Christ the King

Christ the King Sunday

20 November 2016

Luke 23:35-43

Jesus Lord at Thy Death

Lord, increase our eagerness to do Your will and help us to know the saving power of Your love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.[1]

Jesus is dying on the cross. And yet, we celebrate the festival of Christ the King. How so? Execution as a criminal is usually considered a time of disgrace and defeat. Critics at the cross acknowledge this by saying, “He saved others, let Him save himself…If you are the king…save yourself.” In a few weeks at Christmas, we will be singing a line of “Silent Night” which says, “Jesus Lord at Thy birth.” Can we sing today, “Jesus Lord at Thy death”?

See how Jesus is Lord even at His death.

1.       He was Lord over His enemies by not responding to their insults –And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine - and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"  Vv. 35-37

A.      See Ps. 22  

a.       The Psalmist speaks of a man being mocked, which is similar in the descriptions of Jesus' crucifixion.

b.      The Psalmist reminds us, “He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him." Jesus’ enemies taunted him by saying, "He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him."

c.       The Psalmist speaks of a man who would be surrounded by others who stared and   gloated at him. This too was the situation for Jesus during His crucifixion.

 d.    Here we find a wonderful picture of Jesus, the suffering servant. He willingly and obediently went to the cross. He could have turned away. He did not have to die for us. Willingly and obediently, He bore the cross, the agony, the sufferings He endured the cross and its shame. He bore your sins in His own body. He died for you in your place. He withstood the insults, the criticisms; the harsh tones the mistreatment and abuse.

  e.      He simply prayed: “Father, forgive them…Father forgive them for they know not what they do!”  Such patience is hard to imagine. But He took this. For He knew that this was the only way to merit and win salvation for you.  There was no other way to save you. There can be no other options.  For you to receive the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation look only to Christ and Christ alone. Your own works will not do. Your own will cannot sustain you. Only in Christ is the salvation and life. On this Christ the King Sunday let this be known that Jesus has borne for you the cruelty of the cross and in that cross of Christ you now glory.  The cross stands as a sign and a seal of your forgiveness.

B.      See Ps.69 - Psalm 69 is, after Psalms 22, the most quoted or alluded to psalm in the NT

a.       The Psalmist speaks saying, “They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” This is exactly what Jesus’ experienced when He was handed over to be crucified.

b.      The Psalms - read, prayed, and memorized for a thousand years before Jesus was born speak volumes to us observing Christ’s passion from afar. These words, were literally being fulfilled on the day Christ died.

C.      Notice - a little word is added here, "if" - “Let him save himself “if” he is the Christ…”if” he is of God…”if” he is the Chosen one…”if” you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.”  A doubting and cynical world is always suspicious, always distrusting, constantly questioning, suspecting, hesitant, and skeptical.  

Behold your dying King. Yet in His death, you are washed, you sin is gone and you are forever free.

2. He was Lord in His power to save sinners –   One of the criminals who were hanged railed at (blasphemed) him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"  But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? “In the same judgment we are” And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me (whenever) you come into your kingdom." Vv. 39-43

A.      Notice this thief is doing more than joining the mocking...A double negative is given. “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself including us.” Yet,   Jesus Christ Reigns, Enduring the Cross Its Scorn and Shame.

B.      He truly is “the King”, who governs His Church with all authority in heaven and on earth. He has come into His kingdom by His cross, and He graciously remembers us in paradise. Therefore, do not weep for Him, but with repentant faith “weep for yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:28). Then the mountains and hills of Jerusalem, His holy Church, shall cover you with His righteousness and peace. For He “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15).

C.       As King, Jesus enters His kingdom as He remembers you. "All things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16), and “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” bodily in Him, reconciling all things to Himself. You are now joined with Him and are one with Him “by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19–20).

 The Lord Jesus reigns in love among those who are baptized in His name. He says, “They shall be mine,” “and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.” (Malachi 3:17). Our God reigns. By the power of His cross. Lifted up. He draws all men to Himself.  

Jesus’ service through crucifixion for sinful men anchors us in new life. In the proclamation of His Son, the Father makes His justice clear, defining “the distinction between the righteous and the wicked” (Malachi 3:18). Spurn not this cross. It is repulsive. On it is a man despised and rejected. Yet through this cross and by it He will draw all men to Himself.   

We have come to the conclusion of yet another church year, it began in our anticipation of the coming of Christ at Christmas, and as we celebrated His nativity, we saw that He was the One sent from God. We walked with Him during His passion in the Holy season of Lent, and in the Easter and Pentecost season, we meditated upon His words, which bring salvation and life.

Next week will mark a new church year season, and we will again walk with the Savior.  May our worship, our work, our prayers, our service be dedicated to Him who is the way the truth and the Life, for truly His is the Lord and King of all.

Words – 1,245

Passive Sentences –11%

Reading Ease –77%

Reading Level -5.6

Image: Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for private and congregational use

---

[1] Prayer for Sunday of the Week of Pentecost 27, “For All the Saints, a Prayer Book For and By the Church” American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1995 Delhi, NY

Time in the Word - Christ the King

Time in the Word:
 Preparation for next week, Christ the King

The King of the Kingdom

The church year comes to a close on a triumphant note. Christ the King. It is a festival, not an ordinary day, and the liturgical color changes to white, a color denoting festivity, joy, and peace. The church year comes to a close not with a whimper but with a shout. Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” would be appropriate. The year ends not in defeat but in triumph. The Old Testament Malachi 3:13-18 the Lord promises to have pity and compassion upon His people. The Epistle Colossians 1:13-30 identifies the king as the Son of God Jesus Christ our Savior. The Lord is crucified for us in the Gospel and His kingdom is opened to a penitent thief.

Christ the King is the Last Sunday of the Church year. It is fitting that the Gospel gives the account of the end of Jesus’ life. He died as a king. Ironically His enemies ridiculed Him as the King of the Jews and as the reason for His crucifixion Pilate wrote, “King of the Jews!” We must see the whole life of Christ as a king. He was born a king and all through His life we can see his royal life and work, with the authority and power of the king of kings.

Collect for Christ the King Sunday: Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son, we pray, that He may lead home His bride the Church, that we with all the redeemed may enter into Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Almighty and merciful God, You break the power of evil and make all things new in Your Son Jesus Christ, the King of the universe. May all in heaven and earth acclaim Your glory and never cease to praise You. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever. Amen

Collect for Proper 29: Lord Jesus Christ, You reigns among us by the preaching of Your cross. Forgive Your people their offenses that we, being governed by Your bountiful goodness, may enter at least in to Your eternal paradise; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 46: Lord God, our refuge and strength, when the restless powers of this world and the waters of hell rise up against Your Holy City, watch over it and keep it safe. By the river that flows form the throne of the Lamb, purify this New Jerusalem as Your chosen dwelling for You are with us, our stronghold now and forever.

Prayer for the hope of eternal life: Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raise in glory to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Time in the Word
14-19 November 2016
Preparation for next week, Christ the King

Monday, 14 November  2016— Psalm134; antiphon, Psalm 33:8—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray confidently Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. The word of the Lord lasts forever. Nothing can snatch us out of the Savior’s hand. The promises of God from of old are all fulfilled in the life, and ministry of Jesus Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Tuesday, 15 November 2016— Psalm 46 — This week’s psalm is the inspiration of Luther’s great hymn of the Reformation “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” This Psalm may have been written following Sennacherib’s attack on Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32), some natural disaster, or in anticipation of the events heralding Messiah’s coming. Vv.4-5 Have a parallel in Revelation 22:1-5 where the ideal is perfectly realized. The psalmist glories in God’s presence with His people and His real and unassailable protection (Vv. 1, 4-5, 7, 11)

Wednesday, 16 November 2016— Malachi 3:13-18— In their arrogance and unbelief the Jews called blessed those whom the godly know to be cursed. But it is they who will be called blessed if they repent. Even at the final hour the Lord is still calling His people to repentance and faith. In the Day of Judgment the Lord will spare those who fear Him. They will be called the Lord’s most treasured possession. 2,500 years after these words were written the Lord is still calling His people back to repentance. This is our attitude, searching and calling those missing from the Father’s table.
 

Thursday, 17 November 2016— Colossians 1:13-20—Our lesson gives us the scope of Christ’s kingdom. It is much needed because we think usually of Jesus as king of the Jews only, or of Christians only, or of the individual’s heart. Paul raises our sights and we see Jesus as king of the universe.

Look at your king; can you imagine the honor and privilege of being a servant of a king of such great dimensions? If Jesus is king of the cosmos, then He is not confined to one nation, race, or church. He rules the world, and all the nations, and all the planets. Who is this King? He is the creator of the vast universe - v.16. He is the eternal king – v. 17. He is the Head of the church – v.18. He is the reconciler and redeemer of the whole world – Vv.14, 20.

Friday, 18 November 2016- Luke 23:27-43 — Jesus was a king on the cross. His enemies did not realize the truth of the mockery, “If you are the King of the Jews.” The political authorities also did not realize what they wrote, “This is the king of the Jews.” On Palm Sunday the faithful sang praises to their king – ‘Behold, your king is coming to you.” In the gospel lesson there are various reactions to this king. The people – they watched from a distance. They were mere spectators – v. 35. The rulers – they were scoffers and cynics – v. 35. The soldiers – they mocked and ridiculed – v. 36. Sinners – the offered prayers and petitions of penitence – Vv. 39-43.

Saturday, 19 November 2016— Psalm 23- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is The King of Love My Shepherd Is. (LSB #709). The suggested hymn is one of praise and thanksgiving to our good shepherd Jesus Christ. He is our king. He is our good shepherd. Thanks be to God that we are a sheep of His fold, a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming. Tomorrow come to church expecting to offer praise and worship to our King of Kings Jesus Christ the righteous one.

Sources: Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 24 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY The Story of 50 Hymns © 1934 By General Mills, Inc Minneapolis, MN
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Pentecost 26 - Proper 28

Proper 28

13 November 2016

Luke 21:5-19

Doing your best when things are at their worst

Are we  living in the worst of times? Perhaps every generation says this. But, has there been a generation with so much destructive power, nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communication, and supersonic travel? Are we now on the edge of a worldwide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-kill many times over?

What can Christians do about it? We could hide, or flee. But where?  As we count down these last days, the Savior calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances.

Perhaps, you saw the photo on Facebook the other week - of the church sign, which read, “Jesus is coming. Hopefully, before the election.”

Well, the second coming didn’t happen. The balloting took place. And we are still here. We are likely trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces after an election cycle that has been contentious at best. And at worst, has exposed the underbelly of all that we wish we could pretend did not exist in our world. But here we are.

So, how do we make sense of this? The world will still be broken. But the world is also full of God’s grace and His love --

The worst calls for our best – Jesus gives us a promise of wisdom in a time of persecution.

Because Jesus loves us. He always tells us the truth. Even when it is hard to find the good news behind His dire predictions. Luke 21 is the last chapter before the End. Jesus clearly sees what He must endure for your sake. He looks beyond His looming agony and foretells what you must endure for His sake.

1. Witness for Christ – V. 13 “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.”

With only two Sundays left in the Church Year, in the Gospel of Luke, we should be clear about one thing - where and upon what your gaze is fixed means everything. Do you see what and whom Jesus sees? If your eyes are locked upon only that which is temporary, you might miss observing the permanency of those things that last.

If you only see obvious grandeur and splendor, as the disciples witnessed the Temple, you may overlook beauty in that which first appeared unattractive, even repulsive.

If you focus only on the damaging, the destructive, the detrimental, you just might miss what is affirming, constructive, and encouraging.

The word Luke uses to describe the utter destruction of the temple (kataluo) is the same word from which we derive our word "catastrophe".  The days are coming when ... "all will be thrown down", i.e. destroyed, torn down, demolished, abolished, annulled, made invalid.

Catastrophe is an apt term for what happens when that in which we have trusted is utterly destroyed.  The Savior exhorts us to trust in the One who cannot be destroyed any longer - the Risen Christ!

To carry you home, Jesus will soon carry His cross. To follow Him home. You must carry your cross. For some of us, the cross is relatively light: minor inconveniences, petty prejudices, snide remarks, negative peer pressure, constantly navigating a world of vanishing values.

For others the cross literally means martyrdom, either by the sword or by prejudice or imprisonment. A recent study found that fifty countries had official anti-Christian statutes and practices with sanctions ranging from death to imprisonment, harassment to expulsion.[1]

This will result in your being witnesses to them. St. Paul would be bold to say, “I want you to know, brothers, ^[a] that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” - Philippians 1:12

Discipleship hasn’t changed much in the last 2000 years. Following Jesus still means testifying to your trust in God in the midst of circumstances that test your confidence and your hope.  The call is to be faithful and to bear witness.

2. Feel secure in God’s protection – V. 18 “But not a hair of your head will perish.”

Jesus puts all his followers on notice that we will be singled out for persecution, betrayal and hatred.  All because of His name. Then suddenly. Jesus stands this whole doomsday scenario on its head. In the face of cataclysm, Jesus tells us: “Not a hair on your head will perish.”

Unique to Luke is this phrase. It is the experience of Daniel’s three companions in the fiery furnace. “And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them.” (Daniel 3:27).

How can this be? How can we escape the apocalypse? How do we dodge the bullet aimed at every Christian?  Over thousands of years and countless generations, Jesus speaks directly. By your endurance, you will gain your souls. The operative word, which, leaps at us from the page, is the term endurance.

3. Endure until the end – V. 19 “By standing firm you will gain life.” 

By your endurance, you will gain your souls. With endurance as a hallmark of what it means to be a believer. We will keep witnessing to the marvelous things that the Lord has done. And will continue to do so (Psalm 98) regardless of the ways in which it looks otherwise.

This conjures up images of marathon runners struggling towards a finish line, then collapsing in exhaustion. Is that what lies in store for us… physically and spiritually hanging on by our fingernails? Is that God’s plan for us? No way! We are here to rejoice in the Lord always. In good times and bad.  In celebration and in persecution. In fact that is the only way that we can truly endure. By rejoicing in the Lord.

The Gospel is the Good News of Jesus Christ. And the best news is that we are not in this race by ourselves. Jesus is with us every step of the way. We need not rely on training, conditioning or dieting for our endurance. His grace is the source of your strength. To endure, we must constantly seek it, pray for it, and cling to it. Luke stresses that those who persevere, even if they lose physical life, will preserve spiritual life.  For "The end" is the cross, and your own baptism.  

Says St. Paul, or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection

Do not be shaken...these things will/must come. The "birth pangs" are a sign of life not death.  This is the church's natural habitat. The future is not frightening. For you are in Christ.  

This Christian life is more than a marathon. It can also be a treacherous obstacle course. Expect to be tripped. Expect to fall. Endurance means more than just chugging along. We must regularly pick ourselves up and get back in the race.

For endurance, we look not only to the cross. We look to the Resurrection. That’s because we know how this story ends. Not in tragedy.  But in triumph. That is the source of your strength. Your hope. Your joy. As Paul instructs us in Hebrews 12: Lets us run with perseverance…looking to Jesus…who endured the cross… so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. Thank you, Jesus. In Your love, we rejoice and endure.

Words –1,365

Passive Sentences –6%

Reading Ease –75%

Reading Level –5.6

---

[1] International Religious Freedom Report for 2014 Executive Summary ~  http://hrwf.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/World2015.pdf

Gone

They will be back in March!

Time in the Word - Pentecost 26 - Proper 28

The End of the World

The theme for this coming week’s theme deals with the theme of the end of the world. In the Gospel (Luke 21:5-9) Jesus tells us what will happen as He gives us signs of the end. Judgment is pronounced in the Old Testament lesson (Malachi 4:1-2a) as the wicked will be burned up but the righteous will be saved. In the Epistle lesson (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13) Paul teaches that we are not to be idle but to work and provide for our needs. We work until the end comes. Today’s world is in a terrible mess. Each generation seems to think that conditions are so bad that the Day of the Lord is nigh. What is the answer? Can the world be saved from destruction? Is the answer in an international army, or in strengthening the dollar abroad, or in raising the economic level of the Third World, or in the conquest of illiteracy? The lessons have other options to propose. What can be done about the world? Burn – God’s fire both destroys and restores – Malachi 4:1-6 Earn – Work while waiting for the end – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 – Warn – An opportunity to witness to the world – Luke 21:5-19

A prayer for responsible citizenship as our nation faces a national election on Tuesday: Lord, keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the others nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   

For our nation: Almighty God, You have given this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education. and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who come from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that they may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Collects for Sunday O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, being ever mindful of the end of all things and Your just judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You forever hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Father of all that is good, keep us faithful in serving You, for to serve You is our lasting joy. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy

Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect for Proper Twenty-eight: O Lord, almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may live and abide forever in Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Psalm 98: Lord, we sing to You a new song, for Your victory is ever new. In the empty tomb You have given us a glimpse of Your future and in Your victory over death Yu have shown us now we shall overcome the last enemy. As the seas roar and the hills sing together, we too will praise You for Your great triumph, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Prayer for the hope of eternal life: Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raise in glory to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Time in the Word
7-12 November 2016
Preparation for next week, Pentecost 26 Proper 28

Monday, 7 November  2016— Psalm 121:1-2, 5,7-8 antiphon, Luke 21:33—In the Introit for Sunday, we pray the words promised by the Savior, Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. The world is surely coming to an end. This is more noticeable as the days become shorter and as the church year is drawing to a close. Yet we need not fear. Our Savior has given us a wonderful promise. Every word He has given us will be fulfilled. Although the world passes away He word will never pass away.

Tuesday, 8 November 2016— Psalm 98 — This week’s psalm is a song to God the Victor. He comes to rule His kingdom. Let the whole world go wild with joy. Three stanzas progressively extend the call to ever wider circles – the worshiping congregation at the temple, all the people of the earth and the whole creation. The first stanza recalls God’s revelation of His righteousness (vs. 2) in the past; the last stanza speaks confidently of His coming rule “in righteousness.” (vs.9) The middle stanza is enclosed by the jubilant cry, “shout for joy” (Vv. 4, 6)

Wednesday, 9 November 2016— Malachi 4:1-6— Think of the end of the world in terms of the rising sun. It means a new day and a new era. The Son of God brings light and healing. When you are not feeling well, doesn’t lying in the warm sun make you feel better? The sun for us in the Son of God. When He rises in our lives, we can shine with gladness and hope. When He comes at the end of time, it is the beginning of an eternity of life and love. The end of the world is not to be feared nor dreaded but to be greed with the phrase, “Come Lord Jesus!”

Thursday, 10 November 2016—2 Thessalonians 3:6-13— Jesus may return within a year. That means one year to love on earth! Or, put it this way: you have a terminal disease which will kill you within one year. What would you do with the time until the end? In Paul’s day, the Christians were convinced that Jesus would return shortly.

They gave up their jobs and were idly standing by as they waited for his coming day after day. Throughout history there have been groups of people convinced of Jesus’ immediate return – they quit their jobs, sold their property, took their children out of school and lived in a commune. What would you do? Paul encourages us to keep busy and to work until the end comes. See especially verses 10-13.

Friday, 11 November 2016- Luke 21:5-28 — Many believe we are living in the worst of times. Perhaps every generation says this. But has there been a generation with so much destructive power; nuclear weapons, germ warfare, guided missiles, instant communication, supersonic travel? Are we not on the edge of a worldwide nuclear holocaust with the power to over-ill many times over? What can a Christian do about it? We could hide or flee but where? In the passage Jesus calls upon us to do our best under the worst circumstances. The worst calls for us to be at our best – to feel secure in God’s protection and to endure until the end. See especially verses 18-19.

Saturday, 12 November 2016— Isaiah 28:16, 41:10; 43:1-7- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is How Firm a Foundation. (LSB #728). We need not fear the end of time for our faith has its foundation in the words and work of our Savior Jesus. As we sing this magnificent hymn tomorrow we can be confident that our Lord will sustain and guide us to the end.

Sources: Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Collect for Pentecost 24 from Lutheran Worship © Concordia Publishing House
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C by John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing Lima OH
For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol. II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY The Story of 50 Hymns © 1934 By General Mills, Inc Minneapolis, MN
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Pentecost 25 - Proper 27

Proper 27

November 6, 2016[1]

Luke 20:27–82

After death, anything

The Triune God Curbs Evil and Overcomes Death with Resurrection

Christians live as “sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:36), for the Lord our God “is not God of the dead, but of the living” (Luke 20:38). “Those who deny that there is a resurrection” (Luke 20:27) neither know the Scriptures nor the power of God, but the baptized faithful know “that the dead are raised” (Luke 20:37). For the Lord, who was, and is and is to come, knows Israel’s sufferings and has “come down to deliver them” (Ex. 3:8). Moses reveals the name of Yahweh to God’s chosen people, by which He is “remembered throughout all generations” (Ex. 3:15). In contrast to that sacred remembrance of His name, St. Paul warns against the antichrist, who “takes his seat in the temple of God” (2 Thess. 2:4). That lawless man preaches and practices the activity of Satan. Christians, however, are comforted by the coming of the Lord Jesus, who slays the antichrist and refutes his false doctrine “with the breath of his mouth” (2 Thess. 2:8). By His preaching, “stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught” (2 Thess. 2:15). Hear, receive and believe God’s promise of love, comfort and good hope.

According to a Gallup poll taken in 1976 - 60% of American people believe there is life after death. While the figure is encouraging it says that almost one-third do not believe anything follows death. That was 40 years ago. What about today? The most recent poll suggests that since 1997, belief in heaven has ranged between 72% and 83%. According to Gallup's most recent Values and Beliefs poll[2], 81% of Americans currently say they believe in heaven, 10% are unsure, and 8% do not believe. There are far less today than when Jesus lived. Do we have any basis for a belief in life after death? Other than wishful thinking? Or a personal longing to continue to live?

In Jesus’ day, the Sadducees used the ridiculous story of a man with seven wives to prove there was no resurrection. We need to know that life after death is not our doing but is God’s work. It is based on the truth that God is an ever-living God and is the God of the living because they live in Him. There is life after death because -

God is God only of the living – V. 38

God loves us in Christ – V. 36

God lives in us by faith in Christ – V. 38

By faith, we believe in the Resurrection for we are Easter people.

1. The Old Testament teaches the Resurrection.

A. The Sadducees try to us the Old Testament to disprove the resurrection. (Vv. 28-33)

B. Yet, Jesus uses the Old Testament to prove the resurrection. (Vv. 34-38)

C. Other Old Testament passages support this truth. (See. Job 19:25-27; Isaiah 26:19;

Daniel 12:2)

2. The New Testament teaches the Resurrection.

A. Jesus is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)

B. The resurrection consists of

1. The restoration and glorification of the body (1 Corinthians 15:42-49)

2. The reunion of the body and the soul.

C. Our resurrection has its basis in Christ’s redemption of the human family in His resurrection (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:14)

D. Jesus’ resurrection has significance for you not only on Judgment Day but also right now. Already in this life it effects in you a spiritual resurrection, empowering you to live even more and more in harmony with the Father’s will.

3. The Resurrection is consistent with the nature of God.

A. God created human beings for life, not death. (Luke 20:37-38)

B. The Father sent His Son to rescue fallen humanity.

1. He buys us back and redeems us. (Mark 10:45)

2. He gives us a new life. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

C. This gives power, purpose and meaning to our life. (Luke 20:38, “for all live to Him”; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)

The hope of the resurrection gives life an aim, purpose and goal. The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life funning up and down the field, but you never score a point. We are more then conquerors through Christ who loves us. Because of the cross and empty tomb we are in fact Easter people!

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for congregational and personal use

Words –765

Passive Sentences – 4%

Readability –68.4%

Reading level – 7.2

---

[1] NB The United States presidential election of 2016 11.08.2016

[2] 2014

November

November 6                       Pentecost 25 - Proper 27 - Divine Service Setting 1

                                                Luke 20:27–82 “After death, is there anything?”

November 11                    Pentecost 26 – Proper 28 - Matins

                                                Luke 21:5-19 “Doing Your Best when things are at their worst”

November 20                    Christ the King – Missions

                                                Luke 23:35-43 “Jesus Lord at Thy Death”

November 23                    Thanksgiving Eve Service with Holy Communion

                                                1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “How do we have Thanksgiving?”

November 24                    Thanksgiving Day Service with Holy Communion

                                                Luke 17:11-19 “Who bothers to thank God?”

November 27                    Advent 1 Matins

                                                Matthew 24:36–44 “The Lord Comes in Meekness and Humility to Save Us Now”

November 30                    Mid-week Advent 1

                                                Matthew 1:18-25 - Characters of the Nativity-Joseph

As we approach the coming election, we remember that we have been given many freedoms and with such freedoms come the responsibility of exercising our right to vote. As we think about our elected leaders, we recall from Scripture St. Paul’s instruction in Romans 13 that God works through our elected leaders, that we should pray for them; specifically that a time of tranquility and peace be granted unto us so that we can be about the work of mission. To that end, we pray for our nation and our elected leaders that responsible leadership might be demonstrated and established on every level of government. Pray and work – that’s the definition of the Christian’s life calling. 

A Collect For Good Government

Eternal Lord, Ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that they may be guided by your Spirit, be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably, through Jesus Christ, our Lord

A Collect For Responsible Citizenship

Lord, keep this nation under your care.  Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth.  Help us provide trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve you faithfully in our generation to the honor of your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Prayer For Our Country

Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage.  Grant that we remember your generosity and constantly do your will.  Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life.  Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action.  Make us who came from many nations with many different languages a united people.  Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that there may be justice and peace in our land.  When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankfully; and in troubled times do not let our trust in you fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A Collect For Agriculture

As our farmers work on bringing in the harvest, please remember them in your prayers.

Almighty God, you blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives.  Prosper, we implore you, the work of farmers, and grant us seasonable weather that we may gather in the fruits of the earth and proclaim your goodness with thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Reason to Be Thankful

 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”  So writes the psalmist in Psalm 107:1, and he goes on to list specific acts of God for which he gives thanks.  David, in Psalm 103, writes, “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name . . . and forget not all His benefits . . .” and he, too, recounts the wonders of the Lord.  It is a common occurrence in the psalms of David that, although he may express anguish and despair, he always ends his psalms on a note of confidence, for he knows his life is in God’s almighty hands.

It’s Thanksgiving time.  Perhaps you’re not feeling so thankful. Maybe you’ve suffered the loss of someone you held dear.  Maybe your health has deteriorated.  Read what the prophet Habakkuk had to say about feelings and circumstances:  “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).  If we received none of God’s good gifts on this Earth, we have reason to rejoice in our Savior Who waits for us in Heaven!  He is the source of our joy and the object of our gratitude.  “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).

Therefore, with hearts filled with thanksgiving, we can respond in words and acts of compassion and encouragement to those around us.  We are blessed to be a blessing.  We share our financial resources as God gives us the ability, finding that He blesses and multiplies them just as He did the fish and bread the boy offered for the feeding of the 5000 (John 6:5-13).  Let us not be like the disciples who didn’t believe that Jesus had the power to feed the large crowd of people that had gathered.  In Christ, we know that all things are possible.  He empowers our giving that expresses our gratitude to Him for Who He is and what He has done for us.  Just as Jesus magnified the boy’s small gifts, enabling them to nourish 5,000 plus people, so He multiplies our small gifts, brought forth willingly and joyfully.

In the midst of a Civil War, as our country was dealing with any number of issues where the outcome was uncertain, on 3 October 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for the observance of the fourth Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving.  Truly, God was with His people then. He remains with us even now.  At the time, our congregation was in its infancy, having celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary.

As much as things change, often times they remain the same. Soon our country will hold a national election. As our country was facing numerous issues back then, so our citizens will go to the ballot box to elect those candidates they feel will best lead our country, state, and community.  We live under a representative democratic republic, which means the sovereign power resides in a certain body of the people (the electorate) and is exercised by representatives elected by, and responsible to them.  We choose representatives and they make the rules that we live by until it is time to choose again.  If we are satisfied with their work, they are re-elected; if not, another will take their place.

As Christians, we have an understanding that those who have been elected are placed in office as God’s representative for us. They are God’s agent for a certain period of time, whether they realize this or not. As a result, we pray for our leaders for they are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. St. Paul would remind us in Romans 13, “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”  It is not my place as pastor to tell you for whom to vote. Each must vote their conscience. It is, however, necessary for each of us to exercise our right as citizens to vote, to pray for our representatives, and to work within our system of government to make our community, state, and nation as strong as it can be.

Despite the challenges facing our country, we have been blessed. For one hundred-seventy-eight years the members of our Friedheim family have gathered together to thank the Lord for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. This will be the thirtieth Thanksgiving I have been permitted to celebrate with you!  During this significant and important month of November, may each of us pause and take the time to reflect on the many ways in which the Lord has blessed us, sustained us through His Word, and continues to order and direct our lives. People of God, we have been blessed!  Be a blessing to those around you.