Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Co 1:3). Amen.
It is a word that only has two letters. It may be small in size, but big in significance. If. It can place before us a condition that is troubling, or even terrifying. Take this for example: “If the biopsy is not healthy, then …” If we could only get rid of the “if” because it brings uncertainty. It is so much different to declare: “The biopsy is healthy.”
How about this: “If Christ has not been raised, then …”? That leaves us confused and concerned because of what that means. It is not just dangerous; it is damning.
But that is the poison that some were peddling among the Christians in Corinth. Paul asks, “How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Co 15:12). Paul had heralded it, affirming it and asserting it: “Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Co 15:12).
But Paul wants to address how serious it is to state the opposite and also to assure that it is the truth. “Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Co 15:12).
Paul gets rid of the “if” because of its serious implications.
“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised” (1 Co 15:13). That would be in direct contradiction to what the angel announced on the first Easter Sunday. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him” (Mk 16:6). The women came to complete that last loving gesture—to anoint Jesus’ dead body. But they never got to use the spices that they had in their hands. Christ has been raised from the dead.
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Co 15:14). What is more, our message would be empty. There is no content. It would be strange to open a book and have blank pages. Your expectation of some expertise would be misplaced. But such is not the case. Christ has been raised from the dead.
“More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead” (1 Co 15:15). When in a court of law, a witness swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Not to do so is perjury—a fancy word for lying. And the judge and jury don’t look kindly on that. Paul took it seriously too. He had seen the risen Christ on the road to Damascus with his own eyes, heard him with his own ears (Acts 9:4,5). To tell otherwise would be a falsehood. How about that for “fake news?” He would be misrepresenting the facts. The apostle Peter recalled that to the crowd that had gathered after he had healed a man crippled from birth. He reviewed the events of Holy Week—how they had killed Christ. “But God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this” (Acts 3:15). Christ has been raised from the dead.
“For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either” (1 Co 15:16). The two go hand-in-hand. Christ’s resurrection guarantees our resurrection. The night before he was nailed to the cross, Jesus wanted his disciples and us to know: “Because I live, you also will live” (Jn 14:19). He lives; we live. Christ has been raised from the dead.
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Co 15:17). Jesus died on the cross, not because of his sins for he didn’t have any. But for ours because we had many. But he did not stay dead. He came back to life three days later. It was the psalmist David that cited the Messiah 1000 years before: “You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay” (Ps 16:10). That is because God punished him in our place. Jesus paid for them all—every one. He did not head out of the tomb to hold our sins against us because he holds out forgiveness to us (Ro 4:25). We are no longer in our sins. Jesus can give us the same joy as his disciples: “Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:20,26). Everything is right between us and God. Our faith is not pointless or useless. Christ has been raised from the dead.
“Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost” (1 Co 15:18). In other words, they perish. And the punishment would be eternal. But God loved the world so much that he gave his one of kind Son so that would not be the reality (Jn 3:16). Those connected to Christ, even though they die, live. That is what Jesus mentioned to Martha at the grave of her brother, Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:25,26). That is why the apostle John wrote his Gospel: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (Jn 20:31). Paul can call death a sleep. We are not afraid to lay our heads the pillow at night—in fact, we often look forward to it and long for it—because we know that we will wake up in the morning. That is what Jesus will do for us on the Last Day. He will call us out to be with him forever (1 Thess 4:17)—glorified bodies reunited with our souls (Phil 3:20). The cemetery is a place where we will rest, not where we will remain. We can continue to confess: “I believe in … the resurrection of the body” (CW p. 19). Christ has been raised from the dead.
“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (1 Co 15:19). It is one thing to be sad for someone. It is quite another to feel sorry for them. If Christ is dead, so is our confidence. And we are wasting our time and money here. We could have slept until noon and then get up to chase after this and that or here and there. Because then this is it.
But Paul removes the “if.” And he is emphatic. In a sense, “Away with all that.” “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Co 15:20). It is a matter of fact. We can be sure and certain. And since that is real, and it is, Jesus is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Co 15:29). That goes back to the Old Testament. When the grain was ripe in the spring (That is the reverse of here.), he would cut the first stalk with a heart full of thanks: “This is for God.” But it would also be from a head filled with this thought: “There will be more from God.” Jesus first. We will follow. And there will be a good harvest because Christ has been raised from the dead.
Death still exists. That is because Adam introduced it when he believed the lie of the devil and ate of the forbidden fruit (Ge 2:17). Sin brings with it an ugly companion—death (Ro 5:12). That is what Paul reminds: “death came through a man” (1 Co 15:21). That is Adam.
But there is more: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man” (1 Co 15:21). That is Jesus. Christ has been raised from the dead. And then the result: “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Co 15:22). We are associated with Adam by birth. But we are now attached to Christ by faith. We live with him right now and forever. Our present is safe and our future is secure.
It was the second Sunday of Easter. They were all there this time. Not just the 10. But the 11. Thomas had joined them again. For seven days, they repeated: “We have seen the Lord!” (Jn 20:25). Over and over. But again and again Thomas denied it (as many do today). He needed proof—visible and physical: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it” (Jn 20:25). If Christ has not been raised, there is despair and there is doubt. But Jesus in his patience showed up a week later. Not to humiliate Thomas, but to help him—almost quoting him exactly. I paraphrase: “Go ahead, Thomas, if you have to. Touch. Don’t be without faith, but full of faith.” And that is when Thomas professed: “My Lord and my God” (Jn 10:28). And so it is that his insistence of the resurrection gives us another instance of the resurrection. And now Jesus can say about us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (Jn 20:29). Christ has been raised from the dead.
Today is the second Sunday of Easter. We are not waiting for the findings of a doctor on an “if” of the resurrection. Instead, we continue to celebrate. That is because Easter is not just a day on the spring calendar (It is spring, isn’t it?), but a season during the church year. Jesus lives. Christ has risen. Easter does away with the “if.” It is not, “if Christ has not been raised.” Easter exclaims, “Christ has been raised from the dead.” Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Happy Easter.
We read from 1 Corinthians 15:12-22:
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.
16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.
18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Co 15:57). Amen.
April 8, 2018
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Easter (Isaiah 25:6-9)
“Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us” (Is 25:9). Amen.
There are times when you don’t want to eat.
It could be a matter of busyness. Due to the pressure of the day, you cannot take the time or find the time to sit down and fill up at the table. And so you press on until there is a break, hurrying here and scurrying there.
It could be an issue of laziness. Because of the comfort of the couch, you cannot get up or get out a microwave burrito from the freezer. And so you settle in until there is a commercial, wondering if someone else will zap it or waiting for someone else to nuke it.
And then there are occasions when you can’t wait to eat.
It is your pick for a meal and you are starving.
It is your choice of a restaurant and you are salivating.
(Either one of those options might include pizza.)
Because we have to eat regularly and like to eat frequently, God uses that image in his Word. We consider one example today. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a heap of promises and a hymn of praise. We read from …
Isaiah 25:6-9
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus, the once Christ crucified, but now our living Lord,
It seems as if eating and celebrating often go together, don’t they?
It might be something special in your life. A birthday. An anniversary. That calls for cupcakes and candles.
It might be something significant on the calendar. Thanksgiving. Christmas. That comes with turkey and trimmings.
And now Easter. We have Easter breakfast. (Thank you to those who provided and prepared the morning meal. I don’t know what smell is more noticeable—the pancakes or the lilies.) Easter brunch. Easter snack (another shout out to chocolate!). Easter supper. You get the idea. Easter and eating.
God represents his blessings to us like a beautiful banquet. We receive and we rejoice.
Enjoy the Lord’s Easter Feast
1. With a heap of promises (6-8)
2. With a hymn of praise (9)
1. With a heap of promises (6-8)
We call them common table prayers because they are fairly well-known. Before we fill our plates, we fold our hands: “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. And let these gifts to us be blessed.” It is a reminder and a recognition that God gives and we get. That is true of everything from him. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a heap of promises.
As with any invitation to an important spread, there is certain information. Such is the case.
Where: “On this mountain” (Is 25:6). That would call to mind Mt. Zion, where Jerusalem was located—where God was with his chosen nation. That became code for God’s people. We refer to it as the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints—God’s holy ones (He 12:22).
We are part of that select group as Jesus cleansed us from our sin with his death on the cross. His blood paid the price to set us free (Eph 1:7).
Who: “the LORD Almighty” (Is 25:6). He is One who is changeless in his kindness and compassion (Ex 34:6). But also the all-powerful One—in the heavens above and on the earth below.
This is the One who requests our presence. He calls to us in his mercy and with his might.
What: “a feast of rich food … a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines” (Is 25:6). This is not warmed up macaroni and cheese with leftover chicken nuggets. There may be a time and a place for that. But not here. And not now. And he does not skimp because he is not stingy. Only the best will do—topnotch meat, in cut and quantity, and top-shelf wine—in color and quality. We might say filet mignon and red merlot. (I am not sure if I am putting those together correctly or even pronouncing them exactly.)
This is the way the Lord depicts his blessings to us. It is unlike how the devil would have us nibble on the junk food of greed or lust. That poisons leaving regret. Instead we have the most excellent of fare from the Lord—his complete forgiveness of us and his constant presence with us. (Only we don’t have to concern ourselves with clogged arteries or high cholesterol.) We dine on that every time we dig into his Word. There is no better nourishment for our souls.
And this is not limited to a chosen few or a select number. This feast is “for all peoples” (Is 25:6). He mentions “all nations … all faces … all the earth” (Is 25:7,8). There is no wondering: “Does that include me?” Yes. We are his honored guests. Enjoy God’s Easter feast. Such is his grace.
But to enjoy the feast there must be the removal of things that prevent that. A couple can’t relax if they have concerns about the babysitter—will there be some trouble?, or the parking space—will there be a ticket?. And that is what the Lord Almighty does.
“On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever” (Is 25:7,8). That is a reference to the practice of wearing a veil when mourning a death or a covering when confronted by a tragedy. We might compare it to our custom of wearing black at a funeral. Death’s icy grip reaches out to all—no matter the country or the culture. Things like education and medicine or effort and exercise only delay it. That is because sin brings with it death (Ro 5:12; 1 Co 15:21).
But we are not ignorant of what God has done. He has wiped death out. It is just like when we gulp a handful of M&Ms. It no longer exists. That is why Easter is so essential. Jesus died. But Jesus rose. The angel announced it to the women early that Sunday morning: “Don’t be alarmed … You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him” (Mk 16:6). Because Jesus lives; we live (Jn 14:19). As Jesus once mentioned to Martha at her brother’s tomb: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:25,26).
Death will still touch us, but it will not triumph over us. We can confidently quote the apostle Paul: “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Co 15:54,55). God gives us that victory (1 Co 15:57). Yes, death comes, but it is overcome. It is not the end of life, but the entrance to life. Because God loved the world in such a way and to such extent that he gave his Son, we have eternal life (Jn 3:16).
“The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Is 25:8). We have felt that hot water rush down our faces and race down our checks when our hearts are breaking or aching. Sometimes that is about all we can muster in some situations.
But like a father flicks away the waterworks that is what our Father in heaven does. On the Last Day, Jesus will return and raise us up. He will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body (Php 3:21). Sin and all its effects will be eliminated. There will be no more sadness or sorrow (Re 7:17; 21:4).
“He will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth” (Is 25:8). Many might mention that we are the fools on April 1st—believing that Jesus is alive. How many people do you know come back from the dead? Jesus. He removes our doubt and we can remark with Paul: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Co 15:20).
And so will we. On Judgment Day, there will be no shame for trusting in Jesus. We will be with him forever (1 Thess 4:17).
How can we be so sure? The Lord punctuates this with an exclamation mark: “The LORD has spoken” (Is 25:8). In other words: “Because I, the LORD, the LORD Almighty, the Sovereign LORD said so.” And that is good enough. He is the One who came up with it and carries it out. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a heap of promises. And when it comes from him, it is as good as done.
2. With a hymn of praise (9)
And then we follow up and finish with: “O give thanks unto the Lord. For he is good and his love endures forever” (Ps 118:1). We are grateful, thankful. So on this day and every day. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a hymn of praise.
We are not left speechless. We join with anyone and everyone: “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (Is 25:9). With even more happiness than when a child hops up and down when he discovers his Easter basket and highlights it to his mom (even though she was the one who hid it), we exclaim: “Hey, look. Our God. Our Lord. We looked for him with eagerness and he did not disappoint. He rescued us. We are safe and secure because the salvation that comes from him he grants and guarantees. We echo the song of the psalmist: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24). Today. Tomorrow. This coming Sunday. The following week. On earth. For eternity. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter Feast with a hymn of praise.
My guess is that if you haven’t stuck something in your stomach already, it will happen sometime soon. When you do, think of this section of Scripture. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a heap of promises. It is like a buffet. He gets rid of the guilt of sin and the threat of death. And enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a hymn of praise. We are blest with his gifts. And we give thanks. That is not foolish, but foolproof. Happy eating and happy Easter. Amen.
“This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (Is 25:9). Amen.
April 1, 2018
There are times when you don’t want to eat.
It could be a matter of busyness. Due to the pressure of the day, you cannot take the time or find the time to sit down and fill up at the table. And so you press on until there is a break, hurrying here and scurrying there.
It could be an issue of laziness. Because of the comfort of the couch, you cannot get up or get out a microwave burrito from the freezer. And so you settle in until there is a commercial, wondering if someone else will zap it or waiting for someone else to nuke it.
And then there are occasions when you can’t wait to eat.
It is your pick for a meal and you are starving.
It is your choice of a restaurant and you are salivating.
(Either one of those options might include pizza.)
Because we have to eat regularly and like to eat frequently, God uses that image in his Word. We consider one example today. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a heap of promises and a hymn of praise. We read from …
Isaiah 25:6-9
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus, the once Christ crucified, but now our living Lord,
It seems as if eating and celebrating often go together, don’t they?
It might be something special in your life. A birthday. An anniversary. That calls for cupcakes and candles.
It might be something significant on the calendar. Thanksgiving. Christmas. That comes with turkey and trimmings.
And now Easter. We have Easter breakfast. (Thank you to those who provided and prepared the morning meal. I don’t know what smell is more noticeable—the pancakes or the lilies.) Easter brunch. Easter snack (another shout out to chocolate!). Easter supper. You get the idea. Easter and eating.
God represents his blessings to us like a beautiful banquet. We receive and we rejoice.
Enjoy the Lord’s Easter Feast
1. With a heap of promises (6-8)
2. With a hymn of praise (9)
1. With a heap of promises (6-8)
We call them common table prayers because they are fairly well-known. Before we fill our plates, we fold our hands: “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. And let these gifts to us be blessed.” It is a reminder and a recognition that God gives and we get. That is true of everything from him. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a heap of promises.
As with any invitation to an important spread, there is certain information. Such is the case.
Where: “On this mountain” (Is 25:6). That would call to mind Mt. Zion, where Jerusalem was located—where God was with his chosen nation. That became code for God’s people. We refer to it as the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints—God’s holy ones (He 12:22).
We are part of that select group as Jesus cleansed us from our sin with his death on the cross. His blood paid the price to set us free (Eph 1:7).
Who: “the LORD Almighty” (Is 25:6). He is One who is changeless in his kindness and compassion (Ex 34:6). But also the all-powerful One—in the heavens above and on the earth below.
This is the One who requests our presence. He calls to us in his mercy and with his might.
What: “a feast of rich food … a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines” (Is 25:6). This is not warmed up macaroni and cheese with leftover chicken nuggets. There may be a time and a place for that. But not here. And not now. And he does not skimp because he is not stingy. Only the best will do—topnotch meat, in cut and quantity, and top-shelf wine—in color and quality. We might say filet mignon and red merlot. (I am not sure if I am putting those together correctly or even pronouncing them exactly.)
This is the way the Lord depicts his blessings to us. It is unlike how the devil would have us nibble on the junk food of greed or lust. That poisons leaving regret. Instead we have the most excellent of fare from the Lord—his complete forgiveness of us and his constant presence with us. (Only we don’t have to concern ourselves with clogged arteries or high cholesterol.) We dine on that every time we dig into his Word. There is no better nourishment for our souls.
And this is not limited to a chosen few or a select number. This feast is “for all peoples” (Is 25:6). He mentions “all nations … all faces … all the earth” (Is 25:7,8). There is no wondering: “Does that include me?” Yes. We are his honored guests. Enjoy God’s Easter feast. Such is his grace.
But to enjoy the feast there must be the removal of things that prevent that. A couple can’t relax if they have concerns about the babysitter—will there be some trouble?, or the parking space—will there be a ticket?. And that is what the Lord Almighty does.
“On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever” (Is 25:7,8). That is a reference to the practice of wearing a veil when mourning a death or a covering when confronted by a tragedy. We might compare it to our custom of wearing black at a funeral. Death’s icy grip reaches out to all—no matter the country or the culture. Things like education and medicine or effort and exercise only delay it. That is because sin brings with it death (Ro 5:12; 1 Co 15:21).
But we are not ignorant of what God has done. He has wiped death out. It is just like when we gulp a handful of M&Ms. It no longer exists. That is why Easter is so essential. Jesus died. But Jesus rose. The angel announced it to the women early that Sunday morning: “Don’t be alarmed … You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him” (Mk 16:6). Because Jesus lives; we live (Jn 14:19). As Jesus once mentioned to Martha at her brother’s tomb: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:25,26).
Death will still touch us, but it will not triumph over us. We can confidently quote the apostle Paul: “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Co 15:54,55). God gives us that victory (1 Co 15:57). Yes, death comes, but it is overcome. It is not the end of life, but the entrance to life. Because God loved the world in such a way and to such extent that he gave his Son, we have eternal life (Jn 3:16).
“The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Is 25:8). We have felt that hot water rush down our faces and race down our checks when our hearts are breaking or aching. Sometimes that is about all we can muster in some situations.
But like a father flicks away the waterworks that is what our Father in heaven does. On the Last Day, Jesus will return and raise us up. He will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body (Php 3:21). Sin and all its effects will be eliminated. There will be no more sadness or sorrow (Re 7:17; 21:4).
“He will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth” (Is 25:8). Many might mention that we are the fools on April 1st—believing that Jesus is alive. How many people do you know come back from the dead? Jesus. He removes our doubt and we can remark with Paul: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Co 15:20).
And so will we. On Judgment Day, there will be no shame for trusting in Jesus. We will be with him forever (1 Thess 4:17).
How can we be so sure? The Lord punctuates this with an exclamation mark: “The LORD has spoken” (Is 25:8). In other words: “Because I, the LORD, the LORD Almighty, the Sovereign LORD said so.” And that is good enough. He is the One who came up with it and carries it out. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a heap of promises. And when it comes from him, it is as good as done.
2. With a hymn of praise (9)
And then we follow up and finish with: “O give thanks unto the Lord. For he is good and his love endures forever” (Ps 118:1). We are grateful, thankful. So on this day and every day. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a hymn of praise.
We are not left speechless. We join with anyone and everyone: “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (Is 25:9). With even more happiness than when a child hops up and down when he discovers his Easter basket and highlights it to his mom (even though she was the one who hid it), we exclaim: “Hey, look. Our God. Our Lord. We looked for him with eagerness and he did not disappoint. He rescued us. We are safe and secure because the salvation that comes from him he grants and guarantees. We echo the song of the psalmist: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24). Today. Tomorrow. This coming Sunday. The following week. On earth. For eternity. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter Feast with a hymn of praise.
My guess is that if you haven’t stuck something in your stomach already, it will happen sometime soon. When you do, think of this section of Scripture. Enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a heap of promises. It is like a buffet. He gets rid of the guilt of sin and the threat of death. And enjoy the Lord’s Easter feast with a hymn of praise. We are blest with his gifts. And we give thanks. That is not foolish, but foolproof. Happy eating and happy Easter. Amen.
“This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (Is 25:9). Amen.
April 1, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Good Friday (Hebrews 9:11-14)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame (He 12:2). Amen.
It is Friday. And that is good. In general, it is the end of the normal work week. Many have logged their 40 or 41+ hours at the office or on the job. Compared to the other seven days, there are those who consider this day better than the others and are thankful that it is here.
It is on this Friday that we contemplate our Savior’s work. Tonight the most obvious similarity to an Old Testament High Priest is significant—the work with the blood of sacrifice. But Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us from sin and cleanses us for service. We read from …
Hebrews 9:11-14
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the ultimate High Priest,
It is one thing to be good at something. Really anything—singing a song or swinging a bat. (In case you missed it, opening day for major league baseball was yesterday and today. It is a long season. You have plenty of time to get excited before the World Series in November. (That seems like a long way off, doesn’t it?)
It is another to be better than someone else. And that is up for debate. The discussion can be heated or hard when it comes down to two individuals.
Who is the better recording artist?
Who is the better long-ball hitter?
Those are not easy questions to answer. There are so many different variables. Of what style—modern country or classic rock? Or of what era— the 1900s or the 2000s? Often it will come to one’s opinion or outlook. And then finally, it ends up with a “Well he is (or she is), because.”
When it deals with high priests, we can determine who is better. Jesus. And that is a fact. The writer to the Hebrew Christians helps us come to that conclusion.
Jesus Our Great High Priest Is Better Than Any Other High Priest
1. Because he cleanses us from sin (11,12)
2. Because he cleanses us for service (13,14)
1. Because he cleanses us from sin (11,12)
There is no missing it on this day. Sin. Whether we hear the cry of the Messiah, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1). It was for us and for our sin. Or we have the reminder of the prophet: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” (Is 53:5). Yours and mine. But Jesus is our great High Priest. Better than any other because he cleanses us from sin.
The author highlights Jesus’ office as he uses his title—Christ. “Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here” (He 9:11). He is the anointed one—prophet, priest, and king. He is the one the crowds acclaimed on Palm Sunday: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mk 11:9). The “Coming One” brought “good things”—forgiveness from God and peace with God (Mt 11:3; Lk 3:16). The recipients of this letter were to recall that as we do. Our guilt is gone. Heaven is our home.
So the contrast is there. “When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation” (He 9:11). We have reviewed that special day for the children of Israel—the Day of Atonement (Lv 16). That was the only day all year that the High Priest dared to pull back the curtain far enough to slide into the Most Holy Place, the back part of the tabernacle, and later temple. That was where the Ark of the Covenant was. That was a symbol of God’s presence among his people.
As great as that was, Jesus is greater. Jesus came to live with us and be one of us (Jn 1:14). With real flesh and blood, Jesus obeyed the law perfectly for us—what we could not do. And then he died willingly for us—what we deserved to experience. He died after six hours on the wooden cross. He rose after three days in the borrowed grave. And then he returned to heaven after 40 days to God’s right hand. That place is better than anything crafted with human hands with everyday material.
The High Priest didn’t think of heading into the Most Holy Place emptyhanded. He always had blood—the blood of a bull for his sins and his families’. And then with the blood of a goat—for the sins of the people (Lv 16:6,11,14). He would sprinkle that on the mercy seat, the top of that golden box.
But Jesus is unlike that Old Testament figure. “He [Jesus, the Christ] did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (He 9:12). It was not year after year. But one time and not again—not like the never-ending cold weather of this winter and spring. (Did you see the snow flurries today?) Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins was sufficient. As he hung there, enduring the punishment of hell, he secured redemption. He was the buyer—with his desire. He was the price—with his blood. He paid what was necessary to set us free from sin forever. As Luther reminded us, “not with gold or silver but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death” (Explanation to the Second Article). Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us from sin for good with his own blood.
2. Because he cleanses us for service (13,14)
There is no mistaking it from now on. Jesus has set us apart from sin and for service. We serve the One who served us by giving his life as a ransom (Mt 20:28). Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us for service.
The writer another time draws on the readers’ knowledge of the Old Testament as he draws a parallel. “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean” (He 9:13). There were rituals to provide cleansing for those who were ceremonially unclean due to contact with dead bodies, human bones, and graves (Nu 19). These particular ones were to be sprayed with water into which the ashes of a sacrificial heifer had been mixed. But it was only on the outside, not on the inside. It is like rubbing soap and water on your skin to deal with the cancer under your flesh. It doesn’t work. It is only symbolic.
That is where Jesus’ blood is superior. “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death” (He 9:14). Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God (Jn 1:29; 1 Pe 1:19), offered himself. He purifies our souls from every single stain (1 Jn 1:7). We did nothing—as if we could present something like an animal to get in good with God. “Hey, God, how about this?” All that we could accomplish is death with our efforts and energy—unending separation from God. But Jesus did it all as he sheds his blood for us on the cross. His wounds make us whole (Is 53:5).
But now that we are without fault or flaw by Jesus’ blood, as the writer points out, “we may serve the living God!” (He 9:14). We don’t have the fear of punishment looming over our heads, but the love of Jesus living in our hearts. With that faith, it is possible to please God. (He 11:6). That causes us to do what we do out of gratitude and gratefulness to the Christ—at work or play, at home or away, day after day (Mt 16:16). Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us for service.
Perhaps you are done with work for two days since it is Friday. On this day we think of Jesus’ completed work with his cry from the cross: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). What the Old Testament high priest prefigured, Jesus performed. He poured out his blood to purchase our release from sin and Satan. In the category of high priest, he is #1. Everyone one else who ever held that office comes in at a distant second. There is not much room for argument. Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us from sin and cleanses us for service. Finally, he is not just better than any, but the best of all. That makes this Friday good. Happy Good Friday. Amen.
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
March 30, 2018
11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation.
12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
It is Friday. And that is good. In general, it is the end of the normal work week. Many have logged their 40 or 41+ hours at the office or on the job. Compared to the other seven days, there are those who consider this day better than the others and are thankful that it is here.
It is on this Friday that we contemplate our Savior’s work. Tonight the most obvious similarity to an Old Testament High Priest is significant—the work with the blood of sacrifice. But Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us from sin and cleanses us for service. We read from …
Hebrews 9:11-14
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the ultimate High Priest,
It is one thing to be good at something. Really anything—singing a song or swinging a bat. (In case you missed it, opening day for major league baseball was yesterday and today. It is a long season. You have plenty of time to get excited before the World Series in November. (That seems like a long way off, doesn’t it?)
It is another to be better than someone else. And that is up for debate. The discussion can be heated or hard when it comes down to two individuals.
Who is the better recording artist?
Who is the better long-ball hitter?
Those are not easy questions to answer. There are so many different variables. Of what style—modern country or classic rock? Or of what era— the 1900s or the 2000s? Often it will come to one’s opinion or outlook. And then finally, it ends up with a “Well he is (or she is), because.”
When it deals with high priests, we can determine who is better. Jesus. And that is a fact. The writer to the Hebrew Christians helps us come to that conclusion.
Jesus Our Great High Priest Is Better Than Any Other High Priest
1. Because he cleanses us from sin (11,12)
2. Because he cleanses us for service (13,14)
1. Because he cleanses us from sin (11,12)
There is no missing it on this day. Sin. Whether we hear the cry of the Messiah, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1). It was for us and for our sin. Or we have the reminder of the prophet: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” (Is 53:5). Yours and mine. But Jesus is our great High Priest. Better than any other because he cleanses us from sin.
The author highlights Jesus’ office as he uses his title—Christ. “Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here” (He 9:11). He is the anointed one—prophet, priest, and king. He is the one the crowds acclaimed on Palm Sunday: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mk 11:9). The “Coming One” brought “good things”—forgiveness from God and peace with God (Mt 11:3; Lk 3:16). The recipients of this letter were to recall that as we do. Our guilt is gone. Heaven is our home.
So the contrast is there. “When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation” (He 9:11). We have reviewed that special day for the children of Israel—the Day of Atonement (Lv 16). That was the only day all year that the High Priest dared to pull back the curtain far enough to slide into the Most Holy Place, the back part of the tabernacle, and later temple. That was where the Ark of the Covenant was. That was a symbol of God’s presence among his people.
As great as that was, Jesus is greater. Jesus came to live with us and be one of us (Jn 1:14). With real flesh and blood, Jesus obeyed the law perfectly for us—what we could not do. And then he died willingly for us—what we deserved to experience. He died after six hours on the wooden cross. He rose after three days in the borrowed grave. And then he returned to heaven after 40 days to God’s right hand. That place is better than anything crafted with human hands with everyday material.
The High Priest didn’t think of heading into the Most Holy Place emptyhanded. He always had blood—the blood of a bull for his sins and his families’. And then with the blood of a goat—for the sins of the people (Lv 16:6,11,14). He would sprinkle that on the mercy seat, the top of that golden box.
But Jesus is unlike that Old Testament figure. “He [Jesus, the Christ] did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (He 9:12). It was not year after year. But one time and not again—not like the never-ending cold weather of this winter and spring. (Did you see the snow flurries today?) Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins was sufficient. As he hung there, enduring the punishment of hell, he secured redemption. He was the buyer—with his desire. He was the price—with his blood. He paid what was necessary to set us free from sin forever. As Luther reminded us, “not with gold or silver but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death” (Explanation to the Second Article). Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us from sin for good with his own blood.
2. Because he cleanses us for service (13,14)
There is no mistaking it from now on. Jesus has set us apart from sin and for service. We serve the One who served us by giving his life as a ransom (Mt 20:28). Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us for service.
The writer another time draws on the readers’ knowledge of the Old Testament as he draws a parallel. “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean” (He 9:13). There were rituals to provide cleansing for those who were ceremonially unclean due to contact with dead bodies, human bones, and graves (Nu 19). These particular ones were to be sprayed with water into which the ashes of a sacrificial heifer had been mixed. But it was only on the outside, not on the inside. It is like rubbing soap and water on your skin to deal with the cancer under your flesh. It doesn’t work. It is only symbolic.
That is where Jesus’ blood is superior. “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death” (He 9:14). Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God (Jn 1:29; 1 Pe 1:19), offered himself. He purifies our souls from every single stain (1 Jn 1:7). We did nothing—as if we could present something like an animal to get in good with God. “Hey, God, how about this?” All that we could accomplish is death with our efforts and energy—unending separation from God. But Jesus did it all as he sheds his blood for us on the cross. His wounds make us whole (Is 53:5).
But now that we are without fault or flaw by Jesus’ blood, as the writer points out, “we may serve the living God!” (He 9:14). We don’t have the fear of punishment looming over our heads, but the love of Jesus living in our hearts. With that faith, it is possible to please God. (He 11:6). That causes us to do what we do out of gratitude and gratefulness to the Christ—at work or play, at home or away, day after day (Mt 16:16). Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us for service.
Perhaps you are done with work for two days since it is Friday. On this day we think of Jesus’ completed work with his cry from the cross: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). What the Old Testament high priest prefigured, Jesus performed. He poured out his blood to purchase our release from sin and Satan. In the category of high priest, he is #1. Everyone one else who ever held that office comes in at a distant second. There is not much room for argument. Jesus our great High Priest is better than any other high priest because he cleanses us from sin and cleanses us for service. Finally, he is not just better than any, but the best of all. That makes this Friday good. Happy Good Friday. Amen.
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
March 30, 2018
11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation.
12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Maundy Thursday (Hebrews 8:6-13)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame (He 12:2). Amen.
It is easy to become cynical when you see the word “new,” isn’t it? Maybe even more so if “improved” is added. “New and improved.” Something that might fall into that category is a cell phone. Now that we can hardly live without them. Every so often there is an upgrade. (It seems as if it is every other day.) And companies and carriers spend a lot of time and money pitching the new device—like two out of every three commercials. (My estimates may be a bit low.) Perhaps we question: “What was wrong with the old?” You could send your texts effortlessly. Possibly we comment: “I liked the old.” You could find your apps easily.
That was the situation that the Hebrew Christians were struggling with. Only on a much grander scale. A new covenant. What was the problem with the old? In fact, they were in danger of going back to their former way of worship. It was legal. It was comfortable. But the unknown writer reminds them of the person and the promises behind the better covenant.
Jesus Our Great High Priest Is the Mediator of the New Covenant.
Again, it bears repeating. Jesus is the Christ (Mt 16:16)—anointed to be prophet, priest, and king. Our focus during the six Wednesdays of Lent has been on that second title—priest. That entity was between the people and God—an intercessor. Or mediator, a middleman. That pictured Jesus. And that is what the unnamed author penned. “But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one” (He 8:6). Jesus came to serve (Mt 20:28). And he carried out his assignment carefully and completely as he established a new covenant, standing between us and God on Calvary’s cross.
Now the readers’ ears may have perked up. They were extremely familiar with the solemn agreement that God had given through Moses at Mt. Sinai. The Lord had just taken them out of the slavery like a father takes his son across the street: “when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt” (He 8:9).
There was very little that it didn’t regulate or legislate in their lives—where and when to worship, why and what to sacrifice. There were certain days that were significant and several foods that were special.
But the author argues. “For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another” (He 8:7). The problem was not with the pact; it was with the people. In the old covenant, there were two sides—God and the Children of Israel. Each would perform. And the people were willing. They asserted: “We will do everything the Lord said; we will obey” (Ex 24:7). And then it was sealed, put into effect with blood (Ex 24:8).
But they couldn’t and didn’t keep their end of the bargain. It wasn’t long before they blew the First Commandment by bowing down to a golden calf (Ex 32). Like a cheating spouse, “they did not remain faithful” (He 8:9). It is a true statement: “God found fault with the people” (He 8:8). God could accuse them and be accurate. Therein lies the difficulty. The law reveals sin, but cannot remove it. God had every right to have no concern for them because they couldn’t observe the demands all the time and in every way (He 8:9).
But he didn’t step away; he stepped in. He was going to enact a new covenant. The writer grabs our attention too as he goes back to the prophet Jeremiah (Je 31:31-34). Note that the Lord stands behind it—the One whose love is changeless just as he is. And it is definite because he says it is (3x the phase “declares the Lord” repeats). And he does all the work—“I will, I will, I will.” It is completely dependent on him. “The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah” (He 8:8). It is “new” in the sense of kind or quality or character, not “new” as in recent or current like a 2018 (or 2019) car.
“I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts” (He 8:10). There are no more stone tablets. As a child of God, God’s teaching of grace is part of our inner being. And we obey, not out of fear, but in faith. We join the psalmist as he says: “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free” (Ps 119:32). We have the desire and determination to do what God wants.
“I will be their God, and they will be my people” (He 8:10). There is no nearer or dearer relationship than this. We are his; he is ours. We can make that claim because of what we will see and celebrate tomorrow at Calvary. Jesus endures God’s fury over our sin so we can enjoy God’s forgiveness of that sin.
“No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest” (He 8:11). Through the Holy Spirit, we appreciate what God has done for us in Christ. To see Jesus is to know salvation. And no one is excluded. It is for young and old, extraordinary and ordinary.
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (He 8:12). That is the biggest and the best. God is merciful even though our wrongdoings are many. The Father does not recall them any longer because he punished his Son in our place. He doesn’t store our sins away in files to dredge them up at a later time or date. He wipes them from his memory through the blood of Jesus.
And that is why Maundy Thursday is so meaningful. There Jesus is with his disciples to celebrate the Passover—the meal that pointed to him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). There and then he institutes a new meal.
And now year after year we go back to the upper room to go over Jesus’ command: “Do this in remembrance or me” (Lk 22:19). Do “this”—this eating of his body with the bread, this drinking of his blood with the wine. The body given and the blood shed “for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt 26:28). Jesus comes with the blessings of the new covenant in an intimate and individual way. To each communicant who is repentant, recognizing his or her sin—big or small, significant or insignificant, he contends: “God sends your sins away. Your guilt is gone.”
No wonder the author could conclude: “By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear” (He 8:13). We hang on to and hold on to the new covenant because it never goes out or gets old.
There is a time and place for “new and improved.” If a cell phone catches fire, you don’t want that in your purse, let alone your pocket. It is time for a higher number behind your mobile device. Even more so with the new covenant. Jesus Our Great High Priest Is the Mediator of the New Covenant who gives and guarantees the removal of all of our sins.
We read from Hebrews 8:6-13:
6 But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.
7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.
8 But God found fault with the people and said: “The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
March 29, 2018
It is easy to become cynical when you see the word “new,” isn’t it? Maybe even more so if “improved” is added. “New and improved.” Something that might fall into that category is a cell phone. Now that we can hardly live without them. Every so often there is an upgrade. (It seems as if it is every other day.) And companies and carriers spend a lot of time and money pitching the new device—like two out of every three commercials. (My estimates may be a bit low.) Perhaps we question: “What was wrong with the old?” You could send your texts effortlessly. Possibly we comment: “I liked the old.” You could find your apps easily.
That was the situation that the Hebrew Christians were struggling with. Only on a much grander scale. A new covenant. What was the problem with the old? In fact, they were in danger of going back to their former way of worship. It was legal. It was comfortable. But the unknown writer reminds them of the person and the promises behind the better covenant.
Jesus Our Great High Priest Is the Mediator of the New Covenant.
Again, it bears repeating. Jesus is the Christ (Mt 16:16)—anointed to be prophet, priest, and king. Our focus during the six Wednesdays of Lent has been on that second title—priest. That entity was between the people and God—an intercessor. Or mediator, a middleman. That pictured Jesus. And that is what the unnamed author penned. “But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one” (He 8:6). Jesus came to serve (Mt 20:28). And he carried out his assignment carefully and completely as he established a new covenant, standing between us and God on Calvary’s cross.
Now the readers’ ears may have perked up. They were extremely familiar with the solemn agreement that God had given through Moses at Mt. Sinai. The Lord had just taken them out of the slavery like a father takes his son across the street: “when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt” (He 8:9).
There was very little that it didn’t regulate or legislate in their lives—where and when to worship, why and what to sacrifice. There were certain days that were significant and several foods that were special.
But the author argues. “For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another” (He 8:7). The problem was not with the pact; it was with the people. In the old covenant, there were two sides—God and the Children of Israel. Each would perform. And the people were willing. They asserted: “We will do everything the Lord said; we will obey” (Ex 24:7). And then it was sealed, put into effect with blood (Ex 24:8).
But they couldn’t and didn’t keep their end of the bargain. It wasn’t long before they blew the First Commandment by bowing down to a golden calf (Ex 32). Like a cheating spouse, “they did not remain faithful” (He 8:9). It is a true statement: “God found fault with the people” (He 8:8). God could accuse them and be accurate. Therein lies the difficulty. The law reveals sin, but cannot remove it. God had every right to have no concern for them because they couldn’t observe the demands all the time and in every way (He 8:9).
But he didn’t step away; he stepped in. He was going to enact a new covenant. The writer grabs our attention too as he goes back to the prophet Jeremiah (Je 31:31-34). Note that the Lord stands behind it—the One whose love is changeless just as he is. And it is definite because he says it is (3x the phase “declares the Lord” repeats). And he does all the work—“I will, I will, I will.” It is completely dependent on him. “The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah” (He 8:8). It is “new” in the sense of kind or quality or character, not “new” as in recent or current like a 2018 (or 2019) car.
“I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts” (He 8:10). There are no more stone tablets. As a child of God, God’s teaching of grace is part of our inner being. And we obey, not out of fear, but in faith. We join the psalmist as he says: “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free” (Ps 119:32). We have the desire and determination to do what God wants.
“I will be their God, and they will be my people” (He 8:10). There is no nearer or dearer relationship than this. We are his; he is ours. We can make that claim because of what we will see and celebrate tomorrow at Calvary. Jesus endures God’s fury over our sin so we can enjoy God’s forgiveness of that sin.
“No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest” (He 8:11). Through the Holy Spirit, we appreciate what God has done for us in Christ. To see Jesus is to know salvation. And no one is excluded. It is for young and old, extraordinary and ordinary.
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (He 8:12). That is the biggest and the best. God is merciful even though our wrongdoings are many. The Father does not recall them any longer because he punished his Son in our place. He doesn’t store our sins away in files to dredge them up at a later time or date. He wipes them from his memory through the blood of Jesus.
And that is why Maundy Thursday is so meaningful. There Jesus is with his disciples to celebrate the Passover—the meal that pointed to him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). There and then he institutes a new meal.
And now year after year we go back to the upper room to go over Jesus’ command: “Do this in remembrance or me” (Lk 22:19). Do “this”—this eating of his body with the bread, this drinking of his blood with the wine. The body given and the blood shed “for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt 26:28). Jesus comes with the blessings of the new covenant in an intimate and individual way. To each communicant who is repentant, recognizing his or her sin—big or small, significant or insignificant, he contends: “God sends your sins away. Your guilt is gone.”
No wonder the author could conclude: “By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear” (He 8:13). We hang on to and hold on to the new covenant because it never goes out or gets old.
There is a time and place for “new and improved.” If a cell phone catches fire, you don’t want that in your purse, let alone your pocket. It is time for a higher number behind your mobile device. Even more so with the new covenant. Jesus Our Great High Priest Is the Mediator of the New Covenant who gives and guarantees the removal of all of our sins.
We read from Hebrews 8:6-13:
6 But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.
7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.
8 But God found fault with the people and said: “The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
March 29, 2018
Monday, March 26, 2018
Sixth Sunday in Lent (Mark 11:1-10)
“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mk 11:9). Amen.
No doubt you have heard the expression: “to make a statement.” One way to define it is this: “to communicate something without words to get a reaction.” And usually there is no missing the mood or the message of that “something.”
That is what Jesus did as he rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden, setting in motion the events of Holy Week. He enters the city on Palm Sunday and exits the grave on Easter Sunday—all that and more in seven days. It is a big week, a busy week. And there is no mistaking the attitude or announcement on this day. Jesus makes a statement riding the right animal and receiving the right adoration. We read from …
Mark 11:1-10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our perfect King whom we continually praise,
It is one thing to describe what it is to make a statement. It is another to do it.
Here is what I mean. We have quite a few options for travel. If you were going to impress someone (Remember: “to communicate something without words to get a reaction.”), what would you show up to their front door with? A fine moped or a fancy limousine? Either one makes a statement, doesn’t it? It is not a matter of two wheels as opposed to four. (And nothing against that kind of cyclist.) But an expensive vehicle that stretches down three city block beats a one-seater that tops out at 35 mph (as long as you have a gale-force wind behind your back). It is fair to say that the one is elegant, while the other is economic.
What about Jesus as he heads into the capital city?
Jesus Makes a Statement
1. Riding the right animal (1-6)
2. Receiving the right adoration (7-11)
1. Riding the right animal (1-6)
Does this make sense? If you want to be seen you have to be seen. Jesus wasn’t going to sneak into town. It is kind of the opposite of a celebrity who tries to slip through the airport with a large hat pulled down and dark sunglasses pushed up. If you were Jesus’ PR person, what would you suggest? How about a chartering a gold chariot with magnificent horses in front of it? Some eyes may have bulged. Or calling those twelve legions of angels to surround him as he is seated on top of a massive elephant (cf. Mt 26:53)? Some jaws may have dropped. None of that. Jesus makes a statement riding the right animal.
Jesus had been clear as he and the disciples made their way to the holy city to celebrate the Passover. And now it was close. Within the next five days. Jesus repeated it and we reviewed it: “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mk 8:31). That is a pretty good summary of the coming week—Jesus’ final time there. We note again this is not defeat—death on a cross, but victory—departure from a tomb. (More on that next Sunday.)
In order to kick things off, Jesus commissions two of his disciples with some specific instructions (Mk 11:1): “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here” (Mk 11:2). He knew exactly what they would encounter since nothing is hidden from him. It wasn’t a good guess like you speculate that there more than likely are cars in a Target parking lot around noon. It wasn’t: “You might spot a donkey.” But: “You will.” And notice the precise details—right away upon arriving and no one had ever sat on it. That meshes with the Old Testament. If it was for a sacred purpose, the animal was to be unused previously (Nu 19:2; Dt 21:3; 1 Sa 6:7). Not to mention those who might question: “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly’” (Mk 11:3). This was a royal requisition from the Lord. The One who is above all and over all—who drives out demons, who shuts down storms—requires it. He was not evading this trip; he was embracing it.
The two obeyed without question or hesitation. This would not be a “wild donkey chase.” And it was just as Jesus had explained—from the location of the animal to the discussion with the individuals (Mk 11:4-6). That was critical for them. They could trust him—especially as the week unfolded with its rollercoaster ride. It is crucial for us. Jesus is aware of all of the minute things—every fact and facet of our lives. We can put our confidence in him.
By doing this, Jesus was making a statement. It wasn’t: “Any creature will be fine. It sure beats walking.” Jesus was deliberately and decisively fulfilling what the prophet Zechariah had foretold. “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Ze 9:9). Jesus was making clear: “I am that King. I have come to you and for you—to rescue you.”
And so we do what King David declared: We welcome King Jesus—the “King of glory … the LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Ps 24:8). He rides on in lowly pomp to die (CW 133:5). He will take on the devil to take him out as Jesus “humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Php 2:8). Jesus makes a statement riding the right animal—a donkey. He does it to smash Satan’s head for us (Ge 3:15). And he did.
2. Receiving the right adoration (7-11)
If you want to make a splash, you have to be flashy. You want some oohs and aahs. Even if it is a white limo, rather than black which is classier in my opinion. Jesus got such a reaction as he mounted that donkey. Whether the people recognized the full significance or not, we do. Jesus makes a statement receiving the right adoration.
The disciples showed their respect and reverence. “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it” (Mk 11:7). It was a makeshift saddle to show honor. Others added their activity since there were plenty of pilgrims in town for the big festival. “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields” (Mk 11:8). It was a “green carpet” treatment. The hooves were not to touch the ground as the King advanced (cf. 2 Ki 9:13).
Their words matched the actions. People yelled different things like a crowd cheers on their team in the NCAA tournament, hoping that they advance to the Final Four. “Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted” (Mk 11:9) …
“Hosanna!” (Mk 11:9; Ps 118:25). That translates as “Save now, we pray.” And that is what Jesus was prepping to do—to save. He would live up to his name, Jesus—“The Lord saves” (Mt 1:21). And he finished what he came to do. That is why the apostle Paul could contend: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Php 2:9). Jesus is the only name that saves (Acts 4:12). He saved us. Now for us, “hosanna” becomes, “Praise be to you, Jesus.”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mk 11:9; Ps 118:26). God had revealed himself as one who is gracious and compassionate (Ex 34:6). Jesus was “the coming one” who would carry out God’s plan (Lk 3:16; Mt 11:3). He comes to pour out his blood and purify us from all sin (1 Jn 1:7).
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” (Mk 11:10). Jesus is the promised Son of David who would sit on an eternal throne just as God had guaranteed (2 Sa 7:11-14; Is 9:6,7; Je 23:5; Lk 1:32,33). Pilate posted it above Jesus' head as he mocked: “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Jn 19:19). We proclaim it as we marvel. Jesus has made us members of his unending kingdom, reigning in our hearts right now and forever, ruling to the ends of the earth (Eph 1:20-23; Ze 9:10).
“Hosanna in the highest!” (Mk 11:10). That acclaim of the King echoes all the way to the heavens above as on earth below. That takes us back to the night of Jesus’ birth when the angels chimed in and chanted: “Glory to God in the highest” (Lk 2:14). Jesus has brought us peace (Ze 9:10). We “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Php 2:11).
It is possible to say something without saying anything. That is making a statement like what you use for transportation—from stylish to simple. That is what Jesus did riding on the right animal, a donkey—to perform what the prophet had predicted. And receiving the right adoration. From us too. He is the conquering King who laid down his life only to take it up again (Jn 10:17). He is our King. Happy Palm Sunday. Amen.
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!” (Mk 11:10). Amen.
March 25, 2018
No doubt you have heard the expression: “to make a statement.” One way to define it is this: “to communicate something without words to get a reaction.” And usually there is no missing the mood or the message of that “something.”
That is what Jesus did as he rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden, setting in motion the events of Holy Week. He enters the city on Palm Sunday and exits the grave on Easter Sunday—all that and more in seven days. It is a big week, a busy week. And there is no mistaking the attitude or announcement on this day. Jesus makes a statement riding the right animal and receiving the right adoration. We read from …
Mark 11:1-10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our perfect King whom we continually praise,
It is one thing to describe what it is to make a statement. It is another to do it.
Here is what I mean. We have quite a few options for travel. If you were going to impress someone (Remember: “to communicate something without words to get a reaction.”), what would you show up to their front door with? A fine moped or a fancy limousine? Either one makes a statement, doesn’t it? It is not a matter of two wheels as opposed to four. (And nothing against that kind of cyclist.) But an expensive vehicle that stretches down three city block beats a one-seater that tops out at 35 mph (as long as you have a gale-force wind behind your back). It is fair to say that the one is elegant, while the other is economic.
What about Jesus as he heads into the capital city?
Jesus Makes a Statement
1. Riding the right animal (1-6)
2. Receiving the right adoration (7-11)
1. Riding the right animal (1-6)
Does this make sense? If you want to be seen you have to be seen. Jesus wasn’t going to sneak into town. It is kind of the opposite of a celebrity who tries to slip through the airport with a large hat pulled down and dark sunglasses pushed up. If you were Jesus’ PR person, what would you suggest? How about a chartering a gold chariot with magnificent horses in front of it? Some eyes may have bulged. Or calling those twelve legions of angels to surround him as he is seated on top of a massive elephant (cf. Mt 26:53)? Some jaws may have dropped. None of that. Jesus makes a statement riding the right animal.
Jesus had been clear as he and the disciples made their way to the holy city to celebrate the Passover. And now it was close. Within the next five days. Jesus repeated it and we reviewed it: “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mk 8:31). That is a pretty good summary of the coming week—Jesus’ final time there. We note again this is not defeat—death on a cross, but victory—departure from a tomb. (More on that next Sunday.)
In order to kick things off, Jesus commissions two of his disciples with some specific instructions (Mk 11:1): “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here” (Mk 11:2). He knew exactly what they would encounter since nothing is hidden from him. It wasn’t a good guess like you speculate that there more than likely are cars in a Target parking lot around noon. It wasn’t: “You might spot a donkey.” But: “You will.” And notice the precise details—right away upon arriving and no one had ever sat on it. That meshes with the Old Testament. If it was for a sacred purpose, the animal was to be unused previously (Nu 19:2; Dt 21:3; 1 Sa 6:7). Not to mention those who might question: “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly’” (Mk 11:3). This was a royal requisition from the Lord. The One who is above all and over all—who drives out demons, who shuts down storms—requires it. He was not evading this trip; he was embracing it.
The two obeyed without question or hesitation. This would not be a “wild donkey chase.” And it was just as Jesus had explained—from the location of the animal to the discussion with the individuals (Mk 11:4-6). That was critical for them. They could trust him—especially as the week unfolded with its rollercoaster ride. It is crucial for us. Jesus is aware of all of the minute things—every fact and facet of our lives. We can put our confidence in him.
By doing this, Jesus was making a statement. It wasn’t: “Any creature will be fine. It sure beats walking.” Jesus was deliberately and decisively fulfilling what the prophet Zechariah had foretold. “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Ze 9:9). Jesus was making clear: “I am that King. I have come to you and for you—to rescue you.”
And so we do what King David declared: We welcome King Jesus—the “King of glory … the LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Ps 24:8). He rides on in lowly pomp to die (CW 133:5). He will take on the devil to take him out as Jesus “humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Php 2:8). Jesus makes a statement riding the right animal—a donkey. He does it to smash Satan’s head for us (Ge 3:15). And he did.
2. Receiving the right adoration (7-11)
If you want to make a splash, you have to be flashy. You want some oohs and aahs. Even if it is a white limo, rather than black which is classier in my opinion. Jesus got such a reaction as he mounted that donkey. Whether the people recognized the full significance or not, we do. Jesus makes a statement receiving the right adoration.
The disciples showed their respect and reverence. “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it” (Mk 11:7). It was a makeshift saddle to show honor. Others added their activity since there were plenty of pilgrims in town for the big festival. “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields” (Mk 11:8). It was a “green carpet” treatment. The hooves were not to touch the ground as the King advanced (cf. 2 Ki 9:13).
Their words matched the actions. People yelled different things like a crowd cheers on their team in the NCAA tournament, hoping that they advance to the Final Four. “Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted” (Mk 11:9) …
“Hosanna!” (Mk 11:9; Ps 118:25). That translates as “Save now, we pray.” And that is what Jesus was prepping to do—to save. He would live up to his name, Jesus—“The Lord saves” (Mt 1:21). And he finished what he came to do. That is why the apostle Paul could contend: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Php 2:9). Jesus is the only name that saves (Acts 4:12). He saved us. Now for us, “hosanna” becomes, “Praise be to you, Jesus.”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mk 11:9; Ps 118:26). God had revealed himself as one who is gracious and compassionate (Ex 34:6). Jesus was “the coming one” who would carry out God’s plan (Lk 3:16; Mt 11:3). He comes to pour out his blood and purify us from all sin (1 Jn 1:7).
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” (Mk 11:10). Jesus is the promised Son of David who would sit on an eternal throne just as God had guaranteed (2 Sa 7:11-14; Is 9:6,7; Je 23:5; Lk 1:32,33). Pilate posted it above Jesus' head as he mocked: “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Jn 19:19). We proclaim it as we marvel. Jesus has made us members of his unending kingdom, reigning in our hearts right now and forever, ruling to the ends of the earth (Eph 1:20-23; Ze 9:10).
“Hosanna in the highest!” (Mk 11:10). That acclaim of the King echoes all the way to the heavens above as on earth below. That takes us back to the night of Jesus’ birth when the angels chimed in and chanted: “Glory to God in the highest” (Lk 2:14). Jesus has brought us peace (Ze 9:10). We “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Php 2:11).
It is possible to say something without saying anything. That is making a statement like what you use for transportation—from stylish to simple. That is what Jesus did riding on the right animal, a donkey—to perform what the prophet had predicted. And receiving the right adoration. From us too. He is the conquering King who laid down his life only to take it up again (Jn 10:17). He is our King. Happy Palm Sunday. Amen.
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!” (Mk 11:10). Amen.
March 25, 2018
Monday, March 12, 2018
Fourth Sunday in Lent (Numbers 21:4-9)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:2). Amen.
Life is about knowing where to look.
That could mean in regards to information. We live in a day and age when we can fact check immediately and instantly. It is right at our fingertips. We just have to switch on our laptop or swipe on our cell phone and there is google. The inquiry can be serious like “What is the temperature going to be today?” (Will there be some March gladness?) The pursuit can be trivial like “what seed did my college basketball team get for March Madness?” Every so often someone might recommend a website for us to check out.
Life is about knowing where to look.
That might be in reference to direction. It is like when you are driving. You look ahead of you and behind you and to the side of you. Eyes always moving. At times a copilot suggests where you might glance as they press down firmly on the floorboard and quickly grab on to that handle above the door. (Not a ringing endorsement for my driving.)
The Children of Israel needed some help as to knowing where to look in life and for life. The Lord made sure of it.
It had been forty years of wandering around in the wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula. It wasn’t because they lacked directions in the land, but because they lacked confidence in the Lord. God had delivered them out of their slavery in Egypt and destroyed Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea. When Moses sent 12 spies to check out the Promised Land, 10 shared a negative report, not about the place—it was plentiful, but about the people—they were powerful. The Israelites rebelled against God. Moses prayed for them and the Lord forgave them. But as discipline, the desert would become a cemetery for all those 20 years or older.
The children had buried their parents and grandparents. And the tent life was becoming quite tiresome. It was now time to take possession of the land of Canaan. And they were on the doorstep. They wrote this really nice letter to the ruler of Edom to let them pass through that country on the king’s highway. They might not have had geometry, but they knew the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But he refused. They tried a second time. The same response (Nu 20:14ff.). No.
So they pulled up their stakes and pushed on for their detour. You know how fun that can be. It is frustrating when they shut down 94 or 35 and instead of going 65 on the interstate, you go 25 on the side streets. And then there is stop and go traffic besides and you hit every red light possible. This alternate route took them through a hot, desolate region. And their patience grew short. “They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way” (Nu 21:4).
And finally it proved to be too much. “They spoke against God and against Moses” (Nu 21:5). They communicated their displeasure and discouragement—against their God and his representative. They learned it from their ancestors. Unfortunately too well. They echoed a similar statement from a previous generation: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert?” (Nu 21:5; cf. Nu 14:3). Add to that: “There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” (Nu 21:5). There was the daily supply of manna (Ex 16:35). But apparently that was not good enough—almost as if the Lord was starving them. God had provided for an estimated 2 million individuals. And they refused to see it. It would be funny if it weren’t so sad. It is like a teenager who flings open the fridge (and it looks like one of those in the grocery store), shoves the items around on the shelves and shouts, “There is nothing to eat.” In their grumbling and griping, they couldn’t notice the Lord’s preservation. They were looking down in ungratefulness. And Satan smiled at their sin.
We can be experts at that too—that our only comments are open complaints against the Lord rather than realization of blessings from the Lord. We question his kindness and his care. Sure, we might confess that he provides for us daily, but contend not richly. Sure, to others. But certainly not to us. Our finances are too low or our fashion is too limited. Like the person who stares at a full closet in the bedroom and stands on unfolded clothes on the floor only to insist: “There is nothing to wear.” We are only looking down in ingratitude. And Satan smirks at our sin.
But that cannot and could not last. “Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died” (Nu 21:6). The situation was serious and so was the Lord. That is critical to understand that this came from the LORD—who does not stand for sin, but also holds out love. He didn’t want them to continue in ridicule, but come to repentance. He wanted to them to look up.
And they did. “The people came to Moses and said, ‘We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us’” (Nu 21:7). They specifically recognized their discontent for what it was—sin, missing what God wants.
The Lord leads us to a proper recognition. Dissatisfaction with God is a sin against God. Join with them in honesty: “I have sinned when I have spoken against the Lord.” It does no good to deny it. Rather we declare it. And then we sing with the psalmist: “Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior” (Ps 38:22).
Moses had been a mediator before, standing between the sinful people and the sinless God. “So Moses prayed for the people” (Nu 21:7). Moses made intercession and the Lord gave instructions about an interesting antidote. “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (Nu 21:8). It wasn’t that the bronze reptile was magical or mystical, the promise was mighty and magnificent. For those who looked away in defiance, the sting would still prove fatal. Those who looked in reliance now stayed alive. “So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived” (Nu 21:9). The remedy was simple. Faith grabbed ahold of God’s grace.
It was to this account that Jesus took his curious nighttime visitor to. Nicodemus was familiar with it. And Jesus draws a comparison. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (Jn 3:14). There is that divine necessity again. He must. He must be suspended on a cross. For our sin—like the when we murmur and mutter against God. That is because “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (Jn 3:16). And this one of a kind Son crushed the serpent’s head so that his poisonous venom no longer courses through our veins and kills (Ge 3:15).
And when we look up to him, we live. Again, Jesus instructs: “everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (Jn 3:15). The apostle Paul referenced God’s mercy and his love. God did it all—making those dead in sin to alive with Christ (Eph 2:5). That is grace—undeserved kindness. “It is by grace you have been saved” (Eph 2:4). Faith receives that gift of forgiveness with an open hand and rejoices that it is does not come from inside of us, but from outside of us—from God through Christ.
We have to be careful that we don’t spend all of our time looking at our technology. It is a real problem for some. Life is about knowing where to look. Not on Google or the web. But to the Lord. He forgives our sin and frees us from our guilt. All through Jesus, our Savior, who gives us life. And then, knowing where to look is about life—eternal life in Jesus.
We read from Numbers 21:4-9:
4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” 6 Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
March 11, 2018
Life is about knowing where to look.
That could mean in regards to information. We live in a day and age when we can fact check immediately and instantly. It is right at our fingertips. We just have to switch on our laptop or swipe on our cell phone and there is google. The inquiry can be serious like “What is the temperature going to be today?” (Will there be some March gladness?) The pursuit can be trivial like “what seed did my college basketball team get for March Madness?” Every so often someone might recommend a website for us to check out.
Life is about knowing where to look.
That might be in reference to direction. It is like when you are driving. You look ahead of you and behind you and to the side of you. Eyes always moving. At times a copilot suggests where you might glance as they press down firmly on the floorboard and quickly grab on to that handle above the door. (Not a ringing endorsement for my driving.)
The Children of Israel needed some help as to knowing where to look in life and for life. The Lord made sure of it.
It had been forty years of wandering around in the wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula. It wasn’t because they lacked directions in the land, but because they lacked confidence in the Lord. God had delivered them out of their slavery in Egypt and destroyed Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea. When Moses sent 12 spies to check out the Promised Land, 10 shared a negative report, not about the place—it was plentiful, but about the people—they were powerful. The Israelites rebelled against God. Moses prayed for them and the Lord forgave them. But as discipline, the desert would become a cemetery for all those 20 years or older.
The children had buried their parents and grandparents. And the tent life was becoming quite tiresome. It was now time to take possession of the land of Canaan. And they were on the doorstep. They wrote this really nice letter to the ruler of Edom to let them pass through that country on the king’s highway. They might not have had geometry, but they knew the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But he refused. They tried a second time. The same response (Nu 20:14ff.). No.
So they pulled up their stakes and pushed on for their detour. You know how fun that can be. It is frustrating when they shut down 94 or 35 and instead of going 65 on the interstate, you go 25 on the side streets. And then there is stop and go traffic besides and you hit every red light possible. This alternate route took them through a hot, desolate region. And their patience grew short. “They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way” (Nu 21:4).
And finally it proved to be too much. “They spoke against God and against Moses” (Nu 21:5). They communicated their displeasure and discouragement—against their God and his representative. They learned it from their ancestors. Unfortunately too well. They echoed a similar statement from a previous generation: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert?” (Nu 21:5; cf. Nu 14:3). Add to that: “There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” (Nu 21:5). There was the daily supply of manna (Ex 16:35). But apparently that was not good enough—almost as if the Lord was starving them. God had provided for an estimated 2 million individuals. And they refused to see it. It would be funny if it weren’t so sad. It is like a teenager who flings open the fridge (and it looks like one of those in the grocery store), shoves the items around on the shelves and shouts, “There is nothing to eat.” In their grumbling and griping, they couldn’t notice the Lord’s preservation. They were looking down in ungratefulness. And Satan smiled at their sin.
We can be experts at that too—that our only comments are open complaints against the Lord rather than realization of blessings from the Lord. We question his kindness and his care. Sure, we might confess that he provides for us daily, but contend not richly. Sure, to others. But certainly not to us. Our finances are too low or our fashion is too limited. Like the person who stares at a full closet in the bedroom and stands on unfolded clothes on the floor only to insist: “There is nothing to wear.” We are only looking down in ingratitude. And Satan smirks at our sin.
But that cannot and could not last. “Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died” (Nu 21:6). The situation was serious and so was the Lord. That is critical to understand that this came from the LORD—who does not stand for sin, but also holds out love. He didn’t want them to continue in ridicule, but come to repentance. He wanted to them to look up.
And they did. “The people came to Moses and said, ‘We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us’” (Nu 21:7). They specifically recognized their discontent for what it was—sin, missing what God wants.
The Lord leads us to a proper recognition. Dissatisfaction with God is a sin against God. Join with them in honesty: “I have sinned when I have spoken against the Lord.” It does no good to deny it. Rather we declare it. And then we sing with the psalmist: “Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior” (Ps 38:22).
Moses had been a mediator before, standing between the sinful people and the sinless God. “So Moses prayed for the people” (Nu 21:7). Moses made intercession and the Lord gave instructions about an interesting antidote. “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (Nu 21:8). It wasn’t that the bronze reptile was magical or mystical, the promise was mighty and magnificent. For those who looked away in defiance, the sting would still prove fatal. Those who looked in reliance now stayed alive. “So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived” (Nu 21:9). The remedy was simple. Faith grabbed ahold of God’s grace.
It was to this account that Jesus took his curious nighttime visitor to. Nicodemus was familiar with it. And Jesus draws a comparison. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (Jn 3:14). There is that divine necessity again. He must. He must be suspended on a cross. For our sin—like the when we murmur and mutter against God. That is because “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (Jn 3:16). And this one of a kind Son crushed the serpent’s head so that his poisonous venom no longer courses through our veins and kills (Ge 3:15).
And when we look up to him, we live. Again, Jesus instructs: “everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (Jn 3:15). The apostle Paul referenced God’s mercy and his love. God did it all—making those dead in sin to alive with Christ (Eph 2:5). That is grace—undeserved kindness. “It is by grace you have been saved” (Eph 2:4). Faith receives that gift of forgiveness with an open hand and rejoices that it is does not come from inside of us, but from outside of us—from God through Christ.
We have to be careful that we don’t spend all of our time looking at our technology. It is a real problem for some. Life is about knowing where to look. Not on Google or the web. But to the Lord. He forgives our sin and frees us from our guilt. All through Jesus, our Savior, who gives us life. And then, knowing where to look is about life—eternal life in Jesus.
We read from Numbers 21:4-9:
4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” 6 Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
March 11, 2018
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Third Sunday in Lent (Exodus 20:1-17)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Co 1:3). Amen.
We usually speak of it in the singular. God’s word. And that is what the Bible is—from start to finish. But it also can be in the plural. That is because God’s Word has God’s words.
That is especially clear as the children of Israel camp at Mt. Sinai. “God spoke” (Ex 20:1). He used human words to convey his divine message and to communicate his divine will just like when we put our thoughts into sentences for those around us. Since they are God’s words, view them properly—seeing your Savior-God and seeing your single goal. We read from …
Exodus 20:1-17
Dear People of the Lord your God who speaks to you individually,
You have heard the different feelings toward these words.
Some look on them sarcastically. They label them “suggestions.” It is like 10,000 steps/day. It is sensible to shoot for. But I don’t really have to get there. Sweaty foreheads are gross anyway. You don’t want to wick that away.
Others look at them ridiculously. They list them as “recommendations.” It is like the serving size on a 24-ounce bag of chips. It is great to strive for. But I don’t really have to share. Greasy fingers are good anyhow. You can wipe that off on a shirt.
Because these are God’s words, a summary of the moral law for all people, we have the opposite outlook. (Thanks to the change he has worked in our hearts and heads.) We understand because we don’t like when others disrespect or disregard our words.
We look on them seriously as the words of God.
We look at them reverently as the words from God.
View God’s Words Properly
1. Seeing your Savior-God (1-17)
2. Seeing your single goal (1-17)
1. Seeing your God (1-17)
It depends on who stands behind the words. It is one thing if a stranger tells a child to make his bed. It is another if it is his mother. Since it is the Lord your God who demands your attention, view God’s Word’s properly—seeing your Savior-God.
There was no missing that this matter was significant as Israel looked out from their tents at Mt. Sinai. “There was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast” (Ex 19:16). It is not hard to imagine a few knees knocking (Ex 19:16). God knows how to make an entrance. If we kicked off church that way, you would probably sit up and settle down. And then Moses writes: “And God spoke all these words” (Ex 20:1).
He starts by introducing himself (not that they didn’t know him). That is critical in understanding God’s Words. He didn’t want to alarm them, but assure them.
He reminds them who he is: “I am the LORD your God” (Ex 20:2). It was at this same place that he had appeared to Moses at the burning bush—the great “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex 3:14). He is. He is changeless and timeless—continual and constant.
His love is not fickle. Another time he explained the meaning of his name to Moses: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Ex 34:6). And he does not withhold his mercy: “showing love to a thousand generations” (Ex 20:6). That is code for something innumerable and immeasurable like we would state that there are thousands of stars in the night sky.
And yet his justice is firm. God hates sin (Ps 5:5): “punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me” (Ex 20:5). Each person is responsible for his own activity (Eze 18:20), but the Lord takes note when fathers pass down to their offspring what is crooked or twisted and the resulting guilt of that. A quick example is a dad who has no time for God and his Word will more than likely had that influence down to succeeding generations.
That is because he “a jealous God” (Ex 20:5). Not in a sinful, petty way like us when we consider everyone spoiled except for us. It carries with it the connotation of demanding exclusive loyalty like a husband does of his wife—that she treat him like no other and above any other. He doesn’t want her chasing after other guys. God doesn’t want us running after other gods—loving him with our whole heart. Notice how that is the First Commandment. First in order and importance. God won’t give his glory to another (Is 42:8).
And not just God. But “your God.” We can claim him as our own too.
He recalls for them what he did: “who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Ex 20:2). He heard their cries and kept his promise (Ex 3:7). Think of those 10 Plagues that the Lord used to convince Pharaoh to let his people go all the way to crossing the Red Sea on dry ground.
That opening is crucial as we view God’s Words properly. We see him as our Savior-God. Because here is the question: True or False: I have kept the Ten Commandments.
In our relationship with our God, that means …
The First Commandment: not putting someone or something before God—like a person or our portfolio.
The Second Commandment: not cursing or swearing or even punctuating texts with an OMG. (Isn’t an exclamation mark two characters less anyway?)
The Third Commandment: not despising preaching and his Word by refusing to listen to it.
In our relationship with our neighbor, that means …
The Fourth Commandment: not angering parents or those in authority by our backtalk.
The Fifth Commandment: not hurting or harming our neighbor’s body, or our own, with insults from our mouth or inactivity on the couch.
The Sixth Commandment: not giving into lust, but keeping the marriage bed pure (He 13:4).
The Seventh Commandment: not going after the next IToy as if it is going to bring lasting fulfillment.
The Eighth Commandment: not lying to another’s face because they don’t deserve the truth or lying about others behind their back because others don’t deserve the truth.
The Ninth and Tenth Commandments: not wanting something God doesn’t want us to have.
True or False. FALSE. On my own and by myself—no. So great. More guilt.
But that is why we have Lent. We don’t have to get in good with God by perfect obedience. (We just determined that is not possible.) God is holy—free from sin. We are not—far from sin. It is like no germs. At all. I read an internet article this week about 8 places you should never touch in a public restroom. One was the door. It doesn’t matter if it is the one going in or out—of the entrance or the stall. We are covered in worse than disgusting bacteria. And we need more than a paper towel or hand sanitizer.
But we are already in good with him. See your Savior-God. He has rescued us from the slavery of sin—its curse and its control. The Sabbath Day was to call that to mind (Ex 20:8-11)—the perfect rest that Jesus would bring, complete rest for our souls (Mt 11:28). That is why we join with the apostle Paul and proclaim: “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Co 1:23). That is where God placed our sin. It is “the power of God” (1 Co 1:24). That is how God destroyed our sin. It is “the wisdom of God” (1 Co 1:24). That is how God can forgive our sin. But there is more. Jesus came out of the grave as our guarantee that our guilt is gone. Jesus highlighted that after clearing the temple of some abuses going on there. “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (Jn 2:19). The Jews would carry out his crucifixion. But Jesus would bring out his resurrection. View God’s Words properly—seeing your Savior-God who took away our guilt through Jesus, our Savior (Mt 1:21). So we can have the same excitement as the psalmist who sang about God’s Word: “The law [that is, teaching] of the LORD is perfect, … giving joy to the heart” (Ps 19:7,8).
2. Seeing your goal (1-17)
And then attitude turns to action. Because it is mom who asks for a made bed, the youngster quickly sprints upstairs and quietly straightens the sheets. Since it is the Lord your God who deserves your appreciation, view God’s Word’s properly—seeing your single goal.
Israel could regard God, not as a cruel dictator, but a kind deliverer. That could/would change their approach from one of grumbling to one of gratitude—a response to his grace and goodness, living according to his holy will.
Our eyesight is sharpened like putting on a new pair of glasses. One more time we can evaluate the statement: True or False: I have kept the Ten Commandments. TRUE. For two reasons: Jesus died for me. Jesus did for me. God took my sin and put it on Jesus. He took Jesus’ holiness and put it on us (2 Co 5:21). So God’s Words are not a “have to,” but a “want to.” They are not a “you must,” but a “thank you.” They are not taking the fun out of life, but putting the direction into it.
How does that look from grateful and thankful hearts?
In our relationship with our God, that means out of love …
The First Commandment: fearing, loving, and trusting God above all things—our #1 priority.
The Second Commandment: praying, praising, and giving thanks.
The Third Commandment: being in and around his Word and sacraments often.
In our relationship with our neighbor, that means out of love …
The Fourth Commandment: respecting those God has put above us and over us.
The Fifth Commandment: being a friend to all.
The Sixth Commandment: leading a pure life as a single person, and loving spouse with tenderness as a married individual.
The Seventh Commandment: protecting the possessions of others while using money wisely.
The Eighth Commandment: taking words and actions in the kindest possible way.
The Ninth and Tenth Commandments: having holy aims and desires.
All the while we will head back to the cross in failure and head out in our endeavors with confidence. View God’s Words properly—seeing your single goal. To God be the glory for all his gifts (1 Co 10:31).
There are certain chapters of God’s Word that stick out. Exodus 20 is one of them because it is God’s Words. It shares God’s salvation of us as well as God’s expectation for us. Jesus removes our sin and revives our spirit. View God’s Words properly—seeing your Savior-God. Believe in him. And seeing your single goal. Live for him. Happy Lent. Amen.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you (1 Co 16:23). Amen.
March 4, 2018
We usually speak of it in the singular. God’s word. And that is what the Bible is—from start to finish. But it also can be in the plural. That is because God’s Word has God’s words.
That is especially clear as the children of Israel camp at Mt. Sinai. “God spoke” (Ex 20:1). He used human words to convey his divine message and to communicate his divine will just like when we put our thoughts into sentences for those around us. Since they are God’s words, view them properly—seeing your Savior-God and seeing your single goal. We read from …
Exodus 20:1-17
Dear People of the Lord your God who speaks to you individually,
You have heard the different feelings toward these words.
Some look on them sarcastically. They label them “suggestions.” It is like 10,000 steps/day. It is sensible to shoot for. But I don’t really have to get there. Sweaty foreheads are gross anyway. You don’t want to wick that away.
Others look at them ridiculously. They list them as “recommendations.” It is like the serving size on a 24-ounce bag of chips. It is great to strive for. But I don’t really have to share. Greasy fingers are good anyhow. You can wipe that off on a shirt.
Because these are God’s words, a summary of the moral law for all people, we have the opposite outlook. (Thanks to the change he has worked in our hearts and heads.) We understand because we don’t like when others disrespect or disregard our words.
We look on them seriously as the words of God.
We look at them reverently as the words from God.
View God’s Words Properly
1. Seeing your Savior-God (1-17)
2. Seeing your single goal (1-17)
1. Seeing your God (1-17)
It depends on who stands behind the words. It is one thing if a stranger tells a child to make his bed. It is another if it is his mother. Since it is the Lord your God who demands your attention, view God’s Word’s properly—seeing your Savior-God.
There was no missing that this matter was significant as Israel looked out from their tents at Mt. Sinai. “There was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast” (Ex 19:16). It is not hard to imagine a few knees knocking (Ex 19:16). God knows how to make an entrance. If we kicked off church that way, you would probably sit up and settle down. And then Moses writes: “And God spoke all these words” (Ex 20:1).
He starts by introducing himself (not that they didn’t know him). That is critical in understanding God’s Words. He didn’t want to alarm them, but assure them.
He reminds them who he is: “I am the LORD your God” (Ex 20:2). It was at this same place that he had appeared to Moses at the burning bush—the great “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex 3:14). He is. He is changeless and timeless—continual and constant.
His love is not fickle. Another time he explained the meaning of his name to Moses: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Ex 34:6). And he does not withhold his mercy: “showing love to a thousand generations” (Ex 20:6). That is code for something innumerable and immeasurable like we would state that there are thousands of stars in the night sky.
And yet his justice is firm. God hates sin (Ps 5:5): “punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me” (Ex 20:5). Each person is responsible for his own activity (Eze 18:20), but the Lord takes note when fathers pass down to their offspring what is crooked or twisted and the resulting guilt of that. A quick example is a dad who has no time for God and his Word will more than likely had that influence down to succeeding generations.
That is because he “a jealous God” (Ex 20:5). Not in a sinful, petty way like us when we consider everyone spoiled except for us. It carries with it the connotation of demanding exclusive loyalty like a husband does of his wife—that she treat him like no other and above any other. He doesn’t want her chasing after other guys. God doesn’t want us running after other gods—loving him with our whole heart. Notice how that is the First Commandment. First in order and importance. God won’t give his glory to another (Is 42:8).
And not just God. But “your God.” We can claim him as our own too.
He recalls for them what he did: “who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Ex 20:2). He heard their cries and kept his promise (Ex 3:7). Think of those 10 Plagues that the Lord used to convince Pharaoh to let his people go all the way to crossing the Red Sea on dry ground.
That opening is crucial as we view God’s Words properly. We see him as our Savior-God. Because here is the question: True or False: I have kept the Ten Commandments.
In our relationship with our God, that means …
The First Commandment: not putting someone or something before God—like a person or our portfolio.
The Second Commandment: not cursing or swearing or even punctuating texts with an OMG. (Isn’t an exclamation mark two characters less anyway?)
The Third Commandment: not despising preaching and his Word by refusing to listen to it.
In our relationship with our neighbor, that means …
The Fourth Commandment: not angering parents or those in authority by our backtalk.
The Fifth Commandment: not hurting or harming our neighbor’s body, or our own, with insults from our mouth or inactivity on the couch.
The Sixth Commandment: not giving into lust, but keeping the marriage bed pure (He 13:4).
The Seventh Commandment: not going after the next IToy as if it is going to bring lasting fulfillment.
The Eighth Commandment: not lying to another’s face because they don’t deserve the truth or lying about others behind their back because others don’t deserve the truth.
The Ninth and Tenth Commandments: not wanting something God doesn’t want us to have.
True or False. FALSE. On my own and by myself—no. So great. More guilt.
But that is why we have Lent. We don’t have to get in good with God by perfect obedience. (We just determined that is not possible.) God is holy—free from sin. We are not—far from sin. It is like no germs. At all. I read an internet article this week about 8 places you should never touch in a public restroom. One was the door. It doesn’t matter if it is the one going in or out—of the entrance or the stall. We are covered in worse than disgusting bacteria. And we need more than a paper towel or hand sanitizer.
But we are already in good with him. See your Savior-God. He has rescued us from the slavery of sin—its curse and its control. The Sabbath Day was to call that to mind (Ex 20:8-11)—the perfect rest that Jesus would bring, complete rest for our souls (Mt 11:28). That is why we join with the apostle Paul and proclaim: “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Co 1:23). That is where God placed our sin. It is “the power of God” (1 Co 1:24). That is how God destroyed our sin. It is “the wisdom of God” (1 Co 1:24). That is how God can forgive our sin. But there is more. Jesus came out of the grave as our guarantee that our guilt is gone. Jesus highlighted that after clearing the temple of some abuses going on there. “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (Jn 2:19). The Jews would carry out his crucifixion. But Jesus would bring out his resurrection. View God’s Words properly—seeing your Savior-God who took away our guilt through Jesus, our Savior (Mt 1:21). So we can have the same excitement as the psalmist who sang about God’s Word: “The law [that is, teaching] of the LORD is perfect, … giving joy to the heart” (Ps 19:7,8).
2. Seeing your goal (1-17)
And then attitude turns to action. Because it is mom who asks for a made bed, the youngster quickly sprints upstairs and quietly straightens the sheets. Since it is the Lord your God who deserves your appreciation, view God’s Word’s properly—seeing your single goal.
Israel could regard God, not as a cruel dictator, but a kind deliverer. That could/would change their approach from one of grumbling to one of gratitude—a response to his grace and goodness, living according to his holy will.
Our eyesight is sharpened like putting on a new pair of glasses. One more time we can evaluate the statement: True or False: I have kept the Ten Commandments. TRUE. For two reasons: Jesus died for me. Jesus did for me. God took my sin and put it on Jesus. He took Jesus’ holiness and put it on us (2 Co 5:21). So God’s Words are not a “have to,” but a “want to.” They are not a “you must,” but a “thank you.” They are not taking the fun out of life, but putting the direction into it.
How does that look from grateful and thankful hearts?
In our relationship with our God, that means out of love …
The First Commandment: fearing, loving, and trusting God above all things—our #1 priority.
The Second Commandment: praying, praising, and giving thanks.
The Third Commandment: being in and around his Word and sacraments often.
In our relationship with our neighbor, that means out of love …
The Fourth Commandment: respecting those God has put above us and over us.
The Fifth Commandment: being a friend to all.
The Sixth Commandment: leading a pure life as a single person, and loving spouse with tenderness as a married individual.
The Seventh Commandment: protecting the possessions of others while using money wisely.
The Eighth Commandment: taking words and actions in the kindest possible way.
The Ninth and Tenth Commandments: having holy aims and desires.
All the while we will head back to the cross in failure and head out in our endeavors with confidence. View God’s Words properly—seeing your single goal. To God be the glory for all his gifts (1 Co 10:31).
There are certain chapters of God’s Word that stick out. Exodus 20 is one of them because it is God’s Words. It shares God’s salvation of us as well as God’s expectation for us. Jesus removes our sin and revives our spirit. View God’s Words properly—seeing your Savior-God. Believe in him. And seeing your single goal. Live for him. Happy Lent. Amen.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you (1 Co 16:23). Amen.
March 4, 2018
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