YouTube -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost (August 16, 2026)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Sermon -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost (August 16, 2026)

FAITH TRUSTS WHAT IT HEARS, NOT WHAT IT SEES.

MATTHEW 14:22-33

In the name + of Jesus.

     The Lord had just fed the five thousand.  The crowds ate until they were full.  The apostles gathered up the leftovers, giving each of them a basket full.  Rather than bask in the praise of the crowd, Jesus sent everyone away—the crowds to their homes, the apostles to their boat.  Jesus, however, went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. 

     Occasionally, we pass over sentences in the Bible that seem to have little importance.  But listen again to this: “After he had dismissed the crowd, he went up onto the mountain by himself to pray.  When evening came, he was there alone.   In the fourth watch of the night” (Matthew 14:23,25) Jesus came to his disciples.  The fourth watch of the night was from 3:00 to 6:00 AM.  That means Jesus spent perhaps six or more hours in prayer.  I don’t know about you, but my sinful flesh finds anything more than five minutes to be a burden.  And should our Divine Service stretch out beyond an hour, we get antsy, check our watches, and offer some criticism.  This does not bode well for people whose goal it is to spend eternity in God’s presence.  Jesus, however, found it pure joy to spend lots of time pouring out his cares and concerns to his Father.  God be praised!  Jesus’ dedication to prayer atones for our lack of it.

     After his prayer, Jesus planned to meet up with his disciples.  But there was a problem: “The boat was quite a distance from shore, being pounded by the waves because the wind was against it” (Matthew 14:24).  To meet up with his disciples, Jesus would have to go to the middle of the Sea of Galilee.  So, that’s where he went.  The Lord of Creation overruled the laws of creation.  Jesus walked upon the waters to get to his apostles in the boat. 

     Familiarity with this miracle may reduce our reaction to, “Yeah, that was neat.”  The apostles had a whole other reaction.  “In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea.  When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified and cried out in fear, ‘It’s a ghost’ (Matthew 14:25-26)!  And familiarity with this account might have us shaking our heads at the apostles, saying, “Why were they so terrified?”

     If you have seen The Chosen, you might have gained an appreciation for this event.  The Chosen is a TV series which depicts the life of Jesus and his apostles.  For the most part, they do a very good job showing these men with real personalities, and especially of demonstrating the humanity of Jesus.  On the episode where Jesus walks on water, they showed how the apostles might have seen it.  In the black of night, they could not see much of anything except for the splashing of waves over the bow of the ship.  The Chosen added lightning to the scene, which I guess was possible.  When the lightning flashed, the apostles caught a glimpse of a man coming out to them on the water.  With each flash, that figure got a little closer.  No normal person would conclude, “Oh, that’s our buddy.  Hey, that’s neat!”  To see a man approaching your boat in the black of night would scare anybody.  People don’t walk on water, but ghosts might. 

     “Jesus spoke to them at once, saying, ‘Take heart!  It is I!  Do not be afraid’” (Matthew 14:27).  I don’t think it mattered that the apostles had just witnessed Jesus feed the 5,000 with the loaves and fish.  That was an amazing display of Jesus’ power.  But this?!  Walking on water?  Peter put Jesus to the test: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28).  We should give Peter credit for this much—he did not fling himself over the side of the boat and say, “Well, if you can do it, so can I!”  He called on Jesus to say the word which enabled him to walk on water.  “Jesus said, ‘Come’” (Matthew 14:29)!  Once Peter had the command from Jesus, he stepped onto the water.  Peter listened to the command of Jesus because faith trusts what it hears, not what it sees.

     It is important to learn this lesson: We are right to hold God to his word.  When you pray, you can insist that Jesus live up to what he has promised.  That is not disrespectful; it is faith which knows and believes his promises.  It is the confidence that the Lord will never fail on his promises.  For example, Jesus promises to strengthen you against temptation.  So, when temptations come upon you, you can pray boldly that he will provide strength to overcome or an opportunity to escape it.   And you can hold him to that.  Faith trusts what it hears.

     We sin against God, however, when we hold God to promises he has not made.  After Jesus summoned Peter to come out on the water, we do not hear of the rest of the apostles saying, “Well, if he’s going out there, so are we!”  God did not give the command to them.  It would have been foolish to trust a word that was not given to them.  You, too, are a fool if you think Jesus’ word to Peter on the Sea of Galilee applies to you on Lake Pepin.  God could issue that command to you if he wanted, but he has not.

     Recognize what God has promised, and recognize what he has not.  He promises to supply your daily bread.  That means, he will always provide what you need to live.  But do you mistake your needs with your desires?  If God chooses to reduce your blessings so that you have to cancel Wi-Fi, vacation, and a gym membership, God did not fail you.  Those are nice, but they are not daily bread.  We sin against God when we fault God for failing to honor promises he did not make.  Repent. 

     Jesus summoned Peter to come out to him on the water.  He trusted that word.  “Peter stepped down from the boat, walked on the water, and went toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid.  As he began to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’  Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt’” (Matthew 14:29-31)?

     Why did he doubt?  Because Peter was standing on water, and that’s not how water works!  Because the winds were whipping around him and the waves were crashing!  Peter assessed his situation and reasonably concluded, “What am I doing out here?”  Peter trusted what he saw and what he felt.  Can you blame him?  Well, Jesus did.  Peter, you had an authoritative word that the Lord would sustain you on the water.  “You of little faith, why did you doubt” (Matthew 14:31)?  Peter’s faith was in what he saw, not in the word he had been given.

     How often we trust what we see and feel and not what our Lord has said!  You can feel your stress level.  You can feel declining health.  You can see a strained budget.  You can see people who have no use for Jesus seeming to live a better life than you do.  You may even take up the lament of the Psalmist: “Have I really kept my heart pure for nothing?  Have I kept my hands clean in vain” (Psalm 73:13)?  This is why faith trusts what it hears, not what it sees.  What you experience can deceive you.  What you see can distort your focus. 

     Consider Noah.  The Lord had told him to build an ark because the world was going to be destroyed by a flood.  God said he would be patient for 120 years, and then judgment.  As Noah built the massive ark, he could not do it in secret.  There was no hiding it.  Noah must have endured mockery and scorn from whoever saw it.  How do you think Noah felt when he saw life go on as usual, when he saw the wicked continue shamelessly in their sins with no fear of judgment and no judgment coming—and that for decades!?  But Noah trusted what he had heard, not what he saw.  God had given his word, and God was faithful to it.  Judgment came upon the earth, but salvation was delivered to Noah and his family.

     And so also with you.  Faith trusts what it hears, not what it sees.  You know that a judgment is coming on the earth, and you also endure scorn as you wait patiently for it.  St. Peter warned in his second epistle, “In the last days scoffers will come with their mocking, following their own lusts.  They will say, ‘Where is this promised coming of his?  For from the time that our fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have from the beginning of the creation’” (2 Peter 3:3-4).  But you know the word of the Lord, and you confess it every week: “He will come again to judge the living and the dead” (Apostles’ Creed).  Faith trusts what it hears, not what it sees.  God has given his word, and God will be faithful to it. 

     The Lord chooses not to dazzle us with marvelous displays.  The Lord showed Elijah a violent wind, an earthquake, or a fire.  But the Lord was not in those.  Then he spoke through a gentle whisper.  He still speaks through his word.  It might be appealing to see our Lord perform great, miraculous signs—or, to be like Peter and participate in it!  But the Lord does not want us to focus on what we see or feel.  Faith trusts what it hears.

     Jesus told us to listen to the prophets and apostles.  They have recorded God’s words so that we can read, learn, mark, and inwardly digest them.  Faith trusts what it hears, not what it sees.  For, if you had seen Jesus at his crucifixion, you would have seen a man who was detested, mocked, beaten ruthlessly, and languishing on a cross.  Sight says he was pathetic; faith says that he is worthy of praise because faith trusts the word which reveals the truth: “It was because of our rebellion that he was pierced.  He was crushed for the guilt our sins deserved.  The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).  Jesus Christ was crucified to atone for all our sins.  Faith knows that this is where salvation was won.  And faith clings to the words of absolution where that forgiveness is delivered. 

     Faith trusts what it hears, not what it sees.  When we see an infant brought to the font to have water poured on his or her head, it looks like nothing.  But the word of the Lord says, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).  Faith trusts what it hears, not what it sees.  When we come to this altar, our eyes, hands, and mouths tell us this is bread and wine.  Jesus tells us, “This is my body. … This is my blood of the new testament, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28).  When you receive it, you may not feel forgiven, but Jesus says you are.  Faith trusts what it hears, not what it sees. 

     The apostle Peter had received a specific word from Jesus to come to him on the water.  As long as he focused on that word, he was safe.  When he focused on his own experience, it could have ended disastrously.  You and I are never called to put our trust in our senses, our reason, or our motives.  If you do, it will end disastrously.  Rather, you have been given specific promises from our Lord.  Faith trusts what it hears from him.  And as long as you trust in that, you are safe. 

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

YouTube -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Sermon -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost

NOTE: The Gospel reading for this sermon was intended for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost.  Due to a hospital stay, it was delayed until the 12th Sunday after Pentecost.  Thanks to Rev. em. Gregory Gibbons for covering for me the previous week.

MARK 6:45-56

GOD THE SON JOINS US IN OUR FEARS AND STRUGGLES.

In the name + of Jesus.

     St. Mark’s Gospel shows us what is typical for Jesus’ miracles.  “Wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment.  And as many as touched it were made well” (Mark 6:56).  The miracles were acts of mercy—restoring sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.  Jesus made the lame walk and cleansed those who were possessed by demons.  These miraculous healings give us a glimpse of the heavenly kingdom in which there will be no blind, deaf, lame, sick, or demon-possessed.  Jesus often commanded those who were healed not to talk about it.  That’s because he acted in mercy, not for show or acclaim.

     That’s what makes the miracle of Jesus walking on water so strange.  What was the point?  If it was to be for show, it would have been done in broad daylight in front of a crowd.  If it was for acclaim, the response would have been cheers and applause, not screams of terror.  As far as an act of mercy?  Mercy for whom?  Whose life was relieved of its burden because of this event?  Well, maybe there is something to consider there.

     Our Gospel begins, “Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.  And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:45-46).  The crowd which was dismissed was the crowd of 5,000 (not including women and children) who were fed with the loaves and fish.  You could make the case that this miracle was unnecessary.  If the crowd had to skip one meal, they would have survived.  In mercy, Jesus fed them anyway.  It was not for show, but it was received as a pretty good show all the same.  I imagine that even Jesus’ disciples, each holding a basket of surplus loaves and fish, said to each other, “That was pretty cool!”

     After the leftovers had been collected, Jesus ordered his disciples back into the boat.  He did not go with them.  He bid farewell to the crowd and dismissed them in an orderly fashion.  Then he went up to the mountain top to pray to his heavenly Father.

     Jesus’ prayer is usually overlooked.  We take for granted that Jesus prayed often.  True enough, but note the time Jesus dedicated to pouring out his concerns and offering up intercessions to his heavenly Father.  The crowds were dismissed in the evening, probably before the sun went down about 6:00 PM.  And when did Jesus meet his disciples?  St. Mark wrote, “about the fourth watch of the night” (Mark 6:48).  The Romans divided the night into four watches of three hours each.  The last watch of the night, the fourth one, would have been from 3:00 – 6:00 AM.  That means Jesus was engaged in prayer for perhaps eight hours!  He had a lot to pray about—his mission to be our sacrifice for sins, for his disciples, for the crowd, for his enemies, for all the people of Israel, for all the people of the world, and more.

     I don’t know if any of us has the stamina to devote eight hours to Bible study, meditation, and prayer.  Most Christians do not devote even eight minutes to prayer!  There is a lot that you can pray for in just a few minutes, and we all have a lot to pray for.  What are your concerns and fears?  What temptations do you fight against?  Who seems to fight against you?  What about your loved ones?  What burdens are they carrying?  What blessings can you give thanks for?  What about our leaders?  Rather than treat them with scorn, how about praying that God would grant them wisdom and direct them to act according to his will?  If you really cannot think of anything to pray about, which is impossible, get a membership list and pray for each member of our congregation.  That will be time well spent.

     After hours in prayer, Jesus returned from the mountain and headed out to the lake.  Jesus walked on the water to meet them.  In fact, he was giving the impression that he was about to pass them by.  But again, we ask, “Why?  What was the point of this miracle?”  It seems the disciples’ reaction gives us the answer.  When they saw Jesus, none of them was pointing to him and saying, “Wow!  That is so cool!”  Rather, “when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified” (Mark 6:49-50). 

     The sea has always produced hair-raising stories among sailors.  Many have stories of strange sights and unexplained occurrences.  The seasoned fishermen among the apostles probably had their own stories to tell.  And here, out in the waters of Galilee, they saw a figure walking out to them.  They saw the figure, but the grey of dawn did not allow them to recognize who it was.  But since this figure was coming right at them, they cried out in terror.

     “But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart; it is I.  Do not be afraid.’  And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased” (Mark 6:50-51).  Jesus showed his disciples that he is more than a prophet who can do cool things.  He proved that he is none other than God in the flesh.  For, who else can circumvent the laws of nature because he has control over them?  Rather than confess, “This is cool!”, the disciples were given reason to confess, “This is God!”  Even Jesus’ greeting said as much.  The phrase, “It is I”, is literally in the Greek, “I am.”  While “It is I” is an acceptable translation, Jesus identified himself correctly with “I AM.”  He spoke the name of the Lord because he IS the Lord who came to them.  God the Son joined them in their fears and struggles.

     “Take heart; it is I.  Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).  Even though they were face to face with God, they did not need to be terrified before him.  He spoke words of comfort, and then—THEN!—he joined them in the boat.  He settled in among them and made himself one with them.  He did not pass them by because they did not understand about the loaves.  He did not avoid them because they were slow to confess that he is God.  Instead, God the Son joined them in their fears and struggles.

     Jesus has done as much and more for you.  That is not to say if you place a “Mayday!” call at sea that Jesus will suddenly walk out to you.  That is not to say that Jesus will relieve you of every fear or struggle you have.  In fact, Jesus might deem it good for you to bear up under your struggles or to pray and battle over your fears.  It might be good for you to have reasons to call upon the Lord for strength and hope.  You won’t think it is good because you still have fears and struggles.  But God the Son joins you in your fears and struggles.  He does not ignore you or pass you by.  He does not despise you because you are weak or even because you fail.  He assures you, “Take heart; it is I.  Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50). 

     God the Son has especially joined himself to you in becoming a human being, just as you are.  This is how he gets into the boat with us.  He takes on our flesh, submitting himself to a world of mockery, jealousy, fickleness, and betrayal—and that was from his own family and friends!  Then there were his enemies—slandering him when he healed the sick, trying to entrap him with no-win questions, and pouring on scorn as his blood-soaked body endured the agony of crucifixion.  Jesus saw family and friends die.  He saw his countrymen oppressed by Roman soldiers.  God the Son knows what a sinful world we live in because he joined us in our fears and struggles.  He got in the boat with us.

     More importantly, God the Son became the Son of Man to redeem us from our own sins.  He does not despise us because we are slow to understand, are afraid, or have struggles.  Rather than pass us by because of our sins, he comes to deliver us from them.  Jesus took up the cross for all the times we found fault with God that he does not take away our struggles and make life easier.  Jesus endured crucifixion for our fear of losing earthly blessings more than we fear, love, and trust in God.  Jesus stood under the curse of his heavenly Father, taking into himself all the punishment for our sins.  And upon rising from the dead, Jesus declared peace and forgiveness to his disciples.  He declares peace and forgiveness to you.  He says, “Take heart; it is I.  Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).  He does not come to strike fear, but to join us in our fears and struggles.

     God the Son joins us in our fears and struggles, and he assures us that there is really nothing to be afraid of.  If he is with us, he brings salvation to us.  If he is with us, he shows us a loving Father who desires us to be with him as his own beloved children.  We ought to fear God above everything because justice means that he should damn us, but Jesus has taken away our sins.  He has removed God’s wrath.  He has proved that God is on your side.  God the Son joins us in our fears and struggles.  He joins us as our flesh-and-blood brother.  And since he has joined himself to us, he assures us that we will join him in death, in resurrection, and in heavenly glory.  No struggles you face can erase that promise.  No fears you have can overrule God’s gracious decree.

     God the Son joins us in our fears and struggles.  He joins himself to you in a visible, smellable, tangible, and tastable way in the Eucharist.  He who delivers you from sin and death, who alleviates fears, and who gives you strength to endure your struggles gives himself to you.  His body and blood are given to you to enable you to endure this wicked world, to give you the promise of divine peace, and to sustain you with the hope of heaven.  He says, “Take heart; it is I.  Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).  “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

     Once you and I enter the heavenly kingdom, we will enjoy all the bountiful blessings of Jesus.  He will put an end to all fears.  For, there will be nothing to threaten you.  He will put an end to all struggles.  Jesus will provide eternal healing.  As Jesus’ miracles prefigured, in the heavenly kingdom, there are no blind or deaf or lame.  There will be no mental anguish or emotional stress.  And in the heavenly kingdom, there will be no end to God’s goodness.

     God the Son has joined us in the boat.  He came to be with us, and he will bring us to be with him.  God the Son has joined us in our fears and struggles, and he will bring us through them into endless peace. 

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

Sermon -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost (August 20, 2023)

ISAIAH 56:1,6-8

JESUS IS THE SAVIOR OF THE NATIONS.

In the name + of Jesus.

     If you had been at the temple with Jesus, you would have marveled with the apostles, “What wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings” (Mark 13:1)!  You could have walked among the columns of Solomon’s colonnade and seen the hustle and bustle in the temple courts.  You would have seen people praying and others bringing animals for sacrifice.  Maybe you would have seen the high priest vested in his high priestly garb walking toward the altar.  If you had followed him, you would have encountered a fence with a sign.  It was written in Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, and in Greek, the international language of commerce.  Anyone who could read would understand it.  It read, “No stranger is to enter within the balustrade round the temple and enclosure.  Whoever is caught will be himself responsible for his ensuing death” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Warning_inscription).     

     The Lord had made a distinction between the people of Israel and all other nations.  The people of Israel were God’s chosen people—chosen to be the nation through whom the Messiah would enter the world.  The Law of Moses enforced this distinction.  It directed the people of Israel about the foods they ate, the clothing they wore, and the worship they practiced.  This was done to protect and preserve the promise of the Messiah.

     This is the culture that the apostles grew up in.  They accepted it not only as normal, but also as God’s will.  When a Canaanite woman pleaded for mercy from Jesus and Jesus replied, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel … It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:24,26), it did not sound harsh or rude to the apostles, but sensible.

     There is always a temptation to think that the Christian Church is reserved for a select few and—worse!—that it is up to us to select them.  We might be afraid to speak to a Muslim or an immigrant from Syria.  We might avoid someone whose past is checkered or who is presently addicted.  We might conclude that some people are lost causes, such as an idol worshipper, a murderer, or a persecutor of the Church.  But if such people are beyond salvation, then we must renounce Abraham, Moses, and St. Paul.  All are sinners; there is no doubt about that.  But beware lest you think, “Sure, all are sinners, but I am not that bad.”  What is that but to confess, “I don’t need God’s grace like others do”?  Repent.  God forgive us if we ever toy with such thoughts!  All need the grace of God, and no one is beyond God’s grace. 

     The Jewish believers in the early Church did not think the Gentiles would ever be God’s chosen people like they were.  They believed that there would always be a distinction and that the Gentiles would be second class.  But that has never been the case according to our Lord.  The Lord protected and preserved the promise of the Messiah by setting Israel apart from other nations, but the Messiah would come for all the nations.  Jesus is the Savior of the nations.

     The promise of the Savior goes back to the Garden of Eden.  As soon as a Savior was needed, the Savior was promised for all.  It was never restricted to a certain group.  When the world population was reduced to Noah and his family, the promise was repeated.  And again, it was given to the world.  Even when God funneled the promise through Abraham and his descendants, it was not limited to Abraham and his descendants.  The prophet Isaiah demonstrated that in the words of our lesson today: “The foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:6-7).  Jesus is the Savior of the nations.

     The Gospel is good news of great joy which is for all the people.  In the same way, the Law is God’s will for all the people.  It declares the good that God demands of all people.  Isaiah declared, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Keep justice, and do righteousness’” (Isaiah 56:1).  No one disagrees that we should keep justice.  When there is injustice, people rant, protest, and even riot.  But we regularly distort what justice is. 

     Think back to when you were a child and your parents scooped out the ice cream.  If someone got an extra scoop, you would cry out for justice.  You would protest, “That’s not fair,” and demand your extra scoop.  If, however, you got the extra scoop, you be smug and maybe even gloat, “I got more than you did!”  And you would have called it fair.  I wish I could say that we outgrow this, but we don’t.  If you see someone else get a perk or enjoy some special event, you feel ripped off.  Although you lost nothing, you are upset that someone else gained something.  You want what they have make things fair.  On the other hand, if someone suffers, you don’t feel too bad because you did not lose anything.  We don’t keep justice.

     In addition, we do not do righteousness.  We treat other people badly and insist, “They deserve it!”  But doing righteousness does not ask about what people deserve, it seeks to be honest, kind, decent, patient, and even generous no matter how others treat you.  But we aren’t.  We seek to even scores.  We prove that we are no better than anyone else.  No one is righteous.  No one is superior.  No one wins God’s favor because of behavior, background, status, or ethnicity.  As St. Paul reminds us, “There is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:22-23).    

     This is why all people need a Savior, and Jesus is the Savior of the nations.  He has come for the benefit of all.  Jesus has kept justice and done righteousness.  Jesus did not show favoritism in how he treated others.  Jesus was gracious to synagogue leaders and prostitutes.  Jesus had mercy on Samaritans and Romans as well as Jews.  Even that Canaanite woman who pleaded for mercy found it.  Jesus tested her to coax a confession of faith out of her.  She held Jesus to his promises, knowing that he is merciful.  And Jesus was and granted healing to her daughter.

     Jesus also kept justice.  Justice is that the guilty pay the price for their guilt.  So, Jesus took upon himself the guilt of us all.  He bore the sins of the whole world, leaving no one out.  For, Jesus is the Savior of all people of all nations.  Isaiah foretold, “Soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed” (Isaiah 56:1).  The good news of great joy which is for all people is that salvation is revealed in Jesus.  Jesus is the Savior of the nations.

     Only Jesus can satisfy the demands of God’s justice.  As true man, Jesus was obligated to keep the Law of God.  As true man, Jesus was able to die for breaking God’s Law.  Jesus did both—keeping the Law for us and dying under God’s Law for us.  As true God, Jesus did both behalf of the whole world.  Bearing the guilt of all, Jesus bore the punishment of the guilty.  Jesus suffered the curse of God for sins of feeling superior to others, for sins of excluding others, and for sins of treating others with contempt.  Jesus endured the curse of God for the sins of all people.  Therefore, the curse has been lifted from you.  In exchange, Jesus’ righteousness has been put upon you.  There is no other salvation.  There is no other source of forgiveness.  There is no hope except through Jesus.  Jesus is the Savior of the nations.

     Since Jesus has saved you completely, there are no second-class Christians.  There is no such thing as a better or a worse Christian.  If we think this way, we are basing our thoughts on people’s behavior, or perhaps on how long someone has been a Christian.  But salvation is not determined by behavior or tenure any more than it is determined by ethnicity or culture.  Salvation is based on Jesus.  His righteousness covers you.  That means you are blameless before the Father in heaven.  Isaiah foretold, “Soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed” (Isaiah 56:1).  That has been completed by Jesus.  He is the Savior of the nations.

     Jesus has also converted your minds and hearts to love God’s word.  You not only love the good news of great joy which delivers forgiveness and salvation, you also love the Law of God which shows you what is good.  And you love God’s Law not only in theory (“Wouldn’t it be great if everyone lived this way?”), but also in practice (“Holy Spirit, give me strength to live this way every day”).  Therefore, you are the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.  You have been joined to the Lord as his chosen people.  You minister to the Lord, and you are his servants.  For, in everything you do, you bear his name and strive to give him glory.  You love the name of the Lord and declare his goodness.  You keep his Sabbath by resting from our labors and gathering in God’s house so that God may serve you.  You receive his blessing, his mercy, his encouragement, and his peace.

     This is good news of great joy which is still for all the people.  It is not limited to us; therefore, we want to be sure that this word is not limited by us.  We declare God’s good news to as many as we can.  Jesus is the Savior of the nations, and there are many nations who have settled in among us.  Jesus is eager to have mercy upon all—black, Hispanic, Indian, Japanese, and even white people.  Nobody rejects God’s word because they have a different skin tone, come from a different culture, or have a different accent.  If people reject God’s word, it is because they are ensnared in sin.  The only way people are set free from sin and death is through Jesus.  And the only way people will know about Jesus and his deliverance is if they are told.  Isaiah said, “Soon my salvation will come (and it comes only through Jesus), and my righteousness be revealed” (Isaiah 56:1) (and it is revealed only by God’s word). 

     Isaiah had declared God’s plan: “The foreigners who join themselves to the Lord … these I will bring to my holy mountain” (Isaiah 56:6,7).  God brings people into his kingdom.  We don’t know whom God will bring in.  We only know that God’s word is the only way people are brought in.  The word which sustains our faith is the same word which will instill faith into the hearts of many.  Therefore, we will make known the good news of great joy because it is for all the people: Jesus is the Savior of the nations, and he desires all to be saved.

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

Sermon -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost (August 28, 2022)

From the Pen of St. Paul

COLOSSIANS 3:12 – 4:2

WE ARE CLOTHED WITH CHRIST.

In the name + of Jesus.

     St. Paul reminds you of your status as one who has been baptized.  He wrote to the Galatians, “as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).  You are clothed with Christ which means that Jesus’ innocence covers your guilt.  Jesus’ blood and righteousness are your beauty, your glorious dress.  When God the Father sees you, he sees Christ.  Therefore, God’s favor rests upon you. 

     But your baptism is more than just a change in your status.  We sing along with King David in Psalm 51: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).  Baptism produces a clean heart which is focused on what is pure.  It creates a right spirit which is devoted to righteousness.  Baptism clothes us with  Christ and works a change in our minds, hearts, words, and actions.  We want to be like Jesus because his righteousness covers us, and his name is upon us.

     St. Paul wrote to the Colossians about the old sinful nature being taken off like a ratty, filthy garment and about the new man being put on who is being restored to the image of God.  The metaphor of putting on a new garment continues in our reading.  “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).  St. Paul tells us to put these characteristics on because they are not inherent in us.  But now we are a new creation in Christ; this is what we were created to be, and what we are restored to be.

     There is a bumper sticker which says, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”  We would agree with that.  But the fact that people have to be told to be kind betrays the fact that many people are not.  Restaurants and shops are posting notes to remind customers that they are short-staffed and ask them not to get angry at the people who did show up for work.  The fact that such notes are necessary tells you what kind of behavior they are experiencing.  People are demanding, rude, and arrogant.  They cut people with sharp tongues and pour bitter words into the wounds they have made.   

     That’s not to say we are above it.  We are impatient when we have to wait for attention.  We become unkind when our schedule gets interrupted.  We are short on compassion: “My problems matter; yours don’t bother me at all.”  It is a daily battle against our sinful nature.  Therefore, put off these sinful traits like a ratty garment and dress yourself with godliness.  This goes way beyond, “Be kind.” 

     St. Paul says, “If one has a complaint against another, [forgive] each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13).  Our natural reaction when people sin against us is to retaliate.  We favor vengeance over mercy.  And you might argue, “They don’t deserve my forgiveness.”  That is true.  We judge rightly when we recognize that sin is wrong.  We should not tell anyone who sins against us, “It’s okay,” because it is not.  Sin is never okay.  Mercy is never deserved.  Forgiveness, by its definition, is not deserved; it is graciously given.  We are clothed with Christ; therefore, we also act like Christ who has freely forgiven us.

     Our Lord did not choose to save sinners because we have earned or deserved it.  He did it because he loves us.  He loves all mankind.  He does not want anyone to perish.  God the Father sent his Son to deliver us from fiery punishment because he loves us.  The Son came willingly because he loves us.  Jesus lived in meekness and humility among people who flaunted superiority over others.  He had compassion for people who did not show mercy to anyone.  Then Jesus accepted every charge of guilt despite his perfect innocence.  All this because Jesus came for all to redeem all.

     So, Jesus went to the cross for all people—for those who loved him and for those who hated him; for those who spoke well of him and for those who slandered him; for those who were eager to listen to him and for those who wanted him to shut up.  Jesus’ love for mankind is not determined by how well mankind behaves or responds to him.  Out of his steadfast love for all, Jesus died to deliver all out of the curse of sin and the sentence to hell.  Jesus made the sacrifice which pays for the sins of the world, even though many in the world still do not care and, sadly, will not benefit.  But the Lord has made you wise for salvation.  By faith that trusts in Christ alone, you are cleansed of sin and arrayed in a robe of righteousness.  You are clothed with Christ.

     So now, continue to shed whatever filth tries to stain you and put on the godly qualities which the Lord has always intended you to have.  “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14).  Love is not an emotion; it is the policy.  It is committing yourself to doing what is good for others.  As it was with Jesus, so it is with us: We will do good no matter what.  If people do not notice, do not care, or do not like it, we will do good.  When it is hard, costly, or when we just don’t feel like it, we will do good.  Just as Jesus’ behavior was based on his love and not on people’s response, so it is with us.  We are clothed with Christ, and we strive to act like little Christs to the world.

     Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “The most important (commandment) is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).  Our Lord not only gives us the commandment, he also gives us the neighbors whom we are to love. 

     St. Paul instructs us to serve in our various vocations—wives and husbands, children and parents, bondservants and masters (we would update this to be “employees” and “employers”).  In these and in all other vocations, we get to exercise “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience” (Colossians 3:12), forgiveness, and love.  To be kind, there must be someone to show kindness to.  To be patient, there must be someone to be patient with.  To have a compassionate heart, there must be someone to show compassion toward.  So, we put down our cell phones and look others in the eye to listen to their concerns.  We put our task on pause to give our full attention to the request of others and show consideration.  We acknowledge that our problems are not the only problems, and we help others to bear the burden of theirs.  In all our interactions with other people, whether they are noble or wicked, we are clothed with Christ.  The way we treat others reflects the way Jesus Christ has treated us.

     Now to be sure, some people make it hard to do this.  As Major Frank Burns once said, “It’s nice to be nice to the nice.”  But it is hard to be kind to those who are rude.  It is hard to show patience to the one who keeps messing up.  It is hard to remain humble when you listen to the one who brags about how great he is.  And it is hard to have compassion for people who do not seem to have compassion for anyone else.  Perhaps you heard about the story of the restaurant in northern Michigan which closed because of the customers who were so demanding and demeaning to the staff who was working there.  When the owner of the restaurant witnessed how badly her employees were being abused by the customers, she decided that no profit was worth what they had to put up with.  She evicted the customers and closed her doors.  And who could blame her?

     So, what would motivate you to keep putting on “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience” (Colossians 3:12), forgiveness, and love?  St. Paul answers the question for you: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:15-16). 

     It is the Lord Jesus who fills you with his peace.  He continues to be faithful to you.  He does not cast you off because you had your own moments when you were impatient, rude, and condescending.  He forgives all your sins because he has paid for them.  It is the Lord Jesus who works in you a clean heart and right spirit so that you love what is good and desire to do it, even for people who are not good.  For, the love of Christ which dwells in us is based on his undying love for us.  Love gives.  Love seeks what is good for others, regardless of what other people do. 

     We are clothed with Christ.  We all are.  Therefore, we all encourage one another to continue in purity of mind and spirit.  We admonish one another so that we will not embrace sinful desires for pride, revenge, or superiority.  Rather, we encourage one another with the word of Christ, with songs that teach the faith, and with prayers.  Of course, to do that, we have to be together.  We are here for the good of each other, and we are here so that our Lord will continue to preserve us in the faith and prepare us for acts of kindness, patience, compassion, forgiveness, and love.

     We are clothed with Christ.  We are perpetually clothed with Christ.  There is never a time when you are not a Christian.  That means there is never a time when you are excused from doing good or allowed to embrace wickedness.  If we are clothed with Christ, then we always seek to have the mind and the heart of Christ.  Likewise, there is also never a moment when the blood of Jesus Christ fails to purify you of all sins.  There is never a moment when the Holy Spirit abandons you.  There is never a moment when God the Father hesitates to call you his “chosen ones, holy and beloved” (Colossians 3:12).  Whether you are with your family or your colleagues at work, whether you are traveling or at home, whether you are among friends or strangers, whether you live or die—you are clothed with Christ.

     Therefore, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).  Whatever you do, whatever you say, however you act, wherever you go, do everything in the name of the Lord—because you always bear his name.  He is pleased to call you his chosen, holy, and beloved.  You rejoice to call him your Savior.

     We are clothed with Christ.  This holy garment marks us as the Lord’s now and forever.  And so, let us join in our hymns to encourage one another with this promise and confession: Jesus, your blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress.  With these before my God I’ll stand when I shall reach the heavenly land. 

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

Sermon -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost (September 1, 2019)

GENESIS 15:1-6

FAITH TAKES GOD AT HIS WORD.

In the name + of Jesus.

     The letter to the Hebrews defines faith this way:  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)  This description of faith leads people to conclude that Christians are delusional people, as if we believe in made up things.  Archie Bunker once described faith this way: “Faith is believing something so ridiculous that no one in his right mind would believe it's true!” (Quotation found in “Taking Truth Next Door,” by David Faust, p 140)  But faith is not merely wishful thinking.
     Ironically, people do often find solace in wishful thinking.  When someone is going through hard times, you might hear someone say, “Don't fret.  Things will get better.”   But how do you know things will get better?  On what do you base this assertion?  It is a nice idea, but these sentiments are wishful thinking.  The Christian faith is not wishful thinking.  We have an assurance of things hoped for because God promises them.  These promises were backed by Jesus.  Jesus declared the Scriptures to be the very word of God.  The sign he gave to claim his authority was that he would be crucified and then rise from the dead on the third day.  He did exactly that.  This is no fairy tale or myth.  It is a historical fact verified by the preaching, ink, and blood of the apostles.  Jesus gives us a promise which gives us our hope.  His death and resurrection make us sure of these things.  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)  Faith takes God at his word.
     Our Old Testament lesson focuses on the faith of Abraham.  It says: “(Abraham) believed the LORD.” (Genesis 15:6)  A little background helps us to understand why this is remarkable.  When Abraham was 75 years old and his wife Sarah was 65, God called Abraham to leave his home and his homeland and to go to a land God would show him.  Abraham took God at his word.  Abraham headed out in a direction, but did not know his destination.  A few years later, Abraham settled in Canaan.
     God spoke to Abraham again and swore that he would give to Abraham and his offspring the land of Canaan as his possession.  Abraham had no offspring.  He lived in tents, not in a city.  There was no evidence that Abraham would become a nation or possess all the land.  Still, Abraham took God at his word. 
     Abraham had a nephew, Lot, who had moved to Sodom.  Lot was taken captive with the citizens of Sodom, Gomorrah, and other towns.  Abraham rescued all the people from their captors.  When the King of Sodom gave Abraham permission to keep the booty he had rightfully won, Abraham refused.  He stated, “I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” (Genesis 14:22-23)  Abraham denied riches that were rightfully his, and he lived in the open fields without protection against future invaders.  It looked and felt like a hard life.  Nevertheless, Abraham believed the LORD. (Genesis 15:6)  Faith takes God at his word, even when the evidence says we should not.
     God appeared to Abraham again, right after the rescue of Lot and the meeting with the King of Sodom.  After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” (Genesis 15:1)  God told Abraham not to worry about threats from enemies or lack of wealth from kings.  God would be his shield.  He would defend Abraham and protect his life.  For God had promised Abraham that he and his descendants would possess the land of Canaan.  More than that, God had promised to bring the Savior through Abraham's son.  God would defend and protect that promise.  Abraham could trust that, and he did.  In addition, the wealth of kings and kingdoms did not matter.  Kings die.  Kingdoms rise and fall.  But the Lord would be Abraham's reward.  He establishes a kingdom that endures forever.  Abraham believed the LORD.  It did not matter if the evidence suggested differently.  Faith takes God at his word.
      Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for.... (Hebrews 11:1)  We may hope that God will do a lot of different things for us.  Certainly we can pray for all of them.  But in order to have assurance of what we hope for, God actually has to promise it.  Sadly, many Christians have abandoned the Christian faith.  They claim that God failed them.  They were convinced that God would do what they hoped for—that he would resolve problems, that he would cure diseases, that he would eliminate debt, and that he would deliver a loved one from death.  And when it did not happen, they concluded that the Christian faith is a disappointing lie.  The problem is not that God failed on his promises; the problem is that people hold God to promises he did not make.  We have no assurance that God will do something he has not promised to do.  Our wishes are not the same as God's word, no matter how badly we want our wishes to come true.
     In order for us to be assured of the things hoped for, we need to know the things that are promised.  Abraham had a very specific promise from God.  (The LORD) brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (Genesis 15:5)  All the evidence told Abraham that this would not happen.  Nevertheless, Abraham believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)  Abraham believed the word of the Lord, because faith takes God at his word.  Our faith is not based on what we see.  Our assurance is not based on what we feel.  Our hope is based on the words and promises of God.  Faith takes God at his word.
     Why?  Because God has proved himself faithful.  God loves you.  Now, many will say that God loves us and even assume that God forgives our sins.  But if you don't know why God does this, this is wishful thinking too.  God does not overlook sins, which is what most people assume.  Others assume that their sins aren't sins or that their sins are not serious.  Again, that is wishful thinking.  It is based on nothing.
     To have hope, comfort, and peace, you have to be sure of what you hope for.  And your assurance is this: God demonstrated his love in sending his Son, Jesus, to redeem sinners.  Jesus does not overlook sins; he pays for them.  Jesus came to make himself a sin offering for you.  He told his disciples several times before the fact that he would go to Jerusalem, be put to death, and then rise from the dead on the third day.  And he did exactly that.  Jesus' sufferings and death are the payment for your sins.  Jesus' resurrection is the proof that his payment is both complete and acceptable to God.  Therefore, you are forgiven—not because you want to be.  That is wishful thinking.  That is faith based on nothing.  You are forgiven because Jesus has taken away your sin, conquered death, and lives and reigns to guarantee your salvation.  That is God's authoritative word, based in historic fact.
     Faith takes God at his word.  (Abraham) believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)  By faith, Abraham was saved.  That does not mean his life all of a sudden got easy.  He still faced challenges, and the evidence of his life still gave him reason to wonder if God was really going to keep his word.  But God's promises stood.  And they stand for you, too.  God's promises give you a hope you can be sure of.  The Lord has eliminated the debt of your sin; you are forgiven.  The Lord has overcome your enemies of sin, death, and the devil; they cannot harm you.  The Lord will eventually bring you perfect healing of every ailment; there is no pain or sickness in heavenly glory.  And you will finally be delivered from death; for we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting.  Meanwhile, even with the hardships you face in this life, you have this promise: We know that for those who love God all things work together for good.... (Romans 8:28)  It may not always be clear how things are for your good.  What God has in mind may not match your idea of what “good” looks like.  But God has made the promise.  You can be sure of it; for faith takes God at his word.
     These are not cross-your-fingers, make-a-wish dreams.  This is the Christian hope—proclaimed by God, backed by a crucified and risen Savior, and sealed in your baptism.  Faith takes God at his word, and holds him to it.  Such faith saves you and accounts you as righteous before God.  It is a hope you can be sure of, and whoever hopes in Jesus will never be put to shame.

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

Sermon -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost (August 12, 2018)

EPHESIANS 4:25 – 5:2

WE BUILD EACH OTHER UP, BY GRACE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     These verses from Ephesians could be summed up rather simply.  You can take them to mean, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39); or you could even take it one step higher and quote Jesus who said, “Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)  Jesus wants the perfect, selfless love he has for us to be demonstrated among each other too.  “For we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25)  We are to be reconciled to each other.  We are to strive for each other's good.  We are to build each other up, by grace.
     If there is one phrase in here that sounds bizarre, it is this one: “Be angry and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26)  The fact is that we are all sinners.  Given enough time, we will prove it by sinning against one another.  We each have our own agendas, and we get absorbed in them.  As a result, we either belittle or ignore the needs and concerns of others.  It puts a strain on relationships—colleagues, family, and fellow members of the church.  And when you are sinned against, you will become angry.
     Our Lord knows what it is to be angry.  As much as we think of Jesus as a friend of sinners and as one who loved even the outcasts, he had more personality than a plush toy.  Jesus grew angry.  When the priests had allowed the temple to be turned into a stockyard, Jesus angrily drove out the money changers and sellers of animals.  After frequent attempts to call the Pharisees to repent of their self-righteousness, Jesus finally devoted Matthew chapter 23 to stern judgment against them.  Even Jesus' apostles did not escape his anger.  When mothers were bringing their toddlers to Jesus, the disciples shooed them away, as if to say, “No, no.  Jesus is too important to be bothered by them.”  But Jesus became indignant with them.  He rebuked his disciples and summoned the children to come to him.  Jesus grew angry over sinful assumptions, stubborn pride, and selfish ambitions, but he did not sin in his anger.  Zeal for God's house, God's truth, and God's mercy consumed him.  Jesus' anger was directed at anyone who stood in the way of these things being given to others.
     You and I, however, do not have such pure motives in our anger.  When we we feel the sting of someone's sin against us, we are not motivated by love for the one who has sinned against us.  We do not want reconciliation, but revenge.  We tell others how we were wronged.  Whether our story is accurate or enhanced, we enlist friends to despise the person who wronged us—thereby wronging that person.  Rather than reconcile, we divide.  Rather than build up, we destroy.  Our anger usually turns to sin.  It brings harm to others, and often to ourselves as well.  And it gives the devil an opportunity to lead us into even greater sins.  Repent.
     Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)  St. Paul reminds us that sins which are left to fester will not go away or get better.  They are like a tick on your leg.  It is a problem that must be dealt with and removed, because once it burrows in, it does greater damage.  Husbands and wives probably know this better than anyone.  When they have a disagreement about something, they may try to pretend it does not matter.  They ignore their issues and their feelings.  But the anger and resentment build until they are having an all-out shouting match about where the toothpaste gets squeezed or which way the toilet paper should hang on the roll.  Finally, neither can breathe right without the other finding fault.  Their sins against God and each other continue to mount.  And while they may want to be reconciled, they would much rather be right.  It happens similarly in friendships and in congregations.
     Holding on to grudges may make you feel superior, but grudges do not cure anything.  Grudges keep the wound open.  Worse, grudges destroy.  They give an opportunity to the devil to seize us.  They grieve the Holy Spirit.  A sinful spirit and the Holy Spirit cannot dwell together in the same heart.  If we allow our sins to fester, take root, and harden us, the Holy Spirit will finally have to depart—for it means that we love our anger and our sin more than we love our neighbor and more than the Lord who calls us to forgive, to seek the good of others, and to build each other up.  Sin that is not dealt with destroys much more than friendships and marriages; it destroys faith.  Repent.
     Dear Christian friends, we are all sinners, but we are also all joined together into one body.  Jesus did not join us to his body because we are justified in our anger.  On the contrary, Jesus has every right to be angry with us for our sinful self-importance.  Jesus could tear us down for exalting ourselves, and he would be right to do so.  But rather than execute his righteous judgment, Jesus seeks our reconciliation.  Rather then destroy us, Jesus seeks to build us up.  Jesus came into this world with an agenda—to save sinners.  Jesus made you his top priority.  Jesus saved you from God's righteous anger.  He humbled himself to exalt you.  He was destroyed to save you.  Jesus took the cup of God's wrath and consumed every last drop.  Jesus prayed over the agony in Gethsemane, and was consumed by this agony at Golgotha.  But even as Jesus suffered in innocence and was punished for sins he did not commit, he did not sin.  He did not get angry that he had to endure this for you.  He does not get angry that you now because you continue to need forgiveness from him.  Jesus' love for you is constant.  He does not hold a grudge, and he does not seek revenge.  He forgives all your sins.  He reconciles you to the Father.  He seeks your highest good.
     Jesus has brought you into his Church, which is his body.  And he has joined you to others whom he has labored to save.  To Jesus, these others are as precious as you are.  For, they have been purchased by his innocent blood.  And that innocent blood is given to each of us to strengthen and keep us in the body together.  The cup which our Lord gives to us now is the cup of blessing, given for our good.  By it, Jesus builds us up—in faith to him and in love for one another.  For, it is by this grace that we are motivated to love each other, as St. Paul says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
     We build each other up, by grace.  For we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)  If part of your body was in pain, you would not want to dismember that part of your body.  You would want to seek relief for the pain so that your body would be sound again.  In the same way, you should not be willing to cut off those whom God has joined to you.  If one has sinned against you, love will seek his good.  You may put the best construction on his words and actions.  For, you don't know if his thoughts are consumed with an ailing brother or with a lost job.  If someone sins against you, they need your prayers more than your anger.  On the other hand, love may require you to correct him.  It is not loving to say, “Well, my neighbor has stolen from me.  I suppose he needs it more than I do, so I will not bother him about this.”  It is not love to let someone become hardened in his sin.  Love demands that we seek each other's good.  And that includes upholding God's word to him.  It is not love to let your fellow member violate the Commandments and to stand by as if it does not matter.  Love will seek to reconcile your neighbor to God and then to each other.  The body of Christ is not built up by ignoring each other's sins, but by the Lord absolving us of what is wicked and directing us to what is good.  The body is built up by the mercies and grace of Christ alone.
     We build each other up, by grace.  We uphold Jesus Christ to each other as the one who has saved us from our sin and from every emotion that comes from our sins.  We uphold Christ by acting toward another as little christs.  We seek each other's good with our words and actions.  We put away falsehood for truth.  We put off anger for compassion.  We forsake revenge for reconciliation.  And we empty ourselves for the building up of each other.  In this way, you become imitators of God, as beloved children. (Ephesians 5:2)  In this way, you honor your God, even as you reflect his love for one another.

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

Sermon -- 12th Sunday after Pentecost (August 27, 2017)

ROMANS 9:1-8

YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN 

BY MEANS OF A 

GRACIOUS PROMISE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Paul of Tarsus was an Israelite, a Jew.  He could trace his lineage to the tribe of Benjamin.  He had been chosen by God to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and was chosen to be an apostle to the Gentiles for Jesus Christ.  Yet, he was grieved that his fellow Jews, by and large, were not disciples of Jesus Christ.  Paul was bothered that anyone would perish outside of Christ, but he is understandably bothered all the more that his fellow countrymen would perish because they rejected Jesus.  There is no other Savior.  There is no other source of forgiveness.  No one else delivers from death or opens the gates of heaven.  So, if anyone does not believe in Jesus alone, he dies in his sin and his lost.
     The Israelites boasted that they were the chosen people.  The Jews today still boast that.  But if anyone should boast that they are chosen, you should ask the question: chosen for what?
     Prior to Abraham, God extended a promise to the world: A Savior would come.  The promise did not tell anyone where the Savior would come from, when he would come, or how we could know him.  But then God chose Abraham.  God pinpointed the promise to one man and his offspring.  The Savior would come through Abraham.  That promise was repeated to Isaac, and then to Jacob whose name God changed to Israel.  That is why the Old Testament devotes most of its attention to the nation of Israel.  They were chosen by God from all the nations on the earth to be his own.  They were chosen by means of a gracious promise.
     St. Paul declares what Israel was chosen for.  They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.  To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. (Romans 9:4-5)  They were chosen to be the people through whom the Savior would come into the world.  For that reason, the Lord gave specific decrees to Israel.  The law of Moses gave Israel a culture and customs which were distinct from all other nations to keep them separate so that God's promise would be preserved.  The Lord instructed the Israelites how to worship him so that they would always know that salvation comes from innocent blood being shed on behalf of the guilty.  God chose Israel by means of a gracious promise so that the salvation of the world would come through them and so that they themselves would benefit from God's gracious promise.
     When someone is chosen, there is a tendecy to boast about it.  If you are chosen first for the baseball team, you assume it is because you are better than all the others.  This is now how God's choosing works.  Israel was not chosen because of anything they did.  God did not chose Israel because they were bigger or stronger, because they were better, or because they deserved it.  They were chosen by means of a gracious promise.
     The fact is, the Israelites proved repeatedly that they were sinners.  When the Lord gave his Law at Mt. Sinai, God thundered from the dark cloud on the mountain, “You shall have no other gods.” (Exodus 20:3)  The Israelites responded, “All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do.” (Exodus 24:3)  And yet, just over a month later, the Israelites made a golden calf to worship right under God's nose.  The story repeats throughout the Old Testament.  Israel was a sinful, stubborn, and rebellious people.  Nevertheless, God was faithful to his gracious promise—not because they deserved it, but because God is gracious and desires the salvation of mankind.  God sent the Savior he had promised.
     That Savior is the Jewish man, Jesus of Nazareth.  God's Son became a child of Abraham, an Israelite.  Jesus himself came by a word of promise.  The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary that she would conceive, and by that word, she did.  You are not saved by mere flesh and blood, but by God in the flesh who spilled out his holy blood for you.  Just as the Lord had directed Israel's worship, so it is with Jesus—his innocent blood was shed on behalf of the guilty.  And God attaches a promise to the bloodly sacrifice of Jesus: Whoever believes and his baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16:16)  Though God sent his Son through the nation of Israel, God sent his Son to be the Savor of all nations.  You have been saved by a gracious promise.
     Now, you have a great deal in common with the Old Testament Israelites.  For you are now a chosen people.  And again, we will consider the questions: chosen for what?
     You have been chosen by God to receive his good gifts and to be saved.  As it was with Israel, so it is with you.  God did not choose you because you are smarter, richer, or better than anyone else.  Like Old Testament Israel, we, too, prove that we are sinners.  We have been contolled by our greed, our lusts, and our pride.  We lie to others about ourselves and we lie about others to make ourselves look good.  We know what God has declared in his word, and we don't care.  We prefer our sins to holy obedience.  Like Old Testament Israel, we are a sinful, stubborn, and rebellious people.  We have no reason to boast.  We have not earned God's favor, but his curse.
     And yet, God chose you.  God chose you because he is good and gracious.  God chose you because he is a Redeemer and Savior, and it has pleased him to redeem you and save you.  He gave up his life as the price for you.  He has purchased and won you from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil.  Through Jesus, yours is the adoption.  You are children of God.  Through Jesus, yours is the glory.  You are heirs of heaven.  Through Jesus, yours is the worship.  Jesus comes to you through word and sacrament to bless, to comfort, and to save.  Through Jesus, yours is the new covenant in his blood by which he feeds you and sustains your faith.  Through Jesus, yours is the gracious promise which releases you of all guilt and gives you the resurrection to life everlasting.  God has chosen to proclaim his proimse to you to bestow his blessings upon you and to save you.  You are chosen by means of his gracious promise to be his people now and forever.
     God chose to do all the work to save you.  Jesus lived, suffered, died, and rose for you.  God sent people to proclaim his promises to you—whether from a pulpit, at your family's dinner table, or at a Lutheran school.  Through that preaching, the Holy Spirit planted faith in your heart to receive and to believe God's promises.  Through that preaching, God continues to sustain you in the true faith.  He does not do this because you were born in the right country, belong to the right family, or go to a WELS church.  He does this not because you are better—or even good.  He does this but because he is good and gracious.  You are chosen by means of God's gracious promise.
     Sadly, not all who have heard this message believe it or benefit from it.  St. Paul was grieved that his fellow Jews had forsaken the precious gifts once given to them.  “But,” St. Paul writes, “it is not as though the word of God has failed.  For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel,  and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.'”  This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. (Romans 9:6-8)  Since God has not withheld his promise, he has not denied his grace.  Sadly, many reject God's gifts because they do not hear or believe his word.  They are sinners who insist on remaining in their sin and call God a liar.  Be warned.  There is no room for boasting in ourselves.  Your place in God's kingdom is God's gracious work, not your birthright.
     God has revealed these good and gracious promises to you.  God has chosen you to be his own, and he longs to be your Savior forevermore.  Once again—not because you are better or have the right heritage.  You are chosen by God because he is good and gracious.  You have been chosen to display God's glory and declare his praise.  God's choosing of you is not a reason to boast, but it is certainly a reason to give thanks and to continue to hear God's promise.  By means of this promise, God reveals his grace.  By means of this promise alone, you are chosen for salvation.

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