Advent 1-St. Luke 21:25-36

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:14) Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

‘“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”’ (V. 34)

The United States Health Service recently issued a statement about worry. They concluded that worry has the power to weaken and shorten life. Part of this report reads as follows: “So far as is known, no bird ever tried to build more nests than its neighbor. No fox ever fretted because it had only one hole in which to hide. No squirrel ever died of anxiety, lest it should not lay by enough for two winters instead of one. No dog every lost any sleep over the fact that it had not enough bones laid aside for the declining years.”

Worry wreaks havoc for you and me. It makes us ineffective. We are unable to get done what we need to do. If we are weighed down by worry, we cannot get done what needs to be done for the long pull.[1]

To be weighed down by dissipation carries with it that idea of worry. It also carries the idea of the nausea that follows a debauch. If you have been out drinking and carousing, like it was in the days of Noah (Genesis 6), you are not able to watch and listen for the return of the King. So then, if you are not watching, the return of Jesus will come upon you like a “thief in the night” or “like an armed man” (2 Peter 3:10; Revalation 16:15, cf. Proverbs 6:11). Jesus is warning us not to be surprised because of failure as a watchman.

‘“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves”’ (V. 25)

Jesus’ first words in our lesson carry with them the same idea. We must be careful in our watching. There is a great roar of sound. It is like the waves of the sea. It is like a freight train passing close by. While the train passes, no one can speak. You can no longer hear anyone speaking or coming upon you. You may be surprised because of the din of sound. Our lives are the same. Throughout our lives the cares of this life are like the roar of that train. It might be commerce in general. It may be the stock market. It may be grain prices. Whatever the roar is, it has the power to distract us from our watching. If we are found giving attention to these distractions, we will be found wanting at the return of the King.

At this time of the end, many will fall away from religion. This will bring about a darkening unbelief, which will even cause bright faith to seem diminished!

At that time, at the end when Christ will return, the vices of the flesh will obstruct the heavenly light. We will no longer be able to see it, as we are generally able. In persecution, whether it may be physical, as we hear about our brothers and sisters in the faith as it happens to them around the world. In persecution, it may be mental, as generally happens for you and me, love of life alone is what shuts out the light of God. When this happens, this is when you allow the devil to have his way with you. When you forget to cling to Jesus, when you forget to care for your neighbor and not yourself, then, you shut out the light of God.[2]

‘“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”’ (V. 27-8)

So, rather than shutting out the light of God, do not let “your lamps go out,” do not keep “your loins ungirded,” but “be ready,” for “you do not know the hour when our Lord is coming.” (St. Matthew 24:42, 44; St. Luke 12:35) This will be the great and terrible day of the Lord. What will be the joy or rejoicing for you and me then in this day? Well, we are those who cling steadfastly to the words of Jesus. We trust that He is the One, the Curse[3] for us, as Galatians three speaks of (V. 13), who will come and rescue us out of our sins. Everlasting life is yours. In spite of the many around us who will in that day fall away and perish, the Holy Spirit has promised to be with us and create and sustain faith in each of us. That is your confidence.

When these signs begin to occur, lift up your head and pay attention. It is then that you will know that Christ is to return. We are forever with the Psalmist: ‘Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the king of glory may come in.’ (Psalm 24:9) Luke is here referring us to the lifting up of your soul. Jesus is then telling your soul to raise up your head and see your redemption drawing near.

Looking up, this is the final action of the Second Coming. This lifting up is a glorious hope for you and me. Even as you and I pray for those around us and those in our life, who do not yet believe, we look forward to this time with glorious hope. We rejoice that even if the coming of the King comes before we die we have the most glorious hope of all. For after all, at that time we will be made glorious. He will transform all things for the better. At this time, when you raise your head, you will be clothed with incorruption by the gift of God in Christ.[4]

‘And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”’ (Vv. 29-31)

Yes, a week or two back we heard a similar parable being told to us in Mark’s gospel. Yet, think again about this sentence. What happens for all of us when we begin to see the first leaf buds on the trees? Those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder likely would rejoice. After all, this is a disorder under which the sufferer is depressed through the winter months because of the lack of sunlight.

Even those of us who have no physical health needs which would cause us to be glad at the coming of spring or summer, even we will rejoice. All of us, no matter whether we enjoy the winter months or not, we are glad to finally see a sign telling us of the coming of summer. In the same way, we will rejoice when we see these things Jesus speaks of happening.

“Finally,” we say, “the end is in sight!” The sun will finally shine and there will be long lazy days where we can lie out in the sun at the lake again. There may not be fig trees here around us in Minnesota, but each of you knows the sign you look for.

In other words, the things we have been considering, that is, adversity and unbelief are signs that the consummation of the Kingdom of God is at hand. This is not like the beginning of the gospels. Then, Jesus came preaching ‘“Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.”’ (St. Mark 1:14-15) This is still the undercurrent of Jesus message. However, now, at the end of Jesus’ ministry, He is telling us that wars, famine, earthquakes and epidemics would arise in various places. This would occur to such an extent that many would fear new destructive agencies would come upon us. Jesus tells us that this will come so that you and I would not be gripped by this new fear. Jesus forewarned that adversity would increase in these last times.[5]

What else did your Savior tell you? He promised that you have been clothed with incorruption (1 Corinthians 15:55ff.). You have now already put on the white robe of Christ’s righteousness. Even in the midst of this adversity and unbelief, you and I, we who believe are made God’s righteousness in Christ. We already each of us, right this minute, possess all the gifts of everlasting life. We are already clothed in Christ’s righteousness even in the midst of all the terror and dreadful human suffering.

In the middle of all of this, you and I are blind Bartimaeus. We are the beggar sitting by the side of the road as our Savior passes us by crying aloud, ‘“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”’ (St. Mark 10:47) Jesus will. Jesus has.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, pp. 213-4 entry #1008.
[2] Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture New Testament volume III p. 322. St. Ambrose Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 10.36-37.
[3] Ibid, pp. 323-4. The Didache 16.1-7.
[4] Ibid, p. 324. St. Cyril of Alexandria Commentary on Luke, Homily 139.
[5] ACCS NT vol. III p. 325. Cyprian On Mortality 2.

+Funeral Sermon for Marion S.-St. John 3:1-18+

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:14) Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’ (V. 16)

This was Marion’s faith. She trusted her Savior, that He had come to rescue her from her sins. This is your faith. You also, as a Christian, trust your Savior. You trust that He has come to rescue you, just as he did for her.

The only difference is, you and I reside still in this vale of tears. Marion has gone on to the blessed halls of heaven.

During her married life, Marion was a homemaker. She enjoyed the tasks that come with such a position. Marion enjoyed caring for her family. This meant for her the work of cooking and keeping the household up and running. This also involved her caring for three boys. Marion expressed her faith to all three of these boys by bringing them to church and Sunday school. She also brought her children to confirmation class that they would learn the faith, growing to be strong men of faith.

Marion raised her boys in this fashion, with her husband, that they would continue their family’s tradition of continuing in the faith of their fathers, by passing that faith on to their own children. Marion also did this by sharing her faith in her later years with the rest of the family. Marion was as well thankful for the loving care she received, as she grew older.

Because of the trust that Marion had in her beloved Savior, she was able to enjoy her life. She was not a victim of worry over all things. She was not held captive by the devil with her sins hanging over her. She could tell the devil if he tried to so torment her, “No devil, I do not belong to you. I now belong to the living God of heaven, I have been redeemed by Jesus Christ!” Marion was free. She was free to live her life free from fear. Marion was free to listen to do mundane things such as listen to the radio or play cards with her friends and family or read an enjoyable Western book.

So also are you and I. We are also free. We also have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. We can say the same thing to any devil that tries to torment us with guilt over our sins. The name of the living God of heaven has been written one each of us who trust on the mercy of God because of Christ.

So, even as we mourn that we no longer have Marion with us any longer, we also rejoice. We rejoice because she no longer suffers. We rejoice because we will see her again. When we who trust on the mercy of God through Jesus die, we will join her before the throne of God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. We will then forever rejoice at the greatest thanksgiving feast, singing hymns of praise to our God.

‘The steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children’ (Ps. 103:17).

Marion trusted in the Savior who was lifted up on a cross. He has been lifted up to be a sign to all of us that we may look and be saved. Jesus is a sign for Marion and for you and me. He was lifted up to pay the price of death (Rom. 3) we should have to pay. Without faith given to us by the Holy Spirit (SC II: 3rd), we do pay that price. Praise the Lord, that like Marion, we will not have to pay that price. We are not condemned. We trust in the ‘his only Son … [so we] have eternal life.’ (V. 16)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

Thanksgiving Eve/Day-Philippians 4:6-20

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.’ (V. 6)

What is it that Paul means to tell us here? Well, as we know, we are to have that peace which passes all understanding, as the next verse tells us. We are not to worry. But you do worry don’t you. There are perhaps not a few of us who are worried that the Thanksgiving dinner will not go as planned. Whether it is the behavior of the guests or how the food will turn out, it often does not even matter how many times our house has been the place.

Any one of us could have hosted Thanksgiving dinner for decades. Yet, each year, we are right there with Martha. You are ‘bothered by many things’ (St. Luke 10:41). That is, you are anxious or of a “divided mind”. We are this way perhaps for a variety of reasons. This may be true in spite of knowing what Peter writes for our comfort: ‘All your worry cast on him, seeing that he is taking care of you’ (Ep. 1, 5:7).

What St. Paul tells us here is complex, yet it bears upon us this fall, as always. We, as we usually do, need to know this again and again.

Paul is telling you and me not only to give thanks when things go well. He is also stating that we are to give thanks even when life is not going our way. Even when the circumstances of our life are those which seem to us to be the most grievous. This is above all when we do not shrink from petitioning our heavenly Father. Even when God does not appear to be listening or answering our prayer, we continue to petition. We let the actual things asked for, ever and ever made known to God.

After all, in what better hands can any trouble of ours rest than in God’s hands? These words of Paul not only tell us to continually petition our God in our need, they also contain for you and me the assurance that in spite of appearances, God will attend to your need, to whatever we ask.

Through your faith in Christ Jesus this prayer and petition of yours will naturally be accompanied by thanksgiving or “eucharistias”. As Christians, our thankful heart is thus a joyful heart. We are always asking God for more. Without thankfulness for what God has already given to us and done for us, how then can you or I do ask? Thanksgiving comes from a heart that has a strong affection for God.[1]

‘Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.’ (Vv. 11-13)

It is in these verses here that the Apostle helps we his hearers to understand the words about thankfulness in all circumstances. In these words it is clear that what Paul is saying about himself has not always been the case. He has not always been content in all circumstance. Paul has learned as you also do in your Christian life, that the Lord is always at hand.

This praying in every circumstance, that is in success and failure, for good fortune and during bad fortune, we thank God for all of this because our God will care for us no matter what comes our way. We give thanks in all these things, even when God does not seem to be paying attention and when life goes poorly, we always give thanks because of what we have been blessed with in the past. Knowing this, we can continue to thank God for what we will receive in the future.[2] ‘Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, … O you who hears prayer, to you shall all flesh come. When iniquities prevail against me’ (Ps. 65:1-3).

We rejoice in all these things. When our efforts fail, when we experience bad fortune in our daily life or occupation knowing that God still cares for us. He has promised us this. Our Father has promised never to leave us even at the worst times of our lives (Heb. 13:5, 6). This thankfulness in everything, not for everything, but in everything, is possible because of your faith in Jesus. This is for the forgiveness of your sins, salvation from sin death and the devil and everlasting life, which is yours now through Baptism (SC IV). This is what marks you and me and each Christian as those who are truly thankful.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Commentary on the New Testament, Lenski Hendrikson, pp. 877-8.
[2] NPNF 1st 13:246-249; see also, ACCS NT vol. VIII St. John Chrysostom Homily on Philippians 15.4.4.7 p. 282.

In Memoriam

Today is the death date for that mid-twentieth century apologist for the Christian faith, C.S. Lewis. Though Lewis is probably more well known for his fantasy series, the Chronicles of Narnia, which includes "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". Those of us who grew up in the U.S.A. are more aware of the famous death of John F. Kennedy which also occurred on this date. An even less famous death which also occurred on this date, all in 1963, is Aldus Huxley. Huxley was a social commentator and believed in oriental pantheism. He also wrote the book, "A Brave New World".

A fascinating book imagining what these three men might say to each other if they had a round table discussion after death.

Lutheranism by county-(U.S.A.)

For all you readers out there, you might find this interesting. This is a map of the U.S. that goes county by county telling where the Lutherans are. As you can tell, for some mad reason, we all settled in the barren, frozen tundra up here in Minnesota and the Dakotas.

You will note however that this map does not distinguish between the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) or the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations in this country. This map does not include any smaller church bodies that do exist in this country. Though, it is interesting because regardless of the Lutheran group, the big four are primarily centered in the upper midwest.

The Last Sunday of the Church Year-St. Mark 13:32-37

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.’ (Vv. 32, 33)

Do you all remember the tale of Chicken Little? The most memorable line from that story is the chicken crying to all he met: “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” Well, what actually happened? A piece of the ceiling had fallen and landed on his head. So, instead of looking at the evidence around him, he went off on a fool’s errand saying that the sky is falling.

Did anyone believe Chicken Little? No. No one took him at his word.

If we are paying attention, we hear such proclamation all the time. Some group or other regularly declares that the end of the world is at hand. Lately, it has been a fascination that some media have had with the date 2012. The story goes that this is when the Mayan calendar ends and so it must be the end of the world. Well, if an actual Mayan is consulted, we find out that the end of the world has nothing to do with the prophecy of theirs taken out of its context.

And, for the past century or more, each of us can probably think of multiple examples of the same thing. Some group, usually religious, going around essentially doing as Chicken Little did. They tell all the rest of us that the sky is falling. Well, the appointed end date comes and goes with nothing happening and we all move on.

Yet, we remain awake. We do not fall in with such crowds; we are on our guard against such things, as Jesus warns us here. We know that if the angels in heaven and even the Son are not privy to when the end will come and the Son, Jesus, will return, then none of us humans here on earth are going to figure such things out either.

In fact, we as Christians have no need. As I stated last week, the end will be a terrible time. You and I will certainly be able to state just such a thing if we remain alive to see it occur. Yet, for us as Christians, this is not all there is. We are also comforted by this event Jesus is teaching us about because then our current tribulation will come to an end. We know that from Jesus’ own words.

‘“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.’ (Vv. 32, 33)

We in our human-ness do not need to know. It is as is said in the military some times, “This is on a need to know basis and you do not need to know”. You and I are on a need to know basis when it comes to such things as the end of the age and the return of the King. We do not need to know. This knowledge is not helpful for us. This does not serve to increase faith among the faithful. This is a reason we are told what we are told in the revelation of our God in the Scriptures. We are given the knowledge we need in order that we might be rescued out of our sinfulness, granted forgiveness of sins and everlasting life in heaven. This is why the Bible reveals what it reveals and not other things we would like to know.

Those who claim to know when Jesus will return grab for themselves knowledge that is not given for them to know. This is what the holy writers mean when they say such things as ‘The Lord your God tries you that he may know’, that is, that you may be known in your blessing of faith. (Deut. 13:3)

So, in this way, you and I make ourselves ready spiritually on a daily basis. We begin our day as the Catechism teaches, with the Creed and Lord’s Prayer, we follow a series of daily devotions, and we confess our sins in our prayers or in the general confession as we did to begin today’s service. This is what Jesus means by stating, “Be ready!” here. He is telling you to be spiritually ready. After all, we all generally are asleep for the four watches of the night mentioned in these verses.

‘It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock crows, or in the morning.’ (V. 34, 35)

You do not know the day or hour of your Savior’s return, but you do not need to. You daily make yourself ready as the doorkeeper of Jesus’ parable; you daily confess your sins.

We are left in ignorance because it is better for the strengthening of our faith. This is so because if you or I or any other knew the day and hour of Jesus’ return would we really remain vigilant? No. We likely would not remain in our faith. After all, why would we then need to, if we knew when Jesus was coming then we could simply repent fast before he returned. So goes such faulty logic.

The reality is, there is no such cheap grace on offer. True, there are deathbed conversions. This is not due to the dying remaining an unbeliever with the intent of repenting at the end. Instead, such conversions occur when there is genuine repentance and a faith in the mercy of God through Jesus.

We would all, in our in born sinfulness, fall victim to such thinking if we knew the return of our Savior. We would go about, eating, drinking, and being merry (Genesis 6). Tomorrow would in this case be sufficient for repentance. As it is, we do not know when Jesus will return so we are forced to remain vigilant. We are forced to remain awake and alert. It was the same with the doorkeeper. He did not know when his master would return so it was necessary for him to remain steadfastly alert.

‘“Away,” he cries, “with dull repose,
The sleep of death and sinful sloth;
With hearts now sober, just and pure,
Keep watch, for I am very near.”’[1]

With the hymn, we pray that our heavenly Father will send His Holy Spirit to keep us in the true faith unto life everlasting. After all, if we are not watching, if we are not praying; then our former good deeds will not matter. They then will be useless to us for we will have gone astray from the true faith. Jesus is using this parable to guide us to the proper path.

Jesus is teaching you and me and each of us as Christians, that we remain ever vigilant strong in the faith. We are looking for the return of our King. We are looking for Jesus to come for us on the clouds with great glory. As St. Jude tells us: ‘But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.’ (St. Jude 20-21) I encourage you to take this small book as homework for the week. Go home and read Jude’s twenty-five verses; they are very encouraging and very timely still for our own age.

The message of Jude is the same as Jesus: Stay awake!

After all, when Jesus returns it will be too late. When Jesus came the first time, it was in obscurity, as we will soon hear once again. When He comes this final time the entire world will see. Those who are His servants, that is the ones who saw Him at His first advent. At the second terrifying advent, all will see. Those who believe, we who are Jesus’ servants, but also those who have not believed, the good and the bad, we will all see Jesus come again on the clouds.

When Jesus came in obscurity, He came to be judged. As such, He was silent at His trial. He will not be silent when He returns. He will then come to judge. ‘They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.’ (Ps. 14:3) With the words of the Psalmist ringing in our ears, if there is any who will listen, Jesus is not silent.

Praise the Lord that this coming of our King will not be only terrifying for you and me. We are those who, in Christ, keep the Law of the Lord. We are those servants who have heard. We are blind Bartimaeus. We are those crying out, ‘“Lord, have mercy upon me!”’ (St. Mk. 10:47) Praise the Lord that the return of our King is a longed for event among us here.

So, we do as Jesus teaches us, ‘"And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”’ (V. 37) In the faith given by the Holy Spirit, you do remain awake. (SC II: 3rd)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] ACCS NT vol. II p. 196. Prudentius A Hymn for Cock-Crow.

News from the ELCA

The ELCA is beginning to lose congregations. To read more, see Dr. Veith's good post on this subject and the accompanying comments. We all need to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters within this and other erring church bodies. They need Jesus' healing, forgiving power now more than ever.

Whiskey on the rocks for 100 years!

I do enjoy a glass of whiskey now and then, but this is hilarious. I hope they get a sample to restart the brand.

Second-Last Sunday in the Church Year-St. Mark 13:24-31

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch become tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.”’ (V. 28)

This passage is stated by Jesus at the end of His ministry, back in chapter 11 Jesus had cursed the fig tree. The following day, the disciples saw that it had in fact withered. So, do any of us know when a fig tree should be producing ripe fruit? We do not have any which will grow in our area.

However, they do grow in Southern California. When I visited my now deceased Grandpa and Grandma, my uncle pointed out to Rachel and myself that we could eat some figs that we passed growing on a tree. We visited them that time in August of 2004. So, when the branch is tender and if a tree is putting out the first leaves then it must be the beginning of the growing season, summer.

We do not have fig trees. Yet, we all know the signs we look for to know that summer is near. We do the same thing as Jesus’ listeners. Some today may look for Punxutawney Phil in Pennsylvania. Some may read the latest Farmer’s Almanac. Others, perhaps the some from the first two groups, look for the trees to bud or this or that animal or bird to return. Some may even watch for the farmers to be out planting. Whatever our signals, we all have them.

What Jesus is telling you and me is this. If you can predict when the next season will begin, then you can also read the signs I am telling you now for the end of time.

‘“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.’ (Vv. 24, 25)

In this chapter of Mark’s Gospel, it is difficult to separate what is going on at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A. D. and what will occur at the end of the universe. It is clear though that today’s gospel lesson speaks about the end of all things.

When we hear of such things as the darkened sun or a moon that will not give its light. These things did not happen when the temple was destroyed in the first century. What will happen when Christ returns, this is not something that you or I can comprehend. Even with the advent of nuclear weapons, we still have no idea. The rest of Scripture reminds us of this. ‘The heavens will disappear with a roar’ (2 Pt. 3:10), ‘and the sky [will be] rolled up like a scroll’ (Is. 34:4). Isaiah’s prophecy is one of those descriptions that we can all wrap our minds around. Yet, even this is only the Holy Spirit giving us an idea using terms we understand to describe the incomprehensible.

If any of you have ever pulled a rolled up sheet of paper out of the closet after a year sitting there in the dark with a rubber band for structure, you know what Isaiah means. If not, try it when you get home! When I try to unroll such a thing, if my hand slips the whole roll of paper comes slapping against my other hand with a loud rumble of paper.

This is what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us when Isaiah writes his words.

All of this terror that Jesus is describing for you and me is for we who can only imagine our own world here on earth. Christ will devastate the universe—and this is all because of sin. This is why we repeatedly hear in the Gospels that creation groans. Creation groans as it does because of the burden of sin. All of this is because of that fateful action in the Garden. That choice of Adam and Eve twisted the entire creation, beyond repair. This world must be destroyed and replaced with a new heaven and a new earth.

‘“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.”’ (Vv. 26, 27)

This is what the prophet Daniel is referring to in our Old Testament lesson when he wrote. ‘As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; … the court sat in judgement, and the books were opened.’ (Dan. 7:9-10) With the fiery throne of the Ancient of Days and the limitless crowds gathered around, this scene painted for us by Daniel presents a terrible picture of the judgement. It seems as if we should view all of this that Jesus tells us and that the prophets and Apostles tell us seems as if it should be read as terrifying.

This is not the case however.

For you and I, those who are baptized, those who are redeemed and made sons of God (Gal. 4:4-7), this is not a terrible thing to hear about. This is not something we fear, rather, it is something that we welcome. We even look for it and long for it to come. After all, at that time our present tribulation will end and we will become like those spoken of in the gradual. ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’ (Rev. 7:14).

Just as Jesus preaches of clouds to judge the quick and the dead (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Pt. 4:5) in the Gospels. So, at the end, at Jesus’ Second Coming, you who have not resisted His first coming, you will not tremble at His second. You will in fact rejoice that your King has returned to take you home to be with Him.

This whole cataclysmic event will be greater than anything we have seen done in Hollywood will. We all know the drama and theatrics and special effects employed in that classic movie, The Ten Commandments. What will happen when Jesus returns will put even the best modern movie’s special effects to shame. Christ will visibly appear in the clouds shown to all from all four corners of the world. All who have pierced Jesus will even see this (Rev. 1:7).

At this time, all the elect will be gathered from the four winds and ‘the books will be opened’ (Dan. 7:10). Many will claim that they loved the Lord and even spoke in His name (St. Mt. 25:41-46). These will be ones who have been hugging that small tattered robe of the little righteousness that they feel they can claim for themselves. These think that they will be in those books if only they have “done their best”. “If I have done this”, they say, “then I will get what I deserve”. Those who believe this way are correct. They will get what they deserve. This will be learned in all its unpleasantness when Christ returns.

Others will say to themselves at Jesus’ return, “This man cannot be the one we rejected. We rejected a baby born in a stable, a carpenter who had delusions of grandeur, a prophet who let things get out of control and died.” Still others will say, “This one was only a great teacher like Moses or Mohammed. But this…” For all of these groups, the words will ring hollow in their ears even as they speak them on that day.

Finally, those who rejected the Christ will learn of their mistake when it is too late. They will have been given a chance to receive the forgiveness given by Jesus’ death on the cross and sacrifice for all men’s sins. For this baby born in a stable in Bethlehem, rejected by all men and crucified for their sins is the ‘founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb. 12:2)

‘“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch become tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.”’ (V. 28)

What happens when summer arrives? Summer is the beginning of the ingathering of the fruits of the harvest. By August, when those figs that Rachel and I tasted in California where ripe, many different fruits are coming ripe. So, summer in Jesus’ words signifies the end of the world[1]. When we see the sky rolled up like a scroll and disappearing with a clap! (Cf. 2 Pt. 3:10; Is. 34:4)

When this happens, rejoice! For you will know that your Savior has returned, He has come to take you home where you ‘shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever’ (Ps. 23:6)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] ACCS NT vol. II p. 189. Hippolytus, On Matthew.

Men's Cancer Awareness

For any men who read this blog. Or, alternatively, for those women who read this. If you are a man or you have any men in your life, remind them to have their prostate exams. Obviously, if the man is not old enough this is a reminder to do as the doctor advises and not wait.

If you go here, you can find more information.

Veteran's Day

A blessed Armistice Day to you all!

That was the original name for this day ending WWI on the 11th month, 11th day, and the 11th hour. I would like to thank my maternal grandfather, who served in China and India during WWII and also my great uncles who also served, at least one who died. Also, thank you to my wife's paternal grandfather who served on a warship, in the pacific I believe, during WWII. Finally, thank you to all the men and women who are currently serving in Iraq and those who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Including three of the children of my parishioners and the son of the LCMS pastor in the neighboring town.

Thank you veteran's one and all.

Two prayers, one for those who serve and one for those who minister to the soldiers in our armed forces:

'O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your mighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them in times of war, and in times of peace keep them from all evil, giving them courage and loyalty and granting that in all things they may serve honestly and without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'

'O Lord, almighty God, as You have always granted singular gifts of the Holy Spirit to Your Church on earth, grant Your special blessing, we pray, to all who minister in Your name in the armed forces that by Your gracious working they may honor Christ and advance the good of those committed to their care; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.' (Lutheran Worship, 1982 p. 130)

By God's grace, may all our service men and women be granted courage in and after the fire.

At Home in the House of My Fathers

I have been reading a wonderful book put out by the Rev. Matthew Harrison. (Lutheran World Relief and Human Care head) He has been, in I assume his spare time, translating and editing the writings of the first five LCMS Synod presidents. This is a wonderful resource for all who are Lutheran whether Missouri Synod or otherwise. I would even go so far as to state that this is a good resource for any Christian. These men were so well versed in Scripture that the gems are too numerous to count. They are not even buried, they are simply there on the surface for anyone to pick up and treasure.

In this book there are words of comfort for those suffering from depression, the first two (Walther and Wyneken) both suffered from bouts of depression during their lives and they both speak to this. Others discuss the lonliness of rural pastors and the mission call of the church (Pfotenhauer) or the response of the church to moral issues including the temperance movement (Schwan). The final pastor of this book gives recommendation to read and study Luther daily (Pieper). And yes, these men were all pastors of individual churches. At least with Walther and Wyneken even while they served as the Synod's president.

As I stated before, I cannot thank Pastor Harrison enough for providing this treasure to the church. I have only read a handful of the texts in this book and this has already become very obvious. This book is a treasure. If you can, you should read it. If not, go to Pastor Harrison's blog (linked above) and he will have a couple of videos of him reading different passages.

Facinating!

I just read this facinating news story about the Persian Empire. It always amazes me what the ancients did to decorate their temples and the massiveness of their armies.

Psalm 147

Well, this passage to be exact.

'Praise the LORD! ... He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.' (Vv. 1, 4) It struck me, while I was reading from my TDP this morning what a truly wonderful God is the Christian God. How unfathomably amazing our God is! I over and over continue to uncover gems like this. Why is it surprising to anyone that, if the God of the universe, the Alpha and Omega, God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, when He will take the time to name each star, He will also take the time to care for each and every one of us. Why is it amazing that God will deign to rescue us from our sinfulness. And yet it is, precisely because of of who God is. It is precisely because He cares so deeply for such small things.

Not one of us is to small and insignificant for Jesus to take the time for. He cares for all of us. Even the forgotten ones.

November 8-St. Mark 10:46-52

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.’ (V. 46)

A poet and an artist stood examining a great panting. It was a painting that depicted this scene. The crowds, Jesus, the blind men sitting at the side of the road calling for pity, mercy. To the poet all was perfect—the form of Christ, the grouping of individuals, the expressions on the faces of the lead characters in this brief account.

The artist saw things differently. He saw the scene with different eyes. “Do you see the discarded cane laying there? When the blind man heard of Christ, he was so sure of being healed that he let his cane lie there. He firmly believed that he would need it no longer.” To the artist it was as if the blind man could already see Jesus as he hastened to the Savior to be healed.

This is the confidence you and I have now. This is our faith. So often though, we cling to our crutches or canes or other means instead of coming directly to our Savior and helper.[1]

‘Blind man sit by the road and he cried.
Blind man sit by the road and he cried.
Blind man sit by the road and he cried.’ (camp song)

This is the refrain I heard in a camp song all while I was growing up. The blind man referred to here is the one from our passage. This was a common sight. Many, many men sat by the road looking for assistance for themselves in their blindness. A hundred years ago or so, a man walked the streets in the vicinity of Jericho and counted all the men who were blind or had defective eyes. It amounted to fully half the male population![2] So, Bartimaeus was not an odd thing for the travelers to see as they walked the Jericho road.

In fact, Bartimaeus like we often joke that we have our own marked pew, this blind beggar had his reserved seat along the road. During the years of his blindness, Bartimaeus may have worked his way up to holding one of the better spots for getting peoples attention.

What is it that Bartimaeus called out when he heard whom it was that was approaching? He cried out with a refrain that is very familiar for all of us. After all, this blind man cried: ‘“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”’ (V. 47) What part of our liturgy does this remind you of? The Kyrie: Lord, have mercy! We even take the words of the Kyrie from this very passage. We cry out to our Savior with the words of blind Bartimaeus.

Bartimaeus called out in anticipation of what he wanted Jesus to do. We cry out with the same words crying for mercy but also rejoicing that the words we say have been fulfilled for you already in Jesus.

How are these words received by all of us? Well, with rejoicing. We cry out for mercy for ourselves, that we would receive forgiveness of our sins. We are rejoicing even as we cry for mercy from our gracious God because we know that He has had mercy upon us. How were the cries of Bartimaeus received?

The crowd tried to muzzle this upstart. They did not want him to bother the great Teacher. These people did not think that this lowly beggar was worth Jesus’ time. ‘And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”’ (V. 48)

We might think that if we were so treated, we would not cry for help any more. It would be easy to become discouraged in the face of such treatment. How do these blind men, as Saint Matthew reminds us (20:29-34), react? Instead of being discouraged and going back to begging, they cry out all the louder and more insistently. ‘“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”’

In bold faith those who sat at the side of the road called out to this great teacher. As they may have heard, this was thought to be the long-awaited Messiah. They knew from Isaiah’s prophecy (ch. 61) that among other things, the Messiah would restore the sight of the blind. So, Bartimaeus and his companions cried out in faith to this man who passed by in the sure hope of healing. There’s was a confident faith, as we see in their call to Jesus.

We too are so bold. We also cry out in faith for mercy knowing our Savior will heal us.

‘And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him,” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”’ (V. 49)

The persistent prayer of this blind man was rewarded. The insistent faith, which cried out to be heard as the God-Man walked by, paid off. Jesus stopped by and beckoned for he who called for help to come near. Now the response of the crowds changed. They are hopeful. They may have told the blind man to be quiet because they did not dare to hope for him. Now, Bartimaeus is being called forward!

The words used here by Mark are all in very vivid language. You can almost see the blind man calling to Jesus, being called forward by the Teacher and then encouraged by the crowd nearest to Bartimaeus. They are saying, “rejoice! rejoice! Your plea for help has been heard. Hurry before it is too late.” The mood of the crowd turns on a dime. The change with the words of Jesus is immediate. Now they hope. Now they encourage the blind in his insistence.

We see in this insistence and the following encouragement being commended to you and me. We are encouraged to be just as bold in our prayers. Bartimaeus’ insistence is your insistence. His confident faith is yours. When life is going well for you. Your job is enjoyable, the crops are coming in with comfortable yields, rejoice that you have been blessed by our heavenly Father.

When life is in the dumps and nothing seems to be going your way. When your job is at its most miserable, or worse, there is no job, when the crops are not coming or cannot be brought in—rejoice. Rejoice for your heavenly Father has redeemed you. He will not let you go and He will never stop providing for you. Even at those times when you and I cannot see how our providing and redeeming God will do this.

Even at the lowest times of our lives in this sinful world, yet our faithful God is caring for each and every one of us. We are redeemed through the work of Jesus, we are now made God’s sons through adoption (Gal. 4:4-7).

It is at the best of times and even at the worst of times that our persistent prayers pay off. ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come from? My helps comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. … The Lord will keep you from all evil. He will keep your life’ (Ps. 121:1, 2, 7). We are encouraged when God turns His face to us. This encouragement comes in the most vivid of tones: “Cheer up! On your feet!” None of us are too insignificant for Jesus to notice and help.

‘And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”’ (V. 50-51)

This outer robe that Mark mentions here was probably the only thing this man owned and it would have served as his bedclothes when he lay down in his appointed spot to sleep at night. This was all that kept this man warm, such as it was, on many a cold night. As I said, this and any cane Bartimaeus may have had were forgotten in his joy to run to the Savior. He heard the words of Jesus and ran toward the sound when he was called forth! He could see his Savior waiting to heal him. Bartimaeus had eyes to see!

Because of this reaction, the people may not have realized that the man was blind. So, Jesus words were as much for their benefit as to ask Bartimaeus. Often Jesus works with us this way as well. He wants us to come to Him with our petitions. He wants us to cry out for help, even though He already knows what we need. Our God wants us to acknowledge what we often forget in our sinfulness. That all we are and have comes from Him.

Jesus does the same thing with Bartimaeus as He did earlier when He taught His disciples how to pray. ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ (St. Mt. 6:9-13) God does this even without our prayer, yet we pray in this petition that we will recognize this also. Bartimaeus, with the crowd, was being led to receive the things they need from the Father with thanksgiving. So we rejoice in this day which the Lord has made (see Ps. 118:24); for we know ‘the LORD knows the way of the righteous’ (Ps. 1:6).

We rejoice in all things because we know above all else, we are redeemed. We are forgiven, washed clean by the blood of Jesus (see Rev. 7:14).

‘When man’s help and affection
Shall unavailing prove,
God grants me His protection
And shows His power and love.
He helps in every need,
From sin and shame redeems me,
From chains and bonds reclaims me,
Yea, even from death I’m freed.’ (TLH 393:2)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH. Entry #325 p. 76.
[2] Word Pictures in the New Testament, Robertson vol. 1, p. 356.

Substitute Fish Sauce

If you are trying to make Southeast Asian food and need a homemade fish sauce. I might need that. Here is a recipe that will give you the sauce you need when there is no way to make it to an Asian market.

Thai Fish Sauce

1 can (2 ounces) anchovies, drained (if you do not want too much salt, soak the anchovies in a water (or milk) bath before you use them. That will leach out excess salt.)
2 cloves garlic, lightly bruised (smash it with the flat of your knife) and peeled
1/2 teaspoon (packed) dark or light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups water

1. Place all the ingredients in a small heavy saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes without stirring.

2. Remove from the heat, cool slightly, then strain through a double layer of cheesecloth. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Makes about 3/4 cup

Obviously, this recipe is for a special occasion, perhaps even less than once a year. It is like the recipe I posted yesterday, it is a treat.

Fish sauce though is pungent, slightly salty, and sweet. This is an essential ingredient in any Southeastern Asian cuisine. It is often available in Asian markets and specialty food stores. Though it is not always possible to get a bottle that way.

Vietnamese Cooking Class

Last night, Thursday, I went to a local class taught by the High School Home Economics teacher. She taught us how to cook a Vietnamese menu. Vietnamese cooking uses a range of fresh produce. Such distinctive ingredients as are used sets it apart from other Asian cuisines. Such cooking as this, as with much Asian cooking, is a simple and healthy way to eat. However, for our area this is a special occasion menu as all the recipes include specialty items best purchased at an Asian market.

Our menu included: a Saigon Pancake (Bahn Xeo), Rice Paper Rolls (Goi Cuon), Rice Noodles with Stir Fried Beef in Chili and Lemongrass (Bun Bo Xao), a classic Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Mam Cham), and a Table Salad (Sa Lach Dia). There were five other students there, we all had a lot of fun cooking and talking. It was fun to get out and learn something new.

Once we were all done, then we sat down to a nicely set table and enjoyed trying our new creations. Everything was very good, especially the Saigon Pancake. I am not just saying that because I made that recipe, everyone at the table agreed that this was the best of the menu. Most of the students also took leftovers of this dish home with them. This surprised our teacher, she had included kind of on a lark. She thought it seemed more difficult and just was generally not sure about how it would go. The best part of this, the teacher made copies of all the recipes used for each student to take home.

This surprised me, I thought it was not that difficult of a recipe. The directions were not the best but it only took time to finish it.

Saigon Pancake recipe

Serves 4

200 grams (g) Rice flour (we used regular wheat flour)
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
250 milliliters (ml) water
1/2 teaspoon salt
150 ml Coconut milk
1 tablespoon Spring onions, finely chopped (we used green onions)
2 tablespoons cooking oil
200 g (1/2 lb approximately) lean pork, thinly sliced
200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
100 g bean sprouts
100 g split green beans, soaked and steamed until soft
10 sheets Vietnamese rice paper, sprinkled with hot water to soften

Garnish:
2 tablespoons mixed fish sauce
1 lettuce leaf
4 mint leaves
1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
Pickled carrot and radish, to serve (optional)

Directions:

--In a large mixing bowl, blend rice flour and turmeric powder with water, then add salt, coconut milk and spring onion. Mix well into a batter.

--In a large frying pan (skillet), heat cooking oil over medium heat until very hot. Add pork, shrimp and onion. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until meat is lightly cooked.

--Stir batter well and scoop into pan. Add bean sprouts and green beans.

--Cover for 5 minutes until pancake is crisp. Fold pancake into half and combine to cook for another 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

--Serve pancake with mixed fish sauce for dipping and rice paper, lettuce, mint leaves, cucumber and pickled carrot and radish on the side (this means each of the condiments are arranged like a relish tray and you add them at the table.).

--To assemble, place a sheet of rice paper on a plate and top with a small piece of pancake and some garnishing ingredients. Wrap and dip into mixed fish sauce before eating.

These ingredients are all surprisingly available. The only things that for our rural area that would require an Asian grocery would be the rice papers, fish sauce and the pickles that are an optional garnish.

All Saint's Day

Today is the day in the church year when much of Christendom commemorates those who have fallen asleep in Jesus (1 Thess. 4:13-18) in the past year as well as those for whom we still mourn even after years. This was the festival upon which Dr. Martin Luther's 95 Thesis' were first read. After all, he nailed them to the church door in Wittenburg on the eve of this festival. We now have commemorated that event with a festival of its own. We call it, Reformation Day. On that day, we celebrate that God, through His servant Martin Luther, gave His church back the pure unadultarated gospel of free salvation for all mankind (Rom. 3:19-28).

So today, it is fitting that we now remember those who sleep in Jesus. 'These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb' (Rev. 7:14).