Praise the Lord in the morning
It is morning. Your eyes open—slowly or suddenly. With or without an alarm.
What thoughts immediately run through your mind at that moment?
Possibly what you plan to do, hope to do, want to do. Before your head comes off the pillow or your feet hit the ground, you have plotted out the day—of course, with the assumption that you will accomplish every last thing on the list.
Or perhaps there is a question or a concern about the upcoming hours. How will I achieve my multiple goals? There is this that could interfere or that which could interrupt. There could be this situation to disrupt or that scenario to disturb.
Tomorrow it might be how long to bake or how often to baste the bird so that there is not dryness on one hand or E. coli on the other.
So many things could race through your brain.
Maybe King David could help us. He knew a thing or two about pressures and problems. It might have been during his son Absalom’s rebellion that he sang a psalm. Instead of wondering or worrying about the day, with him, we can begin with a silent or spoken prayer.
The fact that we can even pray is a gift from God. (If you are coming up with a list of things to be thankful for, that might make it. It is definitely near the top.) Only a child of God through faith in Christ can come before him. It is Jesus who paid for all of our sins that makes the privilege possible. We approach our Father as boldly and confidently as dear children ask their dear father (cf. Luther’s Explanation to the Address of the Lord’s Prayer). And God gladly and willing turns his ear like a mom drops everything to listen to her child when he calls on the phone. And she loves to hear that voice.
David reminds us that we address our requests to the LORD—the One who is changeless in his love and boundless in his grace. “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice” (Ps 5:3). As day breaks, our voice beseeches our God …
With a prayer of thanksgiving. We have a new day of grace after a deep night of sleep. God has watched over us and woken us up again. Sometimes when someone asks, “How are you?” the casual, or comical, response is: “Still breathing.” But there is more than a simple action. Every time our lungs routinely inhale and repeatedly exhale is a gift from the Lord. Another day is a reminder of that.
With a prayer of receiving. We have opportunity to serve our God and our neighbor with our abilities—in a personal way like a mother to a professional way like an employee (unless you have tomorrow off—from work, that is, not as a parent. There are no vacations from that).
Note that Luther does a nice job in directing our attention to that. His morning prayer is worth memorizing.
It is interesting that the gospel writer Mark notes that at daybreak after a busy day of driving out a demon in the synagogue and healing many people, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mk 1:35). He felt that it was necessary to spend some time talking to his heavenly Father. How much more do we?
David continues: “In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation” (Ps 5:3). We have the opportunity to arrange our cares like you might do with your clothes on the bed—deciding on what outfit to wear. (There is another thing—we undoubtedly have more than one to choose from. Another blessing to give thanks for.) And then like an ancient watchman on the wall looking intently, we wait expectantly for the Lord’s blessing on our day.
What is a good time of day to praise the Lord? Praise the Lord in the morning. Happy Thanksgiving.
We read from Psalm 5:3:
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Praise the Lord at noon
It is noon. This is fuzzy math because it depends on when you rolled out of bed, but the day is half over. The morning is in the past; the afternoon is in the present. Some things started; others ended. But there is so much more to carry out and work through. First, there is lunch. Food on the table is another occasion for appreciation to the Lord (Ps 145:15,16)
But then what? King David can lend a hand again. Once more it might be from the episode of when his son was trying to usurp the throne and he was forced to flee from Jerusalem (2 Sa 15-18). David entrusts his cause to the Lord. “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice” (Ps 55:17).
Recall that was also the practice of the 80-year old Daniel. It was his jealous enemies who got King Darius to issue an edict that no one was to pray to any god or person for the next 30 days except to the king (Da 6:7). If anyone was caught, they would be a happy lunch for the hungry lions. Daniel did not deny his God, but lived out his loyalty. He continued his practice: “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened to Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God, just as he had done before” (Da 6:10). Yes, he prayed at midday—one of his fixed times of devotion—along with the other two. But interesting is the content of his prayer—thanksgiving, not complaining—even it could have been the last day of his life.
That is a good thing to keep in mind. As we consider of what we are appreciative, it is usually what we like or what we enjoy. And nothing wrong with that. Every good and perfect gift comes from our heavenly Father (Ja 2:17). But even in troubling and trying times—and each of us has those, we can give thanks to God. From house arrest in Rome, Paul could pen: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Php 4:4). In another epistle, he could encourage: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess 5:16-18).
So as we make our way through the day, even when in sorrow we groan or in sadness we moan, we call out to God when those things occupy our attention. And like in the morning, we have the remembrance and the reassurance that the Lord listens. And God answers in his wisdom. Included in those petitions would be for strength and support to keep on with the challenges and charges of the unfinished day.
What is a good time of day to praise the Lord? Praise the Lord at noon. Happy Thanksgiving.
We read from Psalm 55:17:
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
Praise the Lord in the evening
It is evening. You are weary from all the effort extended and worn-out from all the energy expended throughout the day. And looking back, what is there—tasks uncompleted and sins committed? Now what?
Yet again, King David can assist us. We join those all the way to the ends of the earth who respect and revere the Lord in awe and admiration of his powerful activity. Just like God controls the waves of the ocean so that they go only so far, he limits the nations on earth (Ps 65:5-7). Think back to the Exodus when the Lord brought the nation of Israel out of their slavery so they could return to the Promised Land—the place that our Savior would be placed in a manger, hung on a cross, and raised from the dead, all for our sin and for our salvation. From the time that the sun goes up to when it goes down, the mighty acts of God from furnishing our needs day after day to forgiving our sins day by day bring happiness.
Luther captures those ideas well in his evening prayer. It is valuable to commit it to memory.
So instead of Thanksgiving being one day, Thanksgiving can be all day. It is the Lord who causes us to shout with gladness.
What is a good time of day to praise the Lord? Praise the Lord in the evening. Happy Thanksgiving.
We read from Psalm 65:8:
Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.
November 21, 2018
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Sunday, November 4, 2018
First Sunday of End Time - Reformation (Romans 6:23)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
It is Reformation 501. Does that sound like an upper-level history course as a college elective? It would go beyond the “101 level”—an introduction to the Reformation. That class might explain definite dates like October 31, 1517—the day when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the Castle Church door. Or explore key characters like Philip Melanchthon—his role in writing the Augsburg Confession. Perhaps Reformation 501 might digger deeper into the purpose of indulgences or dive into the politics of the Holy Roman Empire.
Whether any of that is exciting or appealing to you, that is not what I mean by Reformation 501. It is not on a curriculum, but on the calendar. Last year was the 500th Anniversary of that important event when Luther swung a hammer. I don’t mean to insult you, but one year later and it is 501. (If you got nervous when I started with history, I threw in a bit of math to make you make you more uneasy.) The celebration of the Reformation continues and so does the significance. Eternal life is the gift of God.
But we have to go back to the past for a bit. (Hang with me.) Martin Luther was an Augustinian monk. The year was 1518. That order in Germany was slated to have its triennial meeting in the city of Heidelberg on April 26th of that year. It was traditional for these gatherings to have a disputation over which one of the priests would preside. This individual would prepare the set of theses for debate. Luther got the nod. He composed 28 points to acquaint his brothers with his “new” teaching.
But we put “new” in quotation marks because it was not a novel approach to Scripture. It always has been and always will be true. It is not what we do. It is what God has done. He gives. And we get. Eternal life is the gift of God.
The apostle Paul tells us that and teaches us that in one verse. We might call it Law and Gospel 101. And those two ideas are found in the two parts of the Bible—Old Testament and New Testament.
1) The Law. Maybe you have heard of this and found it helpful. SOS—“shows our sin.” Think of the 10 Commandments. “Do this”—Honor your father and mother (4th). “Don’t do that”—“you shall have no other gods” (1st). When we fail, not if we fail, that is sin. It is going against God in disobedience and defiance. The common picture is to miss the bullseye like in archery. And we don’t come close, but we fall short as if we are shooting in the opposite direction. And so Paul comments: “For the wages of sin is death” (Ro 6:23). A Roman soldier would collect money or meat, corn or salt for his service rendered to the Caesar. he earned it. He expected it. After all, he had it coming for guarding the empire.
While payday is thrilling, this is not. “For the wages of sin is death” (Ro 6:23). We open up our paycheck or look at our pay stub and it says “death.” That is what sin shells out. We deserve it. That hurts because we were born in it. And that is hard because we live in it.
But that didn’t stop Paul from trying to please God. In his younger days, he put his confidence in himself like holding a cell phone up to take a selfie—“it’s all about me: “In regard to the law, a Pharisee [the thought was, “Hey, God, look at me and what I am accomplishing.”]; as for zeal, persecuting the church [Certainly it was a misguided fervor to stamp out Christianity.]; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless [At least in the eyes of his associates]” (Php 3:5,6). Where did that get Paul? Nowhere. He was still not right with God. He did not keep the law constantly (Ga 3:10). And for all his efforts: “For the wages of sin is death” (Ro 6:23). That is the result.
That didn’t prevent Luther from attempting to appease God. That was originally why he entered the monastery. He wanted to be in good with God because he saw Jesus only as an angry judge, waiting, perhaps even wanting, to punish him. He even once remarked: “If a monk ever got to heaven through monkery, then I too should have made it.” What did that get Luther? Nothing. He did not keep the law continually. Remember that Heidelberg Disputation? Thesis 26 states: “The law says, ‘Do this,’ and it is never done.” For all his energy: “For the wages of sin is death” (Ro 6:23). That is the remuneration.
But it makes sense to our way of thinking, doesn’t it? If I punch in at work, it will pay off at the end of the week with money in the bank. If I try hard, God will be happy. What does that get us? Nil. We do not keep the law completely. For all our exertion: “For the wages of sin is death” (Ro 6:23). That is the reminder. Sin brings death—physical [separation of body and soul] and eternal [separation from God in hell] (Ro 5:12).
But there is more, much more. We don’t want to check out now. That is only half of the verse. It comes down to a word of transition: “But” (Ro 6:23). “For the wages of sin is death, but …” (Ro 6:23). In a sense, Paul would have us consider another side like turning a coin over. “Now contemplate this.” Gospel. Good news. Eternal life is the gift of God.
2) The Gospel. We can reuse the SOS—“shows our Savior.” So Paul comforts. “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23). Life is the opposite of death. Sin brings death. The Savior brings life (Jn 3:16). This living, never-ending relationship with God is from God. It is not merited. It is provided—graciously and generously. It is for free. It is for nothing. Like a person looking for a handout, we have our hands out. And God puts the gift of eternal life in them. Luther summarized that in the last words that he wrote before he died. He scribbled on a slip of paper (of course, in German): “We are beggars, that is true.” But as such, we have eternal life (Jn 5:24).
And it is ours only in connection with or in the sphere of “Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23).
“Christ” (Ro 6:23). He is the One God promised to reveal the Father to us as Prophet, to remove our sin from us as Priest, and to rule over us as King. When Luther was exhausted from trying to win God’s favor—confessing his sins over and over and beating his body again and again, it was his father-confessor, Dr. John Staupitz, who encouraged him to look to Christ: “Throw yourself into the Redeemer’s arms. Trust in him.” We do the same—turning to him as he gives us eternal life.
“Jesus” (Ro 6:23). He is Savior (Mt 1:21). He rescued us by picking up the wages of our sin and paying for them with his death on the cross. He did it all to give us eternal life.
“our Lord” (Ro 6:23). He sits at God’s right hand. There he is the Caretaker and Controller of all for his believers to whom he gives eternal life (Eph 1:22).
So Paul could announce that righteousness is from God to all who believe (Ro 3:22). What God demands—holiness—God delivers “in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23). Heaven was his. “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23).
Luther could appreciate that “the righteous will live by faith” (Ro 1:17). Faith grabs ahold of this gift from God. The gates of heaven were open to him. Recall the Heidelberg Disputation: “Grace says, ‘believe in this,” and everything is already done.’” Eternal life is undeserved kindness. “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23).
We are aware that we are delivered from death by grace alone by faith alone (Eph 2:8,9). Scripture alone proclaims Christ alone. We have nothing to boast about or brag about except the cross of Christ (Ga 6:14). “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23). Eternal life is the gift of God. Cherish it. Treasure it. Happy Reformation 501. It is not about history. It is about heaven.
We read from Romans 6:23:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:20). Amen.
November 3, 2018
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost (Mark 10:46-52)
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
I know what it is like not to be able to see well. Some of you are the same. It might be a difficulty with close up or a problem with far away. Or both. So there are glasses and contacts, bifocals and even trifocals. (I think that is as high as the possible number of lenses that can go in one’s frame.)
But actually to be in utter darkness. For almost all of us, it would just be a game of pretend—shutting your eyes completely or shielding them carefully like when playing hide and seek. But you can always open them up again to see once more.
But Bartimaeus was absolutely blind. And yet he could see very clearly. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delivers from trouble. He is the Savior who delights in trust. We read about Jesus’ amazing healing of this man from …
Mark 10:46-52
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, our merciful and mighty Savior,
I am aware that the cliché is “a sight for sore eyes.” You have been on the road for 12 straight hours coming back from a work trip or a road trip. It’s late. You simply want to get out of the car and get into your home. As you turn into the driveway, your house is a “sight for sore eyes”—something that is welcome. But it can also be a person who fits that description—your wife or your mom has a hot meal waiting for you.
Bartimaeus wasn’t simply tired, he was totally sightless. He needed more than a meal; rather a miracle. We could argue, though, that he had better vision with his terrible handicap that those with their natural ability. For that reason,
Jesus Is a Sight for Blind Eyes
1. He is the Savior who delivers from trouble (46-52)
2. He is the Savior who delights in trust (51,52)
1. He is the Savior who delivers from trouble (46-51)
Perhaps there are frequent headaches. Or possibly things are always fuzzy. That is when you make an appointment with an optometrist. A prescription from a doctor takes care of the problem. But Bartimaeus didn’t have a stigmatism to correct. And he had a Savior to call. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delivers from trouble.
The one issue led to the other. Because Bartimaeus was blind, it reduced him to being a beggar. That is how he made his living. And so he took his usual place along the way in Jericho (Mk 10:46). One day was life-changing. Jesus, his disciples, and a considerable group were passing through and passing by. They were headed the last 15 miles up the road to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration.
Bartimaeus’ eyes didn’t work. But his ears and vocal chords did. And he made full use of them as the parade of people marched along. When it was clear that Jesus, who had grown up in Nazareth, was among the travelers, “he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Mk 10:47). He was loud because he wasn’t going to lose this opportunity.
There was a recognition of Jesus. That is clear in what he calls him.
“Jesus” (Mk 10:47). It is good for us to stop and consider the significance of that name when we cry out to him. He is “Jesus.” He is true God, true man, who came to save us from our sins (Mt 1:21). And that is exactly what he did by keeping the entire law for us and crushing the enemy Satan for us (Ge 3:15).
“Son of David” (Mk 10:47). That is code for the Messiah, the Christ. This was the promised Descendant from David’s line (2 Sa 7:12,13). He would rule a never-ending kingdom (Lk 1:32,33).
There was a request of Jesus. “Have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47). In other words, “have pity on me.” There was a definite need for divine aid. Bartimaeus went to the right person with the right plea. It sounds similar to the statement of the children of Israel in Jeremiah’s day: “O LORD, save your people” (Je 31:7).
We are no strangers to suffering. It could be a consequence of our own sins like the abuse of alcohol could affect our health or the result of the sins of others like when someone spreads false things against us. And then there is the kind that comes for no apparent reason like the blindness of Bartimaeus. Why?, we wonder. And then Jesus goes by. In struggles, more than in successes, we reach out to him and look up to him. “Have mercy on me.” Our petition is not based on our merit, but his mercy. “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy” (CW p. 15).
Not everyone was excited about the interruption. They had places to go. “Many rebuked him [that is, Bartimaeus] and told him to be quiet” (Mk 10:48). They expressed their disapproval like a mother hushing or shushing her restless child at the kitchen table. (If only it would be as easy as muting your cell phone.) But he exclaimed with persistence. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:48). (That is where the illustration breaks down. A child shouldn’t carry on at a high volume in defiance while eating.)
It is worth noting Jesus’ reaction. He would not, did not, turn a deaf ear to the desperate appeal. “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’” (Mk 10:49). He paused because he was not too preoccupied to give himself to one person. The multitude quickly changed their tune: “So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you’” (Mk 10:49).
No one is too insignificant for Jesus even as his suffering, death, and resurrection loom large. He is not too busy to be bothered. That means you too. Be bold in your petitions. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47,48). He halts to help.
Bartimaeus wasted no time. “Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus” (Mk 10:50). And Jesus met his need: “Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road” (Mk 10:52). His spiritual eyesight also turned into physical eyesight. Bartimaeus could now see where he was going. And that now was to the capital city behind Jesus.
It is interesting that Jesus accepted the title, “Son of David” (Mk 10:47,48). For some, that designation had political overtones. The hope was that the Messiah would drive out the despised Romans—to be an earthly king and a mighty champion. But that was not Jesus’ purpose or plan. Not only did Jesus demonstrate his mercy in curing Bartimaeus’ blindness. He also displayed his power. He gave sight to the blind (Ps 146:8). It was proof that he was the coming One (Mt 11:4,5), a mark of the Messiah. But he was more than a healer; he is the Savior. And now was the time.
That is why Jesus is making this journey to Jerusalem. It would be his last. But there on a cross he would pay for our guilt, defeating the devil and destroying death. “Have mercy on me.” And he does. He takes care of that necessity.
And that is the case for the others. “Have mercy on me.” He may remove it. He may reinforce us. Whatever is the best possible way. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delivers from our trouble.
2. He is the Savior who delights in trust (51,52)
I cannot speak for certain since I am not a doctor, but I suspect that an optometrist is happy when a patient goes from things being blurry to being sharp. Bartimaeus’ day was now different. All because of Jesus. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delights in trust.
Jesus didn’t ask for himself. He knew. It was for Bartimaeus. “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mk 10:51). It was an encouragement to be bold for a blessing—to express his faith in Jesus’ capability and willingness to heal. His faith was not misplaced. “Rabbi, I want to see” (Mk 10:51). It was polite as much as personal. And his trust was not misdirected. “‘Go,’” said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you’” (Mk 10:52). It wasn’t because he believed hard enough. Jesus was the cause of his trust and the content of his trust. Faith was on the receiving end.
Our faith in Jesus is as much of a gift as our deliverance through Jesus. He gives us our physical sight and spiritual. Neither one of those do we determine or develop. He gives to us and we get from him—like putting a present in someone’s hands. We were once blind, but now we see (CW 379:1). It was the unknown and unnamed author of Hebrews that fixed our attention on our perfect High Priest who sacrificed himself for us. He reached the goal of rescuing us in obedience to his Father—all the way to the cross (Php 2:8). As a result, “he became the source of eternal salvation” (He 5:9). Jesus is pleased to create faith in us and then praises us in whom he has created it. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delights in our trust.
The eyes in our heads may get weaker with age but the eyes of heart get stronger with Jesus. He is not a sight for sore eyes, but for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delivers from our trouble and delights in our trust. We echo the psalmist: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Ps 126:3). He has had mercy on us. He erases our sin and enlightens our spirit. Thank you for such clarity, Jesus. Amen.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (He 4:16). Amen.
October 28, 2018
I know what it is like not to be able to see well. Some of you are the same. It might be a difficulty with close up or a problem with far away. Or both. So there are glasses and contacts, bifocals and even trifocals. (I think that is as high as the possible number of lenses that can go in one’s frame.)
But actually to be in utter darkness. For almost all of us, it would just be a game of pretend—shutting your eyes completely or shielding them carefully like when playing hide and seek. But you can always open them up again to see once more.
But Bartimaeus was absolutely blind. And yet he could see very clearly. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delivers from trouble. He is the Savior who delights in trust. We read about Jesus’ amazing healing of this man from …
Mark 10:46-52
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, our merciful and mighty Savior,
I am aware that the cliché is “a sight for sore eyes.” You have been on the road for 12 straight hours coming back from a work trip or a road trip. It’s late. You simply want to get out of the car and get into your home. As you turn into the driveway, your house is a “sight for sore eyes”—something that is welcome. But it can also be a person who fits that description—your wife or your mom has a hot meal waiting for you.
Bartimaeus wasn’t simply tired, he was totally sightless. He needed more than a meal; rather a miracle. We could argue, though, that he had better vision with his terrible handicap that those with their natural ability. For that reason,
Jesus Is a Sight for Blind Eyes
1. He is the Savior who delivers from trouble (46-52)
2. He is the Savior who delights in trust (51,52)
1. He is the Savior who delivers from trouble (46-51)
Perhaps there are frequent headaches. Or possibly things are always fuzzy. That is when you make an appointment with an optometrist. A prescription from a doctor takes care of the problem. But Bartimaeus didn’t have a stigmatism to correct. And he had a Savior to call. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delivers from trouble.
The one issue led to the other. Because Bartimaeus was blind, it reduced him to being a beggar. That is how he made his living. And so he took his usual place along the way in Jericho (Mk 10:46). One day was life-changing. Jesus, his disciples, and a considerable group were passing through and passing by. They were headed the last 15 miles up the road to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration.
Bartimaeus’ eyes didn’t work. But his ears and vocal chords did. And he made full use of them as the parade of people marched along. When it was clear that Jesus, who had grown up in Nazareth, was among the travelers, “he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Mk 10:47). He was loud because he wasn’t going to lose this opportunity.
There was a recognition of Jesus. That is clear in what he calls him.
“Jesus” (Mk 10:47). It is good for us to stop and consider the significance of that name when we cry out to him. He is “Jesus.” He is true God, true man, who came to save us from our sins (Mt 1:21). And that is exactly what he did by keeping the entire law for us and crushing the enemy Satan for us (Ge 3:15).
“Son of David” (Mk 10:47). That is code for the Messiah, the Christ. This was the promised Descendant from David’s line (2 Sa 7:12,13). He would rule a never-ending kingdom (Lk 1:32,33).
There was a request of Jesus. “Have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47). In other words, “have pity on me.” There was a definite need for divine aid. Bartimaeus went to the right person with the right plea. It sounds similar to the statement of the children of Israel in Jeremiah’s day: “O LORD, save your people” (Je 31:7).
We are no strangers to suffering. It could be a consequence of our own sins like the abuse of alcohol could affect our health or the result of the sins of others like when someone spreads false things against us. And then there is the kind that comes for no apparent reason like the blindness of Bartimaeus. Why?, we wonder. And then Jesus goes by. In struggles, more than in successes, we reach out to him and look up to him. “Have mercy on me.” Our petition is not based on our merit, but his mercy. “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy” (CW p. 15).
Not everyone was excited about the interruption. They had places to go. “Many rebuked him [that is, Bartimaeus] and told him to be quiet” (Mk 10:48). They expressed their disapproval like a mother hushing or shushing her restless child at the kitchen table. (If only it would be as easy as muting your cell phone.) But he exclaimed with persistence. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:48). (That is where the illustration breaks down. A child shouldn’t carry on at a high volume in defiance while eating.)
It is worth noting Jesus’ reaction. He would not, did not, turn a deaf ear to the desperate appeal. “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’” (Mk 10:49). He paused because he was not too preoccupied to give himself to one person. The multitude quickly changed their tune: “So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you’” (Mk 10:49).
No one is too insignificant for Jesus even as his suffering, death, and resurrection loom large. He is not too busy to be bothered. That means you too. Be bold in your petitions. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47,48). He halts to help.
Bartimaeus wasted no time. “Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus” (Mk 10:50). And Jesus met his need: “Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road” (Mk 10:52). His spiritual eyesight also turned into physical eyesight. Bartimaeus could now see where he was going. And that now was to the capital city behind Jesus.
It is interesting that Jesus accepted the title, “Son of David” (Mk 10:47,48). For some, that designation had political overtones. The hope was that the Messiah would drive out the despised Romans—to be an earthly king and a mighty champion. But that was not Jesus’ purpose or plan. Not only did Jesus demonstrate his mercy in curing Bartimaeus’ blindness. He also displayed his power. He gave sight to the blind (Ps 146:8). It was proof that he was the coming One (Mt 11:4,5), a mark of the Messiah. But he was more than a healer; he is the Savior. And now was the time.
That is why Jesus is making this journey to Jerusalem. It would be his last. But there on a cross he would pay for our guilt, defeating the devil and destroying death. “Have mercy on me.” And he does. He takes care of that necessity.
And that is the case for the others. “Have mercy on me.” He may remove it. He may reinforce us. Whatever is the best possible way. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delivers from our trouble.
2. He is the Savior who delights in trust (51,52)
I cannot speak for certain since I am not a doctor, but I suspect that an optometrist is happy when a patient goes from things being blurry to being sharp. Bartimaeus’ day was now different. All because of Jesus. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delights in trust.
Jesus didn’t ask for himself. He knew. It was for Bartimaeus. “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mk 10:51). It was an encouragement to be bold for a blessing—to express his faith in Jesus’ capability and willingness to heal. His faith was not misplaced. “Rabbi, I want to see” (Mk 10:51). It was polite as much as personal. And his trust was not misdirected. “‘Go,’” said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you’” (Mk 10:52). It wasn’t because he believed hard enough. Jesus was the cause of his trust and the content of his trust. Faith was on the receiving end.
Our faith in Jesus is as much of a gift as our deliverance through Jesus. He gives us our physical sight and spiritual. Neither one of those do we determine or develop. He gives to us and we get from him—like putting a present in someone’s hands. We were once blind, but now we see (CW 379:1). It was the unknown and unnamed author of Hebrews that fixed our attention on our perfect High Priest who sacrificed himself for us. He reached the goal of rescuing us in obedience to his Father—all the way to the cross (Php 2:8). As a result, “he became the source of eternal salvation” (He 5:9). Jesus is pleased to create faith in us and then praises us in whom he has created it. Jesus is a sight for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delights in our trust.
The eyes in our heads may get weaker with age but the eyes of heart get stronger with Jesus. He is not a sight for sore eyes, but for blind eyes. He is the Savior who delivers from our trouble and delights in our trust. We echo the psalmist: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Ps 126:3). He has had mercy on us. He erases our sin and enlightens our spirit. Thank you for such clarity, Jesus. Amen.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (He 4:16). Amen.
October 28, 2018
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost (Acts 13:38-48)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Ga 1:3-5).
Maybe you have a strong opinion when it comes to the competition between the two main cola companies—which you prefer to drink. Perhaps it just comes down to the heated debate as to what it is called—“pop” or “soda.” Possibly you avoid the drink altogether.
No matter what, this is not a product endorsement. But Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable logos in the entire world. I didn’t fact check these statistics. But it came from a daily devotion put out by our church body. So I am going to trust that the following is true.
Last year, the company spent almost 4 billion dollars, nearly 12% of all the money it earned, on advertising.
More than 90% of the world’s population can identify the classic red can and cursive white script.
In the 200 countries where it is sold, the average person consumes a coke product every four days.
That is impressive.
What about another symbol—the cross? How many around the globe are familiar with the importance or are aware of its significance? Right before his ascension into heaven, Jesus commissioned his disciples: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). They were to talk about what they had seen and speak about what they had heard because they had personal experience and knowledge of the facts.
What their ministry was then is our mission now. Shine the Light of salvation to the ends of the earth.
We actually come in at the tail end of the apostle Paul’s sermon one Saturday in the synagogue. It was on his 1st missionary trip. He and Barnabas had arrived in the city of Pisidian Antioch in Asia Minor (which is modern day Turkey). And just like when someone walks up to you three-quarters of the way through a conversation, you might need to catch him up. That is what we have to do.
Worship in the synagogue was a lot like ours. There were readings from the Law and the Prophets. (That is code for the Old Testament.) And then if there were any guests, they might be invited to expound on a section of Scripture. Paul was asked if he had “a message of encouragement” (Acts 13:15). Paul took the opportunity to comfort the Jews and Gentiles assembled there.
Paul does more than give a summary of the history of the patriarchs to King David. He centers on the Savior (Acts 13:16ff.).
He began with the fact that the Lord selected their fathers.
When they spent some time in Egypt, he blessed them.
After their release from slavery in that country, he brought them to the Promised Land after the 40 years of wandering.
Then a number of judges led the people. But they asked for a king.
God gave them Saul. And then David, a man after God’s own heart. He was a good king. But more important, he was the ancestor of Israel’s great King—Jesus (2 Sa 7:12,13).
Paul then fast-forwards to the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, who turned the people from their sin to the Savior with his preaching.
Jesus was the One the Jewish leaders condemned, crucifying him on Good Friday. But Easter Sunday followed three days later. God raised him from the dead, restoring him to life. This was all according to God’s detailed plan.
Why the condensed or compressed review? Paul wanted them to draw a conclusion. “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38). It is through this One that Paul can announce to each one (including us): “Your sins are forgiven.” For each and every time that we have gone against God, he has removed the guilt, sending it away like what we do with an email or text. Or we might think along the lines of canceling a huge debt. It is completely gone.
As Paul preaches, he puts it another way: “Through him [that is, “this One”—Jesus] everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39). Paul paints a courtroom scene. The law of Moses—the Ten Commandments—convict us. “Guilty.” But the love of God acquits us. “Not guilty.” God clears our account of all charges. Since we cannot keep the law perfectly, continually, Jesus did for us (Ga 3:10-12). And he credits his holiness to us. And then he died for our disobedience. Our faith grabs ahold of that like a hungry beggar does with a free meal.
But Paul adds a solemn and serious warning that we need to hear: “Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you” (Acts 13:40). They were to open their spiritual eyes to a possible danger of rejection. “‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’” (Acts 13:41). Paul didn’t want them to look down on the good news about Jesus. God had done “something”—sending his Son to sacrifice himself so that we might be freely forgiven. “Someone”—Paul is telling us this. While some may refuse this salvation, we rejoice in it. It is not reserved for some, but revealed to all so that no one be destroyed, but delivered. Whoever believes has everlasting life (Jn 3:16).
The conversation continued outside like if you carry on a chat with someone in the parking lot. The people wanted more. “As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath” (Acts 13:42). But seven days was not soon enough. “When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). Paul used the opening to persuade them to stay in God’s grace—to keep on trusting in God’s undeserved kindness.
The subsequent Sabbath there was standing room only. “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord” (Acts 13:44). Note that it was not the “word of the apostle,” but the “word of the Lord.” They wanted to listen to what God had to say. We don’t want to take that word of the Lord for granted. But we take advantage of hearing what it has to communicate to us—whether we are in a church pew or around a kitchen table.
That didn’t sit well with everyone: “When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying” (Acts 13:45). It wasn’t because Paul was all of a sudden popular. They thought that they were defending the honor of God as the One who had given the law. They saw it as a way to impress God and earn his favor. So they tried to ruin Paul’s reputation. But they missed the point. We value God when we rely on Jesus as the One who fulfilled the law and freed the sinner. It is not what we do, but what he has done.
Paul could not let that go. So he was open and honest. “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). Jesus came from the Jews and for the Jews (Ro 1:16). But they pushed him aside. It was their choice. It might be like a girl who contends that she is not fit to marry a certain boy. He gets down on one knee to propose, but she doesn’t accept the ring. It is on her. She has come to that conclusion by herself. The Jews did that to Jesus. They were not interested in the life that Jesus had to offer for free, for nothing. So Paul calls attention to the detail: “We are off to the Gentiles.”
Paul cites a segment from Isaiah (Is 49:6): “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 13:47). The Lord is addressing his Servant, the Messiah. Part of his work would be to restore God’s remnant among the Jews. But he says that is “too small a thing for you” (Is 49:6). In a way, we might compare it to this. A dad informs his son: “It is too little just to rake our yard. You will rake the whole neighborhood.” The Gentiles would come to see the Light of the World (Is 60:1-6). They would not walk in the darkness of sin but bask in the Light of life (Jn 8:12). Recall when Simeon held the baby Jesus in his arms, he sang the same thing—“a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Lk 2:32). Paul saw himself as an extension of that as he worked among the non-Jews. The Gentiles were not to be excluded, but included.
How thrilling that was to Paul’s listeners. “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48). They were filled with joy and gave God the glory for his work for them and also in them.
We join them. God has made us who were once unworthy ones to be worthy of his salvation. He covers us and clothes us with Christ. And that is something that is for all. God doesn’t want anyone to be left out, but everyone to be brought in. So Jesus sends us: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). Inside and outside of the United States. Around our community and in every country. We can extend an invitation to those near us and express our gratitude for those who do it in our name and on our behalf as missionaries around the globe. We can pray for others to go and pay for them with our offerings. Shine the Light of salvation to the ends of the earth.
Those of us who were around in the 70s remember the jingle for Coca-Cola. They wanted to teach the world to sign in perfect harmony. They also wanted to buy the world a Coke and keep it company. It is not critical that everyone taste that sugary, caramel concoction. But it is crucial that all come to know Jesus—no matter the continent or culture. And we are a part of that. And as the psalmist had us chant: “God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him” (Ps 67:7). Shine the Light of salvation to the ends of the earth. That is the real thing.
We read from Acts 13:38-48:
38 “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41 “ ‘Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’ ”
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.
43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Ga 6:18).
October 21, 2018
Maybe you have a strong opinion when it comes to the competition between the two main cola companies—which you prefer to drink. Perhaps it just comes down to the heated debate as to what it is called—“pop” or “soda.” Possibly you avoid the drink altogether.
No matter what, this is not a product endorsement. But Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable logos in the entire world. I didn’t fact check these statistics. But it came from a daily devotion put out by our church body. So I am going to trust that the following is true.
Last year, the company spent almost 4 billion dollars, nearly 12% of all the money it earned, on advertising.
More than 90% of the world’s population can identify the classic red can and cursive white script.
In the 200 countries where it is sold, the average person consumes a coke product every four days.
That is impressive.
What about another symbol—the cross? How many around the globe are familiar with the importance or are aware of its significance? Right before his ascension into heaven, Jesus commissioned his disciples: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). They were to talk about what they had seen and speak about what they had heard because they had personal experience and knowledge of the facts.
What their ministry was then is our mission now. Shine the Light of salvation to the ends of the earth.
We actually come in at the tail end of the apostle Paul’s sermon one Saturday in the synagogue. It was on his 1st missionary trip. He and Barnabas had arrived in the city of Pisidian Antioch in Asia Minor (which is modern day Turkey). And just like when someone walks up to you three-quarters of the way through a conversation, you might need to catch him up. That is what we have to do.
Worship in the synagogue was a lot like ours. There were readings from the Law and the Prophets. (That is code for the Old Testament.) And then if there were any guests, they might be invited to expound on a section of Scripture. Paul was asked if he had “a message of encouragement” (Acts 13:15). Paul took the opportunity to comfort the Jews and Gentiles assembled there.
Paul does more than give a summary of the history of the patriarchs to King David. He centers on the Savior (Acts 13:16ff.).
He began with the fact that the Lord selected their fathers.
When they spent some time in Egypt, he blessed them.
After their release from slavery in that country, he brought them to the Promised Land after the 40 years of wandering.
Then a number of judges led the people. But they asked for a king.
God gave them Saul. And then David, a man after God’s own heart. He was a good king. But more important, he was the ancestor of Israel’s great King—Jesus (2 Sa 7:12,13).
Paul then fast-forwards to the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, who turned the people from their sin to the Savior with his preaching.
Jesus was the One the Jewish leaders condemned, crucifying him on Good Friday. But Easter Sunday followed three days later. God raised him from the dead, restoring him to life. This was all according to God’s detailed plan.
Why the condensed or compressed review? Paul wanted them to draw a conclusion. “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38). It is through this One that Paul can announce to each one (including us): “Your sins are forgiven.” For each and every time that we have gone against God, he has removed the guilt, sending it away like what we do with an email or text. Or we might think along the lines of canceling a huge debt. It is completely gone.
As Paul preaches, he puts it another way: “Through him [that is, “this One”—Jesus] everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39). Paul paints a courtroom scene. The law of Moses—the Ten Commandments—convict us. “Guilty.” But the love of God acquits us. “Not guilty.” God clears our account of all charges. Since we cannot keep the law perfectly, continually, Jesus did for us (Ga 3:10-12). And he credits his holiness to us. And then he died for our disobedience. Our faith grabs ahold of that like a hungry beggar does with a free meal.
But Paul adds a solemn and serious warning that we need to hear: “Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you” (Acts 13:40). They were to open their spiritual eyes to a possible danger of rejection. “‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’” (Acts 13:41). Paul didn’t want them to look down on the good news about Jesus. God had done “something”—sending his Son to sacrifice himself so that we might be freely forgiven. “Someone”—Paul is telling us this. While some may refuse this salvation, we rejoice in it. It is not reserved for some, but revealed to all so that no one be destroyed, but delivered. Whoever believes has everlasting life (Jn 3:16).
The conversation continued outside like if you carry on a chat with someone in the parking lot. The people wanted more. “As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath” (Acts 13:42). But seven days was not soon enough. “When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). Paul used the opening to persuade them to stay in God’s grace—to keep on trusting in God’s undeserved kindness.
The subsequent Sabbath there was standing room only. “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord” (Acts 13:44). Note that it was not the “word of the apostle,” but the “word of the Lord.” They wanted to listen to what God had to say. We don’t want to take that word of the Lord for granted. But we take advantage of hearing what it has to communicate to us—whether we are in a church pew or around a kitchen table.
That didn’t sit well with everyone: “When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying” (Acts 13:45). It wasn’t because Paul was all of a sudden popular. They thought that they were defending the honor of God as the One who had given the law. They saw it as a way to impress God and earn his favor. So they tried to ruin Paul’s reputation. But they missed the point. We value God when we rely on Jesus as the One who fulfilled the law and freed the sinner. It is not what we do, but what he has done.
Paul could not let that go. So he was open and honest. “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). Jesus came from the Jews and for the Jews (Ro 1:16). But they pushed him aside. It was their choice. It might be like a girl who contends that she is not fit to marry a certain boy. He gets down on one knee to propose, but she doesn’t accept the ring. It is on her. She has come to that conclusion by herself. The Jews did that to Jesus. They were not interested in the life that Jesus had to offer for free, for nothing. So Paul calls attention to the detail: “We are off to the Gentiles.”
Paul cites a segment from Isaiah (Is 49:6): “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 13:47). The Lord is addressing his Servant, the Messiah. Part of his work would be to restore God’s remnant among the Jews. But he says that is “too small a thing for you” (Is 49:6). In a way, we might compare it to this. A dad informs his son: “It is too little just to rake our yard. You will rake the whole neighborhood.” The Gentiles would come to see the Light of the World (Is 60:1-6). They would not walk in the darkness of sin but bask in the Light of life (Jn 8:12). Recall when Simeon held the baby Jesus in his arms, he sang the same thing—“a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Lk 2:32). Paul saw himself as an extension of that as he worked among the non-Jews. The Gentiles were not to be excluded, but included.
How thrilling that was to Paul’s listeners. “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48). They were filled with joy and gave God the glory for his work for them and also in them.
We join them. God has made us who were once unworthy ones to be worthy of his salvation. He covers us and clothes us with Christ. And that is something that is for all. God doesn’t want anyone to be left out, but everyone to be brought in. So Jesus sends us: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). Inside and outside of the United States. Around our community and in every country. We can extend an invitation to those near us and express our gratitude for those who do it in our name and on our behalf as missionaries around the globe. We can pray for others to go and pay for them with our offerings. Shine the Light of salvation to the ends of the earth.
Those of us who were around in the 70s remember the jingle for Coca-Cola. They wanted to teach the world to sign in perfect harmony. They also wanted to buy the world a Coke and keep it company. It is not critical that everyone taste that sugary, caramel concoction. But it is crucial that all come to know Jesus—no matter the continent or culture. And we are a part of that. And as the psalmist had us chant: “God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him” (Ps 67:7). Shine the Light of salvation to the ends of the earth. That is the real thing.
We read from Acts 13:38-48:
38 “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41 “ ‘Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’ ”
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.
43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Ga 6:18).
October 21, 2018
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Hebrews 13:1-8)
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
You have heard the sentiment: “The more things change …” It is hard to argue with that phrase. We live with change all around us. Case in point is that we have now moved from summer to fall. And that is precisely what the leaves and temperatures are doing—falling. There is a change in colors on the trees and in clothing from our wardrobe.
And then you can finish the statement: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Again it is easy to agree. Just like last year and the year before, there is the consistent—foliage coming down and warmth going away. There is the need for a good rake and a warmer coat. That hasn’t changed.
“The more things change …” For the Hebrew Christians that perhaps meant persecution for their faith all the way to confiscation of their property. Life was not the same.
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” God was still in control and in charge. As the unknown writer concludes his letter, we might paraphrase it this way: “The more things change, the more Jesus Christ stays the same.”
As the unnamed author closes his epistle, there are a number of final thoughts about faith that is active when it comes to people in general, an institution from God, possessions overall, and individuals at church. In a way, it is similar to what the prophet Amos urged: “Hate evil, love good” (Amos 5:15).
- People in general (He 13:1-3)
“The more things change.” It has played out today exactly as Jesus laid out once as he talked about the end of the world. “The love of most will grow cold” (Mt 24:12). The Hebrew Christians experienced it. It hasn’t gotten better. We might even express it. It is not a challenge to come up with examples—road rage on the highway to angry posts on the internet. It can come from our car or on our computer.
“The more Jesus Christ stays the same.” That is why the Father sent his Son to this earth. Jesus, our Brother, tasted death for us—in our place (He 2:9). He drank down the cup of suffering for our sins that was rightfully ours (Mt 26:39). He felt God’s full anger for our loveless attitudes and actions as he died on the cross. Because he suffered for our sin, he has set us apart from it (He 2:11). His forgiveness for our ongoing failures continues day after day.
And so it follows: “Keep on loving one another as brothers” (He 13:1). We have the same Father in heaven and faith in him. Our love for our brothers and sisters lingers and lasts—not in contention or competition, but with concern and compassion.
And the inspired author gives two concrete situations:
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (He 13:2). As people were forced from their homes back then, they couldn’t stop at the local Holiday Inn or Motel 6 for a comfy bed and continental breakfast. There weren’t any. They had to rely on the hospitality of others. That was part of the culture. Just like in the Old Testament when the Lord and two angels stopped by Abraham’s tent on their way to Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge 18). Even though he had no idea who they were, Abraham gladly opened his home—offering quite a meal of meat, bread, and milk—to those who were unfamiliar to him. He did it out of brotherly love.
We might not actually receive an angel as a guest. But we don’t have to look down or look away if someone is who is new to us—in our worship or in our neighborhood. That can be a handshake to a hearty greeting. “Keep on loving one another as brothers” (He 13:1)
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (He 13:3). Those who confessed Christ were unfairly put behind bars. They depended on the generosity of others to care for them—providing food while they were confined.
Some are justly (and unjustly) incarcerated nowadays. But we ought not to turn our backs on them. They need to know that their guilt is not too great for Jesus to get rid of. That is why our church body carries on a prison ministry—to reach out to inmates with the good news of a Savior. That is even one of the things that Jesus highlighted as evidence of faith to the sheep on his right in a parable. “I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Mt 25:36). When they wondered when, Jesus went on: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). Thus the encouragement: “Keep on loving one another as brothers” (He 13:1).
- An institution from God (He 13:4)
“The more things change.” We live in a society where marriage is under attack, or at least, in question. What is it? Many might not be able to answer that. And the gift reserved for marriage is exercised before marriage with someone or during marriage with another. Soap operas and sitcoms and sick jokes don’t help us value the close bond between husband and wife that the Lord has formed.
“The more Jesus Christ stays the same.” Jesus defended what God designed back in the perfection of the Garden of Eden, bringing Eve to Adam: “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one” (Mk 10:6-8).
We need to be on guard that our outlook on this is that it does not fall under the category of convenient or casual—stomping on the Sixth Commandment because it makes me feel good or it feels right. It is sinful and serious. But Jesus Christ handed himself over for the Church, his Bride, making her “without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Eph 5:27). He was condemned for our lack of purity. Thus the reality in every way: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure” (He 13:4). For the married and unmarried, we will fear and love God that we lead a pure and decent life in words and actions. And spouses will love and honor each other (Explanation to the Sixth Commandment).
- Possessions overall (He 13:5-7)
“The more things change.” What is enough? As technology improves and sales abound, a reply may be, “A little more”—whether it is better phones for communication or bigger closets for outfits. The chase is on for the latest and greatest (Mt 6:32). Again, that is not necessarily wrong. Money is a means, a tool. We acknowledge what we have as coming from a loving heavenly Father (Ja 1:17). The issue is if we set our hearts on it like the rich young man who approached Jesus (cf 1 Ti 6:6ff.). Jesus pointed out that he had not loved God above all things. Therefore, “He went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Mk 10:22). The sacred writer addresses our character and conduct: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” (He 13:5).
“The more Jesus Christ stays the same.” How can we do away with ungodly greed, unending getting and grabbing? Go back to God’s promise: “because God has said [it is still in force and in effect], ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (He 13:5). Two times. Never. Never. He won’t desert us in our distress. Just like he assured the new leader of Israel, Joshua as he was about to receive the mantle from Moses, the Lord announces his presence with us (Dt 31:5; Jos 1:5). The Lord knows what we need (and want) and he understands completely when or where or how to give it to us. Since he did not spare his Son, he will make sure that he provides all things for us (Ro 8:32). Even if or when we don’t understand how. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Mk 10:27).
And that is why we can be bold and brave: “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (He 13:6). Nothing. Like a doctor who diagnoses and prescribes when we are in need, our God directs and protects as we make our way to heaven. We are undisturbed and undaunted.
- Individuals at church (He 13:8,9)
“The more things change.” I will list some names: Gausewitz, Plocher, Nauman, Petermann. All former and faithful pastors here at St. John now enjoying the eternal rest of an everlasting place at the side of the One they preached and proclaimed. The Hebrew Christians had names that came to their minds too. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (He 13:8). They opened their mouths and opened the Scriptures. They made known the good news about Jesus.
“The more Jesus Christ stays the same.” A pastor is a person—with likes and dislikes, qualities and quirks. We don’t have to mimic those. But we continue to copy their full commitment to Christ as one day we fall asleep in Jesus as they have (Re 2:10).
The more things change, the more Jesus Christ stays the same. That sounds like the psalmist had us sing: “From everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Ps 90:2). Or in the divine writer’s words: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (He 13:8). He is Jesus—true God and true man, Savior, because he rescued us from our sins (Mt 1:21). He is Christ, the Anointed One, who speaks God’s word to us, who sacrificed his life for us, and who sits on his throne over us. Jesus Christ—constant throughout the past, in the present, and into the future. Even in the fall of the year, the more things change, the more Jesus Christ stays the same.
We read from Hebrews 13:1-8:
1 Keep on loving one another as brothers.
2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
6 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
May the God of peace …equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (He 13:20,21).
October 14, 2018
You have heard the sentiment: “The more things change …” It is hard to argue with that phrase. We live with change all around us. Case in point is that we have now moved from summer to fall. And that is precisely what the leaves and temperatures are doing—falling. There is a change in colors on the trees and in clothing from our wardrobe.
And then you can finish the statement: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Again it is easy to agree. Just like last year and the year before, there is the consistent—foliage coming down and warmth going away. There is the need for a good rake and a warmer coat. That hasn’t changed.
“The more things change …” For the Hebrew Christians that perhaps meant persecution for their faith all the way to confiscation of their property. Life was not the same.
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” God was still in control and in charge. As the unknown writer concludes his letter, we might paraphrase it this way: “The more things change, the more Jesus Christ stays the same.”
As the unnamed author closes his epistle, there are a number of final thoughts about faith that is active when it comes to people in general, an institution from God, possessions overall, and individuals at church. In a way, it is similar to what the prophet Amos urged: “Hate evil, love good” (Amos 5:15).
- People in general (He 13:1-3)
“The more things change.” It has played out today exactly as Jesus laid out once as he talked about the end of the world. “The love of most will grow cold” (Mt 24:12). The Hebrew Christians experienced it. It hasn’t gotten better. We might even express it. It is not a challenge to come up with examples—road rage on the highway to angry posts on the internet. It can come from our car or on our computer.
“The more Jesus Christ stays the same.” That is why the Father sent his Son to this earth. Jesus, our Brother, tasted death for us—in our place (He 2:9). He drank down the cup of suffering for our sins that was rightfully ours (Mt 26:39). He felt God’s full anger for our loveless attitudes and actions as he died on the cross. Because he suffered for our sin, he has set us apart from it (He 2:11). His forgiveness for our ongoing failures continues day after day.
And so it follows: “Keep on loving one another as brothers” (He 13:1). We have the same Father in heaven and faith in him. Our love for our brothers and sisters lingers and lasts—not in contention or competition, but with concern and compassion.
And the inspired author gives two concrete situations:
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (He 13:2). As people were forced from their homes back then, they couldn’t stop at the local Holiday Inn or Motel 6 for a comfy bed and continental breakfast. There weren’t any. They had to rely on the hospitality of others. That was part of the culture. Just like in the Old Testament when the Lord and two angels stopped by Abraham’s tent on their way to Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge 18). Even though he had no idea who they were, Abraham gladly opened his home—offering quite a meal of meat, bread, and milk—to those who were unfamiliar to him. He did it out of brotherly love.
We might not actually receive an angel as a guest. But we don’t have to look down or look away if someone is who is new to us—in our worship or in our neighborhood. That can be a handshake to a hearty greeting. “Keep on loving one another as brothers” (He 13:1)
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (He 13:3). Those who confessed Christ were unfairly put behind bars. They depended on the generosity of others to care for them—providing food while they were confined.
Some are justly (and unjustly) incarcerated nowadays. But we ought not to turn our backs on them. They need to know that their guilt is not too great for Jesus to get rid of. That is why our church body carries on a prison ministry—to reach out to inmates with the good news of a Savior. That is even one of the things that Jesus highlighted as evidence of faith to the sheep on his right in a parable. “I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Mt 25:36). When they wondered when, Jesus went on: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). Thus the encouragement: “Keep on loving one another as brothers” (He 13:1).
- An institution from God (He 13:4)
“The more things change.” We live in a society where marriage is under attack, or at least, in question. What is it? Many might not be able to answer that. And the gift reserved for marriage is exercised before marriage with someone or during marriage with another. Soap operas and sitcoms and sick jokes don’t help us value the close bond between husband and wife that the Lord has formed.
“The more Jesus Christ stays the same.” Jesus defended what God designed back in the perfection of the Garden of Eden, bringing Eve to Adam: “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one” (Mk 10:6-8).
We need to be on guard that our outlook on this is that it does not fall under the category of convenient or casual—stomping on the Sixth Commandment because it makes me feel good or it feels right. It is sinful and serious. But Jesus Christ handed himself over for the Church, his Bride, making her “without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Eph 5:27). He was condemned for our lack of purity. Thus the reality in every way: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure” (He 13:4). For the married and unmarried, we will fear and love God that we lead a pure and decent life in words and actions. And spouses will love and honor each other (Explanation to the Sixth Commandment).
- Possessions overall (He 13:5-7)
“The more things change.” What is enough? As technology improves and sales abound, a reply may be, “A little more”—whether it is better phones for communication or bigger closets for outfits. The chase is on for the latest and greatest (Mt 6:32). Again, that is not necessarily wrong. Money is a means, a tool. We acknowledge what we have as coming from a loving heavenly Father (Ja 1:17). The issue is if we set our hearts on it like the rich young man who approached Jesus (cf 1 Ti 6:6ff.). Jesus pointed out that he had not loved God above all things. Therefore, “He went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Mk 10:22). The sacred writer addresses our character and conduct: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” (He 13:5).
“The more Jesus Christ stays the same.” How can we do away with ungodly greed, unending getting and grabbing? Go back to God’s promise: “because God has said [it is still in force and in effect], ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (He 13:5). Two times. Never. Never. He won’t desert us in our distress. Just like he assured the new leader of Israel, Joshua as he was about to receive the mantle from Moses, the Lord announces his presence with us (Dt 31:5; Jos 1:5). The Lord knows what we need (and want) and he understands completely when or where or how to give it to us. Since he did not spare his Son, he will make sure that he provides all things for us (Ro 8:32). Even if or when we don’t understand how. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Mk 10:27).
And that is why we can be bold and brave: “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (He 13:6). Nothing. Like a doctor who diagnoses and prescribes when we are in need, our God directs and protects as we make our way to heaven. We are undisturbed and undaunted.
- Individuals at church (He 13:8,9)
“The more things change.” I will list some names: Gausewitz, Plocher, Nauman, Petermann. All former and faithful pastors here at St. John now enjoying the eternal rest of an everlasting place at the side of the One they preached and proclaimed. The Hebrew Christians had names that came to their minds too. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (He 13:8). They opened their mouths and opened the Scriptures. They made known the good news about Jesus.
“The more Jesus Christ stays the same.” A pastor is a person—with likes and dislikes, qualities and quirks. We don’t have to mimic those. But we continue to copy their full commitment to Christ as one day we fall asleep in Jesus as they have (Re 2:10).
The more things change, the more Jesus Christ stays the same. That sounds like the psalmist had us sing: “From everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Ps 90:2). Or in the divine writer’s words: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (He 13:8). He is Jesus—true God and true man, Savior, because he rescued us from our sins (Mt 1:21). He is Christ, the Anointed One, who speaks God’s word to us, who sacrificed his life for us, and who sits on his throne over us. Jesus Christ—constant throughout the past, in the present, and into the future. Even in the fall of the year, the more things change, the more Jesus Christ stays the same.
We read from Hebrews 13:1-8:
1 Keep on loving one another as brothers.
2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
6 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
May the God of peace …equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (He 13:20,21).
October 14, 2018
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Hebrews 2:9-11)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (He 12:2). Amen.
What did they see when they looked around? Persecution of some kind. And it wasn’t getting better. That led to questions. What is happening?
What do we see when we look about. Problems of some sort. And it isn’t getting easier. That results in concerns. Why is this happening?
It makes no difference if it is the Hebrew Christians or us. They needed, we need, the letter of Hebrews. The eyes on our faces are valuable. The eyes of our faith are vital. And what do we spot? We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan and who confesses his perfect family. We read from …
Hebrews 2:9-11
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our heavenly Brother who helps us,
I learned about it as a senior in college in psychology class. (That is a shout out to my liberal arts education.) It is called a “Rorschach test.” A person tells what they think an inkblot is when they glance at it. This test is to examine an individual’s characteristics and emotional functioning. That is the extent of my knowledge. That is because I know a little about a lot.
I don’t know if one of the blobs resembles a cross. But that is what the author of Hebrews holds out to us so that we hold on to it.
We See Jesus
1. Who completed his Father’s plan (9,10)
2. Who confesses his perfect family (10,11)
1. Who completed his Father’s plan (9,10)
In the Nicene Creed this morning, we asserted: “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen” (CW p. 18).
His power is evident and he simply says, “Let there be,” and there was (Ge 1:3).
His wisdom is apparent as he carefully forms things in an orderly way—beginning with light and ending with mankind.
His love is obvious as he really institutes marriage—giving Eve to Adam: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Ge 2:24).
All of that is true as we view our own bodies—how he has fashioned us. With the psalmist, we sing: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14).
When our first parents believed the lie of the devil and sinned, that did not stop our God. He formulated a way to rescue all. That is the one the unknown writer points to. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan.
With our spiritual vision, “We see Jesus” (He 2:9). We pause for a moment to remember, to reflect on that name. Recall it was the angel who reported to Joseph about Mary’s miracle baby: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). Jesus translates as “the Lord saves.” That is what he did—according to the Father’s plan.
Jesus, true God, became true man. We also acknowledged that: “For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate [In other words, “he was ‘in the flesh.’”] of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human” (CW p. 18). In the process, “we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels” (He 2:9). He gave up the majesty of heaven and was put in a manger in Bethlehem (Php 2:6-8). That must have been quite a sight as one of the messengers from on high stated to some scared shepherds at work: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11).
But that was for a short time and for a specific purpose. “We see Jesus … now crowned with glory and honor” (He 2:9). He sits on his throne—having come out of his three-day grave and going back to his eternal position, deserving of all respect and reverence as THE King, exalted to the highest place (Php 2:10). “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Php 2:11).
Why? All “because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (He 2:9). He didn’t sniff at it or sip it like if we are sampling something in another’s glass to find out if we like it. No. He drained the “cup of suffering” to its very dregs according to the Father’s will (Mt 26:42). He gulped down our guilt as he suffered our punishment on the cross—for our sin. The author highlights the fact that is “grace”—unmerited favor, a free gift. Jesus died “for everyone” (He 2:9). We can all contend individually, “In my place and for my sake and for my benefit. For me.” That is not selfish, but that is certain (He 11:1).
The Father did not sit back and let us flounder with our feeble, futile efforts. Quite the opposite. Not one thing that Jesus did was by accident. “It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering” (He 9:10). He is the Cause and Creator of the entire universe. And it was proper and appropriate that he deal with our sin. He sent his Son to be “the author of salvation.” Jesus didn’t just blaze a trail to heaven, he is the way to heaven (Jn 14:6). And Jesus reached the goal of rescuing us from Satan and sin like a when a team scores a touchdown. That is the objective. So Jesus’ pain gives us perfection. His cry from the cross is correct: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). He has done it all. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan entirely.
2. Who confesses his perfect family (10,11)
It was in the Apostles’ Creed that we announce under the article of the Holy Spirit: “I believe in … the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints” (CW p. 19). Those who have been called together are a joining of holy ones. That is what the unnamed writer of Hebrews points out. We see Jesus who confesses his perfect family.
The Father through his suffering Son has succeeded “in bringing many sons to glory” (He 2:10). Sons—that is our status no matter what age or gender. And we have a never-ending home with him forever—by his side and in his presence (Jn 14:2,3). Jesus has provided it and prepared it by becoming one of us. “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family” (He 2:11). Holy—free from sin and far from it. And so we often define it as “perfect” or “pure”—just like Jesus.
“So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers” (He 2:11). He is not embarrassed by us as one sibling may be of another because of something that they have done. (Who wants to be kissed by his sister?) No one is insignificant or irrelevant. It is hard to miss that in that short scene. The disciples wanted to push the little ones away, but Jesus pulled them close: He was not above them and they were not below him. “Let the little children come to me” (Mk 10:14). Jesus came as our brother and calls us his brothers. We see Jesus who confesses his perfect family eagerly.
To me, a blot of ink is more suited for an exhibition in an art gallery (even though I am not a fan of abstract art) than for an evaluation of a disorder. (I am not speaking against the medical profession.) But we have something concrete to stare at in the middle of persecution and in the midst of problems. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan to save us and who confesses his perfect family to claim us. That is no doubt what we see. Jesus. Amen.
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
October 7, 2018
What did they see when they looked around? Persecution of some kind. And it wasn’t getting better. That led to questions. What is happening?
What do we see when we look about. Problems of some sort. And it isn’t getting easier. That results in concerns. Why is this happening?
It makes no difference if it is the Hebrew Christians or us. They needed, we need, the letter of Hebrews. The eyes on our faces are valuable. The eyes of our faith are vital. And what do we spot? We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan and who confesses his perfect family. We read from …
Hebrews 2:9-11
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our heavenly Brother who helps us,
I learned about it as a senior in college in psychology class. (That is a shout out to my liberal arts education.) It is called a “Rorschach test.” A person tells what they think an inkblot is when they glance at it. This test is to examine an individual’s characteristics and emotional functioning. That is the extent of my knowledge. That is because I know a little about a lot.
I don’t know if one of the blobs resembles a cross. But that is what the author of Hebrews holds out to us so that we hold on to it.
We See Jesus
1. Who completed his Father’s plan (9,10)
2. Who confesses his perfect family (10,11)
1. Who completed his Father’s plan (9,10)
In the Nicene Creed this morning, we asserted: “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen” (CW p. 18).
His power is evident and he simply says, “Let there be,” and there was (Ge 1:3).
His wisdom is apparent as he carefully forms things in an orderly way—beginning with light and ending with mankind.
His love is obvious as he really institutes marriage—giving Eve to Adam: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Ge 2:24).
All of that is true as we view our own bodies—how he has fashioned us. With the psalmist, we sing: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14).
When our first parents believed the lie of the devil and sinned, that did not stop our God. He formulated a way to rescue all. That is the one the unknown writer points to. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan.
With our spiritual vision, “We see Jesus” (He 2:9). We pause for a moment to remember, to reflect on that name. Recall it was the angel who reported to Joseph about Mary’s miracle baby: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). Jesus translates as “the Lord saves.” That is what he did—according to the Father’s plan.
Jesus, true God, became true man. We also acknowledged that: “For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate [In other words, “he was ‘in the flesh.’”] of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human” (CW p. 18). In the process, “we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels” (He 2:9). He gave up the majesty of heaven and was put in a manger in Bethlehem (Php 2:6-8). That must have been quite a sight as one of the messengers from on high stated to some scared shepherds at work: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11).
But that was for a short time and for a specific purpose. “We see Jesus … now crowned with glory and honor” (He 2:9). He sits on his throne—having come out of his three-day grave and going back to his eternal position, deserving of all respect and reverence as THE King, exalted to the highest place (Php 2:10). “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Php 2:11).
Why? All “because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (He 2:9). He didn’t sniff at it or sip it like if we are sampling something in another’s glass to find out if we like it. No. He drained the “cup of suffering” to its very dregs according to the Father’s will (Mt 26:42). He gulped down our guilt as he suffered our punishment on the cross—for our sin. The author highlights the fact that is “grace”—unmerited favor, a free gift. Jesus died “for everyone” (He 2:9). We can all contend individually, “In my place and for my sake and for my benefit. For me.” That is not selfish, but that is certain (He 11:1).
The Father did not sit back and let us flounder with our feeble, futile efforts. Quite the opposite. Not one thing that Jesus did was by accident. “It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering” (He 9:10). He is the Cause and Creator of the entire universe. And it was proper and appropriate that he deal with our sin. He sent his Son to be “the author of salvation.” Jesus didn’t just blaze a trail to heaven, he is the way to heaven (Jn 14:6). And Jesus reached the goal of rescuing us from Satan and sin like a when a team scores a touchdown. That is the objective. So Jesus’ pain gives us perfection. His cry from the cross is correct: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). He has done it all. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan entirely.
2. Who confesses his perfect family (10,11)
It was in the Apostles’ Creed that we announce under the article of the Holy Spirit: “I believe in … the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints” (CW p. 19). Those who have been called together are a joining of holy ones. That is what the unnamed writer of Hebrews points out. We see Jesus who confesses his perfect family.
The Father through his suffering Son has succeeded “in bringing many sons to glory” (He 2:10). Sons—that is our status no matter what age or gender. And we have a never-ending home with him forever—by his side and in his presence (Jn 14:2,3). Jesus has provided it and prepared it by becoming one of us. “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family” (He 2:11). Holy—free from sin and far from it. And so we often define it as “perfect” or “pure”—just like Jesus.
“So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers” (He 2:11). He is not embarrassed by us as one sibling may be of another because of something that they have done. (Who wants to be kissed by his sister?) No one is insignificant or irrelevant. It is hard to miss that in that short scene. The disciples wanted to push the little ones away, but Jesus pulled them close: He was not above them and they were not below him. “Let the little children come to me” (Mk 10:14). Jesus came as our brother and calls us his brothers. We see Jesus who confesses his perfect family eagerly.
To me, a blot of ink is more suited for an exhibition in an art gallery (even though I am not a fan of abstract art) than for an evaluation of a disorder. (I am not speaking against the medical profession.) But we have something concrete to stare at in the middle of persecution and in the midst of problems. We see Jesus who completed his Father’s plan to save us and who confesses his perfect family to claim us. That is no doubt what we see. Jesus. Amen.
Grace be with you all (He 13:25). Amen.
October 7, 2018
Monday, October 1, 2018
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Philippians 1:12-18)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Php 1:2). Amen.
Joseph is my go-to guy—the one who comes to mind right away to make something that is abstract clear. It would be like saying, “Practicing piano leads to playing it better.” That is the theory. Then the reality: “That is why Ludwig van Beethoven could tickle the ivories so well.”
For that reason, I always use Joseph to connect a person in the Bible with a promise from the Lord. I realize that there is some distance between the two—when it comes to the aspect of time (The person is in the Old Testament.) and the place in the Scripture (The promise is in the New Testament). But he helps to illustrate a certainty that spans the ages and speaks the truth—all the way to today. The guarantee becomes more than a general concept for us. We have God’s Word on it. But it is a comfort to us. We have a concrete example of it.
First the assurance. The apostle Paul reminded the Christians in Rome: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). (That is worth memorizing, if you haven’t already.) Notice that Paul didn’t remark: “We wish that or want that” or “we suppose that or suspect that” all things—not many or most things, some or several things, all things, including both our sufferings and our blessings—are under God’s guidance for one goal—our good. That is the case even when it doesn’t seem apparent or evident or when we are in the middle or midst of something. We might compare it to reading one sentence in a paragraph rather than every page of the entire book. You miss a lot if you don’t have the correct perspective of the whole novel.
Then the account. Someone asked me this week to give an elevator account of my life. That is when you condense things so they are short and sweet—as much as you can get out on the ride up before the doors open. That is not so easy with Joseph (Ge 37-50). He might need the trip to go to the 56th floor, stopping at each one to let people on and off (and maybe even get stuck for a while, waiting for the fire department). Here is an attempt:
Joseph’s brothers didn’t like him. (Maybe that is an understatement. But we will go with it.) So they decided to get rid of him without killing him.
They sold him to some Midianite merchants for 20 shekels of silver.
Those traders took him to Egypt where Potiphar bought him.
Joseph was successful, as successful as you can be as a slave, because the Lord was with him. That is until Mrs. Potiphar took a shining to him and propositioned him—repeatedly. When Joseph refused to sin against God, she lied that he had tried to harass her rather than the other way around.
Joseph found himself in prison. When Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams, the cupbearer recalled that his fellow inmate had interpreted one of his when he was doing time. After Joseph provided the meaning (7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine), Pharaoh elevated Joseph to second in command of Egypt.
When the lack of food reached Israel, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. After a while, Joseph revealed himself to his siblings. And later on, Joseph commented because he had the correct perspective: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Ge 50:20). The line of the Messiah stayed alive and intact. At the time, Joseph’s brothers didn’t assume that as they collected the cash. At the moment, Joseph didn’t anticipate that as he took the trip. No. God took an evil plan turned it into a proper end.
That is critical for us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). We hang on to that firmly and hold on to that tightly. That correct perspective is for the greatest apostle to the humblest Christian.
But here is the thing: the one who shared that with a pen when writing to the Romans is the same one who showed that with an event when writing to the Philippians. The Christians in the city of Philippi had a close relationship with the apostle after his time among them. They had the same faith in God and were part of the same family of God. When Paul was transported to Rome and placed under house arrest in the capital city, they wondered things were going for him. So as Paul awaited his trial, he answered them in the form of an epistle.
Paul puts any of their concerns to rest: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Php 1:12). It was his desire that they understand these things in this circumstance. What seemed to be a negative God had it serve a positive. The incarceration did not hurt the good news of Jesus, but helped it. The messenger might be bound; the message was not (2 Ti 2:9). Like a ship making headway across the ocean, the gospel was making progress through the region and the ranks.
The apostle points to two instances since he had the correct perspective:
“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Php 1:13). As the soldiers cycled through their rotation of watching Paul, they saw that the only grounds for why he was in their custody was because of his connection to Christ. Hardly a crime and definitely not a criminal. And Paul had the opportunity to speak to them about the One who was obedient to death—even death on a cross (Php 2:8). The One whom God also raised and exalted (Php 2:9). And that significance of a Savior spread through the city and became widely known. In today’s terms, it would have been a trending story on an internet news home page.
The Lord can use any of our situations to foster the growth of the gospel—from chronic pain (“I get my strength from God” [2 Co 12:9]) to a coming possibility (“I get my blessings from my heavenly Father” [Ja 1:17].) We have that correct perspective as we proclaim Christ.
“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly” (Php 1:14). Those who labored for the Lord in Rome dared to do so with great boldness. This inspired them to be brave.
Others may do the same with us. They encourage us to look for moments to assert our confidence in Christ. If they can, so can I.
There is a sad side note. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry. … [They] preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains” (Php 1:15,17). Did the jealousy come because of Paul’s “hero status?” Along the lines of, “What about us? We have been here for more time and heralded with more trials.” Shouldn’t they get some admiration too? But that is looking out for one’s own glory than one’s God. There were some mixed intentions.
It is sad if professional resentment or personal reward get in the way. It is vital for a pastor to pray, “Lord, have them look past the servant to the Savior—not to applaud me, but to appreciate you.” It is valuable for a person to pray, “Lord, it is not about me, but about you—not to call attention to me, but to draw attention to you.” Proclaim Christ with the correct perspective.
And that is what the focus of many was. “But others out of goodwill. [They] do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel” (Php 1:15). Paul was a genuine role model for them as they preached Christ crucified.
We would do well to imitate that group—respect for the worker and reverence for the work.
Again it comes down to the correct perspective. Paul concludes: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Php 1:18). He is not excusing false teaching—“as long as they mention Christ.” It is not a matter of who announces, but what is announced. That sounds similar to what Moses explained when Joshua got excited: “I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Nu 11:29). Jesus echoed the same idea: “for whoever is not against us is for us” (Mk 9:40).
We continue to tell with conviction what Christ has accomplished. He took on our guilt and took it away with his life and death and resurrection. God has done something exceptional and extraordinary in answer to our request: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps 51:10). And he does just that. Proclaim Christ with the correct perspective.
I will stick with Joseph and maybe give a shout out to Paul as my go-to guy that God makes a promise and he keeps it. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). In a sense, we have an individual in the Old and New Testaments. They both saw it—even in desperate or difficult times. The focus is not on me, but on Christ. Proclaim Christ with that correct perspective and the gospel goes forward. And because of that, we rejoice.
We read from Philippians 1:12-18:
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Php 4:23).
September 30, 2018
Joseph is my go-to guy—the one who comes to mind right away to make something that is abstract clear. It would be like saying, “Practicing piano leads to playing it better.” That is the theory. Then the reality: “That is why Ludwig van Beethoven could tickle the ivories so well.”
For that reason, I always use Joseph to connect a person in the Bible with a promise from the Lord. I realize that there is some distance between the two—when it comes to the aspect of time (The person is in the Old Testament.) and the place in the Scripture (The promise is in the New Testament). But he helps to illustrate a certainty that spans the ages and speaks the truth—all the way to today. The guarantee becomes more than a general concept for us. We have God’s Word on it. But it is a comfort to us. We have a concrete example of it.
First the assurance. The apostle Paul reminded the Christians in Rome: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). (That is worth memorizing, if you haven’t already.) Notice that Paul didn’t remark: “We wish that or want that” or “we suppose that or suspect that” all things—not many or most things, some or several things, all things, including both our sufferings and our blessings—are under God’s guidance for one goal—our good. That is the case even when it doesn’t seem apparent or evident or when we are in the middle or midst of something. We might compare it to reading one sentence in a paragraph rather than every page of the entire book. You miss a lot if you don’t have the correct perspective of the whole novel.
Then the account. Someone asked me this week to give an elevator account of my life. That is when you condense things so they are short and sweet—as much as you can get out on the ride up before the doors open. That is not so easy with Joseph (Ge 37-50). He might need the trip to go to the 56th floor, stopping at each one to let people on and off (and maybe even get stuck for a while, waiting for the fire department). Here is an attempt:
Joseph’s brothers didn’t like him. (Maybe that is an understatement. But we will go with it.) So they decided to get rid of him without killing him.
They sold him to some Midianite merchants for 20 shekels of silver.
Those traders took him to Egypt where Potiphar bought him.
Joseph was successful, as successful as you can be as a slave, because the Lord was with him. That is until Mrs. Potiphar took a shining to him and propositioned him—repeatedly. When Joseph refused to sin against God, she lied that he had tried to harass her rather than the other way around.
Joseph found himself in prison. When Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams, the cupbearer recalled that his fellow inmate had interpreted one of his when he was doing time. After Joseph provided the meaning (7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine), Pharaoh elevated Joseph to second in command of Egypt.
When the lack of food reached Israel, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. After a while, Joseph revealed himself to his siblings. And later on, Joseph commented because he had the correct perspective: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Ge 50:20). The line of the Messiah stayed alive and intact. At the time, Joseph’s brothers didn’t assume that as they collected the cash. At the moment, Joseph didn’t anticipate that as he took the trip. No. God took an evil plan turned it into a proper end.
That is critical for us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). We hang on to that firmly and hold on to that tightly. That correct perspective is for the greatest apostle to the humblest Christian.
But here is the thing: the one who shared that with a pen when writing to the Romans is the same one who showed that with an event when writing to the Philippians. The Christians in the city of Philippi had a close relationship with the apostle after his time among them. They had the same faith in God and were part of the same family of God. When Paul was transported to Rome and placed under house arrest in the capital city, they wondered things were going for him. So as Paul awaited his trial, he answered them in the form of an epistle.
Paul puts any of their concerns to rest: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Php 1:12). It was his desire that they understand these things in this circumstance. What seemed to be a negative God had it serve a positive. The incarceration did not hurt the good news of Jesus, but helped it. The messenger might be bound; the message was not (2 Ti 2:9). Like a ship making headway across the ocean, the gospel was making progress through the region and the ranks.
The apostle points to two instances since he had the correct perspective:
“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Php 1:13). As the soldiers cycled through their rotation of watching Paul, they saw that the only grounds for why he was in their custody was because of his connection to Christ. Hardly a crime and definitely not a criminal. And Paul had the opportunity to speak to them about the One who was obedient to death—even death on a cross (Php 2:8). The One whom God also raised and exalted (Php 2:9). And that significance of a Savior spread through the city and became widely known. In today’s terms, it would have been a trending story on an internet news home page.
The Lord can use any of our situations to foster the growth of the gospel—from chronic pain (“I get my strength from God” [2 Co 12:9]) to a coming possibility (“I get my blessings from my heavenly Father” [Ja 1:17].) We have that correct perspective as we proclaim Christ.
“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly” (Php 1:14). Those who labored for the Lord in Rome dared to do so with great boldness. This inspired them to be brave.
Others may do the same with us. They encourage us to look for moments to assert our confidence in Christ. If they can, so can I.
There is a sad side note. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry. … [They] preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains” (Php 1:15,17). Did the jealousy come because of Paul’s “hero status?” Along the lines of, “What about us? We have been here for more time and heralded with more trials.” Shouldn’t they get some admiration too? But that is looking out for one’s own glory than one’s God. There were some mixed intentions.
It is sad if professional resentment or personal reward get in the way. It is vital for a pastor to pray, “Lord, have them look past the servant to the Savior—not to applaud me, but to appreciate you.” It is valuable for a person to pray, “Lord, it is not about me, but about you—not to call attention to me, but to draw attention to you.” Proclaim Christ with the correct perspective.
And that is what the focus of many was. “But others out of goodwill. [They] do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel” (Php 1:15). Paul was a genuine role model for them as they preached Christ crucified.
We would do well to imitate that group—respect for the worker and reverence for the work.
Again it comes down to the correct perspective. Paul concludes: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Php 1:18). He is not excusing false teaching—“as long as they mention Christ.” It is not a matter of who announces, but what is announced. That sounds similar to what Moses explained when Joshua got excited: “I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Nu 11:29). Jesus echoed the same idea: “for whoever is not against us is for us” (Mk 9:40).
We continue to tell with conviction what Christ has accomplished. He took on our guilt and took it away with his life and death and resurrection. God has done something exceptional and extraordinary in answer to our request: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps 51:10). And he does just that. Proclaim Christ with the correct perspective.
I will stick with Joseph and maybe give a shout out to Paul as my go-to guy that God makes a promise and he keeps it. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). In a sense, we have an individual in the Old and New Testaments. They both saw it—even in desperate or difficult times. The focus is not on me, but on Christ. Proclaim Christ with that correct perspective and the gospel goes forward. And because of that, we rejoice.
We read from Philippians 1:12-18:
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Php 4:23).
September 30, 2018
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