Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
We use comparisons to make concepts clear. Take life, for example. How do you define it or how do describe it? Life is …? There is more to it than inhaling and exhaling—breathing air in and blowing it out (although certainly part of it as well as essential to it).
So we use a picture. Life is a marathon. That makes sense as we make our way from our earthly home to our eternal one. It is not a short burst like a sprint, but a long haul like a 26.2 mile race. And how often don’t we feel out of shape and out of breath? So we call, “Lord, save me!” (Mt 14:30). And he stretches out his hand. Or we cry, “Lord, help me!” (Mt 15:25). And he sends us healing. We turn to the Lord for our strength and support.
Or we could take a cue from the psalmist. Life is a pilgrimage. That may not be as common and might require some explanation. A pilgrimage is a trip that a pilgrim undertakes.
That fits with Psalm 121. It has the heading “A song of ascents” (Ps 121). It is one of a collection of songs that carries that title (Ps 120-134). The Israelites may have used these hymns as they journeyed to Jerusalem for one of the great festivals on their calendar—Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles (Ex 34:24; Dt 16:16). That city was significant as they went there to worship. The temple was there—the visible presence of God among his people.
Obviously in the days before planes, trains, and automobiles, they did a lot of walking. And that could be hazardous. As they chanted, they were cheered. The Lord protects the pilgrim. That is true for us as we make our trek through life.
You go up to Jerusalem because it is like Denver, the mile high city. It is set on a high slope. It is not so strange that the psalmist starts by directing us to an elevation. “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?” (Ps 121:1). But that question is ambiguous as far as assistance is concerned. We might take that in two ways:
Mountains could be a source of danger—the home of wild animals or cruel robbers.
Mountains could be a symbol of security. Think of a fortress standing tall on a peak. That sounds like the assurance that the Lord extended to his struggling prophet: “I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the LORD” (Je 15:20).
Which is it—concern or comfort?
We are not left guessing. “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps 121:2). He supplies what is needed. And note who he is.
He is “the LORD” (Ps 121:2) [5x in these verses]. His power does not crumble. His love does not erode. He does not change.
He is “the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps 121:2). He brought the world into existence. If he can create it, he can care for it. That goes for all he has made. You. Me.
That is helpful to remember on our pilgrimage. He is present. And he is not just willing, but able to provide and protect. I might want to fix your car, but I don’t have the capability. There is nothing above and beyond “the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps 121:2). Not even our sin as he sends the guilt away.
The rest of the verses are an ascending promise of protection for the pilgrim.
“He will not let your foot slip” (Ps 121:3). We have all tripped. That can be embarrassing. Especially when it is on a smooth surface like the living room carpet. That does not mean that the Lord has tripped up. How can we be so confident? “He who watches over you will not slumber” (Ps 121:3). Sleep is a blessing for us. It refreshes us and restores us. We require it, even request it. But not God. There is no power nap. There is no nodding off. He never stops watching. (That verb comes up 6x in this section. [It is translated either “watch” or “keep.”]) The Lord has his attention on us always and in all ways. And not as a casual spectator like when you watch a TV like a person getting supper ready, but as a concerned protector like a mother bending over the crib of her newborn to see if he is hungry or why he is hurting. And he is not some internet hacker trying to get your personal information or tracker who wants to extend your customer loyalty with pop up ads. But he is an intense guardian and guide.
The psalmist emphasizes that. It is almost as if he says, “Hey, look at this:” “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Ps 121:4). There is no quick siesta. There are no eyes closing for the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night. He is taking care of us carefully, intently, and diligently.
“The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night” (Ps 121:5,6). Israel is hot and sunny (kind of like Minnesota the second week of September this year). Cover is crucial when that fiery orb is in the sky. Exposure to the UV waves is not safe. Those who struggle with skin cancer because of pasty white skin instead of golden brown thus keeping dermatologists in business are very aware of that. So they put on sunscreen that is the consistency of mud. All to be sheltered from the harmful rays from the sun. But there is something worse—sin cancer. And it is deadly. But Jesus put himself between us and God to spare us the fatal reality our offences. That is why Jesus was so specific about his work as the Christ. “Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Mt 16:21). The Father caused our sin to strike his Son in our place. He endured the intense heat of punishment for us on the cross. Jesus has taken the awful affects away. He came out of the grave to prove it. Through Jesus we are protected from more than the real damage of sunburn or imagined threat from moonbeams.
“The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life” (Ps 121:7). Maybe we have a question about that, specifically when we consider the recent natural disasters in the form of hurricanes. There has been devastation, if not death. What about that?, we wonder. But just because we don’t see the truth of that doesn’t mean it is not true. I may not understand that it is September 17th today. That doesn’t change the reality of the calendar. It is important for us to recall that the Lord can hold off evil or hold us up in evil (Ps 91: 9,10; Ro 8:28). But keep in mind that when we frequently pray, “Deliver us from evil,” he will ultimately answer that as he welcomes us to the place prepared at his side in heaven.
In the meantime, we now use our moments and our days as the apostle Paul encouraged us to serve him. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Ro 12:1).
And he is by us to bless us. “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Ps 121:8). The Jew had come to Jerusalem and now was returning home. How special that thought was as he left the capital behind. Only one day to revisit. The Lord observes every step we take, perhaps going back all the way to our baptism when he adopted us into his family through baptism like he did with Stetson this morning, until we step into the perfect dwelling in paradise. The Lord watches over our coming and going both now and forevermore. That is because the Lord protects the pilgrim, even if life is a marathon.
We read from Psalm 121:1-8:
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:20). Amen.
September 17, 2017
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Monday, September 18, 2017
Monday, September 11, 2017
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 16:13-20)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
Like it or not (and it is usually not), the fact of back to school soon sets in. All too quickly the eagerness to see old friends and the excitement to sport new clothes gives way to the reality of academics and the rigors of homework. Mix in some late nights and lost sleep and it gets old fast. And then, sooner or later, there are tests.
But here is the thing. Tests are not bad. There might be those who want to argue that point—specifically when they have one scheduled. But it is good to review notes and to reflect knowledge. Especially when you know the right answers.
It was test time for the disciples. Jesus and company were in northern Israel near the headwaters of the Jordan River (kind of like Lake Itasca is to the Mississippi River). They were away from the crowds—not for recreation, but for education. When they arrived at “the region of Caesarea Philippi” (Mt 15:13), Jesus quizzed them.
There were two questions. The first was: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Mt 16:13). Jesus isn’t panicking as if he cared about his approval rating. He isn’t going through a mid-ministry crisis as if he is concerned about failure. He was open about who he was—“the Son of Man.” That was his favorite designation for himself. He was true man, identifying with those he came to save—living under the law and one day dying on the cross. But he was also true God, indicated by the Scriptures (Da 7:13). He was affirming that fact—God in flesh.
Jesus was probing. Did others get it? Did his faithful band grasp it? He wanted the 12 to do some comparing, or really some contrasting.
It doesn’t appear that they had to think for long because folks were talking. The responses came immediately. “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Mt 16:14). That sounds like a multiple choice offering on an exam. Jesus, the Son of Man, is …
a) John the Baptist (cf. Mt 14:2)
b) Elijah
c) Jeremiah
d) one of the prophets
At first glance, that is not a bad list. If you are an aspiring pro athlete, you don’t mind being mentioned in the same sentence as a LeBron James or a Tom Brady. But Jesus was more, much more, than another man. The interesting thing about those possibilities is that it would have required someone coming back from the dead.
And while they are flattering, they are still faulty. Those men were not the Christ.
a) John the Baptist made clear that was not the case (Jn 1:20). But he made known who was, Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29).
b) Elijah turned the people back to God so that they could cry, “The LORD—he is God. The LORD—he is God” (1 Ki 18:39).
c) Jeremiah wrote about the “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Je 23:6). The One who would come would cover all with his perfection, his holiness.
d) The same is the case for prophet after prophet, spokesmen for and from God, who predicted the One who was to come.
In other words, we would have to choose e—none of the above. Of course, we have to add that letter to the list. (You can’t do that in school.) This is a pass/fail question. There is no grading scale of A-F, with some plusses and minuses in between. The people got an “F.”
Many do not fare much better today when they consider who Jesus is. Jesus, the Son of Man, is …
a) a good teacher who spoke about compassion
b) a grand philosopher who talked about issues
c) a merciful humanitarian who pushed for kindness
d) a magnificent physician who cared about illnesses
Those might be examples of individuals thinking well of Jesus or highly of him. But not well enough or highly enough. “F.”
Then question number two, the critical one. It comes down to this: “But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” (Mt 16:15). They had been with Jesus for two years. What had they observed as he preached sermons? What had they absorbed as he performed miracles?
Peter was ready. He rose to the occasion. There was no mistaken identity like when you think you recognize someone at the store, but when you greet them, you get embarrassed because you have tapped on the shoulder of a complete stranger. And you have to apologize. Not so with Peter. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). And he was right. (Every once in a while he had a shining moment when shooting off his mouth.) That can only be the result of being around Jesus. Like a familiar meal, the psalmist encouraged us as we spend time with God: “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Ps 34:8).
The Apostle Peter’s Creed was straightforward and spot-on as much as it was elegant and essential.
“You are the Christ” (Mt 16:16). That is, the Messiah, the Anointed One—the One who would be the Prophet to herald God’s Word in truth, the Priest to shed his blood in death, the King to establish his rule of peace. That was his work. The LORD held to his covenant, his agreement, to Moses and the Children of Israel: “I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob” (Ex 6:8). That is where ultimately the Messiah would call home.
“The Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). That is, true God. That is his person. He is alive and active, who gives physical and spiritual life. He fulfilled the law perfectly and his death counts universally.
If that was what Peter would have scribbled on a piece of paper for a short answer question, he would have gotten an “A.”
But Jesus reminds him that Peter did come up with that on his own, figuring it out after some careful and concentrated study. “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven” (Mt 16:17). That kind of knowledge was above him and beyond him. Flesh and blood cannot impart that. But the Father can instill that. He uncovers that like a teacher unveils new math facts to his students. He has done the same as the Holy Spirit allows us to call Jesus “Lord” (1 Co 12:3; Explanation of Third Article). That is completely and entirely a gift of God.
Matthew records this assessment, intending for us to stand beside those men. “But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” (Mt 16:15). We don’t have to sweat or squirm. As Jesus inquires, we echo Peter. It is short and simple admission: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). “You are the promised Savior who hung on the cross and headed out of the grave. For me.” The faith that God carefully created in our hearts confidently comes out of our mouths (Ro 10:10). Know the right answer about the Christ—true God, true man, who took on our sin to take away our guilt. We get an “A.”
There was more to Jesus’ lesson plan. The rest is lecture. “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). Jesus uses a play on word in the original. The name “Peter” does mean “rock,” like a stone. But Jesus isn’t planning on constructing his church on a person, but on his profession. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” is the rock, like bedrock (Mt 16:16), something solid that will support a foundation like a family home or a downtown skyscraper (Mt 7:24,25).
Peter did not always live up to his name. He could be more sandy than sturdy like when he failed to see why Jesus had to go to the cross or when he fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 16:22; 26:40). But the strength was in his confession. And note two important words—“I” and “my.” “I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). Know the right answer about the church. It belongs to Jesus and he blesses it.
Jesus brought the church into existence. He will be with it for eternity. So much so that Jesus could contend: “And the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Mt 16:18). Hell itself will not be powerful enough to withstand such an acknowledgment. Despite what it seemed then or now as enemies launch their attacks, those called out of darkness will defeat the devil. And with thrilling success. We can march out and march on to free those who are held captive by Satan. And the church will not fail. “And the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Mt 16:18). That is Jesus’ promise.
That is because of the message that Jesus mentions: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19). Jesus uses an illustration that is easy to understand as we proclaim the good news about him. A key locks and unlocks, or “binds” or “looses.”
“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven” (Mt 16:19). Those who hold on to their sin, they are not forgiven. They retain their sin. That is the law. Heaven is bolted shut.
“Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19). Those who come clean about their sin, they are forgiven. Jesus removes their sin. That is the gospel. Heaven is blocked open.
That is a right that a pastor has and a responsibility that we all have (Mt 18:18; Jn 20:21,22). By Jesus’ authority we declare God’s judgment or dispense God’s grace. We speak in his place. Know the right answer about the church. It announces what comes from Jesus—not forgiven or forgiven.
At first Jesus’ strict warning strikes us as strange: “Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ” (Mt 16:20). But there was reason for it. People certainly had definite misunderstandings and the disciples occasionally had different ideas about who the Christ was.
Jesus was not an earthly King, but a heavenly One. It wasn’t until after Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost that these men go out as true witnesses of the Christ to spread the message about him (Acts 1:8).
We now join the disciples now as the Christian Church broadcasts the Christ (Acts 11:26)—the one and only Savior—to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Know the right answer about the Church. It points to Christ who hands us freedom from sin.
At times there is anxiousness or anxiety when it comes to tests in school. Did I catch enough from the day before? Did I cram enough the night before? There is no need for that because we know the right answer about the Christ—he is the Son of the living God. And we know the right answer about the church. It will not falter because Christ will not let it fall as it publicizes free forgiveness in him. See, tests are not bad when you have the right answers. And you do. “To him be the glory forever! Amen (Ro 11:36).
We read from Matthew 16:13-20:
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
September 10, 2017
Like it or not (and it is usually not), the fact of back to school soon sets in. All too quickly the eagerness to see old friends and the excitement to sport new clothes gives way to the reality of academics and the rigors of homework. Mix in some late nights and lost sleep and it gets old fast. And then, sooner or later, there are tests.
But here is the thing. Tests are not bad. There might be those who want to argue that point—specifically when they have one scheduled. But it is good to review notes and to reflect knowledge. Especially when you know the right answers.
It was test time for the disciples. Jesus and company were in northern Israel near the headwaters of the Jordan River (kind of like Lake Itasca is to the Mississippi River). They were away from the crowds—not for recreation, but for education. When they arrived at “the region of Caesarea Philippi” (Mt 15:13), Jesus quizzed them.
There were two questions. The first was: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Mt 16:13). Jesus isn’t panicking as if he cared about his approval rating. He isn’t going through a mid-ministry crisis as if he is concerned about failure. He was open about who he was—“the Son of Man.” That was his favorite designation for himself. He was true man, identifying with those he came to save—living under the law and one day dying on the cross. But he was also true God, indicated by the Scriptures (Da 7:13). He was affirming that fact—God in flesh.
Jesus was probing. Did others get it? Did his faithful band grasp it? He wanted the 12 to do some comparing, or really some contrasting.
It doesn’t appear that they had to think for long because folks were talking. The responses came immediately. “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Mt 16:14). That sounds like a multiple choice offering on an exam. Jesus, the Son of Man, is …
a) John the Baptist (cf. Mt 14:2)
b) Elijah
c) Jeremiah
d) one of the prophets
At first glance, that is not a bad list. If you are an aspiring pro athlete, you don’t mind being mentioned in the same sentence as a LeBron James or a Tom Brady. But Jesus was more, much more, than another man. The interesting thing about those possibilities is that it would have required someone coming back from the dead.
And while they are flattering, they are still faulty. Those men were not the Christ.
a) John the Baptist made clear that was not the case (Jn 1:20). But he made known who was, Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29).
b) Elijah turned the people back to God so that they could cry, “The LORD—he is God. The LORD—he is God” (1 Ki 18:39).
c) Jeremiah wrote about the “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Je 23:6). The One who would come would cover all with his perfection, his holiness.
d) The same is the case for prophet after prophet, spokesmen for and from God, who predicted the One who was to come.
In other words, we would have to choose e—none of the above. Of course, we have to add that letter to the list. (You can’t do that in school.) This is a pass/fail question. There is no grading scale of A-F, with some plusses and minuses in between. The people got an “F.”
Many do not fare much better today when they consider who Jesus is. Jesus, the Son of Man, is …
a) a good teacher who spoke about compassion
b) a grand philosopher who talked about issues
c) a merciful humanitarian who pushed for kindness
d) a magnificent physician who cared about illnesses
Those might be examples of individuals thinking well of Jesus or highly of him. But not well enough or highly enough. “F.”
Then question number two, the critical one. It comes down to this: “But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” (Mt 16:15). They had been with Jesus for two years. What had they observed as he preached sermons? What had they absorbed as he performed miracles?
Peter was ready. He rose to the occasion. There was no mistaken identity like when you think you recognize someone at the store, but when you greet them, you get embarrassed because you have tapped on the shoulder of a complete stranger. And you have to apologize. Not so with Peter. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). And he was right. (Every once in a while he had a shining moment when shooting off his mouth.) That can only be the result of being around Jesus. Like a familiar meal, the psalmist encouraged us as we spend time with God: “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Ps 34:8).
The Apostle Peter’s Creed was straightforward and spot-on as much as it was elegant and essential.
“You are the Christ” (Mt 16:16). That is, the Messiah, the Anointed One—the One who would be the Prophet to herald God’s Word in truth, the Priest to shed his blood in death, the King to establish his rule of peace. That was his work. The LORD held to his covenant, his agreement, to Moses and the Children of Israel: “I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob” (Ex 6:8). That is where ultimately the Messiah would call home.
“The Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). That is, true God. That is his person. He is alive and active, who gives physical and spiritual life. He fulfilled the law perfectly and his death counts universally.
If that was what Peter would have scribbled on a piece of paper for a short answer question, he would have gotten an “A.”
But Jesus reminds him that Peter did come up with that on his own, figuring it out after some careful and concentrated study. “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven” (Mt 16:17). That kind of knowledge was above him and beyond him. Flesh and blood cannot impart that. But the Father can instill that. He uncovers that like a teacher unveils new math facts to his students. He has done the same as the Holy Spirit allows us to call Jesus “Lord” (1 Co 12:3; Explanation of Third Article). That is completely and entirely a gift of God.
Matthew records this assessment, intending for us to stand beside those men. “But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” (Mt 16:15). We don’t have to sweat or squirm. As Jesus inquires, we echo Peter. It is short and simple admission: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). “You are the promised Savior who hung on the cross and headed out of the grave. For me.” The faith that God carefully created in our hearts confidently comes out of our mouths (Ro 10:10). Know the right answer about the Christ—true God, true man, who took on our sin to take away our guilt. We get an “A.”
There was more to Jesus’ lesson plan. The rest is lecture. “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). Jesus uses a play on word in the original. The name “Peter” does mean “rock,” like a stone. But Jesus isn’t planning on constructing his church on a person, but on his profession. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” is the rock, like bedrock (Mt 16:16), something solid that will support a foundation like a family home or a downtown skyscraper (Mt 7:24,25).
Peter did not always live up to his name. He could be more sandy than sturdy like when he failed to see why Jesus had to go to the cross or when he fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 16:22; 26:40). But the strength was in his confession. And note two important words—“I” and “my.” “I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). Know the right answer about the church. It belongs to Jesus and he blesses it.
Jesus brought the church into existence. He will be with it for eternity. So much so that Jesus could contend: “And the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Mt 16:18). Hell itself will not be powerful enough to withstand such an acknowledgment. Despite what it seemed then or now as enemies launch their attacks, those called out of darkness will defeat the devil. And with thrilling success. We can march out and march on to free those who are held captive by Satan. And the church will not fail. “And the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Mt 16:18). That is Jesus’ promise.
That is because of the message that Jesus mentions: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19). Jesus uses an illustration that is easy to understand as we proclaim the good news about him. A key locks and unlocks, or “binds” or “looses.”
“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven” (Mt 16:19). Those who hold on to their sin, they are not forgiven. They retain their sin. That is the law. Heaven is bolted shut.
“Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19). Those who come clean about their sin, they are forgiven. Jesus removes their sin. That is the gospel. Heaven is blocked open.
That is a right that a pastor has and a responsibility that we all have (Mt 18:18; Jn 20:21,22). By Jesus’ authority we declare God’s judgment or dispense God’s grace. We speak in his place. Know the right answer about the church. It announces what comes from Jesus—not forgiven or forgiven.
At first Jesus’ strict warning strikes us as strange: “Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ” (Mt 16:20). But there was reason for it. People certainly had definite misunderstandings and the disciples occasionally had different ideas about who the Christ was.
Jesus was not an earthly King, but a heavenly One. It wasn’t until after Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost that these men go out as true witnesses of the Christ to spread the message about him (Acts 1:8).
We now join the disciples now as the Christian Church broadcasts the Christ (Acts 11:26)—the one and only Savior—to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Know the right answer about the Church. It points to Christ who hands us freedom from sin.
At times there is anxiousness or anxiety when it comes to tests in school. Did I catch enough from the day before? Did I cram enough the night before? There is no need for that because we know the right answer about the Christ—he is the Son of the living God. And we know the right answer about the church. It will not falter because Christ will not let it fall as it publicizes free forgiveness in him. See, tests are not bad when you have the right answers. And you do. “To him be the glory forever! Amen (Ro 11:36).
We read from Matthew 16:13-20:
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
September 10, 2017
Sunday, September 3, 2017
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 15:21-28)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
Tomorrow is Labor Day. It is more than the unofficial end of summer. (That is usually when school starts. For some of you that has already happened.) The holiday was set up to celebrate the accomplishments of American workers. We are certainly grateful for the contributions that employers and employees have made to the strength and well-being of our country. But we are also thankful to God for the abilities and talents that he gives us to earn a living and to make an impact—whether great or small (Explanation to First Article). We work together for the benefit of society.
But what about the things that we can’t do? And the list is long. What then? We turn to someone else. That is what the Canaanite woman did. And so do we. Lord, help me in your mercy and with your might. We read from …
Matthew 15:21-28
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our merciful and mighty Savior,
I am sure that you have seen some footage of the damage, if not the destruction, of Hurricane Harvey. It is hard to imagine a deluge of 40 to 50 inches of rain in such a short time. We are not talking about looking at a light rain from your living room. But sitting on your roof staring at the high water.
If you were to find yourself perched on top of your home, I would guess that it would be a horrible feeling. What could you do but wait for help—from a helicopter flying overhead or boat passing by? That is the only way you are getting to safety.
Perhaps that what that woman in the area of north of Israel felt like—hopeless. We probably can identify with her. When it is critical, like her, we cry out with a short prayer:
Lord, Help Me!
1. In your mercy (21-25)
2. With your might (26-28)
1. In your mercy (21-25)
When in trouble, we want someone to be concerned. If we are sick, a doctor can have a cold stethoscope as long as he has a warm heart. That is mercy—seeing a need and being moved to help. That is how Jesus deals with us when we say, “Lord, help me in your mercy.”
Jesus’ enemies were relentless with their attacks. Responding to them prevented Jesus from teaching his disciples. So he took action: “Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon” (Mt 15:21). Those cities were located a bit north and west of Israel. It wasn’t for a quick vacation, but for some quiet instruction.
But it didn’t last long. Matthew draws our attention to an interesting individual. “A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him” (Mt 15:22). It wasn’t just the unbelieving area she was from, but the unexpected address from her mouth. This Gentile was calling out, and not in a whisper: “Lord, Son of David” (Mt 15:22). Jesus was the Lord—all-powerful, yet all-loving. In spite of the idolatry of her neighbors, she knew the identity of Jesus as the promised descendant of David who was to come to release the world from sin (2 Sa 7:11ff.). She certainly fits the description of the ones whom Isaiah described: “foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, and to worship him” (Is 56:6). God had gathered her to himself (Is 56:8).
She explained what she wanted. “Have mercy on me!” (Mt 15:22). She pleads for pity. And she expressed why she wanted that. “My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession” (Mt 15:22). The devil had a cruel hold on this girl—in whatever form it took. Anyone who is a parent can sympathize with this woman. No mom and no dad like to see their child suffer even a skinned knee. It breaks their hearts. How much more this?
And that is how we approach Jesus. It is not to brag about something, but to beg for everything. We echoed her words earlier, “Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us” (CW p. 15). And we didn’t have to wait for it or wonder about it. “God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us” (CW p. 16). And then we heard of how God sends away our sin because Jesus satisfied God’s anger and sacrificed himself. Lord, help me in your mercy because of my sin. And he does through his Son.
But it didn’t appear to be the case with this Canaanite. “Jesus did not answer a word” (Mt 15:23). Not one syllable. That strikes us as strange. Silence. That would be like a person who keeps rowing in his canoe past a person sitting up on his shingles who yells, “Hey, I’m up here. Over here.” That is cold and calloused. But Jesus knew what he was doing.
The twelve couldn’t take her persistence any longer. (She is worthy of our admiration and imitation.) “So his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us’” (Mt 15:23). She was not going to take “no.” They were tired of her being behind them, going after them and groveling. It is hard to tell if they wanted to get rid of the demon or just the distraction. This was getting annoying.
Then Jesus replied with this statement—not even to her: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Mt 15:24). That was a summary of Jesus’ personal ministry even though he came to save the whole world. Salvation for the Jews then would go from the Jews. It was never at the expense of the Gentiles. As the apostle Paul reminded the Romans that God’s mercy is on all (Ro 9:32). But in a sense it seemed as if Jesus didn’t care. We could compare it to the mommy who chases down a doctor in the parking lot and he replies to his buddies with him: “I only care for those who have an appointment.”
The Canaanite woman did not come back with a “how dare you talk to me and treat me that way.” Instead of being insulted, she was insistent: “The woman came and knelt before him. ‘Lord, help me!’” (Mt 15:25).
Have you been there? You pour out your heart and Jesus puts you off? He is more of a stranger than a shepherd. It may look like that but it is not like that. Instead of lashing out at him in anger, we can look to him in humility. We head to the cross to remember his love and his mercy. We return to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Pe 2:25). The One who takes away our guilt turns his attention to us. Lord, help me with your mercy. And it is there. We hang on to him like that Canaanite in trust. He is not against us, but for us (Ro 8:31).
2. With your might (26-28)
When in turmoil, we want someone to be competent. The doctor is to write the correct prescription or recommend some physical therapy to get us back among the healthy. Jesus is there with his muscle when we state, “Lord, help me with your might.”
Finally Jesus speaks to this woman on her face at his feet. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs” (Mt 15:26). Some definitely spoil their four-legged friends. But not at the expense of their kids. It would be out of line to feed the family pet what is intended for the rest of the family. That is not proper or appropriate.
This is not an insult but an invitation. Jesus is not thinking of a dog roaming in the streets, but one staying in the house. And she picked up on it. His comment was correct. It is true that children sit at the table and dogs under it.
But it can happen that a tidbit or two may accidentally be dropped or intentionally be tossed. “Yes, Lord, … but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (Mt 15:27). She understood her position. And she wanted just the scraps. Those who have a furry animal know that they can be relentless in their quest for a potato chip or French fry at supper. They stand and stare and stare and stare until something makes its way to the floor (but not for long). The woman was persistent too. She reminds us of Jacob who wrestled with the Lord and refused to let him go until God blessed him (Ge 32:26). And he did with him.
And with her. “‘Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Mt 15:28). Jesus demonstrated his immediate and immense power to help and to heal. At once the girl was cured of her demon possession. “Help me, Lord, with your might.” And he did from a distance.
Our plea is the same. Far too often we accuse Jesus of a “crumby” deal instead of appreciating his total control. As the psalmist reminded us, the Lord is “Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps 134:3). If he can call it into existence, he can care for it. And for us. Jesus may remove our problem in a situation or he may refresh our strength along our path. He is aware of how and when to bless us—even under the table.
And then the Lord can compliment the very thing that he has created just like that lady, “You have great faith!” (Mt 15:28). It reaches a high level because of the object of the confidence—Jesus. “Lord, help me with your might.” And he is there. We hold on to him like the Canaanite woman. And he gives us his ear and gives us a hand in his way and according to his will.
The first Monday in September is a reminder of the contributions of the workforce to our nation no matter what the occupation or profession. We especially think of the rescue workers in southern Texas toiling long and hard, battling the floodwaters. As we commemorate Labor Day, we don’t work for one day and take the rest of the year off. In fact, most people don’t have to punch in tomorrow. We labor for the Lord and that is never in vain (Col 3:23; 1 Co 15:58). And he is by us to benefit us in anything and with everything. So we pray boldly, “Lord, help me in your mercy and with your might.” It shall be so. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
September 3, 2017
Tomorrow is Labor Day. It is more than the unofficial end of summer. (That is usually when school starts. For some of you that has already happened.) The holiday was set up to celebrate the accomplishments of American workers. We are certainly grateful for the contributions that employers and employees have made to the strength and well-being of our country. But we are also thankful to God for the abilities and talents that he gives us to earn a living and to make an impact—whether great or small (Explanation to First Article). We work together for the benefit of society.
But what about the things that we can’t do? And the list is long. What then? We turn to someone else. That is what the Canaanite woman did. And so do we. Lord, help me in your mercy and with your might. We read from …
Matthew 15:21-28
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our merciful and mighty Savior,
I am sure that you have seen some footage of the damage, if not the destruction, of Hurricane Harvey. It is hard to imagine a deluge of 40 to 50 inches of rain in such a short time. We are not talking about looking at a light rain from your living room. But sitting on your roof staring at the high water.
If you were to find yourself perched on top of your home, I would guess that it would be a horrible feeling. What could you do but wait for help—from a helicopter flying overhead or boat passing by? That is the only way you are getting to safety.
Perhaps that what that woman in the area of north of Israel felt like—hopeless. We probably can identify with her. When it is critical, like her, we cry out with a short prayer:
Lord, Help Me!
1. In your mercy (21-25)
2. With your might (26-28)
1. In your mercy (21-25)
When in trouble, we want someone to be concerned. If we are sick, a doctor can have a cold stethoscope as long as he has a warm heart. That is mercy—seeing a need and being moved to help. That is how Jesus deals with us when we say, “Lord, help me in your mercy.”
Jesus’ enemies were relentless with their attacks. Responding to them prevented Jesus from teaching his disciples. So he took action: “Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon” (Mt 15:21). Those cities were located a bit north and west of Israel. It wasn’t for a quick vacation, but for some quiet instruction.
But it didn’t last long. Matthew draws our attention to an interesting individual. “A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him” (Mt 15:22). It wasn’t just the unbelieving area she was from, but the unexpected address from her mouth. This Gentile was calling out, and not in a whisper: “Lord, Son of David” (Mt 15:22). Jesus was the Lord—all-powerful, yet all-loving. In spite of the idolatry of her neighbors, she knew the identity of Jesus as the promised descendant of David who was to come to release the world from sin (2 Sa 7:11ff.). She certainly fits the description of the ones whom Isaiah described: “foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, and to worship him” (Is 56:6). God had gathered her to himself (Is 56:8).
She explained what she wanted. “Have mercy on me!” (Mt 15:22). She pleads for pity. And she expressed why she wanted that. “My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession” (Mt 15:22). The devil had a cruel hold on this girl—in whatever form it took. Anyone who is a parent can sympathize with this woman. No mom and no dad like to see their child suffer even a skinned knee. It breaks their hearts. How much more this?
And that is how we approach Jesus. It is not to brag about something, but to beg for everything. We echoed her words earlier, “Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us” (CW p. 15). And we didn’t have to wait for it or wonder about it. “God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us” (CW p. 16). And then we heard of how God sends away our sin because Jesus satisfied God’s anger and sacrificed himself. Lord, help me in your mercy because of my sin. And he does through his Son.
But it didn’t appear to be the case with this Canaanite. “Jesus did not answer a word” (Mt 15:23). Not one syllable. That strikes us as strange. Silence. That would be like a person who keeps rowing in his canoe past a person sitting up on his shingles who yells, “Hey, I’m up here. Over here.” That is cold and calloused. But Jesus knew what he was doing.
The twelve couldn’t take her persistence any longer. (She is worthy of our admiration and imitation.) “So his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us’” (Mt 15:23). She was not going to take “no.” They were tired of her being behind them, going after them and groveling. It is hard to tell if they wanted to get rid of the demon or just the distraction. This was getting annoying.
Then Jesus replied with this statement—not even to her: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Mt 15:24). That was a summary of Jesus’ personal ministry even though he came to save the whole world. Salvation for the Jews then would go from the Jews. It was never at the expense of the Gentiles. As the apostle Paul reminded the Romans that God’s mercy is on all (Ro 9:32). But in a sense it seemed as if Jesus didn’t care. We could compare it to the mommy who chases down a doctor in the parking lot and he replies to his buddies with him: “I only care for those who have an appointment.”
The Canaanite woman did not come back with a “how dare you talk to me and treat me that way.” Instead of being insulted, she was insistent: “The woman came and knelt before him. ‘Lord, help me!’” (Mt 15:25).
Have you been there? You pour out your heart and Jesus puts you off? He is more of a stranger than a shepherd. It may look like that but it is not like that. Instead of lashing out at him in anger, we can look to him in humility. We head to the cross to remember his love and his mercy. We return to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Pe 2:25). The One who takes away our guilt turns his attention to us. Lord, help me with your mercy. And it is there. We hang on to him like that Canaanite in trust. He is not against us, but for us (Ro 8:31).
2. With your might (26-28)
When in turmoil, we want someone to be competent. The doctor is to write the correct prescription or recommend some physical therapy to get us back among the healthy. Jesus is there with his muscle when we state, “Lord, help me with your might.”
Finally Jesus speaks to this woman on her face at his feet. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs” (Mt 15:26). Some definitely spoil their four-legged friends. But not at the expense of their kids. It would be out of line to feed the family pet what is intended for the rest of the family. That is not proper or appropriate.
This is not an insult but an invitation. Jesus is not thinking of a dog roaming in the streets, but one staying in the house. And she picked up on it. His comment was correct. It is true that children sit at the table and dogs under it.
But it can happen that a tidbit or two may accidentally be dropped or intentionally be tossed. “Yes, Lord, … but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (Mt 15:27). She understood her position. And she wanted just the scraps. Those who have a furry animal know that they can be relentless in their quest for a potato chip or French fry at supper. They stand and stare and stare and stare until something makes its way to the floor (but not for long). The woman was persistent too. She reminds us of Jacob who wrestled with the Lord and refused to let him go until God blessed him (Ge 32:26). And he did with him.
And with her. “‘Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Mt 15:28). Jesus demonstrated his immediate and immense power to help and to heal. At once the girl was cured of her demon possession. “Help me, Lord, with your might.” And he did from a distance.
Our plea is the same. Far too often we accuse Jesus of a “crumby” deal instead of appreciating his total control. As the psalmist reminded us, the Lord is “Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps 134:3). If he can call it into existence, he can care for it. And for us. Jesus may remove our problem in a situation or he may refresh our strength along our path. He is aware of how and when to bless us—even under the table.
And then the Lord can compliment the very thing that he has created just like that lady, “You have great faith!” (Mt 15:28). It reaches a high level because of the object of the confidence—Jesus. “Lord, help me with your might.” And he is there. We hold on to him like the Canaanite woman. And he gives us his ear and gives us a hand in his way and according to his will.
The first Monday in September is a reminder of the contributions of the workforce to our nation no matter what the occupation or profession. We especially think of the rescue workers in southern Texas toiling long and hard, battling the floodwaters. As we commemorate Labor Day, we don’t work for one day and take the rest of the year off. In fact, most people don’t have to punch in tomorrow. We labor for the Lord and that is never in vain (Col 3:23; 1 Co 15:58). And he is by us to benefit us in anything and with everything. So we pray boldly, “Lord, help me in your mercy and with your might.” It shall be so. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
September 3, 2017
Monday, August 28, 2017
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 14:22-33)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
It is not a typo (not that I don’t occasionally make a mistake when pushing the keys while I am on the computer). It even gets through the spell check (but not the grammar check). It is just not the way that we are used to hearing the phrase. Usually it is, “So and so won’t let you down.”
But it just one extra letter—an “r.” Jesus won’t let you drown. It makes sense. Even more so if we go to the Sea of Galilee. The disciples needed to recognize that. We need to realize it too. Jesus won’t let you drown—figuratively. He comes with his merciful help and with his mighty hand. We read from …
Matthew 14:22-33
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our present and powerful Savior,
During the summer months, it is not uncommon at some time to be around or in water. We do have 11,842 lakes in this state. In some cases, a life jacket is not just recommended by mom, but required by law. They are valuable when you are swimming or when you are kayaking.
Those activities are fun. But they can be dangerous. So it is good to strap one of those around your chest even though they are unwieldy and even if they are uncomfortable. (There is your public service announcement. The DNR can thank me later.) That is because we don’t breathe too well under water (without an oxygen tank or plastic snorkel, of course). If you haven’t tried it already, don’t. And it also takes a bit of effort and expertise to float above water. Especially in the case of an emergency, the life jacket does its job.
So does Jesus.
Jesus Won’t Let You Drown
1. He comes with his merciful help (22-27)
2. He comes with his mighty hand (28-33)
1. He comes with his merciful help (22-27)
Pools and ponds often have lifeguards. They are not there to work on their tans. They are to guard life. (It is in the name.) In case there is a problem, they lend their professional assistance so that you don’t sink to the bottom and stay there. They do it to get paid. Jesus does it to take care. Jesus won’t let you drown. He comes with his merciful help.
It had been a busy day for Jesus. He had healed the sick (Mt 14:14). And he had fed the hungry—5000+ with a boy’s lunch box of two fish and five loaves of bread. There were even leftovers! That got the people excited. The thought crossed their minds, “Wouldn’t it be great if he would do that all the time?” He would make quite the king with his free food (Jn 6:15).
But that is not why Jesus came—to provide social security, but instead to offer salvation security. So he took action right away. “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd” (Mt 14:22). He quickly put a stop to any plans to put him on a throne. That kind of thinking could not corrupt his followers or continue in their heads.
It wasn’t that he didn’t like groups of people like some stay away from the Great Minnesota Get-together because of the mass of humanity. He needed some quiet time. “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (Mt 14:23). The Son had to speak to his heavenly Father. He had not come to be declared a king by popular choice, but to die on a wooden cross. That is how he would wear a crown. “When evening came, he was there alone” (Mt 14:23). Did he ask for strength to keep on going in those evening hours? Did he plead for his followers in his earnest requests? He prayed. And for an extended period of time.
While he was on that hill, the 12 were in the boat. But this was no pleasure cruise. They had been at it for hours, rowing and rowing. They had made some progress—“the boat was already a considerable distance from land” (Mt 14:24). But then things got ugly. One of the storms that is characteristic of that body of water blew in. That is because it sits in a bowl—680 feet below sea level. Gusts whip over the surrounding peaks and rile up the sea. If you have seen any footage of Hurricane Harvey in Texas you might get a visual. Good thing that many of them were fishermen. They had dealt with this kind of tempest before. But their experience only did so much. Their little ship was in serious trouble—“buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it” (Mt 14:24). It kept on beating and beating against their faces. Their oars did little good. This was getting scarier and scarier as the hours passed. It was the “fourth watch of the night” (Mt 14:25). That is between 3:00-6:00 in the morning. They were more than likely weary and worn.
But those men were never out of sight or out of mind. In fact, Jesus had put them in that vessel aware of the squall that was coming like a mother who takes a toddler to the doctor mindful that there might be some pain. He knew where they were now and what they confronted. That is a good reminder for us. We use that comparison when we encounter difficulties or dangers. We refer to them as “the storms of life.” And it may not be water from waves running down our faces. Those are tears. And then we wonder. Where is Jesus?
He is there. It was that way for the disciples. “Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake” (Mt 14:25). He strolled along on the waves as if it were dry land—on the very thing that they were fighting. This was not along the shoreline, but across the surface. Jesus can do that. He is God.
And that is when superstition got the best of them. It is just like a little boy hears a noise at night and assumes that there is a monster under his bed. Only for them, it went like this: “When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear” (Mt 14:26). Their hearts on the inside matched the weather on the outside. It felt like a typhoon was raging in their chests. We have felt that too.
Jesus came to them when they were in that desperate situation with his merciful help. Don’t miss that. Jesus came to them. That is the way that the Lord handled Elijah when he was discouraged and disappointed as he commented and complained: “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” (1 Ki 19:10). Not in the howling wind, the trembling earthquake, or the roaring fire. But in the gentle whisper of his word (1 Kg 19:12). That energized and equipped Elijah to carry out his assigned tasks of anointing certain individuals. Jesus also had comforting words for those struggling men: “Jesus immediately said to them” (Mt 14:27). (That is the second time we come across that word “immediately.” He didn’t wait.)
“Take courage!” (Mt 14:27). They could be bold. Jesus was there.
“It is I” (Mt 14:27). He is the changeless One (Ex 3:14). He still was all-knowing and all-powerful. And that would not ever be different.
“Don’t be afraid” (Mt 14:27). That emotion could now stop.
When trying times pound on us—and they will, Jesus is present with us. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Mt 14:27). He may take it away. He may take us through it. Either way, Jesus comes to us in his Word. We can be still (Ps 46:10). God is God even now or even then. He will not abandon us all the way to our dying day (He 13:5; Ps 23:4). Jesus will not let us drown. He comes with his merciful help in his Word.
2. With his mighty hand (28-33)
I suppose that if you are close enough to the side or the shore, a lifeguard can reach out and pull you to safety. Or he might toss a life preserver or she may lob a life ring and drag you away from the threat of drowning. Jesus does the same. Jesus won’t let you drown. He comes with his mighty hand.
It was Peter who was the first to open his mouth when there was no way of a mistaken identity. It was really Jesus. And he makes a bold request. “Lord, if it’s you (it is in the sense of “since it is you”), tell me to come to you on the water” (Mt 14:28). That is good desire—to be with the Lord. And Peter didn’t assume; he asked. Jesus gave him permission: “Come” (Mt 14:29). I wonder if the others didn’t get mad that they didn’t think of that too. Because it happened. “Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus” (Mt 14:29). This wasn’t a sandbar or a shallow spot. He walked on the water.
Well, for a time. “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid” (Mt 14:30). This last Monday the warning was sounded, “Don’t look directly at the sun during the eclipse or it will burn up your retinas. You need special glasses for that.” (The cloud cover helped with us missing the spectacle of the century.) Peter was supposed to look straight at the Son. Because when he looked down, he went down. When the waves got bigger in his eyes, Jesus got smaller in his view.
Now he was in jeopardy. “Beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Mt 14:30). The disciples were probably not so jealous anymore. They weren’t much safer than him, but they were at least still in the boat. Peter proves that a short prayer is often long enough—three words. It wasn’t, “I am kind of in a precarious spot at the present moment. Jesus, if you could, please stretch out your arm far enough that you might grab me and then draw me up so that I could stand once again at your side.” No. “Lord, save me.”
“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him” (Mt 14:31). (That is the third time we come across an “immediately.”) No delay. And then the question: “You of little faith, … why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:31). Peter didn’t have a decent answer. But do we? In the middle of a tough setting—when we might not be below the surface, but the water seems to be at our bottom lip, we fail to fix our eyes on Jesus and fixate on the circumstance. That is not what he desires (He 12:2).
And Jesus doesn’t let us drown with his mighty hand. We learn to state confidently with the psalmist Asaph: “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” (Ps 73:23,24). It is like a parent and a child crossing a street. The dad holds on to the child’ hand, not the other way around. He is the strong one, not the little one.
And we can trust his powerful hand. “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down” (Mt 14:32). Another miracle. He controls nature. And because Jesus conquered Satan and sin on the cross, no one will be able to snatch us from his hand (Jn 10:28). We join the disciples kneeling in the boat here sitting here in church as we worship him together, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Mt 14:33). Yes, Jesus is the Christ, as Paul pointed out: “who is God over all, forever praised!” (Ro 9:5). Jesus won’t let us drown. He comes with his mighty hand over all.
In the long run an “r” doesn’t make a difference. It is true whether we claim, “Jesus won’t let you down” or “Jesus won’t let you drown.” In reality it comes out the same, doesn’t it? Jesus is with us as seen at the Sea of Galilee—with his merciful help and with his mighty hand. It is so and will be so. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:10). Amen.
August 27, 2017
It is not a typo (not that I don’t occasionally make a mistake when pushing the keys while I am on the computer). It even gets through the spell check (but not the grammar check). It is just not the way that we are used to hearing the phrase. Usually it is, “So and so won’t let you down.”
But it just one extra letter—an “r.” Jesus won’t let you drown. It makes sense. Even more so if we go to the Sea of Galilee. The disciples needed to recognize that. We need to realize it too. Jesus won’t let you drown—figuratively. He comes with his merciful help and with his mighty hand. We read from …
Matthew 14:22-33
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, our present and powerful Savior,
During the summer months, it is not uncommon at some time to be around or in water. We do have 11,842 lakes in this state. In some cases, a life jacket is not just recommended by mom, but required by law. They are valuable when you are swimming or when you are kayaking.
Those activities are fun. But they can be dangerous. So it is good to strap one of those around your chest even though they are unwieldy and even if they are uncomfortable. (There is your public service announcement. The DNR can thank me later.) That is because we don’t breathe too well under water (without an oxygen tank or plastic snorkel, of course). If you haven’t tried it already, don’t. And it also takes a bit of effort and expertise to float above water. Especially in the case of an emergency, the life jacket does its job.
So does Jesus.
Jesus Won’t Let You Drown
1. He comes with his merciful help (22-27)
2. He comes with his mighty hand (28-33)
1. He comes with his merciful help (22-27)
Pools and ponds often have lifeguards. They are not there to work on their tans. They are to guard life. (It is in the name.) In case there is a problem, they lend their professional assistance so that you don’t sink to the bottom and stay there. They do it to get paid. Jesus does it to take care. Jesus won’t let you drown. He comes with his merciful help.
It had been a busy day for Jesus. He had healed the sick (Mt 14:14). And he had fed the hungry—5000+ with a boy’s lunch box of two fish and five loaves of bread. There were even leftovers! That got the people excited. The thought crossed their minds, “Wouldn’t it be great if he would do that all the time?” He would make quite the king with his free food (Jn 6:15).
But that is not why Jesus came—to provide social security, but instead to offer salvation security. So he took action right away. “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd” (Mt 14:22). He quickly put a stop to any plans to put him on a throne. That kind of thinking could not corrupt his followers or continue in their heads.
It wasn’t that he didn’t like groups of people like some stay away from the Great Minnesota Get-together because of the mass of humanity. He needed some quiet time. “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (Mt 14:23). The Son had to speak to his heavenly Father. He had not come to be declared a king by popular choice, but to die on a wooden cross. That is how he would wear a crown. “When evening came, he was there alone” (Mt 14:23). Did he ask for strength to keep on going in those evening hours? Did he plead for his followers in his earnest requests? He prayed. And for an extended period of time.
While he was on that hill, the 12 were in the boat. But this was no pleasure cruise. They had been at it for hours, rowing and rowing. They had made some progress—“the boat was already a considerable distance from land” (Mt 14:24). But then things got ugly. One of the storms that is characteristic of that body of water blew in. That is because it sits in a bowl—680 feet below sea level. Gusts whip over the surrounding peaks and rile up the sea. If you have seen any footage of Hurricane Harvey in Texas you might get a visual. Good thing that many of them were fishermen. They had dealt with this kind of tempest before. But their experience only did so much. Their little ship was in serious trouble—“buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it” (Mt 14:24). It kept on beating and beating against their faces. Their oars did little good. This was getting scarier and scarier as the hours passed. It was the “fourth watch of the night” (Mt 14:25). That is between 3:00-6:00 in the morning. They were more than likely weary and worn.
But those men were never out of sight or out of mind. In fact, Jesus had put them in that vessel aware of the squall that was coming like a mother who takes a toddler to the doctor mindful that there might be some pain. He knew where they were now and what they confronted. That is a good reminder for us. We use that comparison when we encounter difficulties or dangers. We refer to them as “the storms of life.” And it may not be water from waves running down our faces. Those are tears. And then we wonder. Where is Jesus?
He is there. It was that way for the disciples. “Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake” (Mt 14:25). He strolled along on the waves as if it were dry land—on the very thing that they were fighting. This was not along the shoreline, but across the surface. Jesus can do that. He is God.
And that is when superstition got the best of them. It is just like a little boy hears a noise at night and assumes that there is a monster under his bed. Only for them, it went like this: “When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear” (Mt 14:26). Their hearts on the inside matched the weather on the outside. It felt like a typhoon was raging in their chests. We have felt that too.
Jesus came to them when they were in that desperate situation with his merciful help. Don’t miss that. Jesus came to them. That is the way that the Lord handled Elijah when he was discouraged and disappointed as he commented and complained: “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” (1 Ki 19:10). Not in the howling wind, the trembling earthquake, or the roaring fire. But in the gentle whisper of his word (1 Kg 19:12). That energized and equipped Elijah to carry out his assigned tasks of anointing certain individuals. Jesus also had comforting words for those struggling men: “Jesus immediately said to them” (Mt 14:27). (That is the second time we come across that word “immediately.” He didn’t wait.)
“Take courage!” (Mt 14:27). They could be bold. Jesus was there.
“It is I” (Mt 14:27). He is the changeless One (Ex 3:14). He still was all-knowing and all-powerful. And that would not ever be different.
“Don’t be afraid” (Mt 14:27). That emotion could now stop.
When trying times pound on us—and they will, Jesus is present with us. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Mt 14:27). He may take it away. He may take us through it. Either way, Jesus comes to us in his Word. We can be still (Ps 46:10). God is God even now or even then. He will not abandon us all the way to our dying day (He 13:5; Ps 23:4). Jesus will not let us drown. He comes with his merciful help in his Word.
2. With his mighty hand (28-33)
I suppose that if you are close enough to the side or the shore, a lifeguard can reach out and pull you to safety. Or he might toss a life preserver or she may lob a life ring and drag you away from the threat of drowning. Jesus does the same. Jesus won’t let you drown. He comes with his mighty hand.
It was Peter who was the first to open his mouth when there was no way of a mistaken identity. It was really Jesus. And he makes a bold request. “Lord, if it’s you (it is in the sense of “since it is you”), tell me to come to you on the water” (Mt 14:28). That is good desire—to be with the Lord. And Peter didn’t assume; he asked. Jesus gave him permission: “Come” (Mt 14:29). I wonder if the others didn’t get mad that they didn’t think of that too. Because it happened. “Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus” (Mt 14:29). This wasn’t a sandbar or a shallow spot. He walked on the water.
Well, for a time. “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid” (Mt 14:30). This last Monday the warning was sounded, “Don’t look directly at the sun during the eclipse or it will burn up your retinas. You need special glasses for that.” (The cloud cover helped with us missing the spectacle of the century.) Peter was supposed to look straight at the Son. Because when he looked down, he went down. When the waves got bigger in his eyes, Jesus got smaller in his view.
Now he was in jeopardy. “Beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Mt 14:30). The disciples were probably not so jealous anymore. They weren’t much safer than him, but they were at least still in the boat. Peter proves that a short prayer is often long enough—three words. It wasn’t, “I am kind of in a precarious spot at the present moment. Jesus, if you could, please stretch out your arm far enough that you might grab me and then draw me up so that I could stand once again at your side.” No. “Lord, save me.”
“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him” (Mt 14:31). (That is the third time we come across an “immediately.”) No delay. And then the question: “You of little faith, … why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:31). Peter didn’t have a decent answer. But do we? In the middle of a tough setting—when we might not be below the surface, but the water seems to be at our bottom lip, we fail to fix our eyes on Jesus and fixate on the circumstance. That is not what he desires (He 12:2).
And Jesus doesn’t let us drown with his mighty hand. We learn to state confidently with the psalmist Asaph: “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” (Ps 73:23,24). It is like a parent and a child crossing a street. The dad holds on to the child’ hand, not the other way around. He is the strong one, not the little one.
And we can trust his powerful hand. “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down” (Mt 14:32). Another miracle. He controls nature. And because Jesus conquered Satan and sin on the cross, no one will be able to snatch us from his hand (Jn 10:28). We join the disciples kneeling in the boat here sitting here in church as we worship him together, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Mt 14:33). Yes, Jesus is the Christ, as Paul pointed out: “who is God over all, forever praised!” (Ro 9:5). Jesus won’t let us drown. He comes with his mighty hand over all.
In the long run an “r” doesn’t make a difference. It is true whether we claim, “Jesus won’t let you down” or “Jesus won’t let you drown.” In reality it comes out the same, doesn’t it? Jesus is with us as seen at the Sea of Galilee—with his merciful help and with his mighty hand. It is so and will be so. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Ro 16:10). Amen.
August 27, 2017
Sunday, August 13, 2017
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Romans 8:28-30)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
Apparently it didn’t happen. That is according to the website, 15 Things You Were Taught in School That Are Total Lies. An apple did not fall on Sir Isaac Newton’s head thus helping him discover gravity. (It was there all along.)
The grain of truth in that account is that the fruit was part of the development of his theory. Evidently as he sat in a garden, he would often wonder why an apple fell perpendicularly to the ground rather than sideways or upwards.
That hardly casts doubt on any and all education. Contrary to popular belief or internet surveys, school is not bad. Teachers impart essential facts.
It is good to remind ourselves that there is nothing false in the Bible. We don’t have to scratch our heads in wonder. It is all true because it is God’s Word. Everything—from beginning to end. We would do well to echo the prayer of the psalmist: “Give me understanding” (Ps 119:34).
So if God tells us, we trust him. God cannot and does not lie. Therefore, we are positive. We know. We know God’s sure promise of good and God’s certain path to glory. We read from …
Romans 8:28-30
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of all,
You don’t have to be the inventor of calculus or even a student of it to understand that apples fall from a limb to the earth. If you extend your arm and drop an apple, it would not be a matter of, “I suppose” or “I suspect that it will descend to the floor.” (If only all science experiments were that easy.) We know.
That goes for what God states in Scripture. It is not, “we want” or “we wish.” It is …
We Know
1. God’s sure promise of good (28)
2. God’s certain path to glory (29,30)
1. God’s sure promise of good (28)
Our promises can be fickle. We make them, but we do not always keep them. A father can say to his son, “We will go out for lunch tomorrow to your favorite restaurant,” but something may interfere or interrupt that outing. And it doesn’t happen. And then we can get skeptical and cynical about every assurance from everybody. Not when it comes to our God. We know God’s sure promise of good.
We are headed to heaven. It is a place that is beyond compare—so great and so grand (Ro 8:18). There are so many reminders that this is not it right now. It is not right here. We groan because of things like sickness and stress, disaster and even death (Ro 8:23) and many other troubles and tribulations until we enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). But we are not alone. The Holy Spirit prays for us (Ro 8:26).
And our God cares for us. That is not something that we have to guess about, but can be glad about. Paul recalls that for us. “We know” (Ro 8:28)—just like we know that apples fall down. “We know that in all things God works for the good” (Ro 8:28).
We can pick that promise apart. “All things” (Ro 8:28). Not many or most, some or several. It comes down to that three letter word—all. All things.
That includes what we consider good in our minds. We perhaps forget that too easily. When life is going well, do we ask: “Why am I so happy?” Or “Why am I so healthy?” That is God working—showering and sending blessings on us. Those things work for our good.
That covers what we call bad in our opinion. That is usually what we think of—the hurt or the heartache. Typically it sounds like this: Why this? What that? Why them? But we know God’s sure promise of good—no matter what the situation or the circumstance. We may not get it, but we grab that. That is God, who is all-knowing and all-powerful, continually working it out like the parts of a car engine operate in sync as the vehicle moves along the road. Those things work for our good too.
That is the case as Paul puts it for “those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). That might cause us to pause because our love for God is not always strong. But this is not dependent on us as if we have to drum that love up. But “we love because he first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). Our love is a response to his love which moved him to send his Son to save us (Jn 3:16). And he has invited us into his family like a neighbor asks you over for supper—summoning us from the darkness of sin to the light of salvation (1 Pe 2:9).
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). Isn’t it easier to acknowledge that in the lives of others?
[When Joseph’s brother’s sold him into slavery because they disliked him (That is putting it mildly.), God was with Joseph—in Potiphar’s house, in a local prison, and in a government position. God had a plan—for good. The Lord saved many lives during the famine as well as the kept alive the family of the Messiah (Ge 50:20).
When his good friend Lazarus died, Jesus brought him out of the tomb (Jn 11). God had a plan—for good. He glorified Jesus.
[Slide 12] And on that Friday outside of Jerusalem, Jesus was crucified. It was a dark day. But God had a plan—for good. He put our sin on Jesus so that he could pay for them all.
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). We can admit in our own life—even in the midst of an individual challenge when our question is “what about this?” or in the middle of an important change when our concern is “what about that?”. Satan wants us to focus on the pain, not the promise. If you go to an art museum, you need to stand back to take in the whole image instead of staring at the corner of a painting. Otherwise you will miss the beauty of the portrait. We remember what God states and realize that is what God does. We know God’s sure promise of good. He pulls us closer rather than pushes us away because he is good (Ps 106:1). It is only good all the time.
2. God’s certain path to glory (29,30)
Our paths may be faulty. Even if father and son strap on the seatbelt to make their way to the restaurant of choice and turn off the wrong exit, there will be no wings for dinner. Not with our God. There is nothing that gets in the way. We know God’s certain path to glory.
And God links it all together in a seamless chain—one event after another. And it stretches from eternity to eternity. And they are all a reality.
“For those God foreknew” (Ro 8:29). Before the creation of the world, God had an intimate knowledge of us. It is not like I know the current president of the United States. But how I know those in my family. And with God it carries the concept of approval and acceptance—not because of what we would do for him in life, but what he would do for us in Jesus. Long before we could lift a finger or plead our case, God did it all and placed his claim on us. That is grace.
Those are the very ones whom God “also predestined” (Ro 8:29). God put a boundary around us like we put a fence around the field out back. It bears repeating: Not because we would be sinless (he was aware that we would be sinful), but because of our sinless Substitute, Jesus. It was also not because we would come to faith, but because he would bring us to faith. That we are his sons and daughters is unmerited and undeserved (Eph 1:4,5; 2:8,9). It was that great mercy that Solomon recognized in his family history: “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day” (1 Kg 3:6).
And why did God select us? “To be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Ro 8:29). The sons of God have the same blessings as the Son of God. Our Brother Jesus—the first in a long line of siblings—made that possible. We have righteousness that never fails and life that never ends. And one day he “will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body” (Php 3:21).
Paul continues the unbroken sequence: “And those he predestined (he reuses that verb from before), he also called” (Ro 8:30). The Holy Spirit used Word and sacrament to create faith in our hearts. The same means by which he keeps us in that faith.
“Those he called, he also justified” (Ro 8:30). As Paul often does, he takes us to a courtroom. The evidence is dreadful. We confess it. As the gavel comes down, our head goes down. But the verdict is wonderful. God lifts it our eyes to the cross where Jesus shouldered our guilt and shed his blood. And God clears our account of all sin. It is indisputable because Jesus rose from the dead. We are right with God (Ro 3:21ff; 4:25).
There is one more connection in the series. “Those he justified, he also glorified” (Ro 8:30). Up to this point, it has made sense. All those events have been in the past—foreknew, predestined, called, justified. But now glorified? That lies in the future. Heaven is ours right now. But the full realization is yet to be. But that is what is so significant, if not special. From God’s perspective it is as good as done. We are glorified at the moment. Jesus will return one day to take us to the place that he has prepared (Jn 14:2,3). On judgment day, there will be a separation of believers and unbelievers, “the wicked from the righteous”—like good and bad fish in Jesus’ parable (Mt 13:47-52). And we will be with the Lord forever. We know about God’s certain path to glory. It is only good for all time.
When I saw that there was a fabrication with Sir Isaac Newton supposedly taught still, I was hoping that the fruit was wrong. For the sake of a joke, I was wanting it to be a fig rather than an apple. Like “fig newton.” Even though we are not a scientist or a mathematician, we know about gravity. Things are drawn to the earth. More important we know God’s sure promise of good on earth and his certain path to glory in heaven. Yes, we know that it shall be so. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
August 13, 2017
Apparently it didn’t happen. That is according to the website, 15 Things You Were Taught in School That Are Total Lies. An apple did not fall on Sir Isaac Newton’s head thus helping him discover gravity. (It was there all along.)
The grain of truth in that account is that the fruit was part of the development of his theory. Evidently as he sat in a garden, he would often wonder why an apple fell perpendicularly to the ground rather than sideways or upwards.
That hardly casts doubt on any and all education. Contrary to popular belief or internet surveys, school is not bad. Teachers impart essential facts.
It is good to remind ourselves that there is nothing false in the Bible. We don’t have to scratch our heads in wonder. It is all true because it is God’s Word. Everything—from beginning to end. We would do well to echo the prayer of the psalmist: “Give me understanding” (Ps 119:34).
So if God tells us, we trust him. God cannot and does not lie. Therefore, we are positive. We know. We know God’s sure promise of good and God’s certain path to glory. We read from …
Romans 8:28-30
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of all,
You don’t have to be the inventor of calculus or even a student of it to understand that apples fall from a limb to the earth. If you extend your arm and drop an apple, it would not be a matter of, “I suppose” or “I suspect that it will descend to the floor.” (If only all science experiments were that easy.) We know.
That goes for what God states in Scripture. It is not, “we want” or “we wish.” It is …
We Know
1. God’s sure promise of good (28)
2. God’s certain path to glory (29,30)
1. God’s sure promise of good (28)
Our promises can be fickle. We make them, but we do not always keep them. A father can say to his son, “We will go out for lunch tomorrow to your favorite restaurant,” but something may interfere or interrupt that outing. And it doesn’t happen. And then we can get skeptical and cynical about every assurance from everybody. Not when it comes to our God. We know God’s sure promise of good.
We are headed to heaven. It is a place that is beyond compare—so great and so grand (Ro 8:18). There are so many reminders that this is not it right now. It is not right here. We groan because of things like sickness and stress, disaster and even death (Ro 8:23) and many other troubles and tribulations until we enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). But we are not alone. The Holy Spirit prays for us (Ro 8:26).
And our God cares for us. That is not something that we have to guess about, but can be glad about. Paul recalls that for us. “We know” (Ro 8:28)—just like we know that apples fall down. “We know that in all things God works for the good” (Ro 8:28).
We can pick that promise apart. “All things” (Ro 8:28). Not many or most, some or several. It comes down to that three letter word—all. All things.
That includes what we consider good in our minds. We perhaps forget that too easily. When life is going well, do we ask: “Why am I so happy?” Or “Why am I so healthy?” That is God working—showering and sending blessings on us. Those things work for our good.
That covers what we call bad in our opinion. That is usually what we think of—the hurt or the heartache. Typically it sounds like this: Why this? What that? Why them? But we know God’s sure promise of good—no matter what the situation or the circumstance. We may not get it, but we grab that. That is God, who is all-knowing and all-powerful, continually working it out like the parts of a car engine operate in sync as the vehicle moves along the road. Those things work for our good too.
That is the case as Paul puts it for “those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). That might cause us to pause because our love for God is not always strong. But this is not dependent on us as if we have to drum that love up. But “we love because he first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). Our love is a response to his love which moved him to send his Son to save us (Jn 3:16). And he has invited us into his family like a neighbor asks you over for supper—summoning us from the darkness of sin to the light of salvation (1 Pe 2:9).
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). Isn’t it easier to acknowledge that in the lives of others?
[When Joseph’s brother’s sold him into slavery because they disliked him (That is putting it mildly.), God was with Joseph—in Potiphar’s house, in a local prison, and in a government position. God had a plan—for good. The Lord saved many lives during the famine as well as the kept alive the family of the Messiah (Ge 50:20).
When his good friend Lazarus died, Jesus brought him out of the tomb (Jn 11). God had a plan—for good. He glorified Jesus.
[Slide 12] And on that Friday outside of Jerusalem, Jesus was crucified. It was a dark day. But God had a plan—for good. He put our sin on Jesus so that he could pay for them all.
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Ro 8:28). We can admit in our own life—even in the midst of an individual challenge when our question is “what about this?” or in the middle of an important change when our concern is “what about that?”. Satan wants us to focus on the pain, not the promise. If you go to an art museum, you need to stand back to take in the whole image instead of staring at the corner of a painting. Otherwise you will miss the beauty of the portrait. We remember what God states and realize that is what God does. We know God’s sure promise of good. He pulls us closer rather than pushes us away because he is good (Ps 106:1). It is only good all the time.
2. God’s certain path to glory (29,30)
Our paths may be faulty. Even if father and son strap on the seatbelt to make their way to the restaurant of choice and turn off the wrong exit, there will be no wings for dinner. Not with our God. There is nothing that gets in the way. We know God’s certain path to glory.
And God links it all together in a seamless chain—one event after another. And it stretches from eternity to eternity. And they are all a reality.
“For those God foreknew” (Ro 8:29). Before the creation of the world, God had an intimate knowledge of us. It is not like I know the current president of the United States. But how I know those in my family. And with God it carries the concept of approval and acceptance—not because of what we would do for him in life, but what he would do for us in Jesus. Long before we could lift a finger or plead our case, God did it all and placed his claim on us. That is grace.
Those are the very ones whom God “also predestined” (Ro 8:29). God put a boundary around us like we put a fence around the field out back. It bears repeating: Not because we would be sinless (he was aware that we would be sinful), but because of our sinless Substitute, Jesus. It was also not because we would come to faith, but because he would bring us to faith. That we are his sons and daughters is unmerited and undeserved (Eph 1:4,5; 2:8,9). It was that great mercy that Solomon recognized in his family history: “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day” (1 Kg 3:6).
And why did God select us? “To be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Ro 8:29). The sons of God have the same blessings as the Son of God. Our Brother Jesus—the first in a long line of siblings—made that possible. We have righteousness that never fails and life that never ends. And one day he “will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body” (Php 3:21).
Paul continues the unbroken sequence: “And those he predestined (he reuses that verb from before), he also called” (Ro 8:30). The Holy Spirit used Word and sacrament to create faith in our hearts. The same means by which he keeps us in that faith.
“Those he called, he also justified” (Ro 8:30). As Paul often does, he takes us to a courtroom. The evidence is dreadful. We confess it. As the gavel comes down, our head goes down. But the verdict is wonderful. God lifts it our eyes to the cross where Jesus shouldered our guilt and shed his blood. And God clears our account of all sin. It is indisputable because Jesus rose from the dead. We are right with God (Ro 3:21ff; 4:25).
There is one more connection in the series. “Those he justified, he also glorified” (Ro 8:30). Up to this point, it has made sense. All those events have been in the past—foreknew, predestined, called, justified. But now glorified? That lies in the future. Heaven is ours right now. But the full realization is yet to be. But that is what is so significant, if not special. From God’s perspective it is as good as done. We are glorified at the moment. Jesus will return one day to take us to the place that he has prepared (Jn 14:2,3). On judgment day, there will be a separation of believers and unbelievers, “the wicked from the righteous”—like good and bad fish in Jesus’ parable (Mt 13:47-52). And we will be with the Lord forever. We know about God’s certain path to glory. It is only good for all time.
When I saw that there was a fabrication with Sir Isaac Newton supposedly taught still, I was hoping that the fruit was wrong. For the sake of a joke, I was wanting it to be a fig rather than an apple. Like “fig newton.” Even though we are not a scientist or a mathematician, we know about gravity. Things are drawn to the earth. More important we know God’s sure promise of good on earth and his certain path to glory in heaven. Yes, we know that it shall be so. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
August 13, 2017
Sunday, August 6, 2017
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Romans 8:26,27)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
“I can’t.” Those are difficult words, aren’t they? Because there is an admission behind them that causes us to swallow our pride. “I can’t” means that we are unable to do something. And we don’t like that. We want to be strong and solid. But we are forced to admit—sometimes stubbornly, other times sadly: “I can’t.”
I am not talking about a physical challenge at the gym like lifting 500 pounds with your arms or squatting 1000 pounds with your legs. (I doubt any of us is able to do either of those. Very few can.) But I am referring to a personal problem which is hard or a particular pain which is heavy. Those can feel just like a huge weight on the ends of a barbell. You are not immune to them. I am not alone with them. And finally we throw up our hands in frustration, “I can’t.” Perhaps we say it to others. Possibly we say it to God. Where do we turn?
Enter the Holy Spirit. He helps us as he prays on our behalf and as he prays for our good. We read from …
Romans 8:26,27
Dear Fellow saints, holy in God’s sight through God’s Son,
If you scan the pages of Scripture, you come across some great prayers and some good pray-ers. There is Jacob as he wrestles the Lord by the river, holding on tightly. There is David as he writes so many psalms, strumming on his lyre. Add to the list those like Abraham who prayed for some cities who were evil or Moses as he prayed for some people who were rebellious. And some others like Nehemiah or Daniel. We could go on.
And when you read those pleas, it is clear that their expressions are so lofty. And when we examine our own attempts, they fall so short. And maybe we come to the conclusion: “I can’t.”
Now what? Do we give up and shut down? No. We have the Holy Spirit. Not only does he call us to faith, but he keeps us in that faith. One of the ways is with his prayers. When we struggle or when we stammer with ours,
Enter the Holy Spirit
1. Who prays on our behalf (26)
2. Who prays for our good (27)
1. Who prays on our behalf (26)
Let’s imagine that you are pumping iron at your local fitness center. You want to push yourself. You plan to do 8 repetitions on the bench press, but only can pull off 7. The bar now rests uncomfortably on your chest. And there it sits. Enter a spotter. He (or she) grabs it and places it back on the posts above your head for you. (It is embarrassing when that one does it with just one arm.) That is critical. How about when we pour out our hearts? It is even more crucial. Enter the Holy Spirit who prays on our behalf.
There is a lot of groaning (and not just about doing the dishes). The apostle Paul reminded his readers in Rome that “the whole creation has been groaning” (Ro 8:22). That is because sin touches nature and taints it too. There are floods and famines, for example. But not only that, “we ourselves … groan inwardly” (Ro 8:23).
But we are not by ourselves. We have the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:23). And we wait on tiptoes for the time when Jesus will return to take us to the glory of heaven instead of the grind on earth.
Joel told us about judgment day. And Jesus taught us about the last day.
The prophet shared that nations will gather in the “Valley of Jehoshaphat … the valley of decision” (Joel 3:12,14). He used the picture of the harvest being ripe. But the reminder is that there is no reason for fear. “The LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel” (Joel 3:16). That is similar to what the psalmist David had us sing: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Ps 18:2).
The Savior showed with a parable of the wheat and the weeds. On the final day, the angels will separate the two—believers and unbelievers. Those who do evil will be thrown “into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Mt 13:42,43). Because we are right with God, we will live with our heavenly Father forever.
In the meantime—between then and now, we have the Spirit’s sighs. And he is not just a curious onlooker like someone who drives by an accident. He is constantly available and continually active. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Ro 8:26). It is like a mother who takes her son by the hand, leads him upstairs, and assists him in putting his clean clothes in the dresser. We need the Spirit’s aid because of our “weakness,” a lack of ability. Who of us hasn’t felt that? And not just physically. Paul spells it out: “We do not know what we ought to pray for” (Ro 8:26). It comes down to a question. And it is not, “What if I say the wrong words.” There is no technical jargon. It is simple and straightforward like a child with his dad. It is this: “What should we pray for that is in line with God’s will?”
As we make our way through our earthly life to our eternal life, there are those complicated situations and complex circumstances when we are at a loss as to what to request. (It should not be because we are out of practice when it comes to prayer. We have that privilege to speak to God anywhere and anytime. Or because we have been distant from God’s Word and ignorant of his guidance.) But it could come down to being absolutely unaware of what to pray. It could be when there is a diagnosis from the doctor or when there is a difficulty with a relationship. What is the content of our contact with God:
Do we ask God to give us relief from it or resolve for it?
Do we ask God to spare us or strengthen us?
Our tongues are tied like a boy trying to chat with a girl that he is sweet on. (Perhaps he should stick to texting.)
Paul passes along the emphatic reminder that the Holy Spirit steps in: “But the Spirit himself intercedes for us” (Ro 8:26). God the Holy Spirit, he is the very one who does that for us—for our sake. It is his ongoing effort of the One who has brought us to believe in God who saved us to plead for us to God who supports us. He is more than just a good friend who assures us that he or she will always be there. That may not be. It is with the Holy Spirit. And he does that “with groans that words cannot express” (Ro 8:26). The Holy Spirit shares our hurts and speaks to the Father on our behalf with unspoken sounds like the thoughts in our minds.
So instead of being bashful—what if my prayers are foolish or childish?, we are bold. God wants us to approach him in the day of trouble—with our cares and concerns (Ps 50:15). It can be from the forgiveness of sins to the support for the future. And anything and everything in between. If we wonder and waver, enter the Holy Spirit who prays on our behalf. He is on our side.
2. Who prays for our good (27)
Let’s envision the bar is not laying on your ribs, but on your throat. To clear up any confusion, that is not healthy. It restricts oxygen from going into your lungs. Enter a spotter who snags it off your windpipe. That is valuable for staying alive. So is the Spirit. He is useful for going forward. Enter the Holy Spirit who prays for our good.
Not one thing gets by God the Father. He is the One “who searches our hearts” (Ro 8:27). And he doesn’t need fancy equipment like an X-ray or CT scan, a stethoscope or a microscope to do this thorough inspection like a hound dog sniffing every inch of the yard for the scent of a squirrel. God knows everything (Ps 139:1,2; Pr 20:27)—all the way to the deep, dark recesses. He doesn’t spot any sin because he has scrubbed it all away with Jesus’ blood (1 Jn 1:7).
And if he has that information, it is not surprising that he “knows the mind of the Spirit” (Ro 8:27). The Father is God. The Holy Spirit is God. (As well as the Son is God.) They are one. A wife may claim to know what her husband has in mind when it comes to supper, but not always. That is not the case with the Father and the Spirit. He knows what he is thinking and the way he thinks. And they are in complete harmony.
And it comes back to the assistance of the Spirit. “The Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (Ro 8:27). Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father in heaven, … your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:9,10). The Holy Spirit prays that perfectly—what is in line with what God wants. There are no misunderstandings or miscommunications. And his desire is only for the best of his loved ones. Or as Paul put it—“the saints” (Ro 8:27). That is, holy ones. Because that is what the Holy Spirit has made us—free from sin and far from sin. It is for us that he prays. That doesn’t make us sloppy in our prayer life, but steady. The Holy Spirit can take bumbling, fumbling prayers and make them beautiful, fantastic prayers. And God hears them and answers them. Enter the Holy Spirit who prays for our good—what is best and what is beneficial.
There will always be things that we simply cannot do—even all together. But one of them is not prayer just like those heroes in the Bible. We have the opportunity to pray. We have the encouragement to pray. And not only that, enter the Holy Spirit as he prays on our behalf and for our good. With him, “I can’t” becomes “I can.” Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
August 6, 2017
Monday, July 31, 2017
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Isaiah 55:10-13)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Ro 1:7). Amen.
The words that come out of our mouths are powerful. [Slide 2] You know that.
They can discourage when someone is riding high like “nice try”—indicating failure. One’s self-esteem sinks.
They can encourage when someone is feeling down like “nice job”—implying success. A person’s self-confidence soars.
If that is true of what we say, how much more of what God states. It is effective. It is like a seed that is planted in the ground. [Slide 3] God’s Word brings about growth. Isaiah mentions that reason for his Word and that result from his Word as we read from …
Isaiah 55:10-13
Dear People of God who brings us to faith and builds up our faith,
Perhaps you are beginning to enjoy some lettuce or peas or strawberries or peppers from your garden [Slide 4] (if you planted one—it will always be an “if” with me, but I realize that some people like to poke around in the dirt with their green thumbs). If not, it won’t be long until those things make it to your table.
But what did you do to cause the fruits or vegetables? [Slide 5] You can answer, “I watered. I weeded.” But in reality, God gets the credit for the liquid from the hose or the plant in the soil. King David, who was more accustomed to shepherding, was also acquainted with farming. As a psalmist, he had us sing about God: “You care for the land and water it; … you soften it with showers and bless its crops” (Ps 65:9,10). [Slide 6] It is that way with the harvest in a field. So it is with faith in a heart. The Lord stands behind both.
God’s Word Brings about Growth
1. There is that reason for his Word (10,11)
2. There is that result from his Word (12,13)
1. There is the reason for his Word (10,11)
The problem is, or my problem is, impatience. [Slide 7] It is like the student who puts some seeds in a plastic cup at night for a science fair project due the next day and in the morning expects to see something sticking up. But it will come. Later. God’s Word brings about growth. There is that reason for his Word.
Isaiah takes us to the world of agriculture—specifically the hydrological cycle. [Slide 8] Moisture first comes down from the clouds and then runs along the earth and finally goes back to the sky. It is a simplified version of the water cycle—a circle of precipitation and evaporation. Isaiah makes reference to it [Slide 9]: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish” (Is 55:10). But there is a purpose for it: “so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater” (Is 55:10). There is seed for the future and bread for the present. [Slide 10]
But this is not just a lesson in cultivating, but a comparison for learning. Isaiah makes that connection: “so [as in, “in the same manner”] is my word that goes out from my mouth” (Is 55:11). [Slide 11] Note whose word it is—“my word.” God makes contact with sinners through words, words about Jesus (Jn 1:1). We do not make them up. We only make them known. They are from the Lord (Is 7:7; 2 Pe 1:21; 2 Ti 3:15). That is why we refer to the Bible as “God’s Word.” That is what it is—from beginning to end. It is through God’s inspiration, not from man’s imagination.
And there is a point for the message from his mouth: “It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is 55:11). In other words, his word works (He 4:12). The Word is never sown without an outcome—sometimes right away, other times later on just like some flowers bloom earlier than others. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Co 15:58). That comes down to two things: rejection or acceptance. There is either a hardening of the heart or a healing of it (cf. Is 6:9,10).
That sounds like Jesus’ parable of the sower. [Slide 12] The seed was the same. The reception was different.
There were the hard-hearted hearers. “Some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up” (Mt 13:4). [Slide 13] The devil sneaks in and steals it away. He convinces people to despise and disregard God’s Word as foolishness or for the simple (1 Co 1:18). That is how our hearts were by nature—like stone or cement. But the Holy Spirit has opened our ears to listen (Mt 13:9).
There were the faint-hearted hearers. “Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root” (Mt 13:5,6). [Slide 14] There was initial excitement along with enthusiasm. But not for long. The pressures from the outside push the faith down and push it away. We need to stay close to God’s Word for strength and support in the difficulties and dangers.
There were the half-hearted hearers. “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants” (Mt 13:7). [Slide 15] That can happen when one frets over stuff—“Will I have enough?”—and falls for lies—“I need more things.” We can be thankful that we have a loving Father in heaven who provides for our bodies and our souls.
There were the true-hearted hearers. “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Mt 13:). [Slide 16] The Lord creates faith—the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Ro 1:16). We acknowledge our sin and appreciate our Savior. And God keeps us in that faith. And then there is fruit (Ga 5:22,23). We mature just like we continue to water the garden through the summer and see progress in the plants. That happens in us and it is what God delights in. We love God and love one another. We do our jobs and fulfill our responsibilities. All out of thanks.
That is why God conveys his Word to us. He wants us to look at his love and live in that love. God’s Word brings about growth. There is that reason for his Word.
2. That is the result from his Word (12,13)
Imagine the thrill when that first little shoot of green appears in the solo cup for the science fair assignment. [Slide 17] Not just because there won’t be an “F” in the grade book, but because there is life in a red cup. That is exciting. God’s Word brings about growth like that. There is that result from his Word.
As we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pe 3:18), we enjoy two beautiful blessings. “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (Is 55:12). [Slide 18]
There is joy—gladness, both inside and outside. It is apparent in our attitude and actions as we recognize that Jesus died and rose for us.
There is peace. All is right between us and God through Jesus.
Think back to Israel’s history. There was the exodus from Egypt. [Slide 19] God brought them out of the cruel slavery there to the Promised Land. And then in Isaiah’s day, there was the reminder that a remnant would return from the captivity in Babylon. But those only pointed ahead to the greatest exit of all. When God takes his own to their home in heaven—God’s final deliverance.
Isaiah includes the happiness that will spread even to nature. “The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Is 55:12). [Slide 20] When sin entered into the world, it affected the world. Now we talk in terms of hurricanes and tsunamis, droughts and famines. The apostle Paul captured that thought when he commented: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Ro 8:22). But notice the illustration. When a mother delivers a child, there is new life. So with us. We wait in hope for that great day when Jesus returns for us. Pains and problems and disease and death will no longer touch us. No wonder Paul exclaimed: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Ro 8:18). [Slide 21] The idea is of a balance scale. It tips in favor of heaven. We long for that day and look forward to it. Isaiah pictures the great change in a poetic way turning to nature again: “Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow” (Is 55:13)—from something useless like a stinging nettle to something useful like a majestic tree.
God gets the glory for that. In ancient times, a king might erect a monument to commemorate an accomplishment like a victory in battle. [Slide 22] But another monarch might destroy it or the wind might deface it. Isaiah closes with the fact that God saving us will not be that way. Ever. “This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed” (Is 55:13). [Slide 23] That God has freed us from sin and death will endure forever. God’s Word brings about growth. Heaven is that result from his Word where there will be unending joy and peace.
Words are like seeds. Both have power. God’s Word does. [Slide 24] It brings about growth. There is that reason for God’s Word. We pay attention to his Word and get ready for our home. There is that result from God’s Word. As Jesus remarked, “He who has ears, let him hear” (Mt 13:9). We are. And we do. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
July 30, 2017
The words that come out of our mouths are powerful. [Slide 2] You know that.
They can discourage when someone is riding high like “nice try”—indicating failure. One’s self-esteem sinks.
They can encourage when someone is feeling down like “nice job”—implying success. A person’s self-confidence soars.
If that is true of what we say, how much more of what God states. It is effective. It is like a seed that is planted in the ground. [Slide 3] God’s Word brings about growth. Isaiah mentions that reason for his Word and that result from his Word as we read from …
Isaiah 55:10-13
Dear People of God who brings us to faith and builds up our faith,
Perhaps you are beginning to enjoy some lettuce or peas or strawberries or peppers from your garden [Slide 4] (if you planted one—it will always be an “if” with me, but I realize that some people like to poke around in the dirt with their green thumbs). If not, it won’t be long until those things make it to your table.
But what did you do to cause the fruits or vegetables? [Slide 5] You can answer, “I watered. I weeded.” But in reality, God gets the credit for the liquid from the hose or the plant in the soil. King David, who was more accustomed to shepherding, was also acquainted with farming. As a psalmist, he had us sing about God: “You care for the land and water it; … you soften it with showers and bless its crops” (Ps 65:9,10). [Slide 6] It is that way with the harvest in a field. So it is with faith in a heart. The Lord stands behind both.
God’s Word Brings about Growth
1. There is that reason for his Word (10,11)
2. There is that result from his Word (12,13)
1. There is the reason for his Word (10,11)
The problem is, or my problem is, impatience. [Slide 7] It is like the student who puts some seeds in a plastic cup at night for a science fair project due the next day and in the morning expects to see something sticking up. But it will come. Later. God’s Word brings about growth. There is that reason for his Word.
Isaiah takes us to the world of agriculture—specifically the hydrological cycle. [Slide 8] Moisture first comes down from the clouds and then runs along the earth and finally goes back to the sky. It is a simplified version of the water cycle—a circle of precipitation and evaporation. Isaiah makes reference to it [Slide 9]: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish” (Is 55:10). But there is a purpose for it: “so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater” (Is 55:10). There is seed for the future and bread for the present. [Slide 10]
But this is not just a lesson in cultivating, but a comparison for learning. Isaiah makes that connection: “so [as in, “in the same manner”] is my word that goes out from my mouth” (Is 55:11). [Slide 11] Note whose word it is—“my word.” God makes contact with sinners through words, words about Jesus (Jn 1:1). We do not make them up. We only make them known. They are from the Lord (Is 7:7; 2 Pe 1:21; 2 Ti 3:15). That is why we refer to the Bible as “God’s Word.” That is what it is—from beginning to end. It is through God’s inspiration, not from man’s imagination.
And there is a point for the message from his mouth: “It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is 55:11). In other words, his word works (He 4:12). The Word is never sown without an outcome—sometimes right away, other times later on just like some flowers bloom earlier than others. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Co 15:58). That comes down to two things: rejection or acceptance. There is either a hardening of the heart or a healing of it (cf. Is 6:9,10).
That sounds like Jesus’ parable of the sower. [Slide 12] The seed was the same. The reception was different.
There were the hard-hearted hearers. “Some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up” (Mt 13:4). [Slide 13] The devil sneaks in and steals it away. He convinces people to despise and disregard God’s Word as foolishness or for the simple (1 Co 1:18). That is how our hearts were by nature—like stone or cement. But the Holy Spirit has opened our ears to listen (Mt 13:9).
There were the faint-hearted hearers. “Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root” (Mt 13:5,6). [Slide 14] There was initial excitement along with enthusiasm. But not for long. The pressures from the outside push the faith down and push it away. We need to stay close to God’s Word for strength and support in the difficulties and dangers.
There were the half-hearted hearers. “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants” (Mt 13:7). [Slide 15] That can happen when one frets over stuff—“Will I have enough?”—and falls for lies—“I need more things.” We can be thankful that we have a loving Father in heaven who provides for our bodies and our souls.
There were the true-hearted hearers. “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Mt 13:). [Slide 16] The Lord creates faith—the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Ro 1:16). We acknowledge our sin and appreciate our Savior. And God keeps us in that faith. And then there is fruit (Ga 5:22,23). We mature just like we continue to water the garden through the summer and see progress in the plants. That happens in us and it is what God delights in. We love God and love one another. We do our jobs and fulfill our responsibilities. All out of thanks.
That is why God conveys his Word to us. He wants us to look at his love and live in that love. God’s Word brings about growth. There is that reason for his Word.
2. That is the result from his Word (12,13)
Imagine the thrill when that first little shoot of green appears in the solo cup for the science fair assignment. [Slide 17] Not just because there won’t be an “F” in the grade book, but because there is life in a red cup. That is exciting. God’s Word brings about growth like that. There is that result from his Word.
As we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pe 3:18), we enjoy two beautiful blessings. “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (Is 55:12). [Slide 18]
There is joy—gladness, both inside and outside. It is apparent in our attitude and actions as we recognize that Jesus died and rose for us.
There is peace. All is right between us and God through Jesus.
Think back to Israel’s history. There was the exodus from Egypt. [Slide 19] God brought them out of the cruel slavery there to the Promised Land. And then in Isaiah’s day, there was the reminder that a remnant would return from the captivity in Babylon. But those only pointed ahead to the greatest exit of all. When God takes his own to their home in heaven—God’s final deliverance.
Isaiah includes the happiness that will spread even to nature. “The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Is 55:12). [Slide 20] When sin entered into the world, it affected the world. Now we talk in terms of hurricanes and tsunamis, droughts and famines. The apostle Paul captured that thought when he commented: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Ro 8:22). But notice the illustration. When a mother delivers a child, there is new life. So with us. We wait in hope for that great day when Jesus returns for us. Pains and problems and disease and death will no longer touch us. No wonder Paul exclaimed: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Ro 8:18). [Slide 21] The idea is of a balance scale. It tips in favor of heaven. We long for that day and look forward to it. Isaiah pictures the great change in a poetic way turning to nature again: “Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow” (Is 55:13)—from something useless like a stinging nettle to something useful like a majestic tree.
God gets the glory for that. In ancient times, a king might erect a monument to commemorate an accomplishment like a victory in battle. [Slide 22] But another monarch might destroy it or the wind might deface it. Isaiah closes with the fact that God saving us will not be that way. Ever. “This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed” (Is 55:13). [Slide 23] That God has freed us from sin and death will endure forever. God’s Word brings about growth. Heaven is that result from his Word where there will be unending joy and peace.
Words are like seeds. Both have power. God’s Word does. [Slide 24] It brings about growth. There is that reason for God’s Word. We pay attention to his Word and get ready for our home. There is that result from God’s Word. As Jesus remarked, “He who has ears, let him hear” (Mt 13:9). We are. And we do. Amen.
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
July 30, 2017
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