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As he shares insight from the Bible

Joy in Jesus’ (Time)

4/21/2024

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​Easter 4 - Jubilate                                                                                                                                                        April 21, 2024
John 16:16-22
 
Joy in Jesus’ (Time)
 
V.20  Amen, Amen, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
 
          Alleluia! Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Dear friends in Christ, this Sunday in the church year is well named - Jubilate! - Joy! Especially for us in our small parish as we were blessed to welcome Six new members today– two children and four adults–into our family of faith! What joy! What blessing!
          Some have great joy in seeing the Lord’s promises fulfilled and worked in the hearts of family and friends–sometimes after years of prayer and conversation.  Joy in being blessed to witness the working of the Holy Spirit on a person’s heart through the power of the Word of God.  Joy in witnessing the fruit of faith grow and mature in peoples’ lives. 
          Others have joy in finding a church home with other believers who desire to hold fast to God’s Word despite the pressures of Satan and the world.  Indeed, this is something in which we all should rejoice–having a family of faith that actually takes God’s Word seriously and will exhort and encourage one another to remain true to Christ and His Word of Truth and Grace. 
          We all have great joy in being blessed to know that six more souls have joined our fellowship this day–six more lambs of God have been brought into our sheepfold–six more people to love and to cherish–to encourage and be encouraged by–it fills our hearts to bursting–especially knowing that three of those six have received the life-giving waters of Holy Baptism and have had all their sins washed away in the cleansing tide of Christ’s blood. 
Furthermore, another four will join us this day for the first time in receiving the Lord’s Supper–the very body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. They will join us in our public confession of the Lord’s death and resurrection and receive with great joy the gift of His body and blood–being strengthened as we are to face the sometimes difficult trials and tribulations that Christians are called to endure this side of glory.
          Indeed, we cannot forget that there are those in this world who will delight in bringing sorrow to God’s people.  In our text, Jesus warned His disciples that this very thing would happen.  He told them that they would experience sorrow–great sorrow–weeping and wailing–hearts torn to pieces–while the world would rejoice with great joy. 
Of what does Jesus speak? His looming crucifixion–less than 24 hours away.  The Jewish leaders and their followers would clap and shout with glee at the death of Jesus–that troublesome itinerant Rabbi who had caused them so much grief and embarrassment with His miracles and rather pointed teachings, which made them look bad.  “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice.”
While the world was rejoicing, the disciples would have great sorrow at the unjust death of their Master and Lord.  The grief would be overwhelming, standing in stark contrast to so many others who would rejoice with great joy–the Sadducees and Pharisees and their followers–who had plotted and devised Jesus’ death.
But their sorrow–their grief–their lamentation–would only last but a little while, Jesus promises.  “A little while and you will not see Me, and again a little while and you will see Me.”  They would have great sorrow at not seeing Jesus–for He would suffer and die and be buried.  But then–in just a little while–three short days!--their sorrow would turn into joy? How? Why? Because they would see Jesus again–for He would be raised from the dead–Easter joy would fill their hearts where formerly there had been only grief and despair.  This is the promise of great joy that the Resurrection of Jesus brings, dear friends.
For though sorrow, lamentation, trial, tribulation, even persecution may come our way, yet we have hope and joy in the resurrection of Jesus.  For by His death He has destroyed death and the power of sin over us.  By His glorious resurrection, He promises life and eternal salvation to all who believe.  For by faith we have overcome the world.  We rest secure in the love of God.  As John writes in our epistle (1 John 3:1), “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”  Beloved, you are God’s children–every one of you–by virtue of your faith in Jesus.  He who has died and risen again for you! 
Yes, Jesus has now Ascended and sits at the right hand of the Father–a position of power and glory by which He rules over the universe and His church.  We may be sorrowful because we do not see Him here with us, but He promises that we will see Him again–in a little while–when He comes in glory to Judge the living and the dead–and to take us to heaven with Him where there will be only perpetual joy and gladness in His presence. 
How do we know that we will see Him again?  How do we know that we will be worthy to enter into His kingdom of joy?  After all, when we look at our lives, we often see only great sin that clings to us still.  We remember with sorrow the times we have broken God’s Word and hurt our neighbours–our family and friends.  Our sin clings to us like filthy rags.  We know that we do not deserve to enter God’s holy presence.  But hear once more the words of St. John from our epistle (1 John 3:3), “And everyone who thus hopes in Him [Jesus] purifies himself as He is pure.” 
You are NOT worthy of God’s gifts.  You do NOT deserve His peace.  You are not pure in and of yourself.  Your purity–your cleansing of all sin–comes not from anything that you do–but solely by God’s grace through faith in Jesus.  Hope in Him, beloved.  Hope in He who died and rose again for you!  By faith in Christ Jesus all your sins are wiped away–and your sorrow and grief will turn into perpetual joy that NO ONE can ever take away from you.  For you are pure and holy in God’s sight! So (LSB 685 st.2), “Let us suffer here with Jesus And with patience bear our cross. Joy will follow all our sadness; Where He is, there is no loss. Though today we sow no laughter, We shall reap celestial joy; All discomforts that annoy Shall give way to mirth hereafter. Jesus, here I share your woe; Help me there Your joy to know.”
You have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus outpoured on the cross for you.  He who bled and died for you has now risen from the dead and lives and reigns in glory for all eternity.  What can the world or Satan do to you now?  They have no power over Him–He has conquered them with His suffering and death.  And so they have no power over any who are in Him–who hope in His blood and mercy to cover over every sin. As stanza 7 of our first Communion hymn (LSB 633) so beautifully puts it, “Easter triumph, Easter joy! This alone can sin destroy; From sin’s pow’r, Lord, set us free, Newborn souls in You to be. Alleluia!”
Beloved, remember this great promise from our Lord all the days of your life.  “A little while, and you will see Me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” You see Jesus with eyes of faith every time you hear His Word proclaimed and read it at home. You see Jesus in the washing of Holy Baptism and each week you receive His body and blood in, with, and under bread and wine for the forgiveness of all your sins. 
Therefore, worry not over any sorrow or lamentation that may come your way. For you have the peace and joy that comes from the resurrection of Jesus.  And He further promises, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”  For Alleluia! Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!  Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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Finding a Good Shepherd

4/14/2024

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​Easter 3 - Misericordias Domini                                                                                                                April 14, 2024
John 10:11-16
 
Finding a Good Shepherd
 
V.11  I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
 
          Alleluia! Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Dear friends in Christ, this Sunday marks the Third Sunday of Easter - the Latin name being Misericordias Domini - the merciful heart of God Sunday.  However, because of the unified nature of the selected readings for this Sunday, it has also come to be known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.”  For herein we see the beautiful promise of God from the prophet Ezekiel that He would come and be the Shepherd of His people–that He would search for and rescue His sheep, gathering them together and providing for them wherever they may be–no  matter how lost they may be.  He promises (Ezekiel 34:16), “I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy.”
          St. Peter (1 Peter 2:25) in our epistle writes how the people of God have been called to live in righteousness–forsaking their sin–repenting of it–and turning back to Jesus.  “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”  And of course, we have Jesus in our Gospel text (John 10:11), boldly declaring, “I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
          So all three of our appointed readings for this day deal with shepherds and sheep, and the blessing that comes from having a good shepherd who loves and cares for the sheep.  Indeed, the church is like a sheepfold–where all the disciples of the Lord congregate–and Jesus is the Good Shepherd who watches over His sheep and provides for them. 
          And the deep, abiding love of Jesus for His sheep goes even further.  For He has instituted the beautiful relationship within His church of pastor and people.  Pastor is the Latin word “shepherd.”  For this is what pastors are called by Christ to do: shepherd His sheep–be an undershepherd of the Good Shepherd.  This is a wondrous reality wherein Jesus has ordained specific men to be the people responsible for feeding His sheep with the very gifts of Christ–namely the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life and salvation.  Pastors do this through the means appointed by Jesus to do so–the Word and the Sacraments.  So, on behalf of the whole church (all the sheep), and by the command and authority of Jesus (the Good Shepherd), pastors (the undershepherds) preach, teach, baptize, absolve, and distribute the Lord’s Body and Blood in the Eucharist.  What joy! Just as we have been blessed to witness this day at CLH with the Baptism of Abigail Anderson–the newest little lamb of Christ’s flock.
          However, the Christian church in general (and our congregation in particular), is now wrestling with the situation of what to do when we might not have a pastor for a time–when the sheep will be bereft of an undershepherd.  This situation will only become more common, sadly, in the coming years as many of our older pastors either retire or are called to glory, and we don’t have enough younger pastors coming up to fill in the gaps, as it were.  “What are we to do?” we wonder.  “Who is going to take care of us? Bury us? Baptize our grandchildren? Confirm our children? Hold our hand in the hospital? Preach to us? Teach us?” and the list could go on. 
          We may be tempted to think in the dark recesses of our hearts concerning our pastors who leave us, “He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” Of course, you KNOW that is NOT true.  You know the love I, and so many other pastors, have for their congregations–their beloved sheep entrusted to their care.  Yet we may still struggle with feelings of sadness, loneliness, even abandonment and despair.  Some congregations are vacant not just for a few months, but YEARS!  It is hard NOT to feel lost and abandoned by God when such situations arise. 
          Yet, beloved, that is why this particular Sunday in the church year, and its appointed readings, are so very important for us to remember ALL year long.  For as great as the love is between you and me, your pastor.  As great as the love that you have for me and I have for you–there is One who loves you more–and whom I know you love more than me–the Lord Jesus.  You are His sheep–you know Him and He knows you–for you hear His voice and listen to it.  You heed His Word in Holy Scripture–rejoicing in it as sheep rejoice in hearing the voice of the shepherd who cares for them.  The sheep run–from wherever they may be–when they hear their shepherd call.  Just so with you, beloved.
          It matters not if it is I who is preaching to you, or another visiting pastor, or a newly called pastor into your midst.  What matters is that the Word that is being proclaimed into your midst–into your ears–is the voice of your Good Shepherd–Jesus.  And though we all struggle with fear over the unknown future–though we struggle with certain aspects of God’s Word–yet we know it is His Word–and so we heed it–we listen to it–and we rejoice in it. Be it proclaimed from the pulpit in church by a pastor, or when we read it day-by-day in our homes as we conduct our daily devotions.  The Word is the voice of Jesus.  He is speaking to you.  He is telling you of His great love for you, no matter what.  That He will never leave you nor forsake you.  For “The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
          No matter how often you may stray from the voice of your Good Shepherd–and boy will there be times when you do–just as every Christian struggles with temptation.  No matter what sin you may commit against your Lord or your neighbor–rest assured in the love of your Good Shepherd.  As Peter writes (1 Peter 2:24), “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.” Jesus has died for all of your sins–every last one!  And He has died for the sins of all of you–every last one! From little Abigail baptized today, to you and me, and every person on this planet. 
          And never give in to the lie of the devil which seeks to drive you to despair over your sin.  His lies that may lead you to think that Jesus’ blood isn’t enough–or that Jesus doesn’t want you back.  Damnable lies!  Hear the word of the Lord (1 Peter 2:25), “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” No matter who you are, what you have done, where you have gone–the Lord Jesus calls you back as your Good Shepherd.  His Word calls you to repent of your sin and to look to Him and His cross as the answer for your sin.  His blood has come and washed away every spot, every wrinkle, every stain of guilt and shame.  For His blood is a cleansing tide poured out upon you in your Baptism.  Your sin has been paid for–by Jesus’ suffering and death.  His wounds have made you whole.  His blood has washed you clean. 
          Therefore, as our first Communion hymn (LSB 735:1) so beautifully puts it, “Have no fear, little flock;  Have no fear little flock,  For the Father has chosen  To give you the Kingdom;  Have no fear, little flock!” You have nothing to fear, come what may.  For you have the Lord Jesus as your Good Shepherd. He who promises to walk beside you and carry you all your days.  He who feeds you and nourishes you and provides you with everything you need for both body and soul.  This Jesus is your Good Shepherd.  You are His sheep.  You belong to Him.  So we can joyously sing along with our second Communion hymn (LSB 740:1), “I am Jesus’ little lamb,  Ever glad at heart I am;  For my Shepherd gently guides me,  Knows my need and well provides me,   Loves me every day the same,  Even calls me by my name.”
          Beloved, you have been baptized into the name of the Triune God.  He knows all there is to know about you–from the number of hairs on your head–to your deepest fears and sorrows–your greatest joys and blessings.  He knows you.  And He calls you by NAME!  You, like Abigail, are His beloved baptized child.  Jesus, your Good Shepherd, has suffered and died for you on the cross. And He is now risen from the dead to comfort you with the gift of everlasting life and righteousness.  You are His sheep.  And HE is your Shepherd.  Now and for always.  For Alleluia! Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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Life in Believing

4/7/2024

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​V.31  …but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
 
          Alleluia! Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Dear friends in Christ, we were blessed to witness a miracle this morning at CLH.  For little Abigail Anderson–born premature–just over 4 pounds–was baptized today!  She was washed clean of all her sin, given everlasting life and salvation, all through the gift of faith in Jesus by the working of the Holy Spirit.  This means that this beautiful, tiny, fragile baby girl has now overcome the world.  For as St. John writes in our epistle reading (1 John 5:4-5), “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
          How is one born of God? Baptism!  It is as St. Paul writes to Titus (3:5b), “...the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit…” To be born of God is to be born from above or from heaven by the working of God Almighty Himself.  Therefore, as little Abigail has been baptized in God’s triune name, she has been born again–regenerated and renewed by the Holy Spirit in this blessed washing.  And so, even though she is wonderfully fragile and tiny, Abigail has overcome all the assaults of the devil, the world, and her own sinful flesh–because of the Lord Jesus in whom she now believes–for His blood has washed away all her sin and granted her everlasting life and righteousness.
          Yet the unbelieving world, and our own disbelieving flesh questions this miraculous truth.  After all, “How can water do such great things?” the skeptics ask? Seems impossible for mere water to have such an amazing effect.  Indeed yes, as impossible perhaps as someone rising from the dead?
          Thomas certainly didn’t believe THAT! In fact, he wouldn't believe it. Despite the clear and consistent testimony of the other disciples, Thomas refused to believe the news that Jesus had risen from the dead. As our sermon hymn (LSB 472 st.3) so eloquently puts it, “His reasoned certainties denied That one could live when one had died, Until his fingers read like braille The markings of the spear and nail.”
          Beloved, Thomas is certainly not alone–especially in our day and age–where skepticism reigns supreme over all things.  Whether it be baptismal regeneration–that Holy Baptism actually does something for the baptized–washing sins away and bringing the individual into union with Christ’s death and resurrection–or the deeper skepticism concerning the very resurrection of Jesus Himself. How can one who has died ever live again?  It is contrary to all our experience and scientific knowledge.  Dead is dead.  Water is just water.  These are simple facts that no one can dispute!
          Yet, beloved, what does God’s Word say?  What does Holy Scripture plainly teach regarding how the Holy Spirit brings life?  The prophet Ezekiel’s vision of the Valley of Dry Bones in our O.T. reading is helpful in enlightening us here.  For it was the Word of God that does it all–at the Spirit’s working.  The Spirit works through the Word to bring life and salvation through the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ our Lord.  As Jesus demonstrated when He appeared to the disciples that first Easter evening (John 20:22-23), “And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.’”
          Just so Ezekiel was told to prophesy to the House of Israel in bondage, who had complained that as a nation they were dead and cut off from the Promised Land–bereft of hope of ever living in God’s promise ever again.  Yet as God’s Word went forth from Ezekiel’s mouth to bring life to a valley of dead dry bones, so the Lord said through Ezekiel (37:14) to the whole host of Israel, “And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.”
          So, there is a deep and abiding connection between the working of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  And there is further connection between God’s Spirit and the gift of the water of Baptism.  For when the Jews were gathered for the festival of Pentecost 50 days after Easter, Peter gave the great Pentecost sermon in which the gathered assembly was convicted of their sin in crucifying the Lord of Life.  Acts 2:37-39 says, “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.’”
          What joy, beloved!  What grace! For in the face of our great sin against the Lord–our skepticism and unbelief–our unholy living and wickedness of thought, word, and deed, we have the promise of Holy Baptism to cling to.  For you have been baptized! You have put on Christ and His blood which bestows the forgiveness of sins.  This wondrous miracle has been wrought by the Holy Spirit who was sealed unto you in your Baptism. And what’s more, this promise is for everyone! Man, woman, child–no matter who you are or what you have done–the blood of Jesus covers over every sin–and the Spirit comforts you by testifying to you of Jesus’ love and mercy, wherein He gave up His life into death on the cross–all for you.
          Baptism GIVES the forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe.  Luther asks the skeptics’ own question in his Small Catechism, “How can water do such great things?” It seems too crazy–too fantastical!  Yet Luther clearly answers, “Certainly not just water, but the Word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For without God’s Word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit as St. Paul says in Titus 3:5-8.”
          This is why we can say that Abigail has overcome the world–just as you and I have–on account of our faith in Jesus Christ–which was GIVEN in Baptism! Having this new life wrought by the Holy Spirit and the Word through the water of Holy Baptism, we now crave and hunger for the Word of God much as newborn babies crave milk to grow and become strong and healthy. This is why the Latin name for this Sunday is Quasimodo Geniti–taken from the opening words of the appointed Introit for this Sunday–which have been drawn from 1 Peter 2. 
          We have all been reborn children of God through this blessed washing of Baptism.  By the Word and the Sacraments Christians receive the forgiveness of sins and so grow stronger in our faith.  We trust evermore in the blood of Jesus outpoured on the cross for every sin–yours, mine, and Abigail’s too. 
          This miracle of faith MUST be given by the Holy Spirit working through the Word.  Jesus gives His perfect peace to all those who believe.  In love, He exhorted Thomas, “Do not disbelieve, but believe.”  Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to Him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
          All of you, beloved, have been blessed by God with faith in the Lord Jesus.  You have not seen Him with your eyes, but you have beheld Him with your ears through His marvelous Word.  You have been anointed with His Spirit and washed clean by His blood in Holy Baptism.  And you have taken His body and blood to eat and to drink in your mouths for the forgiveness of your sins! Your faith has been greatly strengthened all the days of your life by the Holy Spirit working in these ways.  Why? “So that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”  (LSB 472 st.4) “May we, O God, by grace believe And thus the risen Christ receive, Whose raw imprinted palms reached out And beckoned Thomas from His doubt.” For Alleluia! Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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Who’s Your Daddy?

3/17/2024

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​Lent 5 - Judica                                                                                                                                         March 17, 2024
John 8:42-59
 
Who’s Your Daddy?
 
V.42  Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and I am here.  I came not of my own accord, but He sent Me.”
 
          Dear friends in Christ, the importance of fathers cannot be overstated.  Especially in a society that is constantly blurring the lines between male and female–with men sometimes being vilified simply for being men–and the tragic rate of children living in fatherless homes with terrible repercussions.  In our text, Jesus notes that all people have a father–not just their biological sire–but a father who is a spiritual being.  And just as a good biological father who is involved in his children’s lives can make a tremendous difference in a person’s well-being, so too in this situation.  For make no mistake–all have a spiritual being father–either the Heavenly Father of our Lord Jesus Christ–or the devil. 
          In a long discourse with the Jews in John 8, Jesus has been debating them about fathers, ancestry, and truth.  To try and insult Jesus the Jews attacked Him by questioning where His Father was.  Jesus replied in John 8:19, “You know neither Me nor my Father. If you knew Me, you would know my Father also.”  Since God was His Father, and He is the only-begotten Son of the Father, Jesus argued that if people would abide in His truth they would be set free from sin and death. But they thought that merely being descendants of Abraham was good enough–they stated in v.39, “Abraham is our father.” Yet Jesus said this was not so, for they did not do the works of Abraham, but rather were seeking to kill the Man sent from God to preach truth to them–something Abraham never did.  They then boldly asserted, “We have one Father–even God.” Which is where our text comes in with Jesus rebuking them and pointing out that they are actually following their true father, the devil, and rejecting God the Father’s Truth–Jesus.
          Harsh words.  Words that were not well received by Jesus’ audience.  Children of the devil?! They were not pagan Gentiles or God-awful Samaritans–they were Jews–descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–they had impeccable genealogical pedigree–could trace their family tree back to the 12 Tribes of Israel–how could Jesus speak to them so?  It was outrageous!
          Yet Jesus links their rejection of Him and His Word to their spiritual father–the devil.  “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my Word.  You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:43-44).
          Just so today, beloved.  Those who reject Jesus and His Word of truth cannot claim God as their Father, but rather take after their spiritual father from below–the devil.  This is why so many today are blinded to the truth.  How else could people with a straight face claim that there is no difference between men and women–that men can become women and vice versa?  How is it that people, with all the wonders of the modern medical era and ultrasound imaging and video recordings still claim that the unborn are NOT full human beings deserving of protection?  How can we gossip about our neighbor behind their backs–tearing down their reputation–and yet innocently claim to be merely ‘venting’? How can people claim to be Christian and yet hold that there are many paths to heaven and God?  How do people hold to evolution and the Big Bang theory, reducing humanity from the pinnacle of God’s good creation to something akin to vermin needing to be eradicated in order to protect mother earth? LIES! Lies of the devil and his demonic horde! Lies that reject the clear Word of God and Jesus as the Truth of that Word made flesh.
          And before we get on our high horses and look disparagingly at those around us who are caught in such vicious and deadly lies, let us not forget that such was each one of us.  For we are by nature, conceived and born in sin.  By nature we are spiritually dead and corrupt, following after our father the devil–believing his lies–as our first parents did in the Garden so long ago.  Those who are of the devil are blinded to the truth of God and His Word.  Yet Jesus declares (v.47), “Whoever is of God hears the words of God.  The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
          So, the reason that people do not hear, and therefore reject, the Word of God is that they are not of God.  For those who are of God, hear the words of God and believe in them–even as they believe in Jesus–the Word of God made flesh.  How does one become of God?  How does one have God as their Father?  Not by anything that we do, beloved.  As Jesus taught Nicodemus in John 3:5-6, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” So, we must be born again–born of water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism.  Born by the will of God through the Word of the Gospel. 
          For John writes in the prologue to his Gospel (1:11-13), “[Jesus] came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”  So, to be born again–to be born of God, spiritually–is to believe in Jesus as God’s only-begotten Son. To trust in Him for life and salvation and no other.  To cling to His Word of truth–even when it makes us uncomfortable–for His Word is life. And this is all God’s work, beloved, not our own.  We are born–OF God.  Born through faith worked by the Holy Spirit.  What joy! What peace!
          For Jesus Christ alone is the true, natural, only-begotten Son of the Father in heaven.  By faith we are adopted into God’s holy family–with God as our Father and Jesus as our Brother and the Holy Spirit as our Advocate.  Moved by the Holy Spirit who now lives in our hearts (after having bound and cast out the devil), we long to hear and keep God’s blessed Word.  Jesus said (v.51), “Amen, amen, I say to you, if anyone keeps my Word, he will never see death.”  The Jews thought this an outrageous statement–even blasphemed Him by claiming He had a demon.  For Abraham–the great Jew–the father of the faith as it were–died–as did the prophets–but Jesus is saying that those who keep/guard/treasure His Word will never taste the bitterness of death–it would be laughable–if it weren’t so repugnant! For in order for Jesus’ statement to be true, He would need to be more holy than Abraham and the prophets–He would need to be…God?
          Jesus boldly responds that the very Father whom they claim to be their God, is the very One who glorifies Him.  He cannot lie like them and claim not to know the Father–for He keeps the Father’s Word–in its entirety–perfectly.  Jesus goes on to note that Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus’ day–and did rejoice in it–the day of the coming Messiah who would offer up His body and blood unto death as the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
          For when Abraham was about to slay his son, Isaac, on the mountain, it was the preincarnate Lord Jesus who spoke to him–preventing him–and giving him a ram to sacrifice as a substitute.  Just so Jesus would one day take on human flesh to be that sacrifice–the heavenly Father would not spare His own Son, but offer Him up into death to save the world from its sin.  Jesus would willingly do this.  Jesus saw and spoke with Abraham–He speaks as though He knew Abraham personally–which He did.  This is why Jesus declared, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” 
          Jesus herein claims, unequivocally, to be the Only True God–YHWH (the Great I AM)–whom the Jews were supposed to worship and adore.  Yet, as so many had rejected Jesus–and rejected His Word–they therefore, “picked up stones to throw at Him.”  They tried to murder Him right then and there.  Of course, the Jewish leadership would later succeed in a nefarious plot to take Jesus’ life on Good Friday. But we know that this was actually all according to God’s own plan.  That Jesus went to the cross willingly to lay down His life for His people so that they might be saved from their sin and the devil’s lies.  Coming instead to faith in Him as their Saviour–and joyfully following and keeping His Word of Truth.
            This is what we Christians now do, beloved.  Those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, filled with the Holy Spirit, hear the Father’s voice in His Word.  We hear it, and we rejoice in it.  And we do not give in to the lies of the devil.  Rather, we cling to God’s Word, and we proclaim this holy truth to all who will listen. That they too may be set free from the lies of the devil–set free from bondage to sin and death–and instead receive the truth and life that is for all people through faith in Jesus Christ alone.  For truly, “If anyone keeps [Jesus’] word, he will never taste death.” So, hear the Word of God and rejoice in it–for you ARE of God, your heavenly Father, through faith in Jesus.  Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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“Remembering the Good Ol’ Days”

3/10/2024

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​Lent 4 – Laetare                                                                                                                                    March 10, 2024
Exodus 16:2-21
 
“Remembering the Good Ol’ Days”
 
v.2-3 “And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, ‘Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’”
 
          Beloved, it’s a scene repeated in many countless coffee shops day after day.  It’s a scene repeated in our homes, schools, businesses, and cars.  We’ve all said and done it at one time or another.  You know how the story goes, don’t you?  A couple of people sit down and have a discussion—inevitably the conversation turns to some current problem faced by society, such as, the changing views toward gender and marriage.  Eventually, one looks at the other, then leans back in his or her chair with hands folded, eyes looking a little wistfully toward the heavens, and says, “Well, I remember, back in the good ol’ days...” 
          Ah, yes.  Back in the good ol’ days—when churches were filled, children were respectful and silent until spoken to—when all the world was good, etc.  Yes, we often like to remember the past quite favourably when weighed against our current problems and state of affairs.  However, I’ve always wondered, if things were so good back then, how come the people at that time would also lean back and reminisce about the “good ol’ days” too?  Perhaps things weren’t quite as good as we like to remember, sometimes. 
          Well, in our text for this morning something very similar occurred with the Jews in the wilderness.  They had only left Egypt between 4 and 6 weeks previously.  Now, as they wander around in the arid and sandy waste of the Desert of Sin, they begin to grumble about their current situation. 
          To be fair, after this amount of time, most of their grain stores would have been used up and the people were becoming increasingly hungry.  Numbering approximately 2 million in number, they were far too large a group to try to live off the land.  But this was the third time in less than a month that the people grumbled against God.  And in their hunger, they began to reminisce fondly about their captivity in the land of Egypt where they had been slaves.
          How quickly people are wont to forget the troubles of the past, when faced with present concerns.  They just put aside the horrific working conditions, the long hours, and dangerous work that they were expected to do in Egypt.  In fact, it almost seems as though they are hallucinating (perhaps they had been out in the blazing sun too long) since they seem to remember being able to sit beside and eat large cauldrons or pots filled with meat.   This was something that never would have happened.  Slaves barely got enough to eat and to drink to begin with, let alone, given meat to eat—that would have been a rare luxury indeed!
          And what about their own not too distant past?  Did not the Pharaoh at the time Moses was a baby gather up all the Israelites’ children and throw them into the Nile River to be killed?  Oh, yes, happy memories, indeed!  Did they just forget about how they cried out unto the Lord to deliver them from the hands of the Egyptians, and now that He has, all that they can do is complain?!  It seems absolutely ludicrous.
          Yet such is our story also.  Rather than be content with the gifts and blessings God has bestowed upon us, we always seek out more.  And what’s more, in doing so, we often reject the most precious blessings that He has given us—freedom from sin and death!  We grumble against Him, questioning His ways, thinking we could do much better.  Just think how the Israelites longed to return to their bondage—so that they could feed on the sins of the flesh.  Despite the fact that God had over and over again, miraculously brought them out of the land of Egypt (even plundering it from the Egyptians themselves!), yet they yearn to go back?  It seems insane.
          Yet do we not do the same?  We have many gifts and blessings from the Lord—house, home, spouse, children, work, goods, and many more—yet we still grumble and complain that the Lord hasn’t blessed us enough, and what’s worse is that we forget the greater gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation our loving God has bestowed upon us in Word and Sacraments.   You see the natural, sinful man always rejects God’s gifts in Christ and longs to go back to its former sinful ways, with a gusto.  We see evidence of this in our own lives as we scorn the gifts God gives us in Word and Sacrament.  We’d much rather stay at home, sleep in, go play a game, rather than partake and receive God’s mercies in Word and Sacrament at His Divine Service.
          The natural man hates God and His Word—rejects the very notion of the Gospel and instead longs to run full tilt back to the slavery of sin.  We see this all too often, in the church, don’t we?  Those who have been raised in Christ’s house, fed His precious and life-giving Gospel, washed in the blood of the Lamb in Baptism, and partaken of the Holy Supper, sometimes, just drift away.  The allure and temptations and desires of this life become too much--the life of a Christian, too “restrictive and severe” – they long for the “good ol’ days” and so they spurn the mercies of God and go back to living their lives as they used to, slaves to sin and eventual receivers of death and damnation—and loving every minute of it.
          And in our fondness for the good ol’ days of the flesh, when we lavished in our sin, we too have grumbled against God.  Wishing that He would do things our way.  Indeed we, sinful human beings, would rather that God be guided by our humanity and its own opinions and expectations, rather than vice versa.  This murmuring and grumbling of the Israelites was no simple complaining session.  This is an attitude of the whole man, which scorns God and His gifts, incurring guilt and the wrath of God, which must be meted out.
          This grumbling wasn’t really against Moses and Aaron, they were just incidental.  No, they were murmuring against the Lord, and it was evidence of their lack of faith in His presence (despite the big pillar of cloud/fire that followed them around in the desert!).  Indeed, it was a deep seated unbelief—a stubborn refusal to believe God’s Word of promise and accept His miraculous works.
          Later on, in the New Testament, the Israelites would do the same thing to Jesus.  They would reject His Word of promise and His present mercies as not good enough—grumbling and murmuring they would seek something different, would seek to make Him into their own image, bend Him to their will.  Do we not do the same?  God’s mercies are clearly evident in Word and Sacrament—His very presence is real and yet we ask for something else.  We ask for something other than mere water and words, bread and wine, and more words—we want something bigger, something grand, something spectacular. 
But what does God give us as the ultimate sign of His love and presence?  A battered, broken, bloodied, Jewish carpenter, hung on a cross to die, like a common criminal.  Pierced with thorns, nails, and spear, in weakness and in shame, the ugliness of Christ’s death is God’s proof of the beauty of His love.
          What an amazing thing!  Though we grumble and murmur, reminisce and complain, yet God acts not in wrath toward us as we most certainly deserve.  Instead, He acts with mercy and grace.  He continues to richly bestow blessing upon blessing upon blessing, on we His sinful people.  Rather than reign down curses upon our heads because of our grumbling, He speaks to us Words of peace and reconciliation—granted freely on account of the cross of Christ.
          Though we often foolishly and sinfully stand in judgement upon God, something we must never do as His created people, yet rather than stand in judgement upon us, as we deserve, He condemned His own beloved Son on our behalf.  He showers His gracious gifts upon us, His unworthy, and, more often than not, His ungrateful people. 
          Indeed, Jesus went to the cross without a single word of complaint.  Even though it would cost Him not only His own life, but the eternal sufferings of hell for all peoples’ sins—He went without a single murmur.  He went to that cross out of love—for me—for you—for everyone.  Yes, He cried out in agony, in distress, in pain and torment—as He suffered and bled—but not one harsh word escaped His lips.  Quite to the contrary He continued to speak blessings and forgiveness upon His accusers and tormentors—praying God to forgive them in their ignorance. 
          As He continues to speak to each of you this day.  He gently speaks His Word of promise and peace upon you.  Through the lips of this unworthy servant Jesus speaks.  He speaks to restore you and forgive you.  He speaks to heal you and uplift you.  He speaks, despite all your harsh words against Him, in love and charity.  And what He says and promises—this is what He does and what He has accomplished.  In Jesus, the living bread of heaven, you have received the full remission of all your sins.  It is done.  It is yours.  With a wonderful Word of peace—the blessings of eternal life—belong to you.  Indeed, as we look forward to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the really good days haven't even begun yet.  Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus.   Amen.
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Overcoming the Strong Man

3/4/2024

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​Lent 3 - Oculi                                                                                                                                             March 3, 2024
Luke 11:14-28
 
Overcoming the Strong Man
 
v.21-22, 28           When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overwhelms him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his spoil...Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!
 
          Dear friends in Christ, it is many peoples' worst nightmare--home invasion!  The sound of breaking glass in the middle of the night--of strangers invading your home, binding you up and taking your belongings--hurting your family.  This tragic reality is becoming an all-too common phenomenon in our day and age.  And it scares us.  We buy expensive home alarm systems, we buy special doors and locks, we may even buy dogs or guns to help protect us, our family, and our property--all to avoid this scary situation.
          Would it surprise you to learn that human beings are not the only ones afraid of this type of thing?  Indeed, Satan also fears this greatly.  For he has set himself up quite nicely in every human heart that is conceived and born in sin.  He has made himself quite comfortable in the heart of fallen man--your heart and my heart--and he is not too keen on giving up his spot.  For he has embedded himself with lies and deceit--walling us in with accusations of our sin and barring the door with the deadbolt of death.  Satan preys upon our weakness and fears--binding us with chains we cannot loose.
          Fortunately for us, Satan doesn't have the final say on how things go in our hearts.  No, indeed, as John writes (1 John 3:8b), "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil."  We see Jesus doing just that in our text where He was casting out a demon that was mute.  Though Jesus' opponents immediately try to detract from this wondrous work by stating He is only able to do so by the power of Beelzebul (Satan) himself, Jesus points out the illogical nature of their denouncement.  For a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.  But, the good news for us is that the kingdom of the devil cannot stand against the power of God.
          Jesus says, "If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.  When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his spoil."  Herein Jesus points the Jews back to the Scriptures--particularly our O.T. reading for today where God's mighty work of the plagues in Egypt was described by the unbelieving magicians as the work of the "finger of God," against which they were powerless.
          You see, each of the 10 plagues that God sent against Egypt so that Pharaoh would free His people, was a direct attack on a particular Egyptian deity.  The Egyptian God Hapi was the god of the Nile river.  What does the Lord do?  He turns it into blood?  Essentially saying, "I have killed this god of yours in which you so foolishly trusted."  In the O.T. reading the third plague of gnats showed the Lord's power over Geb--the Egyptian god of the earth.  Up until this point Pharaoh's magicians had been able to poorly imitate the plagues God had sent, but with this plague they recognized the true power behind Moses and Aaron--"This is the finger of God." 
          The fourth plague of the swarms of flies demonstrated the Lord's power over the god Khepri--the Egyptian god of creation, movement of the sun, and rebirth--who had the head of a fly.  More importantly, however, with this plague the Lord now distinguishes His people from the Egyptians--causing harm only to fall on the unbelievers, while preserving His faithful people--setting them apart.  God ruined the land of the Egyptians and their false god was powerless to stop Him.
          This is the God in whom we believe and trust--the Holy One of Israel--who casts out demons with a Word--whose little finger crushes all who oppose Him--even false gods.  These acts were used by God to demonstrate that He alone is the true God and all people should worship Him.  Jesus says, "if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons then the kingdom of God has come upon you."  Where Jesus is--forgiving sins--casting out demons--healing diseases--teaching the Scriptures--raising the dead to life--THERE is the kingdom of God--for God in the flesh has come upon us.
          But even with all of these examples of God's great power and might throughout the Old and New Testaments, we still worry and fret and doubt, don't we?  Is Jesus really strong enough?  After all, look at the world around us--war between Palestine and Israel, Ukraine and Russia--we see sexual immorality embraced by our culture (and, sadly, even in our churches!).  We see human life treated with disdain–with the destruction of the unborn, along with the elderly and infirm among us.  When we honestly examine our lives we see the ruin and hardship of financial distress, relationship problems, health crises, and the list could go on and on.  Perhaps, Jesus isn't really as strong as we first thought.
          And THAT is the great lie of the Strong Man--Beelzebul--the Devil--who seeks to build a fortress in the heart of every man, woman, and child on this planet.  This great Deceiver seeks nothing else than to destroy faith in Christ in peoples' hearts.  He desires nothing more than to accuse you of your sin--convince you that your offenses are too great--that God couldn't possibly love YOU--that Jesus' would never die for such a horrible person as YOU.  Satan wants you to fear him and to doubt the forgiveness of sins that Christ earned for you--Satan wants to surround you with death and devastation--so that you will give up on the Life that Jesus has worked so hard to give you.  He wants you to abandon church--forget about God's Word (not just the commandments, but even more so, the Gospel of Jesus Christ)--He wants you to despair--and to die.
          Beloved, fear not!  For these are all lies of one who is already beaten--defeated by the blood of the Lamb.  Satan has already lost--he has been tossed out of heaven on his keister by the Lord Jesus who has bound him and destroyed the armour of sin and death in which he trusted.
          You see, Jesus is the Stronger Man--and even though Satan is strong--even though he trusts greatly in his armour--binding us to sin and death--yet Jesus sweeps in and knocks the devil flying.  He undoes all his evil works--through one, extraordinary act--His suffering and death on the cross for your sins and mine.
          So the next time Satan comes to you and accuses you of your sin--pointing out that sin ends only with eternal suffering and death in hell--we tremble not, unmoved we stand--for Jesus' clear Word of forgiveness and life is stronger still.  Jesus took YOUR sin--ALL of it--into His own body and bore the punishment of death that you and I deserved.  In return, Jesus has bestowed upon you His perfect and everlasting life and salvation. 
          You see, because of Jesus' holy cross and passion He is able to exorcise and free you from the domination of the evil one--by simple water and Word--Holy Baptism.  The strong man's weapons of power have been broken down and destroyed--by the Stronger Man's humiliation, death, and resurrection.  Jesus has cast out the devil from his stronghold in your heart by the power of His own Holy Spirit.  He did so not by the power of His muscles, or even His heavenly armies, but rather through weakness and shame--dying on the cross in your place. 
          That was the price of your redemption--not in silver or gold--but with the holy, precious blood of the Lamb of God who was slain.  You have now been set apart for God--like the people of Goshen.  You are holy and blameless in the sight of God because Jesus, God's own Son--has suffered and died in your place--and now declares you to be holy and righteous--washed clean by His blood and righteousness. 
          This is the great promise and gift of the One true God.  Jesus is your refuge and strength.  He has delivered you out of all of your troubles--taken all your sin into Himself--and conquered it on the cross.  He continues to strengthen and sustain His place in your heart through the forgiveness of sins that He richly and freely provides for you in Word and Sacrament.  Blessed indeed, are those who hear this good Word of God about Jesus Christ crucified for sinners and guard it safe and treasure it until life everlasting.  Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus.  Amen.
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Hold On!

2/23/2024

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​Lent 2 - Reminiscere                                                                                                                            February 25, 2024
1 Thessalonians 4:1-7
 
Hold On!
 
v.1-3 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.  For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality...
 
          Dear friends in Christ, rock climbing is quite the rage nowadays, isn't it?  Many people enjoy climbing hills and mountains outdoors--it's a great activity that strengthens muscles and sharpens the mind.  It has become so popular in recent years that indoor climbing experiences can also be enjoyed at specialized locations.  But whether you are climbing outside or inside, what's one of the most important things to remember?  Hold on!  You need to hold on--to the rock--to the rope--to your climbing partner--or else bad things can happen.  Literally, your life may very well depend upon it.
          Well, in our text for this morning, Paul writes to the Thessalonian church that it is important to hold on to the instructions that they had received by Paul through the Lord Jesus.  What were these instructions?  Holy living--in keeping with the doctrine of Jesus Christ that He commanded His apostles to proclaim to the world in order to make disciples along with baptizing. 
          Paul's letter, which specifically highlights the importance of abstaining from sexual immorality, could have easily been written today and not almost 2000 years ago.  Paul contends "that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honour, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles, who do not know God..."  You see, in Paul's day the Gentile Christians needed specific instruction on sexual immorality since fornication and adultery were quite commonly accepted practices among the unbelievers.  Paul grounds morality (sexual and all other) within the will and calling of God and the nature of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  The general atmosphere of the city states in the ancient world was one of lust and selfishness.  Paul exhorts them to stay away from such things and to strive for purity, "for God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.  Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you."
          So...all Christians, Jew and Gentile alike, are called to holy living--sexual purity.  As Luther commends us in the 6th Commandment, "You shall not commit adultery.  What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honour each other."
          We are called by God to holy living.  We strive for holy living.  We as God's people want to live holy lives, but we are pulled in many different directions by the world, the devil, and our own fallen flesh.  Look at the world around us: movies and TV programs often exhibit explicit sexual content designed to titillate audiences; governments at all levels are introducing sexuality and deviant behaviours to children at younger and younger ages;  and legislation has been passed in many places forcing students to disregard gender in regard to team sports--that gender no longer has to do with biology--but is rather a social construct that we create for ourselves in our minds. This has led to the current phenomenon that biological males are now leading contenders in many female sporting events.
          I know...it sounds crazy, but this is the fallen world in which we live--and which we are called to strive against.  And this is not easy.  The church has fallen victim to this as well...when we begin to see nothing wrong with same sex marriages--or divorce--or fornication (that is sex outside of marriage–living together without marriage).  Where we think it is OK for us to live in a sexual relationship with someone outside the bonds of marriage.  Where we think that looking at pornography on TV, movies, or the internet is no big deal–that renting/buying a house and living together before getting married is the ordinary/accepted practice.  "These are all just things that normal people do--at least that's what society keeps on telling us.  Let go of your old-fashioned, rigid morality.  Embrace life.  Embrace whatever feels good."
          Beloved, what does God's Word say?  "The Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.  For God has not called us for impurity but in holiness.  Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man, but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you."  Continuing in these acts of sexual immorality is an act of idolatry--worshipping oneself and one's pleasure over and above God and His Word.  It is a direct act of unbelief--turning away from the Holy Spirit.  And we are ALL guilty of this in some way.  By not honouring our spouse.  By having lustful thoughts--that Jesus says is the same as committing adultery or fornication.  The solution?  Repent! 
          We are to turn away from sin--let it go--stop holding on to it and looking to it for our every good.  Rather, as people redeemed by Christ, we are to look to Him and His Word--hold on to Jesus for our every good and receive His gifts and blessings.  This is not easy.  This is incredibly difficult.  In fact, we can't do it.  We need God's help.  Which is why the Spirit comes to us--to hold on to us--to draw us back to a right relationship with Jesus--and to lead us in the way of holiness--His holiness that was bought with Christ's shed blood on the cross.
          When we are in the midst of our sin and uncleanness it can look as though there is no hope.  But we cling to the promises of God in His Word.  Even when it seems as though all is lost--that God has let go of us and turned His back on us as we have turned our backs on Him--yet this is NOT so.  Jacob would not let the Lord go but clung to Him until He blessed him.  The Canaanite woman would not let Jesus go.  She held on to every scrap of His Word and forced Him to keep His promises.  "It is not right to give the children's food to the dogs?  Ok, then, but even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the Master's table!  Have mercy!  Heal my daughter!"  And He did.
          Just so has the Lord come to you, dear friends.  Whatever sin you are struggling with--whether it is sexual immorality--idolatry--gossip--theft–hardness of heart–anger--or whatever the case may be.  Christ comes to you to remind you that He does not let you go--even though you so often let go of His Word of command and truth. 
          Jesus says of you, "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand" (John 10:29).  God may even use times of difficulty with temptation, illness, hardship or turmoil as opportunities to strengthen your spiritual grip on Him.  For through these things we are forced to look to Christ for our strength and our salvation.  Nowhere else.
          How does Christ hold on to you--in good times and in bad?  Through His precious means of grace--His Holy Word and Sacraments.  In these ways Jesus reaches to you and grabs hold of you by the power of His own Spirit.  He makes you holy by washing you clean in the blood that He shed for you on the cross.  He renews your broken soul with His forgiveness and life--for all sin--idolatry to theft--to sexual immorality and so much more.  ALL of your sin has been paid for by Christ Jesus' perfect life and suffering and death on the cross.
          This does not mean you now have a license to sin--but rather that you have been set free from sin--you are now free to live in purity and holiness in accord with the clear Word of Jesus.  Will you always succeed?  By no means.  You will fall--you will let go--but you will not relish in this either.  Led by the Holy Spirit, you will repent and turn back to Jesus and let Him grab hold of you with His bloody hands and hold you to His pierced side.
          The love, forgiveness, and grace that flowed from Jesus is given to you.  He first grabbed hold of you when you were baptized into His name and He made you a part of His heavenly family and kingdom.  Christ continues to hold you close when you come before His altar--to eat His own body and blood--at this holy meal which is but a foretaste of the feast to come.  You are hereby strengthened in the faith--knowing that God has not abandoned you--but rather that He comes to you to heal, forgive, lift up, and restore. 
          Hear this well. You ARE a forgiven and redeemed child of God.  The Holy Spirit dwells within you and makes you holy by His sanctifying Word and Sacraments.  So...when you are called to holy living by the Lord--He is simply calling you to remember who and what you are--and to trust in the One who has grabbed a hold of your heart--to give you His dear and everlasting life--through the bloody cross of Jesus.  Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus.  Amen.
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By A Tree and A Meal

2/18/2024

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​Lent 1 - Invocabit                                                                                                                                February 18, 2024
Genesis 3:1-21
 
By A Tree and A Meal
 
v.6     So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
 
          Dear friends in Christ, have you ever gone on  a picnic?  You know, taken a basket of food, maybe a blanket, and gone off to a park with your friends or family, spread out a blanket under a tree, and enjoyed the outdoors while having a simple meal?  It certainly is a lot of fun--for meals and trees actually seem to go hand in hand quite nicely.  We see the scene of the family picnic played out in the movies or on TV.  And of course, much of the food that we actually eat--that graces our tables every day--even comes from trees.
          Normally, we don't tend to think of there being drastic consequences associated with such things.  Usually, a picnic lunch is just that--a picnic lunch.  Often, the worst thing we have to fear is whether or not the mayonnaise on the sandwiches has gone bad before we start eating--no one wants to get food poisoning, believe you me--or, we may worry about rain--or having our nice lunch interrupted by marauding hordes of ants--or the birds using your head for target practice from the branches above!
          Yet here in our text for this morning we witness the dreadful--and deadly consequences--that take place by a tree and a meal.  Adam and Eve, our first parents, are tempted by the devil who throws God's Word into doubt, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?'"  Which, of course, God did NOT say.  Rather, "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 2:16)
          God had nothing but good intentions for Adam and Eve--to live with Him forever is paradise.  However, by following the tempting--and false--words of the devil, Adam and Eve disobeyed God's clear Word--and so brought sin--and death--into God's perfect creation.  This brought great calamity to the world and universe--it is why we have so much hardship, pain, and turmoil in our lives.  Sure, we would like to blame God for all the problems in our lives and in the world, but really who is to blame?  We are.  We deserve God's curses and much more because of our rebellion and sin--our desire to be gods ourselves and cast Him down from His throne.  By a tree and a meal--WE brought death and devastation to light.
          Which is why God said to Adam, "cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out if you were taken; for  you are dust, and to dust you shall return."  And to Eve, He said, "I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.  Your desire shall be for your husband and He shall rule over you." 
          And we continue to see the results of this dreadful curse carried out to this day.  People working like dogs just to survive--and so many who actually starve.  We see the ground unwilling to produce in abundance.  We see the power struggle between men and women--who were made to be perfect partners for one another--yet who quarrel and fight constantly.  Ultimately, the curse has its way with all people when we die and return to the dust in the ground from which we came.  All by a tree and a meal.
          Yet there is hope--hope found, ironically, in the midst of the curse of God to the serpent.  Where He said, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."  Herein the Lord God promises to undo the work of the devil--to put an end to the curse He had to proclaim--to provide a way of salvation and life to His beloved people who had turned away from Him.  As John writes, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)
          Jesus--the promised One of God--has come to undo the works of the devil--to put an end to the terrible effects/curses of sin.  How?  By a Tree and a Meal.  The Lord Jesus came to take your sin--your guilt--your death--your curse--into His body and suffer and die for it on the tree of the cross.  Indeed, as Scripture plainly says, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree." (Galatians 3:13)  Christ Jesus became sin for you--He took your guilt and shame and death--and buried it in His own flesh while He hung dead on the cross.
          By the blood of Jesus poured out on the cross you have been saved.  You have been redeemed.  By a simple meal Christ comes to you to bring you the precious fruit of that tree of the cross--where by His curse--He has brought about life and salvation.  By His Word of promise simple bread and wine receive the real presence of His shed body and blood--the fruit of the tree of the cross--is placed into your mouths to eat and to drink to give you forgiveness and life and salvation. 
          This seems impossible to us.  How could this be?  But with God's powerful Word, which created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them in six short days--God's Word, which has power to curse and bring death--also has power to bring forgiveness and life.  Even when attached to simple, ordinary things, like bread and wine.  By a meal Jesus comes to you and feeds the gift of life--the fruit of forgiveness and faith--removing from your shoulders forever, the burden of your guilt and shame.  For by a tree and a meal mankind was separated from God and cursed to death and hell--yet by a tree and a meal has God restored that broken relationship and brought life and salvation to all! 
          Now when you are hungry and thirsting after righteousness.  Now when you are scorched by guilt and shame regarding your own sin before God--where can you turn?  To the tree of Christ's cross.  The shadow of His mercy that extends from His cross will grant soothing relief to burning consciences as you are covered in His blood and forgiveness.  The meal of the Lord's Supper is here to strengthen and preserve you with the very body and blood of Jesus.  His life bleeds into yours and grants you eternal life and salvation.  By a tree and a meal the curse of sin has been broken--the devil overthrown--and the gates of heaven opened wide.  Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus.  Amen.
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The Importance of Exercise

1/28/2024

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​Septuagesima                                                                                                                                                      January 28, 2024
! Corinthians 9:24-10:5
 
The Importance of Exercise
 
V.25  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
 
          Dear friends in Christ, observe any athlete, whether amateur, school, or professional.  Be it hockey, basketball, baseball, track, or any other sport.  They take great care to exercise discipline and self-control over their bodies.  Something I have always struggled at doing consistently.  They work out frequently, practice regularly, eat healthy foods, drink revitalizing drinks–all so that they may obtain the prize–be it the Superbowl or Lord Stanley’s Cup, the regional championship, or school competition.  They don’t just do things willy-nilly, but rather they work with a purpose–a goal–something to be achieved that is of great value (often coming with fame, if not fortune as well). 
          Such is the situation St. Paul is describing for us in our text for today.  Remember, St. Paul was well aware of the Greek games and Olympics in which athletes would compete for a wreath on their heads, perhaps a statue at Olympia of their likeness, and being treated as an incredible sports hero in their hometown. The wreath was made of a twisted olive branch.  Therefore, it was perishable–it wouldn’t last very long–though the fame might go a bit further–at least until the next games.  But only ONE received the prize.  There were no prizes for second place. 
But St. Paul goes on to urge the Christians in Corinth to be diligent in exercising spiritual discipline–because we run after a reward that is imperishable–everlasting life with our Lord in glory.  Therefore, we are not to take this gift of salvation for granted–not abuse the Lord’s mercy and grace–falling into the false belief that it matters not what we believe or do as Christians since Jesus loves us. Such was the case with some in the Corinthian congregation who were living their lives in direct opposition to God’s Word–indulging in immoral behavior, as well as abusing the Lord’s Supper.  They were in danger of failing to receive the imperishable wreath of life. Hence St. Paul’s stern warning in this letter.
We, too, need to be reminded of this truth.  For we are daily tempted to lapse into idolatry and sin–to forsake Christ and His Word–to seek out our own good–fail to exhibit Christian love to our neighbor–thinking all is OK because Jesus died for sinners and we like to sin–it’s a perfect arrangement!  Not so, beloved.  We are not to give in to our sinful lusts and desires–abuse our body and other gifts of God for selfish gain and pleasure.  Rather, being a Christian takes great discipline–takes work–like that of a professional athlete.
Athletes of all stripes have always sought to be rigorous in the exercise of their bodies.  Just so with us Christians, spiritually.  We ought to undergo a strict regimen of spiritual exercise in God’s Word and Sacraments.  We discipline our bodies by not giving in to every want or desire–but rather limit ourselves–fasting of certain things at certain times (as many of us will do during the season of Lent, though this is indeed a deep spiritual practice that Christians have practiced throughout the church’s history at all times of year).  For in disciplining our bodies, we may also become more disciplined in our spirituality. 
As athletes often undergo strict diets to properly nourish and sustain their bodies, we also make every effort to be nourished with God’s holy food in the Word and Eucharist.  We exercise our spiritual muscles through careful study and meditation on God’s Word–setting aside times each and every day to be in His Word–to pray diligently–to attend worship and Bible study (for those who exercise at the same place and same time–actually exercise!--bodies & spirits)–that we may thereby be strengthened in our faith–so we may do the good works that the Lord has prepared in advance for us to walk (Eph. 2:10).  We run the race of this life with joy and confidence, trusting in our Lord’s mercy, but not forsaking to work at our Christian faith–to let sin creep in and selfishness take over–thereby failing to receive the Lord’s imperishable wreath of salvation as we fall into unbelief and pride–running aimlessly to and fro without purpose and focus–beating the air as a boxer to no avail–letting our sinful desires run wildly out of control.
Yet, it is our Lord who lovingly strengthens us for this race and holy task.  Sometimes He may test us with difficult situations–just as He did with the Israelites in the wilderness when they lacked water at Rephidim.  He often allows such trials to take place in order that we may focus our attention on Christ–trust in Him to provide for our every good–and not look to our own strength or resources–but grow stronger spiritually by trusting in Him alone. 
And our God does abundantly provide for us in every need! He invites us to drink deeply from the wells of His salvation found in His blessed Word–Holy Baptism–and the Lord’s Supper.  Through these means our Lord strengthens us in our faith through the forgiveness of sins earned by Jesus’ cross and resurrection.  Indeed, we feed on the most nourishing and enriching food–better than any protein drink, low-carb diet, or fruit smoothie. We eat the Lord’s own body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine for the forgiveness of all of our sins!  Nothing could be more revitalizing than that–for this simple meal gives us life everlasting in Jesus.
Therefore, beloved, we don’t run around aimlessly–focusing on things God hasn’t directed us to–our own good works–our own piety–the latest Christian gimmicks or fad–we don’t get sidetracked by the particular issues of our day–but rather we focus on Christ Jesus and His sure and certain Word–that alone which brings us the prize of eternal life. 
As Christians, we attempt to keep ourselves strictly under control: body, mind, and spirit.  So that we may not be disqualified on the Last Day from receiving the imperishable wreath from the hand of our God.  We do not follow our own desires and so be overthrown in the wilderness of this life.  Rather, we follow Christ. We drink deeply of Him by faith as we hear His Word–rejoice in it–and drink of His blood in the Holy Supper–that we may ever be reassured of the forgiveness of our sins. 
Baptized into Christ, you have been washed clean of all your sins–prepared and renewed for a life of Christian love and charity.  A life of love focused on the needs of others, but a love that flows always from the love you have first received from your Spiritual Rock–Jesus Christ Himself.  He who was struck with fists, whips, and rods.  He who was crushed by the wrath of God on the cross in your place–blood pouring out from nail-pierced hands and feet–blood and water streaming from His spear-pierced side. 
So, dear friends, be blessed in your spiritual exercise and discipline.  As you are brought to repentance by the Word of God over all your sin–eat and drink deeply from the spiritual food and drink your Lord provides for you.  The same spiritual food and drink that strengthened and sustained all Christians before you–from Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness–to St. Paul and the Corinthian church–ALL those who receive the gift of God in Christ of the full remission of all sin.  Indeed, look to Jesus–the One who has perfectly run the race for you–who wore the crown of thorns–so that you would receive the imperishable wreath of the crown of everlasting life.  Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus.  Amen.
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“Fact or Fiction?”

1/21/2024

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​Transfiguration of our Lord                                                                                                                   January 21, 2024
2 Peter 1:16-21                                                                                                                
 
“Fact or Fiction?”
 
v.16   “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
 
          Dear friends in Christ, just ask anyone who knows me well – I love to read.  I have always loved reading ever since I was a child.  Some of my earliest memories are of me reading a story with my mom or dad.  I must confess, however, that my favourite genre of literature is science fiction and fantasy.  Some of my favourite authors include:  Terry Brooks, R.A. Salvatore, Elizabeth Moon, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis.  I love fiction.  The interesting stories that defy reality as we know it.  The wonderful things that can happen when you look into a world of imagination.
          If you were to look on any Bestseller booklist around the globe you might find such books as the latest Vampire novel, or perhaps the latest self-help book by Joel Osteen, or any number of different kinds of books of many genres:  poetry, science fiction, historical, biographical, etc.  What you probably wouldn’t find would be the number one bestselling book around the world year after year after year.  In fact, this book has broken all records in that it has consistently been the world’s number one bestseller for centuries.  Of course, I am referring to none other than the Holy Bible.
          But under which genre would the Bible be placed?  In the “Religious” section of the bookstore?  Probably.  Perhaps, even the “Christianity” section of the store, if it has one.  Yet more and more people in our day and age would much rather see the Holy Bible placed in the “Historical Fiction” section at best, perhaps even relegate it to the “Fantasy” category.  Many today, even among Christian groups, view the Holy Bible as merely a collection of made-up stories, with hidden truths in them to discover.  The Bible might be an interesting book to read with some fascinating stories, if you can get through all the boring parts, but in the end it is not fact, but fiction.  Indeed, many hold to the idea that the Bible is just a bunch of clever stories, put together by Jesus’ followers, who wanted to change what He said and did to suit their own ulterior motives—in fact, this is the contention of that bestselling book-turned movie, The Davinci Code.
          In life, it is said, there are but two certain facts:  death and taxes.  And it is interesting that it was with the former of these in mind that Peter wrote this final letter.  A few verses before our text begins Peter writes that he knows his life will soon be at an end.  You see, Peter was killed by the Romans between 63 and 65 A.D., during the terrifying reign of the insane Roman Emperor Nero. 
          “From the early Christian historian Hegesippus, we learn that Peter eventually travelled to Rome to minister in his old age.  Nero was determined to execute him, but the Christians gathered in Rome heard about it and urged Peter to flee.  Though resistant at first, Peter eventually gave in, but as he approached the city gate to leave, he saw a vision of Jesus walking in the other direction.  Peter fell to his knees and said, ‘Lord, where are you going?’  Jesus answered, ‘I’ve come to be crucified again.’  Peter took this to mean that it was his time to die just as Jesus had prophesied to him in John 21:19, so he returned to the city.  Upon being captured and sentenced to be crucified, Peter announced that he was not worthy to be crucified in the same position as his Saviour, and requested to die on the cross upside down.  The Romans honoured his request.”[1]
          So, in effect, this letter serves as Peter’s own last will and testament.  Throughout, he exhorts the followers of Christ to continue to trust above all in their Lord and Saviour.  He pleads with them to beware of false teachers and prophets who would subtly turn them from the truth of the Gospel as revealed in God’s Word.  He tells them to place their trust in the sure and certain testimony about Jesus that they have heard and learned from the Apostles and the writings of sacred Scripture. 
          It is interesting that, knowing he is soon to die, Peter does not write about his own life or great works and accomplishments – to be sure there were many indeed he could have chosen from – many healings, demons cast out, and miraculous deeds extraordinaire that would be at home in any book of fiction or fantasy, though indeed, the miracles performed by the apostles are all true.  But instead of focusing on his deeds—instead of leaving behind his biography, he points us to the sure and certain object of our faith—Jesus Christ.  The same Jesus Christ about whom the Law and the Prophets (ie—the entire Old Testament or Bible of the Jews of the time) testify and point towards.  For, he writes, “no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  And to whom does the Holy Spirit always direct us?  Jesus.
          Our faith is not based upon some “feel good” principles, or even upright and moral laws and rules that we are to follow.  No, our faith is based upon the living Word of God—Jesus Christ—He who was glorified on the mountain—whom Moses and Elijah came to testify about—who spoke to us and continues to give the Words of everlasting life.  Glorious life that is rooted in Christ’s own suffering and death and resurrection.  Life that is exemplified by loving service to one another as our Lord Himself gave His life in loving service for us.  Life that is no false promise, no lie, no clever story, but is instead the truth as passed on to us by those who were there, who saw His miracles, who felt His healing, who witnessed His glory, who saw His suffering and death, who later saw and touched His risen and glorified flesh, put their fingers into His palms and their hands into His side, and who were inspired by God to record His message.
          Dear friends in Christ, we have sinned against our God with our careless attitude and open disregard for the greatest book ever written, the Book of Life—the Word of God.  Other things take up our time and so we fail to devote ourselves to careful study and reading of God’s Holy Word of Life.  The book that contains the facts of our lives on this earth.  We are guilty of breaking God’s Laws, but He sent His one and only Son to redeem us from our sin and to lead us to life in Him.  And that is what the Bible is all about.  A true and certain testimony concerning the loving grace and mercy of our God and Father poured out for all people through the glorious life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
          No matter how young you are, no matter how old you are, no matter how long you have been a regular attending church member or how little time you have spent in the pew, your life can only be enriched through study of God’s Word.  Here in these pages, using simple language that you and I can read and grow to understand, God speaks.  He continues to speak to you today—through the mouths of His servants—called to proclaim His Word of truth—His Word of grace—His Word of mercy, forgiveness and love.  He speaks to you in the liturgy of the divine service.  He speaks to you as you hear His holy absolution proclaimed into your ears.  He speaks to you in your Baptism.  He speaks to you in His Supper.  Words of welcome, pardon and peace.  Words in which He gives you His blood—gives you His life.  For these Words are the power of God Himself—for through them the Holy Spirit is at work to create and sustain saving faith in your hearts.  His love and mercy are ever with you.  These words are not fantasy, myth, or fiction, but are TRUE–signed, sealed, and delivered through the blood of Jesus.  Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus.  Amen.


[1] Adapted from Jesus Freaks, dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs (Tulsa:  Albury Publishing, 1999) 312.
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