Grace and peace be yours in abundance (1 Pe 1:2). Amen.
Perhaps this is a strange question. But I will ask it anyway. Do you ever look at someone’s hands (Maybe you just did with the person sitting next to you.) If I glance at a mechanic’s hands, how is it that they can they change the spark plugs and mine can’t get the hood open? If I gaze at a pianist’s hands, how come they can tickle the ivories and mine seemed to be glued together?
The Bible speaks of God’s hand. The hand is a symbol of power. The Lord can do things that we cannot. Look at God’s hand—powerful to rely on and powerful to rejoice about. We read from …
1 Peter 5:6-11
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, who rose from the dead and returned to the Father,
I wonder if Peter ever stared at Jesus’ hands a time or two or three. He had plenty of opportunities.
There was that time when he was walking above water on the Sea of Galilee. He started fine, but sunk fast. As soon as he took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to go under. But Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him (Mt 14:31). That was not the hand of an ordinary lifeguard at a city pool.
On Easter evening, when he and his buddies were behind locked doors, Jesus appeared. He showed them his hands and side (Jn 10:20). The same thing happened a week later when Jesus encouraged Thomas to touch his wounds (Jn 20:27). Those nail marks in his hands meant victory over sin and Satan.
Forty days after Jesus rose from the dead, he went back to heaven. (We celebrated the Ascension this past Thursday.) Before he left, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
Whether Peter checked out Jesus’ hands or not is not important. But he does direct us to God’s hand.
Look at God’s Hand
1. Powerful to rely on (6-9)
2. Powerful to rejoice about (10,11)
1. Powerful to rely on (6-9)
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. We recall those men and women who lost their lives in service to this country. If I think of a soldier’s hands, I doubt that they are soft. Rather they are strong. The same would be true for God’s. Look at God’s hand—powerful to rely on.
The apostle Peter turns our attention to our attitude. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand” (1 Pe 5:6). Humility is not always an easy characteristic for any age group—from early age to teenage to middle age to old age. We don’t like to or want to put ourselves lower than another. We like it when life is about me, me, and more me.
How does that look in our relationship with God? When problems or pains come, we complain: “God has no concern.” Or we criticize. “God has no control.” Peter would have us put away such an approach. And he follows with a reminder: “that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Pe 5:6). He raises us up according to his timetable. There is a set time for this, a definite time, like a birthday on the calendar. That can be in different ways. He takes our affliction away, gives us the stamina to go on, or finally ushers us home to heaven.
That is evident in Jesus’ life. Jesus became one of us and just like us—developing in the womb of a virgin girl to dying on a cross. He gladly and willingly kept to God’s plan. We marvel at what that meant—from his birth in a barn to his burial in a tomb. But he did not stay in the there. God exalted him. Jesus came out of the grave. And for a month and 10 days he was in and out of the disciples’ lives, giving them insight and instruction. And then Jesus ascended into heaven, not to rest or retire, but to reign and rule as the Head of the Church, orchestrating all things for our benefit. We count on him.
And so we turn to and trust in God. Because he tells us as much. “Cast all your anxiety on him” (1 Pe 5:7). All those cares that fill our heads during the day and all those concerns that flood our hearts during the night we throw it on God—the pain of a guilty conscience or the problem of a family conflict. I am not a truck guy. I just don’t fit the part. That is my opinion. But that is my picture. It is like tossing all the brush from your yard after some spring cleanup into the bed of a pickup. Let it do the work of hauling. And leave it there. Wouldn’t it be odd to hold on to the sticks and twigs in the back as the vehicle makes its way to the compost site? That makes no sense. But we like to do it anyway.
But listen why we can throw it on him. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Pe 5:7). Peter is emphatic. “To him it is a concern about you.” And not once in a while, but all of the time. He never stops being interested in us whether there is happiness or heartache. Peter was on that mountainside when Jesus lectured his listeners: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear” (Mt 6:25). Then he spoke of the birds of the air who do not plant crops and the lilies of the field who do not sew clothes. God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them. In the words of the psalmist David, that is all the work of his fingers (Ps 8:3). And God cares for what he has made. That includes us who are valuable. Look to God’s hand—powerful to rely on. This is the One who handed over his Son to the world, the One who stretched out his hands on the cross, and the One who hands us the truth in the Word.
But so that we don’t get sloppy or sleepy, he warns. “Be self-controlled and alert” (1 Pe 5:8). He wants us to have a clear head and open eyes. This is much more serious than driving while under the influence or steering while on the phone. Again Peter had firsthand experience with the opposite. When they were in Gethsemane, Jesus poured out his heart in prayer while the disciples closed their eyes in sleep. When Jesus roused them, he reminded them: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mt 26:41). He found that out a few hours later around a fire. He had boasted and bragged that he would even die with Jesus (Mt 26:33-35). But he found himself cursing and contending, “I don’t know him.” Three times (Mt 26:69-74).
The danger is real and the results can be deadly. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pe 5:8). We have one who is very much against us. All the time. He is relentless. And for that reason we dare not underestimate him. He lives up to his name, “the devil”—the accuser, the slanderer. Like someone in a court of law, he brings accusation after accusation against us. Of course, that is after convincing us that he is our friend. But none of that. He now points out our sin against God—and he is right—and then he points to our sentence from God—and it is fair. The devil would like nothing better than to drag you to hell.
That is why the illustration is so informative. You have seen the fearsome king of the jungle stalk an unsuspecting antelope secretly and silently. And then he strikes. He doesn’t do that to take it to lunch, but to take it for lunch. And he swings his paw quickly and swallows his prey completely.
But possibly we might think of the zoo. Lions don’t roam around the sidewalks where people can pet them. They stay in the cages. There they wear down a path as they pace around. Their growl is still intimidating, but it is not frightening. As long as we don’t go through the moat or over the glass. So Peter makes plain: “Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Pe 5:9). We oppose him and he has no choice but to flee from us (Ja 4:7). “Yes, I have sin. But yes, I have a Savior. He was dead, but now is alive. He went into heaven and works for my good.” Satan can try as he will to convict us, but God clears us through Jesus who carried our guilt (Ro 8:1). As Jesus mentioned about himself in his prayer to his Father the night before he died, “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him” (Jn 17:2). We believe and live.
And then Peter assures us that we are not alone in our suffering and sorrow. We should not be surprised when it comes (1 Pe 4:12). We should expect it. But we have a band of brothers and no shortage of sisters to stand by us and with us. “You know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Pe 5:9). Again if we go back to the wild, a lion will attack an animal that is by itself, not in the middle of the pack. So we surround ourselves with each other’s company to comfort. We stay close to one another and to our God so that Satan cannot cause us to be weak or weary. Together as we go through many tribulations, we look at God’s hand—powerful to rely on.
2. Powerful to rejoice about (10,11)
Memorial Day allows us to thank those in the military for the ultimate sacrifice. (And our appreciation is for those who have served and still serve, even though that is another holiday. But we can’t be too grateful, can we?) That is the case with God. Look at God’s hand—powerful to rejoice about.
And that is what the apostle Peter does as he focuses on God, “the God of all grace” (1 Pe 5:10). God loves. It is who he is and what he does. And that grace is what he brings and gives. And we see that as Peter calls to mind that God is the One “who called you to his eternal glory in Christ” (1 Pe 5:10). He invited us to be his own. That is a better offer than any summons to supper.
Nothing can remove us from that or ruin it for us. As Peter highlights even difficulties last only “a little while” (1 Pe 5:10). They are “light and momentary” (2 Co 4:17). And through it all, the God of grace “will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Pe 5:11). Notice how he piles up the comfort of God’s ability. He will put things in order like a doctor sets a bone. He will strengthen. He will make us able to carry on. He will provide a firm foundation. And God can back it up. That is why Jesus prayed to the Father to protect us (Jn 17:11).
And when Jesus comes back from heaven the way that he went into heaven (Acts 1:11), he will take us to his side. That led Peter to break out in song: “To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Pe 5:11). God is capable of all he offers. We affirm that with our own “Amen.” So shall it be. Look to God’s hand—powerful to rejoice about.
Someone called the other day and wanted to take a picture of our stained glass window up in front. They saw it on the internet and thought it was worthy of a photo. And more than likely we take it for granted. But front and center is Jesus. His hands in blessings like at the end of worship. They are a bit hard to see so we have to look closely. Not such a bad thing. Look at God’s hand—powerful to rely on because of his mercy. And powerful to rejoice about because of his might. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen (1 Pe 5:11). Yes. Amen.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pe 5:14). Amen.
May 28, 2017
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Monday, May 29, 2017
Sunday, May 21, 2017
The Sixth Sunday of Easter (Acts 17:22-31)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance (1 Pe 1:2). Amen.
All of us have probably been at one in some fashion and at some time. A meeting. It could be work related—the manager and staff meet to hammer out a presentation for a client. Or school related—a parent and teacher meet to talk about a problem in the classroom. Those might not be high on our list of thrilling things to sit through. I don’t know what crosses your mind when you hear the word “meeting.”
If it is negative, we don’t want that to color our consideration this morning as we go to Greece. It is positive. Attend a meeting in Athens. It is about the present. It is about the future. We read from …
Acts 17:22-31
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the One whom we adore and await,
There can at times be travel for a conference. It might be to a coffee shop all the way to a convention center. Perhaps that lessens the pain of a get-together since it is out of the office or out of the state. Even more so if there are comfortable chairs and complimentary water on the tables. (Maybe I just have low standards.)
How about if we head to southeastern Europe? Not by plane or by ship. But in thought and in meditation. Put yourself in their place from your pew.
Attend a Meeting in Athens
1. It is about the present (22-30)
2. It is about the future (31)
1. It is about the present (22-30)
It is always good to know the outline in a meeting (or at least when the breaks are scheduled). It is called an agenda. Item #1 for the meeting in Athens. It is about the present.
The apostle Paul’s travels continued. He had been at Philippi, Thessalonica, and most recently Berea. There was always a mixed reaction—rejection of God and persecution of Paul as well as reliance on God and protection of Paul. So the faithful sent him on. The noble Bereans even escorted Paul down the road or on the sea—whatever it was (Acts 17:15).
The next stop was Athens. But still it was a key city, but not quite the cultural center that it had once been. It had been the home of intellectual greats like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. And high above the city still stood the acropolis with the beautiful temple, the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, their patron goddess.
While Paul waited there for his coworkers—Silas and Timothy—to join him, he didn’t take a break. He started teaching right away in the synagogue. That is where Jews who were familiar with Moses and the prophets could see Jesus as the Messiah—the One who had to die and rise.
But his work of the good news about the Christ spilled out into the marketplace—with Greeks, Gentiles. That was where there was men would meet to have conversation and exchange ideas. Paul spoke with those who followed the popular philosophies of the day (Acts 17:18)—the Epicureans who had the notion that life was all about the pursuit of pleasure and happiness (“eat, drink, and be merry”) and the Stoics who espoused the outlook that one’s goal in life was to be dutiful and virtuous. There was great knowledge without real wisdom—Christ crucified (1 Co 1:23,24).
Paul received the invitation to address the Areopagus—a group that supervised educational and religious affairs. This was more out of curiosity—a formal hearing for the visiting missionary, not an official trial.
So Paul got to his feet: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious” (Acts 17:22). He credits them with a certain fear of the supernatural, even it was more superstition. He had observed that as he did some sightseeing around the town. The comment has been made that there were more gods in Athens than men. That was evident with all the shrines and statues. But these gods and goddesses were just supermen and superwomen, bigger and better than them, but at times kind of naughty.
But Paul highlighted one in particular. As he walked all around, he thought carefully about their “objects of worship” (Acts 17:23). They were so conscientious that they didn’t want to offend anyone. They covered their bases with “an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” (Acts 17:23).
That is when Paul followed an important educational principle—going from the known to the unknown. A math instructor will make addition clear before going on with division. He didn’t begin by asking them to take out their scrolls with the Scripture on them. They didn’t have them. “Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23). It is not a “what,” but a “who”—a personal God.
He is the Creator. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands” (Acts 17:24). No house of worship can confine him. He is above all and over all.
He is the Controller. “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25). That was the Greeks’ impression of the gods—a kind of “you scratch my back and I will scratch yours” – I will do for you and you will do for me. But the Lord starts life and sustains it as our lungs inhale and exhale and every other thing. We need him, not the other way around.
And what is more: “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26). God manages history—from empires to individuals. He regulates it all like we put a fence around a yard—when one rules or where one resides.
There is a definite purpose to his plan. “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). Our God is not remote or removed so that we grope in the air as when you walk around the house in the dark. There is access and availability to learn about him. We do that as we listen to the gospel. Jesus became one of us. He lived with us and for us—perfectly. He died on the cross in our place and for our benefit—willingly. Peter put it well: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Pe 3:18). God shaped us and he saved us. Jesus even promised that the Holy Spirit, the “Counselor” (Jn 14:16), one called to another’s side to help, would come to testify to the truth (Jn 14:17).
None of this should have been foreign to them. Paul displays his wisdom as he quotes from their poets: “‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring’” (Acts 17:28). We come from God, not the other way around as if clay can fashion the potter. Creatures cannot form the Creator. Paul draws the conclusion: “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill” (Acts 17:29). That is not the Lord. An idol has ears, but cannot hear, eyes, but cannot see, a mouth, but cannot speak. Not our Lord. He hears. He sees. He speaks. He is intelligent and immense.
And now Paul gets to the meat of the message. Ignorance is not innocence just like when you don’t know the speed limit and you get caught for exceeding it. (That is hypothetical, of course.) “But I didn’t know.” That doesn’t work, not with an officer, nor with God. “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).
If we have let our minds wander a bit during this meeting like an employee glancing at or staring at his phone, now would be when we want to perk up. God announces what he wants done. Repent. That is, change our minds like a change of directions. Life is not to be without God—living for and by ourselves, but God living with and for him. And that is life, life to the full (Jn 10:10), eternal life (Jn 3:16). It is not just right now, but forever. It all goes back to Easter Sunday. Because Jesus came out of his grave, we will too. In Jesus’ words, “Because I live, you also will live” (Jn 14:19). Not even death will separate us from him (Ro 8:38,39). Attend a meeting in Athens. It is about the present. We realize our sin against God. And we remember our Savior from God.
2. It is about the future (31)
Item #2 for the meeting in Athens. We are making our way through the agenda. It is the final point. It is about the future.
There are all days on our calendars. But this is the day with a capital “D.” “For he [that is, God] has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). That is Judgment Day. The Last Day. There is urgency because it is getting closer.
It is not a day for us to be afraid of, but to look forward to. Jesus will administer justice rightly. Those who turned from him he will turn away. Those who trusted in him he will take to himself. We can be sure because God brought Jesus out of his tomb—proof that he accepted Jesus’ sacrifice. Attend a meeting in Athens. It is about the future. It is not terrifying, but exciting because we know the Judge and the verdict. Jesus will usher us to heaven.
Perhaps you have left a meeting and decided that it was not too bad, even if you dreaded it. This one in Athens was beneficial. It was about the present. God made us to be his own. And it is about the future. One day he will take us to our home. Come, Lord Jesus. Meeting over. Amen.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pe 5:14). Amen.
May 21, 2017
All of us have probably been at one in some fashion and at some time. A meeting. It could be work related—the manager and staff meet to hammer out a presentation for a client. Or school related—a parent and teacher meet to talk about a problem in the classroom. Those might not be high on our list of thrilling things to sit through. I don’t know what crosses your mind when you hear the word “meeting.”
If it is negative, we don’t want that to color our consideration this morning as we go to Greece. It is positive. Attend a meeting in Athens. It is about the present. It is about the future. We read from …
Acts 17:22-31
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the One whom we adore and await,
There can at times be travel for a conference. It might be to a coffee shop all the way to a convention center. Perhaps that lessens the pain of a get-together since it is out of the office or out of the state. Even more so if there are comfortable chairs and complimentary water on the tables. (Maybe I just have low standards.)
How about if we head to southeastern Europe? Not by plane or by ship. But in thought and in meditation. Put yourself in their place from your pew.
Attend a Meeting in Athens
1. It is about the present (22-30)
2. It is about the future (31)
1. It is about the present (22-30)
It is always good to know the outline in a meeting (or at least when the breaks are scheduled). It is called an agenda. Item #1 for the meeting in Athens. It is about the present.
The apostle Paul’s travels continued. He had been at Philippi, Thessalonica, and most recently Berea. There was always a mixed reaction—rejection of God and persecution of Paul as well as reliance on God and protection of Paul. So the faithful sent him on. The noble Bereans even escorted Paul down the road or on the sea—whatever it was (Acts 17:15).
The next stop was Athens. But still it was a key city, but not quite the cultural center that it had once been. It had been the home of intellectual greats like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. And high above the city still stood the acropolis with the beautiful temple, the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, their patron goddess.
While Paul waited there for his coworkers—Silas and Timothy—to join him, he didn’t take a break. He started teaching right away in the synagogue. That is where Jews who were familiar with Moses and the prophets could see Jesus as the Messiah—the One who had to die and rise.
But his work of the good news about the Christ spilled out into the marketplace—with Greeks, Gentiles. That was where there was men would meet to have conversation and exchange ideas. Paul spoke with those who followed the popular philosophies of the day (Acts 17:18)—the Epicureans who had the notion that life was all about the pursuit of pleasure and happiness (“eat, drink, and be merry”) and the Stoics who espoused the outlook that one’s goal in life was to be dutiful and virtuous. There was great knowledge without real wisdom—Christ crucified (1 Co 1:23,24).
Paul received the invitation to address the Areopagus—a group that supervised educational and religious affairs. This was more out of curiosity—a formal hearing for the visiting missionary, not an official trial.
So Paul got to his feet: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious” (Acts 17:22). He credits them with a certain fear of the supernatural, even it was more superstition. He had observed that as he did some sightseeing around the town. The comment has been made that there were more gods in Athens than men. That was evident with all the shrines and statues. But these gods and goddesses were just supermen and superwomen, bigger and better than them, but at times kind of naughty.
But Paul highlighted one in particular. As he walked all around, he thought carefully about their “objects of worship” (Acts 17:23). They were so conscientious that they didn’t want to offend anyone. They covered their bases with “an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” (Acts 17:23).
That is when Paul followed an important educational principle—going from the known to the unknown. A math instructor will make addition clear before going on with division. He didn’t begin by asking them to take out their scrolls with the Scripture on them. They didn’t have them. “Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23). It is not a “what,” but a “who”—a personal God.
He is the Creator. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands” (Acts 17:24). No house of worship can confine him. He is above all and over all.
He is the Controller. “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25). That was the Greeks’ impression of the gods—a kind of “you scratch my back and I will scratch yours” – I will do for you and you will do for me. But the Lord starts life and sustains it as our lungs inhale and exhale and every other thing. We need him, not the other way around.
And what is more: “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26). God manages history—from empires to individuals. He regulates it all like we put a fence around a yard—when one rules or where one resides.
There is a definite purpose to his plan. “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). Our God is not remote or removed so that we grope in the air as when you walk around the house in the dark. There is access and availability to learn about him. We do that as we listen to the gospel. Jesus became one of us. He lived with us and for us—perfectly. He died on the cross in our place and for our benefit—willingly. Peter put it well: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Pe 3:18). God shaped us and he saved us. Jesus even promised that the Holy Spirit, the “Counselor” (Jn 14:16), one called to another’s side to help, would come to testify to the truth (Jn 14:17).
None of this should have been foreign to them. Paul displays his wisdom as he quotes from their poets: “‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring’” (Acts 17:28). We come from God, not the other way around as if clay can fashion the potter. Creatures cannot form the Creator. Paul draws the conclusion: “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill” (Acts 17:29). That is not the Lord. An idol has ears, but cannot hear, eyes, but cannot see, a mouth, but cannot speak. Not our Lord. He hears. He sees. He speaks. He is intelligent and immense.
And now Paul gets to the meat of the message. Ignorance is not innocence just like when you don’t know the speed limit and you get caught for exceeding it. (That is hypothetical, of course.) “But I didn’t know.” That doesn’t work, not with an officer, nor with God. “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).
If we have let our minds wander a bit during this meeting like an employee glancing at or staring at his phone, now would be when we want to perk up. God announces what he wants done. Repent. That is, change our minds like a change of directions. Life is not to be without God—living for and by ourselves, but God living with and for him. And that is life, life to the full (Jn 10:10), eternal life (Jn 3:16). It is not just right now, but forever. It all goes back to Easter Sunday. Because Jesus came out of his grave, we will too. In Jesus’ words, “Because I live, you also will live” (Jn 14:19). Not even death will separate us from him (Ro 8:38,39). Attend a meeting in Athens. It is about the present. We realize our sin against God. And we remember our Savior from God.
2. It is about the future (31)
Item #2 for the meeting in Athens. We are making our way through the agenda. It is the final point. It is about the future.
There are all days on our calendars. But this is the day with a capital “D.” “For he [that is, God] has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). That is Judgment Day. The Last Day. There is urgency because it is getting closer.
It is not a day for us to be afraid of, but to look forward to. Jesus will administer justice rightly. Those who turned from him he will turn away. Those who trusted in him he will take to himself. We can be sure because God brought Jesus out of his tomb—proof that he accepted Jesus’ sacrifice. Attend a meeting in Athens. It is about the future. It is not terrifying, but exciting because we know the Judge and the verdict. Jesus will usher us to heaven.
Perhaps you have left a meeting and decided that it was not too bad, even if you dreaded it. This one in Athens was beneficial. It was about the present. God made us to be his own. And it is about the future. One day he will take us to our home. Come, Lord Jesus. Meeting over. Amen.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pe 5:14). Amen.
May 21, 2017
Sunday, May 14, 2017
The Fifth Sunday of Easter (Acts 17:10-12)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance (1 Pe 1:2). Amen.
Today is Mother’s Day. I realize that mention of that can bring a wide range of emotions—from both ends of the spectrum, painful to wonderful. And for different reasons. And perhaps there is a mixture of those feelings all at once. I pray that we can still say, “Happy Mother’s Day” whether you have one, are one, or will be one.
I will assert the obvious as I have before. I am not a mother. The chances are not good either. Many others of us fall into that category. That doesn’t mean that we cannot take one day out of the 365 to think about and to thank mothers. That also doesn’t give us the excuse to disrespect or disregard them the rest of the year.
There is something or someone that we can all be. Be a Berean—with the right attitude and with the right action. We read from …
Acts 17:10-12
Dear People of God whose Word we eagerly examine,
Comparisons can be harmful. Maybe there is a mother who looks at another mom and feels as if she doesn’t quite measure up. Sometimes her children point out the perceived gap when there is a complaint about her or when it is convenient for them. And a mommy sighs in discouragement, “I can’t be like her.”
But comparisons can be helpful. A mother looks up to another like her own mom or a mom figure—to imitate or emulate. She works to improve since there is no such thing as a perfect mom. So she states with determination, “I can be like her.”
That is the tactic that we are going to take with the citizens of a city in Macedonia. I can be like one of them.
Be a Berean
1. With the right attitude (10,11)
2. With the right action (11,12)
1. With the right attitude (10,11)
Moms seem to have a special way of addressing their child’s outlook when it comes to helping around the house—like making a bed in the morning. It can be sharply or subtlety. There is either a minor or major adjustment to have the same mindset. That might happen as we work our way to Berea. Be a Berean with the right attitude.
Paul and Silas made a quick exit at night under the advisement of the believers in Thessalonica. They had been there for three weeks, preaching and proclaiming the necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Acts 17:2,3). But the Jews got jealous and started a riot in a misguided attempt to uphold God’s honor and to discredit the new teaching. It was not safe for the two missionaries to stay because of the persecution. When it was dark, they departed. “As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea” (Acts 17:10).
Those two did not take a little time to regroup or reorganize—which is in and of itself amazing. It had to have crossed their minds, “what will the reaction be here?” It was a legitimate question and real concern. There was no giving up, only going on. “On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue” (Acts 17:10).
That was Paul’s normal practice. That was the place where he would meet people who were familiar with the Old Testament. That was their house of worship. Not too far from what we are used to. On the Sabbath day, there would be readings from books of Moses and selections from the prophets. There would also be prayers and petitions as well as a time for someone to expound and explain the Scriptures. And that is what Paul would do. He would make clear that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the One whom God selected to save (Acts 17:3).
But things were the opposite in Berea than in Thessalonica. “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness” (Acts 17:11). It wasn’t because there were better mothers 55 miles farther south in that province—ones who taught good manners like “be polite to strangers.” The Holy Spirit worked in their hearts a willingness, a readiness, to listen to and learn from the Word. They might have echoed the psalmist David: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD’” (Ps 122:1).
That is not natural. It is not exciting, more along the lines of insulting, when we hear that there is a great distance between us and God because that is what sin does—whether it is by what we do or don’t do. And we don’t bridge it with all the good things that we do.
But God has brought us to himself. It is through Jesus who once emphasized the night before he hung on the cross for us and three days before he headed out of the grave: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). The way to the Father is through the Son. That is truth. And it results in life because all who believe have eternal life (Jn 3:16). For us there is a room, a permanent place that Jesus has prepared for us. Or as Peter reminded us, Jesus is the “living Stone” (1 Pe 2:4), the One on whom we build our faith and base our faith. And what follows is “the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Pe 2:5). And then those descriptors: “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Pe 2:9).
It doesn’t become a burden or a bother to be in God’s Word. Finally we could be sleeping or shopping or something else this morning. It is not like the teenager who complains, “Why do I have to get cornflakes for mom on the second Sunday in May anyway? She knows where they are in the pantry. And coffee? With cream and sugar?” It is not an “ought to” or “have to”—a duty or a responsibility. It is a “get to” or a “want to”—a privilege and a treat. As the explanation of the Third Commandment highlights: “We should fear and love God that we do not despise preaching and his Word, but regard it as holy, and gladly hear and learn it.” We can’t get enough of having it cross our ears that God loves us in Christ. And he forgives us in Christ. It is another songwriter who encourages us: “Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him” (Ps 33:1). We do. Be a Berean with the right attitude. We receive the message with great eagerness.
2. With the right action (11,12)
Moms like the proper response when they call attention to the sheets all crumbled at the end of the bed or on the floor. A delay is not in one’s best interest. (I have gleaned that from years of personal experience.) And usually once a year is not sufficient. It is more significant subject material in Berea. Be a Berean with the right action.
The Bereans’ right attitude to God’s Word led to the right action with God’s Word. “They … examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:10). We sometimes claim that a student is a sponge—they soak everything up. That is good.
But the Bereans were not just passive—getting the Word, but active—grasping the Word. They gave careful consideration to Paul’s teaching. Did Paul’s spoken word contradict or confirm God’s written word? As Jesus once commented: “These are the Scriptures which testify about me” n 5:39). It is all about Jesus (1 Co 2:2).
The Bereans came to that conclusion after diligent investigation (cf. 1 Jn 4:1). I was to a particular tourist attraction in the city of Wall, South Dakota. (Maybe you have heard of the famous pharmacy.) To urge you to part with your money, you can do some prospecting. You buy a bag of sand or dirt. You put it in a wooden box with a screen on the bottom. You place it in the running water and shake it. Suddenly precious fake gems come into view. You inspect them and match them up with a sheet of paper to determine the name. This is bigger. But that is what the Bereans did. They sifted thoroughly what Paul spoke. They matched up the promise of the Savior with the fulfillment of the Savior. Jesus. These things were really so.
Paul wasn’t upset or angry. “Don’t these people know who I am?” No, he welcomed it. Because it was true. It is fine to take note of what is being presented in church and then take time to verify it. Read the Bible on your own and with your family—in the morning or in the evening, talk about worship, listen to memory work (and maybe memorize it too). And not here and there. The devil will back up our claim that we are busy, too busy. And then we become lazy and lax. But make it a daily habit like brushing your teeth (assuming that it your usual procedure).
And it wasn’t occasionally, but regularly. Daily. Not just that we would reserve our look at Scripture for Sunday. Or we have the idea that we did the confirmation thing or we do the Little Light thing. There is no reason to limit our exposure like to the dangerous rays of the sun between 10 AM and 3 PM. It won’t be detrimental. Martin Luther once quipped: “We need to hear the Gospel (the good news about Jesus) every day, because we forget it every day.” Moms don’t appear to tire of their children telling them quite often, “I love you.” We could hardly get sick of the Lord recalling his grace and goodness.
With that noble activity day after day, the consequence will be as clear in us and around us as with that town: “Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men” (Acts 17:12). The Holy Spirit creates faith and keeps that faith as our trust grows deeper and deeper. That is a blessing. Be a Berean with the right action. We examine the Scriptures every day.
Today is a shout out to moms (not to shout at them). There can be varying sentiments. Regardless, a good mother is a gift of and from God. Appreciate that no matter how you are related to motherhood. But pattern yourself after a Berean. Be a Berean with the right attitude and the right action. Lord, we are eager to examine your Word. Help us with that. Amen.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pe 5:14). Amen.
May 14, 2017
Sunday, May 7, 2017
The Fourth Sunday of Easter (1 Peter 2:19-25)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance (1 Pe 1:2). Amen.
Sometimes we look for recommendations. Do you know a good _____ ? (Fill in the blank with your need—a good mechanic for your car, roofer for your house, dentist for your mouth.)
People usually are willing to offer suggestions based on their experience.
• “We were happy with so and so when there was a strange noise under the hood.”
• Or “we liked this company when there was hail damage.”
• Or “we were satisfied when he drilled and filled a big cavity.”
If we boil it down, it is a matter of being “good.”
We don’t need an endorsement. We have Jesus’ statement: “I am the good shepherd” (Jn 10:11; cf. v. 2). Peter did it and encourages us to do it: Follow the Good Shepherd to his cross and with your conduct. We read from …
1 Peter 2:19-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd who once was dead, but who now is alive,
The pictures make it look easy, don’t they? Especially the ones with Jesus in them. The sheep are on his shoulders or at his feet. So still. So serene. I suppose that is the point of the portrait.
But it can’t be so simple to be a shepherd. They are still animals. (I have enough problems getting the family dog to listen. I am not sure that I would be any better with a wooly animal.) Sheep need constant care and concern. The shepherd needs to have his eyes and ears open at all times. Otherwise, we might not put him in the category of “good.”
Jesus is—not just your Shepherd (King David once a shepherd boy taught us to sing: “The LORD is my shepherd” [Ps 23:1]), but we can classify him as “good.” He goes before; we go after.
Follow the Good Shepherd
1. To his cross (22-25)
2. With your conduct (19-21,24)
1. To his cross (22-25)
As Jesus used the comparison of shepherd and sheep, he gives a pretty good description of both: “He [that is, the shepherd] goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (Jn 10:4). The shepherd walks ahead. The sheep walk behind. That fits Jesus and us. Follow the Good Shepherd to his cross.
That is where the apostle Peter takes us—to that Roman instrument of torture. And he makes it clear why Jesus went. It wasn’t for his sin. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah, Peter confirms: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth” (1 Pe 2:22; Is 53:9). No sin. Not one sinful syllable crossed his lips. Ever. He didn’t trick anyone when he spoke like you try to trap an unwanted mouse in your pantry so you put a little peanut butter on that wooden death-gadget. Jesus knew no sin (2 Co 5:21). No one could prove him guilty of sin (Jn 8:46).
How true that was when Jesus was on trial before Caiaphas, the High Priest, after he was arrested late Maundy Thursday night. There were false witnesses and fake accusations. But they did not agree. And Jesus remained silent.
That was the case when they paraded Jesus before Pilate The chief priests and elders shouted, but Jesus’ mouth was shut.
Or even at the cross when his enemies were anything but calm: “He saved others [Jesus did.] ... but he can’t save himself! [Jesus didn’t want to.] He’s the King of Israel! [That was on the announcement above Jesus’ head.] Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him” [That would have made no difference.] (Mt 27:42).
Peter summarizes that well: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats” (1 Pe 2:23). They kept going and he kept quiet. He didn’t return abuse for abuse like in an argument, we scream, “Oh, yeah, …” and then try to one up the other individual. Jesus didn’t promise that he would make them pay. None of that.
How could he? “Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Pe 2:23). Jesus placed himself confidently in God’s hands, knowing that the Father was pleased with what he was doing in carrying out the plan to rescue sinners.
No. It was for our sins. He headed to that wooden apparatus on Calvary for our benefit and in our place. Peter emphasizes that fact. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Pe 2:24). He sacrificed himself as our Substitute like a lamb lost its life in Old Testament so that the sinner could go free. Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). God put our sins on him so that he could put our sins aside (Is 53:4,5,12). It was all for us, only for us (1 Co 15:3).
And the result: “by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Pe 2:24). Jesus allowed himself to be beaten and bloodied so that we might be made whole and well. In fact, that was what Jesus showed his disciples on Easter evening—the marks on his hands and his side, signs of victory—as he greeted them with, “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19,20).
He did it all for his sheep. Us. That might not be a likeness that we latch on to. Sheep may not be so strong or smart. But there is that unflattering characteristic of wandering that Peter mentions: “For you were like sheep going astray” (1 Pe 2:25). Perhaps we get the idea that a shepherd puts his sheep in a field like the one out back, with grass so high that it scratches their bellies. They just chomp and chew what is around them all day long. But maybe we have to imagine a green tuft here and another one there. They put their head down and go from one to the next. They can be distracted and soon distanced from the shepherd, hopelessly lost. And so we can become disinterested in God or disobedient of God, terribly adrift.
“But now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Pe 2:25). Jesus has turned us from heading away in the opposite direction from him to heading with him along the right paths (Ps 23:3). He provides us with forgiveness as his kindness is with us. He protects us from our enemies as his attention is on us. Follow the Good Shepherd to his cross. It is there that he saves (Jn 10:9). We now have life, and life to the full—on earth and in eternity (Jn 10:10). Jesus makes it possible to proclaim like David: “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps 23:6).
2. With your conduct (19-21,24)
Jesus hits on another trait of the shepherd/sheep association. “But they [the sheep] will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (Jn 10:5). That is how they act. And so do we as we spend time in and around his Word, becoming acquainted and familiar with what he says—knowing right and wrong. Follow the Good Shepherd with your conduct.
Persecution is not a new phenomenon in or for the church. It has been around for a long time. That is why Peter is writing. His readers were suffering and struggling with it. He writes to strengthen and support them in it. It should not surprise them any more than it should shock us. If they treated Jesus poorly, we can anticipate the same (Jn 15:20).
That mistreatment was there with Stephen. The Sanhedrin got excited when he brought up how they brought about Jesus’ death. They hauled him out of the city and hurled rocks at his head, making him the first martyr (Acts 7:58). He testified to the truth with his life.
Peter put it this way: “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God” (1 Pe 2:19). When sorrow comes because of unfair treatment, we can be patient because we know God’s grace is still there. He does not ditch us or dump us.
But he also wants them to keep this in mind with his question: “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?” (1 Pe 2:20). It is not pain for pain’s sake like two brothers taking turns punching each other on the arm to see which one backs down first. There is no glory in getting a ticket for speeding or being grounded for sassing. “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God” (1 Pe 2:20). We are still blessed (Mt 5:11,12). The devil would deceive us that God doesn’t have a clue or is not in control. But not true. God is by our side. We are still his children. He will sustain us with all that we need.
As Peter indicated, Jesus is our Savior. But he is more. “To this [the cheerful endurance of painful abuse] you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pe 2:21). Think of how we learn to write. There are workbooks or worksheets and you trace the dotted lines or follow the arrows. We behave in the manner that Jesus did like a child copying his father’s path through the snow (even on May 1!).
We love as Jesus loved. We forgive as Jesus forgave. And like Stephen on the ground who echoed Jesus’ prayer from the cross, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60; cf. Lk 23:34). There is no room for retribution or repayment. As Peter made clear: Jesus lifted up our sins “so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Pe 2:24). We can change the phrase “It’s a matter of life and death” to “It is a matter of death and life.” Dead to sin and alive in Christ (Ro 6:2,11), delighting in what God considers pleasing and pleasant all our life. And again similar to Jesus and Stephen on the day he invites us home, we commit our lives into his hands, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59; cf. Lk 23:46). And we fall asleep in death to wake up in heaven. Follow the Good Shepherd with your conduct.
It is not often that you need a recommendation for a good shepherd unless you want a petting zoo for a birthday party or you are going green when cutting your lawn. But we have one. Jesus. It is not a difficult job for him. Follow the Good Shepherd to his cross where he gives his life for you—to save you. Follow the Good Shepherd with your conduct as you give your life for him—to thank him. There is no one better to be in front to follow. Amen.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pe 5:13). Amen.
May 7, 2017
Sometimes we look for recommendations. Do you know a good _____ ? (Fill in the blank with your need—a good mechanic for your car, roofer for your house, dentist for your mouth.)
People usually are willing to offer suggestions based on their experience.
• “We were happy with so and so when there was a strange noise under the hood.”
• Or “we liked this company when there was hail damage.”
• Or “we were satisfied when he drilled and filled a big cavity.”
If we boil it down, it is a matter of being “good.”
We don’t need an endorsement. We have Jesus’ statement: “I am the good shepherd” (Jn 10:11; cf. v. 2). Peter did it and encourages us to do it: Follow the Good Shepherd to his cross and with your conduct. We read from …
1 Peter 2:19-25
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd who once was dead, but who now is alive,
The pictures make it look easy, don’t they? Especially the ones with Jesus in them. The sheep are on his shoulders or at his feet. So still. So serene. I suppose that is the point of the portrait.
But it can’t be so simple to be a shepherd. They are still animals. (I have enough problems getting the family dog to listen. I am not sure that I would be any better with a wooly animal.) Sheep need constant care and concern. The shepherd needs to have his eyes and ears open at all times. Otherwise, we might not put him in the category of “good.”
Jesus is—not just your Shepherd (King David once a shepherd boy taught us to sing: “The LORD is my shepherd” [Ps 23:1]), but we can classify him as “good.” He goes before; we go after.
Follow the Good Shepherd
1. To his cross (22-25)
2. With your conduct (19-21,24)
1. To his cross (22-25)
As Jesus used the comparison of shepherd and sheep, he gives a pretty good description of both: “He [that is, the shepherd] goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (Jn 10:4). The shepherd walks ahead. The sheep walk behind. That fits Jesus and us. Follow the Good Shepherd to his cross.
That is where the apostle Peter takes us—to that Roman instrument of torture. And he makes it clear why Jesus went. It wasn’t for his sin. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah, Peter confirms: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth” (1 Pe 2:22; Is 53:9). No sin. Not one sinful syllable crossed his lips. Ever. He didn’t trick anyone when he spoke like you try to trap an unwanted mouse in your pantry so you put a little peanut butter on that wooden death-gadget. Jesus knew no sin (2 Co 5:21). No one could prove him guilty of sin (Jn 8:46).
How true that was when Jesus was on trial before Caiaphas, the High Priest, after he was arrested late Maundy Thursday night. There were false witnesses and fake accusations. But they did not agree. And Jesus remained silent.
That was the case when they paraded Jesus before Pilate The chief priests and elders shouted, but Jesus’ mouth was shut.
Or even at the cross when his enemies were anything but calm: “He saved others [Jesus did.] ... but he can’t save himself! [Jesus didn’t want to.] He’s the King of Israel! [That was on the announcement above Jesus’ head.] Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him” [That would have made no difference.] (Mt 27:42).
Peter summarizes that well: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats” (1 Pe 2:23). They kept going and he kept quiet. He didn’t return abuse for abuse like in an argument, we scream, “Oh, yeah, …” and then try to one up the other individual. Jesus didn’t promise that he would make them pay. None of that.
How could he? “Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Pe 2:23). Jesus placed himself confidently in God’s hands, knowing that the Father was pleased with what he was doing in carrying out the plan to rescue sinners.
No. It was for our sins. He headed to that wooden apparatus on Calvary for our benefit and in our place. Peter emphasizes that fact. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Pe 2:24). He sacrificed himself as our Substitute like a lamb lost its life in Old Testament so that the sinner could go free. Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). God put our sins on him so that he could put our sins aside (Is 53:4,5,12). It was all for us, only for us (1 Co 15:3).
And the result: “by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Pe 2:24). Jesus allowed himself to be beaten and bloodied so that we might be made whole and well. In fact, that was what Jesus showed his disciples on Easter evening—the marks on his hands and his side, signs of victory—as he greeted them with, “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19,20).
He did it all for his sheep. Us. That might not be a likeness that we latch on to. Sheep may not be so strong or smart. But there is that unflattering characteristic of wandering that Peter mentions: “For you were like sheep going astray” (1 Pe 2:25). Perhaps we get the idea that a shepherd puts his sheep in a field like the one out back, with grass so high that it scratches their bellies. They just chomp and chew what is around them all day long. But maybe we have to imagine a green tuft here and another one there. They put their head down and go from one to the next. They can be distracted and soon distanced from the shepherd, hopelessly lost. And so we can become disinterested in God or disobedient of God, terribly adrift.
“But now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Pe 2:25). Jesus has turned us from heading away in the opposite direction from him to heading with him along the right paths (Ps 23:3). He provides us with forgiveness as his kindness is with us. He protects us from our enemies as his attention is on us. Follow the Good Shepherd to his cross. It is there that he saves (Jn 10:9). We now have life, and life to the full—on earth and in eternity (Jn 10:10). Jesus makes it possible to proclaim like David: “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps 23:6).
2. With your conduct (19-21,24)
Jesus hits on another trait of the shepherd/sheep association. “But they [the sheep] will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (Jn 10:5). That is how they act. And so do we as we spend time in and around his Word, becoming acquainted and familiar with what he says—knowing right and wrong. Follow the Good Shepherd with your conduct.
Persecution is not a new phenomenon in or for the church. It has been around for a long time. That is why Peter is writing. His readers were suffering and struggling with it. He writes to strengthen and support them in it. It should not surprise them any more than it should shock us. If they treated Jesus poorly, we can anticipate the same (Jn 15:20).
That mistreatment was there with Stephen. The Sanhedrin got excited when he brought up how they brought about Jesus’ death. They hauled him out of the city and hurled rocks at his head, making him the first martyr (Acts 7:58). He testified to the truth with his life.
Peter put it this way: “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God” (1 Pe 2:19). When sorrow comes because of unfair treatment, we can be patient because we know God’s grace is still there. He does not ditch us or dump us.
But he also wants them to keep this in mind with his question: “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?” (1 Pe 2:20). It is not pain for pain’s sake like two brothers taking turns punching each other on the arm to see which one backs down first. There is no glory in getting a ticket for speeding or being grounded for sassing. “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God” (1 Pe 2:20). We are still blessed (Mt 5:11,12). The devil would deceive us that God doesn’t have a clue or is not in control. But not true. God is by our side. We are still his children. He will sustain us with all that we need.
As Peter indicated, Jesus is our Savior. But he is more. “To this [the cheerful endurance of painful abuse] you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pe 2:21). Think of how we learn to write. There are workbooks or worksheets and you trace the dotted lines or follow the arrows. We behave in the manner that Jesus did like a child copying his father’s path through the snow (even on May 1!).
We love as Jesus loved. We forgive as Jesus forgave. And like Stephen on the ground who echoed Jesus’ prayer from the cross, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60; cf. Lk 23:34). There is no room for retribution or repayment. As Peter made clear: Jesus lifted up our sins “so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Pe 2:24). We can change the phrase “It’s a matter of life and death” to “It is a matter of death and life.” Dead to sin and alive in Christ (Ro 6:2,11), delighting in what God considers pleasing and pleasant all our life. And again similar to Jesus and Stephen on the day he invites us home, we commit our lives into his hands, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59; cf. Lk 23:46). And we fall asleep in death to wake up in heaven. Follow the Good Shepherd with your conduct.
It is not often that you need a recommendation for a good shepherd unless you want a petting zoo for a birthday party or you are going green when cutting your lawn. But we have one. Jesus. It is not a difficult job for him. Follow the Good Shepherd to his cross where he gives his life for you—to save you. Follow the Good Shepherd with your conduct as you give your life for him—to thank him. There is no one better to be in front to follow. Amen.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Pe 5:13). Amen.
May 7, 2017
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Easter (Matthew 28:1-10)
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)