“Fullness of Joy” (Psalm 16:11) Antiphon

S-1493 3SOE/3B 4/19/2015 Hymns: (O) #354; (S) #204; (C) #205

Texts: Acts 3:11-21; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36-49

Theme: “Fullness of Joy” (Psalm 16:11) Antiphon

Question: “What is it that fills your heart with joy?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia. The text is the Antiphon: “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

People of the Cross, you and I know from personal experience that life is not always fair or pleasant. We know first-hand the anguish, the agony and the affliction this world offers. We know all too well and have experienced hurt and harm, sorrow and sadness, death and destruction. And yet, we have the sure and certain hope in God’s eternal promises.

Throughout all of Holy Scriptures we have these golden nuggets that help us in the hours of terror and turmoil. Listen to the Author of Life who moved different Bible writers to share with us food for the soul so that we may rejoice; in spite of what we experience daily.

Isaiah said: “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people He will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken” (25:8). Paul in His Resurrection chapter stated: “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’” (1 Corinthians 15:54-56). The Apostle John wrote these precious words: “And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4); and Jesus Himself said: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”. (John 15:11) and again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20). These are the promises that will carry us on the journey of life and especially through hardships and even death. And it was David, the Psalm writer, who by the Holy Spirit penned these words: “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

What is that brings joy to our hearts? What is it that gives the fullness of Joy? David gives the answer, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” Our joy comes in knowing the Savior intimately. In His presence, around His Word, and His life-giving Sacraments there is fullness of joy. At His right hand there is pleasures forevermore.

This doesn’t mean that we will not suffer, endure hardships or live the peaceful life we wish and long for. Far be it from the truth. The world we live in is filled with all kinds of trials and tribulations. However even in these moments we are not alone. For Christ has promised that He will be with us ALWAYS! There are no exceptions! (Matthew 28:20). PAUSE.

Last week in my sermon I shared with you the story of the Louis Zampeirini who was a POW in WWII. You may not recognize the name, but you have heard of the book and movie “Unbroken” that tells his story of survival even against the worst odds:

Today, I like to share a bit more about him and the fullness of joy that filled his and his parent’s hearts. After being captured by the Japanese, he was treated with cruelty, tortured, starved to the point of death and his parents hearing nothing of his fate for over 2+ years. Finally something gave them a reason to hope and have the fullness of joy.

On August 20 while in POW camp Naoetsu, a radioman read the signal of the fast blinking lights of the plane above: “THE WAR IS OVER!” In seconds masses of naked men were stampeding out of the river and up the hill. As the plane turned loops above, the pilot waving, the POWs swarmed into the compound, out of their minds with relief and rapture. Their fear of the guards, of the massacre they had so long awaited, was gone, dispersed by the roar and muscle of the bomber. The prisoners jumped up and down, shouted, and sobbed. Some scrambled onto the camp roofs, waving their arms and singing out their joy to the pilot above…In the midst of the running, celebrating men, Louis stood on wavering legs emaciated, sick and dripping wet. In his tired mind, two words were repeating themselves, over and over. “I AM FREE! I AM FREE! I AM FREE!” (pp 312-313).

Though the war was over, Louis didn’t return home till sometime later. On September 9, Pete (his older brother) was startled awake by a hand on his shoulder, shaking him vigorously. He opened his eyes to see one of his friends bending over him with a huge smile. Trumbull’s story had appeared in the Los Angeles Times. The headline said it: ZAMPERINI COMES BACK FROM THE DEAD.

When his family heard the news, two of the sisters ran to church and gave thanks. As His mother Louise stood in his room cleaning and preparing it for his arrival, blinked away tears, singing out, “He’s on the way home. He’s on the way home. From now on,” she said, “September 9 is going to be Mother’s Day to me, because that’s the day I learned for sure my boy was coming to stay.” (pp 330-331).

I am certain, had we been there on September 9^th, we would have seen the fullness of joy in the hearts of the Zamperini’s and all of the parents’ of the POWs. For that is indeed a blessed thing to have your loved ones with you. PAUSE.

Now I beg you to travel with me to Jerusalem. It is the Sunday after the dark Friday when the Savior was put to death on the cross. On that Sunday evening two disciples Luke tells us were on their way to Emmaus.

These disciples were heart-broken, in anguish, in pain and suffering at the death of Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. Their feet were heavy. Their eyes were teary and their hearts were filled with sorrow… But isn’t that the way it is with life in a sinful world? We only look to the end of our nose? We let our eyes overpower our ears. These Disciples had heard the promise of resurrection, but they wouldn’t believe. They heard the testimony of the women, but wouldn’t believe! These followers of Jesus didn’t know joy because they refused to believe God’s clear Word of promise! But something happened that night that changed their lives forever and filled them with joy.

Along the road a companion walked with them and revealed to them from Scripture that He is the risen Lord. The One who was dead has come back to life again as He promised. The One who was nailed to the cross and placed in a tomb has opened the grave and swallowed death forever. And they were full of joy because they were in His PRESENCE.

What is it today that keeps you from knowing the joy of the resurrected Christ? Are you too focused on the diagnosis of a doctor? Maybe you are being tempted to listen to the society that says God’s Word is too old fashioned and that maybe we ought to “lighten up a bit?” Are you so worried about outliving your money that you forget to live for Christ? Are you someone who looks at a grave and sees an end and not a beginning? These and a number of other things are sins that steal our joy. We take our eyes off of Christ and His Word and we see nothing but fear and death. We may as well be in Zamperini’s hopeless prison camp!

But because Christ is risen everything changes for us too! As His beloved children, we are brought here by the Holy Spirit to see with eyes of faith, hear with ears of faith, and touch with hands of faith the One who was dead and is alive forevermore—Jesus the Christ. In Him, through Him and on account of Him we have fullness of joy. Because He lives we can sing the victory songs: CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

No matter what we face and experience. No matter how much the devil throws at us. No matter how many trials and hardships we go through, we can be confident of this one thing, with Jesus by our side, we have fullness of joy.

The fullness of joy comes to us because of what He has accomplished in His death and resurrection—forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. As Isaiah told the Israelites so long ago, I say to you today: “The Lord has swallowed up death forever; and the Lord God has wiped away the tears from your faces and He has removed your reproaches. For the Lord has spoken.”

Today, we can say with David, “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” How blessed we are because, in Him we have the fullness of joy today and always. Amen

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Delighted IN the Presence of Jesus” (Psalm 1:1-2)

S-1463 3SIA/3B 12/16/2014 Hymns: (O) #457; (S) #533; (C) # 57 SFD

Texts: Isaiah 43:1-3; Revelation 21:1-7; John 14:1-7

Theme: “Delighted IN the Presence of Jesus” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Question: “Celebration of the New Life of Alvera Luella Cunningham

Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! (3x). Beloved in the Lord, the text for the celebration of the New Life granted to our departed sister Alvera by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is her confirmation text from (Psalm 1:1-2) “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night”

Beloved people of God, Psalm 1:2 speaks of the Christian’s delight. A “delight” is something that brings a great deal of satisfaction, gratification and pleasure. We are not to be a discouraged or defeated but rather a people who are delighted in the things of God. What you delight in tells everyone around you the condition of your heart. If it is the things of the world alone that bring you delight, then you’re focusing on earthly things. But if your delight is in the things of God then your heart is focusing on heavenly things and that offers peace and joy as we travel as pilgrims in this ball of mud we call earth. For we all know that this world can’t satisfy or meet our needs but only God can and does in His Son, Jesus Christ.

In the cycle of life a child looks with great joy and anticipation to open the packages that sit beneath the Christmas tree. In a few days we will see many children who are delighted as they get their hands on the gifts. They care nothing about the wrapping or the ribbon, they just tear into the gift. Likewise at the end of life, a person who is near death looks with the greatest joy and delight to be in the presence of Jesus Christ his/her Savior—the GIFT OF HEAVEN.

The truth is however that the only desire that matters or lasts is the desire to be connected to Jesus. That is the ultimate goal for every son of Adam and every daughter of Eve to be in the presence of Him who came in the flesh—the Babe of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ. To be sure, to be with Jesus is our eternal delight. To find delight in His presence is our eternal joy and our eternal rest. All because of the Greatest gift—the gift that keeps on giving—Jesus our Savior.

That is precisely what our departed sister is experiencing right now—she is delighted to be in the presence of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. But the desire to be with Jesus started long before she was even aware of it; it started with Him. The desire began with the One who created her in her mother’s womb. He confirmed this desire on September 25, 1922 when He called her in the waters of Baptism to be His very own for time and eternity. He solidified it to her on December 12, 2014 when He said to her, “Come, My daughter and delight yourself in My presence for the rest of your life!”

This delight was whenever she came to the Lord’s house. Here the Lord delighted her by forgiving her, her sins. Here in this place He delighted to offer her a sumptuous Meal of love and peace in His body and His blood. Here in this place she was delighted as she was privileged to be nurtured at the hearing of His Word.

Yes, Alvera meditated at His Word. She longed to be with her Lord and Savior. Even though for the last 8 years she hasn’t been able to be here, or was not in the best of health, yet she longed to be in His presence and to receive the life-giving Sacrament. What joy filled her heart as she took His body and blood into her mouth with the greatest delight.

Today, she is in His presence forevermore and that delight continues. She is indeed delighted to be in the presence of the One who came from heaven to earth so that He may die for her and all people who have been cursed by sin.

As we mourn our own loss, we rejoice that this Christmas our dear sister will be joining her voice with those she has loved who have gone before her, and with the angels and arch-angels and all of the heavenly host as they sing what the herald angel sang along with all voices then, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!" (Luke 2:14 ESV)

Yes, we spoke of her delight, her great delight in being in this house, with all of you, of praying for you, her family as you may have been scattered. Here and in her home, and finally, in her bed, where confusion reigned, she still delighted in that grandest news that Alvera was the daughter of the Most High God and that not only does He have her, but He has you, in those nail pierced hands that began as the stubby little digits of an infant.

As you go forth from this, the Lord’s House, the place where He gave birth to your beloved mother, where He washed her in the renewing flood of her Baptismal Grace as her sins were forgiven, where He fed and nourished her with nothing less than all that He is and all that He has, His very own Body and Blood, go forth, beloved, knowing that the good gift He has given in these walls and at her bedside, this Feast and this Forgiveness, this Love and this Peace has now gone from being a promise, to being sight!

The same Lord that brought so much delight to your dear Alvera also desires to delight in you. The call that came to her comes to you as well. He desires to forgive the crushing burden of your sin. It is His delight to bring you into His house and feed you with the very same heavenly manna with which He was delighted to feed Alvera. Even amidst the tears of this day, it is His delight to call you to look beyond this life to an eternity that He is calling you to spend with Him! He is calling you to delight in Him and His Word this day! This call is the only true answer to the grief that you feel. He gives it to you freely! It is His true delight this day!

Yes, and as we gather again in just eight days to sing the carols of His birth and as the Advent Wreath puts forth the full light of the Promise Kept, we will gather knowing that your beloved mother, that our dear sister delights, fully delights with you, for the God who loved her in this life, loves her still, and the God who loves you now, He is faithful and He shall surely keep you… in His perfect peace for: CHRIST IS RISEN! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia and Amen!

Now the peace of God…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Forever in the LORD’s House!” (Psalm 23:6b)

S-1448 12SAP/3A 8/31/2014 Hymns: (O) 740; (S) 618 TLH; LS 680; 675; (C) #725 LSB

Texts: Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Theme: “Forever in the LORD’s House!” (Psalm 23:6b)

Question: “Do you know of any earthly thing that lasts forever?” 9^th in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever”” (Psalm 23:6a).

Precious little lambs let me ask you a question: “What is your house address?” I am sure most of you know it by heart and hopefully the young children have learned their house address in case they get lost. But I am asking a deeper question here. Think again please. “What is your house address?” PAUSE.

It is indeed amazing how we live in this world—we plant deep foundations and deep roots thinking that this house is mine. We think this body is mine, this car is mine and everything we have is MINE. But truth be told, none of it is ours. The homes we live in now someday will be vacant, destroyed and ruined. The body we have now will begin to deteriorate if it hasn’t yet. You know the changes that has taken over your body—arthritis, pain in the joint, hearing loss, eye sight dimed, cancer and a multitude of other ailments. We see and feel the grip of death approaching. We experience its claws digging deep into this clay body and we can’t stop it or accept it. And yet, we don’t get it that we are simply passing through this world and nothing lasts forever. This is not our permanent resident, but a temporary one—a broken up shack that is filled with aches and pains.

The Apostle Paul put it this way: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself” (Phil. 3:20). You see this is not our home. This is the life we are living until we enter the home built not by human hands, but by the hands of Him who died and rose again—Jesus the Christ. For Christ Himself said: “In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I Am you may be also” (John 14:6).

Though we know this truth, we don’t believe it or act on it. We still ignore this truth and believe we know better than what God has done for us. Let me ask you few other questions. “Would you set up your bed on a moving bus? Would you pitch your tent in a train? Would you dig foundations on a plane?” Of course not! They are all moving. Yet that is what we do when we think we are going to live on this earth forever and not going to die.

The sermon hymn for today said this: “Jerusalem, my happy home! Name ever dear to me; When shall my labors have an end, In joy, and peace, and thee? When shall these eyes thy heaven built walls And pearly gates behold? Thy bulwarks, with salvation strong, And streets of shining gold?” (TLH 618 vs. 1-2).

Our home address is not an earthly number like 403 3^rd St. Armour, SD. Rather it is a heavenly address marked with the blood of Jesus and built by His pierced hands, not with wood and mortar but with flesh and blood. Our home is not here below but with Him who is our Immanuel—the God of the Universe; The Faithful and Good Shepherd Jesus. PAUSE.

Throughout the last two months as we have gone through this Psalm I have had a greater appreciation of David’s great theology. The Psalm begins and ends with these wonderful promises. “The Lord is MY shepherd; I shall not want…and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:1, 6). David reminds us that truly, God is our Shepherd and we are so happy, content and satisfied with Him that we don’t want to leave His presence.

This familiar shepherd Psalm sandwiches between these two book ends the great blessings the Good Shepherd has for us. He leads us to the green pastures, gives us quiet water to quench our thirst, walks with us in danger, protects us from every enemy especially Satan; prepares a table for us, anoints our heads with oil and pursues us with the hounds of heaven. This is for the here and now. These are the Great Shepherd’s promises to you and to me. But there is more to this promise than the here and now. These golden jewels remind us again and again of the great mission of God our Savior, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Lk. 19:10). And proved them with an eternal home.

The faithful Good Shepherd came to seek and save the lost. What a wonderful truth this is. I am reminded of this when my middle son David was lost. I am sure I have shared this story with you before. David must have been about 4-5 years old. We lived in Sioux Falls on a very busy street. I came home from work for lunch at noon, and as I parked my pickup, I noticed my son’s bike in the middle of the side walk and he was nowhere to be found.

I ran to the house looking for him but he wasn’t there. I ran out again and started calling his name. There was no answer. Franticly I ran to the neighbors and began asking them if David was with them, and no one had seen him or heard him. Fear had struck a chord.

Quickly I called my pastor and requested the prayer chain. Called the police to say we have a lost child. Called my brothers and friends asking them to keep us in prayers and come help us look for him. Many came and we searched and searched. We walked the streets hoping to find him but the minutes kept ticking away. After what seemed like an eternity an 1 ½ one of our neighbor boys came and said, “David is playing in a pond!” You don’t know the sweet joy that filled our hearts and the tears that rolled down our cheeks. He was found and brought home where he belonged. I picked him up hugged and kissed him and didn’t want him out of my sight.

Likewise our faithful Good Shepherd comes seeking us we who are lost and don’t know it. Just like my son was. He was lost and didn’t know it. The Lord not only comes to seek us, but He comes to save us—and this saving took place on a cross outside the walls of Jerusalem and in a borrowed grave. There the Lord Jesus, like a Good Shepherd would, faced the barren plain of the wrath of God, the rushing waters of judgment, the famine of separation from the Father and was anointed with the spittle of those who rejected and reviled Him. All of that which should have been ours, the Shepherd endured for us. But He didn’t only endure, but was victorious over them! And because of Him defeating death and the grave, He is building for us an eternal home that will have our names on it.

With a home like this prepared for us, with its protection and provision, its bounty and its blessing, as people of the Good Shepherd we raise our eyes from this world that will pass away and long for an eternity that will never pass away. We dwell here for a time. There we will dwell forever. The eternal presence of the Good Shepherd is our TRUE home!

You see your home address is not an earthly number or street. But heaven is your home. There is a room prepared for you and one day, very, very soon you will be welcomed home by the One who is Your faithful Good Shepherd Jesus. Then you will say with David, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Yes, forever in the Lord’s house. Amen and Amen!

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“The Hounds of Heaven!” (Psalm 23:6a)

S-1447 11SAP/3A 8/24/2014 Hymns: (O) 740; (S) 279 TLH; LS 620; 629; 628; (C) #722 LSB

Texts: Isaiah 51, 1-6; Romans 11:33-12:8; Matthew 16:13-20

Theme: “The Hounds of Heaven!” (Psalm 23:6a)

Question: “Have you ever had a dog?” 8^th in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6a).

Precious little lambs let me ask you a question: Have you ever had a dog? Do you have a dog now? I know some of you have had a dog and you have a special bond with that critter. Dogs are very friendly and great companions. Dogs bring lots of joy to their owners.

David, the author of the text understood the value of a sheep-dog on the trail. They were to protect the sheep and defend them against wild animals. Sheep-dogs help the shepherd keep an eye out for straying sheep and guard them from an attacking wolf, bear or lion.

In this verse, David speaks to us about the value of a sheep dog. You may say, “I don’t read about dogs in this psalm. But you are mistaken. David highlights the value of the dogs—I call them the hounds of heaven—the twins of God’s grace—goodness and mercy. The blessings that are ours—goodness and mercy on account of the Faithful Good Shepherd, Jesus.

God’s goodness and mercy are the hounds of heaven that help us on our life’s journey. These twin hounds remind us of our privileged position as His very own sheep. These twin companions guarantee that our lives are in the Shepherd’s hands who will take care of all our needs. No matter what we will go through in life, we can be certain and confident that goodness and mercy are with us.

That is easy to say when all things are going well in our lives. When our health is great, when our job is wonderful, and when our family is doing fine; confidence abounds as much as grace and mercy. But it is very often confidence, not in God but in us! But what happens when our health is in the pit? What happens when we lose our job? What is to become of us when we say farewell to someone we cherish and love? What happens when everything that we held dear is taken away from us like it was for the Old Testament prophet Job? Is goodness and mercy still with us? You bet they are! This is the treasure that is given us from God our Faithful Shepherd. Goodness and mercy are not dependant on our circumstances, but on the unchanging God-who is the same yesterday, today and forever; as the prophet Malachi reminds us “For I the Lord do not change” (3:6). PAUSE.

Precious little lambs, in 1977 a TV miniseries called Roots chronicled the life of Gambian–born American slave—Kunta Kinte (1750-1822). While he was in his village (1767) searching for wood to make a drum for his younger brother, four men chased him, surrounded him and took him captive. He is shipped to North America and sold to a Virginia plantation owner.

Kunta attempted to escape slavery by running away. 4 times he ran away and his owner would send people on horseback led by hound dogs to chase him. The hound-dogs would keep running until they cornered him. Eventually they cut half of his foot so he doesn’t run away.

Whether the Root story is true or not, I don’t know. What I do know is that hound-dogs are relentless pursuers. Once a hound dog catches a scent or sees a moving target, it will readily pursue it with no bounds or limits, often to the point of getting lost themselves!

That is what David is trying to convey to us in this verse about the hound-dogs of heaven; their value as instruments in God’s hands for the benefit of His sheep—you and me. The 23^rd Psalm is certainly a favorite to many Christians and Jews alike. But I believe that the verse of our text (6a) this morning is one of the sweetest phrases authored by the Holy Spirit and penned by David: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” These words open to us a box of treasure that needs to be examined every day from every angle. It is like looking at a diamond that sparkles with beauty and majesty and reminds us of God’s constant pursuit of us—His wayward children.

God is in the business of pursuing us. In the book of Genesis God pursues Adam and Eve after they sinned. Talk with Joseph and he will paint to you the pursing God who followed him even into the prison dungeon. Visit with Moses and he will tell you of God pursuing the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years and into the Promised Land. Converse with Jonah and he will inform you that God chased him into the depth of the ocean. Talk to the disciples and they will tell you of their Friend who sought them out in the midst of a terrible storm in the Sea of Galilee. Listen to John the disciple who was all alone (or so he thought) on the Island of Patmos, but God pursued him also. Hearken to Peter as he recounts the risen Savior, pursuing, forgiving and restoring him again to the fold.

Look at Paul the once persecutor of the church. On his mission to destroy the followers of the Way, the Lord Jesus Christ pursued him on the road to Damascus and called him to be His spokesperson to the Gentiles.

All of these godly men can tell you of the goodness and mercy of the Lord—the hounds of heaven. They can tell of the blessings that God bestows upon them and us constantly, continuously and ceaselessly. PAUSE.

David with the greatest of emphasis states, “SURELY” goodness and mercy. I borrow words from Max Lucado who in his book regarding this verse wrote: “David didn’t say, ‘Maybe goodness and mercy shall follow me.’ Or ‘Possibly goodness and mercy shall follow me.’ Or ‘I have a hunch that goodness and mercy shall follow me.’ David could have used one of those phrases. But he didn’t. He believed in a sure God, who makes sure promises and provides a sure foundation. David would have loved the words of one of his great-great-grand­sons, the apostle James. He described God as the one “with whom there is never the slightest variation or shadow of inconsistency” (James 1:17 phillips).

Our moods may shift, but God’s doesn’t. Our minds may change, but God’s doesn’t. Our devotion may falter, but God’s never does. Even if we are faithless, he is faithful, for he cannot betray himself (2 Tim. 2:13). He is a sure God. And because he is a sure God, we can state confidently, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

And what follows the word surely? “Goodness and mercy.” If the Lord is the shepherd who leads the flock, goodness and mercy are the two sheepdogs [the hound-dogs of heaven] that guard the rear of the flock. Goodness and mercy. Not goodness alone, for we are sinners in need of mercy. Not goodness alone, for we are fragile, in need of goodness. We need them both. As one man wrote, “Goodness to supply every want. Mercy to forgive every sin, Good­ness to provide. Mercy to pardon.’” (Traveling Light, Word Publishing, Nashville pp 146-147).

Goodness and mercy—the hounds of heaven are constantly on our heels. The Hebrew word David used for “follow” is so much stronger. It meant. To pursue, to chase after, catch up to, and clutch him. The hounds of heaven are pursuing us even now to bless us and pour God’s favor upon us. God shows us His goodness and mercy by the gift of His Son, the faithful and true Shepherd of the sheep. God demonstrates His goodness and mercy to us not for a little while but for the rest of our days here on earth and ultimately in heaven with Him.

Again, I will use Max Lucado’s words: And what will he do during those days? (Here is my favorite word.) He will “follow” you. What a surprising way to describe God! We’re accus­tomed to a God who remains in one place. A God who sits enthroned in the heavens and rules and ordains. David, how­ever, envisions a mobile and active God. Dare we do the same? Dare we envision a God who follows us? Who pursues us? Who chases us? Who tracks us down and wins us over? Who follows us with “goodness and mercy” all the days of our lives? (P. 146).

Yes, we dare say so, because we have the twin traveling companions—the hounds of heaven—goodness and mercy. They are God’s gift to us through His Son, Jesus Christ the faithful Shepherd who died in our place and rose again from the grave and is continuing to pursue us even now.

Today, you will taste these hounds of heaven—His goodness and mercy in the bread and wine of His body and blood to guarantee this is Your Good Shepherd—God who loves you not only for today, but for the rest of your lives. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“You Anoint My Head!” (Psalm 23:5b)

S-1446 10SAP/3A 8/17/2014 Hymns: (O) #740; (S) #; 59 TLH; (C) # 616LSB

Texts: Isaiah 56, 1-8; Romans 11:1-2, 13-15, 28-32; Matthew 15:21-38

Theme: “You Anoint My Head!” (Psalm 23:5b)

Question: “Have you seen a king crowned?” 7^th in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5b).

Precious little lambs let me ask you a question: Have you ever witnessed a King being crowned or a High Priest anointed? There are not many kings or High Priests around, and the likelihood of witnessing or seeing a crowning or anointing of a king and priest is very unlikely. But there was a time when kings and others were crowned and anointed as they took their positions.

Moses tells us in the book of Exodus of God’s command to anoint his brother Aaron and his sons as Priests of God to serve Him and His people: “You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve Me as priests. And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be My holy anointing oil throughout your generations” (Ex. 30:30-31). This anointing was done in public for all to see the servants of the Lord.

God had a specific recipe to use the best spices for this anointing. Myrrh, Cinnamon, Aromatic cane: Cassia and olive oil (Ex. 30:22-29). When these spices were mixed it made a sweet smelling aroma in the presence of the Lord and that which it touched became holy. God also commanded this anointing oil to be used only for the priests and the Tabernacle furnishings. It couldn’t be used on anyone or anything else. If it was used on someone else, that person would have to be cut off—put to death.

David, the author of the text understood the value of the anointing by God and that is why he wrote: You [God, my faithful Yahweh] anoint my head with oil.” You anoint my head with the oil of gladness to be Your servant and care for Your sheep—the people of Israel. You set me apart to be King over Israel and point them to You my God and Lord. For You are the One to be praised and adored.

It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word translated “anoint” is not, the normal word “mashach,” but (a Piel) of “dishen,” which literally means “make fat.”  Anointing implies a few drops; “making fat” implies a whole lot more—more than meets the eye—more than what appears on the surface or understood by human logic. No, it is so much more because it comes from the gracious hands of God Himself—the faithful Shepherd. Perhaps, that is why John the evangelist writes: “Behold, what manner of love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called children of God!” (1 Jn 3:1). This is no nickel and dime deity! But a God who gives us more than we ask or desire! PAUSE. 

God in His Divine wisdom had anointed certain people for certain tasks—Aaron and his sons as High Priests, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha and others as His prophets; Saul, David, Solomon and others as Kings over Israel. But they all failed to do the things God had called them to do.

By the grace of God, Samuel and the elders of Israel anointed David and established him as the King of Israel. We are told that the Lord had chosen David, because he was a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). The Lord also promised that one of David’s sons will sit on David’s throne forever. The promise of God was on the condition that the people would be faithful to Him. But David himself and many kings that came from his loins didn’t do what the Lord commanded. Therefore God cut them off the family tree and only a stump remained—the stump of Jesse.

But Yahweh is not a nickel and dime deity! But He is a God who gives us more than we ask or desire. Therefore, the Lord promised that there would be a new David, a king after His own heart once again. The Lord promised He would once again establish this new King, this new David upon the throne. A Messiah, the new David, the King of the Jews, the One who comes in the name of the Lord, a son of David—the Lord of David—Jesus Christ. PAUSE.

The new David—Jesus, was anointed not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit on the day of His baptism to be the Missionary of God for the specific task of Redeeming God’s people from death and destruction. He was anointed for the sole purpose of purchasing them with His own precious blood.

Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit for three different offices—Prophet, Priest and King. And in His earthly life and in His perfect death and resurrection He fulfilled all of these Offices Perfectly for us.

He was the Prophet who spoke God’s Word faithful and joyfully to all without exception. He was the High Priest who offered Himself as the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE—the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world—on the Altar of the cross (John 1:29). He is the King of kings and Lord of lords who rules with justice and truth both in heaven and on earth. And one day, all people in the world will bow their knees before Him and acknowledge Him as the faithful Good Shepherd.

What David couldn’t do—live the perfect life, the new David did much better. The King eternal cast out the enemies of the children of God and conquered them even on the battlefield of the grave. He established His rule forever, and, indeed the throne is filled from everlasting to everlasting. His enemies have been clothed with shame, but on the Son of God the crown shines, and He has clothed us with His robes of righteousness and His garment of salvation.

Though David said, “You anoint my head with oil,” and God kept His promise; yet David couldn’t atone for the sins of the Israelite. But the offspring of David—Jesus the Christ, became the true King who reigns overall and His people rejoice! The enemy is vanquished and the children of the lord are glad and praise His holy name. Blessed is He who sits upon the throne; He is King from everlasting to everlasting!

Jesus fulfills these Office because He is the oil splattered Savior, drenched in oil as God’s anointed One. On the cross He is splattered with His blood for us. His anointing at His own baptism prepares us for our resurrection power. Thus our baptismal anointing—is an event with ongoing power to serve Him and His people.

Did you know precious lambs that you too have been anointed? Indeed you and I have been anointed in our baptism. The Lord has anointed us to be His sons and daughters through the everlasting covenant which was procured through the shedding of His sacred blood. This makes us kings and priests! The Bible calls us ROYAL PRIESTS! He has anointed us to be His ambassadors and agents of sharing the authority and wonder that is the good news of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and raised with all people.

Therefore, today, we join David in saying: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5b). And He has! Our faithful Good Shepherd is not just any shepherd, but the Shepherd-King who gives us more than nickel and dime blessings. He gives us abundantly of His grace—forgiveness of sins, life eternal and faith to trust and obey Him.

Precious little lambs, all you need to know that your cup is overflowing is to take time to see all of the blessings He has bestowed upon YOU. They are eternal blessings from His store-house of grace. Thus David’s words become our words: “The Lord is My shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” Psalm 23:1-5.

All I can say to that is Amen and Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“You Prepare A Table!” (Psalm 23:5a)

S-1445 9SAP/3A 8/10/2014 Hymns: (O) #740; (S) #623; LS. #622; 623; 618; (C) #775 LSB

Texts: Job 38:4-18; Romans 10:5-17; Matthew 14:22-33

Theme: “You Prepare A Table!” (Psalm 23:5a)

Question: “What’s the most beautiful meal you have ever had?” 6^th in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;” (Psalm 23:5a)

Precious little lambs let me ask you a question: What is the greatest meal you ever had? And where did you eat? I am sure you can fondly remember many meals that you have enjoyed. I remember in 2001 as we traveled to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans our first hotel was a terrible one. But then we moved to the Ritz Carlton hotel. This hotel provided us with the most elegant breakfast I have ever seen—3 large rooms with tables loaded with food. The biggest challenge was what to put on your plate. It was very delicious and enjoyable and that meal carried us all the way to the supper hour. The youth and their counselors were very happy.

But that feast was nothing compared to what they prepared for King Solomon and his court. According to Scripture here is what he had: “Solomon’s food supply for one day was 180 bushels of flour, 360 bushels of coarse flour, 10 fattened cows, 20 cows from the pasture, and 100 sheep in addition to deer, gazelles, fallow deer, and fattened birds.” (1 Kings 4:22-23 GW). Now that is a spread to be sure.

However, when you and I go out to eat, we pay for the meal and we have servants who cater to our needs. Likewise with King Solomon, he didn’t have to cook, kill the fattened oxen or serve others; his servants did it all.

But notice how David tells us of the Faithful Shepherd’s care for His sheep: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” It is not that He only prepares a table, but He prepares it before my enemies. And the table He prepares is the greatest table we will ever feast upon. PAUSE.

In the book of Isaiah we read these words: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined” (25:6). Notice who the host is and who the servant is—it is Yahweh the Lord, the Good and Faithful Shepherd. He Himself will prepare it on the mountain for all peoples. There are no exclusions. This meal is offered to all who in faith believe that the Savior, the Suffering Servant, and the heaven-sent Ambassador is giving us what we can’t prepare or have—His gracious GIFT. And what a meal it is.

With vivid colors Isaiah describes this feast, where the rarest wine is uncorked and the finest meat carved. This is God’s activity and doing. And His table is groaning from the weight of the best of foods. And He bids us come to His table and dine with Him, which is by far better than dining at the Ritz Carlton hotel in New Orleans; and much better than with King Solomon. We get to dine with the King of kings and Lord of lords—the Faithful and Good Shepherd Jesus.

David, understood that well when he said: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” He is not only preparing a table for me…but in the presence of enemies. The enemies of David were Saul and the Philistines, and yet God took care of David, fed and nourished him. PAUSE.

But there are others who needed that invitation to come to the table. Peter is one who needed to hear that personally. Remember the night Peter denied His Lord 3 times saying, “I don’t know the man!” (Mt. 26:69-75). Then he went out and wept. Not just sobbing but wailing. He had denied His Lord and Savior. His sin waited heavy upon Him. His heart was crushed and His conscience troubled and so he went to drown his sorrow by doing what he did before—fishing.

But Jesus didn’t let this situation destroy the disciple who one day would be His mouth-piece and take the message of the Resurrected Lord to Jews and Gentiles alike. No, the caring and loving Good Shepherd invited the one who denied Him to come and eat with Him at His table—and the table was prepared before the enemy—Satan. There on the shore of the Sea of Galilee the Shepherd fed Peter knowing full well that Satan can see everything; and that Christ didn’t cast him out. Instead Jesus forgave Him His sins and welcomed him back to the fold.

Jesus is like that you know. He IS the faithful Shepherd who cares for the sheep does so much to help us in spite of the fact that the enemy wants to destroy us as it did Peter. As Jesus reminded Peter saying, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Oh, the comfort in these words not only to Peter but to us.

How often have we like Peter, David and many others denied Him, cursed Him, abandoned Him and forsook Him? How often have we said, “We will not do that Lord,” yet, we end up doing exactly what we said we wouldn’t? How often we have neglected His Word, abstained from His presence and avoided His table? How often have we lived like enemies of the Lord! PAUSE.

Children of God, today, if you are sobbing over your sin, if you are burdened, if your conscience is troubled and if your heart is heavy over what you have and haven’t done, then hear these words: The Victor over hell and the ruler of heaven, the destroyer of death and the champion of our salvation invites you to come and dine with Him in the presence of your enemies.

Yes, listen closely to these words and know that Jesus means it: He bids you come to His table the one He is preparing for you so that your enemy may know He holds no grudges against you, but loves you to the end. This is the love that caused Him to pay the deepest and heaviest price for this table—His life’s blood spilled on the cross of Calvary.

Don’t dismiss this thought quickly about His death. He will prepare this meal on the Mountain of the Lord and at a high price. Look at the Lord as He hung dead on the cross. “All who see Me mock Me.” It is our custom to dress up the crucifixion of our Lord. His dead Body is my life. His Blood is my blood. And He gives His holiness for my wretchedness.

We were not there to see the crucifixion of Jesus, but we are seeing it now on TV and the internet as many Christians are being crucified for the sake of Christ. Perhaps, the most disturbing thing about these crucifixions is that these men are men just like us, and I can hardly believe that any other human is capable of carrying out such a hideous act like these murderous Muslims! But there it is. The photos do not lie. The reports do not err. Crucified! Crucified…on a tree.

Just remember this is the most expensive meal you will eat. It is not in a ritzy restaurant or hotel, but on a messy, bloody, and filthy cross—the cross of Christ. And that is okay. Our Lord died the bloodiest, cruelest, and meanest death. Could it be any more vulgar? There He is, dead on the tree, and the image is horrifying. For what? So that He can prepare a table for me—the SINNER, before my enemies.

Precious little lambs, as the beacon of Lady Liberty has welcomed millions to this great nation of ours and live in its freedom; on a far greater scale Jesus, the earner of our salvation and the champion of our freedom invites and welcomes not only millions but ALL peoples to come to Him and receive from His pierced hands the Feast of love and to dine with Him and rejoice in the freedom He offers from sin’s curse and death’s hold.

Today, hear David the shepherd, as He portrays the love of God—His Shepherd who prepares a magnificent table for him and us. The Good Shepherd, Jesus, invites you today to be fed richly through the Word you hear and through His Holy Supper. The gracious Lord, the Great and Good Shepherd, this day is both host and guest. His body, His blood given for YOU. This is the feast of victory! And it is for you!

Therefore, I say to you, come for the table is ready—the table of love—for you the sinner. Come and eat the table He has prepared for you in the presence of your enemies. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“You Are With Me!” (Psalm 23:4)

S-1444 8SAP/3A 8/03/2014 Hymns: (O) #740; (S) #861; (C) #922 LSB

Texts: Isaiah 55:1-5; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Theme: “You Are With Me!” (Psalm 23:4)

Question: “What are you afraid of?” 5^th in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4)

Precious little lambs let me ask you a question: What are some of the things that frighten you? Some people are afraid of being alone. Others are afraid of the big C-cancer. Still others are afraid of getting the pink slip or losing their life’s saving. Children are afraid of being in the dark or abandoned and couples of getting a divorce. And still others are afraid of spending eternity in hell. But the greatest fear that people face is death. These fears are real. They terrorize us, consume us and cause us to worry, lose hope and sleep.

If any of you have these fears, I am glad that you have been brought here by the power of the Holy Spirit to hear His Word—the Word that will give you comfort, encourage you in your walk of faith and proclaim to you the truth that you will not be abandoned or forsaken by Your Creator God—the faithful, caring, gentle and loving Good Shepherd.

David, the shepherd boy who became King over Israel, confirms to you in the words of the text this blessed promise—a promise that you should know, believe and trust in. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” David is saying no matter what I am going through, I know God YOU ARE WITH ME!!!

I am certain you have heard the Chinese proverb that states: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!” Yet every step we take is fraught with danger and fear. Every move we make we are attacked by an enemy who wants to destroy us and separate us from the gracious hands of our Lord and Shepherd Jesus.

Though the proverb is true that a journey begins with one step, yet, with every step we take we have a companion along life’s highway—that is our Faithful Good Shepherd Jesus. No matter what steps we take, we are never alone nor will we ever be alone. Therefore we take comfort with the words of the Psalmist who teaches us this golden truth: YOU [Jesus] ARE WITH ME!!!

David tells us, God is present with us—His little lambs in all our dangers and troubles. His presence is the ground of our confidence and hope. This hope is found in the One who has proven Himself again and again to be faithful and true by keeping every promise He has made.

Hear me well. This does not mean that we, God’s own redeemed people will not experience and go through evil things; but rather because He is with us—we don’t have to fear evil. Evil is all around us. We see it on our television screens, we read about it in our newspapers and internet blogs. We are seeing the evil as bodies of innocent Palestinians and Israelis are the casualties of war. We see it as the blood of martyrs is being spilled in Muslim nations. Evil indeed is all around us and it is not far from our doors and we experience it.

But we don’t need to be afraid of any evil. Why not? Because, David, the author of the text tells us of Yahweh the caring Shepherd: “You [Jesus Christ] ARE with ME!” He is with me, and you, and you. PAUSE.

In the previous verses David said of God, “He will do these things: He makes me to lie down…, He leads me…, He guides me…, He restores me...” But now the pronoun is changed from “He” to “You.” You Are with me, Your Rod and Staff they comfort me. This is the foundation of our faith-the presence of the faithful and caring Shepherd. He will not permit anyone to hurt us. They may hurt our bodies, but they can’t hurt our soul.

David as a shepherd boy valued the rod and the staff, because they were the tools of the trade. These items—Rod and Staff emphasize the power the shepherd has to defend his little lambs and strike down the enemy. The Rod is the powerful instrument the shepherd uses to clobber anything that will endanger the life of his lambs.

Likewise the staff (show it) is used to hook the sheep as they wonder away from the shepherd or pull them out of a hole that they have fallen into. He also uses it as each sheep passes beneath it and he counts them one by one.

These tools are used by the shepherd to restrain them from wandering, bring them closer to him; but he also corrects them when they are disobedient. That is precisely the picture David paints for us of our faithful Shepherd, Jesus. No matter what our journey is like our Shepherd cares for our needs—ALL of them. What comfort these words give us because they remind us that we are numbered amongst God’s sheep as we pass one by one beneath the touch of the Shepherd’s crook. By the Shepherd’s staff we are also set free from circumstances of peril and disaster into which we may fall through our own folly and sin. PAUSE.

David, the great theologian, with these words helps us to look at Yahweh our Good Shepherd saying “You are with me.” I am not alone on this journey. And yet, so many things come upon us that we wonder if the faithful Shepherd really cares for us. We face the evil of the day and satan drives into our minds the thoughts that the caring Shepherd doesn’t care for us. So we ask for a sign from Him.

We cry out to God saying, “give us a sign that You are with US Lord, I want to hear you, see you, know you. Show US that you are truly by our side, sweet Shepherd, Jesus; and defend us from the enemy that wants to destroy us. Reveal Your presence so that our spirits may be refreshed and that we might rejoice. This is the cry of God’s people throughout the ages, from time to eternity: we seek to know that God is with us. And God reveals Himself!

We take comfort that He of whom David is speaking is faithful. In the book of Joshua we read these words: “Have I not commanded you? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord Your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Isaiah also says: “Fear not, for I Am with you; be not dismayed, for I Am Your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). And Jesus, our Immanuel said: “And behold, I Am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Jesus, the Good Shepherd is our Immanuel, God with us—and so it is. God through His grace and mercy fulfilled the sign in His only Son. The light has come into the darkness; God was made flesh to dwell among us—tented among us, to accomplish our salvation. Therefore we rejoice in His presence for which we longed, and lo, God is with us, our Immanuel.

“You Are with me” David said, and He is. He came among us to fight on our behalf a battle that we couldn’t win—against the forces of darkness and evil. We had been cut off by sin and alienated by unrighteousness. We had been under siege by the minions of the evil one. We had been cast out into the dark night, weeping and gnashing our teeth, but the Promised One has come to defend us from every evil. And now we see His loving face and hear His gracious voice!

Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd is our Immanuel—God with us! Christ Jesus, the face of God, the presence of God! Christ Jesus, the One we have waited for, His advent among us! He came and battled the evildoers and fought the forces of sin and death. The darkness could not overcome Him and He destroyed the evil and overcame the darkness through His death and resurrection. Sin lies bleeding on the ground, the darkness is dispelled by His light, and Satan is chained. Victory is Yours, and Your victory is ours because You are with us—with Me.

Today, we join David by saying, “You, [Jesus Christ] ARE with ME!” You will accompany me every step of the way until I reach the pearly gate. We rejoice at the victory You have won for us and celebrate the gift of salvation and eternal life with you. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“He Restores Me!” (Psalm 23:3)

S-1443 7SAP/3A 7/27/2014 Hymns: (O) #740; (S) #32; L.S. #633; #775(C) #725 LSB

Texts: Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Romans 8:28-39; Matthew 13:44-52

Theme: “He Restores Me!” (Psalm 23:3)

Question: “Have you ever restored an item?” 4th in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3)

Precious little lambs let me ask you a question: Have you ever restored an item? Such as an heirloom rocking chair, roll-a-desk, and china cupboard? A car, an old photo or even a crashed computer?

You know how difficult it is to restore an old item that has seen its better days or a broken relationship. It takes time, money and lots of hard work to restore it back to the way it was, and even greater efforts to restore a broken relationship.

David knows first hands of broken relationships—with King Saul who tried to murder him, his son Absalom who tried to overthrow him from his throne and His God over his sin with Bathsheba.

David, the author of this beloved Psalm states: “Yahweh, my loving Shepherd will restore me.” He has this confidence that God’s anger will not last forever because He is compassionate and slow to anger. David knows that His Shepherd is the One who comes to His aid and restores His life from the pit of despair.

You see David is like every other sinner who walked on the face of the earth, needs God’s forgiveness to restore the relationship we had with Him—from the first Adam to the last Adam who will walk on the face of the earth. PAUSE.

David needed to be restored. In Psalm 51 he cries out to God “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (12). Having sinned with Bathsheba, God sent the Prophet Nathan to tell him you are the man. David didn’t try to blame someone else, or make excuses; he acknowledged that he had sinned against God saying to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die (2 Samuel 12:13). Restoration was done and hope given immediately.

For this reason David in this Psalm uses the word “Shuv” which often means repent or turn. He uses a verb form that means Yahweh IS super-restorer—completely—my life. This is to say, he is not only thinking of restoration only here on earth, but this of the final restoration at the resurrection. This is nothing but pure Gospel.

Holy Scripture is littered with stories of broken relationships, broken bodies and broken lives. We meet Joseph as his brothers sold him to slavery for 20 pieces of silver but later on their relationship was restored as Joseph forgave them their sin.

Naaman the commander of the army of Syria was restored from his leprosy by the servant of the most High God—Elisha (2 Kings 5). We can’t forget the restoration of the Prodigal son by his loving and caring father. And Luke tells us of Barnabas and Paul the great missionaries to the Gentiles who had a falling out over wanting to Mark-John with them. It was so severe that they parted way. But later on God restored their relationship.

Likewise, we the sinners—who are members of this body of believers have had falling out with our brothers and sisters. Sometime our falling out is so severe that we part way just Paul and Barnabas. But when we come to the throne of Grace in mercy, seeking forgiveness; He restores. When we confess that we have sinned against Him in word and deed, He restores us. When we let the devil get the best of us by disobeying God, and come crawling in repentant hear; the faithful God Shepherd, hears our confession and restores us through His gift of absolution. PAUSE.

Beloved lambs of the Good Shepherd, Jesus—daily we need to be restored and only He of whom David spoke can do that that in our lives. Restoration takes a lot of work. When restoring those old pieces of furniture that have all that detail to make the restoration complete requires great attention to detail. 

If restoring an inanimate object is this hard, imagine how hard it is to restore a soul. A human soul, corrupted by sin and stained with guilt and destined for death is a much more difficult process for restoration. It is much more than a matter of a little sanding, some elbow grease and a new coat of varnish. No, the restoration of a soul is a serious matter that takes hard work.

Nowhere was the work of restoration harder than the work that the Great Shepherd our Lord Jesus Christ did at the cross. It was more than a cut at the cross. It was more than just a layer of lacquer. Your restoration took the ultimate work of Christ’s life and death to make you whole. And it is that hard because this restoration was not about your outside. It was about your whole being. The restoration that the Good Shepherd did on you was a matter of taking you from death to life!

Our restoration by Christ the heaven-sent Savior reached its height on Calvary’s hewn cross, the tomb and its mighty resurrection. So precious did Jesus consider each sinner; that He was willing to pay the maximum price for each one—His own holy, precious and crimson blood.

The faithful Shepherd Jesus, restores the sinner to his right standing with the Father by taking the place of the sinner and making the sinner holy and righteous. He does all of this through His gracious mercy shown to us on Calvary’s cross.

Our faithful and caring Good Shepherd comes to battle the forces of sin, death and satan on our behalf. He comes to free us from the bondage and slavery of sin and restores our souls. He comes with healing in His wings, and He pours out water and blood to cleanse us from every evil desire and thought.

Paul the former murder and persecutor who became the greatest messenger and preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ speaks of the restoration of the sinner in this way: “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:16-17).

Our restoration is a miracle brought about by the Good Shepherd Jesus. We know this because of one certain moment in history that was the darkest. There was no greater moment in the history of humanity that deserved to be told and retold—it is the moment on the cross when Jesus echoed the words of Psalm 22 and said “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” It was that moment when the greatest injustice of all time was happening. There is no greater injustice than for the innocent to suffer death for the sake of the guilty and condemned. But on the cross of Calvary the sinless Son of God was suffering all of the torment and agony that our sins deserved. This horrible moment of great evil was endured for the lost, least and last—you and me.

No wonder David says: Yahweh, my loving Shepherd will restore me.” He knew that His loving and caring Shepherd indeed will restore Him. And so do we! This restoration takes lots of work, expense and time.

For six long hours Christ hung on the cross. For six long hours He endured suffering, shame and humiliation. For six long hours He stood strong and was willing to endure all of God’s wrath. For six hours in the heat of the day, with lips cracked and chapped He stayed on the cross to restore you, and you, and you (point the finger at the saints) to the loving Father who day after day waits for us—His prodigal children to bless us and fill us with His joy and peace.

Today, we remember the words of David “that the Lord restores my soul” And He has and He does. By the grace of God the Holy Spirit has brought us here today to be restored. We have been and therefore we praise our Restorer—our faithful Good Shepherd for His mighty work in our lives. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“He Leads Me!” (Psalm 23:2-3)

S-1441 6SAP/3A 7/20/2014 Hymns: (O) #740; (S) #711; (C) #718 LSB

Texts: Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:18-27; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Theme: “He Leads Me!” (Psalm 23:2-3)

Question: “Have you ever been led?” 3^rd in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:2-3)

Precious little lambs let me ask you: Have you ever been led before? There are leaders all around us. They can either lead us for good or for bad. Has anyone ever held your hand and led you across the street? Has anyone led you astray, like daring you to take your first drink, smoke your first cigarette, shoplift, lie or cuss? There are so many things that can lead us astray and we need to be careful who we follow as our leader.

When David wrote Psalm 23 about 3,000 years ago, he was probably thinking about his own life as a shepherd.  He was having exactly the same experience as the shepherds in Palestine today. With the words of our text, David helps us to look at our caring, gentle, loving and faithful Good Shepherd who leads us to where we need to go. He is the One who guides our every step and direct our every move. He is the One who knows the way that leads to eternal life.

This Shepherd leads us gently, lovingly and joyfully. He is not oppressive or demanding. He leads both by word and by action. He is not One who pushes or drives into submission but in humility calls our names to follow Him. He never demands His way He just teaches us the truth.

Few years back, a group of tourists were traveling in the Holy Land. The tour guide was speaking and said, “You should know that many Palestinians are shepherds and if you are lucky you may get to see a shepherd with his flock. Please pay attention. You will notice that a shepherd never drives his sheep he always leads them!”

No sooner had he finished talking and the people began to look outside the bus at a shepherd with a big stick behind some sheep. Every tourist had a big grin on their faces. When the guide noticed what they were looking at, said, “Folks, there is something wrong here! This can’t be.” He requested the bus driver to pull over and the guide got out to speak with the shepherd. Few moments later and the guide came back to the bus with a smile on his face and said: “Well, I was right. He is not a shepherd. He is the butcher taking the sheep to the slaughter!” PAUSE.

The devil wants to lead us to the slaughter, and the prison of hell. But, Jesus, the faithful Good Shepherd does not drive us with a big stick; no He leads us in tenderness and gentleness. Jesus the Good Shepherd is not like many other leaders who demand that they be respected and followed. No, He in love cares for us so much that He leads gently and lovingly.

As His little lambs, we need God the Good Shepherd to watch out for us because we can get ourselves into trouble. Just like sheep needs to be watched and guided; so do we. Our God, the faithful Good Shepherd, leads us to green pastures and still waters.  On our own, we have no idea where those things are:  Green pastures and still waters are the spiritual food and water we need to have to live in this dry and dreary desert.  By faith, the Holy Spirit grants us the will to trust the Good Shepherd who leads us to those places because He knows where they are.

In the Northern part of Palestine/Israel, it’s easy to see where the food and water is, it’s so green and lush. However, the farther south you travel, the more you wonder, how do sheep and shepherds cope in the desert?  There is not much food or water there.  There is not much of anything there but rocks!  But since you and I are not shepherds, we don’t know where to look.  But the shepherds do. There are springs of water in the desert, sometimes cisterns where the shepherds have collected rainwater in the winter, little patches of grass near these places, and the shepherds lead their flocks to these location to give them what they need—water and food to quench their thirst and fill their stomachs.

Our Faithful Good Shepherd knows where to take us.  He has shown us the path. He has said, “I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). By the grace of God and the working of the Holy Spirit we follow Him because He has gone before us; and will lead us to the living water and the green pastures. Without the caring, loving and faithful Shepherd, we would be in big trouble.  But God in mercy and love will take you to the place where you can be refreshed and supplied.

The faithful Good Shepherd does not lead us year by year, or day by day; but step by step. He shows us the path to follow. Our Lord directs our steps. We don’t know tomorrow’s plans. We only know this minute. But He says to each and every one of us, “This is the way by faith follow Me and know I am leading you to a far better place than you can imagine!” And I, as His little lamb, am so thankful that He does with gentleness and tenderness. PAUSE.

What a beautiful image David paints for us of the leading Good Shepherd. He put it this way: He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” David uses two different Hebrew words for lead. In verse 3 he uses a word that has the sense of gently helping along the weak, disabled, or sick; and in verse 4 he uses a different word, which means to lead or guide.  Though they are different words they both have the care, love and gentleness of the faithful shepherd. It is the same word used in Exodus as the Lord leads the Israelites out of bondage to the Promised Land.

This Shepherd—the Good One, Jesus Christ, knows all too well about being led. Isaiah said it this way: “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth” (Is. 53:7). He knows about being led all too well. He was led from the Garden of Gethsemane by the High Priest’s soldiers. He was led in the middle of the night to the kangaroo court. He was led the next morning to see Pilate. He was led a little later to see King Herod. He was led back to Pilate and then He was led carrying the heavy cross to Calvary. And from the cross of Calvary He was led to the burial site. Yes, He knows what it means to be led.

All of this Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep did for you and me—His little lambs. He could have stopped them from leading Him, but He chose not to, to fulfill God’s promise to deliver all of God’s little lambs from the eternal punishment of hell. He didn’t have to be led, but with joyful heart, He allowed others to lead Him as the author to the Hebrew put it: “… looking to Jesus, the founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…” He permitted all of this to happen to Him, to spare your life and mine from the one who wants to slaughter us and imprison us in hell forever.

But why is this leading done? David gives us the answer: He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. For His name’s sake He leads us, tenderly, lovingly and faithfully. Now the adventure starts – God is taking us somewhere.  It would have been nice to stay in the green pastures by the still waters, but we’re moving.  There are forces out to get us that we have no control over – and may not even know about.  Nature is full of predators, and humans are no different from any other animal.  We need protection!  Maybe even from each other!  So God leads us in the right paths… for His name’s sake – not for our name’s sake, but for His.  God has to be known as the One who will take care of us – God has a reputation to uphold, for the sake of His name.

That is why, we, His little lamb should know His voice and heed it. And that is why while Jesus was on the earth taught us in the Lord’s Prayer saying: “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the Evil one.” Because there are many who would lead us astray, and even us.

I am reminded of the preacher and the little boy: The story goes like this: A pastor was riding his bike downtown. On the way he meets a young boy riding a mower and the pastor asked “What are you doing?” The boy responded, “I’m trying to get some mowing jobs so I can buy a bicycle.” The preacher said, “I tell you what. I am in the market for a mower and you need a bike, how about if we trade?” The boy said that is a good deal. The preacher took the mower home and went into the house. When he came out to mow the lawn, the mower wouldn’t start. So he called the boy and said, “The mower doesn’t run!” The boy responded, “You will have to cuss at it.” The pastor said, “I don’t cuss!” The boy giggled and said, “You pull on that string long enough and you will cuss!” PAUSE.

The world, our sinful flesh, the devil and even some churches are out to lead us astray. But Jesus the caring, gentle, loving and faithful Good Shepherd leads us by the still waters and to the green pastures of His Word. By faith, He takes our hands and leads us to where we need to be—with Him forever. Amen.

Now the peace of God…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“What Do You Want?” (Psalm 23:1b)

S-1440 5SAP/3A 7/13/2014 Hymns: (O) #740; (S) #710; LS. #618; #625(C) #790 vv. 1,3,5 LSB

Texts: Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Theme: “What Do You Want?” (Psalm 23:1b)

Question: “What is one thing you want?” 2^nd in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “The Lord is My shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1b).

Precious little lambs let me ask you: Have you ever been in jail? I don’t mean to visit but behind closed bars. It is an eerie feeling when you hear the door click shut behind you and there is no way out.

Today, I invite you to come with me and visit one of the largest and most inhumane prisons on the face of the planet—the Gaza Strip and West Bank. There are no metal bars, but there is a sea on one hand and the Israeli soldiers on the other. There are checkpoints and a huge wall that keeps the populations inside. Though they have cars and busses to travel, they can’t leave. Though they have beds and houses to sleep and eat in, they do it with fear and trepidation. Life for these prisoners is harsh and difficult.

But as bad as this prison is, there is a worse one with a higher population—of over 7 billion inmates. It is overcrowded, the conditions are terrible and it is a lifelong sentence. Which prison is it you ask? It is the prison of Want. From the moment a person is born he enters this prison wall seeking only what he wants. No matter how old or young the person is, there is always a want.

Every prisoner is always crying “I WANT!” A baby wants to be fed, a young child wants another toy, a teen wants a car, an adult wants a job and an elderly wants enough funds to retire. The prison of want is as real as it gets. We want something—something bigger, faster, nicer, and shinier. None-the-less we want something.

We often want one thing more: One more job, one more promotion, one more vacation, one more outing, one new car, one new house, one more dollar, one more meal, and one new spouse. Our appetite is greedy. Just one more thing will satisfy us; or so we think.

David, the author of the text declares: “The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want.” But we say it this way: “The Lord is my Shepherd and I still WANT!” We can’t deny this truth. No matter who we are, what is our vocation and what is our station in life, we want more. I remember few years back while on my Holy Land Nour Tour, we stopped at the Sea level for a camel ride. The man who owns the camel is nice and kind. While he and I were visiting, he whispers in my ear: “Pastor, do you have a woman on the bus that I could marry?” I responded, “I thought you are married!” He smiled and said, “Oh, I am married! I have three (3) wives, but I want one more!” Just one more thing!

Again, beloved, no matter where you are in life, or where you live the prison of want is as real as it gets. It affects all people throughout the whole world, whether poor or rich, male or female. Few years back a missionary came home on furlough from Africa’s bush country. During the Q/A session, a person asked the missionary “What is the biggest challenge the people you witness to have?” The missionary responded, “Greed.” The man said, “How can it be, they have nothing?” The missionary answered, “If they have a straw roof hut they want a wooden roof.” PAUSE.

It is indeed a travesty that we are all in this prison of want. Oh, don’t misunderstand me. We do get out occasionally when we get what we want. But as soon as the newness wears off, we go back to jail again. We want something different. The human appetite is never satisfied.

Even when we are attempting to live the Christian life by praying, our prayers are still the prayers of want. More often our prayers are like this: Lord, give me success, a new job, a new car, a new bike. And if you have been following the World Cup, you have seen the players and fans praying for their team to win. However, we don’t often pray Father use me to spread Your kingdom. Lord Jesus, help me to seek the lost. Holy Spirit, equip me to be about the Mission work of the Church by sharing the Good News. This is the life of the prisoners of want.

You see it is not only humans who are prisoners of want but even the animals and the world we live in wants more. In the book of Proverbs the author highlights these wants: “The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they cry. “There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’” (Proverbs 30:15-16).

We are all guilty of this. How often we go to other pastures and follow other shepherds. Even Paul, the author of the Epistle lesson struggled with the desire of want saying: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me” (Romans 7:18-20). Oh the challenge of being prisoners. We all go to the pastures of want and shepherds of desire. And the cycle starts all over. The cycle continues. It begins again, from age to age and day to day. Still we stay, still we seek other pastures and other shepherds—the pastures of want and shepherds of desire. PAUSE.

Beloved in the Lord, I have good news for you. Though we are all prisoners of WANT, there is someone who has freed us from this prison cell. David teaches us today, this absolute truth: “The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want.” The Lord who is our Good Shepherd is the One who frees us from the bondage of this prison. The faithful Shepherd is the One who opens the gates of the prison and sets us free. He did it as He swapped places with us—He became the prisoner and we became free men. He died a cruel death to make this swap a reality and remove once and for all the bars and chains that hold us captives. On the cross of Calvary after Jesus had taken all our sins of want and greed into His sinless flesh He was crucified. Our wants were crucified too! They died with Him even as we die with Him in the waters of Holy Baptism. When Jesus said “It is finished” it was as if His powerful voice exclaimed ENOUGH! In Christ we have all we can ever want or need. The call of faith is a call to contentment.

David learned the art of being content. When He announced to the world that “The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want,” he meant it. When Jesus is the anchor of your soul, you will be content. When Jesus is the hope of your life there is hopefulness and there is salvation. When Jesus is Your Savior, then You have a God who will supply your EVERY need. You have a God who listens to every plea for mercy. You have a God who answers your every prayer with His grace. You have a God who opens the gates of heaven for you.

What David is teaching us is that when Jesus is YOUR Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a light for the path and an anchor for every storm. When you have Jesus you have everything.

Paul learned that too as he wrote to the Philippians congregation saying: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Phil. 4:11). Like Paul, when we keep our eyes on the Good Shepherd who died for us and rose again, we have life and have it abundantly.

Beloved in the Lord, the people of the Gaza and West Bank want freedom from oppression. The camel owner wants another wife, the African people want a wooden roof hut; and we want more of the world’s goods—stuff. But know this truth. All of these are given us in the One whom David said, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

But did you know dear friends that God also has a WANT list? Paul put it this way: “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). And in His Son, the faithful Good Shepherd we have come to know the God as the One who gets us out of the prison of want and into the blessed life of His green pasture unto an eternity with Him. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“MY Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)

S-1439 4SAP/3A 7/06/2014 Hymns: (O) #431; (S) #740 LSB; (C) #370

Texts: Zechariah 9:9-12; Romans 7:14-25; Matthew 11:25-30

Theme: “MY Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)

Question: “Have you ever worked with sheep?” Armour, SD 1^st in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23^rd Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1).

Precious little lambs let me ask you: what is your favorite verse of Scripture? You probably would highlight more than one. In a recent Pew Research Poll, these three (3) verses were the top vote getters: #3 Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” #2 John 3:16; “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” and the last but not the least is Psalm 23 which is the text that we will look at for the next two months.

The 23^rd Psalm is a favorite to many because it brings comfort and peace. This Psalm is beloved by many and is often alluded to in popular media and has been set to music over the years. Many Jews and Christians have memorized it and is often used at funeral services. The writer David describes God as His Shepherd. But why is it such a beloved and comforting Psalm? Listen to David as he paints a most beloved picture of God—a picture that draws us ever closer to this God who is My Shepherd.

The first two words in Hebrew and five words in English tell us clearly that “God is My Shepherd.”The author, David, who himself was a shepherd conveys the image of God as His personal Shepherd. A Shepherd is one who cares for you, is concerned about you and considers your every need. Yahweh the Lord was this for great King David. He is this for us too! Thus He is your Shepherd as well. For this reason I titled the sermon “MY Shepherd!” David’s pen had scarcely touched the papyrus and he urges us to see this God in a different way; a God whom you can trust completely and put your hopes in.

David wants us to have a clear and concrete picture of who God is—He is not a God of our making. But He is tangible, touchable and true. He is comforting, consoling and committed to you. He is not like the gods of this earth—the ones we envision like a Genie in a bottle or like a sweet old grandpa sitting in his rocking chair. No, the God we have is above all gods. But as powerful and mighty as He is, yet, He is a Shepherd who touches with His hands of love and mercy the downtrodden, downcast and disheartened—that is you. He is as real as it gets.

In this Psalm David devotes 55 words in Hebrew to explaining the first two “The Lord.” This Lord is the One who made Himself known to Moses; another shepherd in the burning bush and in the splitting of the Red Sea as Yahweh-the GREAT I AM. Samuel heard the voice of Yahweh as a little lad serving in the Temple. David spent time with Him while he fought the lion, bear, Goliath and as he served and was chased by King Saul. Jeremiah was comforted by Him in a prison cell and Isaiah saw His glory as the Temple shook by His presence. PAUSE.

David knew Him intimately and desired to spend every moment with His Shepherd-God. That is why you hear him say: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Ps. 122:1). That is why he teaches us about His Shepherd-God who brings and offers peace, saying: “But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared” (Ps. 130:4). For this reason David spoke of God’s salvation stating: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation…” (Ps. 51:12a). David emphatically declares the power of His Shepherd-God who heals declaring: “Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that You have broken rejoice” (Ps. 51:8).

The Lord is my shepherd David proclaims. And that is our proclamation as well not just today but every day of our lives. Yahweh is the Shepherd who cares for the sheep because they need caring. You see, sheep are finicky and fussy. A sheep will not lie down if it is uneasy, fearful or restless. When the shepherd causes the sheep to relax it will be willing to lie down. The Lord wants us to rest and enjoy His peace; and the Gospel lesson tells us of this truth: “Come unto Me ALL ye that labor and I shall give you rest” (Mat.11:28). He will lead us in green pastures of rich nourishment for our lives and leads us beside still waters of serenity and peace. A sheep will not drink if the water is not still. The Lord wants us to experience this deep peace in our soul, in our heart and in our home.

But sheep are obstinate and dumb. They are of all God’s creatures the least able to take care of themselves. They have no way to defend themselves-with claws to scratch, or fangs to bite. They can’t outrun their attackers, and can’t fend or clean themselves. They often get themselves in predicaments that they can’t get out of.

Doesn’t that remind you of us—His sheep? How often we try to do it our way or tell God we know better. Many of us though we don’t admit it are like Frank Sinatra who sang: “I Did It My Way!” Listen to him boast: “And now, the end is near; And so I face the final curtain. My friend, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case, of which I'm certain. I've lived a life that's full. I've traveled each and ev'ry highway; But more, much more than this, I did it my way.”

Yes, we humans want to do things our way. Forget the easy way. Forget the common way. Forget the best way. Forget God’s way. We want to do things our way. And the Bible is very clear that this is our downfall and demise: Isaiah put it this way: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way…” (Is. 53:6a). Oh how often we have wondered from the fold. But the faithful Shepherd comes to the rescue. He comes to bail us out of our own way that leads to death. PAUSE.

That is why David calls Him MY SHEPHERD! Yahweh is the Faithful Shepherd who will come to the aid of the one in need. And David needed a lot of help! He murdered a man, took his wife and sinned greatly. David needed healing, forgiveness and peace, just like you and I. For we too, have willfully and intentionally sinned against God. Maybe we haven’t murdered anyone literally, but we are all guilty of doing so through hatred and envy. Maybe we haven’t had sexual liaison with another, but we have all lusted after another. Maybe we haven’t robbed a bank or gas station, but we have been jealous of what others have.

That is why today you need to remember your Shepherd who from day one has been ready and waiting to come to your aid and rescue. He came to the lost sheep in the Garden of Eden and promised deliverance. He told Moses He would send a Prophet from among His people (Deut. 18:15) who will bring salvation. That God Himself would be the Shepherd who will be faithful and true to His people. He sent His Son Jesus to be the Eternal Shepherd who will care for all of humanity and deliver them from the power of death and the devil.

The author of the Gospel lesson this morning said this: “When He [Jesus] saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36) In John 10 Jesus taught the multitude: “I Am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This faithful Good Shepherd did lay His life down for the sheep—you and me on the splinter of Calvary’s wood. He died for the sake of the obstinate and stubborn sheep, by permitting others to nail Him to the cross. He gave His life for you—His sheep by laying in a cold, dark grave.

But He rose from that dark cold prison of death on Sunday morning to give you—His sheep forgiveness of sins, peace, joy, salvation and eternal life with Him who is our Shepherd.

David got it right when He said, “The Lord is My Shepherd.” And so do we! As we confess and declare the same, “JESUS IS MY SHEPHERD!”

That is why we can shout, say and sing our sermon hymn with gusto: I am Jesus’ little lamb, Ever glad at heart I am; For my Shepherd gently guides me, Knows my need, and well provides me, Loves me every day the same, Even calls me by my name.

Now the peace God…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Giving Thanks to God” (Psalm 100)

S-1394 TD/C 11/28/2013 Hymns: (O) #568; (S) #36; L.S. #313; #572(C) #577

Texts: Deuteronomy 8:1-8; Philippians 4:6-20; Luke 17:11-19

Theme: “Giving Thanks to God” (Psalm 100)

Question: “Why Should You be Thankful?” Armour, SD

Blessed Thanksgiving Day to each and every one of you faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for this Thanksgiving Day is from Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100).

INTRODUCTION: In Nomine Iesu.

Most precious people of the Resurrection this past Sunday we were in Sioux Falls having supper at our oldest son’s (Tony) house. At the table my oldest grandson’s wanted me to sit by them, so I sat between them. As the food was dished, Myles asks his mother to help him cut the lasagna. I said, “Grandpa will cut it for you.” After I cut it Myles said, “Thank you grandpa!” I was impressed. He then wanted to have some Mozzarella cheese sprinkled on it. Again, I said, “Grandpa will help you.” He, again said, “Thanks grandpa!” I said to him, “Myles that is so nice of you to say thank you. You are so sweet! Then his mother (Jody) said, “At the daycare, they have been learning about manners. So Myles wanted to make a ‘politeness plan’ where we made a chart that listed manners and nice things to do, and then a chore or a consequence for not doing it.”

It is indeed beautiful to hear a young child who wants to have a politeness plan in place to learn the art of saying thank you and please. Out of the mouth of children the truth is told. Even from the mouth of a child, we are reminded that we need a plan to be polite towards God. And to help us with this plan, the author of the Psalm has the perfect plan in the words of the text for our celebration of Thanksgiving Day.

Did you know that in the Hebrew Scripture the title of this Psalm is “A Psalm of Thanksgiving”? In this Psalm, we truly have the perfect politeness plan. In the opening words we are exhorted and encouraged to: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!” But why should we? Why does it matter? Because it is fitting for us who have been touched by the saving hands of God Almighty to thank Him, serve Him and sing His praises daily. PAUSE.

In a book titled Reading the Psalms with Luther, Luther states this regarding this Psalm: The 100^th psalm is a prophecy of Christ. It calls on the entire world to be joyful, to praise, and to give thanks, that is, to worship God and come to His throne and His courts, and to call on Him with all confidence. For His grace is an eternal kingdom, which truly remains forever and ever. Yes, indeed it is about our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. The whole wide world is called to be thankful for the mercy He gives undeservedly, for the love He pours unconditionally, the forgiveness He offers freely and the promised eternal life and salvation that is ours because of His Hesed—His grace..

We are taught and exhorted in the words of this Psalm to say thank You Lord for Your mercies which are new every morning. Every day we have opportunities and privileges to say thank You Lord for Your goodness to me a sinner who deserves nothing but wrath and punishment. Because of Your faithfulness towards me I have the blessings of knowing You intimately and bask in Your saving grace.

The Psalmist goes on to say: Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! That is part of the politeness plan to worship, pray and praise the Lord God Almighty. We are to make it a habit to enter His place of worship and give thanks to Him daily and praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness. For in this place we are constantly reminded of our need for a Savior and how the mercies of that Savior are delivered to us. In this place we are immersed with His goodness, faithfulness and love. In this place we get to dine not on turkey and stuffing, but on the precious Word and Life-Giving Sacrament. PAUSE.

But tragically, because of our sinful human nature we don’t worship our Savior often or give Him thanks always. We need to be taught as my grandson Myles was to be polite and say thank you. But that is not in our sinful and self-centered nature. We often think we are the ones who have it made. We think that by our own might and power, we make our own future plans and our dreams come true; but that is not the case. It is always a gift from the Lord Himself.

We are reminded of this truth in the Gospel lesson for Thanksgiving. One out of Ten lepers came back to say thank you to Jesus for being healed. But why was he the only one who said, “Thank you Lord!”? Because he knew what he needed and what was at stake for him without it. He needed the healing touch of the Savior to make him whole and let him live among his family and family of faith. This leper understood that before, he was head­ing for hell; afterward, he was readied for heaven. No wonder he knelt before Jesus with his humble thank you.

Why do we so often forget to say our thank-yous? Why do we have to be reminded to say thank you, just like we do for the little children? Could it be that, unlike that leper, we forget what we deserve and how much we’ve received? Thanksgiving is a time to remember that the only thing we deserve from God is damnation in hell. We don’t deserve the Savior He has sent or a bit of the forgiveness of sins He brings. Neither do we have the rights to the lesser gifts in life. We have a slice of bread to butter, a stitch of clothing to wear, fresh air to inhale, a loved one to enjoy, only because He is our merci­ful Father. Gratitude begins with remembering our unworthiness and His abundant HESED—His GRACE and mercy.

Genuine gratitude colors not only this Thanksgiving Day, but each day of our lives. The Psalmist reminds us of that with the words of the text. And even the Apostle Paul said it this way, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).

Therefore, by the power of the Holy Spirit let us develop and execute today and everyday a politeness plan. In this plan let us review the blessings the Savior gives us daily. Let us sing, praise, pray and worship Him for being so faithful to us sinners. By the Spirit’s power as we are gathered in His house to hear His Word and receive His precious Sacrament, we know what precious gifts He gives us and are moved in humility and joy to say THANK YOU JESUS FOR LOVING ME A SINNER.

On this Thanksgiving Day, it is fitting for us, to say with Luther as he teaches us in the explanation of the First Article of the Creed saying: “for all which is my duty to thank and praise him, this is most certainly true!” Therefore, we boldly confess and say: “Thanks be to God for every blessed gift He bestows on us.” Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA.