May 24, 2009 — Acts 1:15-26 — “A WITNESS TO THE GOSPEL” — Pastor Jerome Teichmiller
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Acts 1: 15 -26
Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Our text for this mornings meditation is recorded in the book of Acts, chapter 1, verses 15 through 26, particularly these words: “It is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” This is our text.
In the name of our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends.
”POSITION AVAILABLE.” Maybe you have seen these words in bright bold letters at the top of a column in the classified section of the newspaper. Or maybe you saw it on a bulletin board at work. Or maybe you saw it in a store window while you were out shopping. Usually the words, “Position available” is followed by the qualifications needed by applicants or nominees for the position, and usually, some of the details related to the work that is to be done is also listed.
Now just suppose you saw this notice: “Position available — Apostle. Must have been among those who followed Jesus throughout his earthly ministry, beginning from the Baptism of John until the day He ascended into heaven. Will be a witness to His resurrection.”
It is not very likely that we are going to see a sign like this in our day and time. However, just such a notice would describe our text for today, and the disciples’ search for a replacement for Judas among the twelve Disciples. We are told about that need and the way that need was met in our 1st reading for this Sunday, the Last Sunday of the Easter season.
Today, we are not looking for another apostle. But we are looking for more Christians. Maybe we should put out an ad in the local paper – WANTED! Christians to be members of our church. Qualifications: (and in case you are wondering where these came from, they are from Zion’s own Constitution) must be baptized, must accept all the canonical books of the Old and New Testament, must be familiar with at least Luther’s Small Catechism, must attend divine services faithfully, must partake of the Lord’s Supper frequently, must contribute regularly and faithfully as God has prospered, must devote time and talents to the extension of the Kingdom of God, must permit themselves to be fraternally admonished and corrected, must not be members of secret societies or other organizations which conflict with the Word of God. And then there are the qualifications laid down in Galatians 5: must lead a Christian life and NOT live in manifest works of the flesh which includes immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds, worship of idols, practice of witchcraft, hating others, being hard to get along with, being jealous, angry or selfish, arguing and causing trouble, being envious, getting drunk and carrying on at wild parties, or doing other evil things as well. (Galatians 5: 19-21)
That’s a pretty tough list of qualifications for membership in God’s church. Back before e-mail, there was an article that made the rounds of church newsletters that asked the question — “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to find you guilty?” And then there was another one, which asked, “If you had to renew your membership at church each year, would the membership committee ask you back, based on last years activities and service?”
Do I need to go on, or are we ready to throw in the towel. There is no such thing as a perfect Church member! There is no such thing as a perfect Pastor! We all fall short of what God wants of us because of the devil, the world, and our own sinful nature.
I like the qualifications that the disciples were looking for in an apostle. There were looking for “Someone who has been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us” The perfect disciple — the perfect Christian is someone who has walked with Jesus Christ, and continues to walk with Jesus Christ — BY FAITH!
Knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, gives us a very special outlook on life. Knowing Jesus Christ means that we know that we are not now, nor will we ever be, PERFECT! Just the opposite! We know we are poor miserable sinners. But knowing Jesus Christ means that we know that we are forgiven. Knowing Jesus Christ gives us a peace which passes all understanding. A peace that we can share with those with whom we share our lives. There is no greater joy than to be in a Christian congregation that can share the forgiveness and love of God with one another, because Christ first loved them and gave himself for them.
There is no greater peace of mind than knowing that Christ has forgiven us, so that we can joyfully forgive one another. And this is particularly important in the family of God.
So, the qualification is not based on good works — but on God’s grace, through faith — but what is the job description — what does a disciple do? Our text said, “He must become a witness with us of Christ’s resurrection.”
As God’s people today — we too are witnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and what that means for our life and our salvation. Everything that we do should be done to the glory of God! So that people can see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.
But do we live our lives in the grace and love of God? Do people look at us as God’s people and wonder about the hope which lives within each of us? Or do they see just ordinary, sinful, selfish people? Do they see the love of God in us and expressed to others in our day-to-day lives — or do they see malice, anger, strife, and smug self-righteousness? Do we go out of our way to show love and kindness to others, for the sake of God’s grace in Christ — or do we just take care of ourselves and our own, and no one else?
Those early Christians, those who named Mathias to replace Judas, had an understanding of their life as a witness. Of those early Christians, the community around them made comment, “See how they love one another?” And then they could give witness to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection — Christ’s love — given to them.
You and I are not Apostles — but we are witnesses. You and I are Ambassadors for Christ — making him known to all people. Let us live the life that he gives us — in faith towards Christ — according to his will — and to his glory. Like Mathias of old, we too are witnesses to Christ’s resurrection as he lives in and through us. To God be the glory! Amen.
May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.
