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 First Lesson: Acts 5: 27-32 Responsive Reading: Psalm 118: 14-29 Second Lesson: Revelation 1: 4-8 Gospel Lesson: John 20: 19-31 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bethany Hamilton was thirteen years old. Bethany lived in Hawaii and was one of the country’s best young surfers[1]. Bethany went out for her routine morning surf with a friend, her father, and her brother. Bethany, like she had done hundreds of time before, had her left arm dangling in the water with no more menacing a threat than harmless turtles in the area. Only on this morning, a tiger shark attacked severing her left arm just below her shoulder. She was rushed back to shore with her life in grave danger. Bethany would lose sixty percent of her blood and spent the next three months of her life in a hospital. She was thought to be finished as a competitive surfer with only one good arm. Bethany before this incident was an active member of her church’s youth group[2]. She initially struggled with doubting God’s ways in the loss of her arm. Everyone who has ever seen their dreams crushed like Bethany Hamilton can understand her doubt. Now Today’s Gospel lesson tells us a similar story. Mary Magdalene had just returned from Jesus’ tomb proclaiming: “I have seen the (Risen) Lord[3].” The Disciples couldn’t at first believe such a foolish sounding thing. They had seen Jesus arrested by the Romans; they knew he was sentenced to be crucified by the Romans; they knew the Romans never failed to kill an intended victim properly. The Disciples initial reaction upon hearing Mary Magdalene’s claims of resurrection probably would mirror many of ours: “They rolled their eyes, they smirked.” The Disciples didn’t go looking for Jesus; they instead stayed home thinking there was something better to do with their Sunday evening. The Disciples remained so afraid of the Romans in the wake of Jesus’ death; they locked the door to the room in which they were staying[4]. The Disciples had seen plots by both Romans and their fellow countrymen in the last week against both Jesus and Lazarus. They weren’t going to take any chances. But when the Disciples least expected to see Jesus, he was standing in the room alongside them. “Peace be with you.” He showed the Disciples his hands and his sides and they all begin to celebrate. Jesus then proclaims: “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven[5].” Everyone seems ready to go home happy, everyone except for the lone disciple Thomas. Thomas was gone when Jesus appeared. Where was Thomas? My old preaching professor David Lose theorizes that Thomas after the crucifixion did whatever fans do when your team loses the big game[6]. Thomas planned to get on with his life. Thomas was planning to travel home. Thomas’ dreams were crushed, so Thomas sought to get out of Jerusalem to save his life. So now Thomas hears Jesus is risen, Thomas is skeptical. Thomas knew the Romans always used spears to pierce victim’s sides. Whereas the Disciples had told Thomas, Christ rose from the dead, Thomas wasn’t there to see it, and Thomas hadn’t seen Jesus since. So Thomas declares boldly before his fellow disciples: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Thomas of all characters in the Bible gets a bad rap. He is forever known as Doubting Thomas though he merely requests the same amount of proof that Mary Magdalene and the other Disciples had already received. The Bible besides Thomas includes many stories of doubters[7]. Gideon lived in Israel shortly after the people returned from Egypt[8]. Israel was on the verge of collapsing into the hands of the mighty Midianite army. God begins to speak to Gideon, instructing him that he would be the man through which God would save the nation. Gideon doubted. Gideon had never been a recipient of good fortune in life before this. He was the guy that always got caught in unexpected rainfall. Gideon had no physical attributes that inspired great confidence. One could say that Gideon lacked self-esteem. No way God could use Gideon to save the nation. So Gideon demanded signs. He tested God twice before the hard shell surrounding his doubt began to crumble. God’s promises though led Gideon to an eventual victory. Job doubted as God let him lose his wife, his kids, his possessions, and finally his health. Jeremiah doubted as he saw the wicked Babylonians conquer his nation’s capital. While King David is known for the 23rd Psalm declaring: “The Lord is My Shepherd.”, the 22nd Psalm where he cries out: “My God, My God why have you forsaken me” is often forgotten[9].” Many similar arguments can be found in the pages of scripture regarding doubting God out of disappointment made by those who struggle with their faith today[10]. In seeking to understand Thomas further, I came across the words of Henry Drummond who distinguished between a “doubter” and an “unbeliever[11].” A doubter is searching for God, whereas an unbeliever is searching for the temptations of this world. A doubter is a person who may have a thousand questions for God about the universe, whereas the unbeliever doesn’t care. A doubter struggles to find God’s purposes, whereas unbeliever merely struggles with the challenges of everyday life[12]. So Thomas shouldn’t be singled out for his doubt; in fact, God seems rather doubt tolerant[13]. Thomas had a tough last week seeing one of the closest people in the world to him die brutally via crucifixion. Thomas doubted because he was skeptical of being burned again by “false” hope. So what ends up happening to Thomas? One week after Thomas had given his speech about how he will not believe. Jesus appears before Thomas in a locked room. Jesus declares: “Peace be with you!” “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas upon hearing these words calls out to Christ for eternal salvation. Thomas’ life would forever change after encountering the Resurrected Lord. Thomas would switch his plans to return home, instead traveling to India to be the first believer to spread the hope of Resurrection within this foreign land. Thomas came to realize that God’s plans for Thomas were bigger than even Thomas’ doubts. What happened to Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who suffered a shark attack? She doubted God, eventually returned to youth group, and started surfing again on a custom made surfboard. Bethany would win an ESPN Espy award for Best Comeback Athlete when she returned to being a nationally completive surfer[14]. Twelve years after Bethany Hamilton’s accident, she would declare: “12 years ago I lost my arm, but since then I have gained so much! I'm so thankful for my life...just as it is! If not for my faith in God, I can't say I would think the same thing. God is good[15]." Thomas would witness an arrest and attack of Jesus at the hands of the Romans. Thomas doubted that he would ever see Jesus alive again. Thomas’ doubt though would soon turn to belief before his very eyes. Thomas’ life would never be the same ever again. What do these stories of Bethany Hamilton, Gideon, and Thomas mean for us? Let me close with one final tale, Field of Dreams tells the story of a struggling Iowa farmer named Ray Kinsella[16]. Kinsella one night hears a foolish voice crying out: “If you build it, he will come.” Kinsella interprets the voice to mean that he needed to build a Baseball field in the middle of his corn crop to hopefully bring about reunion with his long-dead father. The most skeptical person around Ray is his brother in law Mark[17]. Mark continually demands that Ray use his good judgment and sell the farm. Mark fears what would happen to his sister Annie and niece Karin if Ray persists in his foolish beliefs. Ray claims to be watching long-dead baseball players, whereas Mark merely sees empty bases. Mark eventually gets so heated at Ray that they scuffle. Ray’s young daughter Karin is knocked to the ground unconscious[18]. Ray’s foolishness seems destined to cost Karin her life. Mark the doubter appears to soon be proven right. Then a miracle happens that leaves everyone speechless. To Mark the Doubter, what appeared to be an invisible baseball player leaves the field, to save Karin from choking to death. Mark’s doubt is turned to belief. Mark begins to beg Ray not to sell his farm. Mark had witnessed a supernatural event like no natural event he had ever known, so he would never understand life in the same way, ever again. The greatest skeptic about Ray’s baseball field had become the greatest believer! The Resurrection of Jesus does the same thing to us. It speaks to our doubts, our fragility, and our failures. In the moments of our greatest desperation, Christ appears before us speaking the words to Thomas from earlier in John’s Gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you[19]?” Amen [1] “Bethany Hamilton.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 11.Apr.2019. Web. Apr.11.2019. [2] “Soul Surfer.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 29.Dec.2018. Web. Apr.11.2019. [3] John 20:19-31 [4] John 20:19. [5] John 20:23. [6] Lose, David. “Blessed Doubt.” In the Meantime (David Lose.net). 29.Mar.2016. Web. Apr.11.2019. [7] Chris. “Three Bible Heroes Who Doubted.” Bible Gateway. 9.Aug.2012. Web. Apr.11.2019. [8] Weldy, Brandon. “Gideon the Great Doubter.” Medium. 28.May.2018. Web. Apr.11.2019. [9] Yancey, Phillip. “Faith and Doubt.” Philip Yancey.com. 2009. Web. Apr.11.2019. [10] Yancey, Phillip. “Faith and Doubt.” Philip Yancey.com. [11] Markquardt, Edward. “Thomas the Doubter.” Sermons from Seattle. Web. Apr.11.2019. [12] Markquardt, Edward. “Thomas the Doubter.” Sermons from Seattle. [13] Yancey, Phillip. “Faith and Doubt.” Philip Yancey.com. [14] Bethany Hamilton.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [15] Ong, Czarina. Bethany Hamilton: I lost an arm to a shark but gained so much faith in God in return “Christian Today. 6.Feb.2017. Web. Apr.11.2019. [16] The following analogy comes from Text Week under movie scenes for the week of Easter 2C under seeing/not seeing. [17] “Field of Dreams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 2nd April.2019. Web. April.11.2019. [18] Field of Dreams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [19] John 14:1-2. Acts 10: 34-43 Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15: 19-26 John 20: 1-8 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”-John 11:25-26. I want to begin by telling you the story of a young girl named Mary Ann Bird. Mary Ann was born with a cleft palate and disfigured lip[1]. Mary Ann was also deaf in one ear. Children growing up were cruel to Mary Ann. They would continually make fun of her very obvious physical ailments. “What happened to your lip Mary Ann?” They shouted mockingly in her direction. The worst day every year for Mary Ann was the day of the annual hearing test. The test was given in the days when teachers administered the test in front of the classroom. Mary Ann dreaded further mockery from failing in front of all her classmates. Mary Ann would secretly try to cup her good ear, so somehow some way she would pass.[2] This year, Mary Ann’s teacher was Miss Leonard. Miss Leonard was the most popular teacher in the school. Miss Leonard was a short and stout woman, but everyone was drawn to Miss Leonard’s kindness. Every student yearned to be Miss Leonard’s teacher’s pet[3]. Then came the day of the dreaded hearing test. For most students the lines were straightforward: “The sky is blue.” Or “You have new shoes.” Mary Ann was next, Miss Leonard began to whisper into her ear seven words that would forever change Mary Ann Bird’s life. Miss Leonard whispered into Mary Ann’s ear: “I wish you were my little girl[4].” I imagine tears came to Mary Ann’s eyes as she heard for the first time in her life such powerful words of grace. Mary Ann would be forever changed from this day forward. She would believe that she was lovable and find it a long, happy marriage living to see the birth of her great grand- children. She was known to those around her for her sense of care. She was a devout Christian, who led Bible study, and attended church until her death[5]. Now this morning, I want to tell you a similar story. This woman’s name was Mary Magdalene. Mary Magadalene’s ailment was not physical, but spiritual. Mary Magdalene was possessed by a demon[6]. Her life is forever changed when she encounters Jesus earlier in his ministry as he drives seven demons out of her. Mary Magdalene then becomes one of Jesus’ closest followers. She was a witness to his crucifixion, his burial, and now this Sunday morning she journeys to visit his tomb. She immediately notices the stone guarding his tomb is no longer there. She goes to find the Disciples Peter and John to investigate what she thought had been a grave-robbing. They see strips of Jesus’ burial linen and cloth lying on the ground. The Disciples finding no sign of Jesus’ body then return home. Mary Magdalene stays behind to weep at the cruelty of Jesus’ death and grave-robbing. Mary Magdalene looks towards the tomb sees two figures sitting there in white asking: Woman, why are you crying [7]“ Mary replied: “They have taken my Lord away and I don’t know where they have put him[8].” Mary Magdalene then turns around is startled as she sees a man standing there who she wasn’t expecting to see. She didn’t instantly recognize him. “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Said the unidentified man. Mary thinks this was the man who worked the gardens outside the tomb. Mary’s probably getting angry by this point at all these questions from strangers before declaring: “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Earlier I told you the story of Mary Ann Bird having her life changed by seven words. “I wish you were my little girl.” Mary Magdalene’s life was changed by one word; hearing her name “Mary[9].” As soon as she heard her name, the gates of heaven were open, Mary Magdalene became the First Christian, the first believer in the Resurrection, the first person to see sin’s power crumble before her very eyes. Mary Magdalene gets so excited that she runs from the tomb, to tell the other Disciples. Mary Magdalene would spend the remaining days of her life telling everyone who would now listen that she had seen the Risen Lord! The Grave had now been conquered. The Apostle Paul would describe the Resurrection witnessed by Mary Magdalene impact for all believers quite well a generation later when he declared: “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”-1st Corinthians 15:12-14. Christ’s Resurrection to Jesus’ earliest followers meant a chance for all who believe to rewrite their obituary from death to life permanently. Let me close this morning with one final story to illustrate what exactly took place for Mary Magdalene when she heard her name called out by the Risen Lord. The year was 1867. A 34-year-old scientist named Alfred Nobel invented dynamite. Dynamite was immediately quite popular in both construction and warfare. It was especially widely used within the mining industry in this country. Alfred Nobel soon became very, very rich[10]. He eventually becomes the owner of 100 factories that made explosives within more than twenty different countries. Alfred Nobel’s life was going great until one day in 1888 when Nobel’s brother Ludvig died of a heart attack[11]. A newspaper in France heard that a Nobel had died and assumed it to be Alfred. The paper proceeded to write the nastiest obituary they could in the wake of what they thought to be Alfred Nobel’s death. They called him a “merchant of death,” they attribute his fortune to finding new ways to “mutilate and kill.” Alfred Nobel was distraught upon reading this nasty obituary. Alfred Nobel vowed to become known for something else[12]. The year was 1895. Alfred Nobel signed his last will in Paris at the Swedish-Norwegian Club. Nobel was going to give his entire fortune worth nearly 300 million dollars (today) to establish prizes for those who have given the greatest benefit for humankind in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and ultimately peace[13]. The Nobel Peace Prize which sought to preserve life was ultimately born out of death. Alfred Nobel died in 1896[14]. Now when people hear his name, he is no longer known as the inventor of “dynamite,” he is rather known for his efforts at bringing forth peace. All this happened because his obituary was ultimately wrong. Easter Sunday is a celebration of another obituary being wrong that Mary Magdalene believed had already been permanently written. Jesus was no longer dead; he was now risen! Mary Magdalene would no longer be defined by her fear over what lied ahead. She would no longer be defeated by guilt over her past sins. Mary Magdalene instead hears on this day: “My body was given and shed for you.” “I have claimed your salvation.” “Life does not end in death for Mary Ann Bird, Alfred Nobel, or Mary Magdalene; the tomb is indeed now empty. Our Savior is now calling out our name! Amen [1] Charette, Brian. “On Compassion: The Whisper Test.” Leader Helps. 6.Feb.2017. Web. Mar.28.2019. [2] Robb-Dover, Kristina. ““The Whisper Test” Belief Net. Web. Mar.28.2019. [3] Hoezee, Scott. “John 20:1-18.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids, MI. 21.Mar.2016. Web. Mar.28.2019. [4] Hoezee, Scott. “John 20:1-18.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [5] Charette, Brian. “On Compassion: The Whisper Test.” Leader Helps [6] Luke 8:2. [7] John 20:13. [8] John 20:13. [9] John 20:16. [10] Andrews, Evan. “Did a Premature Obituary Inspire the Nobel Prize?” History Channel. 9.Feb.2016. Web. Mar.28.2019. [11] Unknown. “Alfred Nobel Obituary.” Sermon Illustrations. Web. Mar.28.2019. [12] Andrews, Evan. “Did a Premature Obituary Inspire the Nobel Prize?” History Channel. [13] Unknown. “Alfred Nobel Obituary.” Sermon Illustrations. [14] “Alfred Nobel.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 5.Feb.2019. Web. Mar.28.2019. Responsive Reading: Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 Gospel Lesson: Luke 19: 28-40 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
When I was a student at Luther Seminary, I would have the chance to attend a lot of Minnesota Twins games. I lived about four miles from the Metrodome and on Student Night could get tickets for $3. My first year at Luther was 2003. The Twins had a slow start to the season but ended the year strong winning the division and advancing to the playoffs. The Twins were considered to be the little, plucky engine that could. The Twins nearly folded as a team one year earlier, due to what they claimed to be a lack of money playing in the Metrodome. The Twins only survived due to a judge’s injunction. So in the playoffs in 2003 the opponent was going to be none other than the New York Yankees. The Yankees were the wealthiest team in Baseball. Their players’ salaries were over a 180,000,000. They spent three times as much money on their team as the Twins and over 50% more than any other team in Baseball. The Yankees had won four of the last seven World Series. There was seemingly no bigger villain at the time then the really, big city New York Yankees. The Yankees were blamed by many Twins fans for us nearly losing our team. The two teams were playing a best of five series. The Twins won the first game in New York but lost the second. They were now going to play in the same Metrodome where the Twins had never lost a World Series game. Optimism among Twins fans was high. On the Friday before the Weekend games, there was going to be a rally in Downtown Minneapolis. I was going to go. I brought the one bit of Twins gear that I had in my room which was an over-sized plastic sundae Twins batting Helmet to wear upon my head. The first speaker on this day was the Governor of Minnesota at the time, Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty was celebrating a particularly good fall with both the Vikings and Gophers football undefeated into October when the Governor declared they might have to rename the state: “Winnesota.” I would eat up every act designed to whip the crowd into a frenzy. The batting helmet kept sliding off my head in my cheering. There could be no greater victory for my native, Minnesota than beating the bigger, bad arch-rival New York Yankees. My enthusiasm was such at the rally that in a crowd of thousands, I was interviewed and featured by the Star Tribune for a next days’ story on passionate Twins fans. What ended up happening with the Twins and Yankees, we’ll get back to that story in just a little bit. A similar scene of sorts takes place within our Gospel for Today. People were excited. Word of Jesus’ latest and greatest miracle the Resurrection of Lazarus had spread. Jerusalem was already one of the bigger cities in the ancient world. Now with the festival of the Passover ready to begin, its population would increase seven-fold. Everyone would have heard about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in nearby Bethany mere miles away. The great enemy for the people gathered in Jerusalem on this day was the Romans. The Roman Empire was dominant during Jesus’ life. They controlled the World from the British Channel to the Deserts of North Africa. Their empire stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the heart of the Middle East. The World was at relative peace in Jesus’ day because no one dared challenge Roman Rule. Roman Rule though was despised among the people of Judea. Riots against the Romans were commonplace. The Romans were hated for the taxes they charged to subjects of the Empire. The Romans were hated for disrespecting the Jewish Religion by seeking to elevate their emperors to equality with God[1]. Like the Twins and the Yankees, the good guys and the bad guys were truly set up heading into Palm Sunday among the crowd who would soon gather. On one side was the mighty Romans who dominated the world and its subjects. On the other side was the great hope coming from the rumors that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. If Jesus had done this, there was no telling what he might do next, especially if he confronted the Romans. The week ahead was seemingly going to be the best chance to take down the Romans since they seized the land nearly ninety years prior. Emotions were going to run especially high as the Roman soldiers were going to be on prominent display to try to stop further violence from breaking out during Holy Week[2]. So with this background in mind let’s look towards Luke’s Gospel from which our reading comes[3]. Here’s what stands out from Our Gospel reading. Jesus comes riding into Jerusalem upon a young colt, people through their coats on the ground as an act of reverence[4]. The exchange that ends the passage stands out. As Jesus is coming down the road, the Disciples are excited! They start shouting out: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest[5]!” Among the witnesses to this scene were the Pharisees. The Pharisees couldn’t believe that Jesus’ disciples would get so excited at his presence like they did. They ask Jesus to rebuke the Disciples for their enthusiasm. Tell them to stop making so much noise. The Pharisees would be mad if Jesus’ Disciples got so excited that their head coverings fell off. You see this exchange sets the stage for Holy Week. The Pharisees would reappear later during Holy Week. John 18:3-4: “So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.” Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” As for the Disciples, Judas betrays him, and right before his trial. Matthew 26:56: “Then all the disciples deserted him (Jesus) and fled.” Holy Week had started pretty good for the Disciples. They witnessed Jesus march into town on a donkey to a cheering crowd; they then watched him stroll into the Temple and overturn the money-changer's tables. They sat down for what they never imagined to be their Last Supper. They saw Jesus arrested and the hope from earlier in the week was crushed before their very eyes. Back to the Twins and Yankees. What happened in the day after I went to the exciting rally nearly losing my batting helmet? The Yankees won the next two days. The Twins season was over. Fast forward to 2004; The Twins are playing the Yankees once again. The Twins win the first game in New York, lose the second in extra innings. Back in Minnesota, this time My Dad and I have tickets to the games. We watch the Yankees drill the Twins in Game 3. Game 4 was the Day of My 25th Birthday; victory seemed inevitable. The Twins were going to turn it around winning 5-1 heading into the 8th Inning. Yankees tie the game in the 8th Inning. The Yankees win the game in the 11th Inning[6]. 50,000 Twins fans leave the stadium in silence as the mighty Yankees had triumphed yet again. The players go clean their lockers out. A long, cold winter comes to Minnesota. The Disciples probably had a similar response when they heard the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate had put Jesus to death. Crucifixion was previously undefeated as a death sentence. The Disciples probably imagined they were going to be returning to their lives as mostly ordinary fishermen in Galilee. When people ask if they knew “Jesus” put to death by the Romans. They like Peter would try to distance themselves. They would be hesitant to admit that they were ever as enthusiastic as they were on Palm Sunday. Seeing Jesus march into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Disciples could never imagine the turn of events that the week ahead might bring: potential victory, inevitable defeat, and finally Resurrection from the grave itself! The Disciples could never imagine what they were about to witness was soon to send them to every corner of the globe only now they would shout out: “He is Risen, He is Risen, Indeed.” Palm Sunday reminds that no matter how mighty an opponent might appear to be within your life whether it be the New York Yankees, the Romans, or sin and death. Jesus is marching onward into Jerusalem towards victory. Amen [1] Markquardt, Edward. “Riots of Pilate.” Sermons from Seattle. Web. March.19.2019. [2] Taylor, Rev.Dr. Nancy. “Players and Protagonists in the Kingdom of God.” Day 1. 20.March.2016. Web. March.21.2019. [3] Luke 19:28-40. [4] Luke 19:36. [5] Luke 19:38. [6] Baseball Reference. “2004 American League Divison Series (Game 4).” Minneapolis. 9.Oct.2004. Web. Mar.21.2019. First Lesson: Isaiah 43: 16-21 Responsive Reading: Psalm 126 Second Lesson: Philippians 3: 4b-14 Gospel Lesson: John 12: 1-8 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
The year was 1914. The place was Sarajevo[1]. A plot was organized consisting of five Serbians and one Bosnian to kill Archduke Franz Ferdinand heir to the royal throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The plotters were mad about Austria-Hungary’s rule over not only their ethnic groups but also their native Balkan states. The plot was a success. Both the Archduke and his wife were killed. Austria-Hungary blamed the recently independent nation of Serbia for the attacks[2]. Many of the assassins were believed to be tied to a secret group within the Serbian army. One month after the shootings, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Russia would quickly align with Serbia. Imperial Germany would support Austria-Hungary. Germany’s actions against Belgium would soon draw the entry of France and England. Fighting between these and many other nations would ensue for years in the First World War. The war would be a standstill for three years until America declared war on Germany for sinking a supply ship headed to Europe. World War I would conclude in 1918 with over eight million dead. The War was so deeply unpopular in Russia for bankrupting the country; it forced the Russian Tsar out of power and brought the Communists into power. Germany was broke and resentful over the conditions imposed on them by victorious powers at the Treaty of Versailles. The most prominent critic of all these things within Germany Adolf Hitler would rise to power himself. In a little over twenty years, World War I would give birth to World War II which would give birth to the Cold War to the Korean War to the Vietnam War. All this happened because a deeply unpopular young ruler in Archduke Ferdinand was killed. Today’s Gospel lesson tells a similar story about how one man’s death would have all sorts of unforeseen consequences[3]. Consequences affecting people way after this seemingly ordinary man had left the Earth. Today’s Gospel lesson comes to us from John 12. The scene is Jesus has just performed his greatest miracle in raising Lazarus from the dead. In John 11, many people had witnessed these mightiest of deeds and came to believe in Jesus as Messiah[4]. Not everyone who witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection was thrilled. Hostile witnesses went straight to the religious authorities of the Chief Priest and Pharisees worried about what this all meant[5]. Jesus’ fame was spreading! An emergency meeting of the religious ruling council, the Sanhedrin was called. To everyone gathered at the Sanhedrin on this day, it became clear that Jesus needed to be stopped: John 11:48: “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” The Sanhedrin’s great fear was that if Jesus grew too popular, they would lose influence and ultimately control over the people of Jerusalem. If the Romans found out, they would take away the Sanhedrin’s power by overwhelming force. So in response to all this, the High Priest Caiaphas had a solution. John 11:50: “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” The Sanhedrin put Jesus to death as they feared his popularity would be too great after Lazarus’ raising. They made this decision because like the plot to kill the Archduke they feared further violence within their homeland. So this background brings us to Our Lesson for Today from John 12. In this scene, Lazarus, his sisters Mary and Martha, the Disciples and Jesus are gathering for a celebration dinner over Lazarus being brought back to life[6]. Here’s the interesting thing about Lazarus, even though he had been dead four days earlier in the week, Lazarus is described within our lesson as casually having a relaxing dinner. Lazarus started the week being buried, ended the week on Saturday drinking wine[7]. Lazarus would not be mentioned for several verses. The key thing that happens at the start of this passage concerns Lazarus’ sister Mary. Mary as a way to thank Jesus for what he had done, goes and buys a really, expensive bottle of perfume as a gift. Judas was outraged. He understood the cost of the perfume to be nearly a year’s wages[8]. Picture a $ 50,000 bottle of perfume being applied with Mary’s hair over Jesus’ probably dirty feet. Now it’s evident later that Judas had ulterior motives for being outraged at Mary’s extravagance[9], but at the time he made a reasonable point. Jesus though knew his death was coming soon. The dinner at Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ house probably takes place on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. In fact some churches Today, celebrate Lazarus Saturday as the day before Palm Sunday[10]. So Jesus knowing what the week ahead would bring declares to Judas[11]: “Leave her (Mary) alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.” Jesus makes his one final prediction to everyone gathered of the week ahead for him: arrest, death, and eventually Resurrection. But something else is happening within our text a little beyond the end of our lesson. It is decided Lazarus also needed to be put to death, again. “Meanwhile a large crowd… found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well” John 12:9-10 The Chief Priests wanted to kill Lazarus to minimize the spread of Jesus’ popularity. Lazarus was the most powerful of walking miracles. There was no greater testimony to the power of Jesus than Lazarus’ resurrection. Lazarus’ resurrection was the biggest news story in years; everyone was talking about it. Lazarus along with Jesus needed to be put to death, because of this[12]. So that raises the question for Today, what ended up happening to Lazarus? In 1988, the film The Last Temptation of Christ had a scene where a religious zealot pulls a sneak attack on Lazarus with a knife causing Lazarus to fall to his death for a second time in a little over a week. While such a description doesn’t appear within the scriptures, they leave open such a possibility[13]. What we can say for sure is the same forces that plotted to arrest and kill Jesus had Lazarus as target 1B to Jesus’ 1A[14]. What ended up happening to Lazarus will forever remain a mystery of whether his murder plot succeeded? Lazarus did eventually die in some way, shape, or form. Lazarus though would ultimately be defined by something other than how exactly he died[15]. Here’s what we do know about Lazarus. Jesus called Lazarus to walk out of his tomb when he had already been dead four days. Jesus’ fame began to spread so fast because of this miracle. It was decided that Jesus needed to be put to death. The same people decided they needed to kill Lazarus also. Whether Lazarus was a witness to Christ’s resurrection, we can’t say. What we do know was that as Holy Week began Lazarus clung to the hope that what Jesus had done in his own life in the past, was nothing compared to what Jesus would do for many more in the future. Whereas Archduke Ferdinand’s death would spark millions of deaths within not only World War I, but the 20th Century, Lazarus’ resurrection would set in motion not only the plot for Jesus death but his resurrection and millions of other resurrections throughout the world. Lazarus was the first to experience a hope that we can indeed cling to in the most difficult of our moments. Let me close this day with one final story. The year was 1982. The place was Moscow. The long-time leader of the Soviet Union Leonid (Lay-O-Nid) Brezhnev (Brezh-nef) had just died. In Brezhnev’s day, faith in the Soviet Union was nonexistent in public life. Religion was considered a weakness[16]. Brezhnev had overseen the arrest of priests, believers, and even shutdown churches. Any faith left was very underground. Attending the service as a representative of the United States government was Vice President George Bush[17]. Bush recalled watching Brezhnev’s widow during the funeral service where not one word about God was spoken. On this day, Victoria Brezhnev stood by her husband’s coffin, watching soldiers close it for one final time, Victoria then leaned over and made the Sign of the Cross.[18] This display shocked an on looking Vice President Bush. Perhaps Victoria Brezhnev recognized the same thing that Lazarus recognized long ago. In those hours, we are seemingly most hopeless we turn to Jesus. In circumstances in which no good can seemingly come, we look towards the cross. As we gather on this day, awaiting Easter Sunday, we look forward not just to Christ’s resurrection, but the resurrections of our own loved ones and ultimately our own. Amen [1] “Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 18.Mar.2019. Web. Mar.19.2019. [2] Ghose, Tia. “8 Most Famous Assassinations in History.” Live Science. 21.Nov.2013. Web. Mar.19.2019. [3] John 12:1-11. [4] John 11:45. [5] John 11:46. [6] Hoezee, Scott. “John 12:1-8.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids, MI. 07.Mar.2016. Web. Mar.19.2019. [7] Hoezee, Scott. “John 12:1-8.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [8] John 12:5 [9] John 12:6. [10] Beshera, Sam. “Why Did They Want to Kill Lazarus? Father Anthony. 22.Apr.2016. Web. Mar.19.2019. [11] John 12:7-8. [12] Radkey, Tim. “Why Kill Lazarus?!” Razor’s Edge: Catechetical Musings. 19.Feb.2016. Web. Mar.19.2019. [13] Hoezee, Scott. “John 12:1-8.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [14] Radkey, Tim. “Why Kill Lazarus?!” Razor’s Edge: Catechetical Musings. [15] Joesrz, Dr. Joseph. C. “How Many Times Did Lazarus Die?” Lutheran Witness. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. 1.Apr.2010. Web. Mar.19.2019. [16] Bowman, Julie. “Mrs. Brezhnev and The Sign of The Cross.” Tiber Judy. Word Press. 11.Oct.2015. Web. Mar.19.2019. [17] Thomas, Gary. “Bush and Brezhnev.” Christian Times. 3.Oct.1994. Web. Mar.19.2019 found on Sermon Illustrations under Resurrection. [18] Bowman, Julie. “Mrs. Brezhnev and The Sign of The Cross.” Tiber Judy. First Lesson: Joshua 5: 9-12 Responsive Reading: Psalm 32 Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21 Gospel Lesson: Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Pastor Tom Long tells the following story[1]. Once upon a time, a woman was reflecting upon her relationship with her father. When she was a girl growing up, she was closer to her father than anybody else in the world. Like many close relationships, they had a ritual that was just between them. Their ritual took place at family gatherings with grandmas, grandpas, aunts, and cousins. At these family gatherings, they would always break out the polka music so everyone could dance. The highlight for both the girl and her father was when the “Beer Barrel Polka” would come on. Every time this song came on, her father would ask her to dance. Dancing with her father to this song was the most exciting thing in the world as a young girl. Well the girl began to grow, her Dad was forever the same, but she was different. When she was a teenager, her dad asked her to dance to the “Beer Barrel Polka” and she snapped. “Don’t touch me.” “Leave me alone[2]!” The Father would never ask her to dance to this song again. Their relationship continued changing throughout her teenage years. She would frequently come home way past curfew. She would see her Dad sitting on his chair, half-sleep, staring out the window, waiting for her arrival. The daughter kept up her attitude: “What do you think you’re doing?” Only to hear her Dad sadly reply: “Just waiting on you[3].” Dad did everything he could for his daughter. He’d rearrange his schedule to attend every school function of hers. He was always patient and kind in her presence. Regardless of what her dad did, the daughter kept withdrawing further. The daughter finally goes away to college. She was thrilled to get away from her tragically unhip dad. She never communicated with her dad for years and years; she eventually began to miss her father[4]. Finally, one day she receives an invitation to her next family reunion. She didn’t approach her father at first, not knowing quite what to say. Finally, the “Beer Barrel Polka” is played. She takes a deep breath, walks over to her father, says “I believe this is our dance[5].” A smile breaks out over her father’s face, wider than any smile she had seen. Right before her father says: “I’ve been waiting on you[6].” Father then danced with his daughter with as much enthusiasm as his legs could muster. Today’s Gospel lesson tells us a similar story[7]. Now let me set the background. Jesus is sitting down for supper. His dinner companions were unexpected[8]. Jesus was eating with tax collectors and sinners. Tax collectors being agents of the idol worshiping Romans, getting rich by exploiting their fellow Judean citizens. Sinners being such a varied crew of spiritual misfits that their crimes aren’t even defined. So watching this scene is the good, religious Pharisees. The Pharisees knew the scriptures, were in Temple every Sabbath and sought to follow the Law of Moses since their birth. The Pharisees are shocked that a so-called “religious” teacher like Jesus would dare eat with tax collectors and sinners. So Jesus begins to tell the Pharisees a series of parables involving lost items. First, he tells them about a lost sheep than a lost coin and finally, he tells them about a lost son. Once upon a time, there was a man who had two sons. The younger son comes to the father one day with the boldest of requests: “Father, give me my share of the estate.” The following request would have been the ultimate act of disrespect to one’s father. It’s announcing to your father: “You’re dead to me[9].” And “By the way, give me my share of the inheritance.” If the Parable of the Prodigal Son were a movie, the younger son would be the villain. He’s an arrogant jerk, who you’d assume any family would be better if he left. Now in just about any other family within Jesus’ day, the father would have said “no” to the younger son’s request[10]. This father though appears to be a “sap” and a “sucker” as he proceeds to give the younger son, his share of the estate, so he may go live as wild a life as he wants, far away from home[11]. The younger son soon squanders his father’s inheritance. He begins to starve as the land undergoes a famine. He’s forced to take a job feeding pigs[12]. He finally decides to take a desperate step, what seemed a while back to be the last thing he would ever do. He decides to return home to his father and beg for a job as a hired servant, so hopefully, he can eat[13]. So the son returns home, the father spots him in the distance. The father begins to run to embrace him[14]. When I was in Lamberton, I was sitting at home watching the Vikings play the 49ers. The 49ers seemed certain to have the game won. The 49ers were up four points; the Vikings were out of chances to stop the clock. Twelve seconds were left in the game; Brett Favre heaves the ball towards the back of end zone, Greg Lewis catches it with two seconds left on the clock for a touchdown. Vikings win! My dad was at the game; the stadium had emptied because the Vikings losing seemed certain. I see this catch watching at home; I start running as fast as I could around the house, I run past the kitchen, past the restroom, and into the computer room, where I fall over. I start hyperventilating from the excitement. I would not fully collect my breath again for what I remember to be nearly a half-hour. I reacted this way because I didn’t care because no one else was in the house. Now as I picture this scene of the running father embracing the prodigal son. I don’t imagine a natural nor fluid runner. I don’t see a guy who was at an age, where it was even necessarily a good idea to run. I see a father running because he had just witnessed the most exciting thing in his life; his long-lost son was back home once again. I picture a father whose love for his son was so great that he couldn’t contain his excitement that he took off spontaneously running. I imagine a guy so excited at the son’s embrace; he runs the risk of his breath hyperventilating. The Son upon seeing the Father begins to admit his wrongdoing: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[15]” None of this though was the Father’s concern. “Bring out the best robe[16].” “Kill the fattened calf.” “Let’s have a celebration[17].” There is one other character within this story. The older brother who could also be known as the responsible brother. The brother who hears music and wonders what is going on[18]. He hears about a party for his long-lost brother. He finds out his reckless, wasteful younger brother returning is the reason for the party[19]. The responsible brother gets mad. He had been seemingly the perfect son for years and years. He was hardworking and respectful of his father. He had played life totally by the rules and was unable to celebrate with even a young goat with his friends[20]. If this were a movie, everyone would acknowledge how the responsible brother made all sorts of good points regarding the unfairness of it all. The following tale is no different than the Pharisees making good points as they saw Jesus dine with tax collectors and sinners. Here’s the point thought that Jesus is making about the Kingdom of God. God’s love knows no bounds to both the responsible and the reckless. God’s grace poured out in Jesus Christ might end up being more generous than the Pharisees think it should be. But this doesn’t mean that it isn’t still the greatest of gifts to all who receive it. The point of our passage isn’t ultimately about the irresponsibility of the younger son, nor the righteous anger of the older son, the point of our parable is our Father in heaven’s love towards all his children. How this love is so great the father doesn’t care about how it appears to others. Let me close with one final story to illustrate this as told by Tim Zingale[21], a man once upon a time was commissioned to paint a picture of Our Gospel lesson: “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” The painter sets about his task. Finally, the big day comes when he is to unveil his work. The scene is right outside the father’s house. The moment captured is the father running with his arms outstretched, preparing to embrace his long lost son. The man who commissioned the painting was thrilled at the work. But as he was getting ready to pay the artist, he noticed a detail that he had missed at his original viewing. The man looked down at the father’s feet, noticed he was wearing one blue shoe and one red shoe[22]. The man was shocked that the painter could be so careless to miss what he thought to be such an important detail. The man began to question the painter about his error. The painter merely smiled as he replied: “Yes, there is no better image of the love of God for his children than a Father running out of his house in such a hurry to celebrate that he didn’t care about fashion, he didn’t care about comfort, he just grabbed the two nearest shoes he could find, so he could run to embrace his long lost child[23].” Amen [1] Long, Rev.Dr Thomas. “Is There Joy in God's House?” Day 1. 21.Mar.2004. Web. Mar.14.2019. [2] Long, Rev.Dr Thomas. “Is There Joy in God's House?” Day 1. [3] Long, Rev.Dr Thomas. “Is There Joy in God's House?” Day 1. [4] Long, Rev.Dr Thomas. “Is There Joy in God's House?” Day 1. [5] Long, Rev.Dr Thomas. “Is There Joy in God's House?” Day 1. [6] Long, Rev.Dr Thomas. “Is There Joy in God's House?” Day 1. [7] Luke 15:1-2, 11-32. [8] Hoezee, Scott. “Luke 15:1-2, 11-32.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids, MI. 29.Feb.2016. Web. Mar.14.2019. [9] Hoezee, Scott. “Luke 15:1-2, 11-32.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [10] McLarty, Phillip. “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” Sermon Writer. 2004. Web. Mar.14.2019. [11] Luke 15:13. [12] Luke 15:15. [13] Luke 15:17-20. [14] Luke 15:20. [15] Luke 15:21 [16] Luke 15:22. [17] Luke 15:23. [18] Luke 15:25-26. [19] Luke 15:27. [20] Luke 15:29. [21] Zingale, Tim. “ The God of Unmatched Shoes.” Sermon Central. 12.Mar.2007. Web. Mar.14.2019. [22] Zingale, Tim. “ The God of Unmatched Shoes.” Sermon Central [23] Zingale, Tim. “ The God of Unmatched Shoes.” Sermon Central. First Lesson: Isaiah 55: 1-9 Responsive Reading: Psalm 63: 1-8 Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13 Gospel Lesson: Luke 13: 1-9 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
William Henry Harrison was elected President of the United States in 1840. Harrison had a distinguished career to this point: Governor of Indiana, Army General, Congressmen from both the Northwest Territory and Ohio, and Diplomatic Envoy to the nation of Colombia[1]. Harrison was inaugurated President on March 4th, 1841. It was a cold, wet day in Washington D.C. Harrison’s inaugural address was 8500 words and lasted nearly two hours. Three weeks after his inauguration, Harrison caught a cold. Harrison tried bed rest, but this was difficult as the President of the United States. Harrison then brought in all sorts of potential medical remedies from leeches to opioids[2]. Recent medical analysis has theorized that Harrison probably died not from pneumonia, but rather typhoid fever due to a contamination of the White House water supply.[3] William Henry Harrison is the shortest serving president in American history dying at 30 days, 12 hours. Harrison’s only official act as President was to call Congress into a special session at the end of May to deal with a revenue crisis. Harrison died eight weeks before he could achieve anything as President[4]. I want to tell you something about William Henry Harrison though in spite of his short presidency; he is perhaps the rare President to have influenced the lives of every single American who has lived after him. The year was 1809; the United States was rapidly expanding into Native American lands[5]. Harrison was tasked with negotiating a settlement with various Native tribes along the Wabash River in Indiana. Harrison used questionable methods to get a settlement such as buying tribal lands from Native leaders who did not possess them on top of giving them special bribes[6]. Harrison also made sure those negotiating were always well stocked with whiskey.[7] Word of Harrison’s questionable tactics used to negotiate the Treaty of Fort Wayne eventually reached the Shawnee leader Tecumseh. Tecumseh’s soldiers show up at Harrison’s home demanding the treaty to be annulled. If it wasn’t for the meditation of another native chief, then William Henry Harrison probably meets his end before being elected President[8]. Harrison for payback attacked Tecumseh’s tribe one year later. This was known as the “Battle of Tippecanoe,” it would be Harrison’s claim to fame for the remainder of his career. Tecumseh survives vows to partner with the British, and during the upcoming War of 1812, Harrison’s forces kill Tecumseh[9]. As Harrison occupied the White House in 1840, a rumor started to spread that a curse had been placed on Harrison for his treatment of Tecumseh. What was the nature of this curse: every president elected in a year like Harrison starting with “0” would die in office. So what happened to Presidents elected every twenty years beginning in 1840[10]. 1840-William Henry Harrison died in 30 days of Typhoid Fever. 1860- Abraham Lincoln- is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford Theater. 1880- James Garfield[11] is the second shortest serving President assassinated after six and half months in office by a disgruntled government appointment seeker[12]. 1900- William McKinley assassinated early in his second term of office[13]. 1920-Warren Harding- Died a little over two years into office to uncertain causes probably heart attack or stroke[14]. 1940- Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a hemorrhage, shortly into his fourth term of office[15]. 1960-John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas. 1980- Ronald Reagan becomes the first President to survive an assassination attempt at the hands of John Hinckley, Jr. after thirteen days in the hospital[16]. Medical technology managed to seemingly put an end to The Curse of Tippecanoe after “140 years” as Reagan’s wounds were more severe than those that took the lives of Presidents Garfield or McKinley[17]. Now as you ponder the potential curse brought about by William Henry Harrison, I want to tell you the story of another curse. But before this story, I want to ask everyone a seemingly unrelated question “What fruit did Adam and Eve eat in the Garden of Eden causing humanity to fall into sin?” Now every one of our first inclinations is probably an apple. I’m probably partly responsible for this as apples are easy sermon material being the most common fruit. When the Bible was first translated to Latin the words for Apple “Malum” and evil “Malus” are very similar[18]. The most likely fruit that Adam and Eve probably ate was a “fig[19].” Genesis 3:5-7: “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Here’s something about Jesus’ ministry seemingly related to Adam, Eve, and the figs. Jesus seems to have a strong negative reaction whenever he comes across fig trees. “and along the way, he saw a fig tree. But when he came to it, he found only leaves and no figs. So he told the tree, “You will never again grow any fruit!” Right then the fig tree dried up.” –Matthew 21:19 “From a distance, Jesus saw a fig tree covered with leaves, and he went to see if there were any figs on the tree. But there were not any, because it wasn’t the season for figs. So Jesus said to the tree, “Never again will anyone eat fruit from this tree!” The disciples heard him say this.”-Mark 11:13-14. The most well-known story of Jesus’ anger is turning the money-changers tables in the Temple, but we can also establish that Jesus doesn’t seem to like figs very much for some reason. Now in Today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable where the target is once again, figs[20]. A man plants a fig tree in his vineyard. The man kept looking for fruit on this tree and continually found none for three years. The man instructs his gardener “cut it down.[21]” The gardener though wishes to do everything he can to save the fig tree including the extra special effort of putting manure around it. If it doesn’t bear fruit, then the gardener will finally cut it down. So what’s going on within our parable[22]? The owner issues a harsh judgment against the fig tree. Cut it down. Kill the fig tree! The fig tree has been nothing but troubled since it was planted. Nothing good has come from the fig tree. The gardener though suggests a different course. Give it one more chance. I will do everything to save this tree that I can. The gardener is even willing to get down to the depths with manure[23]. So what’s going on in this story starts from the original fig tree. Sin from the time of Adam and Eve had brought nothing but pain and death to the world for generations. There seemed to be no hope other than the fig tree to fall to its eventual death. As Jesus is telling this parable, he is reminding the Disciples of the nature of his ministry to reverse the curse given to every human being from the time of Adam and Eve. Jesus is here to get down to the manure in the depths of the Earth of the grave. His death and resurrection shall soon bring forgiveness to all those who had experienced sin’s curses. Jesus is putting to death sin (fig trees) to resurrect it to the fruits of life eternal. Here’s the thing about curses like the Curse of Tippicanoe no matter how ingrained they might appear to be at any given moment. They shall not last forever! The year was 1920; the Boston Red Sox Baseball team was owned by a man named Harry Frazee. Frazee was in debt from his purchase of the team, the acquisition of Fenway Park, and a bad run of theater productions. As a way to try to finance his way out of debt: he did the unthinkable he sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000 and 300,000 dollar loan[24]. Over the next 84 years, the New York Yankees were the most successful franchise in Professional sports winning twenty-six world championships. As for the Red Sox, their 84 years were filled with zero championships including losing the final game of the World Series on four separate occasions[25]. The year was 2004. The script was seemingly set in stone. The Yankees were playing the Red Sox. The Yankees were up 3-0 in a best out of 7 series. No Baseball team had ever advanced in the playoffs after having lost the first three games. The Red Sox were down in Game Four heading into the ninth inning 4-3 going up against a pitcher who would end up in Baseball’s Hall of Fame Mariano Rivera. No outcome seemed more certain, what was now known as the Curse of the Bambino for Babe Ruth would live for another year. What happened next is a reminder like in the case of Ronald Reagan surviving John Hinckley Jr’s bullet, or Jesus walking out of the grave reminds us that all curses will eventually be broken. Red Sox get a walk, stolen base, RBI single, Home Run to win the game in the 12th Inning[26]. The Boston Red Sox starting on this day would win their last eight games of the 2004 season to win the World Series. After 86 years, the Curse of the Bambino was over. The Red Sox have won three more World Series in the fifteen years since. Jesus said to the fig tree: “You shall bear fruit no more.” Jesus said, “Sin’s power shall soon wither away.” Jesus says no matter how much sin, death, and the power of the devil have benefitted from this curse.” The Curse of the Fig Tree like the Curse of the Bambino shall come to an end. Jesus declares I will soon walk out of the grave. All who have fallen victim to the Fig Tree’s curse shall be forgiven! Amen [1] “William Henry Harrison.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 9.Mar.2019. Web. Mar.9.2019. [2] “William Henry Harrison.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [3] “William Henry Harrison.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [4] “William Henry Harrison.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [5] “Treaty of Fort Wayne.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 11.Dec.2018. Web. Mar.9.2019. [6] Bergen, Anthony. “ Tecumseh's 140-Year-Old Curse.” Dead Presidents Tumblr. 16.Jan.2010. Web. Mar.9.2019. Linked from Real Clear History on April 3rd, 2017. [7] Bergen, Anthony. “ Tecumseh's 140-Year-Old Curse.” Dead Presidents Tumblr. [8] Bergen, Anthony. “ Tecumseh's 140-Year-Old Curse.” Dead Presidents Tumblr. [9] Bergen, Anthony. “ Tecumseh's 140-Year-Old Curse.” Dead Presidents Tumblr. [10] Bergen, Anthony. “ Tecumseh's 140-Year-Old Curse.” Dead Presidents Tumblr. [11] “Curse of Tippecanoe.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 21. Feb.2019. Web. Mar.9.2019. [12] “James A. Garfield.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 10.Mar.2019. Web. Mar.10.2019. [13] Curse of Tippecanoe.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [14] “Warren G.Harding.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 1.Mar.2019. Web. Mar.10.2019. [15] “Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 9.Mar.2019. Web. Mar.9.2019. [16] “Attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 19.Feb.2019. Web. Mar.9.2019. [17] Bergen, Anthony. “ Tecumseh's 140-Year-Old Curse.” Dead Presidents Tumblr. [18] Quora. “Why are the words “malum” (apple) and “malus” (evil) so close?”. 12.July.2017. Web. Mar.9.2019. [19] Prisoner of Conscience. “What Did Adam and Eve Really Eat?” Prisoner of Conscience. 26.Apr.2011. Web. Mar.9.2019. [20] Luke 13:6-9. [21] Luke 13:7. [22] Capon, Robert Farrar Capon. “Kingdom, Grace, Judgement: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus.”. Erdmann’s Publishing. Grand Rapids, MI. 2002. Print. Pages 248-250. [23] Capon, Robert Farrar Capon. “Kingdom, Grace, Judgement: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus.”. Erdmann’s Publishing. Pages 248-250. [24] “Curse of the Bambino.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 27.Feb.2019. Web. Mar.9.2019. [25] “Curse of the Bambino.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [26] “Curse of the Bambino.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation First Lesson: Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18 Responsive Reading: Psalm 27 Second Lesson: Philippians 3: 17 - 4:1 Gospel Lesson: Luke 13: 31-35 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob Beamon was born in Queens, New York in 1946[1]. Beamon as a youth loved doing two things: running and jumping[2]. By the time, he was in high school had the perfect build for a track star; long, lean, and muscular. By the end of high school, he not only had a track scholarship to the University of Texas El-Paso. Beamon was considered a top contender to make the next Olympics in Mexico City in 1968. Beamon kept getting better and better as a jumper. He arrived in Mexico City considered to be the favorite to win the gold medal having won twenty-two of his previous twenty-three events.[3] Beamon’s nerves though soon got the best of him, he scratched during his first two jumps during the qualifying round, only barely making it to the medal round on his third and final jump[4]. The next morning though, Bob Beamon would forever change the history of track and field. Bob Beamon’s first jump was the jump of his life[5]. He jumped so far that stadium officials needed to scramble to find a different tape to measure it. Bob Beamon’s long jump was measured at twenty-nine feet and two inches. Beamon shattered the world record by nearly two feet. A term would arise in the wake of Bob Beamon’s jump Beamonesque as a way to describe athletes whose performance far exceeds the competition[6]. When Sports Illustrated was putting together its list of the greatest sporting moments of the 20th Century Beamon’s jump came in the top five[7]. Bob Beamon had his Olympic gold and now got to take his place on the medal stand. All of Beamon’s long-term goals had just come true in the most spectacular of fashions. Could nothing seemingly be better for Bob Beamon or any one of us? Something interesting though happened to Bob Beamon after setting his world record and winning his gold medal that we’ll get to in just a little bit. Today’s lesson is from Philippians 3[8]. Let me set the stage for Philippians. Phillipi was a colony of Rome[9]. Many of Phillipi’s residents and Paul the writer’s hearers would have been Roman citizens. Roman Citizenship had all sorts of unique benefits[10]. For example in a story from the Book of Acts[11], Paul and Silas come across a troubled, female slave who makes her owners a great deal of money through fortune-telling, Paul then orders an “unclean” spirit to come out of her. The woman then abandons her fortune-telling to follow Jesus and her owners are outraged. Paul and Silas are then beaten and thrown into prison. When word gets out that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, the Roman officials came to personally apologize and escort Paul and Silas from prison for the injustice they received. There was no more powerful privilege in the ancient world that Roman citizenship. So Paul with this understanding in mind; Paul wishes to redefine the meaning of citizenship for his Christian audience. “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven.[12]” In Paul’s day, Roman citizens would have had unique, financial benefits within the empire[13]. Roman citizens would possess nearly all the wealth as they were the only ones allowed to own or inherit property. Roman citizens would be exempt from certain taxes and whenever Rome needed additional money they would seek to exploit the earnings of non-citizens who could not vote in Roman legislative elections. Whereas the Jews of Jerusalem within Jesus’ day hated the Romans because of this, many of the Christians in Philippi were pretty well-off because they were citizens of Rome. So everyone to whom Paul was writing understood the benefits of living within a Roman colony. So this is why Paul speaks of all Christians as living under the colony of heaven. Paul is trying to let the Philippians know that the benefits they shall eventually receive from Jesus Christ are much greater than even Roman citizenship. How citizenship in heaven is better than even the most magnificent things, this world can offer. Earlier, I told you the story of Bob Beamon and his unbelievable long-jump. What happened though to Beamon upon leaving the medal stand? Beamon was asked about his gold medal jump forty years later, where he recalled that his celebration only managed to last a couple of minutes. Things then quickly back to normal within Bob Beamon’s world[14]. He had the highest peak one can imagine, but one week later he would be back in a college classroom sitting through sociology classes. Forty years later, Beamon would tend to downplay his accomplishment within interviews to instead focus on his work in philanthropy trying to help others[15]. Now fifty years after Bob Beamon’s greatest of earthly achievements it appears to be evident that there is something even more significant to receive than just an Olympic Gold Medal. Now having told you the story of Bob Beamon, I want to tell you a completely different story as told by author Richard Lischer. Lischer writes about his time serving as a pastor in a small church like this one in a small town in rural, remote Illinois not unlike Silver Bay[16]. Pastor Lischer was fresh out of the seminary, in his first week at his first church. The pastor’s phone one night went off at three in the morning. On the other end of the phone, was one of his congregation members[17]. He was down at the local hospital because his wife had a ruptured gall bladder. She was going to have to be rushed into surgery and her prognosis was uncertain. The husband declared: “We need you, here, if you can.” So the pastor arrives at the hospital, where he is escorted to a small room to visit with a middle-aged childless couple that he barely knew. As his eyes came upon the couple, he could tell how nervous they both were about the upcoming surgery. Now they were looking towards the pastor for words of wisdom. The pastor in his hurry to get to the hospital was totally unprepared: no Bible and no prayer book, so he began to fear awkwardness at the least and possibly being exposed to be a total fraud. The pastor began to think quickly, before spontaneously belting out: “The Lord be with you.” The couple replied: “Also with you.” The pastor then began chanting: ‘Lift up your hearts.” The couple responded: “We lift them to the Lord.[18]” It was at this moment that the pastor began feeling the power of the Lord within this room like at few other times within his life. A calmness amid the chaos came over everyone who was gathered. The pastor and the couple concluded with a brief prayer, as the wife was wheeled away into surgery[19]. Today’s lesson, Paul is trying to explain to the Philippian church what it means to be a citizen of heaven[20]. Paul seeks to remind us that heaven’s citizenship as Bob Beamon realized goes way beyond one’s accomplishments within this world. Heaven’s citizenship instead has to do with finding peace amidst life’s greatest storms. Citizenship in heaven is the patience of eagerly awaiting the presence of our Savior[21]. The Savior who will one day bring all things under his control, so that our mortal bodies may be like his immortal body[22]. Citizenship in heaven has to do with having a common language of faith: sin, grace, and salvation. Citizenship in heaven continually points us in the direction of the Cross of Christ towards which we journey during this Lenten season. Citizenship in heaven is a greater prize than any gold medal that this world may place into our hands; instead, we await the crown that our Savior will one day place upon our heads[23]. Amen [1] “Bob Beamon.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 28.Jan.2019. Web. Mar.6.2019. [2] Alter, Adam. Irrestible. Penguin Books. New York City. 2017. Web. Page 98. [3] Alter, Adam. Irrestible. Page 98. [4] Alter, Adam. Irrestible. Page 98. [5] Alter, Adam. Irrestible. Page 99. [6] Bob Beamon.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [7] Bob Beamon.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [8] Philippians 3:17-4:1. [9] Hoezee, Scott. “Philippians 3:17-4:1.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids, Michigan. 15. Feb.2016. Web. Mar.6.2019. [10] Shively, Elizabeth. “Commentary on Philippians 3:17-4:1.” Working Preacher. Luther Seminary. 24.Feb.2013. Web. Mar.6.2019. [11] Acts 16:16-40. [12] Phillippians 3:18-20. [13] Quora. “What were the benefits of being a Roman citizen during the Roman Republic and Empire?” 7.Aug.2018. Web. Mar.6.2019. [14] Alter, Adam. Irrestible. Page 100. [15] Alter, Adam. Irrestible. Page 100. [16] Lischer tells the story in the book Open Secrets. The Analogy comes from Hoezee, Scott. “Philippians 3:17-4:1.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [17] Hoezee, Scott. “Philippians 3:17-4:1.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [18] Hoezee, Scott. “Philippians 3:17-4:1.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [19] Hoezee, Scott. “Philippians 3:17-4:1.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [20] Hoezee, Scott. “Philippians 3:17-4:1.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. [21]Philippians 3:20b. . [22] Philippians 3:21. [23] Phillippians 4:1. First Lesson: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11 Responsive Reading: Psalm 91: 1-2, 9-16 Second Lesson: Romans 10: 8b-13 Gospel Lesson: Luke 4: 1-13 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Life might seem to be nothing more than a never-ending boxing match between Satan and ourselves. The prize though happens not to be a championship belt, but rather our eternal body and soul. Round 1: The place was the Garden of Eden. Satan was staring down our spiritual ancestors Adam and Eve[1]. Satan’s words were clever: “You will not certainly die…For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil[2].” Here’s what made Satan’s words so dangerous not that they were false, but rather that they were true! Adam and Eve looked over the tempting fruit, saw that it looked good, pleasing to the eye, and would grant them wisdom. Adam and Eve’s eyes were both opened[3]. They both immediately noticed their nakedness[4]! Adam and Eve did not instantly die! Something much worse though happened. The whole world started plunging into a never-ending cycle of death and destruction. Generations after generations tried to escape this cycle. Satan remained undefeated! Satan appeared to be the never-ending champion of this world with humanity the vanquished foe. Round 3: Our Gospel lesson comes to us Today from the 4th Chapter of Luke’s Gospel[5]. Jesus leaves his Baptism from the Jordan River and is led by the Holy Spirit out into the Wilderness[6]. Jesus was going to spend forty days staring Satan down like everyone else before him only in isolation. Satan’s first temptation is simple: “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread[7].” Once upon a time, a woman joined a diet club[8]. She was getting frustrated though as she had gained weight rather than lost weight. She was now going to have temptation directly. Over the weekend, she made her family their favorite cake. The family ate half the cake at dinner. The next day as she walked by the fridge, she kept staring at the other half of the cake. She would walk away, then open the refrigerator again a few minutes later and stare at the cake some more. Finally, she decided that she could have cut a very thin slice for herself. Well, one sliver of this cake wasn’t going to be sufficient and pretty soon the whole cake was gone. The woman was lamenting how disappointed she was in her lack of willpower and what was she going to tell her family upon their wondering: “Where the rest of the cake went[9]?” As she tells the diet club her story, they wondered what did her family say when they saw the missing cake[10]. The woman smiled. “They never found out. I made another cake and ate half of that one[11].” A few years back, an experiment was conducted with about seventy people. The group was brought to a lab[12]. The group was divided into half and told they were not to eat anything for the next five hours. The other group was able to enjoy as many wheat thins as they wanted over the next five hours. The groups were then tasked with food shopping online to determine “Whether their hunger impacted their choices?” The hungry group proceeded to buy nearly 50% as much junk food[13]. When the experiment took place in a grocery store comparing groups that shopped right after lunch between 1-4 and those who were hungrier between 4-7, similar results were found. The hungrier you were, the more likely, you were to make bad decisions[14] Our willpower with food isn’t the only thing that breaks down the hungrier we get, a recent study at the University of Michigan showed that hunger breaks down our willpower to such a degree, we’re more likely even to buy things such as office supplies when hungry[15]. So the Devil’s first temptation to Jesus takes place after days and days of starvation with lightheadedness seemed destined to defeat him. The following was the same type of temptation for food faced by Adam and Eve generations before. Jesus merely disregarded the Devil’s temptations of bread by declaring: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.[16]” Round 7: The Devil knew he had to change his techniques at this point. The Devil had something much more alluring for Jesus. The Devil took Jesus to a high point and offered him all the Kingdoms of the world[17]. I was in third grade. There was a kid that I’ll call Jimmy. Jimmy was like a lot of third-graders in that he liked to brag about all the things at which he was really good. Well, the other kids were getting tired of Jimmy’s bragging. So a group started gathering around Jimmy on the playground. I wasn’t the leader, but I was a willing follower. Eventually, another kid gets behind Jimmy in a bridge position. Like a lot of kids, I was really tough when surrounded by a group of other kids. So I pushed Jimmy over the bridge. I would spend the next day’s recess inside for fighting. Now Jimmy grew up and is a really good guy. I was invited to Jimmy’s graduation party when he finished high school. I saw him not long ago in Lindstrom where he greeted me pleasantly as he drove by while, I was walking. Satan is clever in how he breaks us. In Jimmy’s case, it wasn’t anything dramatic that he did wrong to me. Satan worked over time by making power more alluring to me. Finally, Jimmy is standing in my way. Then I’m doing what’s wrong in shoving others on the playground[18]. Adulthood can often work in the same way. People have affairs because they long for the power of feeling attractive. People struggle with addiction because their sense of power is warped. Often it is our longing for power than blinds us to our self-destruction. So Jesus could have achieved the height of all human power as the Devil declared: “If you worship me, it will all be yours[19]” Jesus unlike myself on the playground or Adam and Eve realized there are limits to power in human form. “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only[20].’” It is only in our weakness that we can see the way to salvation. Round 11: Satan led Jesus to the highest point of the Jerusalem Temple. Satan demands Jesus to leap off the top of the Temple to prove he can save himself. Satan’s basic instruction is for Jesus to abandon all his faith. Embracing spiritual despair can be the most deadly of all temptations. Once upon a time, two frogs fell into a vat of cream[21]. One frog quickly lost all hope and sank in the cream and eventually died. The other frog kept his long legs paddling and paddling. The frog kept kicking and kicking until he turned the cream into butter before leaping to his safety[22]. Two frogs, one frog embraced spiritual despair unto his own death. The other frog walked a more difficult road of clinging to hope however seemingly small unto his own salvation. Paul Gerhardt was a minister in Germany during the Thirty Years War[23]. The Thirty Years War was devasting for all of Europe. Some cities in Germany would lose up to ninety percent of their population as a result of either war or plague. Well one night, Gerhardt and his family were forced to flee from their homes. They finally found shelter in a nearby village. Years and years of bad news had broken Gerhardt’s wife. She began to break down and shed tears in despair. Gerhardt proceeds to comfort her by reminding her of the scripture’s promises. Gerhardt then left her presence, only to go outside to cry himself. Gerhardt proceeds to write a hymn Give to the Winds Thy Fears. Gerhardt despite every reason to embrace despair remained a prolific hymn writer throughout his life. Gerhardt in the darkest of times was able to place his faith in God’s hands rather his own. Jesus for the third and final temptation was being asked to do the same thing. Jesus proceeded upon this last temptation to stare the Devil down again and declare: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test[24].” Jesus sought to remind Satan that faith is ultimately a more powerful force than despair! Round 15: Satan left Jesus. He was going to wait for an opportune time though to return[25]. James J. Braddock[26] was a promising boxer in the early 1920s[27]. He began his career 44-2. He had an opportunity to become the Light Heavyweight Champion of the world. He narrowly lost in the fifteenth and final round. Braddock hurt his hand in the process[28]. His boxing career then went in the tank. He finally had to give up boxing due to his losing streak. He would be forced to receive government relief. He finally found work as a long shore man. During his longshoremen work, James Braddock had to get proficient working with his left hand because his right hand was so weak from the previous injury[29]. Braddock several years later finally returns to a boxing ring. He triumphs in a series of upsets. In March 1935, Braddock was scheduled to fight Max Baer to be the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Braddock was thought to be an easy payday for the champ[30]. Baer dismissed Braddock as a joke. The fight begins. Baer seemed destined to make quick work of the older Braddock. It soon became apparent that no amount of punishment could defeat James Braddock. After fifteen rounds, James Braddock was the Heavyweight Champion of the World no matter the previous odds[31]. Satan was undefeated when he came face to face with Jesus in the wilderness. Food, power, and loss of faith would certainly be enough to defeat Jesus like so many foes before him. Jesus survived Satan’s temptations for forty long days. Their story would not be over. Satan finally had Jesus defeated as he hung upon a cross. Three days later, Jesus rose from the ground only to claim the world back as his own. Satan’s power began to wane. The gates of heaven were opened as Satan was unable to stop it. Amen [1] “The Battle.” Lutheran Hour Ministries. 6.Mar.2017. Web. Feb.12.2019. [2] Genesis 3:4-5. [3] Genesis 3:7. [5] Luke 4:1-13. [6] John 4:1-2a. [7] Luke 4:3. [8] “Will Power, Self Control.” Preaching.com. Web. Feb.12.2019. [9] Will Power, Self Control.” Preaching.com. [10] Will Power, Self Control.” Preaching.com. [11] Will Power, Self Control.” Preaching.com. [12] Rettner, Rachael. “Grocery Shopping While Hungry Not Good Idea, Science Confirms.” Live Science. 6.May.2013. Web. Feb.12.2019. [13] Rettner, Rachael. “Grocery Shopping While Hungry Not Good Idea, Science Confirms.” Live Science. [14] Rettner, Rachael. “Grocery Shopping While Hungry Not Good Idea, Science Confirms.” Live Science [15] Van Hare, Holly. The Daily Meal. 16.Jan.2019. Web. Feb.12.2019. [16] Luke 4:4. [17] Luke 4:5-7. [18] Hoezee, Scott. “Luke 4:1-13.” Center for Excellence in Preaching. Calvin Seminary. Grand Rapids, MI. [19] Luke 4:7. [20] Luke 4:8. [21] Zingale, Tim. “Temptation=Ease” Sermon Central. 24.Feb.2004. Web. Feb.12.2019. [22] Zingale, Tim. “Temptation=Ease” Sermon Central. [23] “Despair.” Our Daily Bread. 7.May.1992. Web. Feb.12.2019. Found on Sermon Illustrations. [24] Luke 4:12. [25] Luke 4:13. [26] Braddock’s lifestory is told in the 2005 movie Cinderella Man starring Russell Crowe. [27] “James J. Braddock.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 19.Jan.2019. Web. Feb.12.2019. [28] James J. Braddock.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [29] James J. Braddock.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [30] James J. Braddock.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [31] James J. Braddock.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation First Lesson: Exodus 34: 29-35 Responsive Reading: Psalm 99 Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 3: 12 - 4:2 Gospel Lesson: Luke 9: 28-36, (37-43a) Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
In 1918, a boy was born in a small town in Rural Oklahoma. The boy grew up on a tiny farm milking cows[1]. As he got older, this boy did everything he could to try to make ends meet from delivering newspapers to waiting tables. The young man eventually gets into college. His first job is with JC Penney for $75 a month[2]. He then serves his country in World War II. He uses money from his time in the service along with a loan from his father in law to purchase a small variety store in Newport, Arkansas. The business quickly grew increasing sales three hundred percent within the first three years. His business model was simple; he didn’t want to own stores in big cities, but instead small towns. He wanted to have a wide variety of products at the lowest prices possible. He realized he had only one boss the customer to whom he had to answer. In 1962, he decided to open another new store; this new store had his name “Walton” in the store’s name. Within five years, Sam Walton’s store had annual sales exceeding of over 12 million dollars. Today, Walmart has become the world’s largest company by revenue. Growing up dirt poor in Oklahoma, Sam Walton could never imagine the direction that God would take his life. Walton though is not unique. Second story, in 1928 a boy is born outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The boy had a difficult childhood. He had health problems such as asthma[3]. He was bullied by other children. He was made fun of for his weight. The boy was shy. He spent much of his time alone in his room. Since he didn’t have any friends, he became a puppeteer to try to create friends within his make-believe world. He spent the rest of his free-time becoming a talented piano player. He eventually gets accepted in Dartmouth College, which he couldn’t stand for its hyper-macho environment. He drops out to transfer to a school far away from home. He eventually becomes a seminary student back in Pittsburgh. He felt he was being called to a ministry like no one else in the Presbyterian Church either before or since. He believed his ministry was to be an educational T.V. ministry to young children[4]. His church body balked at his request. He eventually begins his show on Pittsburgh’s WEQD[5]. Forty years later upon his retirement, he’s considered one of the most influential T.V. stars of all time. Perhaps the most significant influence in Early Childhood Education this country has ever known. Mr. Fred Rogers’ ministry had been born in some of the toughest days of his childhood and ended up becoming an influence to tens of millions of children of this country because of it. The third and final story, 385 A.D. a young man is born within Roman Britain[6]. He grew up in relative prosperity and comfort. In these days, the Roman Empire in these parts was on the verge of collapse[7]. The British Coast would often be attacked by Irish pirate ships. In 401 A.D. the young man was captured in one of these raids. He would spend the next six years of his life living in Ireland as a slave. His task as a slave was the most miserable of all. He was ordered to be a shepherd. The young man would be isolated in Ireland’s cold mountains for months on end[8]. Food was always challenging to find and he was unable to speak the native language. The young man with no other place in the world to turn begins to embrace his Grandfather’s Christian faith. The young man would start to spend his days praying for God to save him from the land that he hated. The young man eventually does escape Ireland and return to his native Britain. His parents begged him never to leave Britain again. God would have other plans! The young man continues studying Christianity! One night he has a vision that he is to return to Ireland so that he may become “The Voice of the Irish[9].” The young man returns to Ireland; his missionary work is so successful that he comes to be known as the “Saint of Ireland[10].” By the time of Saint Patrick’s death, a little over thirty years after his initial capture Ireland, had transformed from a pagan nation to a Christian one. What these three stories have in common is God taking people from unlikely circumstances and using them to help transform not only people but ultimately nations. Today’s Old Testament lesson tells a similar story[11]. To understand the life of the Prophet Isaiah let me give a little brief background. King Solomon died about 170 years before Isaiah’s birth. Solomon’s death left Israel divided into Northern and Southern Kingdoms over the question of who should inherit his throne[12]. Isaiah lived in the Southern Kingdom which was compromised two of Israel’s twelve tribes. So the Lord would frequently call prophets to try to get the people to turn from their false worship before their inevitable destruction. In our lesson, Isaiah is standing in the Temple of the Lord. He looked up and saw a vision. The Lord was sitting on his throne, the back of his robe is filling the Temple, surrounding the Lord are Seraphim which are six-winged angels singing out: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory[13].” The impact of the Heavenly Choir is such that Isaiah is in awe. Isaiah knew this vision meant that God was calling him to be a “prophet” among the Northern Kingdom. Isaiah thought he felt deeply unworthy. Isaiah’s unworthiness had nothing to do with growing up poor like Sam Walton, being shy and socially awkward like Mr. Rogers, or not wanting to have anything to do with the people of the Northern Kingdom like Saint Patrick. Isaiah’s reluctance instead had to do with his tongue: “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty[14].” A few months back, I was lifting weights. The previous lifter had forgotten to take their weights down, so before I could begin, I would need to do so. The problem was the rack had been moved, so I didn’t have much room to maneuver. I bumped my leg, and I proceeded to drop a 45 lb. — barbell right on top of my pinky finger. The finger soon turned black, and just this week the nail would fall off. The mark was quite noticeable. I was down at Zup’s a when Kathy the cashier says she was discussing my finger with another customer. She then asked me: “Did I cuss when the accident happened?” To which I answered that I didn’t, but that the pain was such that I could easily forgive anyone that did. You see the reason Isaiah felt that he was unworthy of God’s calling is he had used too much R-rated language throughout his life. Isaiah believed there were all sorts of people that could throw this fault in his face; thereby God could certainly find someone better to serve as a Prophet to the people of the Northern Kingdom. God’s response to Isaiah’s excuse is noteworthy. The Seraphim grabs a piece of coal, flies over to Isaiah[15], touches his lips, and declares Isaiah’s “guilt is taken away[16].” And “sin is atoned[17].” Isaiah’s attitude would soon do a 180-degree turn. The Lord would then ask: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us[18]?” To which Isaiah would reply: “Here am I. Send me![19].” Isaiah would serve as one of Israel’s longest prophets with a ministry that lasted upwards of sixty-four years. What Isaiah’s ministry centered on was a coming judgment that would fall upon Israel’s kingdoms as long as they persisted in their sin. Isaiah though speaks even more forcefully though of a great hope to be given to the people in the Messiah that is to come. “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”-Isaiah 53:5. It was Isaiah who would quote the words later spoken by Jesus: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor;1 he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor[20] Without God calling the previous foul-mouther Isaiah the story of our salvation is never written. It reminds us that God’s promises of forgiveness are more powerful than our excuses. Abraham was already an old man, yet he eventually became the father of a great nation. We might claim we’re too shy, too broken, too young, or too old. Here’s the point of our lesson made clear by the stories of Sam Walton, Fred Rogers, and Saint Patrick: “God calls us out of our imperfections, rather than for our perfection.” A few weeks ago, I was at a Basketball game at William Kelley. A group of students was cussing loud enough that I had to tell them to quiet down. Isaiah reminds me that this is never an excuse to seek to inevitability run from God’s calling upon our lives. Amen [1] Sharma, Arun. “Rags to Riches: Sam Walton.” Wisdom Pearls. 21.Mar.2017. Web. Jan.29.2019. [2] “Sam Walton.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 18.Jan.2019. Web. Jan.29.2019. [3] “Fred Rogers.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 24.Jan.2019. Web. Jan.29.2019. [4] I recently read Maxwell King’s biography: The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers published by Harry N.Abrams in 2018. King’s book heavily informs this analogy. [5] “Fred Rogers.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [6] “Saint Patrick.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 28.Jan.2019. Web. Jan.29.2019. [7] Higgins, Scott. “St.Patrick.” Stories for Preaching. Web. Jan.29.2019. Higgins’ source is Thomas Cahill, How the Irish Saved Civilisation (Hodder, 1995) [8] Higgins, Scott. “St.Patrick.” Stories for Preaching. [9] Higgins, Scott. “St.Patrick.” Stories for Preaching. [10] Saint Patrick.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation [11] Isaiah 6:1-13. [12] Butler, Amy. “Marching Orders.” Sermon Writer. 2006. Web. Jan.29.2019. [13] Isaiah 6:3. [14] Isaiah 6:4. [15] Isaiah 6:6 [16] Isaiah 6:7 [17] Isaiah 6:7. [18] Isaiah 6:8. [19] Isaiah 6:8. [20] Luke 4:18, Isaiah 61:1-2. First Lesson: Genesis 45: 3-11, 15 Responsive Reading: Psalm 37: 1-11, 39-40 Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15: 35-38, 42-50 Gospel Lesson: Luke 6: 27-38 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”-Romans 13:10. Ed Markquardt tells the following story[1]. Once upon a time, there was a gentleman out driving, who did the safe thing by braking at an intersection upon seeing the light turn yellow. The woman driving behind him though was furious. She knew that both cars could have made the intersection before the red light. She starts honking her horn repeatedly and cussing up a blue streak loud enough that the other stopped cars could hear her. In the midst of her ranting, raving, and honking, she hears a tap upon the window. She sees a very stern looking police officer staring at her. The officer orders her out of the car and takes her to the police station. She is fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell[2]. After a couple of hours, a policeman approaches her cell and opens the door. She then is brought out front, where the arresting office greets her[3]. He began to speak: “I’m awfully sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed your ‘What Would Jesus Do’ and Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper stickers, and chrome plated Jesus (Christian) fish on the trunk[4].” “Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car[5].” Jonathan Swift was a clergyman born in England in 1667[6]. Swift’s greatest fame though isn’t as a preacher, but rather as a writer. Swift’s most well-known work is Gulliver’s Travels. Gulliver’s Travels tells the story of a ship captain named Gulliver whose ship would get continually get shipwrecked[7]. These wrecks would always lead Gulliver to islands and civilizations that no Englishmen had ever seen. First Island, Gulliver visits it’s full of little people, six inches tall where Gulliver towers as a giant. The second island, Gulliver is an insect surrounded by giants over forty feet tall. On the third island, the people are of average size but don’t possess the ability to communicate. They run around like animals within the woods. On this island, the civilized beings are talking horses[8]. Gulliver is immediately struck by the world that the horses have created. No one steals on this island, is mean, and they are so honest that their language doesn’t even have a word for lying[9]. The horses treat each other with complete respect and peace reigns supreme among them. Gulliver in all his travels had finally found the perfect place that he never desired to leave[10]. What ends up happening to Gulliver and the talking horses? We’ll get back to his story in just a little bit. Today’s Gospel lesson comes to us from Luke 6[11]. It comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. Let me set the stage for Today’s lesson. Luke’s Gospel is written in the earliest days of the Christian church. The earliest Christians were a persecuted minority among both Jewish and Roman authorities within their homeland. Luke’s Gospel seeks to address: “How should we respond to the name-calling and threats we receive on a daily basis?” So Luke quotes Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain as an example of how to build up the Christian community around them[12]. The clearest way Luke seeks to build up this community is verse 31 where he declares: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke’s saying to his first readers: “If you want a peaceful world like Gulliver experienced in the presence of the talking horses then live this way.” This statement is what’s known as the “Golden Rule.” It’s known as the “Golden Rule” because Gold had long been considered the most precious commodity in the entire world[13]. For example, King Tut of Egypt was buried a little over thirteen hundred years before the Birth of Christ[14]. King Tut was buried with a golden mask[15]. Subsequent Pharaohs of Egypt would always be buried with golden jewelry or other trinkets as a way to symbolize their importance amongst the people of Egypt[16]. The Golden Rule finds its basis in the earliest parts of the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:5 declares: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Leviticus 19:18 then declares: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” How the Golden Rule is supposed to function is it’s supposed to cause us to question our first instinct about how to respond. Like the woman stuck at the traffic light, we will all inevitability get angry and tend to say and do things we know aren’t good for us and others. It’s often tough to prioritize in half a second, the safety and schedule of total strangers sitting at the light on the other side of the intersection. Not responding when tempted can be hard, a few months back, I was watching the Chicago Bears play Vikings. As the fourth quarter was in progress, it was evident to everyone in the stadium that the Bears were going to end the Vikings season. Now down at the end of the aisle from me was a Bears fan who had been drinking, as Viking fans were exiting before the end of the game, her mouth got roaring. She started calling Viking fans “losers” and using all sorts of additional taunts. Every Vikings fan around her was getting mad. Now witnessing this scene unfold, your first instinct is to try something to quickly right the situation. Jesus’ earliest of followers would have experienced situations and people way more hostile than this. We’re all going to have times when we’re tempted to get mean and rude as a way to right both perceived and actual wrongs. Our sin has a way of only resulting in the death of the world around us. Earlier, I told you the story of Gulliver traveling to the land of the talking horses. Gulliver wanted to stay in such a perfect place as long as he could. The horses though didn’t feel the same way about Gulliver. They thought him to be nothing more than another unintelligible human yahoo[17]. Gulliver thought he had found the perfect place, only to be expelled for his imperfection. Gulliver would spend his remaining days isolated at home, dreading further exposure to his fellow humans. Gulliver’s only solace would be found in his stable, talking to his horses for hours on end[18]. Gulliver exposed a problem that can arise from the Golden Rule; it very easily can lead to spiritual pride. The curse of spiritual pride that has brought nothing but death to the world since the time of Adam and Eve. The point of Jesus giving the Golden Rule within our Gospel lesson is to highlight the type of people that we are called to respond to as Christians. We are called to confront people in their spiritual despair and darkness. Let me close with one final story on the true meaning of the Golden Rule. Mike Adams tells the following story. Adams never knew his grandmother, but knows the story of her death shortly before his birth[19]. Adams’ grandmother Nell died a young woman at the age of 48. How she died showcases the meaning of the Golden Rule. Nell had been diagnosed with cancer; she was scheduled for surgery, where she had a cancer-ridden organ removed. The Doctor thought he had cured Nell’s condition. A short time later, it was revealed that Nell’s cancer had returned in another organ. The Doctor had made a terrible mistake in not spotting this. Nell’s cancer was now so advanced there was no possible cure. The Doctor goes to break to Nell the news; he begins tearfully apologizing for his error[20]. Grandma Nell’s reaction though was remarkable as a person of faith[21]. She knew her doctor to be a good one, who had made a bad mistake even though it would cost her life. Nell then begins to tell the Doctor that he’s forgiven. As her illness advanced, she also proceeded to write the doctor a letter that was so full of grace and hope that he kept it on his desk for the remainder of his career. When Nell died, the doctor canceled all his appointments to attend her funeral. The Doctor proceeds to tell Nell’s daughter how in his years as a doctor, Nell was the only patient who ever tried to console him upon delivering bad news[22]. How Nell’s forgiveness was not only career-changing but life-changing. Nell’s daughter had not been a Christian before all this. As she witnessed her mother’s grace, she changed herself. She concluded that if her mother could have such faith in the midst of great adversity, there is no greater testimony to the presence of Almighty God[23]. Nell’s daughter whole life would become consumed with the Church and extending charity to others. Nell’s death not only changed her children, but eventually her grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren who she never met[24]. Beyond even this, Nell changed the life of not only her doctor, but every patient he would ever encounter[25]. Here’s the important thing, following the Golden Rule didn’t change people within this story. Christ changed Nell, Nell’s faith changed others. It was in Nell’s weakest moments that the greatest triumph of the Gospel within her was revealed. The reality of this life is encountering people without fault is as likely as meeting talking horses. We will confront instead bad drivers, obnoxious football fans, and even possibly the wrong doctor. These do not serve as opportunities to prove our perfection; they instead speak to all our needs for grace and charity. They point us to Jesus who reminds us that like in the story of Nell’s misdiagnosis; faith and hope will eventually triumph over all circumstances of this world even death. Spring and Easter will be here sooner than we can even imagine! Amen [1] Markquardt, Edward. “The Golden Rule.” Sermons from Seattle. Web. Jan.31.2019. [2] Markquardt, Edward. “The Golden Rule.” Sermons from Seattle. [3] Markquardt, Edward. “The Golden Rule.” Sermons from Seattle. [4] Markquardt, Edward. “The Golden Rule.” Sermons from Seattle. [5] Markquardt, Edward. “The Golden Rule.” Sermons from Seattle. [6] “Jonathan Swift”. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 2.Jan.2019. Web. Jan.31.2019. [7] Stier, Leon. “Talking Horses (a).” Email Meditations. 9.Feb.2017. Web. Jan.31.2019. [8] Stier, Leon. “Talking Horses (a).” Email Meditations. [9] Stier, Leon. “Talking Horses (a).” Email Meditations. [10] Stier, Leon. “Talking Horses (a).” Email Meditations. [11] Luke 6:27-38. [12] Allen, Ronald J. “Commentary on Luke 6:27-38.” Working Preacher.Luther Seminary. Saint Paul. 24. Feb.2019. Web. Jan.31.2019. [13] Markquardt, Edward. “The Golden Rule.” Sermons from Seattle. [14] “Tutankhamun.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 29.Jan.2019. Web. Jan.31.2019. [15] Markquardt, Edward. “The Golden Rule.” Sermons from Seattle. [16] Markquardt, Edward. “The Golden Rule.” Sermons from Seattle. [17] “Gulliver's Travels.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 29.Jan.2019. Web. Jan.31.2019. [18] Stier, Leon. “Talking Horses (a).” Email Meditations. [19] Stier, Leon. “The Law Written on Our Hearts (part one).” Email Meditations. 26. Oct. 2014. Web. Jan.31.2019. [20] Stier, Leon. “The Law Written on Our Hearts (part one).” Email Meditations. [21] Stier, Leon. “The Law Written on Our Hearts (part one).” Email Meditations. [22] Stier, Leon. “The Law Written on Our Hearts (part one).” Email Meditations. [23] Stier, Leon. “The Law Written on Our Hearts (part one).” Email Meditations. [24] Stier, Leon. “The Law Written on Our Hearts (part two).” Email Meditations. 27.Oct.2014. Web. Jan.31.2019. [25] Stier, Leon. “The Law Written on Our Hearts (part two).” Email Meditations. First Lesson: Jeremiah 17: 5-10 Responsive Reading: Psalm 1 Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20 Gospel Lesson: Luke 6: 17-26 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Once upon a time, there was a man who lived in Northern China whose most prized possession in the world was his horse[1]. Well one day, the horse bolted from his owner’s property crossing over the nearby border. The owner never believed he would see his horse again. He was sad for days over his horse’s loss. Everyone around did their best to comfort him. His father though gave him advice different from every other person that he encountered. He told his son: “You never know, it could be a blessing.” The son can’t quite make sense of his father’s words. Months go by, the horse finally returns, only this time he brought with him the most splendid stallion that anyone had ever seen. Everyone but the owner’s father’s rejoiced as he declared: “You never know it could be a curse[2].” The son is once again, confused. A few weeks go by; the owner is out riding on his horse. The horse throws him; he breaks his leg in the process. Everyone tries comforting the man in his misfortune, other than his dad upon seeing the broken leg declared: “It could be a blessing.” Well, a few more weeks go by, a group of nomads crosses the border forcing every non-disabled young man to grab a bow to try to defend the village. The casualties among the men in the village were high. The father’s words were correct as because of the son’s leg, his life was spared[3]. This story reminds us how it is indeed often what seems to be our greatest blessings that can lead to disaster, and our greatest disasters lead to eventual blessing[4]. Second story, a little over eight years ago, I was working in Lamberton and got called by a church in Kentucky. They wanted me to meet with them to be their next pastor. The church wanted a young pastor with experience working with youth. They let me know that I was the only candidate they were considering. So I drove twelve hours into Kentucky. I had dinner with the Call Committee Chair. I had an open forum with nearly everyone in the congregation attending. I preached Sunday morning what I thought was one of the better sermons I had ever written. I don’t hear anything back for a couple of weeks. I then get a call from the Call Committee Chair saying they had a congregational meeting to discuss me. They decided their only candidate wasn’t what they were looking. Now, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to move to Kentucky. Grandma might well have vetoed the move. Potential job loss like this causes a person to doubt God’s ways within a situation. A few months later, Glenda Hedin from Sychar gives me a call. A few months after that, I move to Silver Bay making it my home a lot longer than I could ever imagine living in Kentucky away from my beloved Vikings. So a situation that seemed to be a woe eventually leads to a blessing. These stories lead us into our Gospel lesson for Today from Luke 6[5]. Today’s Gospel Lesson has Jesus preaching a sermon titled “The Sermon on the Plain.” Jesus’ most well-known sermon is the “Sermon on the Mount” from the Gospel of Matthew. These might be the same sermon as much of the content is very similar though Jesus like any good preacher would repeat important points throughout his ministry. Both sermons occur right before the Healing of the Roman Centurion in Matthew and Luke’s Gospel[6]. The difference in two sermons has to do with how they begin. The Sermon on the Mount begins with Jesus walking up a Mountain to speak[7]. The Sermon on the Plain has Jesus coming down to address a gathering crowd[8]. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is the Sermon on the Mount is 107 verses long[9], whereas the Sermon on the Plain only 32 verses long[10]. Our section for Today deals with the concept of blessings in life and woes in our lives. We can define a “woe” as doom or condemnation brought to us[11]. Examples of woe would include: losing a horse, breaking a leg, or not getting a job. The critical thing to understand about woe in Jesus’ day is how people thought about it. Tim Zingale describes this well when he says: “The people in Jesus’ day thought that if you were rich, successful, happy and popular this was because you were favored by God. But if you were poor, miserable, and rejected, or you had a disability or a terrible accident this was because you or a relative had done something to displease God[12].” So Jesus within the Sermon on the Plain wanted to change the way that people thought of not only their blessings but also their woes. “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.[13] Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven[14]. Some years ago, the country music singer Garth Brooks wrote a song titled Unanswered Prayers.[15] The song is autobiographical from Brooks’ life. When Brooks was in high school, he had a girlfriend. He would pray that his girlfriend would become his wife[16]. The relationship eventually crumbles. Brooks is distraught. Brooks keeps hoping that his ex-girlfriend would take him back. Some time passes, Brooks meets his wife. Years later, he runs into his ex-girlfriend at a high school football game in their hometown. Brooks only upon running into his ex-years later, realizes that some of the best things in life are indeed unanswered prayers. How even when God doesn’t necessarily answer, this doesn’t mean that he doesn’t care[17]. As he looks at his wife, he thanks God for having better judgment than himself. How indeed God’s greatest gifts often come from turning our woes into an eventual blessing. Jesus within our Gospel lesson is hoping to speak a word of hope to those with their unanswered prayers as he declares: “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” Jesus’ words intend to give us perspective regarding our situations. Now we have been blessed in many ways to live in this country[18]. We have a standard of living that wouldn’t have been imaginable 100 years ago. We still inevitability struggle with a longing for more. My Mom has undertaken multiple mission trips to Africa. What’s always stood out to her so much about Africa is the perspective of the men, women, and children whom she has come across. How people that seemingly have nothing, seek to give to those who seemingly have everything continually. These visits have highlighted to my mom how material possessions don’t guarantee happiness, but can instead be sources of woe. My mom’s experiences highlight why Jesus closes the lesson with a list of woes including eternal punishment commonly associated with material comforts. Here’s the thing about our wealth. It doesn’t guarantee us the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus turns our sins into vessels to receive his forgiveness. Woes often lead the way to the blessings that are to come. Let me close with one final story about how we often get the nature of woes and blessings wrong as Christian people. Once upon a time in Poland lived a very poor man named Isaac who often went hungry[19]. One night, Isaac had a dream. In Isaac’s dream, he had a vision of the city of Prague where a certain bridge contained buried treasure beneath it. Isaac kept having the same dream, night after night. Finally, Isaac decided that he needed to walk on foot hundreds of miles to Prague to try to find this buried treasure. Isaac finally arrives in Prague, found the bridge in his dream, and went underneath it to try to find his treasure. A soldier spots Isaac then comes over to question him. Isaac proceeds to tell the solider about his dream regarding the buried treasure[20]. The soldier begins laughing hysterically in Isaac’s face. He calls Isaac “stupid.” He points out how foolish that he is to trust in his dreams. The solider continues to make fun of Isaac as he declares his own dream to find treasure buried in Isaac’s kitchen. The solider though won’t go to Isaac’s kitchen because it would be the most idiotic thing to do in the world. He then kicks Isaac to mock him before leaving his presence[21]. Isaac walks home dejected, feeling like a fool. Upon returning home though, Isaac moves the stove in his kitchen when something catches his eye. There was treasure buried in Isaac’s kitchen all along. Isaac had gone from a very poor man to a very rich man within the blink of an eye. No soldier could ever take this away from Isaac. Isaac’s greatest woe had become his greatest blessing[22]. As Jesus gives the Sermon on the Plain to us Today as his Christian people, he seeks to remind us that indeed our woes (our poverty, our relationship failures, our job loss, our broken bones, and our lost possessions) might be the sources of our inevitable salvation. When Jesus would soon breathe his last breath, he was not dying, but merely opening the gate to life eternal instead. Amen [1] McLarty, Phillip. W. “Are You Blessed.” Sermon Writer. 2007. Web. Jan.29.2019. Story by Liu An. [2] McLarty, Phillip. W. “Are You Blessed.” Sermon Writer. [3] McLarty, Phillip. W. “Are You Blessed.” Sermon Writer. [4] McLarty, Phillip. W. “Are You Blessed.” Sermon Writer. [5] Luke 6:17-26. [6] Wayne, Luke. “What is the Sermon on the Plain?” CARM Ministries (Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry). 25.Feb.2016. Web. Jan.29.2019. [7] Matthew 5:1 [8] Luke 6:17 [9] Matthew 5-7 [10] Luke 6:17-49. [11] Wellman, Jack. “What Does Woe Mean? A Biblical Definition Of Woe.” Christian Crier. Patheos Network of Blogs. 20.Aug.2015. Web. Jan.30.2019. [12] Zingale, Tim. “The Lifestyle.” Sermon Central. 16. Feb.2004. Web. Jan.30.2019. [13] Luke 6:20-22. [14] Luke 6:23. [15] “Unanswered Prayers.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 7.Dec.2018. Web. Jan.29.2019. Reference comes from Rev. Dr. Phillip McLarty’s sermon “Are You Blessed” published on Sermon Writer in 2007. [16] McLarty, Phillip. W. “Are You Blessed.” Sermon Writer. [17] Unanswered Prayers.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. [18] Markquardt, Ed. “Luke’s Beattitudes.” Sermons from Seattle. Web. Jan.30.2019. [19] Jackson Shelton, Sarah. “Blessing or Curse?” Day 1. 11. Feb.2007. Web. Jan.29.2019. [20] Jackson Shelton, Sarah. “Blessing or Curse?” Day 1. [21] Jackson Shelton, Sarah. “Blessing or Curse?” Day 1. [22] Jackson Shelton, Sarah. “Blessing or Curse?” Day 1. |
Categories
All
|