YOUR HELPER
JOHN 16:5-15
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he would take what is mine and declare it to you.
In the name of Jesus:
This little card provides some peace of mind to my family and me when we are traveling. This little AAA card guarantees that whenever my car is disabled, I will receive roadside assistance. If I need a tow truck, one will be made available, within certain parameters and limitations, of course, but if I need help from a tow truck, help will be on the way. If I need a jump for a car battery, or have a flat tire, this little card provides access whereby I can get the help that my family and I need when on the road. This isn’t a commercial for AAA; it is, though, one common example available to many of us that we have within our reach a helper when we need assistance.
Spiritually we are in need of God’s help. Lost and condemned because of sin, God sent help to sinners in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. By Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection salvation has been secured forever for sinners. When Jesus spoke to His disciples in the context of the lesson for today, Jesus was preparing to depart from earth to return to heaven. His mission had been accomplished. There was nothing else left for Jesus to do. So Jesus speaks to His disciples and tells them of His impending departure. Their hearts sink when they hear this news. Their beloved Savior is about to leave them, and their hearts are filled with grief. Their lives are obsessed with grief; it would be accurate to say that they were overcome with grief. The Gospel writer John tells us: “5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.”
How is it to the disciples and our advantage that Jesus departs and goes to heaven? Jesus answers that question by telling us that if He does not go away to the Father, the Helper, the Holy Spirit will not come to help us. Why does Jesus need to go away? Because His mission is complete, He returns from whence He came. Much like a solider who in victory returns home to a hero’s welcome, so too Jesus ascends to heaven, to receive heaven’s accolades on His victory over sin, Satan, and death for sinners. But Jesus, in love for sinners, promises to send help in the Person of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, who is called the Comforter or the Helper. Jesus says that it is to our advantage, to the sinner’s advantage, that He goes to heaven so that He will send the Holy Spirit.
What an understatement by our Lord! The Holy Spirit will come to help us in our salvation. Why do we need help? Because we can’t help ourselves! We are by nature sinful; we are spiritually dead and enemies of God! We have not spark, no energy, to love for God. We are spiritually dead, lifeless before God. So the Spirit comes to give us life! He comes to give us faith! He comes to bring us Jesus in a way, which comfort and help us today.
Jesus says: “. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” The Helper comes to help the sinful world AND to help those who belong to God. He has a two-fold task. The Helper comes first of all to convict the world of sinners, which include each and everyone of us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Helper convicts us of sin, because no one believes in Jesus of his or her own volition. By our very nature we reject God, His word, and the work of Jesus Christ. Each of us is by nature unbelievers. The sin of sins is unbelief, for in unbelief you reject Jesus. And so the work of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, is to convict us of our sin, to show us our utter sinfulness and hopelessness in the light of God’s Law. We are hopeless without God. We truly need a Savior. The Spirit works through the Law to show us that great need.
The Spirit convicts us of righteousness. He helps us in our righteousness, in that first of all, He shows us how unrighteous we are in God’s sight. Our righteousness is like filthy garments; hence the Spirit helps us by showing us and revealing to us another righteousness outside of ourselves, the righteousness of Christ, which we all need. God made sinners right with Him on account of Jesus. Even as all have sinned, all also have been made right with God on account of Jesus! The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin and by faith Jesus becomes our Righteousness. God exchanges your sinfulness and gives you Jesus’ right standing before the Father. The Spirit not only shows you this, but also actually GIVES you this. This is why He is our Helper.
The Spirit finally convicts us of judgment, by revealing that the ruler of this world, Christ has judged Satan. Even though the world lies in the tight clutches of Satan, Christ has crushed Satan’s head, and this judgment is for now and forever. It has happened and it has lasting results. The work of the Spirit bears witness to what Jesus has done and now shows us and now GIVES to all who believe in Jesus.
This is the absolute truth that Christ came to save sinners. The Spirit is our Helper to reveal to us our sinfulness and also to give us the faith we need to believe in Jesus, thereby making what Jesus has accomplished our very own possession. This is not a new truth. It is, though, divine truth. It is God’s truth. It is a truth that people do not want to hear. This is why Jesus calls the Holy Spirit, the Helper, the “Spirit of Truth” for He tells the truth about Jesus, about the world, and about Satan.
Note what the Scriptures say about Satan. He is called a liar, the father of lies, and that by his very nature no truth resides in him. And so, the Spirit, our Helper, shows Satan for what he is, and exposes his lies to us. And yet, the message of the Spirit is not to expound on the lies of Satan, but to reveal to sinners their only Hope for salvation, Jesus Christ. The Spirit’s sole message is all about Jesus. The Spirit does not point to Himself, He does not seek glory in and of Himself, and the Spirit does not speak what separately apart from the Father and the Son. No, instead the Spirit works with the Father and the Son and the Spirit point’s sinners to Jesus, who died and rose for our salvation. The Spirit only speaks what the Father and the Son tells Him to say. The Father points to His Son and says: This is my beloved Son; listen to Him, for there is salvation in no one else. The Spirit also points us to the Son and tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, and that Jesus alone is the Way, Truth, and Life, that no one can come to the Father except through faith in Jesus. The Spirit is our Guide, our Helper, leading us into the truth of Jesus as our Savior and our Lord.
But how does this happen? How does the Spirit help us in this way? He does so by giving us the very faith we need. He does so by working through definite means. He uses things in our existence whereby we may know for certain that God is at work to give us His gifts.
God’s good and gracious Gifts are given to us in His Holy Word and Sacraments. Here we know and receive God’s truth, and THIS TRUTH AND THESE GIFTS ARE NOT TO BE DESPISED!!! We despise these gifts when we take them for granted, when we deem not going to church as important, when we minimize and trivialize God’s gifts to us. Here we need to hear once again God’s command: Remember the Sabbath Day! Luther explains that this means that we should fear and love God that we do NOT despise preaching and His Word, but rather we are called to GLADLY HEAR AND LEARN IT.
God desires that we gladly receive His gifts and gladly hear and learn His truth, the Word of God. God tells us all we need to know and we have all that we need from God in the Bible. God hides nothing from us regarding our eternal salvation, it is all revealed in the Scriptures. The Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation for the Spirit speaks to us in and through the Word to tell us God’s truth concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit tells us in the Scriptures what we need to know concerning the kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God so that we might be forewarned and forearmed in our daily battles with the Devil.
So how can we be armed for this battle with Satan? All we need is Jesus. Jesus has defeated Satan for you and all who believe. In Baptism, God places you in Christ for the Bible says that if anyone is baptized in Christ he or she becomes a new creation, the old things have passed away and all things have now become new. Christ’s victory becomes your victory for He gives you that victory in Baptism.
Christ also speaks to you in His Word, to not only announce to you the forgiveness of your sins but also to GIVE to you that forgiveness that you need. The Spirit speaks in His Word, so we can say that Christ speaks because the Spirit speaks only words, which have been given to Him to speak through the Father and the Son, and these words give Jesus to us. The Holy Spirit is our Helper because He receives from Jesus so that He can lead us to the Father.
One of the great times we have as a family is remembering. Sitting around the dinner table after a meal, someone will recall a certain event in our lives that caused laughter. Soon there is much joy around the table, as one of the family will share their family recollection. And whenever we forget the details of the story, someone is there to help us remember, to fill in the blanks, not only so that the story is told correctly, but also to spread the joy. The Holy Spirit has been sent from God the Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, to help us remember Jesus. There are trials and difficulties in our lives, which get in the way of our remembering what Jesus has done. And so Jesus has sent to us the Holy Spirit, who points us to Jesus, that even in our trials we might have joy. The Spirit is Jesus’ gift to you, to point us to Jesus, who is our ever-present Help in our times of need. Amen
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A reminder of the ancestral homeland
Thanks to Rachel, the blog has a little bit of a new look. The picture in the background looks a great deal like the landscape of Scotland. And so, in a tip of the cap to my ancestors, I have changed the background to give the look of the Scottish coast. The cliff reminds me of the cliffs outside of Arbroath.
Dogs, Children, and God
DOGS, CHILDREN, AND GOD
EZEKIEL 34:11-16
11 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. 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. I will feed them in justice.
In the name of Jesus:
How does one in our society explain this text? We know little of shepherds and sheep, who of us have owned a sheep or have been a shepherd? Okay, the Pohlods are exempt, but besides the Pohlods, who else know what God is talking about, who has experienced this relationship? Well, if you are a dog owner, you might be able to relate.
Many of you who have stopped by our home have seen our two dogs. Oreo, who we had put to sleep last year, was notorious for getting lost. Even though we have the invisible fence, Oreo twice, not once, but twice, wandered off through the electric fence and was no where to be found. We were frantic, looking all over the house and all over the neighborhood trying to find her. We called friends, neighbors, and we had a search party looking all over the neighborhood, up and down streets, in back yards searching for the blind, hard of hearing cocker spaniel named Oreo. The one time we found her hiding underneath the big pine tree in our next-door neighbor’s front yard. A huge winter storm was approaching so time was of the essence. Being hard of hearing she couldn’t hear the warning signal, so we reckoned that she was shocked and decided to settle down under the tree.
The second time Oreo wandered off we found her in the neighbor’s back yard. She had crossed the street and, not being able to see, was waiting, sitting under the neighbor’s back window, waiting to be let in, not knowing she was at the window and not a door and also not knowing she was not in her own yard. Both times we are frantic, and uttered a big sigh of relief and said a prayer of thanks to God.
Our other dog, Katie, also was recently lost. I was at church attending a meeting when I got a frantic call from Luann pleading me to come home, that they could not find Katie. Mark had searched the house to no avail; Luann was patrolling the neighborhood by car calling out Katie’s name. Luann found her, by the swing set over at Sanderson School across the street. How she got away, we still don’t know because she has an electronic collar. We surmised that Katie must have seen a cat or squirrel and in her thrill of the chase, Katie sprinted across the fence line chasing whatever it was to Sanderson. Yes, I know that some of you are thinking, Pastor, you need to up the amps on that electric fence. That isn’t the point. We had lost our beloved dog and we rejoiced when she was found.
There is something to be said about the love between an owner and its pet. But there is nothing stronger than a mother’s love for her child. If you have ever had a missing child, you know the heartache, you know the pain, you know that your world STOPS and time is frozen. Your only purpose in life is to find that lost child and bring that loved one home. At King’s Island one year Mark wandered off at the water park. We couldn’t find him through the crowd of people. Fanning out through the crowd, well, yes, we did find him, but we did all we could to search every space of that area to find our son. If you have ever experienced what I have shared today, you know the emotional toll, the physical pain and sickness you feel until that which was lost is found.
In our text for today Ezekiel writes of how Israel wandered from their relationship with God. God had called them to be His people. He made them a nation, brought them out of Egypt, led them to the Promised Land, gave them everything they needed including kings and prophets to lead and guide them in the way that God had desired. But through it all, Israel was unfaithful. Israel wandered off. God’s people ran away from God and sought other gods. God was their Shepherd but they acted like sheep that were led astray.
God is our Shepherd, but we have strayed from Him. The Scripture tells us that all of us are like sheep that have gone astray, we are lost, and we seek our own way. Each one of us has made messes of situations in our life because we have sought our own way. We have not let God be Master or have total control of our lives. We do not trust God, as we ought, we seek to make our own decisions, we do what we think it right, even if that goes against God and His will. We have acted like gods in our own lives, loving our self more than God, fearing what others think instead of what God wills, and trusting in our own reason and strength instead of God. We have tried to live lives separated from God, which really shows that we ARE separated from God. We would be like lost sheep, if not for the love that God has for us.
But God has loved us and still loves us. God is merciful. He is full of love and mercy for each and every one of us. Though we have run from Him, He seeks us out and searches for us. He searches for all who have run from Him and continue to run from Him. No matter if sinners continue to deny Him, God will not deny them. If the sinner runs from God God runs and seeks the sinner. For whoever is lost, God loves enough to seek out and find those who are lost, that they might know of His love and care for them. And we see God’s mercy, and love, and grace in the person and work of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
God has come to a sinful world to seek out the lost in Jesus. Jesus has come into our very existence and into our world to seek and find us. In the Gospel lesson for today, Jesus describes His love for sinners in terms of a Shepherd. Jesus is not like one who is hired out to do a job, which cares for the sheep as if he is paid for it, and then whenever some difficulty comes the one who is hired will pick up and leave. No, rather Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd of the sheep. He seeks out those who have fled from Him, who are scattered and not of the sheepfold. He gave His life in love for all. By Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection He has purchased and won each and every sinner from sin, Satan, and death, so that sinners no longer belong to themselves but they belong to Him! He has laid down His life for all who have wandered and gone astray. On the cross Jesus has endured all that sinners might be saved.
Salvation is for sinners. God’s salvation is for you! Like a shepherd who seeks out the sheep who are lost, who are broken or are sick, so Christ seeks out you! He offers to you His help and salvation for He is our ever-present Help in time of trouble. To those who are broken by the events of life Jesus offers His help and promises to work things out to your good. To those who are burdened by guilt and sin Jesus offers forgiveness and salvation. To those who are frightened by death and despair Jesus offers eternal life and Hope for He is the Resurrection and the Life. Jesus lives for you today and promises to give you sinners an overwhelming victory over sin, death, and the devil by a free gift of His love. He offers this to you and faith claims and lays hold of what Jesus gives.
This faith has been given in your Baptism. You are His new creation by water and the Word. He has restored your soul in Baptism; He leads you in the paths of everlasting life through His Word, the Gospel. He this very day prepares for you and offers to you Himself in the Table of the Lord, His Supper, for the forgiveness of your sins and for the strengthening of your faith, so that you might live in His presence today and so that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
God is good and gracious. Peter writes: “For you were straying like sheep but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (I Peter 2:25). The Good Shepherd has sought us out when we are lost that we might live in His presence. And the Good Shepherd so sends us out, into our families, neighborhoods, nation and world, to seek those who are lost, that they might find God’s love for them in Christ.
There was much joy in our home when we found our lost dogs. Even so, there is a greater joy in heaven over one sinner who repents and believes in Christ. Even as owners seek out their lost pets, and parents seek out their lost children, so too God wishes to seek and save the lost, to bring back those who have strayed. He has called you by name in Christ. You belong to Him and now His mission has become your calling and mission, that many more will come faith and belong to Jesus, for He is the Good Shepherd.
Amen
EZEKIEL 34:11-16
11 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. 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. I will feed them in justice.
In the name of Jesus:
How does one in our society explain this text? We know little of shepherds and sheep, who of us have owned a sheep or have been a shepherd? Okay, the Pohlods are exempt, but besides the Pohlods, who else know what God is talking about, who has experienced this relationship? Well, if you are a dog owner, you might be able to relate.
Many of you who have stopped by our home have seen our two dogs. Oreo, who we had put to sleep last year, was notorious for getting lost. Even though we have the invisible fence, Oreo twice, not once, but twice, wandered off through the electric fence and was no where to be found. We were frantic, looking all over the house and all over the neighborhood trying to find her. We called friends, neighbors, and we had a search party looking all over the neighborhood, up and down streets, in back yards searching for the blind, hard of hearing cocker spaniel named Oreo. The one time we found her hiding underneath the big pine tree in our next-door neighbor’s front yard. A huge winter storm was approaching so time was of the essence. Being hard of hearing she couldn’t hear the warning signal, so we reckoned that she was shocked and decided to settle down under the tree.
The second time Oreo wandered off we found her in the neighbor’s back yard. She had crossed the street and, not being able to see, was waiting, sitting under the neighbor’s back window, waiting to be let in, not knowing she was at the window and not a door and also not knowing she was not in her own yard. Both times we are frantic, and uttered a big sigh of relief and said a prayer of thanks to God.
Our other dog, Katie, also was recently lost. I was at church attending a meeting when I got a frantic call from Luann pleading me to come home, that they could not find Katie. Mark had searched the house to no avail; Luann was patrolling the neighborhood by car calling out Katie’s name. Luann found her, by the swing set over at Sanderson School across the street. How she got away, we still don’t know because she has an electronic collar. We surmised that Katie must have seen a cat or squirrel and in her thrill of the chase, Katie sprinted across the fence line chasing whatever it was to Sanderson. Yes, I know that some of you are thinking, Pastor, you need to up the amps on that electric fence. That isn’t the point. We had lost our beloved dog and we rejoiced when she was found.
There is something to be said about the love between an owner and its pet. But there is nothing stronger than a mother’s love for her child. If you have ever had a missing child, you know the heartache, you know the pain, you know that your world STOPS and time is frozen. Your only purpose in life is to find that lost child and bring that loved one home. At King’s Island one year Mark wandered off at the water park. We couldn’t find him through the crowd of people. Fanning out through the crowd, well, yes, we did find him, but we did all we could to search every space of that area to find our son. If you have ever experienced what I have shared today, you know the emotional toll, the physical pain and sickness you feel until that which was lost is found.
In our text for today Ezekiel writes of how Israel wandered from their relationship with God. God had called them to be His people. He made them a nation, brought them out of Egypt, led them to the Promised Land, gave them everything they needed including kings and prophets to lead and guide them in the way that God had desired. But through it all, Israel was unfaithful. Israel wandered off. God’s people ran away from God and sought other gods. God was their Shepherd but they acted like sheep that were led astray.
God is our Shepherd, but we have strayed from Him. The Scripture tells us that all of us are like sheep that have gone astray, we are lost, and we seek our own way. Each one of us has made messes of situations in our life because we have sought our own way. We have not let God be Master or have total control of our lives. We do not trust God, as we ought, we seek to make our own decisions, we do what we think it right, even if that goes against God and His will. We have acted like gods in our own lives, loving our self more than God, fearing what others think instead of what God wills, and trusting in our own reason and strength instead of God. We have tried to live lives separated from God, which really shows that we ARE separated from God. We would be like lost sheep, if not for the love that God has for us.
But God has loved us and still loves us. God is merciful. He is full of love and mercy for each and every one of us. Though we have run from Him, He seeks us out and searches for us. He searches for all who have run from Him and continue to run from Him. No matter if sinners continue to deny Him, God will not deny them. If the sinner runs from God God runs and seeks the sinner. For whoever is lost, God loves enough to seek out and find those who are lost, that they might know of His love and care for them. And we see God’s mercy, and love, and grace in the person and work of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
God has come to a sinful world to seek out the lost in Jesus. Jesus has come into our very existence and into our world to seek and find us. In the Gospel lesson for today, Jesus describes His love for sinners in terms of a Shepherd. Jesus is not like one who is hired out to do a job, which cares for the sheep as if he is paid for it, and then whenever some difficulty comes the one who is hired will pick up and leave. No, rather Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd of the sheep. He seeks out those who have fled from Him, who are scattered and not of the sheepfold. He gave His life in love for all. By Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection He has purchased and won each and every sinner from sin, Satan, and death, so that sinners no longer belong to themselves but they belong to Him! He has laid down His life for all who have wandered and gone astray. On the cross Jesus has endured all that sinners might be saved.
Salvation is for sinners. God’s salvation is for you! Like a shepherd who seeks out the sheep who are lost, who are broken or are sick, so Christ seeks out you! He offers to you His help and salvation for He is our ever-present Help in time of trouble. To those who are broken by the events of life Jesus offers His help and promises to work things out to your good. To those who are burdened by guilt and sin Jesus offers forgiveness and salvation. To those who are frightened by death and despair Jesus offers eternal life and Hope for He is the Resurrection and the Life. Jesus lives for you today and promises to give you sinners an overwhelming victory over sin, death, and the devil by a free gift of His love. He offers this to you and faith claims and lays hold of what Jesus gives.
This faith has been given in your Baptism. You are His new creation by water and the Word. He has restored your soul in Baptism; He leads you in the paths of everlasting life through His Word, the Gospel. He this very day prepares for you and offers to you Himself in the Table of the Lord, His Supper, for the forgiveness of your sins and for the strengthening of your faith, so that you might live in His presence today and so that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
God is good and gracious. Peter writes: “For you were straying like sheep but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (I Peter 2:25). The Good Shepherd has sought us out when we are lost that we might live in His presence. And the Good Shepherd so sends us out, into our families, neighborhoods, nation and world, to seek those who are lost, that they might find God’s love for them in Christ.
There was much joy in our home when we found our lost dogs. Even so, there is a greater joy in heaven over one sinner who repents and believes in Christ. Even as owners seek out their lost pets, and parents seek out their lost children, so too God wishes to seek and save the lost, to bring back those who have strayed. He has called you by name in Christ. You belong to Him and now His mission has become your calling and mission, that many more will come faith and belong to Jesus, for He is the Good Shepherd.
Amen
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Peace
PEACE
JOHN 20:19-31
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 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.
In the name of Jesus:
Fear robs you of the things most precious in your life. Sit down some time and try to add up the costs that fear produces. When you think of fear and its cost in the world and in our lives, you can begin by adding up the costs of penitentiaries, prisons and jails. Then to that total, add the costs of lawyers, courtrooms and security forces. But the cost doesn’t stop there. Begin to take into account the cost of the locks on your doors, your windows, the security system that you have in your home, and then consider also the cost of insurance, and those who care for those who have been victims of a crime. The cost is staggering, when you think about it. Fear grips us and it is costly. Not only in terms of money, but also when you consider how fear affects each of us. How do we calm our fears?
Do you know how a lot of people handle their fears? They run from them or ignore them. When I was little, I had a fear of the dark. I still vividly remember at the old house on Hillside Ave. in East Cleveland my mom telling me to go to bed and me scurrying up the stairs. Why did I flee up the stairway? It was less of obedience to my parents, and more due to my fear of the dark! I ran up the stairs because I didn’t want whatever there was that was lurking in the dark to get me. As I grew older, my fears of the dark dissipated as I learned to ignore my fears and not let them get the best of me.
But a lot of good that does for any of us who have fears today. We can either ignore our fears of the dark, or make certain we have security systems up to date, or a gun in the drawer by our bedside. But ignoring our fears, even trying to handle our fears by ourselves won’t make them go away.
If you have a fear of being alone, no security system is going to fill that hole in your heart or in your life. There is still that uneasiness that lives in your life. That what fear does, it continues to lurk in our lives so that fear robs us of our peace. FDR said that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. It is a great line, but when you are afraid, when you have fear, you have neither peace of mind nor peace in your soul.
Fear grips us and robs us of tranquility. Estrangement among members of families takes its toll on spouses, parents and children, and siblings. Whatever it is that separates people and causes rancor and strife certainly doesn’t bring peace.
We have a need for peace in our families, and yes, even among ourselves. Individually we need to be a peace. Sickness not only causes us distress on a physical level, illness robs us of peace. We question, why am I sick? How long will it last? How much will this health care cost? And if we are sick enough, we wonder if this sickness will lead to death?
Look around and you see that there is no peace in the world. The World is at war again, the only thing missing is the title World War Three! There is war in Afghanistan, war in Libya, war in Syria, in Yemen, there is the war on terror, and we even see Americans at war with one another! There is no peace, only fear. Ignore it, but it won’t go away. You can run but you can’t hide from it.
The greatest problem we face, though, is that we have no peace within ourselves. Our consciences are in need of peace. But our lives are laden with guilt, filled with appointments to be kept, we are exhausted from running to get here and there, and still we have no peace. When we look at our text for today, we see that Thomas and the other disciples lacked peace. They lived in fear. What did they do? They did what they could, but the fear was still there.
Note our text:” On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors are locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews.” The disciples were afraid of the Jews. They feared those who put Jesus to death. They were afraid of what might happen to them. How did they handle this fear? They locked the doors! They figured if they would lock themselves in the room, no one could get in to get them. Of course, no one could get out of the room, and the fear was still prevalent.
The only remedy for their fear was Jesus! The Risen Christ entered through their locked doors in order to reveal Himself as the Risen One, who lived, died, and now lives forever. He defeated the fearful three of sin, Satan, and death and gives victory over fear to all who believe. He lives to silence all of your fears; He lives to wipe away your tears. Your Redeemer Jesus lives to grant to you peace in the midst of the turmoil in your life, He lives to grant to you His perfect peace.
Thomas needed this peace, He needed the joy that only Jesus can give. Thomas is called the doubting one, Doubting Thomas for a reason. While others witnessed the Risen Christ with their own eyes, Thomas did not. You remember what he said, unless I place my hands in those open wounds, I will not believe. But Thomas in saying that did not have peace. He may have sounded confident, but like each of us, he had questions that he needed answered. His life was in turmoil for a week. Did the others see Jesus? If so, why wouldn’t Jesus show Himself to him? If Jesus was alive, what would that mean. These and other thoughts went through his mind, because Thomas is like us and we are just like Thomas. His heart and mind were racked with questions. Just like you and me when we have questions or are puzzled over a series of events, Thomas had no peace.
And so Jesus, knowing this, appears again to the disciples, only this time with Thomas present. The same doors were locked, not because of fear, but so that the same physical conditions existed to show Thomas and all who doubt that Jesus has indeed risen from the grave. This time Christ appears and approaches Thomas gently, as a Friend, not condemning, but offerings His hands and side as proof of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ words to Thomas encourage him and each of us who are racked with fears today: Doubt no more, only believe!
Jesus says to Thomas and to us: Blessed are they who believe and have not yet seen. Blessed are those who hear God’s Word and believe. Those who take God at His Word and trust God and His Word, believing what the Scriptures says about Jesus, are blessed by God. Those who hear God’s Good News and trust in Gods’ Good News have as their possession what God gives, namely Jesus and salvation.
The Risen Christ casts out fear in our hearts for the Good News is that He is risen. Not has, which is the past tense and would imply that this is something that happened in the past with no effect for us today. And the news is not that He will rise, for that would mean that the Scripture did NOT come true in Jesus and that He has no meaning for us today. No, instead the greeting is He IS Risen, which means that Christ has rose from the grave, He continues to live for He has risen from the grave, and He always will live because of the resurrection. Jesus lives today and His life in a continuing reality for us today. This is why the Bible says what it says, that by believing in Jesus, that is, by CONTINUALLY BELEIVING IN JESUS we will have life in His name. He has given us faith in Baptism and by His Word. He feeds our faith in Word and Sacrament. Today God gives peace in Jesus. Believe it. It is yours. Claim it, trust in Him, for He gives that peace to you today without measure.
This Sunday is called Quasimodo Geniti Sunday. The good old Lutheran question is what does this mean? This Sunday’s name has the meaning which comes from I Peter: Be like newborn babies. In the shadow of Easter God’s call to you as His child is to trust in Christ, so much so that you will live and act like a new born baby. Just as babies yearn for milk, so yearn and hunger for the Word, for the Word brings Christ and the Word brings peace.
So, dear fellow believer, yearn for Jesus and the peace that He alone gives in the forgiveness of your sins. That peace is given to you in your Baptism, where your sins have been washed away and Christ has claimed you as His own. Yearn to come to church to hear God’s forgiveness pronounced to you in the words of the Absolution, for when the Pastor states: As a called servant I forgive you all of your sins in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God gives forgiveness and grants peace to your troubled soul. And yearn to attend church so that you may gather around the Altar of the Lord to receive His true Body and blood for the forgiveness of your sins. For where there is forgiveness of sins, God gives to you peace that surpasses all understanding.
Jesus greeted His disciples in the locked room with the words: "Peace be unto you." In Hebrew, Jesus would have used only one word: Shalom. The Hebrew word shalom, for "peace," is a most comprehensive word, covering the full realm of relationships in daily life and expressing an ideal state of life. The word suggests the fullness of well being and harmony untouched by ill fortune. This is the absolute best that God can give to a sinner, that is, through the forgiveness of sins the sinner trusts in Christ so that you have wholeness and completeness with God. This is what God has given to you in Christ. Through the forgiveness of your sins God has given to you shalom, perfect forgiveness, reconciliation with God, perfect peace. It is no light hearted greeting, but one that comes with God’s divine blessing. This is what God gives in Christ, and as His disciples today, this is what we are called to share with others. God’s peace, His perfect peace in Christ, for Christ, you have the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Shalom!
Amen
JOHN 20:19-31
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 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.
In the name of Jesus:
Fear robs you of the things most precious in your life. Sit down some time and try to add up the costs that fear produces. When you think of fear and its cost in the world and in our lives, you can begin by adding up the costs of penitentiaries, prisons and jails. Then to that total, add the costs of lawyers, courtrooms and security forces. But the cost doesn’t stop there. Begin to take into account the cost of the locks on your doors, your windows, the security system that you have in your home, and then consider also the cost of insurance, and those who care for those who have been victims of a crime. The cost is staggering, when you think about it. Fear grips us and it is costly. Not only in terms of money, but also when you consider how fear affects each of us. How do we calm our fears?
Do you know how a lot of people handle their fears? They run from them or ignore them. When I was little, I had a fear of the dark. I still vividly remember at the old house on Hillside Ave. in East Cleveland my mom telling me to go to bed and me scurrying up the stairs. Why did I flee up the stairway? It was less of obedience to my parents, and more due to my fear of the dark! I ran up the stairs because I didn’t want whatever there was that was lurking in the dark to get me. As I grew older, my fears of the dark dissipated as I learned to ignore my fears and not let them get the best of me.
But a lot of good that does for any of us who have fears today. We can either ignore our fears of the dark, or make certain we have security systems up to date, or a gun in the drawer by our bedside. But ignoring our fears, even trying to handle our fears by ourselves won’t make them go away.
If you have a fear of being alone, no security system is going to fill that hole in your heart or in your life. There is still that uneasiness that lives in your life. That what fear does, it continues to lurk in our lives so that fear robs us of our peace. FDR said that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. It is a great line, but when you are afraid, when you have fear, you have neither peace of mind nor peace in your soul.
Fear grips us and robs us of tranquility. Estrangement among members of families takes its toll on spouses, parents and children, and siblings. Whatever it is that separates people and causes rancor and strife certainly doesn’t bring peace.
We have a need for peace in our families, and yes, even among ourselves. Individually we need to be a peace. Sickness not only causes us distress on a physical level, illness robs us of peace. We question, why am I sick? How long will it last? How much will this health care cost? And if we are sick enough, we wonder if this sickness will lead to death?
Look around and you see that there is no peace in the world. The World is at war again, the only thing missing is the title World War Three! There is war in Afghanistan, war in Libya, war in Syria, in Yemen, there is the war on terror, and we even see Americans at war with one another! There is no peace, only fear. Ignore it, but it won’t go away. You can run but you can’t hide from it.
The greatest problem we face, though, is that we have no peace within ourselves. Our consciences are in need of peace. But our lives are laden with guilt, filled with appointments to be kept, we are exhausted from running to get here and there, and still we have no peace. When we look at our text for today, we see that Thomas and the other disciples lacked peace. They lived in fear. What did they do? They did what they could, but the fear was still there.
Note our text:” On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors are locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews.” The disciples were afraid of the Jews. They feared those who put Jesus to death. They were afraid of what might happen to them. How did they handle this fear? They locked the doors! They figured if they would lock themselves in the room, no one could get in to get them. Of course, no one could get out of the room, and the fear was still prevalent.
The only remedy for their fear was Jesus! The Risen Christ entered through their locked doors in order to reveal Himself as the Risen One, who lived, died, and now lives forever. He defeated the fearful three of sin, Satan, and death and gives victory over fear to all who believe. He lives to silence all of your fears; He lives to wipe away your tears. Your Redeemer Jesus lives to grant to you peace in the midst of the turmoil in your life, He lives to grant to you His perfect peace.
Thomas needed this peace, He needed the joy that only Jesus can give. Thomas is called the doubting one, Doubting Thomas for a reason. While others witnessed the Risen Christ with their own eyes, Thomas did not. You remember what he said, unless I place my hands in those open wounds, I will not believe. But Thomas in saying that did not have peace. He may have sounded confident, but like each of us, he had questions that he needed answered. His life was in turmoil for a week. Did the others see Jesus? If so, why wouldn’t Jesus show Himself to him? If Jesus was alive, what would that mean. These and other thoughts went through his mind, because Thomas is like us and we are just like Thomas. His heart and mind were racked with questions. Just like you and me when we have questions or are puzzled over a series of events, Thomas had no peace.
And so Jesus, knowing this, appears again to the disciples, only this time with Thomas present. The same doors were locked, not because of fear, but so that the same physical conditions existed to show Thomas and all who doubt that Jesus has indeed risen from the grave. This time Christ appears and approaches Thomas gently, as a Friend, not condemning, but offerings His hands and side as proof of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ words to Thomas encourage him and each of us who are racked with fears today: Doubt no more, only believe!
Jesus says to Thomas and to us: Blessed are they who believe and have not yet seen. Blessed are those who hear God’s Word and believe. Those who take God at His Word and trust God and His Word, believing what the Scriptures says about Jesus, are blessed by God. Those who hear God’s Good News and trust in Gods’ Good News have as their possession what God gives, namely Jesus and salvation.
The Risen Christ casts out fear in our hearts for the Good News is that He is risen. Not has, which is the past tense and would imply that this is something that happened in the past with no effect for us today. And the news is not that He will rise, for that would mean that the Scripture did NOT come true in Jesus and that He has no meaning for us today. No, instead the greeting is He IS Risen, which means that Christ has rose from the grave, He continues to live for He has risen from the grave, and He always will live because of the resurrection. Jesus lives today and His life in a continuing reality for us today. This is why the Bible says what it says, that by believing in Jesus, that is, by CONTINUALLY BELEIVING IN JESUS we will have life in His name. He has given us faith in Baptism and by His Word. He feeds our faith in Word and Sacrament. Today God gives peace in Jesus. Believe it. It is yours. Claim it, trust in Him, for He gives that peace to you today without measure.
This Sunday is called Quasimodo Geniti Sunday. The good old Lutheran question is what does this mean? This Sunday’s name has the meaning which comes from I Peter: Be like newborn babies. In the shadow of Easter God’s call to you as His child is to trust in Christ, so much so that you will live and act like a new born baby. Just as babies yearn for milk, so yearn and hunger for the Word, for the Word brings Christ and the Word brings peace.
So, dear fellow believer, yearn for Jesus and the peace that He alone gives in the forgiveness of your sins. That peace is given to you in your Baptism, where your sins have been washed away and Christ has claimed you as His own. Yearn to come to church to hear God’s forgiveness pronounced to you in the words of the Absolution, for when the Pastor states: As a called servant I forgive you all of your sins in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God gives forgiveness and grants peace to your troubled soul. And yearn to attend church so that you may gather around the Altar of the Lord to receive His true Body and blood for the forgiveness of your sins. For where there is forgiveness of sins, God gives to you peace that surpasses all understanding.
Jesus greeted His disciples in the locked room with the words: "Peace be unto you." In Hebrew, Jesus would have used only one word: Shalom. The Hebrew word shalom, for "peace," is a most comprehensive word, covering the full realm of relationships in daily life and expressing an ideal state of life. The word suggests the fullness of well being and harmony untouched by ill fortune. This is the absolute best that God can give to a sinner, that is, through the forgiveness of sins the sinner trusts in Christ so that you have wholeness and completeness with God. This is what God has given to you in Christ. Through the forgiveness of your sins God has given to you shalom, perfect forgiveness, reconciliation with God, perfect peace. It is no light hearted greeting, but one that comes with God’s divine blessing. This is what God gives in Christ, and as His disciples today, this is what we are called to share with others. God’s peace, His perfect peace in Christ, for Christ, you have the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Shalom!
Amen
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A Matter of Trust
A MATTER OF TRUST
JOHN 8:42-45
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. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 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 has nothing to do with 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. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 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.”
In the name of Jesus:
Who Do You Trust was an American game show, which aired from 1957 to 1963. It held a prime afternoon time slot, prime in that it was aired when kids got home from school.
Three couples competed on each show, nearly always a man and a woman chosen for their unique backgrounds; the announcer would introduce couples one at a time, and Carson spent more time interviewing the contestants than quizzing them. In the quiz portion, Carson would tell the male contestant the category of the upcoming question; the man would then have to decide whether to answer the question himself or "trust" the woman to do so. Three questions were played per couple, worth $25, $50, and $75; if two or all three couples tied in the cash winnings, they were asked a question involving a numerical answer; the couple coming closest to the correct answer moved on to the bonus game. The couple kept on playing on the succeeding episodes until they were defeated.
In our text for today, Jesus focuses our attention on who we are to trust. Simply put, there are two types of people in the world. There are those who do not trust God, and those who do. There are those who do not belong to God and therefore do not trust God, and those who do belong to God and hence, trust in Him. Jesus tells us the difference in our text.
Those who do not belong to God are those who do not trust in Him. They give evidence of not trusting in Him by the way they live their lives. Just note how Jesus was treated by those who did not believe in Him as Jesus explains in His own words: “It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires.”
Those who did not hear Jesus were the Pharisees of His day and age. The Pharisees did not want to hear God and His Word. Oh, they knew God’s Word, but they didn’t take it to heart. The Jews were very annoyed at Jesus’ preaching. They ridiculed Him, called Him names, such as a Samaritan, (which was the lowest and most vile you could say of anyone) and even said that He was possessed of the devil. To show their animosity toward Jesus, set even set out to kill Him by crucifying Christ.
The same holds true toady, for today people live in the same manner toward Jesus. Many do not want to hear the Word of God. They want nothing to do with God and His Word. They revile God and His Word, curse God, only know God as a curse word, and they despise the church, Godly authority and live as they please. Foolishly these people believe that humans evolved from apes, hence it is no wonder they live like animals, and it is shown in the way they treat God and others.
Jesus warns in our text that the devil himself is at work in these people. Give the devil an inch, he will take a mile. And in their own mind, they think that they are doing right and are virtuous. They will do a beautiful job covering up their ignorance of God and His Word, they allow themselves to think that they are doing right, even they may appear that they are doing right, and in their own right ways, they think that they are serving the greater good. Jesus’ judgment is decisive. You are not of God! He says “43 why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 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 has nothing to do with 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. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 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.” Jesus speaks a stern word: You don’t hear Me because you are not of God. Whoever isn’t of God is of the devil, plain and simple.
This is how we were from the moment we were conceived, enemies of God. But God has called you by the Gospel of Jesus Christ; He has given to you the new birth through the waters of your Baptism. You no longer belong to yourself or the devil. You belong to God. To belong to God means that you are of God. This is what Jesus means when He says that you are of God, for God has purchased and won you by the blood shed on His cross. Christ has paid the price to make you His own, He has bought you back, He has redeemed you, you belong to Him.
Jesus says that blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it. Those who belong to God love God, love to hear His Word and voice, and desire to keep hearing His voice. If you love someone in life, whether it is your spouse, parent, child, no matter whom, you long to hear their voice. That is the one thing I miss seeing as both of my parents have died, I miss hearing their voices. I treasure those times now I can spend with loved ones. So it is with our relationship with God. To be of God is to treasure His Word. To be of God means that you hear God’s Word of Law spoken and proclaimed, and convicted of your transgressions and sins, you repent. To repent means to turn around, to change. This is done when you confess that you have done wrong, ask for mercy in Jesus Christ, and seek to then give up your evil ways. God has done this for us in our Baptism whereby we have been given a new life and made into new creatures, God’s children through the washing of the water with the Word.
Daily we are called by God to turn from our sins, from the world, from the voice of Satan, and to listen and follow Christ. You have heard me talk about remembering your baptism. Remembering your baptism is simply, daily, confessing your sins to God, asking Him for forgiveness in Christ, and then making that turn in your life to follow Jesus. Baptism is not just a one time act, but it is a continual, daily washing away of your sins so that God then recreates you to be the person He has called you to be in Jesus. Just note what Luther says about Baptism and what it signifies: It, Baptism, signifies that the old Adam within us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, all so that a new person, created by the power of the Holy Spirit will rise in our lives to serve God by how we live our lives. We remember our Baptism daily when we confess our sins to God and ask Him for forgiveness. For in confessing our sins we put to death the sin in our lives so that being forgiven by Christ we rise to newness of life.
And yet, in rising to newness of life, we will still face trials and difficulties in our lives. Once we have been placed on God’s side, Satan then becomes our enemy and seeks to drive us away from God. Satan now seeks your destruction. Scripture warns that the Christian needs to remain alert and be vigilant in life for the devil is like a roaring lion seeking those whom He will devour.
This is why Christ urges His children to cling to His Word. To hear His voice, to listen to His voice, and to follow Him so that we might live in peace. If a parent sees a child running into danger, the parent shouts a warning. The child then needs to not only hear that voice, but also heed the warning the follow what has been said. Christ warns sinners of certain death. Jesus calls sinners to turn from sin, from Satan, and from certain death to trust in Christ. Change direction, Jesus says. Repent. God’s Kingdom is at hand.
God has placed you in His Kingdom in the waters of Baptism. He speaks to you in His Word. He tenderly invites you to hear of His mercy, love and forgiveness. Jesus says blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it, for when His Good News is treasured and kept in your heart and life then you have what Jesus has promised, namely forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
What then of this life? Jesus promises that there will be trouble and trial and tribulation for those who are of God. Why? Because they have turned their back on Satan and the world. They trust not in the world, but in Christ and His Word. And His Word gives life, forgiveness, and power over sin, Satan and death. Christ has rescued us from death and sin and the devil by His suffering, death, and resurrection. God’s Word is powerful for it gives what it promises. God’s Word produces in our hearts and lives joy; peace that surpasses all understanding, and a quiet confidence in Christ.
If we diligently hold to God and His Word, we will remain His people. If we treasure the Gospel, believe it, allow our lives to be shaped by it, we will be blessed beyond measure, because God has chosen to bless and show mercy in Christ. Jesus and His Word will be our armor and sure defense in times of trouble.
Yet if we forsake God and His Word, there is no greater punishment than for God to say to us: I do not know you, depart from Me you workers of iniquity. So fellow sinner, turn from sin, trust in Christ for forgiveness and life. Daily repent of your sin and turn to Christ. Follow Him, so that you might say as Joshua did in the Old Testament: “As for me, and my house, we will serve the Lord!”
Amen
JOHN 8:42-45
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. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 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 has nothing to do with 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. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 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.”
In the name of Jesus:
Who Do You Trust was an American game show, which aired from 1957 to 1963. It held a prime afternoon time slot, prime in that it was aired when kids got home from school.
Three couples competed on each show, nearly always a man and a woman chosen for their unique backgrounds; the announcer would introduce couples one at a time, and Carson spent more time interviewing the contestants than quizzing them. In the quiz portion, Carson would tell the male contestant the category of the upcoming question; the man would then have to decide whether to answer the question himself or "trust" the woman to do so. Three questions were played per couple, worth $25, $50, and $75; if two or all three couples tied in the cash winnings, they were asked a question involving a numerical answer; the couple coming closest to the correct answer moved on to the bonus game. The couple kept on playing on the succeeding episodes until they were defeated.
In our text for today, Jesus focuses our attention on who we are to trust. Simply put, there are two types of people in the world. There are those who do not trust God, and those who do. There are those who do not belong to God and therefore do not trust God, and those who do belong to God and hence, trust in Him. Jesus tells us the difference in our text.
Those who do not belong to God are those who do not trust in Him. They give evidence of not trusting in Him by the way they live their lives. Just note how Jesus was treated by those who did not believe in Him as Jesus explains in His own words: “It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires.”
Those who did not hear Jesus were the Pharisees of His day and age. The Pharisees did not want to hear God and His Word. Oh, they knew God’s Word, but they didn’t take it to heart. The Jews were very annoyed at Jesus’ preaching. They ridiculed Him, called Him names, such as a Samaritan, (which was the lowest and most vile you could say of anyone) and even said that He was possessed of the devil. To show their animosity toward Jesus, set even set out to kill Him by crucifying Christ.
The same holds true toady, for today people live in the same manner toward Jesus. Many do not want to hear the Word of God. They want nothing to do with God and His Word. They revile God and His Word, curse God, only know God as a curse word, and they despise the church, Godly authority and live as they please. Foolishly these people believe that humans evolved from apes, hence it is no wonder they live like animals, and it is shown in the way they treat God and others.
Jesus warns in our text that the devil himself is at work in these people. Give the devil an inch, he will take a mile. And in their own mind, they think that they are doing right and are virtuous. They will do a beautiful job covering up their ignorance of God and His Word, they allow themselves to think that they are doing right, even they may appear that they are doing right, and in their own right ways, they think that they are serving the greater good. Jesus’ judgment is decisive. You are not of God! He says “43 why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 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 has nothing to do with 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. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 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.” Jesus speaks a stern word: You don’t hear Me because you are not of God. Whoever isn’t of God is of the devil, plain and simple.
This is how we were from the moment we were conceived, enemies of God. But God has called you by the Gospel of Jesus Christ; He has given to you the new birth through the waters of your Baptism. You no longer belong to yourself or the devil. You belong to God. To belong to God means that you are of God. This is what Jesus means when He says that you are of God, for God has purchased and won you by the blood shed on His cross. Christ has paid the price to make you His own, He has bought you back, He has redeemed you, you belong to Him.
Jesus says that blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it. Those who belong to God love God, love to hear His Word and voice, and desire to keep hearing His voice. If you love someone in life, whether it is your spouse, parent, child, no matter whom, you long to hear their voice. That is the one thing I miss seeing as both of my parents have died, I miss hearing their voices. I treasure those times now I can spend with loved ones. So it is with our relationship with God. To be of God is to treasure His Word. To be of God means that you hear God’s Word of Law spoken and proclaimed, and convicted of your transgressions and sins, you repent. To repent means to turn around, to change. This is done when you confess that you have done wrong, ask for mercy in Jesus Christ, and seek to then give up your evil ways. God has done this for us in our Baptism whereby we have been given a new life and made into new creatures, God’s children through the washing of the water with the Word.
Daily we are called by God to turn from our sins, from the world, from the voice of Satan, and to listen and follow Christ. You have heard me talk about remembering your baptism. Remembering your baptism is simply, daily, confessing your sins to God, asking Him for forgiveness in Christ, and then making that turn in your life to follow Jesus. Baptism is not just a one time act, but it is a continual, daily washing away of your sins so that God then recreates you to be the person He has called you to be in Jesus. Just note what Luther says about Baptism and what it signifies: It, Baptism, signifies that the old Adam within us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, all so that a new person, created by the power of the Holy Spirit will rise in our lives to serve God by how we live our lives. We remember our Baptism daily when we confess our sins to God and ask Him for forgiveness. For in confessing our sins we put to death the sin in our lives so that being forgiven by Christ we rise to newness of life.
And yet, in rising to newness of life, we will still face trials and difficulties in our lives. Once we have been placed on God’s side, Satan then becomes our enemy and seeks to drive us away from God. Satan now seeks your destruction. Scripture warns that the Christian needs to remain alert and be vigilant in life for the devil is like a roaring lion seeking those whom He will devour.
This is why Christ urges His children to cling to His Word. To hear His voice, to listen to His voice, and to follow Him so that we might live in peace. If a parent sees a child running into danger, the parent shouts a warning. The child then needs to not only hear that voice, but also heed the warning the follow what has been said. Christ warns sinners of certain death. Jesus calls sinners to turn from sin, from Satan, and from certain death to trust in Christ. Change direction, Jesus says. Repent. God’s Kingdom is at hand.
God has placed you in His Kingdom in the waters of Baptism. He speaks to you in His Word. He tenderly invites you to hear of His mercy, love and forgiveness. Jesus says blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it, for when His Good News is treasured and kept in your heart and life then you have what Jesus has promised, namely forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
What then of this life? Jesus promises that there will be trouble and trial and tribulation for those who are of God. Why? Because they have turned their back on Satan and the world. They trust not in the world, but in Christ and His Word. And His Word gives life, forgiveness, and power over sin, Satan and death. Christ has rescued us from death and sin and the devil by His suffering, death, and resurrection. God’s Word is powerful for it gives what it promises. God’s Word produces in our hearts and lives joy; peace that surpasses all understanding, and a quiet confidence in Christ.
If we diligently hold to God and His Word, we will remain His people. If we treasure the Gospel, believe it, allow our lives to be shaped by it, we will be blessed beyond measure, because God has chosen to bless and show mercy in Christ. Jesus and His Word will be our armor and sure defense in times of trouble.
Yet if we forsake God and His Word, there is no greater punishment than for God to say to us: I do not know you, depart from Me you workers of iniquity. So fellow sinner, turn from sin, trust in Christ for forgiveness and life. Daily repent of your sin and turn to Christ. Follow Him, so that you might say as Joshua did in the Old Testament: “As for me, and my house, we will serve the Lord!”
Amen
Monday, April 4, 2011
Wrestling with God
WRESTLING WITH GOD
GENESIS 32:22-32
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh.
In the name of Jesus:
What we have cited in our text for today is a sporting competition, which is one of the oldest known to mankind. Wrestling is one of the first forms of human competition and one of the oldest forms of combat. Archeologists have seen wrestlers depicted on cave drawings in France, Babylonia, and Egypt. Olympic wrestlers were living legends in ancient Greece. Wrestling as a sport has had a simple premise: that is, to pin both of the opponent’s shoulder’s to the ground for a certain number of sections. The victor in wrestling shows domination and supremacy over an opponent by pinning both of the opponent’s shoulders to the ground. The one aspect that has made wrestling a favorite sport is the sheer will and drive that the participants have in the sport. To forfeit or to give in is to quit, and there is no glory in quitting, rather, the glory is in the participation and in the drive keep on going, even against all odds.
In our text Jacob is seen all alone. He had sent his family across the river for protection. Jacob, previous to this, had stolen the birthright from his brother Esau and was now about to meet him for the first time face to face. Jacob feared for his life, for he remembered that Esau was madder than a hornet once he found out that Jacob stole the birthright. You see, the birthright was THE THING, for Jacob and Esau. With it came the blessing from God that from that person’s lineage would come the Savior. With the birthright all sorts of rights and privileges and possessions were given solely because of one’s standing as the first-born. To have the birthright meant EVERYTHING, and Jacob had it, and Esau was left with the crumbs.
So Jacob took it for granted that Esau was going to kill him. So Jacob put his house in order, so to speak. Once his family was cared for, and sent across the river for protection, Jacob remained on the other side alone in his thoughts and worries.
Out of nowhere came a man to literally do battle with Jacob. It was night, so Jacob couldn’t see all around him. It is as if a man fell on him from behind. It is noteworthy to see that Moses records: “24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.” This was a battle, the type where Jacob feels as if he is attacked. You can well imagine the thoughts running through Jacob’s mind and he struggles mightily with his Opponent. The wrestling is of such a nature that there is dust flying. Jacob is literally fighting for his life, for his birthright, for that which was promised to him. That is why he did not quit, for Jacob knew the promises of God. He had no idea who he was wrestling with at the time, for all he knew Jacob thought that his very life was at stake! But this One whom He wrestled played with him.
And then we read “25 when the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. “ It is common in wrestling for a wrestler to perform a move, which would give Him the victory. Now, this One could have killed Jacob, but rather than kill him, He was playing with him. So the Unknown Wrestler puts pressure on the joint and Jacob’s hip sock is dislocated. “26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Jacob may be physically weakened but he clung to the promise of God. He still had no clue as to whom he was battling with, so he battled for a blessing. He was not going to let go UNTIL he received that blessing.
“27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” And know Jacob knows, he realizes that he had been wrestling with the true God-man, Jesus, all night. Jesus could have killed him, but instead played with him so that Jacob, in the end, would seek the blessing of God. Jacob would not let go until he got that blessing from God, and God blessed him telling him that he had striven with the God-Man, Jesus, and because he asked for God’s blessing, Jacob received God’s blessing.
All to often in our lives we are overcome by worry, fear, and the terrors of darkness. The terror and worries of life can at times be mind numbing. An earthquake in Japan, nuclear meltdown, and radiation contamination are just the three hot items from this past week that can cause all sorts of worry and concern. Then there is the fall off in stock prices, the national debt, the economy, and unemployment on the national scene. And that doesn’t include the worry over your own personal finances, your own health and well being, the health and well being of your family, your children, and your grandchildren. The bad news that has hit us over the past three months has been overwhelming. There is personal sickness, the grief over the death of a loved one, the uncertainty of the future which can leave even the most in tuned person feeling tuned out, desensitized, and perplexed. Where is God in all of this bad news? Where is He in my life now, when I feel, as the Psalmist describes: “I am up to my neck and feel like I am drowning!”
Where is God in our darkness and in the times of our despair? He is in the cross of Christ. For there on the cross God became man to wrestled with and defeat the darkness called sin, Satan, and death. There on the cross God tasted death for you! There on the cross God the Father forsook His Son making Him to be the sin offering for every sinner who has ever lived. There on the cross Jesus went through the valley of the shadow of death, there on the cross God walked in your place so that in your dark times you might know for certain that God has given to you an overwhelming victory.
So, why then, doesn’t it feel like it? Yes, God promises that goodness and mercy will follow all the days of our lives and we will live in the house of the Lord forever. But…it certainly doesn’t feel like it. More to the point, it is as if God has hidden Himself and is nowhere to be found. Evil and suffering and death seemingly have its way with the world and us. Is God playing with us?
In a sense, yes. On Easter morning the Davidson household had a tradition. The Easter bunny would come bearing gifts of candy, colored eggs, and gifts. But the Easter bunny would not just put the basket out in the open for all to see. No, the fun would be in the hiding of the baskets and the finding of them. My parents got great joy out of seeing my sister and I hunt high and lo for our baskets, and they would be hidden where we COULDN’T find them. But what joy we had when we found them. It was if our parents were playing with us, only to share the joy and magnify the joy in the end.
God loves you. That is why He sent Christ to die on the cross. Look at the crucifix and know for certain that God loves you so much that He sent Christ to be your Savior. God loves the world THAT MUCH! And so to deepen our love for Him, God in a sense plays with us, toys with us, so that we might know the joy of following Him.
Just look at the case of the Canaanite woman. Jesus was in the region of Tyre and Sidon, when a Canaanite woman, one who would be considered “unclean” and unworthy to be a child of God, approaches Him in desperation. Her child is sick and near death and she, as a mother, is reaching for straws, grasping for help and Jesus is her help. She cries out: “ “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But note, 23 But he did not answer her a word.” Jesus disciples wanted her out of sight and out of mind, saying to Jesus: ““Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” And Jesus answered the desperate woman saying: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” On the surface, this seems so cruel. Doesn’t God love all and want all to become His children? Why treat her in such a way? Only because Jesus knows all things and is seeking a stronger faith for this woman. So she kneels before Him and requests, “Lord, help me.” And Jesus again hides His love for this woman, toying with her so that she might find delight in Him. Jesus answered saying: “ “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” And then this woman exhibits her faith. This is what Jesus was seeking. This is what He wanted for her, for she says: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Yes Lord, even the dogs get a break now and then and I am a poor dog who deserves no good thing from you, but I still believe in your mercy and grace, and so I beg you I plead with you, please helps me.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him. The Canaanite woman as well asked for a blessing. Even though Jesus seemingly ignores her and rejects her, she continues to wrestle with Jesus, asking for His mercy, not letting Him wriggle out of His Word of Promise. Dear friend, this is what God desires of you and for you as well. For in the darkness of life, and in the desperate times that you may be facing God wants you to know that He loves you. His will is that you now and forever trust and love Him. God allows difficulties, struggles, and temptations to come your way to test your faith so that your faith might be refined and strengthened. In your times of trouble, God doesn’t want you to forget that He is God and you are not. You are His creature and He holds you in His hands. He sent to you His Son to be your Savior and God is presently at work to bring good from evil. God doesn’t will evil, but uses all things to His glory so that you might ever and always remain His child. To that end God binds Himself to His Word, to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper so that you might be able to find Him in these Means. Do you doubt that you are God’s child? Look to your Baptism for in your Baptism God has claimed you to be His own. Are you desperate and in need of God’s mercy? Hear His Word for God has had mercy upon sinners in His Son Jesus Christ. Are you hungry and thirsty for God’s presence in your life? Taste and see that the Lord is good in His supper, and that His loves lasts forever! God hides Himself, binds Himself in Word and Sacrament so that you will know for certain of His love for you in Jesus.
Jacob only saw the face of God AFTER he wrestled with God. How would you and I know of God’s love and power in our lives if we lived without any trouble? If we had no trial or trouble or tribulation, if there was no cross to bear, how would we then know God? How would there be any resurrection is there was no death? If Jesus didn’t suffer and die, He would not have been able to rise from the grave. So also for each one of us we God permits suffering and even death, all so that we might know of God and His love. If things always went our way in life, why then would we need God? We wouldn’t think of Him, for we would be too wrapped up in our own little heaven on earth. Is it any wonder why people forget God today, when they seek to live in a heaven here on earth? You see, that is why we suffer, that is why we experience trials and tribulations, so that we might learn to trust in Christ. For in our trial we learn of our frailties, we remember that we are dust, and God then points us to Christ, who is our only Hope and Help in times of trouble.
So when you are faced with various trials, and wrestling with God in and through them, know for certain that God is your ever present Help. He spared not His only Son but delivered Him up for you. He has mercy upon you in Christ. And His promise is this:
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Amen
GENESIS 32:22-32
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh.
In the name of Jesus:
What we have cited in our text for today is a sporting competition, which is one of the oldest known to mankind. Wrestling is one of the first forms of human competition and one of the oldest forms of combat. Archeologists have seen wrestlers depicted on cave drawings in France, Babylonia, and Egypt. Olympic wrestlers were living legends in ancient Greece. Wrestling as a sport has had a simple premise: that is, to pin both of the opponent’s shoulder’s to the ground for a certain number of sections. The victor in wrestling shows domination and supremacy over an opponent by pinning both of the opponent’s shoulders to the ground. The one aspect that has made wrestling a favorite sport is the sheer will and drive that the participants have in the sport. To forfeit or to give in is to quit, and there is no glory in quitting, rather, the glory is in the participation and in the drive keep on going, even against all odds.
In our text Jacob is seen all alone. He had sent his family across the river for protection. Jacob, previous to this, had stolen the birthright from his brother Esau and was now about to meet him for the first time face to face. Jacob feared for his life, for he remembered that Esau was madder than a hornet once he found out that Jacob stole the birthright. You see, the birthright was THE THING, for Jacob and Esau. With it came the blessing from God that from that person’s lineage would come the Savior. With the birthright all sorts of rights and privileges and possessions were given solely because of one’s standing as the first-born. To have the birthright meant EVERYTHING, and Jacob had it, and Esau was left with the crumbs.
So Jacob took it for granted that Esau was going to kill him. So Jacob put his house in order, so to speak. Once his family was cared for, and sent across the river for protection, Jacob remained on the other side alone in his thoughts and worries.
Out of nowhere came a man to literally do battle with Jacob. It was night, so Jacob couldn’t see all around him. It is as if a man fell on him from behind. It is noteworthy to see that Moses records: “24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.” This was a battle, the type where Jacob feels as if he is attacked. You can well imagine the thoughts running through Jacob’s mind and he struggles mightily with his Opponent. The wrestling is of such a nature that there is dust flying. Jacob is literally fighting for his life, for his birthright, for that which was promised to him. That is why he did not quit, for Jacob knew the promises of God. He had no idea who he was wrestling with at the time, for all he knew Jacob thought that his very life was at stake! But this One whom He wrestled played with him.
And then we read “25 when the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. “ It is common in wrestling for a wrestler to perform a move, which would give Him the victory. Now, this One could have killed Jacob, but rather than kill him, He was playing with him. So the Unknown Wrestler puts pressure on the joint and Jacob’s hip sock is dislocated. “26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Jacob may be physically weakened but he clung to the promise of God. He still had no clue as to whom he was battling with, so he battled for a blessing. He was not going to let go UNTIL he received that blessing.
“27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” And know Jacob knows, he realizes that he had been wrestling with the true God-man, Jesus, all night. Jesus could have killed him, but instead played with him so that Jacob, in the end, would seek the blessing of God. Jacob would not let go until he got that blessing from God, and God blessed him telling him that he had striven with the God-Man, Jesus, and because he asked for God’s blessing, Jacob received God’s blessing.
All to often in our lives we are overcome by worry, fear, and the terrors of darkness. The terror and worries of life can at times be mind numbing. An earthquake in Japan, nuclear meltdown, and radiation contamination are just the three hot items from this past week that can cause all sorts of worry and concern. Then there is the fall off in stock prices, the national debt, the economy, and unemployment on the national scene. And that doesn’t include the worry over your own personal finances, your own health and well being, the health and well being of your family, your children, and your grandchildren. The bad news that has hit us over the past three months has been overwhelming. There is personal sickness, the grief over the death of a loved one, the uncertainty of the future which can leave even the most in tuned person feeling tuned out, desensitized, and perplexed. Where is God in all of this bad news? Where is He in my life now, when I feel, as the Psalmist describes: “I am up to my neck and feel like I am drowning!”
Where is God in our darkness and in the times of our despair? He is in the cross of Christ. For there on the cross God became man to wrestled with and defeat the darkness called sin, Satan, and death. There on the cross God tasted death for you! There on the cross God the Father forsook His Son making Him to be the sin offering for every sinner who has ever lived. There on the cross Jesus went through the valley of the shadow of death, there on the cross God walked in your place so that in your dark times you might know for certain that God has given to you an overwhelming victory.
So, why then, doesn’t it feel like it? Yes, God promises that goodness and mercy will follow all the days of our lives and we will live in the house of the Lord forever. But…it certainly doesn’t feel like it. More to the point, it is as if God has hidden Himself and is nowhere to be found. Evil and suffering and death seemingly have its way with the world and us. Is God playing with us?
In a sense, yes. On Easter morning the Davidson household had a tradition. The Easter bunny would come bearing gifts of candy, colored eggs, and gifts. But the Easter bunny would not just put the basket out in the open for all to see. No, the fun would be in the hiding of the baskets and the finding of them. My parents got great joy out of seeing my sister and I hunt high and lo for our baskets, and they would be hidden where we COULDN’T find them. But what joy we had when we found them. It was if our parents were playing with us, only to share the joy and magnify the joy in the end.
God loves you. That is why He sent Christ to die on the cross. Look at the crucifix and know for certain that God loves you so much that He sent Christ to be your Savior. God loves the world THAT MUCH! And so to deepen our love for Him, God in a sense plays with us, toys with us, so that we might know the joy of following Him.
Just look at the case of the Canaanite woman. Jesus was in the region of Tyre and Sidon, when a Canaanite woman, one who would be considered “unclean” and unworthy to be a child of God, approaches Him in desperation. Her child is sick and near death and she, as a mother, is reaching for straws, grasping for help and Jesus is her help. She cries out: “ “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But note, 23 But he did not answer her a word.” Jesus disciples wanted her out of sight and out of mind, saying to Jesus: ““Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” And Jesus answered the desperate woman saying: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” On the surface, this seems so cruel. Doesn’t God love all and want all to become His children? Why treat her in such a way? Only because Jesus knows all things and is seeking a stronger faith for this woman. So she kneels before Him and requests, “Lord, help me.” And Jesus again hides His love for this woman, toying with her so that she might find delight in Him. Jesus answered saying: “ “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” And then this woman exhibits her faith. This is what Jesus was seeking. This is what He wanted for her, for she says: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Yes Lord, even the dogs get a break now and then and I am a poor dog who deserves no good thing from you, but I still believe in your mercy and grace, and so I beg you I plead with you, please helps me.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him. The Canaanite woman as well asked for a blessing. Even though Jesus seemingly ignores her and rejects her, she continues to wrestle with Jesus, asking for His mercy, not letting Him wriggle out of His Word of Promise. Dear friend, this is what God desires of you and for you as well. For in the darkness of life, and in the desperate times that you may be facing God wants you to know that He loves you. His will is that you now and forever trust and love Him. God allows difficulties, struggles, and temptations to come your way to test your faith so that your faith might be refined and strengthened. In your times of trouble, God doesn’t want you to forget that He is God and you are not. You are His creature and He holds you in His hands. He sent to you His Son to be your Savior and God is presently at work to bring good from evil. God doesn’t will evil, but uses all things to His glory so that you might ever and always remain His child. To that end God binds Himself to His Word, to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper so that you might be able to find Him in these Means. Do you doubt that you are God’s child? Look to your Baptism for in your Baptism God has claimed you to be His own. Are you desperate and in need of God’s mercy? Hear His Word for God has had mercy upon sinners in His Son Jesus Christ. Are you hungry and thirsty for God’s presence in your life? Taste and see that the Lord is good in His supper, and that His loves lasts forever! God hides Himself, binds Himself in Word and Sacrament so that you will know for certain of His love for you in Jesus.
Jacob only saw the face of God AFTER he wrestled with God. How would you and I know of God’s love and power in our lives if we lived without any trouble? If we had no trial or trouble or tribulation, if there was no cross to bear, how would we then know God? How would there be any resurrection is there was no death? If Jesus didn’t suffer and die, He would not have been able to rise from the grave. So also for each one of us we God permits suffering and even death, all so that we might know of God and His love. If things always went our way in life, why then would we need God? We wouldn’t think of Him, for we would be too wrapped up in our own little heaven on earth. Is it any wonder why people forget God today, when they seek to live in a heaven here on earth? You see, that is why we suffer, that is why we experience trials and tribulations, so that we might learn to trust in Christ. For in our trial we learn of our frailties, we remember that we are dust, and God then points us to Christ, who is our only Hope and Help in times of trouble.
So when you are faced with various trials, and wrestling with God in and through them, know for certain that God is your ever present Help. He spared not His only Son but delivered Him up for you. He has mercy upon you in Christ. And His promise is this:
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Amen
Weeds in the Wheat
THE WEEDS AND THE WHEAT
MATTHEW 13:24-30, 36-43
24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
In the name of Jesus:
Last spring I fancied myself to be a gardener. I spent time working in the yard as a way to try to get more activity in my life. I told Luann that I was going to finally mulch the front yard after a couple of years of neglect. She reminded me that I needed to pull the weeds BEFROE I mulched, that I would have to get the weeds at the roots in order to get them all.
I was apprehensive in pulling the weeds because a few years ago I made a grave error in judgment. It was in the middle of the summer, and Luann asked the boys and I to pull the weeds in the front flower bed. I dutifully did so, but in my throughness, I pulled up both the weeds and the flowers. When I showed my handiwork to my beloved, she gently instructed me as to the error of my ways. She asked:”Don’t you know a weed from a flower?” The obvious answer to that was no, but I had to stand up for myself so I said something like” They all look alike to me.” The moral of this true story is this, you don’t want to pull the flowers AND the weeds, just the weeds.
In our parable for today, Jesus talks about the Kingdom of heaven, it is God’s Kingdom which comes from heaven and in the end, its subjects will be in heaven. Jesus is talking about His kingdom of grace here on earth, the Church. In explaining what His Church is like, Jesus uses terms such as weeds and wheat.
Jesus begins by comparing it to a man who sows seed in the field. Jesus is that Man, He plants the Word and faith when and where He pleases. But in the night His enemy, Satan, sowed weeds among the good seed and then left the field. The point here is that the enemy, Satan, works in such a way so as to not draw attention to his evil work. His work is such that it is very difficult to distinguish between the weeds from the true wheat. Satan leaves the field because he doesn’t want others to know that he was there.
The wheat bore grain, and at the same time weeds appeared. Satan was so crafty that when the wheat appeared, and the weeds at the same time, the workers in the field were distressed. The workers went to their Master and asked what happened? Didn’t you sow good seed, yes He did, so how did the weeds appear? How is it that the field has phony wheat? They didn’t take matters into their own hands, but they consulted their Master so that they would do what He wanted.
The Master Jesus, knew what happened, because He is all knowing. He knew though no one else knew. So the workers asked, should we then pull up the phoney wheat? They left it entirely up to Him, because they didn’t know what to do. His answer is simple, no, don’t pull up the weeds with the wheat because doing that would harm the wheat. The Master didn’t want His workers to be rash, but rather He wanted both to grow so that AT THE PROPER TIME DEEMED SO BY THE MASTER, the harvest would take place, in its proper order. The Owner of the Field, Jesus, is in complete control. He placed a value on the wheat that was to be stored. And so, the harvesters were to collect the weeds and bundle them to be burned, but gather the wheat to bring it for storage and safe keeping.
What we have here in our text is a picture of God’s Church on earth. How have we become members of that Church? Not because of anything that we have done! We are not God’s people because of who we are, we are not made God’s people because of what we do. All of the things that we might base a right relationship with God upon God declares to be woefully inadequate. The Bible says that each and everyone of us are spiritually dead and depraved. We have nothing in us to move us to love God. We have no power to come to God. So God comes to us.
Not many of us like to hear a crying baby. A baby in distress. Why? Not just because of the sound that the baby makes, but because the baby is so helpless. That is our state before God. We are helpless. We cry to God for help because we have not power to help ourselves. And God is merciful. He hears our cry for mercy. He helps in time of need. We are helpless to come to God so God comes to us in Christ. We can not ascend to God so He descends to us in Christ, becoming like sinners in every way yet without sin. He makes you a member of His family, His Church, by a sheer gift of His grace. You are a member of His Church because it is His gift. It is free, undeserved and unmerited. Not one of us by our own reason or strength can come to believe in God so God comes to us. In Water and the Word, God comes. Jesus uses water and the Word in Baptism to wash us of our sinfulness, He plants the seeds of the Gospel in our hearts and He waters and feeds that faith through the reception of His Word and Supper. Planted by Christ in this place we are fed by Christ, growing up into the full maturity of Christ so that we might give thanks to God for His gifts by living our lives in thanks to Him who has given us all things. God builds His Church upon Christ and feeds it with His Word and even the gates of Hell can not over power it!
But sadly, very really, Satan is alive in our midst. Satan likes to mimic God to steer people away from Him. Satan likes to plant weeds among the wheat. There was a saying that Luther liked to use that went like this (you have heard me use it with regularity): “Where God builds His Church, the devil builds a chapel next door.” And Luther liked to also tell this story, a wive’s tale, to illustrate the same point. In olden days, when God formed man out of the clod of the earth and breathed into him the breathe of life so that man became a living being, and the devil, seeking to emulate God, also took a lump of earth in order to form man out of it, but instead it turned into a toad.
It is a cute story but Luther told it to make his point, namely, that the devil is forever and a day always trying to mimic God, and the devil will do so even by trying to appear to clothe himself with the things of God so as to appear to be like God. It has happened since the Temptation and Fall in the Garden and it continues even today. Yes, sadly, even today there are weeds in the wheat. There are hypocrites mixed in with the Church. When people say that the Church is filled with hypocrites, well, they are right. We are all hypocrites at some point in our lives, for we are all sinful people. But there are among God’s chosen people those who appear to be Christian but they are not. The devil is alive and well and will even use the appearance of Christianity to deceive and strike at Christ Himself. We see it today when the Bible says that Baptism saves, but some people who are Christians will say that Baptism is really just plain water. Or when in the Lord’s Supper Jesus invites us to take and eat and drink His true body and blood, yet others say that the Lord’s Supper is just a routine people follow, only bread and wine and nothing more. How many times have we heard from the Lord Himself that Christians are not to condemn one another, and yet there are those in the Church who are quick to condemn.
Jesus warns us in this parable to be careful not to attribute these sinful attributes to the Church, but rather we must call a spade a spade and give credit where credit is due. God plants His Church and yet Satan plants his own seeds on unbelief, discord and strife in the Church as well. The devil likes nothing more than the sow weeds among the wheat and there is no one else that he would wish to trouble than Christian people. The devil labors day and night to cause strife and disunity in the Church.. Where, then, in the world is our hope and help?
Dear friend, our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. God calls each of us to turn from sin, Satan, and death and to trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and life. Repent and believe in Christ. Remember that in your Baptism God has claimed you to be His own and you belong to Him. Stay vigilant in your daily walk with Jesus for Satan prowls like a lion seeking to devour you. Pay attention to what the Word says! Listen to Jesus! We are not called to judge, but to believe. Christ is to judge, and He will on the last day. On that day He will separate the weeds from the wheat. On that Day the angels at Jesus’ command will gather His children to be with Him forever, and those who are not, those who have not repented and not believed in Christ, they will be consigned to Hell.
But until that time, God calls us to work in His field. Work while it is day for soon Jesus will come again. Jesus gives us the seed of His Gospel to sow that seed in and among our family and friends, to be the face and voice of Christ to those who do not know Jesus that by God’s power many more will believe. God’s will is this, He wants all to be saved and to come to know and believe in Jesus.
It is a grim fact, stressed throughout Scripture, that the devil and his agents do their most nefarious work in the visible Christian Church, not outside it.. As Christians we need to repent daily. Jesus has conquered Satan, sin, and even death. Christians are not to resort to violence against those who do not believe, like Islam does. We aren’t called by Christ to use the sword, but rather we are empowered by Jesus to love others so that we might show the power of Christ’s love.
Jesus says: He who has ears to ear, let him hear! Heed Christ’s words, don’t neglect or turn a deaf ear to Him. Repent of your sins and trust in Christ. Show love to those in the Church, for this is of Christ. We are not called to separate the sinners from the saints, for we are all sinners! Christ came for sinners! He came to save sinners. He calls us to live for Christ and to share His love with sinners now, before He comes again when it will be too late. Instead of seeking to pull the weeds out from the wheat Jesus calls us to love. For in His kingdom here on earth there will be weeds among the wheat. May God gives us repentance and faith in Christ that we might be genuine wheat at all times and seek to do His will.
May God grant it in Jesus’ name.
Amen
MATTHEW 13:24-30, 36-43
24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
In the name of Jesus:
Last spring I fancied myself to be a gardener. I spent time working in the yard as a way to try to get more activity in my life. I told Luann that I was going to finally mulch the front yard after a couple of years of neglect. She reminded me that I needed to pull the weeds BEFROE I mulched, that I would have to get the weeds at the roots in order to get them all.
I was apprehensive in pulling the weeds because a few years ago I made a grave error in judgment. It was in the middle of the summer, and Luann asked the boys and I to pull the weeds in the front flower bed. I dutifully did so, but in my throughness, I pulled up both the weeds and the flowers. When I showed my handiwork to my beloved, she gently instructed me as to the error of my ways. She asked:”Don’t you know a weed from a flower?” The obvious answer to that was no, but I had to stand up for myself so I said something like” They all look alike to me.” The moral of this true story is this, you don’t want to pull the flowers AND the weeds, just the weeds.
In our parable for today, Jesus talks about the Kingdom of heaven, it is God’s Kingdom which comes from heaven and in the end, its subjects will be in heaven. Jesus is talking about His kingdom of grace here on earth, the Church. In explaining what His Church is like, Jesus uses terms such as weeds and wheat.
Jesus begins by comparing it to a man who sows seed in the field. Jesus is that Man, He plants the Word and faith when and where He pleases. But in the night His enemy, Satan, sowed weeds among the good seed and then left the field. The point here is that the enemy, Satan, works in such a way so as to not draw attention to his evil work. His work is such that it is very difficult to distinguish between the weeds from the true wheat. Satan leaves the field because he doesn’t want others to know that he was there.
The wheat bore grain, and at the same time weeds appeared. Satan was so crafty that when the wheat appeared, and the weeds at the same time, the workers in the field were distressed. The workers went to their Master and asked what happened? Didn’t you sow good seed, yes He did, so how did the weeds appear? How is it that the field has phony wheat? They didn’t take matters into their own hands, but they consulted their Master so that they would do what He wanted.
The Master Jesus, knew what happened, because He is all knowing. He knew though no one else knew. So the workers asked, should we then pull up the phoney wheat? They left it entirely up to Him, because they didn’t know what to do. His answer is simple, no, don’t pull up the weeds with the wheat because doing that would harm the wheat. The Master didn’t want His workers to be rash, but rather He wanted both to grow so that AT THE PROPER TIME DEEMED SO BY THE MASTER, the harvest would take place, in its proper order. The Owner of the Field, Jesus, is in complete control. He placed a value on the wheat that was to be stored. And so, the harvesters were to collect the weeds and bundle them to be burned, but gather the wheat to bring it for storage and safe keeping.
What we have here in our text is a picture of God’s Church on earth. How have we become members of that Church? Not because of anything that we have done! We are not God’s people because of who we are, we are not made God’s people because of what we do. All of the things that we might base a right relationship with God upon God declares to be woefully inadequate. The Bible says that each and everyone of us are spiritually dead and depraved. We have nothing in us to move us to love God. We have no power to come to God. So God comes to us.
Not many of us like to hear a crying baby. A baby in distress. Why? Not just because of the sound that the baby makes, but because the baby is so helpless. That is our state before God. We are helpless. We cry to God for help because we have not power to help ourselves. And God is merciful. He hears our cry for mercy. He helps in time of need. We are helpless to come to God so God comes to us in Christ. We can not ascend to God so He descends to us in Christ, becoming like sinners in every way yet without sin. He makes you a member of His family, His Church, by a sheer gift of His grace. You are a member of His Church because it is His gift. It is free, undeserved and unmerited. Not one of us by our own reason or strength can come to believe in God so God comes to us. In Water and the Word, God comes. Jesus uses water and the Word in Baptism to wash us of our sinfulness, He plants the seeds of the Gospel in our hearts and He waters and feeds that faith through the reception of His Word and Supper. Planted by Christ in this place we are fed by Christ, growing up into the full maturity of Christ so that we might give thanks to God for His gifts by living our lives in thanks to Him who has given us all things. God builds His Church upon Christ and feeds it with His Word and even the gates of Hell can not over power it!
But sadly, very really, Satan is alive in our midst. Satan likes to mimic God to steer people away from Him. Satan likes to plant weeds among the wheat. There was a saying that Luther liked to use that went like this (you have heard me use it with regularity): “Where God builds His Church, the devil builds a chapel next door.” And Luther liked to also tell this story, a wive’s tale, to illustrate the same point. In olden days, when God formed man out of the clod of the earth and breathed into him the breathe of life so that man became a living being, and the devil, seeking to emulate God, also took a lump of earth in order to form man out of it, but instead it turned into a toad.
It is a cute story but Luther told it to make his point, namely, that the devil is forever and a day always trying to mimic God, and the devil will do so even by trying to appear to clothe himself with the things of God so as to appear to be like God. It has happened since the Temptation and Fall in the Garden and it continues even today. Yes, sadly, even today there are weeds in the wheat. There are hypocrites mixed in with the Church. When people say that the Church is filled with hypocrites, well, they are right. We are all hypocrites at some point in our lives, for we are all sinful people. But there are among God’s chosen people those who appear to be Christian but they are not. The devil is alive and well and will even use the appearance of Christianity to deceive and strike at Christ Himself. We see it today when the Bible says that Baptism saves, but some people who are Christians will say that Baptism is really just plain water. Or when in the Lord’s Supper Jesus invites us to take and eat and drink His true body and blood, yet others say that the Lord’s Supper is just a routine people follow, only bread and wine and nothing more. How many times have we heard from the Lord Himself that Christians are not to condemn one another, and yet there are those in the Church who are quick to condemn.
Jesus warns us in this parable to be careful not to attribute these sinful attributes to the Church, but rather we must call a spade a spade and give credit where credit is due. God plants His Church and yet Satan plants his own seeds on unbelief, discord and strife in the Church as well. The devil likes nothing more than the sow weeds among the wheat and there is no one else that he would wish to trouble than Christian people. The devil labors day and night to cause strife and disunity in the Church.. Where, then, in the world is our hope and help?
Dear friend, our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. God calls each of us to turn from sin, Satan, and death and to trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and life. Repent and believe in Christ. Remember that in your Baptism God has claimed you to be His own and you belong to Him. Stay vigilant in your daily walk with Jesus for Satan prowls like a lion seeking to devour you. Pay attention to what the Word says! Listen to Jesus! We are not called to judge, but to believe. Christ is to judge, and He will on the last day. On that day He will separate the weeds from the wheat. On that Day the angels at Jesus’ command will gather His children to be with Him forever, and those who are not, those who have not repented and not believed in Christ, they will be consigned to Hell.
But until that time, God calls us to work in His field. Work while it is day for soon Jesus will come again. Jesus gives us the seed of His Gospel to sow that seed in and among our family and friends, to be the face and voice of Christ to those who do not know Jesus that by God’s power many more will believe. God’s will is this, He wants all to be saved and to come to know and believe in Jesus.
It is a grim fact, stressed throughout Scripture, that the devil and his agents do their most nefarious work in the visible Christian Church, not outside it.. As Christians we need to repent daily. Jesus has conquered Satan, sin, and even death. Christians are not to resort to violence against those who do not believe, like Islam does. We aren’t called by Christ to use the sword, but rather we are empowered by Jesus to love others so that we might show the power of Christ’s love.
Jesus says: He who has ears to ear, let him hear! Heed Christ’s words, don’t neglect or turn a deaf ear to Him. Repent of your sins and trust in Christ. Show love to those in the Church, for this is of Christ. We are not called to separate the sinners from the saints, for we are all sinners! Christ came for sinners! He came to save sinners. He calls us to live for Christ and to share His love with sinners now, before He comes again when it will be too late. Instead of seeking to pull the weeds out from the wheat Jesus calls us to love. For in His kingdom here on earth there will be weeds among the wheat. May God gives us repentance and faith in Christ that we might be genuine wheat at all times and seek to do His will.
May God grant it in Jesus’ name.
Amen
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