December 16, 2018                                                                           Text:  Luke 7:18-28

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

“Did you hear what she did?  She left her husband and kids and flew to Aruba.”  “I doubt that.  She isn’t that kind of person.”  “Did you see the device that has been invented that will cut our production time in half.”  “I have to see this.  But I doubt it’s true.”  “I just heard on the News that President Trump didn’t send out a tweet today.”  “Are you crazy?  I have my doubts about the accuracy of that story.”  We can be quite the doubters, can’t we?  What was the latest this week – we didn’t really land on the moon!  It never ends.

Do you ever have doubts about God?  If you haven’t in your lifetime, let’s put you on a polygraph.  We all have been gripped with fear and doubt somewhere in time on this benighted sphere.  That puts you and I in select company this morning.  Jesus calls John the Baptist “great” and he had doubts.  After all, could he, the greatest of all prophets, ever claim to be . . .

“WITHOUT A DOUBT”

John had been quite sure about Jesus.  He knew he was to prepare the way.  He had proclaimed Jesus as the Christ.  He even baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

So now what?  He is imprisoned in one of Herod’s fortresses.  John’s future is not looking good and he knows it.  I imagine prison can do that.  He also has time to ponder and well that is leading to some doubts.  He expected this Messiah to bring judgment and all he is doing are works of compassion and mercy.  Why doesn’t this Messiah bring Herod down?  John’s faulty expectations lead to confusion and doubt.  Is Jesus the one who is to come, or should we be looking for another?

We also suffer from faulty expectations of Jesus and we don’t have to be sitting in a prison cell to conjure such thoughts.  I follow Jesus and His Word so why does this sickness linger?  How could I lose my job when my family is so in need?  Why would he allow me to be at odds with family members?  Did that person need to die because they were my support system?  Why would a compassionate Savior allow such things?  Maybe He is not who we thought he is?  Jesus knows exactly who He is.  It is our false expectations that we put on Him that lead to our doubts.

How did John resolve his doubts?  By looking to Jesus.  He sends two disciples to talk with Christ.  Jesus explains that his actions speak for themselves:  He is fulfilling the Scriptures as the Messiah.  Now is the time of grace; judgment will come.

No doubt Jesus is the One sent from God as our Savior.  John was right all along Jesus is the Prophet.  Jesus was born of woman to become one with sinners.  He became the least in the Kingdom while on the cross to redeem us from sin.  He has made us the greatest in the Kingdom by faith.

Therefore, we can look to Jesus for assurance in our doubts.  In our sickness, He heals us.  In our job loss He provides new opportunities.  In our family squabbles He can provide reconciliation.  In death, He provides hope and reunion.

Did John finally come to terms with his questions and doubt?  We can assume he did because of these reassurances that the Savior gave to him.  These would be important because John would not leave that cell until his head came out on a platter.  Without a doubt he believed that Christ was the Messiah, sent from God.

This text is a great study in human behavior because we put false expectations on each other all the time.  We have doubts about a spouse or a parent or a child or a boss or a friend because they at times can let us down.  “I thought I knew you.”  “I never expected that from you.”  When we suffer continued bad judgment or vices that never go away or perpetual lying or them not being there when we need them from others we then have doubts.  “Is this the person I put my faith in?”  Only to be squashed again.  It hurts. It frustrates.  What can I do?

On the other hand when we can count on a spouse or a parent or a child or a boss or a friend oh what joy to the world that brings.  To trust in another.  To have faith in another.  To know you have their support.  To know that they will be there for you.  To have expectations that are met.  You rejoice . . . without a doubt.

That is Christ Jesus for you and I.  We know what we should expect from Him because he lays it out in inerrant, inspired words.  The prophets write it – He fulfills it.  He says it – He does it.  His support is always there.  It is unending.  We are the blind who receive sight.  We are the lame who walk.  We are the lepers cleansed.  We are the deaf who now hear.  We will be the dead who are raised.  We are the poor who have the good news preached to them.

Don’t you think that is a good place to end this morning?  Yes . . . without a doubt.

Amen.

December 9, 2018                                                                             Text:  Luke 3:7-18

Dear Friends in Christ,

A few years ago, there was a story about Bill Adamson, a delivery truck driver in Hamtramck, Michigan.  Bill said:  “I thought I could handle anything,” – until an unknown assailant stuck a .25 caliber gun in his chest and fired.  “There was a burning sensation.  I felt like somebody kicked me in the chest.  As a matter of fact, I thought he’d shot me with a blank gun, so I figured I’d jam it in his nose . . . Then I thought, enough is enough.  So I got up and walked two steps and my legs were like rubber bands and down I went.”

In our text for today, we see John the Baptist – whom Jesus later describes as the greatest preacher of all time – preaching against those who think they are strong but in reality are not strong enough.  With the Law, John shows them their inherent weaknesses and utter inadequacy; and with the Gospel, he comforts them with the promise of the “Stronger One” – Jesus Christ – who will baptize them with the Holy Spirit.  In short, John shows them . . .

“WHEN STRONG IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH”

Do you need the “Stronger One?”  Do you ever struggle to be strong enough?  Sure you do.  On this side of heaven, we are with John.  Our sinfulness is like Bill Adamson, we try to stand strong and down we go.

Have you tried to be strong in the face of death?  Oh, we put on a good façade out in the public but behind closed doors the tears flow, the longing for our loved ones put a lump in our chest.  Some days it can be hard to go on.

Have you tried to be strong when the health news is not what you want to hear?  My eyes are getting weaker, my legs are giving out, my memory, oh my memory.  You sit in silence wondering how it ever got this way.  It takes great strength just to keep going.

Are you trying to be strong when all the news of our world comes crashing down on you?  Marriage as the fabric that holds society together is being destroyed throughout our world.  Children without committed parents.  Senseless killings as evil put’s a face on.  The bearing of false witness throughout social media.  The screaming, the yelling, the downright nastiness and the vulgar language that is everywhere.  Please help Lord, I am not strong enough.  I need a hope.  I need a future.  I need a present.

The Law like it does in our text to the crowds puts us under a terrible burden.  We can’t make ourselves strong enough.  It can’t be done.  It’s called human weakness for a reason.  What we do is never enough.  We need “The Stronger One.”

“As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all by saying, ‘I baptize you with water, but he who is the stronger one than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’” (vs. 15, 16)

Yes, that is what we need – the Stronger One.  Christ is stronger than enough.  His baptism, His temptation, His work at Calvary all declares Jesus as the “Stronger One.”

Jesus is able.  Jesus is capable.  In Luke 11 Jesus identifies Satan as “strong” but himself as “stronger.”  In Jesus’ death and resurrection, the “strong man” is conquered by the Stronger One.

Christ’s ministry is stronger than John’s.  He will baptize “with the Holy Spirit and with fire,” easily understood as Law and Gospel.  The fire for those who look to Him for salvation.  The Spirit for those who look to Christ alone.  Fire purifies us from the sin of our old Adam, and the Spirit raises to life the new man of faith.

When I was in my late 20’s and a pastor in Texas, Toni and I lived a few blocks from the garage where we took our cars.  One of our cars had died and we needed to get it repaired.  Sinful man that I am, I didn’t ask for help.  I got this.  After all, it was mostly downhill.  After getting straight out of bed one morning, Toni put the car in neutral and I starting pushing.  Oh, we made it there.  Not quite so easy on the walk back.  Every muscle it seemed like hurt.  I had to sit down on the curb.  I spent the morning in a tub of warm water.  Strong wasn’t strong enough and I pray I learned my lesson.

You’ve had a similar experience, haven’t you?  Trying to handle things yourself.  I got this.  Except you don’t.  Human weakness.  We need the Stronger One.  We need the Savior.  We need His love.  We need His forgiveness.  We need His grace.  We need His mercy.  We need His strength.

Follow Him . . . He’s got this . . . The Stronger One.

Amen.

December 2, 2018                                                                    Text:  Jeremiah 33:14-16

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

Each of us is no doubt shaken in different ways by different developments in our lives.  The news that you or a loved one has a tumor or cancer.  Getting that phone call that a friend or parent has died.  Receiving word that your son or daughter is in the hospital or in jail.  Having your accountant get a hold of you with the words, “Can you come in, we need to talk.”  Hearing rumors at your company that jobs are being lost or transferred to another part of the country.  Having to be somewhere when bad weather is upon us.  Whatever your anxieties, Jeremiah would understand your condition.  He was shaken by a number of things in his world.

First, God had called him to be a prophet and to speak God’s Word in a time when people resented God’s messengers.  At least twice there were attempts on his life.  This all caused Jeremiah great anguish.  At the center of his life – his very vocation – there was tension and rejection.

Like us, not only did he have inner turmoil, but the world on the outside was about to collapse.  Nebuchadnezzar was leading the Babylonians to conquer Jerusalem and enslave its peoples.  Jeremiah was at the crossroads of this inner and outer world.  He was the one called to let the people know this was all happening because they had rejected God.

What a situation!  What message can the prophet bring?  Can the unsettled, anxious life be settled?  Jeremiah lets us know that . . .

“BEYOND ANXIETIES IS SECURITY THAT IS SECURE”

 

Into this shaken world, God sends a remarkable word for Jeremiah and each one of us:  “In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.  In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely.  And this is the name by which it will be called:  ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” (vs. 15-16)

A calming, healing word.  A restoring, refreshing word.  A certain word.  And more than a word it is a change in reality.  Jeremiah describes the coming of one who would reverse the curse of idolatry.  The Jerusalem that would experience violence and bloodshed and enslavement would once again dwell in security and prosperity.  God’s Blessings would be lavished on her.

This wonderful reversal would be brought about by the one who would bring justice and righteousness.  This would be David’s seed, Jesus the Christ, the Word that fulfills what Jeremiah promised.

You want security in your anxieties, don’t you?  It is found in Jesus.  Medicines and effort and achievement can’t compare to what Jesus offers.  You are in Him – in David’s Seed – for you were joined to his death and his resurrection in your Baptism.  His death has done away with Israel’s sin, and Judah’s sin and your sin.  His resurrection has given you life.  Life eternal and life now.

The medical bad news is only temporary compared to the eternity of unending joy.  A Savior who gives life overcomes the death you deal with.  Prayer and the strength of the Lord ease the challenges of your children.  The loss of monies is overshadowed by the blessings we take for granted from our Creator.  The anxiety with your job is in the Lord’s hands because you know through His Word that He has a plan for you.  In the bad weather you are kept safe by His holy angels.  Beyond our anxieties, our security is secure because the Lord is our Righteousness.  He’s here.  He cares.  He’s listening.

Jesus’ word is certain:  “I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.  Do you believe this?” (Jn. 11:25)  And our answer, with Jeremiah, with Martha, is “Yes, Lord; I believe.” (Jn. 11:27)

When we put stock in our safety and security through the stock market or financial plans or physical prowess or intelligence or beauty or popularity we know they fall short.  They cannot deliver long-term eternal security.  If these are made our gods oh how the anxiety level will jump.  The heart pounds.  The mind starts playing tricks.  You feel the tension in your muscles.

We need what Jeremiah spoke to his contemporaries.  He faithfully spoke God’s Holy Word.  Most rejected his message.  But some listened and believed.  They saw reality for what it was.  They saw the beauty and wonder of the God of Moses and Jeremiah.  They confessed their sins and rejoiced in God’s forgiveness for the sake of David’s seed, Jesus.  When we do the same the heart beats in a calm rhythm.  The mind is clear thinking.  The muscles relax and the anxiety takes a hike.

So we rejoice with Jeremiah.  Beyond the challenges of our own problems and the disappointment the world keeps delivering, beyond anxieties is security that is secure, the security that the Son of God, the Seed of David, brings and freely bestows upon us.  Be at peace inside and as you meet the world on the outside, for you are secure in Jesus.

Amen.

November 25, 2018                                                                          Text:  Isaiah 51:4-6

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

When I say the words “The End” what comes to mind for you?  Are you looking for “The End” of your pain?  Do you think of “The End” of treatments you are taking?  Are you imagining “The End” of work and the beginning of retirement?  Is “The End” of your college days creeping ever closer?  Do you daydream about “The End” of college expenses on your family balance sheet?  Are you already anticipating “The End” of this sermon?  Or since you are sitting in church on the Last Sunday of the Church Year are you contemplating “The End” of the world, “The End” of your life?  Where is “The End” taking you this morning?

Those two words “The End” are quite popular.  There is the 1978 movie starring Burt Reynolds where he is trying to kill himself and just can’t get it accomplished.  There are 15 films throughout the world with that title.  There are games and bands and albums and songs and radio stations.  They all have something to say about “The End.”

Scripture has something to say as well, so let’s get to it . . .

“THE END”

The Lord wants us to sit up straight and to hear him this morning.  “Give attention to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law will go out from me, and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples.” (v. 4)  God seeks our attention today.  He is alerting us that His salvation is for all.  It is for you and it is for your neighbor.  God is in control of “The End.”

This is hard for mortal man to grasp.  We think we are captains of our souls.  Until the Tsunami hits.  Until the wildfires rage.  Until the hurricane floods.  Until the epidemic strikes.  Until the doctor’s diagnosis warns us to make final arrangements.  So many today see no hope and that is why our life expectancy has actually dropped in the last three years.  The opioid crisis.  The rise of suicides across all age groups.  All many see is “The End” and it can’t come fast enough.

God speaks in the first person 12 times in these three verses.  Listen to verse 5:  “My righteousness draws near, my salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands hope for me, and for my arm they wait.”  God is not egotistical or needy or insecure in his identity.  This is reality and truth.  The Lord is the only true salvation.  He is the only one who can offer hope.  He is the one to whom we will all answer and only through Him can we have life.  His gift of salvation lasts forever.

A dream vacation has to end.  Honeymoons eventually give way to the realities of daily life.  The Lord’s salvation has no end because it is not tied to this world.  It is secured by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is being prepared for God’s people even now by Christ.

The last verse of our text:  “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.” (v. 6)

Here we sit and stand with sin still a part of us.  This verse reminds each soul here today that “The End” of sin comes through faith in Christ.  Though we fail miserably and often, God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus will never fail.  He is in the Word impressing it upon our heart.  He is in the Water and the Word reminding us of sins cleansed.  He is in the Holy Supper feeding us pardon and peace.

Yes, “The End” has already come for us.  “The End” of guilt and condemnation.  “The End” of fear of the grave.  This promise:  “my salvation will be forever.”  Listen to this from the Holy Spirit:  “For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Col. 3:3,4)  The promise is ours.  We will be with Him forever.

What is it Peter writes?  “For you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Pet. 1:9)  THE END?  Of course.  Finally, and thankfully, this world’s long struggle with sin and unbelief – its agonizing inhumanity toward others – its demand that God should be what it wants – its arrogance – its vulgarity and violence – its turning its back on God’s Word – all of it comes to “The End.”  A terrible end for those who have rejected God’s love in Christ.  The most glorious, unending life for those in Christ.

Wait patiently, it is coming – “The End.”

Amen.