“SomeONE For the Journey” (Genesis 2:18) LWML SUNDAY

S-1339 19SAP/3B 10/07/12 Hymns: (O) #20; (S) #457; (C) # 922 LSB

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

Theme: “SomeONE For the Journey” (Genesis 2:18) LWML SUNDAY

Question: “Who are you traveling with?” Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation this morning is from the O.T. lesson: “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him’” (Genesis 2:18).

A story is told of an event that occurred in the Garden of Eden: Adam was walking around the Garden feeling very lonely, so God asked him, “What is wrong with you, why are you downcast?” Adam said, “Father of grace and compassion, You have given me a beautiful place to live. It is gorgeous and serene here, the flowers and trees are out of this world; and all the animals around me are lovely and beautiful. But, I don’t have anyone to talk to.”

God said “that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman. He said, ‘This person will gather food for you, cook for you, when you discover clothing, she’ll wash them for you. She will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not nag you to death, and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you’ve had a disagreement. She will never have a headache, and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it.’”

Adam paused for a moment and asked God, “What will a woman like this cost?” God replied, “An arm and a leg.” Then Adam asked, “What can I get for a rib?” PAUSE.

Beloved in Christ, we may laugh at this story but the humor only covers a stark reality: we live in a broken and fallen world. Yet, the truth of the matter is that we need people. God has created us for relationships based on love, respect, mutual understanding and service.

Today, on this LWML Sunday, we give thanks to the many women who have served and are serving now in this Mission organization. I’m certain that you noticed in the name of their organization that it is not one “woman” but “WOMEN”. All along the journey there are women serving others—older women serving younger ones. Women who have gone through tragedies are ministering to women who are going through the same. Women working together making quilts, gathering mites, putting on programs that will benefit the whole body of Christ.

These women are not alone; they work with other women to expand the mission field so that everyone will get to know the greatest Servant of ALL—Jesus Christ. These women pray, plan and propose new programs each year so that their ministries can benefit many. These women work within Zones, Districts, and Synod so that others might receive the blessings of God. These women keep their eyes focused on Christ and His Bride—the Church.

For this reason, the text shows and demonstrates God’s love towards Adam in creating a help meet—someone for the journey of life. Because when you have someone journeying with you the journey is so much better and sweeter. When you have someone working with you, the work load is lighter, when someone is carrying the burdens with you, then life gets a little bit easier.

This is true if we are talking about husband and wife, the LWML, congregational families, colleagues or friends. When you have someone journeying with you it is more blessed indeed. PAUSE.

The text is clear. By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Moses wrote, “God will make him [Adam] a helper fit for him.” This help meet is the One who will assist him in all walks and needs of life.

But if you study life and history, you realize and must admit that even a blessed couple can’t always meet each other’s needs. The LWML can’t always meet the needs of all their mission projects, congregations don’t and can’t always meet the needs of all its members; and even pastors can’t meet the needs of all who have been entrusted to their care. This is because sin looms large in our lives and hearts. Sin always takes center stage in our thinking and doing. No matter how hard we try to honor God with our service we fall short.

It is for this reason that God promised to give us a Helper that meets our needs. This Helper will be flesh of our flesh and bone of our bones. This Helper will be born in the same way you and I were born after 9 months of gestation. This Helper will live among us yet without sin.

This Helper will be able to meet the entire world’s needs—including every couple, family, The LWML, congregations and pastors. This Helper will be able to meet the needs of every soul, past, present and future—this Helper is the Incarnate Son of God—Jesus Christ ordained to be born before the foundation of the world.

The Incarnate Son of God did meet every person’s need when He walked this earth. He helped the sick and sorrowful, the blind and burdened, the leper and the lame, the downtrodden and downcast, the troubled and tormented. But He did more than just help relieve them from their ailments and afflictions. He helped them by serving them not only in giving an arm a leg, but His all on the cruel and torturous instrument of the cross. He served them by forgiving them their sins. He helped them by opening the gates of heaven and reconciled them back to God. He helped them by promising to be available to anyone at any time because He is able to provide all that we need; and His hands are NEVER too short to meet and exceed what we need.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of this truth in his letter to the church at Ephesus: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (3:19-20). Yes, indeed, Christ has served us and met our every need.

This is even made sure in the words of our sermon hymn: “Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged—Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer” (What a Friend We Have in Jesus vs. 2).

Beloved in Christ, you have the greatest SERVANT of all times—He has come to walk with you on the journey of life and leads you to the Promised Land—heaven.

What a privilege to be here today not only to observe and give thanks to the Lord for the labor of love of the LWML, but for our privilege to serve along with them all who journey along the path of life. What an honor to be the humble and helpful servants to anyone who is traveling in this wilderness and point them to the One who is always with us even to the very end of the age as He promised (Mt. 28:20).

To the One who walks and talks with us along life’s narrow way—Jesus Christ, be glory and honor, now and forever. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA