Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Pe 1:2). Amen.
We are in between two important holidays.
No. I have not forgotten what today is. So we pause for a moment to mention it: “Happy Mother’s Day.” It is good for us to recall the blessings of mothers. There are countless sacrifices and painful struggles for their families. In spite of a flaw or even a failure a time or two, we thank you. If you are a mother or have a mother, we honor you and them. (Not necessarily by going fishing on opening weekend.)
That being said, this past Thursday was Ascension Day. Forty days after Jesus came out of his grave, he went up to heaven. Ten days after that (which is next Sunday), he kept his promise to send the Holy Spirit. That is Pentecost. So here we are roughly in the middle of those two huge events.
Now what? Jesus is gone, but we are not forgotten. He is out of our sight, but we are not out of his mind. The ascended Lord leads his church through his Word and through his workers. We read from …
Acts 1:15-26
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the Lord above all and over all,
The Apostles’ Creed is helpful in condensing key aspects of Jesus’ work for us. I want to highlight two in the Second Article that we professed already. Before we confessed: “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord” (CW p. 19).
“He ascended into heaven …
And is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.”
Even though you may not be an English major, note the significant tenses in those two statements. Ascended. Past time. It happened. Is seated. Present tense. It is ongoing. Jesus is not resting or relaxing. God’s right hand is a position of power and prestige from which the Lord reigns and rules. For our benefit. On our behalf.
The Ascended Lord Leads His Church
1. Through his Word (15-20)
2. Through his workers (21-26)
1. Through his Word (15-20)
If anyone is in charge like a mother with her children, her word is critical. It has to be reliable and dependable—not just making promises, but keeping them. What she declares, she does. In a much bigger way, we can trust what Jesus has to say. The ascended Lord leads his church through the Word.
The followers of Jesus were in the same timeframe that we find ourselves today—appreciating Jesus’ return on high and anticipating the Spirit’s arrival from above. Those 120 or so remained patient, but prayed repeatedly (Acts 1:14). They had seen Jesus bring requests to God numerous times. Some of them listened in as Jesus, the High Priest, poured out his heart to his Father on Maundy Thursday evening asking him to watch other them: “that you protect them from the evil one” (Jn 17:15).
They were eager to have Jesus make good on his guarantee of the Counselor’s coming (Acts 1:4). For the time being, they offered their pleas to God. It is like what we do when we utter the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer—that his name be kept holy and his will be done—those as well as the others.
Peter, a man of action, took the initiative to do something constructive in the meantime—choosing a replacement for Judas, bringing the number back to 12. Luke records the minutes of the call meeting. “Peter stood up among the believers … and said, ‘Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David’” (Acts 1:15,16). He turned their attention to what had been written. And he made clear that this was not the word of men, but the word of God. King David was the Holy Spirit’s instrument. Those words came from God and there was a divine necessity that Scripture had to come to pass (cf. Ps 41:9; Jn 13:18). It was according to what God foreknew and the Spirit foretold.
The reference was to Judas (Acts 1:16). We immediately fill in the details because of our familiarity with the Passion readings during Lent. It is a sad story. Peter takes us back to the night of the betrayal—“Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus” (Acts 1:16). He led the band of men to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and then laid a kiss on Jesus’ cheek, indicating the one they should seize.
But Peter also points out the privilege that Judas had: “He was one of our number and shared in this ministry” (Acts 1:17). Jesus had picked Judas to be an apostle to serve him and others like a waiter does at a restaurant. It was about apostolic service, not apostolic status. For close to three years, Judas heard Jesus preach and teach. He saw Jesus do signs and miracles.
But Judas let greed grow slowly in his heart until it took over completely (Jn 12:6). Not only did he have sticky fingers as the treasurer of the traveling band, he agreed to hand Jesus over to his enemies for 30 pieces of silver (Mt 26:15).
But that brought him no satisfaction, only sorrow. So much so that he thought his sin was too big to forgive. After Jesus had been captured, Judas threw the money back into the temple and went out and took his life by hanging himself. Peter gives some gruesome details. “He fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out” (Acts 1:18).
There is some irony in what resulted. “With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field” (Acts 1:18). That was not his intention. No more than when you fund someone’s vacation when a hacker accesses your bank account. You did not plan that. It was a sad outcome. There is the parenthetical information: “Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood” (Acts 1:19).
Peter continued with two quotations. What Judas did was not right, but it was recorded. “‘For,’ said Peter, ‘it is written in the book of Psalms’” (Acts 1:20).
“‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it’” (Acts 1:20; cf. Ps 69:25).
“‘May another take his place of leadership’” (Acts 1:20; cf. Ps 109:8).
In both cases, David references his enemies. But Peter applies the passage to the traitor. And based on God’s Word, he concludes that there is to be another to take Judas’ position.
It is obvious that Peter was a student of Scripture. That is where he went when there was a matter confronting the group. Where do we go? The opinions on the internet? The outlook of the world? Our gut reaction? Or our good resources? We can study God’s Word. That is how the ascended Lord leads his church. We can take Judas’ example to heart. He let sin linger in his heart. We need to guard against the same. It may not be running after money, but running down another’s reputation. The devil is persistent, prowling and poking where and when we are weak (1 Pe 5:8).
And then if, or better, when, we fall, he lies (Jn 8:44). He got Judas to imagine that what he did was too bad for Jesus to get rid of. Just because it was logged in Scripture doesn’t excuse what he did. He is still responsible. But we avoid the trap. We are accountable and we admit it.
And then we take comfort in the ascension. Jesus left the earth because he left nothing undone. Mission accomplished. Finished (Jn 19:30). He paid for our guilt. How can we be certain? It is in the Word. We can be just as sure this day as the last day. The apostle John reminded us: “we will have confidence on the day of judgment” (1 Jn 3:17). There is nothing on our account because Jesus has cleared it (Ro 8:1). The Savior of the world is the Leader of his church through his Word to you.
2. Through his workers (21-26)
If someone is in control—again we think of a mommy at home, her children are crucial. They help when and where needed with chores around the house even if it means cleaning up after the dog. In a much better way, Jesus sends out his own. The ascended Lord leads his church through his workers.
It wasn’t a matter of a warm body or even a willing one. When you want a new car, it not just a matter of anyone will do—it just has to have an engine. There may be a certain color or kind. Peter sets up the specific qualifications: “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection” (Acts 1:21,22). The individual had to have seen and heard it all during the time that Jesus lived on earth. He was to have had firsthand experience from the beginning all the way to the end. If he was to go out with the good news of a risen Savior, he had to have observed everything.
And that is valuable for us. We don’t have to skeptical about Scripture. Did it really happen? We have a solid foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph 2:20; Re 21:14). They watched Jesus work around Israel and walk to the cross and come back to life and go back to heaven. We can trust their eyes and ears. The ascended Lord leads his church through his workers. Through their writings we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. And by believing we have eternal life (Jn 20:31).
A pair of capable and competent men made up the call list. “So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias” (Acts 1:23). And then they submitted the selection to the Lord’s discretion. “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry” (Acts 1:24,25). That is an interesting designation for the Lord, “knower of hearts.” At first, that might give us reason to be afraid. But like John, “We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love” (1 Jn 4:16). He sent his Son to be our Savior (1 Jn 4:14). That Savior is the One who is the head of the church (Eph 1:22), managing all things for our good (Ro 8:28). This is the Lord who would direct this undertaking (Pv 16:33). The same one whom David reminded us in the psalm: “[God] made him ruler over the works of [his] hands; [God] put everything under his feet” (Ps 8:6).
There was only one spot. Whether it was a show of hands or a shaking of a vessel and the first stone that came out on which they scratched their names makes no difference. “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:26). No more mention is made about Barsabbas, or for that matter, Mattathias. No doubt, they served adequately and faithfully the rest of their lives.
Once more there was a full complement of apostles—“ones sent out.” That fits nicely with what Jesus included in his prayer: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (Jn 17:18). The ascended Lord leads his church through his workers.
It is not in the same way, but that Lord continues to supply his church with workers to prepare each person to use their particular talents for works of service—all to build the body of Christ (Eph 4:7,11,12). Now that it is May, we rejoice in the graduates of Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary as they take up their assignments to be of service to the Savior and to his people. They join those already in the ministry as the ascended Savior keeps on leading his church, through his workers for you.
As we look back to the ascension and then ahead to Pentecost, we are grateful for Jesus—just like we give a shout out to moms today (not just because they catch their limit of fish). The ascended Lord leads his church through his Word. We consult it and he comforts us. The ascended Lord leads his church through his workers. We consider them and they comfort us. That is why we continue to assert: “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. … He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty” (CW p. 19). It is true. Amen.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (2 Pe 3:18).
May 13, 2018
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Sixth Sunday of Easter (John 15:9-17)
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love (2 Jn 3). Amen.
I don’t have to convince you. At least not for very long. The world that we live in is not very loving. That is fair, isn’t it? We don’t have to look very far for many examples.
On your computer. The news is often brutal because of bad blood all the way to bloodshed.
In your community. There can be tension or trouble.
During your commute. Not often do others wait for you to merge or wave to you to greet.
Love just may be in short supply (Mt 24:12).
And then we get skeptical or cynical. What is love? Seriously it may not be around us and sadly not in us.
And then there is Jesus’ love. Pure. Perfect. We don’t want that to go away. And it won’t. Remain in Jesus’ love to be friends with him and to bear fruit for him. We read from … [Note that the word “love”—either as a verb or a noun—appears 9 times and “remain” 3 times. (In the original “remain” shows up one more time.)]
John 15:9-17
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our living and loving Lord,
I know that I didn’t come up with it. But I have been using it so long that it has become my own definition of love. Love is “operating in the best interest of the individual loved.” While there is an emotion to love, there is an action in love. Love loves.
Wouldn’t that be great if that were the case? It is. That is the Savior’s love to us as we stay connected to him. That is the Savior’s love through us as we stay close to him.
Remain in Jesus’ Love
1. To be friends with him (9,13-16)
2. To bear fruit for him (10-12,14,16,17)
1. To be friends with him (9,13-16)
We all have a friend or two—virtual ones on social media and actual ones in real life. (There may be some overlap in those two areas.) A nice designation for Abraham is that he is called “God’s friend” (Ja 2:23). Wouldn’t that be a neat description of us? Friend of God. It is. Remain in Jesus’ love to be friends with him.
This is just a snippet from a longer discourse in the Upper Room. It happens on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week. It is Jesus’ last opportunity to instruct his disciples gathered there with him. He had a lot to say—to prepare them for the hours and days ahead. Some of it was weighty—one a betrayer and another a denier. Some of it was wonderful—many rooms in heaven with him and mighty help from the Counselor from him. And then Jesus used a comparison—a vine and its branches. He is the Vine. And we are the branches. Grafted to him—that is the relationship. Gifted by him—that is the reality.
And Jesus goes on to the topic of love. Really how that bond is all possible. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you” (Jn 15:9). There is a striking sameness between the two loves.
“As the Father has loved me” (Jn 15:9). The Father gave his Son out of love for the world (Jn 3:16). And he loved him. It was at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry when God bellowed from on high: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17). God was expressing his approval of what Jesus was about to accomplish in the coming years for us. The Father was delighted that the Son was determined to deliver us from the devil. God loves the One who executes his mission.
“so have I loved you” (Jn 15:9). And Jesus loved the ones for whom the mission is executed. That intense love to save would be quite evident the very next day on the cross. Jesus even highlighted that with his general statement. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Jesus gave up his life so that we might live (Jn 3:16). The apostle John depicted it this way: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 Jn 3:9). That Jesus died—it was for our benefit. But it was also in our place. We also know that he took that life up again three days later (Jn 10:17).
And we are Jesus’ friends. He makes that clear. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (Jn 15:15). A slave serves because he must—receiving orders from his master and carrying them out without question, whether he understands or not. But friends. Those are individuals with whom one associates with and for whom one has affection. That is the way Jesus labels us—friends. He has taken us into his confidence, explaining his saving work. We are not in the dark, but in the know. That is the way it is with your friends. You tell them things because of the closeness and comradery.
But our friendships are with individuals with whom we have common interests—from sports to hobbies to experiences. How is that we come to be Jesus’ friends? We had nothing to contribute to it or cause it. Jesus emphasizes that: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn 15:16). Our Savior selected us. Certainly an interesting pick as far as those men. Mostly fisherman by trade who had their faults. Later that night in the Garden of Gethsemane, they would sleep rather than stay awake as Jesus prayed. They would abandon Jesus as he was arrested. Friends? And yet Jesus loved them.
As he loves us. Not because of our achievements (Ro 8:7), but because of his activity. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 Jn 3:10). Jesus’ perfect life for us and his painful death for us make us one with God. His blood does away with our sins and gets rid of God’s anger. We can do what the psalmist suggested: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things” (Ps 98:1). And what is that? “His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Ps 98:1). We are no longer enemies, but friends. And now Jesus directs: “Remain in my love” (Jn 15:9). And we do. Remain in Jesus’ love to be friends with him.
2. To bear fruit for him (10-12,14,16,17)
The Lord loved Abraham first (1 Jn 4:19). That is because of who God is: “God is love” (1 Jn 4:8). As a God’s friend, Abraham’s love followed. His love for the Lord was reflected in his life for the Lord—like changing locations or building altars. We do the same as Jesus’ friends. Remain in Jesus’ love to bear fruit for him.
Jesus details for his disciples what that looks like: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (Jn 15:10). Jesus has the authority to tell us what is right and what is wrong. We are to treasure that, not tamper with it. His word is instructive for us and important to us—like you value a friendship and take pains not to lose it whether you talk to him frequently or text with her regularly. And it is not burdensome or bothersome to do what a friend asks. So it is with Jesus (1 Jn 5:3). Jesus compares his meticulous fulfilling of his Father’s will to our following of his Jesus’ orders. It will demonstrate the faith in our hearts.
And the outcome is twofold:
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you” (Jn 15:11). Perhaps we forget that Jesus is glad when we give him our attention—just like your friends do.
“and that your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11). And the pursuit to please him fills us up with pleasure too (1 Co 10:31).
Jesus lays it out: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). The key word is “as.” Jesus loved his friends. That was evident earlier in the evening when he wrapped a towel around his waist and washed out the dirt between the toes of his disciples. That is the kind of unselfish love he wanted them to display. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:34,35). In light of what Jesus would do on Calvary, they would do in caring. And so it is that Christ’s love for us generates love in us.
Many misunderstand or misconstrue love. For them, love is what they get from us, not what they give to us. And they may even take advantage of our love. But we keep on loving like Jesus’ love. The early believers did that as persecution pushed them from their homes in Jerusalem. They did not close their mouths, but opened them as they came into contact with Jews and Gentiles—“telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20). The church sent Barnabas to encourage those who had turned to the Lord in Antioch (Acts 11:22). And it is not just interesting trivia, but true insight: “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). A “Christian” does what Christ does. He loves. We love.
That is what our Friend allows his friends to do: “I … appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16). That is our assignment as we remain in Jesus’ love—produce fruits of faith. That is what we have been created in Christ Jesus to bring forth (Eph 2:10). Recall that Jesus has just used that illustration of a vine and branches. The link allows life and where there is life there is fruit. You can expect to find grapes on grape vines. We are not passive, but productive.
That also lets us have direct access to the Father in prayer—when there is urgency. “The Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (Jn 15:16). We approach him through his Son and request what Jesus would have us petition—stronger faith and firmer resolve, all according to his Word and his will (Mt 22:42). And he answers us according to his wisdom.
And then Jesus comes full circle and as he reviews and reiterates: “This is my command: Love each other” (Jn 15:17). “Forgive us for our failure, Lord.” He does. “Help us in the future, Lord.” He will. And all along, remain in Jesus’ love to bear fruit for him.
It is not easy to love in a loveless world. We know that because we are in the world. And we don’t have to search high and low. Our love is often lacking. We are aware of what love is. “Love is operating in the best interest of the individual loved.” (There is no copyright on that. You can borrow it.) But better, you can be loving. How? Remain in Jesus’ love to be friends with him. That is what we are because of his love for us. Remain in Jesus’ love to bear fruit for him. That is what we do because of his love in us. It is that way for now and forever. Amen.
Peace to you (3 Jn 13). Amen.
May 6, 2018
I don’t have to convince you. At least not for very long. The world that we live in is not very loving. That is fair, isn’t it? We don’t have to look very far for many examples.
On your computer. The news is often brutal because of bad blood all the way to bloodshed.
In your community. There can be tension or trouble.
During your commute. Not often do others wait for you to merge or wave to you to greet.
Love just may be in short supply (Mt 24:12).
And then we get skeptical or cynical. What is love? Seriously it may not be around us and sadly not in us.
And then there is Jesus’ love. Pure. Perfect. We don’t want that to go away. And it won’t. Remain in Jesus’ love to be friends with him and to bear fruit for him. We read from … [Note that the word “love”—either as a verb or a noun—appears 9 times and “remain” 3 times. (In the original “remain” shows up one more time.)]
John 15:9-17
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our living and loving Lord,
I know that I didn’t come up with it. But I have been using it so long that it has become my own definition of love. Love is “operating in the best interest of the individual loved.” While there is an emotion to love, there is an action in love. Love loves.
Wouldn’t that be great if that were the case? It is. That is the Savior’s love to us as we stay connected to him. That is the Savior’s love through us as we stay close to him.
Remain in Jesus’ Love
1. To be friends with him (9,13-16)
2. To bear fruit for him (10-12,14,16,17)
1. To be friends with him (9,13-16)
We all have a friend or two—virtual ones on social media and actual ones in real life. (There may be some overlap in those two areas.) A nice designation for Abraham is that he is called “God’s friend” (Ja 2:23). Wouldn’t that be a neat description of us? Friend of God. It is. Remain in Jesus’ love to be friends with him.
This is just a snippet from a longer discourse in the Upper Room. It happens on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week. It is Jesus’ last opportunity to instruct his disciples gathered there with him. He had a lot to say—to prepare them for the hours and days ahead. Some of it was weighty—one a betrayer and another a denier. Some of it was wonderful—many rooms in heaven with him and mighty help from the Counselor from him. And then Jesus used a comparison—a vine and its branches. He is the Vine. And we are the branches. Grafted to him—that is the relationship. Gifted by him—that is the reality.
And Jesus goes on to the topic of love. Really how that bond is all possible. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you” (Jn 15:9). There is a striking sameness between the two loves.
“As the Father has loved me” (Jn 15:9). The Father gave his Son out of love for the world (Jn 3:16). And he loved him. It was at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry when God bellowed from on high: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17). God was expressing his approval of what Jesus was about to accomplish in the coming years for us. The Father was delighted that the Son was determined to deliver us from the devil. God loves the One who executes his mission.
“so have I loved you” (Jn 15:9). And Jesus loved the ones for whom the mission is executed. That intense love to save would be quite evident the very next day on the cross. Jesus even highlighted that with his general statement. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Jesus gave up his life so that we might live (Jn 3:16). The apostle John depicted it this way: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 Jn 3:9). That Jesus died—it was for our benefit. But it was also in our place. We also know that he took that life up again three days later (Jn 10:17).
And we are Jesus’ friends. He makes that clear. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (Jn 15:15). A slave serves because he must—receiving orders from his master and carrying them out without question, whether he understands or not. But friends. Those are individuals with whom one associates with and for whom one has affection. That is the way Jesus labels us—friends. He has taken us into his confidence, explaining his saving work. We are not in the dark, but in the know. That is the way it is with your friends. You tell them things because of the closeness and comradery.
But our friendships are with individuals with whom we have common interests—from sports to hobbies to experiences. How is that we come to be Jesus’ friends? We had nothing to contribute to it or cause it. Jesus emphasizes that: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn 15:16). Our Savior selected us. Certainly an interesting pick as far as those men. Mostly fisherman by trade who had their faults. Later that night in the Garden of Gethsemane, they would sleep rather than stay awake as Jesus prayed. They would abandon Jesus as he was arrested. Friends? And yet Jesus loved them.
As he loves us. Not because of our achievements (Ro 8:7), but because of his activity. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 Jn 3:10). Jesus’ perfect life for us and his painful death for us make us one with God. His blood does away with our sins and gets rid of God’s anger. We can do what the psalmist suggested: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things” (Ps 98:1). And what is that? “His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Ps 98:1). We are no longer enemies, but friends. And now Jesus directs: “Remain in my love” (Jn 15:9). And we do. Remain in Jesus’ love to be friends with him.
2. To bear fruit for him (10-12,14,16,17)
The Lord loved Abraham first (1 Jn 4:19). That is because of who God is: “God is love” (1 Jn 4:8). As a God’s friend, Abraham’s love followed. His love for the Lord was reflected in his life for the Lord—like changing locations or building altars. We do the same as Jesus’ friends. Remain in Jesus’ love to bear fruit for him.
Jesus details for his disciples what that looks like: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (Jn 15:10). Jesus has the authority to tell us what is right and what is wrong. We are to treasure that, not tamper with it. His word is instructive for us and important to us—like you value a friendship and take pains not to lose it whether you talk to him frequently or text with her regularly. And it is not burdensome or bothersome to do what a friend asks. So it is with Jesus (1 Jn 5:3). Jesus compares his meticulous fulfilling of his Father’s will to our following of his Jesus’ orders. It will demonstrate the faith in our hearts.
And the outcome is twofold:
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you” (Jn 15:11). Perhaps we forget that Jesus is glad when we give him our attention—just like your friends do.
“and that your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11). And the pursuit to please him fills us up with pleasure too (1 Co 10:31).
Jesus lays it out: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). The key word is “as.” Jesus loved his friends. That was evident earlier in the evening when he wrapped a towel around his waist and washed out the dirt between the toes of his disciples. That is the kind of unselfish love he wanted them to display. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:34,35). In light of what Jesus would do on Calvary, they would do in caring. And so it is that Christ’s love for us generates love in us.
Many misunderstand or misconstrue love. For them, love is what they get from us, not what they give to us. And they may even take advantage of our love. But we keep on loving like Jesus’ love. The early believers did that as persecution pushed them from their homes in Jerusalem. They did not close their mouths, but opened them as they came into contact with Jews and Gentiles—“telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20). The church sent Barnabas to encourage those who had turned to the Lord in Antioch (Acts 11:22). And it is not just interesting trivia, but true insight: “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). A “Christian” does what Christ does. He loves. We love.
That is what our Friend allows his friends to do: “I … appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16). That is our assignment as we remain in Jesus’ love—produce fruits of faith. That is what we have been created in Christ Jesus to bring forth (Eph 2:10). Recall that Jesus has just used that illustration of a vine and branches. The link allows life and where there is life there is fruit. You can expect to find grapes on grape vines. We are not passive, but productive.
That also lets us have direct access to the Father in prayer—when there is urgency. “The Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (Jn 15:16). We approach him through his Son and request what Jesus would have us petition—stronger faith and firmer resolve, all according to his Word and his will (Mt 22:42). And he answers us according to his wisdom.
And then Jesus comes full circle and as he reviews and reiterates: “This is my command: Love each other” (Jn 15:17). “Forgive us for our failure, Lord.” He does. “Help us in the future, Lord.” He will. And all along, remain in Jesus’ love to bear fruit for him.
It is not easy to love in a loveless world. We know that because we are in the world. And we don’t have to search high and low. Our love is often lacking. We are aware of what love is. “Love is operating in the best interest of the individual loved.” (There is no copyright on that. You can borrow it.) But better, you can be loving. How? Remain in Jesus’ love to be friends with him. That is what we are because of his love for us. Remain in Jesus’ love to bear fruit for him. That is what we do because of his love in us. It is that way for now and forever. Amen.
Peace to you (3 Jn 13). Amen.
May 6, 2018
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Fifth Sunday of Easter (Acts 16:11-15)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Php 1:2). Amen.
There is usually a big splash when a business like a new supermarket begins selling food in town. Perhaps there are promotions in the mail or even advertisements on the internet. It is a huge deal. There may even be a grand opening, complete with a ribbon cutting. (I wonder where they get those huge scissors from.)
What happened in Philippi might not have been newsworthy, but it is still noteworthy. There is a grand opening there, not for groceries, but by grace—an open heart and an open home. We read from …
Acts 16:11-15
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, connected to him and kept by him,
I don’t know what goes into selecting a location for a business. (And I don’t have to.) My guess is that there is some kind of investigation as well as some kind of exploration. A company wants to make sure that people will stop there and shop there. They want to turn a profit.
It was not market research, but a man’s request that ultimately brought Paul and his companions to Philippi. Luke records it this way: “During the night Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” (Acts 16:9). Paul concluded that God had commanded him to preach the gospel there—the good news about Jesus. So they took off from Asia Minor and crossed into Europe. That led to a significant event.
There is a Grand Opening in Philippi
1. An open heart (11-15)
2. An open home (15)
1. An open heart (11-15)
We often speak of the heart being the center of our thoughts and seat of our emotions—like hurt or happiness—either end of the spectrum. But it is also the place we think of where our conviction or confidence is. We typically refer to that as faith. There is a grand opening in Philippi—an open heart.
It is a pretty straightforward travelogue like if you are relating how you get from St. Paul to St Louis. “From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis” (Acts 16:11). My geography is not that good (let alone my pronunciation). Samothrace is an island in the Aegean Sea. Neapolis is the harbor for Philippi, a town located about 10 miles away to the north.
Luke continues: “From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia” (Acts 16:12). That means that Philippi was a piece of Rome on foreign soil. They people were Roman citizens and some were veteran soldiers who received land grants as their retirement package. “And we stayed there several days” (Acts 16:12).
That was a pretty simple start to an important incident. It was a Saturday. According to the Old Testament, the 7th day of the week was a day of rest—physical and spiritual (Ex 20:8-10). There was to be no work. But there was to be worship. It was a chance to concentrate on and focus on the rest for the soul that the Messiah would bring—forgiveness of sins (Mt 11:28).
It doesn’t appear that there was a synagogue in Philippi. (We might call that a church. That was where there the people would sing psalms and a person would explain Scripture. It is similar to the blessing and benefit of what we do here on Sundays.) That is where Paul usually began his work in a new location.
So Paul decided on a different approach. “On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer” (Acts 16:13). There is mention of what they did and who was present. “We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there” (Acts 16:13). It wasn’t about the weather.
That is when we are introduced to one lady in particular. “One of those listening was a woman named Lydia” (Acts 16:14). She was giving Paul her careful and close attention. Luke gives us some interesting biographical info:
“a dealer in purple cloth” (Acts 16:14). The dye was a hot item in Philippi. (It was for a different reason than for some here in Minnesota.) It was because the Romans liked royal purple in their togas. It was a symbol of status. Lydia probably was a well-to-do businesswoman.
“from the city of Thyatira” (Acts 16:14). That city was known for its violet hue. So Lydia was a transplant to Philippi, probably receiving product from where she grew up.
“who was a worshiper of God” (Acts 16:14). That is code for a Gentile convert to Judaism. She was aware of the One who was to come. Now she heard from Paul that One had come. Jesus was the Promised Savior who paid for sin, enduring God’s anger on the cross and exiting the grave on the third day. He carried out God’s plan and conveys God’s peace.
And it all comes down to what Luke writes next: “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” (Acts 16:14). That is something that only God can and does do—bring people to faith. Through the spoken word, Lydia turned to and trusted in Jesus. She is part of the spiritual harvest that the psalmist had us sing about and pray for (Ps 67:6): “May all the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you” (Ps 67:3,5). And as a seal of faith, “she and the members of her household were baptized” (Acts 16:15). More branches connected to the Vine (Jn 15:5). There is a grand opening in Philippi—an open heart.
That was Lydia’s story. What is yours? Maybe it doesn’t seem as dramatic because it is not documented in the Bible. That is true. But it is also not true. It makes no difference if the Holy Spirit created faith in your heart as the Word of God was announced to you as God accepts you as his own or the water of baptism was applied to you as God adopts you as his own. We call Jesus “Lord” (1 Co 12:3; Jn 20:28)—Son of God and Savior of all. We “believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ” (1 Jn 3:23). We are grafted into the Vine as a branch. From Jesus we receive life—cleansed from sin (Jn 15:3).
And he keeps us alive, remaining in us as we remain in him (Jn 15:4). Even if, or when, our hearts condemn us, Jesus comforts us (1 Jn 3:20). His blood purifies us from all sin (1 Jn 1:7). We are and continue to be his children (1 Jn 3:18). There is a grand opening for you too—an open heart of faith.
2. An opened home (15)
If you examine your own heart, you know this is true: what is in the heart comes out in actions. If you are excited about exercise, you will do it. Faith in the heart exerts itself too. There is a grand opening in Philippi—an open home.
After the beautiful message and mass baptism, Lydia looked for a way to demonstrate her faith. “She invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house’” (Acts 16:15). That was part of the grand opening in Philippi. An open heart extended the offer of an open home. It was her way of expressing her appreciation for Paul’s preaching. “And she persuaded us” (Acts 16:15). Paul and his friends accepted.
That was a great benefit to the traveling missionaries. Her home served as a base of operations in the city. They could devote themselves entirely to the work without having to search for lodging or employment. Paul, as a tradesman, didn’t have to make tents. Luke, as a physician, didn’t have to write prescriptions. They could preach and proclaim Jesus fulltime.
Lydia helps us understand that faith is active, not idle. Or to use Jesus’ picture, when a branch is attached to the vine, there will be results. That is why we often call them “fruits of faith.” It is natural and it is normal. Grape vines yield grapes. You and I produce good works because of our association with Jesus. “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). In that way, like Lydia, we follow the apostle John’s encouragement: “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn 3:18). That is a grand opening for you too—not necessarily your home, but your hands in effort. Love for God motivates us to see opportunities around us, not obligations from us.
It is nice when there is a new grocery store nearby—even if you don’t attend the grand opening. But even better the grand opening in Philippi with Lydia. An open heart leads to an open home. We have the same narrative. The Lord has opened our hearts, shared in the word or shown in baptism. And we open our homes in the sense that we live our faith. All for the glory of God and the good of others as we love them (Jn 15:8; 1 Jn 3:23). We are now open, not for business to make a dollar, but for busyness to serve the Lord. Amen.
The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Php 4:7). Amen.
April 29, 2018
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Fourth Sunday of Easter (Acts 20:28-32)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:2). Amen.
“So what do you do?” Have you been asked that question a time or two? It can be the topic of casual conversation like when meeting someone new at a get-together or when standing in line at the bank.
I can’t answer that question for you entirely. I can for myself. I am a pastor.
When I come back with that, there is usually a follow up. “So what do you do?” There is sometimes some concern about a one-hour work week. (That is just when I make it look like work.)
That is where the title gives some insight. Pastor is the Latin word for “shepherd.” A pastor leads and feeds, guides and guards.
The apostle Paul also is instructive. He speaks of a good shepherd—one committed to the work and one committed to the Word. We read from …
Acts 20:28-32
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, Sheep of the Good Shepherd,
There is a significant difference between “a” good shepherd and “the” Good Shepherd. A pastor fits under the classification of “a” good shepherd. There is only One in the category of “the” Good Shepherd. And that is Jesus. Even though that profession may not be familiar to us, King David’s portrayal is a favorite of ours. We gladly say and sing: “The LORD is my shepherd” (Ps 23:1).
He is THE Good Shepherd. And he is “good,” not in the sense of average or acceptable. It is not like the reply to the inquiry: “How was supper?” “Good.” (That carries the idea of “It filled the hole.” By the way, that doesn’t win any husband of the year awards.) But Jesus is the Good Shepherd along the lines of excellent or exceptional—one of a kind. There is a dignity behind that designation.
A pastor, or shepherd, serves under the Shepherd. And that man can be good too.
Paul Speaks of a Good Shepherd
1. One committed to the work (28-31)
2. One committed to the Word (32)
1. One committed to the work (28-31)
It is one of those intangibles—a work ethic. When on the job, it is not just a matter of ability (and that is necessary), but also attitude (that is needed). One is to be determined, if not dedicated. Not half-hearted or half way. We could sum that up with “committed.” So it is for a pastor. Paul speaks of a good shepherd—one committed to the work.
Paul was somewhat in a hurry heading to Jerusalem by boat after his third missionary tour. Instead of trekking inland to Ephesus when he got near, he sent ahead for the elders—modern day pastors—to meet him in Miletus, a town along the coast of Asia Minor. It is like you might go to a restaurant for lunch with a buddy rather than go to his house. It is a bit of a time saver (and you are guaranteed a meal).
Paul wasn’t concerned about eating as he was encouraging. “Keep watch over yourselves” (Acts 20:28). They were to be in a constant state of readiness. That way if there was any danger at all, there could be the appropriate action right away. We could compare it to a shepherd on late shift. Paul is not suggesting that they be selfish. But they were to start with themselves. For a while I thought that it was strange that the inflight instructions on a plane about the oxygen masks dropping from the overhead compartment was to fasten yours first and then those next to you. But finally, you have to be breathing to be of benefit to those around you. Satan goes after shepherds. They need to be alert for themselves against his relentless attacks like doubt or discouragement. He realizes the Shepherd is there for him so that he can relay it to others. That is why the advice is: “Pastor, preach to yourself first.” Satan is on the prowl for the pastor’s soul. Keep watch.
And then, “Keep watch over … all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28). They were to care for and be concerned about others. Paul likens people to a group of sheep. That is not insulting. A follower of Christ requires the safeguarding of a shepherd. The devil wants him to wander or her to waver as sheep are prone to do (Is 53:6). We can turn to our own way and stray. A good shepherd pays attention to that.
There are two reminders in place.
A shepherd doesn’t self-promote. He is Spirit-placed. The Holy Spirit gives shepherds oversight. Nowadays that is established by a call to a congregation through which the Holy Spirit selects shepherds to look after his flock at a certain place for a certain time.
And ultimately the flock belongs to THE Good Shepherd. “Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). That is their purpose—to protect and provide for those whom God has called out of the darkness of sin to the light of salvation (1 Pe 2:9). The sheep are his. At the cost of the life of the Leader. It is the opposite of a hired hand. If there is any risk, he runs (Jn 10:12). And that makes sense. He has no skin in the game. His desire is only to save his skin. That doesn’t usually bode well for the sheep. They are defenseless and often become dinner.
It is not an arrogant claim, but an appropriate one. Jesus simply stated: “I am the good shepherd” (Jn 10:11). And he explains why—3x: “I lay down my life for the sheep” (Jn 10:15,17,18). But there is more: “I lay down my life—only to take it up again” (Jn 10:17). Jesus died. But Jesus rose. He purchased us as God placed our sin on him as he poured out his holy, precious blood on the cross. And three days later he exited the grave to extend forgiveness and peace to us. We are his. John removed the picture as he makes it plain. We are sons and daughters of God. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 Jn 3:1). Not may be or might be. We are. Children of God.
The apostle was not naïve. He knew of two dangers:
From the outside: “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock” (Acts 20:29). A wolf has the feature of being fierce and ferocious and the characteristic of being crafty and cunning. There is a healthy fear of that sly and wily animal. That echoes what Jesus once elaborated: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Mt 7:15). They are harmful, not helpful. We need to be alert because no one introduces themselves: “Hi. I am a wolf, a false prophet. I want to devour.” But that is their desire. A good shepherd is one committed to the work of watching.
From the inside: “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). There will stand up those who will peddle what is perverted like a company might sell something of poor quality. Those individuals want others to follow them, not the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd is one committed to the work of watching.
Paul took that responsibility seriously. “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). No one could accuse him of being careless. His eyes were wide open like a shepherd scanning the fields for predators or robbers. The others were to do the same. Pray for that kind of careful pastor. Pray for your pastor that he stay awake to defend you against the devil. That is the good shepherd that Paul speaks of—one committed to the work of watching over your soul, bought with and by the blood of the Good Shepherd.
2. One committed to the Word (32)
You can’t know everything about an occupation the first day. The boss may have another employee who shadows you or shows you how to go about your position—a model who tells or mentor who teaches. You give them your attention when they are assigned to you. That is the use of the word “committed”—entrusted to the supervision of another. So it is for a pastor. Paul speaks of a good shepherd—one committed to the Word.
Paul makes reference to that: “Now I commit you to God” (Acts 20:32). They would not carry out their efforts alone. But with their powerful God by their side.
And not only that: “Now I commit you … to the word of his grace” (Acts 20:32). It is God’s Word which is about grace—unmerited favor from him for all. And there is great ability and capability behind it—“which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). It is the Word of grace that a good shepherd appropriates for himself and applies it to others that makes strong and makes steady. As sons and daughters, children, we have a claim to a home in heaven along with all those who have been made holy (1 Jn 3:1,2). And now we await his appearance to take us to our home there.
As sheep of the Good Shepherd, we listen to his voice as it comes from a good shepherd (Jn 10:16,28). In it and from him we have eternal life. We can be confident: “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps 23:6). That is a good shepherd that Paul speaks of—one committed to the Word which gives the comfort of pardon from God now and a place with God forever.
“So what do you do?” You may have a short job description handy. By translation, a pastor is a shepherd. He operates for the advantage of sheep and with them in mind. That is what Paul speaks of when it comes to a good shepherd of the Good Shepherd. One who is committed to the work. He is to be at the work carefully to keep the sheep safe. And one who is committed to the Word. He is to be in the Word continually to keep sheep secure. That is a good shepherd. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
April 22, 2018
“So what do you do?” Have you been asked that question a time or two? It can be the topic of casual conversation like when meeting someone new at a get-together or when standing in line at the bank.
I can’t answer that question for you entirely. I can for myself. I am a pastor.
When I come back with that, there is usually a follow up. “So what do you do?” There is sometimes some concern about a one-hour work week. (That is just when I make it look like work.)
That is where the title gives some insight. Pastor is the Latin word for “shepherd.” A pastor leads and feeds, guides and guards.
The apostle Paul also is instructive. He speaks of a good shepherd—one committed to the work and one committed to the Word. We read from …
Acts 20:28-32
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, Sheep of the Good Shepherd,
There is a significant difference between “a” good shepherd and “the” Good Shepherd. A pastor fits under the classification of “a” good shepherd. There is only One in the category of “the” Good Shepherd. And that is Jesus. Even though that profession may not be familiar to us, King David’s portrayal is a favorite of ours. We gladly say and sing: “The LORD is my shepherd” (Ps 23:1).
He is THE Good Shepherd. And he is “good,” not in the sense of average or acceptable. It is not like the reply to the inquiry: “How was supper?” “Good.” (That carries the idea of “It filled the hole.” By the way, that doesn’t win any husband of the year awards.) But Jesus is the Good Shepherd along the lines of excellent or exceptional—one of a kind. There is a dignity behind that designation.
A pastor, or shepherd, serves under the Shepherd. And that man can be good too.
Paul Speaks of a Good Shepherd
1. One committed to the work (28-31)
2. One committed to the Word (32)
1. One committed to the work (28-31)
It is one of those intangibles—a work ethic. When on the job, it is not just a matter of ability (and that is necessary), but also attitude (that is needed). One is to be determined, if not dedicated. Not half-hearted or half way. We could sum that up with “committed.” So it is for a pastor. Paul speaks of a good shepherd—one committed to the work.
Paul was somewhat in a hurry heading to Jerusalem by boat after his third missionary tour. Instead of trekking inland to Ephesus when he got near, he sent ahead for the elders—modern day pastors—to meet him in Miletus, a town along the coast of Asia Minor. It is like you might go to a restaurant for lunch with a buddy rather than go to his house. It is a bit of a time saver (and you are guaranteed a meal).
Paul wasn’t concerned about eating as he was encouraging. “Keep watch over yourselves” (Acts 20:28). They were to be in a constant state of readiness. That way if there was any danger at all, there could be the appropriate action right away. We could compare it to a shepherd on late shift. Paul is not suggesting that they be selfish. But they were to start with themselves. For a while I thought that it was strange that the inflight instructions on a plane about the oxygen masks dropping from the overhead compartment was to fasten yours first and then those next to you. But finally, you have to be breathing to be of benefit to those around you. Satan goes after shepherds. They need to be alert for themselves against his relentless attacks like doubt or discouragement. He realizes the Shepherd is there for him so that he can relay it to others. That is why the advice is: “Pastor, preach to yourself first.” Satan is on the prowl for the pastor’s soul. Keep watch.
And then, “Keep watch over … all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28). They were to care for and be concerned about others. Paul likens people to a group of sheep. That is not insulting. A follower of Christ requires the safeguarding of a shepherd. The devil wants him to wander or her to waver as sheep are prone to do (Is 53:6). We can turn to our own way and stray. A good shepherd pays attention to that.
There are two reminders in place.
A shepherd doesn’t self-promote. He is Spirit-placed. The Holy Spirit gives shepherds oversight. Nowadays that is established by a call to a congregation through which the Holy Spirit selects shepherds to look after his flock at a certain place for a certain time.
And ultimately the flock belongs to THE Good Shepherd. “Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). That is their purpose—to protect and provide for those whom God has called out of the darkness of sin to the light of salvation (1 Pe 2:9). The sheep are his. At the cost of the life of the Leader. It is the opposite of a hired hand. If there is any risk, he runs (Jn 10:12). And that makes sense. He has no skin in the game. His desire is only to save his skin. That doesn’t usually bode well for the sheep. They are defenseless and often become dinner.
It is not an arrogant claim, but an appropriate one. Jesus simply stated: “I am the good shepherd” (Jn 10:11). And he explains why—3x: “I lay down my life for the sheep” (Jn 10:15,17,18). But there is more: “I lay down my life—only to take it up again” (Jn 10:17). Jesus died. But Jesus rose. He purchased us as God placed our sin on him as he poured out his holy, precious blood on the cross. And three days later he exited the grave to extend forgiveness and peace to us. We are his. John removed the picture as he makes it plain. We are sons and daughters of God. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 Jn 3:1). Not may be or might be. We are. Children of God.
The apostle was not naïve. He knew of two dangers:
From the outside: “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock” (Acts 20:29). A wolf has the feature of being fierce and ferocious and the characteristic of being crafty and cunning. There is a healthy fear of that sly and wily animal. That echoes what Jesus once elaborated: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Mt 7:15). They are harmful, not helpful. We need to be alert because no one introduces themselves: “Hi. I am a wolf, a false prophet. I want to devour.” But that is their desire. A good shepherd is one committed to the work of watching.
From the inside: “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). There will stand up those who will peddle what is perverted like a company might sell something of poor quality. Those individuals want others to follow them, not the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd is one committed to the work of watching.
Paul took that responsibility seriously. “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). No one could accuse him of being careless. His eyes were wide open like a shepherd scanning the fields for predators or robbers. The others were to do the same. Pray for that kind of careful pastor. Pray for your pastor that he stay awake to defend you against the devil. That is the good shepherd that Paul speaks of—one committed to the work of watching over your soul, bought with and by the blood of the Good Shepherd.
2. One committed to the Word (32)
You can’t know everything about an occupation the first day. The boss may have another employee who shadows you or shows you how to go about your position—a model who tells or mentor who teaches. You give them your attention when they are assigned to you. That is the use of the word “committed”—entrusted to the supervision of another. So it is for a pastor. Paul speaks of a good shepherd—one committed to the Word.
Paul makes reference to that: “Now I commit you to God” (Acts 20:32). They would not carry out their efforts alone. But with their powerful God by their side.
And not only that: “Now I commit you … to the word of his grace” (Acts 20:32). It is God’s Word which is about grace—unmerited favor from him for all. And there is great ability and capability behind it—“which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). It is the Word of grace that a good shepherd appropriates for himself and applies it to others that makes strong and makes steady. As sons and daughters, children, we have a claim to a home in heaven along with all those who have been made holy (1 Jn 3:1,2). And now we await his appearance to take us to our home there.
As sheep of the Good Shepherd, we listen to his voice as it comes from a good shepherd (Jn 10:16,28). In it and from him we have eternal life. We can be confident: “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps 23:6). That is a good shepherd that Paul speaks of—one committed to the Word which gives the comfort of pardon from God now and a place with God forever.
“So what do you do?” You may have a short job description handy. By translation, a pastor is a shepherd. He operates for the advantage of sheep and with them in mind. That is what Paul speaks of when it comes to a good shepherd of the Good Shepherd. One who is committed to the work. He is to be at the work carefully to keep the sheep safe. And one who is committed to the Word. He is to be in the Word continually to keep sheep secure. That is a good shepherd. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
April 22, 2018
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Third Sunday of Easter (Luke 24:36-49)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance (1 Pe 1:2). Amen.
We associate different things with Easter. What comes to your mind when you think of that holiday? Easter _____ . (Fill in the blank.) Easter baskets. Easter candy. Easter dinner. Easter eggs. Maybe that and more.
How about Easter education?
That was part of that first Easter Sunday. That is why Jesus came to his troubled disciples that day. As we continue to contemplate and commemorate Easter, we listen and we learn. Jesus opens minds at Easter with a message of peace from the work, a message a peace in the Word, and a message of peace to the world. We read from …
Luke 24:36-49
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our living Lord,
Open minded usually has the idea of being willing to consider something new. Perhaps along the lines of a recipe. Mom plunks something down on the table that doesn’t resemble chicken nuggets and French fries. Before there are any comments, she encourages those seated in the dining room to have an open mind about the entree.
But I am suggesting a different outlook than that. Like what goes on in a classroom. A teacher presents material to his or her students. They get it and grasp it because their minds have been opened. What was foreign to them before is familiar to them now. That is what our Savior does.
Jesus Opens Minds at Easter
1. With a message of peace from the work (36-43)
2. With a message of peace in the Word (44-46)
3. With a message of peace to the world (47-49)
1. With a message of peace from the work (36-43)
An educator once made the sarcastic comment: “School is not where young people come to watch older people work.” (By the way, it wasn’t me.) There must have been some frustration that those in the desks were less than enthused or excited and made it obvious with their lack of effort and energy. But it is different on Easter Sunday. It was all about what Jesus had done. The disciples needed that instruction. Jesus opens minds at Easter with a message of peace from the work.
Fear was the dominant emotion that Sunday (Jn 20:19). The 10 were huddled together behind locked doors. Jesus was dead. (So they supposed.) Crucified three days earlier. What was next? Or even who was next?
Sure there were the reports from the women who had gone to the tomb in the morning to anoint Jesus’ lifeless body. (Or so they suspected.) They had seen him taken from the wooden cross and placed in a borrowed grave. But they reported spotting an angel who said that Jesus was not there (Lk 24:6). And then they saw him. Peter also (Lk 24:34; 1 Co 15:5). The two came back from Emmaus, out of breath and filled with joy (Lk 24:13-32). All with the same message: “Jesus was alive.” Could it be? They had many things to chat about.
And then: “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them” (Lk 24:36). He didn’t knock at the door. But there he was in the middle of them.
And he greeted them. “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36). Peace was more than what he desired for them like our casual greeting, “Good Morning.” Peace was something that he delivered to them. He created it through his blood shed on the cross and now conveyed it (Col 1:20). It was the same thing that he had shared it with them a few days before on Maundy Thursday: “My peace I give you” (Jn 14:27). And now it was theirs. Peace. Peace between them and God. But hadn’t one denied? Yes. But there was no “how could you?”, but “peace to you.” But hadn’t they deserted him? Yes. But there was not, “shame on you!”, but “peace to you.” And he didn’t give them homework. “I did my part. Now do yours.” No, it was finished (Jn 19:30). Jesus died once and for all (He 7:27). There is nothing left to do. “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36).
And that peace is ours to have and to hold. All is right between us and God. Because God punished Jesus in our place on the cross, we have peace with him (Is 53:5). “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36). Enjoy it. “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 5:1). Jesus opens our minds at Easter with a message of peace from the work of dying and rising.
At first this was not helpful because they were horrified. “They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost” (Lk 24:37). That doesn’t imply that there is such a thing no more than when a child hears a bump in the night. What does immediately or automatically assume? It is a monster under the bed or in the closet. That doesn’t make them real. That is because they are not. As the disciples gave him their constant attention, there was absolute confusion.
Jesus addressed that quickly. “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (Lk 24:38). The thoughts in their heads were whirling and twirling like fruit in a blender for a morning breakfast smoothie. While that might be delicious, this was not desirable. So instead of students doing show and tell, Jesus does. “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” (Lk 24:39). The fancy word is a “tactile” learner—one who acquires information by the sense of feel. You can describe a sheep as soft, but it is more meaningful if you feel some fleece. Or even go to a farm. This was no field trip though. Possibly the apostle John had this in mind when he jotted down: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life” (1 Jn 1:1). Jesus was alive. This was not a hologram or a hallucination. Their fingers did not lie.
Jesus lives, not because we wish it or want it. But because he revealed himself to his disciples. “He showed them his hands and feet” (Lk 24:40). That demonstration was definite. Those were the marks of Friday’s crucifixion—the very proof of our rescue from sin.
But it is not too surprising to hear: “They still did not believe it because of joy and amazement” (Lk 24:41). They didn’t want to be duped or deceived. So Jesus kept on convincing them: “‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence” (Lk 24:41-43). Jesus wanted them to be certain that it was indeed him and not some phantom. The food did not drop through him. It digested in him.
And he wants us to be sure. When we see those wounds on Jesus’ hands and feet, we can be confident that Jesus came out of the tomb to guarantee that our guilt is gone. “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36). Jesus opens our minds at Easter with the message of peace from the work of heading to the cross and heading out of the grave. “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24).
2. With a message of peace in the Word (44-46)
An instructor doesn’t just peddle his ideas or promote her own ideals in class. There is usually a textbook or a reference work to consult or confer. That is what Jesus does. Jesus opens minds at Easter with a message of peace in the Word.
Jesus had taken them through the course material before. This was not the first time that they were exposed to the subject matter. “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Lk 24:44). That three-part designation—the law, the prophets, and the psalms—is code for the Old Testament. He turned their attention to the Scriptures. And there was that divine necessity of carrying out every last thing that was put down from Moses to Malachi—from the Crusher of Satan to the Prince of peace, the Sun of Righteousness (Ge 3:15; Is 9:6; Mal 4:2). As the psalmist had us sing: “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone” (Ps 118:22; Acts 4:11).
Many of the Jews wanted to crucify him as Peter pointed out after healing that crippled man (Acts 4:10). We want to keep him. Like Peter also preached: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). We build our faith and base our trust on him.
It is easy to content ourselves with a basic knowledge of the Bible. It could be with the attitude of “I know enough.” We have the opportunity to dig in and bring out more of an appreciation for what Jesus had to do, did do. The Old Testament is not useless, but useful. As we study and search, we find out that there is not one thing that Jesus did not complete. All for us. And like Jesus put it together for his disciples (Lk 24:45), he brings it together for us as a teacher explains how simple subtraction fits into long division. Jesus opens our minds at Easter with a message of peace from the Word. “The LORD has become my salvation” (Ps 118:14).
3. With a message of peace to the world (47-49)
Pupils often dread the end of class. That typically means the time for an assignment. It is different with Jesus. This is not a bunch of math problems, but a bunch of mighty promises. Jesus opens minds at Easter with a message of peace to the world.
Jesus reminded them of the reality: “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day” (Lk 24:46). It was the third day and there was Jesus. He was the One anointed to offer up his life for us and take it up again. And now: “Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk 24:47). As those men went about their work, they would point out one’s sins and point to one’s Savior. They would turn others to him, not from him. The starting point would be where they were and as far as they would go—finally into all the world (Mk 16:15; Acts 1:8). That would be their mission: “You are witnesses of these things” (Lk 24:48). What had gone into their eyes and ears would come out of their mouths and lives. But in a bit. “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49). Jesus would make good on that on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit would arrive in blessing.
We have seen and heard. And now we tell. There is forgiveness in Jesus. We kid ourselves if we think that we are without sin (1 Jn 1:8). Instead we confess them (1 Jn 1:9). And God sends them all away. He cancels them and cleanses us. “The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 Jn 1:7). That is not just for us, but for all. Jesus opens our minds at Easter with a message of peace for the world. With the Messiah, we make clear: “I will not die, but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done” (Ps 118:17).
While there are fun and food at Easter, there is more. And it is not fear. Jesus lives. That kind of education opens minds. That is what Jesus did the first Easter. He opens minds with a message of peace from the work on the cross, in the Word of the Lord, and to the world of his love. Go in peace from the Savior, go to peace in the Bible, and go with peace around the globe. Christ is risen. Happy Easter. Amen.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pe 5:14). Amen.
April 15, 2018
We associate different things with Easter. What comes to your mind when you think of that holiday? Easter _____ . (Fill in the blank.) Easter baskets. Easter candy. Easter dinner. Easter eggs. Maybe that and more.
How about Easter education?
That was part of that first Easter Sunday. That is why Jesus came to his troubled disciples that day. As we continue to contemplate and commemorate Easter, we listen and we learn. Jesus opens minds at Easter with a message of peace from the work, a message a peace in the Word, and a message of peace to the world. We read from …
Luke 24:36-49
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our living Lord,
Open minded usually has the idea of being willing to consider something new. Perhaps along the lines of a recipe. Mom plunks something down on the table that doesn’t resemble chicken nuggets and French fries. Before there are any comments, she encourages those seated in the dining room to have an open mind about the entree.
But I am suggesting a different outlook than that. Like what goes on in a classroom. A teacher presents material to his or her students. They get it and grasp it because their minds have been opened. What was foreign to them before is familiar to them now. That is what our Savior does.
Jesus Opens Minds at Easter
1. With a message of peace from the work (36-43)
2. With a message of peace in the Word (44-46)
3. With a message of peace to the world (47-49)
1. With a message of peace from the work (36-43)
An educator once made the sarcastic comment: “School is not where young people come to watch older people work.” (By the way, it wasn’t me.) There must have been some frustration that those in the desks were less than enthused or excited and made it obvious with their lack of effort and energy. But it is different on Easter Sunday. It was all about what Jesus had done. The disciples needed that instruction. Jesus opens minds at Easter with a message of peace from the work.
Fear was the dominant emotion that Sunday (Jn 20:19). The 10 were huddled together behind locked doors. Jesus was dead. (So they supposed.) Crucified three days earlier. What was next? Or even who was next?
Sure there were the reports from the women who had gone to the tomb in the morning to anoint Jesus’ lifeless body. (Or so they suspected.) They had seen him taken from the wooden cross and placed in a borrowed grave. But they reported spotting an angel who said that Jesus was not there (Lk 24:6). And then they saw him. Peter also (Lk 24:34; 1 Co 15:5). The two came back from Emmaus, out of breath and filled with joy (Lk 24:13-32). All with the same message: “Jesus was alive.” Could it be? They had many things to chat about.
And then: “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them” (Lk 24:36). He didn’t knock at the door. But there he was in the middle of them.
And he greeted them. “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36). Peace was more than what he desired for them like our casual greeting, “Good Morning.” Peace was something that he delivered to them. He created it through his blood shed on the cross and now conveyed it (Col 1:20). It was the same thing that he had shared it with them a few days before on Maundy Thursday: “My peace I give you” (Jn 14:27). And now it was theirs. Peace. Peace between them and God. But hadn’t one denied? Yes. But there was no “how could you?”, but “peace to you.” But hadn’t they deserted him? Yes. But there was not, “shame on you!”, but “peace to you.” And he didn’t give them homework. “I did my part. Now do yours.” No, it was finished (Jn 19:30). Jesus died once and for all (He 7:27). There is nothing left to do. “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36).
And that peace is ours to have and to hold. All is right between us and God. Because God punished Jesus in our place on the cross, we have peace with him (Is 53:5). “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36). Enjoy it. “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 5:1). Jesus opens our minds at Easter with a message of peace from the work of dying and rising.
At first this was not helpful because they were horrified. “They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost” (Lk 24:37). That doesn’t imply that there is such a thing no more than when a child hears a bump in the night. What does immediately or automatically assume? It is a monster under the bed or in the closet. That doesn’t make them real. That is because they are not. As the disciples gave him their constant attention, there was absolute confusion.
Jesus addressed that quickly. “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (Lk 24:38). The thoughts in their heads were whirling and twirling like fruit in a blender for a morning breakfast smoothie. While that might be delicious, this was not desirable. So instead of students doing show and tell, Jesus does. “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” (Lk 24:39). The fancy word is a “tactile” learner—one who acquires information by the sense of feel. You can describe a sheep as soft, but it is more meaningful if you feel some fleece. Or even go to a farm. This was no field trip though. Possibly the apostle John had this in mind when he jotted down: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life” (1 Jn 1:1). Jesus was alive. This was not a hologram or a hallucination. Their fingers did not lie.
Jesus lives, not because we wish it or want it. But because he revealed himself to his disciples. “He showed them his hands and feet” (Lk 24:40). That demonstration was definite. Those were the marks of Friday’s crucifixion—the very proof of our rescue from sin.
But it is not too surprising to hear: “They still did not believe it because of joy and amazement” (Lk 24:41). They didn’t want to be duped or deceived. So Jesus kept on convincing them: “‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence” (Lk 24:41-43). Jesus wanted them to be certain that it was indeed him and not some phantom. The food did not drop through him. It digested in him.
And he wants us to be sure. When we see those wounds on Jesus’ hands and feet, we can be confident that Jesus came out of the tomb to guarantee that our guilt is gone. “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36). Jesus opens our minds at Easter with the message of peace from the work of heading to the cross and heading out of the grave. “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24).
2. With a message of peace in the Word (44-46)
An instructor doesn’t just peddle his ideas or promote her own ideals in class. There is usually a textbook or a reference work to consult or confer. That is what Jesus does. Jesus opens minds at Easter with a message of peace in the Word.
Jesus had taken them through the course material before. This was not the first time that they were exposed to the subject matter. “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Lk 24:44). That three-part designation—the law, the prophets, and the psalms—is code for the Old Testament. He turned their attention to the Scriptures. And there was that divine necessity of carrying out every last thing that was put down from Moses to Malachi—from the Crusher of Satan to the Prince of peace, the Sun of Righteousness (Ge 3:15; Is 9:6; Mal 4:2). As the psalmist had us sing: “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone” (Ps 118:22; Acts 4:11).
Many of the Jews wanted to crucify him as Peter pointed out after healing that crippled man (Acts 4:10). We want to keep him. Like Peter also preached: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). We build our faith and base our trust on him.
It is easy to content ourselves with a basic knowledge of the Bible. It could be with the attitude of “I know enough.” We have the opportunity to dig in and bring out more of an appreciation for what Jesus had to do, did do. The Old Testament is not useless, but useful. As we study and search, we find out that there is not one thing that Jesus did not complete. All for us. And like Jesus put it together for his disciples (Lk 24:45), he brings it together for us as a teacher explains how simple subtraction fits into long division. Jesus opens our minds at Easter with a message of peace from the Word. “The LORD has become my salvation” (Ps 118:14).
3. With a message of peace to the world (47-49)
Pupils often dread the end of class. That typically means the time for an assignment. It is different with Jesus. This is not a bunch of math problems, but a bunch of mighty promises. Jesus opens minds at Easter with a message of peace to the world.
Jesus reminded them of the reality: “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day” (Lk 24:46). It was the third day and there was Jesus. He was the One anointed to offer up his life for us and take it up again. And now: “Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk 24:47). As those men went about their work, they would point out one’s sins and point to one’s Savior. They would turn others to him, not from him. The starting point would be where they were and as far as they would go—finally into all the world (Mk 16:15; Acts 1:8). That would be their mission: “You are witnesses of these things” (Lk 24:48). What had gone into their eyes and ears would come out of their mouths and lives. But in a bit. “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49). Jesus would make good on that on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit would arrive in blessing.
We have seen and heard. And now we tell. There is forgiveness in Jesus. We kid ourselves if we think that we are without sin (1 Jn 1:8). Instead we confess them (1 Jn 1:9). And God sends them all away. He cancels them and cleanses us. “The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 Jn 1:7). That is not just for us, but for all. Jesus opens our minds at Easter with a message of peace for the world. With the Messiah, we make clear: “I will not die, but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done” (Ps 118:17).
While there are fun and food at Easter, there is more. And it is not fear. Jesus lives. That kind of education opens minds. That is what Jesus did the first Easter. He opens minds with a message of peace from the work on the cross, in the Word of the Lord, and to the world of his love. Go in peace from the Savior, go to peace in the Bible, and go with peace around the globe. Christ is risen. Happy Easter. Amen.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pe 5:14). Amen.
April 15, 2018
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Second Sunday of Easter (1 Corinthians 15:12-22)
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
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
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
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