“Don’t Do It For Show! A Pretense Of Piety” (Mark 12:38:40)

S-1518 24SAP/3B 11/08/2015 Hymns: (O) #588; (S) #783; LS. #644; #633; #632; (C) #923

Texts: Psalm 146:9a; 2 Kings 17:8-16; Hebrews 8:24-28; Mark 12:38-44
Theme: “Don’t Do It For Show! A Pretense Of Piety” (Mark 12:38:40)

Question: “What motivates you to do things in/for the Church?” (8^th sermon at Trinity).

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text is the Gospel Reading. “And in His [Jesus] teaching He said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation’” (Mark 12:38:40).

In Nomine Iesu

Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, you, who are His precious and blood-bought souls on Calvary’s death Tree; as you know I just returned from my Holy Land Nour Tour. While visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem where Christ was born, we arrived early before many of the tourists and took our place. We waited for over an1 1/2 while the Greek Orthodox were having Mass. It was a big fanfare and pomp and show. While we were waiting many would visit softly with one another and then out of nowhere a priest would raise his voice and say: (loud) “SILENCE!” To me, this priest was more disturbing than those waiting in line. My wife was even chastised because she crossed her legs while sitting and waiting in the church.

If that is not bad enough, when it was our turn to visit the cave where The Savior was born; the security officers came and said: “You have only 30 seconds to empty the church because there are some VIP diplomats who are going to visit the site!”

I was upset. We waited for a little over 1 1/2 and now we have to leave. It was a big circus of showing pomp and fanfare. And it was the same way when we got to the Wailing Wall. There the Orthodox Jews pray with loud voices so they can be heard by all. At times, they would pause from their prayers and look at other people in disgust.

That is exactly what the Lord of the Church, please notice that term: “The Lord of the Church”, Jesus Christ has told us through the writing of St. Mark not to seek the places of honor in the marketplace or workplace as these Jewish leaders were doing. We are not to be self-serving, or seeking the life of ease and luxury by a pretense of piety.

For many in Jesus’ day and sadly in ours also live for themselves. Always doing things to be noticed and seen; always involved in a manner that brings attention to the person instead of the Savior. That shouldn’t be. Jesus warns us of such things. PAUSE.

Instead, as the followers of Jesus living in the 21st Century, we should be noticed. But in getting noticed, we shouldn’t just speak to impress others. We should be honest and sincere. Willing to always be on the firing line of any issue and deal with it lovingly, caringly and joyfully. This should happen not only when people are listening and watching but especially when no one is around.

In the waters of Holy Baptism we were made saints of God. In this we are called out of the world to be faithful and true. To be men and women that live the Christian faith not to earn points, but as a reminder we are the souls that have been purchased with Jesus’ precious blood. While we are here living in the Ark of Salvation, we should always follow His teaching and example.

We should deal with all issues at hand head on, so that the devil doesn’t come between us but; rather to build each other up and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. This house of worship called Trinity in Hartford should be known as a house of prayer and not as a house of division; a house of joy and not of sadness; a house of peace and not of heartaches.

Our aim as the baptized children of the Heavenly Father is to be sincere, truthful, caring, honest and loving in doing everything to the glory of God and not for personal gain. As we live and move and have our being our sole purpose for having this house of God, is to manifest who Jesus Christ IS and what He has accomplished for us through His suffering, brutal death on the cursed Tree and glorious resurrection. PAUSE.

Beautiful people of God, I know we mean well. But sometime our well meaning intentions get in the way of being caring and loving. Some even say: “That the road to heaven is paved with good intentions” but good intentions don’t change outcome. At times with pious satisfaction on our faces we act as holier than thou. At times we look down on others.

The questions that need to be asked of us all—pastor and people are: “What is our hearts motivation?” Why do people go to church? What do men ask of their religion? Is it life-changing? Or is their churchlife no different than if they belong to a large social club? Are they looking out for the good of their neighbor, or rather seeking to bolster their own prestige, and power and position? And what right do they have to expect of their pastor, elders and other church leaders—who lead them in worship and their spiritual growth? Why are we here doing what we do? Is it for show, or is it to receive the great blessings and goodness God offers us in His Word and Sacraments? Do we speak out of our hearts the truth for truth’s sake? And are we criticizing for criticism sake and tear people down to lift ourselves up?

Whatever reason the Holy Spirit has brought you here, I pray you have come with a genuine and true heart to confess your sins and sorrow over that sin and live in the grace of God and the mighty, marvelous Means of Grace He dishes out for you week in and week out.

Here in this place you learn to depend not on the things you do, but on the One who has done all things for you—Jesus the Christ. Here you will see that He went to the cross not to show that He deserves to suffer for His sin, but rather He went to the cross to show you how much He loves you, pay for your sins and want you to be His forgiven and redeemed child. PAUSE.

Precious children of the heavenly Father, I ask yet another important question of you. Is there anything in all this beautiful world of greater importance—of more value to the world—than a human life, with all its marvelous power to think and feel and love and hate and so leave its mark on all life, for all time?

There is nothing in all the world that God has created is so wonderfully of worth as every human soul He has made. Every soul you meet on the street, workplace, school is a soul purchased at Calvary’s cross. I pray that these souls haven’t depreciated in value since Calvary.

May people who know us here and out there (point to the outside of church) see us as men and women on a mission not to tear others down, but build them up: not to divide, but to forgive and love and show mercy. May all that we do both here in this holy house and in all other activities be done for one purpose alone—to show them the face of Jesus, the love of Jesus, the compassion of Jesus and the grace of Jesus.

Here, in the Ark of Salvation, by the power of the Holy Spirit you will learn that what Jesus did was not to show Himself as better or having more power, though He IS/DOES. No He did ALL of this for you. He loved you to the cross, empty tomb and back to life again. And in this place, you and I will be used as an instrument in the Master’s hand to build and enlarge His kingdom, so that many more will come in, sit at His feet, dine with Him and leave refreshed in knowing Jesus loves them eternally and has forgiven them their many sins, even the ones they have done for show.

God grant this for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“The Journey of Life!” (Mark 10:17-18)

S-1517 20SAP/3B 10/11/2015 Hymns: (O) #593; (S) #707; LS. #696; #617; #623; (C) #918

Texts: Psalm 112:3-6; 5:6­7, 10­15; Hebrews 3:12­19; Mark 10:17-22

Theme: “The Journey of Life!” (Mark 10:17-18)

Question: “What journey stands out in your mind?” (7^th sermon at Trinity)

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text is the Gospel reading. “And as He [Jesus] was setting out on His journey, a man ran up and knelt before Him and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:17-18).

In Nomine Iesu

Precious Bride of Christ, life is a journey—sometimes the journey is sweet and other times it is bitter. All of us in this holy place have been invited to journey with our Savior Jesus to the cross and the empty tomb. But often times we don’t know what that means or where the journey leads.

A story is told of an Iranian Muslim woman named Padina. Listen as she tells her story that took her on unexpected journey. As a devout Muslim, Padina was taught all of the Islamic rules and to hate Christians because Jesus can’t do anything for you. Padina followed the Islamic Law by praying faithfully. In preparation for the prayer she would wash her hands and face according to their teaching. Many times she wasn’t sure that she washed well enough. This caused her much anguish that during the prayer she would interrupt the prayers and wash herself 10 times.

She began to hate herself because she wasn’t a good Muslim and felt Allah was very distant from her. She wanted to die because Allah wasn’t helping her or her mom who was dying from MS. She told her mom, “She wants to kill herself, because she can’t live like this!” Her mom told her, “If you are going to kill yourself, you will have to kill me also!” She agreed to her mom’s request.

That evening as Padina was about to carry out her plans, her mom turned on the TV. A pastor was speaking about Jesus and said: “If you are depressed, angry, hate life and want to commit suicide please don’t! Call me, and my Savior can help you!”

The Holy Spirit moved the mother that she picked up the phone and talked to the pastor for a long time. Padina began to get angry at her mom for talking to the pastor and said, “Mom, why would you want to go to hell in your final hours of life by talking about Jesus?” The mother urged Padina to speak with the pastor, but she refused. Eventually her mother convinced her to do so. When she did, she told him that she was going to kill herself. He challenged her saying: “Ask Jesus to help you. Why not wait for another week. You are going to kill yourself anyway. Another week is not going to make any difference. If you want to kill yourself then, you can do it on the air.” She accepted the challenge and even said, “Allah, I am going to kill myself on live TV for you, so people know who you are, compared to Jesus!”

The next morning she heard an unusual sound. To her amazement she saw her mom walking normally and without any pain. She took her mom to the hospital for a checkup. After the tests, the doctor said: “There is no MS, and she is completely healed. This is a miracle!” The Dr. asked “Which Imam did this?” Padina answered, “It wasn’t an Imam, but Jesus!” That day began her Christian journey of life with joy and peace; even in the underground Church in Iran. PAUSE. (You may see her story on youtube).

Precious bride of Christ, taking a walk in the early morning or in the evening, to clear the mind, or to get the old blood flowing is a grand thing. Taking a walk with a friend or with your beloved, that is all the better. Ah, but to take a journey...now a journey implies some intentionality ­ like a vacation ­ like a plan for your future, that is something all the more important. A journey means you are going somewhere. It means you have been somewhere.

Today our Savior has come from Judea. He is nearing Jerusalem after having been up north in Caesarea Philippi with His disciples. This is important, for this re­entry into the region of Judea draws our Jesus, our Savior ever closer to the Cross. Mark begins our story with Jesus “Setting out on His journey.”

Every day and with every step of His journey...that is the intentional walk, has as its goal ­ Golgotha! He was walking relentlessly and single-mindedly toward what should have been my cross and your cross, my condemnation and your condemnation. He was not out on a nice little stroll. Our Savior was completing the journey begun from before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame in Him (Ephesians 1:4).

There appears to be a stop along the way as a man, an unnamed man, came in an attitude of servitude, of humility, he knelt before Jesus and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This dear man wants to inherit eternal life, and do so by doing something.

Beloved, he is our brother. Ever since the fall into sin, we have sought to self­justify, and in that to self­pay for our sins. In so doing we cut Jesus out. We want Him as a dear friend, even as a “Good Teacher.” Ah, but a Savior? No! That would imply that I need something other than the right self­help book, something other than the right recipe, the right formula. That would imply that I am really THAT Bad! Oh, yes I am! PAUSE.

We really are that bad. We all are imprisoned with sin. By our very nature without Christ’s righteousness we are on a one way journey to hell.

This summer my dear brother in Christ, Pastor Jeff Nehrt, was a speaker at the International LWML Convention in Des Moines, IA. He spoke to over 5000 precious daughters of the Lamb, who faithfully, lovingly, and joyfully had been moved by the Spirit to give their hearts and their mites to prison ministry. During his talk he showed a power point of some of the men incarcerated who by the nature of their crime were BAD very Bad. But through their journey of incarceration they were given the good news of Jesus Christ. Just like all of us…one sin separates us from God and just like all of us one drop of our Savior’s blood gives us complete forgiveness. This is why Christ made His journey for you and me and the world. Our journey is to make this Christ known to those we know and love to the world. And we don’t make this journey alone. We have great partners. The partners include the women of the LWML. Through their nickels, dimes, quarters and the occasional folding money, the journey of the LWML is to share the GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST.

The journey of life for us is not in doing something or paying for it, but journeying with the Savior. There is nothing for us to do to earn salvation or eternal life. It is a gift from God’s grace given in the blood of the Lamb shed on the Altar of the cross. We only journey with Him because He bids us come. He is the One who offers medicine for those who are depressed, angry, sick of life and dealing with pain. But He is more than an example. He is the Savior who has journeyed to Golgotha and the empty tomb and came out victorious.

Today, the Savior calls us to come follow Him because He knows the way that leads to eternal life. The Lord of life bids us hear His voice and leave everything behind and follow Him. I pray that we hear and heed His voice as Padina did and not unlike the young unnamed man in the Gospel reading.

By the grace of God, the Holy Spirit helps us follow Jesus throughout His earthly ministry all the way to Calvary. Along the way, we see something unique play out. From the very moment that Jesus journeyed from heaven to earth in human form, there were forces who were trying to destroy and kill Him. But He wouldn’t allow anyone to stop Him from reaching His final destination—the cross upon which He would be extended for the unnamed man and us who don’t always follow Him.

From the cross we hear unbelievable, unthinkable and unimaginable words of love and compassion. We hear of forgiveness. We hear of love and learn what love means. Love means traveling a journey of death to offer life. Grace means giving to someone what they don’t deserve and mercy unearned.

Precious bride of Christ, by the grace of God, we witnessed today the beginning of another journey of a child of God. Erin Marie Beach has been joined to the family of faith on an eternal journey through the water and the Word. Like Erin, you too, have been invited to journey with Jesus, not only to college, job, marriage, home or retirement, but to the glories of heaven. Today, He invites you to follow Him on the path that leads to eternity. Oh, what a journey awaits us—a journey of a lifetime, established and paid for by the blood of the Savior to give us an eternal home with Him forever and ever.

As His precious and blood-bought bride we rejoice on this journey begun in Baptism and will culminate in paradise with the groom who made it all possible. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Stumbling Around” (Mark 9:38-41)

S-1515 18SAP/3B 9/27/2015 Hymns: (O) #601; (S) #718; LS. #623; #629; #632; (C) #579

Texts: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; James 5:1-20; Mark 9:38-50

Theme: “Stumbling Around” (Mark 9:38-41)

Question: “Have you ever stumbled?” (5^th sermon at Trinity)

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text is the Gospel reading. “John said to Him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in My name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” (Mark 9:38-41).

Beautiful people of God, travel with me today to a far country. Kindly close your eyes for a few moments and join me as we walk the streets of Jerusalem on Good Friday. I want you to hear the voices of Christ’s condemnation at the prœtorium “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!” Come closer and see the soldier’s whip making their marks on His body. Watch closely as they pull His beard, spit on Him, and beat Him. Look closer and see a soldier forming a crown of thorns and driving it into His head. Behold the blood dripping from His body…then, He is forced to carry His cross to the place of crucifixion. As He walks near where you are standing you see Him stumbling around at the massive weight placed upon Him. It is not the weight of the cross, the pain of the whip, the thorns, the beating and bruising; but the weight of the sin of the whole world including you and me. He is walking, stumbling and falling to the ground on His way to be put to death for your sins and mine. (Please don’t open your eyes yet). See Him humbling Himself for you. See Him carrying the cross for you. See Him stumbling for you, ONLY you. He is not dying for the brother next to you. He is not dying for the sister next to you. He is not dying for the worst criminal, thief, rapist, adulterer, or murderer. HE IS DYING FOR YOU—the sinner. Small pause. (you may open your eyes).

In the text before us today we see the disciples stumbling around in their walk of faith. They have been distracted by the devil. And we, His 21st Century followers, are not much different from the proud twelve in the reading before us. These Galilean’s who have been called by Christ to be His disciples to carry on the Gospel mission to the ends of the earth; think they’ve unearthed a scandal and shame. Someone outside their elite circle has been caught in the act. Doing what you say? Sinning? No! He was acting in Jesus’ name (in this case, casting out demons in the name of the Living God). Terrible! We’re the Twelve! That’s our job. That’s our privilege (verse 38).

The Gospel lives and breathes through His Christian. Yes, the wind and the Spirit blows where IT wills (John 3:8). We stumble due to our sin… oh and how He forgives, heals, moves us, moves you to be His blessing. Maybe your calling is to simply receive the gifts given to you by a Medad or and Eldad. Maybe they are to be Medad or Eldad, Moses was clear: I wish that all would so prophesy!

Isn’t that Ironic how in the previous verses of this chapter these Galilean fishermen-turned followers of Jesus, couldn’t remove an unclean spirit from a boy. Now, Mark, the author of the text, tells us they wanted to forbid someone who is doing the same thing, but successfully. Oh how we need to hear the Word of the Cross and receive the risen Savior for sinners like you and me! PAUSE.

Sin is at work in us, oh how we need to close our eyes and hear the lashings inflicted against our Savior! Without those lashings, and without us remembering and knowing the love that was behind them we will certainly act like the apostles in our Gospel, or the 68 who were in the tent of meeting. How often do we act like the disciples? How often do we act as if we are better than someone else? How often do we say, “It is too bad this brother or this sister wasn’t here to hear this sermon?” We think we have the world figured out and we know where we are heading. The devil takes our eyes from Christ and points them upon us, our works and efforts. And thus we stumble around figuring out what we should or shouldn’t do.

So why does our Savior say these harsh things about foot, hand, and eye surgery? Why does He sound so harsh in His tone with the 12? It is because Beloved… they are His Beloved, even as you and I are. He was going to the cross because we really are that selfish. We really are that blind. He knew that only the broken body and shed blood of the Cross would heal. He was removing all self-righteousness. He was leading them up the way to the Cross. His blood for their blood and your blood. His lashes so that we would not know the lashings nor the lasher who is the devil!

Indeed, every time we enter this holy place, we are acknowledging to one another, that we are sinners in need of God’s grace. Every time we come to the Table, we declare that we need the gift of His body and blood to help us remain strong and steady in the faith. Every time we gather

around the Word, we declare to the world and to us that without Christ, we will continue to stumble around.

Yet in this text the man, whom the Twelve had encountered did something beautiful. He was carrying out the message of God’s goodness and kindness to someone in need. He is indeed a follower of Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit he is doing the works of the kingdom. What on earth are you doing opposing him, Jesus declares? And so Jesus amplifies this positively and negatively. Positively He says that if you act compassionately (giving a cup of water to a disciple

IN MY NAME, verse 41) that will please God. Negatively, He talks about the perilous danger of causing ‘one of these little ones who believe in [Him]’ to stumble (verse 42).

Note that the ‘little ones’ are those who believe in Jesus. Here the Savior is saying this: you’re in danger of causing a believer to stumble, by trying to prevent him from exercising his God-given gifts of ministry. You won’t let him, as it were, ‘give a cup of water’. Now where does this challenge us? What are the ways in which we might risk causing other disciples to stumble? In what ways do we prevent our brothers and sisters in Christ from exercising their calling? PAUSE.

Every one of us here who is part of the body of Christ, has been given a gift[s] by our gracious Father to serve Him and His people. These gifts are not to be stored, or kept, but to be used to further the Kingdom and spread the glorious good news of Christ’s death and resurrection.

The challenge is this: When someone does something we don’t like, do we cut them down? Rather than accepting that God has given them these gifts do we find fault with them? We think we can do it better or sooner; or not do it at all. Many things cause us to stumble and others too: Jealousy, envy, resentment, mistrust and host of other things.

In this text Jesus opens our eyes to remind us that He has stumbled on our behalf. In carrying the cross to Calvary on our behalf He declares, “I have loved you where you are, and through this Cross I will indeed ‘draw all men unto Myself” (John 12:23) so that through My grace you may be where I Am!” This is the meaning of Lexi and Luke’s Baptism and your Baptism and my Baptism. Jesus Christ loves sinners, of which I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15-16). You see, God in our Flesh, Jesus, He doesn’t want you to remain this way, that is, stumbling in your sins and without the sure hope of His gift. It is though He was saying: “I have stumbled so that you don’t have to. I have suffered so you don’t have to. I have endured God’s wrath so you don’t have to. I was crucified, put to death and raised again so that your lives might be redeemed and restored.” Thank God that the Savior of mankind did all of the stumbling for us.

Today, we call upon the Holy Spirit to help us be His gifts of mercy, love and compassion. Today, as we witnessed the miracle of baptism of Luke and Lexi we give thanks that we too, have been baptized. And in that baptism our stumbling has been spoken to by the Name and Promise of our Trinue God, oh yes, and our joy of serving, caring and sharing increases day by day so that all people might receive the GOSPEL of Jesus and live under Him forever and ever. This is the gift of the Cross, of His stumbling up to Golgotha. This is the gift of the Empty Tomb, made vacant today for Luke and Lexi, made vacant for you and me, and all because He stumbled up to that awful Tree. Let us thank Him for His ongoing Mercy. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“A Father’s Heart is Healed” (Mark 9:14-29)

S-1514 16SAP/3B 9/13/2015 Hymns: (O) #725; (S) #728; LS #629; #632; #633; (C) #729

Texts: Isaiah 50:4-10; James 3:1-12; Mark 9:14-29

Theme: “A Father’s Heart is Healed” (Mark 9:14-29)

Question: “Does your heart ache when you see injustice?” (5^th sermon at Trinity)

(This sermon will be preached in Narrative style. I am dressed as a first century Jew from the Galilee area)

As I stand before you on this glorious day, I declare to you the joy and happiness that fills my heart to overflowing. But it wasn’t always that way. There was a time when my heart was heavy without help or hope. Tears flowed easily every night as I went to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in prayers on behalf of my son…But that was then.

Please forgive my rudeness and interruption in your service today. I should have introduced myself to you. My name is Moshe ben Yohanan, (Moses son of John) and my son whom you heard his story in your Bible reading today is Yaacov ben Moshe, ben Yohanan (Jacob, son of Moses, son of John). My wife Ruth and I were looking forward to having a family. Shortly after our wedding, my wife informed me I am going to be a father and I was happy. We announced it in the Synagogue and our village. All of the elders and neighbors congratulated us on the news and wished us the blessings of the God of Israel upon the new arrival.

But soon that happiness turned to sorrow. Our young toddler was different. Pain filled my heart and life as I watched my Yaacov throw himself into the fire and water. Oh, I tried to help him, but couldn’t. The evil spirit that possessed him almost destroyed his life. I felt helpless against the demons. I took him to every doctor in our village but to no avail. I spent a fortune, but didn’t get any results.

Then one day I heard of a Rabbai from Nazareth by the name of Yeshuah Ha Massiah, (Jesus the anointed One) so I brought my Yaacov to His disciples but they couldn’t help him. Then I brought Him to the Rabbi and that’s when help and hope was offered to me. PAUSE.

I came to this Rabbi pleading to Him to remove the demon from my Yaacov. At the sight of the Rabbi the evil spirit immediately convulsed my son. He fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.  Then, the Rabbi Yeshuah asked me, “How long has this been happening to him?” I responded, “From childhood. I told Him that often the demon threw him into fire and into water, to destroy him.”

Then, I pleaded, “Rabbi, if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to me, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately I cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” To believe in God’s Word is a difficult thing. How challenging it is to trust Him always. How taxing it is to put all of our hopes in Him. We rely so much on our own power to do everything to get ourselves from difficult situations. Add to that, the many obstacles the devil throws at us to doubt God’s Words of love, hope and forgiveness for us sinners. These are struggles I faced, and am sure you face them too. (move to a different location)

But then…then my ears were riveted to His Word and eyes were glued to His touch. In mercy He spoke a loving word and touched my son and restored him to my wife and I. Oh that feeling of joy that flows in my heart. That day I knew that miracles do happen. “That day the Lord delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; and knew that I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 116:8-9). That day my heart was healed!

Today, because of the Rabbi from Nazareth, I believe what our Torah taught. I believe that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the ONLY true God and with Him there is nothing impossible. He can heal, open the eyes of the blind, deliver those who are demon possessed and raise people from the dead. My son Yaacov was one person among many whom this Rabbi touched, healed and restored. PAUSE.

But sadly, not all of our Jewish leaders liked Him. I even heard that when He traveled to Jerusalem, He was captured by the Pharisees’ guards. He was dragged in chains to the High Priest and interrogated illegally, spat upon, beaten mercilessly and condemned to death. I couldn’t believe the news I was hearing. Why? What crime has He committed?…

I never heard anything out of His mouth but kindness. I heard others from our neighboring villages telling of the many kind deeds and miracles He performed. He touched many lives. He even turned water into wine and fed multitudes of people around the Sea of Galilee with five loaves and two fish.

(Look up in disgust and disbelief) At hearing the heart-breaking news that He was sent to Pilate—the Roman governor, who gave the order to crucify Him; my heart ached and almost stopped beating. I still can’t believe the news…It can’t be! He is so kind and caring, loving and merciful, compassionate and gracious. Yet, some hated and wanted Him dead, {raise voice} DEAD, because they were afraid to lose their power over the people.

My heart was heavy again. Tears run down my cheeks and I began to wonder how did His Father feel? (move around and face people) Can you imagine His Father watching His Son being beaten by the Roman soldiers? Can you hear the whip running across His back? Do you hear the pounding of the nails into His hands and feet? Can you see the blood running down and gathering on the dirt beneath His crucified body?

I was sick to my stomach. I felt His Father’s pain. But I heard a report from others who were in Jerusalem saying that even while the Rabbi from Nazareth was on the cross, He showed compassion to His enemies crying out to His Father: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they do!” (Luke 23:34). After that He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” and He died. (Luke 23:46). They lowered His body and some of His secret disciples wrapped Him and laid Him in a tomb. PAUSE.

(Change location and rub my mustache and face).

I still can’t believe the news. It can’t be. But it is true…You know what is even truer. Word had gone out that on the third day, He rose from the grave. Oh, yes, the Jewish leaders were trying to deny it. But I tell you many saw Him and for over 40 days He showed Himself to many.

I then, remembered His Words to my Yaccov when I brought my son to Him so long ago: “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” I then said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” The Holy Spirit helped me believe, grow in walk of faith, and trust Him more than ever. Faith had taken hold of me and my heart was made sure that this Rabbi is truly God’s own Son who came into the world to take away our sins.

Our prophet Isaiah put it this way, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth” (Is. 53:4-7).

Today, I stand before you and tell you the true story of a father’s heart that was healed by the touch of the Rabbi Jesus—that father was me. I want you to know that He is STILL alive today. He can touch your hearts and heal them from every pain and anguish as He did mine and my son. In fact He has already. He did it in His suffering, death and resurrection from the grave. All of Scripture testify about Him as the God who came to earth to save us—sinners. Please don’t let your troubles or trials keep you away from Him. Don’t let the demons within you keep you away. Don’t let issues in your lives or church keep you away. Instead come to Him in faith and cry out to Him, as I did, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And know for certain, He hears the cries of His people and comes to their aid.

I am glad you gave me the opportunity to let you know what happened to my family so long ago. And I pray that you would tell this story to others that they too, may worship and believe in the Rabbi from Nazareth, Yshuah ha Massiah.

Moshe leaves the stage without any words.

“Crumbs from the Master’s Table” (Mark 7:25-30)

S-1513 15SAP/3B 9/06/2015 Hymns: (O) #559; (S) #725; (C) #524

Texts: Isaiah 35:4-7; James 2:1-10, 14-18; Mark 7:24-30, 31-37

Theme: “Crumbs from the Master’s Table” (Mark 7:25-30)

Question: “Are you satisfied with Crumbs?” (4^th sermon at Trinity)

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text is the Gospel reading. “But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of Him and came and fell down at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered Him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” And He said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone (Mark 7:25-30).

Beautiful people of God, you who are His treasured possession, growing up in Israel we were very poor. Many times my mom and dad didn’t have enough food to feed us and they would go hungry. Yet mother always made sure that we children got something to eat. My mother did everything in her power to feed the 10 of us.

Bread is the staple of the Middle East. There is never a meal without bread. Whenever we got done eating, mother would save the crumbs and put them in a basket. When she had saved enough she would cut lettuce, add mint, parsley, few spices and mix it with water and made a dish for us out of the dried-up crumbs to eat-called Fatush. We enjoyed that meal. Never once while growing up did I know it was a poor-man’s food. Because it was served by a loving mother to her family.

St. Mark in the text before us today, tells us of another mother who did everything in her power to care for her daughter—a daughter who needed the touch of Savior’s mercy and grace. This mother came to Jesus and begged Him to help her daughter. Notice please her posture: she fell at His feet and cried out to Him to relieve her daughter of the demon possession that has afflicted her.

Observe though, His response. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Whoa! What kind of response is this? We are not used to this kind of Jesus. We know Him as the caring and loving Shepherd who is constantly caring for His people. We are taught through the Living Word, that He always reached out and touched people with His hands of healing and showed compassion to them. We know Him as the seeking and caring Shepherd. Yet, here we see another picture of this Jesus—as an uncaring, unkind and unloving. And we are puzzled!

At first glance we are amazed at the kind of response Jesus gives. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” PAUSE.

What is going on here? It is not how it appears to be. Dig deeper into the gold mine of God’s Word and a marvel of marvels is revealed. Search deeper into the text and be in awe at the kindness of Jesus. Here you will see the Gospel overflowing. Here you will see compassion in a different measure. Here you will learn of the love of God given to all people.

Please be aware Jesus never said, “He will not help her daughter.” He simply stated: “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” He said first the children must eat. The children He is speaking about are the Jews. He came first to His chosen people—Israel to whom He promised Father Abraham, “All the nations of the world will be blessed by you” (Gen. 12:3, 18:18).

Therefore, it is very important to know that Jesus is not saying His mercy doesn’t go out to others, but simply, to the household of Israel, and then to others. This is similar to what the Apostle Paul shared with us last week: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). Here is the answer. First to the Jews and then to the rest of the world.

The world has always been included in the grace of God. We see this in the genealogy of Jesus. Think of Rahab—the prostitute from Jericho. She is a foreigner and yet part of the family of God. Think of Ruth the Moabite—she, too, is in the family of faith. You see the grace of God is not limited, but must be done in the order that God ordained it first to the Jews and then others.

This mother understood that very well. Therefore, she responds to His statement saying: “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Again, the words used by Jesus appear harsh. But they are not. He is not talking about wild dogs that roam the countryside and scavenger in the garbage. No He is taking about the little dogs that are pets in a house. They have a master who loves, cares and provides for them. The little crumbs given from the table are blessings from their master.

This humble mother was willing to compare herself to a dog waiting for crumbs from its master. She knew that He will not shut her out or turn a deaf ear to her cries. But at the right time He will come to her aid. In faith, grounded in what she had learned about Jesus; she continued to follow and plead for help. At the right time, Jesus praised her great faith in front of His disciples. He healed her daughter and lifted her up much higher than the level of a pet or watchdog. REMEMBER To God, who cares about even tiny sparrows, we are extremely precious.

As the Psalm states, we can calm and quiet our souls under God’s care; we don’t need to worry ourselves trying to understand all of His ways. Our eyes are trained on God’s hand in our lives, but the Lord of Life gives us much more than crumbs. He gives us something wonderful: the forgiveness of sins at His table and the everlasting banquet in heaven. PAUSE.

Beautiful people of God, please know the awesomeness and amazing love of God who sent Jesus into this world first to the Jews and second to the Greeks—that you and I who are not born into the Jewish faith, just like this Syrophoenician woman was; we see that the Gospel flows to us as well.

We learn of this Gospel as the Holy Spirit brings us to His house of worship weekly. Here we hear of the great sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary’s cross for the sins of the world—Jews, Greeks, Syrophoenician, and US. We are reminded of it by David who said: “For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!” (Psalm 22:16-21).

Yes, on Calvary’s cross they pierced His hands, feet and side. They punctured His forehead with thorns. They beat His body mercilessly. They suspended Him between heaven and hell and placed Him in a tomb. But the cold, dark and dismal tomb couldn’t hold Him. He rose victorious on the third day, and by His glorious resurrection we have the certainty that He will always gives us not only crumbs from the Master’s table but an eternal banquet that satisfies the soul forever.

Remember the Fatush the poor-man’s food I was telling you my mother made? Though I enjoyed eating that meal because it was made by my loving and caring mother, on a far grander scale the Savior of the world feeds us at His table a banquet that truly blesses us beyond our wildest imagination. And for that we say to the Lord the words of this caring mother: “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” And He feeds us blessed crumbs from the Master’s Table. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Clean Hands or Clean Hearts” Mark 7:1-5

S-1511 13SAP/3B 8/23/2015 Hymns: (O) #865; (S) #527; L.S #633; #618; (C) #587

Texts: Isaiah 29:11-19; Ephesians 5:22-33; Mark 7:1-13

Theme: “Clean Hands or Clean Hearts” Mark 7:1-5

Question: “What is more important: Clean Hands or Clean Hearts”? (2^nd sermon at Trinity)

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for the 13^th Sunday after Pentecost is the Gospel reading. “Now when the Pharisees gathered to [Jesus], with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of His disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, ‘Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?’” Mark (7:1-5)

Most precious people of God, there are sermons that are easy to write and to listen to both for pastor and people. But on the other hand there are those sermons that are difficult to write and preach. These sermons don’t permit you to say, “So and so need to hear it! Or I wished she was here to hear this message that is just want she needs!” This sermon is for pastor and people alike because it hits us right between the eyes and there is no escaping it.

The text before us from St. Mark is one that brings to our attention the life of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who often complained about the disciples that they didn’t have their hands washed before they ate. These Pharisees and Scribes were more concerned on the outside but not the inside. Therefore the question that I asked you earlier was this: “Which is more important to have clean hands or clean hearts?” That is the question that is before us today, and we, God’s blood-bought people need to know what God teaches us.

To help us with this, I share with you a true story that played out in the lives of a very wealthy man and a poor couple. So here it goes.

This man was rich beyond measure. He had livestock of every shape and kind, land, property and servants attending to his every need. In the public square he was well respected and esteemed. However, behind closed doors he lived another life. On the surface his hands were very clean (at least he thoughts so) but his heart wasn’t at all.

He was a peeping tom, slept with a woman who wasn’t his wife, and when he discovered she got pregnant he attempted to make her husband sleep with her so that it doesn’t appear that someone else fathered the child. But when the husband wouldn’t do it, he put the order out to kill him.

All the people saw was this good man whose hands were clean (at least he thought so), but his heart was far from it. You know the man very well. As a matter of fact you know the story well. It is in the Scripture in 2 Samuel 11. It is the story of King David, taking Bathsheba Uriah’s wife, fathering a child with her and then giving the command to murder her husband. He did everything right for the people to see, but his heart was filthy. PAUSE.

That is the story of the text before us today. The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day as well as ours put so much emphasis on what is visible on the outside—clean hands and good behavior, but very little on matters of the heart. The Lord Himself sent Samuel to Jesse’s home in Bethlehem to choose the next king of Israel, and told him as Jesse was parading his sons before him: “Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Jesus Himself condemned the acts of the Pharisees and Scribes by telling them: “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites in Scripture: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is pointless, because their teachings are rules made by humans’” (Mark 7:6-7).

How often are we as guilty as these Jewish leaders? We, too, judge people by appearance. We determine who is guilty and who is not. We see the fault of others and don’t see our own. We sit as judge and jury and make ourselves better than others. It is as the picture in the catechism book that shows a man looking at his neighbor’s sin and sees a small bag, but on his back there is a huge bag. We really play “god” because we focus so much on the outside, but not on the inside.

Certainly we can wash our hands as Pilate did when he condemned Jesus to death saying: “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves” (Mt. 27:24b). But the fact of the matter is no matter how hard we try to clean our filthy hands from sin, they will never be truly cleansed! No matter what we use, even Gojo, bleach or stain remover, it can’t remove the sins. It may remove dirt and grime from the hands but it can never remove the grime of sin from the heart.

In order for the sin to be removed from the heart, we listen to the peeping tom—David, who when confronted with sin by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12), didn’t attempt to come up with excuses, or blame someone else, or the condition of the environment. No, he confessed right away that he was guilty. He is the one who sinned against God, Bathsheba, Uriah and his military personnel. He was so moved to sorrow that he wrote Psalm 51 in which he cries out to God to help him remove the sin he committed. Listen to this repentant man: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…[and this beautiful verse] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (1-4, 10). PAUSE.

Thank God the cleansing is done by the blood of Jesus shed on Calvary’s cross. It is Jesus who purifies us from all of our sins. As the Apostle John reminds us, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Jesus is the One who cleanses us, purifies us and makes us whole. In the waters of Baptism He takes our filth—all of it and removes it from us. He does this by taking the filth of our sin on Himself and gives us His holiness and righteousness in exchange! He continues to offer us this cleansing week in and week out here through His mighty, powerful and strong Word and Sacrament. In the presence of this unbounded grace, He gives us the confidence to confess our sins and acknowledge our dependence on Him alone.

No matter how much we try, we can’t remove sin from us. That is why Jesus needed to come to earth and be our Savior. That is why He chose to suffer the punishment we deserved and was willing to endure the torment resulting from our sin and disobedience. That is why He was willing to give His flesh to the floggers, His hands to the soldiers to be pierced for us to redeem, cleanse and present us pure and holy to His heavenly Father,.

Beloved in the Lord, today by the grace of God the Holy Spirit has brought you here. Today, in the Divine Service you spoke the words: “In the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.” Some of you even made the sign of the cross on your forehead to remind you of your baptism. And that is so very important. Why, you may ask? Because the word that is used in the original text to wash the hands is “Baptizen”, from which we get the word to baptize. Small Pause.

(Lean at the pulpit and point at the saints), Beloved in the Lord, I want you to ponder this thought. If the Lord God almighty, can look at the peeping tom, the adulterer, the murderer, the liar and deceiver—David and declare him, “A man after my own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22), how much more will He look at us sinners for the sake of Christ, our Savior and declare us holy and righteous in His sight forevermore.

Today, beloved, may we, in true humility confess our sins before God and know that for the sake of the shed blood of Christ on Calvary’s cross and His mighty resurrection that we too, are counted as a man/woman after God’s own heart and also precious, cleansed, forgiven and made saints. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Power that Changes Lives!” (Mark 5:25-30)

S-1505 5SAP/3B 6/28/2015 Hymns: (O) #568; (S) #338; L.S. #394; #315 (C) #47

Texts: Psalm 30; Lamentations 3:22-33; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15; Mark 5:21-43

Theme: “Power that Changes Lives!” (Mark 5:25-30)

Question: Have you experienced the power of God in your life?

IN NOMINE IESU

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for the 4^th Sunday after Pentecost is from the Gospel reading: “And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If I touch even His garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in Himself that power had gone out from Him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” (Mark 5:25-30).

Introduction: 

Saints in Christ today, again, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we are given a glimpse of Jesus as He demonstrates His power—power that changes lives not for a day but forever. Through the writing of St. Mark we see Jesus performing gracious acts of mercy by touching people whose lives were difficult and hard. Last week, we noticed His power over the wind and wave. Today that power is manifested in another way. In the reading before our appointed text, we read of Jesus healing a demon possessed man from the suffering and pain he endured while living among the tombs. By God’s grace and the touch of Jesus he was made whole and became His follower.

As we look at the text we see a large crowd following Jesus. Through these inspired words St. Mark tells us of two great miracles, showing Jesus’ power over Disease in healing the woman suffering from an issue of blood; and over Death in raising the daughter of Jairus.

In the midst of this throng an event happened that changed the life of a woman who had spent her life’s saving going from one doctor to another but to no avail. Then she had heard of the Rabbi from Nazareth whose power was out of this world and He can do the impossible.

The unnamed woman followed Him from a distance and as she drew near with courage confessed that if she only touched the hem of His garment she would be healed. Talk about faith! With trembling hands she reached out and touched His garments and immediately her body was completely healed. No more money for doctor visits or medicine, no more seeking ways to feel comfortable. She is healed because the Divine Physician—Jesus Christ removed this ailment once and for all. His power has changed her life. PAUSE.

But His power is not limited only to disease but also over death. While Jesus was still visiting with this healed woman, word had gotten to Him that the young lady is dead. Through the mighty power of the Word that left His lips, He comforted Jairus saying, “Do not fear, only believe.” And He allowed no one to follow Him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.

This woman and Jairus teach us much about faith. Faith is active. Faith is alive. Faith is real. Are we willing to come in faith and touch Jesus? Are we willing to acknowledge that our whole life is empty unless we are touched by His pierced hands? Are we willing to confess that we need His help to make us whole not only physically, but more importantly spiritually?

Keep in mind this is not an altar call. The only altar call you have is come and kneel at this rail where Jesus touches you. Here by the Holy Spirit we can come to Him and be touched by His Divine grace and undeserved love. To be sure, He touches us in this place at the font with the power of the Word and the splash of water. Here He touches us with His holy blood to wash away our sins. Here He touches us with His holy meal of love to make us stronger and healthier.

The Great Physician and Divine Son of God touch us today intimately with His hands of grace. He touches us with the power of the Gospel, forgives our sins and clothes us with the garments of righteous. Through the power of the Gospel He sends us as His ambassadors of mercy and compassion to a world that so desperately need to know Him intimately.

More than ever we ought to be on the front line speaking of this power that changes lives. Our world today is being attacked from every corner. I am certain you heard of the Supreme Court decision on Friday that gave a mandate that gay marriages will be performed in all 50 states. These people feel empowered now. But they are wrong. And, we, His followers must stand up and speak the truth in love stating we must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29).

We can learn from the disciples who were challenged just like us. In Acts 4 they were challenged by the Sanhedrin to give them an answer by what power did they heal a cripple man? Listen to the voice of Luke telling us of the great confession of “Peter Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved’” (Acts 4:8-12). PAUSE.

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ there is power in God’s Word—Jesus the Christ. His power is earth shaking. His power is eternal. His power doesn’t submit to the court or legislature or majority vote. His power comes to us as we are gathered around Font and Rail and receive the blessings He offers us.

There is power through the touch of Jesus. He touches us even today. He touches us through His Word. He touches us with His body and blood and our lives are changed forever. There is power in His Words. In the touch of His Word, we are killed and made alive. In the touch of His Word what is bleeding is made whole. It was true to the woman. It was true for Jairus. And it is true for you and me! As we step into this text, we are called to see ourselves in both of these figures of faith.

There are times when we are very much like the woman, bearing a never-ending sense of sin and uncleanness. Then there are the times when we are like Jairus, feeling the sting of the pain of death. For these times and every time in between, Jesus comes to touch us with His Word of power, pardon and peace! Yes, He touches us by the power of His Word always and changes our lives. PAUSE.

CONCLUSION

Saint in Christ, just imagine the great joy produced by the “Touches of the Savior”...The joy of the woman who touched Jesus…the joy of the parents whose child was touched by Jesus and restored to life. The unnamed woman is healed, and Tabitha is raised by the power.

That power is here today to bless you and make you whole. That power is not the voice of the majority, but the life-giving Word of the Messiah who came to earth to offer His life as the ultimate Sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. Anyone who is touched by the tree of the cross shall be healed forever and ever from sin, death and the devil.

Oh, the joy that fills our hearts today. For we too, have been touched and will be touched soon with the medicine of immortality. And as this power comes upon us and touches us, we are refreshed, renewed and revived to become His agents to touch others and bring His mercy and compassion to them.

Yet, we, as the woman, reach out our hand at the altar of Holy Communion to touch and be touched by the mercy and through the grace of God. So come, dear saints, hands extended, hearts open wide to believe this touch is sufficient to heal all life’s issues, to calm every fear, and terror. By the Spirit power we go forth from this place loving and serving as our Lord Christ this broken and misguided world.

May He whose power is eternal, continue to touch you with His hands of mercy and equip you to be His messengers of grace, mercy and compassion to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Numbers of Hope-3” (Mark 14:30)

S-1490 GF/3B 4/03/2015 Hymns: (O) #342; 179; (S) #159; LS #146; #314; #155;

Texts: Psalm 22; Isaiah 53:1-11; Hebrews 14:14-16; 5:7-9; Mark 14:26-31; 15:33-41

Theme: “Numbers of Hope-3” (Mark 14:30)

8^th sermon in sermon series on “Numbers of Hope”

Jesus said, ‘Don’t be so sure. Today, this very night in fact, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times…’ And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ And he went out and cried and cried and cried. Mark 14:30; Matt. 26:75 (The Message).

Beloved children of the heavenly Father from front to finish, the Word of God is absolutely true. Every Word written for us is in accordance to the will and Divine Master plan of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is why Jesus is always right. He is the One person no one should ever bet against. Therein is our hope. He knows all things. He is all-powerful. He always keeps His Word. He is trustworthy, reliable and dependable to the nth degree.

Saint Mark, who is speaking on behalf of Peter, tells us that in the Upper Room discourse with His disciples, after the Lord’s Supper and before the Garden of Gethsemane agony, Jesus had predicted a series of events that would take place.

The disciples would all fall away from Jesus this night.

The Shepherd would be stricken—His flock scattered.

He then predicted His resurrection and return to Galilee.

Peter, feeling secure, safe and strong enough to contradict Jesus said to His Lord and Master, Even if they all fall away because of You, I will never fall away. In one sentence Peter contradicted Jesus and put himself above the other disciples.

Unlike Nostradamus, (middle ages self-proclaimed prophecy maker), Jesus gives pinpoint predictions. He tells Peter, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

Not knowing when to stop, Peter continues to dig a deeper hole. He tells Jesus, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny you.” The rest of the disciples caught up in Peter’s bravado all said the same thing. However, in a short period of time they would all turn tail and run to save their own hides! The helter-skelter out of control events would send them scattered and running for their lives.

For Peter a series of bad things happened. He fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane, unable to pray for Jesus in this terrible hour of need. Then when Jesus is arrested Peter takes his sword and lops off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus picks up the ear providing miraculous instantaneous surgery and restoration. Suddenly as the disciples looked around and saw they were inches away from martyrdom, they cut and ran. PAUSE.

Peter feeling bad about his desertion, tried to follow Jesus from a distance. It is an age old problem following Jesus from a distance. He would eventually see His Lord bloodied, beaten, and battered. Along the way a series of bystanders would finger him as one of Jesus’ disciples.

With vigor and force he denied Him before them all. Mind you, not once, not twice, but three times on separate occasions. His Galilean accent was giving him away. The third time he was so fearful he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately, immediately after the third denial his heart skips a beat, his lungs stop breathing and his eyes are bewildered at the sound of the rooster crowing.

And Peter, the strong and boisterous disciple was crushed. He cried and cried and cried—weeping bitterly for his lack of courage, lack of fortitude, lack of faith and trust; for having contradicted His master and Lord, Jesus Christ who for the past 3 years has proven Himself again and again that He knows all things.

Three has been considered the number of unity, of accomplishment, and of the universe—time, space, and matter. Throughout the Bible it shows up with familiarity and force. We have Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We have the saddest story of the fall of man, as the devil, Adam and Eve 3 in all rebel against God. There are 3 Patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 3 guests visit Abraham. Israelites were to observe 3 feasts a year (Passover, Pentecost and Booths Deut. 16:16). Jesus spoke with Job 3 times. Rehab hid the Israelites for 3 days. There are the 3 sons of Noah and 3 daughters of Job. There are 3 cities of refuge to show us that Jesus brings us the HOPE of eternal refuge. He provides a place for our stupidity. Jesus walked with His disciples for 3 years. 3 are in the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples (Peter, James and John). He said in 3 days He will rebuild the temple. Paul prays 3 times when he has painful thorn in the flesh. Moses’ mother conceals her son for 3 months. The Ark of the Covenant stays at Obed-Edom’s house for 3 months. Mary stays at Elizabeth’s home for 3 months. Paul resides on the Island of Malta for 3 months. The people followed the Savior for 3 days without food. Today, on this 3^rd day He feeds us. On Calvary’s hill there are 3 crosses at 3 p.m. the Son of God dies.

In the opening chapter of Genesis God is manifesting Himself in a 3 in 1 movement. The Spirit hovers. The Son sends forth light. The Father creates. Together they say, “Let us make man in our image.” So the three-in-one God creates a three-in-one human being made up of body, soul, and spirit. At the end of the gospel of Matthew the Risen Savior tells us to baptize people into One name but 3 persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. As Prophet, Priest, and King Jesus sets forth this glorious message to be taken to the ends of the world.

For portions of three days Jesus is in the belly of the earth fulfilling prophecy similar to Jonah who was in the belly of a fish for 3 days. On Good Friday from 12:00-3:00 pm there is 3 hours of total darkness. At that same moment (3:00 pm) Jesus wills Himself to die at the precise time the Passover Lamb is being sacrificed. So profound is all of this that St. Paul spends three years in Arabia rethinking his whole worldview, replacing salvation by works with salvation by grace through Jesus. In Ephesians 1:3-14 there are twelve verses that make up this one sentence in the Greek where Paul does a Trinitarian salute to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. PAUSE.

Beautiful people of God know the Scriptures and hold them dear, for there is so much for us to learn and believe. The term “On the third day” is a metaphor throughout the Bible beginning with Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine as well as the day He rose from the dead. Whether the rooster crowing, Jesus dying, or Jesus rising from the dead, the number three signals unity, accomplishment, fulfillment, and hope—living Hope. Not a sparrow falls, not a nation rises, and not one event takes place in this universe that does not in the end come under the rule and reign of Jesus.

For us on Good Friday Jesus was willing to be denied. For us on Good Friday He was crucified. For us on Good Friday He willingly died. For us on Good Friday He was glorified. For us on Good Friday He accepted His lot at the will of His Father so that we can be part of the great throng without number. He was denied so that you would not be denied His forgiveness and salvation. He died so that you would never die.

The same Savior who spoke of Peter’s denial spoke of His resurrection and reunion with them in Galilee. May both passion predictions increase our hope, confidence, and joy! Even on Good Friday Jesus is Lord. The rooster obeys. The devil makes his worse mistake. The grave overreaches. Death claims a victim it cannot hold! And through it all and more, Jesus unceasingly works everything together for our good. Yes even a beaten and bloodied Jesus dead on a cross and laid in a tomb is used for good! Because we have a God who can do this miracle and more, there is hope. On the third day...the three denials are overcome so that we could be baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Willing to be a Slave” (Mark 10:43-45)

S-1486 5SIL/3B 3/22/2015 Hymns: (O) #149; (S) #390; L.S. #155; #314; #55; (C) #158

Texts: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45

Theme: “Willing to be a Slave” (Mark 10:43-45)

Question: “How do you want people to remember you?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia. The text is from the Gospel lesson: “And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).

People of the Cross, you, who have been purchased with the crimson blood of the Savior, there is no denying it. This text deals with two big important words that show who we really are. Both begin with letter “S” and both have a result with a word that begins with “S.” The first word is “SELFISHNESS” and the second “SELFLESNESS”. Selfishness separates us from one another but more importantly, it separates us from God. Selflessness draws us into the service of others and more importantly into the service of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, which word rule and reigns in our hearts? Because we are born sinful, our tendencies are to be SELFISH. That is just the way the old Adam is. We see it clearly in the Gospel reading this morning not only in James and John, but in all 12 of the Disciples. But we see selflessness in the response of Jesus the greatest teacher as He takes the opportunity to teach them and us about serving and being slaves.

In the text we find 10 of Jesus’ twelve disciples were hot under the collar. Their anger was aimed at James and John. Why? Because James and John had just asked Jesus to give them the top two spots in His cabinet when His Kingdom came into power. But they were most likely mad that they didn’t think to ask first!

These two Sons of Thunder wanted to sit, one at the right and left hand of Jesus. They asked because they had a warped view of the Kingdom of God. They thought it would be ushered in by conflict and conquest. We see this in the word they use for left in the original Greek. The word has military overtones. They wanted in on the action of winning salvation. But that’s not what Jesus had in mind. In response, Jesus uses a word that is different. His word flows from the sweet Gospel. Jesus wants to build something that will last for eternity—and it is something that flows out of God’s eternal promises to save humanity.

After three years of learning from history’s greatest teacher, it didn’t appear that any of them had learned much. Even as the disciples draw closer and closer and closer to the dark Day of Judgment—Good Friday, they are missing the point on life, love, and liberty. They are still slaves to their passions. PAUSE.

To want to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus IS a selfishness and self-centered request. It does not take into consideration the other ten or the Kingdom which Christ is building. But worse, they are clueless regarding the depth of suffering, sacrifice, and sorrow Jesus will need to go through to save not just Judah and Israel but the world—including you and me.

Sitting at the Right and Left Hand of Jesus doesn’t mean power. It means being willing to be staked to a cross. Ironically, the position James and John were asking for will be reserved for two thieves on Good Friday who are nailed to the cross; one on Jesus’ left and the other on His right. This King and His court will be enthroned on roughhewn wooden crosses, with bodies draped with robes of blood beholding a King whose head is embedded with a crown of thorns and scepter—a spear in the side—to give birth to His bride.

The Kingdom of the Messiah takes furious form with a terrible, towering tortuous cross. On that cross Jesus will drink humanity’s full cup of suffering; and God’s wrath. He also will be plunged into the waters of a baptism where He will take the weight of the world’s sins into the depths of the ocean...upon His sinless back...so that we don’t drown in our sin of selfishness and self-centeredness that separates us from God and others.

Beautiful people of God, Jesus uses this opportunity to teach the 12 saying: “Listen, you are not to be thinking like the power brokers of this world. Yes, for the pagan Gentiles ‘power,’ ‘control,’ and ‘dominance’ are the watchwords. “BUT IT SHALL NOT BE SO AMONG YOU. BUT WHOEVER WOULD BE GREAT AMONG YOU MUST BE YOUR SERVANT, AND WHOEVER WOULD BE FIRST AMONG YOU MUST BE SLAVE OF ALL”.

Here Jesus identifies the purpose of life. Those who are saved through His death and resurrection are called to serve with love. The surface reasons so many people do not want to follow Christ vary. However, so often people reject Christ like the religious leaders of His day—in favor of power. They want to rule over people. They want things done their way. Selfishness is their creed. Control is their deed.

Remember, Jesus had just told the disciples He was going up to Jerusalem, be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and be condemned to death. While Jesus is talking about giving Himself up for others—the ten are wrangling with the two brothers—about power, fame, and wealth. PAUSE.

The disciples had forgotten one of the most profound stories of love, sacrifice, and selflessness in the Bible. Remember how Israel’s sons were sent to Egypt to buy grain because of a famine, only to come face to face with their brother Joseph who they had sold into slavery for 20 pieces of silver who was now the right hand man of Pharaoh? They thought he was dead. But by God’s grace Joseph went through struggles, from Potiphar’s house, to prison, only to end up in a place where he could save His family.

With his brothers at his mercy, Joseph devises a bit of a scheme to see where their hearts are. He set up the youngest brother Benjamin. They planted evidence on him in the form of a royal chalice. When it is discovered that Benjamin would be arrested and detained, Judah selflessly volunteers to take his brother’s place for the sake of his father. They had seen the effects of supposedly losing Joseph on their father. Judah could not allow that kind of grief that comes from separation to come to his father again. So breaking ranks with his brothers, Judah confesses their earlier deceit as he pleads with this supposed foreign leader for the sake of his now elderly father. Judah’s contrite, selfless and impassioned plea breaks Joseph’s cover and the brothers are reunited! It is shown how God overcame their evil intent for the sake of good!

Judah whose name is, “Praise the Lord” was willing to become a slave for the sake of his brother. To save Benjamin, which means “Son of my right hand,” Judah would give up everything. Compare that with what the 12 were bickering about! The Disciples were bickering about a position of power all the while that Jesus was talking about the posture of a slave! Add to that what we hear in Philippians 2 about having the mind of Christ and enduring suffering and death for others and we see just how ridiculous the 12 look and sound!

Judah was not able to pull off the exchange that he proposed. But One of His descendants did. In fact, that descendant is the One lecturing the Disciples on what it means to be great in the Kingdom of God!

For us, out of SELFLESSNESS, Jesus became history’s greatest SLAVE. No slave in history was ever treated more terribly than our Lord. No slave in history was ever subject to more pain than Jesus our Lord. No slave in history ever endured the shameful treatment that Jesus endured in order to free us—yes US, from a life of selfishness and self-centeredness to engage in a life of Good Friday selflessness.

To be sure, daily the Holy Spirit calls us in humility to exercise the gift of repentance. The kindness of the King on the cross alone can give us power to put to death those impulses to rule over others. A little Stalin, a little Hitler, a little Mao, a little ISIS drone, dwells in every one of our hearts. Daily, on our trip back to baptism’s font, we need to crucify the little dictator within, so that sin does not cause us to get drunk on power. Only the pardoning love of Christ who became a SLAVE for us can cast out the universal sin to want to rule over others with pomp, power, and pride.

Beautiful people of God, a planted chalice in a sack on the back of the donkey of Benjamin—son of my right hand, moved Judah to become willing to be a slave to save his brother. Jesus, the perfect Son of God’s right hand—drank from the Chalice the cup of wrath for our selfishness on the cross. Today in that amazing way of selflessness the greatest SLAVE, gives to us in His chalice, His body and blood to enrich our love. To serve with love out of love for Him who served up His life for us—is the essence of a life worth living. We have been saved to serve!

In this way, called by grace through faith, we are slaves of Christ. We serve at His direction and in His pattern. But we are not ordinary slaves. No, we are God’s workmanship, created by God to do good works! This slavery is not a position of power, but a position of service. This service is not done to justify us. No, it is rendered to glorify the very One who has given everything and more for our sake!

To sit at the right and left of Jesus is not an honor reserved for us. No, those spots are taken. But our greatest honor is not to be recognized for all that we do for Jesus, but to selflessly and confidently share Him with others. Amen

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Numbers of Hope-40” (Mark 1:12-13)

S-1477 AW/3B 2/18/2015 Hymns: (O) #135; (S) #483; (C) #134

Texts: Mark 1:12-13

Theme: “Numbers of Hope-40” (Mark 1:12-13)

1^st sermon in sermon series on “Numbers of Hope”

The Opening Hymn: “Jesus, Refuge of the Weary” # 145

The First Narrative: Numbers of Hope! Numbers from Genesis to Revelation are written into the text of the Holy Scriptures by the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. Hope is our number one need in life. It has been said that a person can live 60 days without food, 8 days without water, a few minutes without air, but not a second without hope.

The Hope that this world offers is at best iffy. Presidential candidates offer people all kinds of hope when they are running for office. However, should they get elected, by the time they finish their terms, they stumble and stagger out of their office with a long string of broken promises behind them—leaving people deeply disappointed—destroyed dreams and dashed hope.

Young people today counselors tell us are extremely disillusioned because they have been lied to so often that they don’t know who to believe. As a result they navigate through life without hope. This is why this house of worship exists...a house of hope...to give help to the helpless, hope to hopeless, and heaven to the heaven-less...that neither death nor moth, nor thieves can take away or destroy.

There is in history but One book that is available to all—a book of hope one can bank on—the Bible. The Bible is the story from front to finish how God through Jesus Christ keeps His powerful living promises. This is what hope is. Hope is faith toward the future based on what God in Christ has done perfectly in the past—for you! Because of the lively hope we have through a living Savior, who went to the cross for us and overcame death for us, we view the future with an optimism that is rooted in the perfect merits of Christ.

On top of that, we are convinced that Jesus is working EVERYTHING together for the good of His Bride—the Church. It may not look that way at times when we see history unraveling but God’s perfect record rooted in Christ’s dying love tells us otherwise. Tonight we note our first number of hope. It is the number FORTY. It is a number of testing and trial and triumph.

The number of forty is a fitting number for our first Lenten season service. Forty days we set aside to study carefully how Jesus went through the most difficult tests and trials in history to triumph over all things necessary for our eternal salvation. These Forty days begin our slow measured journey to the cross where we see Jesus bloodied, scourged, and slaughtered...

These forty days initiate at the time the Church studies how Jesus endured forty days in the wilderness constantly tempted by the devil. While the first Adam tumbled terribly in the Garden of Eden while living in plush perfect conditions, Jesus, the Second Adam overcame the devil while enduring the harsh conditions of the wilderness—with its hot burning sand in the day and chilling coolness at night.

For us, for forty days Jesus felt acute agonizing hunger—eating nothing. For us, for forty days Jesus felt the extremes of climate change draining His body to the point of complete exhaustion. Angels ministered to Jesus after these forty days just as they administered to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when the weight of the world’s sin pressed down upon His sinless shoulders. For us, Jesus felt for forty days the haunting solitude and loneliness and the howling of wild animals so that as the master Carpenter He could begin to rebuild our broken planet, broken lives, and broken families. His perfect work and perfect keeping of the promises of God on our behalf is our perfect foundation for salvation, for life, and eternity. And so we sing:

The Hymn My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less # 370

The Second Narrative: As Jesus travailed in the wilderness for forty days and nights, undoubtedly He thought about this number forty and how it was connected with the promises of God throughout history. It was Jesus who gave Noah the blueprints for the building of the ark and three forty year periods of time to build the ark—120 years all total. You recall how it rained forty days and forty nights as God covered all the earth with floodwaters. After the flood God promised never to destroy the earth again with a worldwide flood. And God promised to restore the whole broken planet with a new heaven and new earth.

In salvation history the number forty continued to show up in the Bible. Moses would spend his first forty years at Pharaoh's court, forty years tending sheep in the wilderness, and forty years leading God's people through the wilderness. It was a time of continuous testing, trial, and in the end—triumphant as Moses went to heaven—the real Promise Land.

For forty days Goliath taunted the children of Israel. Behind the scenes the devil was using Goliath as a ten foot tall giant hit man to destroy Israel and render the promise of a coming Savior null and void. Jesus, however, raised up a shepherd boy by the name of David to take five smooth stones and turn Goliath into dead bones. After forty days God essentially said, “Times up, Goliath! Time for judgment so that My promise of salvation to the world can go on. And on it went!” King David would reign forty years—33 in Jerusalem...both numbers pointing to the Hope of history, Jesus. Solomon’s temple would be forty cubits long—pointing to the ultimate temple, Jesus, the Hope of history. (1 Kings 6:17) When the devil again sought to destroy the promise of a coming Savior by destroying Judah, King David defeated the Arameans killing forty thousand infantry. (1 Chronicles 19:18).

Forty, forty, forty...pointing ultimately to Jesus, pointing to how God keeps His promises of a coming Savior, pointing to how God wants us to see how the whole Bible hangs together. These numbers are little threads connected with the big redemptive thread of Jesus Christ is the One sure bet in history. The hope that Jesus’ brings is not only spectacular, but sure, solid, unbreakable, and unending. And so we sing:

The Hymn Savior, When In Dust to Thee # 166

The Third Narrative: Hope was a time of testing for the people of Nineveh. Jonah, whose name means “dove” told them “Forty more days and Nineveh will be toast!” (Jonah 4:4) The people of Nineveh listened and trusted in Jesus as the object of their faith and hope. (Jonah 4:5) That hope came to them through One far greater than Jonah, the Lord Jesus, who would dwell in the belly of the earth just as Jonah dwelt in the belly of the great fish. Jesus would also dwell in the belly of a womb—the Virgin Mary.

After Jesus was born, as a child He was taken to the temple in Jerusalem forty days later. He was taken there not only to fulfill the law for us but to bring forgiveness of sins for His mother. The two doves offered by Mary for her purification ironically came through the Child she brought to the temple—the One true sacrifice for all sin. (Leviticus 12:1-4; Luke 2:22-24).

It just wasn’t forty days after His birth but the cruel forty lashes minus one just before His death that marked the life of our Lord. The flesh of His body was cut not only on the eighth day but ripped off His back on His last day before death. Forty lashes minus one for the One who knew no sin. This forty is one more reminder of how deeply Jesus loves us to endure this awful punishment for our sin.

After Jesus rose from the dead He would spend forty days with the disciples showing Himself alive and well. Eleven recorded appearances saving the twelfth recorded one for the end of history. Forty days after He rose bodily from the dead He would ascend into the heavens in a cloud to signal the way He would reappear one day. On the fortieth day after He rose Jesus ascended as St. Paul writes “to fill all things,” that is, to exercise His authority as Lord. Now He is far less than forty inches from all of us as He dwells in our heart. Tonight this risen Savior even gives us His body and blood for added grace upon grace.

May this number 40, sanctified and enlisted by the Giver of all numbers, the Lord Jesus, increase your faith, hope, and love! The revelation of this number is one more Messianic manner in which the Holy Spirit reveals to us how intimately God is at work in history through the Church—the House of Hope. Forty lashes minus one for you...forty days in the wilderness for you...Forty days this Lenten season for you...to learn more about His love. Amen.

The Hymn On My Heart Imprint Your Image 179

Now the peace of God…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“There is always time to fish” (Mark 1:16-18)

S-1473 3SAE/3B 1/25/2015 Hymns: (O) #410; (S) #421; L.S. #313; #306; (C) #428

Texts: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

Theme: “There is always time to fish” (Mark 1:16-18)

Question: “How is your fishing lately?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia. The text is from the Gospel lesson: “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, He [Jesus] saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men!’ And immediately they left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:16-18).”

Beloved saints in Christ, fishermen are perhaps the greatest storytellers in the world. Together, they represent a vast storehouse of both legends and true-life experiences. Why? Because each fishing trip, each cast, and each fish caught is a unique event.

Growing up in Israel, I had a different experience of fishing. The majority of the fishing that I did as a young lad was at the Sea of Galilee and didn’t fish with rod and reel. I fished with a five gallon can that had a small 4 inch hole on top and many holes on the bottom. I placed a loaf of bread in the can, and dropped it deep into the water with a milk jug attached to the handle, to mark its location. After an hour or so, I would swim out to the deep, pick up the can and empty the fish caught.

But when I migrated to the USA I had to learn a new type of fishing. But no matter what type of fishing—whether by can, reel, spear or net there is always a story to be told. A story that is involved—a story that tells of what was caught or got away.

Remember saints we are still in the Season of Epiphany. As such the Scripture reveals to us who this Galilean Rabbi was and IS—the heaven-sent Savior. We meet Him in this text calling simple fishermen to follow Him so that they might become fishers of men. These simple Galileans left the twine and mesh and followed Him on the greatest mission to catch men instead of slippery fish. The text for today tells us of a fishing story. PAUSE.

So too, is the life of God’s child. It is a fishing story—story that tells of our walk of faith and the Fisherman—Jesus Christ, who cast us out into the sea of humanity with His Gospel net to pull them in. In the ministry of the Gospel there is always time to fish. The fish come in variety of sizes and colors. Some days the fishing is just a little better than others.

Fishing goes on daily. Sometimes the fishing is very evident as is in the story I share with you. In another state a young boy attended a camp. He came from a broken home and lived with foster parents. His family told him he wasn’t loved or wanted. While at the camp, he spent most of his time alone and didn’t mix well with other campers. The one thing he showed interest in, was spending time with the horses.

By the grace of God, this troubled boy was connected to a male counselor who ministered to him. During a Bible study one evening the leader asked the kids to open their Bibles to follow along. As the counselor looked around, he realized this boy didn’t know how to read because he had his Bible upside down.

The camp counselors’ determined to provide him a Bible on tapes/CD. The boy loved the gift of the Bible on tape and soaked it up like a sponge. He listened as often as he could and learned so much about His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was a great opportunity to fish. There is always time to fish everywhere and anywhere. PAUSE.

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, there is always time to fish and fishing goes around here in this house of God called Redeemer Lutheran. Fishing that takes place during the Divine Service when the Word of God is proclaimed and the Sacrament is administered. Fishing is carried out when God’s people along with their pastor, in the presence of God confess their sins and receive the sweet message of forgiveness.

Fishing is being done here when the LWML ladies meet to carry on the ministry—ministry for the need of this congregation: helping families during funerals, filling the candles, changing the paraments, meals on wheels and every other gracious act of kindness.

Fishing is being fulfilled as the quilters gather monthly to make something beautiful out of used materials and give all of these gifts away in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ—the Fisherman.

Fishing is displayed in this place as the Elders, Council and Voters meet to carry on the Mission of the Church so that the Gospel may go to the ends of the earth. Fishing is conducted when the choir sings their hearts out so that the name of Jesus Christ maybe praised by all peoples everywhere. Fishing is conveyed in our Bible studies, Sunday School, VBS, youth group and midweek classes.

Throughout all of this the grace of God is being taught and fishing is taking place. For there is always time to fish! Fishing happens here and everywhere. This is our calling by Christ our Savior—Jesus Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” (The Cost of Discipleship). Because we are the children of God, we want to go fishing. Fishing with the sweet net of the Gospel as it is proclaimed. PAUSE.

Daily our prayers should be that we would bathe ourselves and soak up everything that the Word of God offers us; to be the best fishermen. No matter what type of fishing we do, we should remember that the net is provided by Christ Himself. He is the One who has called us to be His followers and gives us His net—the Gospel to be His fishermen—because in His economy there is always time to fish.

Yet, we don’t always desire to go out fishing. We complain that it is too hot, too windy, too cold or just not the right day. But this is not our calling. Our calling is like the disciples in the text. When Christ the Fisherman called them, they dropped everything and went fishing. Because of them and others who have heard the voice of the Fisherman, Jesus; you and I have been caught in the Gospel net and receive grace upon grace.

Today, beloved, we remember who we are—the called children of the heavenly Father. We have been called and caught by the Gospel net of Jesus, just like Jonah was in the O.T. lesson. The Gospel net of Jesus embraces us and saves from drowning in the sea of death, and brings us to stand forever before the Throne of Grace.

This is done freely by the sweet message of the Gospel of Jesus—the Fisherman who permitted Himself to be caught in another net—the net of evil and wicked men who bound Him not with twine; but with chains and drove nails into His hands and feet and hung Him up to dry on the wood of the cross until He dies.

But through His death, He dived into the depth of hell to announce His victory to the most evil of them all—the devil himself and rose again to new life on the 3^rd day. By this mighty and gracious act of love, we have been caught in His arms and there is nothing that can separate us from His net of love.

Since we have been caught and called, we now take His net of Word and Sacrament and cast it on the hearts of others that they too, may be pulled safely to shore, be fed by Him, strengthened for the journey by Him and live under Him forever and ever.

Because of this Fisherman Jesus, who died and rose for us, we have forgiveness of sins, and brings us into His sweet net that guarantees our eternity. The symbol of the cross over us gives us all of His blessings. Blessings that knows no end because we are in His net of love. Thanks be to God, that we have been caught in His gospel net. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA