We Have Good News at Christmas
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord, whose birth we see again and celebrate today,
What comes to mind when you hear this: “I have news for you.”? Maybe two things.
What kind is it? In other words, since the word “news” is really neutral, is the news good or bad?
What is it? That is, as far as the content.
What about the news of Christmas? We can cheat a little and let the angel clarify as he comes to some shepherds outside of Bethlehem. They had punched in that night to protect their sheep, not expecting any heavenly guests. (That was not a common occurrence.) And then this courier from God appeared with this communication from God:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Lk 2:11). That takes care of the sort of news. It is good.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). That covers the substance. It is about Jesus.
It is obvious how we react to good news. We rejoice. It is exciting. The prophet Isaiah helps us so that as we consider Jesus’ birth.
It would be hard when it happened. The Lord would send Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem and deport the people, trashing and torching the temple in the process. It was a judgment on their idolatry—the fact that they had turned their backs on God. But that forced captivity in a foreign country would come to an end. God would bring them back to their homeland.
Isaiah uses the picture of runners sprinting back to Jerusalem from the front lines where Israel’s armies were facing and fighting their enemies. They race ahead of the others who are returning. We might compare it to the child who jumps out of the car before it comes to a complete stop in grandma and grandpa’s driveway and heads into their house, “We are here. We are here.”
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” (Is 52:7). The messenger’s feet are beautiful, even though there might have been a bit of dust and dirt from the paths, because the message they bring is beautiful. There was victory.
We can almost picture the one proclaiming the triumph panting as he relays three things.
“Peace” (Is 52:7). The relationship between us and God was not right. It was broken. But God did not leave it that way. He restored it by sending his Son, the “Prince of peace” (Is 9:7). But it would come at a price, a high one. Jesus would be crushed for our sins on the cross (Is 53:5). “The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Is 53:5). Since that is true, nothing now stands in the way. God and sinners reconciled (CW 61:1). No wonder the angel choir light up the night sky and burst out in song: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:14). That also calls to mind Jesus’ words the night before his death: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn 14:27).
“Good tidings” (Is 52:7). What comes from God is good because he is good (Ps 100:5; 106:1; Ja 1:17). At Christmas we see that he has brought about his promise of a Messiah to make us one with God. The release from Babylon foreshadowed a greater release—from our sin. It is like when you see the first streaks of the sun peak off in the distance you know that that fiery ball will blaze brightly at noon. The one freedom anticipated the greater one. It was John the Baptizer who was a witness of Jesus, the Word made flesh (Jn 1:14): “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world” (Jn 1:9).
“Salvation” (Is 52:7). God has delivered us from danger. Jesus has done what his name means. Remember how the angel stressed that as he stated to Joseph the reason for Mary’s pregnancy—conceived by the Holy Spirit: “You are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21).
Peace, good tidings, salvation—that is all good news at Christmas. But there is more: “Your God reigns!” (Is 52:7). That had always been the case. It is just more evident now. And that is true about Jesus. Jesus descended from David. But he sits, not on an earthly throne, but an eternal one. And he is in complete control. No one will be able to oust or overthrow him. And one day the King will reappear to take us into his kingdom (Mt 25:34).
And then Isaiah switches the scene to those standing on the city walls, scanning the horizon. “Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes” (Is 52:8). As they came face to face with the envoys from afar they erupt in happiness. We make our way to the manger again this day and we join the shepherds as they made their way from it: “[They] returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they were told” (Lk 2:20). Good news is to be shared. We speak about it too. Jesus is born.
And that is what Isaiah encourages: “Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem” (Is 52:9). We associate singing with Christmas. And with good reason. We sing when we are happy. And why not? “For he has done marvelous things his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Ps 98:1). We are his people, belonging to him because Jesus has paid the price to set us free from our guilt with his holy, precious blood, spilled and shed on the cross. It is not wrong to stand beneath that instrument of torture as we stand beside a trough for animals. That is why Jesus “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). He lived with us so that we could live with him.
That is how God displayed his might. It is like a weightlifter at the gym will wear a tank top instead of a long sleeve shirt—to show off his muscle as he works out. God wants all corners of the earth to see his power in Christ and what he has accomplished (Lk 2:30,31). “The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God” (Is 52:10). The Lord, whose love never changes, has rescued us from sin and released us from Satan. It commences at the makeshift crib, continues at the wooden cross, and culminates at the open tomb. The Father sent his Son—for us and for our salvation.
“I have news for you.” That may cause you to wonder. But not today. I have good news at Christmas. And so do you. We have good news at Christmas. Jesus is born. Merry Christmas.
We read from Isaiah 52:7-10:
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.
9 Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever! (Re 7:12). Amen.
December 25, 2016
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Christmas Eve (Genesis 49:10)
The Ruler Has Arrived
When you look into the manger, what do you see? A baby. I suppose that is a safe answer. It is obvious in every nativity scene. There are animals like donkeys and cows, even camels. There is also the usual cast of characters—shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and, of course, the infant, front and center.
But more, much more than a baby. He is Mary’s Son, born of a virgin (Is 7:14). And he is God’s Son, true God taking on human flesh, true man (Col 2:9). That acknowledgement is significant. He is Jesus—the Messiah, the Christ—Prophet, Priest, and King. God guaranteed him through prophet after prophet down through the years (Lk 1:70)—Immanuel, “God with us” (Is 7:14; Mt 1:23), born in the little town of Bethlehem (Mi 5:2), The LORD our Righteousness (Je 23:6). The faithful were to be watching and waiting for him. And now he is born.
But there were others, like Jacob, who revealed a Ruler who was to come. It was on his deathbed at age 147. He gathered his 12 sons around him while they were still in Egypt and spoke words that are both blessings to them and predictions about them (Ge 49:1). He made known that it would not be from Rueben or Simeon or Levi that the Messiah would trace his family tree, but Judah, the fourth son of Leah. The honor would be his. And others would praise him for it (Ge 49:8). So like his grandfather Abraham passed along the blessing to his son, Isaac, and Isaac to his son, Jacob, Jacob was about to do the same with Judah.
Jacob speaks of a scepter—a symbol of authority—and a staff—a sign of power that when the one in charge sat on his throne, the top of the stick or rod laid on his shoulder and the bottom went between his feet. Those things would not go away (Ge 49:10).
David comes to mind, a descendant of Judah many years later. He was certainly a great king in Israel. He came and conquered. Unfortunately many after him did not fare so well. But One would appear—the One to whom it, this ruler’s scepter and staff, belonged. On the night before we commemorate Christ’s birth, we consider him.
He is David’s greater Son, really his greatest Son. Zechariah called him “a horn of salvation … in the house of his servant David” (Lk 1:69). It was the angel Gabriel that referenced that when he announced to Mary that she would have a son. He not only expresses his name—Jesus, but also explains his nature. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Lk 1:32.33). This is no common King, but a real Ruler.
And he didn’t symbolize power, he showed power. He was no mere figurehead. The King would go to the cross where he would crush the devil’s head (Ge 3:15). And then three days later, victorious over all of our enemies, he would come out of the grave. He saved his people from their sins (Mt 1:21). He rescued us. We now have rest, complete rest—between us and God. And so our Savior invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). He refreshes us with the good news that he has removed all of our wrongs.
This rest is not a short break or slight breather from the flurry, or better, the frenzy of activity around Christmas—“we got to buy this” or “we got to bake that.” And now that the gifts are all wrapped and cookies are all sprinkled, we step back and finally let out a huge sigh of relief—mission accomplished. There is more to Christmas Eve tonight and Christmas Day tomorrow than that.
But this rest is for our souls. Our guilt no longer weighs us down because Jesus lifted it off of us. All is right between us and God. No wonder the angel chorus belted out their song: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:14). All because of Jesus, our “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6). His reign will never end (Re 11:15). Our God has brought us to believe this and we bow before him in glad obedience, eager to do what is good (Ti 2:11-14). We worship him with appreciation on earth and with the anticipation of eternity.
When you peer into the feedbox, what do you spot? A baby. Yes. And more. The promised Ruler has arrived with perfect rest. He is Christ the Lord (Lk 2:11), our King. Merry Christmas Eve.
We read from Genesis 49:10:
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.
December 24, 2016
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Fourth Sunday in Advent (Romans 1:1-7)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
This is the time of year that we replace a “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” with … With what? That is the question, or the confusion. Do we exclaim, “Happy Holidays.” Or it is better to state, “Merry Christmas?” What do you say when you go into a gas station or grocery store and greet the one behind the counter? Or anyone else for that matter?
You can get me on a technicality. Perhaps you go with “Happy Advent” since we are still in that stretch of the church year. But that ends today. As we close out Advent, we look ahead to Christmas. We turn to the beginning of Paul’s letter to the saints in the city of Rome. Through him God sends Christmas greetings—revealed by his people and received by his people. We read from …
Romans 1:1-7
Dear Saints of God through our Savior from God,
Christmas greetings come in different forms.
Some still keep the post office in business and address envelopes and apply stamps. There is a card with a form letter inside or just fancy paper with commentary. A few opt for a postcard with pictures.
Others attach a lengthy document to an email for mass distribution.
And if you are really busy, I suppose that you could text an “MC” to all of your contacts. (There is an abbreviation for everything. Why not for “Merry Christmas.” You might even spice the message up with a tree emoji. I am guessing there is one. I just don't know how to find it.)
God chose the epistle approach. And while this writing to the Romans is not exclusively for Christians at Christmas, it does allow us to consider why we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
God Sends Christmas Greetings
1. Revealed by his people (1-5)
2. Received by his people (6,7)
1. Revealed by his people (1-5)
I doubt that there is an anonymous Christmas card. I can’t think of a reason for one. Even the generic ones which you buy leave some room for you to sign your name. And even write a quick note if you like. (I don’t think that many will take you up on a “wish you were here” with the temps that have a negative sign in front of a double digit number.) It is through Paul that God sends Christmas greetings. They are revealed by his people.
In fact, that is the first word that we come across. “Paul” (Ro 1:1). Back then that was the standard form when composing a letter. The author would identify himself right away. I always compare it to an email. There is no guesswork whom it is from. It is obvious when you check it after you log in. And Paul goes on to describe himself in a number of interesting ways:
“A servant of Christ Jesus” (Ro 1:1). That might strike us as negative—being a servant, or really a slave. That calls to mind the idea of not being able to do what you want, when you want. But it is positive (cf. Je 7:25). That is because of to whom Paul belonged—Christ Jesus his Lord. Paul was more than happy bend his will and lend his ear to his Master. It is not below us or beneath us to be under the control and care of Christ Jesus our Lord. We serve him who is not cruel, but kind.
“Called to be an apostle” (Ro 1:1). An “apostle” is “one who is sent out for a specific purpose and on an official mission.” I don’t think that we would have chosen Paul for such a high honor. Remember how he was a great persecutor of Christ (Acts 9:4)—not content to hunt Christians down simply in Jerusalem, but headed out to remote areas. It was on the road to Damascus that Jesus recruited him to be a grand preacher of Christ (Acts 9).
“Set apart for the gospel of God” (Ro 1:1). [Slide 10] Recall the reaction (or better, reservation) of Ananias when the Lord sent him to Paul as he was suffering from blindness after the encounter with the bright light on the highway. It is a bit of a paraphrase, but something along the lines of “I don’t know if you have heard. Paul is not really that nice” (Acts 9:13). To which the Lord responded: “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15). It is like you grab a shovel to clear you driveway of 5-27 inches of snow. Paul was the tool God selected. We don’t have that call, but the same commission to proclaim the gospel (Mt 28:19).
Then Paul steps away to explain that “gospel,” the good news. And it was not something new. It stretched back to the Old Testament, “the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son” (Ro 1:2,3). God was certain what he would do when sin made its ugly appearance into the world. He would send a Savior—born in Bethlehem to bear our guilt on Calvary, punished in our place (Mi 5:2; Is 53:4-6). Prophet after prophet prophesied and promised such a One in God’s pure and perfect writings. God used them to reveal his plan to his people.
We listened in as God was willing to grant wicked King Ahaz a sign, any sign, to support the claim that Judah would be safe from its enemies. When he declined out of mock humility, the Lord supplied one anyway. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Is 7:14). [Slide 13] Matthew highlighted that as he records the angel’s reason for Mary’s shocking pregnancy (surprising to Joseph, at least, since he was not the father)—conceived by the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of Isaiah’s revelation 700 years earlier (Mt 1:20,22). It wasn’t unfaithfulness on her part, but faithfulness on God’s. As we make our way to the manger again in the coming week, there he is, “God with us.”
God’s one and only Son is certainly unique (Jn 3:16).
He is true man. Paul shares that: “who as to his human nature was a descendant of David” (Ro 1:3). Jesus became man in time. He took on human flesh and blood (Jn 1:14; He 2:14). He had a family tree—tracing it back to his forefather and famous ancestor, King David (Mt 1:20; Lk 1:32). He humbled himself in such a way to head to the cross—for us (Php 2:8).
He is true God. Paul shows that: “who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead” (Ro 1:4). Jesus is, was, will be God—eternal. And also almighty. That is evident in every miracle Jesus preformed—making the blind see and the deaf hear, and every other one that comes to mind. God designated Jesus his Son in no weak way by bringing him out of the grave. Jesus died. But the tomb could not hold him. He lives, having paid the price to free us from sin, redeeming us and ransoming us. God accepted his sacrifice for us and exalted him above all (Php 2:9). We are not getting ahead of ourselves, skipping over Christmas and shooting to Easter. But those things go hand in hand. Jesus came to live for us, die for us, and rise for us.
So we confess him and call him …
“Jesus” (Ro 1:4). Jesus signifies “Savior.” That is what we mean every time that we mention his personal name. The angel announced it to Joseph: “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). The Lord saves. Jesus rescued us.
“Christ” (Ro 1:4). He is the “Anointed One,” the promised Messiah.
“Lord” (Ro 1:4). He is above us and over us (Eph 1:22). But in a good sense. We are his.
And there is one word that makes all the difference: “our” (Ro 1:4)—our Jesus, our Christ, our Lord.
That is the gospel Jesus picked Paul to pronounce to all: “Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith” (Ro 1:5). Paul revealed Jesus to Jews and Gentiles. That was a gracious gift from Jesus to him so that others might know and believe. God used his energy, not to destroy the church, but his efforts to declare the Christ.
We have God’s Word and God’s workers—prophets, pastors, parents, even the children with the program yesterday. They reveal God’s Christmas greetings to his people—to us. Like the angels on Christmas night: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). We accept it as true and trust that Jesus has come to bring us “clean hands and a pure heart” (Ps 24:4). He has rid us of the grime that was once there. Jesus did that that—true God and true man, our Savior. That makes Christmas merry.
2. Received by his people (6,7)
You open your mailbox or inbox (on your computer or phone) to read highlights or happenings in other’s lives in the past year. People send them to spotlight that. God does that through Paul. God sends Christmas greetings. They are received by his people.
The Roman recipients were case and point: “And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ” (Ro 1:6). Like you invite company to your house, God has done that for you and me to be part of and included in his family. “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints” (Ro 1:7). That is striking for all involved. Saints? Yes. God has declared us to be holy and dedicated us to him. That is a high honor. And that is who we are—always dear to him.
And then finally Paul gets to his customary salutation. But it is far from simple—more than a “hey, how are you?”. It is significant: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 1:7). We are also on the receiving end of those substantial blessings that originate from the Father and the Son. They are familiar and ought not be forgotten.
“Grace” (Ro 1:7). That is God’s undeserved kindness like if your mail carrier were to give you a Christmas gift out of the blue instead of the other way around. Grace is the quality that makes God willing, even eager, to give to us the forgiveness of sins and the certainty of heaven. That is the cause of our salvation.
“Peace” (Ro 1:7). That is the result of our salvation. Everything is right between us and God. We are not at odds with God anymore. “Glory to God in the highest” (Lk 2:14).
Paul’s prayer is that that grace and peace might continue to be theirs. God sends Christmas greetings received by his people—by us, called, loved, saints with grace and peace from God. That makes Christmas merry.
Four Sundays of preparing for Jesus’ coming—as a baby and a judge—concludes today. We are ready. Whether it is with your voice or with your pen or with your cell, use the opportunities and correspondence to showcase Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. We know how to greet people in those forms of communication. That is because God sends Christmas greetings—revealed by his people, by us, and received by his people, by us. Christ is born. That is the gospel message. Grace and peace are ours. “Happy Advent” now becomes “Merry Christmas.” Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
December 18, 2016
This is the time of year that we replace a “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” with … With what? That is the question, or the confusion. Do we exclaim, “Happy Holidays.” Or it is better to state, “Merry Christmas?” What do you say when you go into a gas station or grocery store and greet the one behind the counter? Or anyone else for that matter?
You can get me on a technicality. Perhaps you go with “Happy Advent” since we are still in that stretch of the church year. But that ends today. As we close out Advent, we look ahead to Christmas. We turn to the beginning of Paul’s letter to the saints in the city of Rome. Through him God sends Christmas greetings—revealed by his people and received by his people. We read from …
Romans 1:1-7
Dear Saints of God through our Savior from God,
Christmas greetings come in different forms.
Some still keep the post office in business and address envelopes and apply stamps. There is a card with a form letter inside or just fancy paper with commentary. A few opt for a postcard with pictures.
Others attach a lengthy document to an email for mass distribution.
And if you are really busy, I suppose that you could text an “MC” to all of your contacts. (There is an abbreviation for everything. Why not for “Merry Christmas.” You might even spice the message up with a tree emoji. I am guessing there is one. I just don't know how to find it.)
God chose the epistle approach. And while this writing to the Romans is not exclusively for Christians at Christmas, it does allow us to consider why we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
God Sends Christmas Greetings
1. Revealed by his people (1-5)
2. Received by his people (6,7)
1. Revealed by his people (1-5)
I doubt that there is an anonymous Christmas card. I can’t think of a reason for one. Even the generic ones which you buy leave some room for you to sign your name. And even write a quick note if you like. (I don’t think that many will take you up on a “wish you were here” with the temps that have a negative sign in front of a double digit number.) It is through Paul that God sends Christmas greetings. They are revealed by his people.
In fact, that is the first word that we come across. “Paul” (Ro 1:1). Back then that was the standard form when composing a letter. The author would identify himself right away. I always compare it to an email. There is no guesswork whom it is from. It is obvious when you check it after you log in. And Paul goes on to describe himself in a number of interesting ways:
“A servant of Christ Jesus” (Ro 1:1). That might strike us as negative—being a servant, or really a slave. That calls to mind the idea of not being able to do what you want, when you want. But it is positive (cf. Je 7:25). That is because of to whom Paul belonged—Christ Jesus his Lord. Paul was more than happy bend his will and lend his ear to his Master. It is not below us or beneath us to be under the control and care of Christ Jesus our Lord. We serve him who is not cruel, but kind.
“Called to be an apostle” (Ro 1:1). An “apostle” is “one who is sent out for a specific purpose and on an official mission.” I don’t think that we would have chosen Paul for such a high honor. Remember how he was a great persecutor of Christ (Acts 9:4)—not content to hunt Christians down simply in Jerusalem, but headed out to remote areas. It was on the road to Damascus that Jesus recruited him to be a grand preacher of Christ (Acts 9).
“Set apart for the gospel of God” (Ro 1:1). [Slide 10] Recall the reaction (or better, reservation) of Ananias when the Lord sent him to Paul as he was suffering from blindness after the encounter with the bright light on the highway. It is a bit of a paraphrase, but something along the lines of “I don’t know if you have heard. Paul is not really that nice” (Acts 9:13). To which the Lord responded: “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15). It is like you grab a shovel to clear you driveway of 5-27 inches of snow. Paul was the tool God selected. We don’t have that call, but the same commission to proclaim the gospel (Mt 28:19).
Then Paul steps away to explain that “gospel,” the good news. And it was not something new. It stretched back to the Old Testament, “the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son” (Ro 1:2,3). God was certain what he would do when sin made its ugly appearance into the world. He would send a Savior—born in Bethlehem to bear our guilt on Calvary, punished in our place (Mi 5:2; Is 53:4-6). Prophet after prophet prophesied and promised such a One in God’s pure and perfect writings. God used them to reveal his plan to his people.
We listened in as God was willing to grant wicked King Ahaz a sign, any sign, to support the claim that Judah would be safe from its enemies. When he declined out of mock humility, the Lord supplied one anyway. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Is 7:14). [Slide 13] Matthew highlighted that as he records the angel’s reason for Mary’s shocking pregnancy (surprising to Joseph, at least, since he was not the father)—conceived by the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of Isaiah’s revelation 700 years earlier (Mt 1:20,22). It wasn’t unfaithfulness on her part, but faithfulness on God’s. As we make our way to the manger again in the coming week, there he is, “God with us.”
God’s one and only Son is certainly unique (Jn 3:16).
He is true man. Paul shares that: “who as to his human nature was a descendant of David” (Ro 1:3). Jesus became man in time. He took on human flesh and blood (Jn 1:14; He 2:14). He had a family tree—tracing it back to his forefather and famous ancestor, King David (Mt 1:20; Lk 1:32). He humbled himself in such a way to head to the cross—for us (Php 2:8).
He is true God. Paul shows that: “who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead” (Ro 1:4). Jesus is, was, will be God—eternal. And also almighty. That is evident in every miracle Jesus preformed—making the blind see and the deaf hear, and every other one that comes to mind. God designated Jesus his Son in no weak way by bringing him out of the grave. Jesus died. But the tomb could not hold him. He lives, having paid the price to free us from sin, redeeming us and ransoming us. God accepted his sacrifice for us and exalted him above all (Php 2:9). We are not getting ahead of ourselves, skipping over Christmas and shooting to Easter. But those things go hand in hand. Jesus came to live for us, die for us, and rise for us.
So we confess him and call him …
“Jesus” (Ro 1:4). Jesus signifies “Savior.” That is what we mean every time that we mention his personal name. The angel announced it to Joseph: “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). The Lord saves. Jesus rescued us.
“Christ” (Ro 1:4). He is the “Anointed One,” the promised Messiah.
“Lord” (Ro 1:4). He is above us and over us (Eph 1:22). But in a good sense. We are his.
And there is one word that makes all the difference: “our” (Ro 1:4)—our Jesus, our Christ, our Lord.
That is the gospel Jesus picked Paul to pronounce to all: “Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith” (Ro 1:5). Paul revealed Jesus to Jews and Gentiles. That was a gracious gift from Jesus to him so that others might know and believe. God used his energy, not to destroy the church, but his efforts to declare the Christ.
We have God’s Word and God’s workers—prophets, pastors, parents, even the children with the program yesterday. They reveal God’s Christmas greetings to his people—to us. Like the angels on Christmas night: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). We accept it as true and trust that Jesus has come to bring us “clean hands and a pure heart” (Ps 24:4). He has rid us of the grime that was once there. Jesus did that that—true God and true man, our Savior. That makes Christmas merry.
2. Received by his people (6,7)
You open your mailbox or inbox (on your computer or phone) to read highlights or happenings in other’s lives in the past year. People send them to spotlight that. God does that through Paul. God sends Christmas greetings. They are received by his people.
The Roman recipients were case and point: “And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ” (Ro 1:6). Like you invite company to your house, God has done that for you and me to be part of and included in his family. “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints” (Ro 1:7). That is striking for all involved. Saints? Yes. God has declared us to be holy and dedicated us to him. That is a high honor. And that is who we are—always dear to him.
And then finally Paul gets to his customary salutation. But it is far from simple—more than a “hey, how are you?”. It is significant: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 1:7). We are also on the receiving end of those substantial blessings that originate from the Father and the Son. They are familiar and ought not be forgotten.
“Grace” (Ro 1:7). That is God’s undeserved kindness like if your mail carrier were to give you a Christmas gift out of the blue instead of the other way around. Grace is the quality that makes God willing, even eager, to give to us the forgiveness of sins and the certainty of heaven. That is the cause of our salvation.
“Peace” (Ro 1:7). That is the result of our salvation. Everything is right between us and God. We are not at odds with God anymore. “Glory to God in the highest” (Lk 2:14).
Paul’s prayer is that that grace and peace might continue to be theirs. God sends Christmas greetings received by his people—by us, called, loved, saints with grace and peace from God. That makes Christmas merry.
Four Sundays of preparing for Jesus’ coming—as a baby and a judge—concludes today. We are ready. Whether it is with your voice or with your pen or with your cell, use the opportunities and correspondence to showcase Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. We know how to greet people in those forms of communication. That is because God sends Christmas greetings—revealed by his people, by us, and received by his people, by us. Christ is born. That is the gospel message. Grace and peace are ours. “Happy Advent” now becomes “Merry Christmas.” Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
December 18, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Third Sunday in Advent (Matthew 11:2-11)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Pe 1:2). Amen.
You have seen them—an optical illusion. There are different kinds. But one of them is when you look at a picture and it messes with your eyes. [Note that there was a slide up front in worship with such an optical illusion.] What is it—two faces looking at each other or a vase standing in the middle? Or both? (Do you need a few minutes or are you good?)
This is made up. But there could also be an “auricular illusion.” A noise that misleads your ears. Was that a train or tornado? It is pretty important to know the difference. One has a horn as it runs down the tracks; the other has a siren before it rips up the neighborhood.
Either way, things are not always what they seem—to our eyes or to our ears. Sights can be deceptive and sounds can be deceiving.
John the Baptizer had seen and heard things. And he had some questions and concerns. Who was Jesus? Another man or anointed Messiah? Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words to John and in his words about John. We read from …
Matthew 11:2-11
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the One who was to come and the One who is to come,
Does it cross your mind when you are shopping for or while you are wrapping up a Christmas present: Will he wear it? Will she like it? There is that hint of uncertainty.
It is not until we hear, “I love this.” Or “I wanted this,” that we are sure. It is not just hearing the reaction, but seeing the excitement. That removes any reservation.
Jesus does that for John, not with a present, but about his purpose.
Jesus Dispels Doubt with God’s Word
1. In his words to John (2-6)
2. In his words about John (7-11)
1. In his words to John (2-6)
So then we have Christmas wish lists. Then you know what your children or spouse has in mind for the holidays. That saves from spinning in circles in stores, wasting time. Perhaps I am not a hopeless romantic, just hopeless, when it comes to what goes beneath a tree. But this way you have some ideas in print and in in hand. There is no guesswork. Jesus didn’t want John to deliberate any more. Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words to John.
John had time to think. He was no longer in the desert, but in a dungeon. No more open spaces. Instead an oppressive cell. It was because he was brave and bold enough to call Herod Antipas on his latest marriage (or better his recent adultery). Herod had convinced Herodias to leave his brother Philip and live with him. This is not a plot line for a Hollywood movie or harlequin romance, but real life and wrong actions. Herod got angry and John got imprisoned.
News started to trickle in to John in jail. (This is long before internet or Instagram.) As he learned about Jesus’ ministry, “what Christ was doing” (Mt 11:2)—the miracles he performed and the sermons that he preached (Mt 11:1), there were some misgivings.
John had announced the One who would chop with a tool: “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
John had advertised the One who would char the husks: “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Mt 3:10,11).
Where were these mighty acts of judgment? There were only works and words of mercy. Like Elijah before him—another great man of God who hit a wall and hid under a broom tree, wanting to die (1 Ki 19:4), there was a twinge of disappointment or disillusionment. “Have I strived and struggled for nothing? Why am I here?”
But instead of wallowing in discouragement, John dispatched some of his disciples: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Mt 11:3). “Are you the ‘Coming One’ (that was code for the Messiah, the Christ), or should we be wait for and look for someone else?” It is like you are undecided about what to buy for that someone special: “Maybe I should try a different store or different size.”
John went to the right place and the right person—Jesus. And so did Jesus. He took John back to the prophet Isaiah in God’s Word to build up his fearful heart (Is 35:3,4). “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor” (Mt 11:5; Is 35:5,6). These were the very things that they were seeing with their eyes and hearing with their ears. He didn’t just claim, “I am the Messiah.” But he contended, “I am doing the work of the Messiah—what was written about me.” They just had to check the facts, not their feelings. If you were to ask someone, “Are you an artist?,” a person could point to portraits or paintings as well as the write-ups or reviews online.
Those kind of mighty miracles are recorded in Scripture for us. It is like watching the highlight reel of an athlete after a big game. Some of their names are noted, others not.
Blind Bartimaeus became seeing Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46). The sunsets and the starlight around Jericho must have been exiting to view.
The paralytic whom his buddies let down through the roof went home walking out the door (Mk 2:12). I can’t help but think he did a light jog and a quick sprint.
Ten lepers who no longer had scaly skin changed their address from outside of the city to inside of it (Lk 17:11ff.). I bet they hugged and held their family tightly for a few weeks.
The man for whom Jesus cried out “Ephphatha!”—“Be Opened.” And his ears were (Mk 7:31ff.). He may not have complained about noise.
Jesus brought Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter back from the dead. Add the widow’s son from Nain and Lazarus in Bethany (Lk 7:11ff.; Jn 11). That would have made the headlines of any newsfeed.
There were those who came to Jesus with nothing in their hands, as spiritual beggars, who heard good news (cf. Is 61:1). Jesus had come to dole out eternal riches—forgiveness of sins and peace with God.
Jesus reminded John of that—in fulfillment of Scripture. And then he encouraged him: “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me” (Mt 11:6).
Are there times when we get disgusted with Jesus because he doesn’t do this or that? He just doesn’t meet our expectations. The devil delights in such doubt which can only lead to despair. “Doesn’t Jesus care? Can he help me? I feel unforgiven or unloved.”
What do we do? We go to Jesus. Notice that he didn’t scold or scream at John. “What more do I have to do for you, John?” And not to us either. But we go back to the Word so we don’t trip on him, but trust in him. He is the Christ, the One who came. Soon we will review the messenger of God as he makes known that message from God: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). Jesus has rescued us from our sins. Out of love, he came to this earth to die in our place. With his power, he rose from the dead. He will exercise that same concern and ability to wake us up from death and welcome us to eternal life.
In the meantime we wait with the patience and perseverance that James encouraged us—like a farmer and a prophet (Ja 5:7-11). He is coming again for us to give us the crown of life on his own timetable and timeframe (Re 2:10). We are happy as we anticipate both of those arrivals on Christmas Day and on the Last Day with eagerness. Until then he firms up our faith with his Word. Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words to John. By believing in Jesus, we have life in his name (Jn 20:31).
2. In his words about John (7-11)
A Christmas list is handy to pass along to grandparents or relatives. (Or a spreadsheet of some sort if the child is computer literate.) So those individuals are aware of the suggestions. Jesus didn’t want people to speculate about John. Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words about John.
As the men walk away, Jesus doesn’t want the people to get the wrong idea or impression of John. He holds John in high regard. They were to do the same. That is the reason of the probing questions: “What did you go out into the desert to see?” (Mt 11:7). They were attentive spectators, but not of a freak show. “A reed swayed by the wind?” (Mt 11:7). No. John was not frail or fickle, but full of conviction and courage with his “Repent” (Mt 3:2) and “brood of vipers” (Mt 3:7). Not a great way to win friends by calling them “offspring of snakes.” He didn’t change his message every time the wind blew like what happens to a plant going back and forth in a breeze. They would not have journeyed out to a deserted dessert for that. John pointed out their sin and pointed to their Savior. He did it right and did it well.
But they did make their way out. “If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces” (Mt 11:8). [Slide 18] It was not for a fashion show. John dressed the part of a prophet like Elijah before him (2 Ki 1:8). If you got close enough to him you could get a feel of camel hair. As a bonus you could catch a whiff of barbequed locusts along with the scent of honey. Go to royal residences for fancy clothes.
Then why? “Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?” (Mt 11:9). Now there is the answer—a prophet, a spokesman, a mouthpiece of God. But that is not all: “Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet” (Mt 11:9). Malachi had predicted his arrival on the scene 400 years before: “This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way before you’” (Mt 11:10; cf. Mal 3:1). And John was faithful to his calling—tearing down the mountains of pride and filling in the potholes of gloom.
And so Jesus’ high praise is not out of place as he states with seriousness since it is correct: “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11). Only one had that role and responsibility. It was John. It wasn’t the Messiah to come in the future. For John, it was the Messiah has come in the flesh. “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). And now there he was—the One who would pick up and carry off the guilt of all. God’s word communicated about John. Jesus removes doubt with that Word in his words about John. We still heed his Advent cry to turn from our sin and to our Savior as we continue to peer into the manger on Christmas Day and peek at the clouds for the Last Day.
Jesus concludes with an interesting comment: “Yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Mt 11:11). Jesus is not taking anything away or back from John. But we have a distinct advantage over John. John never lived long enough to see the Lamb lay down his life only to take it up again. Herod’s executioner sliced John’s neck and separated it from his body. After a seductive dance by his niece Salome at his birthday party, Herod didn’t turn red, he turned generous: “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom” (Mk 6:23). “Anything” became John’s head. And on a silver platter as an extra special touch.
What others longed to see (Mt 13:16,17), we live to see. We can easily page though the Bible and go from crib to cross, from birth to burial. And then three days later, we hear the angel’s proclamation: “He is not here; he has risen” (Mt 28:6). True God became true man, humbled himself to head to the cross (Php 2:8)—born to bear our sins. But he lives, ascended on high. We watch him go up to heaven and wait for him to come back from heaven (Acts 1:9-11). We know because we have his Word. Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words about John. We have a clear view of the work of the Christ who substituted his life for ours and satisfied God’s anger over our sins.
Sometimes you can stare at the lines of an optical illusion and speculate if they are all straight. Or are they crooked? [Note again that there was a slide on the screen in the front of church.] Or you are sitting with someone and you ask, “Did you say something.” And they respond with a “No.” That is what I label an “auricular illusion.” (You don’t have to buy into that one. I will give you some time.) We have seen with our eyes in print and heard with our ears in speech what the Christ has done and will do. We have not been duped. Jesus dispels doubt in his words to John. He is the Christ, the Coming One. He did what the Old Testament declared. And Jesus dispels doubt in his words about John. He was a great prophet, the forerunner of the Christ. Jesus appeared and will reappear. We have it all in God’s Word. There is no doubt about it. Amen.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (2 Pe 3:18).
December 11, 2016
You have seen them—an optical illusion. There are different kinds. But one of them is when you look at a picture and it messes with your eyes. [Note that there was a slide up front in worship with such an optical illusion.] What is it—two faces looking at each other or a vase standing in the middle? Or both? (Do you need a few minutes or are you good?)
This is made up. But there could also be an “auricular illusion.” A noise that misleads your ears. Was that a train or tornado? It is pretty important to know the difference. One has a horn as it runs down the tracks; the other has a siren before it rips up the neighborhood.
Either way, things are not always what they seem—to our eyes or to our ears. Sights can be deceptive and sounds can be deceiving.
John the Baptizer had seen and heard things. And he had some questions and concerns. Who was Jesus? Another man or anointed Messiah? Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words to John and in his words about John. We read from …
Matthew 11:2-11
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the One who was to come and the One who is to come,
Does it cross your mind when you are shopping for or while you are wrapping up a Christmas present: Will he wear it? Will she like it? There is that hint of uncertainty.
It is not until we hear, “I love this.” Or “I wanted this,” that we are sure. It is not just hearing the reaction, but seeing the excitement. That removes any reservation.
Jesus does that for John, not with a present, but about his purpose.
Jesus Dispels Doubt with God’s Word
1. In his words to John (2-6)
2. In his words about John (7-11)
1. In his words to John (2-6)
So then we have Christmas wish lists. Then you know what your children or spouse has in mind for the holidays. That saves from spinning in circles in stores, wasting time. Perhaps I am not a hopeless romantic, just hopeless, when it comes to what goes beneath a tree. But this way you have some ideas in print and in in hand. There is no guesswork. Jesus didn’t want John to deliberate any more. Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words to John.
John had time to think. He was no longer in the desert, but in a dungeon. No more open spaces. Instead an oppressive cell. It was because he was brave and bold enough to call Herod Antipas on his latest marriage (or better his recent adultery). Herod had convinced Herodias to leave his brother Philip and live with him. This is not a plot line for a Hollywood movie or harlequin romance, but real life and wrong actions. Herod got angry and John got imprisoned.
News started to trickle in to John in jail. (This is long before internet or Instagram.) As he learned about Jesus’ ministry, “what Christ was doing” (Mt 11:2)—the miracles he performed and the sermons that he preached (Mt 11:1), there were some misgivings.
John had announced the One who would chop with a tool: “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
John had advertised the One who would char the husks: “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Mt 3:10,11).
Where were these mighty acts of judgment? There were only works and words of mercy. Like Elijah before him—another great man of God who hit a wall and hid under a broom tree, wanting to die (1 Ki 19:4), there was a twinge of disappointment or disillusionment. “Have I strived and struggled for nothing? Why am I here?”
But instead of wallowing in discouragement, John dispatched some of his disciples: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Mt 11:3). “Are you the ‘Coming One’ (that was code for the Messiah, the Christ), or should we be wait for and look for someone else?” It is like you are undecided about what to buy for that someone special: “Maybe I should try a different store or different size.”
John went to the right place and the right person—Jesus. And so did Jesus. He took John back to the prophet Isaiah in God’s Word to build up his fearful heart (Is 35:3,4). “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor” (Mt 11:5; Is 35:5,6). These were the very things that they were seeing with their eyes and hearing with their ears. He didn’t just claim, “I am the Messiah.” But he contended, “I am doing the work of the Messiah—what was written about me.” They just had to check the facts, not their feelings. If you were to ask someone, “Are you an artist?,” a person could point to portraits or paintings as well as the write-ups or reviews online.
Those kind of mighty miracles are recorded in Scripture for us. It is like watching the highlight reel of an athlete after a big game. Some of their names are noted, others not.
Blind Bartimaeus became seeing Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46). The sunsets and the starlight around Jericho must have been exiting to view.
The paralytic whom his buddies let down through the roof went home walking out the door (Mk 2:12). I can’t help but think he did a light jog and a quick sprint.
Ten lepers who no longer had scaly skin changed their address from outside of the city to inside of it (Lk 17:11ff.). I bet they hugged and held their family tightly for a few weeks.
The man for whom Jesus cried out “Ephphatha!”—“Be Opened.” And his ears were (Mk 7:31ff.). He may not have complained about noise.
Jesus brought Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter back from the dead. Add the widow’s son from Nain and Lazarus in Bethany (Lk 7:11ff.; Jn 11). That would have made the headlines of any newsfeed.
There were those who came to Jesus with nothing in their hands, as spiritual beggars, who heard good news (cf. Is 61:1). Jesus had come to dole out eternal riches—forgiveness of sins and peace with God.
Jesus reminded John of that—in fulfillment of Scripture. And then he encouraged him: “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me” (Mt 11:6).
Are there times when we get disgusted with Jesus because he doesn’t do this or that? He just doesn’t meet our expectations. The devil delights in such doubt which can only lead to despair. “Doesn’t Jesus care? Can he help me? I feel unforgiven or unloved.”
What do we do? We go to Jesus. Notice that he didn’t scold or scream at John. “What more do I have to do for you, John?” And not to us either. But we go back to the Word so we don’t trip on him, but trust in him. He is the Christ, the One who came. Soon we will review the messenger of God as he makes known that message from God: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). Jesus has rescued us from our sins. Out of love, he came to this earth to die in our place. With his power, he rose from the dead. He will exercise that same concern and ability to wake us up from death and welcome us to eternal life.
In the meantime we wait with the patience and perseverance that James encouraged us—like a farmer and a prophet (Ja 5:7-11). He is coming again for us to give us the crown of life on his own timetable and timeframe (Re 2:10). We are happy as we anticipate both of those arrivals on Christmas Day and on the Last Day with eagerness. Until then he firms up our faith with his Word. Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words to John. By believing in Jesus, we have life in his name (Jn 20:31).
2. In his words about John (7-11)
A Christmas list is handy to pass along to grandparents or relatives. (Or a spreadsheet of some sort if the child is computer literate.) So those individuals are aware of the suggestions. Jesus didn’t want people to speculate about John. Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words about John.
As the men walk away, Jesus doesn’t want the people to get the wrong idea or impression of John. He holds John in high regard. They were to do the same. That is the reason of the probing questions: “What did you go out into the desert to see?” (Mt 11:7). They were attentive spectators, but not of a freak show. “A reed swayed by the wind?” (Mt 11:7). No. John was not frail or fickle, but full of conviction and courage with his “Repent” (Mt 3:2) and “brood of vipers” (Mt 3:7). Not a great way to win friends by calling them “offspring of snakes.” He didn’t change his message every time the wind blew like what happens to a plant going back and forth in a breeze. They would not have journeyed out to a deserted dessert for that. John pointed out their sin and pointed to their Savior. He did it right and did it well.
But they did make their way out. “If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces” (Mt 11:8). [Slide 18] It was not for a fashion show. John dressed the part of a prophet like Elijah before him (2 Ki 1:8). If you got close enough to him you could get a feel of camel hair. As a bonus you could catch a whiff of barbequed locusts along with the scent of honey. Go to royal residences for fancy clothes.
Then why? “Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?” (Mt 11:9). Now there is the answer—a prophet, a spokesman, a mouthpiece of God. But that is not all: “Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet” (Mt 11:9). Malachi had predicted his arrival on the scene 400 years before: “This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way before you’” (Mt 11:10; cf. Mal 3:1). And John was faithful to his calling—tearing down the mountains of pride and filling in the potholes of gloom.
And so Jesus’ high praise is not out of place as he states with seriousness since it is correct: “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11). Only one had that role and responsibility. It was John. It wasn’t the Messiah to come in the future. For John, it was the Messiah has come in the flesh. “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). And now there he was—the One who would pick up and carry off the guilt of all. God’s word communicated about John. Jesus removes doubt with that Word in his words about John. We still heed his Advent cry to turn from our sin and to our Savior as we continue to peer into the manger on Christmas Day and peek at the clouds for the Last Day.
Jesus concludes with an interesting comment: “Yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Mt 11:11). Jesus is not taking anything away or back from John. But we have a distinct advantage over John. John never lived long enough to see the Lamb lay down his life only to take it up again. Herod’s executioner sliced John’s neck and separated it from his body. After a seductive dance by his niece Salome at his birthday party, Herod didn’t turn red, he turned generous: “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom” (Mk 6:23). “Anything” became John’s head. And on a silver platter as an extra special touch.
What others longed to see (Mt 13:16,17), we live to see. We can easily page though the Bible and go from crib to cross, from birth to burial. And then three days later, we hear the angel’s proclamation: “He is not here; he has risen” (Mt 28:6). True God became true man, humbled himself to head to the cross (Php 2:8)—born to bear our sins. But he lives, ascended on high. We watch him go up to heaven and wait for him to come back from heaven (Acts 1:9-11). We know because we have his Word. Jesus dispels doubt with God’s Word in his words about John. We have a clear view of the work of the Christ who substituted his life for ours and satisfied God’s anger over our sins.
Sometimes you can stare at the lines of an optical illusion and speculate if they are all straight. Or are they crooked? [Note again that there was a slide on the screen in the front of church.] Or you are sitting with someone and you ask, “Did you say something.” And they respond with a “No.” That is what I label an “auricular illusion.” (You don’t have to buy into that one. I will give you some time.) We have seen with our eyes in print and heard with our ears in speech what the Christ has done and will do. We have not been duped. Jesus dispels doubt in his words to John. He is the Christ, the Coming One. He did what the Old Testament declared. And Jesus dispels doubt in his words about John. He was a great prophet, the forerunner of the Christ. Jesus appeared and will reappear. We have it all in God’s Word. There is no doubt about it. Amen.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (2 Pe 3:18).
December 11, 2016
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Second Sunday in Advent (Matthew 3:1-12)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
Celebrating Christmas is not easy. That comes as no surprise to you. Maybe you are feeling the holiday stress right now. And we are barely into December. The trees with lights, the presents with bows, the cookies with sprinkles, the meals with family. And so on. So much to accomplish in such a short time. How will we get it all done?
But that is what the season of Advent is for. And John the Baptizer. To get us ready for Jesus’ coming—as a Baby in a manger and as a Judge on the clouds. Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before and by looking for the One coming after. We read from …
Matthew 3:1-12
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, whose first coming we celebrate and whose second coming we anticipate,
I can already guess the comment (along with the heavy sigh): “And so now the December list grows. As if there wasn’t enough already.”
But perhaps it is good to understand that preparing our hearts during Advent is not just another thing to do, but the thing to do. The externals around our homes are nice. The evergreen and the eggnog. The gifts and get-togethers. Those things can add to this time of the year. (And not just anxiety or allergies.) That all makes the month enjoyable and exciting.
But the internals of our hearts are necessary for Jesus’ arrival. We don’t push it to the bottom—possibly to get around to it, but put it at the top—definitely to get at it.
Prepare Your Hearts
1. By listening to the one coming before (1-10)
2. By looking for the One coming after (11,12)
1. By listening to the one coming before (1-10)
A forerunner is one who goes before. It is a person who precedes an individual. That is a great description of John. He is an advance messenger. He has something to say. Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before.
And there he is. “John the Baptist came” (Mt 3:1). As he appears on the scene, Matthew doesn’t concern us with the “when”—“in those days” (Mt 3:1)—as he does the “where”—“in the Desert of Judea” (Mt 3:1). But he is not a hermit in the wilderness, but a herald of the Lord. That is what “preaching” means—announcing as a representative (Mt 3:1). It is one who is an official envoy of a superior and who has a message to relay. The charge is not to change anything; the commission is to communicate everything. And that is exactly what John does.
In that desolate and deserted area around the Jordan River—an appropriate picture of the condition of the peoples’ hearts, the content is clear. “Repent” (Mt 3:1). There needed to be a change of mind and attitude—a turning from one’s sin and a turning to one’s Savior. Sin is wrong, not right. And then there is a Savior who forgives, not forsakes.
That preaching is just as real and relevant now. Listen to the one who comes before: “Repent” (Mt 3:1). Satan would have us think that sin satisfies. But it only separates us from God. When we realize that, there is sorrow.
But we dare not stop there. It is not just a matter of being sad for being bad so that our mood matches the weather—grey and gloomy. There is Jesus, who takes away our sin (Jn 1:29). He lifts it off of us as he hangs on the cross. That is why John could explain: “for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Mt 3:1). Jesus’ work of rescuing us was at hand. God reigns and rules in our hearts with his Word—the very Word which guarantees that every sin is paid for and we are right with God, all through the shoot of the stump of Jesse that Isaiah pointed to (Is 11:1,4). Jesus’ arrival to do that was close—a kingdom coming from heaven that conducts to heaven.
Speaking of that spokesman, John was not self-appointed, but prophet-promised (Is 40:3). “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him’” (Mt 3:3). In ancient times, when a dignitary came to town, there would be some serious road construction—no obstacles or obstructions on the path. There needed to be roads that were smooth and straight. That was John’s job—to remove anything standing in the way. He was to convict in order to comfort. Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before. What is crooked needs to be corrected. Jesus is coming to live a perfect life, to die a shameful death, and to rise in triumphant victory. All for us.
And that proclaiming was effective. People poured out into the barren region from all parts of Israel. It wasn’t for a fashion show. John looked like Elijah before him—garments made of camel hair (maybe that is exotic now, but expected then) (Mt 3:4; 2 Kg 1:8). It wasn’t for menu suggestions unless there were questions about what to do with honey and grasshoppers (Mt 3:4; Lv 11:22). That was what was available to him in that setting. It wasn’t ever about dress or diet; it was always about the words and the work. He was sent by God and spoke for God.
Matthew records what happened: “Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River” (Mt 3:6). There was a public admission from the crowds—even if it wasn’t easy. And then there was a personal assurance to each as John did what his name suggests—he baptized them.
We acknowledge our sin as if we might raise our hand. It is at times difficult. It may even hurt to repent and confess. It may be along these lines:
At this busy time of the year, we can make excuses to not sit in the pew, but find chances to shop in the mall. Forgive us, Lord. And he does.
Rather than be grateful we gripe, “I don’t have as much as so and so.” Forgive us, Lord. And he does.
That is when we appreciate that God sends them all and others away. We have that relief not just when words are spoken, but when water is splashed on our foreheads at baptism by God’s representatives. Prepare your hearts as you listen to the one coming before. As the psalmist reminded us when we cry out for God’s mercy: “With you there is forgiveness” (Ps 130:4).
But not everyone headed out to John for the right reason. It was a show, or better a sham. And he called them on it—the Pharisees who thought that they we good to go because of their goodness and the Sadducees who lived for this life because they denied any resurrection. “You brood of vipers!” (Mt 3:7). “Offspring of serpents.” That is not a compliment no more than when we label someone a “snake.” There is deceit and deception. “Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Mt 3:7). Did they think God was not angry with them? Could they escape on their own like a crawling creature trying to escape a brush fire? “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Mt 3:8). Their faith in God was to be reflected in their life to God.
And then he strips away the safety net. “Don’t you dare get the idea of identifying with your ancestor:” “And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’” (Mt 3:9). Their DNA did them no good. That was the poisonous venom of Satan. No more than if we were to claim, “My grandpa was a pastor. That ought to get me some points.” Or “My mother goes to church. That should be worth something.” What about you? was the real concern. God didn’t need them. They needed him. There were plenty of rocks around that God could make his children. [Slide 15] God doesn't need us. But he wants us. It is only when we have the same confidence of our father Abraham who trusted in the Savior to come that we are part of God’s family (Ro 4:11).
John was not being crabby or cranky. This was serious. For them and for us. So he issues more warnings: “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10). Judgment is not a joke. When an ax rests against a trunk, the outcome is sealed. Soon it will carry out its function as it is drawn back and swung forward. Again and again. If you go to one of these Christmas tree farms for something to stick in your living room, you don’t hack down half a tree. There is no stopping until there is a “timber.” The owner of an orchard does not tolerate trees that don’t yield a harvest. He chops and chars.
When God showers his love on us, it shows in our lives. Connected to Jesus we produce fruits of faith (Jn 15:5). They are the result of the grace given to us in Jesus, not the cause of it. The apostle Paul pointed to one possibility—accepting one another. The result: “so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 15:6). Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before. John gets us ready for Jesus’ entrance into this world—on Christmas Day or on Judgment Day.
2. By looking for the One coming after (11,12)
If there is a “forerunner,” there must be a runner. (Just remove the “fore” in front.) That is not how we talk though. It is just the expected person. That is Jesus. He is on his way. Prepare your hearts by looking for the One coming after.
It was never about John. He knew that. It was all about Jesus. “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Mt 3:11). John didn’t consider himself fit to do the job of a lowly slave—removing footwear from one’s master. Jesus was bigger and better. That doesn’t take away from John's baptism. There was forgiveness. But the real might behind it was Jesus. He demonstrated that in a special way when he sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:5). He continues to bring people to faith through water combined with and connected to baptism.
John also referenced that the One coming after him would be coming once again—to separate believers and unbelievers like at harvest time. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Mt 3:12). In those days, a farmer would grab his fork and toss the stalks up in the air. The chaff, like the stuff that gets stuck in your teeth or throat when you eat popcorn, would blow away or get burned up (Ps 1:4). The good grain would fall to the ground.
So it is with Jesus. Why all this talk about judgment? It seems so depressing. Aren't we supposed to be happy around this time of the year. But it is so that we are on alert. Fire is destructive. You have seen the deadly effects in Tennessee. There are cautions for people to be careful. We want to ensure that we are not sent to where the fire never goes out in hell.
And we won’t as we wait patiently for our Savior, confident of his reappearance—for us. Prepare your hearts by looking for the One coming after. Jesus will return to take us to the glory of heaven.
You more than likely have plenty to do in the next 21 days before Christmas. That is fine. Have at it. But not at the expense of your hearts. Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before Jesus—John. Repent. Be sorry for sin but be sure of your Savior. Live with him and for him. And prepare your hearts by looking for the One coming after John—Jesus. His next grand entrance on earth again will be to usher us home. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Re 22:20). We are ready. Amen.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen (Ro 15:13).
December 4, 2016
Celebrating Christmas is not easy. That comes as no surprise to you. Maybe you are feeling the holiday stress right now. And we are barely into December. The trees with lights, the presents with bows, the cookies with sprinkles, the meals with family. And so on. So much to accomplish in such a short time. How will we get it all done?
But that is what the season of Advent is for. And John the Baptizer. To get us ready for Jesus’ coming—as a Baby in a manger and as a Judge on the clouds. Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before and by looking for the One coming after. We read from …
Matthew 3:1-12
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, whose first coming we celebrate and whose second coming we anticipate,
I can already guess the comment (along with the heavy sigh): “And so now the December list grows. As if there wasn’t enough already.”
But perhaps it is good to understand that preparing our hearts during Advent is not just another thing to do, but the thing to do. The externals around our homes are nice. The evergreen and the eggnog. The gifts and get-togethers. Those things can add to this time of the year. (And not just anxiety or allergies.) That all makes the month enjoyable and exciting.
But the internals of our hearts are necessary for Jesus’ arrival. We don’t push it to the bottom—possibly to get around to it, but put it at the top—definitely to get at it.
Prepare Your Hearts
1. By listening to the one coming before (1-10)
2. By looking for the One coming after (11,12)
1. By listening to the one coming before (1-10)
A forerunner is one who goes before. It is a person who precedes an individual. That is a great description of John. He is an advance messenger. He has something to say. Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before.
And there he is. “John the Baptist came” (Mt 3:1). As he appears on the scene, Matthew doesn’t concern us with the “when”—“in those days” (Mt 3:1)—as he does the “where”—“in the Desert of Judea” (Mt 3:1). But he is not a hermit in the wilderness, but a herald of the Lord. That is what “preaching” means—announcing as a representative (Mt 3:1). It is one who is an official envoy of a superior and who has a message to relay. The charge is not to change anything; the commission is to communicate everything. And that is exactly what John does.
In that desolate and deserted area around the Jordan River—an appropriate picture of the condition of the peoples’ hearts, the content is clear. “Repent” (Mt 3:1). There needed to be a change of mind and attitude—a turning from one’s sin and a turning to one’s Savior. Sin is wrong, not right. And then there is a Savior who forgives, not forsakes.
That preaching is just as real and relevant now. Listen to the one who comes before: “Repent” (Mt 3:1). Satan would have us think that sin satisfies. But it only separates us from God. When we realize that, there is sorrow.
But we dare not stop there. It is not just a matter of being sad for being bad so that our mood matches the weather—grey and gloomy. There is Jesus, who takes away our sin (Jn 1:29). He lifts it off of us as he hangs on the cross. That is why John could explain: “for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Mt 3:1). Jesus’ work of rescuing us was at hand. God reigns and rules in our hearts with his Word—the very Word which guarantees that every sin is paid for and we are right with God, all through the shoot of the stump of Jesse that Isaiah pointed to (Is 11:1,4). Jesus’ arrival to do that was close—a kingdom coming from heaven that conducts to heaven.
Speaking of that spokesman, John was not self-appointed, but prophet-promised (Is 40:3). “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him’” (Mt 3:3). In ancient times, when a dignitary came to town, there would be some serious road construction—no obstacles or obstructions on the path. There needed to be roads that were smooth and straight. That was John’s job—to remove anything standing in the way. He was to convict in order to comfort. Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before. What is crooked needs to be corrected. Jesus is coming to live a perfect life, to die a shameful death, and to rise in triumphant victory. All for us.
And that proclaiming was effective. People poured out into the barren region from all parts of Israel. It wasn’t for a fashion show. John looked like Elijah before him—garments made of camel hair (maybe that is exotic now, but expected then) (Mt 3:4; 2 Kg 1:8). It wasn’t for menu suggestions unless there were questions about what to do with honey and grasshoppers (Mt 3:4; Lv 11:22). That was what was available to him in that setting. It wasn’t ever about dress or diet; it was always about the words and the work. He was sent by God and spoke for God.
Matthew records what happened: “Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River” (Mt 3:6). There was a public admission from the crowds—even if it wasn’t easy. And then there was a personal assurance to each as John did what his name suggests—he baptized them.
We acknowledge our sin as if we might raise our hand. It is at times difficult. It may even hurt to repent and confess. It may be along these lines:
At this busy time of the year, we can make excuses to not sit in the pew, but find chances to shop in the mall. Forgive us, Lord. And he does.
Rather than be grateful we gripe, “I don’t have as much as so and so.” Forgive us, Lord. And he does.
That is when we appreciate that God sends them all and others away. We have that relief not just when words are spoken, but when water is splashed on our foreheads at baptism by God’s representatives. Prepare your hearts as you listen to the one coming before. As the psalmist reminded us when we cry out for God’s mercy: “With you there is forgiveness” (Ps 130:4).
But not everyone headed out to John for the right reason. It was a show, or better a sham. And he called them on it—the Pharisees who thought that they we good to go because of their goodness and the Sadducees who lived for this life because they denied any resurrection. “You brood of vipers!” (Mt 3:7). “Offspring of serpents.” That is not a compliment no more than when we label someone a “snake.” There is deceit and deception. “Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Mt 3:7). Did they think God was not angry with them? Could they escape on their own like a crawling creature trying to escape a brush fire? “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Mt 3:8). Their faith in God was to be reflected in their life to God.
And then he strips away the safety net. “Don’t you dare get the idea of identifying with your ancestor:” “And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’” (Mt 3:9). Their DNA did them no good. That was the poisonous venom of Satan. No more than if we were to claim, “My grandpa was a pastor. That ought to get me some points.” Or “My mother goes to church. That should be worth something.” What about you? was the real concern. God didn’t need them. They needed him. There were plenty of rocks around that God could make his children. [Slide 15] God doesn't need us. But he wants us. It is only when we have the same confidence of our father Abraham who trusted in the Savior to come that we are part of God’s family (Ro 4:11).
John was not being crabby or cranky. This was serious. For them and for us. So he issues more warnings: “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10). Judgment is not a joke. When an ax rests against a trunk, the outcome is sealed. Soon it will carry out its function as it is drawn back and swung forward. Again and again. If you go to one of these Christmas tree farms for something to stick in your living room, you don’t hack down half a tree. There is no stopping until there is a “timber.” The owner of an orchard does not tolerate trees that don’t yield a harvest. He chops and chars.
When God showers his love on us, it shows in our lives. Connected to Jesus we produce fruits of faith (Jn 15:5). They are the result of the grace given to us in Jesus, not the cause of it. The apostle Paul pointed to one possibility—accepting one another. The result: “so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 15:6). Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before. John gets us ready for Jesus’ entrance into this world—on Christmas Day or on Judgment Day.
2. By looking for the One coming after (11,12)
If there is a “forerunner,” there must be a runner. (Just remove the “fore” in front.) That is not how we talk though. It is just the expected person. That is Jesus. He is on his way. Prepare your hearts by looking for the One coming after.
It was never about John. He knew that. It was all about Jesus. “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Mt 3:11). John didn’t consider himself fit to do the job of a lowly slave—removing footwear from one’s master. Jesus was bigger and better. That doesn’t take away from John's baptism. There was forgiveness. But the real might behind it was Jesus. He demonstrated that in a special way when he sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:5). He continues to bring people to faith through water combined with and connected to baptism.
John also referenced that the One coming after him would be coming once again—to separate believers and unbelievers like at harvest time. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Mt 3:12). In those days, a farmer would grab his fork and toss the stalks up in the air. The chaff, like the stuff that gets stuck in your teeth or throat when you eat popcorn, would blow away or get burned up (Ps 1:4). The good grain would fall to the ground.
So it is with Jesus. Why all this talk about judgment? It seems so depressing. Aren't we supposed to be happy around this time of the year. But it is so that we are on alert. Fire is destructive. You have seen the deadly effects in Tennessee. There are cautions for people to be careful. We want to ensure that we are not sent to where the fire never goes out in hell.
And we won’t as we wait patiently for our Savior, confident of his reappearance—for us. Prepare your hearts by looking for the One coming after. Jesus will return to take us to the glory of heaven.
You more than likely have plenty to do in the next 21 days before Christmas. That is fine. Have at it. But not at the expense of your hearts. Prepare your hearts by listening to the one coming before Jesus—John. Repent. Be sorry for sin but be sure of your Savior. Live with him and for him. And prepare your hearts by looking for the One coming after John—Jesus. His next grand entrance on earth again will be to usher us home. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Re 22:20). We are ready. Amen.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen (Ro 15:13).
December 4, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Midweek Advent Worship (Psalm 27:1,13,14)
Wait for the Lord
This is the time of the year when there is more darkness than daylight. I am sure that you have noticed how that is the case by the evening commute. The morning one is not much better. It can be downright dreary at times and then you add in the clouds and rain like this past Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and the color of the sky doesn’t get above grey.
Light is a positive thing. It has a way of making us feel better when we get some vitamin D from the sun’s rays and safer when we have a nightlight in the hallway. But we have to wait for longer days with more light.
And yet during this stretch before Christmas there is light. Each week the glow from the candles on the wreath gets brighter as we get closer to the 25th. That reminder brings joy and security. But that holiday is not here yet. It is still Advent.
And that is what Advent is about—waiting.
And not just a wait for great presents wrapped under an evergreen tree—real or fake, but for a Baby resting in an animal manger, true God and true man.
And it is not only a wait for grandparents arriving to stop by for a time to give presents, but a Judge appearing to set free for an eternity to grant paradise, all-knowing and almighty.
Yes, we wait. Wait for the Lord.
That is who the psalmist David draws our attention to—to the Lord, the One who is constant in his compassion and continual in his kindness (Ex 34:6,7). And then David pulls those things together—light and safety.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation” (Ps 27:1). Jesus was present at creation when God called out the command with his word: “Let there be light” (Ge 1:3). And there was. Light is the most basic element that provides and promotes life. The two go together. Where there is light there is life—bright blossoms and brilliant blooms on flowers. Jesus is the “light of the world” (Jn 8:12) who removes our darkness as his glory shines on us—right now on earth and forever in heaven (Is 60:2,20; Re 21:23). And he is life (Jn 11:25; 14:6).
Imagine the sight that first Christmas evening when the angel appeared to the shepherds with the good news of Jesus’ birth. And then the Bethlehem sky lit up with the huge number of heavenly hosts, praising God: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:14). And that is why we get excited during Advent. Jesus is our light. And he is our salvation. He comes to save us from our sins (Mt 1:21). Every time we mention the name “Jesus,” we mean “Savior.” We will again hear the messenger from heaven with a message from heaven: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). Wait for the Lord—your light and salvation.
“The LORD is the stronghold of my life” (Ps 27:1). He was a place of refuge for David, a source of protection. Wait for the Lord—the stronghold of your life.
David understood the importance of the Lord being his light and salvation and stronghold. He had his enemies.
From the outside. He was forced to go on the run as a young man when King Saul wanted to take his life and David hid in caves. And also as an older man as his son Absalom wanted to take his throne and David fled from Jerusalem. But the Lord protected him and preserved him.
From the inside. He battled his sinful nature. And often lost. We think of his sad lapse with Bathsheba.
And so he asks: “Whom shall I fear? … Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps 27:1). No one. Nobody. That is because the Lord was on his side—his light, his salvation, and his stronghold.
At Christmas we marvel at the miracle that Jesus became flesh (Jn 1:14). He is Emmanuel, “God with us” (Mt 1:23). God is for us. No one can be against us (Ro 8:31). There is no reason to be frightened like a child shudders when he hears a noise at night. There is no cause to shake in terror like when a person shivers from the cold. We can stand firm. “The LORD is my light and my salvation. … The LORD is the stronghold of my life” (Ps 27:1). No enemy can take that happiness, that help, and that shelter away from us—not sin, not death, not the devil.
If that were not entirely true, we would easily lose hope (Ps 27:13). But we are convinced that the Lord is good (Ps 106:1). It is so. He looks after us physically. He cares for us spiritually. Last week Thursday allowed us to review that in our lives. We respond by being grateful for the Lord’s enduring mercy—that he observed us in our lost condition and offered his Son to be our Substitute. Jesus carried our sin as he died on the cross and conquered death as he came out of the grave. We are convinced that it is so. And so Thanksgiving rolls into Advent and into Christmas. We appreciate Jesus who is coming to rescue us from our sin.
So David has us look for the Lord with the same eagerness as a child does as the presents pile up in the living room. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps 27:14). We wait because with the Lord there is forgiveness (Ps 130:4). Patience may not be easy—even more so during December, but waiting is an expression of faith like we know that lighter days are ahead. The Lord will act. He came one time. He will come a second time. Wait for the Lord.
We read from …
Psalm 27:1,13,14
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? …
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
November 30, 2016
This is the time of the year when there is more darkness than daylight. I am sure that you have noticed how that is the case by the evening commute. The morning one is not much better. It can be downright dreary at times and then you add in the clouds and rain like this past Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and the color of the sky doesn’t get above grey.
Light is a positive thing. It has a way of making us feel better when we get some vitamin D from the sun’s rays and safer when we have a nightlight in the hallway. But we have to wait for longer days with more light.
And yet during this stretch before Christmas there is light. Each week the glow from the candles on the wreath gets brighter as we get closer to the 25th. That reminder brings joy and security. But that holiday is not here yet. It is still Advent.
And that is what Advent is about—waiting.
And not just a wait for great presents wrapped under an evergreen tree—real or fake, but for a Baby resting in an animal manger, true God and true man.
And it is not only a wait for grandparents arriving to stop by for a time to give presents, but a Judge appearing to set free for an eternity to grant paradise, all-knowing and almighty.
Yes, we wait. Wait for the Lord.
That is who the psalmist David draws our attention to—to the Lord, the One who is constant in his compassion and continual in his kindness (Ex 34:6,7). And then David pulls those things together—light and safety.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation” (Ps 27:1). Jesus was present at creation when God called out the command with his word: “Let there be light” (Ge 1:3). And there was. Light is the most basic element that provides and promotes life. The two go together. Where there is light there is life—bright blossoms and brilliant blooms on flowers. Jesus is the “light of the world” (Jn 8:12) who removes our darkness as his glory shines on us—right now on earth and forever in heaven (Is 60:2,20; Re 21:23). And he is life (Jn 11:25; 14:6).
Imagine the sight that first Christmas evening when the angel appeared to the shepherds with the good news of Jesus’ birth. And then the Bethlehem sky lit up with the huge number of heavenly hosts, praising God: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:14). And that is why we get excited during Advent. Jesus is our light. And he is our salvation. He comes to save us from our sins (Mt 1:21). Every time we mention the name “Jesus,” we mean “Savior.” We will again hear the messenger from heaven with a message from heaven: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). Wait for the Lord—your light and salvation.
“The LORD is the stronghold of my life” (Ps 27:1). He was a place of refuge for David, a source of protection. Wait for the Lord—the stronghold of your life.
David understood the importance of the Lord being his light and salvation and stronghold. He had his enemies.
From the outside. He was forced to go on the run as a young man when King Saul wanted to take his life and David hid in caves. And also as an older man as his son Absalom wanted to take his throne and David fled from Jerusalem. But the Lord protected him and preserved him.
From the inside. He battled his sinful nature. And often lost. We think of his sad lapse with Bathsheba.
And so he asks: “Whom shall I fear? … Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps 27:1). No one. Nobody. That is because the Lord was on his side—his light, his salvation, and his stronghold.
At Christmas we marvel at the miracle that Jesus became flesh (Jn 1:14). He is Emmanuel, “God with us” (Mt 1:23). God is for us. No one can be against us (Ro 8:31). There is no reason to be frightened like a child shudders when he hears a noise at night. There is no cause to shake in terror like when a person shivers from the cold. We can stand firm. “The LORD is my light and my salvation. … The LORD is the stronghold of my life” (Ps 27:1). No enemy can take that happiness, that help, and that shelter away from us—not sin, not death, not the devil.
If that were not entirely true, we would easily lose hope (Ps 27:13). But we are convinced that the Lord is good (Ps 106:1). It is so. He looks after us physically. He cares for us spiritually. Last week Thursday allowed us to review that in our lives. We respond by being grateful for the Lord’s enduring mercy—that he observed us in our lost condition and offered his Son to be our Substitute. Jesus carried our sin as he died on the cross and conquered death as he came out of the grave. We are convinced that it is so. And so Thanksgiving rolls into Advent and into Christmas. We appreciate Jesus who is coming to rescue us from our sin.
So David has us look for the Lord with the same eagerness as a child does as the presents pile up in the living room. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps 27:14). We wait because with the Lord there is forgiveness (Ps 130:4). Patience may not be easy—even more so during December, but waiting is an expression of faith like we know that lighter days are ahead. The Lord will act. He came one time. He will come a second time. Wait for the Lord.
We read from …
Psalm 27:1,13,14
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? …
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
November 30, 2016
Sunday, November 27, 2016
First Sunday in Advent (Matthew 24:36-44)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
It is Advent. It is a Latin word that means “coming.” That summarizes the thought of this new season of the church year. Jesus is coming.
During this stretch of Sundays, we look in two directions. We glance backwards and forwards—to Jesus’ first coming and to his second coming.
He arrived once as a baby, wrapped in cloths in a manger. We celebrate that on Christmas Day.
He will appear again as a Judge, riding on the clouds of heaven (Mt 24:30). We will see that on the Last Day.
That ultimate time is what Jesus focuses our attention on today. Be ready! Jesus teaches when. And he tells how. We read from …
Matthew 24:36-44
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the King who comes,
There have been a string of days lately that we have put some sort of designation in front of them. We do it to mark them as special—separate from a normal day of the week. Thanksgiving Day. Black Friday. Small Business Saturday. For many, there has been plenty of feasting—being stuffed with turkey and cranberry. And for some, there has lots of shopping—being satisfied with deals and steals.
But what about today? I am not aware of anything catchy. So we are free to create our own. How about Advent Sunday? It is that—the first of four.
As with all those other days recently, we want to be prepared. It is important and imperative that we listen as Jesus calls out:
Be Ready!
1. Jesus teaches when (36,44)
2. Jesus tells how (37-44)
1. Jesus teaches when (36,44)
If family is getting to your house at noon for the big Thanksgiving meal, perhaps you have to get up at 4:30 to put the bird in the oven so that it is cooked properly. If the doors open at 6 PM on Thursday for Friday sales, you may have to start lining up at 2 in the afternoon so that you can file in politely. You don’t want to miss the right time. Jesus makes the same point. Be ready! Jesus teaches us when.
It had been a busy day for Jesus. It was Tuesday of Holy Week, three days before he would hang on the cross. His enemies came after him all day, their red hot anger burning against him. They tried to trick him and trap him because they wanted him dead. But they failed, one after the other.
Before Jesus and his disciples headed out of the city, the twelve commented on the beauty of the temple and it surroundings. That is when Jesus dropped the bombshell: “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Mt 24:2). They must have been shocked and stunned. What?
They probably couldn’t wait until they got to the olive grove outside of Jerusalem to ask. When? “Tell us … when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age” (Mt 24:3). In his reply, Jesus mentions the destruction of the city and the finale of the world.
He gave them some markers of the end—false christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, and the like (Mt 24:5-7). But here is Jesus’ answer: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mt 24:36). Is that startling? The angels we get. But Jesus? It is a marvel and a mystery. Note Jesus’ name for himself—the Son of Man (3 times). True God and also true man. As man, he didn’t always use his divine omniscience—that he knows all things. He gave up that full and constant use of that ability. That is a truth of Scripture.
The exact time is unknown. It is privileged information. But the expressed teaching is known. Jesus came at a definite time in history. We commemorate that on December 25. We know precisely when that will be—28 more days. We don’t highlight that so we can countdown how many more days there are to spend money at the mall to put presents under the tree. But to underscore that the first coming guarantees the second.
We don’t have the definite date—hour or day—when Jesus will return. That causes some to scoff, “‘Where is this coming’ he promised” (2 Pe 3:4). Everything seems so normal—one day following the last. Say what they will, we are sure. We confess it often. They are not hollow words: “[Jesus] ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead” (Apostles’ Creed).
Jesus is coming. Instead of circling something on a calendar, we serve the One who saved us—not sinning like crazy and then shaping up at the last moment. As the prophet Isaiah encouraged: “Let us walk in the light of the LORD” (Is 2:5). As the apostle Paul echoed: “So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Ro 13:12). Clothed with Christ (Ro 13:14) who turns darkness into light (Ps 18:28), we carry on, not misusing the time, but making the best of it. Be ready (Mt 24:44). Jesus teaches us when—at any time.
2. Jesus tells how (37-44)
The “when” of dining or saving helps with the “how”—as long as it doesn’t include pushing and pepper spray either in the kitchen or in the aisles. You scour ancient recipes for suggestions and search internet coupons for possibilities. All for the right moment. Jesus shares the same idea. Be ready! Jesus tells us how.
Jesus took his disciples back to the book of Genesis—to the great flood (Ge 6-9). He made a comparison between then and now. “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Mt 24:37). There was a certain rhythm and routine. “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark” (Mt 24:38). Those four things were part of their continual activity. Not that they are wrong. Those are all good gifts from God—nice and necessary. But that is all they thought about. Their wicked hearts were preoccupied with them (Ge 6:5).
It is not that they didn’t have inkling, but they ignored it for 120 years. It is not as if Noah could hide that big boat—larger than a football field—in his backyard. Why would he construct such a ship when there was no huge body of water nearby? Add to that, Noah was a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Pe 2:5), exposing their sin and explaining the Savior.
But as Noah peeked down from his ladder, his neighbors were more than happy gnawing on a turkey leg and sipping a cold soda, or putting on a white gown or donning a black tux. It was their ongoing concern rather than the impending catastrophe. They didn’t believe that it would ever occur. I wonder what they thought when it started to sprinkle and then pour. Or when the water was waist high. Then it was too late when the water came and took them all away (Mt 24:39).
Then Jesus drives it home: “That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Mt 24:39). It will be business as usual until the skies divide and the angels descend, And then it will be too late. “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left” (Mt 24:40,41). One will be snatched to eternal safety—the believer, the other remaining for eternal destruction—the unbeliever. It will be that fast and furious and final. That kind of talk is not to scare us, but to support us. We have nothing to be afraid of. Like David, we depend on God: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Ps 18:2). He will rescue us to be with him forever (1 Thess 4:17).
And so Jesus issues that caution: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Mt 24:42). Keep your eyes open like when you are driving—defensively, not offensively. That is not a time for some shuteye. We don’t want to get lulled to sleep, walking around like a zombie—getting up, going to school or work, and then heading back to bed. Jesus is coming unexpectedly. We don’t want to lose the urgency.
That suddenness Jesus supports with another illustration of what occurs when we don’t think it will: “If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into” (Mt 24:43; cf. 2 Pe 3:6-10).
No thief texts his business: “I am planning to stop by your house at 2:37 AM on September 4.” No robber sends an email, “I am free at 4:51 AM to go through your garage on October 18.” If he would be so foolish, we would set our alarm and alert the police. Or whatever you need to do to prevent that. So Jesus teaches how. “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Mt 24:44). Be ready—at all times.
With Advent beginning, we fix our eyes to the past and to the future—to Jesus’ two comings, to take away our sins and to take us away to heaven. And so we will keep putting descriptions before days—Cyber Monday and Taco Tuesday. (Eating and shopping apparently go together.) That is until the Last Day. Be ready. Jesus teaches us when and how. It is for our Father to say. It is for us to pray: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Re 22:20). Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
November 27, 2016
It is Advent. It is a Latin word that means “coming.” That summarizes the thought of this new season of the church year. Jesus is coming.
During this stretch of Sundays, we look in two directions. We glance backwards and forwards—to Jesus’ first coming and to his second coming.
He arrived once as a baby, wrapped in cloths in a manger. We celebrate that on Christmas Day.
He will appear again as a Judge, riding on the clouds of heaven (Mt 24:30). We will see that on the Last Day.
That ultimate time is what Jesus focuses our attention on today. Be ready! Jesus teaches when. And he tells how. We read from …
Matthew 24:36-44
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the King who comes,
There have been a string of days lately that we have put some sort of designation in front of them. We do it to mark them as special—separate from a normal day of the week. Thanksgiving Day. Black Friday. Small Business Saturday. For many, there has been plenty of feasting—being stuffed with turkey and cranberry. And for some, there has lots of shopping—being satisfied with deals and steals.
But what about today? I am not aware of anything catchy. So we are free to create our own. How about Advent Sunday? It is that—the first of four.
As with all those other days recently, we want to be prepared. It is important and imperative that we listen as Jesus calls out:
Be Ready!
1. Jesus teaches when (36,44)
2. Jesus tells how (37-44)
1. Jesus teaches when (36,44)
If family is getting to your house at noon for the big Thanksgiving meal, perhaps you have to get up at 4:30 to put the bird in the oven so that it is cooked properly. If the doors open at 6 PM on Thursday for Friday sales, you may have to start lining up at 2 in the afternoon so that you can file in politely. You don’t want to miss the right time. Jesus makes the same point. Be ready! Jesus teaches us when.
It had been a busy day for Jesus. It was Tuesday of Holy Week, three days before he would hang on the cross. His enemies came after him all day, their red hot anger burning against him. They tried to trick him and trap him because they wanted him dead. But they failed, one after the other.
Before Jesus and his disciples headed out of the city, the twelve commented on the beauty of the temple and it surroundings. That is when Jesus dropped the bombshell: “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Mt 24:2). They must have been shocked and stunned. What?
They probably couldn’t wait until they got to the olive grove outside of Jerusalem to ask. When? “Tell us … when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age” (Mt 24:3). In his reply, Jesus mentions the destruction of the city and the finale of the world.
He gave them some markers of the end—false christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, and the like (Mt 24:5-7). But here is Jesus’ answer: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mt 24:36). Is that startling? The angels we get. But Jesus? It is a marvel and a mystery. Note Jesus’ name for himself—the Son of Man (3 times). True God and also true man. As man, he didn’t always use his divine omniscience—that he knows all things. He gave up that full and constant use of that ability. That is a truth of Scripture.
The exact time is unknown. It is privileged information. But the expressed teaching is known. Jesus came at a definite time in history. We commemorate that on December 25. We know precisely when that will be—28 more days. We don’t highlight that so we can countdown how many more days there are to spend money at the mall to put presents under the tree. But to underscore that the first coming guarantees the second.
We don’t have the definite date—hour or day—when Jesus will return. That causes some to scoff, “‘Where is this coming’ he promised” (2 Pe 3:4). Everything seems so normal—one day following the last. Say what they will, we are sure. We confess it often. They are not hollow words: “[Jesus] ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead” (Apostles’ Creed).
Jesus is coming. Instead of circling something on a calendar, we serve the One who saved us—not sinning like crazy and then shaping up at the last moment. As the prophet Isaiah encouraged: “Let us walk in the light of the LORD” (Is 2:5). As the apostle Paul echoed: “So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Ro 13:12). Clothed with Christ (Ro 13:14) who turns darkness into light (Ps 18:28), we carry on, not misusing the time, but making the best of it. Be ready (Mt 24:44). Jesus teaches us when—at any time.
2. Jesus tells how (37-44)
The “when” of dining or saving helps with the “how”—as long as it doesn’t include pushing and pepper spray either in the kitchen or in the aisles. You scour ancient recipes for suggestions and search internet coupons for possibilities. All for the right moment. Jesus shares the same idea. Be ready! Jesus tells us how.
Jesus took his disciples back to the book of Genesis—to the great flood (Ge 6-9). He made a comparison between then and now. “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Mt 24:37). There was a certain rhythm and routine. “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark” (Mt 24:38). Those four things were part of their continual activity. Not that they are wrong. Those are all good gifts from God—nice and necessary. But that is all they thought about. Their wicked hearts were preoccupied with them (Ge 6:5).
It is not that they didn’t have inkling, but they ignored it for 120 years. It is not as if Noah could hide that big boat—larger than a football field—in his backyard. Why would he construct such a ship when there was no huge body of water nearby? Add to that, Noah was a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Pe 2:5), exposing their sin and explaining the Savior.
But as Noah peeked down from his ladder, his neighbors were more than happy gnawing on a turkey leg and sipping a cold soda, or putting on a white gown or donning a black tux. It was their ongoing concern rather than the impending catastrophe. They didn’t believe that it would ever occur. I wonder what they thought when it started to sprinkle and then pour. Or when the water was waist high. Then it was too late when the water came and took them all away (Mt 24:39).
Then Jesus drives it home: “That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Mt 24:39). It will be business as usual until the skies divide and the angels descend, And then it will be too late. “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left” (Mt 24:40,41). One will be snatched to eternal safety—the believer, the other remaining for eternal destruction—the unbeliever. It will be that fast and furious and final. That kind of talk is not to scare us, but to support us. We have nothing to be afraid of. Like David, we depend on God: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Ps 18:2). He will rescue us to be with him forever (1 Thess 4:17).
And so Jesus issues that caution: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Mt 24:42). Keep your eyes open like when you are driving—defensively, not offensively. That is not a time for some shuteye. We don’t want to get lulled to sleep, walking around like a zombie—getting up, going to school or work, and then heading back to bed. Jesus is coming unexpectedly. We don’t want to lose the urgency.
That suddenness Jesus supports with another illustration of what occurs when we don’t think it will: “If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into” (Mt 24:43; cf. 2 Pe 3:6-10).
No thief texts his business: “I am planning to stop by your house at 2:37 AM on September 4.” No robber sends an email, “I am free at 4:51 AM to go through your garage on October 18.” If he would be so foolish, we would set our alarm and alert the police. Or whatever you need to do to prevent that. So Jesus teaches how. “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Mt 24:44). Be ready—at all times.
With Advent beginning, we fix our eyes to the past and to the future—to Jesus’ two comings, to take away our sins and to take us away to heaven. And so we will keep putting descriptions before days—Cyber Monday and Taco Tuesday. (Eating and shopping apparently go together.) That is until the Last Day. Be ready. Jesus teaches us when and how. It is for our Father to say. It is for us to pray: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Re 22:20). Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
November 27, 2016
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