“Eternal Word….Eternal Life” (John 6:66-69).

S-1134 8/16/09 11SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #16; (S) #421; (C) #352

Texts Proverbs 9:1-10; Ephesians 5:6-21; John 6:51-69

Theme: “Eternal Word….Eternal Life” (John 6:66-69).

Question: “What’s the Question behind the Question?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is the Gospel lesson: “After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of Eternal Life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God’” (John 6:66-69).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, every Sunday morning Pastor Nour stands before you and greet you. Before the Divine Worship Service starts, he asks you a simple question. This question is asked to engage you in your mental preparation for the message you are about to hear.

Some of the questions Pastor Nour asks are simple, others are hard. Some questions you know the answers to others you don’t. But these questions are not as important as the question that the Savior asked His twelve in the Gospel reading today. “After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ (67-68). There is no other important question that you and I need to give a clear, concrete and complete answer to as this one. The One who is called the Way asks the question that must be answered by everyone.

The reason Jesus asked the question in the first place was because many who had followed Him, were eye witnesses to His power in healing the sick, the lame, the blind and the lepers and those who even ate at the greatest Fish Fry Banquet ever, walked away when He told them, “That He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven” (6:51). Hearing these words many left Him and went there way. Their hearts were hardened. Their heads were hindered and their hands were hampered to reach out to the One who could save them from every power in the Universe.

Turning with eyes of love He asked His disciples “Are you going to leave me too?” What a piercing question to the 12. Their Master and Rabi is looking deep into their souls even though He knows the answer to the question, He still probes them with the question. And Peter, the one who always spoke on behalf of the 12, does the same today. “Lord, to whom shall we go, You have the Words of eternal life”.

In essence Peter was saying to His Galilean Rabi and Lord, “With You we have found truth and peace. With You, You fill our heart’s longing and searching for the truth. If we wanted to forsake You now, where should we go? I suppose we could go to the schools of the Pharisees, but they couldn’t remove our present or future burden, the opposite is true, they would only burden us with new laws.

I suppose we could go to the sect of the Sadducees, but they have already given up trying to find the truth, since they deny the resurrection and angels and the after-life. They instead are looking and seeking for pleasures of this world that can’t calm our burdened hearts, busy heads, and beaten hands.

We certainly could seek out the wisdom of the heathens, who in their search for truth may deride the many gods and superstitions of their people, but their altars are inscribed, ‘To the unknown god.’ Nowhere do we find what we need except with You. For this reason, we want to stay with you, for You have the Words of Eternal Life.”

The holy Apostle Peter, speaking on behalf of the 12 spoke eloquent words, words that described their hearts’ felt emotions. Having heard the One whom they been following for sometimes saying: “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, NO one comes to the Father, except through Me” (John 14:6); They knew for certain that the Divine One was among us. Here is the Living Bread that came down from heaven. No denying it. He is the Heaven-sent Savior of the world.

How about us who live in an age when so many people deny the divinity of the Holy Scriptures? If the Lord, Jesus Christ was standing here this morning and looked at us and asked the same question, “Do you (yes you point your finger at the people) want to go away as well?” What will our answer be dear friends in Christ?

I pray that we will by the power of the Holy Spirit, give a bold, brave, and boisterous answer along with Peter, “Lord to whom shall we go, You have the Words of Eternal Life.”

Like the Apostles before us, we too, need truth and peace. Without them, we would be the most miserable of creatures. Without truth and peace, there would be no kingdom, no glory; no earthly desire can make us happy.

You see saints in Christ; our hearts have been created by our loving Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And unless God occupies our hearts, our hearts are empty and dead. St. Augustine said right when he stated, “Our hearts are restless unless they find their rest in Thee.”

Here is the truth. Only Jesus and His Word give Eternal Life. Nothing in this world will satisfy our longing for peace and truth and happiness. Ask any person on his death-bed who has chased after the wind, accumulated wealth but have no Christ in their hearts and heads and homes, ‘what do they have?’ and they will tell you nothing. They have wasted their whole life chasing after this philosophy, this idea, this gadget, more money in the bank, and more toys, but their souls were not connected and neither will they ever be content. Only Jesus will do.

To know all this is to know life - so even as many others turned from Jesus and deserted Him, the word of great strength and wisdom that doubting Peter could speak, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, ⁶⁹ and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God, stands for life! Yes, today we celebrate Life. Jesus gives us life - in His flesh and in His blood. He who is the Creator of all that is and shall be will come inside of you. He is the Holy One who comes to make a doubting sinner like you, like me, into the very Sanctuary of Heaven! Heaven comes to abide within you. He comes down from heaven, but with you and the rest of the lost world in His sight, He considers such service not as coming down, but coming through - in love. This is wisdom, the wisdom of God - this is Jesus - and He makes you whole and He makes you holy, even the habitation of His Holiness. You are His Temple.

Oh, sure, it’s a hard saying, that we must eat Him, that He is the only hope for sin and sinners. Yes, who can bear it? Ah, but it is true! To know this Jesus is to know peace and life. To walk away from Him is death. I share this with you because it is not you, but Him, who will enliven dead hearts, enlighten blind eyes, and enable deaf ears (Matthew 11:4-6) - yes blessed is the one not offended by Jesus!

And this truth needs to be taught by us to all people. God’s Eternal Son came to earth to give His life as a ransom for me while I was nothing but a disobedient, dirty, dammed, and dead sinner. PAUSE.

In our reading Jesus faced a large crowd of tired and hungry people who had just run around the lake. His disciples too must have been running on empty. Jesus gave both groups what they needed most—His Word. He would soon take care of their short-term need for food, but first He focused on their long-term needs.

There is an old saying: “Give me a fish and you will feed me for a day; teach me to fish and you will feed me for a lifetime” (Chinese Proverb). We may add that we need to teach people of every generation about the Words of the Savior and the Savior Himself who will make them live forever—for His Words are Eternal and they are LIFE.

In a tired state, Jesus’ and His Word tastes wonderful. He is the Shepherd who leads us to the quiet waters that give rest to our souls, that is, the forgiveness of sins that calms our fears and guilt. He beds us down in a rich pasture, where we can feed and rest in His promises. Heaven is there for all who believe in Him. And the One who has given His life for the sheep will certainly provide for all their daily needs on the way to heaven.

This is a message that even tired souls want to hear. This is a message that only the tired and hungry and thirty will truly appreciate, because they are Eternal Word—Eternal Life. Amen.

Now the peace…

“Arise and Eat (1 Kings 19:5-7)

S-1133 8/09/09 9SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #902 (S) #684; L.S. #625; #623; #629 (C) #917

Texts 1 Kings 19:1-8; Ephesians 4:17-5:2; John 6:35-51

Theme: “Arise and Eat (1 Kings 19:5-7)

Question: “When was the last you said to someone. ‘Get up and eat?’”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is the Old Testament lesson: “And he [Elijah] lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’” (1 Kings 19:5-7).

FYI: During the sermon hymn, my head usher will come up and set up a table near the pulpit. On the table will be a variety of energy drinks such as "Full Throttle", "5 Hour Energy Extra Strength" and chewing gum, "Energy Gum" Not recommended for children" and "power bar", energy bar”, “Granola bars” etc.

Introduction

Saints in Christ, in our reading today, we meet the mighty mantled man of God Elijah having a pity-party and wishing God would take his life. It is interesting to read this account in lieu of what took place before. It wasn’t long ago that this mighty servant of the Most High God defied the 450 prophets of Baal—challenged them once and for all to declare who the true God IS. The challenge was that each would build an altar, place a bull on it and call upon god to send fire from heaven. Whoever answers the prayer is the true God. Elijah built an altar, doused it with water that everything was soaking wet. He called upon the God of the Universe to bring forth fire from heaven and prove Himself that He is the ONLY TRUE GOD. God answered His prayer and the offering, rocks, and dirt, were all burned. And the 450 prophets of Baal were killed by Elijah’s sword.

But that was yesterday, today, Jezebel the wicked queen of the North, swore that she was ready to kill him as he had done to the false prophets. Hearing those words Elijah grabs his mantle stuffs it into his belt and runs for his life. On the journey he gets tired and lays down beneath a broom. He asks God to take his life because he is no better than his forefathers.

However, the Lord has other plans. Instead of hearing the prayer of Elijah to take away his life, God does something most amazing, He sends His angel “The Angel of the Lord” who prepares a mighty mean meal to feed Elijah and at his command says, “Arise and Eat!” Elijah gets up eats and lies down again. A second time “The Angel of the Lord” prepares another powerful meal to feed Elijah and at his command says, “Arise and Eat!” Having eaten from the baked cake and drank from the water jug, Elijah travels 40 days and 40 nights.

What kind of food is that? What was in it that made the messenger of God travel that distance without needing any food or drink? We don’t really know. But what we do know is that when God is the chef and server the food He gives is mighty indeed and the benefits are everlasting. PAUSE.

Beloved in the Lord, as you can see on this table (there are many items) these items on the market when eaten and drank from suppose to boost your energy level to grant you to do more things. Here is one that supposes to boost your level of energy for 5 hours. The label on the can reads: “hours of energy now—no crash later” Here is another—it is gum. This gum is so strong they have a label that reads “Not recommended for children". Wow! Some kind of gum! How about the “power bar?”

You and I in this world look for things to give us the energy that we need—whether it is a drink, gum, or meal. These things suppose to keep us going and going and going, like the Energizer Bunny. It may work for a moment, but then comes the crash. Nothing works to give us endless energy. Nothing keeps the old man going; except God the Creator of this body.

He knows what we need. We see Elijah’s need being met today as the “Angel of the Lord” touches Him and invites him to “Arise and Eat!” and when Elijah does he receives power from on high. Consider this power that is given with these gifts of food and drink. Enough strength and stamina to travel 40 days/nights. Everything else pales in comparison to what the true POWER given by God. 

Elijah is not alone to receive such a wonderful meal served by such an amazing host—the Angel of the Lord. This Angel of the Lord is none other that Jesus Christ Himself. The Holy Meal at the altar, (will point to the altar here) is the food and drink we need. Not like these items (at the table) here that gives you temporary boost. But real food and real drink that satisfies both body and soul. This meal will not only give you energy for 40 days/nights, but to eternity.

You and I as the redeemed of the Lord need to understand the command (with the promise) “Arise and Eat!” It is very important and crucial for us to know that this command is given by Christ Himself the Bread of heaven. The command to “Arise and Eat” is the same for today - what is on the Table for us; this Meal of Forgiveness is ours as surely as it was Elijah’s.  His inability is also our inability.  His journey is our journey - sure and certain, for God does not simply go “with us” as a side-car alongside a motorcycle, He abides with us and in us, cake = body, water = reference to Baptism, yes, surely, He is Elijah’s meal and ours. 

Without Christ in our lives we are discouraged and have no hope. When we don’t see the hand of God guiding and leading us, we begin to have a pity party just like Elijah. When our eyes are not looking on the One who is able to do for us more than we can even ask or imagine, we loose focus of our relationship to Him and with Him. And the result?...discouragement! Elijah was discouraged, the 12 were discouraged, even the crowd in the Gospel reading today became discouraged and so do we become discouraged.

But not today! Today, you and I are in the midst of our wilderness journey. Here Christ our Host and Meal meets us and feeds us and encourages us to go on in His name on the journey of life. PAUSE.

Elijah got up and ran away because he was afraid of what might happen to him. Elijah faced a formidable opponent in Queen Jezebel. So formidable that he ran away for his life; but not our “Angel of the Lord”, Jesus Christ. He, too, faced a formidable foe—the devil, the punishment, the cross, the wrath of God, death and the grave. But Jesus didn’t run away, but ran to face the cross. As the book of Hebrews reminds us clearly: “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, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2).

Jesus faced the enemy on Calvary’s Holy Mountain head on. Sure He gave His life for Elijah, you and me. But in that death, we have life. In the tree of the cross we have the tree of life and the empty tomb we have heaven opened.

Elijah got up and ran away. But the “Angel of the Lord” asked him to “Arise and eat!” He does the same for us. He tells us “Arise and eat” today. Soon you will be rising from your pews. You will come to dine on the bread of heaven and the drink of heaven—Christ’s body broken for YOU; Christ blood shed for YOU and with that Gift you will go on the journey of life to eternity.

With this Meal of Love prepared by Christ Himself you will have all the stamina, strength and staying power you need. And Isaiah reminds us of this power when he wrote these words: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31).

The Angel of the Lord invited Elijah to “Arise and Eat!” And Elijah did. Therefore, I say to you dear saints in Christ, “Arise and Eat,” for the Angel of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is here today, inviting you to be His guests, and serve you a powerful Meal in His Body and Blood. Amen.

Now the peace…

“Taking a Test…” (Exodus16:4b)

S-1132 8/02/09 9SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #457; (S) #521; (C) #50

Texts Exodus 16:2-15; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:22-35

Theme: “Taking a Test…” (Exodus16:4b)

Question: “Do you like taking tests?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is the Old Testament lesson: “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not” (Ex. 16:4).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, I personally don’t enjoy taking tests! They make me study long and hard. I have to remember a lot of information to be able to answer the questions the teacher gives me. There will be many long hours of studies as I review my notes and prepare for the upcoming test. Some tests have so much weight on them because if you don’t pass them, you can’t do what you suppose to do. Consider the would-be doctor; he needs to pass the Medical exam in order to practice medicine. Consider the would-be accountant; she needs to pass her CPA exam to be an accountant. Consider the lawyer; he needs to pass the Bar exam to practice law.

Tests are not fun, but they challenge you to dig deep into your heart and soul and determine if this is really what you want to do. When I attended the seminary, I took summer Greek. That is to say, you try to learn the language in two months. After this period you have a major exam as a qualifier to move on in your studies. You pass the test; you continue to prepare for the Office of the Ministry. You don’t pass the test; you have to take another shot at it. For a week before the exam, all of my classmates and I spent hours and hours in preparation for the big day. Finally the day of the test came. My stomach was churning, hands were sweaty, mouth was dry and lips moving in prayer. When the test was over, I barely made it, but I passed. What a good feeling it is to pass the test. You know that feeling too, don’t you?

In our text today, God informs Moses that He is going to give a test to His chosen people. This test is given by God to see if those who have been delivered with outstretched arms and mighty hands from the slavery in Egypt would walk in His ways or not.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has been their protector by day and by night. He has done mighty things for them. Through the finger and voice of Moses ten plagues came over Egypt. They saw God’s mighty power as He fulfilled His promises. His agent Moses finally demanded that Pharaoh let God’s people go. These people had been witnesses to one miracle after another and this chapter falls on the heels of the day that God destroyed all of the Egyptians army in the Red Sea; they walked on dry ground to safety.

In Chapter 15 we hear Miriam as the cheerleader of God’s people in signing and dancing. This is what Moses and the people of Israel sang to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider He has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and will exalt Him. The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name… (Ex. 15:1-3).

But that was before. Now the people of God are grumbling again. They grumble Gimme, gimme, gimme, because they don’t have any food and God intervenes and says, “I will give them a test to see if they will walk in my WAYS.” PAUSE.

Did you know that the whole life of the believer is a life of testing? Look at God’s inspired and inerrant Word and you will see God’s people being tested often. In the Garden of Eden God gave Adam and Eve a “Test of Love” to obey Him and NOT eat of the forbidden Tree. But they failed miserably.

God gave Noah a test telling him to build an Arch which will be his floating home while the rain came down for 40 days/nights. Noah obeyed and walked in the ways of the Lord. Abram had been promised a uniquely gifted child by God from his aged wife Sarah. And when Isaac was born, God gave Abraham “The Supreme test of obedience” on Mount Moriah to offer his son as a sacrifice. Both Abraham and Isaac passed it and God was pleased with them. Joseph was put to the test by his brothers when they sold him to slavery. He was put to the test by the seductive wife of Potiphar; and was put to the test when thrown in jail. By God’s grace, Joseph passed the tests.

God’s chosen people were put to the test to see if they would trust the Almighty Father to provide them with what they need. He gave them specific instructions to collect just enough for a day’s ration to eat and no more. And throughout all of this no one was hungry because God’s hands are never short. The Psalmist reminds us of this saying: “For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” (Ps. 107:9).

We, too, as God’s chosen and redeemed people are given the same test to see if we would walk in God’s ways. But how often we do really trust God to fulfill all that He promises to us? How often do we not loose sleep because there is not enough money to go around? How often do we question God’s decisions and look for another to supply our needs?

You see saints in Christ; the whole life of the Christian is truly a life of testing and trouble. Our opening hymn for today even challenges us to come to Him and see how He meets all of our needs as is evident in the Gospel reading today where the heaven-sent Savior, Jesus provided food for them to eat. The opening hymn is a very familiar one but have you really looked at the words, studied the words and understood the words? Listen again please: What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Beloved in Christ, we are not immune from troubles, trials and testing. We grumble. We ask, “By what sign will you show us that we may believe in You? ... Even when the manna falls from heaven! Still we ask, “Anything new? What have You done for us lately?” Oh, it makes sense; we get distracted by our stomachs. He remains faithful. I’ll give you quail in the evening and manna in the morning, water from the rock (that is water and blood from My riven side). Oh, and the God of this first wilderness wandering - He has not changed - He walks with you now, feeding and keeping you, even when you grumble. What He gives you is not even what you can bear, that would be too human, to fallen, too limited. Rather, as Paul reminds the Ephesians: ⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift! This is the Gift that is Christ, and the Gift that flows from Christ - Christ our host and Christ our meat. It is the fullness of knowing that forgiveness lacks nothing in its scope, for He lacks nothing in His giving of Himself! It is the fullness and measure of Christ’s gift, the Cross and Empty Tomb - His complete love! Here He reveals God not as awful judge, but as Our Father, ready to forgive and heal, ready to supply every need, all granted by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Is this arrangement “fair?” No! He shouldn’t die on that cross if things were to be fair - you should have, and I should have! Not fair, but not foul... Gracious!

I am so thankful that I don’t have to take the test today. Because I would fail miserably! As a sinner, I don’t take time to study all of the things God has done for me. I don’t remember His goodness to me. I am no different than the people of Israel. I know on my own I fail the test. But Jesus on the other hand has taking the test for me. You might say He was my proxy. Stood in my place and fulfilled all that the Heavenly Father has given Him to do—walk in His ways always.

You and I may fail the test but Jesus never did or does. In His sermon of the Mount He stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Mt. 5:17). Yes, Jesus passed the test of obedience. Jesus passed the test of following the decrees of God completely. Jesus passed the test by filling every demand of the Law. Jesus passed the test of the cross. Jesus passed the test of death. Jesus passed all tests given and because He passed it we get an A+ for our life’s test. Amen.

Now the peace of God…

“He Is Able and Willing…” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

S-1131 7/26/09 8SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #349 1-4; (S) #370; L.S. #373; #314; #348; (C) #9 SOD

Texts Genesis 9:8-17; Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 6:45-56

Theme: “He Is Able and Willing…” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Question: “Have you said You are able lately?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is the Epistle lesson: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Introduction

Saints in Christ, a big wedding is coming up. The family is very excited about the event. The bride-to-be along with her parents seeks a professional and reputable Photographer who could capture the moments. They visit the photographer and he states: “I am honored that you have asked me to take your wedding pictures. I consider it a privilege to take these photos for you and hope they will be wonderful memories for years to come. I am able and willing to do so.”

The day of the wedding has arrived. The photographer came early, set up his lighting equipment, checked his cameras and began to take one picture after another. He would holler “Give me a smile here! Stand closer! Hold her dress! Show me the bouquet! And so on.” As the wedding party began to exit the church, he took more pictures. He was happy and content to be part of this special occasion.

The young couple left to their honey moon and the photographer went back to his studio and left all of his equipment in the shop. The next day, he comes and eagerly delves into developing the pictures. But to his horror there is not one frame of all of the pictures he took. He is shocked. He can’t believe it and he doesn’t even know what to say to the newlyweds.

The time came for him to contact the couple and give them the photos. The photographer came to their house and said, “I am so sorry to inform you that I don’t have a single picture to give you. Something went wrong with my camera and I never even so much as found a frame to develop. Please forgive me. Please forgive me. Please. Please forgive me. I feel so terrible. I wish I would be able to do it all over and recreate this moment. But alas I can’t. I AM REALLY SORRY!” The couple is crushed. No pictures.

This photographer is reputable and able to take good pictures, but something happened beyond his control. Even though he promised the couple that he would be willing and able to provide them with memorable pictures of the wedding, he couldn’t do it. There nothing the photographer can do to undo what is left undone. He is more than willing, but not able.

But unlike the poor photographer, Paul teaches us that God is not only Able but Willing to do more than we can imagine and hope for. He is willing to do the impossible even when we think there is no hope.

God’s ability and willingness to do good is very well documented in Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation we read again and again the mighty power of God who is able to do good and does it only as God can.

In the Gospel of Mark is the story of a person suffering from leprosy. Mark says: “And a leper came to Him [Jesus], imploring Him, and kneeling said to Him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, He stretched out His hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean’” (Mark 1:40-41). Yes, Jesus is willing and able to do what He said He would and He has. In the Old Testament we hear Moses telling the people of Israel in what God was able to do: “So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders” (Deut. 26:8). And in 1 Samuel we read of the fear of the Philistines: “Woe to us! Who is able to deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness” (1 Samuel 4:8). And in our reading today Paul reminds us again that the God of the universe is the One who is able and willing to do more than we ask or imagine. PAUSE.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, to be able to do something for someone is a great attribute indeed. Especially, to do some good to a neighbor or friend is something that is special. Whenever, we are able and willing to do good that is a package worthy to have. We, of course are not the package. Often we’d like to do good and can’t. Other times, we could do something but don’t because we just don’t want to. More often than not we are not willing because we are selfish, rebellious and disobedient to the will of God our Savior. We are not willing and unable to do that because we think of the “me” rather than the common wealth of all.

Oh, don’t me take me wrong. We like to think we are able to do what we say we will. How many times we said, “I am going to be a better Christian, serve my Lord better, and not hurt my neighbor”, but end up doing just the opposite. How many times does an alcoholic say, “I am not going to take another drink”. How often do we say that we are going to give up gossip, put away pornography, opt out of ogling the attractive co-worker, cheat on a test, and any of a hundred other things that we are more than willing to give up? But are we not able? In short, the answer is no. They try, but they struggle with that. They need help. We try. But we fail miserably too! We are all sinners and rely on our own might and power to do what we think we should.

Here is our problem. We assess the situation incorrectly. It is not about me being good, or able to be good, or trying to be good. It is all about the goodness of the Lord. It isn’t about me coming to church because I am such a good person, but I come to church, because God makes me good.

The Apostle Paul who wrote the words of our text didn’t rely on his ability to stand before God, but relied on Christ’s mercy and grace. For this is the same God who met him on the road to Damascus forgave him his sins and sent him out into the world to be His missionary.

You and I can do no less than rely on the same Savior. Who is able to do more than we ask or imagine. This mighty and powerful God is able to do all things that are good for us. He does what is good for us especially to strengthen us—the One Holy Christian Church by His Spirit.

Saints in Christ, Jesus is able and willing to snatch us from the jaws of death. Jesus is able and willing to forgive our sins. Jesus is able and willing to bring us into the fold through the living gift of Baptism. Jesus is the One who dresses us with the clock of His innocence. Jesus is not willing that we would stay where we are, but change us through His saving Word and life-giving Means of Grace.

Why is He able and willing to do all of these things for us? Because God’s Son became a man, took upon Him our flesh and bone, allowed all the sins of all people to be attributed to Him, placed Himself under the Law, and by His suffering and death on the cross of Calvary bore our punishment. He, the innocent Son of God, became obedient even unto death on the cross. When He cried out, “IT IS FINISHED” (John 19:30), He referred to the completion of His great sacrifice for the atonement of all sin. With that cry He was willing and able to do what He said He would, “For the Son of Man didn’t come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for Many” Mark 10:45).

Who of us is able to understand the width, height, depth and length of God’s love? Only those who believe, that He is the Savior of mankind and the Redeemer for their sins. Anyone who acknowledges this truth, will become strong and realize by the power of the Holy Spirit that being in the Lord’s house will make him strong to walk humbly before His Lord, all the days of his/her life. PAUSE.

The photographer wished that he could re-create the images of the wedding. He felt sorry of not being able to provide the pictures for the newlyweds. Jesus on the other hand is more than able and willing to recreate our image which was lost in the Garden of Eden. Jesus is the photo copy of God. He is not like the photographer who wished he could capture the moment. Jesus Can. Jesus will. And Jesus has done it all. He is indeed more than able and willing. Amen.

Now the peace of God…

“The Greatest Fish Fry Banquet Ever” (Mark 6:41-42)

S-1130 7/19/09 7SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #300; (S) #473; (C) #312

Texts Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-44

Theme: “The Greatest Fish Fry Banquet Ever” (Mark 6:41-42)

Question: “How often do you get invited to a Banquet?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is the Gospel lesson: “And taking the five loaves and the two fish He [Jesus] looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied” (Mark 6:41-42).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, A Fish Fry Day is an old and long tradition held in many towns in the U.S.A. Most often it is held on Fridays. Around here two towns in particular hold a Fish Fry Days. The first week of June Lake Andes holds their Fish Fry Days and Tripp hold theirs in June also. Announcement of the upcoming event is advertised well. Many workers, helpers and planners work hard to make this a reality. They gather the fish, cooks, frying pans, tables and chairs and carry out the event. People gather from many places for the fish feed.

As I said, Fish Fry Days are a common event in many places. But did you know that Paris, Tennessee claims to be home of the largest Fish Fry in the USA? In 2008 Hamburg, New York broke the world’s record for a Fish Fry event. Listen to this announcement: “The Queen City has beaten the home of fish and chips, for a new entry in the Guinness Book of World Records. The world’s largest fish fry was held tonight at the fairgrounds in Hamburg. Organizers served up 2,551 pieces of beer battered goodness to break the old world record that was set in the United Kingdom. A Guinness representative was on hand to certify the record”.

But before Fish Fry Days were held in the US, they were held in another place. According to Saint Mark, Jesus had been teaching and performing miracles. His disciples didn’t have time to eat and rest. To meet their needs Jesus invited them to come with Him and rest and be refreshed in a solitary place. When people found out that He had left their vicinity, many people from the surrounding community followed Him to this dessert place. The disciples were concerned that in this isolated place the throng would suffer from hunger. So they asked their Rabbi to send them home before it was too late. But He said, “You feed them”. But they complained “We don’t have that much money to pay for these people to eat. It would take more than 200 denarius.” That is about $24,000.00 — $25, 000.00.

This Galilean Rabi doesn’t wait for them. He demonstrates to them His great compassion by not only meeting the needs of the disciples, but of all people even in this isolated place. Jesus, the heaven-sent messenger, again and again shows that He has a gracious habit of showing genuine compassion for those in needs and for all level of need.

These words from Mark assure us today, that regardless what our needs may be Jesus will meet them all. He will meet our spiritual, physical and social needs. He does it by His caring attitude. Regardless of where we might be on the journey of life; regardless of what challenges we are facing; regardless of the troubles we are in; He IS always by our side caring for our needs.

In the words of our text, we meet Jesus with His disciples and a huge crowd following Him to an isolated place. In a desolate place Christ shows again that He cares for all people’s needs. In this place, even isolated place, He provides food for the hungry. As the faithful Shepherd who cares for His flock, Jesus performs a miracle—a miracle that is sufficient to satisfy everyone’s hunger. PAUSE.

While Paris, TN may claim to have the US’s largest fish fry or Hamburg, NY may have the Guiness People to prove it, neither is correct. Jesus does them far better there remains 12 baskets left over! Jesus by the Sea of Galilee provides the greatest Fish Fry Banquet ever. He doesn’t have any helpers to bring the fish in. He doesn’t have any advertisement going out. He doesn’t have any cooks preparing the batter and heating the oil. But with eyes lifted heaven-ward and hands open in thanksgiving. Jesus takes the two fish and five loaves of bread and blesses them and He feeds over 15, 000 people. Now that is the Greatest Fish Fry Banquet Ever.

There by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus demonstrates that He is the faithful Good Shepherd who provides for His flock the necessary food and rest. With this miracle, Jesus shows His love to all people and their needs. The Apostle Paul in Philippians wrote these words: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Yes. MY GOD WILL MEET ALL OF YOUR NEEDS IN CHRIST JESUS.

In Jesus Christ, through Jesus Christ and on account of Christ all of our needs both physical and spiritual are met. Jesus the compassionate and caring Good Shepherd does what is necessary to satisfy our needs. Please notice it is not our wants, but our needs. That Day, Jesus fed the hungry crowd and all were satisfied. All of those who followed Him were content that day.

And so it is today. Anyone who follows the Savior and worships Him will be satisfied because Christ will meet their needs. We see this need met on the cross of Calvary. There on the cross, we see Jesus meeting our greatest need—the removal of our sins. On the cross we see the blood—that holy innocent blood washing away our stains of sins and removing the barrier that separated us from our Awesome and loving God. By the empty tomb, Jesus breaks the walls and opens the gates of heaven for us.

Today, right in this place we see this need being met for our newest member in the family of faith—Gabriel Brandon Brosz had his needs met—with the splash of the water on his forehead, with the Word spoken over him, with the sign made on his heart and head—he became a saint, a child of God and received forgiveness for his sins and has his name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. PAUSE.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus doesn’t NOT only meet the needs of the people, but He exceeds our greatest need. He is a bigger God than you and I give Him credit for. Many times we limit the power of God. We limit what He can do in our lives. Sometimes we don’t cry out to Him to fulfill what we need. Only after all else fails, then we cry out to Him.

But if there is one thing that we are taught today through St. Mark, is that Jesus knows our needs before we ask them. He has come to meet all of our needs physical and spiritual. As He spoke to the disciples saying “You feed them!” He speaks to us also “You feed them!” We are startled and taken aback at His words. You want me to feed them? We look at our check books, our cupboard and our calendar. And we cry out IMPOSSIBLE. But Jesus responds, “You bring them, I feed, you catch them, I will clean them!”

Jesus challenges us to have His compassion for the lost. To do what we can to meet their needs. Are we caring enough for the lost? Do we invite them to come and grow and be fed with us in the faith? Most of us we don’t. We have an uncaring attitude towards the lost, but this is not what the Savior asks of us. He wants us to be involved in the lives of others.

Why? Because there is not a need that He can’t meet. Are you having marital problems, then cry out to Him? Are you having financial crisis, then call upon Him? Are you having physical calamity, then ask Him? Are you hungry for spiritual feeding, then know that He provides you with what you need. Whatever your need maybe be, be assured that He will satisfy this need by His grace alone.

The faithful Good Shepherd still hears the cries of His people. The faithful Savior, continues to provide us with what we need for the journey of life—He does it even here in this place. Here He offers us forgiveness for our sins. Here He shares His Word spoken from the lectern and the pulpit and here on His altar He feeds us His body and blood so that we might be satisfied not only for a day, but forever.

Saints in Christ, there are many places around the country that have a Fish Fry Day. But there is none as good and great as the Greatest Fish Fry Banquet ever that Jesus has provided and still provides for all people even today. Join me then in thanking Him for being the faithful Shepherd who exceeds all of our need by being our faithful Shepherd and Savior, Amen.

Now the peace…

“A Walk Down Memory Lane” (Mark 6:26)

S-1129 7/12/09 6SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #33; (S) #279; L.S. #384; #199; #339; (C) #360

Texts Amos 7:7-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29

Theme: “A Walk Down Memory Lane” (Mark 6:26)

Question: “Have you ever said, “Remember when…?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, Faith, SF, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is the Gospel lesson: “And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her” (Mark 6:26).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, in the last 20 years there has been a great transformation in this country. We have gone on an exercise kick. Many people are into fitness. Exercise is part and parcel of our daily lives. Many belong to gyms and work-out places. Others have exercise equipments in their homes or apartments. All of this is good for the body.

Today, I want to have you join me in keeping this trend going—exercising too. Now, now, don’t get to upset with me. I am not going to ask you to do a five K run, or go on the bicycle route for miles. I am, though, going to ask you to Walk Down Memory Lane with me.

Are you ready? Are you ready for your exercise? (Put your hands up). Now take a few moments and walk down memory lane. (Give them a little time to do this blessed event).

I, too, have walked down memory lane. Permit me to share with you some of what I thought about. I remember vividly the day I stood in front of the Church and my lovely bride dressed in white walked down the aisle with her father wearing a big smile on her face. I remember well, the day she whispered in my ears, “We are going to have a baby!” I remember when she took my hand and put it on her tummy and said, “Feel your child!” I remember the day my children were born, their baptism day, confirmation day and their wedding day. I remember also when they announced saying, “You are going to be a grandfather” and oh, how I remember when the phone call came from my son, “Ba, we have a baby boy!” What wonderful memories flood my mind.

But there are other memories—memories that I am ashamed of. Memories of word spoken in anger, deeds done for selfish reasons, hurting and harming others because of sin. Memories of dishonoring my Lord by sinning against His Word and my neighbor. These are painful memories. I wish they were not there. I wish I could remove them. I wish I would have not remembered them. But alas they are. And the devil uses these memories to depress and discourage us in our walk of faith. PAUSE.

The brain is a wonderful gift from God. It is like a DVD that plays scene after scene of the events in our lives. Some of these events are pleasant and others are painful.

In the text before us today, Mark invites us to walk down memory lane the lane of King Herod. His memory is plaguing him by his extraordinary sin. His memory is haunting him, depressing him and accusing him.

King Herod was a man who took delight in the extraordinary. He liked listening to John the Baptist, this figure from the past who had visions of future events. Even though Herod listened to him, but his wife Herodias hated him, and thus the order came when at a birthday party Herod promised her daughter a stupid promise saying, “Ask whatever you want even up to half of my kingdom and I will give it to you.” We know the cost of this stupid promise. The young dancer asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

Now that Jesus is on the scene, Herod hears of Him and what He is doing. And his mind quickly walks down memory lane. He is haunted by what he did to John and is afraid. He is worried that John had been raised from the dead. He is distracted and distraught over the facts of what John might do to Him.

I am sure Herod would rather not remember the day he gave the order, to cut John’s head off and bring on a platter for all to see. I am certain Herod lost a lot of sleep because of what he had done.

How many times are we like Herod? At times we walk down memory lane too. Our memory is like a DVD. It plays the sins of the past over and over again and we are haunted by that demon. We are troubled and tossed by what we have said and done. And we wish we didn’t have to go through it. We wish we have never done it. We wish we could remove the evil that the devil brings against us as he uses the good gift of memory to accuse us before the Lord.

Memory is indeed a good gift from God. The good memories we like, but the bad and painful are not welcome. And we want relief. We want to get rid of them. We want to erase them from our memory bank. We can’t do it. We can try all we want to, just like Herod but to no avail. So what should we do? Should we continue to dwell in the past, or look to the future? The devil of course always want to keep us in the past those “good old days”. But those “good old days” are not always that good. And no one knows that more than you.

But thanks be to God that Jesus has the remedy to our memories. It is not a rewind button, but a delete button. It is not a storage button, but a salvation button. It is not overlooking the problem of sin, but taking care of sin once and for all. The Lord Jesus Christ, whom we have heard about, is the One who has removed those sins and dropped them into the depth of the sea. Jesus’ blood shed on the cross of Calvary is the reason our memories don’t haunt us. Jesus not only speaks words of love, He is the Word of Love. And when He speaks and acts, the stain and stench of sin is removed from us.

Remember Good Friday? That is the answer to our sin problem. We gather in God’s house week after week so that we can be reminded of the goodness of the Lord and the gracious acts that He does for us.

Remember Easter morning? That is the answer to our death problem. When Christ broke the bars of death He opened the flood gates. There will be generations more pouring out of the grave into the blessing of Eternity!

Remember your baptism? While you may have been really little when it happened, and you don’t remember it, but God does. His promise is real: “Baptism now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21). And at that moment, all that Jesus had done became yours; just as He did this evening to Myles David Nour in the waters of Baptism. In the waters of Baptism, Jesus removes every hindrance of sin from Myles’ life and gives him the white robes of righteousness and marks him as one of His own for time and for eternity. PAUSE... The same thing happened for you. In that baptismal act of God, your memory is purged of all the “Herod moments” in your life. They have been washed away! Cleansed! GONE!”

Remember Maundy Thursday? There in a room full of ignorance and betrayal, Jesus remembers the 12 and us by giving us the very forgiveness of sins in His Body and Blood to purge our memory. When we are at this table we remember just how Awesome He is when He gives us even more of that precious grace!

Conclusion:

Unlike Herod who made a stupid promise that he couldn’t keep, Jesus keeps all of His promises. He doesn’t promise us only half of His Kingdom, but He gives us all of His Kingdom. The Kingdom is ours because in love He died for us and has given us heaven by removing everything that may keep us out.

But at times we forget how generous our Awesome God is. We forget that He has removed our sins. He has cleansed us! He has washed us! He has fed us! He has taken care of us! And He still does even today.

But today, as you walk down memory lane, remember the gift of the Savior who says to us “As far as the East is from the West; so far I have removed your transgression from you” (Ps. 103:12). Walking down memory is sometimes pleasant and sometimes painful. But for the Christian it is a joy because we remember what the Savior did through His death and glorious resurrection. Amen.

Now the peace… and blood for the forgiveness of sins.

“Hands Tied” (Mark 6:5-6)

S-1128 7/05/09 5SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #175; (S) #400; #644; (C) #577

Texts Ezekiel 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Mark 6:1-13

Theme: “Hands Tied” (Mark 6:5-6)

Question: “Have you ever felt your hands were tied?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is the Gospel lesson: “And He [Jesus] could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.” (Mark 5:36).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, in the early 1900s lived a great magician by the name of Harry Houdini. Houdini, spell bound people every where he went. He was escapologist, stunt performer, and actor. But the one thing that really made him famous was his ability to escape from anything they tied him with. He was actually known as “The Handcuff King”.

Everywhere Houdini went he razzled dazzled people at his ability to escape and free himself. No matter what they put him in, he got free. That is until he was in England. The people in England stated that they have a jail that Houdini couldn’t escape out off. The bet was on.

Houdini was placed in the cell and within seconds began to work on the lock of the door but to no avail. He tried again and again and again, but no success. After 3 hours of trying, he lay on the floor exhausted and dumfounded that he was unable to unlock the jail. Finally, the people told him that the door of the jail was never locked; it was simply shut. All the time the door had been opened. Had he reached with his hands and opened the door he would have walked out of that jail. But the trick worked and his hands were tied for the first time.

In today’s text, there is no trick. No jail cell to open. No magician’s hands to spell bound the people with his ability to escape, but a local man had returned home. Word had gone out about this man that He could do wonders—raise the dead, heal the lame and opened the eyes of the blind, and still the storms. But when He returned home, St. Mark tells us that His hands were tied of their unbelief.

It is interesting to note that Jesus’ as the Son of the Carpenter is not greeted with welcomed arms as He comes home, but with closed fists and tied hands. He doesn’t receive the honor due Him. Earlier in Mark, (3:20-35) we read of another visit to His hometown and the familiar tension that arises as He is surrounded by a great crowd—His family tries to take Him by force, claiming that He has lost His mind.

Jesus comes home and enters the synagogue and preaches. But rather than hearing the message, the crowds refuse to hear and begin in astonishment to say, “Isn’t He the Son of Mary? Aren’t His brothers and sisters with us?” We are told Jesus is hindered from doing many things in His hometown save few miracles.

Jesus should have been welcomed home with open arms. If Nazareth was New York City, it would have been fitting for Him to be honored with a Canyon of Heroes parade complete with the ticker tape. I know if a son of a community like ours would come home to visit, there would be those who would feel that it would be in order to bring out all the fire trucks and police cars and have a parade! That is the way that Jesus SHOULD have been welcomed home.

But, as we see in this text, this was not the way it played out. No, instead of a hero’s welcome, there is nothing but skepticism, denial and even a bit of jealousy. The word of our text in the original Greek tells us that they were “scandalized” by this Jesus. They just couldn’t get past the fact that Joseph’s little boy would possess such great power and authority. They were so familiar with who they thought Jesus was supposed to be that they were bound in the clutches of the greatest enemy to true freedom: unbelief!

Jesus had come to announce the Kingdom of God. He had done it in Capernaum. He had done it in the Decapolis. He had done it in the synagogues. He had done it among complete strangers. And yet, because of the slavery of familiarity and unbelief, He couldn’t do the great things among His own kinsmen! It was as if His hands were tied!

Indeed the Messiah’s hands were tied, not because He didn’t have the power to use His hands to do what He came to do, but because they refuse to believe in Him as the promised Savior of old, the Deliverer of God, the One who comes to free them from the tyranny and torture of hell and satan. Christ’s hands were tied for their lack of faith in Him. PAUSE

Don’t forget dear friends of Christ, that Jesus never forces His love on anyone. He never forces anyone to believe in Him, obey Him, follow Him and be His servant. Jesus never uses His hands to chain us to Him. Oh, no. He unshackles us and brings freedom to our lives.

Study the Scriptures and you will see from the beginning that God desired to have a relationship with His people. A relationship built on trust and love. We see that played out with our forefathers. God gave them the freedom to do what they thought was right in their eyes. He never forced them and the end results were tragic, they used their hands to reach for the forbidden fruit and walked away from His love, His presence and His peace.

The only power human beings truly have is the power to refuse the grace of God. Sadly Adam and Eve, the people of Nazareth and you and I let go of the great opportunities God lays before us. Even though we have a God who creates us, sustains us, provides for us and does all this because He loves us, we can tie the hands of this Almighty God. And we tie the hands not with cords, or zip ties or handcuffs. No, we tie the hands of this good and gracious Lord by refusing to believe!

And that is what the essence of sin is. Every sin is nothing other than the outbreak of the unbelief that dwells within us that Luther called the Old Adam. This guy WANTS us to not believe God. This dastardly Dan WANTS us to tie the hands of our loving and gracious God. He WANTS us to walk away from the very Jesus who would die on the cross for the likes of unbelievers in Nazareth and Armour. PAUSE.

I am thankful that we live in this great nation and especially on this weekend that we observe and celebrate our Independence Day. It is during the Fourth of July weekend we appreciate our brave soldiers who use their hands to give us the liberty and freedom we cherish. These men and women fought with open hands so that we can have what we have today.

Because of men who have fought the good fight FREEDOM reigns in our midst. Because of men and women who left home, family, friends, occupations and went to distant shores and destroyed the enemies we live in freedom and peace in this land of ours.

How much more should we be thankful that the God of the universe sent His Son, Jesus Christ to carry out the greatest freedom mission ever? Jesus left His heavenly home and came to do what we can’t do. He came to usher in the Kingdom of grace, not by force BUT By faith. Not by power BUT by peace. Not by torture, BUT by a tree. It was on the tree of the cross that Jesus’ hands were literally tied. Not by Romans soldiers, not by cords and not even by nails that pined Him to the wooden beam. Oh, no. It was love that tied His hands to that tree. It was love that hung Him there. It was His love for you and you and you.

Conclusion:

Many people today still tie Jesus’ hands, including us. Yet, Jesus’ hands are never tied towards us. His hands are open to welcome us into His bosom. His hands are free to heal. His hands are open to touch us with the splash of water. His hands are open to serve us a heavenly meal. His hands are open to love us unconditionally.

Satan and others may want to tie our hands so that we don’t honor the Lord always. But today, Jesus unties our hands, unshackles us so that we can freely and joyfully serve Him. As the sermon hymn reminded us: “Take my hands and let them move At the impulse of Thy love; Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee” (TLH 400 v2).

As we celebrate our freedom, our Independence Day, we give thanks to all who have made it possible. But today, I urge you not to be independent of Christ, but rather be dependant on Him, for His hands are strong enough to hold you, embrace you and forgive you all of your sins. Thank God that Jesus’ hands are not tied towards us. And this is no magic trick. Amen.

Now the peace…