Lent Midweek - The Praetorium

+INJ+

He had the power to free Jesus. But he didn’t.

His name was Pontius Pilate. You speak his name every time you confess the creed; you cannot escape him. His name is cemented in the confessions of the Church.

But why?

Well, one of the reasons is quite simple: Pilate’s name reinforces the historicity of the Lord’s Passion.

Pilate is a real man who served as governor of Judea, and his name is written in the books of history. But like all leaders, he’s human, and by all accounts, Pilate was known to be a weak leader.

If you were to take a step back this evening, you can see how he wrestled within himself but ultimately gave in to the demands of the crowd. He had to be fearful when the crowds said,

“If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar.”

But no amount of symbolic handwashing would free Pilate from his role in sentencing Jesus to death upon the cross. It does not work that way, and it was his words that rendered judgment upon Jesus.

And yet, here we are, back to the importance of words again.

The accusation against Jesus is that He is perverting or misleading the nation. Or that He is misleading the people.

And so, what does Jesus have to say regarding these accusations?

The Gospels say, “He answered not a word.”

It’s crazy; for the third week in a row, we travel with Jesus through His arrest and trial, and He answers not a word against the false accusations.

Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to crucify you, and I have power to release you?”

While Pilate is speaking here of earthly power and authority, one must remember the words of Jesus spoken this night as He says, “You would not have any power at all over me unless it had been given to you from above.”

But Jesus also said in John chapter 10,

No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. (John 10:18)

And so, why is Jesus silent throughout His Passion, even before Pilate?

For you. For the love of His Sheep, He is obedient to the will of His Father, so far as to take your place upon the cross and to lay down His life that you may live with Him eternally.

Now, there is great truth in the Proverb that says,

            Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
                        and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21)

Throughout this Lenten season, Pilate has rendered Jesus guilty and sentenced Him to death upon the cross. We have heard the crowds shout, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” The High Priests have arranged for false witnesses to speak about Jesus, while Peter used His lips to deny His Lord.

Our journey has revealed in many ways how,

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21a)

But we must also see how Pilate, the crowds, the High Priests and false witnesses, and even Peter are a reflection of our hearts and the words of our tongues as well.

Have you attempted to wash your hands of a particular situation in life? Failing to give aid to the falsely accused? You are Pilate.

Do you struggle with using your words for selfish gain, twisting the truth to help your position? You are the High Priests and false witnesses.

Is it hard for you to confess Jesus before your fellow man? You are Peter.

In all these ways, you join the crowds in yelling, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!”

And so it happens: Jesus is sentenced and led to the cross for you.

He takes your place.

As the Apostle Paul writes,

For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Or as Martin Luther wrote,

“That is the mystery which is rich in divine grace to sinners: wherein by a wonderful exchange our sins are no longer ours but Christ’s and the righteousness of Christ not Christ’s but ours.”

What a wonderful gift! Christ Jesus remains silent, even to the cross, to take your place, your sin, and your death into Himself and, in return, to grant you His forgiveness and life.

This is called the wonderful or great exchange. He takes your death and gives you His life.

He gives you His life.

So confess His life as you speak the Creeds of the Church, do not permit the inner turmoil of the heart to sway you, but confess with your tongue the name of Jesus - for in this name is the fruit of forgiveness and life everlasting. +INJ+

Laetare

Text: Exodus 16:2-21, John 6:1-15

Where is your trust?

Do you place your trust in money, in your savings, investments, and retirement?

Or is your trust in man, in your families and friends?

What about the youth? Where is your trust? Is it in education and the idea of a promising career and lifelong happiness, that is, once you can escape the homestead?

Today’s Gospel is set in the context of false trust. John 6 begins, “After this…. or After these things.” After what things? Before our text, Jesus said to the Jews, “Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you – Moses, in whom you trust.”

You see, the Jews simply believed in Moses; the foundation of their faith is most clearly seen in the Pentateuch, the Law of God - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Their belief was that they were good people because they worked to keep the Law.

Do you believe you are a good person? Then you, too, trust in Moses and the Law. You see faith as a point system where all your good works may be tallied and your sins, your wrongdoings deducted, hoping in the end, at the last day of this life, the good outweighs the bad, hoping to have more successes than failures.

But Jesus says, “Moses, the Law, will actually be your accuser.” The Law accuses; its function is to reveal your sins, not your successes. The Law reveals how you have allowed your tongue to bear false witness and slander your neighbor by spreading rumors and unfounded accusations. How you have coveted what your neighbor has and what God has not given you. How you have been unfaithful in your worship and prayers, placing the activities of this world above God’s Word, not observing what the First Commandment calls us to do by fearing, loving, or trusting in God above all things. You are, as the Epistle speaks, children of slavery.

The Law can never free you; you can never keep it as you ought; you will always fail.

But another thing the Law does is that it reveals where you have placed your misguided trust.

Think back to the Gospel today and the conversation Jesus had with Philip. Jesus asked Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” Philip begins his response by speaking of money, saying, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each person to get a little.”

In this question to Philip, Jesus asks where Philip places his trust, and he answers with dollar figures. So, Jesus will show Philip that the answer is not in dollars or denarius amounts and that Philip has not yet believed in God as he ought.

What about you? Do you believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth?

If you believe in God the Father, why do you fret or become disheartened throughout this life?  Why do you worry, become agitated, frustrated, or angry?

In today’s Old Testament reading, we hear of the grumbling people of Israel. They had lost trust in God and their pastors, Moses and Aaron. They grumble and complain, “Give us something to eat; we are starving!” And God provides for them; He gives them food in the morning and the evening. He provides enough for one day, promising more for the next day, the day after, and the day after. In doing so, we are also taught to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread…”

You would think that by now, after rescuing Israel from one crisis after another, they would have learned to trust their Lord. Yet, even in this small matter of the belly, they do not trust in God. They gather more than they were instructed; they do not possess faith in God’s Word.

When Jesus questions Philip, He is testing him. “Does he trust me?” He is also asking you this question: “Do you trust me?”

Jesus said to His disciples, “Have the people sit down.” In doing so, Jesus teaches the people and His disciples to trust. The scene would be folly and silly to those looking on from a distance. Yet, they all sit and wait patiently, and even though there should be no earthly hope in this wilderness where they all find themselves, God provides for these people, these 5,000 men plus women and children. They sit, and they wait patiently on the Lord.

“What will Jesus do?  He is not merely going to fill their bellies.  Jesus ‘will respond to all their real needs in the ultimately satisfying way’ [Kodell].  Only in Jesus should we trust, for only Jesus can satisfy our real needs of body and soul. 

So, on this day, you are invited again to trust in the words of Jesus. Trust in His true body from heaven, multiplied and hidden under this bread for you. Sip from this cup and have your thirst be satisfied. This meal you are about to receive is no less miraculous; it is the meal your Lord gives to you as He gave to those in the wilderness.

When those people had sat and waited patiently for Him, Jesus “took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples.”  These words are nearly identical to the words found elsewhere, words you know well: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said:  Take, eat; this is My body…”

These are words to be trusted; these are words of forgiveness, words that give you hope not only for today but for all the days of this earthly life. Like the Israelites, we do not always possess faith in God; we grumble that our needs are not being met, and we become greedy, taking more than God has given to us. Our lives become the food hoarded by the Israelites; it breeds worms and stinks. This is what will happen to our bodies as they are one day placed into the ground, back into the earth.

But that will not be the end. It will not.

Today is known as Laetare Sunday, meaning to rejoice. Today, we rejoice because we are once again fed, nourished, and sustained in this life by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Supper. The rose stole worn by the pastor reflects the brief reprieve from Lent and reminds us, even as we dive deeper into our Lenten journey next week --- of the joy ---- the joy that awaits us, not only with this Easter but the eternal joy of Easter in heaven. The day when our bodies will be called forth out of the ground, out of the grave, to be in the presence of Jesus forever.

No longer will we eat bread and manna in the wilderness of this life, but in the joys of eternity, in the joy and presence of God.

This is your Lord’s promise to you, and it’s the only thing that matters. +INJ+

Midweek + Lent 3

***Throughout Lent, we are hearing the Passion of our Lord drawn from the four Gospels. Tonight we heard “The Palace of the High Priest.”

The Passion of our Lord ended last week with the captain and officers of the Jews seizing, arresting, and binding Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. This evening begins with Jesus now being brought to the Palace of the High Priest.

But to begin tonight, I want to ask, what does it mean to be “arrested” and “bound?”

Well, the Greek here renders the word “arrested” as meaning to seize, apprehend, or grasp. However, the etymology of the word today means to stop a person.

But to “bind” a person implies using restraints, maybe ropes or chains.

In any instance, we should take away from this that a person who has been arrested and bound now finds themselves in a state of helplessness; they are captive.

What has you captive and helpless tonight? What is the darkness that binds your heart and has you living in a state of fear?

I leave this question open, as no darkness and despair are ever the same from one person to the next or from one time to the next.

The heart of man is a twisted and dark place, isn’t it?

Jesus said as much in the gospel of Matthew, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matthew 15:19)

“Out of the heart come evil thoughts and murder.”

“Out of the heart come…false witness and slander.”

The heart of man is a battleground.

The Chief Priests and Council knew the commandments; they knew that it was against God’s law that they bear false witness against their neighbor, but they had also just received the report of how Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, along with the many other signs and miracles Jesus was performing.

So the chief priests and council had no qualms about seeking false witnesses to slander Jesus, that they might have Him arraigned and hung upon a cross.  

For out of the mouth of Caiaphas, the high priest, he said, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” (John 11:49b-50)

The Gospel of John goes on to say, “Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. (John 11:53)

No matter the cost, whether it meant lies, betrayal, or slander, they sought death.

For this reason, as Jesus stood before this audience, the words of the Psalmist come to mind,
            The pains of death surrounded me,
            And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
            I found trouble and sorrow. (Psalm 116:3)

Yet, it’s not just the false witness of the chief priests and the council that is so alarming tonight; think about Peter, too. His disciple, friend, and brother.

Peter had followed Jesus, warming himself by the fire as Peter not once but three times denied Jesus with the words of His lips.

As this denial was occurring the third time, we heard, “And immediately while he was still speaking, the cock crowed a second time, and the Lord turned and looked on Peter.”

There are no words from Jesus to Peter. He simply looked upon Him.

Then it said that “Peter remembered [what]that Jesus had said to him… [and] Peter broke down, and went out, and wept bitterly.”

The heart is a battleground. What turmoil and agony must Peter have experienced as he turned away from his Lord with the false confession of His lips?

How often do you similarly betray your Lord?

How often do your words and actions say, “I do not know the man” – “I do not know the Christ?”

Do you treat your friends and family the same way? Do your words, thoughts, and actions express evil thoughts, false witness, and slander against your neighbors?

Are you any better than the chief priests and council? Or what about Peter? Are you any better than him?

Sadly, no, you are not.

While silence should be your friend in many instances, too often, you speak; you speak only out of self-defense and insecurity. You speak to justify yourselves, your positions, your livelihood, and your personal interests. 

And yet, what did Jesus do when false words and charges were brought against Him, “He was silent and gave no answer.”

This brings to mind the words of Isaiah as he wrote,
He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,
            Yet He opened not His mouth;
            He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
            And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
            So He opened not His mouth.

Something we don’t give as much thought about here is that as Jesus was bound and led to the palace of the high priests, He was led into Jerusalem through what was known as the sheep gate. This is the gate in which the lambs were brought to the temple to be slaughtered as an offering and sacrifice for sin.

And for this reason, Christ Jesus was sent to be oppressed and afflicted, to be bound and led to the slaughterhouse of the cross.

And for the prophecies of God to be fulfilled, “Jesus was silent and gave no answer,” so that upon the cross, He would be not only the final Word but the final atoning sacrifice for the sin of the world and for you.

Interestingly, tonight, the only time Jesus spoke was to affirm the only truthful question posed to Him by the high priest as he asked,
“Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
     Jesus said, “I am.”

Jesus did not entertain or engage the false witnesses nor the slander; He confessed what was true that His Father sent Him to redeem what was lost in the Garden of Eden by the sin of your first parents.

Let this be your confession, too.

Learn again to confess with your lips how you have not kept God's commandments; let us confess how we have slandered not only our Lord but also our neighbors.

But then rejoice, for redemption has come through this one man, Jesus Christ. On the cross, you are set free from the sin and darkness that arrest and bind your heart.

So approach the tomb confidently because, through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, you are redeemed and forgiven. +INJ+

Prayer: Dealing with Anxiety

In the aftermath of my mother’s death, I’ve found myself anxious more often than not. There are so many phone calls and legal documents to submit for processing. It seems like an endless task list where no single task is ever the same (or at least no entity ever requires the same paperwork as the last.

In these times of feeling overwhelmed and anxious, I have turned to a prayer I often encourage others to pray. It is found in the Lutheran Prayer Companion.

I hope it can be of help to you,

Heavenly Father, You are my Lord and God, who created me when I was nothing and redeemed me by Your Son. You have committed and assigned to me this office and work, in which it is not as I will, and there is much that would oppress and afflict me that I find myself no help or solution. Therefore take it into Your own hands. Provide the help and solution, and be all things in these matters. Amen. 
(Luther’s Prayer on the verse, “Cast all your anxieties upon God, because He cares for you”)

Lent 3 + Oculi

Text: Luke 11:14-28

 *** The image for this sermon is from Jerome Witkins, Devil as Tailor.

If we are honest, we don’t hear nor speak of the devil very often these days. Yet, his existence can be seen all around us.

While I was on vicarage in Palo Alto, CA, home of Stanford University, there were numerous sculptures throughout the campus. One sculpture garden was of Auguste Rodin’s Gates of Hell, depicting hell's entrance. Yet, it wasn’t this nearly 20-foot by 13-foot sculpture that caught and grabbed my attention over vicarage; instead, it was an exhibit at the art museum on the campus that grabbed my attention. The exhibit was titled “Sympathy for the Devil.”   

This exhibit depicted the devil in various forms from the 16th century through the 21st century. A commentator wrote regarding the exhibit, “Interestingly, in the 20th century, graphic representation of the devil largely disappears. Hell becomes just an aspect of this world, a notion summarized in one philosopher’s observation, ‘Hell is the others.’ Hell’s inhabitation is now ordinary people who do horrible things, as in one of the paintings in the exhibit by Jerome Witkin, The Devil as Tailor, in which Satan appears as a tailor stitching the attire of those involved in Nazi Germany’s Holocaust.”

This exhibit and pieces of art should serve as a reminder and jolt the Christian; the atrocities of the Holocaust, the destruction of our families, and the danger and terror that seem to linger at every turn remind us that hell and the devil are not aspects of years gone by.

That’s right, hell and the kingdom of the devil are not fantasy, but they linger closer to us than we’d want to admit, and they lead us to be at odds with Jesus. Thus, we must take the word of Jesus seriously; “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:23)

Now, there’s this funny name for the Devil today: Beelzebul. It's a name the Philistines gave, possibly translated as “King of flies” or “great bumblebee.” No matter the translation, one can be assured that he is none other than the chief of demons, Satan himself.

It’s also important to note that the origin of Satan’s kingdom was not from the beginning of time but rather a creation after his fall from God’s grace. Since that time, Satan and the angels that fell with him have worked together as bees in a hive gathering pollen for their kingdom.

You are their pollen; their hive is the kingdom of darkness.

Any departure from the grace given in God’s Word brings us into this kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan.

And here’s the thing: the darkness of sin, the darkness of Satan’s kingdom, does not only reside over parts of the world where atrocities occur. Instead, it abides over any man born of Adam; it has been sewn into the fabric of your identity.

So, how has Satan been working to sew his life into yours?

Well, in what ways do you confess your faith not only in church but as you tend to the tasks of daily life? How do you confess your faith at your work, in school, or, most importantly, at home?

Or, more precisely, examine how you confess your sin not only before God but before your neighbors – your friends, your family? Are you eager to confess and be reconciled with your friends, your brothers and sisters, and your family members? Are you eager to forgive? Or do you permit the Devil to have his way with your heart and your lips by keeping you captive in sin, captive to his kingdom?

In today's Gospel, Jesus demonstrates His power over the devil by casting out the demon from the mute man. In doing so, He is accused of casting out demons by Beelzebul. However, Jesus demonstrates to the crowd that He casts out demons by the finger of God because the prince of darkness would not cast out his angels or bring war upon himself.

Jesus demonstrates He has come to defeat the strong man. The strong man is Satan himself, and “He is fully armed, guarding his palace and keeping all that he possesses safe.” (Luke 11:21) The kingdom of Satan is strong; it is fortified and strengthened upon the unbelief of man, those straying from faith and the denial of Christ.

However, Jesus says, “When a stronger than he comes upon [the strong man] and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoils.” Jesus is that stronger man, the one who takes the battle with Satan to the cross. There lifted high above the earth - in the darkness of the day, Jesus defeated Satan and claimed His spoil; he claimed you!

The very reason Jesus entered this world was for your redemption. He came to claim you as His treasure, to release you from the bondage of sin, the bondage of Satan’s grip.

The great victory of Jesus upon the cross continues to say to the world today, “Either you are with me or you are against me.” The reality of the cross is our hope, comfort, and the only way to the Father and everlasting life. As Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) There is no neutrality in this life, only Jesus.

Now, one of the traditions of Lent is the preparation of catechumens for baptism and entrance into the Church. You see, through baptism, Satan and his angels have been evicted from the home they have found within the souls of man, even the littlest of us. They cannot survive the cleansing waters of baptism that continue to flow upon you and daily release you from the bondage of sin.

Yet, the demons Christ has evicted from within you so that He may take His rightful throne within your heart roam looking for waterless places to find rest. They seek wildernesses and droughts in the homes of Christians who waver in faith, who would rather avoid the conflict of reconciliation and occupy themselves with the fantasies of society than abide solely in God’s Word. They seek the places where God’s Word is no longer feared and loved in all its truth and sincerity. They return to familiar places like an addiction, worse and more powerful than ever before.

What makes all of this even more difficult is that our hearts have been inclined to sin from the day of our conception. We are naturally blind to the ways of God and unable to discern God’s Word without the help of the Holy Spirit.

And so Satan has sewn himself into the very fabric of time and everyday life so that he is unnoticeable to the eye of the Christian without the help of the Holy Spirit. For this reason, his kingdom and minions are often left to the reality of unbelief, movies, and now historical depictions in art.

But for you, the Christian, the cross says otherwise. The cross points you to Jesus, the Stronger One, and the One who defeated Satan and redeemed you with His blood. In Jesus, you have been washed clean of sin that has possessed you. In your baptism, you have been given sight to see the Kingdom of grace flowing from the side of Christ’s mutilated body and ears to hear God’s Word.

Fill your life with this Word of God, and do not turn away from it. Give no room for Satan, his minions, or any evil of this world to enter and pervert your life. Satan is crafty, but Christ is there to call you back to Him when you stumble. Trust that when you hear the voice of God in His Word, you are renouncing Satan and all his ways. When you abide and trust in His Word, you should fear no evil.

God’s Word is your solid footing and confidence, your proclamation to a world that lives in darkness. Through the forgiveness of sin, the Lord will continue the good works He has begun in you until the day He returns, namely, forgiving those who have sinned against you, and Satan, along with his minions, will be destroyed forever.

Lent is an incredibly intense time of the Church year. It is seen as a pilgrimage and battleground that ultimately prepares the Christian for their death. In Lent, we are reminded again and again that Satan and his kingdom are real and our sins are serious. As wars continue to rage throughout the days of our lives, especially within our own lives, we also have the comfort of knowing that Christ is the Stronger One. Christ has already been victorious. The cross is now our banner of hope and the fabric that we live under until we enter into eternal life with Him forever. +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Pastor
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Tomah, WI

Lent + Midweek 2 Gethsemane

+INJ+

At the beginning of our reading tonight, we heard, “When they had sung a hymn, [Jesus] went out, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.”

Sometimes, we must remember that Jesus sang hymns or, in this case, the Psalms. It’s widely believed as a manner of giving thanks; it was customary to sing something from Psalm 113-118 after the Passover meal. These Psalms are known as the Hallel Psalms because they give thanks and praise to God. By using the Psalms in this way, they formed a prayer of thanksgiving, similar to the way some of you might return thanks at the end of a meal.

But I revel in the reality that Jesus sang hymns and the Psalms because this serves as a reminder that we, too, are to sing with Him. But also that through the Church’s song, we are directing and making our prayers known to God.

You see, the Psalms are the prayerbook of the Christian. They give focus to what we ought to pray for but also reveal to us the object of our faith, our Savior, Jesus Christ so that we might never lose sight of Him.

But this is the warning Jesus was giving to His disciples at the beginning of this evening’s reading when He said to them,

“You will all be offended because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”

With these words, Jesus is telling His disciples, by the end of the night, I will no longer be the object of your faith. And when Jesus is no longer the object or focus of their faith, the disciples will fall away and scatter.

Why will they scatter? The reading tonight said the disciples would be “Offended because of [Jesus],” but the Greek here is σκανδαλίζω, and you can hear in the shadows the word scandalize.

So, what will be their reason for being scandalized or falling away?

Their Shepherd will be struck, He will be killed, and that will leave these followers hiding, denying, and lying about their relationship with their Rabbi and teacher. After all, Jesus was to save them; how can He do this from the grave?

Are we not also scandalized by Jesus today? Do we not find ourselves also falling away from Him when the valleys of life arise?

Or are you like Peter, who speaks without understanding,

Peter answered Jesus’ words by saying, “Even if all the others deny you, I will never deny you.”
     Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you this night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
     But Peter said more vehemently, “If I have to die with you, I will never deny you.” And all the others said likewise.

One theologian remarked, “Peter was disillusioned, believing he could never fall. While He should have prayed and asked God never to withdraw His hand from Him, Peter relied on his own strength, falling away.” (Gerhard)

And is this not our struggle also? We put up a brave face when darkness and danger approach; we speak words without understanding, and yet they are often just words – words that frequently confess not faith in Christ but, as Peter confesses, faith and trust in our own physical, mental, and spiritual maturity (or immaturity). Yet, the cock and rooster crowed and revealed not only Peter’s lack of trust and faith but ours as well.

Another interesting aspect this evening is that as Jesus and His disciples went to the Mount of Olives, they had to first journey over the brook of the Kidron Valley, also known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat, because this is where Jehoshaphat was buried. But also, there was a time when the idolatrous god Moloch stood in this valley, made in the form and image of bronze. For these reasons alone, this was a valley of death in many ways.

Still, another aspect of this valley is that the brook Kidron now flowed through its narrow way, carrying the filth of Jerusalem as the blood of sacrifices filled its waters as it ran through this valley.

For this reason, as Jesus journeys through this darkness, one might recall from the 23rd Psalm, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”

This valley was one full of darkness and death.

And yet, even in the darkness of this night, Jesus did not fear the shadow of death, but as the very essence and source of life, journeyed through this valley, proceeding to the mount of Calvary.

Do you have the same confidence and faith to journey through the valleys and shadows of death? Or are you as the disciples? Are you Peter, who speaks without understanding?

When darkness arrives, do we not place trust in ourselves to lead us out of danger and despair, eventually being scattered from faith as we simultaneously deny our Jesus? Our true Savior?

But why?

Because, like the disciples, we forget that Jesus journeyed this road for us, and He will lead us out of the valleys and shadows of death. We forget His words as He said, “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”

Ah, that second sentence of the paragraph that follows Jesus’ words regarding the scattering of the sheep, “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”

How often do we fail to listen to every word that comes from the mouth of Christ? How often do we faithfully take all the words of Jesus to heart?

When we fail to take the words of Jesus to heart and do not confess with our hearts and lips what Christ has done for us, we become like the disciples, scandalized, scattered, and fallen from His presence.

But this valley of sin and death we know transgress is not the end, is it, because through the confession of our sin, we hear again that promise of Jesus, “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”

And this is what occurs in Galilee: the risen Christ restores His disciples who have fallen away, granting them His forgiveness and peace.

Your Savior does this same thing for you; by His death on the cross, He now restores and forgives you in His Word and Sacrament.

For this reason alone, let us sing hymns with Christ, pray to Him, and then follow Him as His disciples learned to do – directing our faith and trust in Him to bring us through the valleys and the very present shadows of death to be with Him eternally. +INJ+

Lent 2 + Reminiscere

Text: Matthew 15:21-28

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

The Gospel of the persistent Canaanite woman today requires some context.

If we go back to the beginning of Matthew 15, Jesus is engaged in a debate or discussion with the Pharisees and Scribes concerning the traditions and commandments of man.

The Pharisees and Scribes, these highly esteemed leaders of Israel, had traveled to converse with Jesus, to ask, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

You have to listen carefully here; they are questioning why the disciples do not keep their traditions.

Jesus responded to them by asking, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?”

You see, the Pharisees and Scribes had been placing their traditions on par or above the Ten Commandments – the Will of God. For instance, they had created loopholes for children to avoid the care and support of their parents as they aged by making future financial vows to the temple and to God that may or may not be kept later in life. However, it would grant the child the ability to continue using their income for themselves now without caring for their parents as was commanded through the Fourth Commandment.

So, they wanted to know why Jesus' disciples didn't wash their hands as tradition dictated, and Jesus wanted to know why they did not keep His Father's will.

Well, the dialogue ends with Jesus quoting the words of the Prophet Isaiah regarding these fine gentlemen:
          These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
            And honor Me with their lips,
            But their heart is far from Me.
            And in vain they worship Me,
           Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

This whole exchange should give us pause to examine how traditions support our worship and lives. How do traditions point us to Jesus, to confess Him in thought, word, and deed? Because let's face it, practices become habits, and habits turn into traditions, and sometimes, traditions even turn into law – we don't always know how or why this occurs; repetition just makes it so.

In the end, the traditions and laws of the Pharisees and Scribes obscured God’s will and misplaced the trust of man’s heart.

Well, Jesus goes on to teach immediately before our Gospel today on what defiles a person as He says:
Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

The heart remains the location in which faith springs forth. The heart reveals where you place your trust and what kind of faith dwells within you. The Pharisees and Scribes are lost, their hearts are not well, their faith is misplaced.

But then, enter the Canaanite woman into the scene. She finds Jesus as He entered Tyre and Sidon as He withdrew from Galilee. He’s in Gentile country now and might have been simply attempting to get away from the continual opposition by the Jews. But it had to be a grind.

Nonetheless, the Canaanite sought Jesus and wasn’t going to relent. She says, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

A lot is going on here with the woman's plea.

First, she recognizes Jesus as both true God and true man as she says, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!

Her plea sees Jesus as the object of her faith. The usage of “Lord” throughout the Gospel of Matthew is common for the disciples because their faith is, in fact, placed in Jesus, whereas it is striking that this gentile woman would address the Son of David in such as way.

But that's just it; to call Jesus the "Son of David" not only confesses Him as the promised Messiah of Israel but also reveals that He is born of Mary, born of man.

And so, we have in our minds a particular image of Jesus. A cooing baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Or the cheerful Jesus gathering the little children unto Himself as He sits upon a rock. Or even the Shepherd seen with a lamb slung upon His shoulders as He confidently walks through the field or meadow.

All of the images are good and true. However, Jesus' demeanor and continence today lead us to question what kind of Lord He really is because He does not appear to us as the Savior we have traditionally been taught to love. Instead, He’s indifferent to the needs of the Canaanite woman and, as Luther remarks, “as silent as a stump.” (Martin Luther, AE 76, Page 379)

But, she left behind everything in life on behalf of her possessed daughter to seek out this Jesus. Unlike how the Pharisees and Scribes permitted the people of Israel to skirt and manipulate God’s Law for selfish desires, she is faithfully perusing Jesus on behalf of her demon-possessed child.

How far are you willing to go for those you love? How persistent are you willing to be for the mercy of God not only for you but for a son, daughter, or even a friend?

Your heart will reveal the truth, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, [and] blasphemies.”

The heart reveals what truly possesses you throughout this life and where you turn for help in difficult and trying times.

I wonder if part of our problem is that our unwillingness to humble ourselves before one another now prohibits us from humbling ourselves and confessing our sin before God. This, too, is taught from a parent to a child. Yet, how does one teach a child to pray, humble themselves before God, and sing the Kyrie or Agnus Dei unless they are also willing to get on their knees and open the door of their lips themselves?

But this is precisely what faith calls us to do: to recognize our inability to fulfill God's will and consistently cry out to Him as the only one who can grant us relief from the many things that possess our family and us throughout this life.

Now, you may sympathize with the Canaanite's repeated requests of Jesus as you have also experienced times when it appeared your prayers were met with deaf ears. But Luther has an interesting view on this, he says:
[Jesus] does not say, “I will not listen to you,” but is silent and says neither yes nor no. So also He does not say that she is not of the house of Israel, but that He was sent only to the house of Israel [Matt. 15:24]. Thus He leaves it undecided and pending between no and yes. So He does not say, "You are a dog, and we should not give you the children's bread"; rather, "It is not right [to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs]" [Matt. 15:26]. Again, He leaves it undecided whether she is a dog or not. Nevertheless, all three points sound more like no than yes, even though there is more yes than no. In fact, there is only yes there [cf. 1 Cor. 1:19–20], but it is very deep and secret, and it looks only like no.[1]

Often, our prayers appear to be met with silence or indifference. But we must also remember to seek God where He has promised to be and where He continues to speak to us and reveal His will for us – in His Word.

As we heard in last week’s Gospel, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Everything you do must be subject to God’s Word and lead you to your Savior. You have failed to keep the commands of God as you ought, and your sin possesses you. But Jesus hears your confession, and through His death and resurrection, you have mercy and forgiveness.

So, join the Canaanite woman, set your heart on Jesus, permit your voice and faith to cry out to Him, trusting that He hears you and will grant you the mercy needed for all the days of this life. +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Noah J. Rogness

[1] Luther, M. (2013). Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent. In B. T. G. Mayes, J. L. Langebartels, & C. B. Brown (Eds.), Luther’s Works: Church Postil II (Vol. 76, p. 381). Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

Lent Midweek: Part 1 - The Lord’s Supper

***Note: Throughout the season of Lent, we hear the Passion readings drawn from the Four Gospels. This is part 1 of the readings based upon the Institution of the Lord’s Supper.***

***Second Note: This sermon is written in the immediate aftermath of my mother’s death and funeral.***

+INJ+

As I reflect on memories of my mother, it’s hard not to think or have memories of family dinners. Especially those around the holidays.

She would prepare, make the food, set the table, and assign the seats – you couldn’t have the left-handed family members sitting next to the right-handed. There was much to be done, and it required great thought, attention, and love.

Family meals are important; they reflect community and intimacy. Not just anyone can approach your table, sit down, and join in the conversation or feast alongside you.

No, meals are for families, friends, brothers and sisters. And for this reason, a table is exclusive because a meal together confesses unity, understanding, and love for one another.

This is what we heard in tonight's reading regarding the institution of the Lord’s Supper. We heard,
When the hour was come, Jesus sat down and the apostles with him. As they were eating, he said, “I have longed to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I say to you I shall not eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

This meal was not for anyone; this meal on this night was for Jesus and His Disciples. It was an intimate affair. Because it is here Jesus gives to them and His Church a table to gather around, to receive, and know where forgiveness is located for them and for us.

The Gospel of Matthew records,
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28)

Why was this meal established?

“For the forgiveness of sins.”

Not just anyone can receive the forgiveness of sins; only the contrite, those who are sorry and confess their sins. For this reason, Jesus is not speaking to the world here as He institutes the Lord’s Supper; he is speaking to His disciples, His apostles, and the Church gathered around His table. His family.

And yet, Jesus institutes this meal and prepares it for us, even as He knows He is about to suffer and die upon the cross.

How great is His love for us, His dear children, to provide for us even as He prepares for His death? To institute a meal for us to come and gather around, to receive the forgiveness of sin and be united with the Church in heaven and on earth.

You see, the Apostle Paul went on to write regarding the Lord’s Supper, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16) 

And here is the great news that we already know: the cross was not the end; it did not defeat Jesus. Rather, Jesus lives, and for those who live in Christ and for those who die in Christ, they remain and abide in Christ.

For this reason, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Lord’s Supper, is a family affair. It’s where we gather together to confess our faith in Christ Jesus. It’s where His preparations to suffer and die for us are now faithfully received by us in the form of bread and wine for the forgiveness of sin. It’s where heaven and earth are joined together, where heaven and earth kiss, and we are once again connected and joined with all the faithful departed – because in Christ Jesus, we are one.

So come to the meal Christ has prepared and instituted for you regularly and often. Come and be fed the food of eternal life and the forgiveness of sin. Come and join in heaven’s song as we receive yet again – a foretaste of the feast to come.

Because Jesus lives, and in Him, we live eternally. +INJ+

 ***The photo below was taken of my mother and me on Mother’s Day last year.***

Ash Wednesday

Text: Matthew 6:16-21

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

The words you heard at the beginning of this evening’s service should echo within your head, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Instead, they likely will fade from your memory even before you arise tomorrow.

The thing is, you don’t want to hear these words – they speak to your sinfulness, your lack of repentance, and ultimately your mortality.

In seminary, a certain professor would not only request but demand to serve during the Ash Wednesday service on campus. In the deafening silence, you heard the feet of the Christians shuffle across the cement floor to the front of the seminary chapel. Then boom – one by one, the professor’s voice did not silently utter but rather boldly proclaimed the words as the sign of the cross was traced upon every student, every community member, even the littlest of babes, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” It was as if you were participants in a death march.

What brings you to this death march? It’s not simply a lack of repentance here or there; instead, it is the continual hardening of your heart toward God and toward your neighbor.

Only in the shadows and whispers of nights like tonight do we realize that this whole life is one complete march to the grave.

We heard in the Lenten address read at the beginning of the service, “From ancient times the season of Lent has been kept as a time of special devotion, self-denial, and humble repentance born of a faithful heart that dwells confidently [in Christ’s] Word and draws from it, life and hope.”

In other words, Lent is a time of fasting.

Lutherans, however, have long correlated fasting with the works-righteousness of the Roman Catholic Church. The world often correlates fasting as a discipline for the body to trim up or lose a little unwanted weight. Yet, another manner of fasting is required before having your blood drawn. This fast reveals your body's true health, the blood that pumps and flows from your heart and within your veins below the mask of your exterior surface.  

So, what does it mean to fast? It means to set aside a time of “special devotion, self-denial, and humble repentance born of a faithful heart that dwells confidently [in Christ’s] Word.”

We heard from the prophet Joel in the Old Testament reading, “‘Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’” (Joel 2:12-13a)

As you approach this season of Lent, fasting, weeping, and mourning are expected of Christians. But what is most important is what is within you – what is beneath the shell and lies within your heart and pumping throughout your veins.

Jesus said in the Gospel, “When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites.” In other words, do not be an actor playing a role within a production or a pretender. But, as Luther writes, “True fasting consists in the disciplining and restraining of your body, which pertains not only to eating, drinking, and sleeping, but also to your leisure, your pleasure, and to everything that may delight your body or that you do to provide for it and care for it.” (AE 21:160)

What often occurs when you remove food or leisure from your lives is that you quickly fill the void with drink or other pleasures of this world. While one aspect of life is disciplined, another aspect receives new life.

Discipling the body is a challenging endeavor for man to engage in, one that desires accolades and the approval of others. But, when preparations are done in this manner, the true motives of your heart are revealed along with your role as an actor, a pretender, and a hypocrite.

Now, what does all of this have to do with the treasure mentioned at the end of the Gospel? Everything.

When this life ends, all that you own, your prized possessions, clothing, and food will cease. And it will end in dust and ashes. What will remain is the Word of the Lord, what will remain when this world ceases is eternal life for those in Christ Jesus, and what will remain is you, the Church.

Around the third century, there was a deacon named Lawrence. A deacon assisted the bishops or pastors; they collected, managed, and dispersed gifts for the poor and those in crisis.

While Lawrence was serving as a deacon to Pope Sixtus II, the Roman Emperor Valerian declared that Christians would be executed. Lawrence was brought before the Roman officials and ordered to turn over the treasures of the church he had been entrusted to manage and guard. So, Lawrence asked for three days to assemble the treasure and spent those days giving away as much of the wealth as he could to the sick and downcast those in greatest need.

On the third and final day, the Roman official once again demanded the treasure, and Lawrence called together all who had received the church’s treasure and boldly proclaimed to the Roman official, “These are the treasures of the Church.”

Lawrence would be martyred over the flames of a gridiron. He would become nothing more than dust and ash – yet he would also receive eternal life in the presence of God the Father as His faith did not waiver.

Lawrence provides valuable teaching for you this night as you continue your march through this life – you are God’s treasure. The saints on your left and right – those who have sinned against you or those whom you have not forgiven – are your brothers and sisters in Christ and are also God’s treasure. The Church is God’s treasure.

We heard, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Where is your heart?

Tonight, your Lenten fast begins, and it begins within your heart. Now is the time to approach the Father with a broken and contrite spirit – seeking reconciliation that comes only through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is His death upon the cross that gives you pardon and peace and now flows through your veins with the blood of life.

Here in the sacrament, you are given the foretaste of what is to come, the heavenly banquet and marriage feast of the Lamb of God in His Kingdom. It is a foretaste to sustain you as you journey through this life, as you march to the grave, and as you are brought into the eternal presence of your Father in heaven.

Only in the shadows and whispers of nights like tonight do we realize that our whole life is one of continual repentance.

Tonight, the sign of the cross was traced upon your heads, just as the cross was traced upon your forehead and your heart at Holy Baptism – to mark you as one redeemed.

While the cross of ash this night reminds you of your mortality, the cross of Good Friday takes your death into Christ Jesus and becomes the instrument of life.

Permit this truth to dwell within your heart as God’s Word will give you confidence for the days to come and be your life and your hope. +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Tomah, WI

Quinquagesima

Text: Luke 18:31-43 & 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

+INJ+

Difficult people. You cannot live without them, nor can you avoid them.

Difficult people are those individuals who disagree with you; they interrupt you, and they know how to do things better. They are those individuals you find to be as stubborn as an ox, unagreeable, selfish, combative, and manipulative. They truly are, as St. Paul said in the epistle today, “A noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)

But what truly makes one a difficult person? I mean, what is at the heart of why someone is difficult? Is it that they have challenges? Are they sick or filled with persistent grief? Do they have disabilities? Or are they frightened at the thought of losing power and control? Or is the difficult person just seen as one who gets in the way? (Or maybe you see your pastor as a difficult person!)

It’s really hard to love a difficult person, isn’t it?

The blind beggar in today’s Gospel appears to be one of these difficult people. He’s near the roadside, and the commotion he’s making as he calls out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” is making him not only annoying but also in the way.

Just as Jesus’ disciples rebuked those bringing children to Jesus to receive His blessing earlier in this chapter of Luke, now the disciples are rebuking this man who is blind, telling him to be silent.

It certainly doesn’t appear that these disciples had the message of today’s epistle, Paul’s message of love, in their hearts.

But I’m going to tell you a little secret: you are these disciples; you are actually the difficult people. I mean, how often do you see the people in your lives as those blocking the road you are on? You hear voices and pleas for help you’d wish would go away.

Yet, did you notice how Jesus approached the situation? The Gospel said,

Jesus stopped and commanded [the blind beggar] to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”

Jesus didn’t walk away from the man; he didn’t avoid him. He sought the man out. And then Jesus healed the blind man.

Now, some of those following Jesus may have heard the beggar's plea, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” to be a cry for money, as was the custom of the time. These individuals along the roadsides and city gates often sought financial assistance. But when Jesus said, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” He cared for the person; He had compassion upon the man.

Compassion is a challenge, is it not? 

Compassion requires us to grow in love for our neighbor. So, hear these words of Paul again,

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13)

Is this an image of you? Does your love never end with those closest to you? Your spouse or children? Your family or friends? Those within the church?

Or, what hinders your love? In what ways have you made it difficult to love?

I wonder if our trouble with loving others is due to a genuine lack of faith. And I don’t mean just any old faith; I mean faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Again, for this reason, we are the disciples as they heard Jesus’s prediction in the Gospel today as He said to them,

See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For [I] will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill [me], and on the third day, [I] will rise.

The disciples knew the story, the prophecies, and where this road would lead, yet their faith was weak.

As we will soon begin another journey to the cross this Lenten season, we know the story and where this road will lead. It is not hidden from us. Yet, this road will cause us to encounter and engage difficult people throughout these coming weeks – us.

But, as we use this time to focus on our Lord and Savior, learn how He does not avoid you, but how He comes to you and reveals Himself to you in His Word and here in the Sacrament of the Altar.

So we should use this time to join the blind beggar in praying the Kyrie, “Lord, have mercy upon me.”

Because these words express faith and trust in Christ Jesus, they acknowledge we cannot save ourselves or anyone else, only Jesus can perform this wonderful work of salvation, which was accomplished for us upon the cross of Calvary.

And this is truly something because it is upon the cross that we see love’s fulfillment.

Now, near the end of today’s Gospel, there is yet one more little sermon. Having recovered his sight and been healed, the blind beggar immediately follows Jesus, glorifying Him. And then all the people who were following Jesus and rebuking the beggar in the beginning also joined in giving praise to God.

This is now your life, too. Having come here today, faithfully crying out with your brothers and sisters in Christ, “Lord, have mercy!” You can depart knowing He has heard your pleas, granted you healing and forgiveness, and now calls you to follow Him. 

Yet, this path is not as you imagine or even wish. It’s a way full of crosses that you, too, must bear. Crosses and difficulties that not only teach you to call out and rely all the more upon Christ Jesus but the way that now teaches you to love others as Christ has loved you, the Church, from His place upon the cross.

So, as you enter this coming season of Lent, let us learn again to follow Jesus. Let us learn again to have compassion and love for one another, for as St. Paul wrote: "Love is patient and kind…. Love bears all things … [love] endures all things…Love never ends.” +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Noah J. Rogness

 ***I picked up the theme of difficult people from another pastor over the years, but I cannot remember who or where.***

Sexagesima

Text: Luke 8:4-15

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

You’ve all heard this familiar passage from the book of Proverbs, 

Train up a child in the way he should go;
                      even when he is old, he will not depart from it. (22:6)

But what does this mean?

Well, the first thing we need to wrestle with is the first two words of the verse, “Train up.”

You see, there are times when definitions, words, and concepts can get lost in translation as they are translated from Greek and Hebrew into English. Some say this is one of those times because, in other instances, this Hebrew construct used for “Train up” is translated as consecrate.  

And if you were to translate this verse of Proverbs with this understanding, then it reads,

Consecrate a child according to the way he should go,
and even when he becomes old, he will not turn from it.

So, what does this mean? Well, to consecrate here means to dedicate or set aside a child.

How does the Church then dedicate or set aside a child so that as they grow, they will indeed follow the path set before them and not turn away from it? It’s Baptism. 

As Baptism is the means by which the Christian is brought into the Church, it becomes the manner in which all children of God, no matter their age, are set on the way they are to go so that, as they continue to grow and mature in the faith, they will not depart from it but cling to it until the day our Lord gathers us into His eternal kingdom.

But here lies a challenge: clinging to the Word and faith of Christ from birth through old age.

And here is where our Gospel today enters into the equation. Clinging to the Word of God begins with hearing His Word.

The parable in the Gospel today speaks of four varying types of soil and ultimately reflects how one hears and receives the seed or Word of God.

The first type of soil Jesus mentions in the parable is the bare road. Seeds sowed or tossed freely upon this road fall and yield no reward. In fact, they do not even have the opportunity to implant themselves or germinate. Instead, the birds of the air come down as seagulls look to feast upon breadcrumbs scattered along a body of water. They are little devils who swoop down to snatch the Word of God that has entered your ears before it will ever even reach your heart.

The Christian asks, “How so?”

Well, what is the first thing you do when you depart the Divine Service? What happens when you reach your vehicle and prepare to drive down LaGrange Avenue? Do you promptly turn on the radio and catch a sports score, or is it decision time- where will we eat?

Or do you discuss the readings, the Gospel, and the sermon with your family (children) or among friends? Do you take time to meditate upon the Good News the Sower just sowed into your ears? Or do you permit the little devils of the world the opportunity to snatch it away?

Well, at least with the rocks, the seed has a chance, right? Here are those individuals who hear the Word of God and receive it with great eagerness and joy. But, with just the right balance of carelessness and temptation, the roots of the seed never take - the rocky soil leads to a quick death.

This is a scary situation; how many congregations have young people who are brought up in the Church and no longer possess faith? For the children of the church, the seed was planted in a safe environment, but when the times of temptation and tribulation approached outside the home, they fell away.

The question of life is not “if” temptation comes but when.

Jesus said to His disciples before His arrest on the Mount of Olives, “Pray not to come into temptation.” (Lk. 22:46). Yet, we all succumb to temptation, just as the disciples all fell asleep while the Lord prayed.

For some, the temptations of life lie in the people they associate with, their friends and co-workers, or the doctrines of false churches that allure them. What lacks for seed sowed upon the rocks is proper and sustaining nutrients for the life of man - what is required and needed is the water of life found in the daily drowning and rising of Holy Baptism.

But the person who has entered temptation has turned from this life-giving water; they are like Judas, who believed for a little while but fell away and succumbed to the allures of the world.

Judas is an excellent segue to the third type of soil, the soil of thorns. Judas believed for a little while before turning to his heart’s desires; one of the causes of his fall and death was the desire for riches and pleasure.

You see, the soil of rock is of no benefit, as is the soil of thorns. In verse twelve of our Gospel, we learn that seeds sown in either of these settings will survive “for a time,” but eternal death is inevitable apart from good soil.

Over time, the thorns will suffocate and impede any growth of the plant you wish to grow.

Here is an image of competing worldviews. The child is prepared throughout their youth, but as they depart the home and enter the uncontrolled environment of the world, their schools, or a college campus, the cares and pleasures of this world, the desire for riches lead them astray and choke the very life of God from their veins.

Saint John wrote in his first epistle, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)

This is not easy for any of us, though. We come to church once a week and then depart back into the world. What do you believe stands a better chance at forming us, our ideals, and our faith? The Church or the world?

Well, what about that fourth type of soil?

Jesus said in the Gospel today, “‘But other [seed] fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.’ When He had said these things He cried, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’”

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

To be one who “hears” is to be a catechumen - the word catechumen derives from the Greek word “one under instruction” and often refers to a young person or adult participating in the ongoing instruction of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

This ongoing instruction and hearing of the Word of Christ creates faith, makes you a catechumen, and, as we heard from the Proverb, sets you on the way you are to go so that when you become old, you will not turn away from the seed of faith planted within your hearts by the very voice Christ Jesus Himself.

Therefore, the process of tending to the soil of one’s heart, being conformed to the Christian faith, and being brought into eternal life begins and ends with the continual hearing of God’s Word, the seed of the Sower.

And the Sower is none other than Jesus, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

You know, it’s easy to reflect and recall the date of your Baptism as a historical marker by saying, “I was baptized on February 4, 2024.” Which is true of Judah today.

But the words of Luther, which form a recurring pattern in our opening hymn today (God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It), confess a great comfort to the Christian as we sang, “I am Baptized.”

Just listen to the words of the final stanza of “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It” once more,

There is nothing worth comparing
To this lifelong comfort sure!
Open-eyed my grave is staring:
Even there I’ll sleep secure.
Though my flesh awaits its raising,
Still my soul continues praising:
I am baptized into Christ;
I’m a child of paradise!

This is the joy delivered to Judah today, and this is his song and confession. While this world and life will present obstacles to the faith or even attempt to silence and choke the Word of God from creating and sustaining faith within him, he can sing with great joy the ongoing reality, “I am Baptized!”

And this is your song and confession, too.

Like Judah, your Baptism has joined you to Christ Jesus – His death and resurrection, His life and forgiveness. In this way, Baptism defines you. It anchors and reveals to you the way you are to go, the way of eternal life. For this reason, it becomes a present and lifelong reality no matter the challenges or obstacles you now face.

There’s no greater joy than this!

As we prepare for yet another season of Lent, return to your Baptism, hear and be formed by the precious seed of God’s Word so that as you grow throughout this life, as difficulties arise, you might be kept in the narrow way and path of Jesus Christ. +INJ+

Septuagesima

Text: Matthew 20:1-16

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

The season we begin today, “The Gesima Sundays,” has, for many churches, disappeared.

This brief three-week season that was a fixture of The Lutheran Hymnal (or TLH) has faded from many of your childhood memories due to the increased popularity of the newer three-year lectionary that came into existence in the late 1960s. You see, the Roman Catholic Church held a gathering called the Second Vatican Council. One goal of the council was to prepare a series of documents to direct the life of the Church into the twentieth century and beyond. 

One of the results and products of this Council was the development of what is known as a Three-Year lectionary. While there can be arguments for this innovation, it also left many of the sermons and teachings of the Church Fathers, such as Augustine or Chrysostom, or even Luther, behind. It also left centuries of pedagogy and the repetitious teaching of the faith to the children of God in the past.

And yet, as our society and world are now more than ever in a state of information overload, there is no greater time for us to slow down, take our time, and place our focus on a yearly repetition of hearing the familiar stories of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection – the story of eternal life.

And this is a key feature of the lectionary we use at Good Shepherd today, the One Year lectionary; it causes us to slow down and gives us Sundays and seasons with funny names, but still, funny names that not only teach but will stick with you in a way that one might even start to look forward to the yearly repetition of these Sundays. I mean, don’t they just roll off the tongue?

Let’s dig in!

This Sunday is Septuagesima, the first of three Gesimas Sundays. Septuagesima means 70 days, Sexagesima means 60 days, and Quinquagesima means 50 days (or thereabouts). These Sundays serve as our preparation for Lent’s journey to the cross.

Sure, these may seem a little weird to us today, but they serve a vital purpose in slowing us down and preparing Christians for the serious and often challenging days of the approaching season of Lent.

Think of it this way: Baseball players do not begin a season without first attending spring training. An Olympic athlete does not compete without first training. Nor could I, as a soldier, enter the battlefield without first receiving the appropriate training.

Thus, the next three Sundays are preparation for us. They prepare us, get us in shape, and train us for the rigors of Lent. And they do so by constantly pointing us to God’s grace.

So, while some aspects of the liturgy have already grown silent, there remains joy in our preparation that we have a gracious God in heaven. God’s grace, Word, and faith are the focus of these Sundays before Lent; what better gift could we hear before we begin our journey and travel to the cross?

Now, Lent can be seen as a race. It’s long, and it has valleys and hills as we navigate the readings that go with each Sunday. But the finish line is Easter. In our Epistle today, Paul refers to the whole Christian life as a race. However, death is the finish line, and the prize is eternal life with Christ Jesus.

But life, contrary to many of your schedules, is not a sprint but rather a marathon.

Marathons take time to train for; they take commitment. Much like a diet, it can be easy to take your eye off the prize. The rigors and length, the commitment, and the discipline it takes to diet are similar to what it might take to run a marathon. One day off, one lapse can lead to a second day off and then a third, and then you find yourself in a state of simply being lazy. This is the same for the Christian faith.

The Christian life is like a marathon. It demands discipline and calls you to read God’s Word regularly, daily, so that you exercise your faith and prepare for the present and future.

So, Paul’s words today call us to approach the Christian life as an athlete approaches their training for the Super Bowl and Lombardi’s trophy or how an Olympian prepares to compete for gold. “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we [run this race to receive a prize that is] imperishable.” So, Paul says, “I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control.” 

Alright, so the time for training has arrived. Lent is coming. It’s time for us to go back to the fundamentals of the Christian life, to rehearse and relearn them, as a ball player entering Spring Training.

Now, as I mentioned before, today is Septuagesima Sunday. The focus of this Sunday is the doctrine of Grace Alone. To illustrate this beautiful doctrine, we heard the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. This parable speaks of a landowner’s generosity. A landowner gives laborers, whether they worked in the vineyard for one hour or eleven hours, a generous wage for their labor. The landowner represents God in this parable, and the generosity of the landowner reveals how God’s grace is generous and given freely among the laborers.

The Gospel began with an invitation to labor in His vineyard to those standing in the marketplace. These individuals are viewed as those not doing anything with their lives; they spend their lives being lazy. This is a reminder that the Christian faith is not without good works. Good works flow out of faith; they flow out of the generous and gracious forgiveness we receive from our heavenly Father.

But then, when the end of the day arrives, which represents the end of our lives and the day of judgment, everyone laboring in the Lord’s Vineyard receives a denarius, everyone. The denarius represents eternal life.

Yet, there remains a laborer who is not happy and grumbles at how the wages were given out. He doesn’t care for the generosity of the landowner. This Laborer contests that he bore the heat of the day, burdened most of the work. In other words, he looked to his own accomplishments, he reflected on how he kept the law, and how long he was a Christian. But contrary to this view, we are not saved by works; we are not saved by our keeping of the law, nor by how long we’ve been a Christian. No, we are saved by the graciousness of the Lord.

When you drill down into the grumbling laborer’s complaints, he was asking for fairness, for justice. The only thing he deserved was death. And that’s the only thing we deserve. For we are all sinners and the wages of sin is death. This consequence is a result of our first father, Adam, falling into sin; it’s a result of our individual sins and our collective sins as the whole human race.

In today’s collect, we did not pray or ask for justice because that would mean death. Instead, we prayed, “May we who justly suffer the consequence of our sin be mercifully delivered,” delivered by the goodness and mercy of Jesus.

So, our pleas should not be to God for justice but for mercy. Mercy is seen first and foremost in the death of Jesus on the cross. When His hands outstretched carried the burden of the heat of the day, the burden of our sin, suffered our persecution, so that we may not receive justice, but rather the gracious mercy of the Lord.

However, today’s Gospel is also a warning for us. We stand in great danger of being like the grumbling laborer, the laborer whom the Lord dismisses at the end of the day, the end of the world, the day of judgment.

The reality is that there has never been a promise of an easy or fair life. The Christian life encounters challenges and tribulations. These events can shake your focus away from God's graciousness when things don’t turn out as you had hoped, planned, or been led to believe. In turn, you might find yourself becoming discontent, but when this occurs, do not look to God to be fair; look to Him to be merciful.

The cross helps us remain focused on this point.

The cross also focuses our eyes throughout Lent and the remaining days of our lives on Jesus – the source and substance of mercy. Reminding us that no matter the hour of this life, we have a gracious Lord, a Lord who, upon the cross, announced forgiveness to the criminal who pleaded for His mercy and, by grace, entered the Lord’s vineyard at his final hour.

So today, our preparation for Lent begins again. We are reminded how this life, the Christian faith, is not a sprint, but rather a marathon. It’s full of events and moments that can distract us or lead us away from Christ’s love.

But we come here; we come to this house of God to be called back, to be fed and nourished for the road ahead. A pathway cluttered with broken relationships, heartache, and wandering from the vineyard of the Lord. But the font reminds you of the grace your Father in heaven has given you in water and Word, that He has called you by name and made you His heir.

The Word announces Christ to you; the flesh and blood of Jesus feeds and nourishes you for the race. As a runner receives nourishment along the race course, it prepares and sustains you to labor in the vineyard with all the children of God. So, let us prepare for Lent, let our eyes focus on the grace of our heavenly Father, trusting that His mercy will bring us to the day when all His laborers will be brought to the eternal joys of heaven. +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Noah J. Rogness

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Text: Matthew 17:1-9

Transfiguration is a feast for the eyes and the ears.

What the eyes of Peter, James, and John see is incredible. Jesus suddenly changed before them. His face begins shining like the sun! His clothes are white as light! Glory beams in bright rays from his body. The ears hear the Father's voice proclaiming this glorified and shining person, His beloved Son, whose words we must give our attention. Moses, the Lawgiver, and Elijah, the Prophet, stand in witness to His glory as the Only Begotten Son of the Father. It must have been an incredible sight to behold.

To be clear, Jesus didn't get another body there on the mountaintop; it was his same body, the very flesh that he'd received in the womb of the virgin Mary. That's what beamed with radiance upon the mountaintop. It's essential to remember that if we are to unlock the complete joy of this feast today.

What Peter, James, and John saw here is a foretaste, a glimpse into their future. Into your future and mine. As St. John wrote, "We are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is!" (1 Jn 3:2)

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul wrote, "When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory!" (Col. 3:4)

Thus, the Transfiguration of our Lord looks to His crucifixion and second coming. It provides a glimpse of what your raised bodies will be like shining in heavenly glory.

The festival of Transfiguration also provides us a glimpse through the disciples of Christ’s victory. It reveals to us a glimpse of His finished and completed work. For the disciples, this is a moment that is meant to last; it is a moment that is intended to comfort, a moment that would abide with them and give them strength for the days that lay ahead while their Lord would soon suffer upon the cross.

For this reason, the events on the Mount of Transfiguration reveal what Jesus will accomplish in us.

While it is on the Mount of Calvary that reveals how He will do it, one may say that upon the Mount of Transfiguration, Christ stands and sees the journey of His passion below. He must travel the road to the cross to bring redemption and new life to the Church. This glimpse, this foretaste of His glory, provides His disciples, both in word and sight, knowledge and truth for the road they must now follow Him on.

The road is the way of the cross; it is the way of suffering and scorn. It is the way of isolation and rejection. It is the way of His crucifixion. Yet, we stand here today and look out from this Sunday of Transfiguration and see Easter in the distance. But before we see Easter, we must see the Mount of Calvary; before this, we must see and journey through the season of Lent. 

If we are honest with ourselves, the season of the Church Year we now approach, the season of Lent, is the journey we find ourselves on most often. It is the journey that reveals how temptations and addictions shape our lives. It is the path that calls us to walk with and support one another in the most grievous times of life, marked by disappointment, disease, and, ultimately, the truth that no one will live forever. 

But, in the waters of Holy Baptism, you were given a gift. At the font, God spoke over you and said, “This is my beloved child!” And there at the font, you too experience a Transfiguration. It’s here God declares you as His own. Maybe some of you were wrapped or brought to the baptismal font with a white gown; this represents your Transfiguration garment. For this reason, the baptismal life begins the road each Christian travels as they move towards eternal glory with Jesus.

In many ways, the Transfiguration is looking to the journey of the other mount of our lives. It is looking to the mount of death—the inevitable pit of the ground. The final glorification of our bodies does not happen without death or Christ’s second coming. The life of Jesus reveals that suffering and death come first, and eternal glorification comes after. Suffering is the difficult lot we all come face to face with. It comes in all shapes and sizes; it affects the body of Christ and each Christian differently. But to suffer is to bear life’s crosses. To suffer with one another is to bear one another’s crosses.

Like Peter, James, and John, the Transfiguration is for us. It reveals how suffering will occur yet provides a foretaste of what will come. It points to the cross and the climax of Christ’s suffering, His victory over sin and the devil. For these reasons, it is not uncommon for Lutherans to keep the cross or crucifix before us. It is the reminder of what Christ has done so that you may have confidence and endurance to approach the challenges of this life, the assaults of Satan, the crosses of addiction, the death notice of incurable disease with a confident faith to the very end.

We can do nothing to stop our aging or our bodies’ deterioration. Daily life serves as a constant reminder that death will one day come to each of us. But we can journey through the rollercoaster of life, the hills and valleys, because we have heard the Words God has spoken over us. He has marked you as one redeemed by His Son in the waters of Baptism. Thus, we are instructed as the disciples to listen to Him, listen to Jesus. Yes, listen to Him, for He has the Words of eternal life; listen to Him, for He has conquered death and now opens heaven to you.

Because of the Son’s obedience, His death and resurrection to glory, and His victory, Luther also writes and points us to Christ in these ways. He writes,

“Your Father in Heaven still address’ you today in this manner: “‘He says, This is My Beloved Son!’ [and] He will continue to do so until the Day of Judgment, heaven will not be closed again. As you are baptized, partake of Holy Communion, receive the absolution, listen to a sermon, and every time you do so – know that heaven is open, and you hear the voice of the Heavenly Father; all these works of God descend upon us from the open heaven above us.” (LW 22:202)

What comforting news to hear!

In the closing verse of today’s Gospel, Jesus said to the disciples Peter, James, and John as they came down the mountain, and Jesus prepared for His Passion, “Tell no one of the vision until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” Well, He is risen, and to that, we say, “Alleluia, Christ is risen!” (He is risen indeed, Alleluia!).

Alleluia, Praise the Lord, for the Transfiguration of Jesus provides a glimpse of the glory to come for His disciples. It is a glimpse of the glory to come for us. It is a glimpse of the day when we shall be raised to stand with Christ with all the faithful saints, forever singing Alleluia’s joyfully! +INJ+

Epiphany 2

Text: John 2:1-11

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

One of the most highly used wedding texts comes from Ephesians 5,

Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. (Ephesians 5:23-24)

It's a beautiful text, but so many individuals get hung up on “Wives, submit to your own husbands” that they miss the whole point of the text. So, listen now to the words that follow…

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.

When we pause and listen to these words in their fullness, they are such a wonderful image of sacrificial love, are they not?

But then hear the concluding words now: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

That passage from Ephesians is just simply beautiful, truly.

But, how often do we either take the time or permit ourselves to truly hear the entire passage I just read or take to heart the beauty that a Husband is to love his wife in such a way that it becomes a mirror and image of how Christ Jesus loves you, His body, the Church?

Too often, our spirit of independence gets caught up with words like “submit,” which is unfortunate because when this happens, we risk missing the blessings that may follow. God’s Word, like many instances and situations of life, requires us to be patient, slow ourselves, and meditate so that God may speak to us.

Take today’s Gospel, for instance. Here, Jesus is conducting His first miracle, or as John says, His first sign.

What does it mean that this was the first “sign” that Jesus did?

The Gospel of John contains seven “signs,” and they are:

-       Today’s Gospel.
-       The healing of a nobleman’s son.
-       The healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda
-       The feeding of the 5000
-       Jesus walking on water
-       The healing of a blind man
-       And finally, immediately before the Passion of our Lord, the resurrection of Lazarus

These “signs” in the Gospel of John constantly confront man with God’s compassionate and omnipotent presence (Omnipotent means all-powerful). And, in the case of today’s Gospel, these signs reveal the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, and why He came into the flesh of man – to have compassion, love, and care for His bride, the Church.

For this reason, one of my seminary professors remarked that these signs demand our faith and obedience. (Weinrich, Page 306) But, they also have more profound meaning than what appears on the surface and require our patient mediation.

So, what does changing water into wine at a wedding in Cana really mean or have to do with us?

Well, let’s go back to the Garden of Eden, our parents, and the first husband and wife of creation.

God had given them the care of the Garden, He said they could eat of anything in the Garden with one exception – “Do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

Yet, like you, it’s always the one thing that you cannot have that entices you the most, and having listened to the serpent and taking what was not theirs to have in the fruit of that tree, Adam and Eve “heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and [Eve] hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.”

Why did they hide themselves? Because their disobedience led to their (and our) fall into sin. Their union with God was severed, and their consciences now felt the shame of sin – a sin that led them to hide themselves from their Creator.

This is what the guilt of your sin continues to do today. It causes you not only to hide from God when you do not keep His Commandments, but it also leads you to hide from your spouse, your family, and friends – you do this when you don’t answer phone calls, respond to texts, or emails, or give someone the silent treatment (This is really uncomfortable, prolongs healing, and only leads to greater separation too).

But there is good news in the Book of Genesis, too, as God now confronts the Serpent, Adam, and Eve; He says,

“And I will put enmity
         Between you and the woman,
         And between your seed and her Seed;
         He shall bruise your head,
         And you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

And it’s here we have the first Gospel of Holy Scripture. Because here, God declares that He will send a Seed, a Son, to be born of woman, and this Son will not only crush the head of the serpent – defeating sin, death, and the devil – but will also restore mankind to their Creator.

So, fast forward back to the Gospel today and ask, how does this text confront us with Jesus, and in what ways does it demand our faith and obedience?

First, the scene begins with the wedding hosts running out of wine. This leads Mary, the mother of Jesus, to call on Him to help as she says, “They have no wine.”

Now, some of you may wrongly say, so what if they don’t have wine? One must understand not only their culture but also what the wedding and the adornments symbolize. Weddings were a time of joy and feasting; they were a time of familial unity. But even more, they were also “a prophetic symbol for the peace and prosperity that God’s salvation would bring.” (Weinrich)

Running out of wine for a wedding would not only be an enormous party foul but also disgrace and humiliate the family.

So, when Mary says, “They have no wine,” she understands the gravity of the situation but also possesses faith that her Son, the God-Man, can actually do something about this great need.

But then there’s this striking line as Jesus says, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

Let me say, no, Jesus was not being rude or disrespectful to His mother, instead, we begin to see a separation in how Jesus now speaks as His life now leads Him to the “Hour” of His crucifixion.

In fact, it’s important to hear these words of Jesus from the cross as:

 He “saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, [and] He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:26-27)

This whole interaction of Jesus and Mary today finds its completion on the cross, where a loving son places the care and well-being of His mother into the hands of a beloved friend and disciple.

Here is where the first sign of John’s Gospel, the changing of water into wine, is leading us today – to the cross, and it not only deserves but demands our patient mediation.

You see, the six stone water jars that Jesus used to change or transform the water into wine were used for the rite of purification – to make one ritually clean.

But now, upon the cross, Jesus takes all the sin and filth of our lives into the clay vessel of His body so that through His crucifixion and death, we can be made His spotless bride.

Isn’t this such a profound and glorious mystery of sacrificial love and image for us to imitate in marriage and as members of His Church? As we learn from Ephesians, “No one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church because we are members of his body.”

For this reason, should we not slow down in life, listen more, speak less, and ponder the glorious Word of God? Because in it, the love of your Savior Jesus Christ is revealed.

So now the hour has come for you to proceed to this altar where you will not only be confronted with God’s compassion but receive a foretaste of the marriage feast that awaits us all, so come in faith and be transformed by your Savior, where He takes your sin and death into Himself and in return grants and feeds you with His forgiveness and life. +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Tomah, WI

Epiphany

Text: Matthew 2:1-12

It’s really something; the Wise Men in this morning’s Gospel are staples of almost every nativity scene created.  They are included in nearly every telling of the Christmas story. They play a vital role in many Christmas pageants, yet they didn’t likely arrive to present their gifts to the Christ child until Jesus was close to two years old. 

Yet, the brief appearance of the Magi or Wise Men in this Gospel continues a theme of Advent and Christmas: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?”

The arrival of the Wise Men, these Gentiles and men called the Magi, reveal to the world that the child Jesus is a King for all nations, for all people.

But this news of a new king cannot be taken lightly, either, especially in a world driven by greed and power. Even the thought of a new king may bring instability to a country, region, or man's heart.

For Herod, the King, this news is seen as a direct threat to his reign and, therefore, to Jerusalem and their way of life. Herod is such a paranoid and ruthless king; he is known for killing his own family members and others who questioned him and threatened his reign.

The arrival of the Magi and their question, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” pierces the heart of Herod. Paranoia and fear of the possibility of losing power caused him to call together the assembly of chief priests and scribes. He wants answers, “where is this king to be born,” he asks. And they respond, “In Bethlehem, as the prophet wrote it, ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Whoa, this new King is He who is by no means least among rulers! He is a ruler who comes to shepherd His people. Sounds pretty good to me. But in the eyes of Herod, He is a threat. A threat King Herod would eventually attempt to eradicate through the killing of all the precious male children under the age of two in Bethlehem.

The truth is, Jesus poses no earthly threat to the reign of Herod or Pilate any more than He does to Caesar or any president of this nation. He would not seek political office, nor would He be seen running for office as politicians do in our own time.

No, Jesus is a King from a kingly line of heavenly proportions. The Genealogy at the beginning of Matthew is kingly, following King David's line. Jesus is the King who fulfills this genealogy of God’s promise; He is the King who comes to redeem.

What does He come to redeem? A world that has fallen for the façade that we, too, can be royalty and gods.

This all began in the Garden as your first parents heeded and listened to the voice of the great tempter, the voice that says, “Take, eat, consume, and you will be like God – you will be as kings of your own dominions.”

This is the temptation that led to Adam and Eve grasping for their own power, a longing for more than what was given to them, and a fear of not being in control.

There is little difference in how we go about our work and the days of our lives. Likewise, this fear continues in us. At the first instance of chaos, the argument between husband and wife, the illness that strikes a loved one - the moment of fear sets in, and we, too, reach out like Adam and Eve, grasping for control and the upper hand.

In many ways, our culture feeds this desire for independence and control. Every election cycle is a deluge of advertisements and campaigns informing you that only you can save this country if you vote the right way and cast your trust and faith in this or that candidate – only then will your desires and wishes be met.

At the heart of it, what often drives these campaigns is paranoia and fear.

And yet, you don’t have to look at the national or global political theater; instead, look at your relationships, oh wise men and women; what is the true source of any argument or temper tantrum of Herod proportions you’ve ever had, fear.

But thankfully, Jesus does not enter this world as you and I do, trying to exert power and control.

Instead, Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

This is not only the opposite of Herod's thoughts but also opposes how man continues to think today.

Hear these words again, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

How many kings and world leaders today are willing to give their lives as a ransom for you?

How many of you are willing to give your life as a ransom for another?

Instead, our fear, paranoia, and sin are what drove Jesus to the cross.

And it’s upon the cross that the question of the Magi in today’s Gospel is answered: “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?” Pilate brilliantly and unknowingly wrote and placed above the head of Jesus that first Good Friday, the pronouncement for all mankind to know, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” (John 19:19)

It’s really something: the whole life of Jesus, from His birth to His royal enthronement upon the cross, is all about His sacrificial love for you.

This is good news that cannot be taken lightly. But rather invites you to bring all your rage, fear, and paranoia to the foot of the cross, where Jesus takes into Himself and, in turn, gives you of Himself.

Here lies one of the great little sermons we must hear every year – as Jesus gives you of Himself, He reveals Himself to you both in His Word and here at this altar as you take into yourself His flesh and blood for the forgiveness of sin.

At the core, this is what the word Epiphany means: to shine upon or be made known. And every time you gather here, the light of Jesus’ Word shines brightly the way you are to go, leading you to this altar where, in the sacrament, His deep love for you is once again made known in a tangible and life-giving way.

As you continue journeying through this life, permit the Wise Men and Magi to be an icon and image for you – this life's journey is full of danger and fear. Still, the light of God’s Word will ultimately lead you not only to this altar where Jesus comes to you today but into the peace of His eternal presence. +INJ+

The Eve of the Circumcision and Naming of our Lord

Text: Luke 2:21

The Social Security Administration publishes a list of the top baby names yearly.

Since it’s still 2023, the final numbers aren’t in. However, many of the baby name sites on the internet have the top three female names: Amelia, Emma, and in the top spot, Olivia.  In the male category, we have Oliver, Liam, and in the running to retake the reign…Noah. (It’s a great name, what can I say!) Noah has been in the top spot 4 out of the past ten years, often duking it out with Liam.

But what’s in a name?

A great deal of thought often goes into naming a child. Sometimes, it involves countless hours of research, paging through books, and debate among parents. If parents choose not to know the sex of a baby before birth, then this exercise becomes much more laborious.

But think about it: what is a parent trying to accomplish in their child's name? Are they trying to be unique, finding a word so obscure it may cause their child’s future teachers nightmares trying to spell it (or pronounce it)? Or is there a family heritage being passed down through the use of a name, a grandfather or grandmother? Or is there a passing on of a spiritual legacy by selecting a name from the Scriptures, Christian history, or even Biblical ideas? All said this is a big task.

But another aspect of all of this is one’s family name. A family name represents a sense of belonging that you are part of something bigger than being called Noah.

How often do parents tell their children to be on their best behavior when they attend school, are out in the community, or have extended family events because they represent something more than themselves? They represent and reflect their family.

In the Old Testament reading this morning, the children of Israel were given a name: the name of the Lord. As we heard, “So shall I put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:27)

What does He bless them with? Clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all that they had. He defended them against all danger and guarded them, and protected them from all evil throughout their journey to the promised land. Why? Because He was their Father and they were his dear children, they received the benefits that come with His name.

Even more important in this promise is the Father’s Word, that He would send a Son, a redeemer, into this world. He would finally grant them an end to their wandering and peace. But also, that He would send a name that not only Israelites could call upon, but a name all the earth would know as their Savior. This is what the prophet Isaiah prophesied when He wrote, “And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Or “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) This is the exciting news of Christmas, it’s the exciting news of the new year! That we, like Israel, have a Savior who has entered this world and planted His name upon His creation.

But first, in order to fulfill not only the prophecy but also the Law and Will of God, Jesus is circumcised. Like Baptism, circumcision for Old Testament believers includes the forgiveness of sins, justification, and incorporation into the people of God. (Dr. Just) Circumcision reveals God in the flesh, that He has truly taken our humanity. The shedding of blood in the temple foreshadows the blood He will shed for you on the cross.

In the ritual, it is only after circumcision that a name is given. Think back to the circumcision and naming of John the Baptist. He was to take his father’s name, Zechariah, but the angel of the Lord instructed otherwise. Zechariah was mute, but at the appointed time, he expressed with great joy, “His name is John,” because he would be great before the Lord.

Similarly, Mary and Joseph did not choose the name of the child they brought to the temple for circumcision. Instead, it, too, was announced to them by the angel of the Lord. In the Gospel of Matthew, Gabriel appeared to Joseph and instructed him that the child born of Mary “He shall be named Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

This name means something.

I love this: the Word of God never leaves you wondering who Jesus is. It clearly informs you that Jesus is the world's Savior and that “He will save His people (you) from their sins.”

Again, names are important; they confess who you are.

But one of the great realities of men is that they fear being forgotten. That one day, no one will have known who they were.

Truthfully, like a news headline today or a Facebook status tomorrow, our names will probably be forgotten as the headlines of a new year consume the world tomorrow, a new era and chapter in the world’s history.

But the Church festival we observe today, the naming and circumcision of our Lord, tells us something different about the name of God. As the Psalmist records, it is, “A name that endures forever, a name that is throughout the ages.” And it’s your name too!

Something extraordinary happened when you were baptized, and the water was sprinkled or poured over your head. Over your name, a new name was spoken, and a new name was given to you as you were baptized into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. In this name, you are included in the family of God, the gifts and benefits of Jesus’ name are now bestowed upon you, and you are called Christian. In this way, when the name of Jesus is spoken, you, too, are named. You have died your death, your sins crushed, and you have been given new life in Jesus, your Savior.

So come and gather with your brothers and sisters as we begin every Divine Serve by confessing, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:8) Because it’s the name that saves!

As we begin a new year, the truth is we probably won’t give much thought to our names. But in the short Gospel for today lies great news for you, no matter what your name or heritage may be: the child born of Mary, who was brought to the Temple, shed His blood for you. Through His death, He has defeated death, and in His rising, He becomes your Jesus, Your Savior. Therefore, let His name be upon your lips, heart, and mind as you approach this New Year. Trust and know that when you call upon His name, the Lord, your Jesus will answer and save you. +INJ+

Christmas Day

Text: John 1:1-14

+INJ+

What a wonderful day it is; it’s finally Christmas!

But has anything really changed in your life this Christmas?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:
We cannot approach the manger of the Christ child in the same way we approach the cradle of another child. Rather, when we go to his manger, something happens, and we cannot leave it again unless we have been judged or redeemed. Here, we must either collapse or know the mercy of God toward us. (God is in the Manger, p. 66)

In other words, will you leave this Christmas and the manger of the Christ child different from how you awoke, opened presents, or arrived at church this morning?

I mean, so much of what our celebrations have become today are wrapped in the world’s story of Christmas. And no, this isn’t an attack on “Yuletide carols, mistletoe, or tiny tots with their eyes all aglow.” Instead, it reminds us that the child, born of Mary and lying in a manger, came into this world for a real, transcending, and transformational purpose.

Listen to these words of the Gospel again,

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

There is so much packed in this verse, so much Gospel.

These words from the Gospel of John are not the words of the Christmas story we heard last evening with the Angel Gabriel making visits in the night, no room in the Inn, or shepherds in their fields; no, this is a very different Gospel calling on us to think deeply upon our Savior Jesus Christ, and the purpose for which He came into this world as He became flesh.

He came to redeem you, that is, to grant you His grace, to forgive all your sins, and to open the way to eternal life. And with this knowledge, you cannot approach this Christmas the same way as any other Christmas or the cradle of any other child.

It’s truly something to ponder: the very Word that was at the beginning of time, the same Word through which everything of creation was made, has not only become flesh but dwells among us – among man.

Why does God come to us in this way? To tell us where He is located and how He chooses to work and grant us His grace.

And for this reason, “we cannot approach the manger of the Christ child the same way as we approach the cradle of another child.”

Instead, His birth, life, death, and resurrection transcend mankind in such a way that when we come into His presence, our lives must experience a cosmic shift and change, being brought into His own life.

This is how confession and absolution work in the lives and hearts of man. When we confess our sin, our repentance is a petitioning of God for a change that transcends the mind or attitudes of man; repentance leads to a desired change within man's heart.

To frame this differently, this is what occurs when you remember and approach your baptism through the daily drowning of the old sinful Adam within – you confess your desire to die with Christ so that a new man may arise.

Truthfully, you cannot approach or remember your baptism without a change of heart because it is here you were first joined to the Christ child and He with you.

Think about that…Your Savior takes you into Himself, and from the font, your life is intimately joined to the Word made flesh, His manger, cross, and grave.

But even more, as you gather here today, the Word-made flesh continues to come and dwell among you as the Gospel was read in your very midst. In fact, you could not help but turn yourself and listen to His Words.  

And now, in just a few moments, we will gather around the manger of this altar where the crucified and risen Lord now feeds you with His flesh and blood, granting you in the most tangible of ways His redemption and forgiveness, again, coming to you and taking you into Himself.

When all of this occurs, you truly cannot remain indifferent to the Christ child even as much of the world tries on this most holy day of days. Instead, something must happen as Bonhoeffer said: Here, [you] must either collapse [under God’s judgment] or know the mercy of God toward you.

And this is the beautiful gift you continue to receive today: the news that a Savior has been born for you.

So receive the truth of His grace and mercy today in His Word and then return to your homes and families a new way, or rather, a new person in Christ Jesus.

Because when this happens, there is no more extraordinary gift you could receive and confess among one another on this day as you return home to celebrate with “Yuletide carols, mistletoe, or το [watch] tiny tots with their eyes all aglow.”.

So come to the manger of the Christ child and receive the mercy of God.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve + Lessons and Carols

Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols

December 24, 2023

Dr. Seuss’s book, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, is a must-read in our home this time of year.

But why is this grouchy creature who lives in the solitary confines of a deep, dark cave so loved by children and adults alike? Well, it may be because we all feel and channel our inner Grinch at one time or another, especially around Christmas. In fact, Dr. Seuss said that he himself was the inspiration for this curmudgeon of a beast.

You see, leading up to writing the book, Dr. Seuss’ wife had fallen ill, and her illness changed how he viewed the approaching Christmas. He became sad as he saw a world growing greedy and obsessed with presents, money, and toys.

Are you obsessed with presents, money, and toys under the tree as this Christmas arrives?

If so, why do you fret over these things of the world? Why do they consume you?

Is it fear?

Fear is a troubling thing. For some of us, we fear our gifts will fall short. For others, we fear how this season of gift-giving will affect our overall finances. Yet, for others, like Dr. Seuss, our fear has nothing to do with presents under a tree; it’s the struggle of being unable to heal or bring a loved one back to health.

Fear is a real darkness we all struggle with.

However, the angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary this night is also for you: “Do not be afraid.”

Or as the Greek translates it, “Stop being afraid, for you have found favor with God.”

“Favor” is another way of saying, “You have found grace with God.”

This is your joy at Christmas that the grace, forgiveness, and mercy of your heavenly Father has come down from heaven and is now revealed to you in the incarnation of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. 

So, hear again the angelic greeting to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people.”

And “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Tonight, we rejoice again as we celebrate our Savior's birth because, on this night, He brought heaven to earth.

On this night, He begins His journey to the cross, where He will take into Himself all your greed and want, all the ails of body and soul, and all your fears so that you might receive His peace – His forgiveness and mercy.

There is no greater gift than this.

Sure, a million Grinches could take your presents in an attempt to steal Christmas. If you aren’t careful as you survey the world around you, the very Grinch within could cast fear and doubt within your heart and lead you into the confines of the world's darkest cave.

But as you light your candle this night, remember these words for such a moment as this, “Jesus Christ is the light of the world. The light, no darkness shall overcome.”

And the darkness of this world did not overcome Him, but rather, this child born of Mary overcame this world of sin and death for you.

May this joy be your peace and comfort as you return to your homes this night. +INJ+

Merry Christmas!

Advent 4 + Rorate Coeli

Text: John 1:19-28

The date on the calendar says December 24th, but believe it or not, Christmas has not yet arrived for the Church. According to Jewish timekeeping, a new day begins with sundown, hence one of the reasons for the tradition of Christmas Eve services. But for now, on this morning of December 24th, we observe the 4th Sunday of Advent. We continue preparing for Christmas; we continue preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Are you ready, though?

Well, today, we hear again from John the Baptist. John is in the wilderness, preaching this message of preparation. The wilderness is often thought of as an unfriendly place. The first part of the word “Wilderness” defines the environment’s wild characteristics; it’s an untamed and uncontrolled place.

A wilderness has an aspect of darkness, where things creep in the shadows. It’s a place where animal instincts rule, and creature is often pitted against creature. No one enjoys walking alone in the darkness of the wilderness, knowing that in it, there are creatures also willing to pounce and attack you when one’s guard is down.

Now, we desire to point to specific locations and call them a wilderness. We see tree lines and say, beyond, there is a wilderness. We look out over cranberry bogs toward the Necedah Wildlife Refuge and say ah, “There is a wilderness.”

But the reality is that the wilderness of this life is everywhere and in every place.

What is the darkness you fear? Where is the place where the untamed and wild things of life roam within your heart and mind?

Are you a child who finds yourself drifting into an abyss as you return home for Christmas, struggling and striving for parental approval? Are you a parent overwhelmed by the unrealistic expectations you feel to fulfill a child’s every wish for Christmas? Has strife entered your home and made everyone cross? Or is there a deep grief that persists as you stare into the darkness of your Christmas tree?

Thus, in today's Gospel, John the Baptist is preaching not only to the Pharisees and tax collectors but also to you. He says, “Make straight the way of the Lord.”

Quite simply, what has gone awry in your life? Where is there darkness or a wilderness? What is crooked? What needs straightening?

A significant challenge is that we don’t believe we need help with the challenges and tribulations of life.

Over the Advent season, Jesus's peace has been spoken to you, but what have you done with this peace? Have you told Jesus, “No, thank you, I can fix this on my own? I can find peace. I just need a little more time.”

If this is you, then repent.

Today, John stands in the wilderness; John the Baptist comes to you; his words come into the wildernesses of your life and call you to straighten up and “Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” In other words, repent, confess, and turn away from sin.

Now, this is what it means to repent, to confess, to literally stop sinning, to turn away from the ill that you are doing.

So, if your tongue causes division within your home, turn away and speak kindly the words of Jesus. If the devil has entered thoughts of dread and contempt for one another, confess your anger and distrust and turn your hearts to one another in forgiveness and peace. If grief and depression weigh on your heart, turn to the Light of your Christ; turn to His Word of hope and salvation.

These are the ways of “bearing fruit worthy of repentance.” In other words, turn to Jesus.

Did you notice how the words of John the Baptist did exactly this as he said, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know?”

You see, the day after John the Baptist's little party and discussion with the Jews, John proclaims the beautiful words of the Agnus Dei as we sing right before we receive the flesh and blood of Jesus in the Lord’s Supper, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

What a gift for us; John’s words and ministry point us to Jesus.

Jesus is the One who enters not only into the darkness of this world but also the dark and murky water of the Jordan River for you.

And this is a beautiful thing: Jesus comes, not as a sinner, but receives a baptism with sinners. In doing so, Jesus takes upon Himself, your sin and mine. He steps out of His place in the Kingly throne room of His Father and now takes His place among you and me in the wilderness of this life.

In the waters of Holy Baptism, Jesus stands for you today and invites you to drown and kill the Old Adam, the sinful nature that clings to you through daily contrition and repentance so that in Jesus, a new man may come forth.

Through this pattern of daily contrition and repentance, of daily drowning and rising in Christ then transforms your heart and molds you in the image of your Savior. It confesses that your life is not lived for yourself, but rather a life lived in God. For this reason, it is a life lived in service to your neighbor, supplying them with the greatest gift of Christ’s forgiveness, comfort, and peace. 

As we enter these waning hours of Advent, examine your hearts. If your heart is caught in a thicket of sin within your home, bear fruit in confessing your sin. If you have fallen short this Christmas, look up to Christ, who died upon the cross for you. If grief consumes your heart, see the child in the manger who not only entered this world to die for you but rose again, ensuring we and all the faithful would receive eternal life.   

For this reason, we can join the Apostle Paul as he wrote in the epistle, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice!”

The Lord is near, and He has conquered all your foes; he has defeated death and scattered the darkness of the wildernesses in your life.

So hear the words of John the Baptist again this day, sing them as you journey to this altar with all that ails you, rejoicing as you sing, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

The last two weeks of Advent focus on John the Baptist for a reason; before Christ comes to us at Christmas, the way must be prepared in our hearts by repentance, repentance John preaches not only to Pharisees and tax collectors but also to you and me. May you hear the call of John the Baptist this day, repent, and prepare yourself, for your King is near. And then let us come back as night falls this day and rejoice with all the Church in heaven and on earth, for the Christ child comes, and in Him you have life, salvation, and peace. +INJ+

Advent 3 + Gaudete

Text: St. Matthew 11:1-11

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

“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

This is what John sends his disciples to ask Jesus. Why would John send his disciples to ask this question? Has he become weak in the knees? Have the surrounding prison walls caused him to become less of the bold forerunner and a little more of a reed shaking in the wind? 

I believe it’s natural to ask the question: did John know who Jesus was? Did he have doubts? I’m sure he had many doubts throughout his life. But did he join us in singing the familiar Christmas song, “Mary Did You Know?” That I cannot be convinced of; one could interchange John for Mary, but it would not matter; John knew who Jesus was as much as Mary knew who her Son was to be; why is this? 

Well, Mary received the visitation of the angel Gabriel, announcing the miraculous birth to her, instructing her that her Son would be named Jesus and that He would be the Son of the Most High. Due to the reality that she and Joseph had not had sexual relations, she knew and understood that what was occurring was nothing short of a miracle performed by the hand of God. She speaks and confesses what we call the Magnificat (We have sung this lovely canticle every Wednesday evening throughout Advent), “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” She rejoices in God, her Savior! Her joy is in her son, whom she proclaims as her Savior.

Well, John the Baptist is no different; His parents conceived him while advanced in years. Even in his mother's womb, Elizabeth, the baby John leaps in recognition of who the child is in Mary’s womb. In fact, it would be a little weird if John didn’t know who Jesus was; they are relatives, after all—two miraculous births within mere months.

But, even more, John the Baptist prepares the way of Jesus, announcing and confessing, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” It’s John the Baptist who baptizes Jesus and witnesses with his eyes the Spirit of God descend upon Jesus as a dove and hears with his ears the voice from the heavens declare, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”  

Yet, John is in Herod’s prison, sending his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Could this be because his disciples have failed to see and hear his words? Are they the ones who are truly poor and imprisoned – imprisoned by their fears and anxieties? I believe so; after all, these disciples of John know what is about to happen to the leader whom they have followed. His life will soon be over. 

And so, the disciples go to Jesus as instructed. Isn’t it something that the response of Jesus to these disciples of John begins like this, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see.” What did they hear and see; “The blind see and the lame walk; lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear: the dead are raised up and the poor have good news preached to them.” These words echo the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the Christ, yet now they are no longer mere words but actual works being fulfilled by Jesus.

But, Jesus appears differently than the disciples of John had imagined or hoped for. He’s not dressed in fine clothing, the kind an earthly king would wear. They imagined someone surrounded by good-looking folks, healthy people. Instead, they may have been offended to see Jesus hanging out among the poor and downtrodden. 

The reality is that Jesus does not fit their mold of what the Savior would look like; he does not come as they had imagined. The truth is, He does not come as you desire Him to either; He does not appear as you wish, and His Words are met with the deafness of heart.

But He does come as He needs to be. And that does not bring you comfort and joy this Advent. And so, you join in asking, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 

As we journey through this life, we are consumed and conditioned that faith comes from within us, especially during this time of year; it even begins at the earliest of ages. Have you ever watched the movie The Polar Express? It has become a favorite of children. Well, if you are not familiar with the movie, a boy is preparing for bed on Christmas Eve; he struggles with believing in, let’s say, the Christmas Spirit or Father Christmas. His lack of faith is revealed in greater depth near the end of the movie as there is a big celebration for the arrival of Father Christmas; there are sleigh bells ringing and crowds cheering, yet the boy cannot hear the bells ringing. He was deaf to the sound of the sleigh bells. Why? Because he lacked faith in the world's story of Christmas. Only upon coming to faith in the world's story [Father Christmas] could the young boy finally hear the sound of the bells. The movie's storyline reveals a belief that the young boy's faith had to begin from within, from inside of him, and it was only assured or sealed by the ringing of the sleigh bells.

Is this not how we begin to become imprisoned in this life? The traps of a faith produced from within oneself, the despair and worry over the depth of one’s faith, or the fleeting emotions that leave you searching for more, a sign, a seal of God’s promise to you. Is this not what we do, even while we have the assurance of Scripture that “[Lord] will never leave us, nor forsake us.” 

We remain unfulfilled and desire something more! Something a bit more magical, more emotional, more of a feeling. Dear friends, put away all worldly delusions and place your trust in the unfailing Word of God. As we heard from Isaiah today, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” 

Here is a great joy of being Lutheran: we believe what Scripture teaches, we believe.

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17). Faith does not begin within you but enters through your ears. We confess this truth in the meaning of the third article of the Apostles Creed, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.” Faith is not by your work or reason but by the work of the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who comes to you through the Good News of the Gospel. 

A lot is going on in the world; many things cause you to feel like the walls around you are caving in, and life is full of doubts and fears. But, as John the Baptist pointed his disciples in their time of great need to Jesus, he points you today to the very same Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World.

This is why God sends you pastors. When you have doubts, pastors point you to your Baptism, where the dead are raised to new life in the death and resurrection of Christ.

When fear imprisons you, pastors point you to the Incarnate Word – the Good News preached to the poor, Good News that gives sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf; it is the assurance that God dwells in the midst of you.

When nothing in this life quenches your thirst and hunger, we direct you to the Sacrament of the Altar, where the Lamb of God is most tangibly received in the flesh and blood of your Savior. All this should arouse joy within us and cause us to say with the introit, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.” 

Today is Gaudete Sunday, after all, often highlighted by the fantastic rose candle on the Advent wreath. Gaudete means to “Rejoice.” And this is what I leave with you this day, cause of rejoicing! The joy of knowing your faith resides in Jesus Christ alone. Dear brothers and sisters, there is no need to look for another; your Savior is near, and He is Christ the Lord. +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.