God's Word at Work

TOTAL COMMITMENT

Luke 9: 51-62

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Our text for this morning’s meditation is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 51 through 62, particularly these words: “When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. He was nearing the end of his ministry. The time when he would lay down his life as a sacrifice for the sins of all people was now drawing near. Opposition had arisen among the chief priests and elders so much that this one community of Samaritans wouldn’t even let Jesus enter their city for fear of causing offense to those who opposed this wandering teacher and miracle worker; a man who proclaimed that he was the Son of God and the promised Messiah.

The disciples, being defensive on behalf of their leader, wanted to punish that town for not receiving the Lord. Our text tells us, “It was James and John who said, ‘Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them.”

Jesus was committed to another cause. Jesus had “Turned his face toward Jerusalem.” Nothing would now stand in the way of what he came to earth to accomplish. Jesus was on his way to the cross. He was committed to the suffering that lay ahead. He was totally committed to the task of saving mankind from it’s own sinfulness.

Jesus is totally committed to the work at hand and he demands that those who follow him also be totally committed to the work that he has given them to do. He offers them no chance to look back – but rather, they must always be ready to move forward.

Three men meet Jesus on that road and all three are potential followers of Jesus. Let’s take a look at those three encounters.

The first man approaches Jesus and said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Jesus was trying to warn this would be follower that there would be no easy life following him. There would be no place where the follower could “hand his hat,” no place where he could call home, for to follow Jesus meant that he would be despised and rejected by men. It meant that he would be tortured and tormented. It meant that as he proclaimed the Christ of God to the world, he would probably be put to death for his faith. It would take total commitment to follow Jesus.

Followers today have homes of their own. We have places where we can live, like the foxes and the birds. But even today living the life of a follower of Christ still demands total commitment, because it still is NOT an easy life to live. Being a Christian means being different from the rest of the world. When we try to compromise our life to the life of the world around us, it is our Christian faith which gets short changed. Christ was totally committed for us – He set his face toward the cross. And he told us that we would have to take up our cross, in order to follow him.

The second would be follower was approached by Jesus first. “Jesus said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ But he said to him ‘leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’”

This is always a very difficult passage of Scripture to deal with. The man would like to follow Jesus, but he has family responsibilities to take care of. He is saying to Jesus, “I can’t follow you for a few days until I get my Father buried. But Jesus replies, “Let the dead, bury their own dead.”

What Jesus was really saying to that man what that he should put first things first. Following Jesus and doing his will, even takes precedence over our own families. In the book of Matthew, Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

Jesus says “Get your priorities straight.” Put first things first. The one thing you should be most concerned about in this world is to know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and by grace through faith, following his will for your life.

“Let the dead bury the dead – As for you, proclaim the Kingdom of God.” Total commitment is what Jesus expects of those who will follow him.

The third man tells Jesus, I will follow you lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home. And Jesus responds, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

I remember when I was 10 or 11 years old, I used to help my grandfather with his plowing. I would take the reins of the mule, and make a couple of rounds with the turning plow. It would always take grandpa about 4 rounds after that to get the lines straight again. So I asked him why my plowing was so crooked. He told me, “You were always to busy looking behind to see what you HAD done, to look forward and see where you were going.” Farming has changed a lot since then, but the principal is the same – You can’t look at the plow behind the tractor and plow a straight furrow. You have to fix your eyes on a tree, or a fence post, or something else in front of you, and head straight for it.

That was the principal that Jesus used to explain what it meant to be one of His followers. Jesus was saying – you can’t look back, “because anyone who puts his hand to the plow and looks back, is not fit for the kingdom of God.”

Why NOT look back? Because the past is forgiven. All the mistakes and sins of the past are wiped away by the forgiving grace of Jesus Christ. There is no reason to dwell on the past, because Christ has set aside the guilt and the burden of the sins of the past – and now we can look to the future. We can look toward the kingdom of God. We can look forward to the training of our Children in the Christian faith. We can look forward to sharing Jesus Christ with the people of the world. We can look forward to the day when our Lord will come again to judge both the living and the dead, and receive his people unto himself in Heaven.

We must be totally committed to the future – plowing a straight row which is bound for heaven.

Christ was totally committed to giving himself for our salvation. May the Holy Spirit strengthen our faith, so that we are totally committed to Christ, and his will for our lives! 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.

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Okay, I have been slow, but here is Part 2 of Dr. Francisco in his discussion of Islam.

http://ziontomball.info/wfs23a/DrAdamFrancisco1.m4a
If you need the software to hear the sermon, download it here:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

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CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

John 17: 20-26

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 our Gospel lesson for today, recorded in St. John, Chapter 17, verses 20 through 26, particularly these words:  Jesus said, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one; I in them and you in me.  May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”  This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends.  What does the world see when they look at the Christian Church of today?  Remember when the religion section of the Houston Chronicle came on Saturdays, instead of Fridays – and the comic strips were in the religion section?  But the way church people act sometimes, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised.  Many Christians want prayers in public schools – but then, many more don’t.  Many Episcopalians want women and gay  priests — many don’t.  Many Catholics want the Pope to change age old rules and cannons — but many don’t.  The whole realm of protestantism is divided into liberal and conservative camps, fighting over different issues.  And we Lutherans fit in real nice with everyone else, as we too fight our battles over doctrine, and practice, and procedures.  This Summer, at the Synodical Convention to be held in Houston, we will struggle with restructuring our Synodical way of doing business.  I think it was Will Rodgers who said that he was not a member of organized religion — He was a Methodist.  And he could just as well have said that of the Lutherans, and Baptists, and Catholics and the other denominations as well.  All religions have a bone to pick with each other and even among themselves.

And then the world of non-believers looks at this infighting among Christians and  they wonder why we are so divided among ourselves.

Our text for today, talks not of divisions among Christians, but rather, of unity among Christians.  Jesus said in our text that he wants all Christians to be ONE.  He said, “My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”  And as Jesus prayed — so it is.  True believers are indeed ONE in Jesus Christ.

Obviously I am not talking about denominational unity.  Because as long as there are different interpretations of what the Bible says, and as long as there are  people who will not accept the words of Scripture, but must use human wisdom to correct God’s message, and as long as there are people who will accept human rules and reason in place of God’s word — we will have different denominations.  And this is as it should be!  Paul warns the early Christians to “beware of those who teach a doctrine different from what they had received from him.”  And to avoid them!

But we confess in our Creed each Sunday that we do believe in “ONE, HOLY, CHRISTIAN, AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH”.  We believe, teach, and confess that there is one fellowship that is made up of all true believers in Jesus Christ, which transcends denominational lines.  For God has promised that His Word would not return void.  And so we say, Where ever the Word of God is taught correctly, and where ever the sacraments are administered rightly, there will exist God’s fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ — the Holy Christian Church.

It is this fellowship of true believers that our text deals with this morning.

So what can we say about this fellowship?  First of all, it is grounded in Jesus Christ.  Our text says, “Father, you are in me and I am in you, that they also may be in us.”

This fellowship of Christians exists because, through faith, Jesus Christ becomes a part of our lives and He lives in us.  And as Christ lives in each believer, we are united by grace through faith in Him.  “The Fellowship of believers” is not something we seek to establish — but rather, is something that already exists — because Jesus Christ is in the heart of every believer.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit as he creates saving faith in each heart — but not just for one individual, Luther said that he “calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it in the one true faith.  That is the true fellowship of Christians.  That is the only true fellowship that exists.

But not only is this fellowship grounded in Jesus Christ, it also POINTS to Jesus Christ.  Our text said twice, “Father, May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Why does the Christian do good works?  The Bible says, “So that men may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Jesus said that there was one particular thing that would separate his followers from the rest of the word.  He said, “By this shall all men know that you are my Disciples, that you love one another.”

One important way the world will know Jesus Christ, is by watching and viewing those who belong to Jesus Christ.  The non-believing world looks at the followers of Jesus, in order to judge wither or not they want Jesus in their life.

A quote that I kept on my desk for several years read, “The only Bible some people read is you!”  Do they see in you, love — patience — forgiveness — kindness — gentleness — and self-control.  Do they read in your life, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.”?  If the only Bible some people read is you, do they see the joy of sins forgiven, and the joy of forgiving others, or do they see a mean spirit that must get even and strike back at others?  Do they see a smile, or a frown?  Do they see hope, or despair?  Do they receive a cheerful word, or a grouchy grunt?  Remember, “The only Bible some people read is you,” and Christian fellowship points to Christ.

The last point that our text makes about this Christian fellowship is that it GOES to Jesus Christ.  Our text reads, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”

Last Thursday was Ascension Day; The Day which the Church sets aside to remember our Lord leaving his disciples to go to the Father in Heaven.  As Jesus left, he told the disciples that “he was going to prepare a place for them — that where he was they might be also.”  The whole fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ will be with Him, for all eternity.

The words of the old, but familiar hymn, “I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home,” is very true for all who are in Christ.  Because God gave his Son into death for us, because Christ died on a cross for us, because the Holy Spirit has called us to faith in Jesus Christ — we know for a fact that we will spend eternity with Jesus Christ in Heaven.  We will behold his glory.  We will eternally praise his name.  God has promised, “He that believes and is baptized, shall be saved.”

Christian fellowship among believers exists.  It is grounded in Jesus Christ, it points to Jesus Christ, and it goes to be with Jesus Christ.  May God the Holy Spirit work that miracle of faith in each and every heart, that throughout the world, this fellowship of believers united in Christ might grow and increase to glory of God’s Holy Name.  Amen.

May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting.  Amen.

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I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW
Rev. 21: 1-5

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Our text for this morning’s meditation is recorded in the book of Revelation, chapter 5, verses 1 through 5, particularly these words:  “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And he who was seated on the throne said “Behold, I am making all things new!” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends, and particularly you, the confirmation class of 2010. I want to warn you, that there are many wolves out there in sheep’s clothing! St. Peter said in his 2nd Epistle, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”

With these words the Apostle Peter told the exact same story which the Apostle John tells in our Epistle lesson for today. There will come a day of reckoning. There is going to be a general destruction of the world as we know it today. Great movie scripts have been written about the “day of Armageddon.” — the day when the world is totally destroyed and Jesus Christ comes again.

We don’t know when that day will come? And we don’t even understand a lot about what will happen on that day. What little we do know about that day is mostly written in figurative language, which is open to many different interpretations, most of which are wrong. That is why people like to set days, and they like to tell us when the Lord is coming again, and why some people will believe them and do crazy things to prepare for the date which they set. — But the truth of it all is this — “the Lord will come as a thief in the night — like lightning across the sky — like the blinking of an eye — the old will pass away, and all things will be made new.” That is why we have confirmation! We want to teach you the truth, so that you will recognize the lie when it comes, and be able to stand in the day of the Lord!

So what about the passing away of this world, and the beginning of a new one? I guess the first and most obvious question might be, “What is wrong with the present world??? Why does God want to destroy the Old?”  After all — didn’t God say after the creation that everything was good??? What happened?

What happened was sin! No longer was the world “good”. No longer was it God’s creation — the rebellion against the will of God completely covered the whole world. God’s perfect creation was defiled, desecrated, and spoiled by the guilt of sin.

Everything in creation was now thrown out of balance because of man’s sins. Before sin, there were no weeds and no thorns! It was part of the curse of sin that man would have to earn a living by the sweat of his brow. It was part of the curse of sin that weeds would choke the plants of the garden. It was part of the curse of sin that child birth would not be an easy process. Sin destroyed the perfection of God’s creation.

It also ruined the crown of God’s creation — Mankind! No longer were people holy and sinless, in the “image of God” — but rather man, in his guilt and sin, hides from God.

On this your confirmation day, remember your own sins. As we studied the 10 Commandments, we learned that it is impossible for us to keep God’s law perfectly, even though that is what God wants. “Be ye perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” That we cannot do. We cannot save ourselves. By nature, we are spiritually blind, spiritually dead and enemies of God! We are sinners in need of a savior!

What is wrong with the Old?? It is stained with sin — and nothing stained with sin can stand before God or serve him. And so there must be a purification — the old must Pass Away! As John said in our text, “The first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.”

So, what is there, to keep you from passing away eternally with that sinful world? After all, nothing sinful can stand before Almighty sinless God! What is going to make you, sinless and holy, so that you can move on to the new Heaven and the new earth?

We cannot earn forgiveness on our own, by our good works, so how are we going to be saved? Paul told the Ephesians, “By grace are you saved, through faith, it is a gift of God, not of Works, lest any man should boast!” We are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith in Christ alone!! It all starts with God’s love for us. God reaches out to us with his undeserved gifts – His grace – and claims us as his own! God sends His Son into the world to live the perfect life demanded of us which we could not live. And God’s Son died an innocent death, a death that we rightly deserved because of our sins. “By His stripes, we are healed!” And that grace of God comes to you through God’s own gifts – his means of Grace – Word and Sacrament! In your baptism, you were given saving faith in Jesus Christ as a gift of God! And through the Scriptures, you have learned of God’s grace and love in your life, so that that faith, given to you by God himself, has been strengthened and nourished. Today, by God’s grace, you are ready to give witness to your faith in God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And never forget, even this confession is a gift of God’s grace, because the Scripture is clear: “No one can say Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Spirit!”

By God’s grace, you are prepared for the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. Jesus promised, “Whoever professes me before men, I will profess before my Father in heaven.”

What blessings are in store for you in the New Jerusalem?? Just listen to the description John gives us in the text, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”

In the new Jerusalem — all those former things which were the result of sin shall be gone and lost, forever.

But how sure can we be that this is all true? Can we really trust what the Apostle John has written in these words?

The Words of God are clear, “God said, Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” There you have it. God’s own personal seal and signature added to the promise.

The promise is as sure as God himself. God has promised us, “The first heaven and the first earth will pass away. Behold I make all things new.”  The Christian will say good-bye to tears — good-bye to pain — good-bye to sin and guilt — good-bye to mourning and sorrow. And through faith in Jesus Christ, God will welcome us into his new Jerusalem — which will be ours for all eternity! This is the faith you profess today! This is our Easter joy, comfort, and faith — Because Jesus Christ lives, we too shall live — now and always. Amen.

May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.

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Another Appearance, Another Proof
John 21:1-14

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 the Gospel lesson for today, recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 21, verses 1 through 14, particularly these words:  “After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the sea of Tiberius, and he reveled himself in this way. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?’  They answered him, ‘No.’  He said to the, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat.’  So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.” This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends. The last verse of today’s text tells us why John, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, thought it important to tell the story recorded in our text. For there John says, “This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” Not just once — not just twice — but three times now, Jesus has appeared to his disciples! And, there are even more to come!

The appearances of Jesus to his disciples following the resurrection were very important. They were recorded as a proof to future generations that indeed the Savior, who had died on a cross, was not dead, but was absolutely, positively alive! It was important to believe the truth, that Jesus was alive. Because as Paul said to the Corinthians, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. BUT Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” The story of today’s text, this appearance of Jesus, one more proof of his resurrection, is our assurance that our Lord is alive, and that our faith in Christ, our certainty of Forgiveness, and our Hope for Heaven, is sure and certain.

So what can we learn from this story and the appearance of our Lord with the disciples, and the miracle that he worked with their catch of fish?

Put yourself in the disciples sandals. Think about that great day of Palm Sunday and the glorious ride into Jerusalem, as the children sang hosannas to the Son of David. Think about that week that followed. There was confrontation every day with the Pharisees and the priests. Then came the great sorrow of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial. Then the unbelievable good news of the resurrection. He had even appeared to them himself a couple of times already — always behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jews! But they hadn’t seen him for a few days. Maybe they were beginning to wonder if what they had seen was real. Was it really Jesus or a ghost of some kind. Where was he now and why wasn’t he here with them. The pressure of those days and weeks must have been really heavy on them.

Finally, Peter has had enough of this sitting around waiting for something to happen — so he decided, “I’m going fishing” — and other’s agreed to go with him.

We shouldn’t be too surprised by this. After all, they are professional fishermen. Before Jesus made them “fishers of Men” they were by vocation “fishers of fish”. Going back to something that they knew and were comfortable with just might calm down their nerves, just might help them get their thinking straight again, just might help make their lives normal again.

If we only go by Peter’s fishing trips recorded in Scripture, we have to assume that Peter was a lousy fisherman. It seems, at least according to Scripture, that every time Peter went fishing, he caught nothing! He only caught fish, when Jesus told him where to let down their nets! This story is nothing different than the others. They fished all night and in the morning they still had not caught any fish. Peter just cannot catch fish by himself — Just like you and I cannot save ourselves. Even though he knew very well how to get it done — Peter couldn’t put fish in the boat.

You and I know what it takes to be a “good” Christian. All we have to do is “Love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our might… And love our neighbor’s as ourselves.” All we have to do is be perfect even as our Father in Heaven is perfect. That’s all. But by ourselves, on our own strength, we fall short! That’s why we say every Sunday morning — and hopefully every day — I a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto you all my sins and iniquities, with which I have ever offended you. We cannot save ourselves. We need a Savior.

Peter couldn’t catch fish, he needed help. So a man yells out from the shore — “Let your nets down on the right side of the boat.” The Bible just says that the disciples did just that — and the net was filled with fish — not just a few, not just a bunch, but 153 fish — so many that they could not pull them aboard the boat — and still the nets did not break or tear! They had to paddle the boat to shore pulling the nets behind them. What a blessing! Remember the joy and excitement when only one fish pulls on your line? What about 153 in the net at the same time?

In this excitement John leans over to Peter thinking out loud, “You know, not just anybody would know where to let down that net. That man on shore must be the Lord — It’s Jesus!” Peter puts on his cloths and dives into the water to swim to shore.

Indeed it is Jesus who blesses us with abundant blessings. By his life, death, and resurrection He has brought to us forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. He is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He is the one who goes to prepare a place for us in heaven where we can live with him, forever.

And when they get to shore, Jesus has breakfast ready for them. He is not a ghost. He is not a spirit. He is not a figment of their imagination — this is truly Jesus Christ. The teacher they have lived with and learned from for the last few years. This is their Savior, who died for them, and arose again that they too may have life — and life eternal. THEIR savior and OUR Savior.

This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. He is risen — He is risen indeed. Hallelujah. Amen

May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.

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We are having some problems with the website, specifically… it looks like we have had someone put some Trojan code. I *THINK*that everything is cleaned up as of today… but VirusScans and other “nasty-code-finders” need to be updated regularly and run on your computer. If you haven’t done so in a few days… NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME!

If your system is clean, make note if there is any sermon you need to keep a copy of. If I cannot resolve to prevent the situation, I may need to… at least temporarily… lock down the sermons. While I will try to avoid this, just be aware that the treasury of archived sermons may be going away.

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THE UNFAITHFUL TENANTS
Luke 20:9-19 (English Standard Version)

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 Gospel of Luke, chapter 20, verses 9 through 19, particularly these words, “Jesus began to tell the people this parable; ‘a man planted a vineyard, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country for a long while.’ The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people; for they perceived that he had told this parable against them.” This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends. How many of you have someone very close to you, that you have tried to help get over a bad habit? It might be your wife or husband. Maybe it is your child or your parent. Maybe it is a close friend at school or at work. But it is someone you really care about and you want to help them get over this bad habit — not for your sake — but for their good, and health, and happiness. Maybe your friend is having an affair that they cannot seem to break. Maybe it is not that dramatic — maybe they just keep on smoking even through their blood pressure is up and they are coughing badly. Maybe they are overeating even when they already have heart trouble. Maybe they have trouble communicating with others without using rough or foul language. But whatever the problem is — you want to help that person overcome that problem.

Maybe you’ve tried many techniques. Maybe you’ve complimented them when they did well. Maybe you nagged and fussed when they didn’t do so well. Maybe you gave rewards for a job well done. Maybe you punished when they failed. Perhaps, in a last desperate hope to save your loved one — you made some great and gallant personal sacrifice, just for them — far and above the call of duty — hoping that this great sacrifice on your part will bring about the desired results in the other person.

Doesn’t it hurt when you really want to help someone, but they don’t want to help themselves; when they tell you to mind your own business; when they just ignore your warning message; when they tell you to leave them alone? OR — probably the worst hurt of all comes when that loved one SAYS they will reform or do better — and then they don’t do it.

I hope by now, you have already noticed the parallel between this loved one in your life — and the parable which Jesus told. God is like that man who planted the vineyard — He created the heavens and the earth. The man rented out his vineyard to tenants — God put man and woman on earth and told them to take care of it. Regularly, God sent servants to his tenants to remind them to thank, praise, serve and obey only Him — servants like Moses, and Isaiah, and Jeremiah, and Jonah, and many, many more. These messengers brought God’s peace to his tenants and called on them to pay homage and honor to God himself. But throughout history, God’s messengers were treated like the servants of the vineyard owner — they were beaten, people refused to listen to them, they ran them out of town, they cursed them, and at times — they even killed them.

But God did not stop loving those people, and after all the servants were sent, he finally made one last and great sacrifice, He sent his only Son to the tenants — thinking they might respect him — but they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. And so we remember the words of crowd, pushed on by the scribes and Pharisees very early on Good Friday morning — “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

Our text says that the Scribes and the Pharisees “perceived that Christ told this parable about them.” And they perceived correctly — it was about them — But not JUST them, it was about all sinners, including you and me. At times we too are unfaithful tenants in God’s Vineyard. God spoke to us through the prophets and the Apostles, giving us his Holy Word. But we were not always ready to listen. God sent messengers to us, pastors, family members, and friends, who helped to guide us and lead us out of our sins into the righteous path before God — but even that didn’t always work — because at times we would refuse to listen to them — especially if it hurt our own pride and self worth.

And then God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ into the world FOR US! And even though we were not there when it happened — our sins and our rebellion against God’s will, helped to nail Jesus to that Cross. Yes, we too are the unfaithful tenants to whom the son has been sent.

What comfort there is here for us in this parable. When you and I try to help a friend overcome a bad habit — quite often we give up rather quickly. You and I just do not have the patience to work year after year trying to get someone else to break their bad habit.

But God keeps on, year after year. God never gives up on his people. Just as the man in the parable never gave up on the tenants, and finally sends his own son.

But the parable does have a very serious warning. There will be punishment for those who reject the Son. Jesus ended his parable by telling his listeners that the owner would return, “He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” There will be a judgment day. Rejection of God’s Son, as Savior and Lord, will have eternal consequences. Jesus quotes Psalm 118, verse 22, “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner’” And in our text, he explains just how important this stone is, “Every one who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but when it falls on any one, it will crush him.” It’s just another way of saying, “he who believes and is baptized, shall be saved, and he who believes not shall be condemned,” or broken, or crushed. The Scriptures tell us that Christ is a stumbling block for the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks. Whether they stumble and fall on the Rock — or whether the Rock falls on them — the result is the same — A lack of faith in Jesus Christ brings about eternal death and condemnation. “He who believeth not, shall be condemned.”

The Scribes and Pharisees were sure Jesus was talking about them –But instead of hearing the warning and repenting — they immediately started plotting to kill him.

Let us heed the warning. Let us listen to God’s messengers as they speak to us through the Holy Scriptures. Let us, by God’s grace and strength, live our lives in faith toward Jesus Christ as we thank, praise, serve, and obey our gracious God. Let us look to Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, as our redeemer from sin and our only hope for eternal life. 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.

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THE FIG TREE
Luke 13:1-9

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 Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 13, verses 1 through 9 — particularly these words, “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘Cut it down; why should it use up the soil?’  And he answered him, ‘Leave it alone, sir, one more year, and I will dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.”  This is our text.

In the name Jesus. (Amen.)  Do you remember our simple definition of a “Parable?” A parable is an earthly story, with a heavenly meaning. A parable was a teaching device which Jesus used very often to get across a point that might not have been very clear being taught any other way. In today’s text, Jesus was answering what appears to be a very simple, theological question — “Does God punish people because of their sins?” And there were two very recent events that were on the people’s minds — raising this question. Some Galileans were killed by soldiers from Pilate. Now that would not have been so unusual, in and of itself, — but what made it unusual was that they were offering their sacrifices to God at the time it happened. Our text told us, “Now some present at that time told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices”. And Jesus added another incident — 18 people had died when a tower in Siloam fell on them. And the question that people were asking was, “Why did God punish these people this way? What did they do? Was there some great crime or sin that they were guilty of which caused them to die in such a harsh way?”  Jesus answered that question very clearly. He said in our text, “I tell you, NO! BUT unless you repent, you too will all perish.”  And then he told the parable to explain his answer.

First of all, God has a right to expect good works and good deeds from all people — and that includes you and me. God is the owner of the vineyard in the parable. He is the one who pays for the land and plants the plants. He is the one who has a right to expect a profit from his investment. When we translate that parable into our lives, it is God who created this world of ours — it belongs to Him. It is God who has given life to each and every human being who inhabits this earth, we all belong to him and to him alone. It is God who gives us nourishment, and strength, and fellowship, and comfort. And because of all that he has given to each one of us—we owe him everything that we have, everything we are, and everything we hope to be. We are the fig tree, which owes fruit to our owner.

But have we produced the fruit which our owner wants us to produce? Have we always put God first in our lives? Have we always loved our neighbors as ourselves? Have we always put the best construction on everything? Have we always been faithful to our God in THOUGHT, WORD, and DEED?? As sinners who fall short of the perfection which God demands—every one of us must answer “NO”. We have not produced the “fruit” our God wanted us to produce. Maybe we have done better than some other people — but that is not our standard. Have we been perfect, like God is perfect?? — That is God’s standard!

And so the judgment of God is clear–“The soul that sins, it shall die.” “The wages of sin is death.” And so the owner in our text tells the keeper of the vineyard “Cut down the tree!” If that was the end of the parable, then it would be possible to say that those Pilate killed, and those on whom the tower fell were indeed being punished because of their sins — and also, that their punishment, their death, was justified and right. And if that were true, then nothing but fear could live in your heart or mine — because we would spend our days waiting for the time when God would choose to get even with us, and to punish us for our sins. There could be no peace — only fear and trembling.

But the parable didn’t end there. For some reason, a reason which Scripture does not share with us, the keeper of the vineyard cares about that fig tree — and so he pleads with the owner to spare it for one more year.

The vineyard keeper is very obviously Jesus Christ; because Christ is the one who intercedes for us before the Father in Heaven. Jesus is the mediator between God and man. Jesus is the one who stands up for you and me, and asks God to spare us — not because of what we have or have not done — but because of what He himself has done. In the parable, he promised to dig around the tree and to give it some fertilizer so that that fig tree might produce fruit. In life, he gave his life — He himself suffered at the hands of the Jews and Pilate and He himself died on the cross of Calvary so that we might have forgiveness of sins. He paid the price of our debt of sin so that we might be forgiven. And then, together with the Father, he sent us the Holy Spirit, so that working through the Means of Grace, through Word and Sacrament, you and I might be brought into Saving Faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, so that we might be kept in the faith in Jesus Christ, and so that we might be strengthened in our faith so that it would be possible for us to accomplish the good works that God himself has prepared for us to do — in other words, so that you and I might be “good trees,” “bearing good fruit.”

And if that were the end of the parable, we would all rejoice with exceedingly great joy, because our future in heaven would be absolutely and completely secure without any worry, or care, or response whatsoever on our part! But the parable didn’t end there. There was still a possibility that even after the caretaker did all that he possibly could — that fig tree could still parish.

The last line of our text said, “If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.”  Jesus gave the same warning before he told the parable. He assured his listeners that those who died at the hand of Pilate, and who died under the tower were not being punished by God — but then he added a warning, He said, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

The theme of Lent is “Repentance of sins”. During Lent we remember our sinful nature. We remember our total inability to please God by our own goodness and our own good works. It is only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior that we are at all able to come before God.     During Lent, we are reminded to humble ourselves before our gracious and loving God, and to renew our commitment and our dedication to Him and to his will — so that through the Holy Scriptures and through the Sacraments, The Holy Spirit will strengthen our faith, so that we can live our lives to his glory and we can bear the fruit that is fitting for a child of God, redeemed in the Blood of the Lamb. Not in our own strength, but in the Grace of God alone!

No! God does not punish us as we deserve, or else we would all be dead already, both temporally and eternally. But for Jesus sake He forgives us our sins, He creates saving faith within our hearts, and He strengthens our will to follow his holy will. Let us repent of our short comings and let us rejoice in His grace, His love, and his forgiveness. To God alone be the glory, now and always. Amen.

May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.

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THE TEMPTED CHRIST
Luke 4: 1-13

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 Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 4, verses 1 through 13, particularly these words: “Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil….. When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends. In our Old Testament reading for this morning, we read about the deliverance of Israel from the bondage of their slavery in Egypt. It was not their own ingenuity or genius or power that got them released — but it was God’s almighty power, working through those 10 plagues which forced Pharaoh to release God’s people and let them leave for the promised land.

In our Epistle reading, we read about the deliverance of sinners from the bondage of slavery to sin. The summation of verse 13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, will be saved.” — It is not our works, it is not our choosing, it is not our answering God’s call or opening God’s door — It is Spirit given faith and trust in the promise of God — that whoever believes in Christ shall not perish, but will have everlasting life! Just as in the Old Testament reading — deliverance is not in the power of man — but in the power of God! And it is the Gospel that is “the power of God unto Salvation…”  (Romans 1: 16)

Lent is a time of reflection. And it is a time of repentance. That’s why purple in on the Altar. That’s why the hymn of praise and the alleluia are missing from the liturgy. Lent is a time to look into our own lives to see our sin and to see our need for a Savior. One of those reflections for Lent needs to be to ask ourselves, “just how well are we dealing with the temptations of our lives?” Have we stood our ground as God’s people — or have we caved in to the temptations of the Devil, the World, and our own flesh? Sadly, we must admit that we have fallen short, we have given in to temptation, we have sinned.

So how do we find deliverance from our sins — NOT by our own power and works — but in God’s grace and mercy and power! Our Gospel lesson for today shows us how Jesus deals with the temptations of the Devil. One of the reasons Jesus HAD TO BE true man was so that he would be tempted just like you and me! And he had to be true God in order to resist those temptations and lead a perfect life.

Something that is very important to remember while we study this text is that each temptation is much deeper than the story line reveals. The temptation to change stones into bread is a much deeper spiritual problem than just providing a meal for a hungry man. It’s sort of like when you go to see the doctor, and you have a 102 degree temperature. The temperature is not the disease — it is only a symptom. Our temptations, like those of Jesus, can be symptoms of deeper spiritual problems that can only be cured, by God’s grace and love and mercy and forgiveness.

Temptation number 1: 40 days without food. Jesus was hungry! The Devil tempts Jesus, “If you are the son of God (and I doubt it), tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Provide for yourself. Make your own bread. Save yourself from hunger by your own word and deed. The deeper spiritual sin is to trust in our own power to provide our needs and earn our salvation, on our own — rather than to trust in God’s providence — God’s providing. It is the temptation to have faith in our ability to provide for ourselves rather than to have faith in God’s grace.

How did Jesus deal with that temptation? “A man doesn’t live on bread alone.” It was a quote from God’s Word — Deuteronomy 8: 3 — “He humbled you to teach you that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses reminded the Children of Israel that God had promised to take care of them on their way to the promised land — and then God backed up that promise with Manna from heaven. Our deliverance from the temptation to fear temporal sufferings like hunger, and sickness, and pain, and sorrow, and loss — is to trust God’s word of promise that he will never leave us nor forsake us. God promises if we seek first his Kingdom — then all the things that we need will be given to us. There is nothing wrong with planning for the future. There is nothing wrong with saving for the future. But our hope and our trust is in our God, who promises in his word to provide us with our daily bread.

The 2nd temptation was for power and might — “All these kingdoms I will give you, IF you worship me.” The devil likewise tempts us every day to be popular with others, to get rich in the market place, to be well liked by the “in crowd,” to be accepted at work — but all too often (not always, but often) the price tag for being popular, for being successful, and to being well liked is that we have to compromise what we know is right — to be popular and accepted we have to make a deal with the devil.

Jesus answered the temptation, again with a quotation from Deuteronomy, chapter 6: “Fear the Lord your God, serve him only. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you!” Jesus said at another way — “you cannot serve two masters.” The devil, the world, and the sinful flesh are deceitful masters — they promise riches, happiness, wealth, and power — but give you nothing but death, eternal death. Dante’s “Inferno” records that the message above the gate to hell reads, “Forsake all hope all ye who enter here.” God, on the other hand, is the faithful shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep, and he is the one who gives life, eternal life. “Love the Lord your God, and serve him only!

The 3rd temptation was to put God and his promise to the test. The devil quoted Scripture, “God has promised that his angels will protect you, so throw yourself off this cliff.” This is a temptation to doubt God’s promise. The Devil was trying to get Jesus to doubt that God would keep his promise – to believe that God would not send his angels at all – to believe that God had lied to him. Remember doubting Thomas? “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and in his feet — and the wound in his side — I will not believe.” Do we, like Thomas, have to see a miracle before we will believe? Does God HAVE to prove himself to us?

Well, he already has. He gave His only begotten Son into death for you and for me! If he was willing to give His Son into death for us — is there anything else in all creation that he would keep from us? God has already proven His love for us in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection! We do not need more proof than that! “Do not put the Lord your God to the test!”

The final verse in today’s text is frightening! “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him UNTIL AN OPPORTUNE TIME.” Ladies and gentlemen — it’s not over until it’s over! The devil never quits! He just sits back and waits — he waits for an opportune time! Don’t give the devil an opportune time. God has claimed us as his own through the waters of Baptism, God has forgiven us our sins through his body and blood given in the Sacrament. God has given us his Word as a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. God’s means of Grace are the tools God has given to us to stand up to the Devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh. Be in the Word, Remember your Baptism daily, and be regular at the Lord’s Supper — Don’t give the Devil an opportune time!

Our Father, who art in heaven! Lead us not into temptation — but deliver us from evil! Amen.

May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.

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JESUS THE LEADER

Luke 5:1-11

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Our text for this morning’s meditation is our Gospel lesson for today, Luke, chapter 5, verses 1 through 11, particularly these words:  “One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.’  So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”  This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends. The crowds which came out to hear Jesus preach and teach were different from all Christian crowds of following generations. Our text tells us that the people were crowding around him–some translations even use the term “Pressed upon him”–they wanted to be close so that they could hear clearly. Modern Christians prefer sitting in the back pews–rather than being up front.

But Luke, in our text, tells us that the crowds were pressing around Jesus, so much so that he was looking for some way to keep them from pushing him into the lake in their eagerness to hear him speak. Jesus saw two boats–he had Simon push one into the lake just enough where he could easily address the crowd–and yet the crowd could not push him any further. And from the boat he spoke and taught.

Why were so many people, so eager, to hear what Jesus had to say? Why were they so excited about listening to Jesus?

There are probably many reasons why they were so excited about hearing Jesus preach. Maybe they had heard about the water turned into wine. Maybe they had heard that he was a miracle worker who had made lame people walk, and deaf people to hear. Maybe they had even heard about what he had said in Nazareth–that he was the Messiah, who had been promised by God, through the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.

Now he was here among them. Now they had an opportunity to see him first hand–to personally hear what he had to say. This was their opportunity to be close and to see him work a miracle or two. They wanted to learn more about this Man who proclaimed himself to be the promised Messiah of God.

How many people today are like that crowd. They really are excited about religion—-but they really don’t know what religion is all about. Some people flock to the Charismatic churches because they think religion is to be found in some kind of emotional charge with the congregation clapping their hands and waving their arms and speaking in tongues. Some people run to false churches and false teachers who offer them something that looks exciting, but usually offers to them a list of rules—rules that if followed fully will make them disciples of the false prophet–not God’s people. Some people join a particular church because it is a good social move in the community or in their job, and some join because they have this feeling that if their name is not on some church role, God won’t accept them.

This kind of “RELIGION” is doing no one any good. In order to really find true religion–you must first know Jesus Christ. You must know, WHO he is, WHAT he did for you, and the PROMISE that is yours through him.

The crowd flocked to see a Messiah, a preacher, a miracle worker—Most of us met our Savior first of all in our Baptism, when the Holy Spirit created saving faith in our hearts. We know he died for us. We know he intercedes for us. We know we have eternal life because he took our sins upon himself, and set us free from the guilt and the punishment of sin. He is our Lord. He is our King. He is our Savior.

The crowd wanted to know more  –  the crowd wanted to hear more  –  and so they kept pushing. Finally Jesus was saved by the boats. With the boat pushed a few feet away from the shore, he could preach to the people and they couldn’t push him back any further. The words of Jesus were important to the people and they listened.

The words of Jesus had authority to them. Elsewhere in the Scriptures we read that people wondered at the sermons of Jesus because he preached with an “Authority like no one else possessed.” The authority of his message and his voice must have been very apparent because of what happened after he had preached his sermon.

Peter and his crew had been fishing all night and they hadn’t caught any fish. Now, when Jesus finished his sermon, he tells Peter,   “put out into the deep and let down your nets.”

Just suppose you were Peter. If you were Peter, what would you say? After all, Peter is a professional fisherman. He knew the best fishing holes in this lake. He knew the best times to go fishing. He made his living catching fish—and after working all night, he had caught nothing. He and his crew had cleaned their nets and put them away–they were tired, they were ready to go home and to rest. But Jesus said, “Let down your nets.” And Peter, realizing the authority in the message and the voice said, “At your word I will let down the nets.”

It’s too bad that ALL people are not like Peter was that day. We all seem to have our own idea of the way things should be run, or the way things ought to be done, or the way things should be. There are a lot of things that God asks us to do that we think are just a little bit foolish, old fashioned, or impossible—-and so we tell God that we know better. Jesus said of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, “This is my body, This is my blood.” And modern man says that is impossible–it only represents, or symbolizes, Christ’s body and blood. God says “He that believes and is baptized, shall be saved.” But man says, “I have to do good so God will love me and take me to heaven.” God says, “Ask and it will be given you.” and we pray only after we’ve tried all our other options.

Too bad we’re not like Peter, “At your word, I will let down the nets.”

In the Lutheran Church, we talk a lot about God’s Grace. We even say that we are saved by “Grace Alone.” This miracle of Jesus points right to that grace alone. Peter, the professional fisherman, had fished all night and caught nothing. The Bible says, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Jesus said, “Without me, you can do nothing.” Like Peter with his empty nets, we come to Jesus with empty hands, hands stained by sin, looking to His cross alone for our forgiveness. And Jesus fills our lives with His Love, His grace, His forgiveness. Just as Jesus filled the two boats with so many fish that the boats began to take on water, so Jesus fills our lives with His peace – a peace which the world cannot give. A peace of knowing that our sins are forgiven, that we are right with God, and that we have the promise of life eternal with God in heaven. As Peter’s boat was overflowing with fish – so our lives overflow with God’s blessings through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Seeing the miracle, Peter falls at Jesus’ feet in worship and adoration. And Jesus says, “From now on Peter, you will be catching men.” Jesus tells Peter that he now has a new calling–and that is to follow Him. Peter and his partners pull their boats to shore, leave everything, and follow Jesus.

May we follow Jesus. May he lead our lives through his Word. May his life, death, and resurrection give meaning and direction to our lives as “we love him, who first loved us, and gave himself for us.”

To God alone 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.

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If you just want to listen to the discussion click on this link: http://ziontomball.info/wfs23a/DrAdamFrancisco1.m4a

If you need the software to hear the sermon, download it here:

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

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AN UNWELCOME PROPHET
Luke 4: 16-30

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 the Gospel lesson appointed for this day, recorded in the Book of Luke, chapter 4 verses 16 through 30, particularly these words: ‘And Jesus said to them, ‘Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘physician, heal yourself; what we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here also in your own country.’” And he said, ‘Truly I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country. When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and put him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill that they might throw him down headlong. This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends. Let’s just SUPPOSE this morning. Let’s think of ourselves as living somewhere around the year 30 A.D. This is a small community where every one knows everybody else, And there is a great feeling of civic pride in our community and the people who live in it.

Now suppose that one of the children of our community grows up and becomes famous. When they return to our city — what do we ask them to do? Of course, we would ask them to do for us, that which has made them famous. If they are actors, we would ask them to star in a local play. If they were musicians, we would ask for a concert. If they were pastors, we would ask them to preach. We would want them to perform their specialty before the hometown crowd.

It was the same for Jesus back in the city of Nazareth. Jesus came home, he worshiped in his home church, and while there he read their minds, saying, “This is what you are thinking, “What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do also here in your own country.” The people had heard of Jesus miracles at Capernaum and now they wanted to see him work a few miracles, right here in Nazareth.

When Jesus said, “No prophet is acceptable in his own country,” What he was really saying was, “I just told you that the Scriptures I read were being fulfilled right here today, but unless I do some miracle for you, you are not going to believe that I am God’s promised messiah.” The people of Nazareth were a lot like many people today, “I’LL BELIEVE IN GOD IF HE WILL PROVE HIMSELF TO ME.” Certainly, Joseph and Mary’s son might be a good teacher and preacher all right – but certainly he is not the promised Messiah.

The atheist today says “I cannot accept God because a loving God would not allow war. OR A just God would not allow 10,000 children to be brutally beaten by their parents each year. OR a caring God would not let millions suffer starvation and malnutrition, after suffering through an earthquake in Haiti. Some people try to make God fit the standards they themselves set for him.

And sometimes, Christians act very much the same way. Can’t you just see the school child sitting down at his desk, ready to write the answers to a test, and he prays to God, “If you’ll help me pass this one — I’ll study for the next one.” How often are we like the people of Nazareth, asking God to prove himself, by working some miracle for us? How many times do we try to bargain with God — “we’ll do this for him — IF he will do that for us?

We need not test God. We can not bargain with God, because we have nothing of our own that He needs or that is not already his. God is God without having to prove himself to us. Jesus is the promised Messiah, without having to prove to the hometown just who he is.

The people from Nazareth were asking for a sign. But sometimes, in HIS almighty wisdom, God says NO to our requests. Sometimes God has ideas which are different from our own. It was true in Nazareth and it is true today. Jesus was in the midst of a devoted crowd of fine Jewish people. These were people who were proud of their religious background. They were God’s chosen People. They were special. And the rest of the world was barbarian or Gentile. They had pride in who they were and what they had done – pride in the wrong things.

But Jesus told them that God views people differently. It was a widow of Sidon, and not a Jewish Widow, where Elijah stayed during a 3 and a half year famine. And it was a Syrian and not a Jew who was healed of Leprosy by the prophet Elisha. God’s grace reached out to all people, not just a select few. Jesus work was not to impress the people of Nazareth with his magic tricks, but to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah had foretold, “he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

What about us? Are we looking for a God who meets our criteria? Are we looking for a God who will prove himself with signs and wonders? Jesus proclaims the good news of forgiveness to the poor in spirit who grieve over their sins. Jesus proclaims liberty to those who are held captive by a guilty conscience. Jesus, the light of the world, brings light into the lives of those blinded by sin. Jesus sets at liberty those who are oppressed because “by his stripes,” by his wounds, “we are healed.” And he proclaims the year of the Lord’s favor at the eternal banquet table of heaven.

Is Jesus what we need in a Savior? Or do we need signs and wonders so he proves himself to us? The people of Nazareth certainly didn’t like Jesus’ answer to them. It was clear that they wanted more than what they saw in Jesus. So they took Jesus out to a cliff and were ready to throw him over the edge. They rejected him completely! “A Prophet, a savior, is not accepted in his own Country”, Jesus said.

I’m afraid there are times when we are all guilty of about the same thing – there are times when we reject our Savior’s love for us and look for more: a miraculous healing, a special sign from heaven, a voice telling us what to do. Any of these would prove God’s guidance and God’s care for us in our special need. Remember Paul, three times he asked God to relieve his suffering from that thorn in the flesh. But God told him that the grace Paul had received from God was sufficient. What more could we ask for than forgiveness of sins? What more could we ask for than a stronger faith? What more could we ask for than eternal life in heaven as God’s chosen people? This we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. All of this, and many other gifts he gives, is purely by grace out of His love for us!

Jesus never promised his followers an easy life! Instead he told them, “If a man would come after me, let him take up his cross and follow me.”

Jesus was an “unwelcome prophet” in Nazareth! Is Jesus an unwelcome Savior in your heart? I certainly hope not! Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem for you! Jesus Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate for you! Jesus Christ died on a cross for you! Jesus Christ arose from the dead, so that you too might rise to eternal life. He is your Lord. He is your Savior.

Receive Him and his forgiveness into your hearts by grace through faith. Feel the peace which he gives to his followers: a peace which the world cannot give. Rejoice in His promises of grace and every blessing. And Rejoice in doing His will in your life. May Jesus Christ be a welcome Savior in your heart, by grace through faith. 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.

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THE LORD’S BAPTISM
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our text for this morning’s meditation is recorded in the Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 3, verses 15 through 22–particularly these words:  “When all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven:  ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’”  This is our text.

In the name of our Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends. We have now entered the Epiphany season of the church year–and during this season, our Gospel readings are going to be taking a close look at the life and the work of Jesus Christ. Under the three-year lectionary series that we use, we have now left the childhood days of Jesus and are about to embark upon His life as he proclaims God’s message, as he heals the sick, and as he performs miracles that no one but God can do. We are going to see some of those events within his life that lead him right up to Palm Sunday, where he was proclaimed by the crowds as the promised Messiah, A king, the Son of David—and then only short days later, as he stood before Pilot and this time the crowds yelled, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!”

Today we are looking at the first step of Christ’s public ministry. Today we begin where His ministry began — at his baptism by John in the Jordan River.

As we survey this Baptismal scene, let’s look first of all at the people who came out to hear John preach. There was undoubtedly a crowd around John the day that Jesus came out to be baptized. Our text tells us, “The people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ.”

We are told that the people were in Expectation. They were looking for someone special to come. Rome controlled and ruled their country. The people paid heavy taxes to the city of Rome. The Roman soldiers, always present, were at times cruel and demanding. The people suffered under Roman rule.

And so the promises of God to send a King who would rule as David had ruled were once again burning bright in the hearts and minds of God’s people. They were in expectation, looking for this king to come — and come soon. A King to lead them in war against Rome! A King to gain their freedom! A King to establish peace in their land! A King like David!

So the people asked themselves, “Is John the promised one to come?” But John took no credit for himself. In fact, John made it very clear that he was not the promised one and that the people should indeed look for another. In our text for today, John says, “He who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” And at one point in his ministry, John points at Jesus Christ and says, “Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”

As Jesus ministry developed following his baptism the people came out to hear what he had to say, and to learn from him, and to receive the message of God’s love and grace which he proclaimed. They saw him heal the sick, and raise the dead, and preach with authority like no one else could.

And yet Jesus was not quite what they were waiting for. He wasn’t the great military leader they wanted. He wasn’t the great political leader they wanted. Instead, he was just what John had said he was, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

The text in Luke concerning the baptism of Jesus doesn’t tell us a lot about John and how he felt about baptizing Jesus. But the account in Matthew tells us more. Matthew told us, “Then Jesus came to John to be baptized. John hesitated saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, but you come to me?’  But Jesus answered, ‘Let it be so, it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.

At first John wasn’t too sure about baptizing Jesus. He recognized Jesus as the Christ. He knew that Jesus was the promised Messiah of God. And knowing this, he felt that Jesus should be baptizing him instead.

John did not fully understand what Jesus had come to earth to do. John was just a little bit like the other people — looking for something a little more than what Jesus appeared to be. Maybe that is why later, when he is in prison, John sends two of his disciples to Jesus to ask him, “Are you the one, or do we look for another.”

John may not have understood why Jesus needed to be baptized by him, but he did as Jesus asked, “To fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus explained the why in the Sermon on the Mount, “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them.”

John did know that the work of the Promised Messiah would be very important to all people. He knew that that work dealt with all people and their relationship with God. That is why he says in our text, “His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

And indeed Christ did become the dividing point between the righteous children of God and the unrighteous. Christ became the center point and all things revolved around him. “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be condemned.” “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father but by me.” “Jesus Christ is the only name given among men whereby we can be saved.”

Christ is the dividing post between the “wheat” and the “chaff”. He is the one in whom we, by the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, place our faith, our trust, our hope, our confidence — for there is no other!!

And there was a witness to this fact on the day of Jesus Baptism. For just as Christ was coming from the Water, our text records, “The heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’”

God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit giving witness to God the Son. Here we see clearly the mystery of the Triune God, three separate persons, but only One God. Here we see clearly that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Promised Messiah, because God the Father, out of heaven, proclaims him to be, “MY BELOVED SON”

There can be no doubt. Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of all God’s promises to his people. Jesus Christ was that Messiah for whom the people were waiting. Jesus Christ was that Messiah for whom John the Baptist was preparing the way. And now at his baptism, he continues the task for which he was born — His task of fulfilling all righteousness, righteousness that you and I could not fulfill. At this His baptism, he is your substitute and mine. From his conception until he ascends into heaven, everything he does will be done in our stead, in our place, and for our good. He will fulfill God’s Law perfectly for us. He will be falsely accused for us. He will die for us. He will arise from the dead for us. And to this task, the Father gives his blessings saying–“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

This is your Lord. This is your Savior. Trust in Him for your salvation—and Serve Him with all your heart, mind, and soul. To God be the Glory now and always. Amen.

May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.

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What Child Is This?
Luke 2: 40-52

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 the Gospel lesson appointed for today, Luke, chapter 2, verses 40 through 52, particularly these words:  “After three days, they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Chris, dear Christian Friends. We know very little about the early life of Jesus Christ. We know about his trip down to Egypt to avoid being killed by Herod. We know that Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth after the danger to the child was over. And from today’s text we know that Joseph and Mary were very faithful in their worship of the true God. We know that they followed the laws and the customs of the Jews, because every year, they made the required pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After this instance at the age of 12, we next see Jesus at the age of 30, being baptized by John in the Jordan River. Today’s text is an important passage of Scripture in understanding just who this child is, the Child of Bethlehem, the child of whose birth the Angels sang, this child the wise men sought and worshiped, this child Herod wanted to kill, this child who is God’s son and promised seed of David, by whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed.

So — who is he? What might it have been like to be a God-boy? What does a God-boy do with the power He has as He plays and associates with his peers? There was a lot of questions like that in the early church. One very imaginative author wrote a book and attempted to fill in these hidden years of Jesus’ early life. His work, known as the Gospel of Thomas (not the apocryphal book of the same name), told of divine powers Jesus used in his childhood: such as, Jesus molds 12 little mud sparrows, and when he is scolded for working on the Sabbath, he claps his hands and they fly away; He causes a child who has run against him to drop dead; he leaps down from the roof of a house and restores life to another child who has fallen off; he reaps a hundred measures of wheat from one kernel which he has sown; He stretches out to its proper length a bed which Joseph had clumsily made too short. All of these stories show an arrogant little wonder boy, little “super-Jesus” if you will, who has a high opinion of himself, uses miraculous powers against all who oppose him, and has the power to escape the consequences of his deeds. This book is an insult to the person of Jesus and His purpose in the world. This is NOT who Jesus was!

So who is this child? At the age of 12, he sits in the temple with the religious teachers of his day and he astounds them with his questions and with his answers. It is one of those mysteries of the Incarnation and of the Holy Trinity. After all, Jesus is God — and God is omniscience — God knows all things. But our text today ends by telling us that Jesus “grew in wisdom.” God who knows all things, grows in wisdom? It is one of those questions which has no answer — But Jesus, as true man, experienced the maturing and growing process like any human being — while at the same time being Omnipotent, Omniscient God. But still, at age of 12, he showed more wisdom and understanding than other children his age, because the teachers of the law marveled at his questions and his answers.

But Mary and Joseph are frantic. They have been looking for Jesus all over Jerusalem. When they finally find him, I’m sure there is a certain relief that he is O.K., but also a certain amount of frustration. Mary’s frustration shows in her question to Jesus, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

Jesus’ answer to his mother tells us who he is. Jesus makes quite a distinction and contrast between “My Father’s house” and Mary’s “your father”, pointing to Joseph. “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” If we translate Jesus’ words exactly, his statement is; “I must be in the things of My Father.” Or that may mean, as some translations state, “About My Father’s business.” But whatever the precise meaning, what is important is that Jesus, in his first recorded words in Scripture, refers to God as his father. Not Joseph — but God! This is not the first, nor the last reference to Jesus as God’s son. Remember the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, “Your son will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.” And at Jesus’ Baptism, the voice from heaven announced, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus consistently referred to God as his Father as in this statement made to His disciple; “I came from the Father and have come into the world.”
Jesus is God’s Son. Therefore he must be about his father’s business — and what business is that? It was more than learning and discussing the Scriptures in the temple in Jerusalem. Luke tells us in our text that Jesus went home with his parents, was obedient to them and that he “increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. And then Luke continues through his whole book to tell the whole story of Jesus life and ministry. He tells us the whole story — all the way to his death on a cross on Calvary just outside the city of Jerusalem. He dares to do it because he knew that the outcome of Jesus’ activity among men was not defeat but victory. Resurrection triumphed over death and that tremendous fact gave meaning to everything. The business of the Father embraced all the things that went into the redemption of the world.

And of these things Jesus says: “I must be about them.” All through the ministry of Jesus there runs this idea of necessity, this “must,” and on occasion he expresses this compulsion, as when he healed the blind man he said: “We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. The greatest necessity from his father that Jesus assumed was the particular giving of himself on the cross, as when he told his closest disciples; “The Son of Man MUST suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

The whole purpose of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection — the Father’s business that he MUST be about — is our redemption. He has to live the perfect life which we could not live. He has to die an innocent death — a death that we deserved because we were not innocent. He has to rise again on the third day — to be the first fruits of all those, who would also rise to eternal life. The Father’s business, is redeeming you and me from sin, death and the devil; so that we might be children of God. Even at the age of 12, Jesus knows his true Father in Heaven. Even at the age of 12, Jesus is already beginning the road that leads to the cross and the empty tomb. Even at the age of 12, this young boy Jesus, is God’s son –Your savior and mine — saving us from sin, death, and the devil. May we, as God’s children, redeemed by our Savior Jesus Christ, praise our God and give glory to his holy name. In the name of Jesus! Amen.

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OFFERED TO GOD
Philippians 4: 10-20

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 on Stewardship is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verses 10 through 20, particularly these words, “Paul said, “I am amply supplied, now that I have received the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” This is our text.

In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian Friends. Some people complain that the only thing that preachers talk about is money. To which I usually respond that they haven’t been to Zion lately or else that they are watching too much of channel 14 on T.V. Here at Zion, the gifts which God’s people return to the Lord in their offerings is mentioned in passing if a Bible Text points to it, but we only talk earnestly about Stewardship — once every year — on stewardship emphasis Sunday — usually the 2nd Sunday in December, the day we also set next years budget. We don’t talk a lot about money for several reasons: 1) those who are the strongest supporters of the church are also those who are in church on Sunday morning — and so to preach about money on Sunday mornings is as the old saying goes, “Preaching to the choir.” And 2) It is my firm conviction, that when God’s people fully understand what God has done for them and for their Salvation, when their hearts through God’s grace and favor are firmly fixed on Jesus Christ, then they will respond to God’s love in the appropriate Stewardship of all of God’s gifts to them. But even the faithful need reminding ever now and again, so at least once each year, we talk about Stewardship — about our use of God’s time, God’s talents, and God’s treasures that are put into our care.

Paul had just received a special offering from the Christians in Philippi. His letter, in which our text appears, not only encourages the Philippians, and not only instructs them in their Christian faith — but it is also a “thank you note” from Paul to their congregation for the generous gift they had given to the mission and ministry that Paul was involved in. Paul makes three things very clear about the offering that the Philippians have given. First) it is an offering to God: Second) the church depends on it for the continued preaching of the Gospel: and Third) it is greatly appreciated.

First of all, even though Epaphroditus gave the gift to Paul, Paul makes it clear, that the gift is really given to God! He called the gifts, “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” This is a reminder to us that our offerings are much more than just financial resources to help our church with its expenses — they are sacrifices given to God. We return to God a portion of what He has given to us, and He uses our gifts to finance His work here on earth. When we give to the work of the church, we are giving to God. This is an act of worship.

Why do we give to God? Paul said in our text, “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” We give to God, because of all that he has given to us in Christ Jesus. In Christ, he has forgiven our sins. In Christ, he has declared that we are his own dear Children. In Christ, he has promised us life eternal with him in heaven. In Christ we are lacking no spiritual gift — for In Christ, we have all things needful for life and Salvation. And because of all these blessings which God has given to us — we owe Him everything. Luther said it this way in his explanation of the 1st article to the Apostles Creed, “I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that he has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still preserves them; also clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and home, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life; that he defends me against all danger, and guards and protects me from all evil; and all this purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which it is our duty — to thank, and to praise, to serve and to obey Him.” Our Gifts of Time – and Talent — and Treasure are given to God through His church in grateful thanksgiving for his many blessings to us.

The second point is God’s work here on earth depends on your gifts! Paul said in our text, “It was good of you to share in my troubles.” And by sharing in his “troubles”, they also shared in his ministry. Without the gifts, given by God’s people, the mission and ministry of Zion Lutheran Church would stop. There would be no proclamation of the Gospel, there would be no administration of the sacraments, there would be no warm buildings from which to serve our God, our brothers and sisters in Christ, or our neighbors in need of Spiritual help and physical help. It takes all of us working together to accomplish the tasks and the opportunities that God places before us as his people. And here I am not just talking about the treasures, the money needed to pay the bills. I’m also talking about the many volunteers who serve as officers of the congregation, volunteers who sing in the choir, volunteers who ring the bell, volunteers who teach in Sunday School and Bible Class, volunteers who help us in our School projects of different kinds, volunteers who work in all kinds of projects and in many, many ways around this church to see that God’s work is done. And we need many more of these volunteers. Don’t wait until someone asks you to help!! —- But rather ask, “where can I help”. To paraphrase John Kennedy, “Ask not what your church can do for you! Ask what you can do for your church.” The gifts of every member of the congregation are important in getting the work done!

And lastly, Paul was thankful for the gifts that the Philippians had given to him. He said, “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that you have renewed your concern for me.” Paul was thankful for the gifts received because it meant that the Gospel would still be proclaimed and the mission would move forward.

Let me assure you, as your Pastor, I am also thankful for the gifts that are given by the members of Zion. Because by the grace of God, and through your generosity, both of your Pastors can be busy about proclaiming the Gospel, about administering the Sacraments, about sharing God’s love and guidance with people — We don’t have to worry about how the bills are going to be paid, because you generously return to God a portion of what God has given to you.

But there are some things I do worry about — things like who is going to volunteer for Vacation Bible School next year? Or will we have enough volunteers to serve as officers in our election today, will we have enough volunteers to serve as acolytes, or ushers, or Altar guild, or teachers, or who will fill all the other places where we need volunteers working to fulfill God’s great commission right here among us at Zion — To go, and To Baptize and to teach all things God has commanded. Like Paul, I give thanks for all of those who give generously of their time, talents, and treasures —- and encourage more of you to do the same.

Remember! Your gifts are given to God! Your gifts are necessary to carry the Gospel to all the world, especially here in Tomball! And your gifts are indeed appreciated!

May God strengthen us, so that we are always good stewards of His gracious gifts. Amen.

May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.

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THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Luke 21: 25-36

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 Gospel lesson appointed for today, St. Luke, chapter 21, verses 25 through 36, particularly these words: “Jesus said to them, “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars. Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life. But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” This is our text.

In the name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian friends. If you take a trip down to 1960 these days, you will see that things are different from the last time you were down there. This time, it is hard to find a parking place at the shopping center where usually Parking is plentiful. This time you have to stand in a long line to be checked out, rather than just going right through. This time there is a big tent with a lot of cedar, spruce, fir, and pine trees all over what used to be a vacant lot. Everywhere, in every store, there are sales going on, and the usually small toy section, now takes up about 1/3 of the store. One might say, “All these things are signs of the times.”

In December, as we prepare for Christmas, there are many happy days of gatherings and parties, but those days are also going to be very frantic. Traffic will be heavy, shopping will be heavy, check out lines will be long, and tempers will be wearing thin. As people get into the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, sometimes they get so wrapped up in what they are doing that they forget why they are doing it.

But let us take a few moments this morning, looking at the things that are happening around us, and see just how we are preparing for the TWO comings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; as the child of Bethlehem, AND as our glorious King.

First of all, there are preparations to be made for both comings. There are a lot of preparations going on all around us for the Christmas season. Lights on houses, decorations in store windows, trees with tinsel and lights. People are trying to get all the names together on their Christmas card list, and the shopping for that perfect gift for the aunt or uncle who has everything — has begun. BUT IS THAT ALL THERE IS TO PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS? If this is all that we are doing — then we will not be prepared for Christmas when it comes.

We also need to prepare our hearts spiritually for the coming of the Christ child. We need to open our hearts to the real fact that – it is for us and for our sins that Jesus Christ was born. It was for you and for me that God became man and dwelt among us. We celebrate Christmas, because of a gift that God himself has given to us! Are you preparing for the birthday of your Savior – or are you just preparing for the holiday?

AND as we look for the second coming of our Savior, we have preparations to make. Our text warns us, “When these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The “signs of the times” are here. The things that God promised would happen, have happened. The fig tree is in full leaf! Any serious student of the Scriptures knows that the second coming of Christ has to be near. So we need to prepare for this second coming — HOW?? Through firm and sure Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Which is strengthened through Worship, through Holy Communion, and through Bible Study. Through Prayer and repentance. And Through service to God and to fellowman. This is how we prepare for that day of the Lord!

But as always, when there is much that needs to be done, there is very little time in which to do it! I’m sure you have already noticed that there are only 25 shopping days left before Christmas. Just 25 days to find all the gifts, mail all the cards, clean the whole house, lay by the food for the family gathering, get the cookies made, and all those other things we do before Christmas. There is one thing about Christmas that we surely can’t change — and that is the date. We can’t say “Hold off another week,” because when Dec. 25 roles around, that day is Christmas, ready or not.

The day of the Lord is also like that! It cannot be postponed! For when Jesus returns in Glory, with all his angels, that’s all. That’s the end of time as we know it, and the beginning of Eternity. We don’t know the day — but that day is coming soon.

And because it is coming soon, we need to be prepared — just listen to the warning sounded in our text, “Take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare.”

The text warns us to “take heed” so that we don’t get trapped. That is a very good warning in this busy Christmas season. Far too many people will say on Saturday, December 26th, “I’m Glad the Christmas season is over!” But, Dec. 26 is JUST THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS — and there are 12 days of Christmas. Listen to the text — take “HEED TO YOURSELVES” — Don’t let the cares of this life — the shopping, the wrapping, the tinsel, and the toys separate you from the real meaning of Christmas — “Unto you a child is born, Unto you a son is given.”

And likewise “TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES” so that Christ’s second coming in glory, does not also find you bogged down in cares of this earthly life — don’t get so busy with property or homes, or family, or friends, or fortune — that you forget God and his grace and His love and His plans for your life. Don’t get so tied up with this world, that you forget the eternity which God himself has prepared for you with himself in heaven.

So this Christmas season, “TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF!” Make sure that this season is the joyful and happy season that it should be. Before you begin each and every task — remind yourself why we celebrate this season and why you give those gifts. Remind yourself that this special season is about that wondrous gift of love, given by God to each and every person. This season is dedicated to the gift of God’s son, given to a dying world, so that all who believe in him might have eternal life with God in heaven when Christ comes again.

Christ came — and on that coming he paid the price for our sins. He is coming again, and this time, he promises to take us to be with him forever!

This is HIS season. Let us prepare our hearts and prepare our lives for HIS coming. Come Lord Jesus, come Quickly! Amen.

May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.

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