On the 2nd Sunday of Easter, I preached on Acts 5 and John 20. The Acts 5 passage was when Peter and the others were arrested in Jerusalem for preaching the message of the gospel - that He was put to death by the Jews, and God raised Him from the dead. The high priest and the Sadducees were offended and upset with this teaching and therefore commanded the disciples to no longer teach such things. The disciples replied "We must obey God rather than man." They stood strong in front of those who were opposed to the message of the Gospel. They kept proclaiming Jesus Christ in the face of persecution.
Following that sermon, I was asked about an interesting question - the disciples and early Christians did not fear persecution nor went into hiding despite the opposition. What about those in say, the Soviet Union, who went underground to avoid persecution and continued to worship and spread the gospel on the quiet? Were they wrong for doing this? Should they have done like the disciples and faced the persecution?
This is really a moral question. I think that Dieterich Bonhoeffer faced such a question in Nazi Germany. He struggled with joining the resistance against Hitler. He finally decided that he could join in with them - though he did not believe that he would force all people to do the same thing. He left it up to the individual to make that decision for himself/herself.
So it is during times of persecution. There will be those who stand out publicly and take the penalty for acting is such a way. They do it for consciences sake. At the same time, there will be those who do go "underground" and continue to hold firm to their faith. They do it for consciences sake as well. Neither is wrong. They are doing what they believe the Lord would have them do.
Even in the early church, there were times and places where the church did not meet publicly. Instead they were an "underground" church in order to avoid the persecution. There are times to stand out and times to blend into the background.
The joy that we have is that when the Soviet Union broke apart, those underground Christians came out into the public once again, showing that even while communism tried to kill Christianity, the saying the Lord came true - not even the gates of hell itself shall prevail against the Church of God. We praise God for that very fact.
I hope that helps out with the question.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Protest
There has been talk about making it illegal to protest the funerals of servicemen - the Baptist church from Kansas (or is it Nebraska? I don't remember. They are such a fringe group and so radical that no one really pays them heed until now.). They show up at funerals of those killed in Iraq or some other place and protest. They say that those who die do so because it is God's judgment against the USA not taking a harder stance against homosexuality.
Are they nuts? The simple answer is - yes. The death of the men and women in the military is not God's judgment against us because we accept homosexuality. There are many of us who still follow the Word of God and do not agree that homosexuality is the way that God wants for people. It is wrong. To engage in same-sex relations, even if it is monogamous, is wrong. God condemns it. People should not engage in it.
But having said that, does that mean God is judging the USA because we have been lax and even supportive of this behavior? There are Christian churches who have accepted it as a way of life - does God bring judgment on them? To say such things is like saying that AIDS is God's punishment upon the homosexual community. Once again - are you nuts?
That is not what the Scriptures teach. Nor should it be something that we support or promote. Having said that, understand that I do not say that the lifestyle is all right. It is just as wrong for couples of the same sex to engage in sexual activity as it is for heterosexual couples to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage. Both are wrong. Both are going on. To take the thought of the Baptist church, we would have to say that God is bringing judgment on the USA by letting the servicemen get killed because couples are living together outside of marriage and because couples are engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage. Do they do that? No. Why not? Because they have an ax to grind against the homosexual community. That is wrong.
Instead of attacking the homosexual community, they should be bringing the message of Christ to them. But then again, isn't that what each Christian church should be doing against each sin? We reach out to the sinner with the words of both Law and Gospel. You start with the Law, showing the sin and helping the sinner to understand that the activity - whatever it might be, homosexual, heterosexual, drinking to the excess, looking at pornography on the Internet. Then, with much prayer and assistance from the Holy Spirit, when the person admits their sin and repents of it, you apply the loving balm of the Gospel.
Protest a funeral? That doesn't do anything at all except upset people - it even upsets those of us who agree that homosexuality is a sin. Instead of going to the funerals and making a mockery of Christians, they should be there to help those who grieve the loss of their loved ones, and then go home and clean up their own backyard. Sin is everywhere. Why do we single one out as worse than another. Let's all work together with one purpose, to show the love of Christ, to act in a Christ-like fashion and to proclaim the message of life and hope. That is what Easter itself is all about.
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Are they nuts? The simple answer is - yes. The death of the men and women in the military is not God's judgment against us because we accept homosexuality. There are many of us who still follow the Word of God and do not agree that homosexuality is the way that God wants for people. It is wrong. To engage in same-sex relations, even if it is monogamous, is wrong. God condemns it. People should not engage in it.
But having said that, does that mean God is judging the USA because we have been lax and even supportive of this behavior? There are Christian churches who have accepted it as a way of life - does God bring judgment on them? To say such things is like saying that AIDS is God's punishment upon the homosexual community. Once again - are you nuts?
That is not what the Scriptures teach. Nor should it be something that we support or promote. Having said that, understand that I do not say that the lifestyle is all right. It is just as wrong for couples of the same sex to engage in sexual activity as it is for heterosexual couples to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage. Both are wrong. Both are going on. To take the thought of the Baptist church, we would have to say that God is bringing judgment on the USA by letting the servicemen get killed because couples are living together outside of marriage and because couples are engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage. Do they do that? No. Why not? Because they have an ax to grind against the homosexual community. That is wrong.
Instead of attacking the homosexual community, they should be bringing the message of Christ to them. But then again, isn't that what each Christian church should be doing against each sin? We reach out to the sinner with the words of both Law and Gospel. You start with the Law, showing the sin and helping the sinner to understand that the activity - whatever it might be, homosexual, heterosexual, drinking to the excess, looking at pornography on the Internet. Then, with much prayer and assistance from the Holy Spirit, when the person admits their sin and repents of it, you apply the loving balm of the Gospel.
Protest a funeral? That doesn't do anything at all except upset people - it even upsets those of us who agree that homosexuality is a sin. Instead of going to the funerals and making a mockery of Christians, they should be there to help those who grieve the loss of their loved ones, and then go home and clean up their own backyard. Sin is everywhere. Why do we single one out as worse than another. Let's all work together with one purpose, to show the love of Christ, to act in a Christ-like fashion and to proclaim the message of life and hope. That is what Easter itself is all about.
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tuesday morning thoughts
"Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39 ESV) Those are some wonderful words to start this week (I know it is Tuesday but school is back in session today and it seems like the start of the week).
The question is asked, "What difference does Easter make?" Right here, in these words, you see the difference. Everything that holds you in bondage - the fear, the sorrow, the temptation, the pain, the suffering, you name it - that thing, that feeling, that action that holds you in bondage, you are given freedom through this one Man who rose from the dead on the 3rd day. It is through His life that you are given life. It is through the freedom He had as He broke the bonds of the grave that you are given freedom. It is through faith in Him, in the risen and living Jesus Christ alone, that you are given this freedom.
The people in Pisidian Antioch heard this message and rejoiced. They couldn't get enough of it. They were in bondage under the law, trying to free themselves only to find that they were mired deeper and deeper in their sinful actions. Paul came and proclaimed this message of freedom. They rejoiced and wanted to hear more.
What mires you? What holds you down? What keeps you from the true free life that Christ is bringing to you today? Ask yourself, "Is that bigger and stronger than Jesus?" He beat the grave! He rose when all of us will stay put (until the Last Day). He is the One who gives true freedom. Why do you doubt? Are you like Thomas? You just can't get your mind around it because it seems so "out there"? Stop doubting and believe. "I can't. It just seems...too good to be true, too impossible, too something." Why? Is it because you think God is too small and too unable to do such a powerful thing? Stop doubting and believe. I just...just what? Why do you refuse to believe? Answer that question and then come back and we will talk some more.
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The question is asked, "What difference does Easter make?" Right here, in these words, you see the difference. Everything that holds you in bondage - the fear, the sorrow, the temptation, the pain, the suffering, you name it - that thing, that feeling, that action that holds you in bondage, you are given freedom through this one Man who rose from the dead on the 3rd day. It is through His life that you are given life. It is through the freedom He had as He broke the bonds of the grave that you are given freedom. It is through faith in Him, in the risen and living Jesus Christ alone, that you are given this freedom.
The people in Pisidian Antioch heard this message and rejoiced. They couldn't get enough of it. They were in bondage under the law, trying to free themselves only to find that they were mired deeper and deeper in their sinful actions. Paul came and proclaimed this message of freedom. They rejoiced and wanted to hear more.
What mires you? What holds you down? What keeps you from the true free life that Christ is bringing to you today? Ask yourself, "Is that bigger and stronger than Jesus?" He beat the grave! He rose when all of us will stay put (until the Last Day). He is the One who gives true freedom. Why do you doubt? Are you like Thomas? You just can't get your mind around it because it seems so "out there"? Stop doubting and believe. "I can't. It just seems...too good to be true, too impossible, too something." Why? Is it because you think God is too small and too unable to do such a powerful thing? Stop doubting and believe. I just...just what? Why do you refuse to believe? Answer that question and then come back and we will talk some more.
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Quiet Wednesday
Wednesday of Holy Week - mad preparations taking place in the churches around the nation as Easter weekend approaches. Extra services in most churches. Special events taking place. Perhaps a breakfast or two to buy for and get set up for. Kinda sounds like what was taking place in Jerusalem 2000 years ago (or a little less that 2000 years since this was actually taking place around 33 A.D. and it is currently 2010. You do the math.). People had Passover meals to prepare. Lambs had to be purchased and taken to the Temple to be sacrificed. Then back home with the body of the lamb in order to get the meal together. Where would this meal be eaten? (On Thursday, Jesus sends the disciples into Jerusalem to get things ready. They were probably rushing around trying to make sure that they had everything.) Busy, busy, busy. Lots to do. So little time to do it. (I find I still have 4 sermons to write. Services are together. That is the good news.)
Yet, in the midst of this chaotic scene comes Wednesday. We know little or nothing about what happened on that day during Holy Week. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Jesus had gone into Jerusalem and had many confrontations with the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. It had been a challenging time. But Wednesday was a say of quiet, peace, rest. Jesus knew what was coming and it appears that He spend this one day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A day of rest. A calm before the storm.
We could learn from Him. Yes, we have much to do. But that should not really distract us from the life we are given. We should stop for just a little bit to sit back and let the events of the week wash over us. Take time today to sit quietly and meditate on the Passion of your Lord. Think of what it really means for you. Think of the pain, the suffering, the death that you will not have to face because of what Jesus is going through. Yes, we will still have pain and suffering in our lives. We will still die. But it is different now. All because of those events that took place in Jerusalem nearly 2000 years ago. He pays our price. He faces our sin. He takes our death. And He gives us peace in the midst of suffering, joy in the midst of pain and life in the midst of death.
A quiet Wednesday - not a bad thing. We really should look at that time He has taken out of the week and realize, while we have much to do, we too should take some quiet time and spend it with the Lord,
Yet, in the midst of this chaotic scene comes Wednesday. We know little or nothing about what happened on that day during Holy Week. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Jesus had gone into Jerusalem and had many confrontations with the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. It had been a challenging time. But Wednesday was a say of quiet, peace, rest. Jesus knew what was coming and it appears that He spend this one day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A day of rest. A calm before the storm.
We could learn from Him. Yes, we have much to do. But that should not really distract us from the life we are given. We should stop for just a little bit to sit back and let the events of the week wash over us. Take time today to sit quietly and meditate on the Passion of your Lord. Think of what it really means for you. Think of the pain, the suffering, the death that you will not have to face because of what Jesus is going through. Yes, we will still have pain and suffering in our lives. We will still die. But it is different now. All because of those events that took place in Jerusalem nearly 2000 years ago. He pays our price. He faces our sin. He takes our death. And He gives us peace in the midst of suffering, joy in the midst of pain and life in the midst of death.
A quiet Wednesday - not a bad thing. We really should look at that time He has taken out of the week and realize, while we have much to do, we too should take some quiet time and spend it with the Lord,
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Palm Sunday notes
Palm Sunday, March 28, 2010
Luke 19:38
“Join the Procession!”
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in the heaven and glory in the highest!”
Goal: To help the hearer to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, using Palm Sunday as the day that begins the walk through Holy Week.
Malady: We are often like the Pharisees, not wanting to join the procession but preferring life the way it is – with Christ quietly tucked away only to be used when needed or wanted.
Means: The Word, the gospel with the OT, points us to Christ. We will use the procession of palms as a way to join the festal procession.
Background: Zechariah 9:9 “rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The people of Israel understood this to be a Messianic prophecy – telling of the coming of the Messiah. They waited for the Messiah to arrive. They had hopes and dreams – many of which had become corrupted.
They wanted a Messiah to set up an earthly kingdom, to throw off the mantel of Rome, and other oppressors, make Israel as it was in the time of great King David. O, if only the Messiah would come, we would be free of the pain of oppression.
We get it wrong too- the wrong idea about the Savior. We want One who will take away all pain and suffering, all struggles of life. The “health & wealth” preachers tell us that Christ came to give us a life here on earth – great life. Pray for wealth – you will get it. Pray for freedom from financial struggles – you will be free. Set us up here on earth.
v. 37b “Praising God for the mighty works they had seen.”
What were those works?
• raising Lazarus from the deed a few weeks before.
• The blind beggar on the side of the road receiving sight.
• The feeding of the 5000.
These are the mighty works. People forget what they meant. John calls them signs (not miracles), these signs point out who Jesus is – the Son of God. The Savior of the World. Losing sight of that can lead to problems.
As the people saw all Jesus had done – they began to think this might be the Messiah.
Jesus goes out of His way to fulfill the OT prophecy. He sends the disciples to get the donkey – as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah. It would awaken in the people the thought of the Messiah.
Did it? Oh yeah! The people were beginning to jump out of their skin, Young and old alike began to do as was expected – singing praises to God.
Psalm 118:19 “Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
:20 This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous may enter through it.”
It was a holy procession, a joyous parade. Stately old King David could dance at the front of a parade. As the ark enters Jerusalem – some didn’t like it. 1 Samuel 6:14 “And David danced before the Lord with all his might.”
Why? “I will make merry before the Lord.” 1 Samuel 2:21b
Michal, his wife, despised him because of it. How could you? She didn’t humble herself before the Lord.
And as the people praise god for sending the Messiah (even if it was misunderstood) they were wild, filled with great joy. The Pharisees felt the same way about the people – and even Jesus – on Palm Sunday. How could the Teacher allow this? He should stop them. This is the time of great solemness. Stop the people.
This is Lent. Don’t celebrate. It is a somber season. Yet is it really meant for that? Why do we have Lent? To prepare us for the joy of Easter – it helps us to know one thing – Jesus is our savior! He is the Son of God. He has come to bring us salvation.
The people say, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” (vs. 38b) recalls what the angels say at Jesus’ birth (though the people didn’t know this – a Holy Spirit led event!).
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)
Peace in heaven – man’s peace with God, sin paid for, Law fulfilled, life given, restored, peace that was lost when Adam sinned. No peace has been given by the action of men (we try, with “good deeds” and sacrifices, and the following of the season). God brings peace – in the One who rides upon the donkey. The Messiah, the Savior, the Peacemaker and Peace bringer.
Glory to God in the highest! God gets all the glory. We don’t. The glory comes in Christ, the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Why keep quiet? All creation has been waiting in anticipation of the coming events. It is building to a crescendo – not the cross, for all creation stands in silence before the cross.
The crescendo comes on Sunday morning – as the grave bursts open. Palm Sunday is the procession – a time of preparation. Join in! We know where this is heading. We know the outcome. We look at what took place
Before the sorrow sets in, before the darkness clouds our vision, we look at the joy of the day! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
The children brought in the Palms. We sing. Was it with joy? It should have been. “Hosanna! Loud hosanna!” Join in the procession. Come to the Lord.
Be filled with joy – your Savior is come.
Be filled with hope – forgiveness is given.
Be filled with expectation – the hope of heaven is yours.
What is the challenge? Not to lose the joy of today to the everyday life.
Not to expect a Savior that gives earthly existence but heavenly.
Not to be overwhelmed by the world that wants to silence the voice of the One
who proclaims hope and salvation.
Focus: on Christ
on the Savior
on the joy of all that comes to us.
Ephesians 5;19 “addressing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,
:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Palm Sunday – worship – celebrate – in faith.
Luke 19:38
“Join the Procession!”
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in the heaven and glory in the highest!”
Goal: To help the hearer to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, using Palm Sunday as the day that begins the walk through Holy Week.
Malady: We are often like the Pharisees, not wanting to join the procession but preferring life the way it is – with Christ quietly tucked away only to be used when needed or wanted.
Means: The Word, the gospel with the OT, points us to Christ. We will use the procession of palms as a way to join the festal procession.
Background: Zechariah 9:9 “rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The people of Israel understood this to be a Messianic prophecy – telling of the coming of the Messiah. They waited for the Messiah to arrive. They had hopes and dreams – many of which had become corrupted.
They wanted a Messiah to set up an earthly kingdom, to throw off the mantel of Rome, and other oppressors, make Israel as it was in the time of great King David. O, if only the Messiah would come, we would be free of the pain of oppression.
We get it wrong too- the wrong idea about the Savior. We want One who will take away all pain and suffering, all struggles of life. The “health & wealth” preachers tell us that Christ came to give us a life here on earth – great life. Pray for wealth – you will get it. Pray for freedom from financial struggles – you will be free. Set us up here on earth.
v. 37b “Praising God for the mighty works they had seen.”
What were those works?
• raising Lazarus from the deed a few weeks before.
• The blind beggar on the side of the road receiving sight.
• The feeding of the 5000.
These are the mighty works. People forget what they meant. John calls them signs (not miracles), these signs point out who Jesus is – the Son of God. The Savior of the World. Losing sight of that can lead to problems.
As the people saw all Jesus had done – they began to think this might be the Messiah.
Jesus goes out of His way to fulfill the OT prophecy. He sends the disciples to get the donkey – as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah. It would awaken in the people the thought of the Messiah.
Did it? Oh yeah! The people were beginning to jump out of their skin, Young and old alike began to do as was expected – singing praises to God.
Psalm 118:19 “Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
:20 This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous may enter through it.”
It was a holy procession, a joyous parade. Stately old King David could dance at the front of a parade. As the ark enters Jerusalem – some didn’t like it. 1 Samuel 6:14 “And David danced before the Lord with all his might.”
Why? “I will make merry before the Lord.” 1 Samuel 2:21b
Michal, his wife, despised him because of it. How could you? She didn’t humble herself before the Lord.
And as the people praise god for sending the Messiah (even if it was misunderstood) they were wild, filled with great joy. The Pharisees felt the same way about the people – and even Jesus – on Palm Sunday. How could the Teacher allow this? He should stop them. This is the time of great solemness. Stop the people.
This is Lent. Don’t celebrate. It is a somber season. Yet is it really meant for that? Why do we have Lent? To prepare us for the joy of Easter – it helps us to know one thing – Jesus is our savior! He is the Son of God. He has come to bring us salvation.
The people say, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” (vs. 38b) recalls what the angels say at Jesus’ birth (though the people didn’t know this – a Holy Spirit led event!).
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)
Peace in heaven – man’s peace with God, sin paid for, Law fulfilled, life given, restored, peace that was lost when Adam sinned. No peace has been given by the action of men (we try, with “good deeds” and sacrifices, and the following of the season). God brings peace – in the One who rides upon the donkey. The Messiah, the Savior, the Peacemaker and Peace bringer.
Glory to God in the highest! God gets all the glory. We don’t. The glory comes in Christ, the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Why keep quiet? All creation has been waiting in anticipation of the coming events. It is building to a crescendo – not the cross, for all creation stands in silence before the cross.
The crescendo comes on Sunday morning – as the grave bursts open. Palm Sunday is the procession – a time of preparation. Join in! We know where this is heading. We know the outcome. We look at what took place
Before the sorrow sets in, before the darkness clouds our vision, we look at the joy of the day! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
The children brought in the Palms. We sing. Was it with joy? It should have been. “Hosanna! Loud hosanna!” Join in the procession. Come to the Lord.
Be filled with joy – your Savior is come.
Be filled with hope – forgiveness is given.
Be filled with expectation – the hope of heaven is yours.
What is the challenge? Not to lose the joy of today to the everyday life.
Not to expect a Savior that gives earthly existence but heavenly.
Not to be overwhelmed by the world that wants to silence the voice of the One
who proclaims hope and salvation.
Focus: on Christ
on the Savior
on the joy of all that comes to us.
Ephesians 5;19 “addressing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,
:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Palm Sunday – worship – celebrate – in faith.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Holy Monday
This is Holy Week - the week that Christians remember that which took place during the last week of the Lord's earthly life. We have to be careful how we say that, for the Lord did have an earthly life after Sunday - since He bodily rose from the dead. This is the last week of Jesus' state of humiliation. After Friday, after He has been laid in the tomb, Jesus begin His state of exaltation. He will show Himself to be the Son of God, not just in word but in action. It is truly a glorious time.
Today is Monday, the day that follows the excitement of Palm Sunday - which in itself is quite the experience. The people would have returned to their camps and their families with a real excitement. They had been part of a parade of sorts. They had hailed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of David, the Promised One of old. It was a powerful day. Imagine being on a spiritual mountaintop. That is the people at the end of Sunday. They were praising God for all that they had heard and seen - which was just as the prophets had said. (Read Zechariah 9:9 for a taste of the prophecy.)
Monday dawns and Jesus heads back to Jerusalem after spending the night in Bethany, probably at the house of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. The worm turns. The religious leaders begin to go on the attack. They know what the events of Sunday meant. And they were not ready to accept them.
Read Luke 20-21 and you get a real taste of the battle that is taking place on Monday and Tuesday. I can only imagine how the disciples must have been confused. Jesus was hailed as the King of the Jews on Sunday, a day of celebration only to be attacked over and over again on Monday and Tuesday. How could this be?
We face that in our lives. We hail Jesus as the King of kings, the Savior, the Son of God as we celebrate over the weekend (at least I hope you celebrated by attending worship and hearing the Word of God). We join in the festal procession to the altar of the Lord as we receive the body and blood of our Lord in the blessed Sacrament. And then we are attacked - mercilessly. Satan, the world and our sinful nature go on the attack. They seek to make us doubt that Jesus is the Savior, the One who is there for us day after day. "How can you believe that Jesus is with you when you see the struggle of your fellow man? How can you expect Jesus is the Son of God when you suffer from cancer, heart problems, or a whole host of other physical ailments? How can you expect that Jesus is the ruler of all when jobs are lost, income is slashed, and financial woes increased? How? How?" And we begin to...
doubt? Do you begin to doubt? That is what is meant to happen. Satan wants you to doubt. Christ Jesus warns you of this over and over again. Read Luke 21. He says, "Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36 ESV) We will be attacked. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit, only as we are strengthened by Word and Sacrament, can we stand firm in faith, ready for the return of Christ. Only in that way - not in ourselves or in our power - will we be able to overcome the temptations that we face.
Holy Week - a powerful week. We will continue to address this (each day, hopefully, if I make the time for it). Watch and pray that you fall into no temptation.
Today is Monday, the day that follows the excitement of Palm Sunday - which in itself is quite the experience. The people would have returned to their camps and their families with a real excitement. They had been part of a parade of sorts. They had hailed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of David, the Promised One of old. It was a powerful day. Imagine being on a spiritual mountaintop. That is the people at the end of Sunday. They were praising God for all that they had heard and seen - which was just as the prophets had said. (Read Zechariah 9:9 for a taste of the prophecy.)
Monday dawns and Jesus heads back to Jerusalem after spending the night in Bethany, probably at the house of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. The worm turns. The religious leaders begin to go on the attack. They know what the events of Sunday meant. And they were not ready to accept them.
Read Luke 20-21 and you get a real taste of the battle that is taking place on Monday and Tuesday. I can only imagine how the disciples must have been confused. Jesus was hailed as the King of the Jews on Sunday, a day of celebration only to be attacked over and over again on Monday and Tuesday. How could this be?
We face that in our lives. We hail Jesus as the King of kings, the Savior, the Son of God as we celebrate over the weekend (at least I hope you celebrated by attending worship and hearing the Word of God). We join in the festal procession to the altar of the Lord as we receive the body and blood of our Lord in the blessed Sacrament. And then we are attacked - mercilessly. Satan, the world and our sinful nature go on the attack. They seek to make us doubt that Jesus is the Savior, the One who is there for us day after day. "How can you believe that Jesus is with you when you see the struggle of your fellow man? How can you expect Jesus is the Son of God when you suffer from cancer, heart problems, or a whole host of other physical ailments? How can you expect that Jesus is the ruler of all when jobs are lost, income is slashed, and financial woes increased? How? How?" And we begin to...
doubt? Do you begin to doubt? That is what is meant to happen. Satan wants you to doubt. Christ Jesus warns you of this over and over again. Read Luke 21. He says, "Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36 ESV) We will be attacked. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit, only as we are strengthened by Word and Sacrament, can we stand firm in faith, ready for the return of Christ. Only in that way - not in ourselves or in our power - will we be able to overcome the temptations that we face.
Holy Week - a powerful week. We will continue to address this (each day, hopefully, if I make the time for it). Watch and pray that you fall into no temptation.
Monday, March 22, 2010
It's Done
I don't really want to be political. But I have to voice myself this morning. Last night, the House of Representatives passed a bill that overhauls health care in the United States of America. I pray, oh do I pray, that this was the right thing to do. I am not sure. I fear that it has actually made more of a mess of health care than it already was.
You see, I don't disagree that health care needed to be overhauled. I don't think any of us disagree on that point. But did they do the right thing? The longer the debate went on, the less it became about health care and the more it became about our president. This became the critical point in his presidency. Excuse me? Why is it about his presidency and not about the people of the USA? Why do the people of this country have to pay for him to get his name in the record books? And why did this become a Democrat/Republican issue? What happened to working together? Why was there so much arm twisting and back room deals made to get this passed? If it really is a good thing, those who were to vote for it would have jumped on the bandwagon and no deals would have to be made. If it was so wonderful, then why would anyone's arms have to be twisted to vote for it?
I pray that the we have not just hastened the ruin of our nation. I know that the Lord can work good out of all things for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes. But does this nation still love Him? Do we still put Him first in everything we do? Or is it about us, the individual person and the goals and ideals we have set? I fear the worst and pray for the best. My heart aches. My mind is confused. My soul cries out to the Lord to guide all of us back to Him.
Perhaps this is the consequence of the sinfulness of our nation. Maybe it isn't about earthquakes and hurricanes. Maybe it is the financial destruction of our nation that comes as a consequence of our sinfulness - out desire to become gods, to love the self more that others, the inflamed passions of the flesh, the murder of innocent children, the lustful actions of the same sex, the living together, the biting and tearing apart of one another, the walking away from the way of the Lord day after day - perhaps all of these are leading the USA the way of other great nations. A financial collapse would hurt this nation worse than anything else.
We all need to search our hearts, our lives, our directions and ask ourselves, "Am I following the Lord in my life? Or am I following the devil, the world and my own sinful nature?" Maybe John the Baptist had it right, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand." The first coming of the Savior followed that call. I cry out, "Come, Lord Jesus! Come and save us from ourselves."
You see, I don't disagree that health care needed to be overhauled. I don't think any of us disagree on that point. But did they do the right thing? The longer the debate went on, the less it became about health care and the more it became about our president. This became the critical point in his presidency. Excuse me? Why is it about his presidency and not about the people of the USA? Why do the people of this country have to pay for him to get his name in the record books? And why did this become a Democrat/Republican issue? What happened to working together? Why was there so much arm twisting and back room deals made to get this passed? If it really is a good thing, those who were to vote for it would have jumped on the bandwagon and no deals would have to be made. If it was so wonderful, then why would anyone's arms have to be twisted to vote for it?
I pray that the we have not just hastened the ruin of our nation. I know that the Lord can work good out of all things for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes. But does this nation still love Him? Do we still put Him first in everything we do? Or is it about us, the individual person and the goals and ideals we have set? I fear the worst and pray for the best. My heart aches. My mind is confused. My soul cries out to the Lord to guide all of us back to Him.
Perhaps this is the consequence of the sinfulness of our nation. Maybe it isn't about earthquakes and hurricanes. Maybe it is the financial destruction of our nation that comes as a consequence of our sinfulness - out desire to become gods, to love the self more that others, the inflamed passions of the flesh, the murder of innocent children, the lustful actions of the same sex, the living together, the biting and tearing apart of one another, the walking away from the way of the Lord day after day - perhaps all of these are leading the USA the way of other great nations. A financial collapse would hurt this nation worse than anything else.
We all need to search our hearts, our lives, our directions and ask ourselves, "Am I following the Lord in my life? Or am I following the devil, the world and my own sinful nature?" Maybe John the Baptist had it right, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand." The first coming of the Savior followed that call. I cry out, "Come, Lord Jesus! Come and save us from ourselves."
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