Give thanks for your Spirit-given gifts.

 

Sermon for Pentecost, May 28, 2023

Grace, mercy, and peace be yours, forever, from God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

1 Corinthians 12:3-11  ³Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by God’s Spirit says, “A curse be upon Jesus,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.  ⁴There are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  ⁵There are various kinds of service, and yet the same Lord.  ⁶There are various kinds of activity, but the same God, who produces all of them in everyone.  ⁷Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  ⁸To one person a message of wisdom is given by the Spirit; to another, a message of knowledge, as the same Spirit provides it; ⁹by the same Spirit, faith is given to someone else; and to another, the same Spirit gives healing gifts.  ¹⁰Another is given powers to do miracles; another, the gift of prophecy; another, the evaluating of spirits; someone else, different kinds of tongues; and another, the interpretation of tongues.  ¹¹One and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them to each one individually as he desires. (EHV)

Give thanks for your Spirit-given gifts.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

            The celebration of Pentecost has been known to bring mixed reactions among people.  On the one hand, we are very glad that the Holy Spirit is working in the world.  On the other hand, though, more than a few people begin to feel left out as they hear about the mighty deeds the Holy Spirit enabled among Jesus’ apostles.  In their angst as they ponder the Scriptures’ descriptions of what the Holy Spirit gave, some enthusiasts have even decided, in error, that a person isn’t really a Christian unless he is able to speak in tongues or do some other miraculous sign. 

Yet, as the Holy Spirit makes manifestly clear through Paul’s writing, the fantastic signs aren’t the main gifts of the Spirit.  In fact, Paul wrote, “If there are prophetic gifts, they will be done away with; if tongues, they will cease.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)  Thus clearly, the main gifts of the Holy Spirit are those you already enjoy and for which we all do well to Give thanks for your Spirit-given gifts.

As we gather around God’s Word to be served with the word and Sacraments by the Lord who gave His life for us, we can, in the first place, give thanks to the Holy Spirit for bringing us to faith in Jesus.  Apart from the work of the Spirit in the Gospel and Sacraments, none of us would know Jesus nor believe in Him, as Paul reminds us saying, “Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by God’s Spirit says, “A curse be upon Jesus,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.”  We believe in Jesus as our Savior because the Holy Spirit has worked that confidence in our hearts through the hearing of the Gospel and the amazing power of the Word in Baptism.

Concerning the Spirit, perhaps the most widespread problem among Christians is that we don’t always recognize the gifts He gives us.  Far too often, we view what God has given us as a problem, or perhaps an irritation.  Paul wrote, “There are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.”  But, how many of us have complained about a requirement to do something with or for the Lord?  Go to church to worship; God wouldn’t force us to do that every Sunday, would He?  But what a gift of the Spirit that we can gather in God’s presence to receive His blessing!  Forgive that jerk who causes me so much trouble.  Really?  Do I have to?  Overlook the offense when my spouse hurts my feelings?  How about my brother or sister, or a brother in the faith?  Do I have to forgive all of them, always?

Are you beginning to see how ungrateful for the gifts of the Spirit we can be?  By this letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us of how great the many spiritual gifts we have been given truly are: he wrote, “There are various kinds of service, and yet the same Lord.  There are various kinds of activity, but the same God, who produces all of them in everyone.”  Do we serve God and our neighbor when we forgive sin?  How else will forgiveness be shared with the sinner if we don’t do it? 

Before He went to the cross to suffer and die for all of us, Jesus promised His disciples, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)  Then, on Easter Sunday after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus met those same scared, timid disciples in the upper room, “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.  Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’” (John 20:22-23)  The greatest gift of the Spirit given to each of us is the gift of forgiveness and that we can freely forgive others.

Now, maybe you are one of the many who thinks God has shortchanged you with His gifts.  Many of us think we don’t speak well, or we don’t speak a foreign language, or we don’t have enough money to share, or we don’t know how to help.  Many times, we are more worried about offending our neighbor than actually reaching out with the great blessing we have been given with faith in Christ Jesus.  However, denying the accusation of anyone who says he hasn’t been blessed, the Holy Spirit says, “Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 

To the Ephesian congregation Paul wrote, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)  Do you still want to claim a lack of gifts to use to help others?  Check the record of life.  Can you pray?  Do you have a job in which you serve others?  Are you a farmer growing food for the world?  A care giver for a loved one, or a stranger?  Every task on the face of the earth is there because God intends you to be a blessing to someone.  These too are gifts of the Spirit to us.  Use those gifts to God’s glory.

Paul elaborated on the gifts of the Spirit: “To one person a message of wisdom is given by the Spirit; to another, a message of knowledge, as the same Spirit provides it; by the same Spirit, faith is given to someone else; and to another, the same Spirit gives healing gifts.  Another is given powers to do miracles; another, the gift of prophecy; another, the evaluating of spirits; someone else, different kinds of tongues; and another, the interpretation of tongues.”  And yes, some of these gifts seem especially supernatural, but what about those that seem ordinary?  Do you have faith in Jesus?  That is a gift of the Holy Spirit.  How will you use your faith to bring glory to God? 

I can easily answer that question—you live in that faith day by day, and by the witness to the world your faith in Jesus gives, you proclaim God’s love.  Whether spoken out loud or seen in your day-to-day activities, by your faith you Give thanks for your Spirit-given gifts.  I tell you that faith in Jesus always produces works, even if we don’t recognize it at the time.  Jesus told His disciples, “I am the Vine; you are the branches.  The one who remains in me and I in him is the one who bears much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)  Likewise, Paul assures us, “One and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them to each one individually as he desires.” 

What knowledge has God given you?  The ability to teach a child or grandchild?  Solomon wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)  Might you have the ability to help a struggling neighbor?  Do you have opportunity to invite a hurting friend to experience the comfort of the Gospel?  Do you know someone who is struggling with the troubles and sorrows of this world, for whom the promise of forgiveness and salvation might be just what he or she needs to hear?  Might you be able to arrange a meeting between that person and your pastor?

Most of us would likely say we don’t have the gift of prophecy.  However, if you know Jesus and what He has done for you, you have the message of God’s mercy that you can share with someone afflicted with guilt.  Since you know that Jesus has won the victory over Satan, sin, and death, you have God’s promise of eternal life for those who believe. 

In the minor sense, prophecy is simply telling a message from God.  What message from God are we equipped to share?  That is the purpose of a congregation and a synod.  We unite to share the truths of Scripture in a world desperate for help and healing.  In a world being torn apart by various groups attacking anyone of a different philosophy or political leaning, we have a message that will truly unite people, because we offer the unconditional grace of God in Christ Jesus.

It is sad to say, but the world has been divided since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit.  From that moment on, every person on the planet had a mutual enemy.  Unfortunately, we are born assuming that enemy is God, but the true enemy is the devil who divides us from the Lord and often from each other.  Yet, by God’s grace, we have the Scriptures that equip us for battle against that old, evil foe.  Therefore, for the gift of the Gospel and all the forgiveness and salvation it brings, we Give thanks for your Spirit-given gifts.  You see, it is through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, well equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  Likewise, through the Spirit, St. Peter writes accordingly, “No prophecy ever came by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were being carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21)

Dear friends, I know that my many questions, this morning, might leave you feeling inadequate or apprehensive about whether you have, or have not, used properly the gifts God has given you through the Holy Spirit.  However, for these shortcomings, also, Jesus died to take away your guilt.  That is the promise of the Gospel which was brought to you by the Holy Spirit.  Your sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake.  Nothing you do, and nothing you fail to do will change that.  So, trust your Savior, and trust the promises the Holy Spirit brings to you.  Go in peace today and every day knowing that Jesus is “the Way and the Truth and the Life.” (John 14:6)  In appreciation for all that your God and Savior has done, and continues to do for you daily, Give thanks for your Spirit-given gifts.  Amen.

Now to the King eternal, to the immortal, invisible, only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Follow the Glory greater than gold.

 

Sermon for Easter 7, May 21, 2023

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Acts 1:12-26  ¹²Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.  ¹³When they entered the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying.  Peter and John were there, also James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.  ¹⁴All of them kept praying together with one mind, along with the women, with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.  ¹⁵In those days, when the group there numbered about 120 people, Peter stood up among the brothers and said, ¹⁶“Gentlemen, brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David about Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.  ¹⁷Judas was counted as one of us and was given a share in this ministry.  ¹⁸“Now this man acquired a field with what he was paid for his wicked act.  When he fell headfirst, his middle burst open, and all his intestines spilled out.”  ¹⁹(This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, and so in their own language that field was called Akeldema, which means Field of Blood.)  ²⁰“Indeed, it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his residence be deserted.  Let there be no one dwelling in it.’  And, ‘let someone else take his position.’  ²¹“Therefore it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us during the entire time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²²beginning from his baptism by John until the day Jesus was taken up from us, become a witness with us of his resurrection.”  ²³They proposed two: Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus) and Matthias.  ²⁴Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.  Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”  ²⁶Then they assigned lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias.  So he was counted with the eleven apostles. (EHV)

Follow the Glory greater than gold.

Dear friends in the peace of Christ,

            In our text this morning, St. Luke, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, contrasts a disciple who lost everything in pursuit of his attraction to the glitter of silver, with other disciples who learned through their interactions with Jesus to Follow the Glory greater than gold.  By faith in Jesus, their hearts were set on what John would later affirm, “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Many people wonder why, if Jesus knew all things as the Son of God, He chose Judas to be a disciple.  Some argue that Jesus, in His humiliation, had set aside that knowledge, which could be possible.  Others claim that God predestined Judas to be damned.  However, God didn’t cause Judas to go astray, and in fact, there is ample evidence that Jesus knew long before Holy Week that Judas was turning against Him and would betray his teacher.  Indeed, our Lord reached out to Judas on several occasions seeking to draw him back into the fold, therefore showing that Jesus, like His Father in heaven, wanted to save Judas from his wickedness, just as He wants all people to be saved.  However, blinded by greed, Judas refused Christ’s loving intervention, and in this, also, all Scripture pointing to Christ is fulfilled. 

Jesus had appointed twelve men to be eyewitnesses to His work and resurrection, and during the forty days between His resurrection from the grave and His ascension to Heaven, Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)  Thus, Peter was led to recognize the importance of replacing their fallen associate.  Peter reminded his fellow believers that Judas, who had allowed his greed for money to lead him to destruction, needed to be replaced to fulfil the writing in the Psalms. 

By the time the events of our text took place, Judas’ betrayal of the Savior was public knowledge.  Peter stood up among the brothers and said, “Gentlemen, brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David about Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.  Judas was counted as one of us and was given a share in this ministry.  Now this man acquired a field with what he was paid for his wicked act.  When he fell headfirst, his middle burst open, and all his intestines spilled out.” (This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, and so in their own language that field was called Akeldema, which means Field of Blood.) 

Peter says Judas bought a field with his ill-gotten gains, which was Peter’s way of reminding his friends of how Judas gave up the sure hope of eternal glory and peace in exchange for nothing more than a few square feet of dirt in a cemetery purchased for foreigners with the coins Judas was paid to betray Jesus.  From the way Judas’ suicide is reported, it can be assumed that no one claimed his dead body, but that it hung there on the tree until it bloated and burst open.  Some unfortunate official likely had to deal with the corpse and buried it among the strangers.

Yet, Judas could have had everything.  Jesus taught His followers, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)  Furthermore, Jesus died for Judas also.  Time and again, Jesus had pleaded with Judas to turn away from his greed.  Then, even after his great sin, Judas could have been forgiven because God declared the whole world innocent for Jesus’ sake.  The riches of heaven were there for him, too, but when it finally hit Judas that he had betrayed his Lord, he could no longer hear Jesus’ plea: “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Unfortunately, dying without knowing what Jesus has done to save sinners happens to more people than we might possibly dare guess.  Therefore, because everyone needs to learn about Jesus, and He wants that Good News widely told, the Lord moved Peter to lead his fellow apostles to replace Judas in the apostolic team appointed to bear witness to Jesus’ resurrection.  Now, surely, Jesus’ resurrection would be just as certain with only eleven official witnesses to its truth.  Yet, how much better to know that even this tiny bit of obscure prophecy was fulfilled along with everything else God promised. 

The fact that Jesus rose on the third day is the clincher that proves He is exactly who He claimed to be and that everything God had promised through the Old Testament prophecies has been fulfilled in Jesus.  No one else could ever take His place; Jesus alone is the promised Messiah, because only Jesus could predict His death, and His resurrection from the dead, and make that second part come true.  Furthermore, Jesus provided twelve eyewitnesses to that facts of His triumph.  Even the one witness the devil enticed into destruction has been replaced by the loving Savior who gave His life for all.

Now, did you notice that it was the Lord Jesus who made the decision as to who replaced Judas?  Some might think Peter did it, or the disciples collectively.  However, at the urging of the Scriptures, the group was led to identify other eyewitnesses who had been with them and Jesus the whole time of His ministry on earth.  Out of all those who had followed Jesus for at least some time, they found two men who met the necessary qualifications.  Later writers confirm for us that these two were also among the seventy-two Jesus sent out to proclaim the Good News among the Jewish people.  Even at that, the disciples didn’t make the choice of which man should replace Jesus.  Rather, they left that decision to their Savior as they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart.  Show us which of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”  Then they assigned lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias.  So he was counted with the eleven apostles.

Jesus made the choice as to who would be the apostles to carry the Good News of His resurrection from the dead to the world.  Some might wonder what special quality these twelve men possessed that made Jesus pick them.  However, that may be a misguided question.  It wasn’t anything special about their talents that made Jesus choose these certain ones.  Rather, they are special because Jesus chose them, kept them close to Himself and faithful to Him through all the things that happened during His ministry here on earth.  Jesus chose them, taught them, and empowered them, because their testimony is especially important for you and me.

You see, our salvation rests on whether Jesus rose from the grave.  If Jesus didn’t rise to life on the third day as He promised He would, then the most He could be is a madman, or some insane dreamer who thought he could imitate God.  In that case, our faith would be completely futile and as Paul wrote, “we are the most pitiful people of all.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)  However, so that would not be the case, Jesus made His resurrection a certifiably true event.  Not only did Jesus rise from the grave as He had predicted He would, but He made sure there were plenty of eyewitnesses to report the event to the rest of the world, so that all of us could, likewise, enjoy the resurrection Jesus will one day bring to us.  He did nothing in secret.

My friends, Judas abandoned the apostolic ministry that would have given him eternal life.  For that foolish decision, he bought himself a grave of shame and an eternity in the devil’s prison.  Today, I urge you, instead, to Follow the Glory greater than gold.  As each of you go forward, continue to chose those things that keep you in the true Christian faith.  Whether the Lord blesses you with riches or poverty, good health or crippling disease, joy, sorrow, or persecution, keep your eyes focused on the resurrected Savior who came down from heaven to take on human flesh and live, suffer, die, and rise, alive again, for you. 

God’s Son became a Man so that He could win forgiveness and eternal life for you and for all.  Every decision the Father made, and every plan that was laid out to bring salvation to mankind was verified as true, certain, and complete when Jesus rose from the dead.  Jesus’ resurrection from the dead proclaims that your sins are forgiven—that is the testimony of the Scriptures.  Your Savior lives—this too is testified as true by the twelve competent eyewitnesses appointed for that purpose.  Despite hardship and trials, the apostles devoted their lives to spreading that Good News around the world, so that you and I and many others could learn of Jesus and be saved.

Naturally, you and I have just as much temptation around us as Judas had—maybe more.  If we should ever let greed take over our hearts, or lust, or hatred, or any other wicked desire, then we too are in danger of falling from God’s grace.  Therefore, so that you may enjoy the everlasting salvation Jesus has won for you, Follow the Glory greater than gold.  Follow the Savior who gave His life so that you may live and never die.  Devote yourself to prayer and Bible study all the days of your life.  Continue to gather with fellow believers, in prayer and thanksgiving, immersed in the Word of God’s grace, and partaking of the heavenly food of Jesus’ body and blood in the bread and wine freely given for the forgiveness of your sins.  Hear, again and again, the Good News that Jesus died to cover your guilt, but He now lives and reigns so that He can take you home to heaven in joyous peace. 

Jesus put those twelve men in place so that there can be no doubt about the truths of Scripture.  God’s Son entered our world to win a victory only He could gain.  Jesus lived in perfect holiness on behalf of all people.  Jesus died on a cross to pay for the sins of the world.  He died there for you and for me, but unlike every other person in the history of the world, Jesus rose again on the third day just as He had promised.  According to the report of the Holy Spirit, Jesus now lives for you and is returning to judge the world and to take home with Him to heaven all those who remain in the true Christian faith until the end.  For the peace only Jesus can give, Follow the Glory greater than gold.  Amen.

God be gracious to us and bless us; His face shine upon us.  Amen.

Jesus takes us from fear to joy.

 

Sermon for Ascension, May 18, 2023

Grace to you and peace from God our Father; “this same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven."  Alleluia! 

Jesus takes us from fear to joy. (Luke 24:44-53)

Dear friends in Christ,

            It was quite a ride, wasn’t it?  We went from the excitement of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem to the depths of agony as our dear Friend, the One in whom we had placed so much hope, was arrested, bound, and led to His death after suffering more bloody torture than we would ever have imagined.  Such terror afflicted us as He laid those three days in the grave, while we ran, hid, and worried that we were next on the hit list.  But then, what surprising, overwhelming joy filled us as He met us face to face, again, truly alive, one more.  It was quite a ride, wasn’t it? 

Did you come here tonight expecting to be treated as one of Jesus’ disciples?  Did you come here with the same courage, or lack thereof, that the eleven chosen men displayed?  Would you be offended, if I suggested that we have just as many fears as Jesus’ disciples showed in the days they kept themselves hidden behind a locked door in the upper room?  Please don’t be offended, though, for like those disciples, Jesus takes us from fear to joy.

It had now been forty days since Jesus rose from the grave.  In his Gospel, Luke doesn’t elaborate very much about those few weeks, but he reports on the last day; Jesus “said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’  And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.  Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’” (Luke 24:44-47)

With three short sentences, Luke sums up all the many appearances Jesus made to His chosen witnesses in those forty days.  St. Paul tells us that over five hundred people witnessed Jesus alive after His resurrection.  The various writers of the New Testament record just a few incidents in which Jesus further instructed and re-assured His followers, but those forty days, and the multiple appearances of our Lord, assure all generations to come that Jesus is, in fact, who He claimed to be, the Son of God and Man, and that everything He came to accomplish was now complete. 

The disciples Jesus hand-picked and taught for three years needed those forty days.  Their understanding of Christ and His mission had been weak at best.  Though oh so bold when Jesus was leading them, they lost all courage after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The guilt those men felt as they learned the true purpose for Christ’s time on earth paralyzed them.  They had been looking for a new king to lead the puny nation of Israel against the Roman horde.  They had expected Jesus to restore David’s kingdom and set up His disciples to have glory and honor among their peers.  No longer would they be just simple fisherman and tax collectors but the right-hand men of the King of Israel—oh how they had looked forward to that honor—until all appeared lost and fear set in.

But, how about you and me?  How much do we fear that we will never have honor among men?  You don’t worry about that, you say?  Then why do we worry about what others think of us?  Why do we worry that some enemy of our Lord might hurt or kill us?  For that matter, why do we ever worry about anything in this earthly life?

Most Christians will tell you that they aren’t afraid to die, but often, they will admit that they are afraid to suffer the pain of dying.  Does that sound like you and me?  Many Christians will tell you that they are not ashamed of Jesus, but then will also admit that they are afraid to tell, at least some, people about Him.  Why?  Why are we more afraid of not having the approval of our neighbors than of our Lord?  The answer is sin, so are we afraid God will judge us for saying the wrong thing?  Or that we won’t tell the good news of Jesus in just the right way?

Dear friends, Jesus takes us from fear to joy.  Jesus told His first followers, “You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48)  The twelve men, especially, had been given this privilege.  They got to see the promised Messiah face to face for three years, to walk with Him and talk with Him, to be built up in the faith, to be corrected when wrong and restored when they fell.  They were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ holy life, His innocent sacrifice, and ultimately, His resurrection from the grave on Easter morning. 

Three times Peter had denied Jesus, so three times Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep.  Jesus was lifting Peter up from his fear and guilt.  Jesus forgave Peter completely and restored him to the position of eyewitness and apostle that Jesus had intended him to be.  Remember how Jesus assured His disciples while He walked with them: "Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.  For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." (Luke 12:11-12)

Luke gives us a glimpse into the last moments the disciples spent in Jesus’ physical presence.  Jesus promised them, “‘Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.’  And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.  Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:49-51)  Just like that, Jesus disappeared from their sight.  However, they now understood that all their sins were forgiven, there was nothing to fear anymore, and Jesus would help them.

Jesus appointed His disciples to do the work His Father had planned for them from before time began, but still, Jesus wasn’t leaving them alone.  He wasn’t abandoning them to the terrors of the world.  Jesus had already promised His chosen ones, “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)  The Holy Spirit has certainly also come to you, because we are assured that “No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:3)

So much changed in those forty days!  Remember where Jesus found His disciples Easter Sunday evening—cowering in terror behind locked doors as they hid from the rulers of the temple, from the Roman authorities, and from anyone who might threaten them or connect them with Jesus.  But now, after forty days of resumed instruction from Jesus?  “It came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.  And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God.  Amen.” (Luke 24:51-53)  The disciples weren’t yet fully ready to go out into the world to proclaim what Jesus had done for them and for all people, but with great joy and public thanksgiving, they obeyed Jesus’ instructions to wait in Jerusalem for the Helper He promised to send. 

Notice, they didn’t wait in hiding.  The former cowardly ones were now bold in their faith.  Their confidence in Jesus was permanently restored.  The disciples worshiped the Lord God in word and deed.  They went boldly to the temple praising God who had saved them from sin and death.  While the disciples waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they spent their days singing praise to God in the presence of those whom they had formerly feared.  Having seen the resurrected Jesus, they no longer worried about what the Scribes and Pharisees could do to them.  They were no longer afraid of the Roman soldiers.  They knew Jesus had risen from the grave just as He promised He would.  Jesus lives, and all those ancient prophecies now made sense.  All the promises God had ever made to the nation of Israel were fulfilled.

Today, you and I are the witnesses.  Today, we are left here on earth to continue sharing the wonderful news of the Savior from sin and death.  Will we make mistakes?  Sure!  Will we grow weary at times?  No doubt.  Will we sometimes say things a little wrong?  Perhaps.  Will we offend the unbelievers around us?  Yes, certainly, but we can never do more harm than by not sharing Jesus at all, for without Him, people are already lost and condemned to spend eternity in the devil’s prison.

So, why would we be afraid?  Jesus makes the same promises to you and me that He made to His first disciples.  He sends His Spirit, the Comforter and Spirit of truth to each and every one of us through Baptism and through the hearing of His Word.  The Holy Spirit gave us the whole Bible to show us God’s plan of salvation and that Jesus has fully accomplished it, and Jesus promises to be with each of us every step of our way.  Most importantly, Jesus’ ascension to His Father’s side gives us the assurance that nothing in this world can ever really harm us.  The gates of heaven are open to those who believe.  The devil has been defeated.  The Gospel of Christ Jesus keeps Satan chained.  Oh, the devil can growl at us, tempt us with his lies and distortions, but Jesus holds out His hands to us, as to Thomas, saying, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29) 

The witnesses Jesus chose to spread the Good News assure us that Christ’s wounds were suffered for you and me.  The Old Testament prophets foretold who and what to look for.  They told us what the Messiah would do to make us right with God; the great suffering He would bear so we don’t have to.  The New Testament apostles teach us the fulfillment of all God has promised.

Before Jesus went to the cross to die for you and me, He told His disciples, “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 things that I said to 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 heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)  In our sermon text from Luke’s Gospel, we see the initial fulfillment of Jesus’ promise.  The disciples’ fear was gone.  In its place came bold faith, bold trust in everything written in the Bible, and bold confidence in the Savior and Redeemer of all.  That’s the legacy Jesus gives to those He has adopted into His family. 

It’s been quite a ride, hasn’t it?  Once, you and I were helpless sinners, afraid of God’s judgment, afraid to stand before Him.  Like Adam and Eve, we wanted to hide our shame.  Worse yet, we were even more afraid of what our neighbors thought about us, or what they might do to us, than we were of God’s wrath. 

Today, we no longer have to fear any of that for Jesus has made us His own beloved friends through faith.  By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament, Jesus gives each of us the assurance that His life and death is full satisfaction for all of our sins.  Christ’s resurrection and ascension show that our heavenly Father’s righteous demand for justice for all our crimes and offenses has been satisfied, and the Spirit They together send works faith in your hearts to believe it.

For Jesus’ sake, you and I and the whole world are declared innocent and free of all charges.  By His ascension to His Father’s side in heaven, and by His Father’s promise that all authority in heaven and on earth is now in Jesus’ hands, we are assured that we have nothing to fear. 

Our dear Friend and Savior is in control, working all things for the good of those who love Him, (Romans 8:28) interceding on our behalf for every sin, every error, every fear, every weakness, every frailty.  For as long as this world is allowed to continue, Jesus declares to us, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

The psalmist foresaw this day when he wrote, “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!   Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” (Psalm 47:1)  Jesus takes us from fear to joy.  Amen.

Now may the God of all grace, bless you and strengthen your faith with the peace of His Son, Jesus Christ, through the comfort and assurance of His Holy Spirit unto everlasting life.  Amen.

Live for good as Christ lived for you.

 

Sermon for Easter 6, May 14, 2023

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  By his great mercy he gave us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  Amen.

1 Peter 3:13-22  ¹³Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?  ¹⁴But even if you should happen to suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed.  Do not be afraid of what they fear, and do not be troubled.  ¹⁵But regard the Lord, the Christ, as holy in your hearts.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you.  ¹⁶But speak with gentleness and respect, while maintaining a clear conscience, so that those who attack your good way of life in Christ may be put to shame because they slandered you as evildoers.  ¹⁷Indeed, it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil, ¹⁸because Christ also suffered once for sins in our place, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.  He was put to death in flesh but was made alive in spirit, ¹⁹in which he also went and made an announcement to the spirits in prison.  ²⁰These spirits disobeyed long ago, when God’s patience was waiting in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.  In this ark a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water.  ²¹And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body but the guarantee of a good conscience before God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  ²²He went to heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. (EHV)

Live for good as Christ lived for you.

Dear redeemed and washed children of the Father,

            Did you ever try to mix oil and water?  They don’t naturally go together and when put together, they immediately start to separate.  If you like an oil and vinegar salad dressing, you know that you have to shake it well, immediately before use, or you don’t get the whole flavor. 

Christians and unbelievers are a lot like oil and water.  They don’t mix very well, and as soon as put together, they naturally try to separate.  So, you can imagine the problems that came to pass as Christians preached about Jesus in that pagan world.  In fact, we don’t have to imagine it; there are numerous historical accounts of persecution against those early Christians by the non-Christians around them.  Peter wrote this letter, specifically, to comfort and encourage persecuted and afflicted believers, and in our sermon text, he encourages us to Live for good as Christ lived for you.

Do you suppose those early Christians sometimes started to wonder whether it was all worth the cost?  Or whether believing in Jesus was worth facing the hatred and slander of their former friends?  Tragically, maybe you sometimes wonder the same thing.  Of course, we don’t have to worry about being thrown to the lions yet, but how often have you faced a friend’s mocking for your faith in Christ?  Have you ever considered whether your faith was worth losing a job over?  How often do we waver in weakness when friends or family accuse us of acting too pious, of living too clean a life, of trusting too much in a Savior who died, of being too faithful to the words of a book that was written thousands of years ago? 

To believers who are troubled by such questions, St. Peter wrote, “Do not be afraid of what they fear, and do not be troubled.  But regard the Lord, the Christ, as holy in your hearts.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you.”  When we get worried about what non-Christian friends think of us, or about whatever troubles or harm might befall us, are we not putting something else above Christ Jesus as the center of our life and salvation?  When we worry, do we not rate our own powers above God’s?  When we are worried about our lives, are we not showing that we have lost confidence in the Lord’s salvation?  If ever you start to waver in your faith, remember the Good News that is yours because Christ lived for you.

The answer to doubt is not to turn away from the Lord, but to trust Him all the more; not to boast in ourselves or live in vain glory, but to trust Christ completely as the answer to our sinfulness, as the power of salvation, and as the sure defense for all who believe.  Indeed, Peter wrote, “Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?  But even if you should happen to suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed.”  Whenever doubts might trouble us, we need to remember the forgiveness and salvation that is ours through faith in Jesus.  The sinful world hated Jesus and actively tried to kill Him, but Jesus willingly laid down His life so that you may enjoy eternal life with Him.

Peter tells us to sanctify the Lord in our hearts so that we have absolute confidence in what He has done for us.  We have a hope that is certain and sure.  Our eternal salvation is not based on anything in us, nor on anything we do, nor on anything that happens to us in this troubled world.  Instead, our hope of eternal life and glory is based solely in the immovable, unchangeable Rock of salvation, Jesus Christ. 

Christ lived on our behalf in absolute purity, trusting solely in His heavenly Father.  Then, though perfectly without any sin, Jesus died on a cross in our place to cover our guilt, and His resurrection from the grave proved that He is true God as well as true Man, and that all of God’s promises are true: our sins are forgiven, and we too will rise from the grave.  We need not fear or be ashamed, for Christ’s victory over sin, Satan, and death is given to us through faith in Jesus.

The Spirit instructs us to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you.  But speak with gentleness and respect, while maintaining a clear conscience, so that those who attack your good way of life in Christ may be put to shame because they slandered you as evildoers.”  The Word recognizes the world we live in.  We will be falsely accused of many things by those who hate us for our faith.  How can the writer assume that?  Because, he knows by faith and experience that “The mind-set of the sinful flesh is hostile to God, since it does not submit to God’s law, and in fact, it cannot.” (Romans 8:7)  We remember that Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” (Matthew 5:11)  The non-Christian remains an enemy of God who may despise you, but his wicked accusations will also be his shame when he stands before the Lord in judgment.

Now, about suffering for Jesus’ sake, that also goes along with being a Christian, and Peter isn’t speaking of the run of the mill heartaches that are always a part of this world—even the unbelievers share in that kind of trouble.  But, Peter remembered that Jesus said, “‘A servant is not greater than his master.’  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too.  If they held on to my word, they will hold on to yours as well.” (John 15:20)  Thus, to encourage us for those times when we suffer for our faith and for godly living, Peter writes, “Indeed, it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil, because Christ also suffered once for sins in our place, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 

Suffering for wickedness is just and proper, so no sinner should ever complain about punishment for sins, but when we suffer without any fault of our own and especially because of being faithful to Jesus and His Word, we could be tempted to complain.  We don’t always know why God allows us to suffer persecution and hatred, but the faithful believer relies on the infinite love of the One true God we serve. 

Our heavenly Father sent Jesus, the Righteous One, to suffer and die for all the evil ones who ever roam this earth, including all of us, and it may be that our suffering for the faith will lead others to share in Christ’s salvation, just as the apostles had to endure persecution and false accusations as they shared the Gospel in an unbelieving world.  Dare we expect anything different?  However, for all His followers who endure such trouble, Jesus promises, " Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12)  Through faith in Jesus, we were rescued from just condemnation and granted eternal life, so that we may Live for good as Christ lived for you. 

Peter also gives us insight into the first moments after Jesus rose from the dead when He went down to the prison of eternal torment for those spirits who opposed Him even way back in the dawn of time.  “He was put to death in flesh but was made alive in spirit, in which he also went and made an announcement to the spirits in prison.  These spirits disobeyed long ago, when God’s patience was waiting in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.”  Our victorious Savior entered the devils’ lair to announce His victory and establish His permanent rule over all things, crushing Satan’s rebellion.  Indeed, St. Paul explained, “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.  Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:8-10)

Peter shows us how God used the same water that drowned the wicked world to lift Noah and his family above the destruction and save them from death.  That flood of water is the antitype of how you and I were saved: “Baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body but the guarantee of a good conscience before God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Noah’s flood is a graphic picture of Baptism’s life-giving work!  In one flood of water, our sinful nature was drowned, and a new life of faith is raised up to eternal glory.  Baptism isn’t an ordinary bath that you might take after a hard day pulling weeds in your garden.  It doesn’t wash off material dirt, but the filth of sin.  Baptism washes away all that made you unholy before God, and it is not our work, but that of God Himself.  Through that simple water and Word, God washes away everything that kept you separate from Him.  In that washing, your Savior clears your conscience, because He took all your sins upon Himself and paid the eternal death penalty you deserved.  Thus, in raising Jesus from the dead, God declared to all creation that Christ’s death was sufficient payment for you and me and everyone.  Nothing more is required to make any of us right with the Father.

Because Jesus lives, the victory for our souls is won!  Therefore, we Live for good as Christ lived for you.  Likewise, St. Paul explains our role in this world: “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

Now, with all the hardships and pain this rebellious world throws against us, it can be very tempting for us to ask, “Why should we have to suffer?”  Yet, Jesus warned His disciples, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)  Just as Jesus endured all things so that you and I could live with Him forever in His Father’s heavenly mansion, so we will sometimes experience much trouble so that the Gospel may be spread among enemies still lost in sin.  But as we hold on to Jesus through any cross or trial, as we sanctify Him in our hearts, we bear witness to a fallen world of what Christ has done to give us life.

Peter also assures us that our suffering for the faith is never without God’s good will or plan involved.  Satan does not have the upper hand.  No person on earth can afflict you unless Jesus, Himself, allows it, for Jesus has authority and power over all things.  Knowing that we have Jesus’ help and protection and that the Lord is working through us to share salvation with many other sinners, Christians can endure suffering in this world, even persecution, slander, pain, or death, because “Jesus Christ went to heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.” 

Shortly before Jesus went to the cross to suffer and die in our stead, He told His disciples, “He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)  Loving Jesus isn’t something we chose on our own; He had to bring us to that saving love.  Jesus did that for you and me as He washed us clean of all sin in Baptism’s flood.  By sending His Holy Spirit through that water and Word, God makes Christian believers out of rebellious sinners like we all were, and through that humble bath, Jesus showed Himself to each of us.  Through the Baptism ceremony that combines ordinary water with God’s powerful Word, He made you His own ambassadors to a world of sinners.  Thus, through your Baptism, Jesus made it possible for others to enjoy His love as you reflect your faith in His salvation while you Live for good as Christ lived for you.  Amen.

The God of all grace, who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you.  To him be the glory and the power forever and ever.  Amen.