Update from Good Shepherd (March 31, 2022)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
           Our Adult Bible Class is studying “Great Chapters of the Bible.” 

Lenten Vespers continue on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM through April 6.
For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS – GREAT CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE

           While the various teachings of God are scattered throughout the Bible, the Bible sometimes documents a particular teaching in an extended portion of Scripture. They give us a great deal to ponder for our understanding, comfort, and guidance. A greater knowledge of these chapters provides a greater defense against false doctrine and a greater appreciation of God’s promises and instruction. Classes are Sundays at 8:45 AM. 

          A complete schedule of “Great Chapters of the Bible” can be found here.
Upcoming lesson include:
          April 3       1 Peter 3:8 – 4:19      – Suffering for Being a Christian
          April 10     2 Thessalonians 2     – The Antichrist
          April 17     Easter Breakfast

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022

          Every 3-4 years, the pastor desires to meet with all members in their homes. (COVID has extended this time to more than five years.) It is an opportunity to speak with each other in a less-than-formal setting. The pastor gets to know the people he serves better. It also allows for members to ask about matters that might be personal, to offer suggestions and ideas, to inquire about matters of the Bible that have them confused, or just general chit-chat. Visits would be about 45-60 minutes but can last longer if you want them to. A schedule has been posted at church.  You can also sign up through the links below.  Time slots are first come, first served.  The visits will be available throughout 2022.

          April's schedule: Good Shepherd: Every Member Visits - April 2022 (signupgenius.com)

LENTEN SEASON
          Our mid-week Lenten Vespers will be conducted with the theme, “The Crucial Hours.”  The final Lenten Vespers is:
                   April 6                What to Remember When You Are Seized 

                                                 with Remorse (Matthew 27:3-4)
                              Rev. James Frey, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Belleville
          Lenten Vespers is at 7:00 PM. A supper will be served at 6:00 PM.

EASTER BREAKFAST
          Easter breakfast is only two weeks away (April 17). Look for a Sign Up Genius form to indicate what you might bring to share for the Easter Breakfast, ensuring that we don’t have an overabundance of one particular menu item. The Easter breakfast will be held at 8:45-9:45 AM, between the two services on Easter Sunday.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
     Sunday, April 10 (10:00 AM)              Palm Sunday
     Monday, April 11 (7:00-9:00 PM)      Private Confession & Absolution
     Thursday, April 14 (7:00 PM)             TRIDUUM: Maundy Thursday
     Friday, April 15 (7:00 PM)                   TRIDUUM: Good Friday
     Sunday, April 17 (7:30 AM)                 TRIDUUM: Easter Dawn
     Sunday, April 17 (8:45-9:45 AM)        Easter breakfast
     Sunday, April 17 (10:00 AM)               Easter Festival Service

NOTE: The Triduum (“three days” in Latin) is a connective service that covers three days of the Lord’s most intense part of his passion. While the service is intended to be one connective service, you will not be lost or confused if you are only able to attend portions of it.

EASTER OUTREACH
          We have ordered postcards to blanket a one-mile radius around Good Shepherd, but we have also ordered about 250 extra. Some will be mailed to members and prospective members outside the one-mile radius. There are many additional postcards. These are to be taken by YOU and used to invite friends and acquaintances to our Easter Festival service. Of course, guests are always welcome to any of our services. Please take these cards and use them; they are only good for Easter this year.

Life Challenges Podcast
          Suicide. Suffering. Science and Ethics. Keeping your children in the faith. Parenthood’s burdens and blessings.
          Chances are one or more of these topics may have touched your life, yet how often are they approached from a distinctly Lutheran perspective? These are also all modern-day issues discussed recently on the Life Challenges Podcast from Christian Life Resources. Check it out, give a listen, and perhaps you’ll find yourself better prepared the next time you face tough issues like these. Find it at lifechallenges.us or on your favorite podcast platform.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, March 27: (2) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, March 27, 2022 - YouTube

OFFICE HOURS
          Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon. The pastor will be in his office unless a meeting has been scheduled elsewhere (consult the weekly schedule). The pastor is also available by appointment. Call or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

DO YOU LIKE US?

          Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook. Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings. Be sure to share posts with friends.

SHARE THIS POST!
          We desire as many as possible to rejoice in the Gospel which we proclaim and confess. Share the information from our weekly email blast, links to our web page, and even to the pastor's blog to let others know that we have a space in our congregation for them!

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

==============================

REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Lenten Vespers are on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM through April 6.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com

Worship Notes: Passiontide

         Next Sunday (April 2) is the 5th Sunday in Lent.  This begins the season of Passiontide (the final two weeks of Lent), in which the Passion of our Lord intensifies. Therefore, the Lenten fast also intensifies which we will observe in our worship setting. The sights and sounds in God’s house are muted even more. For the past number of weeks, our celebration has been muted in the following ways:
                    There is no Alleluia in the Verse of the Day.
                    We do not sing the Gloria in Excelsis after the Absolution.
                    There are no flowers on the altar.

          Next week, you will note these additional practices.
                    The Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father) is omitted from the Psalms
                    All artwork or icons have been removed or veiled.
                    The ringing of the church bell ceases.
                    All music is muted except for the support of congregational singing.

          Our services will practically be barren of celebration, but that is the point. We are fasting. We are penitent. We are intently focusing on the sufferings and death of Jesus. Ceremony and celebration will return with vigor on Easter Sunday when we rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord which declares that sins are forgiven and that death is destroyed.

YouTube -- 4th Sunday in Lent (March 27, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, March 27, 2022.

An Anniversary Gift -- Keep 'Er Movin'

 An amazing gift and surprise from our children.  We love you guys!

Cameo - Cameo by Charlie Berens for Tom and Laura

If you don't know who this guy is, here is a sample video to get you acquainted.   If you aren't from the Midwest, you might think this guy is exaggerating.  If you are from Wisconsin, you might this this guy is your cousin.  Enjoy!

Sermon -- 4th Sunday in Lent (March 27, 2022)

ISAIAH 12:1-6

SURELY, GOD IS MY SALVATION.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When you already know the end of the story, you cannot appreciate the tension, the anguish, and the fear of the people who are going through the events as they unfold.  If you’ve ever watched the movie Apollo 13, you cannot appreciate the stress they were all going through.  Before the movie begins, you already know they made it back to earth safely.  They got there and back.  No big deal.  But we don’t appreciate the stress when we already know the end of the story.

     Our lesson from Isaiah is the song of celebration at the end of the story.  But Isaiah’s prophecy did not begin with words of praise; it began with words of condemnation.  Listen to a few verses from the first chapters of Isaiah.  “Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly!  They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged” (Isaiah 1:4).  “How the faithful city has become a whore, she who was full of justice!  Righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers” (Isaiah 1:21).  “For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low…  And people shall enter the caves of the rocks and the holes of the ground, from before the terror of the Lord, and from the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to terrify the earth” (Isaiah 2:12,19).

     For their disobedience, Israel would be abandoned by the Lord.  Jerusalem would be handed over to foreign nations.  They would face starvation, disease, and the sword.  The temple and the city would be destroyed.  Those who survived would be taken into exile.  They would never see their homeland again.  In the bitterness of this suffering, they would have reason to believe that God was done with them.  They would wonder: Does God love us?  Does he even remember us?  That angst and sorrow and stress would be endured for over seventy years.

     In the bitterness of life, we often feel that we have reached our end.  The kid who gets picked on at school endures what seems to be an endless school year.  The person who is battling temptations bears a cross that never seems to get lighter.  And how do you think the citizens of Ukraine feel right now?  They don’t know when the war will end.  When it does, will they ever feel like life can be normal again?  If you are in the midst of pains, stresses, and sorrows, you do not think of the end of the story.  You only know the pain, stress, and sorrow you are trying to cope with. 

     The prophet Isaiah wrote a song of praise which would be sung by the people of Israel after all their hardships had come to an end.  Since Isaiah composed this song before those dark days began, it could sustain and comfort them while they were going through the hardships.  The Lord God assured them that there was an end to the pains, stresses, and sorrows.  The story would, finally, have a happy ending.  Isaiah assured them, “You will say in that day: ‘I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me’” (Isaiah 12:1).  Each would be able to confess, “Surely, God is my salvation.”

     But you must understand what God promises here and what he does not.  It would be wonderful if I could tell you that God promises that your world and your life will be sunshine and roses.  Sometimes God does bless us with relief from our problems.  We don’t concern ourselves with polio or smallpox.  But God does not promise we will never face any problem.  Previous generations were never concerned with COVID-19 or cyber-attacks.  If you suffer hardships, God has not failed on his promises.  We should not expect to find Paradise in this sinful world.  In fact, his word tells us just the opposite: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).  So, what hope do we have as we suffer pain, stress, and sorrow?  What does God promise?  Surely, God is my salvation.

     “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”  With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted” (Isaiah 12:2-4).  The comfort we have from the Lord is that he is and always remains the friend of sinners.  He is always your Savior.  Pains, stresses, and sorrows are definitely difficult.  But you do not need to fear them.  Whatever you are suffering is not the end of the story.  Your strength and your song are what the Lord has done for you.  Surely, God is my salvation.

     The hardships you endure in the world are the result of sin.  Perhaps it is someone who is sinning against you that makes you suffer—an unfaithful spouse, a vindictive classmate, or a sarcastic boss.  You may be able to escape some of it, but not all of it.  Perhaps your hardship is something you cannot escape at all—failing health, family strife, or in the case of Ukrainians a war-torn country.  For the Israelites, it was captivity to the Babylonians.  What is your hope in the face of such evils?

     Surely, God is my salvation.  He may not deliver you out of your particular hardship.  The first Israelites who were taken to Babylon never returned to the Promised Land.  Even God’s faithful people had to face disease, starvation, and the sword.  But the point of God’s promises is not that he will arrange your life so that you die stress-free or pain-free.  The goal is not to die comfortably, it is to die in the faith.

     The Lord did not send Isaiah to call Israel to repent so that they could escape hardship.  He called them to repent so that they could escape divine judgment and hell.  He does the same for you.  The Lord does not want you to perish.  Your hardships are only a glimmer of the torment that awaits people who die without a Savior.  So, when they come to you, flee to your Lord for hope, for consolation, and for mercy.  “You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me’” (Isaiah 12:1). 

     Surely, God is your salvation.  He has turned his anger away from you because he has redirected it to his Son, Jesus Christ.  For Jesus to deliver you from God’s anger, Jesus had to take from you everything that God would be angry about—in other words, your sin.  For Jesus to save you from your sin, he had to become sin for you.  For Jesus to save you from a damning judgment, he had to be judged for you and condemned in your place.  For Jesus to deliver you from the devil, Jesus had to have the devil focus all his rage and accusations against him instead of you.  And he has.  The Man of Sorrows endured the stress of knowing he would be condemned for all sinners.  He went on to suffer the pains of crucifixion and damnation.  By his death, Jesus put an end to sin and the power of death.  By his resurrection from the dead, Jesus shows you that a glorious life awaits you—free from sin and sorrow, stress and pain.  Surely, God is your salvation. 

     “You will say in that day—which is each day—‘Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted’” (Isaiah 12:4).  His “deeds” are all that he does to save you from what would truly harm you.  This life is temporary.  All pains, stresses, and sorrows will eventually come to an end.  By all means, pray that the Lord would deliver you from them and ease your burdens.  But even if you must bear the cross for the rest of your life, God is still your salvation.  Whether you die at ease or with pain, at peace or with anxiety, happily surrounded by your loved ones or sad and lonely, the Lord Jesus remains your Savior.  In the midst of our sorrows, stresses, and pains, we get to sing the songs of our Savior’s mercy and salvation.  We sing them to remember his faithfulness to all the promises he fulfilled and his comfort in the promises yet to be fulfilled.  Those glories cannot be compared to anything we must endure now.  We all need to remember that.

     Surely, God is my salvation.  You and I are promised a resurrection from the dead which bodies that will never know pain or sorrow.  We will be given a life in God’s presence which will be forever free from anxiety and stress.  All evils will be gone because all sin will be taken away.  “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.  Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 12:5-6).  For he delivers you from everything that would ultimately destroy you, and he will deliver you to a glorious peace that cannot be destroyed.

     Until that day, flee to the Savior who is the only comfort sinners have.  Quench your thirst for comfort by drawing the Water of Life from the wells of salvation.  The world will disappoint you with its version of comfort.  Distractions from your troubles are not deliverance from your troubles.  But the Lord your God is always with you to hear your cries for mercy and to respond with unbreakable promises and unconditional love. 

     He will tell you, “My beloved child, I know the difficulties you have.  I know the cross you are bearing.  I have guaranteed you a better life which I will bring you to soon enough.  Be patient, and trust that I am with you to strengthen you through each day.  Rejoice that I have bound you to fellow Christians who also care for you.  Stay with them to sing of the Lord’s glorious salvation and to hear the promises that save.  Feast with them on the body and blood which has redeemed you and which strengthens you for the journey.  And know that the Lord’s love for you is not determined by your pains, stresses, or sorrows.  It is proven by Jesus Christ who lived for you in holiness, who died for you in hellish agony, and who rose to open heaven up to you.” 

     This is where you will find comfort in good days and bad, in life and into death.  Thanks to Jesus Christ, the day will come when you will be forever free from pains, stresses, and sorrows.  “You will say in that day and through all eternity: ‘I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.’” (Isaiah 12:1-2).

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Update from Good Shepherd (March 24, 2022)

 Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
           Our Adult Bible Class is studying “Great Chapters of the Bible.” 

Lenten Vespers continue on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM through April 6.
For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS – GREAT CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE

           While the various teachings of God are scattered throughout the Bible, the Bible sometimes documents a particular teaching in an extended portion of Scripture. They give us a great deal to ponder for our understanding, comfort, and guidance. A greater knowledge of these chapters provides a greater defense against false doctrine and a greater appreciation of God’s promises and instruction. Classes are Sundays at 8:45 AM. 

A complete schedule of “Great Chapters of the Bible” can be found here.
Upcoming lesson include:
          Mar 27      John 17                        – The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus
          April 3       1 Peter 3:8 – 4:19      – Suffering for Being a Christian
          April 10     2 Thessalonians 2     – The Antichrist
          April 17     Easter Breakfast

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022

          Every 3-4 years, the pastor desires to meet with all members in their homes. (COVID has extended this time to more than five years.) It is an opportunity to speak with each other in a less-than-formal setting. The pastor gets to know the people he serves better. It also allows for members to ask about matters that might be personal, to offer suggestions and ideas, to inquire about matters of the Bible that have them confused, or just general chit-chat. Visits would be about 45-60 minutes but can last longer if you want them to. A schedule has been posted at church.  You can also sign up through the links below.  Time slots are first come, first served.  The visits will be available throughout 2022.

          The link to schedule visits in March is here:

https://www.signupgenius.com-March

          UPDATE: April's schedule: Good Shepherd: Every Member Visits - April 2022 (signupgenius.com)

LENTEN SEASON
          Our mid-week Lenten Vespers will be conducted with the theme, “The Crucial Hours.” The schedule for Lenten Vespers is as follows:
                    March 30           The Semblance of Legality (Luke 22:66)
                                Rev. Paul Schaefer, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Plymouth
                   April 6                What to Remember When You Are Seized 

                                                 with Remorse (Matthew 27:3-4)
                              Rev. James Frey, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Belleville
          Lenten Vespers is at 7:00 PM. A supper will be served at 6:00 PM.

Life Challenges Podcast
          Suicide. Suffering. Science and Ethics. Keeping your children in the faith. Parenthood’s burdens and blessings.
          Chances are one or more of these topics may have touched your life, yet how often are they approached from a distinctly Lutheran perspective? These are also all modern-day issues discussed recently on the Life Challenges Podcast from Christian Life Resources. Check it out, give a listen, and perhaps you’ll find yourself better prepared the next time you face tough issues like these. Find it at lifechallenges.us or on your favorite podcast platform.

WELS LUTHERAN FOR LIFE ANNUAL MEETING
           On Sunday, March 27 at 3:00 PM, the WELS Lutherans for Life will have their annual meeting at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia). In addition to updates regarding our work at the Redford Pregnancy Care Center, Pastor Jeff Samelson, Director of Ministry Advancement for Christian Life Resources, will speak on the topic, “Love in the Time of COVID-19”. A great deal has happened in the last two years, and there is much that believers should understand and be ready to adapt to, all while remembering the great commandment to love our neighbor.
          The Redford Pregnancy Care Center would also welcome some men who would be willing to serve on our board. This involves meeting six times a year to discuss the mission and the maintenance of the Redford Pregnancy Care Center. If you should be interested, join us for the annual meeting on Sunday, March 27 or contact Jay Kempf (kempfj1@icloud.com).

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
          In order to make the most of opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in our community, we need to budget our expenses and our time. We will be meeting to determine our plans and to pray that God will bless them. Our efforts are both to tighten the bonds of fellowship among us and to gather others into our fellowship. For this reason, we are combining the efforts of the Evangelism & Stewardship Committees. We will meet on Sunday, March 27 after church to discuss the best ways to do that.
          The immediate issues we will discuss: Easter Breakfast (April 17); Meals for Pastors’ Conference hosted by Good Shepherd (April 26-27); Summer activities.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, March 20: (1) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, March 20, 2022 - YouTube

OFFICE HOURS
          Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon. The pastor will be in his office unless a meeting has been scheduled elsewhere (consult the weekly schedule). The pastor is also available by appointment. Call or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

DO YOU LIKE US?

          Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook. Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings. Be sure to share posts with friends.

SHARE THIS POST!
          We desire as many as possible to rejoice in the Gospel which we proclaim and confess. Share the information from our weekly email blast, links to our web page, and even to the pastor's blog to let others know that we have a space in our congregation for them!

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

==============================

REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Lenten Vespers are on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM through April 6.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com

YouTube --3rd Sunday in Lent (March 20, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, March 20, 2022.

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday in Lent (March 20, 2022)

1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-13

JESUS IS THE PERFECT HOPE FOR COMMON SINNERS.

In the name + of Jesus.

     If you had a history teacher with a sense of humor, you may have heard him say, “Those who do not learn history are condemned to repeat it.”  This is true regarding our Christian faith, too.  When St. Paul wrote about the Israelites in the Old Testament, he commented, “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did” (1 Corinthians 10:6).  The people St. Paul referred to were not strangers to the Lord and his promises.  They all had the advantage of the Lord’s covenant and care.  Five times, St. Paul noted that they all received the Lord’s benefits.  And yet, “with most of them God was not pleased” (1 Corinthians 10:5).  Understand the history, and heed the warning.

     The history of Israel is sadly redundant.  It is very pronounced in the book of Judges.  The cycle repeats over and over.  Again Israel did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.  So the Lord handed Israel over to an oppressing nation.  After years of hardship, the people of Israel finally cried out to the Lord.  In his mercy, the Lord raised up a deliverer who drove out the invading nation.  For as long as that judge was alive, the people remained faithful to the Lord.  But then the judge died.  They people became negligent.  They did not listen to or follow the word of the Lord.  So, again, Israel did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.  That sad pattern continues through the history of the world.  If you do not pay heed to the lessons of history, you are condemned to repeat them.

     If God’s people in the past could fall away from the faith, God’s people today can also fall away.  There is nothing special about us that sets us free from the temptations that caused the people of the past to fall.  St. Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13).  We are common sinners who endure temptations that are common.  All people are afflicted with temptations no matter what age you live in or what age you are.  Temptations are tailored to you.  You and I might not face the same temptations.  What is a great temptation to me might not bother you at all, and what tempts you might be unappealing to me.  The devil knows our weaknesses and preys on them.  If you are contemplating or drawn to something that you know God forbids, you are not special.  Perhaps not everyone is tempted that way, but you are not the only one who is.  “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). 

     We are all afflicted by temptations.  The devil continually sows seeds of doubt and deception in our hearts.  He teaches us to question everything about God, his word, his grace, and our place in his kingdom.  He wants us to displace our trust.  He did that with Simon Peter on the night Jesus was betrayed.  Jesus had warned Peter that he would deny him three times that night.  But Peter was so confident in his own strength and faith that he refused to believe it.  He boasted, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”  “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you” (Matthew 26:33,35)!  You know how that evening ended.  Peter’s faith in his own strength proved disastrous as he denied three times that he was a disciple of Jesus.  “These things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come” (1 Corinthians 10:11).  Learn from the history so that you are not condemned to repeat it.

     The fact that you are enduring temptations is not unusual.  The devil tries to deceive you.  Worldly attitudes promote greed, pride, and debauchery.  Your own sinful flesh finds sins beneficial and entertaining.  You give into them because you like them.  You defend them because you don’t want to give them up.  This is common for all people, and we are common sinners like all others. 

     Not only does the devil entice you into great and shameful sins, he will also lead you into despair.  The despair may come from being consumed by your guilt, as it happened with Judas Iscariot after he betrayed Jesus.  Judas’ solution was to kill himself.  If you have ever toyed with that idea, you are not unique.  This temptation is common.  Or despair may come from excessive sorrow over sins, as it happened with Simon Peter after he denied Jesus.  Peter wondered if there was a place for him any longer in the kingdom of God, much less as an apostle.  If you have ever wondered if God really loves you or desires you because of your sins, you are not unique.  That temptation is common, too.  But if you have thought that God is done with you or that you should kill yourself, know for certain that it is not your Lord Jesus Christ who is telling you that.

     “These things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.  Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12).  When we recognize that the saints of the past fell hard, we should make sure that we have a proper humility about ourselves.  That’s why we begin each Divine Service with a confession of sins.  We do not do it for God’s sake; we do it for ours.  We must never forget that we are common sinners.  We must never forget that we are prone to temptation.  We must never forget that we need a Savior because we have no hope of our own that could save us.  If you confess you are a common sinner, then you have everything in common with the sinners of the past.

     Those who do not learn history are condemned to repeat it.  Like sinners from the past, we too may be tempted to take pride in ourselves—thinking that we will stand firm because of our church attendance, because of our offerings, or because we know how to behave in front of the right people.  While those are good works, they don’t save.  Consider this: Gracelynn cannot boast of church attendance, offerings, or proper behavior.  And yet, she is saved.  That’s because our hope is not in how much we are doing for Jesus.  Our hope is in how much Jesus has done for us.  Jesus is the perfect hope for the common sinner. 

     Jesus is your perfect hope because he knows what it is to be tempted.  The Bible says that Jesus “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).  So, Jesus is sympathetic toward you.  He knows that you are a sinner, but he does not despise you.  He knows your weaknesses, but he does not disown you.  He knows that you have given in when you should have fought harder, but he does not forsake you.  Jesus remains your Savior. 

     Jesus is the perfect hope for common sinners.  What’s more, he extends you a promise through the apostle Paul.  St. Paul assures you, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Some temptations can be avoided.  The recovering alcoholic knows he cannot go into a tavern.  He may even need to cut ties with old drinking buddies.  But no one can escape all temptations.  Martin Luther compared temptations to birds.  He said, “You can’t keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.”  In other words, temptations are bound to come, but it does not mean that you have to give into them.  And you should not even give time to fantasizing or them, lest they roost in your mind.  The longer you contemplate them, the more tempting they will be.

     All people have given in to temptation; Jesus is the one man who did not.  He exposed Satan’s lies for what they were.  He rejected Satan’s deceptive reasoning and seductive promises.  He overcame every temptation.  He did this for you so that you can flee to Jesus whenever you are being tempted.  Who better than Jesus to call upon when you are tempted or tormented or troubled?  Jesus is sympathetic to your weaknesses.  He is always a refuge for sinners.  Jesus is stronger than the devil and has overcome him.  And Jesus is faithful to you.  He does not let you try to stand against temptation by your own wisdom and wit, strength and savvy.  He summons you, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15).  If Jesus drove out the demons who physically possessed people, will he not also drive away the demons who tempt and torment you?

     Even if you fall into temptation, Jesus is still the perfect hope for the common sinner.  Jesus is the way out of sin, for he is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  All our sins were piled onto Jesus.  The Righteous One was slain on behalf of the unrighteous so that we can stand before God without fear of condemnation.  Jesus endured our condemnation for us when he was crucified.  That is the way out of your sin—through Jesus Christ. 

     Jesus is the perfect hope for the common sinner.  He bestows forgiveness when the word of God is preached, which is why we come to hear it.  He grants new life in the waters of baptism, which is why Gracelynn was baptized and why we have comfort in our own baptisms.  He delivers to you the body and blood which have atoned for your sins in the Holy Supper.  And we have yet one more promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).  We don’t have to pretend before God.  We don’t have to invent virtues or present resumes.  We can be honest and admit that we are common sinners with guilt that is common to all mankind.  We can do this because we know that we have a merciful God.  He is faithful—he acquits us of all guilt for the sake of Jesus.  And he is just—he will not punish us for sins that have already been paid for.  This is why Jesus is the perfect hope for common sinners. 

     If you do not learn from history, you are condemned to repeat it.  The history of God’s people is that some fall away from the grace of God because they loved their sins and would not repent.  Learn the lesson.  You and I cannot stand on our own.  We fall into sin often.  But the Lord has set us on the Rock that does not move, and that Rock is Christ.  Even if we tremble in weakness or cower in fear, the Rock of our salvation remains firm.  He is your strength, your refuge, and your perfect hope.  The Lord Jesus does not even regard you as a common sinner.  Because you have been baptized into his name, he declares you to be his beloved saint.  This is the grace that allows you to stand before the Lord and to dwell in his kingdom forever.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

St. Patrick's Day with Lutheran Satire

In recognition of St. Patrick's Day, here are two segments from Lutheran Satire.  One tells the story of St. Patrick who, by the way, was not Irish!  He was a missionary to the Irish after having been enslaved there.  The second video is St. Patrick teaching the doctrine of the Trinity to Donall and Conall, two unschooled, unlearned Irishmen.  It is pure gold.  Enjoy!

Update from Good Shepherd (March 17, 2022)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
           Our Adult Bible Class is studying “Great Chapters of the Bible.” 

Lenten Vespers continue on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM through April 6.
For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS – GREAT CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE

           While the various teachings of God are scattered throughout the Bible, the Bible sometimes documents a particular teaching in an extended portion of Scripture. They give us a great deal to ponder for our understanding, comfort, and guidance. A greater knowledge of these chapters provides a greater defense against false doctrine and a greater appreciation of God’s promises and instruction. Classes are Sundays at 8:45 AM. 

A complete schedule of “Great Chapters of the Bible” can be found here.
Upcoming lesson include:
          Mar 20      Colossians 3               – Put on the New Self
          Mar 27      John 17                        – The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus
          April 3       1 Peter 3:8 – 4:19      – Suffering for Being a Christian
          April 10     2 Thessalonians 2     – The Antichrist
          April 17     Easter Breakfast

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022

          Every 3-4 years, the pastor desires to meet with all members in their homes. (COVID has extended this time to more than five years.) It is an opportunity to speak with each other in a less-than-formal setting. The pastor gets to know the people he serves better. It also allows for members to ask about matters that might be personal, to offer suggestions and ideas, to inquire about matters of the Bible that have them confused, or just general chit-chat. Visits would be about 45-60 minutes but can last longer if you want them to. A schedule has been posted at church.  You can also sign up through the links below.  Time slots are first come, first served.  The visits will be available throughout 2022.

          The link to schedule visits in March is here:

https://www.signupgenius.com-March

LENTEN SEASON

          A Lenten series will be conducted throughout the Wednesdays in Lent under the theme: The Crucial Hours.  Pastor Schroeder will be in a Lenten Rotation with Pastor James Frey of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Belleville and Pastor Paul Schaefer of St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Plymouth.  The schedule for Lenten Vespers services and the focus of each week can be found here.  All mid-week Lenten services are at 7:00 PM.  A supper will be served each Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

          A brief overview of the Lenten season and its various ceremonies can be found here.

Life Challenges Podcast
          Suicide. Suffering. Science and Ethics. Keeping your children in the faith. Parenthood’s burdens and blessings.
          Chances are one or more of these topics may have touched your life, yet how often are they approached from a distinctly Lutheran perspective? These are also all modern-day issues discussed recently on the Life Challenges Podcast from Christian Life Resources. Check it out, give a listen, and perhaps you’ll find yourself better prepared the next time you face tough issues like these. Find it at lifechallenges.us or on your favorite podcast platform.

WELS LUTHERAN FOR LIFE ANNUAL MEETING
           On Sunday, March 27 at 3:00 PM, the WELS Lutherans for Life will have their annual meeting at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia). In addition to updates regarding our work at the Redford Pregnancy Care Center, Pastor Jeff Samelson, Director of Ministry Advancement for Christian Life Resources, will speak on the topic, “Love in the Time of COVID-19”. A great deal has happened in the last two years, and there is much that believers should understand and be ready to adapt to, all while remembering the great commandment to love our neighbor.
          The Redford Pregnancy Care Center would also welcome some men who would be willing to serve on our board. This involves meeting six times a year to discuss the mission and the maintenance of the Redford Pregnancy Care Center. If you should be interested, join us for the annual meeting on Sunday, March 27 or contact Jay Kempf (kempfj1@icloud.com).

LONG-RANGE PLANNING MEETING
          On Sunday, March 20 after church, we will have our monthly Long-Range Planning meeting. The main focus is to determine a vision for what we want our congregation to look like in three years, five years, and/or ten years. Once we have a goal in mind, we can take the steps necessary to get there. The steps will be delegated to the committees we have. All are welcomed and encouraged to be a part of the Long-Range Planning meeting and the committees that will follow up to see that our plans are put to work. Planning great things only goes so far. We need our members committed to doing them and praying that God will bless them. If you have question about the Long-Range Planning committee, please speak to Rob Skrycki.

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
          In order to make the most of opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in our community, we need to budget our expenses and our time. We will be meeting to determine our plans and to pray that God will bless them. Our efforts are both to tighten the bonds of fellowship among us and to gather others into our fellowship. For this reason, we are combining the efforts of the Evangelism & Stewardship Committees. We will meet on Sunday, March 27 after church to discuss the best ways to do that.
          The immediate issues we will discuss: Easter for Kids (April 9); Easter Breakfast (April 17); Meals for Pastors’ Conference hosted by Good Shepherd (April 26-27); Summer activities.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, March 13: (2) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, March 13, 2022 - YouTube

OFFICE HOURS
          Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon. The pastor will be in his office unless a meeting has been scheduled elsewhere (consult the weekly schedule). The pastor is also available by appointment. Call or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

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          Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook. Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings. Be sure to share posts with friends.

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          We desire as many as possible to rejoice in the Gospel which we proclaim and confess. Share the information from our weekly email blast, links to our web page, and even to the pastor's blog to let others know that we have a space in our congregation for them!

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Lenten Vespers are on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM through April 6.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com

Sermon -- Lenten Vespers (Mid-week #1)

This sermon was preached at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Novi on March 2; at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Belleville on March 9; and at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Plymouth on March 16.

JOHN 18:1-12

THE CRUCIAL HOURS: They Bound Him.

In the name + of Jesus.

     They bound Jesus.  They sent a ridiculously large number of men to do it.  The ESV translators called them “a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees” (John 18:3).  The Greek word suggests a cohort, which is one tenth of a legion.  That’s up to 600 soldiers.  In addition, there were servants from the priests and Pharisees.  Did they really need that many people to seize Jesus?  The size of the group was a bit of overkill, but it demonstrated the commitment of Jesus’ enemies to arrest and kill him.  They were not taking any chances in letting Jesus escape.

     “The band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him” (John 18:12).  Or, perhaps, we should say he let them bind him.  There is no doubt that Jesus was in control of these events.  Previous attempts on Jesus’ life were thwarted when Jesus simply walked through the crowd because it was not his hour.  The Sanhedrin had determined that the feast was the wrong time to arrest Jesus lest there be a riot from the Passover pilgrims.  But they were not in control.  Jesus’ hour was during the feast.  Even when they came to arrest him, a detachment of soldiers that size with lanterns, torches, and weapons could not march out unnoticed.  Jesus knew they were coming.  Still, he did not make any attempt to escape.  When the soldiers announced their intended target, Jesus freely identified himself.  Translators usually have Jesus state, “I am he” (John 18:5).  Jesus actually spoke the name of the Lord as he identified himself.  “I AM.”  “When Jesus said to them, ‘I AM,’ they drew back and fell to the ground” (John 18:6).  Still, he made no attempt to escape.  This was all according to plan—God’s plan.  “So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him” (John 18:12).

     They bound him.  Or, more accurately, he let them bind him.  Jesus gave himself willingly into the hands of his enemies, to the false charges they would file against him, to the unjust sentence of crucifixion Pontius Pilate would issue, to the mockery of clergy and soldiers, to the crown of thorns on his head, to the scourging of his back, to the iron nails through his wrists and feet, to humiliating and cruel crucifixion, and ultimately to the wrath of God Almighty for sins he did not commit.  Yes, Jesus did all of this knowingly and willingly.

     You and I do not have the freedom Jesus did.  Jesus did not have to come to earth to suffer and die.  He did it of his own free will.  But it is not so with us.  You and I have come into this world in bondage.  We cannot break the chains which shackle us to sin and death.  You can assert with great bravado, “I choose not to die.”  That sounds great, but you are only kidding yourself.  You may fight to live a little longer by submitting to chemo treatments, taking cover when a storm comes, putting on your seatbelt, or masking up during an airborne viral pandemic.  But we all have our own hour when we will die.  It is bound to happen because we are bound to death.

     We are also bound to sin because we are bound to our sin.  That sinful nature has corrupted our hearts and minds.  No one had to teach us to sin.  We are naturally self-serving.  We exalt our opinions, our reputations, our desires, and our very selves over other people.  We will even forfeit friendships over these things.  Like the apostles, we can make great boasts about what we will do to honor our Lord; and like the apostles, our actions never live up to our boasting. 

     Our minds are bound to our sinful nature.  Therefore, we become jealous and egotistical.  Our hearts are bound to our sinful nature.  Therefore, we get petty, angry, and resentful.  Our will is bound to our sinful nature.  Therefore, we conclude that God’s direction for moral living is unrealistic, his command to forgive is foolish, and his instruction to regard others more highly than ourselves is stupid.  To be bound to our sinful nature means to be free from God.  That sounds appealing to many; but to be free from God is to be free from hope, comfort, mercy, and life.  To be bound to sin is to be bound to shame, death, and damnation.  While we want a brighter future than that, we do not have the ability to unshackle ourselves from sin.  We have no way to break away from death. 

     This is why Jesus was bound.  Before he was ever bound by soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Lord declared in the Garden of Eden that he would be bound to us.  Jesus would become one of us—the Seed of the Woman, born of the Virgin Mary.  Jesus would bind himself to us—the Son of Man joined to all mankind, the Creator taking his place among his creatures.  Jesus came to break the chains that bind us to sin and death. 

     Jesus did this by binding our sins to himself.  Jesus knew what he was getting into when he went out to the Garden of Gethsemane.  That is why he prayed so fervently there.  He prayed for the strength to endure for you and me the curse we have brought upon ourselves.  He prayed for the strength to bear the sufferings and death for all sins of all people of all time. 

     After Jesus prayed and was strengthened, the soldiers bound him.  That is, Jesus let them bind him with ropes to be ushered back into the city for trial.  Simon Peter wanted to fight for Jesus to remain free.  But if Jesus remained free, we would remain bound in our sins.  Therefore, Jesus said to him, “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me” (John 18:11)?  The cup is whatever the Father gives you, whether good or bad.  In Jesus’ case, it was the cup of God’s wrath.  That cup was intended for us.  But Jesus was bound to take that cup and consume all of God’s wrath for us; for, Jesus had bound himself to us, as we confess: “Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man” (Nicene Creed, The Lutheran Hymnal © 1941). 

     This man, Jesus, came to deliver all mankind from the bondage to depravity, death, decay, and damnation.  Jesus bound himself to our sin.  St. Paul wrote, “[God] made him to be sin who knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Jesus bound himself to our curse.  St. Paul wrote, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).  He did not come merely to have sympathy for us.  He came to be sin, to become the curse.  Jesus united himself to us to the point of taking upon himself our cursed, hellish death.  Jesus was punished by God as he hung from the cross.  As cruel as the torture of crucifixion is, Jesus also endured a God-forsaken hell.  That is what is due for those who are bound to their sins.  Jesus let himself be bound to the cross where he gave himself as the ransom payment to set you free.  You are no longer under the charge of sin or death.  You have been ransomed, redeemed, set free.

     And now, Jesus has bound you to himself.  When you were baptized, Jesus made you his own.  By being baptized into Christ, you benefit from everything that Jesus did.  His innocent life becomes yours.  So, the holiness you need to dwell with God has been cloaked around you.  His sacrificial death is credited to you.  So, the death you deserve has been died for you.  His resurrection from the dead shows you what is in store for you.  So, the chains of death cannot hold you.  You are no longer bound to a future of dust and ashes.  You will be raised up to glory everlasting. 

     Jesus has bound you to himself.  He has cleansed you of the sin which had bound you.  He has transformed your heart so that you delight in God’s word.  He has renewed your mind so that it is conformed to Christ.  He binds your will to his own so that you say “No” to ungodly living and strive for holiness.  He binds you to himself so that you long to be like Jesus—perfectly free from sin.  Therefore, Jesus continues to speak to you in his word and strengthens you in the Lord’s Supper so that your bonds to him will not be severed again. 

     Sometimes, that will mean correction.  Even though we belong to Jesus, we are still influenced by sinful thoughts and worldly arguments.  That’s why Jesus had to reprimand Peter for swinging his dagger at the soldiers.  It made sense to Peter to fight and to defend Jesus, but that was not God’s plan.  Jesus had to remind him of that.  And so it is with you.  You may be convinced that your plans and schemes are great and will improve your life.  Although your plans seem obvious and the course looks easy, it often happens that the easy thing to do is not the right thing to do.  The right thing is usually the hard thing.  That’s because our sinful flesh doesn’t want to do it and finds reasons why it shouldn’t.  God’s word may show you that you have set your will against his own.  He calls you to assess your life daily so that you do not oppose his word.  He does this so that you will not be ensnared by your sins again.  The cords of sin need to be cut every day. 

     The death of Jesus shows you that God is intensely serious about sins.  We are right to repent daily so that we are not bound by our sins again.  If the death of Jesus shows you how intensely serious God is about sins, it also shows you how intensely serious the Lord is about saving sinners.  His love for you and his desire for your salvation are publicly displayed at the cross.  For, the death of Jesus sets you free from sin and death.

     When Jesus’ hour had come, they bound him; that is, he let them bind him.  He bound himself to us, to take up our cause.  He bound himself to our sin and death so that he could free us from them.  He has bound you to himself so that you receive his forgiveness, new life in his kingdom of grace, and everlasting life in his glory.  You have his word on this, and his promise to you is binding.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

YouTube -- 2nd Sunday in Lent (March 13, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, March 13, 2022.

Sermon -- 2nd Sunday in Lent (March 13, 2022)

LUKE 13:31-35

JESUS WAS MINDFUL OF HIS MISSION.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When the Pharisees came to Jesus and warned him that King Herod wanted to kill him, it sounds like they were doing him a favor.  Their warning seems plausible.  After all, King Herod had arrested John the Baptist and had put him to death.  But the Pharisees were never interested in doing Jesus any favors.  They criticized his miraculous healings.  They found fault with the behavior of his disciples.  They belittled Jesus over the people he ate and drank with.  Privately, they even plotted how they might kill him.  So, their counsel, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you” (Luke 13:31), was most likely an effort to make Jesus forsake his work.  If he acted cowardly and was derelict in his duties, they could prove that he was no true prophet.

     Jesus did not fear dying.  In fact, he was headed to Jerusalem for that very purpose.  And Jesus knew that he was not going to die at the hands of Herod.  Galilee was not going to be the place where Jesus would be slain.  That would be Jerusalem, a city with a history of killing the prophets.  The sins of Jerusalem would reach their fill when they would put to death the Christ, the Son of the living God.  In any case, Jesus would not refrain from the work which the Father had given him to do.  Jesus was mindful of his mission.  The message he gave to Herod was likely meant for the Pharisees.  “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course’” (Luke 13:32).  In other words, neither threats nor death would prevent Jesus from carrying out his work.  Jesus was mindful of his mission.

     Jesus, then, lamented over his final destination.  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing” (Luke 13:34)!  Of all the nations in the world that the Lord could have chosen for his own purpose, he chose the people of Israel.  Of all the places in the world that the Lord could have put his name, he chose Jerusalem.  It was there, at the Temple, that the sacrifices were made to proclaim atonement between God and the people.  It was there that the priests were to be devoted to God’s word and to teach that word to the people.  Unfortunately, as time went by, the priests and the people grew negligent of that word. 

     Moses had warned about this even before Israel had set foot in the Promised Land.  Shortly before Moses died, the Lord had him teach a song to the people.  The song, recorded in Deuteronomy 32, was a warning about turning a deaf ear to God’s word and forfeiting God’s grace.  Faithfulness to God’s word meant blessing and grace and life.  Failing to hear God’s word, to take it to heart, and to live according to it would result in God’s wrath and rejection.  But the people did not heed the warning. 

     The Lord was grieved that his people no longer listened to the word of the Lord.  As far as the people of Israel were concerned, their sins were addressed by mind over matter.  They didn’t mind, so God’s word didn’t matter.  The Lord, therefore, sent prophets to call the people to repent.  They were all falling under a bitter judgment for ignoring the word of the Lord.  The word of the Lord made the people chafe.  They did not want to hear that people who mind their own business should rather mind what the Lord says.  They did not repent.  Instead, they silenced the word of the Lord by killing the prophets.  The rebuke from Moses was fitting: “They have dealt corruptly with (the Lord); they are no longer his children because they are blemished; they are a crooked and twisted generation.  Do you thus repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people” (Deuteronomy 32:5-6)?  The Lord desired to bless them and to be their God.  But they were not willing.

     These words serve as a warning for us.  You, dear Christians, are God’s chosen people.  You have been chosen to receive grace, blessing, and everlasting life.  Jesus has redeemed you from your sins so that they will not condemn you.  But we are always in danger of neglecting God’s word.  Familiarity with God’s word easily becomes an excuse to overlook it, and we can be easily deceived into thinking that we are keeping it just because we had studied it and are familiar with it.

     Here is how that can happen.  We usually judge others and ourselves based on how we treat one another.  There is some truth to that.  “Love your neighbor” is the second table of the Law.  If you are sinning against your neighbor, that is a problem.  But the first table of the Law is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.”  Many people will accept that it is good to love your neighbor even if they do not care about God’s word.  But your neighbor will not be your judge on the Last Day.  Your neighbor can neither condemn you by saying what a jerk you were nor save you by saying what a great guy you were.  All judgment has been entrusted to the Son.  It is his word that matters.  It is his word that endures.  It is his word that either saves or condemns.  Be mindful of that; for that is what matters. 

     When Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, his lament applied to all people who turn away from God’s word.  “How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!  Behold, your house is forsaken” (Luke 13:34-35).  Jesus longs to spread his wings over us so that his innocence covers our guilt.  Jesus longs to spread his wings over us so that he absorbs the brunt of God’s wrath for us.  Jesus longs to save us, protect us, and to preserve us.  But if we wander away from his word and no longer listen to him, we forfeit his benefits.  It is not because Jesus is unwilling.  It isn’t even because Jesus withdraws his benefits.  It is because stubborn hearts refuse to come to Jesus and be covered by his mercy.  Anyone outside of Christ is exposed—exposed as a sinner, exposed to damning judgment, and exposed to God’s wrath.  If we are forsaken by Jesus, it is not because Jesus wants to ditch us.  It is because we have forsaken him.  If anyone refuses to be mindful of God’s word and goes his own way, God will finally let him go as he desires.  Heed the warning.  The people of Jerusalem did not, despite God’s repeated efforts with many prophets and even with Jesus himself.

     Dear Christians, Jesus was mindful of his mission.  He longs to be your Savior who delivers you from death and gives you life.  Jesus longs to be your Lord who speaks to you words which guide you away from sins and into godly living.  Jesus faithfully delivers to you the words of eternal life so that you would faithfully follow him.  Oh, how he longs for your salvation!  Oh, how he is grieved when people abandon him and neglect his word.  For, there is no salvation apart from his word.

     “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, …how often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing” (Luke 13:34)!  Even if they were not willing, Jesus was.  Even if they would not be faithful, Jesus would be.  Jesus was mindful of his mission.  And how faithful he is!  Jesus was not dissuaded by the threats of the Pharisees.  Jesus was not deterred by the death which would meet him in Jerusalem.  Jesus was minded to complete his mission because the will of his Father mattered to him.  Jesus was minded to suffer and die because sinners matter to him.  Jesus went to Jerusalem mindful of you, because you matter to him.

     Jesus was mindful of his mission.  His Father sent him to save sinners.  So, Jesus went to Jerusalem for Herod who killed the last Old Testament prophet, John the Baptist.  Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Pharisees who despised him and continually undermined him.  Jesus went to Jerusalem to atone for the people who killed the prophets and stoned those who were sent to them.  Jesus was mindful of all these people because they mattered to him.  Sadly, many resisted the call to be gathered under Jesus’ care for forgiveness and salvation.  They stubbornly held on to their unbelief and perished.

     But the fact that many will perish did not dissuade Jesus.  He was sent to be the Savior of the world, and so he went to Jerusalem to suffer and die for all.  He was mindful of his mission.  He went there for his apostles.  He went there for tax collectors and prostitutes, for people whose sins are scandalous or secret.  He went there for people who are afraid, who doubt, who battle against temptations and fail often.  He went there for the lonely, the depressed, and the dying.  He went there for you.  For his mission is to save sinners.  Faithful to that mission, Jesus suffered all things for you.  He endured God’s fiery wrath to spare you from it.  Satan pinned on Jesus every accusation of sin and guilt to exonerate you of them.  Jesus shelters you from death and punishment as a hen shelters her chicks under her wings.  He takes the blow so that you are delivered.  He was committed to his mission.

     Jesus lamented over Jerusalem.  It was the place where the Lord dwelt with his people to bless them and be with them.  But after so many years of rejecting God’s word, Jesus let them go their way.  “Behold, your house is forsaken” (Luke 13:34), he said to them.  Their hope would not be found in Jerusalem anymore.  It would only be found in Jesus.  It is delivered only in his word and sacrament.  Therefore, Jesus said to them, “I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’” (Luke 13:35)!  If they would not receive Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and the Savior of the world, they would never know him.  But to you who cling to Jesus as the Savior and crave his word, you see him and know him as he is.

     We are mindful of Jesus because we know he comes for our highest good.  Therefore, we sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 13:35), when we celebrate the sacrament.  For here, Jesus comes to us.  Jesus delivers to us the body and blood which were given to save us.  Here is the living bread which sustains faith.  Here is the blood which purifies sinners.  Therefore, we have no reason to be dissuaded from a godly life by threats.  We have no cause even to fear death.  Be mindful of Jesus and his word; for these are the only things that matter for this life and for the next.  Rejoice that Jesus was mindful of his mission.  He is faithful to you, for you matter to him.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.