“What Did You Say?” (Mark 10:17).

S-1142 10/11/09 19SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #349 v. 1-4; (S) #594 LSB; LS. #377; #336; #35; (C) #349 v. 5-7

Texts: Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Hebrews 3:12-19; Mark 10:17-22

Theme: “What Did You Say?” (Mark 10:17).

Question: “What Are You Lacking?” 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 as He [Jesus] was setting out on His journey, a man ran up and knelt before Him and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’” (Mark 10:17).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, we have all had those moments. You are having a conversation or listening to an interview and something that is said strikes you as odd and unbelievable. What is said is so unexpected, so out of the box, so out of the ordinary that you want to make sure that you heard the conversation correctly. “What did you say?”

We saw that not too long ago when we were watching the International Olympic Committee take the vote to see who would host the 2016 Summer Olympics. All of the hype and run up to the event pointed to Chicago being the winner. After all, they had put on the full court press. The President and First Lady, along with the Chicago goddess Oprah, personally made the rounds of the voting delegations. There was going to be some competition from Rio de Jenero, but it wasn’t an insurmountable task. The hopes of a city and nation were set on high results; because the President was going to save the day and bring home the bacon.

Then it happened. The first round of voting took place. The IOC spokesman broke the news. Chicago had been eliminated on the first ballot? As the cameras zoomed on the people waiting in the streets of Chicago, their faces were awestruck in disbelief. You could hear the shock in the voices of the reporters. The tone was disbelief. “What did he say?”

The answer to the hopes of a nation and a city was totally unexpected. The reputation of the American delegation would have never permitted us to think this result would be possible. But there, amid all anticipation, the result created disbelief.

Then on Friday, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Barrack Hussein Obama. And many were saying, “What did you say?” Unbelief! Bewilderment! Puzzlement was evident by many.

Today we have a similar setting in our Gospel reading. Jesus is approached by a young man that seemed to have his presentation and life all in order. He was young and held a position of authority and respect. He was confident in his position, finances and work-righteous. And while this man seems to have it all together, he is driven to seek out Jesus. Perhaps this was to cement his conviction of his own status. But it could also have been that there was a seed of doubt in the man. But for whatever reason, self-righteousness or self-doubt, he brings his request to Jesus.

Mark paints the picture of this man beautifully as he comes running to Jesus, kneels before Him and says: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” What did he say? He called Jesus, “Good teacher!” And now that is a something that we can’t go over lightly. We need to look deeper to those words and understand their meaning of what this rich man was saying.

In calling Jesus “GOOD” He was acknowledging that Jesus is God. For only God is good. Even though he spoke that word, he missed the point that God was standing right before Him. For this reason, Jesus says, “There is no one good except God.” So Jesus responds by asking the rich man, “What did you say?” Are you saying that I am God? Are you acknowledging Me to be the Creator of the Universe? Are you looking at Me dressed in human form, walking among you to be God in the flesh?

With these words, Jesus begins to solve the spiritual problem of the man that is kneeling before Him. Jesus slowly begins to take the dark lenses that are covering the eyes of this rich man and allows him to see that before Him stands the Almighty God. But He didn’t get it. Many people today don’t get it either.

Many people claim that Jesus is a good teacher, an excellent moral example; a wonderful man imparting moral ethics and teaching us to be good. Even Bill O’Reilly said on his Friday’s broadcast that he is not sure if Jesus is God as he visited with an atheist. But Jesus is more than that. We dare not look at Him only as a human example, or a good teacher teaching us how to be good like Him. By the Spirit’s power we look at Him as God who is good. PAUSE.

Two words that are used in our text “God” and “Good”, sound alike and even look alike. They both come from the Old English word “god.” Many people believe in God and respect Him as the Giver of all good gifts. And it is no wonder that the English word for good and beneficial is given to the One who provides us with all good things.

Those two words “God” and “Good” bear similar relation in the German language too. Martin Luther noticed that and remarked upon it. He once wrote: “We Germans from times of old also call God by the very name ‘God,’ derived from the word good, because He is an eternal foundation which gushes forth nothing but the good and from which flows all that is good.”

Today, Jesus looks at the rich man and loves him. He opens the eyes of the rich man to the simple truth that He is God. He is pointing Him to that which is important, not in the doing but in the receiving. Not in keeping the laws or decrees but in getting what is not ours; such as our inheritance.

Now you folks know that you don’t work for an inheritance that is given to you by someone who knows you. It could be your grandparents, parents or relatives. They give it to you because you are part of the family, not because you have been so good; but only out of the abundance of their hearts.

The rich man in our text couldn’t believe Jesus’ Words when He said: “You lack one thing.” And thus the rich man says, “What did you say? You want me to sell everything I have and follow You?” We know the rest of the story. The rich man’s departure from Jesus who is good, indicates that he didn’t believe that Jesus is God in the flesh. PAUSE.

Beloved in the Lord, are we willing to hear what the Savior says to us today? Are we saying to Jesus “What did You say?” Do you want me to leave everything and follow You?” And the answer is absolutely, positively yes. We who are baptized and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, know that self-righteous and self-confidence gets us nothing but what we work for—that is death, hell and damnation. Self-righteous doesn’t give us hope or heaven, but hopelessness and hell.

Jesus on the other hand, in love, opens the door to eternal life and gives us a greater inheritance than any family member can give. For this good teacher, this One who is God Himself, has prepared for all those who are adopted into the family of grace an inheritance that is beyond anything we could ever earn! This inheritance is something that Jesus would earn for us at the cross of Calvary. There, our big brother Jesus paid the ransom price for our freedom. And it is this that we inherit from Him. And we inherit it when He dies. His death brings freedom from sin and death. And this freedom is ours. It is given freely to us. He gives it to us by virtue of our adoption in Holy Baptism a place in the family. And when you are in the family, you inherit what belongs to the family. You have a name and a place and an inheritance! That inheritance is eternal life! PAUSE.

Did you hear what Jesus said? Your sins are forgiven you. You have an eternal inheritance! You didn’t earn it. It is given to you freely. You are freed from the foolishness of thinking that you “aren’t that bad.” You are freed from the slavery of doubt. You are free to look forward to what our Good and Gracious God has in store for you. For now, and forever!

Did you hear that! For those who believe and trust in Jesus lack nothing. Eternal life is yours. It isn’t about you. It is all about Jesus! In our sinfulness that answer is unexpected and undeserved! But that is exactly what He says! AMEN!

Now the peace of God…

“A Helper fit for the Church” (Genesis 2:18).

S-1141 10/04/09 18SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #370; #39; (S) #123 (C) #LWML Hymn

Texts: Genesis 2:18-25; Hebrews 2:1-13; Mark 10:2-16

Theme: “A Helper fit for the Church” (Genesis 2:18).

Question: “Have you been called upon to help someone?” 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: “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him’” (Genesis 2:18).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, throughout all of my life I needed help. When I was born, I needed help to be fed and cared for. As I grew up, I needed help to read and write. Coming to the States, I needed help in learning the English language, using the currency, and mastering living in this free society. I needed help to drive a car. When I got married, I needed help from my wife to raise our children. At the seminary, I needed help in learning Greek, writing sermons and using computer. In every stage of life, we all have a need from some help.

As we read the account of Moses today, it becomes evident that God sees the need of Adam before Adam knew he needed a helper. The need is found in the statement “It is not good for the man to be alone”. In that Creative story, we see that our God is a helping God who desires what is good and grand for Adam and all mankind.

At the risk of getting too much flack from my gender brethren, no kidding! Sure, we think that we are just fine on our own. We think that life would be grand if we didn’t have to deal with some of the issues that come with the creation of woman. But these are nothing other than foolish bravado and macho ignorance. Without that suitable helper, the world might just well have the appearance and aroma of a football locker room or a hunting lodge on the second week of deer camp! Without that helper the world would come to an end. Intellectual, emotional and spiritual honesty require us to admit that God was right, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

And God went to work on that right away. I will make a helper suitable for him." There was no helper among the beasts of the field or the birds of the air. And lonely Adam was not going to just get any helper, any partner. The Lord God would make one perfectly fit for Him and like him. The long parade of animals to be named wasn’t a talent search for a helper for Adam. Rather it was a clear indication that not just any helper would do. There would be that special creation that would fit the bill.

And, from his own flesh and bone, the man received that special gift. In this we see that the helper is part of the man, made for the man, to be a blessing for the man. The woman was taken and formed out of the very same substance of man. She is not taken from the head, where she would rule over the man. She is not taken from the foot, so that she can be trampled upon. Nor is she simply cloned in a way to be just like the man. No, in a stroke of Divine wisdom, the woman, this helper, this gift from God is taken from his side. The woman is not a carbon copy or a master or a slave. She is a helper fit for him.

This taking and fashioning also denotes a relationship. The man’s response makes this very clear. This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman’, for she was taken out of man. The woman that the Lord had formed out of man’s very being is to be part and parcel of the man. It is out of this relationship that man’s loneliness is overcome. And it is overcome by placing a counterpart, a compliment, a completion right by his side. We call this blessed gift marriage.

As you observe and attend weddings, our Lord reminds us again that it is not good for man to be alone. So God joined, at his side a helper fit for him. Not just any helper. Not just a convenient helper. No, that helper was fit for him. Fit to stand by his side from that day forward, until death parts them.

But alas, there are those in our world who would tell you that you don’t need that helper. There will be those who tell you that you can go it alone. You do quite well on your own thank you. But the Word of God still rings true. It is not good for the man to be alone. There are also those in our world today that tell us that just any helper will do. It doesn’t have to be that specially created one. In their minds, Adam’s helper could have just as well been Steve instead of Eve. But God’s Word still rings true. “I will make a helper suitable for him.” Man and woman have been created to be complementary parts, not interchangeable parts. We have been specifically and specially designed by God Himself to fill these rolls. To think or practice otherwise is challenged not only by biology and physiology, but also by the clear Word of God! Think about this: Without that suitable helper, without that one flesh relationship, there would be no generations to follow. And without those generations to follow, there would be no Savior born to a virgin named Mary who was also a suitable helper to a man named Joseph. Without that original suitable helper, and without that One Flesh, there would be no manger, no cross, and no empty tomb. In short, there would be no salvation! PAUSE.

Man and woman have been given to one another for a purpose. That purpose is to give glory to God. A Christian man married to a Christian woman, becoming one flesh and raising Christian children is one of the greatest praises the Lord can receive. It is there that this Genesis 2 relationship is repeated. It is there that another generation is taken from their cradle, to the font, from the font to the rail, from the rail to the grave and from the grave to eternity. All of this is carried out by the Christian dad and Christian mom.

This relationship also happens in the Church. God in His Word has assigned the task of Word and Sacrament ministry to the man. For millennia, men have to one degree of faithfulness or another, proclaimed the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. They have baptized and communed. They have ordained and organized. But God’s Word has remained true. It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.

In the Scriptures we meet faithful helpers like Mary and Martha, Priscilla and Phoebe. These faithful women have played the helper role in the progress of the message of salvation. There have been times when it was the women who carried the day for the Gospel. God’s suitable helpers have sustained the church.

On this weekend, we here in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod pause for a moment to thank our Lord God for continuing the practice of providing helpers suitable for the Church. This weekend we thank God for the on-going ministry of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. The LWML is the official auxiliary organization for women in the LCMS. In a way, they are the suitable helper for our church! These women, through their faithful service to the Lord and in the gathering of their Mighty Mites, have been that helper that is suitable for the Church. There are many congregations across this Synod who at times in their existence were sustained by the ministry of these suitable helpers for the church.

And they continue to serve in this capacity even today. This past summer the LWML women in convention committed to collect some $1.8 million dollars in mites, that’s nickels, dimes, quarter and the occasional folding money, to mission projects here in this country and in distant places around the globe. Just think about that! These suitable helper, are God’s gift to the Church, and come from every walk of life, young and old, white and black, red and yellow. While not taking the Gospel directly, are making it possible for the mission of the Church to move forward. They are a perfect complimentary part to the Church. And today, we are thankful to God for them!

You see, the Church, like Adam is not alone. The Lord has created faithful helpers that are most suitable. These helpers are used by God Himself to be the ones who nurture and nourish, support and sustain, work and witness through good times and bad.

It is not good for us to be alone. This is true of Man. It is true of the Church. Man needed a helper not only to compliment his life, but to save him from his sins. And the Lord, Jesus Christ came from heaven to be the helper for mankind. The help that Jesus offered wasn’t in the creation of another being to stand by the man, but by offering His life on the wooden beam of the cross. There on that cross the greatest help that man needed was offered. Because of Christ’s death and glorious resurrection, help came to man—forgiveness of sins, peace, life, salvation, faith and the Holy Spirit. The Lord has indeed been good to both man and the Church. For faithful helpers who bring comfort and consolation and yes, even at times the cross, we hear God’s clear word. It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. And in response, God’s people say. Thanks be to God! AMEN.

Now the peace…

“On Whose Side Are You?” (Mark 9:39-40).

S-1140 9/27/09 17SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #400; (S) #451; L.S. #307; #528; #310 (C) #193

Texts: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50

Theme: “On Whose Side Are You?” (Mark 9:39-40).

Question: “How often do you take sides?”

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: “But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in My name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For the one who is not against us is for us…’” (Mark 9:39-40).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, in the last few months, the fans of the Vikings Football team were waiting eagerly to know what decision Brett Favre will make. Will he make the decision to join the Vikings or will he stay in retirement. Speculations ran wild. One day you heard he is going to sign and the next he decided not too. The fans couldn’t wait. They wanted to know on what side Bret will be. Finally, he made the decision that many of the Viking fans are rejoicing and hoping against all odds that this new quarterback can make a difference and lead them to the Super Bowl.

Today’s text doesn’t speak about Super bowl, or a quarter back, but about life issues. More specifically spiritual issues dealing with on whose side are you? Are you a follower of the Rabbi from Nazareth Jesus the Christ or are you child of the world?

St. Mark today, shares with us the concern that John raises to His Master and Lord. John notices and hears someone who has not been sitting at the Master’s feet now using Jesus’ name to drive out a demon. By the power of Jesus, cleansing took place. John didn’t think that was right, so he tried to stop him. We see this strength of our God in Christ Jesus.  He uses the unnamed man to bring about deliverance, even though he was an outsider, not one of the 12 or even the 70!  Our God has not changed.  He is still that powerful that He can use outsiders like you and me to not just be blessed, but a blessing.  All the glory goes to Him.  Yes, at this point John reacts the way he does because he didn’t think that was the right thing to do, he wasn’t part of the group, he wasn’t part of the disciples; and thus had no right to do what he did.

I don’t know what possessed John to do what he did. Perhaps he wanted to protect Jesus. Perhaps he thought the man needed training. Perhaps he was scared of what was taking place. For whatever reasons, he determined to stop the unnamed person, who was doing good.

John shared what he did with His close companion and Savior, Jesus. “But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in My name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For the one who is not against us is for us…’”

DON’T STOP HIM. If the unnamed person is honoring me let him. If he is exalting my name let him. If he is glorifying my name let him. Don’t be concerned if the unnamed person is part of the group, or belongs to the same church or even the same denomination. Let God be God as He uses people in every area of life to bring forth the Kingdom of God.

We saw the same thing taking place in the O.T. lesson today. Joshua was upset that two men Eldad, and Medad prophesied even when they were not in the camp. But Joshua wanted them to stop because they were not part of the group. The question comes back: “on whose side are you?” – and the answer is clear:  The side chosen by Him who makes all things new!

So often it seems that we take sides. Rather than looking at it from God’s perspective. Rather than seeing the whole picture we determine who should and who shouldn’t be part of the household of faith.

But of more importance is knowing on whose side you are. Are you a follower of Jesus or the world? Are you one who stand up for Christ and speak out against the wrongs the world is carrying out or are you one who says nothing. The sermon hymn for today challenges us to do just that. “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey; forth to the mighty conflict, in this his glorious day. Ye that are brave now serve him against unnumbered foes; let courage rise with danger,   and strength to strength oppose” (LSB 660 v.2).

As followers of Jesus we are called to be bold, brave and daring in our walk of faith; realizing that sometimes we have to take a stand. In the Old Testament there is a book about Ester. She went into the King’s court without being invited with the possibility that she might die if she goes in. None-the-less she still did it. 

We have an Ester in our day and age, a young 17 year old girl from Ohio, by the name of Rifqa Bary. Four years ago, while living in a very devout and radical Muslim home, Rifqa met Jesus in a powerful way as her Savior. She hid her conversion, prayed and read her Bible in secret at night in the bathroom. But then her love for Jesus was discovered.

Rifqa’s father demanded that she renounce Jesus or he would kill her as is commanded by the Koran according to the Shariah law. As a radiant Believer in Jesus she refused to renounce her Lord and fled to Orlando, where she was taken in and cared for by a Christian Church and family. Now she and many who are praying for her are waiting the decision of the court. This young convert has taken a bold stand for Jesus. She is just like Ester. She is bringing honor to the name of the One whom she is bowing the knee to and giving praise to Him. PAUSE.

Beloved in the Lord, the Church must be and ought to be with Christ. Its teaching, its doctrine, and its message ought to reflect that they are Christ’s. Anytime the church takes another stance contrary to Scripture they have chosen to be disobedient to the One who died and rose for her. The Church has been called to be a light to the world, not the other way around. The church has been called to influence the world, not the world to influence the church.

The ELCA church has wondered from the truth. They have denied the inerrancy of Scripture and have chosen to follow the father of lies. We need to pray for our brothers and sisters to wake up and come home to the truth, because it matters on whose side you are—Christ’s or the world’s?

Bret Favre chose to play for the Vikings and the fans are happy. Rifqa Bary has forsaken her father’s religion of submission to Allah and by the Spirit’s power have chosen to bow the knee to the Author of life even at the cost of loosing her own. How about you and me? Are we taking a firm stand to follow the Savior? Are we willing to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? Is our life a reflection of God’s love? Are we bringing honor and glory to the Savior, Jesus? Are we willing to stand on the Word and His promises? Do we reflect the Gospel of Jesus that we are the children of God? Only by the Spirit’s power can we humbly walk with Him and by Him.

But did you know that Jesus have chosen to be part of your life? Did you know that He chose to leave the comfort of heaven and live among us in this sin-polluted and sin-permeated world? Did you know that He was willing to give up all the glory of heaven for the simple joy of carrying the burden of our sins on the cross? Open your eyes faithful followers of Jesus and see that He is by your side strengthening you, supporting you, and sustaining you with His heavenly manna.

Know this, saints of God, Jesus loves you more than life. He determined to be on your side because He wanted you to be part of the team, a team that will stand up to the world and its vises. A team that will represent Him in this world—by forsaking all—including an eye, a hand, a foot for being a child of the King of kings and Lord of lords. That is you dear ones.

In God’s holy house today, you will hear again why God has chosen you to be with Him. As you gather in His house you will drink from the ever flowing spring of water (Baptism), and you will eat from the banquet of delicacies He has prepared for you (the Lord’s Supper). And you will receive the forgiveness of sin He offers you through His Word.

CONCLUSION:

Saints in Christ, today you know that God has chosen you to be on His side. See His blood oozing from the cross; see Him hanging suspended between heaven and earth; see Him crucified in your place; and know as you look at Him, you are seeing Your Savior, whose seal of love surround you and assures you that you will always be with Him not only here on earth, but forever in heaven. Amen.

Now the peace…

“The Heart of a Servant” (Mark 9:33-35).

S-1139 9/20/09 16SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #370; (S) #442; (C) #334

Texts: Jeremiah 11:18-20; James 3:13-4:10; Mark 9:30-37

Theme: “The Heart of a Servant” (Mark 9:33-35).

Question: “Do You Want To Be Great?”

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 they came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, ‘What were you discussing on the way?’ But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And He sat down and called the twelve. And He said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-35).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, it is only a 3 letter word, but what a word—a word that has messed up God’s wonderful creation and our lives. This word has clouded our vision, sealed our hearts and made us enemies of our Holy God. This word has turned the world upside down. So much so that when we look at things, we look at them through that word. What is that word you may ask? SIN. Sin has altered the way we look at things. Sin has changed our outlook on life. Sin has confused our minds, chocked our hearts and complicated our lives.

Sin brought chaos, confusion and confounded our view of things and the world. Because of our sin-infected souls our eyes are blinded, our minds are warped and our hearts are crooked. Because of our sin-infected souls we consider what is right as wrong, and what is wrong as right.

How do you and I view people in our world today? How do we measure success and greatness? We measure them by the material possessions they have, the positions they hold, and the wealth they have accumulated.

Some would say that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time; Wayne Gretzky is the greatest in hockey; Tiger Wood in golf; Brett Favre in football; Abraham Lincoln among presidents; and Bill Gates among entrepreneurs. But who is the greatest among God’s holy people? The verdict is…. PAUSE.

When you and I consider the greatest among us, we provide statistics, and tell legends of our heroes’ achievements. The greatest are those who shine through and rise above all others. But this is not how our Lord Jesus considers greatness. For Jesus who looks at things from God’s perspective, greatness is not measured by fame, fortune or financial stability, but in acts of service to others.

This is precisely what is going on in the Gospel reading today. The discussion that ensued between the disciples is: “Who is the greatest among them?” Jesus used this incident as a teaching moment for His followers. Our Lord makes it very clear that if you want to be great, you need to have a heart for service. To be the greatest in the Kingdom of God is not to have the highest degrees, the most material toys, the most service time, the fullest envelope, or the most prestige in the world, but a heart that desires to serve others.

Jesus doesn’t mince words when He informs His disciples then, and His disciples now saying: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mk. 9:35).

But that is not what you and I consider being great. Greatness in ours mind’s eye is to be up front, the most popular and the most known person. When you and I serve, we want to be noticed. We want others to honor us. We want others to give us credit. Last fall the President and the First Lady went to a soup kitchen to help. Camera’s followed the president and his wife as they were dishing out the soup. I am thankful they served the needy. But would they have served without cameras? How about us? Don’t we like to be noticed? You bet we do. When we take a hot dish to someone and don’t get a thank you note we are offended. When we help others and they don’t acknowledge us we get upset. When we donate to a cause and are not recognized, we are disappointed. We should serve out of the goodness of our hearts, not to receive credit for what we have done. But that is not easy.

Even here, in this congregation our service is lacking. When there is a job to be done we don’t see many people standing in line, rolling their sleeves to serve. We have a challenging time filling in the positions on our council, elders, stewardship, evangelism, Sunday School and the like. Why? Because we don’t have the heart of a servant.

Let me be candid with you. Do you have a servant’s heart or a selfish heart? Are you willing to serve even when no one is watching? Are you willing to die in the service of the Master Jesus Christ? Are you willing to give more than is asked of you? Are you willing to be the faithful servant of the Most High God? I hope so. But on our own it is impossible for us to do so, because of hearts that are dead to Christ, and therefore we don’t serve nor have the heart of a servant. PAUSE.

You may have missed it. But obscured by the financial crisis and the debate over healthcare reform, just recently our nation identified one of our own who had the heart of a servant. Thursday, in a ceremony at the White House, President Obama presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti. Now, Monti wasn’t noted for his prowess at hitting home runs or dunking basketballs. No, Sgt. Monti was decorated with our nation’s highest honor because of the greatness of his sacrifice. In an attempt to retrieve a severely wounded comrade under fierce enemy fire, Sgt. Monti was killed. He was honored as among our nation’s greatest heroes because of what he was willing to do to for others.

Thanks be God for faithful men and women who have a heart of service to serve others. But if you want to know who is a TRUE servant then look at the life of Jesus. Study it in details and you will see that His heart, His hands, and His ministry were all about servant-hood. As a matter of fact He Himself said, “For the Son of Man didn’t come to be served, but to SERVE and give His life as a ransom for many”.

Certainly, Jesus is our clearest and grandest example of greatness. He put up with so much at the hands of jealous religious leaders, insulting crowds of skeptics, and even disciples who should have understood it all, but didn’t. Jesus had the heart of a servant. He was willing to be born in a stable in Bethlehem, to grow up in the home of a poor carpenter, and to remain anonymous for 30 years until it was His Father’s time for Him to begin His ministry. His whole life was spent serving people in every walk of life. In His ultimate rise to greatness, He knelt to wash fishermen’s feet and was led in suffering silence to His own slaughter on the altar of the cross. As the servant reached the pinnacle of greatness, blood streamed into His eyes as He called out for the forgiveness of His executioners.

Indeed, this Rabbi from Galilee is the greatest servant of all time. He is greater than Michael Jordan, Tiger Wood, Wayne Gretzky, Brett Favre, Abraham Lincoln, and Bill Gates. How dare I say that? I will let the Apostle Paul give you the answer: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a SERVANT, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:6-8). Certainly the Savior is the Greatest servant of all.

Conclusion:

Saints in Christ, it is only a 6 letter word, but what a word—a word that has reversed the outcome that took place in the Garden of Eden. This word has opened our eyes, lightened our hearts and made us friends of our Holy God. This word has turned the world rite side up. So much so that when we look at things, we look at them through that word. What is that word you may ask? SAVIOR. Our Savior has altered the way we look at things. Our Savior has changed our outlook on life. Our Savior has opened our minds, filled our hearts with joy and made our lives a most blessed one. And because of that Word we His followers of the 21^st century follow His ways—serving others to the best of our ability; sacrificing our time and personal pursuits to wash the feet of our fellow believers at church and in our homes; and forgiving them, as the Savior has forgiven us.

Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ had the heart of a Servant. He served us not because He had too or needed too, but because He chose to. In Mark’s Gospel chapter 10 we read these words: “For the Son of Man didn’t come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many”. (10:46). and the Good News, He did. Therefore, we thank Him for serving us even today through His Word and Sacrament. Amen.

Now the peace…

12 ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIKE FOR LIFE RIDE

This year, will be the 12^th anniversary for Bike For Life.  This is done to save unborn babies.  The funds that are raised will be used to continue the upkeep of the Ultra Sound Machine at the Alpha Center in Sioux Fall and to help LFL in educating and informing people about life issues from before birth to end-of-life issues.  The date is September 26^th.

My challenge for SD this year is that we would surpass the amount raised last year.  Last year we raised over $14, 500.00.  May the Lord bless our efforts once again.  For your information about this worthy cause; ever since LFL placed the Ultra Sound Machine at the Alpha Center in 1998, we know for a fact that over a 1500 babies have been saved. S. D. G. TO GOD ALONE BE ALL THE GLORY.

I invite everyone to join us in this worthy cause. If you would like to ride, the ride begins at Armour, and we leave at 7:00 a.m. All along we have different places where we stop for refreshments and rest. If you can’t ride the whole 100 miles, you may ride a portion of the journey. If you can’t either ride or donate money, please keep us in your prayers for safe travel and a good weather.

If you would like to pledge any amount of money. Please makes checks out to:

South Eastern, South Dakota Lutherans For Life or SESDLFL ear mark the check for Bike-A-Thon.

C/O Redeemer Lutheran Church

P. O. Box 158

Armour, SD 57313-0158

“Ephphatha!” (Mark 7:33-34)

S-1137 9/06/09 14SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #5; (S) #39; (C)#45

Texts: Isaiah 35:4-7a; James 2:1-10, 14-18; Mark 7:31-37

Theme: “Ephphatha!” (Mark 7:33-34)

Question: “Have You been Amazed 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 Gospel lesson: “And [Jesus] taking him aside from the crowd privately, He put His fingers into His ears, and after spitting touched His tongue. And looking up to heaven, He sighed and said to Him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened’” (Mark 7:33-34).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, in a book titled “1001 Arabian Nights” is a story about Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. The story revolves around a poor man who comes across the hideout of 40 thieves. While chopping wood in the forest Ali Baba heard their horses approaching and hid in a tree. Right below him was their hideout place where they have been storing loot. He heard them say, “Open Sesame!” With that the cave door opened and the thieves entered. All the while Ali Baba was watching and listening to all that was taking place. Finally, when the thieves left, Ali came down from the tree and spoke the secret words “Open Sesame!” and the cave opened up and he helped himself to some of the stolen treasure.

Of course this is nothing but a fable. But today, St. Mark tells us another story. This story is not from 1001 Arabian Nights but from the personal experience of the Heaven-sent Savior who walked the dusty roads of Palestine. This is not a fable but fact. This is not just a story, but a salvation story dealing with a real human being who has suffered due to a hearing and speech impediment.

Mark’s astonishing account tells us of some caring friends who bring one of their own to our ever-caring and compassionate Lord Jesus and who in turns heals the man who was deaf and slow of speech.

Listen to how Mark describes the events of this opening that took place in the Northern part of Palestine:“ And [Jesus] taking him aside from the crowd privately, He put His fingers into His ears, and after spitting touched His tongue. And looking up to heaven, He sighed and said to Him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened’”.

Jesus did so away from the crowd, personally, privately, and completely. He touched the man, lifted His eyes heaven-ward and sighed and said, ‘Ephphatha!’ And immediately the man’s tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

“Ephphatha!” is the Word spoken by the Rabbi from Nazareth. That word opened a whole new life to the deaf and mute man. “Ephphatha!” was spoken that day and all who witnessed the event were amazed at what took place. They should have been amazed, for they were witnessing the Messianic age spoken by the prophet Isaiah which is our reading of the Old Testament today: Here is how Isaiah tells it: “Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, Your God will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’ T[HEN] the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy” (Isaiah 35:4-6).

Did you get it? That is what was promised by God to His chosen people. The promise was a day is coming when the Messiah will arrive on the scene, and when He does, He will usher a new age—eyes will be opened, ears and tongues loosed, lame people will walk and the dead will rise again. But they didn’t get it.

The crowd that day was absolutely blown over by Jesus. The poor man had never heard a sound since birth. He spoke with difficulty, but Jesus took him aside and healed him. Pretty impressive, all right. The man was healed through remarkable means. First, Jesus put His fingers in the man’s ears; then Jesus spit and touched the man’s tongue. Finally, Jesus spoke a word: “Ephphatha!” The crowd saw what Jesus did, but they didn’t see who Jesus was. They saw the gestures, but didn’t get the message: God had come down to planet earth in human flesh, and He has come to save.

They stood there with mouths wide open, eyes gawking, and tongue-tied because they didn’t know what was going on. Even though they were amazed and said, “He did everything well” they still didn’t get it. Even Jesus’ cousin John didn’t get it. When John was in prison he sent a delegation of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah: Matthew tells it this way: “Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them’” (Matthew 11:2-5).

Jesus was saying to the crowd, to John the Baptizer and to us, that He is the One. He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy. He is the One sent from heaven to heal the sick, raise the dead and save them from eternal damnation. He is the One who is caring and compassionate towards His people. He is the One who shows mercy to one and all; those who are brought by friends and those who come to Him alone and seek His help.

“Ephphatha!” What a fitting watchword for Christians. God’s care and concern are so totally focused on us. Touched by the personal healing of Christ in our souls, freed from eternal death, blessed according to our most detailed, intimate, and specific needs, how can our response be anything other than praise, adoration, thanksgiving and telling forth what great things God has done for us? PAUSE.

But we, too, are just like the crowd, the disciples and John the Baptizer. We DON’T GET IT EITHER. We think that God shows mercy to those who deserve it or those who follow Him. We think if we are good enough then God will have compassion and mercy on us. But that is not the case.

Beloved in the Lord, so often we, too, live as though it’s all up to us to handle the hassles and burdens of life all on our own. But Jesus teaches us otherwise—“I Am with YOU always!” But our ears are deaf to His promise. So often we live as though we have been abandoned, salving our pain and loneliness with self-pity. “Take heart,” Jesus comforts us. “Your sins are forgiven.” But so often we lug around the burden of guilt we’ve accumulated over the years, our private, ugly collection of it, which the devil uses to undermine our hope and drive us to despair.

“Ephphatha!” “Be Opened!” Jesus says to us today as well. For we have ears that so often fail to hear the message He addresses to us. We have eyes that so often fail to see the power of Jesus revealed in His Word and Sacraments. Jesus still uses remarkable means for healing. The water of Holy Baptism to open our blind eyes, our deaf ears and our dead hearts; He uses the bread and wine of the Holy Supper as the very vehicle of Christ’s full and complete forgiveness. Together with the preaching of the Gospel, these sacraments extend the power of Jesus to apply all that He has earned for us in another place and time to us right here and now.

Today, dear saints in Christ Jesus speaks to us a very special Word “Ephphatha!” “Be Opened!” He endured the cross and grave so that He could speak that Word. And He gives us ears to hear His Holy Word and hearts to believe His promise. He gives us tongue to speak in witness to His loving-kindness and He gives us hearts to care for those friends who are hurting not only from physical ailments, but from not knowing the Savior’s love that took Him to the cross for their sins.

What a caring and compassionate Savior we have. What a blessed opportunity Christ gives us on this blessed and beautiful day to be in His house of worship to hear Him anew say to each of us, “Ephphatha!” “Be Opened!” and by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel ears are suddenly open to hear again. He loosens our tongues and opens our lips to sing His praise and tell of the great and glorious events of our Savior who brought us out of darkness and silence into His marvelous light.

Ali Baba had a simple word open the door to treasures untold in a mere fable. But we have had a simple word, the Word of God in the Flesh Jesus Christ open the door to an incomprehensible treasure. When Jesus speaks to us, we have our own Ephphtha moment. The Gospel opens our ears and loosens our tongue. Our treasure is that of forgiveness of sin and life eternal. And, with loosened tongue, it is a treasure that we freely share. Ali Baba’s words are “Open Sesame!” and a cave opened. Jesus’ word, “Ephphatha”, is more than a cave opening, but a grave. But that is not all. It also opens hearts, eyes, ears and mouths and of course heaven itself. Amen.

Now the peace of God...

“Prepare for Battle” (v. 10-11, 18)

S-1136 8/30/09 12SAP/3B Hymns: (O) #660; (S) #662; L. S.#666; #656; #665; (C)#671

Texts Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Ephesians 6:10-20; Mark 7:14-23

Theme: “Prepare for Battle” (v. 10-11, 18)

Question: “What are you battling now?”

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: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil... praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” (v. 10-11, 18).

Introduction

Saints in Christ, I don’t know if you have ever been in a battle or prepared for one.  Ask our Veterans and they will tell what it takes to prepare for a battle. There are many things to do and complete before you go to war.

I remember well as a child, the many hours and drills we had when I was in school in the Old country. In 1966, I was only 11 years old and in the 4th grade. For a whole year, Israel was preparing for war against Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. At home and in school we prepared for the upcoming battle. In school, the children took construction paper and painted them black. Taped those papers to the windows, and crisscrossed the windows with masking tape; and moved everything away from doors and windows. Tunnels were dug throughout the school so that we could escape to the bomb shelters. We would practice and prepare for the battle as if it was real. At an unknown hour in the day, the sirens would blow and we only had 3 minutes to empty the classroom. The teacher would shut the light off and at her command all 40 of us children would get on our knees, begin to crawl as fast as possible through tunnels and hide in the bomb shelters. It was frightening to do, but something that we needed. We practiced because war was imminent. 

Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit tells us today, that we need to prepare for battle. Not for bombs and bullets, not for laser guided missiles or IED’S (Improvised Explosive Devices); “but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (v.12b). In other word, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the devil and his demonic forces. And the only way to be prepared for battle is to have the weapon that can destroy, demolish and devastate the enemy. This weapon is not man’s power or might, not planes or tanks and not even nuclear bomb, but the living Word of God.

It is the Word of the Living God that will destroy, demolish and devastate the enemy. Our only offensive weapon is the Word of God, the written Word of the Holy prophets and apostles. Our solid weapon is the 6 arsenal garments Paul highlights for us to wear and use against the enemy of our soul. Our only true weapon of defense against all the cunning attacks of the wicked one, remains faith and salvation by grace in Christ Jesus alone. Anyone of us who hold to this gift of faith and firmly hold to the Word of God will fight the battle even if all devils, the entire world, and his own flesh rage against him.

Our good Dr. Martin Luther got it right when he wrote in the great battle hymn of the Reformation (which is one of hymns for today) “though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us, We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not over power us. This world’s prince may still Scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none, He’s judged the deed is done; one little Word can fell him.” Here is the absolute truth. If you want to be prepared for the battle, know the Word, study the Word, cling to the Word, and live by the Word. It is the LIVING WORD THAT WILL DEFELECT, DIVERT AND DETER our enemy from overcoming us. PAUSE.

But what do we do? More often than not, we attempt to fight the enemy on his own terms. We think we are mighty; we can handle it on our own. We think if we tighten our belts, if we pull our boot we can defeat the enemy. YOU CAN’T. If you enter the camp of the enemy know that he will chew you and spit you out like nothing. On your own it is impossible to fight and win. By your might, strength, or wisdom you will be defeated. But all is not lost. Our situation is far from hopeless! We have the answer. It is God’s mighty, moving, marching Word. It needs to be part and parcel of who we are.

We who live in the Midwest know the wisdom that has been given us through the ages, by grandparents, loving parents and caring weather forecasters. When the storms of winter come and the howling wind and wind-chill blow on the plains; they tell us to prepare for it. Dress warmly. Make sure you cover every part of your body before your leave the house. And if you have to travel make sure that you have enough gas, cell phone and a survival kit.

Paul gave that advice first to the Ephesians. He told them to prepare for battle by taking the 6 arsenal weapons to defeat the demonic forces that will rage and roar and rant against us. A well equipped warrior will take these 6 arsenal weapons and put them to a good use. 1. He has to gird himself with a belt so his long garments do not hinder his movement. 2. He has to guard his chest with a breastplate. 3. He has to put on iron-clasped boots as to cover his feet. 4. He has to protect his body with a shield and 5, his head with a helmet. And finally 6, he must take with him the sword of the Spirit to attack.

These are your arsenal weapons ye soldiers of the cross. Prepare for battle by dressing up by the garments that Christ Himself has provided for us. For when we do, we are guaranteed the victory. A victory that He has already won for us when He fought the ultimate fight for our souls. PAUSE.

Beloved in the Lord, just like us who are the redeemed of the Lord; Jesus, too, prepared for battle in the Garden of Gethsemane. Come close with me please (motion to one corner of the Sanctuary) and notice what the Commander in Chief is doing. Do you see Him? Do you hear Him? Have you noticed Him? Take a closer look please. There He is on His knees in prayer with the Father. He knew the battle was coming, coming so close that you could hear the whispers of the tempter in His ears as the battle lines that would lead to the cross are being drawn. His preparations are so fervent that He even sweats blood. But the greatest battle of all time would take the greatest preparation and effort.

And on the cross, Jesus has won the day. His prayerful preparations in the Garden led to the tremendous victory at the cross. The most brutal fighting of the campaign is done. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of Lord’s have spilled His blood on the battlefield and the victory is assured.

However, there are still the mop up operations that must happen. Until our Lord comes again, we too will daily struggle with the demonic insurgency called the devil that is allied with our own sinful self and the world’s desires. We will do battle every day as the new creation in us seeks to be filled with God’s Word and life. And where are we called to prepare for battle? Is it not in the same location as our fearless General and Leader Jesus? Was He not in prayer before battle? This is where the Lord would lead us as well. For on our knees before the Good and Gracious Lord will we find the work and will to fight the fight that each day calls us to. PAUSE.

Study the text again and you would clearly see the image that Pastor Paul shares with us today:  He paints this formidable soldier ready for battle. Dressed with the proper attire with helmet, boots, sword, shield and belt, but the one thing that is exposed are the knees. Why you might ask? Because that is how we can bend the knees in prayers before the Almighty General and Chief Commander Jesus.

We are to pray (a) at all times.  We are not to take a vacation from prayer.  To cut off our prayers is to cut off much of our strength like Samson did.  We are to pray for (b) fellow soldiers.  Paul urges supplications for all the saints.  There is to be no jealousy or competition within the ranks of God’s people, but encouraging one another.  And so we continually intercede for those soldiers around us. And we find that we can be very open and honest with our heavenly Father, and so we can pray (c) with specific requests.  Paul asks the Ephesians to pray that he may declare the Word of God fearlessly.

Soldiers of the cross, are you ready for battle? First class private have you wore the battle armor today? If not please do so. By the mighty Spirit of God wear them as a soldier prepares for battle; as a police officer wears a bullet proof vest. Putting on a bullet proof indicate you are vulnerable. You can’t do it on your own. You need the protection of the Armor of God. There is only one weak spot for a bullet proof vest—that is the back. Only the back is lacking a spiritual armor “part”, so God’s response to us, DON’T WORRY, I got our back!

Join me in thanking the Commander in Chief our Great General who gave us His arsenal to be prepared for battle. Amen.

Now the peace…