Proper 18

Romans 13:1-11

The Paradoxical (Ironic) State of the Christian

[1]

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Fortunately, there is clear guidance from the pen of St. Paul in his letter to the Romans.

Now we come to our Epistle lesson for this day. Paul places an obligation upon us – the obligation to obey those who are over us. Paul urges us that obedience to the officials and to the laws of government are God pleasing as he teaches that love is the fulfillment of the law.

Paul begins this section with a command. A divine directive.  “Each must be subject to the governing authorities.” v.1

Paul makes it very simple for us. To resist the State is to resist God. To obey governmental officials is to obey God. Paul is on the side of law and order. We obey the laws of the State for good order and for sake of a good conscious.

Now, it is assumed that governmental officials are trustworthy ministers of justice for all. According to this viewpoint, the State is an order of God’s creation. It is the Father’s way of executing justice and restraining evil. Thus, government officials are ministers of God carrying out justice in society by punishing evildoers.

This teaching from Paul gives Christians a new insight into their attitude and response to government and its laws. To disobey the laws of the State is to disobey God who will bring judgment upon offenders.

Yet Paul does not insist on blind obedience. At all costs. If and when a government is corrupt and discriminates against or persecutes people, it is because evil powers have taken over and must be resisted.

The apostle reminds us to honor those over us as His representatives. However, if one of these demands something which God forbids or forbids something which God demands, we must obey God.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were ordered to pay homage to the king, they replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.  If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3: 16-18)

These Hebrew boys were never promised that the Lord would spare them.

They knew the Lord was able to intervene. Yet it was not given to them that deliverance would come. It did not matter.  They were willing to suffer and face even death if the Lord would not adjudicate their situation. Still, they submitted to a higher authority; the authority of God.

Until Jesus comes, we will be "pilgrims and strangers" in this world. Like those believers in Rome, we are surrounded by an alien culture. That needs to hear about Jesus. That needs to see His truth lived out by those who claim to know Him. Consequently, we submit to those who are masters over us.

So, how do we as Christians live our lives in this present world? These words of St Paul apply to us. They have helped guide our decisions with respect to responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. An issue which continues to be on everyone’s mind these days.

Our driving principle throughout these unprecedented times continue: “We are given to serve both faithfully and responsibly in loving service and care for souls and the health and safety of our members and our neighbors in the world.”

In our present context; the State has never declared that we cannot worship. Had any such an order been given we are obligated to obey God rather than men. The prophet Daniel is yet another example of one who courageously defied a king’s edict.  

Our Governor’s Order reads: Places of worship have been at this present time directed to implement strategies for services held in person with the goal of continuing to slow and contain the spread of COVID-19, while uplifting each other during this difficult time.[2]

This is an order we can live with. Under the 4^th Commandment we follow the directives of our local health department and the State. Under the 5^th Commandment we implement health and safety protocols for the good of all.  

When providing services in person, places of worship are encouraged to follow the minimum health and sanitation protocols while practicing social distancing.[3]

To comply with these directives we now offer two services at 9 and 11 am. We spread out. We wear masks.  We limit our worship service to 100 persons or less.  We’ve pulled our hymnals. We don’t pass the plate or pass the peace. We separate hosts and cups on the credence table.  

We continue to broadcast our 9 o’clock service on the radio as well as live stream our service via social media. We sanitize this room between services and throughout the week.  

We request members register to attend our services so that; in the event that someone tests positive for Covid-19 and was in our building, we can conduct reasonable and responsible contact tracing.  

We follow these directives for sake of a good conscience and in loving service toward our neighbor.

Martin Luther speaking on the topic of Christian liberty once said, “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject of all.”[4]

I.                    As a Christian you are free from bondage. “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.

In God’s Son is full perfection and fulfillment of all the requirements of God. As God’s Son Jesus loved perfectly. As God’s Son Jesus lived perfectly. As God’s Son Jesus fulfilled the will of the Father perfectly.

On Calvary’s cross we see - THAT GREAT EXCHANGE— God’s mercy and forgiveness purchased at the cost of His own Son! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:1 

In Him we see the contours of how love fulfills the whole law. Love compels us. “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” V. 8 –You are to be free of all debt except the debt of love. The one thing we have over our fellowman is love. For love is the performance of the law. Love is the fulfillment of the law.

If you truly love your fellowman, you will not hurt him, steal from him, lie to him or covet what he has. –v.9

If we truly loved God, we would willingly obey God’s laws. Love is the answer to our delinquency, crime and moral corruption. The larger problem is, however, where can we get such love? How can we get people to love each other?

The answer sounds rather elementary yet it remains so fundamental. We must first experience Christ’s love for us before we can truly love and serve our neighbor.

“To be a Christian is to live under the sign of Him who came from heaven down to earth, to live under the sign of His cross and resurrection, and thus to wait hopefully, patiently, on this earth, by making it a better place - and to challenge the world, - through one’s vocation and the church to do the same.” – Gerhard Forde (Where God Meets Man)

II.                  As a Christian you are in bondage to everyone. “A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.”

Since the fall, man will continue to be self-centered always tempted to turn away from both God and neighbor alike; to fix his focus on himself. For this reason we need the Lord’s instruction.

The Law of God is a mirror, which shows us our sin. But it is also a ruler and a guide; holding up to our vision the loving service for which we were designed. In love you serve your neighbor.

A summary of the Law is useful. Paul explains, “Love is the fulfilling of the Law.” It keeps us from getting caught up in “keeping the rules.” Love simply does no wrong to a neighbor. V.10

It is factual. Love does fulfill all obligations, because love does no harm to anyone but seeks the other’s welfare. Thus Paul can teach us, Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

You have been designed to love and serve both God and your neighbor. Our obligations extend beyond the religious sphere to include the humanity in which we live. In the church we seek mercy. In this world we seek justice. Both are governed by the Lord’s truth; His integrity, His Word.

We have obligations to the State, established by God. Therefore, we ought to be subject, for it is both God-pleasing and useful. Christians should make the best citizens. Love God. Serve your neighbor. This is how you live your life as a redeemed child of God; thus becoming a sermon in shoes.         

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Words –1,615

Passive Sentences –7%

Readability – 73.4%

Reading Level –6.1

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[1] Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Governor Holcomb’s Indiana Back on Track Order Phase 2 May 4-21,2020

[3] ibid

[4] ― Martin Luther, On Christian Liberty

September 5, 2020—Saturday prior to Pentecost 14 – Proper 18

Hymn 373, By Grace I’m Saved, Grace Free and Boundless is our hymn of the week—How is it that we have been set free from the bondage of sin, to live a life pleasing to God, with love toward our neighbor? Only by the grace of God. Our salvation is a free gift; our works could never begin to secure our salvation. But, through the love of God poured out upon us in the person of His Son, Jesus, He has made us His own. Tomorrow’s chief hymn is a jubilant recounting of the goodness of God in graciously providing for our salvation.

Yes, there is something more lasting, more powerful, and greater than your sin. It is the love and compassion Jesus has for us sinners. While each of us were lost and steeped in sin, God our Father had a plan, a plan which was in place way before the dawn of time.

What God did not become. He could not save. And so, Christ came into the world as one of us. To save us. Jesus came into the world. To be counted with sinners. To save sinners.

At the right time, God our heavenly Father would send His only Son. Jesus would enter into our world, breaking into time and space. He came to be your substitute. He would live the perfect life for you. He would die the death that you deserve.

And there, at a cross, He would trade your sin, your misery, your guilt and shame to exchange it for His perfection. And work out what you and I could never, ever do!

Yes, Jesus has done for you better than what you could ever do for yourself. When settling the issue with sin, Jesus acts alone. He dealt with the issues of your brokenness Himself. Period. With no help from anyone. The Father sends His own Son to the cross. Jesus bore your sin. He carried it alone. – To the cross of Calvary. There He died for you.

There He wins salvation for the entire world. And on the third day. He rose from the dead to prove to you that this freedom, this forgiveness, this new life, has been credited to you.

God is completely responsible for your salvation. From front to back! You don’t one-day wake up and decide to follow Jesus – Rather, He plants the seed of faith in your heart in Holy Baptism by the power of His Holy Spirit.

He then nourishes that faith by giving you His eternal Word, which is able to make you wise unto salvation. This is what St. Paul reminds us when he tells us “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9

Help me Lord Jesus!

Lift High the Cross copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

September 4, 2020—Friday prior to Pentecost 14 – Proper 18

Matthew 18:1-20— True greatness is not self-sufficient strength, but humility like that of a little child. The greatness of child-like faith receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” but whoever is humbled like a little child will be “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3–4). Though in our sin we deserve to be “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6), we have instead been drowned (“buried”) with Christ in Baptism and then raised to the new, humble life of a child of God.

Since we have been reconciled to God through Christ Jesus, the Christian life is one that strives for reconciliation with our fellow man. If our brother sins against us, we will try to restore him privately.

Jesus says “you” in verse 15. Who is “you?”  You may be an individual Christian or “you” may refer to a gathering of Christians namely the Church. It is worthy to note that this passage does not deal with the one who sinned but with the victim of sin. He who is sinned against is to take the initiative to get the matter settled. One who thinks the guilty one ought to settle accounts, but the sinner may not consider himself to be in the wrong.  The victim is to show the sinner what harm he has done and an understanding needs to be reached that the Christian fellowship may not be disrupted by personal tensions.  

Reconciliation takes effort and sometimes struggle. You need to ask yourself is there a rift between myself and someone else? What is the cause of this tension? Am I culpable? Am I willing to take the first step towards reconciliation? If it is to be will it be me?

In your prayers today read through Psalm 130. May this prayer guide you throughout the day.

Prayer for Psalm 130: God of might and compassion, you sent your Word into the world as a watchman to announce the dawn of salvation. Do not leave us in the depths of our sins, but listen to your Church pleading for the fullness of your redeeming grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   

Prayer for Psalm 130, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.II American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1995 Delhi, NY  
Image: copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

September 3, 2020— Thursday prior to Pentecost 14 – Proper 18

Romans 13:1-10— In this coming week’s epistle lesson St. Paul teaches civil governments have been given their authority by God. Thus, the Christian submits himself to that rule which God has established, and exhorts others to do the same.

St. Paul also tells us how we are to live with our fellow man: letting love for the neighbor guide all our actions and dealings. This love is not of ourselves, but flows from Christ, who first loved us.

Paul lists three reasons why the Roman Christians are to submit to the authorities. These arguments which Paul points out apply to us today.

First, no authority exists except from God, and all authorities that exist have been instituted by God (13:1b).

Second, rulers are not a terror to good conduct but rather to bad behavior. (13:3a). The state has the right and the duty to punish those who break the law.  

Third, the authority/ruler is God’s servant in three ways:

1. For the citizen’s good. Civic leaders are civil servants. They rule on our behalf for our benefit. So that we can be free to our primary task as Christians to gossip the gospel.

2. To execute wrath on the wrongdoer. If there are no reprisals there will be lawlessness which is never good.

3. By being busy with “this very thing,” that is, collecting taxes. (13:4a, 4c, 6b). Yes, it cost money to pave the roads, provide infrastructure, and a better way of life.

In less than two months we will hold a national election.  Paul’s teachings remind us that while we remain citizens of heaven we still operate on this earth in the civilian world. As we live in society we act as model citizens.

We live in a divided country and there will be strong debate over the direction of our country in these months leading to our next election. We can have strong opinions and points of view.  Paul’s directive gives us the framework from which we are to proceed.

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 thankful; and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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.

Image of the American flag copyright © Google images

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 20006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis    

September 2, 2020— Wednesday prior to Pentecost 14 – Proper 18

Ezekiel 33:7-9—The Lord told Ezekiel that He would restore Jerusalem, yet this did not remove Ezekiel’s obligation to warn sinners to turn from their wicked ways and repent. Likewise, we who live in the post-resurrection time, when Christ has restored mankind by His death and resurrection, have an obligation to warn sinners to turn from their wicked ways and repent, that they may partake of fellowship with God.

Ezekiel is summoned as a watchman and the watchman's task is to announce impending danger. God's intention is not for God's people to die. While the house of Israel is surely threatened with death, God offers repentance and assurance that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. To choose to live is to choose to turn back from evil. This verb, "to turn" is used repeatedly in this passage as a reminder of the physical understanding of repentance.

The last Sunday in October we will celebrate Reformation. Everyone is familiar with Luther nailing the 95 theses on the castle door in Wittenberg. The first theses reads, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ``Repent'' (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” Luther was not acting out of arrogance. There was no “holier than thou” attitude with him. In humility he realized we all need to turn to the Lord seeking mercy, clemency, grace.

The entire Christian life is that of repentance; turning from sin and trusting in the good news that Jesus saves sinners. The gospel is for every day and every moment. Repentance is to be the Christian’s continual focus.

Almost 30 years later, on February 16, 1546, Luther’s last words, written on a piece of scrap paper, echoed the theme of his first thesis: “We are beggars! This is true.”

From his first thesis to last words, Luther lived at the foot of the cross, where our rebellious condition meets with the beauty of God’s lavish grace in the gospel—a gospel deep enough to cover all the little and massive flaws of a beggar like Luther and beggars like you and me.

Grant, merciful Lord, to Your people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Prayer from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

September 01 – Tuesday prior to Pentecost 14 – Proper 18

—Psalm 119:113-120 - The first letter in each verse of this portion of Psalm 119 is the Hebrew letter samekh. As in the other sections, the psalmist here extols the goodness of God in giving us His holy Word. His devotion to the Word of God moves him to reject the counsel of evildoers.

So far in the Psalm 119, the psalmist has used the word “hate” once, in verse 104, “I hate every false way,” and he has reserved the word “love” to refer only to God’s Word (verses 47, 48, and 97). In the stanza we are looking at today, he uses both “hate” and “love” to refer to the “double minded”, and to God’s Word (Your law) respectively. (119:113)

The psalmist hopes in God’s Word because God was his refuge. He lists five ways to show respect for God’s Word  in Vv. 113-117.

1.      Whole-Hearted commitment to God’s Word v. 113. “I hate vain (undecided) thoughts...” “...but Thy law do I love.”

2.      Patient in relying on God’s Word for victory v. 114. “Thou art my hiding place...” - So attackers can’t find you. “...and my shield:” - To hold off attacks of the enemy. “I hope in Thy Word.” - Never losing confidence.

3.      Reject the influence of bad companions v. 115. “Depart from me, ye evil doers;”

4.      Count on God’s Word to never let you down v. 116. “Uphold me according to Thy Word..”

5.      Cling to God for safety and protection v. 117. “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe:”

Take note that when the psalmist write, “I love Your law,” this is not the opposite of the Gospel, but a term which encompasses the whole of God’s communication to man.

Collect for Psalm 119 Lord, you are just and your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord.[1]  

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[1] Collect for Psalm 119, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and by the Church © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

September

On September 20, 1838 - 182 years ago - FCD Wyneken arrived at our congregation for the very first time. The reason for his arrival was simple enough. Pr. Jesse Hoover who had chartered this parish on February 25 died suddenly on May 24 at the age of twenty-eight. Hoover’s pastorate lasted a brief four months. Wyneken was called to continue the work which Hoover had started.

While serving as pastor at Historic St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne, Hoover found this settlement of about sixty newly arrived German immigrants. With his guidance, this parish was formed as the brand; “Friedheim” translated as “the House of Peace” was bestowed upon us. 

It is only natural for us to idolize the past. But, were the good old days really so good? Was it all sunshine and happiness? Not always. In most cases –NOT!

Many are nostalgic for the past. Yet, there are dangers of nostalgia. Every era has had serious struggles to overcome. But, I would like to think that these struggles have made us a better people; not unlike the challenges we face today.

The prospect of a better life is what drew many to come here. After 182 years what’s changed? What motivates you to do what you do? Isn’t that you want a better life now? And, if not for yourself, certainly for your family and the larger community.  

What they found was hardly a paradise, rather thick forest and swamp. Have you ever wondered why you can see a steeple every three miles out here in the middle of nowhere? Well, back in the day, to get from here to there would take the better part of a day. 

Life was dangerous and difficult. And if there were any dreams of a safer life a better life back home, well, that ship had already sailed. And it wasn’t going back anytime soon. Yet, despite such challenges the Lord remained faithful.

The story of Friedheim is a statement of God’s grace and forgiveness. Here Jesus is present. The Gospel of Christ has been proclaimed at this place. The Sacraments have been delivered to weary souls. And the word of Christ’s forgiveness has been spoken and received. Without these clear marks of forgiveness, life, salvation there would be no church. But the church is present here at this place because Jesus has chosen to make His presence here with and among us.

As of this writing our school has opened, we continue to conduct services in person and live through various forms of media. Construction on our new Family Life Center continues. We are making plans for our 2020-2021 program year with some modifications and adjustments.

Corona virus did not stop our farmers from planting and cultivating. As the growing season will come to a close we anticipate a healthy harvest as growers store and market their crops. Nor has this illness, this sickness stopped God’s people from caring for each other; especially the most vulnerable among us.

My encouragement to you is to continue. Continue in living your life as a redeemed child of God. Continue to support your neighbor. Always remember – Christ has given you a living hope in this life. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  -1 Peter 3:3-7

As followers of Jesus, as Christ’s ambassadors – commissioned by Him who has reconciled the world to Himself continue to be salt and light in this world. Continue to be a witness as you pray, “Lord, use me to be an instrument of Your peace.”

To that end continue to be a House of Peace, a harbor of hope and a safe haven for those who suffer the storms of life - looking to Jesus our Captain, Savior and Friend.