Lent 6 mid-week, mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 6-Mid day
March 12, 2008
John 19:37
They will look on the one they have pierced

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Introduction:
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the prince of glory died
My riches gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

The Passion of the Christ has been our focus through the sacred music of Johan Sebastian Bach these past three Wednesdays.  We turn now to our final chorale – it is simply a prayer - that we may be one in Christ.

Help O Christ Thou God’s own Son
Through Thy bitter anguish
That our wills with Thee be one
Zeal for evil vanquish

I.     We pray that our Will - may be one in the same as Christ’s. This we pray every time we pray the 3rd petition of the Lord’s Prayer – “Thy will be done” – Lord!

A.  How is this done?

1.   God’s good and gracious will is done among us by Himself – not us!

2.   Specifically, when God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow God’s name nor let His Kingdom come.

3.   Those forces we contend with are the will of the devil, the world and our own sinful flesh.

B.  God’s Good and gracious will is...

1.   To strengthen and preserve us steadfast.

2.   Keeping us faithful to His Word and faith unto our end. “Fear not, little flock, for it is Your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”       -Luke 12:32

Transition: We pray that the Father’s will might be done in us. Viewing Christ’s Passion we render Him our thanks and praise.

II.  Our focus thus is on Christ and His Cross

On Thy death and its true cause
Contrite thoughts will render

A.  When we consider all that Jesus endured - His suffering, agony and bloody sweet we cry out for the Father to have mercy upon us.

1.   With the beggar we cry, “Jesus, Master have mercy on me!”-Mark 10:47

2.   Or, as the Kyrie would remind us; “Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord, have mercy.”

3.   And, in the words of the Agnus Dei; “O Christ Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world have mercy upon us and grant us Thy peace.”

B.  And we thank Him!

And though weak and full of flaws
Thee our thanks will render

1.   Thank You Jesus, that you have taken away my guilt and my sin.

2.   Thank you Jesus, that You prayed; “Father forgive them for they know not   what they do.” -Luke 23:34

3.   Thank You Jesus, who gave Stephen the strength to pray; “Lord do not hold this sin against them!” –Acts 7:60 For this is how we ought to pray.

Conclusion:  As we have pondered Christ’s holy Passion during this Lenten journey may we be moved to pray;

Grant that I may willingly
Bear with Thee my crosses,
Learning humbleness of Thee,
Peace mid pain and losses.
May I give thee love for love!
Hear me, O my Savior,
That I may in heaven above
Sing Thy praise forever.

 + Soli Deo Gloria +

When I survey the wondrous cross from The Lutheran Hymnal Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO © 1940

Jesus I will Ponder Now from The Lutheran Hymnal Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO © 1940

Mid-Week Lent 6

Isaiah 50:4-9a
The suffering servant
God’s servant suffers for us - redemption through suffering

The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.  The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.  Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser?  Let him confront me!  It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me.  Who is he that will condemn me?

Prayer of the Day

“Almighty God, you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take our flesh upon him and to suffer death on the cross. Grant that we may share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection.”

The Lord’s servant faces suffering confident of His help. This pericope constitutes the third of the servant songs in Isaiah. The Lord’s servant hears His voice and is therefore fortified with determination to suffer mental agony in terms of ridicule, false accusations, humiliation, and shame. He suffers confidently because the Lord will vindicate, help, and pronounce him innocent.

For Jesus, death did not come only by physical torture. Probably the mental, emotional, and spiritual suffering were greater. Pilate was amazed that Jesus died so early. The pain greater than the physical dealt with his heart. In our lesson the Servant suffers shame and disgrace: the pulling out of his beard and spitting in his face. The depth of Jesus’ non-physical suffering was seen in his cry. “My God, why?” It is the only word of the cross reported by Matthew and the only word given in the original tongue, Aramaic. As we consider God’s dealings with His people we see Him sending His own dear Son as a suffering servant.

We consider tonight the real hurt of the cross.

I.        Cry of loneliness — “forsaken.”

A.   The suffering of the Messiah was not only physical but mental and emotional. This may be a worse form of hurt — hurt feelings. The servant, as a faithful follower of God, endures shameful treatment. His enemies pull out his beard and spit in his face. Jesus endured this form of suffering: the soldiers dressed him as a king; the superscription above his head; crucified between two criminals; exposed naked before a crowd; taunted and mocked, “If you are the Son of God....”

B.   The Servant is successful in taking the suffering because of his confidence in God’s presence and help. God was near and ready to help. Though God allows suffering, he sustains the sufferer who suffers for his sake. When Jesus cried, “My God, why?” we sense the trauma and tragedy of God’s apparent withdrawal.

II.     Cry of misunderstanding — “why?”

A.   Why? Why did Jesus have to be abandoned by God?  It was necessary for Him to fulfill all righteousness. This started on the day of His baptism when He entered the arena becoming our substitute. If you and I are to gain reconciliation to the Father He will have to be abandoned by God and forsaken by men. For Him to win our salvation it is necessary for Him to be rejected. 

B.   Because Jesus came down to the humility of the cross, Jesus was raised in exaltation. They are two sides of a coin. Jesus taught that he who humbles himself shall be exalted, and the reverse also applies. During Holy Week we watch Jesus stooping to the lowest level by dying a criminal’s most horrible death, and on Easter he is raised to glory.

His exaltation will not be complete until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess him as Lord.  Jesus emptied himself of his pre-existent glory, majesty, and power that he might fit into the confines of a human being. Though he was the Son of God, he surrendered his divine attributes for the finitude of man.

III.   Cry of alienation of sin — “me.”

A.   Jesus’ suffering was personal. It was happening to Him - personally. He was suffering as no one ever had suffered or would suffer. His torments were real - as they would be real for you and for me. He suffered every conceivable pain that you could ever suffer. He took this suffering personally for it was for personal reasons that He took your sin to Himself. 

B.   Jesus’ suffering, the pains which He endured He did for you personally. St. Paul reminds us, “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) Christ was treated as if He were a sinner. He became the object of God's wrath and bore the penalty and guilt of our sin.  God made Him to be sin for us!  He never had a sinful attitude or did a sinful act. "In Christ" believers in some sense actually share the righteousness that characterizes God himself. Thus St. Paul will write, “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Conclusion:     God’s servant suffers willingly because of His trust in God.  The Servant is successful in taking the suffering because of his confidence in God’s presence and help. God was near and ready to help. Though God allows suffering, he sustains the sufferer who suffers for his sake. When Jesus cried, “My God, why?” we sense the trauma and tragedy of God’s apparent withdrawal.

 + Soli Deo Gloria +

Mid-week Lent 5 Mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 5-Mid day
March 5, 2008
John 19:23-27
Jesus I will Ponder Now

Introduction: Hanging on a cross suspended between earth and heaven Jesus bore our sins in His body. In the midst of His cruel agony He provided for His mother’s care. John records for us the Savior’s word of dying concern. “When Jesus saw His mother, there and the disciple whom He loved, standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on this disciple took her into his home.” How beautifully Bach relates these events.

I.  The death of Jesus was complete. “He of everything took heed In His hour of dying.”

A.  All sin was paid for by Jesus’ vicious death.

1.   There is not one sin left unaccounted.

2.   The payment is marked: “paid in full!”

B.  The proclamation of the cross is what frees us.

1.   It is good news.

2.   It is the power of God.

II.  On the cross Jesus singles Mary out for attention. “Caring for His mother’s needs on His friend relying.”

A.  He calls her “woman”.

1.   A desire to spare her the hurt of “mother.”

2.   He imparts a proper perspective – Mary will have to be saved like anyone else. She receives no dispensation!

B.  He turns her over to John.

1.   From that time on he became her son.

2.   He provides for her taking her into his own house.

a.    By way of history John will be the only disciple not to be martyred.

b.   He will be exiled to the island of Patmos. – Revelation 1:9

III.   By this act of love Jesus demonstrates the proper regard for family. “O man, do all things aright love God and thy neighbor.”

A.  Jesus summed up the life of the Christian when He taught us;

1.   “Love the Lord Thy God with all your heart, soul and all your might This is the first and greatest commandment.”   - Matthew 22:37

2.   “And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.” -Matthew 22:38-39 There is no commandment greater than these.

B.  “To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”  - Mark 12:33

IV.  Through Jesus’ example expressed to His mother He demonstrates a deep concern for others. Thus Bach concludes tonight’s hymn verse with these words; “Die then without pain and fright rest from care and labor.”

A.  We can leave this world in death without pain or fright.

1.   Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross so that we will not have to suffer the terrors of a guilty conscience.

2.   We receive Christ’s peace as He has secured for us peace with God.

B.  Thus we rest from care and labor.

1.   Luther possibly put is best when, in the conclusion to his morning and evening prayers he wrote: “Into Thy hands I commend myself [placing] my body and soul and all thing [into Thy care]. May Your Holy Angel [Spirit] be with me that the wicked foe may have no power over me.”

2.   This moved Luther to conclude in the morning the Christian should: “then go joyfully to your work” and in the evening we rest confidently: “then go to sleep at once and in good cheer.”

3.   Here is evidence of a clear conscience; not based on what we do but rather on what Christ has finished. Our salvation is complete. We can rest in peace because our Father is at peace with Jesus’ work. At the cross and empty tomb Christ’s mission was accomplished!

Conclusion: Jesus showing compassion and care for His mother and His dear disciple has shown us how we too must act. Of the seven words Jesus spoke from the cross half of His last words are concerned with others. May His words and actions so move us to will and to do His good pleasure.

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Mid-week Lent 5

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 5
March 5, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
The valley of dry bones - God brings life out of death
The life out of death


LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”  I said, “O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD? This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.

I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’ ” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’ ”

Prayer of the Day

“Almighty God, our redeemer, in our weakness we have failed to be your messengers of forgiveness and hope in the world. Renew us by your Holy Spirit that we may follow your commands and proclaim your reign of love.”

Ezekiel preaches the Word to the dry bones of Israel and they come to life. Ezekiel is a prophet to the exiles in Babylon. This Lesson comes from the section of the book that depicts a restoration of Jerusalem and its temple. He sees the Hebrews in exile as dead in hope because they are separated from the holy city and temple. God commands Ezekiel to preach to the dead bones and the Spirit brings life to the bodies. Through the preached Word, the Spirit of God brings new life and hope to a defeated, exiled people.

Introduction: On Sunday morning when you step into the pulpit, do you see a valley of dry bones? Such was the question posed by a gifted preacher to a class of young seminary students. How do we view the church today?  God showed Ezekiel a whole nation living in a valley of bones. They were physically alive but their spirits were dead because of lack of hope in a time of captivity.

God’s people can be dead in spirit — lack of vitality, energy, interest, and enthusiasm. Obviously the need is for revival - the church needs revival - that she might serve Christ and build the kingdom on earth. According to the text, new life comes from the Spirit in the Word of God. In dealing with His people God is able to bring life out of death.

As we review God’s gracious dealing with His people we see how the church can be revitalized from dead bones to living bodies. How is this done?

I.        Hear the Word — do you really listen to the Word preached, proclaimed, read and taught?

A.     The Spirit is the creative power of God. By the Spirit the universe was created. The Father spoke the word and all that exists came into being.  His Spirit is identified with his Word — The Father spoke, “Let there be light” and light appeared.  In Ezekiel’s account the Spirit causes the dry bones to live again.

B.     But the Spirit comes to the bones through the prophet’s preaching the Word of God. Here we see the power of the Word to create new life, for with the Word there is the Spirit. But the Word must be preached. Out of a faithful preaching of the Word, the Spirit creates new life in the dead bones of God’s people.

C.     From the explanation of the 3rd Article we read, ‘I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called my by the Gospel.”

D.     From the 2nd Petition of the Lord’s Prayer we read, “The Kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

E.      God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity. 

Transition: How does revival come to the church today? It comes when we hear God’s Word. It comes when we daily read His Word.

II.     Read the Word — private daily reading of the Bible.

A.     We can have both death and life in us. Though dead, we can live, and though living we can be dead. There is one type of life — existence, the physical, natural, earthly life. It is the life of the flesh which results in sin and death. St. Paul said, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.” (Romans 7:18)  But then Paul continues…” but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.” (Romans 7:23)  Our sinful nature and our new nature are constantly at war with each other.  How do we feed it? Do we feed it with all matters of sin? Or do we saturate it with the Word? 

B.     There is possibly another life; one with God lived in faith.  This life is a product of the Spirit received at baptism. Through baptism a person is born again in the Spirit, adopted as the child of God, and now lives in the Spirit of righteousness. The new person knows he is related to God, because the Spirit witnesses to our spirits that we are God’s offspring. When we connect ourselves with God’s Holy Word the power of our baptism takes hold of us once again. “What does baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”

Transition:  How does revival come to the church today? It comes when we hear God’s Word. It comes when we daily read His Word. It comes when we taste the Word through the Sacrament.

III.   Taste the Word — the Word comes visibly in Holy Communion.

A.     What is the benefit of eating and drinking the Sacrament? These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins, show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation,”

B.     How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things? Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, along with he bodily eating and drinking are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: “forgiveness of sins.”

Conclusion: The raising of the dead bones of Israel came through the preaching of the Word.  Through Ezekiel’s preaching of the Word, the dead people come to life. Jesus in His ministry brought Lazarus out of the tomb with his words, “Lazarus, come out.”  The raising of Lazarus gave the religious leaders an immediate cause to plot Jesus’ death.  Jesus identified himself as the resurrection and the life, and offers eternal life here and now to those who believe in him.  The prophecies of Ezekiel predict what Jesus will fulfill.

+Soli Deo Gloria+

mid week Lent 4 - mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 4-Mid day
February 27, 2008
John 19:5
Jesus I will Ponder Now


When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, Behold the man!

Introduction: “Behold the man!” That’s what Pilate said. Who is this Jesus? How will you perceive Him? How will you react to Him? What has He done to deserve all this? Our chorale for this evening penned by Johan Sebastian Bach gives us much to contemplate.

I.     Behold, the Savior of the world. Jesu, who for me didst die, Livest now forever.

A.  Christ died –

1.   He died for every sinner.

2.   He died for me!

B.  But now He lives –

1.   Death could not hold Him.

2.   He now lives and reigns through all eternity.

II.  Behold Him who will hold us in death. When my hour of death draws nigh, Let me waver never.

A.  Each must face death.

1.   It is appointed for man once to die and after that face judgment. -Hebrews 9:72

2.   Death is a curse which sinful humans have brought upon themselves. “The soul that sins it shall die.” - Ezekiel 18;4,20

B.  Yet we can face death confidently in Jesus.

1.   Because Christ defeated death by His own death we can now see death as a gate which leads to eternal life.

2.   When facing our own demise terrors of conscience may seize us. Only Christ can keep us faithful. “Be Thou faithful until death and I will give Thee the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10

III.   Behold Him who will keep us. May I e’er to Thee be turned, O my faithful Savior.

A.   By our own reason or strength we can not come to Him.

1.   We are blind, dead and enemies of God.

2.   Our sin prevents us.

B.  Thus He sends us His Holy Spirit who…

1.   Calls us  - by the Gospel

2.   Gathers us – into His body the Church

3.   Enlightens us – with His gifts

4.   Sanctifies us – keeps us holy

5.   Keeps us – in the one true faith

IV.  Behold him who will receive us into His glory. Give me but what Thou has earned, More I do not pray for.

A.  What has Christ earned?

1.   We now have peace with God.

2.   We are given access to the Father’s throne - room of grace.

3.   We have received forgiveness from all sin.

4.   We’ve been given the hope of heaven with mansions glorious.

B.  With all these gifts what more do we need?

1.   The Christian can now be content.

2.   There is nothing lacking for Christ has the sufficiency to supply us with all that we may ever need.

Conclusion:     

I am content my Jesus liveth still
In whom my heart is pleased.
He hath fulfilled the Law of God for me,
God’s Wrath He hath appeased.
Since He in death could perish never
I also shall not die forever.
I am content! I am content!

+ Soli Deo Gloria +

Lent mid-week 4

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lent 4
February 27, 2008
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Samuel anoints David as king - God selects our leader
The light for vision

 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD'S anointed stands here before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Introduction: From day to day we are constantly in need of forming opinions of people as prospective employee, spouse, friend, or ruler. As a national election looms in front of us, what leadership qualities are we looking for in our leaders on the national, sate and local level? Bringing it closer to home, you may ask yourself, what do I see in a person that I would choose that person to work for, or to marry, or to be a good friend? How do you know a person has what it takes? Is the person really what he/she appears to be? In our text, Samuel was making the wrong choices until God told him whom to anoint as king. We continue under the theme God’s dealing with people. In selecting a leader the Lord gives both vision and direction. 

What do you see in a person?

1.      Observe the person’s appearance — v. 12; “So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” 

When God wants a servant, what does He look for? What is the true measure of a potential leader? Because of his physical appearance, Samuel thought Eliab was God’s choice, but God told Samuel not to look at the outward appearance.  

Our first impressions are usually deceptive and incomplete. We tend to judge people based on their appearance, their mannerisms (smile, handshake, liveliness, etc.) and their tone. However, reality runs deeper than what is visible at the surface.  Yet, most people would believe your appearance says who you are just as your clothes tell others who you are.

Eliab.  whose name means “God is Father.” Appeared to be the heir apparent.  He is a fine physical specimen, and Samuel thinks that he is surely the chosen one.  But, God says, “I have refused him.” The word “refuse” simply means to “reject.”  Eliab might have looked pleasing outwardly, but something in his character disqualified him from being the king. 

Transition: Observing the person’s appearance might be important to some. Better yet, look at the person’s occupation.

2.      Consider the person’s occupation — v. 11; “So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

David’s occupation could have quickly disqualified him. He was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time - but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd’s work was considered the lowest of occupations. In our world today students can spend years preparing themselves for a marketable career.

A question could be asked, do we judge a person based on their occupation?   Do we give preference to people based on their income?   Are there certain jobs we might consider to be “beneath us”?  

"When we pray the Lord's Prayer," observed Luther, "we ask God to give us this day our daily bread. And He does give us our daily bread. He does it by means of the farmer who planted and harvested the grain, the baker who made the flour into bread, the person who prepared our meal." We might today add the truck drivers who hauled the produce, the factory workers in the food processing plant, the warehouse men, the wholesale distributors, the stock boys, the lady at the checkout counter. Also playing their part are the bankers, futures investors, advertisers, lawyers, agricultural scientists, mechanical engineers, and every other player in the nation's economic system. All of these were instrumental in enabling you to eat your morning bread. [1]

Occupations are important in our world yet their importance goes far beyond what is often seen on the surface.

Transition: Considering a person’s occupation is important in choosing a leader better yet observe the person’s background.

3.      Look at the person’s background — v. 3; “Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”

A person’s background, his upbringing, his schooling, and his family are often important factors in determining a person’s ability to rule. Samuel was to go to a certain family - the family of Jesse. From this family a certain member was to be selected as the future king. Yet it was the Lord Himself who would elect that person who would be king. We can only judge what is available to us lying on the surface. It is the Lord Himself who alone judges the heart.  

Transition: Considering a person’s background is critical in choosing a leader. Better yet, examine the person’s heart.  

4.      Examine the person’s heart and spirit — vv. 7, 13;“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.” -the very best!

Says the Lord God, I don't see things how you see things, Samuel look again.  What humans consider unworthy, unacceptable, undesirable God counts as extremely important. Samuel was about to overlook David, and his father did not consider him a prospect, because he was the youngest of eight sons. Moreover, he was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd’s work was considered the lowest of occupations. David’s youth was against him, for a king needed experience and maturity.

Compare the Son of David; he, too, was of humble parents and was born in a stable and laid in a manger. He lived a life of suffering, rejection, betrayal and scorn. His was not a noble death applauded by the religious elite. Yet our Lord Jesus in His suffering, humiliation, agony, and bloody sweat; and at a cross where He took our sins upon Himself. His death which He died on a cross - it was this miserable death which has saved us.   

Conclusion: When looking for the marks of greatness and the qualities for leadership do not be fooled by what appears on the surface. They are but a façade. The Lord, He judges the heart. He saw in David a man after His own heart. His own Son, a Second David, bore your sins in His own body that you might die unto sin and live unto righteousness.  In these precious wounds we find peace with God and clemency for your sins and offenses.   

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

[1] introduction by Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Institute director and World Magazine editor:

Mid-week Lent 3 Mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 3-Mid day
February 20, 2008
John 18:15-27
Jesus I will Ponder Now

Introduction:  The story of Peter is your story. It is also my story. Peter is so strong; so sure of himself, so bold – yet so often he stumbles, fumbles, flops and falls. Johan Sebastian Bach in a beautiful chorale tells a powerful account concerning Peter’s failure. Let’s see how the story unfolds.

I.   “Peter gave it scarce a thought when he God rejected.”

A.   Peter was so sure of himself. He felt secure in his faith.

1.    After all, he was one of the twelve and of the twelve, one of the three whom Jesus gathered together to be part of His inner circle.

2.    He was fixed firmly in his own ability to stand confidently with the Savior. Just hours before Jesus’ arrest in the garden Peter had pledged his loyalty to the Savior.  “And [Simon Peter] said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death. But Jesus said, I tell you, Peter, before a [single] cock shall crow this day, you will three times [utterly] deny that you know Me.” - Luke 22:33-34

B.   When he would eventually deny the Savior he thought he was only finding a limb on which to climb. It was for him a way of “saving face.” “I wasn’t really denying my Lord,” he could argue, “It was merely a case of “mistaken identity.” Peter said to the crowd, “You’re talking to the wrong man!”

1.  What happens in our life? – Do we give a “false witness” when we, for example, compromise clear Biblical principles in order to fit in at work, or at school?  What price will we pay to acquire acceptance, approval, acquiescence?

2.   Every time we sin willfully we are doing nothing short of what Peter did on that fateful night.

3.    Like Peter we often “give it scarce a thought” when we compromise principle for convenience or for what is expedient at the time.

C.   We too are tempted.

1.    In the beginning we are tempted [by the Devil] - to think - “it’s nothing.”

2.    In the end we are told [again, by the Devil] - “it can’t be forgiven.”

Transition: It was bad enough for Peter to deny his Lord. But upon looking into the eyes of the Savior Peter was seized with guilt. Luke reminds us: “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord how He had said unto him, ‘Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” (Luke 22:61) With one look Peter’s world crumbled!

II.     “At Christ’s look he fled distraught, weeping and dejected.”

A.   Confronted by his denial Peter was crushed.

1.    This is what the Law does to us.

2.    It is a necessary ingredient in preaching!

B.   We too are crushed when confronted with the Law.

1.    Nathan said to David “Thou art the man”   - 2 Samuel 12:7

2.    Contrition and repentance are necessary   for restoration and forgiveness.

Transition: As Jesus fixed His gaze on Peter thus He must look on us.

III.   We ask Jesus to “look on me” – “Cast me not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me” – Psalm 51:11

A.   “Jesus fix Thy gaze on me”

1.    Press me, pursue me.

2.    Never let me go! “I will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee” -Hebrews 13:5

B.   “True repentance teach me” Remember the 5 “R’s” of repentance…

1.    Responsibility – we own up to our sin.

2.    Remorse – we are heart sorry.

3.    Repair – we attempt to fix what we’ve broken - inasmuch as we are able.

4.    Repeat not! – We don’t return to visit!

Note: These four steps; leading to repentance, come from Dr. Laura Schlesinger, she’s a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. She suggests; quite convincingly, that this is all we need to right a wrong. Yet, one component is missing. A 5th step is necessary; the final step, which separates Christians from the rest of the world; a step, which turns from following rules to establishing a relationship with God Himself. The 5th step necessary: 

5.    Reconciliation - through Christ alone!

Transition: Repentance is not merely a one time act – it must be a daily process. Thus we pray…

IV.  “When Thou evil there doest see through my conscience reach me.”

A.   Jiminy Cricket from Disney’s ‘Pinocchio’ would suggest to us; “let your conscience be your guide”

B.   Our text would suggest even stronger let your conscience and the cruel and bloody cross of Calvary be your guide!

Conclusion: After the resurrection Peter and Jesus had another heart to heart meeting. Three times Jesus would ask Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” John would remind us in his gospel account, “Peter was grieved because Jesus said to him for a third time do you love Me?” – John 21:17

Roman Catholics maintain that Peter was the first Pope.  To this day Protestant parishes in Europe will place a rooster instead of a cross on the top of their spires as a not so friendly reminder of Peter’s seedy past. Not much has changed over the years. Have there been instances in our lives when we have not acted as becomes a child of God? Have you had to be reminded of that moment only to relive it once again?  

Each of us can recall those moments in our lives in which we are not proud! Peter’s’ denial crushed him – but what he found was restoration by the Savior! 

Peter’s freedom came at a price – the price of Jesus’ life. To be crushed by conscience and the Law is never a pleasant thing. But Christ’s redemption leads to recovery – to be reconciled to the Father and also to each other – all has been made possible by the Savior’s amazing grace!

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

Mid-week Lent 3

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 3
February 20, 2008
Exodus 17:1-17
Moses brings water out of a rock - God supplies our needs

The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”  Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?” But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The LORD answered Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

“Eternal Lord, Your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Son. Help us to hear Your word and obey it, so that we become instruments of Your redeeming love.”

Upon the Lord’s direction, Moses brings water out of a rock for the wilderness people. God’s people are in the wilderness and they are thirsty. This is one of a series of complaints of the Israelites during their forty-year stay in the wilderness. This episode follows the pattern of all the others. The people first complain to Moses, Moses takes the complaint to the Lord, and our heavenly Father graciously answers their need always according to His mist gracious will. In this case, Moses is directed to strike a rock, out of which comes water. The account points out the faithlessness of the people by threatening Moses and by putting God to the test. The obedience of Moses and the goodness of God are demonstrated in addressing and answering the need. In this instance, there was the sin of putting God to the test:  they demand and answer. Is God with us or not?

Introduction: Are we a God-abandoned people? When needs are not met, when adversity strikes, when God is silent and apparently absent, we might question whether God is with us or not.

That was the question of the thirsty Israelites at Massah. They were desperate to know. Has the Lord left us?

Their lives depended on the answer. If God had indeed left them then why should they continue on their journey?  Why not simply give up or at least return back to Egypt.  If God was with them, then they would have to answer a deeper question - why is there no end of our suffering?

As long as we have tribulation, we will be asking this question. Why does God respond in this manner?  There are right and wrong ways in finding the answer to this question, this question of suffering.  As we continue with our theme throughout this year’s Lenten journey - of God’s dealings with His people - we discover this night that God supplies our needs for He is the source of our life even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Tonight we ponder: Is God with us or not?

I.        There is the wrong way of testing God.

A.     The children of Israel came to Moses with demands for proof of God’s presence. Surely there was no sin in needing or asking for water. Why should they die of thirst? The sin of the people was putting God to the test, of proving whether He was with them or not. They wanted concrete, physical proof in terms of water. In another wilderness, Jesus told Satan, “You shall not tempt (test) the Lord thy God.” To demand a sign or proof of God’s care discloses a lack of faith. Faith trusts in the Lord providence regardless of circumstance

B.     The children of Israel came to Moses insisting that the Lord act on their request, give us water. On the surface this doesn’t appear to be alarming. After all we are to take our needs to the Lord. Israel fell into sin when the demanded that the Lord act at their beckoned call.  We do not have the right to summon the Lord and demand that He do as we command. The children of Israel acted presumptuously. We dare not come to the Savior with on our own terms. We dare not come demanding for Him to act as we see fit. Our petitions must be presented with the qualifier “Thy will be done, Lord, Thy will be done.”  Thus we hear in the book of Deuteronomy 4:2 what the Lord says, “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”  This moved Martin Luther to pray, Dear God, I am Your creature. You have sent me a cross and suffering and say to me: Suffer a little for My sake and I will reward you well. Dear God, because it is Your will I will gladly suffer. Amen.

Transition:  We know that the devil, the world, and our own sinful nature oppose the good and gracious will of God. We look to Jesus who has clearly spoken, My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:40)

II.     The right way of trusting God; is in finding the God who is with us —

A.     We find God clearly in His Word, whether it is proclaimed, taught, read, studied, or shared. We should therefore call upon Jesus’ name in every trouble, as we pray, praise, and give thanks. The Psalmist reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1) and again, “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)  The Bible gives us countless examples, the ten lepers called upon Jesus in their trouble. (Luke 17:L11-13) The grateful stranger thanked Jesus and glorified God for his healing (Luke 17:15-16) Hannah petitioned and thanked God for the gift of a son (1 Samuel 1-2)     

B.     We find Christ clearly in the Sacraments.  St. Paul would remind us, “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?...If we have been united with Him in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.” (Romans 6:3,5) We are called to be living in our baptism, recalling that we truly are children of God because of the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. Thus you and I are called to pray, “O Lord, I am Your sin; You are my righteousness. Therefore I triumph and am secure; for my sin cannot overpower Your righteousness, not can Your righteousness let me be or remain a sinner!  Blessed Lord God of mine, my Mercy and my Redeemer, in You only do I trust, never let me be ashamed! (M Luther 1483-1546)  

You come on a regular basis to this altar to receive the gifts of God rejoicing in your inheritance which can not be taken from you. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us, “By one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy...where these [sins] have been forgiven, there is n longer any sacrifice for sin!” (Hebrews 10:14, 18) The body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament are the one perfect sacrifice offered to God once and for all on the cross and are now given to us in the Sacrament together with all the blessings and benefits which this sacrifice has won for us. We call it ‘the Sacrament of the Altar’ because an altar is a place of sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed His body and blood on the cross for the sins of the world once for all. In the Sacrament of the Altar, He distributes this same body and blood until the end of time.

C.     According to the Father’s perfect will He answers our prayers. What a privilege it is to take our burdens, cares, joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace, bearing the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ. And then - being thankful as the Savior answers each petition according to His gracious will.

Conclusion:  The right way of trusting God; is in finding the God who is with us — in His Word, in His blessed Sacraments, in prayer.

Lord Jesus, this I ask of Thee, Deny me not this favor; When Satan sorely troubles me, Then do not let me waver. Keep watch and ward, O gracious Lord, Fulfill Thy faithful saying: Who doth believe He shall receive An answer to His praying.  [The Will of God Is Always Best - The Lutheran Hymnal © 1942 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis]

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

Mid-week Lent 1 mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lenten 2-Mid day
February 13, 2008
John 18:15
“Simon Peter also followed in Jesus’ path and another disciple”

Introduction: Following Jesus’ arrest in the garden Peter and John follow behind the soldiers as Jesus is lead to Annas. Annas just so happened to be the father-in-law of Caiaphas – who had been appointed to serve as high priest.

It wasn’t left to chance that Jesus was sent to have an audience with Annas. Annas was the principle player within the Jewish Council. He made sure to keep a power hold within the court, keeping tight control within his family power base.

History tells us that four of Annas's sons were among those who succeeded him. His son-in-law, Caiaphas, held office from A.D. 18 until 36, during the time of Jesus' active ministry.

Although others held the priestly office, Annas seems to have been the elder statesman and the power behind the throne.

Together these two men; Annas and Caiaphas, brokered much influence within the temple and the court - It was Caiaphas who had given counsel and warning to the Sanhedrin that it was expedient that one man should die for the sake of the people.            -John 18:14

Peter and John follow behind – they desire to see what will occur next.

I.        With Peter and John we view Christ’s Passion.

A.     “Yet, O Lord, not thus alone make me see Thy Passion.”

1.      During this holy season we meditate on what Christ did and endured to earn our salvation.

2.      We mark His arrest, trial, suffering and crucifixion.

B.     “But its cause to me make known and its termination.”

1.      The cause for which Christ was arrested, tried, scourged and crucified was to win for me salvation.

2.      When Christ died – all of our sin died. Our sins, with all evil lusts were all drowned and killed.

Transition: But we do more then merely observe Christ’s action. We recall, affirm and believe what Christ has done. He suffered and died that I may receive salvation and life.

II.     We also recall the impact of Christ’s suffering.

A.     “Ah! I also and my sin wrought Thy deep affliction.”

1.      It was my sin and mine alone which caused Jesus to suffer and die.

2.      It is my sin which caused me to be separated from the Father, from Christ, and my neighbor.

B.     “This indeed the cause has been of Thy crucifixion.”

1.      Christ suffered for me because I can do nothing to earn my salvation. My sin robs me of fellowship with God or with my neighbor. “Lord if You should mark iniquity who shall stand…”   Psalm 130:3

2.      Because Christ has suffered for me and on my behalf I now enjoy the blessings that come from Christ’s bloody cross; salvation, forgiveness, life eternal.

Conclusion: Peter and John remain in the wings to see what will transpire next. What happens is that Jesus is abandoned by God and by men to take on our sin to Himself and thus win for us salvation. “Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood be for my soul the highest good.”*

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

*I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table” from The Lutheran Hymnal © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

Mid-week Lent 1

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lent 1
February 13, 2008
Genesis 12:1-4a
The call of Abraham
God chooses a people - The power of faith

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”  So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.

Prayer of the Day

“Heavenly Father, it is Your glory always to have mercy. Bring back all who have erred and strayed from Your ways; lead them again to embrace in faith the truth of Your Word and to hold it fast.”

Introduction: The Bible makes great claims of what faith can do. Jesus taught that faith can move mountains. The average person of faith often wonders why he cannot do great things by his faith.  Often our faith is battered and weak. We question; we question the motives of others, we question the Lord or His timing, sometimes we question ourselves. Often we struggle with fear and doubt.  Our text for this evening shows us what faith can do. As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage we focus on God’s dealings with His people. Tonight, we will focus on the power of faith as the Lord chooses a special people; although, at the time, this people was weak, frightened and of little importance.

Tonight we answer the question of what faith can do as we consider the call of Abraham.

I.     Faith trusts in God’s promise for the unknown future — vv. 2, 3. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” 

A.  To Believe is simply another word for faith. Faith is nothing less then taking God at His Word. Taking God at His Word means we trust in all of His promises.     

B.   Do we count on the promises of God? Do we rely upon them?  Or, are they a burden for us? At times trusting in God’s promises was difficult for the wandering children of Israel and especially for Abraham. He learned obedience as he was forced by necessity to rely more and more on Him, especially in difficult and troubling times.

C.  How so for you? Do you trust in the Almighty only when things are going well?  Where is He leading you? Do you trust Him? Abraham had nothing to go by except for one thing; the Lord’s promise to direct his life. Faith calls for us to trust His Word no matter what the circumstance might be.   

II.   Faith acts upon the promise for the unknown future — v. 4.  “So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.”

A.   The Lord said for him to go and Abram left. Abraham was asked of God to leave comforts and home and family and everything he was familiar at the age of 75 when most people are thinking of a simpler life. He did not know where he was headed. Yet he walked by faith. There are countless people in the Scriptures who traveled a similar path. The Shepherds outside of Bethlehem, the Wise men, the Savior’s disciples, all traveled as the Lord directed them even though they only had a promise, “there you will find Him.”

B.   Where is the Lord directing you this night? Do you know the future? We too walk by faith and not always by sight. Yet, the Lord has given us His promise, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

1.    God’s Word is a lamp - directing you. At times we can see God’s hand of direction clearly. In such circumstances His light is as bright as a halogen light bulb. There is no room for doubt. We can see God’s hand of direction clearly. Making a decision when the Lord’s direction is clearly seen is easy.

2.    In other circumstances we can not always know in what direction we should go. The future is unknown.  The prospects are uncertain. Yet, God’s Word remains a lamp – directing you.  In these situations His light is a flashlight. You can’t see but for a few feet in front of you. Yet, it is enough light to keep you moving along the journey the Lord is directing.

3.   The point is clear. To the extent we avail ourselves to God’s Holy Word will we be directed by the Lord. We need His Word for direction in every circumstance; when the future is certain and especially when it is unclear at the time.

III. Faith brings blessings — vv. 3, “I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” 

A.  This is the one passage which ties the entire Old Testament Scriptures into one promise. On this promise hinge all of the other promises of God. It is the one verse by which we can know that the Savior is serious concerning all of the thousands of other promises found in the Scriptures of old.

B.  The Lord gave Abraham a wonderful promise that through him all the peoples of the earth would be blessed. In the fullness of time God’s Son Jesus Christ, - a direct descendent of Abraham - was sent to this earth. He entered our world in time to be our substitute. He carried for you the burden of your sin. As He suffered, was crucified, and died He was buried. And there, in His own tomb He buried your sins and offenses and sealed them forever. He has separated them as far as the east is from the west and He remembers your sins no more! 

C.  Now the Lord has promised “grace and every blessing” to you and to me. Not based on our work or merit. Rather based on the merits of His own Son who went to a bloody cross to suffer and die there. He has removed your guilt and became your substitute, exchanging your wretched life for His perfect life.

IV.  Finally faith erects altars to God — vv. 7, 8, “The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.  From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.”

A.   Abraham centered his life in God. Wherever Abraham traveled, he built an altar. It was a sign of his God centered life. What he was and where he was going resulted from God’s directives. An altar is a symbol of God’s presence and the place where God and people meet for conversation. A person of faith builds an altar wherever he goes that he might maintain his relationship with God.

B.   Your prayer life is an altar to God.  He calls us to join with Him in prayer. In prayer we have a conversation with the Almighty. In prayer we take our needs burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace and we are thankful as He answers each petition and intercession according to His perfect will.

C.   Where do we erect our altars? Sacred Scripture reminds us, Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.  Where does man center his priorities? Look at the ledger of your check book. What does it reveal? It’s more then an accounting of where the money goes. It gives you a reference point of where your priorities lie. Where a man’s money goes there is where his heart (is at). As we ask the Lord for direction we sometimes need to look at our past to determine where we have come from…

Conclusion:  By definition faith is simple trust. It is taking the Father at His word and trusting that He will give direction in your life. We do not know the future yet we know of Him who will direct our steps as He has the past. In full and complete confidence we submit to Him placing our body and soul and all things into His care. In this confidence be assured that He will direct your path. You are a sheep of His fold, a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming. Fare thee well child of God. Fare thee well as He directs you, on this journey of faith.  

+Soli Deo Gloria+

Ash Wednesday mid-day

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Ash Wednesday-Mid day
February 6, 2008
Luke 18:31-34
Jesus I Will Ponder Now

Introduction: Today we begin a six week process of observing our Savior’s Passion, suffering and death during the discipline of Lent. Under the theme: “Jesus I will Ponder Now” we will focus on six aspects of the Savior’s Passion as rendered and presented in six beautiful Chorales – four of which were penned by Johan Sebastian Bach. It is my prayer that as we focus on Jesus’ suffering through Scripture and song we will grow in a deeper appreciation of what Jesus has won for us on the bloody and cruel cross of Calvary.

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18, Jesus explains to His disciples, “Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them, ‘Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished.” {V.31}

As we consider Jesus’ Passion we observe His work in terms of sin and grace.

I.        If my sins give me alarm and My conscience grieve me.

A.     It is sin which causes us to be alarmed

1.      Sin of commission –committed and  done by

a.       Thoughts

b.      Words

c.       Actions

2.      Sins of omission

a.       When we had opportunity to do good but failed.

b.      When we could have prevented sin but failed to act or didn’t want to get involved, or the time was not convenient.

B.     Our conscience is troubled when we consider past wrongs, failures, and the nagging question, “What will God do to me at the end of my days?”

Transition: How do we receive a clean conscience and peace of mind? Our hymn verse gives us a clear answer.

II.     Let Thy cross, my fear disarm peace of conscience give me.

A.     The cross of Christ disarms our fears.

1.      At The cross the wrath of an offended God was poured out on Jesus Christ God’s own Son.

2.      Paul puts it this way; “God was in Christ reconciling us to the Father not counting our sins against us…”  2 Corinthians 5:19

3.      As Christ has taken our sin there is nothing for us to fear.

B.     Peace of conscience is what Christ alone can give.

1.      He gives us His peace – “Peace I leave thee, My peace I give thee…” John 14:27

2.      This is the only peace which will sustain us – all other forms or attempts at peace - pale in comparison.

Transition: Christ suffered for us once for all. Yet the Devil will attempt to trip us up reminding us again and again of past failings. He will quote for us chapter and verse where we have sinned. That’s why we need a continued reminder of Christ’s work.

III.   Grant that I may trust in Thee and Thy holy Passion.

A.     All Jesus asks of us is to trust Him.

1.      Trust is nothing more then another word for faith.

2.      Faith is nothing more then taking God at His word.

B.     We trust that what Christ accomplished at the cross is all that is needed to win for us salvation.

1.      Jesus’ words: “It is finished!” says it all!

a.       There is nothing left to be done. Jesus did it all at the cross.

b.      Trusting in Jesus’ work and merit is what our faith must focus.

Transition: As we focus on what Jesus has done we learn an eternal truth – the love and compassion of Christ.  

IV.  If His Son so loveth me God must have compassion.

A.     Smile - God loves you! Best summed up by Christ Himself in John 3:16-18

B.     He has had compassion. The Passion of the Christ is motivated by the Father’s compassion for a fallen world. When He gave up His own Son He did the very best. The Father shows that;

1.      He cares for us

2.      He loves us

3.      He sent us His own Son who redeemed this world to save us.

Conclusion: As we begin the discipline of Lent we focus on Jesus’ Passion. He has redeemed us lost and condemned creatures and has purchased and won us from sin, from death and from the power of the devil. A great and mighty wonder is to unfold during this Lenten season we watch in awe and wonderment.

+Soli Deo Gloria+