“You Are Witnesses” (Luke 24:44-53)

S-1385-20SAP/C (LWML Sunday) 10/06/2013 Hymns: (O) #822; (S) #823; (C) # Tune #662

Texts: Isaiah 62:1-7; Romans 10:11-7; Luke 24:44-53

Theme: “You Are Witnesses” (Luke 24:44-53)

Question: “What message do you have for the world?” Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the Gospel lesson: “You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I Am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:48-49).

INTRODUCTION: In Nomine Iesu.

Saints in Christ, a few weeks ago (9/1) in the sermon titled “Be Careful in How You live” I stated, “What others see in you may well be the only Bible they ever read!” How true that is. Therefore, whether we want to acknowledge it or not we are witnesses. But witnesses of what and to whom? We are either witnesses to God or the devil.

I would be the first to declare that my life is not always a clear witness to my Savior, Jesus. I wished it was, but since I’m a sinner to the core, I know better. I have let too many things in my life get ahead of being a faithful witness to Christ. Look at your life and ask the question, “What kind of witness are you?” If you don’t know try this exercise: Review your calendar and see how much of your day or week is occupied with Jesus and His Word. Look at your checkbook and determine who gets first priority. Evaluate your time and how much of it is dedicated to Christ and His Gospel. How much time do you spend on TV watching, hunting, fishing, camping, sports, Face Book, cell phone, compare to being in the presence of the True Witness Jesus Christ.

Today, Dr. Luke speaks of Christ’s final Words of exhortations to His disciples before He returns to the place from where He came, saying: “You are My witnesses!” Notice what He doesn’t say: He doesn’t say you will be, you might be, or you should be.” No, He emphatically states, “You ARE!!!” Present active witnesses. Thus, we are witnesses at all times.

It is interesting to note that Luke the evangelist closes one book (his gospel) with the command of Jesus to be His witnesses and opens another (Acts) with the same command. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses… end of the earth” (1:8). Therefore it is clear that the life of God’s child is one of witnessing to the grace and mercy of Christ the Savior and what He has accomplished for us.

On this LWML Sunday, Luke, challenges us, NOT only the women, but ALL of us to be witnesses of the Rabbi from Nazareth. Jesus Himself said, “You are My witnesses!” This command comes from the One whose whole life gave witness to the loving Father who sent Him into the world to buy it back by giving His life on Calvary’s cross.

To be sure, Christ is the faithful WITNESS as His life is a confession of the true faith that reveals our compassionate Father’s ever-giving heart. A witness to Christ confesses the true faith. By the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, our Lord has called us in Baptism—His witnesses. Thus we share what He has given to us so that all would know the Father’s saving love. “You are My witnesses”, then, is Christ’s call to our real identity for the true confession of the faith in words and actions that inspire works of mercy in our life together. PAUSE.

There is no greater honor and privilege than for you and me who have been washed by the crimson blood of Jesus, given a new life through His death and resurrection but to hear and heed His call and share His story of redemption and salvation.

We see this great service of witnessing by women in our church body called Lutheran Women’s Missionary League who are leaven from heaven. These women have heard the call of Jesus and have faithfully since its inception in 1942 been on the front lines witnessing to one and all.

Writing about the witnessing of the LWML, Marlys Taege Moberg wrote a brief history. I share a snippet with you:

Beginning in the 1850s, women of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS, http://www.lcms.org) started local auxiliaries to meet the needs of people; mending clothes for seminarians, equipping hospitals, establishing schools, developing convalescent and retirement homes, assisting orphanages and residences for people with disabilities, gathering clothing, furniture and food for indigents, and funding mission endeavors at home and abroad.

Not until the 1920s, however, did members of congregational societies begin to coordinate their efforts by uniting in state and regional leagues. Oklahoma was first in 1928, but it took more than a decade before official approval was granted for a national LCMS women’s organization.

Although the U.S. was at war and travel was difficult, the founding convention, held July 7 and 8, 1942, in Chicago, was attended by over 100 women from 15 districts. The 28 delegates adopted a constitution, approved a name, chose two projects, and established a Literature Committee to publish books, a national magazine, tracts and programs. They also determined that 1/4 of the mission gifts collected in local societies would be given to the national organization and 3/4 used for district projects.

Thanks be to God for these women who in their lives gave and are giving witness to the love of Jesus and served Him with joy and gladness. Throughout the ages, LWML have been preparing literatures to assist many in knowing their relationships with Christ their Savior. Even the magazine, the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly (LWQ) has included Bible studies that have been used by people all over the world. Through the Word, our Lord engages people for lives of witnessing. Stories of faith in those pages of the LWQ exhibit the mutual conversation and consolation of the saints that we believe, teach, and confess that Jesus is Lord and God, and we are His servants. There are the Mustard Seed devotions from the LWML left in hotel rooms, restaurants and greeting cards show how the witness of Christ continues to permeate the world. “You are My witnesses,” Christ says through His servants in the LWML. PAUSE.

Even in this place, just take a look and see the labor of love in all that these daughters’ of the King have done. See the beautiful quilts stitched one blessing at a time. This didn’t just happen. They planned: they came; they cut, stitched and sewed together a quilt of love. Our LWML travel to Huron to help with the Puppet show, gather goods for Pastor Utecht to share in his ministry among the Native Americans and seek supplies to help the Alpha Center (pregnancy crisis place) for those who find themselves with child.

This IS witnessing par excellence! And to this Christ the true and faithful Witness has called all of us to be His witnesses. To be a witness takes time, patience and planning.

Just as you and I plan vacation, camping, fishing or hunting trips, likewise we should plan to be witnesses to the Savior—Jesus. Plan by getting down on your knees, pray for the person[s] you want to reach and trust that the Holy Spirit will use you in spite of you. Plan to give towards the Mission work of the Church and the spread of His Gospel. This work is not done by you alone, Christ is here leading and directing your every step.

Jesus, the faithful witness opened His hands and blessed His disciples in today’s Gospel as He sent them to be witnesses of His death and resurrection. Eventually, they would share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with countless people as day by day more were added to those who were saved.

Even today, Christ opens His nail-pierced hands in love to satisfy the desire of every living thing as He blesses us for His service in the world through our various vocations. He opens His hands to give us His life-giving Body and Blood as He opens His hands to bless us and keep us, giving us peace. Receiving the Blessed Sacraments, we have been blessed with forgiveness, life, and salvation to share the truth of His all-atoning love as His witnesses in the world.

We have seen this witnessing first hand in this house of worship. It all begins here as Christ comes to us to speak to us, lead us out, and blesses us, just as He did His disciples in today’s reading. It continues in worship as Christ speaks through us, leads through us, and blesses others through us. And it will culminate in endless worship as we look to the Day of His return when we, who have been spoken to by Christ and who have been led out by Him are blessed to be raised from the dead and in our flesh to live in the joy of being His people forever.

“You are my witnesses,” Christ our Lord says. Confessing the truth in love and serving the Lord with gladness, we rejoice that Christ speaks to us, leads us out and blesses us as He graciously entrusts us with the Gospel in our ears, eyes, hands, and mouths saying, “You are My witnesses” Now and always. Amen and Amen.

Now the peace…

Soli Deo Gloria

“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

“Being With Jesus—Living on the Edge!” (Philippians 4:12-14) LWML SUNDAY

S-1274 16SAP/3C 10/02/11 Hymns (O) #813; S#770; (C) # 850

Text: Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 3:4-14; Matthew 21:33-46

Theme: “Being With Jesus—Living on the Edge!” (Philippians 4:12-14) LWML SUNDAY

Question: “Are you living on the edge?” Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for the 16^th Sunday after Pentecost and the observation of LWML Sunday is the Epistle lesson: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:12-14).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

Today, as we observe and give thanks for the ministry of the LWML, I remind you of who you are—God’s precious and beloved ones. PAUSE. There are many people who are living on the edge in our world today. Economically, we have families who are living on the edge, one step away from foreclosure and financial ruin. Personally, we have people who are living on the edge in their relationships with family. Even in the midst of a crowd they feel alone and lonely. Even our kids are experiencing this. Have you noticed that the numbers of kids who sign up to play traditional sports is on its way down? But at the same time the number of children who try to ride their skateboard down the handrail at the local park is on its way up! It appears that many people are living on the edge. Some are doing it out of necessity. Others are living on the edge out of a craving for excitement. Instead of seeking points and victories, they seek the thrill of the experience. Living on the Edge has become a way of life any more.

And there are few in Scripture that were truly living on the edge—like Paul the Apostle. We first meet him as the young Pharisee. He studied on the cutting edge of Jewish theology with the great Rabbi Gamaliel. He was on the cutting edge of the sword of persecuting the early Church. But then, after a confrontation with the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, there was a complete turnaround. This man from Tarsus still lived on the edge; but not like before—to oppose the Gospel of Christ, but for the Spread of the Gospel.

And live on the edge Paul did! As he took the Gospel into what is now modern day Turkey and Greece he was opposed on every side. He was arrested. He was beaten. He was stoned. He was left for dead. There were those who plotted to defame him, desecrate him, destroy him and put him to death. He survived snake bites and ship wrecks. And all of this because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Paul could have easily avoided all of this hassle and headache. All he needed to do was take the easy way out. He could have stayed in his comfortable life of leadership within the Jewish Community in Jerusalem. In the text for today he recounts his status: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. He could have piled up accolades and accomplishments. But to do that wasn’t what God had in mind. He was to be the mouth piece of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! For St. Paul, the call to live a faithful life was a call to live on the edge and being with Jesus!

Why? What would make a man of potential position and prestige give it all up to endure what St. Paul endured? He himself gives us the answers as he tells the Philippians: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

More than anything, Paul wanted to be with Jesus. In the earlier chapter of this book, he wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Phil. 1:21-23). Paul wanted to live for and serve Jesus with every fiber of his being. And that is exactly what he did! Remember where Paul is when he pens these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit! He is sitting in a Roman prison awaiting execution by beheading. He knows that the appeals are running out; and soon the sword would come crashing down to end his time in this world. Yet, even as Paul lives on the edge of life and death, he writes such grand words of hope and faith! He can only live this life on the edge when he knows that Jesus is in control! PAUSE.

That is the very same call that falls to every Christian. You and I have had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Ours was not on a road to Damascus. Our encounter happened in the waters of Holy Baptism. It was there that we were confronted by Jesus in our sin and washed clean. From there we were given a path to follow and a mission to accomplish. That mission: To be with Jesus and live on the edge for Him!

And that is what we do. Now, we may not face the persecution that St. Paul faced. I know that I have not been beaten with rods because I am a follower of Christ. I am not aware of any of you who have been arrested and tried for preaching Christ in the streets. There are many aspects of Paul’s life on the edge that are unique to him. But that does not mean that our lives are not meant to be on the edge! For you see, when we are called to faith in Christ we put on the cutting edge of the conflict between a sinful world that is dying and the hope that is eternal. Jesus would tell us that the world would hate us because we are with Him and live for Him.

This is where our living on the edge takes place. It takes place when the Holy Spirit helps us to make the correct choice of standing with Jesus. Maybe it means choosing to not participate in office gossip. Perhaps it means going out of your way to reach out to someone that the crowd has labeled an outsider. It could mean choosing a career path that uses your God-given gifts and talents for service rather than wealth and reputation building. Perhaps it is tenaciously pursuing the process of reconciliation and forgiveness in a relationship that the rest of the world would have long cast aside. Each of these and a million other examples are there to show us of the conflict that exists between the life of the world and life with Christ. We, as Christians are called to be with Jesus and to live on the edge!

And that is what the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League does. You may not know what the LWML is or how it works. But what I can tell you is that it is a group of committed Lutheran Christian Women that live on the edge for Jesus! When they are studying the Scriptures, serving a meal or gathering in their mites, it may not look like it is living on the edge, but they are! These women live and serve on the edge for the sake of Jesus and His Gospel. They take what they have and use it for the sake of reaching others with the saving Word of God. They use their many, mighty mites to fund missions and ministry here in our area, district and around the world. Right in our own congregation they have done many projects—quilting, sending cookies to Pastor Uttecht, hosting new members and new confirmed member and graduates—and remodeling the kitchen. Outside of our area, they have assisted in the process of translating the Bible into native languages of the world. They help fund missionaries and ministries. They help fund the study of future pastors and teachers. They do all this right here. PAUSE.

And it is time for each one of us to embrace what St. Paul calls us to in these words to the Philippians. Today is a call from God to recommit ourselves to living on the edge for Jesus. Know that our living on the edge for Jesus in not designed to seek thrills like those practice extreme sports. No, you and I are called to live on the edge to simply be faithful. The Lord has called us to this.

Last year a Pastor friend of mine Randy Ausbury was asked to teach in Kenya. While there, he met a young man—Frank. This is the life of Frank of living on the Edge.

Frank had been a soldier in a Civil War in Uganda. In combat, He and his comrades came under heavy fighting. Many of his comrades were killed in action. When it was clear that the battle was lost, he decided to give up the fighting rather than die. He threw his rifle down and lay between the bodies of his fallen brothers. As the enemy patrol got closer, they went from body to body shooting them and spearing them with their bayonets to make sure they were dead.  Somehow, Frank’s body was untouched. When the enemy left the camp, he got up and headed home and asked himself the question, “Why did God spare my life?” After some thinking about his life, he decided to enroll in the seminary and become a herald of God’s good news. He wanted to tell everyone about the Friend of sinners Jesus Christ.

Like Frank, You and I are also soldiers in a civil war. Our battle is not political but spiritual. It is a war between our sinful flesh and our Baptismal New Man. On our own, the battle is lost. However, God has in Christ, spared your life for the sake of the kingdom. Christ fought our battle, not a Civil War, but a fight to the death. He chose to live on the Edge by allowing others to crucify Him on the cross for our sins. He chose to lay His life, like Frank among dead people in a cold grave. But He also rose to give us a future and hope. The question we must ask now is the same as Frank’s. How does this sparing by God play out in our life and service? The answer: We are called to live on the edge for Jesus!

Today, as we observe and celebrate LWML Sunday we give thanks for all women who have lived their lives of being with Jesus and Living on the Edge. The LWML are living on the edge as stewards of the gifts the Lord bestows in mites and service. I, like Frank, have been called to the Office the Holy Ministry. You may be too. However, you also may be called to be a faithful servant right here. The place to find out about the life you are called to live on the edge is here: in the Lord’s house and around His table. Get into one of the many Bible Study opportunities. Seize an opportunity to serve! Not sure what to do? Try something! Offer your services to a caring organization, reach out to help families, help with Sunday School, volunteer with VBS. Indeed, there are so many ways that you can live on the edge for the sake of Christ. NOW is the time. AMEN.

Now the peace of God…

SOLI DEO GLORIA.