“Secure in His Hands”

S-1527 3SIA/3C 12/13/15; Hymns: (O) #338; (S) #347; (C) #335,
Texts: Psalm 80:1-7; Micah 5:2-5; Hebrews 10; 5-10; Luke 1:39-56
Theme: “Secure in His Hands” (Micah 5:4-5a)
Question: “How good is Your Insurance?” (16^th Sermon at Trinity).
Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text is the O.T. reading: “And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they shall dwell secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth. And He shall be their peace” (Micah 5:4-5a).
INTRODUCTION: In Nomine Iesu
Precious children of the heavenly Father, every one of us in this room from the youngest to the oldest want to know that we are safe and secure. In this broken and messed up world we long to be secure. With the rise of terrorism, thefts, robberies and murders, we know we are not as secure as we would like to be.
To be sure, security is a big thing and a big business. Our government spends billions of dollars to secure the boarders and keep us safe. We buy virus protection for our PC so they are secure against hackers. We purchase alarm systems for our houses. We, as parents do everything in our power to help our children feel and know they are safe and secure. As adults we spend a great sum of money buying insurance to protect our property, possessions, health and life. We seek the best insurance for the money. There is one Insurance company that wants your business and has this great slogan, “You are in good hands with All State!”
Even though we desire to be safe and secure, we know we can’t be completely safe proof. In spite of the fact, we pay our insurance premiums…and on time, when something goes wrong, we realize we are not as protected as we should have been. You know when you have water in your basement and speak with your agent, he will say, “Sorry this is not covered!” We fail to read the “small print.” PAUSE.
Yet on this 4^th Sunday in Advent, the voice of the prophet Micah vibrates through the centuries to tell the people of Israel and us that we are safe and secure in the hands of God. Listen to the voice of the prophet once more: “And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they shall dwell secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth. And He shall be their peace.”
Indeed, in the pierced and outstretched hands of Christ we are secure from all our enemies. And this is more than a slogan; it is true, tried and tested! Throughout all of Scripture we see God’s mighty and powerful hands protecting His people.
As the Israelites left Egypt, God kept them safe from their enemies—the Egyptians by a Pillar of Fire by night and Cloud by Day. Satan was given freedom to assail Job, but God chained him like a dog and said, “You can go this far and no further.” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s lives were spared when thrown into the burning furnace. God shut the mouth of the lions when Daniel was lowered to their pit.
David the shepherd boy knew first hand this security provided by His God, and didn’t fear the bear or the lion when they attacked his flock; or even a giant that mocked his king, nation, and God! He experienced this security when he was being chased by Saul and his army. He even wrote these words to help us know that we too, can be secure in the hands of our God and Savior. Listen to David’s description of His Awesome God: “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies” (Ps. 18:1-2). PAUSE.
Beloved in Christ, you, who are precious in His sight! I want you to know this truth and hold it dear like many other believers who have trusted God in life and in death. In my office I have many pictures that have been given me. I enjoy looking at them. But there is one that stands out above the rest. (Show picture).
As you look at this picture notice please that there are 3 characters in it. Shepherd [Jesus] a little lamb and two wolves. Study the picture well. You will notice the hungry wolves eyeing the lamb. The lamb is near the feet of Jesus unafraid, and Jesus’ eyes are on the wolves. I can almost hear Him say, “I dare you come closer! If you attack my lamb I will shred you to pieces.” The lamb is unconcerned and unafraid because it is secure under the watchful eye of the Shepherd.
This is our security today and always. This morning we are reminded of this through the word of the prophet. And if that is not enough let me share with you few other verses to comfort you with. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are One” (John 10:27-30). Did you hear that, NO ONE IS ABLE TO SNATCH US FROM HIS HANDS? In His hands we are safe and secure. And if this is not enough for you then, hear another prophet speak of this security. Listen to the voice of Isaiah: “But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.’  ^‘Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me’” (Isaiah 49:14-16).
This is a beautiful reminder for us, the 21^st century followers of Jesus. Yet, sadly we don’t take it to heart. So often we act like a 2 year old wanting to do it ourselves; grasping to something temporal for security, whatever that thing may be. We get ourselves into messes because we don’t trust God. We think we know better. We try to do what we can’t do to save and secure ourselves. But it doesn’t work that way beloved.
That is why Advent is such a blessed season. It reminds us why the Babe of Bethlehem came to earth. Remember He came to be the Savior of the world—but more importantly YOUR Savior. He came to live the perfect life, and fulfill the demands of the Law perfectly in your place. He came to suffer, die and rise again for you. He came to give you salvation, safety and security and He has and continues even today doing so through His Word and Sacrament. The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to Him instead. PAUSE.
Oh, how we need this reminder again and again. We are God’s blood-bought people. We are secure in His hands today and always. The opening hymn we sang has these words: “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee” (LSB338). And from our sermon hymn: “Comfort, comfort ye My people, Speak ye peace, thus saith our God; Comfort those who sit in darkness, Mourning ’neath their sorrow’s load; Speak ye to Jerusalem Of the peace that waits for them; Tell her that her sins I cover, And her warfare now is over” (LSB347).
Beloved bride of Christ, certainly, we are secure in the hands of God. As we listen to the voice of the prophet again, we realize there is only one Insurance company that will give us the true and lasting security. It is the greatest company in the whole wide world. This insurance, unlike All State gives us the benefits without pay. And it covers everything that we need not only our bodies, but more importantly our souls. It is run by three loving people—God the Father who is the Author of our Salvation. God the Son the Agent of our Salvation. And God the Holy Spirit who is the Administrator of our salvation.
This is the Good News for you today and every day. There is no monthly fee to be paid by us. There is no small print which we don’t understand. There is nothing that is not covered. Instead, you will see the contract sealed by the blood of the Lamb. And the payment paid in full through His death and through His resurrection. Therefore we can say, “We are in good hands—NOT of All State Agent, but the pierced hands of Christ who conquered death for you. Amen. And Amen.
Now the peace of God…
SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Chosen to be Humbled” (Micah 5:2)

S-1464 3MIA/3B 12/17/2014 Hymns: (O) #62; (S) 647; (C) #56

Texts: Psalm 80:1-7; Micah 5:2-5; Luke 1:39-45

Theme: “Chosen to be Humbled” (Micah 5:2)

Question: “Have you ever been humbled by someone’s request?” 3^rd in sermon series on: “Humility in the Holy Land”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. The text for 3^rd Midweek in Advent is from the O.T. Lesson: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2).

Beloved and beautiful children of the heavenly Father, by the grace of God we have been brought here again, so that we may continue our journey in the Holy Land. Tonight our pilgrimage takes us to an obscure village called Bethlehem. As we make our stop in Bethlehem we realize that we are in the Southern part of the Holy Land—only 7 miles from Jerusalem.

Just outside this lowly village an angel was sent to announce the greatest news ever told with these words: “…Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). Into sleepy Bethlehem the shepherds ran with haste to see the thing that was told them.

But why did God choose this little, lowly town. Why was Bethlehem chosen and not Jerusalem, Caesarea, Tiberius, or Nazareth? The text that engages us this evening sheds a little light on Bethlehem being chosen to be humbled.

The prophet Micah, 700 years before the birth of Christ prophesied these words: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” God had chosen this little town for a reason that He will reveal to us and helps us know the great love the Father lavishes on us.

Bethlehem has a rich history that helps us during this time of the year to pay close attention and focus more thoroughly, especially in the singing of many of the Christmas hymn. But especially, as we just sang our sermon hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

This obscure village has a history that demonstrates how much God cares for His people. Here Jacob buried his beloved wife Rachel (for whom he served 14 years). Here is also is the story of Naomi who returned from Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabite?

In Bethlehem the God of heaven cared for the lowly and widows by providing Boaz, her Kinsman-Redeemer. He married the Moabite Ruth and through their union she gave birth to a son, and they called him Obed. Obed gave birth to Jesse and Jesse gave birth to David—who became the 2^nd king and shepherd over Israel—God’s own people.

Bethlehem is the house of David and became known as the City of David. In Psalm 110 David writes these prophetic words: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’” (vs. 4). To be sure the promise given David is fulfilled in the birth of Christ in Bethlehem’s manger.

But again, we must ask the question: “Why would God choose Bethlehem to be THE humble place for the birth of His Only begotten Son? The answer lies in the fact that humble shepherds fit right in with God’s choice of a humble village, and a humble mother named Mary, and a humble step-dad named Joseph.

In emphasizing such details, the heavenly Author of the Christmas story is making a most important point: When it comes to Bethlehem and when it comes to Calvary—where salvation, redemption, reconciliation and eternity are involved—anyone and everyone can have a place in the presence of the One who loved us by the sending of His Son.

In fact, in God’s economy there are places reserved for all people, regardless of their earthly state, station or stature. No one is excluded. The Savior was born, died, and rose again for one and for all—including you and me.

You see beloved, God chose humble Bethlehem, because from it will come the Bread that will feed us forever—for that is what Bethlehem means—“the house of Bread.” From this lowly, little, obscure village comes the One who was foretold from of old and who will rule forever and ever on the throne of His Father David.

Bethlehem was chosen because God chooses to pour out His love upon us. In Humility we see love put in Bethlehem’s manger. From the world, we expect a love that is self-serving and self-seeking—only looking for what it can get out of it. Or a love that is self-rewarding—reaching out only to those who have done or will do something in return. Or a love that’s fickle—that flickers with each shifting wind. The world’s type of love would never in a million years have put the Christ Child into the manger of Bethlehem. But God’s love could, would and did. In the Babe of Bethlehem, birthed in a stable and bedded in a manger we see love’s true light.

Bethlehem was chosen to be humbled because God the Author of lidw demonstrates this love, not because it is such a grand place to live, but in spite of it. The same is true for us as well. God’s love is poured into the manger of our hearts, not because we choose to love Him, follow Him or serve Him; but He does it in spite of us to show that there is not one person who walks this dusty world, that would be excluded from His grace and favor given in His Son—Jesus Christ.

As you and I linger tonight in the lowly town of Bethlehem, I want you to look deeply into the manger. See how real God’s love is for you and for me and for all. Here in this little town we see that God keeps His promises. This is not just talk with no action. Look closer and you will see how far His love is willing to go. All the way from the glories of heaven to a humble stable, on a scratchy bed of straw to save mankind from the eternal destruction of hell.

This evening as we continue to travel in the Holy Land, see how the Son of God humbled Himself for you, in a humble village so that He may lift you up to the home He is preparing for you. What joy fills our hearts as we walk, sing and praise Him who came from heaven above to earth below our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Come to Bethlehem and See” (Micah 5:2)

S-1352-4SIA/C 12/23/2012 Hymns: #95; #647; L.S. 102; #307; 85 vv. 1-8; #85 vv. 13-15

Texts: Micah 5:2-5; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

Theme: “Come to Bethlehem and See” (Micah 5:2)

Question: “Did someone invite you to come and see?” Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for our Fourth Sunday in Advent is from the O.T. lesson: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me One who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2).

INTRODUCTION:

Loving children of the heavenly Father, growing up as an Arab Palestinian was challenging to say the least. Throughout my growing up years I was treated differently because of my nationality and the situation in my country.

In 1948 Israel became a country. During the war of 1948, my maternal grandfather fled the war zone country to Lebanon saying to himself we shall return when things settle down. Things never did and my family literally was divided in half. My mother’s family grew up in Lebanon Refugee Camps and my dad’s family grew up in Israel. Though we were separated only by an hour distance we never saw each other. However, whenever a priest would take a trip across the border to Lebanon, mother would send pictures to her family and they would do the same when the priest returned back to Israel. I only knew my family through pictures but never talked or visited with them in person.

In the spring of 1972, I was sitting in our kitchen and all of a sudden a taxi cab stops in front of our house and an elderly woman gets out. I looked at the lady and thought, (she looks like my grandma), I called mother and said, “Yumma, (mom) come and see a lady that looks like your mother!” When my mom reached the window to look out, she began to holler, “Nabil, it is my mother, it’s my mother!” Tears of joy welled up as we hugged, kissed and visited with each other.

Today, after the long wait of Advent, the loving Father, bids us to come and see the long expected Messiah promised of old. Today, God speaks words to every sinner and says “Take another look in Bethlehem and see what I have given you!” Today, He who is gracious says to us, “Come and see My Son laying on a bed of straw for you!” Today, the Everlasting God says to each of us, “Come and see what happens in Bethlehem!” Today, the Father is proud to show the world how much He cares for it and desires to be with us as He once had with our parents in the Garden of Eden.

As we make the trip to Bethlehem again this year, we pray that the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to see Him, the Virgin born, the Eternal God who comes to earth to live with us and save us. Today, as we walk with others to the manger, we pray to take a deeper look at the little Baby lying and behold with eyes of faith the One who will stay with us on our journey, every step of the way, and will guide us toward an everlasting kingdom, one marked by heavenly, perfect love and peace. He is Emmanuel—God with us.

A long time ago, I shouted to my mother to come and see the elderly lady. Today, Micah, the prophet of God, shouts to the people of his time and in our ears telling us to come to Bethlehem and see the amazing sight. This insignificant village, which is too small to be counted and be of any consequence among the clans and tribes of Judah Israel, is chosen by God to bring forth the future Ruler of Israel.

And this Ruler will reign supreme over all people. He will not be like the rulers of the earth seeking their own benefit. No, this Ruler will be like no other king who has ever sat on the throne. He will be One who will do justice and righteous as He serves the people with love and grace. And with His reign, He will usher the heavenly PEACE that the world desperately needs—a peace that has never been matched or equaled anywhere on planet earth. Peace between God and man.

Yes, Come and See! See the God of heaven and earth who fulfilled His promise made long ago to Adam and Eve. Come and see the Babe of Bethlehem making His home on earth to feed the hungry souls with the Bread of Life—Himself. Come to Bethlehem (the house of Bread in Hebrew) and see the Bread of heaven come down. This bread is one that satisfies the body and soul you don’t need to pay for it. It is given you freely by the Bread King, the One who supplies all of our needs as we pray in the 4^th petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us today, our daily bread.” And He does.

Come to Bethlehem and see the Child of Mary serve humanity with joy and delight like no other shepherd ever has. Micah goes on to say, “And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they shall dwell secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth” (v.4). The Child of Mary would grow up like His ancestor David to be a great shepherd and shepherd His people and care for every need.

Come to Bethlehem and see what this Child does for you. He will give you security in every situation you face. He will uphold you with the strength of the Lord when the doctors say, “its cancer!” He will be there to assure you as you face the upcoming heart surgery, YOU will be secure in His hands. He will secure your future though our government can’t secure it. He will strengthen you as you face every challenge because He is YOUR Good Shepherd who will do the impossible to care for your every need.

Come to Bethlehem and see a Shepherd from the linage of David who wrote the 23 Psalm which has become a favorite to many. The 23^rd Psalm is David’s way of telling us come with me to Bethlehem and see Him who guide and lead you in green pastures, who will provide you a table when you least expect it. He will shepherd them and care for them. He will guard and guide you with His Rod and Staff and He will be with you forever with mercy and goodness.

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth we celebrate in a couple of days and see what He does to make sure your life here on earth and forever in heaven is SECURED. He does the impossible to win our freedom and earn our security by going to Cavalry’s cross. There He is beaten, His beard is pulled out, He slapped and spit upon and eventually they hang Him on a cross for you. But He doesn’t remain there. Three days later He rises from the grave and gives you the eternal security that He Himself taught us in the Gospel of St. John saying: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

Yes, in His hands we are safe and secure and nothing not even death, hell, evil or anything else can separate us from Him or His love. And on the cross He was spiked and speared for you. But He does more, He becomes our peace.

Therefore, today, as we join the throng in Bethlehem let us rejoice for what we have seen with our own eyes—the heaven-sent Savior comes for you and me. For our God loves us. He brings us the enlightenment of His Word - the revelation - that we get what we do not deserve for all the times our eyes have never seen Him or even looked for Him. We receive not condemnation, but salvation and the shining robe of righteousness…all because He the Ruler of Israel has come into the world. He comes to open our eyes to see Him as the everlasting Prince of peace.

For the omnipotent Lord has penetrated our darkened world. He who lived in the glory of heaven came to this sin-infested, death-infested filled planet. He who created the sun and the stars chose to enter the dark confines of a virgin’s womb. He came not as a great flash of light, or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter in a dark and musty stable. He grew up only to have His eyes closed and snuffed out, but in so doing won for us full and free forgiveness and life everlasting. His brilliant resurrection seals it!

Through the eyes of the Prophets we can see all this from Bethlehem. We see a Baby, a cross, an empty tomb and eternal life. What a privilege to be able to go to Bethlehem to see the Lord of lords and the Ruler of the universe, Jesus Your God and Savior. And, what an honor that we share Him with others and say come and see, my Savior has come for me and you. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA.