Sermon -- 19th Sunday after Pentecost (October 8, 2023)

MATTHEW 21:33-46

WHAT MORE CAN GOD DO TO PRODUCE GODLY PEOPLE?

In the name + of Jesus.

      The parable Jesus told is linked to our Old Testament lesson.  That parable, The Song of the Vineyard, would have been well known to Jesus’ audience, although I guess it is more of a lament than a song.  After citing all the work he had done to make a fertile and productive vineyard, the Lord did not find the good fruits he was looking for.  Instead of good grapes, the vineyard yielded only bad grapes.  The Lord then posed this question: “What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it” (Isaiah 5:4)?  Because of the Lord’s work and the Lord’s care, the vineyard did not lack anything.  Yet, it produced nothing good.  The Lord was grieved by this, and judgment followed.

     The parable recorded in Matthew’s Gospel was told with Isaiah’s Song of the Vineyard in mind.  In this case, the vineyard was given to certain tenants.  The tenants had done nothing to build the vineyard.  They did not furnish it with a fence and a tower for protection, nor did they lay down a winepress for a pleasing vintage.  Yet, they were given charge of the vineyard.  When it came time for the harvest, the master of the vineyard sent messengers to receive some of the fruits from his vineyard.  The tenants seemed to think that the master no longer had the rights to his own vineyard.  Their total access to it made them think that they had authority over it.  Some of the master’s messengers they beat; others they killed.  “Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son’” (Matthew 21:37).  The tenants demonstrated how much they despised their master by killing his son, assuming that they would become the possessors of the vineyard with the death of the master’s son.

     Now, the vineyard is the kingdom of God.  The Lord had chosen the people of Israel for his very own.  He set them apart for blessings.  He promised to supply them with everything they needed.  He granted them the Promised Land, giving them fields they had not tilled, vineyards they had not planted, and cities they had not built.  In turn, he sought their obedience and praise.  When he did not get it, he dealt with them patiently.  He sent prophets to call the people back to him.  Some prophets they beat; others they killed.  Finally, God the Father sent his Son to the people.  Surely, if they were God’s people, they would respect God’s Son and listen to him.  Of course, you know the end of the story.  The religious leaders plotted to kill the Son of God, convinced that this would preserve their prestige and their nation.  About 72 hours after Jesus had told them this parable, they carried out their plans and killed the master’s son.

     The lament from Isaiah can be repeated here.  “What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it” (Isaiah 5:4)?  In fact, we can consider that question in an even greater context.  What more can God do to produce godly people?

     We can go all the way back to Creation.  God formed the man and the woman to live in a perfect world.  They were created in the image of God, being in perfect harmony with God.  They were not only eager to do God’s will, they could do it.  God had provided for them everything they needed.  The earth was not lacking in food, in beauty, and in peace.  In turn, God called on his people to honor and thank him with obedience to his commands.  What more could God have done to produce godly people?  That’s how he made them.  But the man and the woman abandoned their state of innocence and peace.  They tried to steal glory and honor by taking the one thing God had forbidden.  That rebellious nature has not subsided in anyone since then.

     What more can God do to produce godly people today?  God provides everything we need.  He causes the sun to rise each day and sends rain to water the earth so that it produces.  He causes the seeds to sprout and to bring forth food for people and animals alike.  He continues to bring forth new generations and blesses them with intelligence and creativity.  He puts us in vocations so that our lives have purpose and so that our skills and interests can serve for the benefit of other people.  And even though the world is flawed, it still retains its beauty—lakes and mountains, rainbows and flowers, music and laughter.  God has not been stingy with his gifts.  In turn, he wants people to recognize his goodness and to respond with loving and willing obedience to his word.  What more can God do to produce godly people?

     Like Adam and Eve, we turn from our Lord, convinced that true happiness comes from taking what God has forbidden.  We live for ourselves, as if God’s purpose for us is stupid or cruel.  When God instructs us to control our speech, to curb our lusts, to be generous with our money, and to forgive freely, we regard God as an intruder.  We react as if God has no business telling us how to live our lives—even though he has given us everything.  We do not give God the fruits, that is, we do not give God the good works he made us for.  Repent.

     What more can God do to produce godly people?  Jesus let the priests and the rabbis come to their own conclusion on the parable.  He presented the case, and they rendered the judgment.  “‘When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’  They said to him, ‘He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons’” (Matthew 21:40-41).  The Lord may be slow to anger, but his anger will flare up.  He may deal patiently with us, but his patience does have a limit.  And so it was with the religious leaders who were plotting the death of Jesus.  Their rebellion ended up bringing judgment upon themselves and upon all who dwelt in Jerusalem.  The Lord’s judgment was carried out with bloody and deadly results when Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.  The judgment Jesus had foretold was fulfilled: “I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits” (Matthew 21:43).  Indeed, the has kingdom shifted from being mainly of Jewish to mainly Gentile.  It is good to consider this warning; for, the kingdom can be stripped from us if we fail to hear the word of the Lord and do it.

     Jesus cannot be ignored.  At some point, whether in life or in death, people will have to face Jesus.  He declared, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…  The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him” (Matthew 21:42-44).  If we fall upon the stone, we will be broken to pieces.  God’s Law shatters any illusions that we have done enough to be pleasing to God.  But this serves a good purpose.  For, this is what the Lord says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).  The Lord, however, binds up those who are crushed by the Law, and he causes those who mourn over their sins to rejoice.  On the other hand, those who will not repent of their sin, those who scorn God’s word and deny Jesus Christ, will eventually have to face him in judgment.  Then the cornerstone will fall upon them, and they will be crushed in judgment. 

     The Lord, however, does not produce godly people by threats and judgment.  That might make someone behave for a while, but threats do not change hearts.  Threats only produce fear and resentment.  Therefore, the Lord acted in great love on behalf of rebellious people.

     What more can God do to produce godly people?  More than we deserve.  When the master sent his son to the vineyard, he did so knowing that his son would be killed by the tenants.  In fact, that was the plan.  Jesus quoted the Psalms, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22).  Everything that their nation and their temple were built on, the leaders rejected—just as the Psalm foretold it.  Despite that rejection, Jesus proved to be the one on whom the kingdom of God is founded and on which it stands forever.

     The Lord allowed the religious leaders to carry out their evil plot, and it was evil.  Yet, God used their evil for his own good purposes.  The death of Jesus is the payment for the sins of the world.  The curse which fell upon Jesus is the curse of our sins.  Jesus was crushed under God’s judgment.  He bore the curse because we had sought to gain glory by taking what God forbids and by scorning God’s commands.  Jesus died as a wretch and took on the miserable death which is due sinners.  That is the ransom price for us, and by paying it, Jesus has redeemed us from death and hell.  This is why the Father sent Jesus, and this is why Jesus willingly came to be crucified.  What more could Jesus do to produce godly people?  Jesus has restored us to the Lord’s vineyard where we get to serve him in peace. 

     “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Matthew 21:42).  The kingdom of God is founded upon Jesus Christ.  We do not have a dead Savior who can’t do anything for us.  Jesus is risen from the dead and lives and reigns over all things.  He lives to pardon sinners.  He lives to bind up the broken hearted.  He lives to bring healing to people who are scarred by guilt.  Jesus cleanses people who are smeared in shame.  Jesus has overcome death to assure you that you will be raised up to live in everlasting peace.  And Jesus has granted you new life already now.  You have not only been saved from sin and death, you have been saved for good works.  What more can he do?  Jesus has restored you to the Father and has restored you to the purpose for which you were created.  Jesus has made you God’s people, and he works in you to produce the very fruits God wants to see in his people.  And the Father is pleased with your works because Jesus has made you pleasing to him. 

     St. Paul wrote, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).  Just as the tenants did nothing to make the vineyard but received it free of charge, so we have done nothing to gain our place in the kingdom of God.  We have been given our place free of charge.  What more can God do to produce godly people?  And what more can we do, except to respond with thanks and with glad and willing obedience?

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

Sermon -- 19th Sunday after Pentecost (October 16, 2022)

LUKE 16:19-31

THE GOOD THINGS ARE FOUND IN GOD’S WORD.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Jesus tells a story about two men.  Which would you rather be?  Since you know the end of the story, I’ll bet I can guess your answer.  But let’s consider each man.  First, “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day” (Luke 16:19).  Lavish clothing.  Sumptuous meals.  Creature comforts.  Wealth to spare.  If we examine our life goals, the truth is: This is the guy we want to be.

     In contrast, at the gate of the rich man “was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table.  Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores” (Luke 16:20-21).  Lazarus was unemployed, disabled, and diseased.  Jesus mentioned that dogs came a licked his sores.  This was not some sort of Disney moment where the dogs pitied him.  These were scavenger dogs who were waiting to see if Lazarus’ corpse was a meal ready to be eaten.  If you say you don’t want to be Lazarus, it is because no one wants to be destitute and starving.  Lazarus was a man worthy of pity, but none was shown to him.

     This is where we begin to commend ourselves more highly than we ought.  Jesus commented that Lazarus “desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table” (Luke 16:21).  From this we infer—fairly, I think—that the rich man had no compassion for the beggar right outside his own gate.  We like to credit ourselves, “If I had been there, I certainly would have taken care of Lazarus.”  But when you see someone who is destitute, are you open-handed or tight-fisted with your money?  If you are not helping the destitute now, you would not have done it then, either.  Of course, we all have our reasons.  I’ll bet the rich man did, too.  Perhaps he thought that Lazarus was faking it or was an addict.  If so, we would probably commend the rich man for refusing to be an enabler.  It is easy to find reasons to refuse charity.  We have more in common with the rich man than we would like to admit.  Repent.

     Of course, the greatest difference between the rich man and Lazarus was not wardrobe or diet or house or health.  In fact, the world could not know the real difference between these two because it was hidden.  Jesus, however, revealed it.  “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.  The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he … called out, ‘…I am in anguish in this flame’” (Luke 16:22-24).  In short, the rich man died an unbeliever, and Lazarus died trusting in God’s word. 

     While in the torments of hell, the rich man did not appeal to the Lord, but to Abraham.  The judgment against the rich man was uttered from heaven.  “Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish” (Luke 16:25).  Now, eternal judgment is not based on one’s poverty or wealth—as if God rewards the down-trodden because of what they suffered but condemns the rich because they had it easy.  After all, Abraham was a very rich man.  Judgment is not about evening the score.  The condemning words come in this phrase: “in your lifetime received your good things” (Luke 16:25).  The rich man loved his luxurious lifestyle.  He trusted in his wealth above all things.  His goal was to live a pampered life in worldly comforts—and he did!  But once he died, he lost all his good things.  What he loved and trusted did not save his life from the grave or from hell. 

     Lazarus, on the other hand, would have preferred health, a home, and the ability to earn an income.  For reasons known only to God, he was not blessed that way.  But he did have one good thing: God’s word.  The good things are found in God’s word.  Lazarus trusted in God’s promises that a Savior would deliver him out of a broken world and restore his broken body.  Those hardships are evidence that sin has corrupted this world and everything in it.  In fact, Lazarus himself was corrupted by sin.  All people are.  We are sinners—whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, generous or stingy.  All people fail to live up to the standard God has set: Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.  Fear, love, and trust in God above all things. 

     For this reason, God did not send the rich man someone to advise him on the benefits of charitable giving.  Nor did he send Lazarus someone to put salve on his sores.  Both would have been good, but neither one would save.  So God sent a Savior.  Jesus Christ came to deliver all people out of their sinful condition.  You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that, though he was rich, yet he became poor.  Jesus did not live a glorious life here.  Instead, Jesus was devoted to gaining you a glorious life in the world to come.  Jesus lived in poverty and humility.  In fact, Jesus only once was dressed in lavish purple—when Roman soldiers wrapped on of their robes around him.  But then they stripped him naked and pinned him to a cross.

     At the cross, Jesus received bad things.  He was forsaken by his Father, condemned for sins he did not commit, and killed with a cursed death.  Jesus suffered the torments of hell that we deserve.  This Jesus did willingly; in fact, intentionally.  Jesus received these bad things so that you could receive good things.  You have been acquitted of your sins.  You have peace for your conscience.  You have rest for your souls, for all the work to secure God’s favor has been done.  You are free from any condemnation, and you are assured the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.  Lazarus’ horrible condition was temporary; but now he is blessed.  He feasts sumptuously every day.  He is dressed in robes of righteousness.  His body will be raised immortal and incorruptible.  And so it will be for you, as God promises.  The good things are found in God’s word.

     The rich man was sent to hell.  His situation would never change.  It would never improve, either.  Many people find this sentence to be too horrible for words.  We agree.  It is terrifying.  Many people say, “I would never worship a God who is eager to send people to hell.”  We agree.  For, the Lord is not eager to send anyone to hell.  That is why he sent Jesus—to deliver all people from such a terrible torment.  Hell was created for the devil and the demons who seek the damnation of all people.  It was never intended for people.  That’s not to say God won’t send anyone there; it’s just that hell is not God’s intention for anyone.  He is the God who saves—as the Scriptures reveal.  The good things are found in God’s word.

     As we take God’s word to heart, we may fear that some of our loved ones did not believe in God’s word.  We may even be sure of it, which means that our loved ones are in hell.  Who could not be grieved by that?  If you are, then listen to rich man’s plea.  He said, “I beg you, father, to send (Lazarus) to my father's house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment” (Luke 16:27-28).  The rich man did not want anyone to be in hell with him.  There was no desire for any reunion with loved ones in hell.  The rich man yearned that his brothers would be spared the fiery torment which he was suffering.  So, if you are convinced that you have a relative or a friend who has gone to hell, be assured of this: They don’t want you there with them. 

     So, what recourse do we have?  What can we do so that those who are still alive will never have to experience endless death, darkness, sorrow, and pain?  Abraham answered the rich man: “(Your brothers) have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them” (Luke 16:29).  In other words, they have the Scriptures.  The good things are found in God’s word.  God’s word proclaims how he delivers us from the curse of sin—through the blood of Jesus Christ.  God’s word reveals how we are delivered from the grave—Jesus has conquered death, holds authority over it, and will raise us up from the grave.  God’s word delivers the only good thing that endures and that saves.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.  There is no other hope, no other Savior, no other saving word.  But it is all that is needed.  The good things are found in God’s word.

     The rich man did not believe God’s word was sufficient.  He thought it needed to be more impressive, more flashy, more convincing.  “He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’  (Abraham) said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead’” (Luke 16:30-31).  No gimmick will ever convince a sinner that God’s word is true if he refuses to believe it.  The fact of the matter is this: Shortly after Jesus told this story, there was a man named Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead.  Do you know what Jesus’ enemies concluded about that?  St. John wrote, “The chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus” (John 12:10-11). 

     What’s more, Jesus died and on the third day rose from the dead.  Those who despised God’s word all along were not convinced even though Jesus rose from the dead.  They created the lie to cover it up.  They perished in their sins and became more rich men in hell, but not because God cheated them out of mercy.  The good things are found in God’s word.  If saying, “This is what the Lord says,” does not convince people it is to be taken seriously, nothing will.

     Good things are found in God’s word.  That is the word which is preached to you week after week.  That is the word which was attached to water by which you were washed clean of all sin and marked by God’s name.  That is the word which consecrates wine and bread so that Jesus can give you his body and blood to strengthen your faith.  That is the word which begs to be read from your Bibles at home and discussed with your family so that they will cherish the good things that endure to eternity.

     Good things are found in that word—forgiveness of sins, encouragement to serve God in a broken world, confidence to stand before God when this world ends, and comfort for every day in this world until your time here ends.  But your time in God’s kingdom will not end.  We will join with Abraham, Lazarus, and all the people who believed God’s word and loved it.  This is the word by which the Lord speaks to you, and by which he saves you.

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

Sermon -- 19th Sunday after Pentecost (October 15, 2017)

MATTHEW 21:28-32

JESUS POINTS US 

TO THE OBEDIENT SON.

In the name + of Jesus.

     In last week's Gospel, the master of the vineyard went to the marketplace to find day workers.  He hired many, and he sent them to work in his vineyard.  In today's Gospel, it is a father who calls his own sons to go out and work in his vineyard.  These two are not merely hired hands who serve the master for a day.  They are sons of the house and heirs of the estate.  They already possess all of the good things of their father.  To serve one's father when asked should not be considered a burden.  It was their own estate which would benefit from their labors, and their father would be honored by their work.
     When the father asked the first son to go into the vineyard and work for him, he replied rudely: “I will not,” but afterward he changed his mind and went.  And he went to the other son and said the same.  And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. (Matthew 21:29-30)  Now the parable was told as a warning to the Pharisees.  They were the religious leaders, not only studying the Scriptures but also teaching it to others.  They knew what God desired of all people.  And they gave the response to their heavenly Father just as the second son had.  It was a dutiful, “Yes, Lord.  I will Lord.  I know.”  But the Pharisees only paid lip service to their Father's word.  They did not do the things they said they knew were right.
     On the other hand, Jesus told them, “The tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31)  The tax collectors and prostitutes were like the first son who heard the word of the Lord and replied, “No.  I will not.  I will do what I want and serve myself.”  The tax collectors were thieves.  They were Jews hired by the Romans to tax their fellow Jews.  They inflated the amount of tax which they were owed and pocketed the extra for themselves.  Everyone knew it, but no one could really do anything about it without facing charges for tax evasion.  For this, the tax collectors were despised.  And prostitutes?  Well, we know what they did.  And yet, when John the Baptist preached and called them to repent of their sinful ways, they did.  They did not merely say they were wrong and were sorry.  They gave up stealing and selling themselves.  Both gave up lucrative habits because they were wicked habits. 
     Now, remember, both were considered sons in the parable Jesus told.  All the people Jesus spoke about were Israelites under God's covenant.  Both knew the word of the Lord and, therefore, their Father's will.  And both had sinned against him.  The Pharisees, however, did not repent, but persisted in not following the will of their Father.
     It is hard not to read through this parable and to try to figure out which son you are.  In fact, that is why the parable is told.  It is a warning either way.  Tax collectors and prostitutes were not told that their sins did not matter.  Their sins were obvious, and everyone in society knew it.  They were commanded to repent and flee their sinful living; and they did.  The Pharisees, on the other hand, enjoyed a good reputation in their society.  They were the polite son.  They said all the right things.  Every Christian should take warning so that we do not become Pharisees.  We come to church and publicly confess that we are sinners—that we have done what is evil and failed to do what is good.  The confession is pretty generic.  It is true, but it is still generic.  We probably do not take stock of the specific sins we have committed against God.  And if we have not been specific, then we probably are not too intent on fleeing from the sins we are guilty of.  It is easy to confess generic sins; we bristle when we are called to repent of specific infractions.  For example, it is easy to agree with, “You shall not steal.”  But we get defensive when we hear, “Stop telling the theme park your son is twelve so you can save $5 on admission and then brag about it to your family.”
     Take warning: Like the Pharisees, we say all the right words.  We know what the Father's will is, and we know the right thing to do.  But we do not follow up the right words with the right actions.  We think that since our sins are not as obvious as that of a prostitute, then we don't need to be so concerned about our repentance.  Or we think that God's absolution is also God's permission to change nothing.  Repent.  The prostitutes and tax collectors are more commendable than that.
     Throughout our lives, we have been both sons—both the son who rejected the Father's word, and the son who politely said he would do the Father's will but did not.  We have vowed to live according to God's truth, but in our weakness or laziness, we did not do it.  Or we have heard the word of the Lord and protested, “That is too hard.  That will cost me something.  I will not do it.”  Both are wrong.  Both are sin.  None of us has been an obedient child of God.
     But your place in God's kingdom is not yours because you have been such an obedient son.  Your place in God's kingdom is yours because of another son.  He is not a son mentioned in the parable.  He is the Son who told the parable.
     Jesus Christ is the perfectly obedient Son of the Father.  Even before the creation of the world, the Father had determined that his Son would come into the world to save sinners.  The Son obeyed the Father's will.  He did not argue or shirk his duties.  The Almighty God came into this world as a helpless infant.  The designer of the universe and the laws of physics submited himself to the sinful designs of mankind and their corrupted laws.  What's more, the Son of God came to suffer for crimes he did not commit and to die under a curse he did not deserve.  Jesus was not only innocent of crimes; he was holy in all things. 
     Now, if you were falsely accused of a crime, you would not humbly and quietly go to prison for it.  If someone handed you a large fine for someone else's violation, you would refuse to pay and get pretty enraged about it.  You recognize that justice means the guilty should pay the price for their own misdeeds.  Jesus points you to the obedient Son.  He dutifully took up sins he did not commit.  He willingly accepted as his own the charges that stood against us.  Jesus paid the price for all sinners.  Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18)  It is that holy, innocent sufferings and death, willingly endured by Jesus for us, that saves us.  This is what the Lord says, “In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” (Galatians 3:26)  The blood of Christ marks you as children of God.  And if you are children of God, then you are heirs of his estate. 
     Jesus points us to the obedient Son.  The Son of God has made you all sons of God.  And if you are sons, then you are called to live according to the will of your Father in heaven.  Even though you will not hit perfection in this life, you will still strive for it.  You have been taught the word of God so that you know what faithful, obedient service looks like.  God shows you what is good in his commandments.  He does not tell you it will always be easy.  You will be fighting against the world which mocks you for denying yourself whatever sins you can get away with.  You will be fighting your own flesh which yearns and aches for sinful pleasures.  And your flesh will also gripe when doing what is good and right is inconvenient or costly.  Still, the fight and the struggle are necessary.  The tax collectors and prostitutes did not use Jesus' forgiveness as a reason to return to their trade.  They abandoned what was wicked because sin brings a curse.  They turned to Jesus for forgiveness of their sins and for strength to live as the Father desires.
     And so it is with you.  Jesus is the obedient Son who calls you to be obedient children.  Even though you are weak, God does not revoke his love.  Even though you fall into temptation, God does not withhold his mercy.  He still assures you that you are his beloved child.  He works repentance in you, which not only seeks forgiveness, but also seeks the strength to will and to live according to the Father's will. 
     We confess our sins, and we confess our faith.  But our confession is not merely lip-service.  We give our whole lives to confessing our faith.  We do not just call ourselves children of the heavenly Father; we strive to live like it.  And our comfort forever remains this: that our Father in heaven delights to call us his children for Jesus' sake, now and forever.

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

Sermon -- 19th Sunday after Pentecost (September 25, 2016)

LUKE 16:19-31

GOD'S PROMISE IS ENOUGH.

In the name + of Jesus.

      The rich man did not go to hell because he was rich.  He did not go to hell because he was generous to himself with food and clothing, but was stingy to others.  He did not even go to hell because he ignored Lazarus at his front gate.  If the rich man did go to hell for being self-centered and failing to help a man in need, then we are all damned.  When we drive past people stranded by the side of the road, when we hang up the phone on charities so that we can get back to our supper, and when what we spend on our vacations is exponentially greater than what we give for disaster relief, then we are just as guilty as the rich man.  And we are.  We are sinners.  We are selfish.  We dress well.  We eat well.  And we are able to do it while we are oblivious to our neighbor in need.  Repent.
     The rich man did not go to hell because he sinned in these ways.  Likewise, Lazarus was not rewarded with eternal life because he was poor or neglected or diseased.  The rich man went to hell because he was an unbeliever.  He did not love God.  He did not fear God.  He did not take God's commandments seriously.  It is even possible that the rich man, like so many in our land today, did not believe that hell is real.  He had fine food.  He had nice clothes.  He had a caring family—five brothers, anyway.  Life was good.  So who cares about anything else?
     Even if the rich man did believe that hell is real, he clearly was not concerned that he might go there.  Only when he was there did the rich man recognize that God was serious.  Of course, by then, it was not a matter of faith.  Faith is being sure of what you do not see.  People in hell see and know God is serious.  Only then, it is too late.
     Even in hell, the rich man remained an unbeliever.  He was resigned to the fact that his place in eternal torment was fixed, but he had five brothers.  He did not want his brothers to suffer the same fate as him.  So he pleaded with Abraham, “I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” (Luke 16:27-28)  Abraham's response was short: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” (Luke 16:29)  They have God's word.  God's word is enough to warn them and to save them.
     But the rich man was an unbeliever.  He did not believe that God's word would be convincing enough.  The rich man believed God's word needs a gimmick, a hook, a door prize—something—to make it more important, more convincing, more believable.  So he offered this: “No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” (Luke 16:30)  Again, Abraham's response was terse: “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)  God's promise is enough.  If God saying so is not important enough, convincing enough, or believable enough, nothing will help it.  God's promise is enough.
     The Psalms teach us, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10)  If you fear the Lord, it means that you take him seriously.  When you hear God's Commandments and recognize that you do not live as they command—that you have withheld your love for your neighbor because you have loved yourself generously—and then you fear that God will hold you accountable for that sin, good.  Then you are taking God seriously.  You recognize that his threats are not empty.  And repent; for God is revealing a heart that does not believe that selfishness is bad or that generosity is worth the effort.
     But “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10, emphasis added)  Such fear means that you take God seriously, but such fear does not save you.  It only shows you know that God holds you accountable for your sins.  True wisdom is revealed in Jesus Christ.  Jesus has come to do for sinners what we have not done: He loved his neighbor and helped us all in our greatest need.  He took our sins and put himself in the cross hairs of God's wrath and judgment.  Jesus suffered for our sins, and endured our judgment.  Since Jesus has taken your sins from you, God cannot be angry with you.  And he is not.  He forgives all your sins for Jesus' sake.  The blood of Jesus has paid for your sins, and that holy blood has cleansed you from all your guilt.  Jesus not only went into death for your sins, he also conquered death for you.  No longer can hell have you.  No longer does the grave claim you.  Jesus has overcome death for you.  Since you have been purchased and won by Jesus, he makes you partakers of the resurrection to eternal life.
     God has made you wise for salvation.  He has revealed his salvation to you through his words and promises in the Bible.  You are not saved because you think you should be.  You are not saved because you don't like the idea of eternal torment in fiery hell.  You are saved by faith in Jesus.  By God's gracious work, he has made you believers in his word.  By faith, you are credited with Jesus' holy life and perfect love.  By faith, you are cleansed of all sin and delivered from all wrath.  By faith, you believe that God's word is true—not only that you are forgiven of sins against God's Commandments, but also that you are now order your life according to those Commandments because they are good and right.  By faith, you recognize that God's love is to be reflected in the way you live, showing love to others, even if they cannot repay you and even if they do not like you.  That is the same love God has for sinners.  For us.
     God's word reveals this saving love.  It does not need any gimmick or glitz or hook to make it more important, more convincing, or more believable.  You have Moses and the Prophets.  You have the apostles and evangelists.  God's promise is enough.  God's word reveals his salvation, and it imparts saving faith to you.  That faith will reveal itself in love.  That love will show itself in serving your fellow man in his need.  You will not be saved because you loved enough or because you served well enough.  You are not saved by how much you get done.  You are saved by Jesus Christ who has done all things for your salvation.  Faith trusts in Jesus for all righteousness, mercy, and grace.  That is enough.

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

Sermon -- 19th Sunday after Pentecost (October 4, 2015)

LUKE 16:19-31

THE ONLY GOOD THING IS TO BELIEVE GOD'S WORD.  

In the name + of Jesus. 

     Be honest.  Who would you rather be—the rich man or the beggar?  There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.  And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores...  Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. (Luke 16:19-21)  When Jesus mentions the dogs which came to lick Lazarus' sores, that is not a Disney moment like the mice and the birds who stitched together Cinderella's dress.  These dogs were not expressing their pity on Lazarus.  These dogs were scavengers.  If they came to lick Lazarus' sores, they were checking to see if he was still alive.  If not, they would pick at him and consume his carcass.  This is not, “Awwwww.”  It is “Ewwww!”  While Lazarus languished, festered and famished, at the front door of the rich man, the rich man lived the high life—enjoying fine clothes, fine food, and a fine time.  Be honest.  Who would you rather be?
     In time, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. (Luke 16:22)  We don't even hear of a burial.  The rich man also died and was buried (Luke 16:22)—probably with a funeral and a grave site as lavish as his lifestyle had been.  But the rich man was banished to hell where he suffered the torments of the damned.  He longed for even a drop of relief, but he was refused any.  Abraham explained it to him: “Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.” (Luke 16:25)  
     But this is not some sort of spiritual Robin Hood where the evil rich person has to pay the price for being rich.  The rich man did not go to hell as a punishment for being rich and Lazarus did not go to heaven as a reward for being poor.  God chose to bless the rich man with much; God chose to bless Lazarus with little.  But for the rich man, his riches were his good things.  That's what mattered to him.  He savored his wealth and did not deny himself anything.  And even though the Law commanded him to give alms to the poor, the rich man did not even bother to walk out his front door and give him scraps.  He was rich, and he loved his riches.  He had enjoyed the good life, but his goods did him no good at his death, just as his goods had done no good for Lazarus throughout his life.  The rich man lived as he had believed—he had no love for his fellow man, only himself.  He believed his goods things were devoted only to his own good.  Only when he died did he learn that those things had done him no good.  And then he was damned.
     The only good thing is to believe God's word.  And if you believe God's word, then you will live like you believe God's word.  You will love your neighbor as yourself, not just in theory, but in practice.   Boasting that you would have given Lazarus a sandwich does not mean much because you weren't there.  There are many today, however, who are enduring hardship, poverty, and disaster whom you can help.  You and I live in the most prosperous country on earth.  And despite our prosperity, charities like the Red Cross practically have to beg for people to contribute to them.  And while it is true that some scam artists pose as the needy, we dare not let our skepticism be our excuse for refusing to be charitable and generous.  To say “I believe in helping the needy” but never actually helping the needy ought to make you wonder if you really believe it.
     The only good thing is to believe God's word—even when it exposes your sins and condemns you.  For, if you believe that you are a sinner, then you will also believe that you need to repent.  And if you believe that you cannot save yourself, you will flee continually to the Savior whom God sent for you.
     The only good thing is to believe God's word.  The rich man did not believe God's word.  Even when he was in hell, he did not believe God's word.  He did not believe he should have to suffer the agony he was enduring.  He believed that he was still worthy of mercy, even if it was only scraps or drops.  Jesus often referred to hell as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.  People will gnash their teeth in anger because they are still unbelievers.  They do not believe that God has judged them fairly.
     It is still a sign of unbelief that God will not send people to hell.  Even some Christian churches have jettisoned the teaching of eternal damnation because it sounds so cruel and unloving.  But to reject hell is to disbelieve the Scriptures.  In an effort to make God seem more loving, people lie and suggest that God will never condemn anyone.  This not only corrupts the Scriptures, but it also confirms the corrupt to continue in their sins.  If you won't be damned for your sins, why would you ever repent of them?  That is why the only good thing is to believe God's word.
     Once he was in torment, the rich man yearned for his brothers who were also unbelievers.  He did not want them to receive the same judgment he had received.  So, he begged Abraham, “If Lazarus will not grant me relief in hell, then send him back to earth so that he would grant relief to my brothers and warn them of this place.”  But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ (Luke 16:29)  They have God's word, and there are preachers who proclaim it.
     That is what all sinners need.  That is where God reveals the Savior who delivers us from death and hell.  That is where Jesus is proclaimed as the one who has loved his neighbor perfectly, particularly by taking up all our sins—being charged for sins he did not commit and dying a cursed death he did not deserve.  But Jesus did it for us.  Though we may have been stingy with mercy, Jesus' mercy has been abundant and has forgiven us of all our sins.  Though we have been slow to sacrifice our goods for the benefit of the needy, Jesus sacrificed himself completely because we needed him to deliver us from hell and the grave.  Jesus' rose from the grave to assure us that our sins are pardoned and that our graves are powerless.  God has revealed this good news in his word; and that is why the only good is to believe God's word.
     The rich man persisted in his unbelief.  He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’  He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:30-31)  If people will not believe God's word, there is no gimmick on earth which will make them believe it—not even if someone rises from the dead.  After all, if you will not believe God, no gimmick will help.  But in fact, we know that one did rise from the dead.  Jesus Christ died and rose again—his death to pay for our sins, his resurrection to assure us that the payment is sufficient and satisfies our Father in heaven.  The risen Savior has given us his word so that we will believe it and be saved by it.
     And now, by faith, Jesus Christ who has worked for us also works in us and through us.  He who sacrificed himself and gave everything fills us so that we are willing to give something to others who have little or nothing.  It is good for us to dedicate our goods for the good of others.  For, the greatest good thing we have is the gospel which God has implanted in us.  The only good thing is to believe God's word.  It is that word which has done for us the greatest good.  It guarantees our eternal good.

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

Sermon -- 19th Sunday after Pentecost (October 7, 2012)

MARK 9:38-50

IF IT CAUSES SIN, IT MUST BE CUT OFF.

In the name + of Jesus.

     In 2003, a man named Aron Ralston went on a hike.  He went by himself to a remote location in Canyonlands National Park to climb up and down the rock formations there.  At one point he fell, and a boulder came down behind him.  The boulder pinned Ralston’s right arm to the canyon.  He was stuck.  Shouts and screams were heard by no one.  Hours went by – 127 Hours, if you want to rent the movie.  Eventually, Ralston recognized that if he were going to come out of that canyon alive, it would have to be without his right arm.  So, in order to survive, Ralston took a knife and cut off his own right arm.  He put on a tourniquet and hiked several miles until a family found him.  He was finally rescued from the canyon by a helicopter.  Aron Ralston is alive today for one reason – he cut off an arm that, if he had kept it, would have meant his death in the canyon.

     Now, no one wants to lose a limb like that.  Aron Ralston would prefer to have two functioning arms as well.  But when one’s survival is on the line, you make the sacrifice.  It is not a hard choice, even if it is a painful act.

     Jesus wants you to consider the same thing in our Gospel.  He says, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.  It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.  And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.  It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.  And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out.  It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’” (Mark 9:43-48)  

     Jesus’ words seem too vicious, too cruel.  We do not tell people to maim themselves in order to be Christians.  We do not keep a stash of eye patches, expecting that you would have gouged out your eye by now.  After all, it is not my hand that causes me to sin; it is my self-serving heart.  It is not my eye that covets other people’s possessions or abilities; it is my discontented heart.  My corrupt heart produces all kinds of wicked thoughts, words, and actions.  But I can hardly cut my heart out.  Jesus’ point is this: If it causes sin, it must be cut off; because if it is not cut off, the result is death.

     Aron Ralston did not want to cut off his arm.  Who would?  But it was a matter of life and death, so he did.  You may not always want to cut off that which causes you to sin.  There are just too many reasons why such drastic repentance seems too much to ask.  Do you really want to sever a source of income?  Do you really want to miss out when the group gets together?  Do you really want a friend who will make you accountable for your abuse of alcohol or your visits to seedy web sites?  You can find all of the excuses in the world why your sins are not that bad.  You may even convince yourself that you are really in control.  But when you willingly walk into temptation, should you be surprised that you are drawn into sin?   If such things cause you to sin, then cut them off.  There is not one sinful pleasure that is worth even a moment in hell.  Whether it happens in Vegas or in the privacy of your own home, if it causes sin, it must be cut off.

     The Lord had warned Cain, “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7)  As you know, Cain’s jealousy mastered him, resulting in the murder of his brother.  He would not admit his sin.  His jealousy did not scare him.  He embraced it.  He acted on it.  And he was forever cut off from God because he would not repent of it.  Beware, lest in your pride you dismiss how deadly your sin is.  Many will end up in hell who knew that they were devoted to evil, but they just did not want to give it up.  Sin desires to master you, too.  But if it causes sin, it must be cut off.

     Jesus also warned, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)  Rarely will you see people who are teaching their children to purposely go out and perform wicked deeds, although – shockingly – it happens.  It is far more common simply to teach children that God does not really need to be listened to.  That is done when parents do not bring their children to church or teach them to pray.  Children are the only thing that God gives you in this world that you might see in heaven.  By failing to bring them to Jesus, you cause them to sin by teaching them to despise and dismiss him.  In the end, they are cut off from grace, mercy, and salvation.  It would be far better to be cast into the depths of the sea than to have to answer to God and your children: When you had your chance to teach your children to rely on their Savior, why didn’t it matter?

     There are countless sins we commit for which we would like to hide in the depths of the sea or crawl under a rock.  But that doesn’t fix your sinful condition any more than cutting off your hand or gouging out your eye fixes your sin.  Rather than drown you in the depths of the sea, our Lord has drowned you in the waters of baptism.  Rather than cut you off, through baptism the Lord brings you into his family.  Baptism is where Jesus cleanses your heart and produces in you good and godly desires.  This is where the Holy Spirit delivers to you all of the blessings of Jesus’ perfect obedience on your behalf.  Jesus has shunned every sin for you, overcome every temptation for you, and satisfied all of God’s demands for you.  He puts his righteousness on you.  In your baptism, Jesus kills of your sinful heart and raises up a new one which loves and craves righteousness not just in status but also in practice. 

     If it causes sin, it must be cut off.  It would be nice if one cut would do the job.  Aron Ralston has lost his arm, and it will not grow back again.  But the sin that desires to master is different.  It is more like the box elder tree in our back yard.  The box elder bugs which accompanied the tree had become unbearable, so the tree was cut down.  But soon, branches began to grow back from the stump.  They were trimmed down once.  Now they have grown back again.  And so it is with your sinful nature.  While the Lord has redeemed you from your sin and given you a new nature, sin still clings to you.  It desires to have you back.  That is why you find yourself drawn back to the same sins, the same greed, the same jealousy, the same coveting, or whatever temptations vex you. 

     Jesus’ words still stand: If it causes sin, it must be cut off.  Your whole life remains one of repentance.  You will be fighting against sin, against Satan, and against your very self your whole life long.  Your solution remains Jesus.  He continues to pour out his mercy.  He continues to deliver you from your sin and from yourself.  He takes you back to your baptism where you again drown your sin and where Jesus raises you up a new creation – forgiven of sin, free from guilt, free from death, and free to live without fear.  Back at your baptism, Jesus reminds you that your sins are washed away in his blood and that they are drown in the depths of the sea.  The waters of your baptism have quenched the fires of hell; they will not harm you.  At your baptism, Jesus assures you that his obedient life has completed the task.  At your baptism, Jesus promises you that you are the Lord’s, that the Father loves you, that the Spirit dwells within you, and that eternal life awaits you.

     Aron Ralston may have lost an arm; but today he still retains his life.  If you are still embracing any sin, cut it off.  While it may seem like an inconvenience to lose something you have become accustomed to, it is better to be inconvenienced than to be damned.  Besides, your Lord who forgives your sin does not abandon you after he forgives you.  He will be faithful to the promises he gave you in your baptism.  After all, he was cut off from his Father so that you would be brought into God’s family.  He will keep you in his care.  He will sustain you through weaknesses.  He will bring you into life everlasting.

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