This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Ps 118:24). Amen.
Fear and Easter. Does that combination sound strange? Do we have the right holiday? You may have bought some new clothes for today, but not a scary costume. That is October. This is April. It is spring, not fall. Do they go together? Fear and Easter.
• I am not thinking about the fear of not finding a basket immediately, hidden secretly somewhere in the house. If you have young ones, they probably already took care of that tradition already. This may be one of those mornings that you don’t have to convince them to get out of bed—and even early. No alarm necessary. Finally, what better breakfast can there be than a row (or two) of those multicolored peeps jammed in that fake grass?
• I am not referring to the fear of not cooking a ham thoroughly, taking it out of the oven too quickly. No sense in giving any guest stomach issues. (That might be enough about that.)
But there was fear on the first Easter. The condition was there. And so was the command. Don’t be afraid. Jesus rose. Jesus lives. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go ahead and worship. And go forward and witness. We read the account of Jesus’ exit from the sepulcher from …
Matthew 28:1-10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus, the once crucified Christ and now the living Lord,
I want you to consider this for a minute. Can you summarize Easter in three words?
If you suggest, “He has risen,” that is good. You are in excellent company. That was the exact announcement of the angel (Mt 28:6).
But you get some extra credit if you say, “Don’t be afraid.” That is what I am going to submit this morning.
Don’t Be Afraid at Easter
1. Go ahead and worship (1-10)
2. Go forward and witness (6,7,10)
1. Go ahead and worship (1-10)
Perhaps a child asks for permission to eat his 92nd jelly bean of the day before lunch. Mom is either feeling extra generous or just being incredibly foolish, but she states, “Go ahead and wolf it down.” The little one will be excited—at least for a time, not so much later. Easter is bigger than that. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go ahead and worship.
Their worst fear had been realized as Jesus’ enemies successfully engineered his execution. That is why Mary and Mary were traipsing to the tomb (Mt 28:1). Jesus was dead. We know what cemeteries are for. We have been to one or two before.
It was Sunday morning. And it was early. The first streaks of the sun were visible on the horizon. There was a bit of brightness. But there was a slew of sadness.
They were both there on Friday when Jesus hung on the cross (Mt 27:56). They had watched him die. They had witnessed when Joseph of Arimathea had put him in his new tomb. And they only had a few minutes to prepare Jesus’ body for burial because the Sabbath day was about to begin. That seventh day of the week was to be one of no work—only rest. (We might wonder how much or how well they did that.) And now it was the first day. And they would finish the task—one final one for these devoted followers for their dear friend. He deserved that dignity at least.
Matthew mentions the earth moving (Mt 28:2). It would have measured fairly high on the Richter scale. People comment that is a scary event in of itself. This was the second tremor in a few days. The first one happened on Friday when Jesus gave up his spirit (Mt 28:50,51). And now this one. It was as if God was tying the crucifixion and the resurrection together in one seismic knot. Ultimately those two occurrences go hand in hand. These were great and glorious works of the Lord. Jesus did die. Jesus did rise.
As Matthew draws our attention to the ground shifting, he adds the detail of the angel coming down. “And going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it” (Mt 28:2). That was to let people in, not let Jesus out. It is like opening a gift. We want to know what is inside. But this time we are not disappointed that there is nothing there.
And there was no mistaking this messenger (just like the white stuff that fell from the sky this past week). “His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow” (Mt 28:3).
It is no wonder that the Romans soldiers did their best impression of an earthquake—moving back and forth, trembling with fear (Mt 28:4). These battle-tested men were no match for the angel. They were filled with fright—like corpses.
Notice that there was not even a word to them. But there was to the women when they arrived. “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28:5). He is quite emphatic. “You. Yes, you. Stop it. Don’t be fearful anymore.” He acknowledges their reason for wondering: “I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified” (Mt 28:5). They were anticipating finding one who was dead. It was true. He had been nailed to an instrument of torture. But now, no. “He is not here; he has risen” (Mt 28:6). The dead One is the living One. There was no reason for fear.
Jesus defeated death. It could not hold him. He did not remain in death (Ps 118:17,18). He removed the cause of fear which went all the way back to another Garden—in Eden. Adam and Eve hid after they believed the lie of the crafty serpent and ate of the forbidden fruit. And sin brought death (Ro 5:12). And that was our lot in this life and hell our future in the next. But Jesus died. And Jesus rose. The one who believes in him lives, even though or even when he dies. And the one who believes never really dies (Jn 11:25,26). Jesus is the resurrection and the life. And because he lives, we live (Jn 14:19). We can set our hearts on things above (Col 3:1). Don’t be afraid at Easter. Life is ours.
And it was not to embarrass them like when one classmate is right about some information and relays to another with a bit of superiority, “I told you so!” But this is to educate. There was the mild reminder from the angel: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Mt 28:6). Had they innocently missed it? Or simply dismissed it? Jesus had been clear. And on numerous occasions (Mt 16:21; 17:23; 20:19). Suffering, death, and resurrection. And resurrection. There is no reason for fear. Jesus is not where they left him three days earlier.
As the Son of God, Jesus spoke the word of God. And it is all truth. It is finished (Jn 19:30)—everything to rescue us.
Guilt is gone. Completely.
Salvation is sure. Absolutely.
Heaven is home. Eternally.
It is all in the Word. That is why we turn to it often—right here and at home, in public meditation and private devotion. Like we do as the apostle Paul encourages us in his letter: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col 3:4). Jonah stated it beautifully in the belly of the great fish: “Salvation comes from the LORD” (Jo 2:9). Don’t be afraid at Easter. We have the Word.
After he shares that, the angel wants to show them: “Come and see the place where he lay” (Mt 28:6). They looked but didn’t loiter. They had a divine mission from the divine messenger: “Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him’” (Mt 28:7).
And so they did—with a mixture of fear and faith. We can’t blame them. We have been there too. They had expected one thing and experienced another. They were still pulling it together. We have had time to put it together. Jesus is not in that grave.
And then, there he was. Jesus. He didn’t make himself known to Pilate or the Sanhedrin. But to these women. “Greetings” (Mt 28:9). Jesus didn’t come to taunt or terrify them. “What are you going to do with the spices now?” But to comfort and console. “It is really me.”
They didn’t run from him, but to him—falling down on their knees. “They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him” (Mt 28:10). As they bowed before him, they might have seen the wounds of the nail marks. It really was Jesus. They took hold of flesh and blood. There was no reason for fear.
Some refute it. Others refuse it. But Jesus has been raised from the dead (1 Co 15:20). Don’t be afraid at Easter. Jesus lives to silence fears (CW 152:5).
And again there is that directive, really two—this time from Jesus: “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Mt 28:10). Did you catch it? “Brothers.” Wait a minute.
Didn’t one of them deny him in the courtyard, cursing and then swearing? Brother. Yes.
Didn’t the others disappoint him in the olive grove, snoring then sprinting? Brothers. Yes.
Weren’t they holed up in the locked room at that moment, hiding and shuddering? Brothers. Yes.
And how about us? We are strangely similar to those men. But Jesus calls us, he considers us brothers and sisters. Yes. We are part of Jesus’ family—just like Olivia as Jesus adopted her as his very own through water and Word. He is not ashamed of us (He 2:11). We are forgiven. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go ahead and worship the risen Savior.
2. Go forward and witness (6,7,10)
Possibly that same child is bold enough to assume that that jelly bean approval extends to a 25th candy bar. (He has made quite a haul.) Mom would surely agree to that, he thinks. After all, they are labeled “fun size.” You can’t have too much fun.” Easter is better than that. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go forward and witness.
The ladies were not to keep the news to themselves. Both the angel and the Lord made that plain:
Angel: “Do not be afraid. … Go quickly and tell his disciples” (Mt 28:6,7).
Jesus: “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers” (Mt 28:10).
We don’t hide it either, but herald it. We preach Christ crucified and Christ raised (1 Co 1:23). This day. And every day. God accepted his sacrifice for us. And so we report it to all whose conscience condemns and repeat it to all whose hearts are confused. Don’t be afraid at Easter. Go forward and witness to the risen Savior.
Is that right? Fear and Easter. No. Not at all. Maybe we will just have to settle with six words instead of three to sum up Easter. That is not too much. He has risen. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid on Easter. Go ahead and worship. Christ is risen. Go forward and witness. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia. Happy Easter. Amen.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever (Ps 118:29). Amen.
April 16, 2017
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Sixth Sunday in Lent--Palm Sunday (Psalm 24:1-10)
“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt 21:9). Amen.
This is not English class. So don’t get too excited (either good or bad – I don’t want anyone to start to smile brightly or begin to sweat profusely). Let’s talk about an adjective. It is a word that modifies a noun. It defines it—what a person or thing is like.
Maybe it is easier if we try an example. Think of this coming week and your calendar. How would you describe it? Here are some suggestions:
• A simple week—not really any things to deal with—like only having to decide where to go out to eat. (That would be nice, wouldn’t it? [both the eating out and limited concerns])
• A moderate week—a few things to take on—like one issue at school or at work every other day, but for the most part manageable.
• A hard week—a lot of things to attend to and you don’t know where to start. (That may be normal.)
We all have had weeks that fit into those categories—simple, moderate, or hard. Those are all adjectives.
What about the next seven days for Jesus? We can stick with the normal designation. It is a holy Week. Holy because it is separate from, set apart from all the others. It is indeed special—from Sunday to Sunday, with Jesus entering the capital city on one end and exiting a borrowed tomb on the other end. We even put informative words in front of the days—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
We head into this important week today. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us and who deserves joyful praises from us. We read from …
Psalm 24:1-10
Dear Members of Christ’s Kingdom,
It is this way for me at least. You too probably. Nobody really notices when we are out and about. We can go to the store and there is no paparazzi snapping pictures. There are no reporters asking questions. We can come and go as we please without a lot of fuss or fanfare. The most that we might muster up is a wave from a cashier when we walk in or smile from a worker when we walk out. And that is fine. Who cares what groceries we are buying or what clothes we are wearing?
It is different for celebrities and stars. There is no missing them as a crowd gathers around them and gawks at them. There are excitement and enthusiasm. It was that way for Jesus as he arrives in Jerusalem. We join the psalmist David as we celebrate this day (Ps 24 introduction).
Welcome the King of Glory
1. Who brings wonderful blessings for us (1-6)
2. Who deserves joyful praises from us (7-10)
1. Who brings wonderful blessings for us (1-6)
Perhaps grandkids can get away it when grandma and grandpa come. But I don’t know how good that it would make a guest feel if we opened the door with “Ok, what do you have for me?” Not really a great greeting. But Jesus comes bearing gifts. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us.
The King of glory has the ability and capability to bless us.
He is the Owner of all things. David is emphatic. “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps 24:1). To him belong every item and every individual—starting with what we can see and stretching to what we cannot. And then everything in between. The Lord is not limited or only local. And he operates out of love. Jesus rules with all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18).
He is the Creator of all things. “For he founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters” (Ps 24:2). Jesus was present at creation as the planets were fixed and the flowers were planted like when a builder puts down the foundation of a building and puts up the walls (Jn 1:3,4). Jesus continues his control even though sin wrecks and Satan ruins. He is still the head of the Church (Eph 1:20-23).
But with those credentials or qualifications—Owner and Creator, David poses an interesting question in regard to the coming King: “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?” (Ps 24:3). Are you brave enough to march up to him? Are you bold enough to make your way to him? You can be if you meet the four criteria:
• “He who has clean hands” (Ps 24:4). This is not a mommy who speaks to her son who has been coloring with magic markers: “Did you wash your hands? Show me them.” This refers to hands that are free from guilt or blame, not smudges or smears. Innocent. You? Me?
• “He who has … a pure heart” (Ps 24:4). Thoughts and intentions that are without perversion. We picked them out as a child removes crust from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That is absent from us? You? Me?
• “Who does not lift up his soul to an idol” (Ps 24:4). There is always and only single and sincere allegiance to God—no one and nothing kicking him out of first place—our own pleasure or the latest technology, another person or the greatest toys. The worthless stuff replacing the Worthy Savior. You? Me?
• “Who does not … swear by what is false” (Ps 24:4). It is just the truth that crosses our lips. You? Me?
Who is going to go up or go before the King? We would rather be gone from him than be glad because of him. But that is not what is what the prophet Zechariah encouraged for God’s people. “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you” (Ze 9:9). He comes to you and he comes for you.
And in fulfillment of God’s promise. Matthew highlighted that as Jesus sends his disciples for a royal requisition of a definite donkey (Mt 21:2,3). “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet” (Mt 21:4). And notice him:
“See, your king comes to you, righteous” (Ze 9:9). Jesus was right—in line with God’s standard of perfection. No sin. Not ever. Not once. But righteous is not just who he is, but also what he gives—righteousness (Je 23:6). He removed our guilt and replaced it with his holiness (2 Co 5:21).
“See, your king comes to you … having salvation” (Ze 9:9). He took up our sins by taking them to Calvary. We celebrate that this Friday. From the pen of the apostle Paul: “He humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Php 2:8). That is where and that is when he bore our sin to bring us to himself. He crushed Satan’s head and conquered sin (Ge 3:15). He rescued us.
Now God can deliver to us what he demands of us. David declares: “He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior” (Ps 24:5). Everything is in order between us and God because of Jesus. The Lord in his love clears our account of anything and everything against him. And that is why Jesus gets on that beast of burden with determination and rides on, rides on in majesty (CW 133). He knows what is ahead—death and resurrection. All for us. We join all those before us and even after us: “Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob” (Ps 24:6). Like Jacob, God blesses us by bringing us into his family (Ge 32:26). Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us—there are clean hands and pure hearts, souls that are fit and words that are fine. That is worthwhile to consider (Ps 24:6—Selah).
2. Who deserves joyful praises from us (7-10)
Possibly a visitor does bring a token or a trinket when they walk into our homes. Again, I doubt that a good response would be, “What? Is that all?” That borders on tactless. There might instead be a “thank you” or a “this is nice.” We react the same with Jesus. Welcome the King of glory who deserves joyful praises from us.
Two times David invites all God’s people and us to meet the monarch. “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in” (Ps 24:7,9). The repetition is for stress. This is not something out of fear, but in faith as the conquering hero comes. The entrances of the city are to be thrown wide open to receive him.
It was that way on that initial Palm Sunday. The disciples placing their cloaks on the donkey as a makeshift saddle (Mt 21:7). The people joining in the festivities—their garments and tree branches on the road. That was an early red carpet treatment. And those shouts of happy acclaim from those in front and those behind. We add our voices to the mix as we look back at the King who has come on that day and look ahead to the King who will come on the Last Day.
We got to listen in to some of the chants: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Mt 21:9). He is here—the Promised One from David’s line, the Messiah, the Christ, to serve and to save. And that is what “hosanna” means: “Save now, I pray.” And Jesus did.
It is more than just an idle wish. Because of the recipient of our joyful praises:
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Ps 24:8). Jesus came to fight for us and free us from the devil. And he did on the cross. The victory is his. And now it is ours (1 Co 15:57).
“Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory” (Ps 24:10). He is over every force in heaven and on earth. He is all-powerful and his reign is universal.
It doesn’t hurt to get ahead of ourselves. This is not like an overconfident team celebrating a win before the final buzzer. Actually we confess it in the Apostles’ Creed all the time. Jesus died—included in that is all the suffering he had to endure and experience. We have been replaying that as we read the Passion History—betraying and denying, mocking and ridiculing, whipping and crucifying.
But Jesus rose—included in that is all the reverence that he is afforded and offered. We will return here next Sunday as we will relay the same message. As Paul mentioned, God lifted Jesus up. And honored his name, the very name that means “Savior”—Jesus (Mt 1:21). And “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Php 2:10). Some do it out of terror. We do it out of trust. Welcome the King of glory who deserves joyful praises from us—both right now and forever. He has saved us. That is valuable to contemplate (Ps 24:10—Selah).
Maybe you have no idea what adjective to put in front of your week. It can range from painless to stressful. We do know what kind of week Jesus has in store. A Holy Week. A week unlike any other. (That sounds as if I stole the tagline from the Masters golf tournament. But that is “a tradition unlike any other.”) One of the golfers might go by us unnoticed. We don’t want to do that with Jesus. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us and who deserves joyful praises from us. He helped us and we hail him. Happy Palm Sunday. Happy Holy Week. Amen.
“Hosanna! … Blessed is the King of Israel!” (Jn 12:13). Amen.
April 9, 2017
Of David. A psalm.
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory. Selah
This is not English class. So don’t get too excited (either good or bad – I don’t want anyone to start to smile brightly or begin to sweat profusely). Let’s talk about an adjective. It is a word that modifies a noun. It defines it—what a person or thing is like.
Maybe it is easier if we try an example. Think of this coming week and your calendar. How would you describe it? Here are some suggestions:
• A simple week—not really any things to deal with—like only having to decide where to go out to eat. (That would be nice, wouldn’t it? [both the eating out and limited concerns])
• A moderate week—a few things to take on—like one issue at school or at work every other day, but for the most part manageable.
• A hard week—a lot of things to attend to and you don’t know where to start. (That may be normal.)
We all have had weeks that fit into those categories—simple, moderate, or hard. Those are all adjectives.
What about the next seven days for Jesus? We can stick with the normal designation. It is a holy Week. Holy because it is separate from, set apart from all the others. It is indeed special—from Sunday to Sunday, with Jesus entering the capital city on one end and exiting a borrowed tomb on the other end. We even put informative words in front of the days—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
We head into this important week today. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us and who deserves joyful praises from us. We read from …
Psalm 24:1-10
Dear Members of Christ’s Kingdom,
It is this way for me at least. You too probably. Nobody really notices when we are out and about. We can go to the store and there is no paparazzi snapping pictures. There are no reporters asking questions. We can come and go as we please without a lot of fuss or fanfare. The most that we might muster up is a wave from a cashier when we walk in or smile from a worker when we walk out. And that is fine. Who cares what groceries we are buying or what clothes we are wearing?
It is different for celebrities and stars. There is no missing them as a crowd gathers around them and gawks at them. There are excitement and enthusiasm. It was that way for Jesus as he arrives in Jerusalem. We join the psalmist David as we celebrate this day (Ps 24 introduction).
Welcome the King of Glory
1. Who brings wonderful blessings for us (1-6)
2. Who deserves joyful praises from us (7-10)
1. Who brings wonderful blessings for us (1-6)
Perhaps grandkids can get away it when grandma and grandpa come. But I don’t know how good that it would make a guest feel if we opened the door with “Ok, what do you have for me?” Not really a great greeting. But Jesus comes bearing gifts. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us.
The King of glory has the ability and capability to bless us.
He is the Owner of all things. David is emphatic. “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps 24:1). To him belong every item and every individual—starting with what we can see and stretching to what we cannot. And then everything in between. The Lord is not limited or only local. And he operates out of love. Jesus rules with all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18).
He is the Creator of all things. “For he founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters” (Ps 24:2). Jesus was present at creation as the planets were fixed and the flowers were planted like when a builder puts down the foundation of a building and puts up the walls (Jn 1:3,4). Jesus continues his control even though sin wrecks and Satan ruins. He is still the head of the Church (Eph 1:20-23).
But with those credentials or qualifications—Owner and Creator, David poses an interesting question in regard to the coming King: “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?” (Ps 24:3). Are you brave enough to march up to him? Are you bold enough to make your way to him? You can be if you meet the four criteria:
• “He who has clean hands” (Ps 24:4). This is not a mommy who speaks to her son who has been coloring with magic markers: “Did you wash your hands? Show me them.” This refers to hands that are free from guilt or blame, not smudges or smears. Innocent. You? Me?
• “He who has … a pure heart” (Ps 24:4). Thoughts and intentions that are without perversion. We picked them out as a child removes crust from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That is absent from us? You? Me?
• “Who does not lift up his soul to an idol” (Ps 24:4). There is always and only single and sincere allegiance to God—no one and nothing kicking him out of first place—our own pleasure or the latest technology, another person or the greatest toys. The worthless stuff replacing the Worthy Savior. You? Me?
• “Who does not … swear by what is false” (Ps 24:4). It is just the truth that crosses our lips. You? Me?
Who is going to go up or go before the King? We would rather be gone from him than be glad because of him. But that is not what is what the prophet Zechariah encouraged for God’s people. “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you” (Ze 9:9). He comes to you and he comes for you.
And in fulfillment of God’s promise. Matthew highlighted that as Jesus sends his disciples for a royal requisition of a definite donkey (Mt 21:2,3). “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet” (Mt 21:4). And notice him:
“See, your king comes to you, righteous” (Ze 9:9). Jesus was right—in line with God’s standard of perfection. No sin. Not ever. Not once. But righteous is not just who he is, but also what he gives—righteousness (Je 23:6). He removed our guilt and replaced it with his holiness (2 Co 5:21).
“See, your king comes to you … having salvation” (Ze 9:9). He took up our sins by taking them to Calvary. We celebrate that this Friday. From the pen of the apostle Paul: “He humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Php 2:8). That is where and that is when he bore our sin to bring us to himself. He crushed Satan’s head and conquered sin (Ge 3:15). He rescued us.
Now God can deliver to us what he demands of us. David declares: “He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior” (Ps 24:5). Everything is in order between us and God because of Jesus. The Lord in his love clears our account of anything and everything against him. And that is why Jesus gets on that beast of burden with determination and rides on, rides on in majesty (CW 133). He knows what is ahead—death and resurrection. All for us. We join all those before us and even after us: “Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob” (Ps 24:6). Like Jacob, God blesses us by bringing us into his family (Ge 32:26). Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us—there are clean hands and pure hearts, souls that are fit and words that are fine. That is worthwhile to consider (Ps 24:6—Selah).
2. Who deserves joyful praises from us (7-10)
Possibly a visitor does bring a token or a trinket when they walk into our homes. Again, I doubt that a good response would be, “What? Is that all?” That borders on tactless. There might instead be a “thank you” or a “this is nice.” We react the same with Jesus. Welcome the King of glory who deserves joyful praises from us.
Two times David invites all God’s people and us to meet the monarch. “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in” (Ps 24:7,9). The repetition is for stress. This is not something out of fear, but in faith as the conquering hero comes. The entrances of the city are to be thrown wide open to receive him.
It was that way on that initial Palm Sunday. The disciples placing their cloaks on the donkey as a makeshift saddle (Mt 21:7). The people joining in the festivities—their garments and tree branches on the road. That was an early red carpet treatment. And those shouts of happy acclaim from those in front and those behind. We add our voices to the mix as we look back at the King who has come on that day and look ahead to the King who will come on the Last Day.
We got to listen in to some of the chants: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Mt 21:9). He is here—the Promised One from David’s line, the Messiah, the Christ, to serve and to save. And that is what “hosanna” means: “Save now, I pray.” And Jesus did.
It is more than just an idle wish. Because of the recipient of our joyful praises:
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Ps 24:8). Jesus came to fight for us and free us from the devil. And he did on the cross. The victory is his. And now it is ours (1 Co 15:57).
“Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory” (Ps 24:10). He is over every force in heaven and on earth. He is all-powerful and his reign is universal.
It doesn’t hurt to get ahead of ourselves. This is not like an overconfident team celebrating a win before the final buzzer. Actually we confess it in the Apostles’ Creed all the time. Jesus died—included in that is all the suffering he had to endure and experience. We have been replaying that as we read the Passion History—betraying and denying, mocking and ridiculing, whipping and crucifying.
But Jesus rose—included in that is all the reverence that he is afforded and offered. We will return here next Sunday as we will relay the same message. As Paul mentioned, God lifted Jesus up. And honored his name, the very name that means “Savior”—Jesus (Mt 1:21). And “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Php 2:10). Some do it out of terror. We do it out of trust. Welcome the King of glory who deserves joyful praises from us—both right now and forever. He has saved us. That is valuable to contemplate (Ps 24:10—Selah).
Maybe you have no idea what adjective to put in front of your week. It can range from painless to stressful. We do know what kind of week Jesus has in store. A Holy Week. A week unlike any other. (That sounds as if I stole the tagline from the Masters golf tournament. But that is “a tradition unlike any other.”) One of the golfers might go by us unnoticed. We don’t want to do that with Jesus. Welcome the King of glory who brings wonderful blessings for us and who deserves joyful praises from us. He helped us and we hail him. Happy Palm Sunday. Happy Holy Week. Amen.
“Hosanna! … Blessed is the King of Israel!” (Jn 12:13). Amen.
April 9, 2017
Of David. A psalm.
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory. Selah
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Fifth Sunday in Lent (John 11:17-27,38-45)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
Spring has sprung. Do you believe me? You might answer, “Yes,”
• Because the calendar says so (even though it might not seem like April).
• Because the temperatures are higher (even though there are still days that cool and crummy).
• Because the light stays longer (even though there are still skies that are gray and gloomy).
• Because you have seen signs of life—a sprout of a plant poking through the ground (even though the grass is still brown or bare).
Yes, I believe you. It is spring.
Spring turns our attention to life. Jesus turns our thoughts to it too—even in the face of death. Is that possible? Life when and where there is death? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise and because of your power. We read from …
John 11:17-27,38-45
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who is life and who gives life,
And yet if we are honest, we find it hard—this “believe.” I don’t care what thesaurus you crack in print or consult online for a synonym—to trust in, to rely on, to be sure of, to have confidence in. It is difficult. There is that trace of doubt in your mind or touch of uncertainty in your head. So we pull out the adverbs with question marks. Really? Seriously? That is not that same as the affirmatives with exclamation marks: Definitely! Absolutely!
What about Jesus miracles? Fact or fiction? Some may wonder. We will not waver. No matter which one—the deaf hearing, the crippled walking, the storms calmed, the bellies fed. They are especially notable.
But so are the times when in spite of death there is life—Jairus’ daughter, the widow’s son, and Jesus’ friend. The other two remain nameless. But not the third—Lazarus. Those three are extremely remarkable. All because of the One behind them—the resurrection and the life (Jn 11:25). Nothing is impossible for him even when it seems that way to us. We believe them because we believe him.
Yes, Lord, I Believe You
1. Because of your promise (17-27)
2. Because of your power (38-45)
1. Because of your promise (17-27)
“Today it will be 84° degrees. I promise.” I don’t know what you think of that. You get skeptical. Perhaps, “Keep your day job. A meteorologist you do not make.” Possibly, “Check a weather app. Not too likely unless you meant 48°.” My promise is just words and you don’t believe me. Not so with Jesus. Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise.
Four days is a long time. That would put us at this coming Thursday since today is Sunday. It is even longer if you are waiting—for something good or bad. Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus that their brother was very ill (Jn 11:3). We don’t know with what. In the meantime, as they anticipated Jesus’ appearance, tragedy struck. Lazarus had died. That detail is critical. Dead. Lazarus was not unconscious. Lazarus was not in a coma. His lungs had stopped breathing and his heart ceased beating. Everything pointed to that.
He had been in the tomb four days (Jn 11:17). That is the reality of cemeteries then and now. They are for those who are not living.
There were those who had come for their condolence calls, making their way to that abode in Bethany, which was relatively close to the capital city. “Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother” (Jn 11:19). You don’t go to a funeral home nowadays for someone who is alive.
And Jesus showed up. We ought not miss that point. He always arrives at the right time for the right purpose. That is good to keep in mind when we wait in pain and wait in sickness and wait in hurt. We can criticize. We can question. Or we can contend: “Yes, Lord, I believe you.” He cares. And he comes.
There is a bit of a mix of emotions in Martha’s greeting: “Lord,” … “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (Jn 11:21,22). It is hard to tell what she had in mind other than a combination of grief and faith was gnawing at her heart. We get it. We have been there.
And now Jesus is there. To do more than just give his company and compassion. (There is nothing wrong with that either.) But more—his comfort. It comes with a promise. “Your brother will rise again” (Jn 11:23). Death—no disagreement there. But life—no limit here.
That can be helpful when we stand with someone who stares at the death of a loved one: “Your brother, sister, mother, father, etc. will rise again.”
And when we lash out at Martha, the busybody—trying to get Mary to help her with the meal while she just sits there at Jesus’ feet, we need to look at Martha, the bold believer (Lk 10:38-42). It is hard to beat her first confession: “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (Jn 11:24). That is striking. She must have spent some time in study of the Word too—more than likely from Jesus. “I know, Jesus.” Not, “It would be nice, Jesus.”
And he goes on with that profound explanation of what that is all about and with emphasis: “I am the resurrection and the life” (Jn 11:25). I am …
The resurrection. In him there is a rising up.
The life. In him there is a rising again to life (cf. Jn 1:4; 5:26).
He really is resurrection life. Because he lives, we live (Jn 14:19).
Jesus mentions what that means:
“He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (Jn 11:25). Jesus focuses our eyes on eternity. Death does not mark the end of life even when it makes an unwelcome visit, but it means the entrance into life. Dead, but alive. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Ps 116:15).
“And whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:26). Those living by faith never really die. There is life—right now on earth and forever in eternity.
And then there comes Martha’s second confession. Equally as stunning. Jesus gets personal: “Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:26). And in response: “Yes, Lord,” … “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (Jn 11:27). She had come to that conclusion about Jesus. And that continued to be something fixed for her.
There was no denying death that day. There is no dodging it today. As we stand at Lazarus’ tomb, it is real. Just like it has been and will be for us. And it is not natural. Death is not what God intended. But when sin entered the world, it was holding hands with its ugly companion death (Ro 6:23). The one brings the other. And neither one is pleasant or pretty. If that is the case, then where is the consolation? Who will rescue us from death (Ro 7:24)? Thanks be to God. He does. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
That is the promise of God’s Word. And so we view dry bones with Ezekiel in that valley, not just scarcely dead, but severely dead—as if the slightest wind might reduce them to dust (Ez 37:1-14). But the prophet proclaims the Word. And there is life. Like with us. Those dead in sin become alive in Christ (Eph 2:1,5). We believe and have life through Jesus who is the life (Jn 3:16; 14:6). And we have life to the full (Jn 10:10). God creates life—physical, spiritual, and eternal. And he keeps it.
Death will touch us. It will not triumph over us. Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise. Those who die live. Those who live never die. With the psalmist we sing: “The LORD is gracious and righteous” (Ps 116:5). With Martha we state: “You are the Christ—the One whom God selected to serve us. You are the Son of God who saved us. You are the One who was to come into the world. You were sent from heaven to die for my guilt and rise again for my guarantee. You are the resurrection and the life. And by believing in you, I have life in your name” (Jn 20:31). Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise of life.
2. Because of your power (38-45)
What if I lower my prediction to 59° Fahrenheit for today? (Real feel, no wind chill.) Does that make it more convincing? You get cynical. “If only.” Finally just because I forecast it doesn’t force it to be. I don’t have that ability. Jesus does. Not just with weather, but with death. Or should we change that to life? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your power.
Jesus got to the grave. It was more than likely looked like a cave with a boulder blocking the entrance (Jn 11:38). There is a touching point before an amazing miracle. Jesus was “deeply moved” (Jn 11:38). It was not audible, but internal, like the snorting of a horse. Sin’s destruction was obvious—what it did to Lazarus and all those gathered—and it hit Jesus. Suffering. Sadness. Distress. Death.
But he didn’t throw up his hands in frustration, but raised his voice with firmness: “Take away the stone” (Jn 11:39). That brought a bit of protest from Martha. She is respectful, but she reminds him of the four days. There was the caution that by now he would stink. She didn’t want to smell the decay or spot the decomposition. (We will let it right there.) And she didn’t want Jesus to either.
But hadn’t Jesus spelled it out: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (Jn 11:40)? This would be to God’s honor. And that is where Jesus directed the people as they rolled away the rock. He was thankful that the Father had heard him and that the Father and the Son operated in perfect harmony. It was good for them to believe that he dispatched Jesus for a distinct purpose and with divine authority (Jn 11:42).
And as if he was holding a megaphone, he shouted so all could hear: “Lazarus, come out!” (Jn 11:43). Three words—death defying words: “Lazarus. Here. Outside.” And he obeyed. “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face” (Jn 11:44). This was not some prearranged signal. Notice again how John refers to him—he had died. The dead one was now the living one. The One who is life gives life.
Then Jesus instructed them to untie, unwrap the grave clothes. (We think along the lines of a mummy.) He wouldn’t need them anymore. And he could go home. John records the result of all of this on the spectators. They had been watching carefully and closely. “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him” (Jn 11:45). As eyewitnesses, each one could echo what Martha had exclaimed: “Lord, I believe you because of your power.”
We might let our mind steer us in different directions, but let us stick with what we know. And that is enough. Where there is death, there is life. All because of Jesus’ power over it. And not just here in Bethany. Soon Jesus would walk the two miles into Jerusalem where he would ride in on a donkey. Before long the religious leaders would plot and plan and then accomplish and achieve Jesus’ death by crucifixion on Good Friday. But three days later is Easter Sunday. Death could not hold him. He removed death from us by returning to life. Jesus lives for us. He has been raised from the dead (Ro 8:11; 1 Co 15:20).
And he will do the same for us. He will reunite our bodies and souls and give us glorified ones (Php 3:21). The voice that boomed at your baptism, “This is my son. This is my daughter” and allows us to call God, “Abba, Father” (Ro 8:15), will bellow on the Last Day (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28,29): “Come out.” For as the apostle Paul penned: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Ro 8:17). The glory of heaven is ours. Nothing can or does compare to that. Yes, Lord, I believe because of your power. You deliver from death and give life (Ps 116:8).
Spring is here. That might not be too much of a stretch to believe. There are telltale indicators of life. (Maybe not as many today when it won’t be 84° or even 59°. One day.) We could claim the same at Lazarus’ tomb. Do you believe Jesus? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise of life and your power over death. It is not: “In life there is death.” But: “In death there is life.” It is true. 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 (Ro 15:13). Amen.
April 2, 2017
Spring has sprung. Do you believe me? You might answer, “Yes,”
• Because the calendar says so (even though it might not seem like April).
• Because the temperatures are higher (even though there are still days that cool and crummy).
• Because the light stays longer (even though there are still skies that are gray and gloomy).
• Because you have seen signs of life—a sprout of a plant poking through the ground (even though the grass is still brown or bare).
Yes, I believe you. It is spring.
Spring turns our attention to life. Jesus turns our thoughts to it too—even in the face of death. Is that possible? Life when and where there is death? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise and because of your power. We read from …
John 11:17-27,38-45
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who is life and who gives life,
And yet if we are honest, we find it hard—this “believe.” I don’t care what thesaurus you crack in print or consult online for a synonym—to trust in, to rely on, to be sure of, to have confidence in. It is difficult. There is that trace of doubt in your mind or touch of uncertainty in your head. So we pull out the adverbs with question marks. Really? Seriously? That is not that same as the affirmatives with exclamation marks: Definitely! Absolutely!
What about Jesus miracles? Fact or fiction? Some may wonder. We will not waver. No matter which one—the deaf hearing, the crippled walking, the storms calmed, the bellies fed. They are especially notable.
But so are the times when in spite of death there is life—Jairus’ daughter, the widow’s son, and Jesus’ friend. The other two remain nameless. But not the third—Lazarus. Those three are extremely remarkable. All because of the One behind them—the resurrection and the life (Jn 11:25). Nothing is impossible for him even when it seems that way to us. We believe them because we believe him.
Yes, Lord, I Believe You
1. Because of your promise (17-27)
2. Because of your power (38-45)
1. Because of your promise (17-27)
“Today it will be 84° degrees. I promise.” I don’t know what you think of that. You get skeptical. Perhaps, “Keep your day job. A meteorologist you do not make.” Possibly, “Check a weather app. Not too likely unless you meant 48°.” My promise is just words and you don’t believe me. Not so with Jesus. Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise.
Four days is a long time. That would put us at this coming Thursday since today is Sunday. It is even longer if you are waiting—for something good or bad. Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus that their brother was very ill (Jn 11:3). We don’t know with what. In the meantime, as they anticipated Jesus’ appearance, tragedy struck. Lazarus had died. That detail is critical. Dead. Lazarus was not unconscious. Lazarus was not in a coma. His lungs had stopped breathing and his heart ceased beating. Everything pointed to that.
He had been in the tomb four days (Jn 11:17). That is the reality of cemeteries then and now. They are for those who are not living.
There were those who had come for their condolence calls, making their way to that abode in Bethany, which was relatively close to the capital city. “Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother” (Jn 11:19). You don’t go to a funeral home nowadays for someone who is alive.
And Jesus showed up. We ought not miss that point. He always arrives at the right time for the right purpose. That is good to keep in mind when we wait in pain and wait in sickness and wait in hurt. We can criticize. We can question. Or we can contend: “Yes, Lord, I believe you.” He cares. And he comes.
There is a bit of a mix of emotions in Martha’s greeting: “Lord,” … “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (Jn 11:21,22). It is hard to tell what she had in mind other than a combination of grief and faith was gnawing at her heart. We get it. We have been there.
And now Jesus is there. To do more than just give his company and compassion. (There is nothing wrong with that either.) But more—his comfort. It comes with a promise. “Your brother will rise again” (Jn 11:23). Death—no disagreement there. But life—no limit here.
That can be helpful when we stand with someone who stares at the death of a loved one: “Your brother, sister, mother, father, etc. will rise again.”
And when we lash out at Martha, the busybody—trying to get Mary to help her with the meal while she just sits there at Jesus’ feet, we need to look at Martha, the bold believer (Lk 10:38-42). It is hard to beat her first confession: “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (Jn 11:24). That is striking. She must have spent some time in study of the Word too—more than likely from Jesus. “I know, Jesus.” Not, “It would be nice, Jesus.”
And he goes on with that profound explanation of what that is all about and with emphasis: “I am the resurrection and the life” (Jn 11:25). I am …
The resurrection. In him there is a rising up.
The life. In him there is a rising again to life (cf. Jn 1:4; 5:26).
He really is resurrection life. Because he lives, we live (Jn 14:19).
Jesus mentions what that means:
“He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (Jn 11:25). Jesus focuses our eyes on eternity. Death does not mark the end of life even when it makes an unwelcome visit, but it means the entrance into life. Dead, but alive. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Ps 116:15).
“And whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:26). Those living by faith never really die. There is life—right now on earth and forever in eternity.
And then there comes Martha’s second confession. Equally as stunning. Jesus gets personal: “Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:26). And in response: “Yes, Lord,” … “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (Jn 11:27). She had come to that conclusion about Jesus. And that continued to be something fixed for her.
There was no denying death that day. There is no dodging it today. As we stand at Lazarus’ tomb, it is real. Just like it has been and will be for us. And it is not natural. Death is not what God intended. But when sin entered the world, it was holding hands with its ugly companion death (Ro 6:23). The one brings the other. And neither one is pleasant or pretty. If that is the case, then where is the consolation? Who will rescue us from death (Ro 7:24)? Thanks be to God. He does. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
That is the promise of God’s Word. And so we view dry bones with Ezekiel in that valley, not just scarcely dead, but severely dead—as if the slightest wind might reduce them to dust (Ez 37:1-14). But the prophet proclaims the Word. And there is life. Like with us. Those dead in sin become alive in Christ (Eph 2:1,5). We believe and have life through Jesus who is the life (Jn 3:16; 14:6). And we have life to the full (Jn 10:10). God creates life—physical, spiritual, and eternal. And he keeps it.
Death will touch us. It will not triumph over us. Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise. Those who die live. Those who live never die. With the psalmist we sing: “The LORD is gracious and righteous” (Ps 116:5). With Martha we state: “You are the Christ—the One whom God selected to serve us. You are the Son of God who saved us. You are the One who was to come into the world. You were sent from heaven to die for my guilt and rise again for my guarantee. You are the resurrection and the life. And by believing in you, I have life in your name” (Jn 20:31). Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise of life.
2. Because of your power (38-45)
What if I lower my prediction to 59° Fahrenheit for today? (Real feel, no wind chill.) Does that make it more convincing? You get cynical. “If only.” Finally just because I forecast it doesn’t force it to be. I don’t have that ability. Jesus does. Not just with weather, but with death. Or should we change that to life? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your power.
Jesus got to the grave. It was more than likely looked like a cave with a boulder blocking the entrance (Jn 11:38). There is a touching point before an amazing miracle. Jesus was “deeply moved” (Jn 11:38). It was not audible, but internal, like the snorting of a horse. Sin’s destruction was obvious—what it did to Lazarus and all those gathered—and it hit Jesus. Suffering. Sadness. Distress. Death.
But he didn’t throw up his hands in frustration, but raised his voice with firmness: “Take away the stone” (Jn 11:39). That brought a bit of protest from Martha. She is respectful, but she reminds him of the four days. There was the caution that by now he would stink. She didn’t want to smell the decay or spot the decomposition. (We will let it right there.) And she didn’t want Jesus to either.
But hadn’t Jesus spelled it out: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (Jn 11:40)? This would be to God’s honor. And that is where Jesus directed the people as they rolled away the rock. He was thankful that the Father had heard him and that the Father and the Son operated in perfect harmony. It was good for them to believe that he dispatched Jesus for a distinct purpose and with divine authority (Jn 11:42).
And as if he was holding a megaphone, he shouted so all could hear: “Lazarus, come out!” (Jn 11:43). Three words—death defying words: “Lazarus. Here. Outside.” And he obeyed. “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face” (Jn 11:44). This was not some prearranged signal. Notice again how John refers to him—he had died. The dead one was now the living one. The One who is life gives life.
Then Jesus instructed them to untie, unwrap the grave clothes. (We think along the lines of a mummy.) He wouldn’t need them anymore. And he could go home. John records the result of all of this on the spectators. They had been watching carefully and closely. “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him” (Jn 11:45). As eyewitnesses, each one could echo what Martha had exclaimed: “Lord, I believe you because of your power.”
We might let our mind steer us in different directions, but let us stick with what we know. And that is enough. Where there is death, there is life. All because of Jesus’ power over it. And not just here in Bethany. Soon Jesus would walk the two miles into Jerusalem where he would ride in on a donkey. Before long the religious leaders would plot and plan and then accomplish and achieve Jesus’ death by crucifixion on Good Friday. But three days later is Easter Sunday. Death could not hold him. He removed death from us by returning to life. Jesus lives for us. He has been raised from the dead (Ro 8:11; 1 Co 15:20).
And he will do the same for us. He will reunite our bodies and souls and give us glorified ones (Php 3:21). The voice that boomed at your baptism, “This is my son. This is my daughter” and allows us to call God, “Abba, Father” (Ro 8:15), will bellow on the Last Day (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28,29): “Come out.” For as the apostle Paul penned: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Ro 8:17). The glory of heaven is ours. Nothing can or does compare to that. Yes, Lord, I believe because of your power. You deliver from death and give life (Ps 116:8).
Spring is here. That might not be too much of a stretch to believe. There are telltale indicators of life. (Maybe not as many today when it won’t be 84° or even 59°. One day.) We could claim the same at Lazarus’ tomb. Do you believe Jesus? Yes, Lord, I believe you because of your promise of life and your power over death. It is not: “In life there is death.” But: “In death there is life.” It is true. 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 (Ro 15:13). Amen.
April 2, 2017
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Fourth Sunday in Lent (Matthew 20:17-28)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
How do you describe life? There might be a few different ways. We could go with the obvious—heart beating and lungs breathing. That is medical. From there we might go on with our jobs or our joys—what we do or what we like. That is philosophical.
But is there more? Maybe instead of our theories as we determine life, we get Jesus’ thoughts as he defines it. And he does. Jesus explains life. The Christ serves. The Christian serves. We read from …
Matthew 20:17-28
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, whose service for us lead to service from us,
I mention it because for a long time I missed it. And it bears repeating. It is Lent. We spend a lot of time speaking of Jesus’ death. It is our focus for 6 weeks. It is our emphasis with extra services. And rightfully so. Jesus heads to the cross. He gives up his life. Gladly and willingly. For us.
But that is not all. It is not just about Good Friday. We stop at Calvary. But we don’t stay there. Jesus was there. It is also about Easter Sunday. We sprint to the tomb. We stare in it. Jesus is not there. In a way, today is a reminder of his exit from the grave since it is the first day of the week. There is life. Jesus shows it. And he shares it.
Jesus Explains Life
1. The Christ serves (17-19,28)
2. The Christian serves (20-28)
1. The Christ serves (17-19,28)
“Now this is life.” Perhaps that sounds like an adult on a nice vacation—whether it is the sun on the back or sand between the toes at a beach or the sights on the trial and snow on the peaks in the mountains. It is a matter of personal preference. But there is more to life than relaxing in such a way. Jesus explains it. The Christ serves.
It wasn’t the first time that Jesus brought up the subject material (Mt 16:21; 17:22,23). That is because the disciples needed to know. And it was going to happen soon. Jerusalem was the final destination. The Passover was approaching. But that was not the real reason for the trip to the city in the south. So as they walked, Jesus talked (Mt 20:17). They get some private instruction from Jesus along the way.
Jesus speaks with amazing clarity. There is no ambiguity (nor is there hesitancy). It is more than a father stating, “We are going to Mt. Rushmore someday.” He cannot be exact. “This summer we are going to put the vehicle in space 117 in the parking garage and view the four presidents at 2:34 PM on Tuesday.” There are some things that are possible to relay—the month and means like in July and by car, but not to that extent. Jesus can. And Jesus does.
As he grabs their attention, he goes into detail. It is as if to say, “Boys, this is how it is going to go down. Listen up.” He is specific and straightforward without suggesting options or seeking opinions.
There would be ugly disloyalty. We wonder if Judas was taking notes. “The Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law” (Mt 20:18). “Son of man” was Jesus’ favorite label for himself. He became one of us—flesh and blood—to rescue us (Mt 1:21). But not all would be excited, especially the religious leaders (Jn 1:11).
There would be a distinct sentence. “They will condemn him to death” (Mt 20:18). That was their judgment. Guilty—worthy of death (Mt 26:66).
There would be horrible mistreatment. “And they … will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified” (Mt 20: 19). As God’s people handed Jesus over to godless people, there would be no throwing of stones, but pounding of nails. As we read through the Passion History, we see looking back on what Jesus spotted looking ahead.
There would be a glorious return. “On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Mt 20:19). The disciples left that out when they locked the doors out of fear after Jesus died. We don’t want to skip it. It is critical—not just another point, but an important part. It makes all the difference that Jesus’ death does not mean the end. So if we want to be precise, we would not state: “Jesus predicts his death.” But add, “Jesus predicts his life.” It is not just Jesus’ crucifixion. It is his resurrection. That is crucial because it is comforting. His life guarantees ours. Because he lives, we live (Jn 14:19). This is not tragedy. It is triumph.
Jesus didn’t miss much when it came to his mission. “The Son of Man [That is the second time in this section.] did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). I always put that in terms of dining out at a restaurant. It is clear who is the one waiting on because there is a stroll to the kitchen and the ones who are waited on because there is a seat in a booth. Jesus is the waiter. We are the waited. He could have demanded service from us. But he delivers service to us. Now we are not talking about lunch. But life. He gives his to pay the price necessary to set us free from sin. And his holy, precious blood was sufficient to ransom us and release us from its curse. He offered himself instead of us, in place of us. He took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross (Php 2:7,8). He is our Substitute, our Servant. He is the one Savior for many sinners. He is the only One for all (1 Ti 2:6).
That is what the apostle Paul pointed out. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Ro 8:1). There is no charge of guilt against us in any way, at any time. It is gone, all gone. For good. For ever. So rather than the insincerity of the Israelites, we encourage one another: “Let us acknowledge the LORD” (Ho 6:3). We look for him earnestly. And we add our voices to the psalmist who taught us to sing: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Ps 42:5; 43:11). That is who Jesus is—our Savior. And that is what Jesus did—saved. It cost him his life. But he came back to life. Jesus explains life. The Christ serves by dying and rising.
2. The Christian serves (20-28)
“Now this is life.” Possibly that comes from a student on a spring break. It is a chance to sleep to noon and sit in front of the TV. There is also the command that supper be supplied while sprawled on the sofa. Someone has to bring it. There is more to life than resting in such a manner. Jesus explains that. The Christian serves.
Right on the heels of that plain commentary comes a peculiar request from a protective mother. It is not for herself, but for her sons. She lands on her knees because she wants what is best for James and John (Mt 20:20). (Doesn’t every mommy long for that?) With Zebedee’s two sons in tow, she made her appeal hoping Jesus would be on board: “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom” (Mt 20:21). Her desire was that they be prominent and prestigious men in Jesus’ cabinet—#1a and #1b.
None of those three got it (Mt 20:22). But Jesus doesn’t give a tongue lashing. But this is an opportunity for true learning. Jesus corrects as he continues. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” (Mt 20:22). Jesus implies a “no” answer. He would redeem the world all by himself. It would require the Father to press to his lips the ultimate cup of suffering. And inside of that is the full fury of God’s anger against our sin. Jesus would swallow our shame and drink the hell that we deserved—all the way to the bottom.
When they come back with a “yes:” “We can” (Mt 20:22), Jesus keeps educating patiently. He has two responses:
“You will indeed drink from my cup” (Mt 20:23). There would be persecution due to their connection to Jesus. Herod’s sword would separate James’ head from his shoulders as a martyr (Acts 12:1,2). Rome’s power would separate John from his people on the island of Patmos as an exile (Re 1:9).
“But to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father” (Mt 20:23). Sometimes there is a “no.” That was the Father’s business, not his. They were not to busy themselves with that.
That maternal plea didn’t sit well with the other 10. “They were indignant with the two brothers” (Mt 20:24). They were upset that it didn’t cross their minds first. “Why didn’t I think of that?” There was competition among the men as opposed to cooperation. And that had to change. So Jesus invites them to a group study. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them” (Mt 20:25). Absolute power can lead to an abuse of power. It is selfish and not selfless. There is plenty of examples in the past. Even in the present.
“Not so with you” (Mt 20:26). Jesus contends that there is to be a noticeable contrast between the kingdoms of the world and the kingdom of heaven. It’s not about me; it’s about you. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Mt 20:26,27). A great life comes through humble service. And service of others is modeled after and motivated by Christ’s service for everyone who did not just wash feet from any dirt as he did in a room upstairs, but washed souls from every stain as he did on an instrument of torture.
Those are striking words. And hard to hear. We prefer to turn things around for our benefit, not the blessing of others. We think along the lines of how many are below us, not above us.
But Jesus alters that mindset as he explains life. The Christian serves. “What is useful or helpful for you?” becomes a concern for us like a servant carries out the wishes of his lord and a slave the will of his master. Forgiven for our self-centeredness, we imitate Jesus—serving, not being served. The Holy Spirit aids us in thinking about others (Ro 8:5). Alive in Christ, we are active in Christ. We have many occasions to serve at home, at school, at work, at church. Jesus explains life. A Christian serves in in every activity and with every ability.
We are not cheating Lent by charging ahead to Easter. They fit together rather than one first and the other second. They flow into one another. Jesus hangs on the cross, but he heads out of the grave. It is not about his death, but also his life. Jesus explains life. The Christ serves everybody. The Christian serves each other. Now that’s life. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:20). Amen.
March 26, 2017
How do you describe life? There might be a few different ways. We could go with the obvious—heart beating and lungs breathing. That is medical. From there we might go on with our jobs or our joys—what we do or what we like. That is philosophical.
But is there more? Maybe instead of our theories as we determine life, we get Jesus’ thoughts as he defines it. And he does. Jesus explains life. The Christ serves. The Christian serves. We read from …
Matthew 20:17-28
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, whose service for us lead to service from us,
I mention it because for a long time I missed it. And it bears repeating. It is Lent. We spend a lot of time speaking of Jesus’ death. It is our focus for 6 weeks. It is our emphasis with extra services. And rightfully so. Jesus heads to the cross. He gives up his life. Gladly and willingly. For us.
But that is not all. It is not just about Good Friday. We stop at Calvary. But we don’t stay there. Jesus was there. It is also about Easter Sunday. We sprint to the tomb. We stare in it. Jesus is not there. In a way, today is a reminder of his exit from the grave since it is the first day of the week. There is life. Jesus shows it. And he shares it.
Jesus Explains Life
1. The Christ serves (17-19,28)
2. The Christian serves (20-28)
1. The Christ serves (17-19,28)
“Now this is life.” Perhaps that sounds like an adult on a nice vacation—whether it is the sun on the back or sand between the toes at a beach or the sights on the trial and snow on the peaks in the mountains. It is a matter of personal preference. But there is more to life than relaxing in such a way. Jesus explains it. The Christ serves.
It wasn’t the first time that Jesus brought up the subject material (Mt 16:21; 17:22,23). That is because the disciples needed to know. And it was going to happen soon. Jerusalem was the final destination. The Passover was approaching. But that was not the real reason for the trip to the city in the south. So as they walked, Jesus talked (Mt 20:17). They get some private instruction from Jesus along the way.
Jesus speaks with amazing clarity. There is no ambiguity (nor is there hesitancy). It is more than a father stating, “We are going to Mt. Rushmore someday.” He cannot be exact. “This summer we are going to put the vehicle in space 117 in the parking garage and view the four presidents at 2:34 PM on Tuesday.” There are some things that are possible to relay—the month and means like in July and by car, but not to that extent. Jesus can. And Jesus does.
As he grabs their attention, he goes into detail. It is as if to say, “Boys, this is how it is going to go down. Listen up.” He is specific and straightforward without suggesting options or seeking opinions.
There would be ugly disloyalty. We wonder if Judas was taking notes. “The Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law” (Mt 20:18). “Son of man” was Jesus’ favorite label for himself. He became one of us—flesh and blood—to rescue us (Mt 1:21). But not all would be excited, especially the religious leaders (Jn 1:11).
There would be a distinct sentence. “They will condemn him to death” (Mt 20:18). That was their judgment. Guilty—worthy of death (Mt 26:66).
There would be horrible mistreatment. “And they … will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified” (Mt 20: 19). As God’s people handed Jesus over to godless people, there would be no throwing of stones, but pounding of nails. As we read through the Passion History, we see looking back on what Jesus spotted looking ahead.
There would be a glorious return. “On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Mt 20:19). The disciples left that out when they locked the doors out of fear after Jesus died. We don’t want to skip it. It is critical—not just another point, but an important part. It makes all the difference that Jesus’ death does not mean the end. So if we want to be precise, we would not state: “Jesus predicts his death.” But add, “Jesus predicts his life.” It is not just Jesus’ crucifixion. It is his resurrection. That is crucial because it is comforting. His life guarantees ours. Because he lives, we live (Jn 14:19). This is not tragedy. It is triumph.
Jesus didn’t miss much when it came to his mission. “The Son of Man [That is the second time in this section.] did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). I always put that in terms of dining out at a restaurant. It is clear who is the one waiting on because there is a stroll to the kitchen and the ones who are waited on because there is a seat in a booth. Jesus is the waiter. We are the waited. He could have demanded service from us. But he delivers service to us. Now we are not talking about lunch. But life. He gives his to pay the price necessary to set us free from sin. And his holy, precious blood was sufficient to ransom us and release us from its curse. He offered himself instead of us, in place of us. He took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross (Php 2:7,8). He is our Substitute, our Servant. He is the one Savior for many sinners. He is the only One for all (1 Ti 2:6).
That is what the apostle Paul pointed out. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Ro 8:1). There is no charge of guilt against us in any way, at any time. It is gone, all gone. For good. For ever. So rather than the insincerity of the Israelites, we encourage one another: “Let us acknowledge the LORD” (Ho 6:3). We look for him earnestly. And we add our voices to the psalmist who taught us to sing: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Ps 42:5; 43:11). That is who Jesus is—our Savior. And that is what Jesus did—saved. It cost him his life. But he came back to life. Jesus explains life. The Christ serves by dying and rising.
2. The Christian serves (20-28)
“Now this is life.” Possibly that comes from a student on a spring break. It is a chance to sleep to noon and sit in front of the TV. There is also the command that supper be supplied while sprawled on the sofa. Someone has to bring it. There is more to life than resting in such a manner. Jesus explains that. The Christian serves.
Right on the heels of that plain commentary comes a peculiar request from a protective mother. It is not for herself, but for her sons. She lands on her knees because she wants what is best for James and John (Mt 20:20). (Doesn’t every mommy long for that?) With Zebedee’s two sons in tow, she made her appeal hoping Jesus would be on board: “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom” (Mt 20:21). Her desire was that they be prominent and prestigious men in Jesus’ cabinet—#1a and #1b.
None of those three got it (Mt 20:22). But Jesus doesn’t give a tongue lashing. But this is an opportunity for true learning. Jesus corrects as he continues. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” (Mt 20:22). Jesus implies a “no” answer. He would redeem the world all by himself. It would require the Father to press to his lips the ultimate cup of suffering. And inside of that is the full fury of God’s anger against our sin. Jesus would swallow our shame and drink the hell that we deserved—all the way to the bottom.
When they come back with a “yes:” “We can” (Mt 20:22), Jesus keeps educating patiently. He has two responses:
“You will indeed drink from my cup” (Mt 20:23). There would be persecution due to their connection to Jesus. Herod’s sword would separate James’ head from his shoulders as a martyr (Acts 12:1,2). Rome’s power would separate John from his people on the island of Patmos as an exile (Re 1:9).
“But to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father” (Mt 20:23). Sometimes there is a “no.” That was the Father’s business, not his. They were not to busy themselves with that.
That maternal plea didn’t sit well with the other 10. “They were indignant with the two brothers” (Mt 20:24). They were upset that it didn’t cross their minds first. “Why didn’t I think of that?” There was competition among the men as opposed to cooperation. And that had to change. So Jesus invites them to a group study. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them” (Mt 20:25). Absolute power can lead to an abuse of power. It is selfish and not selfless. There is plenty of examples in the past. Even in the present.
“Not so with you” (Mt 20:26). Jesus contends that there is to be a noticeable contrast between the kingdoms of the world and the kingdom of heaven. It’s not about me; it’s about you. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Mt 20:26,27). A great life comes through humble service. And service of others is modeled after and motivated by Christ’s service for everyone who did not just wash feet from any dirt as he did in a room upstairs, but washed souls from every stain as he did on an instrument of torture.
Those are striking words. And hard to hear. We prefer to turn things around for our benefit, not the blessing of others. We think along the lines of how many are below us, not above us.
But Jesus alters that mindset as he explains life. The Christian serves. “What is useful or helpful for you?” becomes a concern for us like a servant carries out the wishes of his lord and a slave the will of his master. Forgiven for our self-centeredness, we imitate Jesus—serving, not being served. The Holy Spirit aids us in thinking about others (Ro 8:5). Alive in Christ, we are active in Christ. We have many occasions to serve at home, at school, at work, at church. Jesus explains life. A Christian serves in in every activity and with every ability.
We are not cheating Lent by charging ahead to Easter. They fit together rather than one first and the other second. They flow into one another. Jesus hangs on the cross, but he heads out of the grave. It is not about his death, but also his life. Jesus explains life. The Christ serves everybody. The Christian serves each other. Now that’s life. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:20). Amen.
March 26, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Lent Midweek (Mark 14:32-38)
In the name of God who wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Pe 3:9)—admitting our wrong that goes against him and appreciating our rescue that comes from him. Amen.
We all wrestle with it every day—every single person in every age group (1 Co 10:13). No one excluded—from young to old. No one is exempted—from school age and below to retirement age and above. It is from the time when we crawl out of bed in the morning until the time when we climb back in in the evening.
Any guesses? It is not being tired. That may be correct at times. It is being tempted. That is critical in life.
What is it though? We should have a working definition of “temptation.” The catechism suggests this: “Any situation in which someone may be led into sin, false belief, or despair” (Luther’s Catechism p. 348). Our old evil foe jabs at us where we are vulnerable. Our ugly sinful nature jumps in. And the everyday sinful world joins in. It is no laughing matter when they want us to fail often and fall hard.
No. This is serious. No wonder Jesus taught us to pray: “Lead us not into temptation” (Mt 6:13). Temptation is not just dangerous; it is deadly as it causes us to make our way from God, not to him.
Where can we turn when there is an attack or an assault against us? Not looking to our strength, but leaning on our Savior.
We get that as we go to the Garden. Jesus and the Eleven had made their way to Gethsemane from the Passover celebration in the Upper Room (Mk 14:32). (Remember Judas had left to lead Jesus’ enemies to him. They would meet up in a bit.) It is in that secluded olive grove that we stop for a while—to listen in and to learn from.
Jesus sits eight of them down. And then he grabs those three—Peter, James, and John. Recall what Jesus allowed them to see firsthand? They had walked into that little girl’s room with him. They had watched with her mom and dad as Jesus took her hand. He raised the 12-year old from the dead as he said, “Talitha koum!” (Mk 5:41). And she got up. Then at that unnamed mountain in the north, they saw Jesus in his all his glory as God spoke about him and to him: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mk 9:3).
But this is different. It is difficult. Well it would have been if their eyes had stayed open long enough to witness what was going on. Jesus had not asked too much of them: “Stay here and keep watch” (Mk 14:34). We might compare it to if you want someone by your side for some company and compassion before you are headed into the operating room. And your close friend is taking a siesta off in the corner of the room. That kind of support and sympathy are not helpful.
Instead of a source of comfort from this inner circle, there was nothing more than a chorus of snores from these men. We can hardly blame them. It had been a long week of fierce attacks from his foes. And a long day with a fine meal—not just a sacrificial lamb, but the Lord’s Supper. And now it is late. It is not too hard to understand. We barely make it through the 9:00 o’clock news let alone stay up long enough for the 10:00 o’clock edition. We wake up from our nap only to turn in for the night. Add to that they were exhausted by their sadness (Lk 22:45). There would be a betrayal and a denial. Jesus leaving; the Holy Spirit coming. All that and more.
After Jesus poured out his heart to his Father the first time, he came back to them. Peter had been anything but rocklike. That is why there is the mild rebuke: “Simon, … are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?” (Mk 14:37). This was the same one who had boasted that he was willing even to die with Jesus (Mk 14:31). The others bragged along the same lines. Where was all of that bravery and bravado now? It is not so impressive when they didn’t have the strength to keep their eyelids from drooping. They promised so much and proved so little.
So Jesus encourages them: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mk 14:38).
“Keep on watching.” That is important when it comes to the driver behind the wheel and the hitter at the plate. You can steer a car or swing a bat with eyes shut. That ends in disaster. We want to be on the lookout for Satan’s temptations. Because he is relentless. He will allow us no rest. He prowls around only to destroy (1 Pe 5:8). So quickly and easily we let our guard down. A little laziness in hearing God’s Word or not acting according to it. Our souls slowly fade into sweet slumber.
“Continue to pray.” That is imperative when it comes to those who are confused in school or befuddled at work. Ask for help from a teacher or supervisor. We have the ear of the One who will provide a way out of temptation (1 Co 10:13). Jesus was tempted too. Yet he was without sin (He 4:15). Think of that 40-day ordeal in the desert—face to face with his worst enemy (Mk 1:12,13). One of them was to bow down and worship him so that none of the nails would be necessary (Mt 4:8,9). But Jesus is stronger than Satan. He can aid us in saying “no” to temptation (Ti 2:12). Temptation doesn’t have to equal sin as if to comment, “The devil made me do it.”
Jesus explains why they watching and praying is so necessary. “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mk 14:38). Our spiritual nature is eager, but our sinful nature is evil. Good intentions don’t always translate into great actions.
The next few hours and days would be rough for the disciples. Satan would have them stumble as Jesus is placed on trial where he would be condemned and put to death by being crucified. It is hard on us too. But the cross is where Jesus carried our sin to complete our salvation. But Easter Sunday is there too.
But let us not focus on those men and their catnap. But watch Jesus pray. We go about as far away from Peter, James, and John as we might throw a stone (Lk 22:41). Mark reports: “He began to be deeply distressed and troubled” (Mk 14:33). This horror was real at what was ahead. The suffering for sin and the separation from God on the cross was a day away. There was intense anguish along with extreme agony. Go back to the hospital room when you await the surgeon’s scalpel. But this is way beyond that. And Jesus relays: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mk 14:34). This was profound. We cannot fathom the depth. Nor will we ever be able to or even have to. This was no exaggeration. He was exact.
So he offered up his petitions (He 5:7). With his face in the dirt, he implored “that if possible the hour might pass from him” (Mk 14:35). This was the Father’s appointed time for the Son’s sacrifice for us followed by his resurrection. Was there a plan B like therapy rather than surgery?
Jesus did recoil at the prospect. It is gruesome and gory. So the appeal with the same trust of a child to his dad when there is something troubling: “Abba, Father, … everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me” (Mk 14:38). But he did not refuse the plan. And he is emphatic: “Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mk 14:36). “It is all about your wish, not mine.” Jesus lived what he instructed on that hillside with his model prayer: “This is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, … your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’” (Mt 6:10).
But there was no other way. It was the Lord’s will to crush him (Is 53:10). The Father was pushing the cup and pressing it firmly against Jesus’ lips. And he would drink it to the very dregs. By himself and all alone—without his sleeping companions, or us.
What makes the difference in this discussion is what is in the cup. It is not like a cool glass of water on a hot day or a hot cup of coffee on a cold day. This is not about soothing. It is all about suffering. Look inside how bitter and bad it is. The rebellion of Adam. The adultery of David. The idolatry of Israel. The denial of Peter. And we could go on. And on. And we haven’t even mentioned your guilt and mine—my words to hurt, my deeds to harm, my thoughts to please. Today’s long list of those things would be evidence enough against me. You too. But it’s all in the cup. And that cup is full. But Jesus makes them his own and makes us his own. Jesus carried out the Father’s will by carting all the times that we have been tempted and succumbed all to Calvary. He was the sole object of God’s wrath for our sin. Jesus shouldered so we don’t have to. It is all gone because Jesus did it all (2 Co 5:21).
Temptation will not go away on earth until we go away to heaven. It will rear its ugly head day after day, better again and again, throughout every 24 hours that we have—leading us into sin, false belief, or despair. Dr. Martin Luther once quipped: “You can’t keep the birds from flying overhead, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” Satan is good at tempting. But our Savior is better at triumphing. Turn not to yourself. Turn to your Savior when you face temptations. Only Jesus. Always Jesus.
We read from Mark 14:32-38:
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?
38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen (Re 1:6).
March 22, 2017
We all wrestle with it every day—every single person in every age group (1 Co 10:13). No one excluded—from young to old. No one is exempted—from school age and below to retirement age and above. It is from the time when we crawl out of bed in the morning until the time when we climb back in in the evening.
Any guesses? It is not being tired. That may be correct at times. It is being tempted. That is critical in life.
What is it though? We should have a working definition of “temptation.” The catechism suggests this: “Any situation in which someone may be led into sin, false belief, or despair” (Luther’s Catechism p. 348). Our old evil foe jabs at us where we are vulnerable. Our ugly sinful nature jumps in. And the everyday sinful world joins in. It is no laughing matter when they want us to fail often and fall hard.
No. This is serious. No wonder Jesus taught us to pray: “Lead us not into temptation” (Mt 6:13). Temptation is not just dangerous; it is deadly as it causes us to make our way from God, not to him.
Where can we turn when there is an attack or an assault against us? Not looking to our strength, but leaning on our Savior.
We get that as we go to the Garden. Jesus and the Eleven had made their way to Gethsemane from the Passover celebration in the Upper Room (Mk 14:32). (Remember Judas had left to lead Jesus’ enemies to him. They would meet up in a bit.) It is in that secluded olive grove that we stop for a while—to listen in and to learn from.
Jesus sits eight of them down. And then he grabs those three—Peter, James, and John. Recall what Jesus allowed them to see firsthand? They had walked into that little girl’s room with him. They had watched with her mom and dad as Jesus took her hand. He raised the 12-year old from the dead as he said, “Talitha koum!” (Mk 5:41). And she got up. Then at that unnamed mountain in the north, they saw Jesus in his all his glory as God spoke about him and to him: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mk 9:3).
But this is different. It is difficult. Well it would have been if their eyes had stayed open long enough to witness what was going on. Jesus had not asked too much of them: “Stay here and keep watch” (Mk 14:34). We might compare it to if you want someone by your side for some company and compassion before you are headed into the operating room. And your close friend is taking a siesta off in the corner of the room. That kind of support and sympathy are not helpful.
Instead of a source of comfort from this inner circle, there was nothing more than a chorus of snores from these men. We can hardly blame them. It had been a long week of fierce attacks from his foes. And a long day with a fine meal—not just a sacrificial lamb, but the Lord’s Supper. And now it is late. It is not too hard to understand. We barely make it through the 9:00 o’clock news let alone stay up long enough for the 10:00 o’clock edition. We wake up from our nap only to turn in for the night. Add to that they were exhausted by their sadness (Lk 22:45). There would be a betrayal and a denial. Jesus leaving; the Holy Spirit coming. All that and more.
After Jesus poured out his heart to his Father the first time, he came back to them. Peter had been anything but rocklike. That is why there is the mild rebuke: “Simon, … are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?” (Mk 14:37). This was the same one who had boasted that he was willing even to die with Jesus (Mk 14:31). The others bragged along the same lines. Where was all of that bravery and bravado now? It is not so impressive when they didn’t have the strength to keep their eyelids from drooping. They promised so much and proved so little.
So Jesus encourages them: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mk 14:38).
“Keep on watching.” That is important when it comes to the driver behind the wheel and the hitter at the plate. You can steer a car or swing a bat with eyes shut. That ends in disaster. We want to be on the lookout for Satan’s temptations. Because he is relentless. He will allow us no rest. He prowls around only to destroy (1 Pe 5:8). So quickly and easily we let our guard down. A little laziness in hearing God’s Word or not acting according to it. Our souls slowly fade into sweet slumber.
“Continue to pray.” That is imperative when it comes to those who are confused in school or befuddled at work. Ask for help from a teacher or supervisor. We have the ear of the One who will provide a way out of temptation (1 Co 10:13). Jesus was tempted too. Yet he was without sin (He 4:15). Think of that 40-day ordeal in the desert—face to face with his worst enemy (Mk 1:12,13). One of them was to bow down and worship him so that none of the nails would be necessary (Mt 4:8,9). But Jesus is stronger than Satan. He can aid us in saying “no” to temptation (Ti 2:12). Temptation doesn’t have to equal sin as if to comment, “The devil made me do it.”
Jesus explains why they watching and praying is so necessary. “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mk 14:38). Our spiritual nature is eager, but our sinful nature is evil. Good intentions don’t always translate into great actions.
The next few hours and days would be rough for the disciples. Satan would have them stumble as Jesus is placed on trial where he would be condemned and put to death by being crucified. It is hard on us too. But the cross is where Jesus carried our sin to complete our salvation. But Easter Sunday is there too.
But let us not focus on those men and their catnap. But watch Jesus pray. We go about as far away from Peter, James, and John as we might throw a stone (Lk 22:41). Mark reports: “He began to be deeply distressed and troubled” (Mk 14:33). This horror was real at what was ahead. The suffering for sin and the separation from God on the cross was a day away. There was intense anguish along with extreme agony. Go back to the hospital room when you await the surgeon’s scalpel. But this is way beyond that. And Jesus relays: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mk 14:34). This was profound. We cannot fathom the depth. Nor will we ever be able to or even have to. This was no exaggeration. He was exact.
So he offered up his petitions (He 5:7). With his face in the dirt, he implored “that if possible the hour might pass from him” (Mk 14:35). This was the Father’s appointed time for the Son’s sacrifice for us followed by his resurrection. Was there a plan B like therapy rather than surgery?
Jesus did recoil at the prospect. It is gruesome and gory. So the appeal with the same trust of a child to his dad when there is something troubling: “Abba, Father, … everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me” (Mk 14:38). But he did not refuse the plan. And he is emphatic: “Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mk 14:36). “It is all about your wish, not mine.” Jesus lived what he instructed on that hillside with his model prayer: “This is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, … your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’” (Mt 6:10).
But there was no other way. It was the Lord’s will to crush him (Is 53:10). The Father was pushing the cup and pressing it firmly against Jesus’ lips. And he would drink it to the very dregs. By himself and all alone—without his sleeping companions, or us.
What makes the difference in this discussion is what is in the cup. It is not like a cool glass of water on a hot day or a hot cup of coffee on a cold day. This is not about soothing. It is all about suffering. Look inside how bitter and bad it is. The rebellion of Adam. The adultery of David. The idolatry of Israel. The denial of Peter. And we could go on. And on. And we haven’t even mentioned your guilt and mine—my words to hurt, my deeds to harm, my thoughts to please. Today’s long list of those things would be evidence enough against me. You too. But it’s all in the cup. And that cup is full. But Jesus makes them his own and makes us his own. Jesus carried out the Father’s will by carting all the times that we have been tempted and succumbed all to Calvary. He was the sole object of God’s wrath for our sin. Jesus shouldered so we don’t have to. It is all gone because Jesus did it all (2 Co 5:21).
Temptation will not go away on earth until we go away to heaven. It will rear its ugly head day after day, better again and again, throughout every 24 hours that we have—leading us into sin, false belief, or despair. Dr. Martin Luther once quipped: “You can’t keep the birds from flying overhead, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” Satan is good at tempting. But our Savior is better at triumphing. Turn not to yourself. Turn to your Savior when you face temptations. Only Jesus. Always Jesus.
We read from Mark 14:32-38:
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?
38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen (Re 1:6).
March 22, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Third Sunday in Lent (Isaiah 42:14-21)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 2:2). Amen.
We have had a week to adjust to the time change of Daylight Saving Time. I don’t know how it is going as you attempt to reset your circadian rhythm—your internal body clock. Perhaps it is back in tune or in sync after you lost 60 minutes of sleep or whatever it was last Sunday at 2:00 AM. (Or as someone described it—free jet lag without the airplane trip.)
We are not going to debate the pros and cons or discuss the good or bad of springing ahead one hour. But spring is ahead. You more than likely noticed that we are enjoying light a bit longer than in December when it was dark and in January when it was darker. The season of Lent falls during this time of increasing light. So then it is accurate. There is light during Lent. It is bright. And it is right. We read from …
Isaiah 42:14-21
Dear People of God, who look at and live in the light,
The Third Sunday in Lent marks the midpoint of this stretch before Easter. It might be good for us to review the meaning of Lent. It is not code for “sad” or “somber.” It derives from an old English word that signifies “spring.” We see the root in our “lengthen.” Sometimes people claim that the days are getting longer. That is not entirely precise since they all are still 24 hours. To be more exact, the hours of daylight are getting longer.
Since we are appreciating more of what comes from that fiery ball in the sky, the thought is not lost on us on the church calendar.
There Is Light during Lent
1. It is bright (14)
2. It is right (15-21)
1. It is bright (14)
I suppose there is a loophole. Light comes in different intensities—40, 60, 100 watts. But the reality is that where there is darkness, there cannot be light. And the opposite is true. So if there is light, it stands out and sticks out. It is that way now. There is light during Lent. It is bright.
By the time Isaiah puts pen to parchment, a lot of history has happened. God had created the world and called Abraham. The Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt and placed David on the throne. The Assyrians had flexed their muscles and Babylon was warming up. I realize that is a broad brushstroke of the past. In a sense, the Lord was working behind the scenes—not always apparent or evident as Isaiah now looked ahead to the coming of the Messiah.
But things were going to change. “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now …” (Is 42:14). The Lord was about to act. And God compares himself to a pregnant woman who cries out, gasps, and pants (Is 42:14). The concept is clear. When it is time for the baby to come, there is no stopping it, no putting it off, no scheduling for a more convenient moment. Now. The nine months are over. And so it is with God.
For many millennia, God was orchestrating when he would send his Son into the world. There is judgment involved in that. Those who deny him will perish. But those who believe in him will live (Jn 3:16). As Jesus explained to the blind man who was now able to see: “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind” (Jn 9:39). The spiritually blind have spiritual sight as they look to and lean on Jesus as the Savior. And the ones who don’t understand that they are spiritually blind will remain that way because they refuse and reject Jesus.
And then Jesus came—“when the time had fully come” (Ga 4:4), at just the right time. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to save us from our sins (Mt 1:21). Think of how the night sky light up with the angels giving glory to God for the good news of Jesus’ birth (Lk 2:11,14).
Fast forward to Jesus’ ministry. He went from town to town and village to village and pointed to himself as the Christ. Just as he did with the man born without vision. “’Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ ‘Who is he, sir?’ the man asked. ‘Tell me so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said, ‘You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.’ Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him” (Jn 9:35-38).
You and I look back at Jesus. As the Son of Man, he heads to the cross with our sins and heads out of the grave with our salvation. Such is our focus and emphasis in Lent. We believe too that he has removed us from sin and Satan and rescued us from death and the devil. We follow Jesus, the Light of the world. We no longer walk in darkness, but have the light of life (Jn 8:12). There is light during Lent. And it is bright. Jesus has arrived once. We were ready for Jesus who has come.
2. It is right (15-21)
My guess is that if you go to one of those home improvement stores (not a highlight of my day, month, or year), you can talk to an expert in lighting. They will share with you the best options for what you need. Is it for the background? Or frontground? (I made that up.) Inside or outside? You go home with what is correct. It is the same right now. There is light during Lent. It is right.
Isaiah didn’t have the perspective of time that we have. We see the span of years between Jesus’ first coming as a baby and his second coming as a Judge. To him it was the same. We could liken it to driving past downtown on 35 or 94. From a distance, two building might look right next to each other, but they could be blocks or even miles apart. To him, Christmas Day and Judgment Day run together.
God has set a day for the second one, just like the first one. We wait for it to happen—sometime in the future. Isaiah depicts the destruction: “I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools” (Is 42:15). There will be ruins.
But there will be another reality: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Is 42:16). Those who cannot see will be led to safety. The Lord will do it. Perhaps like a fireman takes you by the hand and directs you through the burning house to fresh air—what you were unable to do. But this is bigger than that, even more than the removal of Israel from Egypt long ago and the return of Israel from Babylon in days ahead. He is referring to change spiritual darkness into spiritual light. God will not leave us or abandon us (He 13:5). He has made that plain by delivering us from guilt and hell. And then the Holy Spirit has called us by the gospel. He has enlightened us, turned on the light so that we see Jesus distinctly. As the apostle Paul put it: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Eph 5:8).
But not everyone observes the light. “But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame” (Is 42:17). It makes no difference if they are made out of silver or stone, cast or carved—the images of yesterday for Israel, or are wealth or wisdom, pleasure or possessions—the idols of today for us, they will lead to embarrassment and despair on the Last Day. Individuals like that put their confidence in the wrong place. Really the wrong person. And they will understand their foolishness when they are let down. Only too late. Like if we would only pack flip flops to go to the Northeast right now with all the record snow in that corner of the US. You walk out of the airport to learn of your mistake. Boots would have been the better choice.
There was a stern warning for Israel (Is 42:8). They had a tendency to chase after other gods that were fakes and frauds. The ones who were to serve only God, served other gods. That made them deaf and blind. “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the LORD?” (Is 42:18,19). And the Lord calls them on it: “You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing” (Is 42:20). It would be as strange as a student who has a perfect attendance record in school, but he cannot read or write. Unthinkable. The children of Israel missed all of the pictures and promises of the Savior from the prophets of the Old Testament.
But that is not what the Lord wants. So he did something about it: “It pleased the LORD for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious” (Is 42:21). It brought him joy to make his Word (The law is not just the 10 Commandments, but all of his teaching and instruction.) special and splendid. In it we read that Jesus carted our sin so that God could credit his holiness to us (2 Co 5:21). As the psalmist had us sing: “O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief” (Ps 143:1). He has. All is well between us and God—at this time and for all eternity. The One who is righteous declares us to be righteous. There is light during Lent. And it is right. Jesus will appear again. And we are ready for Jesus who will come.
Perhaps you don’t like the feeling of sleepiness a week later, but you do love the fact of added light the past week. Whether there is gray and gloom or heat and humidity the next three weeks doesn’t matter. There is light during Lent. It is bright. And it is right. Jesus entered our world one time in humility. The next time in glory. And we will see Jesus. There will be no disappointment, only delight. It is so. Amen.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Eph 3:20,21).
March 19, 2017
We have had a week to adjust to the time change of Daylight Saving Time. I don’t know how it is going as you attempt to reset your circadian rhythm—your internal body clock. Perhaps it is back in tune or in sync after you lost 60 minutes of sleep or whatever it was last Sunday at 2:00 AM. (Or as someone described it—free jet lag without the airplane trip.)
We are not going to debate the pros and cons or discuss the good or bad of springing ahead one hour. But spring is ahead. You more than likely noticed that we are enjoying light a bit longer than in December when it was dark and in January when it was darker. The season of Lent falls during this time of increasing light. So then it is accurate. There is light during Lent. It is bright. And it is right. We read from …
Isaiah 42:14-21
Dear People of God, who look at and live in the light,
The Third Sunday in Lent marks the midpoint of this stretch before Easter. It might be good for us to review the meaning of Lent. It is not code for “sad” or “somber.” It derives from an old English word that signifies “spring.” We see the root in our “lengthen.” Sometimes people claim that the days are getting longer. That is not entirely precise since they all are still 24 hours. To be more exact, the hours of daylight are getting longer.
Since we are appreciating more of what comes from that fiery ball in the sky, the thought is not lost on us on the church calendar.
There Is Light during Lent
1. It is bright (14)
2. It is right (15-21)
1. It is bright (14)
I suppose there is a loophole. Light comes in different intensities—40, 60, 100 watts. But the reality is that where there is darkness, there cannot be light. And the opposite is true. So if there is light, it stands out and sticks out. It is that way now. There is light during Lent. It is bright.
By the time Isaiah puts pen to parchment, a lot of history has happened. God had created the world and called Abraham. The Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt and placed David on the throne. The Assyrians had flexed their muscles and Babylon was warming up. I realize that is a broad brushstroke of the past. In a sense, the Lord was working behind the scenes—not always apparent or evident as Isaiah now looked ahead to the coming of the Messiah.
But things were going to change. “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now …” (Is 42:14). The Lord was about to act. And God compares himself to a pregnant woman who cries out, gasps, and pants (Is 42:14). The concept is clear. When it is time for the baby to come, there is no stopping it, no putting it off, no scheduling for a more convenient moment. Now. The nine months are over. And so it is with God.
For many millennia, God was orchestrating when he would send his Son into the world. There is judgment involved in that. Those who deny him will perish. But those who believe in him will live (Jn 3:16). As Jesus explained to the blind man who was now able to see: “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind” (Jn 9:39). The spiritually blind have spiritual sight as they look to and lean on Jesus as the Savior. And the ones who don’t understand that they are spiritually blind will remain that way because they refuse and reject Jesus.
And then Jesus came—“when the time had fully come” (Ga 4:4), at just the right time. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to save us from our sins (Mt 1:21). Think of how the night sky light up with the angels giving glory to God for the good news of Jesus’ birth (Lk 2:11,14).
Fast forward to Jesus’ ministry. He went from town to town and village to village and pointed to himself as the Christ. Just as he did with the man born without vision. “’Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ ‘Who is he, sir?’ the man asked. ‘Tell me so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said, ‘You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.’ Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him” (Jn 9:35-38).
You and I look back at Jesus. As the Son of Man, he heads to the cross with our sins and heads out of the grave with our salvation. Such is our focus and emphasis in Lent. We believe too that he has removed us from sin and Satan and rescued us from death and the devil. We follow Jesus, the Light of the world. We no longer walk in darkness, but have the light of life (Jn 8:12). There is light during Lent. And it is bright. Jesus has arrived once. We were ready for Jesus who has come.
2. It is right (15-21)
My guess is that if you go to one of those home improvement stores (not a highlight of my day, month, or year), you can talk to an expert in lighting. They will share with you the best options for what you need. Is it for the background? Or frontground? (I made that up.) Inside or outside? You go home with what is correct. It is the same right now. There is light during Lent. It is right.
Isaiah didn’t have the perspective of time that we have. We see the span of years between Jesus’ first coming as a baby and his second coming as a Judge. To him it was the same. We could liken it to driving past downtown on 35 or 94. From a distance, two building might look right next to each other, but they could be blocks or even miles apart. To him, Christmas Day and Judgment Day run together.
God has set a day for the second one, just like the first one. We wait for it to happen—sometime in the future. Isaiah depicts the destruction: “I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools” (Is 42:15). There will be ruins.
But there will be another reality: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Is 42:16). Those who cannot see will be led to safety. The Lord will do it. Perhaps like a fireman takes you by the hand and directs you through the burning house to fresh air—what you were unable to do. But this is bigger than that, even more than the removal of Israel from Egypt long ago and the return of Israel from Babylon in days ahead. He is referring to change spiritual darkness into spiritual light. God will not leave us or abandon us (He 13:5). He has made that plain by delivering us from guilt and hell. And then the Holy Spirit has called us by the gospel. He has enlightened us, turned on the light so that we see Jesus distinctly. As the apostle Paul put it: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Eph 5:8).
But not everyone observes the light. “But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame” (Is 42:17). It makes no difference if they are made out of silver or stone, cast or carved—the images of yesterday for Israel, or are wealth or wisdom, pleasure or possessions—the idols of today for us, they will lead to embarrassment and despair on the Last Day. Individuals like that put their confidence in the wrong place. Really the wrong person. And they will understand their foolishness when they are let down. Only too late. Like if we would only pack flip flops to go to the Northeast right now with all the record snow in that corner of the US. You walk out of the airport to learn of your mistake. Boots would have been the better choice.
There was a stern warning for Israel (Is 42:8). They had a tendency to chase after other gods that were fakes and frauds. The ones who were to serve only God, served other gods. That made them deaf and blind. “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the LORD?” (Is 42:18,19). And the Lord calls them on it: “You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing” (Is 42:20). It would be as strange as a student who has a perfect attendance record in school, but he cannot read or write. Unthinkable. The children of Israel missed all of the pictures and promises of the Savior from the prophets of the Old Testament.
But that is not what the Lord wants. So he did something about it: “It pleased the LORD for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious” (Is 42:21). It brought him joy to make his Word (The law is not just the 10 Commandments, but all of his teaching and instruction.) special and splendid. In it we read that Jesus carted our sin so that God could credit his holiness to us (2 Co 5:21). As the psalmist had us sing: “O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief” (Ps 143:1). He has. All is well between us and God—at this time and for all eternity. The One who is righteous declares us to be righteous. There is light during Lent. And it is right. Jesus will appear again. And we are ready for Jesus who will come.
Perhaps you don’t like the feeling of sleepiness a week later, but you do love the fact of added light the past week. Whether there is gray and gloom or heat and humidity the next three weeks doesn’t matter. There is light during Lent. It is bright. And it is right. Jesus entered our world one time in humility. The next time in glory. And we will see Jesus. There will be no disappointment, only delight. It is so. Amen.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Eph 3:20,21).
March 19, 2017
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Second Sunday in Lent (Genesis 12:1-8)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
I don’t know if they are as common as before—a father and son business. Perhaps you still see a work van on the road and on the side it reads: “So and So and Son.” It could be a plumber or a painter. The dad has taught the family business to his child and the next generation has bought into it.
It is not that way in my family. My dad is a CPA. (I don’t even know what those initials stand for.) For him, a calculator is not something that you happily chuck once you are finally done with algebra II in high school. You actually keep it and consult it. His fingers fly over the numbers and he can make sense of them. I can’t. I did not follow my father’s footsteps.
But there is one whom we would walk behind and walk with. It is our spiritual father—Abram. We are more used to his other name that God gave him—Abraham (Ge 17:5). Those who believe are his children (Ga 3:7; Ro 4:16). Follow your father’s faith as you listen with attention and as you live with action. We read from …
Genesis 12:1-8
Dear People of God, blessed by God,
It could be on a sandy beach (like on a Spring Break) or a snowy field (like on a Sunday afternoon). The dad goes ahead. The little one lags behind. He strains and stretches his legs to match his father’s long strides. Finally he sits down because he is furious. “I can’t do that.” It is not possible even if he jumps from one to the next.
Possibly that is our contention as we consider Abram. “I can’t do that.” He is so much bigger and better than I am. And we slump down because we are frustrated.
But then we are looking in the wrong place. It is not down at ourselves, but up at our God. The Lord brings us to faith and builds up that faith with his words and with his assurances (Ro 10:17). What he did for Abram, he does for us.
Follow Your Father’s Faith
1. As you listen with attention (1-3)
2. As you live with action (4-8)
1. As you listen with attention (1-3)
There is hearing and then there is listening. You know the difference. Your spouse’s eyes are fixed on the TV or your teenager’s interest is glued to the phone. (You wouldn’t want to miss an awesome play during a game or incredible post from a classmate.) Not even for supper. There were waves of sound from your mouth, but no sign of some awareness. You might even prefer a blank stare than an awkward silence. They heard, but they didn’t listen. That is not Abram. Follow your father’s faith as you listen with attention.
We don’t know how: “The LORD had said to Abram” (Ge 12:1). He initiated the contact. But we know why: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you” (Ge 12:1). He informed about the content. Maybe you recall that this is not the first time. Earlier God asked Abram’s whole clan to make a major move—from the city of Ur in the far corner of Mesopotamia heading northwest along the Fertile Crescent to Haran. As hard as that might have been, this one was more so. Note the three things that were to be in his rearview mirror this second time—each progressively more difficult:
• Leave your country (Ge 12:1)—the familiarity of the area.
• Leave your people (Ge 12:1)—the friends of that place.
• Leave your father’s household (Ge 12:1)—the family of his relatives. He might never see them again. This was long before facetime and Facebook, Instagram and iPhones.
This time it was just Abram, Sarah, and Lot, his nephew, along with the people and possessions that he had gathered—his stuff and his servants (Ge 12:5). Add to that he had a general direction, but not the exact location. You don’t just punch into your GPS “south.” There is a state, city, and address. But that is what the Lord told a man a bit past middle age, at least by our standards. He was not to settle down where he was staying now.
God didn’t send him on his way with nothing to say for the way. He packed a whole cluster of promises for him to take along—7 of them. The Lord is not shy with the pronoun “I.” “I,I,I” as he supports and strengthens Abram’s faith as he listens closely.
“I will make you into a great nation” (Ge 12:2). This was to a childless 75-year-old man who has a 65-year-old wife who happens to be barren (Ge 11:30). But nothing is too hard for the Lord (Ge 18:14). Later the Lord changed his name from Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many”) (Ge 17:5). Remember the time that God took him outside and told him to count the stars in the sky? That is how many descendants that he would have (Ge 15:5)—physical and spiritual (Nu 1:44-46). We are included in that shining number.
“I will bless you” (Ge 12:2). Abram was already wealthy, only to become wealthier (Ge 24:35). His bank account would grow bigger. Abram was not a self-made man, but a “God-made” man (Ge 24:35).
“I will make your name great” (Ge 12:2). There have been numerous Abrahams who are famous—like our 16th president. But there is no comparison. We are still talking about Abram, not from a little over a century ago, but many millennia ago. And then the Bible refers to him as “God’s friend” (2 Chron 20:7) and “father of us all” (Ro 4:16).
“You will be a blessing” (Ge 12:2). Abram was to live who he was to the glory of God. Really it was: “Be a blessing.” And Abram was. He rescued Lot when he was carried off as a prisoner of war (Ge 14), he entertained angels (Ge 18), he prayed for Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge 18).
“I will bless those who bless you” (Ge 12:3). The Lord would prosper the many who would speak well of Abram.
“Whoever curses you I will curse” (Ge 12:3). Anyone who dared to insult Abram would be the same as doing that to the Lord.
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Ge 12:3). This was hardly last or least. None of the others mattered without this one. All his assets would amount to nothing. The Lord puts Abram in the line of the Savior and the Serpent-Crusher whom God guaranteed in the Garden. This One would come from Abram. The Promised One would benefit every person in history—all people of all time. That is Jesus. Abram grabbed ahold of that in faith. In fact that famous Descendant once declared: “Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad” (Jn 8:56). The apostle Paul put it this way: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Ro 4:3). Abram’s faith was not in himself, but in his Seed (Ga 3:16).
It is good for us to study our forefather, Abram. Because God deals with us the same—not with demands from us, but promises to us. He comes to us. Through the waters of baptism: “Your sins are washed away.” Through the words of the Bible: “Your sins are wiped away.” He does it all. He saves us in Jesus. It is not something that we earn. Paul made the comparison that our wages are an obligation from our boss, not a gift (Ro 4:4). Grace is unmerited kindness from God (Eph 2:8,9). We have forgiveness because God hands it to us freely. Faith receives it joyfully.
We listen with attention when God pronounces us “not guilty.” We are right with him.
We listen with attention when he reminds us that he doesn’t slumber or sleep. “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Ps 121:8).
We listen with attention when Jesus is sitting by that well. He engages in conversation a woman—a sinner and a Samaritan. Jesus offers that unlikely candidate “living water” (Jn 4:10). Jesus quenches our thirsty souls and we become a “spring of water welling up to eternal life” (Jn 4:14). He can provide life on earth and in eternity because he is the Messiah, the Christ. We know him not as the One who was to come, but the One who has come.
Follow your father’s faith. Take God at his word. Trust him.
2. As you live with action (4-8)
So you mention something like “dinner’s ready,” and there is a nod from the other room or a grunt from the lazy boy. But you find that you are the only one at the table. They listened to the information. They just didn’t act on it. That is not what Abram did. Follow your father’s faith as you live with action.
God told him to get going and he got going. Immediately—no complaints, no questions. His obedience is outstanding. “So Abram left, as the LORD had told him” (Ge 12:4). Whether or not it was logical or rational was not an issue. God directed; Abram departed—gladly, willingly. That is faith (He 11:8). It goes forward. It doesn’t sit still. Luther once remarked: “Faith is a lively and powerful thing; it is not merely a drowsy and idle thought; nor does it float somewhere upon the heart as a duck on the water.” That is really worship. With faith in a faithful God, he took steps forward (Ja 2:17). And there were many steps on his way to Canaan.
Follow your father’s faith. Often we define worship as what we do once a week or twice a week (now that Lenten midweek services have begun). We take a bulletin in one hand and a hymnal in another. We sing. We sit. We stand. But that is too narrow. The devil convinces us that even God has to be satisfied with that. But worship is all our moments and with all our might. The apostle Paul puts it this way: “Therefore in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Ro 12:1).
Nothing is mentioned about the long journey. Just “they arrived there” (Ge 12:5). Abram apparently was not like a little toddler in the booster seat in the backseat: “Are we there yet? Now? How about now?” And then there is a bit of a travelogue—the great tree of Moreh at Shechem, Bethel, Ai. (Those would mean something to the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land under Joshua in the future.) And that is the way it was going to be for Abram the next 100 years—life as a nomad, putting down tent stakes and pulling them up again. This was the land that one day would belong to those after him. The Lord stated as much: “To your offspring I will give this land” (Ge 12:7).
How did Abram respond? “He built an altar there to the LORD” (Ge 12:7). The same thing happened a bit later. But there was also something significant. Where Abram went so did his faith: “He … called on the name of the LORD” (Ge 12:8). That is important because there was that observation: “At that time the Canaanites were in the land” (Ge 12:6). They did not worship the same God, the true God. They were idolaters. And Abram was announcing publically: “I don’t care whom you will worship, but I am going to worship the only God, the LORD, who is kind and compassionate, giving and forgiving.”
It is no different with us. We come together and gather together to worship the Lord. It is here that God reaches down to us because we could not reach up to him. We preach and proclaim the only Savior from our sin—Jesus, the One on whom every sin is placed and punished. It is here that we reflect on God’s grace and goodness in Jesus. Follow your father’s faith as you live with action—in life and in church.
I googled it—father and son businesses. They are still some around. The first one grabbed my attention. It was named “Mosquito Joes.” It started in a city in Texas close to where I lived for a number of years. I had to smile. Their homepage had this clever comment and play on words: “Mosquitoes suck, but we are confident that you won’t feel that way about our mosquito control services.” My mom doesn’t let me say that word. (I don’t mean “mosquito.”) I don’t know if all of the dad’s kids are concerned with pest control. But we follow in our father Abram’s footsteps of faith—as you listen with attention and as you live with action. God tells us of Jesus and we turn to him. Our lives now reflect our love for God. Abram’s footsteps are not so immense that our feet don’t fit. Where he went, we go. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:20). Amen.
March 12, 2017
I don’t know if they are as common as before—a father and son business. Perhaps you still see a work van on the road and on the side it reads: “So and So and Son.” It could be a plumber or a painter. The dad has taught the family business to his child and the next generation has bought into it.
It is not that way in my family. My dad is a CPA. (I don’t even know what those initials stand for.) For him, a calculator is not something that you happily chuck once you are finally done with algebra II in high school. You actually keep it and consult it. His fingers fly over the numbers and he can make sense of them. I can’t. I did not follow my father’s footsteps.
But there is one whom we would walk behind and walk with. It is our spiritual father—Abram. We are more used to his other name that God gave him—Abraham (Ge 17:5). Those who believe are his children (Ga 3:7; Ro 4:16). Follow your father’s faith as you listen with attention and as you live with action. We read from …
Genesis 12:1-8
Dear People of God, blessed by God,
It could be on a sandy beach (like on a Spring Break) or a snowy field (like on a Sunday afternoon). The dad goes ahead. The little one lags behind. He strains and stretches his legs to match his father’s long strides. Finally he sits down because he is furious. “I can’t do that.” It is not possible even if he jumps from one to the next.
Possibly that is our contention as we consider Abram. “I can’t do that.” He is so much bigger and better than I am. And we slump down because we are frustrated.
But then we are looking in the wrong place. It is not down at ourselves, but up at our God. The Lord brings us to faith and builds up that faith with his words and with his assurances (Ro 10:17). What he did for Abram, he does for us.
Follow Your Father’s Faith
1. As you listen with attention (1-3)
2. As you live with action (4-8)
1. As you listen with attention (1-3)
There is hearing and then there is listening. You know the difference. Your spouse’s eyes are fixed on the TV or your teenager’s interest is glued to the phone. (You wouldn’t want to miss an awesome play during a game or incredible post from a classmate.) Not even for supper. There were waves of sound from your mouth, but no sign of some awareness. You might even prefer a blank stare than an awkward silence. They heard, but they didn’t listen. That is not Abram. Follow your father’s faith as you listen with attention.
We don’t know how: “The LORD had said to Abram” (Ge 12:1). He initiated the contact. But we know why: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you” (Ge 12:1). He informed about the content. Maybe you recall that this is not the first time. Earlier God asked Abram’s whole clan to make a major move—from the city of Ur in the far corner of Mesopotamia heading northwest along the Fertile Crescent to Haran. As hard as that might have been, this one was more so. Note the three things that were to be in his rearview mirror this second time—each progressively more difficult:
• Leave your country (Ge 12:1)—the familiarity of the area.
• Leave your people (Ge 12:1)—the friends of that place.
• Leave your father’s household (Ge 12:1)—the family of his relatives. He might never see them again. This was long before facetime and Facebook, Instagram and iPhones.
This time it was just Abram, Sarah, and Lot, his nephew, along with the people and possessions that he had gathered—his stuff and his servants (Ge 12:5). Add to that he had a general direction, but not the exact location. You don’t just punch into your GPS “south.” There is a state, city, and address. But that is what the Lord told a man a bit past middle age, at least by our standards. He was not to settle down where he was staying now.
God didn’t send him on his way with nothing to say for the way. He packed a whole cluster of promises for him to take along—7 of them. The Lord is not shy with the pronoun “I.” “I,I,I” as he supports and strengthens Abram’s faith as he listens closely.
“I will make you into a great nation” (Ge 12:2). This was to a childless 75-year-old man who has a 65-year-old wife who happens to be barren (Ge 11:30). But nothing is too hard for the Lord (Ge 18:14). Later the Lord changed his name from Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many”) (Ge 17:5). Remember the time that God took him outside and told him to count the stars in the sky? That is how many descendants that he would have (Ge 15:5)—physical and spiritual (Nu 1:44-46). We are included in that shining number.
“I will bless you” (Ge 12:2). Abram was already wealthy, only to become wealthier (Ge 24:35). His bank account would grow bigger. Abram was not a self-made man, but a “God-made” man (Ge 24:35).
“I will make your name great” (Ge 12:2). There have been numerous Abrahams who are famous—like our 16th president. But there is no comparison. We are still talking about Abram, not from a little over a century ago, but many millennia ago. And then the Bible refers to him as “God’s friend” (2 Chron 20:7) and “father of us all” (Ro 4:16).
“You will be a blessing” (Ge 12:2). Abram was to live who he was to the glory of God. Really it was: “Be a blessing.” And Abram was. He rescued Lot when he was carried off as a prisoner of war (Ge 14), he entertained angels (Ge 18), he prayed for Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge 18).
“I will bless those who bless you” (Ge 12:3). The Lord would prosper the many who would speak well of Abram.
“Whoever curses you I will curse” (Ge 12:3). Anyone who dared to insult Abram would be the same as doing that to the Lord.
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Ge 12:3). This was hardly last or least. None of the others mattered without this one. All his assets would amount to nothing. The Lord puts Abram in the line of the Savior and the Serpent-Crusher whom God guaranteed in the Garden. This One would come from Abram. The Promised One would benefit every person in history—all people of all time. That is Jesus. Abram grabbed ahold of that in faith. In fact that famous Descendant once declared: “Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad” (Jn 8:56). The apostle Paul put it this way: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Ro 4:3). Abram’s faith was not in himself, but in his Seed (Ga 3:16).
It is good for us to study our forefather, Abram. Because God deals with us the same—not with demands from us, but promises to us. He comes to us. Through the waters of baptism: “Your sins are washed away.” Through the words of the Bible: “Your sins are wiped away.” He does it all. He saves us in Jesus. It is not something that we earn. Paul made the comparison that our wages are an obligation from our boss, not a gift (Ro 4:4). Grace is unmerited kindness from God (Eph 2:8,9). We have forgiveness because God hands it to us freely. Faith receives it joyfully.
We listen with attention when God pronounces us “not guilty.” We are right with him.
We listen with attention when he reminds us that he doesn’t slumber or sleep. “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Ps 121:8).
We listen with attention when Jesus is sitting by that well. He engages in conversation a woman—a sinner and a Samaritan. Jesus offers that unlikely candidate “living water” (Jn 4:10). Jesus quenches our thirsty souls and we become a “spring of water welling up to eternal life” (Jn 4:14). He can provide life on earth and in eternity because he is the Messiah, the Christ. We know him not as the One who was to come, but the One who has come.
Follow your father’s faith. Take God at his word. Trust him.
2. As you live with action (4-8)
So you mention something like “dinner’s ready,” and there is a nod from the other room or a grunt from the lazy boy. But you find that you are the only one at the table. They listened to the information. They just didn’t act on it. That is not what Abram did. Follow your father’s faith as you live with action.
God told him to get going and he got going. Immediately—no complaints, no questions. His obedience is outstanding. “So Abram left, as the LORD had told him” (Ge 12:4). Whether or not it was logical or rational was not an issue. God directed; Abram departed—gladly, willingly. That is faith (He 11:8). It goes forward. It doesn’t sit still. Luther once remarked: “Faith is a lively and powerful thing; it is not merely a drowsy and idle thought; nor does it float somewhere upon the heart as a duck on the water.” That is really worship. With faith in a faithful God, he took steps forward (Ja 2:17). And there were many steps on his way to Canaan.
Follow your father’s faith. Often we define worship as what we do once a week or twice a week (now that Lenten midweek services have begun). We take a bulletin in one hand and a hymnal in another. We sing. We sit. We stand. But that is too narrow. The devil convinces us that even God has to be satisfied with that. But worship is all our moments and with all our might. The apostle Paul puts it this way: “Therefore in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Ro 12:1).
Nothing is mentioned about the long journey. Just “they arrived there” (Ge 12:5). Abram apparently was not like a little toddler in the booster seat in the backseat: “Are we there yet? Now? How about now?” And then there is a bit of a travelogue—the great tree of Moreh at Shechem, Bethel, Ai. (Those would mean something to the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land under Joshua in the future.) And that is the way it was going to be for Abram the next 100 years—life as a nomad, putting down tent stakes and pulling them up again. This was the land that one day would belong to those after him. The Lord stated as much: “To your offspring I will give this land” (Ge 12:7).
How did Abram respond? “He built an altar there to the LORD” (Ge 12:7). The same thing happened a bit later. But there was also something significant. Where Abram went so did his faith: “He … called on the name of the LORD” (Ge 12:8). That is important because there was that observation: “At that time the Canaanites were in the land” (Ge 12:6). They did not worship the same God, the true God. They were idolaters. And Abram was announcing publically: “I don’t care whom you will worship, but I am going to worship the only God, the LORD, who is kind and compassionate, giving and forgiving.”
It is no different with us. We come together and gather together to worship the Lord. It is here that God reaches down to us because we could not reach up to him. We preach and proclaim the only Savior from our sin—Jesus, the One on whom every sin is placed and punished. It is here that we reflect on God’s grace and goodness in Jesus. Follow your father’s faith as you live with action—in life and in church.
I googled it—father and son businesses. They are still some around. The first one grabbed my attention. It was named “Mosquito Joes.” It started in a city in Texas close to where I lived for a number of years. I had to smile. Their homepage had this clever comment and play on words: “Mosquitoes suck, but we are confident that you won’t feel that way about our mosquito control services.” My mom doesn’t let me say that word. (I don’t mean “mosquito.”) I don’t know if all of the dad’s kids are concerned with pest control. But we follow in our father Abram’s footsteps of faith—as you listen with attention and as you live with action. God tells us of Jesus and we turn to him. Our lives now reflect our love for God. Abram’s footsteps are not so immense that our feet don’t fit. Where he went, we go. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:20). Amen.
March 12, 2017
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