Sermon -- HymnFest (October 9, 2022)

Today, we observed a HymnFest with lessons corresponding to the hymns which were chosen by our members as their favorites.  The following are a selection from the lessons, devotions, and hymns which were in the service.

Lesson                   Romans 8:31-39

     St. Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions.  But let’s consider these questions as if we needed to give answers to them.

     First question: “Who can be against us” (Romans 8:32)?  A lot stands against us.  Time is against us; we wish we had more of it.  Disease is against us; our immune system is not bulletin proof.  Disaster stands against us, whether man-made or natural.  It claims property, possessions, and life.  Spiritually, the devil is against us.  He tries to convince us that rebellion against God’s word is the road to happiness and fulfillment.  The world collaborates with the devil.  It promises us a good time if we embrace greed, lust, vengeance, and instant gratification.  And our own sinful flesh likes these things.  We reason: “The devil and the world are right.  Life is better if I ignore patience and virtue and grab what I want when I want.”  Who is against us?  The devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh.

     Second question: “Who shall bring any charge against (us)” (Romans 8:33)?  The devil does.  He reminds you of your sinful past.  He rehashes all your moments of deep regret and pain.  Your conscience testifies that the devil is right.  You are guilty of these things.  Your own heart and mind tremble at the thought, for you know that God’s threats are real, and his judgments are severe. 

     Third question: “Who is to condemn” (Romans 8:34)?  St. Paul answers this one for us: Jesus Christ.  All judgment has been entrusted to the Son of God.  When he comes again to judge the living and the dead, he will give to each according to what he has done in the flesh, whether good or bad.  We want to believe we have been good, but we know we have done bad.  Jesus will judge us justly.

     Now, these questions would be terrifying if it were not for Jesus and his redeeming work.  Let’s repeat the questions and see how St. Paul answers them according to faith and the knowledge of all that Jesus has done.

     First question: “Who can be against us” (Romans 8:32)?  Answer: God is for us, and nothing can stand against him.  God demonstrated his love for us when he sent his Son, Jesus, to redeem us.  If God is for us, it doesn’t matter who or what would try to oppose us.

     Second question: “Who shall bring any charge against God's elect” (Romans 8:33)?  Answer: “It is God who justifies” (Romans 8:33).  God has rendered your verdict for you based on the innocent sufferings and death of his Son, Jesus.  The devil may tell the truth about the sins you have committed, but he is a liar.  Thanks to Jesus, your sins no longer stand against you.  The blood of Jesus purifies you of all sin.  If you are pure, then you are without fault.  There are no charges against the faultless. 

     Third question: “Who is to condemn” (Romans 8:34)?  Answer: “Christ Jesus—The one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).  Yes, Jesus Christ will judge all people, but the judge is on your side!  He has already told you your verdict: There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.  He died to pay for your sins.  He rose to conquer death.  He lives and reigns for you and pleads your case.  You are assured of your place in the heavenly kingdom.

     Nothing shall separate you from his love.  Even if you die tragically, suddenly, or violently, you do not die apart from Jesus Christ.  Your time on earth may be cut short, but your time in God’s kingdom is eternal.  For, the point is not to die comfortably, it is to die in the faith. 

Hymn 256      How Great Thou Art            

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Lesson                   Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10

     Jesus is our great High Priest.  That means he represents God to us, and he represents us before God.  As our High Priest, Jesus makes the sacrifice that atones for our sins and removes God’s wrath for us.  In the case of Jesus, he himself is that sacrifice.  He is both the High Priest and the unblemished victim which secures our salvation.  The curse was diverted from us to Jesus.  On that cross, when Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied.  Jesus removed God’s wrath from us and restored God’s favor to us.

     Even though Jesus is a perfect High Priest, he is sympathetic to our weaknesses.  He submitted to temptations, so he knows what we go through when we are tempted.  He submitted to the Commandments, so he knows what it is to live under God’s Law.  Jesus did all this willingly and faultlessly.  And he did it for us.

     In Christ alone we have the sacrifice which pays for sin.  In Christ alone we have a Savior who lives victorious over death.  In Christ alone we have a priest in the order of Melchizedek, that is, a Savior who lives forever to intercede for us.  He has no successor.  For, Jesus lives and reigns forever as High Priest.  His sacrifice alone atones for all sins.  In Christ alone we have one who will raise us up from the grave as surely as he himself has risen.  He will give us perfected bodies, perfected minds and hearts, and a permanent and perfect home. 

Hymn 752      In Christ Alone

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Lesson                   Revelation 19:6-9

     We have just enjoyed the heavenly wedding feast, although just for a moment here.  Heaven came to earth to feed and strengthen us.  Our host, Jesus, was veiled beneath bread and wine.  But there were other guests, not veiled but invisible.  We feasted with all the hosts of heaven.  For, it is one and the same feast.

     And so, we have communed with the patriarchs and prophets, with the apostles and evangelists, with saints and martyrs both known and unknown.  We supped with the saints who have gone before us in the faith—grandparents, friends, and even children.  Although they passed on from this world, they still live with Jesus.  They are still in the Church.  They are the communion of saints.  And the communion of saints joins forever in the communion of the saints.

     The sacrament of the altar gives us strength for our daily battles against the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh.  We fight the good fight of the faith confident that we will soon be transferred from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant.  Our next hymn gives us a glimpse of that goal and confesses our confidence that God will bring us safely there.

Hymn 214      Jerusalem the Golden