had spent their lives desiring, now stands fulfilled. That is reason for great joy!

          But it brought no joy to Herod. Herod was distracted by his own wants and desires. He wanted to rule and be king and have power…not just the power allowed him by Rome…but real power. This Child; this truly powerful King, the hope of the nations left Herod reeling. He could not and would not tolerate a rival. The hope Herod should have had in the Savior was not found, joy departed and sorrow made its home in Herod…along with jealousy and anger.

          We face those same problems. When joy is fleeting sorrow and jealousy and anger enter our hearts as well. Why can’t things go right in my life? Why didn’t I get the promotion? Where is my new car…house…or even T.V.? Why doesn’t my marriage or family look like that perfect marriage, family, and life I see on the Hallmark channel? Why do these things happen to me? And our sorrow brings with it jealousy for what we don’t have and anger over things we think we should have. Sorrow forgets about blessings.

          No matter what the cause of your sorrow is…Christ is the answer. Jesus wouldn’t be the King Herod wanted him to be…a king that would submit to Herod… he wouldn’t be the king many Israelites wanted… a king that would restore their nation to power…and he isn’t the king many in this world want…a king that grants anything and everything a person wants; nor would Jesus be a mere miracle worker. Jesus is the King and Savior we need. And He is far more than we could ever want.

          What kind of King is Jesus…one in whom the Magi fell down to worship with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. A King in whom Mary Magdalene and the other Mary would fall down and worship outside of the empty tomb. A King in whom the Eleven would fall down and worship after Jesus appears to them after rising from the dead. You only fall down, prostrate yourself, before Almighty God. The Magi knew it, The Marys knew it, the Eleven knew it.

          And that worship reveals joy. The women at the tomb were overjoyed to see Jesus resurrected, and so were the disciples. This is the kind of God and King you have—the kind that chooses to humble Himself. Jesus wasn’t born in legendary Jerusalem but in lowly Bethlehem. Jesus didn’t live a carefree life with every luxury. He didn’t hang out with all the cool and important people. He didn’t use His divine power to do or get what He wanted. Instead He led a humble life, was found preaching to and healing the most needy and suffering of people, and gave up His life for a world that despised Him.

          Jesus was born in order to die…for you…that you would be forgiven, made a child of God, receive salvation, and the riches of heaven. The reason we Christians have such great joy… isn’t found at the mall… isn’t found in sinful desires…isn’t found in the riches of this world…but is found in the Christ child born of the virgin Mary and laid in the manger. Our joy is found in the forgiveness of our sins. Our joy is found in salvation. Our joy is found in Jesus “lying helpless in a manger, poor and bare and lowly, To set you free from all your sorrow wholly.” And this joy does not fail. This joy never ends. 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.