Sermon -- The Ascension of our Lord, transferred (May 29, 2022)

ACTS 1:1-11

KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON THE KINGDOM.

M:                   Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

Cong:              He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

In the name + of Jesus.

     After Jesus rose from the dead, he remained on earth in his physical presence for forty days.  Those forty days offered many opportunities to prove to his disciples that Jesus is the Lamb who was slain, but is now risen from the dead.  Jesus also used those forty days to teach his disciples about the kingdom of God.  Jesus encouraged them to keep their focus on the kingdom.

     Unfortunately, the disciples had not completely purged their minds of popular misconceptions about the Messianic kingdom.  Now, to be fair, the language can be misunderstood.  When Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to the Messiah, Gabriel told her, “The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33).  Similar phrases were used by the prophets.  So, many people came to believe that the Messianic kingdom would be like David’s kingdom.  The Messiah’s rule in Jerusalem would be greater, grander, and more glorious than all empires.  That is why the disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel” (Acts 1:6)?  They were eager for a kingdom on earth in which Christ’s people could live in glory.

     Disciples of Jesus still have such misconceptions today.  We are grieved to see the evils that fill the world today.  We are eager to see the evils come to an end.  We can achieve that to some extent with laws that punish evil and promote good.  But that is the role of the government, not the Church.  Now, if Christians want to pursue a career in government, that would be a noble vocation.  Having more Christians in government would be beneficial to society.  But it is not the role of the Church to pass laws or to enforce morality under penalty of law. 

     That’s not to say it has never been tried.  Perhaps the best example was Geneva, Switzerland under John Calvin.  Christianity was enforced.  Leaders tracked church attendance and scrutinized people’s behavior.  People were fined, imprisoned, and even executed if they rebelled against the Christian government.  Mercy and forgiveness were thrust aside.  Life was lived under a continual threat of punishment.  What was supposed to be a wonderful, moral society became an oppressive life under harsh laws.  This is what happens when the Church tries to become the government.

     Keep your focus on the kingdom.  Certainly, Christians will exercise their vocation as active citizens in society.  You are welcome to write your congressman to plead for better laws which curb wickedness and promote righteousness.  But our focus is especially to be on the kingdom of God.  So, when the disciples asked about Jesus restoring the kingdom to Israel, Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority” (Acts 1:7).  Jesus told the disciples not to worry about empires or politics or worldly glory.  All these things will pass away eventually.  Besides, no one is saved by anything the government legislates.  Therefore, the kingdom of God is our focus, for only there do we find salvation.

     Keep your focus on the kingdom.  Perhaps we could use a better word than kingdom.  When we hear kingdom, we think of palaces, kings, and countries.  Better would be to think of the reign of Jesus Christ.  Jesus lives and reigns over all things.  He reigns with grace for the good of his people.  Rather than breathe out threats to force begrudging behavior, Jesus reveals his mercy to inspire a joyful response and willing obedience.  He is not eager to smite lawbreakers.  Instead, Jesus was convicted and condemned so that we would be pardoned for our disobedience.  He preserves us from sin so that we will not be ensnared by it and lost to it again.  He delivers us from death and the grave so that we will be delivered to goodness and glory in an everlasting, heavenly kingdom.  He defeated Satan so that no matter how much Satan taunts us, Jesus’ words of peace silence our fears and his words of comfort remove our doubts.  Jesus lives and reigns to assure us of our place in his kingdom. 

     Keep your focus on the kingdom.  For now, the glory of that kingdom is hidden.  You dwell in God’s kingdom now.  You benefit from his mercy already.  But your blessed status is not obvious to anyone—sometimes, not even to yourself.  By faith, you know that you are the children of God—not because you look or act like it, but because God says you are.  When the Last Day comes, you will be revealed as the glorious children of God.  The Bible says you will shine like stars (Daniel 12:3), that you will be raised with glorious, incorruptible bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44), and that you will be like Jesus (1 John 3:2).  This is what the reign of Jesus delivers to you.  This has been begun in you now; it will be perfected in you in the bliss of heaven.  Nothing else on earth can deliver this, so do not fool yourself into thinking that such glory can be achieved here—not in you, and certainly not in a corrupt world.  Keep your focus on God’s kingdom.

     Jesus commanded his disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  It is the mission of the Church to call sinners to repent and to declare that Jesus is the only source of forgiveness and eternal life.  This is how Jesus’ kingdom advances in this world.  By the preaching of the Gospel, the Lord strengthens our faith and our place in his kingdom.  By the Gospel, the Lord snatches sinners from death and expands his reign of mercy and grace.  Legislation might make people behave—although people always figure out how to get around such laws—but legislation will not convert a single heart.  Only the good news of Jesus does that. 

     Keep your focus on the kingdom.  The Ascended Savior not only converts our hearts so that we are children of God, but he is also transforms our minds so that we strive to live as children of God.  This is what the Lord says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.  Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit” (John 15:5).  It is not that you had better bear much fruit; it is that you will and you do.  Keep your focus on his kingdom.  Keep your attention on his word.  Keep on being fed by the body and blood of Christ.  Then the good works will flow from you. 

     I don’t know what makes a young person think that shooting people is a good idea.  We already have laws against that, but they are not stopping crimes from happening.  Laws will not convert hearts.  The Gospel of Jesus does.  If your desire is to see more and more people order their lives according to God’s word, then keep proclaiming the good news of the kingdom.  When people are brought into the kingdom of God, they are not only snatched from the power and influence of the devil, they also rejoice in the words of God who declares peace and eternal life.  They taste and see that the Lord is good and that living as a child of God in his kingdom is good.  They learn to honor other people with the honor God gives to human life.  They learn to love their neighbors as themselves.  The Holy Spirit works in them self-control of their sinful impulses and a yearning to do what is good and right.  This weekend we honor the men and women who were willing to be killed to defend and protect this nation.  That is good and noble.  There is nothing noble about killing others to satisfy whatever bitterness or selfishness lurks within.  Laws can curb wicked hearts, and sometimes they don’t.  The Gospel of Jesus can and does.  By his word, God is at work in the hearts of people “both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13), just as he has done in you.  Therefore, keep your focus on the kingdom of God.

     As far as worldly kingdoms and governments are concerned, Jesus said, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority” (Acts 1:7).  Don’t worry about such things.  The Father has determined the course of history.  Nations will rise and fall.  Kingdoms will come and go.  Not long after Jesus said these words, the nation of Israel was scattered around the world by the Romans.  The Roman Empire lasted a while longer, but it has fallen too.  As far as the United States?  I don’t know what God’s plans are.  If history repeats itself, as it usually does, the USA will fade away too.  I don’t know.  God has not revealed it, and he has told us not to be focused on it.

     But you—keep your focus on the kingdom of God.  We don’t know what will happen in this world; God has not revealed that.  But we take great comfort in what God has revealed.  Jesus lives, victorious over death and having authority to raise us up from the dead on the Last Day.  Jesus reigns over all things.  Nothing happens apart from his will.  Even the evils that happen, Jesus will use for his purposes.  For, God has revealed this: Your ascended Savior reigns “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And (the Father) put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:21-23). 

     Jesus lives and reigns for you.  His word is supreme and guarantees you all his blessings.  By holy baptism has marked you as his own.  You know that your citizenship is in heaven and you eagerly await Jesus’ return from there.  You know that Jesus ascended into heaven and is preparing a place for there.  You know that he will return the same way as he has gone into heaven—descending from the clouds in glory to bring us into that glory.  You know that the kingdom of our Lord will still stand even after every empire lies in dust.  It is the only kingdom that endures forever and the only kingdom that bestows grace, mercy, and salvation.  God reveals all this for your comfort and your peace.  Therefore, keep your focus on his kingdom. 

     The risen Savior presented himself alive to the apostles for a period of forty days to teach about the kingdom of God, and then he ascended into heaven.  The ascended Savior lives forever and reigns over all things.  He has brought us into his kingdom so that we have unending peace and unshakable hope.  Keep your focus on that kingdom where Jesus lives and reigns so that you will finally live and reign with him.

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

Worship Note: The Paschal Candle at Ascension

THE PASCHAL CANDLE ON THE FESTIVAL OF THE ASCENSION

               The Paschal Candle is lit for all Divine Services during the forty days from Easter Sunday to Ascension Day.  It reminds us how the Risen Savior, the Light of the World, dwelled with his apostles for forty days following his resurrection. 

               On Sunday, May 29, as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord (transferred from Thursday, May 26), we note Jesus’ departure from this world.  He has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

               Jesus’ departure is symbolized by the departure of the Paschal Candle from the nave as the gospel lesson is read.  Although it is carried out of our sight, its light is not extinguished.  For, though Jesus is no longer visible to his Church, the Light of the word has not been extinguished.  He is with us whenever we gather in his name to give us blessing and salvation.

Update from Good Shepherd (May 26, 2022)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will be on summer break until September 11.
Bible Matters will be on summer break until September.
For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022

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

            June: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050a4fa8aa2ea64-every5

ASCENSION DAY

“He ascended to the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” This happened 40 days after Jesus rose from the dead. We remember this occasion in special services TONIGHT (May 26).  You can find Ascension Day services at the following WELS churches.
          St. Paul’s, Livonia (17810 Farmington Road) – 6:30 PM
          St. Peter’s, Plymouth (1343 Penniman Avenue) – 7:00 PM
          Peace, Livonia (9415 Merriman Road) – 7:00 PM
Good Shepherd will observe Ascension Day by transferring it to Sunday, May 29.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
Here are some highlights from our Church Council meeting on Tuesday, May 17.
     >   We are exploring replacing our church sign with an LED sign.
     >   We still hope to begin a Mornings with Mommy group which would meet weekly, allowing us to connect with the community and, we pray, would open the door for people in the community to join our congregation. The biggest hurdle to overcome so that we can begin this program is to find a coordinator who will organize, publicize, and oversee it. It would be a paid, part-time position.
     >   Are you eager to see more people at Good Shepherd? Do you desire to have more people hear God’s gracious promises? Then the Evangelism Committee could use your time and ideas. To learn more, speak with Nathanael Schroeder or Pastor Schroeder.

OPEN FORUM (VOTERS’ MEETING TO FOLLOW)
            On Sunday, June 12, Good Shepherd will be having an Open Forum to discuss the future plans of our congregation. In order to accomplish as much as possible, we all get to play a role and to participate in the working of the congregation. The Open Forum provides a way for you to see how and where you can be active in the work we do together. It also allows you to ask questions about Church Council discussions and to offer input and suggestions for the benefit of our congregation. All confirmed members are welcome to participate.
            The Voters’ Meeting will meet immediately following the Open Forum. All men who are members in good standing and over the age of 18 are encouraged to attend.

FAMILY VBS

            On Monday – Wednesday (July 25-27), from 6:30-8:00 PM, Good Shepherd will host its Family VBS. The children will have their lessons, make crafts, and learn songs as the adults gather in the chapel for presentations and discussions relevant to them. Our topic will be concerning the reliability of the Bible: The Bible Is Up To the Challenge.  More details to come.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, May 22: (6) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, May 22, 2022 - YouTube

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

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In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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SUMMER SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will be on summer break until September 11.
Bible Matters will be on summer break until September. 

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

Things that make me go HMMMMMMM -- vague references to the Bible

The archbishop of San Francisco of the Roman Catholic Church has banned California representative Nancy Pelosi from taking Holy Communion because of her support and promotion of abortion.  The Scriptures are clear on this: "You shall nor murder" (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17, et al).  

The editorial staff of the San Francisco Examiner is demanding that the Pope remove the archbishop from office.  They have no business making such a demand, but it is not surprising that they would.  What is surprising, however, is Nancy Pelosi's response to being banned.  She invoked the Bible to defend her stance on abortion.  

Well, my curiosity is piqued.  What Scripture will defend her position?

From this article (Nancy Pelosi defends abortion stance on MSNBC, hits back at archbishop by referencing the Bible) Pelosi is referenced (a quotation would have been better) as saying, "the Gospel of Matthew was the 'agenda' of the Church, a position that she claimed is rejected by many who side with them on the termination of pregnancies."  In addition, Pelosi said (this time she is quoted): "This decision taking us to privacy and precedent is very dangerous in the lives of so many American people and again not consistent with the Gospel of Matthew."

HMMMMM....  "The Gospel of Matthew...."?  What, exactly, in the Gospel of Matthew is she referring to?  Chapter and verse would be helpful, especially if she holds the Church (in particular, the archbishop) in contempt.  If the Church needs correction on the topic of abortion based on the Gospel of Matthew, a clear verse from the Gospel of Matthew ought to do the trick.  Where is it?  What is it?  Having read the Gospel of Matthew many times, I don't know what she is talking about or what this "agenda" in Matthew's Gospel is.

Now, in an effort to be fair to Mrs. Pelosi, maybe she did cite a verse and the reporters neglected to put it in the article.  Editors pick and choose what they deem worth printing, so a quotation from the Bible may be considered unsavory or offensive by them.  But I doubt it.  I suspect that the reporters and Pelosi herself would find great delight in showing up the archbishop with a clear, Scriptural rebuke of his position.

But it is not just the position of the archbishop or "the Church."  It is what the word of the Lord says.  Mrs. Pelosi clearly rejects that, and she was unable to provide a verse that explains why.

YouTube -- 6th Sunday of Easter (May 22, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, May 22, 2022.  The Rite of Confirmation was observed in this service.  Unfortunately, a COVID exposure resulted in one of our teens having to reschedule his confirmation to a future date, yet to be determined as of this posting.

The Word of the Lord Endures Forever -- A Study on St. John's Revelation

Here is a podcast that comes highly recommended: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever.  It is a 15-minute, daily (Monday-Friday) Bible study.  The host is Rev. William Weedon (LC-MS) who is a confessional Lutheran pastor.  

One of the strengths of this Bible study is Pastor Weedon's regular references to theologians from the past--from Lutheran reformers to the Church fathers of the early Christian Church.  He keeps us mindful that we are part of a chosen people who are not limited to nationality, language, or age.

Just today, Pastor Weedon has begun a series on St. John's Revelation.  Since this book fascinates many Christians and can be very confusing, Pastor Weedon will do a fine job shedding light on it.

You can also find podcasts for several other books of the Bible which Pastor Weedon has already covered.  They are found in the archives.

The website is found here: Home - The Word of the Lord Endures Forever (thewordendures.org)

Sermon -- 6th Sunday of Easter (May 22, 2022)

The Rite of Confirmation was observed in the service today.  Three catechumens were scheduled to observe the Rite of Confirmation.  Because of exposure to COVID, one of our catechumens was unable to attend and will have his confirmation rescheduled.

JOHN 14:23-29

ONLY JESUS GIVES PEACE THAT ENDURES.

 M:                   Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

Cong:              He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

In the name + of Jesus.

     The Rite of Confirmation will be observed this morning as two catechumens will vow to be faithful to the Scriptures they have learned.  For years, these three youth have come to church—for the most part, this church.  Why did you come here?  The short answer is that this is where your parents brought you.  You trust that your parents would not attend a church that misrepresents God’s word, so you had good reason to believe that you were taught the Bible here correctly.  But now that you are getting older and you are not far from being independent, you will assess the question again: Why do you come to this church?  What reason do you have to come to a confessional Lutheran church? 

     We have spent several years answering that question by looking at the Scriptures.  We compared what this church teaches and confesses to what the Bible teaches us to confess.  Today, you are publicly confessing that you agree with this church’s teachings because you have found it to be faithful to the Scriptures.  For that reason, you desire to be united with us in our mission, to partake of holy communion from this altar, to continue to hear God’s word preached from this pulpit, and to order your life according to the word of God.

     The reason you continue to come here is out of love for the Lord.  God has given us plenty of reasons to love him.  Even the atheist should find some affection for God.  St. Paul told the citizens of Lystra why.  “[God] did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17).  If you are alive, if you eat and drink, if you are clothed, then you have reason to care about God.

     But you, dear Christians, have all the more reason to love God.  God has revealed his word to you to show you how he loves you and how he blesses you.  Jesus told his disciples, and he tells you too, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23).  God loved you even before you heard a word of the Bible, but his word shows you the full extent of his love.  God reveals his love to you in Jesus.  It is Jesus who has made the atoning sacrifice for your sins.  It is Jesus who delivers to you peace from God.  It is Jesus who has opened up to you the kingdom of heaven and will raise you up out of your grave to live forever without any sorrow, shame, or burden.  Jesus lived and died for you.  His life provides the holiness you need.  His death takes away all the guilt you have.  His resurrection is the proof that you are forgiven, and that God’s peace is yours.  Only Jesus gives peace that endures. 

     If Jesus willingly suffered undeserved, hellish torment to save you, then you know that everything else he has to say to you is for your good.  Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word” (John 14:23).  The same word which saves you also directs you throughout your life.  It preserves you from falling back into sin and unbelief.  It prevents you from being deceived by fine-sounding arguments which either distort or deny God’s word.  It encourages you to continue to strive for godly living, and it strengthens you to fight against temptation.  This is why you will want to keep his word, that is, to cling to it, to continue to grow in it, and to cherish it your whole life long.  Only Jesus gives peace that endures.

     Regarding that peace, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).  Jesus does not give peace as the world promises peace.  The peace which comes from this world is fragile at best.  Often it is only an illusion.  Social media is the perfect example of this illusion as people will post the images they want you to see.  There is a photo in our family that is legendary, at least for my wife and me.  We were on a family vacation in Massachusetts.  It was around the 4^th of July.  We were at a beach waiting for the sun to go down so we could watch the fireworks.  We have a beautiful photo of five children stretched out across the beach with the sun setting behind them.  They are all smiling cheerfully.  If you saw it, you would probably think, “Awww, what a wonderful day that must have been.”  Laura and I know better.  That photo is a lie.  You did not see the two hours of arguing, teasing, and bickering which led up to that photo.

     How easy it is to be deceived!  We think that peace in this world is secure when life is going our way.  But how quickly it can be taken away!  Wealth can be lost with a bad day on Wall Street.  Health can be ruined by a virus.  (A COVID test can result in one of our teens having to reschedule his confirmation rite.)  A tornado in Gaylord just swept away homes and businesses.  Friends can let you down.  Loved ones die.  The blessings we have are all temporary.  They can’t guarantee you anything.  We can cherish them.  We may learn to depend upon them.  But if our peace comes from them, they our peace can be lost in a moment’s notice.  Jesus supplies a peace which cannot be shattered even if your whole world falls apart.  Nothing can cancel Jesus’ life, so our righteousness is intact.  Nothing can nullify Jesus’ death, so our forgiveness is sure.  Nothing can undo Jesus’ resurrection, so our salvation is certain.  Only Jesus gives a peace that endures.

     Every year, the young people who are confirmed are given a confirmation verse.  It is a verse of Scripture to meditate on their whole lives long.  And each year, I have a theme for the class.  The theme this year is that the Lord is our refuge.  The world may be chaotic, but the Lord is our refuge.  The devil may mess with your conscience, but Jesus is your peace.  Think of a refuge like a castle.  In medieval times, when the enemy came, the people would flee to the castle for safety.  The enemy would launch their projectiles at the castle, and the castle would take the blows.  The people remained safe.

     Jesus is your refuge.  He has taken the blows of sin, death, and the devil for you.  All the accusations that Satan makes against you were absorbed by Jesus.  The devil cannot harm you.  Sin does not condemn you.  The grave cannot keep you.  Jesus lives and reigns to protect you and to preserve you.  Only Jesus gives peace that endures.

     And you will need it all the more.  As you get older, the temptations you face will become more frequent, more intense, and more attractive.  The teen years are tough years.  Friends will entice you to adopt behavior and ideals that are opposed to God.  You will be drawn to your own sinful desires.  The world will tell you to do it without hesitation and without apologies.  But if you love Jesus, if you desire to keep his word, and if God has made his home in you, you will despise yourself for giving into temptations so easily and so frequently.  When that happens, do not flee away from Jesus because of guilt or shame; flee to Jesus.  He is the refuge for sinners.  He is your refuge where you find relief from guilt.  He is your refuge even in the face of death.  He assures you, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).  Your sins might trouble you; Jesus forgives them.  God’s judgment might make you afraid; Jesus suffered that punishment for you.  Only Jesus gives peace that endures.

     Jesus told his apostles, “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:25-26).  It is important to remember that Jesus said these things to the apostles.  He does not tell us to look to ourselves for truth.  Although the Holy Spirit has planted faith in your heart so that you know and believe his word, sinful desires also arise from within our hearts.  Ideas that sound great are not always godly ideas.

     This is why we always pay attention to the word of Jesus.  Jesus promised to send his Holy Spirit in order to teach the apostles all things and to remind them of all that Jesus said.  The apostles wrote down these words so that we can always know what Jesus has said, what he has done, what he promises, and what he desires.  You don’t have to guess about God’s love or purpose for you.  He tells you.  Jesus saw to it that his words would be recorded for your continued learning, encouragement, and guidance.  Continue in these for your own comfort and confidence in the faith.  Confirmation means you have been strengthened in the faith, not that you have mastered it.

     Only Jesus gives peace that endures.  Jesus’ words will never deceive you.  They will never fail you.  They are always for your good.  Sometimes they will be hard words of rebuke.  Oftentimes, the world will make it hard to follow them.  Your own flesh will resist them.  But Jesus gives you his word for your good—for a good life here and for your eternal good.  Jesus wants you to be restored to the image of God; so, he tells you what a godly life looks like.  People may mock you for chaste and decent living.  They may be baffled by your honesty and humility.  They may be confounded when you seek the good of others, even praying for your enemies and blessing those who curse you. 

     But you are children of God Most High.  You have been set apart from a world that is cursed.  You have been given a peace that the world does not know.  As long as you are listening to God’s word, you will remain in that peace.  You will find comfort in your refuge.  You will gather with fellow Christians who will encourage you, pray for you, and delight in confessing God’s word with you.  You will need them, and they will need you.  And we all need Jesus to preserve us in the one true faith.

     Today, two young teens will vow to be faithful to the Lord.  But far more important, you know that the Lord will remain faithful to you.  The Lord Jesus will sustain and strengthen you through his word.  He assures you that you have God’s favor no matter what the world says of you.  He assures you that your salvation is secure even if the world is falling apart.  If the world becomes chaotic, violent, or stressful, Jesus’ peace remains constant.  It is a peace that endures through every emotion, every age, and every circumstance.  God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in times of trouble.  He always has been.  He always will be.

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

Update from Good Shepherd (May 19, 2022)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.  Following Sunday, May 22, Adult Bible Class and Sunday School will be on summer break and will resume in September. 

Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.  The schedule for our Spring session can be found here.  

For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS – CATECHISM REVIEW

          On Sunday, May 22, you will have the opportunity to see how well you remember your Small Catechism.  The catechumens will be publicly examined to demonstrate their knowledge of the Small Catechism and to show that they are prepared to take the confirmation vow which will be conducted in the regular Divine Service on May 22.

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022

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

            May: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050a4fa8aa2ea64-every4

            June: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050a4fa8aa2ea64-every5

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS

          In order to make the most of opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in our community, we need to budget our expenses and our time. We will be meeting to determine our plans and to pray that God will bless them. Our efforts are both to tighten the bonds of fellowship among us and to gather others into our fellowship. For this reason, we are combining the efforts of the Evangelism & Stewardship Committees. We will meet on Sunday, May 22 after church to discuss the best ways to do that.
          The immediate issues we will discuss: Summer activities; Food trucks at Good Shepherd; Family VBS (July 25-27).

ASCENSION DAY
“He ascended to the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” This happened 40 days after Jesus rose from the dead. We remember this occasion in special services on Thursday, May 26. You can find Ascension Day services at the following WELS churches.
          St. Paul’s, Livonia (17810 Farmington Road) – 6:30 PM
          St. Peter’s, Plymouth (1343 Penniman Avenue) – 7:00 PM
          Lola Park, Redford (14750 Kinloch) – 7:00 PM
          Peace, Livonia (9415 Merriman Road) – 7:00 PM
Good Shepherd will observe Ascension Day by transferring it to Sunday, May 29.

FAMILY VBS

            On Monday – Wednesday (July 25-27), from 6:30-8:00 PM, Good Shepherd will host its Family VBS. The children will have their lessons, make crafts, and learn songs as the adults gather in the chapel for presentations and discussions relevant to them. Our topic will be concerning the reliability of the Bible.  More details to come.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, May 15: (4) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, May 15, 2022 - YouTube

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

DO YOU LIKE US?

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

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

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. 

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

YouTube -- 5th Sunday of Easter (May 15, 2022)

 Here is the service from Sunday, May 15, 2022.

Sermon -- 5th Sunday of Easter (May 15, 2022)

LUKE 13:31-35

SEE HOW GOD IS GLORIFIED.

M:                   Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

Cong:              He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

In the name + of Jesus.

     Our Epistle lessons throughout the Easter season have come from St. John’s Revelation.  At the very beginning of Revelation, St. John is shown a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ in his exalted state.  He is no longer a man of sorrows.  Instead, John saw “one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.  The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow.  His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters” (Revelation 1:13-15).  John saw the glory of the Lord and tried to describe it in terms we could understand.  John was the beloved disciple of Jesus.  For years, they were close friends.  But when John saw Jesus in his bare glory, they did not embrace in a joyful reunion.  John, still in his humble, fallen state, fell on his face in fear. 

     We often think of God’s glory as John saw it.  We know that God is holy—pure and without a trace of evil.  That goes beyond anything we know in this world.  It is glorious.  We know that God is almighty.  He can do whatever he pleases, and no one can prevent it.  That is glorious.  We also know that God is present everywhere and knows all things.  He knows the plans being discussed in the Kremlin, the conversations in coffee shops in Australia, and even the secrets of your heart.  That is glorious too.  But none of that is comforting.  Trying to understand it makes our heads spin, and it makes our hearts weak.  God knows everything.  He holds us accountable for everything.  Since he is holy, his judgment is perfect.  Since he is our almighty Creator, he has the right and authority and ability to do with us what he pleases and to give us what we deserve.  If we assess ourselves honestly, we know we deserve his punishment, and we cannot prevent it.

     Jesus told his disciples, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once” (John 13:31-32).  Although Jesus is true God—holy, almighty, all-knowing, and so forth—his glory is not revealed to terrorize.  We get a hint of how God is glorified from the first phrase of our Gospel lesson: “When he had gone out” (John 13:31).  The “he” is Judas Iscariot, and he went out to set in motion the betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus.  That is where God is rightly glorified.  The glory of the Lord is that he loves and saves sinners.  Jesus’ glory is revealed in the saving and in consoling sinners.  See how God is glorified!

     Jesus declared, “God is glorified in him” (John 13:31).  In other words, God the Father’s glory is made known through Jesus.  God is glorified because he loves his creation.  Even when the whole world fell under God’s curse because sin corrupted it, God did not remove his love from his creation.  Everyone comes into this sin-broken world bearing the image of sinful Adam.  We cannot do the good as God demands—freely, gladly, willingly, constantly.  Nevertheless, God has not withdrawn his love from us.  God reveals his glory as a merciful redeemer by sending his Son to pay for the sins of the world. 

     Jesus declared, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him” (John 13:31).  In less than 24 hours after saying this, Jesus was nailed to a cross.  It was on that cross that the sacrificial death of the innocent Son of God was given for the guilty.  It is there that we see God the Father so loved the world.  It is there that we see the love God the Son has for his Father, that he would willingly fulfill the mission he was given.  Jesus was sent to suffer a punishment that he did not deserve and die a cursed death that he had not earned.  In doing that, the Son of God took away every trace of wickedness that had stood against us—from the selfish schemes we have concocted to the unkind conversations we have had to our innermost thoughts of jealousy and revenge.  God knows all these things, but he does not condemn us for them; for he has condemned his Son in our place so that we could have pardon and peace.  See how God is glorified!  He has redeemed sinners and reconciled us to himself by the sufferings and death of Jesus.

     Jesus was further glorified after his crucifixion.  When Jesus rose from the dead, he did not shed his humanity.  To this day, Jesus Christ is both true God and true man.  Jesus never stopped being true God when he lived in his humble state as a Jewish peasant.  Although Jesus retained all the attributes of God, for the most part Jesus chose not to use them.  After Jesus rose from the dead, he resumed the full use of these divine attributes.  What’s more, those divine attributes now have been granted to his humanity.  So, when St. John saw the revelation of the glorified Jesus, he was still the Son of Man.  But now this man appears in divine glory. 

     See how God is glorified.  Rather than dispose of his humanity, Jesus exalted his humanity.  This man lives and reigns with all authority over all things—and he does this for your good.  His word of forgiveness is supreme.  His judgment for your salvation is indisputable.  He assures you of glory, not that you will become divine, but that your humanity will be exalted and perfected forever.  See how God is glorified.

     Although Jesus spent three years instructing his apostles to teach and preach about the kingdom of God, Jesus would not remain with them forever.  Jesus was preparing his disciples for this change on the night he was betrayed.  He told them, “Little children, yet a little while I am with you.  You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’” (John 13:33).  Jesus has ascended into heaven where he lives and reigns hidden from our sight.  We will see his glory when he comes again to judge the living and the dead.  Or perhaps you will see it when you close your eyes in death and open them in heavenly glory.  But we are not there yet.  For now, we dwell on earth, and our Lord gives us work to do.

     See how Jesus is glorified.  He is glorified in you!  You are his redeemed.  His death purchased and won you for himself.  He put his name upon you in Holy Baptism.  And just as he has made you children of God, now he calls upon you to live up to that.  He told his disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). 

     See how God is glorified in his redeemed!  He lives and works in you to live according to his word and to act according to his will.  Therefore, we strive to love one another as Jesus himself has loved us.  That is made evident in many ways.  We come to each other’s aid when someone is suffering loss or hardship.  We offer words of consolation to those who are mourning, and we weep with them.  We offer words of encouragement to those who are struggling and support them with our prayers.  We rejoice with those who are blessed with no need to be jealous of them.  We speak to one another honestly and lovingly.  We deal with one another in patience and kindness.  We continually strive to do what is good for one another.  And even when we have different opinions, we recognize this as evidence that God creates wonderful, diverse personalities and we get to enjoy them as such—assuming our opinions do not stand in opposition to God’s word.

     See how our God is glorified in you.  The most significant way this glory is known is that we freely forgive one another as Jesus forgives us.  We are God’s children, but we are still sinners.  We can still get petty and snippy.  We can mistake each other’s motives or wrongly interpret someone’s words as criticism or condemnation.  The devil attempts to drive wedges between us when these things happen.

     When you get closer to people, it can be harder to love them.  It is often easier to love strangers.  You only have to deal with a stranger for a few minutes.  Anyone can be polite for that long.  But the longer you know someone, each person gets a little more comfortable with the other, and one’s true character begins to show.  You get to discover darker attitudes, arrogant opinions, and annoying characteristics.  It is harder to love someone when you see all their faults and are subject to their failings. 

     But see how God is glorified.  He knows all our faults, weaknesses, and wickedness.  Yet, he does not disown us.  He continues to love us, have mercy upon us, and forgive us.  Our place in his kingdom is not so fragile that one misstep will get us expelled.  The Lord is patient, kind, and compassionate—even when we struggle and fall. 

     Since you know what it is to be shown mercy, you get to show mercy to one another.  Since you know what it is to be forgiven, you get to forgive one another freely.  Since you know how hard it can be to fight off temptations and sins, you can be patient with others who have their own struggles and bear a different cross.  And since you know how unfair it is when people assume the worst about you, you get to be gracious and put the best construction on what others say and do.  When people see that you love one another as Jesus loves you, they will see God glorified among you.

     Jesus concluded, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  Our desire is that people will know about the promises of God which have been confirmed in Jesus.  Those promises are known only when you confess them.  Not everyone will get to hear your confession of faith, but everyone does see your words and actions.  The love you show to others reflects the love that Jesus has shown to you.  When people see that, they may become interested in knowing why you are patient, kind, and merciful in a world that seldom sees that kind of love.  Faith in God’s word is not only what we believe, it is also what we put into action.  This is how they will know that you are one of Jesus’ disciples, and it is how God is glorified in your life. 

     See how God is glorified.  God the Father is glorified by sending a Savior to redeem sinners.  God the Son is glorified by taking away your sin and granting you eternal life.  God the Holy Spirit is glorified by working in your mind and heart so that you are merciful as the Lord your God is merciful.  This is what makes you a disciple of Jesus, and this is your glory.

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

A Pastoral Concern about the desperation for abortion

Much can be said (and deserves to be said) about the abortion controversy.  Many consider it a political issue.  While it is that, it is far more significantly a moral issue.  God is the creator of life.  God grants the life of children through sexual intercourse between a man and a woman.  While pregnancy is not the guaranteed result of every act of intercourse, it is the means by which women become pregnant.  Both the man and the woman engage in sex, therefore both are accountable for the results.

When this is done in the confines of marriage, the resultant pregnancy is a great blessing.  At least, God thinks so.  "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them" (Psalm 127:3-5)!  Sadly, many today disagree.

This Pastoral Concern focuses on one aspect of the abortion issue: The symbol of the coat hanger by the people who champion abortion as a right and as a good thing.  The argument is that, if abortion should be made illegal, women will have to resort to a dangerous "do-it-yourself" program of taking a coat hanger and engaging in a self-administered abortion.

It is supposed to produce such a shock that we would feel compelled to preserve a safe, clinical method of aborting a child.  Well, the shock value has worked on me.

I am shocked, appalled, and saddened that any woman would think that taking a coat hanger and injecting it into her uterus for any reason is a necessary and noble act.  I am shocked, appalled, and saddened that any woman would knowingly and willingly take a coat hanger, crank it around in her uterus like an egg-beater, and believe that this is a saner option than giving birth to a child.  I am shocked, appalled, and saddened that any woman who recognizes that she is pregnant would consider the child in her uterus something to be rooted out in such a violent, unhealthy, and vicious way.

So, well done abortion activists.  Your shock tactic has worked on me.  But it has backfired.  You want me to have compassion for your cause so that you will not resort to using a coat hanger for a self-inflicted abortion.  Rather, I am shocked that you would consider doing this to yourself at all--as if the risk of self-mutilation is a superior choice to giving birth to a child, a child that others would joyfully adopt and raise if the hardship is genuinely too much for you.  

Dear women, you deserve better than this.  And I pray that you will see that aborting your child is a great evil and that pregnancy with a child is not--even if it is unintended or inconvenient.  God thinks so.  I hope you will, too.

NOTE: If you choose to do the right and noble thing (which is not to say that it is the easy thing) and carry your child to full term and deliver it, you will find people who are willing to help you to alleviate your hardships in raising a child.  Most churches have people who are willing to provide such help.  You can also appeal to pregnancy care centers, such as the Redford Pregnancy Care Center. 

Update from Good Shepherd (May 12, 2022)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.

Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.  The schedule for our Spring session can be found here.  

For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS – THOUGHTS FOR DEVOTION & MEDITATION

          There are two sessions of Adult Bible Class remaining this spring.  

          On Sunday, May 15, we will consider a short portion of Scripture and consider how you may use it for private devotion and meditation.  We can ponder a great deal from short, familiar readings.  This Sunday, we will consider how to do that.

          On Sunday, May 22, you will have the opportunity to see how well you remember your Small Catechism.  The catechumens will be publicly examined to demonstrate their knowledge of the Small Catechism and to show that they are prepared to take the confirmation vow which will be conducted in the regular Divine Service on May 22.

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022

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

            Sign Up Genius Link for May: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050a4fa8aa2ea64-every4

             The June schedule will be published soon.

LADIES SPRINGTIME BRUNCH
          On Saturday, May 14 at 10:00 AM, all the ladies of Good Shepherd are invited to a brunch which will be hosted by the men of Good Shepherd. This is our opportunity to express our appreciation for the ladies in our lives. The men will be pleased to cook for you, serve you, and clean up afterwards.
          The invitation is for the youngest to the oldest. It is an opportunity for all the ladies to visit, to tighten the bonds of existing friendships, and to make better acquaintance with anyone you don’t know well.
          While you are gathered together, some men representing the Church Council will be asking your opinion on how we can serve our ladies better. We welcome suggestions for areas of improvement or for areas of service that we are not tending to either well or at all. We can’t guarantee that we can follow up on every suggestion, but we are eager to be a congregation that both serves and provides opportunities to serve for as many as possible.
          In order to know how many to prepare for, please RSVP to (248-349-0565) or to welsnovi@aol.com .  You are also welcome to invite family or friends who would be interested in this springtime brunch. Just let us know who and how many you might bring.

LONG-RANGE PLANNING MEETING
          THIS SUNDAY (May 15) after church, we will have our monthly Long-Range Planning meeting. The main focus is to determine a vision for what we want our congregation to look like in three years, five years, and/or ten years. Once we have a goal in mind, we can take the steps necessary to get there. The steps will be delegated to the committees we have. All are welcomed and encouraged to be a part of the Long-Range Planning meeting and the committees that will follow up to see that our plans are put to work. Planning great things only goes so far. We need our members committed to doing them and praying that God will bless them. If you have question about the Long-Range Planning committee, please speak to Rob Skrycki.

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
          In order to make the most of opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in our community, we need to budget our expenses and our time. We will be meeting to determine our plans and to pray that God will bless them. Our efforts are both to tighten the bonds of fellowship among us and to gather others into our fellowship. For this reason, we are combining the efforts of the Evangelism & Stewardship Committees. We will meet on Sunday, May 22 after church to discuss the best ways to do that.
          The immediate issues we will discuss: Summer activities; Food trucks at Good Shepherd; Family VBS (July 25-27).

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, May 8: (2) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, May 8, 2022 - YouTube

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

DO YOU LIKE US?

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

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

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. 

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

YouTube -- 4th Sunday of Easter (May 8, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, May 8, 2022.

Sermon -- 4th Sunday of Easter (May 8, 2022)

JOHN 10:22-30

THE SHEPHERD KEEPS THE SHEEP SECURE.

M: Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Cong: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

In the name + of Jesus.

     The Pharisees who had gathered around Jesus made a ridiculous request of him.  They “said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense?  If you are the Christ, tell us plainly’” (John 10:24).  The question was ridiculous for a few reasons.  Jesus listed them.  “I told you, and you do not believe.  The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe…” (John 10:25).  Jesus had not only fulfilled Messianic prophecies, he even declared himself to be the great I AM.  The Pharisees had picked up on that claim, and then picked up stones to kill him for it.  The Pharisees could not deny the miracles Jesus had performed, but they would not accept them as signs from heaven.  They refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ or the Son of God.  The Pharisees did not ask Jesus about being the Messiah because they wanted to know if they should follow him, listen to him, or worship him.  They were looking for reasons to slander and accuse him. 

     How could the Pharisees be so blind as to reject so much evidence of Jesus as the Messiah?  Because if someone refuses to believe the word of the Lord, they will reject any evidence presented to them.  Jesus summarized the Pharisees’ attitude exactly that way: “You do not believe because you are not among my sheep” (John 10:26).  But the true sheep listen to the Shepherd, and the Shepherd keeps them secure.

     Now, you are among Jesus’ sheep.  You know and believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world.  You did not come to this on your own.  The Holy Spirit worked through God’s word to enlighten you to see the glory of Jesus.  The Holy Spirit worked through God’s word to open your ears to recognize the voice of truth.  The Holy Spirit has converted your heart and your mind to agree with the word of God.  The Bible states, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).  So, the Shepherd speaks.  By his word, he gathers his sheep to him.  And the Shepherd keeps the sheep secure.

     How secure?  This is what the Lord says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand” (John 10:27-29).  The Shepherd guards and protects you from all enemies.  The Shepherd keeps the sheep secure. 

     The enemies are sin, death, and the devil.  The Shepherd keeps you secure from sin because he has taken your sin away from you.  He stood between you and God’s wrath to absorb all of God’s wrath for your sins.  If God’s wrath has been taken completely by Jesus, the Father has nothing left for you but blessing.  The Shepherd keeps you secure from death.  Oh, yes, I know—we are all going to die one day.  But death does not own you.  The Lord Jesus went into death for you, but he has risen from the dead.  Your Good Shepherd has overcome death and the grave, so they do not get to keep you.  Rather, the living Savior will summon you up from your grave and give you a body that will never again be subject to sickness, weakness, stress, sorrow, decline, or death.  Your Shepherd keeps you secure from the devil as well.  Jesus snatched you out of the jaws of the devil who then focused his attack on Jesus.  The devil sank his fangs into Jesus because, as your Good Shepherd, he is your protector and Savior.  And though the devil’s bite was lethal, his victory was momentary.  For, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.  He has robbed the devil of any power or claims on you.  Jesus has delivered you from the curse of sin, the power of death, and the claims of the devil.  The Good Shepherd keeps you secure from all your enemies.

     Once again, note how secure you are in Jesus’ care.  He said, “No one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand” (John 10:28-29).  You cannot get kidnapped out of the kingdom of God by the devil.  The Shepherd keeps the sheep secure.  Jesus tells you how: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

     But the Good Shepherd’s voice is not the only one which tries to instruct and influence you.  The devil tries to draw you away from the word of the Lord.  He cannot snatch you away, so he entices you to leave on your own.  He either gets you to stop listening to God’s word or he seduces you to turn away from God’s word to something he convinces you is better.  The devil tries to deceive you with clever sounding arguments.  The world pounds its sentiments at you so that you would adopt its wickedness as praiseworthy or harmless—or at least as something you would not dare call evil for fear of being cancelled.  And your own sinful flesh is an ally.  We all still have a sinful nature which finds such deceptions attractive and appealing. 

     So, for example, you will hear people say, “God just wants us to be happy.”  Well, that sounds fantastic.  And guess what: I want to be happy!  So, God and me, we agree on this!  But here is the problem: What is it that makes you happy?  Some would say, “I like getting drunk.  That makes me happy.”  Others might say, “I like gossiping about my co-worker so that her reputation destroyed.  Maybe she would even be forced to quit.  That would make me happy.”  Most recently, the battle over abortion has heated up again with the leaked opinion from the Supreme Court which suggests overturning Roe v. Wade.  Those who support abortion are outraged.  Men who impregnate women want to be free from responsibility for the babies they father.  Women who do everything that results in pregnancy reject accountability for their actions.  This is couched in terms of health care and freedom.  It is the murder of a child.  What is especially heinous is that doctors have to invade the womb to do it.  But to keep abortion legal will make many people happy.  Self-serving, self-glorifying, and self-righteous actions and attitudes make us happy.  Is this really want God wants????  Repent.

     The teaching, “God just wants us to be happy,” is a lie.  God does not want you to be happy; God wants you to be faithful to his word.  If God has converted your heart and mind to believe that his word is true and good, then you will find joy in hearing his word, meditating upon his word, and putting his word into practice.  You will even find joy in being corrected of your sin and redirected so that you walk on the path of righteousness.  By clinging to the word of the Lord, you retain salvation and security.  By listening to other voices, you will be drawn away from the Good Shepherd.  And while it may appear attractive and even beneficial to embrace other voices, there is nothing outside of the Lord’s sacred fold except sin, death, and the devil.  You will be consumed by the enemies Jesus would save you from. 

          The Shepherd keeps the sheep secure.  But take note of how he does this.  He told the Pharisees, “You do not believe because you are not among my sheep.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:26-27).  The Pharisees had God’s word in their possession.  They read it in synagogues.  They heard it from Jesus himself.  Their problem was not ignorance.  Their problem was not lack of evidence that Jesus is the Christ.  Their problem was their own sinful, stubborn unbelief.  They were not Jesus’ sheep, but it was by their own fault.  They believed that they earned God’s favor by their own morals and virtue.  They trusted in their church attendance and their piety—tithing, fasting, and prayers.  They had the praise and admiration of the people and assumed God must feel the same way.  This is why they despised Jesus.  He taught that God’s favor is not given because people prove themselves worthy.  God’s favor is a gift that comes by faith in Jesus alone—even for the likes of tax collectors and prostitutes.  Jesus rescues sinners from the jaws of the enemy and protects them from being prey again.  The Shepherd keeps the sheep secure.

     Jesus continues to speak to you so that you will not be seduced by worldly wisdom, no matter how attractive or appealing it sounds.  Occasionally, that will mean God’s word will strike you with a corrective blow.  When a shepherd tends his sheep, he uses a rod and a staff.  The rod and staff can be used to offer a little whack to correct a sheep which is going astray from his master.  Of course, the sheep does not like being whacked, but he gets the message.  To wander away from the shepherd means danger, perhaps disaster.  So, the shepherd afflicts the sheep for his own good. 

     The Lord does the same for you.  If you are drifting away from the word of God because a worldly spirit is attracting you, the Lord will offer a corrective whack with his word.  It may seem harsh or mean.  No one likes to be whacked, but God wants you to be aware that there is danger or disaster if you depart from him.  God does this out of love so that you do not leave the path of righteousness.  He calls you to repent and to amend your ways for your own eternal good.  With Jesus, you are assured of eternal good.  He promises, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). 

     The Lord Jesus laid down his life for the good of the sheep.  Then he took it up again for the good of the sheep.  He lives to grant you eternal life.  He reigns to keep you secure from your enemies.  Even though the devil, the world, and your own sinful flesh are always seducing, always stalking, and always present, Jesus spreads a table before you so that you may feast in peace and joy for strength, for salvation, and for security.  Jesus supplies a joy that cannot be stolen—the forgiveness of your sins, the hope of the resurrection, and the confidence of salvation. 

     The Shepherd keeps the sheep secure; for he has secured your forgiveness, your resurrection, and your place in his fold.  Goodness and mercy are yours.  And you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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