Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
The words that come out of our mouths are powerful. [Slide 2] You know that.
They can discourage when someone is riding high like “nice try”—indicating failure. One’s self-esteem sinks.
They can encourage when someone is feeling down like “nice job”—implying success. A person’s self-confidence soars.
If that is true of what we say, how much more of what God states. It is effective. It is like a seed that is planted in the ground. [Slide 3] God’s Word brings about growth. Isaiah mentions that reason for his Word and that result from his Word as we read from …
Isaiah 55:10-13
Dear People of God who brings us to faith and builds up our faith,
Perhaps you are beginning to enjoy some lettuce or peas or strawberries or peppers from your garden [Slide 4] (if you planted one—it will always be an “if” with me, but I realize that some people like to poke around in the dirt with their green thumbs). If not, it won’t be long until those things make it to your table.
But what did you do to cause the fruits or vegetables? [Slide 5] You can answer, “I watered. I weeded.” But in reality, God gets the credit for the liquid from the hose or the plant in the soil. King David, who was more accustomed to shepherding, was also acquainted with farming. As a psalmist, he had us sing about God: “You care for the land and water it; … you soften it with showers and bless its crops” (Ps 65:9,10). [Slide 6] It is that way with the harvest in a field. So it is with faith in a heart. The Lord stands behind both.
God’s Word Brings about Growth
1. There is that reason for his Word (10,11)
2. There is that result from his Word (12,13)
1. There is the reason for his Word (10,11)
The problem is, or my problem is, impatience. [Slide 7] It is like the student who puts some seeds in a plastic cup at night for a science fair project due the next day and in the morning expects to see something sticking up. But it will come. Later. God’s Word brings about growth. There is that reason for his Word.
Isaiah takes us to the world of agriculture—specifically the hydrological cycle. [Slide 8] Moisture first comes down from the clouds and then runs along the earth and finally goes back to the sky. It is a simplified version of the water cycle—a circle of precipitation and evaporation. Isaiah makes reference to it [Slide 9]: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish” (Is 55:10). But there is a purpose for it: “so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater” (Is 55:10). There is seed for the future and bread for the present. [Slide 10]
But this is not just a lesson in cultivating, but a comparison for learning. Isaiah makes that connection: “so [as in, “in the same manner”] is my word that goes out from my mouth” (Is 55:11). [Slide 11] Note whose word it is—“my word.” God makes contact with sinners through words, words about Jesus (Jn 1:1). We do not make them up. We only make them known. They are from the Lord (Is 7:7; 2 Pe 1:21; 2 Ti 3:15). That is why we refer to the Bible as “God’s Word.” That is what it is—from beginning to end. It is through God’s inspiration, not from man’s imagination.
And there is a point for the message from his mouth: “It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is 55:11). In other words, his word works (He 4:12). The Word is never sown without an outcome—sometimes right away, other times later on just like some flowers bloom earlier than others. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Co 15:58). That comes down to two things: rejection or acceptance. There is either a hardening of the heart or a healing of it (cf. Is 6:9,10).
That sounds like Jesus’ parable of the sower. [Slide 12] The seed was the same. The reception was different.
There were the hard-hearted hearers. “Some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up” (Mt 13:4). [Slide 13] The devil sneaks in and steals it away. He convinces people to despise and disregard God’s Word as foolishness or for the simple (1 Co 1:18). That is how our hearts were by nature—like stone or cement. But the Holy Spirit has opened our ears to listen (Mt 13:9).
There were the faint-hearted hearers. “Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root” (Mt 13:5,6). [Slide 14] There was initial excitement along with enthusiasm. But not for long. The pressures from the outside push the faith down and push it away. We need to stay close to God’s Word for strength and support in the difficulties and dangers.
There were the half-hearted hearers. “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants” (Mt 13:7). [Slide 15] That can happen when one frets over stuff—“Will I have enough?”—and falls for lies—“I need more things.” We can be thankful that we have a loving Father in heaven who provides for our bodies and our souls.
There were the true-hearted hearers. “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Mt 13:). [Slide 16] The Lord creates faith—the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Ro 1:16). We acknowledge our sin and appreciate our Savior. And God keeps us in that faith. And then there is fruit (Ga 5:22,23). We mature just like we continue to water the garden through the summer and see progress in the plants. That happens in us and it is what God delights in. We love God and love one another. We do our jobs and fulfill our responsibilities. All out of thanks.
That is why God conveys his Word to us. He wants us to look at his love and live in that love. God’s Word brings about growth. There is that reason for his Word.
2. That is the result from his Word (12,13)
Imagine the thrill when that first little shoot of green appears in the solo cup for the science fair assignment. [Slide 17] Not just because there won’t be an “F” in the grade book, but because there is life in a red cup. That is exciting. God’s Word brings about growth like that. There is that result from his Word.
As we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pe 3:18), we enjoy two beautiful blessings. “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (Is 55:12). [Slide 18]
There is joy—gladness, both inside and outside. It is apparent in our attitude and actions as we recognize that Jesus died and rose for us.
There is peace. All is right between us and God through Jesus.
Think back to Israel’s history. There was the exodus from Egypt. [Slide 19] God brought them out of the cruel slavery there to the Promised Land. And then in Isaiah’s day, there was the reminder that a remnant would return from the captivity in Babylon. But those only pointed ahead to the greatest exit of all. When God takes his own to their home in heaven—God’s final deliverance.
Isaiah includes the happiness that will spread even to nature. “The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Is 55:12). [Slide 20] When sin entered into the world, it affected the world. Now we talk in terms of hurricanes and tsunamis, droughts and famines. The apostle Paul captured that thought when he commented: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Ro 8:22). But notice the illustration. When a mother delivers a child, there is new life. So with us. We wait in hope for that great day when Jesus returns for us. Pains and problems and disease and death will no longer touch us. No wonder Paul exclaimed: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Ro 8:18). [Slide 21] The idea is of a balance scale. It tips in favor of heaven. We long for that day and look forward to it. Isaiah pictures the great change in a poetic way turning to nature again: “Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow” (Is 55:13)—from something useless like a stinging nettle to something useful like a majestic tree.
God gets the glory for that. In ancient times, a king might erect a monument to commemorate an accomplishment like a victory in battle. [Slide 22] But another monarch might destroy it or the wind might deface it. Isaiah closes with the fact that God saving us will not be that way. Ever. “This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed” (Is 55:13). [Slide 23] That God has freed us from sin and death will endure forever. God’s Word brings about growth. Heaven is that result from his Word where there will be unending joy and peace.
Words are like seeds. Both have power. God’s Word does. [Slide 24] It brings about growth. There is that reason for God’s Word. We pay attention to his Word and get ready for our home. There is that result from God’s Word. As Jesus remarked, “He who has ears, let him hear” (Mt 13:9). We are. And we do. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
July 30, 2017
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Monday, July 31, 2017
Sunday, July 23, 2017
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 11:25-30)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
I was reminded of this the other day. It shows what kind of friends that I have. Just not the quality. I will let you be the judge.
A few weeks before his wedding, my buddy realized that he did not mail the wedding party an invitation to the big day. In his defense, since everyone dropped a few dollars on a black tux or a beautiful dress, they had already somewhat committed to attend. So he snagged the one remaining invitation that they had left, slapped it on the photocopier, and sent it out. (This was before color copies so it came out a blurry black and white.) You can never accuse him of being sentimental. He hasn’t changed either. He also recently denied ever doing this.
What if you got that from the postman? Perhaps the questions would cross your mind, “Is this for me? And is this for real?” We don’t have to wonder with Jesus. Jesus’ invitation is real with a word of praise and with a word of promise. We read from …
Matthew 10:25-30
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who praises his Father and promises his faithful,
If I remember correctly, the fancy, duplicated wedding invite from the bride and groom read, “Best man and guest.” I was the best man. Apparently now I had to find an unnamed guest. It was along the lines of, “You and fill in the blank.”
Maybe you have been in that awkward situation before. You happen to be at the right place at the wrong time. You are standing with someone who gets invited to some sort of an event like a birthday party and then the person spots you. You hear: “Oh yeah, you can come too, if you want.” That is not a ringing endorsement for your presence.
That is not Jesus. He is genuine.
Jesus’ Invitation Is Real
1. With word of praise (25-27)
2. With a word of promise (28-30)
1. With word of praise (25-27)
Not every invitation is a welcome one. A dad who shouts down the stairs to his son, “Come here right now,” is probably not going to share how proud he is of an unmade bed. Jesus is the opposite as he speaks to us. Jesus’ invitation is real with a word of praise.
That is how Jesus began: “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth’” (Mt 11:25). He addresses his Father—who is over all creation and above all creatures—and announces his thanks. “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (Mt 11:25). What are “these things?” It is the reality that Jesus came to remove the sin of all and rescue all from Satan. That includes us.
But not everyone sees that. In fact, to the highly educated and the extremely intelligent that seems simple or silly, if not foolish (1 Co 1:18). They have their smarts and their brains—titles before and initials after their names. But their advanced education gets in the way of appreciating Jesus for who he is. Who needs Jesus’ invitation? To them, “these things” remain covered.
There are those who celebrate them. To those who turn to and trust in Jesus Christ and him crucified with the faith of a child, the Father uncovers true wisdom (1 Co 1:23,24). That doesn’t mean that we have no intellect. The Father has given us our exceptional bodies and incredible minds with all of our unique abilities (Explanation to the First Article). But when Jesus guarantees us that our guilt is gone for good, we grab ahold of that as a little one takes mommy and daddy at their word. There is no doubt or distrust.
Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Co 12:3). It is not a human accomplishment for a few like the individual who devotes hours and hours to completing classes and writing essays to hang a masters degree on the wall or have a doctoral hat on the head. Those are not wrong in and of themselves. God doesn’t hinge our salvation on several graduations and certain diplomas. That might fill some with pride because of what they have achieved and leave others with despair because of what they have not accomplished. But none of that has a part in becoming a child of God.
No. We look to the Lord. To us the good news about Jesus is uncovered like we open a gift to find out what is inside the wrapping paper. That is the way God wants it. That is why Jesus added: “Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure” (Mt 11:26). It is not dependent on our IQ, but on God’s kindness to the littlest baby to the oldest adult.
A lawyer who passes the law exam is qualified to work in a courtroom. Jesus is qualified to make God known to us because he is God (Jn 1:18; 14:6). “All things have been committed to me by my Father” (Mt 11:27). And so Jesus relays valuable information to us. “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” (Mt 11:27). If we want to know the Father, we have to go through the Son just like I would have to inform you about my dad. Jesus shows us the Father’s heart, so filled with love that he dispatched his Son to die in our place (Jn 3:16). Jesus’ invitation for us to come is real with a word of praise to his Father. He allows us to believe in him and the One he sent.
2. With a word of promise (28-30)
Some invitations are wanted. A husband’s stomach is touching his backbone because he is famished after a long day. His wife calls him from the other room: “Come here right now to eat.” Everything is on the table. That is nice. So is what Jesus presents. Jesus’ invitation is real with a word of promise.
Most invitations start with that one word, “Come” (Mt 11:28). So does Jesus as he addresses his “little children” (Mt 11:25)—those who hold to him completely, us. He gives; we receive.
And he is specific when he extends his offer. “Come to me” (Mt 11:28). We may be tempted to go to someone else or someplace else. We find another who tells us what we want, “You aren’t so bad.” Or we fill up our days so full that we don’t have time to dwell on our broken relationship with God. Or we make resolutions that tomorrow we are going to try harder to make God happier. But how does that work? We can’t wish sin away, schedule it away, or plan it away. Only Jesus can take it away.
And not just some or several. “Come to me, all” (Mt 11:28). Not even we are left out. It is in that little word “all.” Listen closely and carefully. It is not just the woman at Jacob’s well to whom Jesus gave living water (Jn 4:10). Or the little man Zacchaeus up in a tree whom Jesus came to seek and to save (Lk 19:10). All (Ro 6:23). You. And me.
And so he continues: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened” (Mt 11:28). He mentions two characteristics. We can put a check by each of them. We have been there or are there.
“Weary” (Mt 11:28). You know the feeling if you have ever mowed the lawn in the heat is in the 90s and the humidity is about the same. That doesn’t even take into account the dew point. That is ongoing—weary.
“Burdened” (Mt 11:28). It is like a tug boat pushing one of those barges down the mighty Mississippi that ride low to the water because they are loaded down. That is the state where we stand—burdened.
How do we get to that point? It is not the temperature outside or the cargo riverside. It is the weight of a guilty conscience. The apostle Paul felt it as he fought it. We echo his sentiments: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Ro 7:18,19). That beats us up and beats us down as we drag around that stinky garbage bag of wrongs—things done and not done. And that doesn’t even take into account the steady problems and significant pains that wear on us—from our bills to our blisters.
And to those Jesus holds out the word of promise: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). This is not an exotic vacation to a sandy beach, swinging on a hammock underneath some palm trees (as pleasant as that might sound right now). Jesus is emphatic: “This is what I will do. I will refresh you.” It was Augustine, an early church father, who once contended: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” And we do. All because Jesus picked up our sin and paid for it on the cross (Is 53:4-6; Jn 1:29). He gives us a clean heart in exchange for a dirty one. We reiterate what Paul reminded us: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Ro 7:24,25). Or what the psalmist had us sing: “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise” (Ps 145:3).
And then he goes with us in the journey of life as he guaranteed to Moses as the Israelites would make their way through the wilderness. “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Ex 33:14). He would make good on that as well as sending the One who would be the perfect “Rest-giver”—Jesus.
And that rest changes life. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt 11:29,30). A yoke is a wooden bar that sat across the shoulders of two oxen. It tied them together to pull a big cart or plow. It was a symbol of slavery. That is what the law does. It causes us to groan because of its demands of constant and continual striving for perfection.
But we are fastened to Jesus who kept the law perfectly for us and in our place. So then the law is no longer difficult, but delightful. It is not something that we have to do, but get to do—cheerfully and willingly. We take pleasure in what God asks of us to give him thanks. It is not a chore to wash the bowls in the sink if you are going to fill them with ice cream. It comes down to a changed attitude. And to top it off, he bears us up and carries us along both in happiness and heartache. Jesus’ real invitation does that with his word of promise to give us refreshment and renewal.
I haven’t gotten a wedding invite for a while. They are not hard to recognize. There is elegant script on the note and a self-addressed envelope. (I am not sure what that special sheet of crepe paper is for. I don’t know if that would work on a photocopier.) Jesus’ invitation is real with a word of praise to his Father for wisdom about him and with his word of promise to his faithful of rest from sin. Enjoy that wisdom and that rest. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
July 23, 2017
I was reminded of this the other day. It shows what kind of friends that I have. Just not the quality. I will let you be the judge.
A few weeks before his wedding, my buddy realized that he did not mail the wedding party an invitation to the big day. In his defense, since everyone dropped a few dollars on a black tux or a beautiful dress, they had already somewhat committed to attend. So he snagged the one remaining invitation that they had left, slapped it on the photocopier, and sent it out. (This was before color copies so it came out a blurry black and white.) You can never accuse him of being sentimental. He hasn’t changed either. He also recently denied ever doing this.
What if you got that from the postman? Perhaps the questions would cross your mind, “Is this for me? And is this for real?” We don’t have to wonder with Jesus. Jesus’ invitation is real with a word of praise and with a word of promise. We read from …
Matthew 10:25-30
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who praises his Father and promises his faithful,
If I remember correctly, the fancy, duplicated wedding invite from the bride and groom read, “Best man and guest.” I was the best man. Apparently now I had to find an unnamed guest. It was along the lines of, “You and fill in the blank.”
Maybe you have been in that awkward situation before. You happen to be at the right place at the wrong time. You are standing with someone who gets invited to some sort of an event like a birthday party and then the person spots you. You hear: “Oh yeah, you can come too, if you want.” That is not a ringing endorsement for your presence.
That is not Jesus. He is genuine.
Jesus’ Invitation Is Real
1. With word of praise (25-27)
2. With a word of promise (28-30)
1. With word of praise (25-27)
Not every invitation is a welcome one. A dad who shouts down the stairs to his son, “Come here right now,” is probably not going to share how proud he is of an unmade bed. Jesus is the opposite as he speaks to us. Jesus’ invitation is real with a word of praise.
That is how Jesus began: “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth’” (Mt 11:25). He addresses his Father—who is over all creation and above all creatures—and announces his thanks. “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (Mt 11:25). What are “these things?” It is the reality that Jesus came to remove the sin of all and rescue all from Satan. That includes us.
But not everyone sees that. In fact, to the highly educated and the extremely intelligent that seems simple or silly, if not foolish (1 Co 1:18). They have their smarts and their brains—titles before and initials after their names. But their advanced education gets in the way of appreciating Jesus for who he is. Who needs Jesus’ invitation? To them, “these things” remain covered.
There are those who celebrate them. To those who turn to and trust in Jesus Christ and him crucified with the faith of a child, the Father uncovers true wisdom (1 Co 1:23,24). That doesn’t mean that we have no intellect. The Father has given us our exceptional bodies and incredible minds with all of our unique abilities (Explanation to the First Article). But when Jesus guarantees us that our guilt is gone for good, we grab ahold of that as a little one takes mommy and daddy at their word. There is no doubt or distrust.
Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Co 12:3). It is not a human accomplishment for a few like the individual who devotes hours and hours to completing classes and writing essays to hang a masters degree on the wall or have a doctoral hat on the head. Those are not wrong in and of themselves. God doesn’t hinge our salvation on several graduations and certain diplomas. That might fill some with pride because of what they have achieved and leave others with despair because of what they have not accomplished. But none of that has a part in becoming a child of God.
No. We look to the Lord. To us the good news about Jesus is uncovered like we open a gift to find out what is inside the wrapping paper. That is the way God wants it. That is why Jesus added: “Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure” (Mt 11:26). It is not dependent on our IQ, but on God’s kindness to the littlest baby to the oldest adult.
A lawyer who passes the law exam is qualified to work in a courtroom. Jesus is qualified to make God known to us because he is God (Jn 1:18; 14:6). “All things have been committed to me by my Father” (Mt 11:27). And so Jesus relays valuable information to us. “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” (Mt 11:27). If we want to know the Father, we have to go through the Son just like I would have to inform you about my dad. Jesus shows us the Father’s heart, so filled with love that he dispatched his Son to die in our place (Jn 3:16). Jesus’ invitation for us to come is real with a word of praise to his Father. He allows us to believe in him and the One he sent.
2. With a word of promise (28-30)
Some invitations are wanted. A husband’s stomach is touching his backbone because he is famished after a long day. His wife calls him from the other room: “Come here right now to eat.” Everything is on the table. That is nice. So is what Jesus presents. Jesus’ invitation is real with a word of promise.
Most invitations start with that one word, “Come” (Mt 11:28). So does Jesus as he addresses his “little children” (Mt 11:25)—those who hold to him completely, us. He gives; we receive.
And he is specific when he extends his offer. “Come to me” (Mt 11:28). We may be tempted to go to someone else or someplace else. We find another who tells us what we want, “You aren’t so bad.” Or we fill up our days so full that we don’t have time to dwell on our broken relationship with God. Or we make resolutions that tomorrow we are going to try harder to make God happier. But how does that work? We can’t wish sin away, schedule it away, or plan it away. Only Jesus can take it away.
And not just some or several. “Come to me, all” (Mt 11:28). Not even we are left out. It is in that little word “all.” Listen closely and carefully. It is not just the woman at Jacob’s well to whom Jesus gave living water (Jn 4:10). Or the little man Zacchaeus up in a tree whom Jesus came to seek and to save (Lk 19:10). All (Ro 6:23). You. And me.
And so he continues: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened” (Mt 11:28). He mentions two characteristics. We can put a check by each of them. We have been there or are there.
“Weary” (Mt 11:28). You know the feeling if you have ever mowed the lawn in the heat is in the 90s and the humidity is about the same. That doesn’t even take into account the dew point. That is ongoing—weary.
“Burdened” (Mt 11:28). It is like a tug boat pushing one of those barges down the mighty Mississippi that ride low to the water because they are loaded down. That is the state where we stand—burdened.
How do we get to that point? It is not the temperature outside or the cargo riverside. It is the weight of a guilty conscience. The apostle Paul felt it as he fought it. We echo his sentiments: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Ro 7:18,19). That beats us up and beats us down as we drag around that stinky garbage bag of wrongs—things done and not done. And that doesn’t even take into account the steady problems and significant pains that wear on us—from our bills to our blisters.
And to those Jesus holds out the word of promise: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). This is not an exotic vacation to a sandy beach, swinging on a hammock underneath some palm trees (as pleasant as that might sound right now). Jesus is emphatic: “This is what I will do. I will refresh you.” It was Augustine, an early church father, who once contended: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” And we do. All because Jesus picked up our sin and paid for it on the cross (Is 53:4-6; Jn 1:29). He gives us a clean heart in exchange for a dirty one. We reiterate what Paul reminded us: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Ro 7:24,25). Or what the psalmist had us sing: “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise” (Ps 145:3).
And then he goes with us in the journey of life as he guaranteed to Moses as the Israelites would make their way through the wilderness. “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Ex 33:14). He would make good on that as well as sending the One who would be the perfect “Rest-giver”—Jesus.
And that rest changes life. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt 11:29,30). A yoke is a wooden bar that sat across the shoulders of two oxen. It tied them together to pull a big cart or plow. It was a symbol of slavery. That is what the law does. It causes us to groan because of its demands of constant and continual striving for perfection.
But we are fastened to Jesus who kept the law perfectly for us and in our place. So then the law is no longer difficult, but delightful. It is not something that we have to do, but get to do—cheerfully and willingly. We take pleasure in what God asks of us to give him thanks. It is not a chore to wash the bowls in the sink if you are going to fill them with ice cream. It comes down to a changed attitude. And to top it off, he bears us up and carries us along both in happiness and heartache. Jesus’ real invitation does that with his word of promise to give us refreshment and renewal.
I haven’t gotten a wedding invite for a while. They are not hard to recognize. There is elegant script on the note and a self-addressed envelope. (I am not sure what that special sheet of crepe paper is for. I don’t know if that would work on a photocopier.) Jesus’ invitation is real with a word of praise to his Father for wisdom about him and with his word of promise to his faithful of rest from sin. Enjoy that wisdom and that rest. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
July 23, 2017
Monday, July 17, 2017
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 10:34-42)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
Perhaps it depends on who you are. Possibly it differs with each of you. But have you ever thought of what the majority of your communication is? Is it in person or through devices? In other words, is it face-to-face talking or phone-to-phone texting? Finally we have both. And both have their place and their purpose.
But is there a disadvantage to what is written as opposed to what is spoken? At times. So that someone understands our humorous tone in a message, we include an appropriate emoji or additional “j/k” (“just kidding”). If we type an email, there is bold print or all-caps for emphasis. (You can argue if that is stressing the point or screaming at the person.)
We have Jesus’ spoken word in the written Word. There are times when what he says is easy to get. Like “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). God loved. God gave. God saved. It is simple. And straightforward.
Then there are those instances when what he states is harder to grasp. It takes a bit more effort and energy to digest. (Good thing that we have it in black and white or red and white to go back to reread and rethink.) What we have to chew on is more along those lines. As Jesus talks and Matthew transcribes, we listen in to Jesus’ words as Jesus describes a worthy disciple in a series of statements. He wants to encourage us, not discourage us.
Jesus is wrapping up his instruction to the 12 as he gets them ready for their mini-preaching tour among their own people. As he commissions them, they were to heal the sick and preach the Gospel (Mt 10:7,8). The final terms are realistic and specific, if not shocking and revealing.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Mt 10:34). More than likely we sit up a bit straighter when that crosses our ears. “What is that, Jesus?” Jesus’ reason for coming to this earth was to restore peace—peace between us and God. Sin destroyed that bond. Instead of harmony, there was hostility. But Jesus died on the cross. Jesus rose from the dead. Our guilt is gone. Our rescue is real. Now the “prince of peace” gives peace as a gift (Is 9:6; Jn 14:27). Jesus established that peace and we enjoy it. As the apostle Paul put it: we are now “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Ro 6:11). It is baptism that connects us to Christ’s death and resurrection. He demands nothing from us and delivers everything to us. We might label it a “vertical peace.”
Jesus is referencing a “horizontal peace”—between believers and unbelievers. And those are the only two categories that people fall into. There is a clear-cut division—for him or against him. It is one or the other, no in between. And sadly there will be friction between the two (Ge 3:15). That has been going on a long time. And it will continue. Even, as Jesus mentions, possibly in one’s own family (cf. Mi 7:6): “For I have come to turn
“ ‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household’” (Mt 10:35).
That could play out in different, sad scenarios. A father believes in the one true God and his son belittles him. A daughter is regular in worship while her mother is reluctant to attend. A mother-in-law is at odds with her daughter-in-law, not because of how she cleans, but what she confesses about her sin and her Savior. Where Jesus is not at the center of the house, there will be strife in that house—even to the point of enemies. We might be tempted to hide our faith, rather than highlight it. Or we downplay sin instead of denouncing it.
Not even natural attachments are not to interfere or inhibit. “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:37). It is not as if Jesus is like a jealous boyfriend. He is not against normal ties—sons respecting fathers and daughters revering mothers, fathers caring for and mothers cuddling children. He had a mother whom he loved. The key is the comparison—“more than,” in the sense of “over and above.” The Fourth Commandment is still in force: “Honor your father and mother.” But the First Commandment is foremost: “You shall have no other gods.” Our fear, love, and trust in God are to surpass everyone and everything (Ex 20:3; Mt 22:37). Love for God is primary, not secondary. Jesus does not stand for equal billing like costars in a movie (Is 42:8). That is Jesus’ description of a worthy disciple.
And he continues: “And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38). Jesus’ cross that he would pick up is down the road a bit. But the disciples knew what crucifixion entailed when the Romans condemned a person to that instrument of torture. There was intense suffering and that lead to eventual death. So it was for those men and us. Along with them, we can expect persecution and pain as we go after Christ. When we acknowledge Jesus (Mt 10:32), we anticipate that there might be those who mock us for our different language, not cursing or swearing. Or there are those who will make fun of us for our different lifestyle, contributing our money to the work of the church and spending time to care for the church. The cross may not be small or convenient. Maybe it means giving up an hour in front of the TV to be in God’s Word—not just on a Sunday, but any weekday. But it is specific and comprehensive as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Pe 3:18).
And Jesus adds that it is not halfway, but all the way. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 10:39). At first that seems like a contradiction. It is not. If life on earth with all of its expensive accommodations and exotic vacations is the be all and end all, that will be all and not end well. It is not that those things are wrong. They are not to be our priority. But when we find joy in our right relationship with God through Jesus, we have the good life right now and forever. We can sing with the psalmist: “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness” (Ps 89:15,16).
Jesus concludes his conversation with a reminder about the reaction as the 12 head out. They were to faithful like Jeremiah, even in the face of opposition like he encountered with Hananiah (Je 28:5-9). They were to proclaim peace, peace through Jesus. Some would reject; some would rejoice. “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” (Mt 10:40-42). This is not a reward for service rendered. Salvation is a gift. This is a reward of grace. Those who welcomed God’s devoted disciples—even by simple actions like a refreshing drink—would share in what they had—the comfort of knowing that sin is removed and that heaven is reserved. That is how Jesus describes a worthy disciple. It is not dependent on us, but on him. It is not to get something because he has given us everything.
It doesn’t matter if you are with somebody or write to somebody to communicate. As long as you are clear. Your words are to be helpful, not hurtful. Especially when it comes to conveying what it means to be a listener and learner of Christ—a disciple. We don’t have to come up with that on our own. Jesus describes a worthy disciple. We have peace in life on earth and into eternity as we put God first—ahead of all people and along with all people.
We read from Matthew 10:34-42:
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
35 For I have come to turn
“ ‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.
41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Ro 15:4). Amen.
July 16, 2017
Perhaps it depends on who you are. Possibly it differs with each of you. But have you ever thought of what the majority of your communication is? Is it in person or through devices? In other words, is it face-to-face talking or phone-to-phone texting? Finally we have both. And both have their place and their purpose.
But is there a disadvantage to what is written as opposed to what is spoken? At times. So that someone understands our humorous tone in a message, we include an appropriate emoji or additional “j/k” (“just kidding”). If we type an email, there is bold print or all-caps for emphasis. (You can argue if that is stressing the point or screaming at the person.)
We have Jesus’ spoken word in the written Word. There are times when what he says is easy to get. Like “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). God loved. God gave. God saved. It is simple. And straightforward.
Then there are those instances when what he states is harder to grasp. It takes a bit more effort and energy to digest. (Good thing that we have it in black and white or red and white to go back to reread and rethink.) What we have to chew on is more along those lines. As Jesus talks and Matthew transcribes, we listen in to Jesus’ words as Jesus describes a worthy disciple in a series of statements. He wants to encourage us, not discourage us.
Jesus is wrapping up his instruction to the 12 as he gets them ready for their mini-preaching tour among their own people. As he commissions them, they were to heal the sick and preach the Gospel (Mt 10:7,8). The final terms are realistic and specific, if not shocking and revealing.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Mt 10:34). More than likely we sit up a bit straighter when that crosses our ears. “What is that, Jesus?” Jesus’ reason for coming to this earth was to restore peace—peace between us and God. Sin destroyed that bond. Instead of harmony, there was hostility. But Jesus died on the cross. Jesus rose from the dead. Our guilt is gone. Our rescue is real. Now the “prince of peace” gives peace as a gift (Is 9:6; Jn 14:27). Jesus established that peace and we enjoy it. As the apostle Paul put it: we are now “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Ro 6:11). It is baptism that connects us to Christ’s death and resurrection. He demands nothing from us and delivers everything to us. We might label it a “vertical peace.”
Jesus is referencing a “horizontal peace”—between believers and unbelievers. And those are the only two categories that people fall into. There is a clear-cut division—for him or against him. It is one or the other, no in between. And sadly there will be friction between the two (Ge 3:15). That has been going on a long time. And it will continue. Even, as Jesus mentions, possibly in one’s own family (cf. Mi 7:6): “For I have come to turn
“ ‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household’” (Mt 10:35).
That could play out in different, sad scenarios. A father believes in the one true God and his son belittles him. A daughter is regular in worship while her mother is reluctant to attend. A mother-in-law is at odds with her daughter-in-law, not because of how she cleans, but what she confesses about her sin and her Savior. Where Jesus is not at the center of the house, there will be strife in that house—even to the point of enemies. We might be tempted to hide our faith, rather than highlight it. Or we downplay sin instead of denouncing it.
Not even natural attachments are not to interfere or inhibit. “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:37). It is not as if Jesus is like a jealous boyfriend. He is not against normal ties—sons respecting fathers and daughters revering mothers, fathers caring for and mothers cuddling children. He had a mother whom he loved. The key is the comparison—“more than,” in the sense of “over and above.” The Fourth Commandment is still in force: “Honor your father and mother.” But the First Commandment is foremost: “You shall have no other gods.” Our fear, love, and trust in God are to surpass everyone and everything (Ex 20:3; Mt 22:37). Love for God is primary, not secondary. Jesus does not stand for equal billing like costars in a movie (Is 42:8). That is Jesus’ description of a worthy disciple.
And he continues: “And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38). Jesus’ cross that he would pick up is down the road a bit. But the disciples knew what crucifixion entailed when the Romans condemned a person to that instrument of torture. There was intense suffering and that lead to eventual death. So it was for those men and us. Along with them, we can expect persecution and pain as we go after Christ. When we acknowledge Jesus (Mt 10:32), we anticipate that there might be those who mock us for our different language, not cursing or swearing. Or there are those who will make fun of us for our different lifestyle, contributing our money to the work of the church and spending time to care for the church. The cross may not be small or convenient. Maybe it means giving up an hour in front of the TV to be in God’s Word—not just on a Sunday, but any weekday. But it is specific and comprehensive as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Pe 3:18).
And Jesus adds that it is not halfway, but all the way. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 10:39). At first that seems like a contradiction. It is not. If life on earth with all of its expensive accommodations and exotic vacations is the be all and end all, that will be all and not end well. It is not that those things are wrong. They are not to be our priority. But when we find joy in our right relationship with God through Jesus, we have the good life right now and forever. We can sing with the psalmist: “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness” (Ps 89:15,16).
Jesus concludes his conversation with a reminder about the reaction as the 12 head out. They were to faithful like Jeremiah, even in the face of opposition like he encountered with Hananiah (Je 28:5-9). They were to proclaim peace, peace through Jesus. Some would reject; some would rejoice. “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” (Mt 10:40-42). This is not a reward for service rendered. Salvation is a gift. This is a reward of grace. Those who welcomed God’s devoted disciples—even by simple actions like a refreshing drink—would share in what they had—the comfort of knowing that sin is removed and that heaven is reserved. That is how Jesus describes a worthy disciple. It is not dependent on us, but on him. It is not to get something because he has given us everything.
It doesn’t matter if you are with somebody or write to somebody to communicate. As long as you are clear. Your words are to be helpful, not hurtful. Especially when it comes to conveying what it means to be a listener and learner of Christ—a disciple. We don’t have to come up with that on our own. Jesus describes a worthy disciple. We have peace in life on earth and into eternity as we put God first—ahead of all people and along with all people.
We read from Matthew 10:34-42:
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
35 For I have come to turn
“ ‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.
41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Ro 15:4). Amen.
July 16, 2017
Monday, July 10, 2017
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 10:24-33)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
A word ending in –ian explains and expresses that there is a relation to something. I submit two simple examples. A musician has to do with music and a mathematician with math(matics). It is not hard to see.
The same is the case with a Christian. We are connected to Christ, associated with him. That is a good thing. We appreciate it and admit it. Christian, confess Christ fearlessly and faithfully. We read from …
Matthew 10:24-33
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, whom we profess before all and proclaim to all,
If you can play and instrument or solve a problem, I don’t think that is embarrassing. It would be strange for someone to state:
• “I am sorry. I tickle the ivories.”
• “I apologize. I understand algebra.” (Well, maybe that one.)
Hardly. It is who they are. So they will sit at a bench to push keys to make sound—reminding a person of Bach—or behind a desk to punch calculators to find solutions—replacing numbers for letters.
It is no different with a person who knows Jesus. There will be excitement. And so there is the encouragement.
Christian, Confess Christ
1. Fearlessly (24-31)
2. Faithfully (32,33)
1. Fearlessly (24-31)
It is not so much the noise as it is the unknown. When there is a bump in the night under the bed or in the closet, the boy sits up in bed startled. “What was that?” And then the wonder: “Is it going to hurt me or harm me?” That sensation of fright is not something that just strikes a six-year-old. And we also freeze up at times. Jesus inspires us to open up. Christian, confess Christ fearlessly.
Jesus is getting his disciples ready to go out on a little preaching tour into the harvest field (Mt 9:38). They were going to tell the good news that Jesus has arrived. They would copy what they had seen Christ do. They had a mission to go.
But Jesus is clear. He doesn’t fill their head that it would always be great or only be glorious. There would be difficulty and danger. (And after Jesus went into heaven, for all of them except one would be death.) Persecution would be a part of the process. In fact, they could expect the same treatment that Jesus received. It would not be a superiority, but a similarity. Jesus brings that out with a comparison: “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Mt 10:24). What is true of one is true of the other. Jesus was not trying to make them sad, but glad. Their attitude could be like Jesus’ (Php 2:5). “It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master” (Mt 10:25). That would be sufficient for them. Think of your favorite teacher or best boss. For an individual to comment, “You are just like him or her,” would be flattering. Now to be sure, there would be rejection. There were those who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, even to the point of one day calling for his crucifixion. But there was also reception, calling on his name. Some would respect the messenger and rejoice about the message. That was to remove any fear.
Jesus is even specific. They could anticipate slander—a lie in order to wreck someone’s reputation. When Jesus performed miracles, the Pharisees preferred to deny him and to declare that he was in league with the devil (Mt 9:34; 12:24), Beelzebub, a name which means “lord of the flies”—like the ones that hover around manure (Mt 10:25). Certainly not a compliment, but also not correct. “If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!” (Mt 10:25). The saying goes: Like father, like son. We could alter that to this: Like Jesus, like disciples. The prophet Jeremiah found that reality. There was ridicule and “reproach all day long” when he opened his mouth with God’s Word (Je 20:8). Even from friends. We might face that same ridicule from those close to us—at home or at work. The charge against us may be that we are unloving or intolerant.
But disciples—present and past—are not to be scared. Ever. “So do not be afraid of them” (Mt 10:26). Why? No plot or plan could be covered up like one hatched in some back room. “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” (Mt 10:26). Jesus is aware of everything and attentive to his own. Jeremiah could be strong because of the One who stood behind him: “But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail” (Je 20:11). They would not be able to silence or stop. That echoes the thought of David who had us sing that the Lord is our rock of refuge and strong fortress (Ps 31:2). We can rely on his rescue. That would make them confident to carry out what Jesus wanted: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs” (Mt 10:27). They were to herald what they had heard. Bravely and boldly—not holding back, but holding out, announcing to others in public what Jesus communicated to them in private. We do the same.
For the second time Jesus brings up fear and commands them to stop it: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:28). The worst anyone can do is to take one’s life on earth, not one’s life in heaven. Only God can sentence a person to hell forever. It is a dreadful thing to fall into his punishing hands (He 10:31). But no one will be able to snatch us from his loving hands (Jn 10:28). And that is where he has put us.
Satan would have us shudder in fear rather than share without fear. And you have been there—knees knocking or butterflies flapping. It seems safer to bite our tongue than speak our mind. That results in fewer problems and pain. Who wouldn’t want that?
Jeremiah for one who had anything but an easy ministry—thrown in prison, put in stocks. He related being silent or still to a fire burning inside. And he could not keep God’s Word in (Je 20:9). And we don’t either. As the apostle Paul pointed out why it is so necessary: “just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned” (Ro 5:12). A sinner sins. And a sinner dies. But we don’t shy away from that kind of talk because we have the solution for sin and death—God’s grace and gift of Jesus who died with our sins and rose with our salvation (Ro 4:25; 5:15). Even in death, there is life. And instead of death, there is life.
We are that important to our Father in heaven. More precious than anything since we are the “crown of his creation”—fashioned with body and soul. Jesus drove that point home by looking at common, ordinary birds. These are not expensive parrots or endangered eagles. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? [Jesus anticipates a “yes” response.] Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father” (Mt 10:29). They didn’t come at a high price for a meal. Their currency was not the same as ours. But we get the meaning. Rarely do people even pick a cent off the street because the risk of bending over is greater than the reward of being rich. But those insignificant animals don’t die when they dive-bomb into the link windows, as they have been regularly lately, without the knowledge and consent of our Father. (Note that he is our Father.) And then the emphatic addition: “You are worth more than many sparrows” (Mt 10:31). Perhaps we could say it this way: You treasure the vehicles in your garage, but how much more the children in your house.
Not only that, but notice the intimate knowledge that our Father has of us. “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Mt 10:30). (He has an easier time of that with some of us.) We don’t make a big deal when we find one or two in the bathroom sink (maybe not until there are clumps in a comb or brush). But the Lord can identify which one and from where—whether it will grow back or you will go bald. Possibly it is more along the lines of the lame joke. Someone asks: “Did you get your hair cut?” And you answer: “No. I got all of them cut.” God distinguishes each one. That takes away any terror. And so we can sing with the psalmist: “My times are in your hands” (Ps 31:15). That is why Jesus brings us fear the third time: “So don’t be afraid” (Mt 10:31). That emotion can cease. Christian, confess Christ fearlessly. Your Father is behind you and backs you.
2. Faithfully (32,33)
So when the cry goes out from the next room when there is a bang (and not from the 482nd firework of the past week), “Mommy,” or “Daddy,” they get up and go to the next bedroom right away. They don’t yell, “Quiet! I am trying to get some sleep in here.” That is their role as a parent. We have a responsibility as a Christian. Confess Christ faithfully.
Jesus cites two possibilities when it comes to making a statement about him. Basically his attitude about us mirrors our outlook about him. We will look at the second one first. It is a warning. “Whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven” (Mt 10:33). Anyone who imitates Peter around the fire the night when Jesus was arrested, inventing oaths and inviting curses, affirming three times, “I don’t know him,” will receive the same from Jesus: “I don’t know you either” (Mt 7:23). It would be like a stranger that we meet on the street. Remember that when we falter, our Father is faithful, remaining true to himself (2 Ti 2:12,13). And he forgives us and will not blot out our names from the book of life (Re 3:5).
There is the beautiful flipside to that. And that is where we find ourselves as we confess Christ. “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven” (Mt 10:32). Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can assert with Thomas a week after Easter: “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20 28). He is One who is over all and above all, the changeless One. His love for us is unending and enduring. He defeated the devil. He defends us as we stand firm in the truth that he is the one and only Savior from sin. There was a civil war soldier on a southern battlefield who was hurt seriously when a fragment of a shell hit him. He was bleeding badly from his lacerated arm. It would only be a matter of time. Until a passing physician bound up the artery and saved his life. “Doctor, what is your name?”, the thankful man pleaded. “No matter,” was his response. “Oh no,” the man came back. “I want to tell my wife and children who saved me.” Even more so. We want to speak of his name (Acts 4:12). It is Jesus—whose very name means “the Lord saves” (Mt 1:21). His name is on our lips. Right now and forever.
And ours is on his. Before his Father, he contends: “This one believes in me. This one belongs to me.” Christian, confess Christ faithfully. That is what Jesus does about you.
You may not great at music or math. (That is a relief to me because of my lack of talent in those areas, whether notes or numerals). But we are Christians—linked to Christ. Confess him. Fearlessly and faithfully. Without terror. And in trust. Amen.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 15:5,6). Amen.
July 9, 2017
A word ending in –ian explains and expresses that there is a relation to something. I submit two simple examples. A musician has to do with music and a mathematician with math(matics). It is not hard to see.
The same is the case with a Christian. We are connected to Christ, associated with him. That is a good thing. We appreciate it and admit it. Christian, confess Christ fearlessly and faithfully. We read from …
Matthew 10:24-33
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, whom we profess before all and proclaim to all,
If you can play and instrument or solve a problem, I don’t think that is embarrassing. It would be strange for someone to state:
• “I am sorry. I tickle the ivories.”
• “I apologize. I understand algebra.” (Well, maybe that one.)
Hardly. It is who they are. So they will sit at a bench to push keys to make sound—reminding a person of Bach—or behind a desk to punch calculators to find solutions—replacing numbers for letters.
It is no different with a person who knows Jesus. There will be excitement. And so there is the encouragement.
Christian, Confess Christ
1. Fearlessly (24-31)
2. Faithfully (32,33)
1. Fearlessly (24-31)
It is not so much the noise as it is the unknown. When there is a bump in the night under the bed or in the closet, the boy sits up in bed startled. “What was that?” And then the wonder: “Is it going to hurt me or harm me?” That sensation of fright is not something that just strikes a six-year-old. And we also freeze up at times. Jesus inspires us to open up. Christian, confess Christ fearlessly.
Jesus is getting his disciples ready to go out on a little preaching tour into the harvest field (Mt 9:38). They were going to tell the good news that Jesus has arrived. They would copy what they had seen Christ do. They had a mission to go.
But Jesus is clear. He doesn’t fill their head that it would always be great or only be glorious. There would be difficulty and danger. (And after Jesus went into heaven, for all of them except one would be death.) Persecution would be a part of the process. In fact, they could expect the same treatment that Jesus received. It would not be a superiority, but a similarity. Jesus brings that out with a comparison: “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Mt 10:24). What is true of one is true of the other. Jesus was not trying to make them sad, but glad. Their attitude could be like Jesus’ (Php 2:5). “It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master” (Mt 10:25). That would be sufficient for them. Think of your favorite teacher or best boss. For an individual to comment, “You are just like him or her,” would be flattering. Now to be sure, there would be rejection. There were those who wanted nothing to do with Jesus, even to the point of one day calling for his crucifixion. But there was also reception, calling on his name. Some would respect the messenger and rejoice about the message. That was to remove any fear.
Jesus is even specific. They could anticipate slander—a lie in order to wreck someone’s reputation. When Jesus performed miracles, the Pharisees preferred to deny him and to declare that he was in league with the devil (Mt 9:34; 12:24), Beelzebub, a name which means “lord of the flies”—like the ones that hover around manure (Mt 10:25). Certainly not a compliment, but also not correct. “If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!” (Mt 10:25). The saying goes: Like father, like son. We could alter that to this: Like Jesus, like disciples. The prophet Jeremiah found that reality. There was ridicule and “reproach all day long” when he opened his mouth with God’s Word (Je 20:8). Even from friends. We might face that same ridicule from those close to us—at home or at work. The charge against us may be that we are unloving or intolerant.
But disciples—present and past—are not to be scared. Ever. “So do not be afraid of them” (Mt 10:26). Why? No plot or plan could be covered up like one hatched in some back room. “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” (Mt 10:26). Jesus is aware of everything and attentive to his own. Jeremiah could be strong because of the One who stood behind him: “But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail” (Je 20:11). They would not be able to silence or stop. That echoes the thought of David who had us sing that the Lord is our rock of refuge and strong fortress (Ps 31:2). We can rely on his rescue. That would make them confident to carry out what Jesus wanted: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs” (Mt 10:27). They were to herald what they had heard. Bravely and boldly—not holding back, but holding out, announcing to others in public what Jesus communicated to them in private. We do the same.
For the second time Jesus brings up fear and commands them to stop it: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:28). The worst anyone can do is to take one’s life on earth, not one’s life in heaven. Only God can sentence a person to hell forever. It is a dreadful thing to fall into his punishing hands (He 10:31). But no one will be able to snatch us from his loving hands (Jn 10:28). And that is where he has put us.
Satan would have us shudder in fear rather than share without fear. And you have been there—knees knocking or butterflies flapping. It seems safer to bite our tongue than speak our mind. That results in fewer problems and pain. Who wouldn’t want that?
Jeremiah for one who had anything but an easy ministry—thrown in prison, put in stocks. He related being silent or still to a fire burning inside. And he could not keep God’s Word in (Je 20:9). And we don’t either. As the apostle Paul pointed out why it is so necessary: “just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned” (Ro 5:12). A sinner sins. And a sinner dies. But we don’t shy away from that kind of talk because we have the solution for sin and death—God’s grace and gift of Jesus who died with our sins and rose with our salvation (Ro 4:25; 5:15). Even in death, there is life. And instead of death, there is life.
We are that important to our Father in heaven. More precious than anything since we are the “crown of his creation”—fashioned with body and soul. Jesus drove that point home by looking at common, ordinary birds. These are not expensive parrots or endangered eagles. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? [Jesus anticipates a “yes” response.] Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father” (Mt 10:29). They didn’t come at a high price for a meal. Their currency was not the same as ours. But we get the meaning. Rarely do people even pick a cent off the street because the risk of bending over is greater than the reward of being rich. But those insignificant animals don’t die when they dive-bomb into the link windows, as they have been regularly lately, without the knowledge and consent of our Father. (Note that he is our Father.) And then the emphatic addition: “You are worth more than many sparrows” (Mt 10:31). Perhaps we could say it this way: You treasure the vehicles in your garage, but how much more the children in your house.
Not only that, but notice the intimate knowledge that our Father has of us. “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Mt 10:30). (He has an easier time of that with some of us.) We don’t make a big deal when we find one or two in the bathroom sink (maybe not until there are clumps in a comb or brush). But the Lord can identify which one and from where—whether it will grow back or you will go bald. Possibly it is more along the lines of the lame joke. Someone asks: “Did you get your hair cut?” And you answer: “No. I got all of them cut.” God distinguishes each one. That takes away any terror. And so we can sing with the psalmist: “My times are in your hands” (Ps 31:15). That is why Jesus brings us fear the third time: “So don’t be afraid” (Mt 10:31). That emotion can cease. Christian, confess Christ fearlessly. Your Father is behind you and backs you.
2. Faithfully (32,33)
So when the cry goes out from the next room when there is a bang (and not from the 482nd firework of the past week), “Mommy,” or “Daddy,” they get up and go to the next bedroom right away. They don’t yell, “Quiet! I am trying to get some sleep in here.” That is their role as a parent. We have a responsibility as a Christian. Confess Christ faithfully.
Jesus cites two possibilities when it comes to making a statement about him. Basically his attitude about us mirrors our outlook about him. We will look at the second one first. It is a warning. “Whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven” (Mt 10:33). Anyone who imitates Peter around the fire the night when Jesus was arrested, inventing oaths and inviting curses, affirming three times, “I don’t know him,” will receive the same from Jesus: “I don’t know you either” (Mt 7:23). It would be like a stranger that we meet on the street. Remember that when we falter, our Father is faithful, remaining true to himself (2 Ti 2:12,13). And he forgives us and will not blot out our names from the book of life (Re 3:5).
There is the beautiful flipside to that. And that is where we find ourselves as we confess Christ. “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven” (Mt 10:32). Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can assert with Thomas a week after Easter: “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20 28). He is One who is over all and above all, the changeless One. His love for us is unending and enduring. He defeated the devil. He defends us as we stand firm in the truth that he is the one and only Savior from sin. There was a civil war soldier on a southern battlefield who was hurt seriously when a fragment of a shell hit him. He was bleeding badly from his lacerated arm. It would only be a matter of time. Until a passing physician bound up the artery and saved his life. “Doctor, what is your name?”, the thankful man pleaded. “No matter,” was his response. “Oh no,” the man came back. “I want to tell my wife and children who saved me.” Even more so. We want to speak of his name (Acts 4:12). It is Jesus—whose very name means “the Lord saves” (Mt 1:21). His name is on our lips. Right now and forever.
And ours is on his. Before his Father, he contends: “This one believes in me. This one belongs to me.” Christian, confess Christ faithfully. That is what Jesus does about you.
You may not great at music or math. (That is a relief to me because of my lack of talent in those areas, whether notes or numerals). But we are Christians—linked to Christ. Confess him. Fearlessly and faithfully. Without terror. And in trust. Amen.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 15:5,6). Amen.
July 9, 2017
Monday, July 3, 2017
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Romans 5:6-11)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
In two days it will be the 4th of July. That date has significance for us. It is not just an ordinary day of the month, but a national holiday on the calendar. It is Independence Day. We again recall the blessings of now 241 years of this country—not without some faults, but with significant freedoms. There will be firecrackers and sparklers at night. (Some extend the pyrotechnics to the 5th and 6th of July. They must really like to celebrate.) There will also be get-togethers in parks and gatherings around pools. All of that adds to the excitement. Because of that, we greet each other with “Happy 4th of July.”
But what about the 2nd of July? We remember something that we enjoy, not just today, but every day. Just like our citizenship in the United States of America. Rejoice about reconciliation in the present and in the future. We read from …
Romans 5:6-11
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus who died for us and lives for us,
There will be an ooh for the first firework of Tuesday when the wait for darkness is finally over. That will be followed by an aah when the second one explodes in the sky. But my guess is that half away through the show, the delight will dwindle. Perhaps the question: “How much longer?” That happens. What is thrilling initially becomes boring eventually. Even with multicolored or magnificent display overhead.
Can that take place with God’s love? Possibly. We hear it so often that it becomes ordinary. Even with the fancy terms that we use. Like reconciliation.
Maybe we need to define it so that we are on the same page. If we don’t understand the meaning of “reconciliation” or “reconcile,” then we are just using fancy pants language. And that kind of jargon does us no good. No more than a mechanic talking over our heads with his technical lingo like transmission.
It carries the connotation of “to change” like what you do when you travel out of the country—exchanging dollars to euros, for example. Specifically, in the Bible, it means restoring a relationship, or renewing a friendship. God does it all for us. We are on the receiving end of that. That ought not to become tiresome. Ever. Instead …
Rejoice about Reconciliation
1. In the present (6-8)
2. In the future (9-11)
1. In the present (6-8)
We use so many initials nowadays. Is it because there are too many syllables in the words that we have to abbreviate everything? Neither here nor there. But if someone is your “BF,” that stands for your “best friend.” (See. That is not too complicated or cumbersome just to state it.) There is a closeness and that is the case right now. And that is nice. Even better is ours with God. Rejoice about reconciliation in the present.
God is love (1 Jn 4:8). And God does love. That is significant. He doesn’t just declare his love, but he displays it. Think of how God loved the world and gave his Son (Jn 3:16). There is an emotion and an action. It is like a child who shares his love with an occasional, “I love you,” to his mommy. But he also shows it by helping her clean the house.
And God had to love us first. It not like we brought some endearing qualities to the table like two people who have the same interests and a mutual respect develops. Hardly. And it hits hard. But let it for a moment. Paul mentions two truths:
• We were “powerless” (Ro 5:6). Without power. How is that? A good credit score allows us to make a major purchase. Big muscles help us to lift heavy weights. But none of that when it comes to us and God. We were unable to do anything about our guilt like a person deep in debt to the bank or stuck under a barbell at the gym. Powerless.
• We fit into the category of “ungodly” (Ro 5:6). We attach that designation to really bad individuals. Paul? Us? But there we are—without any reverence or respect for God by nature (Ro 8:7). It is in the sense of spitting in God’s face rather than kneeling down before his glory. Ungodly.
And yet, Christ, the Messiah, the One whom God selected, came into the world. And he died. He laid down his life for us—in our place, for our benefit, for our sake (Is 53). He did it “at just the right time” (Ro 5:6). When God decided the correct moment in history (Ga 4:4), Jesus hung on the cross. It was all according to his eternal plan (2 Ti 1:9,10).
It is hard to find an adequate comparison to that kind of love. For whom would you be willing to die? Who would make that list? It might not be a long one—immediate family like spouse or children. But how far do you go? A first cousin? A shirttail relative? A complete stranger? A bitter rival?
It does happen, but not often. Paul concedes that point. “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die” (Ro 5:7). Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is off Buntrock Road. It is named for the former Mequon police chief. It is a longer story, but the condensed version goes something like this. He was accidentally shot and killed by friendly fire. A robbery suspect took a man and his infant child hostage in a car. The chief traded places with them. After a scuffle in the backseat, the chief disarmed the man. As he was getting out of the vehicle, a fellow policeman mistook him and fired, fatally wounding him. The chief is hailed as a hero. We would agree. That is outstanding. But it would make even more sense if it was Buntrock’s own child. There are similar examples—pushing someone out of the way of a speeding bus only to be hit or jumping on a grenade in battle. But it is not every day. But that is exactly what Jesus did.
Or as the apostle states—both the reality and the reason: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Ro 5:8). Again, it smarts a bit. “Sinners”—those who have missed the bullseye, not by a little, but by a lot, and not occasionally, but regularly. But for powerless, ungodly sinners, Jesus died. Now that is love. That is something that is new every morning for us to rejoice about (La 3:22,23). That kind of one-sided love belongs to God. And it comes from God. To us.
That helps us appreciate how God dealt with Israel. He chose them, not because of their greatness, but because of his graciousness. And he brought them out of Egypt. He carried them “on eagles’ wings” (Ex 19:4). And from them ultimately came the Savior. Like them, we have to admit that we don’t deserve to be his “treasured possession” (Ex 19:5). But we are. We are that valuable to him that he sent Jesus to die for us. The very One who looked at his people as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). But for them and for us the Good Shepherd gave up his life (Jn 10:15). And so we join the psalmist in shouting for joy and serving the Lord (Ps 100:1,2). “We are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (Ps 100:3). That is true right now. Rejoice about reconciliation in the present. It is for every day.
2. In the future (9-11)
So affix another “F” alongside “BF” and what do you get? Best friends forever. That is a lovely sentiment, but not always likely. Your BFF in grade school may switch in high school. Not when it comes to our association with God. He guarantees it. Rejoice in reconciliation in the future.
There is no doubt about our legal status before God. Because of what he has done. “We have now been justified by his blood” (Ro 5:9). Once again Paul takes us to the courtroom. It is there that God acquits us, clears us of any and every charge. There is no long jury deliberation. Not guilty. How? It is only in Jesus’ blood, shed on Calvary, which cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn 1:7). That wipes away all wrong on our record.
If that is right—that God has justified us, and he has, or since it is the case, there is a greater likelihood of something else. “How much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Ro 5:9). It will only be 10 minutes on the 4th of July. That is either a short time or a long time depending on your perspective or your hunger. But in that span, 20 men and 15 women will try to consume as many hotdogs as possible. (Here is a public service announcement: Kids, don’t try this at home.) Last year’s champion was Joey Chestnut. He consumed 70.5. That is an interesting test of patriotism in front of an estimated crowd of 30,000 to 40,000, not to mention those viewing on the 4-letter network. But if he can eat that many on the 4th, he can eat one on the 5th. If Christ died for powerless, ungodly sinners, he can certainly rescue them on Judgment Day. It is not a day of anger against us—God already poured it out on Jesus, but a day of acceptance of us. All through Jesus who will take us to the home that he has prepared for us (Jn 14:1-3).
One more time Paul points us to a former circumstance. We were “enemies” (Ro 5:10)—against God, opposed to God. But he didn’t let that condition continue. “When we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” (Ro 5:10). There was a badly broken connection. But God made it a beautiful one. Where there was once friction, there is now friendship. There is that concept of reconciliation. It is a personal bond between us and God. It came about by means of Jesus’ death.
But a dead Savior is no Savior. God brought him back to life. Since we have been reconciled, it is impossible to think that he won’t take us to heaven. “How much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Ro 5:10). Because Jesus lives, we live (Jn 14:19). His resurrection to life guarantees our return to life. Our future is bright.
Paul closes with the comfort that all of that is our possession at the moment. “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Ro 5:11). We are so thrilled about it that we cannot keep quiet. We boast. We rejoice. Jesus Christ our Lord brought it all about. We are friends of God in the family of God. Rejoice about reconciliation in the future. It is for this day all the way to the last day.
Can someone get bored with 4th of July fireworks? It could be in minute 27 of a 45-minute extravaganza. Or up to the grand finale. But as they light up the heavens, it is spectacular. There may be a standing ovation or at least eager clapping. If not, certainly when it comes to reconciliation—God transforming our relationship—from hostility to harmony. Rejoice about that reconciliation. It is good in the present. It is good in the future. It is so. It will be so. Amen.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:20). Amen.
July 2, 2017
In two days it will be the 4th of July. That date has significance for us. It is not just an ordinary day of the month, but a national holiday on the calendar. It is Independence Day. We again recall the blessings of now 241 years of this country—not without some faults, but with significant freedoms. There will be firecrackers and sparklers at night. (Some extend the pyrotechnics to the 5th and 6th of July. They must really like to celebrate.) There will also be get-togethers in parks and gatherings around pools. All of that adds to the excitement. Because of that, we greet each other with “Happy 4th of July.”
But what about the 2nd of July? We remember something that we enjoy, not just today, but every day. Just like our citizenship in the United States of America. Rejoice about reconciliation in the present and in the future. We read from …
Romans 5:6-11
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus who died for us and lives for us,
There will be an ooh for the first firework of Tuesday when the wait for darkness is finally over. That will be followed by an aah when the second one explodes in the sky. But my guess is that half away through the show, the delight will dwindle. Perhaps the question: “How much longer?” That happens. What is thrilling initially becomes boring eventually. Even with multicolored or magnificent display overhead.
Can that take place with God’s love? Possibly. We hear it so often that it becomes ordinary. Even with the fancy terms that we use. Like reconciliation.
Maybe we need to define it so that we are on the same page. If we don’t understand the meaning of “reconciliation” or “reconcile,” then we are just using fancy pants language. And that kind of jargon does us no good. No more than a mechanic talking over our heads with his technical lingo like transmission.
It carries the connotation of “to change” like what you do when you travel out of the country—exchanging dollars to euros, for example. Specifically, in the Bible, it means restoring a relationship, or renewing a friendship. God does it all for us. We are on the receiving end of that. That ought not to become tiresome. Ever. Instead …
Rejoice about Reconciliation
1. In the present (6-8)
2. In the future (9-11)
1. In the present (6-8)
We use so many initials nowadays. Is it because there are too many syllables in the words that we have to abbreviate everything? Neither here nor there. But if someone is your “BF,” that stands for your “best friend.” (See. That is not too complicated or cumbersome just to state it.) There is a closeness and that is the case right now. And that is nice. Even better is ours with God. Rejoice about reconciliation in the present.
God is love (1 Jn 4:8). And God does love. That is significant. He doesn’t just declare his love, but he displays it. Think of how God loved the world and gave his Son (Jn 3:16). There is an emotion and an action. It is like a child who shares his love with an occasional, “I love you,” to his mommy. But he also shows it by helping her clean the house.
And God had to love us first. It not like we brought some endearing qualities to the table like two people who have the same interests and a mutual respect develops. Hardly. And it hits hard. But let it for a moment. Paul mentions two truths:
• We were “powerless” (Ro 5:6). Without power. How is that? A good credit score allows us to make a major purchase. Big muscles help us to lift heavy weights. But none of that when it comes to us and God. We were unable to do anything about our guilt like a person deep in debt to the bank or stuck under a barbell at the gym. Powerless.
• We fit into the category of “ungodly” (Ro 5:6). We attach that designation to really bad individuals. Paul? Us? But there we are—without any reverence or respect for God by nature (Ro 8:7). It is in the sense of spitting in God’s face rather than kneeling down before his glory. Ungodly.
And yet, Christ, the Messiah, the One whom God selected, came into the world. And he died. He laid down his life for us—in our place, for our benefit, for our sake (Is 53). He did it “at just the right time” (Ro 5:6). When God decided the correct moment in history (Ga 4:4), Jesus hung on the cross. It was all according to his eternal plan (2 Ti 1:9,10).
It is hard to find an adequate comparison to that kind of love. For whom would you be willing to die? Who would make that list? It might not be a long one—immediate family like spouse or children. But how far do you go? A first cousin? A shirttail relative? A complete stranger? A bitter rival?
It does happen, but not often. Paul concedes that point. “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die” (Ro 5:7). Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is off Buntrock Road. It is named for the former Mequon police chief. It is a longer story, but the condensed version goes something like this. He was accidentally shot and killed by friendly fire. A robbery suspect took a man and his infant child hostage in a car. The chief traded places with them. After a scuffle in the backseat, the chief disarmed the man. As he was getting out of the vehicle, a fellow policeman mistook him and fired, fatally wounding him. The chief is hailed as a hero. We would agree. That is outstanding. But it would make even more sense if it was Buntrock’s own child. There are similar examples—pushing someone out of the way of a speeding bus only to be hit or jumping on a grenade in battle. But it is not every day. But that is exactly what Jesus did.
Or as the apostle states—both the reality and the reason: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Ro 5:8). Again, it smarts a bit. “Sinners”—those who have missed the bullseye, not by a little, but by a lot, and not occasionally, but regularly. But for powerless, ungodly sinners, Jesus died. Now that is love. That is something that is new every morning for us to rejoice about (La 3:22,23). That kind of one-sided love belongs to God. And it comes from God. To us.
That helps us appreciate how God dealt with Israel. He chose them, not because of their greatness, but because of his graciousness. And he brought them out of Egypt. He carried them “on eagles’ wings” (Ex 19:4). And from them ultimately came the Savior. Like them, we have to admit that we don’t deserve to be his “treasured possession” (Ex 19:5). But we are. We are that valuable to him that he sent Jesus to die for us. The very One who looked at his people as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). But for them and for us the Good Shepherd gave up his life (Jn 10:15). And so we join the psalmist in shouting for joy and serving the Lord (Ps 100:1,2). “We are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (Ps 100:3). That is true right now. Rejoice about reconciliation in the present. It is for every day.
2. In the future (9-11)
So affix another “F” alongside “BF” and what do you get? Best friends forever. That is a lovely sentiment, but not always likely. Your BFF in grade school may switch in high school. Not when it comes to our association with God. He guarantees it. Rejoice in reconciliation in the future.
There is no doubt about our legal status before God. Because of what he has done. “We have now been justified by his blood” (Ro 5:9). Once again Paul takes us to the courtroom. It is there that God acquits us, clears us of any and every charge. There is no long jury deliberation. Not guilty. How? It is only in Jesus’ blood, shed on Calvary, which cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn 1:7). That wipes away all wrong on our record.
If that is right—that God has justified us, and he has, or since it is the case, there is a greater likelihood of something else. “How much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Ro 5:9). It will only be 10 minutes on the 4th of July. That is either a short time or a long time depending on your perspective or your hunger. But in that span, 20 men and 15 women will try to consume as many hotdogs as possible. (Here is a public service announcement: Kids, don’t try this at home.) Last year’s champion was Joey Chestnut. He consumed 70.5. That is an interesting test of patriotism in front of an estimated crowd of 30,000 to 40,000, not to mention those viewing on the 4-letter network. But if he can eat that many on the 4th, he can eat one on the 5th. If Christ died for powerless, ungodly sinners, he can certainly rescue them on Judgment Day. It is not a day of anger against us—God already poured it out on Jesus, but a day of acceptance of us. All through Jesus who will take us to the home that he has prepared for us (Jn 14:1-3).
One more time Paul points us to a former circumstance. We were “enemies” (Ro 5:10)—against God, opposed to God. But he didn’t let that condition continue. “When we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” (Ro 5:10). There was a badly broken connection. But God made it a beautiful one. Where there was once friction, there is now friendship. There is that concept of reconciliation. It is a personal bond between us and God. It came about by means of Jesus’ death.
But a dead Savior is no Savior. God brought him back to life. Since we have been reconciled, it is impossible to think that he won’t take us to heaven. “How much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Ro 5:10). Because Jesus lives, we live (Jn 14:19). His resurrection to life guarantees our return to life. Our future is bright.
Paul closes with the comfort that all of that is our possession at the moment. “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Ro 5:11). We are so thrilled about it that we cannot keep quiet. We boast. We rejoice. Jesus Christ our Lord brought it all about. We are friends of God in the family of God. Rejoice about reconciliation in the future. It is for this day all the way to the last day.
Can someone get bored with 4th of July fireworks? It could be in minute 27 of a 45-minute extravaganza. Or up to the grand finale. But as they light up the heavens, it is spectacular. There may be a standing ovation or at least eager clapping. If not, certainly when it comes to reconciliation—God transforming our relationship—from hostility to harmony. Rejoice about that reconciliation. It is good in the present. It is good in the future. It is so. It will be so. Amen.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:20). Amen.
July 2, 2017
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