Lessons from a Storm

 

This is the cross that sat atop the steeple of St. John Lutheran Church in New Minden, IL.  It came down as a result of the F4 tornado that passed through town around noon on Sunday November 17th. During cleanup operations the cross was found crumpled on the ground.  It is bent but not broken.  The center of the cross caves inward.  You can almost picture the face of Jesus in the bulge where the cross bars meet.  It was on another cross nearly two millennia ago that the Son of God absorbed all unrighteousness into Himself as He hung cursed on the tree.  Jesus cried out in anguish:  “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me!”  Here Jesus experienced what it was like to live without the providential arm of God the Father.  Here he tasted hell in all of its fury.  Shortly after He cried out again.  “Father, into Your hands, I commit my spirit”.  Though forsaken for a moment Jesus entrusted Himself into the hands of His heavenly Father, confident that He would live, even if He died.  Three days later He was raised bodily from the dead.  He lives nevermore to die.  In Him we Christians live, move and have their being.  In Jesus all things are held together.  Jesus lives. Because He lives He says that you will live also.

Some thirteen homes in New Minden suffered damage from the storm.  Most face the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and sorting through what possessions are salvageable.  Vera Mills helped her 102 year old mother,Loretta Weihe, reach the basement safely. There they heard the snap. crackle and pop of the twister hitting their house.  They heard the loud bang the chimney made as it crashed to the floor.  Down the road Ray and Eunice Hausler reached the bottom step going into the basement when the storm carried off their home.  All are incredibly grateful to be alive.

Pastor Jacob Mueller, the oldest son of Rev.Tim and Dawn Mueller put everything in perspective regarding the tornado.  The path of the storm was headed straight for the crowded section of the village. Then it suddenly turned north and east where it heavily damaged a convenience store and four homes before crossing Highway 127 to the church. Pastor Jacob Mueller noted that it was so much like God to avert the suffering of people by directing it to His home, the church.  No doubt the injures and fatalities would have been greater if it the storm remained on its original course.

Look again at the recovered cross from the steeple.  Bent but not broken. It looks like someone punched it in the center.  Now the head looks down with arms eager to embrace. At Golgotha on the tree of the cross, Jesus suffered death and abandonment so that you and I may live and never be forsaken.  The members of St. John and people of New Minden have this in metal on the cross recovered from the fallen steeple.  Thanks be to God for His mercy and grace!

Timeless and Unchanging

A message bsed upon 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

How can I be sure in a world that’s constantly changing?  This question was put to song some forty-five years ago in another tumultuous decade. Nothing has slowed since.  The world around us is changing more rapidly than ever.  At the turn of the 20th century it was believed that the body of human knowledge doubled every century.  Today the doubling of knowledge takes place every twelve hours!  It is impossible for anyone to keep up with this increasing depth and breadth of information.  The proverbial jack of all trades is being replaced by specialists in every field. Change is everywhere.  It is relentless. It threatens to sweep away everything in sight.  Is anything sure and certain?  How can I be sure in a world that’s constantly changing?

The tides of change impact Christendom too.  Mainline church leaders have been abandoning Biblical teaching for decades. They deny the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, His divinity, His bodily resurrection and His physical return in judgment on the Last Day. Universalism, the belief that everyone will be saved regardless of what they believe has gained traction among many denominations. Clerics as diverse as the three most recent popes, Billy Graham and emerging church leader Rob Bell deny that Jesus Christ alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Sociologists of religion declare that the church is dead.  Something different will serve the burgeoning Christ-less spirituality of this present age. Modern scholarship prides itself on its skepticism of the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).  Programs you see on the History Channel, Discovery and TLC do not promote Biblical Christianity. They recycle ancient heretics and their false teachings into alternatives to the faith that you have learned.  Unbelief, misbelief and disbelief dislodge faith and certainty.  How can I be sure in a world that’s constantly changing?

None of this is new.  Satan, the dark prince of this world, has sowed seeds of doubt, unbelief, cynicism and skepticism widely.  He has many willing helpers.  Whenever you hear the question “Did God really say?” Stop. You should be able to detect the scent of sulfur emanating from these words.  “Why do you ask?” is an excellent follow-up. What follows is usually a denial of God’s Word and a particular belief based upon the Scriptures. The assault on marriage and the family are current examples. The debate is not so much about same-sex marriage as it is a sweeping effort to discredit religion and the family as we have known it since Eden.

What is new is the abandoning of the faith as handed over to us by our forefathers.  Early Christians became a leaven through which the culture was permeated and became largely Christian.  We are heading in reverse. Public figures deny our religious heritage and seek to replace it with anything but Christianity.  We are on the verge of an era when Christianity will be oppressed by ideologies as diverse as Islamic Sharia Law, humanism and Marxism.  It’s happening now in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  North America is next. Christian persecution is rampant in Egypt, the Sudan and Pakistan.

       The answer, the mission challenge, is before you.  SFrom infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the  man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:14-17). The grass withers, the flowers fall but the Word of the Lord endures forever (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:7). The Lord does not change His mind based upon the latest poll numbers of public opinion (James 1:17).

       The mission of the Church is not to scratch the itching ears of a wicked and perverse generation. Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4)? We live in the time when people do not endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3).  The answer is not to accommodate, change or let the world write the church’s agenda.  Paul introduces this section of Holy Scripture by charging Pastor Timothy “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead at the appearing of His kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1).  In other words, you are accountable to the Lord for the conduct of your ministry.  He will require that accounting when He returns.

       Therefore, “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.  As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

       We enter the mission field with eyes wide open.  The field is precisely where God has placed you.  It is fulfilled in your home, neighborhood, church, school, vocation, community and through your mission offerings to the outermost parts of the world.  Each of us knows people who are living contrary to the Word of God.  All of us know people who would benefit greatly from the forgiveness of their sins.  Repentance and forgiveness remain the heartbeat of Christian mission.  To reprove, rebuke or exhort has gone out of favor.  That’s a national problem today.  No one wants to say no to anyone.  The result is a generation that refuses to be held accountable. Who will step up and be the adult when adults abandon their God-given role?

       This is why the Scriptures call for pastors to be sober-minded with complete patience and teaching. Endure suffering.  It’s remarkable that most of us haven’t suffered for being a Christian to this point.  Regardless, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  An evangelist is one who brings the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name. This is vital for those convicted of guilt by rebuke, reproof or exhortation.  Jesus remains the Savior of the human race.  There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life the only way to God the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:6).

       St. Paul writes: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people will and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12-13). “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1Timothy 4:16). These remain the timeless and changeless Word of God.  How can I be sure?  God is faithful even if we are faithless.  The Word of the Lord endures forever, Amen.

This Present Darkness

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

As Daylight Savings Time reverted back to Central Standard Time, darkness falls one hour earlier. Coupled with overcast skies and stormy weather the hours of light are retreating.  So it is for this sin sick world.

Tuesday afternoon the present darkness turned deeper.  Illinois became the fifteenth state to legalize same-sex marriage. People celebrated. The media rejoiced. The clear Word of God was ignored. Listen to the Holy Spirit as you read the following.

"So God created them in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Genesis 1:27-28).  So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while He slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man He made into a woman and brought her to the man.  Then the man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:22-24).

Jesus confirmed this Biblical truth.  He added a comment regarding the dissolution of marriage.  “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:26).
The holy apostle writes under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.”

“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever, Amen.”
“For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those contrary to nature, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in them the due penalty for their error.”

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know and God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them, but give approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:18-32).
The darkness deepens.  Can it overcome the light?

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’”

“Where is the one who is wise?  Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ, crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to the Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weariness of God is stronger than men.”

“For consider your calling brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world , even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of Him your are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1:18-30).

The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.

“…all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with complete patience and teaching.  For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 3:12-4:5).

Even as the darkness deepens in the twilight of this world, Christians look forward to the dawning of the eternal day when Christ appears in radiant glory.

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome.

The Word at Work

The following is a mission festival sermon preached at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, Illinois on the 21-22 of September 2014.  The text was from Acts 16:6-15.

In the name of the Father, Son +, and Holy Spirit, Amen.  The text for this mission festival weekend is recorded for us in Acts 16:6-15.  This is the Word of the Lord.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways, nor are our thoughts His thoughts.  The Bible is replete with accounts of the Lord doing the unexpected in unusual situations.  Paul, Silas and Timothy determined to bring the Gospel to Phrygia, Galatia and Bythinia.  They were prevented from doing so by the Holy Spirit.  A vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help motivated the apostle to cross the Dardanelles. For the first time intentional evangelistic work took place on the European continent. It began in the Roman colonial city of Philippi.

On the Sabbath day Paul’s entourage went outside of the city to a place along the river where people gathered to pray.  The number included Jewish women married to Gentiles who retained the faith they received in childhood.  Timothy came from such a household in Lystra.  He could relate to these faithful Jewish women and their children.  The number also included Gentile women. Among them was Lydia, a woman from Thyatira.  The Lord blessed her mightily through Paul’s preaching.

The Psalms remind us that unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers build it in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain (Psalm 127:1). Without God’s blessing we can do nothing that lasts.  Jesus says: “I am the Vine; you are the branches.  Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to bear fruit and that fruit should last” (John 15:5, 16).  These words are humbling. We cannot come to faith on our own.  It is the Lord who opens ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to believe.  It is the Lord who works through His Word to accomplish His purposes in those who hear the Gospel.  God alone receives credit for what happens with Lydia.  “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14).

 Lydia was deeply moved by the Word of God. She learned that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World. He gave His life into death for the forgiveness of her sins and the sins of all people.  His resurrection opens the kingdom of heaven to all who believe.  Lydia and her household were baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection. Immediately she invites Paul, Luke, Silas and Timothy to stay at her home.  She expressed gratitude through hospitality.  Lydia generously shared her resources for the spread of the Gospel.  Her home became the first house church in Philippi.

One hundred and fifty years ago German Lutherans were intent on bringing the Gospel to Ethiopia.  In the days before the Suez Canal they had to travel three fourths of the way around Africa to reach the nearest port to their destination.  The emir favored Islam over Christianity and refused to allow the Lutheran missionaries to disembark.  The ship set sail, retracing their original route.  The first port that opened to them was Durbin in the British province of Natal on the southern edge of the continent.  The Lutheran missionaries moved inland and began evangelism among the Zulu people.  Progress was slow.  The Zulus were a strong and powerful nation.  They are proud and reluctant to adopt the way of outsiders.

One missionary spent twenty years preaching the Gospel.  Twice his home was burned to the ground as tensions erupted between the British and Zulus. In that time he could count one baptism among the natives. The Germans persisted.  Today we have Lutheran brothers and sisters in Africa.  We share one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Together we are recipients of God’s mercy, grace and blessings through His pure Word and blessed Sacraments.  God is faithful.  His word will not return to Him empty but will accomplish the purpose for which it is sent.  The Holy Spirit creates faith where and when He wills in those who hear the Gospel.  It is the Lord who opened the minds of the apostles so that they could understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).  The nineteenth century missionaries who initially saw little return from their labors sowed seeds that have matured thirty, sixty a hundredfold and more.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School have been serving the people of Steeleville for almost as long as Lutherans have been evangelizing in Southern Africa.  At times the work flourishes and prospers. At other times such as Word War I, a German speaking congregation was not popular when the United States was at war with Germany.  Your forefathers remained faithful to the Word of God even as they adjusted to preaching and teaching it in English during the next two decades. Word is at work in both circumstances.  Faith takes God at His promises and trusts that He will keep everyone of them.  Anyone can steer a boat on a clear, warm, sunny day.  Under a dark sky with wind and waves buffeting the boat and obscuring vision one must trust the compass and follow the chartered course even if every muscle and fiber in their being screams otherwise.  To give into temptation may result in serious injury and even loss of life.

The front line of mission work is wherever God plants His church.  Mission work continues in South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland.  It takes place in Steeleville, Randolph County and Southern Illinois.  The Word that changed Lydia’s heart in Philippi changes hearts wherever it is heard and believed.  Each person is different. Some come to faith and mature rapidly.  Others are much slower to grow and bear fruit.  Like the missionary in Natal with only a single convert one does not give up but persists in doing the very things the Lord has given us to do.  This is faith at work and faithfulness in duty.

Americans are fascinated with large numbers and demonstrable growth.  It is presumed that success depends on these outward and visible dynamics.  The Lord uses a different metric.  He calls His pastors, teachers and churches to be faithful. Faithful in attending the Divine Service, receiving the Lord’s precious body and blood, hearing the Word of God and talking about it with our families when we rise and retire, eat and travel.  The Word works.  It did in Philippi.  It does in South Africa.  This is the Word that has been preached to you (1 Peter 1:25).  Lord, I believe, help my unbelief, Amen.

Humble Service

      Many find it hard to be humble. Humility does not come easily since Adam and Eve sinned in Eden.  The devil’s temptation appealed to their pride. He insinuated that God was holding out on them.  If they would only eat the forbidden fruit they would become like God. Furthermore they would gain knowledge of good and evil.  They succumbed. Humanity has been vulnerable to pride every since. Instead of serving God and looking out for the welfare of others, people focus on themselves. The sixteenth century Reformers of the Church saw sin as people being turned inward rather than outward.  People have been navel gazing ever since Eden.

Words like meekness and humility are okay for someone else but they are not the most desirable traits one picks for himself. After all, “This is the ME generation.”  Narcissism is on the increase.  “What do I get out of this?” “What’s in it for me?” People use these questions to weigh their decisions, participation or expenses.  If the personal benefits are not clear many people decline involvement. Traits of lending a hand to a neighbor on a project are a vestige of bygone days.  Some families still do this but with the dramatic collapse of the nuclear family this is also not as common as it once was.  If someone is meek society considers them weak.  Perhaps they suffer from an inferiority complex and low self-esteem. A humble person is one that others feel they can walk all over, just like they would a doormat. It’s easy to understand why humility and meekness are less desirable traits in our modern world. 

Have they ever been popular?  The Pharisees saw themselves as pious laymen determined to fulfill every demand of the six hundred plus laws they placed around the Ten Commandments.  This left them open to the charge of hypocrisy when their actions did not match their intentions.  Pride was a very real temptation for them as was their failure to love their neighbor as themselves. Jesus is in the home of a ruler of the Pharisees.  Jesus continues to challenge their thinking with mercy, grace and compassion.  These were traits He did not see often among them. They, in turn, did not see Jesus as the Savior but instead were intent on catching Him in hypocrisy.

It was a Sabbath Day when no work could be done by faithful Jews and Pharisees.  Jesus used the Sabbath previously to teach and to heal.  They watched him carefully within this home.  A man was present who suffered from dropsy.  This is a term you do not hear much anymore. It refers to the retention of fluids by the body. You may know it by the term edema. It is associated with a couple of things including kidney problems or congestive heart failure.  Dropsy can make a person very uncomfortable. Jesus asks the scribes and the Pharisees if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not.  They refused to answer.  Jesus healed the man and sent him on his way.

Jesus presents them with a practical problem.  “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” (Luke 14:5).  They could not reply to Jesus without exposing themselves to the charge of hypocrisy.  Jesus demonstrates a true servant’s heart.  He put the interest of this man and his health to the forefront.  Rather than leave the man in this condition any longer than necessary, Jesus healed him.  The answer to the question Jesus raised was, “Yes, of course, if my son or an animal fell into a well, I would waste no time getting him out.” To leave them where they have fallen might be a sentence of death before the Sabbath was over.  If the scribes and Pharisees affirmed this they could not trap Jesus with this healing.

The Lord Jesus observes human activity with great interest.  He notes how they competed with each other for the seat of honor at the table.  Instead of thinking that you are the guest of honor, be content to take a lowly seat.  The host will correct the arrangements if necessary.  It is better to be brought up from a lower spot than to be humiliated and moved to sit with the rest of the crowd.“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).  This is affirmed in Philippians two:  Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

Putting others first, ahead of Himself, is the way of Jesus Christ.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though He was in the very form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  There God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11).

Jesus practiced what He preached.  As closely watched as He was, His enemies could not agree on a single charge against Him when He was on trial before the High Priest.  Jesus put your interests ahead of His own.  He didn't become a man, suffer, be crucified, died and buried for Himself.  He did it for you.  He took your place and mine. He took our punishment and gives us love.  He bore our transgressions and gives us forgiveness.  He absorbed our selfishness in exchange for His mercy and grace.  He did this not only for you and me but for sinners everywhere of all time and places.

When Jesus spreads out His table before us in the presence of our enemies, He knows that we cannot pay the cover charge or tip, let alone the cost of the entrée.  Sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes are numbered with the poor, crippled, lame, blind and those in prison.  We cannot repay Jesus for what He has done.  At best, we “pay it forward.”  Having received mercy, we show mercy.  Receiving grace we are graceful to others.  Forgiven of our sins, we forgive those who trespass against us.  This is loving your neighbor as yourself.  This is looking out for the interests of others ahead of your own.  This is the way of the cross, the way of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, He makes humble service chic and desirable, Amen.

A Simple Question

It is a simple question. Really it is.  “Will those who are saved be few?” (Luke 13:23).  It’s a question each of us has asked, if not pondered deeply.  Will heaven be full or relatively empty?  Jesus’ answer is not what was expected.  Jesus discusses many who seek to enter and are unable to do so.  He indicates at time is coming when it will be too late. The door will be locked and those outside will be remembered no more. There will be great weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Those who thought they had it made are left out and called evil.

At this point the implied answer is “yes” as few appear to be saved. Jesus continues.  He describes Abraham, Isaac and Jacob taking their appointed places with the prophets in God’s kingdom with the original questioner and his peers outside. People from all over the world, east and west, north and south enter God’s kingdom and recline at His table. These latecomers, as it were, enjoy the full benefits of heaven.  Those who came early may lose what they thought was a cinch. The answer to the simple question is: “More than you think but not whom you expect.”

Why would Jesus give such a perplexing answer to what was essentially a simple question?  The reason is found among those who raised it.  Judaism in the first century was an exclusive religion.  You were either a Jew or goyim, a non-civilized gentile.  The rabbis, scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees prided themselves on being the chosen people. They were the crème de le crème, the best of the best whom God could not help but reward when He came. Since they were so small in number they anticipated that only a few would be saved.  They expected Jesus to confirm this.

Jesus is the King above all kings.  He is the only Savior of the human race.  He fulfills every prophecy regarding the Savior.  But He wasn't saying what the leadership wanted to hear, doing what they deemed right and honoring them as they felt they deserved.  Both the Baptizer and Jesus called everyone to repentance including the religious leadership. Jesus did not come to confirm misguided people in unbelief but rather to draw them to Himself. He alone is the gate through which one may enter the sheepfold (John 10).  Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the precious door to heaven.  There is access through no other than Jesus. This is why he told the questioner that he should “strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24-25).

It’s not for a lack of effort that many fail to enter eternal life.  Everyone has their own idea, opinion and feeling of what God should and should not like. Everyone claims to be an expert on the Almighty and things eternal without cracking open a Bible or submitting to the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).  This can be an especially pernicious problem among multi-generation Christians and congregations more than a century old.  It’s easy to fall into the trap that captured the Chief Priest, scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. Those who strive on the laurels of others have nothing to show at the end of the day.  Your ancestors do not save you anymore than being the third, fourth or fifth generation of a particular congregation guarantees you eternal life.  Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). One may have a Christian lineage going back to the apostles but that will not save them ahead of a scoundrel who confesses his sins and cries out for mercy, grace and forgiveness from Jesus.

Few disagree that Christianity is in sharp decline in the United States. The symptoms are decried but the underlying disease is denied.  We have no one to blame but ourselves.  This generation has countless advantages that are squandered and ignored. Biblical illiteracy is epidemic.  It is not for a lack of resources. There are far more tools available at our fingertips to dig deeper into the faith than ever before.  They are taken for granted.  It is presumed they will always be available. Why should I spend my time studying Scripture when I have the best of games, social media and entertainment in my hand?  We ask the wrong questions and are content with bad answers.  Do I really have to go to church to be a Christian?  The anticipated answer is no.  So what habit is reinforced with this reasoning? Sunday mornings are best spent anywhere other than in God’s House receiving His gifts.

There is a Pharisee in everyone. It seeks affirmation for your particular pet sins that you refuse to confess or consider to be wrong. We repeat lies that may find us on the outside looking in to heaven.  “I’m Lutheran.”  “I’m confirmed.” Being a confirmed Lutheran, even an LCMS Lutheran, does not guarantee salvation apart from faith in Jesus Christ. Then there are the false beliefs that contradict the faith.“I don’t need to hear God’s Word.” “I don’t need the Lord’s Supper.” “I can gossip about my neighbor because I am doing a community service.” Do any of these cross your lips or have hold of your thoughts? Repent! Confess your sins to Jesus.  He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Salvation is found solely in Jesus Christ.  Apart from Him you have nothing of lasting value.  The Scriptures do not lie when they testify:  if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth has no place within us (1 John 1:10). Jesus says: For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the Last Day (John 6:40).

It really is a simple question.  “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” A day is coming when the door to heaven is closed and those outside can only look in with regret.  Today is the day of salvation. Today salvation draws near to you. Jesus is here with His good gifts and favor.  Here you receive what you do not deserve, Christ’s holiness and righteousness through the forgiveness of your sins.  The name of Jesus is the only name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:12).  Don’t confuse saving faith with your ancestry or personal accomplishments. Salvation remains the gift of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Happily there are places hungering for the Gospel and the salvation found only in Jesus.  We shall behold our contemporaries from Latin America, Africa and Asia reclining at table with Jesus.  May you and I be numbered with them.  Will those who are saved by few? More than you think but not whom you expect.

A Multi-Colored Gift

       In the name of the Father, Son +, and Holy Spirit, Amen.  A diamond ring has many facets that reveal its inner beauty, luster and radiance. Examining it under a jeweler’s loupeand bright light one appreciates the unique character of each stone.  One of my hobbies is coin collecting.  Many collectors are drawn to bright shining coins that look like they come straight from the mint.  Some coins that have been left largely alone in a box, bag or vault take on some very colorful toning. There, the atmosphere humidity, temperature and material surrounding the coin give it a unique patina.  The result is a coin that may display fabulous color.  Some of the beauty is not obvious initially.  But tilted under a light color jumps off the coin. These coins demand a premium from collectors who appreciate gorgeous toning.  They are literally one of a kind despite being one of thousands minted that year.

God’s gift of Holy Baptism is much like these coins.  The eyes behold water.  Seen through the light of God’s Word, this gift is much more vibrant and colorful. Each verse presents another facet of the diamond that is Jesus.  Each verse brings a new vibrant hue from the reality that is Christ Jesus.  Paul reminds the Colossians of all they have received from their connection to Jesus.  He rattles off a list from the gift-giving God. The Lord is at work throughout.
       In Baptism they have been buried with Jesus into His death.
       The Triune God is at work raising you from the dead in the resurrection of Christ.
       In Him your hearts have been circumcised
       God makes you alive together with Jesus,
       He forgives all your trespasses,
       He cancels your debt and marks it paid in full by nailing the bill to the cross.
      He disarmed rulers and authorities.
      He displays victory through death and resurrection.
You and I are the recipients of God’s manifold mercy and grace in Jesus Christ.  In Jesus the fullness of the deity dwells bodily. The implications are astounding.  We proclaim Jesus Christ.  He embodies the fullness of God in human flesh.  What we are unable to do, Jesus did. He made perfect satisfaction for your sins. He took your place under the law. We have what the world does not understand or know that it needs.

     Earlier this week I heard several men on the radio sharing their religious views.  Each of them believed that they were saved by their works.  They acknowledged that they are not perfect but hope that God will accept them based upon the good they did and their good intentions even when they did not result in good things. None of them expressed a need for a Savior or an Advocate to stand before the throne of God on their behalf. This is an example of what it means to be held captive by philosophy and empty deceit according to human tradition and the elemental spirits of the world. They are dead men talking and do not realize the severity of their condition or the salvation that Jesus brings..

     Not that we should take credit for what we have in Christ.  It is part of God’s gifting to us.  Paul carefully illustrates this by the language he employs.  Words like “as you received,” “rooted,” “built up in Him,” “established in the faith” are all passives.  No one has the power to root, establish and build themselves up in the faith.  These works are reserved for God the Holy Spirit. They begin with baptism and continue through the hearing of the Word. This is what makes not attending church so damning.  A person removes themselves from the very place God chooses to root, establish and build them up in Jesus Christ.  As you have received Christ, so walk in Him. This is what you have been taught to do. It fulfills the commandment to remember the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. How is it kept holy? When we gladly hear the Word of God and live holy lives according to it. The apostle says it like this:  “As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6).

     Solomon observed that there is nothing new under the sun.  The world is terminally ill unto death.  It is not a condition that anyone can overcome.  Left to our alleged goodness and noble intentions we fail.  We die because we are sinners.  The only antidote is Jesus Christ. He knows the true condition of every human heart.  He knows how we minimize our sins and maximize our own goodness.  He knows that are condition is fatal.  He comes anyway.  He comes to treat us not as we deserve but according to His mercy.  He comes and unveils for us a glorious salvation.  You are baptized into it as through this washing of water you are buried with Jesus and are instantaneously raised to new life.

     In the light of God’s Word, baptism pops with vibrant living color.  It’s all a gift for you daily. Many will try to disqualify you by saying that this can’t be true.  You must do and do and do and not do this, that and other things. Paul dismisses them as puffed up without reason, not holding fast to the Head who is Christ.  The reality is Jesus.  He is the head from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God (Colossians 2:19), Amen.

LCMS Convention Sermon, Sunday Matins 7/21/13

Acts 16:25-34       Baptized For This Moment       21 July 2013

In the name of the Father, Son + and Holy Spirit, Amen.  What do an annoyed apostle, an exorcism, riot, beating, imprisonment and earthquake have in common? These were the events through which the Lord increased the first congregation in Europe, at Philippi. No mission board, church planter, evangelist, district president or synodical convention could have imagined outreach in this way.  The Lord did. He is the God of surprises. The Lord is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask, think or imagine according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Paul and Silas were baptized for this moment.  They were buried with Jesus into His death.  The public humiliation, beating and wounds connected them anew to the passion of Jesus Christ. Like Peter and John they rejoiced that they were worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41).  Their prayers and hymns caught the attention of every prisoner, the jailer included.  What manner of men sings and rejoices when beaten bloodied and shackled?  The jailer listened. These men were specifically put into his care.  He locks them in the inner prison.  Who are these guys? Who is this Jesus they keep mentioning?

Around midnight an earthquake opens the prison doors and loosens the chains of all the incarcerated.  Fearing the worst, the jailer thinks the men have escaped.  He concludes that it would be better to fall on his own sword rather than face the brutality of the authorities for failing in his duties.  Sensing what was taking place, Paul shouts in a loud voice assuring the jailer that all are present and no one has escaped.  Who are these men? They stay when they could have fled; they are more concerned about saving his life than escaping with their own.

This was no accident.  Lives are spared in the earthquake that souls may be saved for eternity.  The jailer cries out for this greater salvation.  Paul and Silas direct him to Jesus. The jailer and his household are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection. In a scene reminiscent of the woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears, the grateful jailer washes the wounds of Silas and Paul. He further provides food for their wearied bodies. The Lord integrated these events and knit these lives together.  Jesus is serious about adding to the church daily those who were being saved.

Work in Philippi was cut short for Paul and Silas.  The Lord grows His church when and where He wills among those who hear the Gospel.  They jailer and his family were baptized for this moment. Along with Lydia and her household, they remained to tell everyone what God has done. The Spirit accomplished much in Philippi.  An annoyed Paul casts out a spirit of divination from a slave girl who was following them. This angered her owners who saw her fortune telling income drying up.  A riot erupts. Paul and Silas are stripped by the mob and beaten under the approving eyes of the magistrates. Wounded and humiliated Paul and Silas are put into the securest part of the prison.  Rather than curse, grumble and complain they pray, praise and give thanks. The Lord uses all of it; even in apparent defeat the Lord works.

This side of heaven the church labors under the cross of her Lord Jesus Christ.  It is a burden and yoke that Jesus makes easy and light. Christians are facing increasingly difficult times. The culture no longer respects the church as it did. Opposition is rising; persecution coming.  Fear not!  Jesus travelled this road on the way to Golgotha.  You were there with Jesus. Through Baptism into His death you die to sin and rise daily as a new creation. The old has gone new things have come. Jesus saves you through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit whom He has poured out richly upon you in your Baptism. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has caused you to be born from above through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

       The Lord used Paul and Silas’ public beating, arrest and imprisonment to further His kingdom.  We who confess Jesus’ name today are blessed. Blessed even when reviled, blessed even when cursed. You are blessed to be a blessing.  Freely have you received, freely give.  This side of heaven you will never know the full impact of your daily confession and witness to Him who loved you and gave Himself for you. God knows. He is faithful. His Word works. As the hymn notes, eternity will reveal the pattern in the seeds that are sown.  Rejoice, that your names are written in heaven. Rejoice, you are baptized for this moment. Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus!

       In the name of Jesus Christ, ascended to the right hand of the Father and returning on the Last Day, Amen.  The text for our consideration is the epistle reading from Revelation 22, the last chapter of the Bible, particularly these words:  He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20). This is the Word of the Lord.

On Thursday the Christian Church celebrated the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.  Forty days after rising from the dead, Jesus visibly left His disciples ascending into the clouds.  Two angels interpreted this event.  This Jesus whom you have seen ascend into heaven will return in the same way that you saw Him go into heaven (Acts 1:11).  Behold, He is coming with the clouds and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him (Revelation 1:7).  The Church has been waiting ever since

Come, Lord Jesus!  Lutherans says these words before every meal.  We want Jesus to grace us with His presence as we give thanks for what He provides in support of our body and soul. Scripture says that all creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:19).  The world in which we live is rapidly falling into decay.  This week we heard of the dramatic escape of three women, kidnapped and held captive by one man in a Cleveland home for the past decade.  A woman in Arizona is convicted of murdering her boyfriend.  She stabbed him twenty seven times, slit his throat and shot him in the head for good measure five years ago. Testimony from the abortion doctor on trial in Pennsylvania is too gruesome to share.  Come, Lord Jesus!

In the Gospels Jesus reveals that His return will come upon the world unexpectedly.  As in the days of Noah people will be eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage until the day when Noah entered the ark and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them away, so will it be at the coming of Jesus (Matthew 24:37-39). John carries the same theme forward in our text. His words are not to be sealed but proclaimed, taught and believed.  The world continues on its self-destructive course. Christ’s Word is no longer heeded, let alone respected.  Jesus notes that evil will increase before He returns.  The pre-flood world and the examples of Sodom and Gomorrah remain valid as to conditions prior to Jesus coming back.

The progression of evil continues.  “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy” (Revelation 22:11). There is a distinction between believers and unbelievers. “Outside are the dogs and sorcerer and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood” (Revelation 22:15).  Jesus will return and hold the whole world accountable.  This is something our world does not like to consider.  Many try to convince themselves that sin has no consequences.  The unbelieving world extols the virtue of doing whatever you like without interference from others. Conversely society doesn’t get it when two brothers, one a naturalized citizen, set off bombs with the intent to maim and kill as many as possible.  Rather than look at what is in the human heart, sinful from birth; America is blamed for failing these men. It is your fault and mine for what these men did. Strange logic.

There are others who recognize the sin that lurks within each heart.  They have come to know how often they fail.  Their best intentions are not so good.  The good that they would do they fail to accomplish. The evil they despise is what they continue to do.  These people believe that if they are to be saved, salvation must come from outside of them.  They long for the return of Jesus.  These are the ones described by the angel speaking with John. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates” (Revelation 22:14). What began in the Garden of Eden culminates in the Eternal City of God.  Heaven is a described as a beautiful city coming down from heaven.  It has the glory of God.  Its’ radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal (Revelation 21:10-12). Within the walls of the city is the throne of God. Like the four rivers flowing outward from Eden, the water of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  It bisects the main street of the city.  Along is route is the tree of life constantly bearing fruit each month of the year. The leaves of this tree are for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:1-2).

No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him.  They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:4-5).  These words are trustworthy and true.  You can count eternity upon them.  Jesus says:  “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7).

What Jesus says in this last chapter of the Bible is consistent with what has been taught throughout the Scriptures.  Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and treasure it, that is regard it is as precious and do it (Luke 11:27).  People are neither to add nor subtract from the Holy Scriptures.  Paul gives and excellent description of the Office of the Holy Ministry when he writes regarding the Lord’s Supper.  “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you” (1 Corinthians 11:23).  The Church receives with one hand and delivers with the other.  Entering the Promised Land, Joshua was directed not to depart from the Law of the Lord either to the right or to the left (Joshua 1:9).

In an age that believes it knows better than God what the world needs listen again to Holy Scripture.  “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book.  If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of this book of this prophecy, God will take away His share in the tree of life and in the holy city which are described in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).

Jesus is coming soon. That is His promise.  The ascended Lord is returning.  He will bring an end to this present way of life and judge the world in righteousness.  May we with the Church of all times and places say with the evangelist. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Thought for the Day

The reign of Christ is hidden under the cross. - Martin Luther

Pastoral Installation Sermon on Good Shepherd Sunday

Acts 20:17-35       A Shepherd’s Call       21 April 2013

Rev. John Shank installation as Senior Pastor, Trinity, Edwardsville, IL

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  It is most fitting to hold a pastoral installation on this Sunday of the Church Year known as Good Shepherd Sunday.  The common name for ministers among Lutherans is “pastor,” which is the Latin for shepherd.  Pastors point people to the One Shepherd who alone is called “good,” Jesus Christ. The text we shall consider is from the first reading. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

Paul was returning to Jerusalem when he passed through Miletus for the final time.  The apostle met there with the pastors from Ephesus.  He reminds them of his own ministry among them. The apostle had patiently instructed them in the “whole counsel of God” in fulfillment of the Great Commission.  Jesus calls pastors to deliver what He entrusts to them.  Pastors baptize into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  They teach all things that Jesus taught and that which has been recorded for our instruction. Little has changed in the two millennia following.  Pastoral ministry is simply taking what we have received from the Lord Jesus Christ and literally handing it over to the people they are called to serve (1 Cor 11:23.  Pastors speak the Word of Holy Scripture and the sheep learn the voice of the Good Shepherd.

This is more difficult than it seems as Paul testifies. He is comforted with the knowledge that he did not shrink from this responsibility.  He withstood the plots of the Jews opposed to Jesus (v. 19).  The apostle taught in public and from house to house to both Jews and Greeks.  His message is summarized beautifully: repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 21). This message is the timeless golden cord that runs through Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. During the rite of installation we will review again what the Bible says concerning the institution of the Office of the Holy Ministry, as well as its responsibilities, strengths and promises.  Listen attentively to what is read.  These are the expectations God places upon pastors.  They form the standard for ministry in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

What makes ministry difficult is when the expectations of a congregation and its members differ from what the Lord requires of His pastors who shepherd the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. If a congregation asks the pastor to preach, teach or do something that is not in accord with the Scriptures an immediate conflict arises.  Is the pastor to do what the congregation wants, even if it violates Holy Scripture?  Since he cannot please everyone, does he make the perceived majority happy? How does he discharge the duties of the Holy Ministry as God directs?  Should the church favor the best givers or the ones who can trace their congregational ancestry back generations?  Holy Scripture commands us to show no partiality. Paul instructs pastors when he says: Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Persist in this, for in so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:16).

Paul says to the Ephesian pastors: Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The church does not belong to the pastor nor is it the possession of the congregation in whole or in part.  The Lord Jesus purchased you to be His own through the shedding of His blood on the cross.  He is the Head of His body, the Church.  Pastors are stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor 4:1-2).  They do not own or control them according to their own whims and desires.  The Lord expects His servants to be faithful in the fulfilling of their ministry.  The Lord does not authorize pastors to subtract from or add to the Holy Scriptures.  These are the Lord’s Words that He wants proclaimed, taught and believed.  When the pastor speaks God’s Word to you, it is the Lord who is speaking to your through Him.  You are to receive him as you would receive the Lord Jesus Christ if He was here visibly before you.

Likewise the church is the Body of Christ in this place.  Pastors are to care for Christ’s people in the manner befitting a faithful shepherd. The focus is on Jesus. It is Jesus who is “all in” for you in His incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension and coming return.  Jesus is not an absentee owner.  While the fullness of His divine glory is hid from human eyes until it is revealed on the Last Day; He is here in water, word, bread and wine.  Jesus remains among His own as the One who serves. Christians do well to treat each other with love, honor and respect. The Bible says that believers should be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy to all people (Titus 3:1-2).

The sad reality is that no pastor or layman does these things perfectly.  Pastors and laity share a sinful human flesh.  This flesh is well practiced in the art of sinning.  That comes naturally. We cannot help but sin as even our best intentions are tainted with our own self-interest. We have a God who specializes in sinners.  Jesus died for every one of our sins, trespasses and transgressions.  He forgives them all.  In Holy Baptism you are joined to His death and resurrection.  The Lord calls you by name and you are His.  He feeds you through the hearing of His Word and shortly in receiving our Lord’s body and blood through which He has purchased you to be His own.  In the pew, at the font and at the rail we are beggars still whom God richly cleanses and feeds.

Paul’s ministry with the Ephesians was coming to an end as he gave them final instructions and warned them of what would happen when he left.  False teachers would arise from their number and seek to lead others away.  Pastor Shank your ministry begins anew today as Senior Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church.  The challenges you face are shared by your brothers throughout our district and Synod.  Remain alert for the various wolves who would attempt to steal the sheep of God’s flock here at Trinity.

The Lord has blessed you with a beautiful family.  Do not neglect them for the sake of the Holy Ministry.  They are also God’s gifts to you. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Remember that you are God’s man to care for His flock here at Trinity. These are the Lord’s people, purchased with His own blood.  They have prayed for wisdom, guidance and direction as they called you to be their pastor. The Holy Spirit has guided you to say yes to this call. May the Lord grant you a long and blessed tenure together!  Amen.

The Living One

The Living One  

Revelation 1:4-18

Southern Illinois District Pastoral Conference, Wartburg, IL

In the name of Jesus Christ, the first and the last and the Living One who died and is alive forever.  He holds the keys of death and Hades in His hand, Amen.  Of all the disciples, one can argue that John was closest to Jesus.  He is known as “the beloved disciple.” John was next to Jesus in the Upper Room. Jesus commended the care and keeping of Mary into John’s hands as the cross.  Among the men John was the first to reach the tomb. His piety prevented him from entering. Peter ran up and went straight inside.  John was present Easter evening and again the following week as The Living One appeared to Thomas.  John was among the brothers as Jesus ascended into heaven.  Yet nothing in John’s experience prepared him for what he saw in the Revelation of Jesus Christ that forms today’s text.

Two rangers were on foot patrolling their campground around 3:00 am.  One was a Christian, the other an agnostic.  Suddenly night turned into day as a bright light burst from the heavens.  Both men fell to their knees in the dew drenched grass.  Looking up to they saw the bright tracing of a meteor that had entered the atmosphere and burned up.  The Christian said to the other, “I know why I was on my knees. What about you?”  He had no answer. The return of Jesus will have an even greater impact.  Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him.  All tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him.  Every knee will bow to Jesus and confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9).

Jesus is alive.  The crucified one is risen from the dead.  He holds the keys of death and Hades in His hands.  The believer’s momentary fear will give way to everlasting joy as your redemption draws near.  Those who rejected Christ will see with their own eyes what they rejected.  Jesus is alive.  He is returning to judge the living and the dead. The whole world is accountable to God (Romans 3:19-20). No excuses, no alibi’s, no good intentions count.  Either one believes in his heart and confesses with His mouth that Jesus is Lord or will face the eternal consequences for their rejection of Christ.

Permeating this text is an implicit fear of God.  This fear, expressed so well in Luther’s explanation of each commandment, is missing from the Public Square and pop spirituality. Some see God as their personal spiritual trainer. He is there to help you work out your salvation and improve on character shortcomings.  Some women see Jesus as a lover and the understanding man their husband can never be. Increasingly “the nones” have no use for any caricature of God.  What about you?  Do you fear God more than men? Are you more concerned with keeping your congregation happy than calling them to repentance and faith?  Do you keep quiet about controversial issues hoping they will go dormant? Do you fear people more than God?  Repent!

Jesus says. “Do not fear those who can destroy the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell…So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:28, 32-33). Jesus is the Living One.  He died and is now alive forever.  He holds the keys of death and Hades.

The apostle John did not recognize Jesus. Christ is the Pantocrator in His divine glory.  Still, like the Son of Man because of the incarnation.  Jesus is in the midst of His church.  He is the High Priest who intercedes for His people. Eyes with fire enable Him to discern the thoughts and intentions of every heart. He stands with His burnished bronze feet victorious over all the earth.  He speaks with the authority of God Himself. His Words kill and make alive.  He emanates light brighter than the sun.  Like the two rangers who fell on their knees, John falls prostrate before Jesus.  The beloved disciple knows He has no right to stand in the presence of the glorified Christ. Neither do we if He appeared to us with the unveiled majesty that is rightly His.

Jesus approaches John and laid His right hand upon John’s shoulder.  Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one.  I died and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades (Revelation 1:17-18).  The right hand of Jesus’ power and authority is entrusted to the Church.  Jesus continues to walk among us.  He graciously veils His divine glory that we may enter His presence with joy and thanksgiving.  He is here cradled in the Scriptures instructing us in all things and calling you to make disciples by baptizing and teaching them everything Jesus has revealed.  Jesus is here.  His body hidden in bread; His blood conveyed in wine. He enters our bodies in the eating and drinking of this most sacred meal.  Jesus is here forgiving you of all your sins.  He is here to strengthen you for the living of these days.  The Living One invites you anew to His feast service to your neighbor. Jesus had the first word at creation and will have the final one on the Last Day.

We are entering uncertain times for the Church within the United States. Persecution is underway.  The extent of which is unknown.  In many ways ministry will be fulfilled in an age increasingly hostile to you and the Savior that you proclaim.  We are not unique or alone.  Consider how John identifies himself as the author of Revelation.  He is your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus (Revelation 1:9).  He writes from Patmos where he had been exiled because of Jesus.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a book of immense comfort for Christians in an hostile age.  No matter what happens, Jesus wins.  His people prevail and we will be with Him forever.  Knowing how everything ends makes it easier to face today.  The Lord Jesus joined you into His death and resurrection in your baptism.  Your true life is now hidden with God in Christ. The Lord Jesus will transform your lowly body to be like His glorious body by the power that enables Him to subdue all things to Himself.  What is there to fear? Jesus, the Living One remains in the midst of His golden lampstands, the Church.  He is coming back.  Everyone will see Him.  When these things take place stand erect and look up for Jesus, your redemption draws near, Amen.

Whose Approval Counts?

The world seeks to be praised And honored by the mighty

Yet never once reflects That they are frail and flighty.

But what I truly prize Above all things is He,

My Jesus, He alone. What is the world to me!

(LSB 730:2)

This hymn from the turn of the 18th century captures well the eternal Word of God.  Jesus warned that no one can serve two masters.  You will hate the one and despise the other.  One cannot serve both God and mammon (Matthew 6:24).  The apostle John likewise warns:  "Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh, and the desires of the eye and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15-17).

The flesh battles constantly against the Spirit.  Given new birth from above, Christians are to set their eyes on things above where Christ is seated that when He appears you will also appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:1-4). The good that we would do, we don't.  The evil that we hate, that is what we find ourselves doing (Romans 7).  What the world offers is immediate gratification.  Click a link and there it is! Many feast their eyes on pornography and fill their souls with straw.  Don't delay; hurry and enjoy today.  It doesn't matter what you seek, there are many avenues that portray themselves as gateways to pleasures. So many are off to gain the whole world and enjoy what it offers.

Jesus complicates the pursuit of pleasure, happiness, riches and whatever else the world deems important. He asks a simple question.  "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and to forfeit his soul?  What can a man gain in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).  Some politicians enter public life with moderate income.  They retire from office as millionaires.  Salaries alone cannot account for this increase.  They are enriched through government coffers and influence seekers trying to buy their vote.  Some politicians enter public life with both virtue and morality intact.  These may quickly be sacrificed to move up in the party or to gain reelection in the changing political winds.  A man's actions speak louder than words.  One can say anything, but it is what they do that shows where their real values lie.

What those who live for today forget is that all will appear before Jesus on the Last Day. There each person will give an account for their conduct, priorities, use of time and possessions entrusted to them now. Do you fear God more than people? You should.  Jesus teaches: "Do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!" (Luke 12:4-5) God alone has authority to kill both body and soul and cast them into hell. We should fear God's wrath and not take it lightly. Everyone who stands before God in their own righteousness will be condemned. Those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

Wilhelm Loehe, a 19th century support of missions, including those in North America. some of which joined the Missouri Synod, writes: What do you love? Do you love the world? It will pass away and its desires too. Acknowledgement with people? That’s blowing mere bubbles and great nothingness. Honor? That’s just a passing shadow. A big name in this world? Soon it is forgotten. Favor with the high and mighty? Then your really clutching at straws. Friends? They come and go like the tides of the oceans, like summer rains or the seasons. Father and mother? They are but mortal and will have to leave you sooner or later. Your children? They’re not yours really, they belong to the heavenly Father. Your own life? That’s a weaver’s coil and will be unravelled in no time. Your house? That’s about as an abiding abode as the whale was to Jonah.  It will spit you out naked with nothing to go with it. Your fields, forests and pastures? Who knows how soon somebody else will call it his own? What do you love? Vanity? That suffocates anybody in the long run. Do you love yourself? That’s probably the biggest disappointment of all in the end. Choose what you want here on earth. It’s all not more than a loss and bound to lead to serious disenchantment. 

Only Jesus is our righteousness, wisdom, sanctification and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). Blessed is the one who hears His word and keeps it.  This means that God's word is kept as a valued, treasured possession. Through it we live now and for eternity. Courting the world's favor is like building a home out of Styrofoam   It will not endure the judgement but melt into nothing under the intense heat.  He who boasts in the Lord Jesus has it all.