"My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation”

S‑1091 12/28/2008 FSAC/3B Hymns: (O)#139; (S)#138; L.S. #76; #136; #105; (C)#70

Texts: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Theme: “My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation” (Luke 2:29-31)

Question: “Have you had one of those days?”

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “he [Simeon] took him [Jesus] up in his arms and blessed God and said, ‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.’” (Luke 2:28-32).

Saints in Christ, One of the greatest disservices that our generation has suffered at the hands of modern education is a growing lack of teaching of our history. With the advent of instant potatoes, instant milk, instant coffee, and instant messaging, anything that takes time or has a sense of historical importance is seen as archaic and useless.

The problem with this is we don’t have an appreciation of where we have been and what we have endured. When we don’t know our history, we are not able to keep perspective in the face of our current economic setting. There are some of you who lived through a REAL depression. Combat veterans have seen first hand what our current soldiers and Marines are facing right now. The longer you are around, the more you get to see. The more you see, the more wisdom can be imparted to the following generations. The book of Proverbs even addresses it in this manner: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life” (Pro. 16:31).

Many of you know Erwin (Erv) Knodel. He is approaching the century mark. Let’s put that in perspective. In his lifetime the church building you are now sitting in was new; actually he helped build it. He saw the train operate in town and many other businesses that have come and gone. When he was a young man no one had ever heard of a World War. Now we have had two. Cars were a novelty. Airplanes were just starting courtesy of a couple of bicycle mechanics in North Carolina. They didn’t know what an antibiotic was. Surgery was only marginally better than butchering. Electricity, radio, television, telephone, running water, indoor plumbing…all of these either made their debut or became common place in his life. If you have never had a chance to visit with him, you are missing the wisdom he has to offer and the perspective on life that few of us will EVER have.

In these words from St. Luke that serve as our sermon text for this service, we see two people who have a great deal of perspective on life. This is not only on life in this world but also life under the watchful eyes and care of the Almighty God. Both Simeon and Anna had by the grace of God lived long lives. Simeon, according to the Scripture was one who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Imagine living long enough to see the fulfillment of God’s greatest promise! What mercy, what grace that is? But this is exactly what Simeon was blessed by God to see. All those years that had passed. All the struggles in his life as a child of Yahweh were real. All the turmoil in the world in his lifetime was all too real as well. Think of all of his loved ones that tasted death while he lived on.

On that special day of purification when the Holy Spirit caused Simeon to head to the temple, I wonder if he even knew what would take place. To wake up to the morning prayers and sacrifices he would not have known any different. That is until he laid eyes upon a sight that he had longed to see. And what did he see? A young couple bringing their first child to the Temple of the Lord, to complete the requirement of the Law for Him. Hey saw a nervous father, a young mother holding near her chest a little tiny baby. How many babies do you think they had seen? Dozens? Hundreds? At the Temple it may have been thousands! But this One…this One was different than all the rest!

Simeon saw with his own eyes the long promised salvation. He saw what he had been waiting for according to the promise of God. There in the arms of the young woman he saw a baby named Jesus. In that baby he came to know that He who was about to be redeemed under the old Covenant had come to redeem him! Yahweh kept a promise. Not only to Simeon and Anna, but to all people of all time. This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. God’s people and God’s city would be redeemed in this little life that he is looking at with his own eyes and holding in his hands and heart.

Can you imagine seeing, hearing and touching the greatest promise of God? Can you imagine Simeon’s feelings that day as he held the Savior in His arms? Aged Simeon was holding God in human flesh. He was embracing forgiveness in person. He was cradling the answer to all his hopes, fears and dreams. Can you imagine the thoughts, feelings and the emotions as He looked at God’s awaited fulfillment? Maybe there was a new vigor in his step, a smile on his face and joy in his heart.

What would be like to see, touch, and hold the Savior in our Arms? What emotions would we go through if we were privileged like aged Simeon and Anna! What would it be like to hear Him, to see Him, to hold Him! Wouldn’t it be great if we could?

WE DO! By the grace of God we get to see the very same salvation that Simeon held in His arms that day in the Temple. The same Savior that Anna told the people about is beheld by us right here in this place week in and week out. Our Lord has promised to show Himself to us. In the Means of Grace, God’s Word and Sacraments, with our own eyes see the salvation of God. For in these all powerful Means we SEE what God says to us. In them, God is simply keeping another promise not only for Simeon and Anna, but us also.

This is why we sing what we sing in the liturgy after the Lord’s Supper every week saying: “Lord, now lettest Thou They servant depart in peace according to Thy word, For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation: Which Thou has prepared before the face of all people, a Light to lighten the Gentiles and the Glory of They people Israel” (Nunc Dimittis p. 29 TLH). The words we sing are words of thanksgiving and praise as we depart in God’s peace. We have peace with God because it was in Christ, the child of Bethlehem, who made it possible. He makes it by making a sacrifice. On that day when He was brought up to the temple, two birds redeemed the Son of Israel from the Law. But 33 years later, that same redeemed boy sung of by Simeon would offer His own flesh and blood as the greatest and final sacrifice not to far from the place where these words were spoken. That little boy of Bethlehem would offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world on Calvary’s hill.

33 years before, two turtle doves paid the price to redeem this little bundle of joy of the nervous father and the young mother. But on a hill outside the city of Jerusalem, this little boy who became a young man offers Himself as the greatest and grandest sacrifice for his nervous father, and young mother and all the worlds’ sins.

The Prince of Peace and Life gave up His life to give us life that will never end. Behind the crib lay the cross. Behind the cross was the answer to life’s solutions—death is done away with and heaven’s gate are open wide. Simeon is not afraid to die and end his ministry here, because he is about to enter into the heavenly choir that will sing the hymns of praise and thanksgiving forever before the Lamb of God.

Erv Knodel has much wisdom to convey to us. He has seen much in his life-time. But think of the wisdom aged Simeon shares with us in the words of our text. “My Eyes have seen Your salvation”. Is there anything more precious than to be in the Temple of the Lord and dine and feed at His table? Is there anything more precious than the God of all grace, gracing us with His life-giving body and blood? Is there anything more blessed than being a guest—an honored guest in the presence of the One who Redeemed us than being with Him even now?

Brothers and sisters in Christ Aged Simeon waited and watched for the coming of the Savior. We celebrate and praise Him for coming into our lives even now. For we too, by the grace of God have feasted at His table, received His forgiveness and have seen with our eyes God salvation. And like Simeon of old we say “Lord, lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation” Amen and Amen.

Now the peace…

“Come Closer and See!” (Luke 2:15).

S‑1090 12/25/2008 CD/3B Hymns: (O)#87; #102, #109; #647; #95; (C)94

Texts: Isaiah 9:2-7; Hebrews 1:1-9; John 1:1-14

Theme: “Come Closer and See!” (Luke 2:15).

Question: “Have you seen the baby lately?”

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Merry Christmas faithful followers of the Savior, the text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us’” (Luke 2:15).

Saints in Christ, the movie “The Note” is a story about a Newspaper columnist Peyton MacGruder who after a tragic plane crash, discovers a note that had washed up ashore. She believes that the note was meant for a child of one of the passengers. She begins a search of the note’s intended receiver. All along she discovers that the Note touches the lives of all who read it and gives them a second chance at life.

“The Note” shows how dramatically life can change in a spilt second...the need to make a connection and reach out to someone you care about. How often in my years of ministry have I heard a grief-stricken soul lament like this saying, “If only we had a chance for those final goodbyes, to offer words of reconciliation, to say I am sorry, I love you or share regret”. It is a heartwarming film because it deals with personal loss, broken families, past mistakes, and most importantly forgiveness and love.

Of course “The Note” was a movie written for Hallmark’s TV program with the desire that many people would buy their products.

Unlike the movie writer and director who wrote and produced this imaginary story, Luke our author speaks of another note. Not one written by Hollywood’s very own, but the God of heaven and earth. And in this note we hear a greater story of love, of forgiveness and grace. This note was not discovered by a journalist in North Carolina on the shores after a tragic plane crash, nor was it produced by man on earth. But, it was written down for us in God’s Holy Word as it was revealed by the Holy Spirit to the lowly Shepherds in Bethlehem.

On the night of Christ’s birth, the angels announced to the Shepherds the Good News that the Savior has been born. That night the angels gave a note to the shepherds. This note has changed their lives, ours and the whole world.

This is what the note stated: ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us’”. Having received the message from the angels the shepherds left their flocks and went to see the new born Savior. What a night it must have been for these shepherds to look closely at their King and Lord who came to bring about God’s love, God’s peace and God’s forgiveness. PAUSE.

Perhaps by now you have opened your gift[s] (the one that special person spent hours looking for). You really like your gift[s]. After all this is what you were hoping for. Now you want to show it to others—your friends, family and coworker. You want them to get a closer look at it and appreciate it as much as you do.

Today, the angels invite you to come closer and see. Don’t just look but see what is laying there the God-Man in the manger wrapped in swaddling cloths for you. Do as the Shepherds did. They left everything they had—the sheep, the tents, the food, and in haste they went to see this wonderful news. Come, then, closer and take a look and see with eyes of faith the Savior born for you and me.

This day, by the grace of God we first see Yeshua, the salvation of the Lord; the Word made flesh, in a manger, a feed box in Bethlehem, the House of Bread. Therefore, come closer and see. See what God has for you. See the Good News of the promise in Genesis. See Him in His humility who lays in the straw for you. See Him as you have never seen Him before the God-man who comes to reconcile you and renew your broken relationship with your heavenly Father. See Him as the One who brings God’s peace and promise, faith and forgiveness, life and liberty.

Come closer and look. Don’t just look at the wrappings on the outside, but look into the heart of God as He lies in the barn. Come closer and look. Don’t look at the glitter and gifts wrapped with beautiful bows, but look at the Grace of God in human flesh. Come closer and look. Don’t just look at the light that adorns the houses, streets, and city stores, but see the Light of Christ shining in the dark world of ours.

And as you look closer, see that this is the most beautiful note you will ever receive. It is the greatest gift you will ever get. It is the grandest story you will ever hear. It is the most glorious event ever recorded. For in this little package we see a marvel of marvels; we see heaven opened, and love poured out on humanity. Come closer and see God sending His Son, to be the ultimate sin-bearer; sin-forgiver; and sin-healer. Come closer and see a heart that touches yours in ways that you will never understand. PAUSE.

May I ask you a question? Do you remember what you got last year for Christmas? How about the year before that? And the year before that? I am sad to say that I don’t remember many of these gifts or the notes that came with them.

But this note that we are getting today from the angels and the Shepherds is one that will last forever—because it comes from the heart of God Himself to you. Come closer and you will see that this gift has not been forgotten. It has not been packed and stored although some do; but is alive and well even today. This note and gift from God has lasted for a long time. Mary had it. The shepherd had it. Our parents had it. Our grandparents have it and now we are privileged to share it with our children and grandchildren.

That is why we need to come closer and see this thing which has been told us by the angels. For when we do, we see this Babe doing the impossible—giving up His life for ours. When we come closer we can actually hear Him say, a word of grace and peace. When we come closer we can hear His labored breathing, His blood running down His cheeks, the holes in His hands and feet and side; and the crown of thorns on His head. When we come closer we see the Savior dying for us—for me and you.

Come closer and see what God has revealed—His love, His peace and His forgiveness in the manger. Come closer and see the power of this note that has been conveyed to us by Luke from the lips of the shepherds, who got it from the angels.

The Note movie is a message of forgiveness and it has not lost its power. It is a message of second chance of broken hearts and homes and a message of reconciliation. In the movie the journalist Peyton MacGruder spoke how this note gives everyone a second chance at life, to correct past mistakes. But she never believed that the message applies to her until the final scene of the movie.

When the note was finally revealed to its recipient it had these words written on it. “To T, All is forgiven. Love Dad.”

As you come closer and look into the manger today, you will see a note. Not imaginary but real, with a true message from God our Father who says to all of us: ALL IS FORGIVEN. LOVE DAD.

Yes, the Father in heaven loved us enough to give us something that we can look closely at till the end of our days. I pray that we continue to come closer and look—look at the heave-sent messenger and Savior Jesus Christ.

Merry CHRISTmas to one and all. Amen.

“This Baby is For You!” (Luke 2:12).

S‑1089 12/24/2008 CE/3B Hymns: (O)#102, Away in a Manger #94; #87; #647; #95; #646

Texts: Micah 5:2-4; Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:6-7; 1Timothy 1:15-17; Isaiah 60:1-3; Matthew 1:18-23

Theme: “This Baby is For You!” (Luke 2:12).

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “Have you seen the baby lately?” (first mention in a sermon of my grandson Brody)

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you faithful followers of the Savior; the text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12).

Saints in Christ, look at any baby, and there will be a smile on your face. As soon as we behold a baby we want to come closer to them. They make us feel so good and joyful. Babies do that for you. Babies are so tender and precious. Babies are a miracle of God

But a greater smile is on your lips and in your heart when that baby is yours. Ask any grandparent here what their grandchild[ren] does for them and they will tell you he/she put lots of joy into their hearts. 10 days ago, our oldest son Tony called us @ 3:19 a.m. saying, “Ba” (that is short for Baba, father in Arabic), you have become a grandfather. That little phone in the middle of the night didn’t disturb me, didn’t bother me, and didn’t irritate me. On the contrary, I found myself smiling and whispering to my wife, we are grandparents. There was a big smile on my face to know that I have a grandson. My own grandson and I couldn’t wait to see him. Brody Roy Nour came to live among us and grow under the watchful eyes of loving parents.

The next morning my wife and I packed our bags and drove to Denver to see the early Christmas GIFT that the Lord has given us through my son Tony and his wife Brenda. Even though the trip was long, it seemed short. Even though we were tired we felt energized. Even though we didn’t get much sleep, we felt vibrant all because of a little baby; a grandson who has come to the family by the grace of God.

As we walked into the hospital room there he was. How cute he was. How lovely he was. How adorable he was (of course, I am biased, but he really is all of that). As I looked at my grandson I had the biggest smile. I looked intently at him, held him in my hands and pulled him near to my heart and my voice went heaven-ward in prayer to the God of all grace who has bestowed such a lovely gift—a wonderful baby in our family.

Isn’t amazing how God works with His divine wisdom to bring such a gift to the world. What love is this that moves God to bring about human beings in such a way? What a miracle God packs into each of these little tiny babies. Look at the children around you now and you will agree, they put a big smile on your face.

Tonight, Luke invites you to peer deeply into the manger and behold with your own eyes a little baby wrapped in swaddling cloths. Look intently and you will see that this is not just a baby who was born long ago to Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem but He is born for YOU. This baby is Your Savior and Lord. This baby is the One who has changed History. This baby is the One who has come from heaven for you. This baby is the One who came as light to those who were living in darkness.

Look around at the manger and you will come to the knowledge of the truth that there is no baby like Him in the whole world. Ordained to be born into the world before the foundation of the world. He was the Promised Seed who will deliver man. He was born without sin so that He might take the sin of all of humanity on His shoulders. And He would do it differently than all other babies. All babies die for their own sin. But Mary’s baby would die for our sins and the world’s.

Why is He such a wonderful baby for you? Because His name fits Him well. The angel Gabriel told Joseph saying: “She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21). This baby Jesus born in Bethlehem is the Savior of the world. The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah gave Him this name “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14).

The baby that is for you is the Savior, the Promised Messiah of long ago, the God who comes to dwell with us and in us. Even Jeremiah speaks of God’s great promise for you, saying: “I will be their God” (Jer. 31:33). He who promised to come, doesn’t come with pomp, or power or might, but in humility of a little tiny baby. There on the straw of the manger we see eternity unfold in flesh and blood. Look deeply and you will see eternity squeezed into time and space. Behold the baby for you and you will see the infinite packed into history.

Why is this baby so special? Because He chooses to leave the majesty and glory of heaven and come down to earth; and live among sinful people like you and me. Because He is the God who chose to be with us for us, and in us. This baby that we are worshipping tonight is the greatest package that we will unwrap and wonder about for years to come.

(With each phrase of that baby raise up the voice louder and louder. Point to the Crèche)

That baby in the manger, who scarcely can lift His head, is the Almighty God who holds the whole world together in the palm of His hands. That baby in the manger, who is rocked in His mother’s arms, is the One who Rules heaven and earth with His gracious hands. That baby in the manger, who is nursing on His mother’s breast, is the One who gives every living creature what it needs with His open hands. That baby in the manger, who depends on His mother and step father for protection, is the One who protects us by His outstretched and pierced hands.

What kind of baby is He? He is the baby who gives us joy because He came; who gives us love because He died; and who gives us hope because He lives. This is no ordinary baby, but the living Son of God who came for you. This baby is for you, and you and you.

When my grandson Brody was born, my wife and I drove 600 miles to see that little bundle of joy. Yes, my grandson is cute. My grandson is handsome. My grandson has put a big smile on our lips and in our hearts. But Brody pales in comparison to the Baby in the manger. The baby in the manger is the One who changes all of our hearts and we would want to come to Him at the manger to worship, and adore Him. We want to kneel at His manger bed and see our Immanuel.

This baby came for me a sinner. Even though I didn’t desire Him, He came for me and you. He came to save me with such love, that this baby traded the wood of the cradle to the wood of the cross. He loved me so much that He was willing to thirst, and hunger on the cross for me. He was willing to endure the suffering and shame for me. He was willing to be accused falsely in behalf. He was willing to die for me. He was willing to be forsaken so that I may never oh never be forsaken by God. PAUSE.

A Christian song writer Mark Lowry, wrote a lovely song called Mary Did You Know? Some of you may know it or you may have heard it. Here are the lyric of this song. Better yet let Mark say it in his own words.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

Mary came to know this truth by the power of the Holy Spirit and so have we. You know that baby is for you. Won’t you join me at the foot of the manger bed and thank God for this baby who has come for you. Amen.

Now the peace of God…

Not your desire, but MY Will!”

S‑1088 12/21/2008 4SMIA/3B Hymns: (O)#102, #76; #66; #647; #103; #127; (C)87

Texts: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Theme: “Not your desire, but MY Will!” 2 Sam. 7:5,11b, 16

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA. Children’s Christmas Program

Question: “What is your intention?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the O. T. lesson: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?’…Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house… And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before Me. Your throne shall be established forever’” (2 Sam. 7:5,11b, 16).

Saints in Christ, the road to heaven is paved with good intentions. We desire to do what is right. That is why so many of us make resolutions during the New Year saying, “I will make every effort to come to church more often. I will attempt to give more to the Lord and His work. I will do my best to be a better husband/father/grandfather, wife/mother/grandmother. I will read more, watch less TV, and exercise more in the coming year. But we all know that even with our best intentions we don’t carry them out. Though we certainly want too, some how we get distracted.

Unlike us, David in our reading today, had a sincere desire to build a house for the Lord. He wanted all of the Israelites to come and worship the Only True God. He wanted a place specifically where the people of God can bring their petitions and prayers to the throne of Grace. He even said, “I have my own house, shouldn’t God have one too?”

But God wouldn’t permit David to build Him a house. Instead God said to David His servant, “David, you will not build me a house, but I will make you one.” Notice the play on words by our author. David wanted to build “bana” a house. But God wanted to make “asa” a house. David wanted to build a house using materials of wood, stone and metal. But God wouldn’t use anything like this except His loving hands to make this house for David.

God in His divine wisdom wasn’t speaking of a physical building but a dynasty. God the architect of the universe who set the stars, moon and the sun in its place would be the Maker of this house who’s Kingdom and throne will be established forever.

It wouldn’t be David who will build the house, but a distant Son of David who would make this a reality. During this time of the year as we are observing Advent and preparing for Christmas that we see clearly God’s plans unfold in sending the Son of David, Jesus our Savior to come to earth to establish this Kingdom and dynasty that will have no end.

What is beautiful about this text is that it demonstrates that this house that God will make is not one that is according to the will or desire of man, but according to God’s plan. This house will not be built by a military man; leading a revolution against the Romans. But a humble man who comes to bring peace and unity so that all people who believe in Him might be part of the family of God. PAUSE

Through the prophet Micah we read these words: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me
One who is to be Ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Therefore He shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of His brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they shall dwell secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth. And He shall be their peace” (Micah 5:2-5).

In Bethlehem the architect of the universe begins His work of making this house a reality. It is in Bethlehem that the Savior was born. Remember that when the wise men came to Herod, they asked, “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?” Herod asked the Jewish leaders and they told him “in Bethlehem of Judah.”

Bethlehem, the place of David’s birth means “the house of bread”. And the Savior of the world, David’s greater Son was born there to make this house of bread last forever. His dynasty and His kingdom will never end. The making of this house was begun in the manger with the birth of the Christ Child, and ended with His death on Calvary’s cross. On the third day, the Savior, Jesus Christ rose victorious from the grave to establish once and for all the house of David that will endure to eternity.

This house has been made, not by human hands, but by the pierced hands of the babe of Bethlehem. He has established it in our hearts by the working of the Holy Spirit, and continues to strengthen this house as He nurtures and feeds it often with His body and blood.

Yet, we sometimes try to let our will take over. We don’t like it when we have a plan, or a desire that doesn’t get fulfilled. We complain to God. We question God and His wisdom. Or we don’t like the events that surround our lives and want to do something that fits us better. PAUSE.

This past week, I got a letter from a friend of mine that brought me to tears. Here is why: “…What really frustrates me and breaks my heart is that I know the enemy is behind all this and we are just the weak pawns bending to his desires to destroy ministry and stop reaching the lost with the Gospel. I just don’t have it in me anymore to stay in the battle and I need some real rest from all of this warfare. Even though there are a few who are aware of my situation and praying for me, even offering whatever help they could, I still feel so isolated and alone – I don’t know how to get real help, I don’t know where to turn for a truly positive solution to this problem.

I really don’t want to throw in the towel,… but this can’t be all of what God intended when He called me to the mission field, can it? Maybe my leadership is correct and I am just not cut out to be a missionary. Lord knows, I want to be, but I can only do so much. Maybe it is just a “bad match”? I have lost the desire to fight and I can’t keep up this pace of what feels like madness to me half the time. I apologize for letting you and the ministry down; this battle is just proving too much for me. PAUSE.

My friend is struggling with real issues here. Fighting for the sake of the Kingdom of God and lost souls. My friend is crying out for help trying to solve the problem alone. But they are forgetting that the battle is not their’s but God’s. It is God’s desire that will be carried out. It is God’s working that will change hearts and heads and homes. It is God’s acts of love which brought His only Son to the manger that will establish my friend and give peace and rest to the weary. It is God’s desire to make a house for us and He has in His Son, Jesus the greater son of David.

Yes, dear friends we all have good intentions to do the right thing. But God is the One who makes it possible to come to fruition in the sending of His Son to be our Savior and establish His house that will last forever.

And the Good news is that house that God has made, is big enough for all people, including you and me. What a blessing during this Fourth Sunday in Advent to know the truth that God is in the business of making of us His home that will know no end. Amen.

Now the peace…

“Compassion of God” (Matthew 9:36)

S‑1087 12/17/2008 3MIA/3B Hymns: (O)#58 vv. 1-4; (S) #384 (C) # 66

Texts: Isaiah 49:13-18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 9:27-38

Theme: “Compassion of God” (Matthew 9:36)

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “When He [Jesus] saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt. 9:36).

Saints in Christ, tonight we conclude our Midweek Advent Sermon Series “Come and See!” By the Spirit’s power we have looked at the Comfort of God, and the Counsel of God. Tonight, we shall consider the “Compassion of God.”

According to the dictionary “Compassion” is a profound human emotion prompted by the pain of others. More vigorous than empathy, the feeling commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another’s suffering”. This is what Matthew shares with us in our reading tonight. That Jesus had compassion on those who were before Him because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Not just any kind of compassion but compassion to alleviate the suffering and pain of those who have been shackled by sin, death and arch enemy the devil.

In our Advent preparations of the Christ child coming to Bethlehem, we see the heavenly compassion that God provides. This compassion is evident in the life of Jesus from the cradle to the cross; from Cana to Calvary, from the Canaanite woman to the crucified criminal right next to Jesus. The Compassion of God oozes throughout all of Holy Scriptures. We read it tonight in the Old Testament lesson, that God has compassion on us more than a mother has compassion on the son she nursed. In the Epistle lesson, we read of the compassion of our High priest who went through everything like us yet without sin. And in the Gospel lesson we see this compassion as He looked at those poor people before Him. We can actually say that the Compassion of God oozes from the veins of the God who became MAN FOR US.

Study the life of the Savior, dig deep into the gold mine of God’s holy Word, travel in the footsteps of Jesus from Nazareth to Nain; Bethlehem to Bethsaida; Jericho to Jerusalem; and Galilee to Golgotha and you will see the Compassion of God displayed for the entire world to see. We see this compassion in action as our Savior actually came in contact with blind men, a woman with a 12 year issue of blood, a demon possessed man, and even a four day dead Lazarus!

But it was during Thursday and Friday of holy week that we see the greatest acts of compassion displayed on the canvas of human history. When the cross was looming in the horizon, Jesus took time to celebrate the Passover meal with His closest companions. There He loved them and served them. There He washed their feet. And there He broke the bread and lifted the cup in His memory. And the next day—Good Friday He demonstrated this compassion even further.

He had compassion on the women who wept for Him as He was heading to Jerusalem. He told them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and for your children” (Lk. 23:28). He demonstrated compassion to the thief on the cross and told him “Today, you will be with Me in paradise.” While on the cross and His lungs aching for a breath, He showed compassion to His mother by commending her to John. All the while He was compassionately praying for Peter that he will not fall into temptation. Compassion is a way of life for our Lord. In fact, it is not a way of life for Him. Compassion was and still is HIS life.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus knows what we need. Matthew tells us that, and Jesus carried this out in His life and in His deeds. He knows us all too well. He knows that we are weak and fall and stumble daily in sin. But did you know that He worked His greatest work of saving us when He was the weakest from the cross? Right there on the cross He showed compassion by alleviating our pain of death by dying for us. Can you believe it? The Cross IS Compassion!

The Compassion of God has been carried out by our Savior and Lord from the cradle to the cross; from Cana to Calvary, from the Canaanite woman to the crucified criminal right next to Him. But it didn’t end there. It continues even today. Jesus feels sorry for us. Jesus is with us, by us and in us. He works for us. He suffers for us. He loves us. But above all He dies for us. Now that is compassion.

Even now we have a compassionate High Priest who intercedes for us before His Father in heaven. By His compassion we receive the blessings of forgiveness in holy absolution. His compassion is served us as we kneel at His table. His compassion is bestowed upon us in His Word.

We see compassion played out by our Lord in the life of Saul as he was persecuting the Church of Christ. Jesus came to him and said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). Here we see that Jesus sympathizes and empathizes with us. He cares for the needs of His redeemed people. He desires to have them not be damned or condemned; but saved and delivered.

Beloved in the Lord, The Gospel is the only source of GENUINE compassion in the world. False religions like Islam and Judaism can dress up with compassion on the outside, but they are still lifeless Law religions at heart. But the Gospel carries Christ’s ongoing compassion to those in need. Listen to the whole sentence of what I am about to say. Christianity is the only religion that is worth a damn, because Christ was willing to be damned for us!

Indeed, He was damned for us so that we may never know the damnation of God. He showed us compassion when we didn’t show compassion to others. He loved us when we where unlovable and unworthy yet He took us in. PAUSE.

In the book of Lamentations we grasp another view of the Compassion of God. Here the prophet Jeremiah paints this picture for us: “Because of the LORD’s great mercy we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him’” (Lam. 3:22-24). Here the prophet reminded the people that the mercy of God is new every morning, and there can be no greater, richer, more precious comfort for the sinner than to know the Compassion of God.

This is what we need faithful followers of the Savior. And this is what we have gotten in the man-God Jesus Christ—the Babe of Bethlehem. We get this compassion in Bethlehem. We see it in Nazareth. We read of it all around Palestine as our Lord acts out the very meaning of His name. God indeed saves. And there is no greater compassion than that. What a blessing to know the Compassion of God, to taste it and bask in it. Amen.

Now the peace…

“A Message Worth Sharing!” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

S‑1086 12/14/2008 3SIA/3B Hymns: (O)#58 vv. 1-3; (S) #58 vv. 4-9; L.S. #5; #87; #92 (C) # 75

Texts: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

Theme: “A Message Worth Sharing!” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “Have You Heard Any Good News Lately?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Old Testament Lesson: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD” (Isaiah 61:1-3).

Saints in Christ, Wheeling Gaunt was Born into slavery in 1812 on a tobacco plantation in Carrollton, KY. He had a hard life and at age 4 he was separated from his mother. Gaunt saved enough money, $900, over 32 years to buy his freedom. In the 1860s, he moved to Yellow Springs, attracted by the racial tolerance of the area and nearby Wilberforce University. Through hard work and frugality, Gaunt acquired several pieces of property and was one of the town’s wealthiest residents when he died at 82.

Wheeling Gaunt the slave man who became free before his death deeded nine acres of farmland to the village with the stipulation that rent from the land be used to buy flour to give widows at Christmas. Ever since 1894 the people of the western Ohio village have been giving this Christmas gift to its residents as a legacy of Christmas kindness to the widows. Today, there are over 110 widows who receive 10 pounds of flour and sugar in memory of a slave man. This is indeed a heart warming story and a message that needs to be told. As a matter of fact it was put to print so that people may read of the “Legacy of Christmas Kindness”. (AmericanProfile.com weekly magazine Dec. 7-13, 2008 p. 6).

In today’s text, the prophet Isaiah speaks to us about a message that we all need to hear. This is not just any message that you hear on the radio, watch on TV or spoken off at the mall or coffee shops. But a message that every broken heart, head and home needs so badly. This is the message the church is about and has been proclaiming since the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus.

Listen to the voice of God, as He uses Isaiah to share and important message—“A Message Worth Hearing.” “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD.”

During these days of Advent with eyes of faith we behold the One the prophet Isaiah spoke about long ago in our text—the Babe of Bethlehem. Jesus the heaven-sent Savior when He lived on earth fulfilled the promises of old. He healed the sick, raised the dead and fed the hungry.

One day while Jesus was worshiping at His home town synagogue, He was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah to read from. And He read the words of our text. Then He did an unusual thing. He said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk. 4:21).

Jesus spoke the words of the text to all of those who were needy, the blind, those who are held in captivity, the lame, the sick, the poor and the afflicted. But who are these people today? The down and out? The addicted and afflicted? The scum of the earth or the dregs of society? Where will we find them? How can we help them? You don’t have to look long and hard; just look around and you will it is US—you and me.

Study Scripture and you will hear a message that needs to be shared—a message of bad news and good news. The bad news is this: We are the ones of whom Isaiah speaks in the text. We are both poor and captive. But the good news is that He has come for such as YOU.

It may be the truth that we are this way, but here we find ourselves echoing the claims of the religious leaders of Jesus day. We Americans might say, “We are free. We haven’t ever been slaves to anyone!” But how wrong we are! We have all wandered away from Him. We have done what we thought we should and not the things we shouldn’t. We have elevated ourselves higher than God and told Him on more than one occasion we don’t need Him, but He needs us.

We are captive to the will and ways of the devil. At times we even boast of the shameful deeds we do. We at time rejoice in falling into the temptations that are dangling before us like honey comb. We allow our hearts to be taken captives by the forces of darkness and the lust of the flesh. All the time we pretend to be good and holy in the sight of God. But if we are honest and I hope we are. THERE IS NO GOOD IN US, NOT AT ALL.

But the message that we have been given by Isaiah which brings the knowledge of our slavery also brings us the message of forgiveness from the lips of Christ! The Spirit breathes life into the likes of us who are needy, captives, blind, and slaves, lost in sin and death. We have nothing to offer our gracious Lord, except our sinful deeds. We come as beggars with open hands and our broken hearts expecting Him to fill them with His mercy and grace. PAUSE.

And He does. The prophet Isaiah assures us of this in this text. Jesus confirms it through His Words. For this reason God sent Him our way as our long expected Savior, the heaven-sent messenger who will bring freedom and deliverance, healing and hope, life and light.

For Christ has come to the world in human flesh to the manger of Bethlehem so long ago. He was born in a stable and nailed upon a tree of shame and humiliation; so that He might be the life of all of the living and bring about the death of death. He took upon His holy shoulders the sins of all people who have ever lived, who are living now and who will live in the future and brought freedom from the captivity of sin by His cross and death. His great gift to us is His healing, His freedom and the richness of His mercy and grace. PAUSE.

Wheeler Gaunt worked and saved for 32 years to pay for his freedom. Once he became free he offered a gift to others to alleviate their burdens. Unlike Gaunt, our Savior lived for 33 years to bring about the freedom of all people. Unlike Gaunt He did not pay to free Himself. Instead He paid with His holy and precious life to free YOU from the prison cells of hell and the clutches of the devil. For 33 years He lived the perfect life to carry out the mission of His heavenly Father with the dawning of His grace that brought about a change for all people.

Beloved in the Lord, our sermon hymn written by Paul Gerhard said well:

Love caused Your incarnation, love brought You down to me;
Your thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
O love beyond all telling, that led you to embrace
In love all loves excelling our lost and fallen race.

Today, you have heard the message that is worth hearing—a message of healing, of freeing, of forgiveness, of love, of grace, of mercy. What a wonderful message the Lord gives us to share with others. May the Lord fill our hearts with the desire to hear the Good News and share the Good News with others. Amen.

Now the peace…

S‑1086 12/14/2008 3MIA/3B Hymns: (O)#427; (S) #74; (C) # 75

Texts: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

Theme: “A Message Worth Sharing!” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “Have You Heard Any Good News Lately?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Old Testament Lesson: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD” (Isaiah 61:1-3).

Saints in Christ, Wheeling Gaunt was Born into slavery in 1812 on a tobacco plantation in Carrollton, KY. He had a hard life and at age 4 he was separated from his mother. Gaunt saved enough money, $900, over 32 years to buy his freedom. In the 1860s, he moved to Yellow Springs, attracted by the racial tolerance of the area and nearby Wilberforce University. Through hard work and frugality, Gaunt acquired several pieces of property and was one of the town’s wealthiest residents when he died at 82.

Wheeling Gaunt the slave man who became free before his death deeded nine acres of farmland to the village with the stipulation that rent from the land be used to buy flour to give widows at Christmas. Ever since 1894 the people of the western Ohio village have been giving this Christmas gift to its residents as a legacy of Christmas kindness to the widows. Today, there are over 110 widows who receive 10 pounds of flour and sugar in memory of a slave man. This is indeed a heart warming story and a message that needs to be told. As a matter of fact it was put to print so that people may read of the “Legacy of Christmas Kindness”. (AmericanProfile.com weekly magazine Dec. 7-13, 2008 p. 6).

In today’s text, the prophet Isaiah speaks to us about a message that we all need to hear. This is not just any message that you hear on the radio, watch on TV or spoken off at the mall or coffee shops. But a message that every broken heart, head and home needs so badly. This is the message the church is about and has been doing and will continue to do. Listen to the voice of God, as He uses Isaiah in sharing “A Message Worth Hearing.”

What is that message that is so important? Listen to Isaiah speak to your hearts: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD.”

During these days of Advent with eyes of faith we behold the One the prophet Isaiah spoke about long ago in our text—the Babe of Bethlehem. Jesus the heaven-sent Savior when He lived on earth fulfilled the promises of old. He healed the sick, raised the dead and fed the hungry and bound the brokenhearted.

One day while Jesus was worshiping at His home town synagogue, He was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah to read from. And He read the words of our text. Then He did an unusual thing. He said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk. 4:21).

Jesus spoke the words of the text to all of those who were needy, the blind, those who are held in captivity, the lame, the sick, the poor and the afflicted. But who are these people today? The down and out? The addicted and afflicted? The scum of the earth or the dregs of society? Where will we find them? How can we help them? You don’t have to look long and hard; just look around and you will see it is US—you and me.

Study Scripture and you will a message that needs to be shared—a message of bad news and good news. The bad news is this: We are the ones of whom Jesus speaks in the text. We are both poor and captive. But the good news is that Jesus has come for such as YOU.

The truth is that we all are poor, captives, slaves and prisoners. Why you might ask? Because the truth needs to be told—we have all wondered away from Him. We have done what we thought we should and not the things we shouldn’t. We have elevated ourselves higher than God and told Him on more than one occasion we don’t need Him, but He needs us.

We are captive to the will and ways of the devil. At times we even boast of the shameful deeds that we do. We at time rejoice in falling into the temptations that are dangling before us like honey comb. We allow our hearts to be taken captives by the forces of darkness and the lust of the flesh. All the time we pretend to be good and holy in the sight of God. But if we are honest and I hope we are. THERE IS NO GOOD IN US, NOT AT ALL.

But the message that we have been given by Isaiah which brings the knowledge of our slavery also brings us the message of forgiveness from the lips of Christ! The Spirit breathes life into the likes of us who are needy, captives, blind, and slaves, lost in sin and death. We have nothing to offer our gracious Lord, except our sinful deeds. We come as beggars we open hands and our broken hearts expecting Him to fill them with His mercy and grace. PAUSE.

And He does. The prophet Isaiah assures of this in this text. Jesus confirms it through His Words. For this reason God sent Him our way as our long expected Savior, the heaven-sent messenger who will bring freedom and deliverance, healing and hope, life and light.

For Christ has come to the world in human flesh to the manger of Bethlehem so long ago. He was born in a stable and nailed upon a tree of shame and humiliation; so that He might be the life of all of the living and bring about the death of death. He took upon His holy shoulders the sins of all people who have ever lived, who are living now and who will live in the future and brought freedom from the captivity of sin by His cross and death. His great gift to us is His healing, His freedom and the richness of His mercy and grace. PAUSE.

Wheeler Gaunt worked and saved for 32 years to pay for his freedom. Once he became free he offered a gift to others to alleviate their burdens. Unlike Gaunt, our Savior lived for 33 years to bring about the freedom of all people. Unlike Gaunt He didn’t pay to free Himself, but paid with His holy and precious life to free us from the prison cells of hell and the clutches of the devil. For 33 years He lived the perfect life to carry out the mission of His heavenly Father with the dawning of His grace that brought about a change for all people.

Beloved in the Lord, our sermon hymn written by Paul Gerhard said well:

Love caused Your incarnation, love brought You down to me;
Your thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
O love beyond all telling, that led you to embrace
In love all loves excelling our lost and fallen race.

(O Lord, How Shall I meet Thee p. 58, v. 4).

Today, you have heard the message that is worth hearing—a message of healing, of freeing, of forgiveness, of love, of grace, of mercy. What a wonderful message the Lord gives us to share with others. May the Lord fill our hearts with the desire to hear the Good News and share the Good News with others. Amen.

Now the peace….

“Counsel of God!” (Psalm 73:24; Jeremiah 23:5-6)

S‑1085 12/10/2008 2MIA/3B Hymns: (O)#427; (S) #74; (C) # 75

Texts: Psalm 73:23-28; Jeremiah 23:1-8; Romans 11:33-36; John 14:15-21

Theme: “Counsel of God!” (Psalm 73:24; Jeremiah 23:5-6)

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “What is easier to give or take counsel?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from two Old Testament Lessons: “You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory” (Ps. 73:24), “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

Saints in Christ, as you know the Bible is full of stories—stories of God’s people and how the Lord dealt with them. These stories are there to help us in our walk of faith. These stories are there to guide us on our journey to eternity. These stories are not merely stories; but stories that points to the coming of the Savior, who will save us from eternal damnation. The whole counsel of God is to bring about salvation and redemption to mankind.

Tonight, we want to consider two specific stories: The first one is found in 1 Kings 3. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “…Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern Your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this Your great people?” (3:5-9)What a blessed and beautiful request by Solomon. And the second story is about Solomon’s son Rehoboam. Almost immediately after the death of Solomon, the people of Israel came to Rehoboam to ask that the burdens placed on them by Solomon might be relaxed a bit. Rehoboam took counsel in two places, one with his father’s old advisors, and the other with his young friends. The old men counseled him toward servanthood. The young men counseled him to demonstrate his authority and power. Unlike his father, Rehoboam ignored and forsook the counsel of the elders. He was king. He had authority. He had power. And He would use it on his people.

To have the right counsel is of the utmost importance. We give counsel to our children as they grow up, go to school, begin to consider a mate, and going to college. You hope in time they would seek your and your counsel so that they may benefit from your life’s experience.

This past Monday, after the BOD’s meeting, I had the privilege along with President Sattgast and Pastor George Saggisor to sit at an interview of a young man who is considering enrolling at one of our Seminaries in preparations for the Office of the Holy Ministry. Pastor Saggisor on more than one occasion said, “Let me give you a little counsel!” Pastor Saggisor has many years of experience in the ministry and was trying to help this young man in being fully prepared for what he might face.

Not only do we as humans give counsel. But so does the Lord. Tonight, we hear the counsel of God from two different books of the Old Testament. The first is from Psalm 73: “You [God] guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory” (73:24). Here Asaph the author of this Psalm tells us the most important counsel is from the Lord who knows all things and desires the best for us. And the second is from Jeremiah: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which He will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness’” (Jer. 23:5-6).

In these portions of the Lord, we receive the proper counsel and comfort from God. Through Asaph we are given a beautiful picture of a wonderful two-part summary of our lives: our lives here on earth, and our lives in glory. Here on earth, we have been given the Holy Spirit as our Counselor and Comforter. And this is not an end to itself. Its divinely planned purpose is to set us and keep us on our journey toward eternal glory and bliss. The two are integral part that will help us and guide us throughout the life we face. We should not expect the heavenly glory if you do not want God’s counsel here on earth. If we do not want to taste some of His goodness and glory on the earth, then will we desire to dwell in the full banquet of God’s glory?

God’s very counsel to us flows out of His grace to us. We do not deserve it. We deserve to be stuck on this earth in a place above the artic circle that does not see daylight 6 months out of the year. We deserve darkness and death; condemnation and coldness; punishment and persecution all the days of lives on earth.

But God did not leave us that way. As we read in Jeremiah, God promised something wonderful. “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. And again, Isaiah gives us this beautiful picture: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

This Wonderful Counselor, who will deal wisely with His people, is none other than the Babe of Bethlehem. For this reason, God out of His love for us sent the glory of His Son upon the earth, who walked fully in God’s grace, counsel, and glory. He took the counsel of God faithfully all the way to the cross. In His life from the cradle to the cross He obeyed the counsel of God. When He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, Jesus didn’t listen to the counsel of the devil, but was guided by the Word of the Lord.

While on earth, Jesus taught us not to put our hopes in man’s counsel , but in the Counsel of God. For God’s Counsel is life-giving. God’s Counsel is best for us. God’s Counsel is the greatest because God wants what is best for us. Because Christ would not listen to the counsel of man to stop teaching the truth of God; because Christ would not cease living for the glory of God; because Christ came as the righteous branch; He was put to death on a cross outside of Jerusalem.

And when Christ rose and ascended, He promised to send us His Spirit, our Counselor and Helper, who leads us to all truth and guides us in the way we should live in obeying the Counsel of God all the days of our lives. Even as God’s beloved children we know the truth. We know His counsel, yet we at times act as Rehoboam did, and disobey the counsel of God. Because we have not kept the counsel of God all the time, we are doomed to death and destruction. But our Counselor Jesus stands before God our judge and declares us not guilty because He took our punishment instead. Our Counselor Jesus Christ assures us that because He died, we will live. Our Counselor Jesus guarantees our forgiveness of sins, in His shed blood. Our Counselor Jesus comes to us even now tonight in His Word to guide and guard our hearts. Our Counselor Jesus loves us with an everlasting love. And that is why the hymn “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” is such a comfort to all believers.”

God’s counsel leads us to see way beyond the ups and downs of a shaky world economy. In fact, it empowers us be steady through economic storms, because the Holy Spirit works in us to keep our eyes fixed on the Author and Perfector of our faith, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is God’s righteousness restored upon the earth. In this period between His First Coming and His Second Coming, it is restored through the Gospel, which in turn is spread through its proclamation. At the end of days with Christ’s coming again, He will completely restore righteousness upon the earth.

So what counsel do you listen to? I hope and pray that you will continue to be guided by the Word of the Lord. For His Word is the greatest counsel we need. As the Apostle Paul said to his spiritual son Timothy: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:14-17).

Saints in Christ, the Counsel of God is best for us (hold the Bible up in hand). Here it is. We live by it, because it points us to our Counselor, the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Now the peace…

"Lift Your Voice!" Is. 40:9

S‑1084 12/07/2008 2SIA/3B Hymns: (O)#63; (S) 60; (C) # 66

Texts: Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8

Theme: “Lift Your Voice!” (Isaiah 40:9)

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “How strong is your voice?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Old Testament Lesson: “Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold Your God!’” (Isaiah 64:8).

Saints in Christ, There are so many voices out there. They seek to make their voice the loudest and the longest in the marketplace as they beg us to come in to purchase that “just right” piece of Christmas for our loved ones. They scream their mantra of consumerism from every direction. We hear the bell of the Salvation Army at store fronts. We hear the music in the mall. During this time of year, ordinary things drown out the blessed joy of God’s extraordinary work begun in a Bethlehem manger so many centuries ago. So MANY voices calling for us.

All around the voices are being lifted up so that others might hear them. In California when proposition 8 passed, many who advocate gay marriage began to scream unacceptable, unfair, and unethical. They want to force their way on the people. In the state of Washington, an atheist’s group placed this sign at the Capitol building right next to a manger: “At this season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” So many voices longing to be heard. So MANY voices that would seek to grab our ear and bend it away from the Word of God.

As you well know there is no shortness of voices out in the world who are attempting to get our attention. But beloved in the Lord, DON’T be tricked by modern day “prophets” who claim to have all of the answers to your needs. Even the apostle Peter warns us against such people. Listen to his warnings: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1).

As if we had any shortages of voices vying for our attention; in our text we hear the prophet Isaiah add yet another voice to the symphony of sound. But this voice is different. Rather than point to self-glory and self-profit, this prophetic voice points to another. Isaiah tells us of “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord” (Is. 40:3). What does that mean? Here is how Luther put it: To prepare the way of the Lord means to prepare ourselves for the Lord’s activity in us, so that God may help us and our life may be the life of Christ. But how is this way prepared? To prepare is to clear out of the way whatever will be an obstruction. This preparation is nothing else than our humbling ourselves from our arrogance and glory, to walk before God naked, without merits of any kind, in the grace of God alone. (Martin Luther Lectures on Isaiah American Edition. Vol.17).

This voice is none other than the voice of the proclamation of the Word of God. Through this voice that is crying in the wilderness we hear purely, joyfully and most loudly declaring that the warfare is ended and that our sins are forgiven. Isaiah wants the people of Israel to know what God in mercy has given them—comfort, life, restoration and payment for their sins. These people in exile and oppression need it; and so do we. For we are in exile over our sin and under its oppression. And to us, as we shared this past Wednesday, the voice speaks a word: A word of comfort.

But as Isaiah makes clear to us, this voice is not only a voice to be heard. It is also a voice to be shared. Isaiah calls you and me to lift up our voices and share the Good news. Don’t just lift your voice from where you are, but get up high on the mountain so that everyone and everywhere may hear the news that is worthy to be proclaimed.

If you have ever been to a Basketball or football game, you may have seen the cheerleaders holding a mega phone and speak into it. This is the image that Isaiah wants us to have. Speak from the mountain top. Speak loud and clear so that all people may know the depravity of their sins, but also the deliverance that God has brought forth. Speak loud and clear that God is doing a mighty thing. Don’t be afraid to echo the Good News. Don’t be afraid to lift your voice higher and higher to drown the other voices in the world. It is not only a matter of getting louder. It is also a matter of getting it right. For our message is so much different than the message of sin and death of the world. Our voice is the voice of a Savior and His salvation!

Now we don’t do this in an obnoxious way; but in a blessed and beautiful manner. We speak of the comfort of knowing sins are forgiven. We speak the blessed truth that God has paid double for all sins. We speak of His eternal and an ending love.

This is why Isaiah wants to lift our voices high! We are simply announcing what the Lord has done and will be going to do. He was determined to send a Son to be born of a virgin—His only Son, who would lie in a manger of straw. A Child who would bring peace between heaven and hell. A Man who would die for the sins of the world. A Man who would honor God with His life and in His death and fulfill all of the promises of old. And that One will come again as that word of lasting, final comfort!

The people of Israel heard the voice of Isaiah in captivity and rejoiced in knowing that God has forgiven them their sins and would restore them by bringing them back to the Promised Land soon. John the Baptist’s voice was heard in the wilderness of Judea and many came to repentance before the coming of the Savior—confessing their sins and bowing the knee to the God of all grace. The angels’ voice was heard on the night of the Savior’s birth and the shepherds came in haste to see the wonderful news of a king being born. The Apostles’ voice was heard throughout the Middle East, and many came to faith in Jesus Christ as the Advent King and Lord of the Nations. But above all it is the voice of God that needs to be heard as He speaks words of hope and help and healing to the wounded hearts sayings: “Comfort, comfort My people, says Your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins” (Is. 40:1-2).

Beloved in Christ, today, you, through the preaching of the Word of God have heard the Good News. And that Good News dear friends is to be taken by you and spoken. Spoken to everyone and everywhere—at work; at play; at school; and even here from this mountain top—the pulpit. Yes, lift your voice and sing and declare the mighty deeds of God in delivering us from the bondage of slavery, sin and satan.

We have the ultimate answer to those atheist and immoral voices that would seek to deceive, destroy and bring about death and destruction. Don’t listen to the voices of the atheist’s. These are the voices of fools who put that sign on the capital building in Washington saying, “Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” The Gospel is not made up of myth or superstition. It doesn’t harden hearts and enslaves minds. On the contrary, Christianity frees the people of God to worship Him out of love for Him.

It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and resurrected that has brought the Good News to all peoples everywhere. It was Moses as God’s spokesperson told the Israelites that God will deliver them from Egypt’s slavery. It was Isaiah who told the Israelites that God would deliver them from the captivity of Babylon and it was the Savior our Advent King who from the mountain of the Cross spoke words of Good News—“Father, forgive them”.

It is on account of the cross of Christ, His suffering, His death and His rising in power that we lift our voice heaven ward and declare to all. That this is our Savior. This is our King. This is our Lord and Master who frees us, comforts us, loves us and wants to spend an eternity with us.

What a Savior we have. A Savior who wants us to clearly and joyfully raise our voices and praise His holy name. God grant us the will and power to do so now and always. Amen.

Now the peace…

Comfort of God Isaiah 66:13

S‑1083 12/03/2008 1MIA/3B Hymns: (O) #74; (S) #61; (C) #464

Texts: Isaiah 66:5-13; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Matthew 23:37-39

Theme: “Comfort of God” (Isaiah 66:13).

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “Do you know comfort”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Old Testament Lesson: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem” (Isaiah 64:8).

Saints in Christ, tonight we begin our Midweek Advent Sermon Series “Come and See!” Is there anything that humanity desires more in every time of life than comfort? Why? Because Adam and Eve dishonored God, disobeyed God and brought death on them and all of humanity.

What a day that must have been for our first parents in the Garden of Eden. The smell of disobedience, the scent of despair and the stench of death hung heavy in that most blessed Garden. No longer could they walk with God. Now they ran away in fright and hid behind bushes lest they be seen in all of their shame and nudity. No longer were they friends of God. Now they are enemies of God. No longer would they live forever, but the penalty of sin is DEATH; and separated from Him and His presence and His peace.

However, the Lord didn’t keep them in that state. He came to them where they were at, because without Him there was no aid or assistance. He comforted them in their shame by clothing them. Burt more than that, God in love comforted them with the promise of the Messiah who would come to bring about reconciliation to mankind through His death. Sin brought about death, the Son of God, the Savior would bring about comfort and life and salvation.

Indeed, man needs to be comforted, and ONLY God can give the true kind of comfort. For He is our Comforter. In today’s reading we get a unique picture of our God. Most often in Scripture we read of God as the caring and loving Father. Study the Scriptures and you will see the love of God; but rarely do we see the image that Isaiah portrays for us in this text. A most beloved image, a most beautiful image and a most blessed image. This image is picturing God as a loving mother caring for her children.

Hold on to that image. Imprint it on your mind. See God and His Comfort as it is displayed for you on the pages of Holy Scriptures and the faces of humans throughout the world. We see this clearly today as the prophet Isaiah describes a most glorious picture for us. Hear Isaiah’s description please. “For thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem’” (Is. 66:12-13).

Here it is a triple comfort by God. A most complete Comfort carried out by the God of all comfort and the hope of the nations. Comfort is what we need, and comfort is what we are getting. Comfort is what we want, even though we don’t know it or admit it or acknowledge it, but that is what our Loving God, gives us. We see it in our text with the image of the child dangling on his mother’s hips.

Mothers, you know what I am talking about. You have put your child on your hip and dangled him on your lap. In your arms your child found comfort. On your breast he leaned and found solace. This is what Isaiah wants us to grasp and cling too.

Isaiah tells us that Israel shall be comforted by her God as a mother comforts her child. At least that is what the English translation puts it. But that is not strong enough. Here is a good translation: “As a man is being comforted by his mother.” Notice, not a child, but a grown man. Why a grown man? “The grief of a grown man (ish) is the deepest and heaviest grief that we know. There is no comfort more heartfelt than that bestowed by a mother on her son. Her son, even though grown to manhood, is still closer to the heart of the mother than to the heart of father, brother, or sister.” (August Pieper, Isaiah II p. 693).

One of my colleagues shared this thought with me: “God comes to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.” (Rev. Kelly Bedard). In this reading we hear of God’s coming to comfort His people Israel. But this message is not given to Israel alone, but to all of God’s beloved children—whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free, barbarian or Greek, we are all one in Christ Jesus, and all the promises are ours in Him, for in Him; all the promises are “yes” and “amen.”

Thanks be to God that there is such a promise as this on record, for believers need comfort. They need comfort because they are men, and “man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” There has been a great need for consolation ever since the time when man was expelled from Eden. Men need comfort because they are but men. Although favored by God, elected and called by His grace into a peculiar state of acceptance, they are still in the body, and thus are tempted in the ways of the world and the devil.

The truth is many don’t wish to be comforted or realize they need the comfort of God. The problem is that we don’t like to admit that we need any help. We’re not man enough—or woman enough—to admit that we need comforting. We are schooled to be self-reliant and self-dependent. We are brought up to handle things that come our way all by ourselves.

Don’t misunderstand me, we know the message clearly. No matter how devastating the blow, no matter how scary the situation, no matter how desperate the conditions, we try to put on a good front as if we can handle it without anyone’s aid—least of all God’s help. But truthfully we CAN’T for we are unable to.

The comfort that the Lord gives us and provides is not found in a mother’s arms; though they have soothed our bodies in the past. The comfort is not found in a bottle, or pill, or a magazine or a TV. But in a Man. God’s Comfort is found and freely given in the Man of Sorrow, the Seed of the woman promised to Eve in the Garden

This Man is Jesus Christ the long expected Savior. In this Jesus, we see the fullness of God. In the Babe of Bethlehem God made His abode and presence among us. He lived His earthly life to comfort the afflicted. He did this as He died our death on Calvary’s cross. By this cross He once and for all removed the penalty that stood against us and nailed it to the cross. Do you want to know what comfort is? Comfort has flesh and blood. Comfort has a name. That name is Jesus. Then lift your eyes high, high and stare at the cross. It is the cross of Jesus that brings comfort to the afflicted. It is at the cross, in the cross and through the cross of Jesus that COMFORT BECOMES OURS.

God’s comfort dear friends is genuine, good and glorious and can stand up in the face of the deepest sorrow, suffering, and sadness and in the most difficult of pains and problems. This comfort is apart from us and our works. This comfort comes to us and stays with us as we read God’s precious Word and kneel to receive His Sacrament.

God continues to come to us even today/tonight with His Word and freely feeds us at His table. This is our God whose unique images is portrayed as a loving mother caring for her son and who needs to be comforted. Our Comforting God comes to us with a comfort that we can cling to and hold unto. This comfort is greater and grander than any mother’s comfort—a lasting comfort—a living comfort and lingering comfort—this comfort is found in One Man, the Man Jesus Christ—the Babe of Bethlehem. Amen.

Now the peace of God…

In the Hands of the Potter (Is.64:8)

S‑1082 11/30/2008 1SIA/3B Hymns: (O)#57 vv 1-4; (S) 56; L.S. #58; #59; #95; #57 vv 5-7

Texts: Isaiah 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 11:1-10

Theme: “In the Hands of the Potter” (Isaiah 64:8)

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “How artistic are you?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Old Testament Lesson: “But now, O LORD, You are our Father;
we are the clay, and You are our POTTER; we are all the work of Your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

Saints in Christ, I love to work with my hands. I love to go to the shop and take either wood or metal and create something beautiful out of it. Creating something is truly an art that makes you feel good and proud to accomplish it. And then it is even more blessed when you give that special creation to someone you love.

You too, are gifted by God. As your pastor I have seen some of your handy works. Some of you do wonderful things with many different items—building, sowing, painting, writing poetry, cooking and crocheting. We use our hands to do many things that bring us pleasure. And some of us love to give these things away.

More often than not though, we are too proud of what we have done. We say look at my accomplishments. In itself this is not bad. It is good to take pride in the work you are doing. But to be truthful pride gets in the way and we think we can do anything and that we can take the place of God.

In today’s text Isaiah confronts us with a wonderful message that we need to hear and heed. Listen again to Isaiah “But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our POTTER; we are all the work of Your hand”

You and I are the works of God’s hands. He is the Potter, and we are the clay. He is not just any kind of Potter, but He is our Father—a loving and enduring Father that wants what is best for us. He is our Creator who created the world and everything in it. He is the One who stooped low and fashioned man from the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life. He is the One who set the sun, moon and stars in the heavens. He is the One who made the dry land. But let us not forget that we are the work of Master’s hands. He is the One who formed us with His loving hands. This is how David tells us about this marvelous Potter: “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

So why did the Potter make us? What is the reason for keeping us? Let us look at another portion of the Word of God also by Isaiah. “…Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I might be glorified” (Is. 60:21). Did you hear it? We are the work of God’s own hands to bring the glory and the splendor due His name. Yes, you and I are called as His beloved children to use our hands to let the whole world know what Christ has done for us and continue to do for us our Potter Father. PAUSE.

But the problem is we don’t. We use our hands to kill and destroy. We use our hands to rob and hurt others. (Case in point) In New York on Black Friday 11/28 a Wal-mart worker was killed Friday when “out of-control” shoppers desperate for bargains broke down the doors at a 5:a.m. sale. Other workers were trampled as they tried to rescue the man, and customers shouted angrily and kept shopping when store officials said they were closing because of the death, police and witnesses said. A shopper said, “I can’t believe humans can be so savage”.

We use our hands to build our own gods in our imaginations. As Isaiah says, “Their land is filled with idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their own fingers have made” (Is. 2:8). These gods can’t save us. They have mouth but don’t speak. They have ears but don’t hear. They have eyes but don’t see. These are the idols we make. We fashion out of wood, copper, metal or any other items. We rely on these gods to save us and make us happy but they don’t. PAUSE.

It’s easy to desire power and prestige. We like to be recognized and to think we are in control. We want to do the work—even the work of God—and get the credit for it. Do we try to control God’s hands? Absolutely!

How sad that we fall into thinking that we can save ourselves and we don’t need God any longer. We try to make ourselves righteous before God. But all our righteous acts are like filthy rags in the sight of God. We have reached such technological heights that we put God on a shelf and attempt to make our salvation the work of our hands. We even pride ourselves in our accomplishments.

I am reminded of a story that I read sometimes back. Some scientists came to God one day and said, “We don’t need you anymore God! We can do everything that You have done and even better. We can even make man now a day!” “Interesting!” God said. Then God said, “Show me.” The scientist went to the laboratory and began to assemble some of the materials they have. God interrupted them and said, “You make your own stuff!”

Let us not forget dear friends that we are the clay He is the Potter. He is our Father. He rules and reigns as He pleases. He is our Creator. He is the Master Craftsman. He is the One who does all things for us even today.

Where would we be without God’s hands that formed man from the ground, that held back the waters of the Red Sea, that buried Moses on the mountain, that wrote messages on walls? What could we do without His hands that touched deaf ears so they could hear His name and hope-filled message; hands that blessed bread, fish and children; hands that wiped away the tears of others as well as His own; and hands that were nailed down and three days later rolled away a boulder that covered His grave of death and turning it into a place of life and light.

Where would we be without Him or His hands? We wouldn’t have hands or hand-outs, hand-me-downs or handfuls of blessings. Without our glorious God, we wouldn’t be handy with tools or handily with games.

It is these hands of the Potter/Father who began the new work in us by the sending of His Son, Jesus into the flesh to redeem us with His hands. With these hands He washed the feet of the disciples. With these hands He reached out and healed a woman from sickness and on the night of His betrayal He reached out with His hands and instituted a covenant of forgives in the Holy meal and on that same night He allowed His hands to be nailed to a cross. These are the hands of the Potter Your Father whose love embraces you, humbles you so that you may not experience His wrath but His love, not the punishment of hell, but the pleasures of heaven.

What kind of Father do you have? He is the Potter who molds you, fashions you and blesses you to be a blessing to others. Amen.

Now the peace…

What Shall I Render Unto the Lord?

S‑1080 11/23/2008 LSIC/3A Hymns: (O) #15; (S) #441; L.S. #39; #457; #315; (C) #442

Texts: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Matthew 25:31-46

Theme: “What Shall I Render Unto the Lord” (Psalm 116:2-14).

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “What happens to you when you hear the word “Stewardship”?

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our Stewardship Sunday is from Psalm 116 “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people” (Ps. 116:12-14).

Saints in Christ, what I am about to say I sometimes don’t like to hear. But it needs to be said, because it is God’s Word. And it is ONLY the Word of God that will guide us on our journey to eternity.

Today, we are dealing with a subject that many people begin to squirm about as soon as the word is mentioned. Mention “Stewardship” and people begin to think, here he goes again! He is talking about money. Yes! Stewardship is about money. But it is much more than just money. It is the whole life of the redeemed child of God as a way of thanking God.

The Psalmist in this prayer of thanksgiving challenges us with these thoughts: “How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me?” (v. 12). It is a rhetorical question that demands an answer. It reminds me of Christina Rosetti’s “What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I’d give Him a lamb. If I were a wise man, I’d do my part. What can I give Him? Give Him my heart!”

It also reminds me of the little girl who was in the doctor’s office for a check-up. Shining light in the girl’s eyes, the doctor asked “Am I going to see Big Bird in there?” No response. Putting the scope in her ears, he said “Am I going to hear Elmo in here?” No response. Placing the depressor on her tongue “Am I going to see Cookie Monster?” Still, no response. Putting the stethoscope on her heart, he asked “Am I going to hear Barney?” Finally responding, the little girl said “No! Barney’s on my underpants. Jesus is in my heart!” The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.”

The word for “goodness” can actually be translated “graces.” I like that! It’s all grace—everything we have. When we stop to count ALL of God’s goodness|benefits|graces to us—even if only the blessing of Christ our LORD—we don’t have enough time to count the things we consider less than blessed; and even in those things God works together for good

“How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me?” Its payback time—in the most positive sense! We give God everything from our hearts. We do so as the Psalmist answered this rhetorical question. I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

Four cups of wine are consumed at the Passover Seder meal. All of them indicate salvation of sorts--in Abraham's time and beyond, salvation from idolatry; at the Exodus, salvation from the Egyptians and slavery; later, salvation from Babylonia and The Exile; and, lastly, salvation to come at the end of the age.

We believe in God for salvation. We believe that His salvation cup is not half empty. We believe that His salvation cup is not half full. Instead, it’s overflowing!—like Niagara Falls.  As Psalm 23 reminds, our cups overflow. Lift them up! A toast to God! Cheers for all the years! Cheers for no more fears! Cheers for no more tears!

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.   This morning you will fulfill this verse when you open your wallets, purses, hands and hearts and give to the Lord that which you told Him you would. It is not a mandatory thing, but a joyful thing. Stewardship is not just the giving of money, but all of you into the service of the King, Jesus Christ.

Some people will say, I can’t give much! Fine, give what you can. Serve where you can. Share what you can. Honor God with what you have. Think of the woman who gave two mites—she gave it to her Lord from her heart. She gave all as a way of thanking Her God for all of His goodness to her.

How did you do this past year financial offering wise? Did you fulfill your pledge? Did you give as much as you were able to or should have? If not, the good news is that now that’s past history. Today we begin anew. Today, I pray that the Lord will open your eyes and hearts to see His desires for YOUR life—a whole life of stewardship.

It was Thursday afternoon Mrs. Silbaugh and her first graders were coming out of the Church just as I was coming in. I asked what they were doing. “Warming up” was the response. I asked Mrs. Silbaugh if I could give them something? “Yes.” I went to my office, and brought the candy dish. Gave each a candy including Mrs. Silbaugh. Then she reminded them of two special words to say—Thank You.

The Psalmist reminds us of our Thank you to God is living for Him and doing what we said we would do. The problem is not that my neighbor doesn’t give enough, serve enough, share enough or love enough. But the problem is the guy I look at in the mirror every day.

The Christian life of stewardship is not a spectator’s sport; but rather an active life of giving, sharing, serving and witnessing. That is how we live out our faith. But who do we live it for? Does God need our good works? NO! Does God need our faithful stewardship of time? NO! Does God need our faithful sharing of the Gospel? NO! Is God dependent on you being faithful with your tithes and offerings to the Lord’s House? NO! God needs none of these. But your neighbor does. The child that hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a result of Redeemer’s ministry needs your good works that flow from your faith in Christ. That neighbor that is open to you telling your faith story because you made sure they had food to eat or clothes to wear needs your good works flowing from your faith in Christ. The person on the other side of the world who hears the Gospel from a Lutheran missionary supported by Redeemer’s offerings to district and synod needs the good works of your faithful financial stewardship. PAUSE.

Christians don’t look for praise when they serve the Lord. They serve the Lord as a response to all of the goodness His has given them. We do it because we know Christ’s love and share in the hope of eternal life. But God does indeed notice the good things we do. And one way God has of encouraging His discouraged people is to prompt our fellow believers to take notice of the fruits of our faith.

We don’t keep records of the offering to see who gives more, or to praise the person. No, we do it to praise the Lord. Our world loves to bring attention to what sinful humans do. We, His beloved children do it all for the glory of God alone. After all, God produces those good works. The Bible says, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).

God is glorified when His people speak about the financial gifts others have brought to the Lord, whether those gifts are regular first-fruit offerings or large, onetime gifts. God is glorified when a congregation or a synod publicly calls attention to people who are serving Jesus in some way. God is glorified when a congregation celebrates a pastor’s 25 years in the ministry or a teacher’s 40 years teaching or an organist’s 50 years of leading services. Nor do we keep track only of big works of service or important milestones. In how we talk, we praise God for every act of service, whether big or small. We do it ALL for the Glory of God Alone.

Why do we live a life of stewardship? Because it is a response of giving back to God for all the good He has given me—a sinner. Why give? First, Christ died for us, gave His life for us, suffered hell for us and rose for us defeating death for us. His love from Calvary constrains us.

Why give? Second, because on top of this, He gives to us His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins in the Lord’s Supper, incorporates us into His body in Baptism, and sends His Holy Spirit to us even now to dwell within us, pray for us, and comfort us with precious promises.

Why give? Third, the great unfathomable gifts yet to come: forever young bodies, reconciliation with loved ones in heaven, new heaven and new earth, seeing Jesus face to face, and so much more. Other reasons one can gather...we are planting seeds in time for a rich harvest in eternity.

So what is our response to the goodness of the Lord? I shall fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people. Not selfish living, but selfless living. Not selfish giving, but selfless giving. God grant us the joy, privilege and blessings to live as faithful stewards, sharing, serving, caring, loving and giving ALL for the glory of God. Amen.

Now the peace…