First Lesson: Acts 16: 9-15 Responsive Reading: Psalm 67 Second Lesson: Revelation 21: 10, 22 - 22:5 Gospel Lesson: John 14: 23-29 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
I was in Middle School when I attended a family wedding in Kansas City. The day after the wedding , my parents wanted to make the trip educational, so we journeyed to nearby Independence, Missouri. The first stop was to the Presidential Library of Harry Truman, who my Dad had met when he was a young boy. The second stop was to the Independence Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My family was given a tour of the temple by a young woman on her two-year Mormon mission. As a Confirmation student at the time, I was allowed to ask a question. I asked her, “What was the difference between Lutherans and Mormons?” Her answer which I still remember was, “Lutherans believe in the salvation of the individual, whereas we believe in the salvation of the family.” Latter Day Saints emphasis on the family’s salvation can be seen in their focus on collecting genealogy records. The Mormons own the largest database of family trees in the world. Collecting family trees also ties into the Mormon beliefs of needing to “baptize the dead[1]”. Latter Day Saints take seriously their calling of seeing that the dead family members, along with themselves may enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Now while differences between Lutherans and Latter Day Saints go beyond the understanding of the family, the role of the family in one’s faith brings us to our lesson Today from the 16th Chapter of the Book of Acts[2]. Let me give a rundown of our lesson. Paul is on a missionary journey to Phillipi in modern-day Greece. Paul journeys with his companions Timothy and Silas to the river just outside the city where they meet a woman named Lydia. Lydia was a wealthy woman who made her money as a dealer of purple cloth. Purple cloth was known as royal cloth and came from the most expensive of all dyes. Sea Snails were the source of purple cloth so that further explains its expense[3]. When Lydia meets Paul, it is evident that she is open to things of faith[4]: Our lesson says before their meeting, “She was a worshiper of God[5]. Paul began preaching to her about how Jesus is God made known upon a cross. So, therefore: “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message[6].” Lydia, being Greek, is described as the first European Christian. So after Lydia’s conversion, Paul, Timothy and Silas journey to her home where: “she and the members of her household were baptized[7].” Was Lydia married or single? The scriptures don’t say. How many children did Lydia have? What were their ages? Again, we don’t know the answer. Here’s what we do know stories of whole households being baptized occur in multiple places within the New Testament. Acts 16:33- Paul and Silas visit the Home of a Philippian jailer when: “the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately, he and all his household were baptized.” 1st Corinthians 1:16- The Apostle Paul declares: “ And I baptized also the household of Stephanas." So what we can say for sure about this information is that when the head of household converted in Lydia, the Philippian Jailer, or Stephanas a family baptism would soon follow. Such baptisms appear to be common in the New Testament church. What we can’t say is whether very young children or infants were present or included within these family baptisms. There is no evidence that any member of the family (regardless of age or level of understanding) was excluded from these households baptisms. What we also know is that in Matthew’s Gospel[8], Jesus is brought little children to pray for, the Disciples rebuke those who brought forth the little children, Jesus then rebukes the Disciples by declaring: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Now our Baptism friends will often declare: “There are no “specific” examples of babies being baptized within the New Testament.” Now even if you believe based on no evidence that the households’ baptisms didn’t contain any very young children. You also can’t find an example of where it is said someone for any reason (age included) shouldn’t be baptized. The most dramatic Baptismal command takes place at the end of Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus declares: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit[9].” All nations would seem to include all people, both young and old alike. Baptism for many doesn’t quite work this way. Baptism for many serves as the final spiritual exam, the great test that we need to pass. Being judged on evidence not grace is the typical way the world works, so it makes sense. Digging deeper within the scriptures Baptism seems to be something entirely different[10]. Baptism is described as the act of being born again[11] through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ[12]. It is the act which saves by the washing us of our sin and joining us to the promises given by God to his children no matter what twists and turns their lives ahead might have in-store. The witness of the scriptures is to describe Baptism as an act where God is active, whereas we are passive. If this is the case, then we are in no position to deny someone baptism because we think they might be too young. So why baptize entire households? Let me close Today with the following story. If you were the ask anyone to name the most prominent family in American history. The Adams Family of Massachusetts would probably be at the top of the list. John Adams was a delegate to the Continental Congress. He signed the Declaration of Independence. He eventually was elected the Second President of the United States of America[13]. His wife Abigail was also a remarkable woman. Abigail was self-taught, but was such a constant reader, that her husband consulted her on political matters like no other First Lady in the country’s early history. Abigail was a rare spokeswoman in the 18th Century for expanding woman’s education opportunities of which she had been deprived[14]. Their son John Quincy Adams was a successful lawyer, U.S. Senator, Ambassador, and Secretary of State. John Quincy would serve as the sixth President of the United States[15]. If this were all you knew about the Adams Family, you would think they were the perfect American family[16]. Here’s what you maybe don’t know about the Adams family’. The oldest daughter also named Abigail[17] married a man named William Stephens Smith[18]. Smith’s parents thought the courtship to be too short and that created tension among the in-laws. Smith was reckless with his money and ended up in deep debt due to failed land speculation in the early 1800's. Abigail and William Stephens Smith spent their remaining days living on a farm in Upstate New York. Both husband and wife died young, so therefore John and Abigail Adams were forced to assume care for their grandchildren. Charles Adams became a lawyer, he engaged in affairs outside his marriage, he wasn’t on speaking terms with his father for long periods of times, and he was such a drinker that he died young of cirrhosis of the liver[19]. Thomas Adams, like his brother, was also an alcoholic who died in 1832 deeply in debt[20]. Further down the family tree, Louisa Adams wife of John Quincy Adams was a sickly woman most of her adult life[21]. She suffered from migraines, and fainting spells. John Quincy and Louisa did not have what historians consider to be a “happy” marriage. Historians describe her as deeply depressed upon moving into the White House. John Quincy describes her marriage as having “It’s share of trials.” As she found the men of the Adams Family, both “cold” and “insensitive[22].” Their first two sons were both alcoholics who died young. The second son, John Adams II was expelled from college for leading a student rebellion at Harvard[23]. All three sons quarreled over the same woman in Mary Catherine Hellen. Their third son, Charles wrote the following of his family tree: “The history of my family is not a pleasant one to remember.” The Adams Family despite it’s holding of the Presidency is more similar to families we know that at first, than they may appear[24]. In Today’s Lesson, we talk about the Baptism of Lydia’s entire household. Like the Adams Family or many of our families, I don’t imagine Lydia’s family to be perfect. Lydia’s family reminds us, though, why we baptize? We baptize babies because we all need Baptism. We’re imperfect in this life, so we all need to be uplifted within the waters of Baptism to God’s continual care. Baptism is the greatest possible testimony that the only thing that we can bring to our salvation is our sin that is need of saving. In Acts 2, Peter declares on the Day of Pentecost: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children.[25]” The day I spent at the Independence, Missouri temple did show to me how Lutherans can be different from others. We are not saved because we come from perfect families, or are perfect ourselves. We are saved because, in the waters of baptism, God declares us to be a member of his household through faith for all of eternity. Amen [1] “Baptism for the dead.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 3.May.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [2] Acts 16:9-15 [3] “Tyrian Purple.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 12.May.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [4] Bratt, Doug. “Acts 16:9-15.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids,MI. 25.Apr.2016. Web. May.20.2019. [5] Acts 16:14. [6] Acts 16:14. [7] Acts 16:14. [8] Matthew 19:13-14. [9] Matthew 28:19. [10] Cooper, Jordan. “Outline for a Bible Study on Infant Baptism.” Just & Sinner (Pathoes Blog Network). [11] John 3:5. [12] Romans 6:1-4 [13] “John Adams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 18.May.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [14] “Abigail Adams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 18.May.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [15] “John Quincy Adams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 18.May.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [16] Sermon Illustrations. Com “Family.” Found in US News &World Report on Dec.12.1998. Web. May.20.2019. [17] “Abigail “Nabby” Adams Smith.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 5.Mar.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [18] “William Stephens Smith.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 9.May.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [19] “Charles Adams (1770-1800)” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 10.May.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [20] “Thomas Bolyston Adams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 29.Jan.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [21] “Louisa Adams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 26.Apr.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [22] Louisa Adams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [23] “John Adams II.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 10.May.2019. Web. May.20.2019. [24] Sermon Illustrations. Com “Family.” Found in US News &World Report on Dec.12.1998 [25] Acts 2:38-39. First Lesson: Acts 11: 1-18 Responsive Reading: Psalm 148 Second Lesson: Revelation 21: 1-6 Gospel Lesson: John 13: 31-35 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
I want to tell you this morning about a gentleman named Tom Ciola [1]. Ciola opened his first health food store in 1970. He had a successful career as a bodybuilder and powerlifter. Ciola was in such good shape that he was named Mr. New York in the year 1975. Ciola’s health discipline is especially incredible considering he’s the rare bodybuilder who rejects taking steroids for only natural supplements. Tom Ciola is also an extremely devout Christian and he’s an author. His first book published in 2001 was titled Moses wasn’t Fat[2]. How does Ciola know Moses was in really good shape? Moses worked all day in the fields of Egypt and was able to lift the stone tablets known as the Ten Commandments easily[3]. So Ciola uses this as evidence that we need a specifically Christian diet plan. So in 2002, Ciola got to work. Ciola determined that the Bible mentions seven holy foods that God calls good in the Book of Deuteronomy: wheat, barley, vines (raisins), figs, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey[4]. These were the foods that God described as evidence of the newfound promised land upon leading the Israelites out of Egypt. So Ciola set out to make a Bible-based energy bar based on these seven holy foods of the Old Testament. The product would be organic to be in line with Biblical farming methods. Ciola soon determines additional ingredients were required in puffed rice and raspberry flavoring for taste and texture[5]. Bible Bars appear to be a hit. Ciola soon gets a big market, 2500 health food stores and Bible book stores begin to sell his bar. He was for a while adding 30-40 new stores per week[6]. What happened to Bible bars? When I did an internet search, I came up empty for options regarding purchasing such a seemingly perfect snack. Tom Ciola is correct when he points out that the Bible spends an extensive amount of time talking about what foods to eat: fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains, and nuts along with what foods not to eat: such as shellfish or pork products such as bacon or sausage. Ciola makes the point, Christians have been debating what they can or should eat for as long as there’s been a Christian church. In the Early 1840’s, William Miller was the founder of a church group known as the Seventh Day Adventists. Miller believed the church’s mission was preparing for Christ’s imminent second coming. One of the ways the Adventists did this was by making a healthy lifestyle a vital part of their belief system. They would advocate for Vegetarianism[7]. They would follow Kosher restrictions from the Book of Leviticus to such a degree that they would never eat Oreo cookies which were be made from pig fat known as lard. One of the most famous Seventh Day Adventists was a gentleman named John Harvey Kellogg[8]. Kellogg wanted a breakfast option for Adventists as opposed to the standard fare of “bacon” and “eggs.” So he developed a product known as Kellogg’s “Corn Flakes” of which you’ve maybe heard of. Seventh Day Adventists have many health habits beside their diet though: they don’t drink, use tobacco, or any illegal drugs. A strict Seventh Day Adventist might not even drink coffee, tea, or cola[9]. What the Seventh Day Adventists do works quite well. The National Institute of Health did a study in 2005 which showed that the average Seventh Day Adventist because of their strict diets, live on average 4-10 years longer than the ordinary Californian[10]. Now I want to tell you Today about another guy, who was very religious and had very clear ideas over what was the best way to eat as a believer. His name was Peter. He was known for being one of Jesus’ disciples. Maybe what I should say about Peter is he grew up with very strict ideas about what to eat, then got older and saw his life change, especially his diet. In our lesson, some good Jewish believers wander upon Peter eating at the house of Gentiles . Now one of the significant issues in the 1st Century Church had to do whether Christians should eat meat. The reason this was controversial had to do with its selling in the Roman marketplaces[11]. Roman butchers tended to pray for blessing upon the meat to Roman gods. Jewish Christians would be unsure if this meat was handled in accordance with proper health regulations as laid out in Old Testament books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. So for Peter going into the home of those Gentiles who didn’t follow the Old Testament dietary laws as he did would have been controversial. So Peter explains his changed idea over with whom and what to eat to his fellow Jewish believers as such. One day while Peter was praying, he saw a vision. Peter’s vision consisted of a large sheet coming down from heaven containing: ‘four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds[12].’ The Lord commands Peter: “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.[13]” Todd Marinovich was born in 1969[14]. Todd’s father Marv played Football at University of Southern California when they won the National title in 1962. Marv tried Professional Football only to see his career flame out due to over-training and over-eating. Marv then became an athletic trainer. Marv vowed that his son’s career would be different. When his wife was pregnant, she didn’t touch sugar or salt. When his son Todd was a baby, he only ate: “vegetables, fruits, and raw milk[15].” When Todd was growing up: he wouldn’t eat McDonald’s, nor touch Oreo cookies. When other children invited him to Birthday parties, he would bring his own cake and ice cream so as not to touch refined sugar or flour. Todd would only eat natural beef and never dare tough store-bought ketchup[16]. By the time, Todd Marinovich was a freshman in High School; his dad’s plan seemed to be working as he was considered to be amongst the top high school football players in the country and would eventually play in the NFL. Now imagine asking Marv Marinovich if his son can now indulge at the first bit of success in all the foods that he had spent his whole life avoiding? The question would have seemed silly at the time. Now things were the same way for Peter as the Lord put this vision of the four animals before him: “Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth[17].” Peter had seen the Risen Lord; he had been tasked to be the leader of the First Christian Church; he had witnessed all sorts of conversions. The last thing, Peter now would ever do would be switching his lifelong diet. The voice from heaven had to ask Peter four times to change his mind. “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.[18]” As soon as this vision ended, it became clear that the Lord had way bigger plans for Peter than what he did or didn’t eat[19]. Three men soon after the vision ends, come to visit Peter. Peter is invited to the house of a gentile man named Cornelius[20]. Peter could have never imagined that he’d been sitting down to eat and ultimately praying with a Roman solider, but the vision of the four animals changed everything. Peter began to preach; he saw the Spirit of the Lord come upon these Gentile men like it came upon Peter’s fellow Jews on the Day of Pentecost[21]. All this happened, because Peter saw it’s okay that he could be a little, less strict with his life-long diet? So much so that Peter ends the lesson declaring: “So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way[22]?” So what does this all mean to us? It speaks to how we ultimately understand the Christian scriptures. Now most of us in this room have probably enjoyed either Ribs, Bacon, Pulled Pork, Sausage, or Porketta (Leviticus 11:7), Shrimp, Crab, or Lobster (Leviticus 11:9-12) or even touched a football (Leviticus 11:7). Are all of us hypocrites who are being unfaithful to the Bible for doing so? No, because the point of the Old Testament is to speak to God’s activity within the nation of Israel, this is essential history because it sets the stage for Jesus Christ, whereas the New Testament describes God’s activity through Jesus Christ for all the nations of the earth. The major point of the New Testament is how the Cross of Christ changes everything. Romans 10:4 “For Christ is the end of the (Old Testament) law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Whether Christians should keep a stringent diet like Tom Ciola, Todd Marinovich, the Seventh Day Adventists, or the Disciple Peter is not the question of their salvation. One’s diet only affects this world concerns it does not concern your standing in the world that is to come. Let me close with a final story concerning Grandma. Grandma rarely practiced a healthy habit in her life. It was always interesting to have meals with Grandma. She would always eat her dessert first. If her table mate didn’t want her dessert, she’d eat that second. When they’d put meals before her, she’d only really like the meat if it was fatty, turkey she never cared for much. When she wanted me to get her food, it was “McDonald’s cheeseburgers with extra ketchup.” So my Dad wanted me to talk to her about eating a healthier diet, she was like “92” at the time. I said: “At her age, let her eat what she wants.” When you’re at that point in your life, as the Disciple Peter would learn it’s not your diet that’s going to save you. One time, a number of years back, I was driving Grandma when she wanted to stop for breakfast. She told me to pull over at a gas station; I asked her what she wanted there, only for her to declare “A Hershey Bar.” I never saw Grandma eat a cornflake, I couldn’t even imagine her eating something so soggy, yet that’s ultimately alright. Amen [1] “Tom CIola.” Fresh Fiction for Today’s Reader. Web. May.9.2019. [2] Ciola, Tom. Moses Wasn't Fat. Axion Publishers. 1.Jan.2001. Web. May.9.2019 found on Amazon.com [3] Ellerburg, Harris. Review comment for Moses Wasn't Fat published on Amazon on 19th, October, 2010. This was accessed on May.9.2019. [4] Washingston Times. “Holy health food.” 29.July.2002. Web. May.9.2019. [5] Neary, Lynn. “Bible Bar.” National Public Radio: All Things Considered. 15. Nov.2002. Web. May.9.2019. [6] Neary, Lynn. “Bible Bar.” National Public Radio: All Things Considered. [7] “Seventh Day Adventist Church.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 9.May.2019. Web. May.9.2019. [8] “John Harvey Kellogg.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 23. Apr.2019. Web. May.9.2019. [9] Seventh Day Adventist Church.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [10] Seventh Day Adventist Church.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [11] “What does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols?” Got Questions. Web. May.9.2019. [12] Acts 11:6. [13] Acts 11:7. [14] “Todd Marinovich.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 6.May.2019. Web. May.9.2019. [15]“ Todd Marinovich.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [16] “Todd Marinovich.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [17] Acts 11:8. [18] Acts 11:9 [19] Bratt, Doug. “Acts 11:1-18.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids, MI. 18.Apr.2016. Web. May.9.2019. [20] Acts 11;12. [21] Acts 11:15 [22] Acts 11:17. First Lesson: Acts 9: 36-43 Responsive Reading: Psalm 23 Second Lesson: Revelation 7: 9-17 Gospel Lesson: John 10: 22-30 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“No man is poor who has had a godly mother[1].”-Abraham Lincoln I want to begin by telling you the tale this morning of one of the most remarkable Christian women who has ever lived. Even if you haven’t heard of her, you have experienced her impact. Ann Reeves Jarvis was born in Virginia in 1832. She was the daughter of a Methodist minister[2]. In the 1850's, Jarvis began having children of her own. Jarvis had only four of her dozen children survive to adulthood. The majority died of diseases like measles, typhoid fever, and diphtheria which were prevalent within the poor, Appalachian communities in which she lived[3]. In 1858, Jarvis had an idea to organize what was known as “Mother’s Work Day[4].” The goal was to reach out to the poor people of Appalachia by collecting and distributing medicine, providing nursing care, feeding the hungry, and providing shelters for children with tuberculosis[5]. Jarvis’ idea was so popular that it quickly spread[6]. “Mother’s Work Day” though soon ran into a significant obstacle when the Civil War broke out. The divide was an extraordinarily complicated issue in Virginia as the Western part of the state where Jarvis lived broke away out of loyalty to the Union cause. This new border in what was now known as “West Virginia” pitted neighbor against neighbor and even family member versus family member. Mrs. Jarvis would not be deterred; she organized a meeting of the “Mother’s Work Day” clubs to vow to continue their work together whether their home was part of the Union or Confederacy. They proceeded to take the unheard-of action of seeking to nurse soldiers from both sides. The “Mother’s Work Day” Society would not abandon their mission even as the Civil War went on around them[7]. The end of the war brought all sorts of animosity and hatred among neighbors. So Mrs. Jarvis then organized what was known as “Mother’s Friendship Days” to seek to reconcile former enemies[8]. One of Ann Reeves Jarvis daughters, Anna Jarvis perpetually admired her mother’s love and compassion. So in the wake of Ann Reeves Jarvis’ death in 1905, her daughter organized what was known as “Mother’s Day” in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia. The day soon became a tradition to honor the work of women like Ann Reeves Jarvis whose kindness in changing and challenging times bettered the lives of the weak and wounded around them[9]. The idea of “Mother’s Day” quickly spread. In 1914, nine years after Ann Reeves Jarvis’ death, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday[10]. Ann Reeves Jarvis died illustrating the very best of a mother’s love towards a child, a reflection of the love that Christ pours out on his church, and because of women like her, Mother’s Day exists. Today’s First Lesson comes from the Book of Acts the 9th Chapter[11]. It tells the tale of another remarkable woman of faith named Dorcas. Dorcas was in many ways like Ann Reeves Jarvis; she was always doing good and helping the poor. Whereas we celebrate Mother’s Day, we also remember the work of our Mission Circle as their quilts decorate our pews. Dorcas did something similar; she made robes and clothes for the disadvantaged to wear as a focal point of her ministry[12]. Tragedy strikes Dorcas as she gets sick and dies. All the other widows of Joppa were devastated by her loss. Some were recipients of her charity, whereas others worked alongside her. What we can say for sure about Dorcas is she was a leader among one of the first Christian communities. Everyone was wondering what was going to happen now that Dorcas was dead[13]. Widows in the early church wouldn’t inherit property, there was no such thing as Social Security, so widows in her day would only survive because of the charity of people like Dorcas. So then the widows of Joppa hear that Jesus’ disciple Peter is visiting a nearby town. They send two men to get Peter hoping that the “unbelievable promises” of Resurrection in which they’ve heard might apply to Dorcas.[14] Peter arrives, he prays, Dorcas rises from her sleep, and resumes her great deeds among the widows of Joppa. Because of Dorcas, it says many people in Joppa, became believers in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ[15]. Dorcas might have been appearing to only be sewing clothes, but it soon became evident that God’s work through Dorcas went way beyond this. For example, the story of Martin Luther, the 95 Theses, and the Lutheran Reformation is well-known. What isn’t as well known is the impact that Mothers had on the Reformation[16]. When word of the 95 Theses got out, women began flocking to the new-found church. These were woman who longed for grace in their life: they may have had to bury unbaptized children, had difficult teenagers who they couldn’t make sense of from one moment to the next, and widows like Dorcas for who every day was a challenge[17]. It was these women who were the backbone of the Reformation as teachers, charity workers, wives, and mothers[18]. The most famous of these women was Katherine Von Bora a runaway nun, who desired different responsibilities as a Christian woman than living in a convent. The women who upon being married became known as Katie Luther would tend to the fields, raised cattle, managed the family finances as Martin was known for being quite poor with money, and brewed her beer. She was Martin’s closest source of support, as he struggled with frequent bouts of depression. Towards the end of his life, Martin said about Katie: “The greatest gift of grace a man can have is a pious, God-fearing, home-loving wife, whom he can trust with all his goods, body, and life itself, as well as having her as the mother of his children.” While there wasn’t Mother’s Day during Luther’s life, he certainly would have supported its celebration. Luther understood the influence of mothers to the church. Luther understood that without mothers there are fewer children raised in the faith, fewer pastors, and missionaries to spread the Gospel through the ends of the earth. How this happens isn’t always obvious. Mother’s Day is a bittersweet holiday for many of us. Some dreamed of being a mother but weren’t for one reason or another, some had a complicated or broken relationship with their mother, whereas others have lost their mother in a relationship that can never be replaced. 2 Timothy is a letter by the Apostle Paul to his co-worker in the Gospel Timothy. Paul reminds Timothy how his faith came from his mother and his grandmother’s role in his life[19]. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”-2 Timothy 1:5. Well, recently as many of you know I lost my grandmother. It will be the first Mother’s Day that I’ll celebrate without her. While her loss is not unexpected, it does represent the end to a significant chapter of my life. What I can say is when I was growing up, or in college, she would always call me on the phone when a preacher was on T.V., sometimes it’d be Billy Graham, other times it would be some random motivational speaker with no religious content. Grandma would think they looked like a preacher so that she would be just as excited. She would always speak glowingly about preachers, she would embarrass me with her normal colorful behavior one minute, then preach a sermon at me five minutes later. I remember one time when I was working here at Sychar; she got particularly mad at me before declaring; “I hope I see you in heaven.” She could leave me speechless at times because of her bluntness like no one else I’ve ever met. What I can say for sure though is when I was in Confirmation, I would always stop by her house while waiting for class to begin. She was never going to let me miss class, in spite of any arguments that I might make. When I struggled going through Seminary with whether I wanted a career in the ministry, I knew if I ever broke the news to Grandma that I would never hear the end of it. Her presence reminds me that it is those closest to you who not only influence your faith but the course of your whole life. Even if actions might seem to be insignificant at the moments, they are taking place. These are the things that we celebrate Today in women such as Dorcas with children or without. Let me close this morning with the following story to illustrate this. Ida Tarbell was a journalist in the early 20th century. Her most well-known work is The History of the Standard Oil Company[20]. This book was so influential that it became the subject of the national debate over regulating monopolies. Her articles drove circulation for McClure’s and American magazine. She was considered brilliant for her ability to take complex topics and explain them to a broader general audience[21]. Tarbell was having her 80th Birthday; someone asked Tarbell to describe the greatest person she had ever met, over her long and distinguished career. Tarbell replied: “The greatest person are those I have ever met are those nobody knows anything about[22].” Tarbell then made her point clear: “I ask you, who was greater, Thomas A. Edison or his mother?” The question might seem silly upon first listen. Thomas Edison invented the phonograph which gave birth to the record player, the motion picture camera which made Hollywood movies possible, and the light bulb whereas no one has given much thought to Nancy Edison over the years but consider the following[23]. When Thomas Edison was a young child, his teacher sent home a note declaring “Your child is dumb. We can’t do anything for him.”. Nancy Edison was outraged, she wrote the teacher back the following; “You do not understand my boy. I will teach him myself[24].” Thomas Edison never went back to school. Now let me ask you again, “Who was more important Thomas Edison or his mother, Nancy?” Nancy Edison reminds us that there is no higher Christian calling than being one’s mother. Her story mirrors many others. You might not have heard of Ann Reeves Jarvis or Dorcas before today, but this is o.k. Many of the most important woman in the world the ones that help raise children, nourish them in the faith, and support children in all circumstances have never been heard about outside their own home. Happy Mother’s Day! Amen [1] Lincoln, Abraham. “Mother.” Sermon Illustrations. Web. May.1.2019. [2] “Ann Jarvis.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 3.Nov.2018. Web. May.1.2019. [3] Ann Jarvis.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [4] Ann Jarvis.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [5] Stier, Leon. “The Story of Mother’s Day.” Email Mediatations. 11. May.2015. Web. May.1.2019. [6] Stier, Leon. “The Story of Mother’s Day.” Email Mediatations. [7] Stier, Leon. “The Story of Mother’s Day.” Email Mediatations. [8] Stier, Leon. “The Story of Mother’s Day.” Email Mediatations [9] Stier, Leon. “The Story of Mother’s Day.” Email Mediatations. [10] Stier, Leon. “The Story of Mother’s Day.” Email Mediatations. [11] Acts 9:36-43. [12] Acts 9:39. [13] Bratt, Doug. “Acts 9:36-43.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids, MI. 11.Apr.2016. Web. May.1.2019. [14] Acts 9:39. [15] Acts 9:42. [16] Stjerna, Kirsi. “Luther and the ‘church mothers’ : They jump-started justice for women.” Living Lutheran. 22. Sept.2015. Web. May.1.2019. [17] Stjerna, Kirsi. “Luther and the ‘church mothers’ : They jump-started justice for women.” Living Lutheran. [18] Stjerna, Kirsi. “Luther and the ‘church mothers’ : They jump-started justice for women.” Living Lutheran. [19] 2 Timothy 1:5. [20] “Ida Tarbell.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 25.Apr.2019. Web. May.1.2019. [21] Ida Tarbell.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [22] Jones, Iijon. “Mother.” Sermon Illustrations. Web. May.1.2019. Taken from January 8th, 1994 edition of Morning Glory. [23] “Thomas Edison.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 30.Apr.2019. Web. May.1.2019. [24] Jones, Iijon. “Mother.” Sermon Illustrations. First Lesson: Acts 9: 1-6, (7-20) Responsive Reading: Psalm 30 Second Lesson: Revelation 5: 11-14 Gospel Lesson: John 21: 1-19 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“The true character of society is revealed in how it treats its children.”- Nelson Mandela “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.”- Proverbs 3:5-6 Today we gather to celebrate the Confirmation of Hunter Dow. We affirm the faith given in his baptism when he was just a baby. We celebrate the gifts that God has given Hunter to live out ministry within the world. With this in mind, let me begin with a few words about Hunter from some of those who know him best. William Kelley Football Coach Ward Kaiser[1]: Hunter is “Very personable, wants to do the right thing, very helpful to others and tries to set a good example.” Silver Bay FFA Advisor Leah Bott[2]: “Hunter processes unique qualities for a student his age, most notably his genuine care and concern for other students. He is a friend to everyone and goes out of his way to help others feel included and valued. Hunter has a strong work ethic and a positive attitude that will carry him far in all of his endeavors." Track Coach Rick Frericks[3]: “Hunter has made a great commitment to track. He is a hard worker and a wonderful teammate. He comes to each practice with unbridled enthusiasm. Hunter is a leader among the young men I coach. A real pleasure to coach him.” Hunter, I’ve worked with you since you’ve been nine years old. We’ve gotten jacked in the weight room together. I’ve watched you run track where I’ve had fans of other schools who don’t know you; comment to me“that kid “from Silver Bay” never gives up when running the eight hundred. I’ve seen how deeply you care about your family and want to do well in their eyes. I remember why we’re never going to play toilet plunger vs. toilet brush hockey again at Confirmation. But as I let your Mom know a few weeks back: “I cannot say enough good about the type of young man that you are becoming.” As we reflect upon the meaning of Hunter’s confirmation, we hear the words of our Gospel lesson[4]. John 21 is the third Post-Resurrection appearance of Jesus within John’s Gospel. Last week, Jesus appeared to Thomas only a week after his death[5]. Now Today’s lesson takes place at some point in the forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven[6]. Here’s the context for our lesson. The Disciples go out fishing, they fish the whole night long and catch absolutely nothing. Morning comes, an unidentified stranger is standing along the shore who calls out to the Disciples: “Friends, haven’t you (caught) any fish[7]?” The Disciples thinking this fellow merely wanted a report on the fishing conditions respond: “No[8].” The unidentified man gives them advice: “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.[9]” Jesus’ disciple Peter immediately knew what such a miraculous catch of fish meant. A similar episode took place earlier in Jesus ministry when he was recruiting his first disciples. Peter put his net down and “ (he) had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break[10].” Peter gets so excited to see the post-Resurrection Lord again that he shouts out “It is the Lord[11].” Peter jumps out of his boat (not thinking things through) and swims all the way to shore with the rest of the Disciples following. So what happens when the Disciples and Jesus reunite upon the shore for possibly the last time? Was Jesus going to perform another miracle? Was Jesus going to make some really, profound never heard before point about the Kingdom of God[12]? No Jesus does something much more straightforward. Jesus instead invites the Disciples to breakfast. Jesus cooks them up fish and bread[13]. Jesus earlier in his ministry had performed the unbelievable miracle of feeding 5000 people with five loaves and two fish. Now in his last meal with the Disciples, Jesus manages to feed seven people with 153 fish.[14] Jesus does these actions as he’s getting ready to leave this world behind and task the Disciples with the work of carrying out his ministry. Jesus is making a point though to not only them but also Hunter and ultimately ourselves. Jesus is seeking to show the disciples the meaning of the ordinary. Moses was merely tending to sheep on a mountainside when God spoke to him in a burning bush[15]. Jesus for his last encounter with the Disciples cooks them breakfast. What our lesson reminds us is that God’s callings are not confined to stain-glassed buildings. God is reminding us that he is found in the halls of the school, God is located in the monotony of track practice; God is found when driving younger classmates around. Today as we reflect on Hunter’s upcoming ministry in the world. We see God is calling to more than just acolyting or attending Wednesday evening Confirmation class. The Church is bigger than any one building, the calling placed upon Hunter this morning is to be the Church in the world around him. Be the Church as a brother, son, teammate, student, employee, and in the future possibly husband, and father. The thing is to note is Christian callings do not always promise to be easy. Right after I got done with Seminary, to earn some money, I went to work as a substitute teacher. My first day was going to be at one of the middle schools in Forest Lake where I knew zero kids, and my previous experiences with middle schoolers as a Junior High camp counselor were difficult at best. Faith will often put in us in uncomfortable situations. I remember one of my first few days teaching, losing my “cool” during a last hour class which I was struggling to keep on task. I remember another day, not long after that when showing a movie in class “kids started throwing rice, in the windowless room.” I probably wanted to quit after this. I thought that surely God could call someone else for a task such as this one. I’d was hoping ministry would merely be reading something written by Martin Luther. I eventually came to learn about working with youth to always “expect the unexpected.” Try to be a positive presence for good no matter the circumstances. I’ve never lost sight that I wasn’t the best student or the best-behaved kid growing up. I will never forget the teachers, adults, or even older students who showed me grace at the moments when I didn’t deserve it. It is all these moments from getting in trouble as a youth to substitute teaching that led me to this place on this day. Hunter, you are about to enter into a new chapter of your Christian calling. It was much the same way with Jesus’ disciples as he prepared to leave the Earth behind in our lesson. Their four years of Confirmation would soon be over. Jesus would soon ascend into heaven. The Disciples were going to be tasked with figuring out the tough church stuff on their own. Let me close this morning with Jesus final’ instruction to the Disciples: “Take care of my sheep[16].” “Feed my sheep.[17]” Hunter, you are no longer considered a child in the eyes of this church. You are now tasked with helping to bring up the children of not only this church, but ultimately this world. A few years back, our Little Fishes met right before Confirmation. Hunter would show up early, play, and have fun with them. These kids were drawn to Hunter to the point where other adults would comment on it. Hunter the tasks to “Take care of my sheep” will be uncomfortable at times. You will be called to show kindness and patience to kids who are socially awkward, off-task, and might only seem to make your life more difficult at that very moment. We don’t celebrate on this day what you are as impressive as your accomplishments like making the A Honor Roll may be. We celebrate the faith sustained from your baptism. We celebrate the paths of ministry that Our Lord will call you down in the days ahead. We promise as a congregation to be the place where you receive the necessary words of God’s grace and forgiveness in the years ahead. Remember Our Gospel lesson, the nets in your life will burst with fish at those moments when you least expect it. Amen [1] 4-22 email. [2] 4-23 email. [3] 4-22 email. [4] John 21:1-19. [5] John 20:19-31. [6] Hoezee, Scott. “John 21:1-19.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids, MI. 4. Apr.2016. Web. Apr.23.2019. [7] John 21:5. [8] John 21:5. [9] John 21:6 [10] John 21:6. [11] John 21:7. [12] Hoezee, Scott. “John 21:1-19.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [13] Hoezee, Scott. “John 21:1-19.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [14] Hoezee, Scott. “John 21:1-19.” Center for Excellence in Preaching.” [15] Hoezee, Scott. “John 21:1-19.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [16] John 21:16 [17] John 21:17 |
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