YouTube -- 4th Sunday of End Times: Christ the King (November 20, 2022)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, November 20, 2022.

Sermon -- 4th Sunday of End Times: Christ the King (November 20, 2022)

JEREMIAH 23:2-6

JESUS IS OUR RIGHTEOUS KING.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Another election cycle is past.  Either you are happy with the results and excited about the future, or disappointed and grieved about what may be coming.  We believe that our leaders are going to make our world a better place or that they are going to destroy it.  That’s how the politicians sell it; and that’s how we buy it.

     King David served over Israel for forty years as king.  He understood the burdens of leadership—the expectations (usually unrealistic), the enemies (always vicious), and the limited power he actually had.  Regarding leaders and politicians, King David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this: “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.  When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalm 146:3-4).  Leaders come and go.  The world still has its problems.  They often get worse.  That is nothing new.

     Even among God’s chosen people, the kingdom went from bad to worse.  In the days of Jeremiah, the kingdom of Israel had spiraled down to the point where people rejected God and his word.  The kings were to be leaders who set the tone for a godly nation.  Each king was given a copy of the Law of Moses which would guide any agenda he set.  He would lead by example, ordering his life, his house, and his kingdom according to the world of the Lord.  For centuries, many of Israel’s kings did not pay attention to God’s word.  The people followed their lead; they ignored the word of the Lord as well. 

     The Lord judges leaders more harshly than others, whether they are politicians or pastors.  Those in authority can either promote righteousness or suppress it.  They can either curb wickedness or lead people into it.  Pastors can either lead people to God’s promises or deliver them into God’s curse.  To the faithless kings of Jerusalem, Jeremiah declared the Lord’s judgment: “Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: ‘You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them.  Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord’” (Jeremiah 23:2-3). 

     Because of the faithless leadership of these kings, the Lord had raised up enemy nations to afflict them.  The kings of Israel had caused many in Israel to face the sword and captivity.  Those who were supposed to be God’s people were taken captive by other people.  Those who were supposed to possess the Promised Land were scattered into strange lands.  The kingdom of David was cut off like a tree, down to a lifeless stump.

     While this is a history lesson about the nation of Israel, history tends to repeat itself.  Israel was God’s chosen nation.  The United States is not, as if we are special to God and other nations are not.  God’s chosen people are his Church which is not marked by borders, race, language, or even time.  Nevertheless, even Christians can be negligent about God’s word and ordering our lives according to it.  One way we do that is by judging our officials by our wallets.  Our highest good is often determined by prosperity.  We also confuse freedom for a license do to anything we want.  Freedom is not a free-for-all.  Yes, the Lord did set you free from your sins so that they will not condemn you.  But that does not mean sins don’t matter.  God’s word still directs us to what is good and holy.  If we receive God’s forgiveness only to go right back to the sins we said we repented of, we mock God.  St. Peter warned, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).  Just because your government says that you are free to do something does not mean that God smiles upon it. 

     When God assessed the kings of Israel, his judgment was either “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,” or “He did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.”  It was not about the economy or foreign policy or strong borders.  God’s judgment was always based on his word.  Whoever believed it and lived according to it pleased God; whoever neglected God’s word and demonstrated his unbelief in his life fell under God’s curse.  You may not be kings, but you are judged the same way.  We remain God’s people only by retaining God’s word.  Those who do not are captive to sin and will suffer a judgment far worse than death.

     The kings of Jeremiah’s day misled the people.  The prophets lied.  God’s judgment fell upon them hard.  For their part, the people were willingly deceived.  They wanted to believe that they could defy God and that he would still bless them for it.  They also fell under God’s judgment.  The Lord, however, offered hope to the faithful few who were left in Jerusalem.  He would not forsake them.  He would be faithful to his promises, and he would deliver a king who would finally serve and bless and save them.

     Jeremiah wrote: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.  In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6). 

     Although the kingdom of David would be cut down to a stump, life would spring up from what appeared to be dead.  A branch would spring up.  A new king would arise.  But he would not be a faithless king like the days of Jeremiah.  This Righteous Branch would reign in the wisdom of the Lord.  He would delight in God’s word and order his life according to it.  In fact, he would be perfectly obedient to that word, and his joy would be in keeping it and proclaiming it for the benefit of all.

     Jeremiah foretold, “[He] shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” (Jeremiah 23:5).  Justice meant that all guilt would be addressed according to the Law of God.  Old Testament justice is this: “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4).  New Testament justice is the same: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  Therefore, when the righteous Branch executes justice, it means death.  In mercy, Jesus took up all guilt on our behalf.  And in justice, Jesus suffered and died bearing our guilt.

     Do you see the marvelous mercy of our righteous King?  He does not establish his kingdom by slaughtering people and destroying nations.  He established his kingdom by dying for the benefit of the very people he desires to rule.  He fought your enemies for you.  He saved you by being slain on your behalf.  But death could not keep him.  Just as the Righteous Branch sprang forth from the dead stump of David, so the Righteous Lord sprang up from death and the grave.  Jesus lives and reigns for you.  His kingdom endures forever, and his rule is governed by pardon for the guilty, release of those who were captive to their sins, and life to those who were marked for death.

     “[He] shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” (Jeremiah 23:5).  Besides the justice of punishing the guilty, our righteous King must also vindicate the innocent.  He does this for you.  The devil will rant and rage and insist that you are not innocent.  Who could disagree?  The Psalms teach us to pray, “Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions” (Psalm 25:7).  And, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment” (Psalm 51:4).  And even this: “Who can discern his errors?  Declare me innocent from hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12).  We claim no innocence of our own, not if we are honest.

     So, how does our King execute justice if we are not innocent?  Jeremiah tells us, “This is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness’” (Jeremiah 23:6).  He is our righteousness.  He became our sin and was punished for it.  But he bestows his righteousness upon us.  Through holy baptism, you have been purified of all unrighteousness.  Since you have been cleansed, justice demands that you be set free.  To punish the innocent would be unjust.  But our King judges justly.  The very one who will judge you has already rendered your innocent verdict.

     Every word from our Righteous King is righteous.  The people in Jeremiah’s day did not believe that, so they ignored what the Lord said.  They chose their own way and their own truth.  If it meant that they sinned against God and others, too bad.  But you have been set free from such wicked thinking.  You know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.  His word has bestowed righteousness upon you.  His word also guides you into righteous living, and you rightly order your life according to it.

     Your righteous King lives and reigns for you.  The Lord had promised, “I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.  In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely” (Jeremiah 23:4,6).  Jesus is the true Shepherd who watches over his people.  He removes from you fear and anxiety, and he causes you to dwell in safety.

     Now, perhaps it does not feel like it.  The risen Savior had declared to his apostles on Easter evening, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me” (Matthew 18:28), but it does not seem like it.  The world is still broken.  People are disrespectful and violent.  Hospitals are filled with the sick and injured.  The battlefield sends home soldiers who are maimed and mentally scarred.  Death still lays claim to us all.  It seems we have good reason for fear, dismay, and insecurity. 

     If our righteous King had laid claim to an earthly kingdom, we would have reason to question his authority, ability, and love.  But Jesus has come to deliver you from this world and all its problems.  Sure, for a while you may have to endure pain and sorrow, but even that Jesus uses for your eternal good.  Everything Jesus does and allows serves one specific goal—to bring you to your heavenly home.  Is society going down the tubes?  Then cling to the kingdom of God.  Is the world getting more evil?  Then pray for Jesus’ return.  Is your body sick or sore or failing?  Then long for the resurrection.  The Righteous King will set you free from all evil.  He has already delivered you from your sin.  He will soon enough deliver you from all sorrows, stresses, and death.  For, Jesus lives and reigns over all things for your eternal good. 

     Jesus is your Righteous King.  He has saved you.  He causes you to dwell securely in his kingdom.  And he will soon deliver you into endless glory and peace.

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

YouTube -- 2nd Sunday in End Times: Last Judgment (November 6, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, November 6.  The guest preacher is Pastor Michael Bater who is retired.  Pastor Bater retired from Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan after more than 30 years of service there.  He is currently serving part-time as a vacancy pastor at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Morenci, Michigan.

YouTube -- 1st Sunday in End Times: Reformation (October 30, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, October 30, 2022.

Sermon -- 1st Sunday of End Times: Reformation (October 30, 2022)

ROMANS 3:19-28

SALVATION COMES BY FAITH ALONE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     There has been an ongoing battle in the church about two Bible verses which seem to be at odds with one another.  The first Bible passage is from our reading for today.  St. Paul writes, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law” (Romans 3:28).  The second passage is from the epistle of St. James.  James writes, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24).  Some emphasize one verse at the expense of the other, hoping to avoid any sense of contradiction.  But it is important to understand the context of these passages.  When you do, you will recognize that there is no contradiction at all.

     James writes to Christians who were using God’s forgiveness as an excuse to continue in their sins.  Even today, you will find Christians whose behavior confesses, “If God forgives, then I can do anything.  It doesn’t matter.”  James warns you that it does matter.  If you have new life in Jesus Christ, that life ought to reflect a devotion to God’s word both in your confession and in your behavior.  A person who claims to be a Christian and yet lives like a pagan is a liar.  That person may claim to have faith, but what good is a claim to believe God’s word when one’s life is opposed to that word?  James tells you that your life should reflect your confession.  Therefore, he concludes, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24). 

     St. James tells us how a justified person is supposed to live.  But if St. James is telling us how we are justified, the result is nothing but terror and despair.  If we are justified by works and not by faith alone, then we have a lot of work to do, don’t we?  If I believe in Jesus as my Savior but I must still prove my worth by my works, then the burden falls back upon me.  And this is work that does not end.  When will it satisfy God?  How will you know if God is satisfied with your works?  And how could you know?  If it depends upon your works, how should God communicate to you, “That’s enough.  You’ve done a good job”?  Since God makes no such utterance from heaven, when could you ever have peace because the works you’ve done are finally pleasing?  What God does make known to us is that all works must be done as he demands—willingly, cheerfully, flawlessly, and constantly.  Who is up to that?  On our best days, we would live in doubt.  On our worst days, we would sink to despair knowing that it is hopeless. 

     St. Paul shows us how hopeless the sinner truly is before God.  He declares, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  More accurately, we should read that verse this way: “All have sinned.”  That is a fact.  That is our status.  We are all sinners.  “And all continue to fall short of the glory of God.”  That is what we do.  We continually fail to live up to God’s Commandments.  We are impatient with other people and snap at them.  We become annoyed by our fellow man.  We detest him when we are supposed to love him.  We are bitter about our blessings, convinced that God has rewarded others better than us.  We struggle with our problems and suggest that God does not care about us or that he is incompetent to fix them.

     Because of our sinful status, we daily sin against God and others.  We cannot overcome our daily sins, and we cannot correct our sinful status.  Rather than offering our good works to God, we present lousy excuses.  God’s Law exposes this and condemns us for it.  St. Paul wrote, “Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God” (Romans 3:19).  What defense can we make before God?  Excuses fix nothing. 

     The Psalms ask us to consider, “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?  And who shall stand in his holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4).  In other words, only that which is righteous can dwell with a righteous God.  Our works are not righteous because we are not righteous.  Our hands are dirty, and our hearts are impure.  No matter how diligent, no matter how zealous, no matter how sincere, no matter how celebrated you are, your works will not make you righteous.  They cannot save you.  They cannot even contribute to it.

     Human efforts at righteousness fail.  “But now,” St. Paul writes, “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Romans 3:21-22).  This righteousness comes from outside of us.  It is not a righteousness from you; it is a righteousness from God.  It is not a righteousness you have to go and get; it is a righteousness which is given to you. 

     Salvation comes by faith alone.  It is the only way you will ever be assured of your standing before God.  While it is true that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), St. Paul goes on to state this as equally true: all “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith” (Romans 3:24-25). 

Jesus Christ has provided all you need to be justified, that is, declared guiltless of all sin.  He gave himself up as a propitiation, that is, as a sacrifice which appeases God’s wrath. 

     When an Old Testament worshiper came to the temple with an offering, he would place his hand on the head of the animal to be sacrificed.  He would designate it: “This is my substitute.  This one dies for me.”  His guilt would be transferred to the animal, and he would be slain on behalf of him.  God’s anger would be poured out on the animal which was consumed by fire, and the worshiper would be forgiven.  

     Jesus is that sacrifice for us.  He was designated by God the Father as our substitute.  We see Jesus and know: “This one dies for me.”  Our guilt was transferred over to Jesus, so God’s wrath was transferred over to Jesus.  He exchanged his innocence for our guilt.  Only Jesus could do this.  He became a man so that he could bleed and die as our atoning sacrifice.  But he is true God so that his payment counts for all sinners of all times.  At the death of Jesus, all the wrath of God was poured out.  Jesus was consumed in his fiery wrath.  The blood of God’s Son cleanses your hearts and hands and voices.  The innocence of Jesus has been transferred over to you for your righteousness. 

     Since Jesus made the full payment, there is nothing to add to it.  Justice has been done and grace has been bestowed through Jesus.  “It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26).  Jesus’ propitiation proves that God is just: The guilty one has paid the price.  Jesus’ resurrection proves that God justifies you.  If Jesus’ payment to redeem you from sin and death were insufficient, he would still be dead.  But Jesus lives.  The payment is complete.  Your sins are forgiven.  Death is overcome.  Heaven is opened.  By faith in Jesus, you benefit from Jesus’ life and death.  Salvation comes by faith alone.

     Consider the peace this brings to you.  You are saved by taking God at his word.  Regarding the righteousness you need, the Lord promises: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).  Regarding the sins you have committed, the Lord promises: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).  As far as who is included in this salvation, the Lord declares, “[Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).  As far as the completion of the work of salvation, Jesus decreed just before he died, “It is finished” (John 19:30).  These are the promises of God who does not and cannot lie.  We take God at his word, and he alleviates our fears, silences our doubts, and guarantees everlasting life.  Salvation comes by faith alone in Jesus Christ.

     Oh, what an amazing comfort this is!  The devil still tempts you to add your little contribution to Jesus’ work, as if Jesus’ payment for sins has not been enough.  It seems to make sense because we know God’s will is that we live good and godly lives, as St. James testifies.  But the devil always wants to rob you of your comfort and your confidence.  He always directs your attention away from Jesus and puts it back on yourself. 

     But salvation comes by faith in God’s word, so take heed of that word!  He says, “We hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law” (Romans 3:28).  “Apart from works of the law.”  Apart from whatever you have done.  Apart from whatever you will do.  Apart from whatever you can do.  Salvation comes by faith alone.  Not by faith AND perfect church attendance.  Not by faith AND generous offerings.  Not by faith AND a clean record.  Not by faith AND a cheerful attitude.  Not by faith AND good mental health, a happy marriage, or a long and prosperous life.  While all these things are good and desirable, they are not what save you.  Salvation comes by faith alone.  Everything for your salvation relies on Jesus; therefore, you can be sure that it was done perfectly and completely.   

     St. Paul declares how you can stand before God with clean hands and a pure heart, with a calm mind and a peaceful soul: You are saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ.  He has done the work.  He bestows upon you the gifts.  In saying so, St. Paul is not picking a fight with St. James.  St. James is also right.  We do strive for good and godly living as directed by God’s word.  We strive for this day after day—not in order to be God’s people, but because we are God’s people.

     “Faith alone” does not mean the works of the Law don’t have to be done.  “Faith alone” recognizes that the works of the Law have been done.  Jesus did them with his perfect life and with his innocent death.  And his resurrection proves that they were done.  Jesus gives us the benefit of them with his promise: “This is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).  Jesus does not tell you what you must do, which will never be completed.  He tells you what he has done, which is complete and perfect and assured.  The Savior wants you to know that you are saved.  And he does.  You have his word on it. 

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

YouTube -- 4th Sunday of End Times: Christ the King (November 22, 2020)

 Here is the service from Sunday, November 22, 2020.

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday in End Times -- Saints Triumphant (November 17, 2013)

ISAIAH 65:17-25

ONLY JESUS GIVES YOU A BETTER LIFE.

In the name + of Jesus.

    I first heard of it starting in London, but now it has come to America—atheist churches.  Yes, you heard that right: Atheist churches.  Apparently, some atheists are feeling a little left out.  While they deny God’s existence and authority, they still like the idea of gathering with others united in their unbelief.  And their gatherings (not sure what they call them) are even designed to mimic what Christians have.  They join in songs, listen to readings of poetry and other literature, and have some leader offer an engaging talk about being better people.

     If you went to one of these atheist churches, you probably would not find much there that you would disagree with.  Most atheists don’t attack the Christian faith.  Those are just the ones who make the news.  Most atheists are nice people who are eager to see the world become a better place.  They want to see people be more loving.  They want pain, hardship, and heartache to go away.  In other words, they want pretty much what you want.

     There is one great problem with the prayers of the atheists: No one hears them.  And there is a greater problem with the goals of the atheists: They will never be fulfilled for them.  We would all love to dwell in a disease-free, disaster-free, death-free world.  But that will not happen.  The world has been corrupted with sin.  You will never see heaven on earth.  Heaven is in heaven.  Earth remains a place of happiness interrupted by grief, of blessings marred by bitterness, and of death in the midst of life.  For, the world and everything in it are dying.  That may not be a rosy picture, but it is an honest, accurate picture.  And no poem or pep talk is going to change that.

     But there is a God in heaven who has made a promise about a better life.  And to make that promise a fact, the God who is in heaven came to our sin-riddled world.  Jesus became flesh and blood to redeem us who are flesh and blood.  He came to save the dying so that you would have eternal life.  To do that, Jesus bore your sins in his body when he hung from the cross.  He shed his blood to make atonement for all guilt and to appease the wrath of God.  God became flesh and blood to give his flesh and blood for you.  And to assure you that your life will not end in death, Jesus conquered the grave.  Jesus rose, flesh and blood, from his grave.  He is the firstfruits of those who have risen from the dead.  Jesus is the first; and those who believe in him shall follow.  Only Jesus makes you a partaker in the resurrection.  Only Jesus gives you a better life.

     Now, the prophet Isaiah foretold what this better life will be like.  Isaiah declared God’s promise: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.  But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.  I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress.” (Isaiah 65:17-19)

      Only Jesus gives you a better life.  It is a life where all things are new.  You will not remember the hard days, the anguish that your soul endures, the stress on your mind, the aches in your body, or the bitterness in your heart.  There will be no reports of typhoons or wildfires.  There will be no need for prescriptions or sessions of therapy.  You won’t even need Kleenex to wipe your nose because of hay fever or your eyes because of a funeral.  Those things will be done, and gone, and forgotten. 

     Only Jesus gives you a better life.  It is a life in which the Lord delights in you and rejoices over you.  The God who became flesh and dwelt in this world has covered your flesh with his own righteousness.  Jesus cleansed you in your baptism so that God sees you as holy and blameless.  Your judgment is certain.  Your future is set.  God rejoices over you who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ.  God delights in knowing that you will dwell with him in heaven forever.  And just as God does not tire of showing you mercy and in daily forgiving you, neither will he grow tired of having you in his presence forever.  Only Jesus gives you a better life. 

     The Lord does not reserve his blessings for heaven, of course.  He gives you blessings now already.  Even when the atheists recognize that this life has good things in it—though they will not acknowledge the one who gives those good things.  But amidst your good things are bad things.  The roses have thorns.  The fruit and vegetables rot.  The body grows frail.  Your grandfather dies.  And your plans and your efforts sometimes end up coming to nothing or, worse, to a disastrous end.  These are the former things.  They will pass away.

     Instead, listen to the Lord’s promise about a better life: “They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.  They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” (Isaiah 65:21-22) 

     Only Jesus gives you a better life.  While blessings in this world can be quickly swept away, Jesus delivers blessings that will not be stolen or lose value.  You will never be evicted from the rooms in your heavenly Father’s house.  You will always have a seat at the wedding banquet.  You will always be covered by the wedding garments.  You will always have a God who loves you, serves you, and delights that you are his.

     Only Jesus gives you a better life.  To a limited extent, you have these blessings already.  You are one of God’s household.  You have a seat at the banquet—the holy things given to the holy ones.  You have a heavenly Father who hears your prayers and answers.  God’s love for you is not limited, but your blessings are often interrupted by frustration and devastation. 

     Atheists may get together and sing songs about imagining a better life, a better world, and a better tomorrow.  And to be fair, they may even achieve some of their goals.  They plant more flowers.  They donate blood.  They give to the needy.  They pick up the check for a military family’s lunch.  And the world may praise them; for, such random acts of kindness are much needed and most welcome in our world.  These may win the praise of men, but they do not take away sins.  They do not eliminate death.  And they do not open the gates of heaven.  Only Jesus can do that.  And he has done that for you—and only for those who believe in him. 

     Only Jesus gives you a better and eternal life.  The atheists may dream about it, but that is the best they can do as they join together to sing John Lennon’s Imagine.  But you have a much better promise and a much brighter future.  You do not have dream about a better life; you simply have to wait for it.  Our confession, week after week is this: We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. (Nicene Creed)  Jesus gives you a better life, and only Jesus can.  Only Jesus can take away your sins.  Only Jesus gives you the garments of salvation which you will wear to the heavenly wedding banquet.  Only Jesus guarantees that you will walk away from your grave and into the gates of heaven.  Rejoice in the Lord’s goodness, mercy, and salvation.  And know that the Lord rejoices over you; for you are one of his redeemed.

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

Sermon -- 2nd Sunday in End Times; Last Judgment (November 10, 2013)

LUKE 19:11-27

JESUS IS A GREAT KING WITH A GREAT REWARD.

In the name + of Jesus.

     There are times when Jesus told parables that his disciples came to him and said, “Explain the parable to us.”  I feel a close kinship to these disciples.  There are many times I would also like to ask Jesus questions about his teachings and his parables.  Parables can often be misunderstood and misinterpreted.  The parable that we have today is certainly a victim of such wrong interpretations.

     On the one hand, part of the parable is easy.  Jesus said, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return…  But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’  (But) he returned, having received the kingdom….” (Luke 19:12,14-15)  Jesus is the nobleman.  After his sufferings, death, and resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven where he lives and reigns over all despite the hatred and the protests of many.  From there he will come again to judge the living and the dead.  And as Jesus declared in St. John’s gospel, “Those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:29)  Jesus is the great king, and he will come with a great reward.

     But this is where Jesus’ parable can get misinterpreted.  “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.  Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’” (Luke 19:12-13)  When the king returned, he began to reward his servants who reported an increase in their minas. 

     It is easy to conclude that your heavenly reward will be based on your production of good works now.  And, to be fair, preaching that message over and over again will probably goad you into behaving better and seeking ways to do more good things.  But it will not get you closer to heaven; for the Lord does not demand effort, but perfect obedience.  And no matter how devout, how sincere, or how ambitious you are, there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. (Ecclesiastes 7:20)  

     The endless pursuit of compiling more and more good works will only drive you to despair.  No matter how hard you work and no matter how many your works, you are not done.  The Law always demands more.  The Law demands good, but it will not make you feel good; for the Law always accuses.  That is why you feel more guilt than good from your works.  And you will end up being afraid of Jesus, viewing him as a severe man who takes what he did not deposit and reaps what he has not sown.  Jesus is not preaching this parable to show you that your heavenly reward will be based on your production of good works now.  He gives his reward as a gift, not a wage.

     Nevertheless, when the king gave the minas, he expected a return.  And when he returned…, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. (Luke 19:15) 

     Before we unravel the parable, we ought to recognize some important information that Jesus has given us in this parable.  All who were called were the king’s servants, and all received a mina.  The servants had nothing of their own.  Everything they had received, they received from the king.  A mina was a wage for about three months.  So, each servant was entrusted with a good treasure, and they were expected to be faithful with it.  Being faithful with the king’s gifts meant putting them to work, not burying them.  And finally, it was not the servants who produced the increase.  The very first servant confessed, “Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.” (Luke 19:16)  The king had given the mina, and the king’s mina was productive. 

     So, what is it that your Lord gives you to make you his servant?  What does the king give you to make you a member of his kingdom?  He has granted you a treasure greater than any wage.  He has given you faith, which receives the benefit of all of Jesus’ works, Jesus’ promises, and Jesus’ mercies.  By faith, you are partakers of Jesus’ blessings, forgiveness, and salvation.  By faith, you received the benefits of Jesus’ obedience in his holy life and his obedience in his death on a cross.  By faith, you have been granted a righteousness won by Jesus’ life and a pardon won by Jesus’ death.  The Son of God has made you sons of God, not mere servants.  You are children of the kingdom and heirs of eternal glory.  These gifts are the mina, the treasure, and the reward you have received from Jesus.  They are yours not because you have worked for them, but by faith in Jesus who has done the works for you.  Jesus is a great king with a great reward.

     The first servant came to the king and reported, “‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’  …And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’  …Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief…’” (Luke 19:16,18,20)  Each servant was given a mina, that is, each was granted faith.  And while faith produces more fruit in some than in others, the Lord clearly does not want you to bury your faith so that it does nothing and remains hidden throughout your life. 

     Dear Christians, do not let your faith be mere theory.  St. James wrote, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)  You are saved by faith alone, but faith is never alone.  Faith is a living, active, busy thing which works in this world, which loves its fellow man, and which bestows kindness, compassion, and charity.  Faith is the mina which the Lord gives you, and the Lord expects that it will be put to work and produce fruit.

     The king’s mina is to be busy, not buried.  While faith cannot be seen in your heart, it is made evident in words that evoke kindness and patience, in actions that continue to seek the good of friends and strangers, and even in attitudes which refuse to be self-glorifying and self-absorbed.  Therefore, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)  It is his light that shines, and it is his goodness that people see.  In this way, the great King gives his great rewards even through you.

     But your greatest reward is given to you by your king week after week.  Your king continues to increase your mina.  Jesus grounds your faith and grows your faith as you gather to receive sustenance and strength through him.  Everything you receive, you receive from him.  And your Lord and King gives generously. 

     Your King has marked you for salvation.  Jesus has marked you with the blood he shed for you.  He was wrapped in a cloth and buried for you so that your death and burial will not mean that you lose your place in his kingdom.  Rather, Jesus rose from the dead and went to a distant country.  He ascended to heaven and was made king.  He has deposited his mina within you, and he will come and collect you with it.  His treasure is yours.  His royal decree of forgiveness and salvation are yours.  Jesus is a great king with a great reward.  And he is pleased to give you the kingdom.

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

Sermon -- 1st Sunday in End Times--Reformation (November 3, 2013)

JOHN 8:31-36

REMAIN IN JESUS’ WORD
TO REMAIN CHILDREN OF GOD.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When Jesus preached to the people who were in the temple, he was preaching to church-goers.  He was not calling heathen nations who had never heard of the Lord.  He was calling Abraham’s children who knew and participated in the rites and ceremonies of temple worship.  These people would not have considered themselves lost or cursed or slaves.  They would have considered themselves the blessed, the chosen, and the pure.  The Pharisees said as much when they adamantly defended themselves.  They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone.  How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” (John 8:33) 

     Many Jews were living under the assumption that God’s favor was theirs by right of birth.  They were born into Israel.  They were God’s chosen nation.  Heaven was supposed to be a guarantee.  The Pharisees recognized that being an Israelite was no guarantee.  Israelites in the past were rejected and banished because they had not kept the Law.  So the Pharisees made the laws more strict.  They thought that their pious demands and better behavior won them a better future.  They were convinced they were children of God, if not by right of birth then by right of their holier behavior.
      So you can imagine their shock when Jesus pointed them in a different direction.  Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciple, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)  Jesus told them to remain in his word.  In HIS word.  This claim meant that Jesus speaks a better word than God’s Law.  This claim meant that Jesus bestows God’s favor and imparts God’s salvation.  This claim meant that only Jesus could truly make someone a child of God.  And that is exactly what Jesus was saying.  Remain in Jesus’ word to remain children of God.
     There is nothing new under the sun.  People always think that a higher and holier life is what guarantees God’s favor and everlasting life.  In Luther’s day, the farmers and merchants were nothing compared to the monks and priests.  The monks and priests had a holier and higher life which, no doubt, put them closer to God.  So what were merchants and maids, farmers and frauleins to do?  Their holier and higher work was supposed to be found by making pilgrimages to various church and giving offerings to view sacred relics.  They were to contribute to the church coffers and purchase indulgences which were to grant them reprieve from the punishment of sins.  They were to pray to the saints who had done more good works than God had demanded, and by invoking the saints they could gain the benefit of their works.  It all sounded so pious and so sacred, and you can bet that the people sincerely devoted themselves to these things.  But they were all lies.  Jesus and his word were brushed aside for what were considered holier and higher things.  God’s favor is never found in relics, in indulgences, in pilgrimages, or in saints.  Martin Luther discovered and preached what Jesus plainly teaches: Remain in Jesus’ word to remain children of God.
     There is nothing new under the sun.  Still today, people don’t want to hear about Jesus’ sufferings, death, and resurrection.  These are brushed aside as old news.  “We know all this, pastor.  We don’t need to hear about Jesus.  We want to hear about our lives so that we know how to live.  We want to be taught how to live a life that is more joyous, more victorious, and more meaningful.”  As it was in the past, so it is again.  We want to know what we must do to remain in God’s favor.  We want more encouragement to do better and more instruction on how to live higher and holier than before.  The lie is the same—we want to be convinced that we are children of God by right of our higher and holier behavior.
     Jesus answers, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.  The slave does not remain in the house forever….” (John 8:34-35)  Perhaps these words scare you into thinking that you had better improve yourself if you want to remain a child of God.  And you should do better.  But the more you try to do better, the more you recognize that you can’t do what is right and holy.  Even if your actions seem noble, your motives are corrupt.  You give to charity, but with a reluctant sigh.  You assist the man asking you for help, but as fast as possible because you want to get back to what you really care about.  Even stopping to answer your child’s question is met with a groan.  These are the high and holy works God gives you to do, and you find them annoying. 
     The reason your deeds and your motives are not pure is because your hearts are not pure.  You are trapped as slaves to sin.  You may be disgusted with yourself because you do what is impure, and yet you continue to do what is impure.  You may be frustrated because you have so little patience or ambition to do what is good, and yet you still must be coaxed into doing what is good.  The solution is never to tell you that you should do better.  You know what you ought to do.  The problem is that you don’t, and can’t.  The slave wants to be free.  But he doesn’t free himself because he can’t free himself.  You are trapped as slaves to sin.  Sin continues to dominate you.  Hearing God’s Law will only make the chains of slavery tighter.  The burden of your guilt becomes heavier and your frustration worse.  You cannot work yourself free.  You must be set free.
     That is why Jesus did not tell the Pharisees that they needed to be more strict.  It was not works that would save them, but faith.  So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciple, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
      Remain in Jesus’ word to remain children of God.  It is the Son of God who brings you into the family of God.  He releases you from the slavery of sin by shackling himself to your sin.  Jesus releases you from all shame by shamefully hanging from the cross and enduring the shameful derision of his enemies.  Jesus frees you from all guilt by being condemned on your behalf.  Jesus frees you from all torment by suffering the rejection and the curse of God.  Jesus frees you from the fear of God’s judgment by granting you a new status.  You are forgiven.  You are beloved.  You are children of God.
     Remain in Jesus’ words to remain children of God.  And you will continue to enjoy the freedom which the Son of God brings to you.  You don’t have to figure out what higher and holier deeds to do so that the Lord will be happy with you.  The deeds you do each day are holy in God’s sight because you are holy in his sight.  You are children of God, and God is pleased with his children.  So whether you are married or single, whether you are driving to work or work is driving you nuts or you are looking for work, whether you are breaking a sweat or taking a break, the Lord is pleased with you.  For the Son has set you free.  You get to live without the fear of worrying about what works are holy enough or done well enough or often enough.
     Remain in Jesus’ words to remain children of God.  Do not go off seeking higher and holier things.  You already have that in Jesus.  You have that in the baptismal water which has brought you into God’s family.  You have that in the body and blood of Jesus which you eat for your forgiveness.  You have that in the word which imparts blessing and salvation..  You have the joy of coming to your heavenly Father with prayers and petitions.  You have the confidence that your Father in heaven hears and acts for you in your best interests.  And you have the comfort of knowing that you are children of the resurrection and heirs of the eternal kingdom.
     Remain in his word and you will remain children of God.  There is nothing for you that his higher and holier than that.

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