Romans 6:1-11 The Baptism of our Lord

Jan 08, 2011; The Baptism of our Lord; Texts: Gen. 1:1-5; Ps. 29; Rm 6:1-11; Mark 1:4-11;  Title: From One Baptism to Another; Rev. Tim Beck

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 From Advent to Ascension we order our days by following the calendar of our Lord’s life. We go from Christmas, to Epiphany, Transfiguration, Lent, Holy week, Good Friday to Easter. We who are baptized into Christ count him as the center of our calendar, because that calendar is not only year to year, but into eternity. As for eternity entering into 2012, epiphany began Friday. Epiphany means “the revealing.” For example, in His baptism Jesus is revealed as the Son of God, our Saviour. The Divine Son, one in essence with the Father, equally sharing His glory, takes on our human nature so that the sinless Jesus, Saviour, baptized in the sinner’s baptism, takes on our sorrows and griefs, and bears our guilt. In His baptism, Jesus, Saviour, lifts the burden of sin off your shoulders. He carries it to the cross and does away with it forever. Since He does this the Father audibly speaks “You are my beloved Son;  with you I am well pleased.” What an epiphany! God became man to declare us righteous, that we might be renewed in righteousness, and that one day, we enter the re-creation of perfect righteousness.  Because Jesus took on our sin in His baptism, in our baptism Jesus joins us to Himself for new life.

          Our Epistle lesson declares that our baptism joined us to Christ for new life, freeing us from the slavery of sin and the fear of death. Perhaps you recall an article some time ago about Jon Metz of New Haven, Connecticut.  He bought an old home. It needed fixing. When cleaning the ancient boiler in the basement somehow his arm got stuck, really stuck, and then began to swell. Jon was there two days and nobody heard his yells. He’d cut himself trying to pull his arm out, and long lines ran up his arm. He was badly infected. His dear arm, full of poison, was taking away his life. Desperate, Jon reached for his tools. He made a tourniquet and cut off his arm. That saved Jon’s life. That’s a bit like baptism. The Old Adam was cut off. But old Adam’s amputated arm still sends signals to do the things that poison life. The Old Adam, that ugly nature inherited from the fall, the former driver of the jalopy, the former disposition of death, wants to get behind the wheel again. But we don’t have to let him drive since Christ, the New Adam, forgave us and gave us His life. Forgiven, we are freed from condemnation. Freed, we are given life and we resist sin. That’s justification and sanctification in a nutshell. It is simple, although so difficult. We, the forgiven, daily repent the sin     that dwells in us, looking to Christ to strengthen us. But the Apostle Paul’s critics wouldn’t let it rest there. They didn’t like being saved by grace alone, saved by trusting the declaration, “pardoned!” They wanted to add some righteousness of their own, either before being forgiven or after being forgiven. So they falsely accused Paul of saying sin didn’t matter; saying the doctrine of grace means “Since I’m forgiven I can live for the devil.”

          But the one who trusts he’s forgiven, and freed from the furnace trap, won’t live like that. We who were saved by grace, how can we ignore what Jesus did for us? Forgiven, we don’t want to return to a living death; by sharing a bed outside of marriage, or by cheating a neighbor of his property, or gossiping till ears drop. Baptized into Christ, the old man’s right arm is cut off, not so that we save ourselves and definitely not so that we sin freely. Sin separates us from a holy God, but grace restores, and grace alone. Grace alone forgives and then gives the desire to receive our Lord’s gifts, including power to resist sin. Since Jesus’ baptism took our sin upon Him, we, washed in the blood of the           Lamb, are forgiven to be given His righteousness. Since our baptism united us to Christ’s death and resurrection we die to sin daily and live to God forever.

          Christ’s’ life is now in us, we who are simultaneously saints and sinners. Christ’s life dwells in us, we who are justified by faith and saved by that word of pardon alone. Yet that pardon alone does not leave you under the power of sin and death, He who united you with His death and resurrection. Forgiven the sin that separated us from God as Father, we were drowned to what formerly enslaved. Jon cut off his arm to free himself, while in baptism Christ cuts off what held you captive, what ends in death.  Unlike Jon, baptism grafts your dying body into Christ’s resurrection life, joining you to Him as branches to a vine. We who are justified, declared righteous, and named holy ones by the power of Christ’s word are given a share in His life, eternal life. We are not given His life to sin; rather, we are given life to enjoy the liberty of righteousness, fellowship with Christ and love for our neighbor. We, the baptized, live by faith in this promise: For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you. (Col 3:3-5a)  And… if then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God… Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body.” (Col 3:1, 12, 15) We who were raised with Christ, who are God’s chosen ones have the peace of Christ, and are bid to put on what is already ours.

          For example, we put on the armor of God, armor he made for us. (Eph 6:10-17)  We put on His belt of truth, breastplate of His righteousness, shoes of His peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and His sword, the word of God. We walk in these gifts, as we put one shod foot in front of the other. We walk, calling upon our Savior who promised to deliver us from evil. We walk reckoning ourselves dead to sin, because Christ’s sacrifice was reckoned sufficient for your sin, my sin. We reckon that we are alive unto God through Jesus Christ as He promised in       baptism. Jon Metz cut off a poisoned arm to save his life but Jesus Christ took within Himself all our poison and was, for a time, cut off from the Father so that through the gift of baptism, faith receives the benefits of that cutting off. Through the promises of baptism, faith is joined to Jesus Christ’s death and life. We who were buried with Christ into His death have risen with him to new life.  Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved (Mk 16). And from I Peter 3, “Baptism… now saves you, as an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” (v 21). What does baptism do? It now saves you. “He saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5a, 6a) Baptism provides regeneration and renewal.  “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) Baptism promises forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

          It is not your doing that cuts off sin or joins you to Christ’s life. Jesus, Saviour, joined you to His victory through Holy Baptism.  You are not required to manufacture the armor that conquers the devil. He’s already done that. Yes, he calls you to battle against sin and temptation, but He already won the war. He saved you. If you feel defeated when the law says “Caught you again,” does He not declare His peace to you, and heaven shines? If you are surrounded by shouts, threats, the enemy, fear, is not your Lord mightily at work? He lifts us again and again, giving anew what He already achieved.   He gives abundantly in absolution, preaching, and the Supper. His word is a living epiphany freeing us from our mortal enemies.  Original sin was defeated. You know that’s true because you believe. And you have peace, united to Him in baptism.

          Shall you willfully, intentionally decide to continue in sin? What a silly question!  Of course not, since Jesus Christ was baptized. Shall you confess your sin? Absolutely, and be absolved absolutely. Shall you continue in life? Absolutely! You are forgiven. You belong to Him. He signed His name on you in the waters of baptism, saying “you’re mine.” In Jesus’ baptism the Father revealed that He is the Son of God, our Saviour. In His baptism, Jesus, Saviour, lifts the burden of sin off your shoulders. He carried it to the cross and did away with it forever, joining you to Him through your baptism. He carries us in the ark of baptism teaching us to walk on deck.

The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Amen)

Luke 2:21 The Circumcision of our Lord

January 1, 2012; The Circumcision of our Lord, Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 2:21; Title: Jesus First Sheds Blood for Us; Rev. Tim Beck 

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. What a Christmas text! (sing) On the 8^th day of Christmas our Lord was circumcised… likewise, on the 8^th day, Christ rose. So Christians worship not on the Sabbath, but on the 8^th. day. Baptismal fonts often have 8 sides to symbolize re-creation. And what does the baby’s circumcision have to do with that, with re-creation? 

          Let’s start with His name. When circumcised, Joseph didn’t call him Joseph Jr. He broke custom, naming the baby as God’s messenger said. Jesus, meaning Savior - bleeds with the sign given Abraham, the mark of the covenant, a mark of a new creation, of re-birth and the promised re-storation. While the parents wait for the baby’s blood to congeal and his cries subside, something new is happening. Did pious Joseph and Mary know this first shedding of blood was God’s act to save, this humiliation of the Son of God - made man? This baby fulfills divine promises, promises attached to the sign of circumcision.

          What promises came with this sign?   Lot’s of people don’t have a clue, or care. Last year the city of San Francisco almost had a ballot measure to make circumcision illegal.           What was the impelling reason for the ballot? Circumcision reduces sexual pleasure, as if the sensual is all that matters. (It’s OK to neuter pets, to poke holes all over your body for jewelry, to abort a living baby… but not to cut off a piece of skin?) So why did God cut a covenant in such a difficult place? Go back to Abraham.  And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you…  As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations… Every male among you shall be circumcised. (Gen. 17:7, 9b, 10b)

          God said, “I’ve chosen you Abraham and your offspring (which by the way is male and female, except that offspring is not plural but singular - more about that later). This promise also included all nations through Abraham’s lineage. This blessing promised a remedy to the fall of Adam and all that entails. It was about being restored to God as Father. It was about the coming Saviour, the cause of restoration. And Abraham believed, and instead of signing that covenant with pen on paper he signed it on his flesh in blood, along with all males in his household… so that each time a man and wife used that sinful thing they saw God’s promise. Abraham believed, accepting a visible mark confirming the covenant. Believing Abraham submitted to a sign of ownership. Faith does that.       

          400 years later the covenant expands. Moses receives the Torah – both the commands, and the sacrifices. Come Moses, circumcision signed that God’s people agreed to obey the entire law. That was a hard guardian (See Gal. 4:4). Obedience was a stickler. It was a stickler because so many of Israel did not obey because they did not believe. That’s why they died in the wilderness. Circumcision cut off the flesh to signify entering spiritual Israel; hence it meant a life of faith, including obedience and repentance (Col 3:9, 10; 2:11-14).  But God-pleasing obedience exists only where faith receives the promise, because by the promise God forgives disobedience, evidenced in the Tabernacle sacrifices of old. That’s why later prophets said just circumcising the body did not cut off deadness of heart. The coming Savior was the only remedy for that. There you have it, on one hand, without faith in the coming Saviour the Mosaic covenant of circumcision imprisoned, by requiring obedience to the law. On the other hand, circumcision pointed forward to the Christ, promising a Jesus and all who believed were saved, like Abraham.

          When the Jesus was named, his circumcision began to fulfill the law for us, and began to atone. He began fulfilling the sign of Abraham and earlier signed promises. Adam and Eve, given the sign of the curse, waited for the deliverer. So Jesus was cursed on a tree. Later Noah, given the curse of the flood, looked to the sign of the rainbow. So Jesus poured out a cleansing flood of water and blood. Then Abraham, a contemporary with Noah’s sons, is given a sign promising “I will be your God forever!”  And Jesus is circumcised as God-with-us, Emmanuel. Then Moses is given the law including the sacrifices, by which Aaron the high priest blessed the people. And Jesus, who obeyed the law, is sacrificed for lawbreakers. Soon Jesus re-creates by shedding His holy blood, cut for the sin of Israel. As Apostle Paul explains, now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. (Gal. 3:16)

          This is what circumcision of old says about Jesus, and therefore about you. Jesus Christ fulfilled circumcision, the Son of God in our flesh.  …when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Gal. 4:4, 5) In God en-fleshed the Old Covenant became the New Testament, the Father sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3) to conquer sin in our flesh. Jesus, Saviour, met every condition of the Mosaic covenant and every promise of Abraham’s covenant to name us His brothers. (Heb. 2:17) He began this work when circumcised, completing it when crucified. Now like priestly Aaron, He blesses the nations, justifying the guilty, exchanging His righteousness for our un-righteousness.

          This has nothing to do with being male or female, Jew or Greek, slave or free. It has everything to do with becoming God’s heirs and Christ’s body. Because Jesus was circumcised in our stead, no matter how unholy you feel, the Father, now “our Father” declares us sinners righteous. Jesus’ circumcision declares that God is in the flesh for us; as does His Christmas incarnation, Epiphany baptism, Good Friday crucifixion, and 8^th day resurrection. He even gave a new sign to confirm and confer this gift. Were you not baptized, and so like Abraham, justified by faith? Then as in olden days, we do not refuse the new sign of the promise, since in days of old, any who refused to be circumcised were cut off from the people of God. Nor do we neglect the sign for our children, as did Moses before the Exodus so that the Lord nearly killed him because his firstborn was not circumcised.  Nor do we who are signed reject the promise, as did the unbelieving in Israel who perished. Rather, we cherish what we received in the sign. Namely, when you were baptized, Jesus took your life and hid it in Himself. You were baptized into Christ to become children of God.

          He joined you to His death and bodily resurrection. Listen again to the name given at His circumcision: He shall be named Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. (Mt 1:21; Acts 4:12) In olden days circumcision made a people “His people,” faith receiving the promise. Now, in baptism we become His, faith receiving the Savior. In olden days, visible signs like circumcision and blood sacrifice established faith. In our day, Jesus gives the same promise of salvation with visible signs for faith. These signs not only point to God’s grace, they are means of grace.  Through these signs Christ brings us into himself, into his atoning death and eternal life. Listen to Holy Scripture: … he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour… (Titus 3:5, 6) What promise is attached to baptism?  Baptism (which corresponds to God delivering Noah in the ark) now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ… (I Pet. 3:21) What unites us with Jesus?  In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses… (Col 2:11-13, ESV)  Jesus Christ united you with Him, and hence He promises that you were raised from the dead!  You already share in Christ’s resurrection! This is true despite how you feel in your tired old body. This is true despite how many times you need repent because you’ve sinned again, like the Hebrew man who sees the promise and believes.

          Consider briefly another Old Covenant shadow completed by Christ. There is no more need to shed blood to atone for sin. All Temple sacrifices were fulfilled in Christ’s bloody death. Now there is a corresponding sign replacing the old covenant means of grace. Our Saviour is that living sign, His real presence in body and blood. In Holy Communion He unites with you spiritually and bodily, coming to you as the victorious Savior. He assures you that your sins are forgiven! Where there is sin He cleanses. Where you are weak He strengthens. Where         faith is tested He supplies hope. When you are dying he gives life. What a Christmas gift, the infant named “Saviour,” Look how He bound Himself to us for our salvation! At the circumcision of Jesus did Joseph and Mary know their actions were God’s actions to save?  Did they understand what Jesus’ first shedding of blood meant? While circumcision seemed so ordinary to Hebrew families, through the promise attached to circumcision the holy infant gave life. He now gives something that seems very ordinary… except for the promise attached to water, bread and wine… with word. There, because of the promise, the most extraordinary thing takes place. We are declared righteous with the very holiness of Jesus, and united most intimately to Him in eternal life. We enter into re-creation through our Saviour. 

          Therefore this Christmas blessing applies to you: Now unto him who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever (Jude 24-25)  (Amen.)

Luke 2:1-20 Christmas Day

December 25, 2011; Christmas Day; Texts: Isaiah 62:10-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:1-20; Title: The Impossibility of it All!  Rev. Tim Beck

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone to his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

                      Caesar Augustus, the world ruler who brought the Roman Peace. He was one of the finest dictators the world has ever known. Stability, commerce, and relative safety were trademarks of the empire. Naturally, he needed more money. So the world was to report and be counted. Today’s census is different. We stay in our homes and resent the door knocking intrusion. Back then, the census meant massive displacements of people. Velvet gloved Caesar claimed the wealth of nations. His glove steered the world’s most powerful army. That kind of peace has a cost, and a big head. Augustus Caesar claimed to be a god among men, and soon the Caesars demanded the worship befitting an incarnate Lord. That’s the way of pride.

          But he wasn’t the real incarnate God, the true King, the perfect peace, the peace giver of whom angels sang to shepherds, “Good will toward men and peace on earth!” King Jesus did not send soldiers into your city. Rather, his legal father, a descendent of King David, had to go to David’s city to be taxed, to Bethlehem. Joseph, of the house and lineage of David, a descendant of the rightful King of Israel, was a mere carpenter. And who was his betrothed? Mary too was of David’s lineage and 9 months pregnant. She didn’t have to go with Joseph to enroll. But everyone in Nazareth could count.  They knew Joseph wasn’t around 9 months ago. And this young woman, what a wild story she told! She was still a virgin! An angel appeared to her. Joseph would not be in Nazareth to protect her reputation. They took the hard journey together. And they believed what the angel said about the child Mary bore.

          How often did they ponder the Scriptures while making the difficult trip to Bethlehem?  But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2) Joseph and Mary believed God’s messenger, although hardly grasping the impossibility of it all, God born of a virgin! But from a virgin’s womb came the cure of our despair. The wonderful counselor, Mighty God, showed up to bring light into darkness. He showed up in a stable. Only the Living God could do such an impossible thing. With God, nothing is impossible. He even became a baby. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

          Mary’s son was wrapped not in the purple gown of royalty but in the rags of the poor. Caesar had indoor plumbing, not to mention countless courtiers and slaves. As for God’s Son, how did Mary clean him up? She had no running water, only straw… because of the census, her friends and relatives were elsewhere, except Joseph. Yet that birth pointed to these promises: Thou art my beloved Son, today I have begotten thee (Psalm 2:7).  And, therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

          The invisible God made Himself visible to dwell with us as Immanuel, meaning God with us. This is how He veiled His unapproachable glory, His unknowable being. As God-made-man, He took within his whole person of God and man all our        infirmities, all our sins. Perhaps that’s why God didn’t choose a sanitary place to be born. He did chose to come(s) to the aid of Israel his servant, to remember his mercy, just as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever. (Lk 1:54-55)  Amazing grace, Caesar’s Lord, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace arrives unannounced, except to a handful of field shepherds. How fortunate for our rebellious race that He did not come with in proud majesty with heavenly glory and judgment. His first advent did not demand we bend the knee and shout, “Hail Caesar!” Instead, our race shouted out “Hail, King of the Jews!” mocking and spitting. Perhaps that’s why He chose to be born in a fly-filled stable, bound in linen strips as if He was already in funeral clothes.  Thus God hid in human flesh.

          And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. What wonder, what hope shouted out in the middle of no where! God born of a virgin, God wrapped in diapers fulfills His word. He is a promise keeper. Angels sing of this world changing event, but not to the great ones. They sing to the least, to shepherds thought unworthy of good will. To field shepherds outside the life of the people, on them the light shined! Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee (Isaiah 60:1) Out of nowhere and to no-ones angel choirs sing of undeserved mercy. The Lord of hosts must enjoy doing the impossible and the unlikely. He reveals glory in the inglorious and to the least. Caesar Augustus is ignorant of heaven’s magnificent revelation. But the shepherds see into eternity. And they fear. They feel terror in the presence of the holy, a fear Caesar wished he could create. But unexpectedly, God’s messengers say “Fear not.” Do not fear what is impossible not to fear! Do not fear what can destroy those of doubtful, unclean eyes.  Do not fear the glory of God. Why? God’s unapproachable holiness is manifest in sacrificial humility, in love bound with linen strips before it is bound on a wooden beam.

          This too is hard to comprehend, as fullness of grace is foreign to Caesar, or to Shepherds who are known to eat their lambs. But the Lamb of God replaces fear with great joy, excessive joy, incomprehensible joy for all people. Not only does He fulfill promises that are impossible (like a virgin birthing the Divine Son). He does the incomprehensible: The God who is with us - is for us.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, among men who are the objects of His good pleasure. The Lord conquers what no Caesar can. Even now he destroyed death, conquered the devil, and cleanses our soiled hearts by lowly mercy.

          See the condescending conqueror lying in a manger. The impossible is upon us. The Living, Holy, God announces favor toward rebels. And we receive grace for the angels sang to isolated shepherds so that they might run to the coos of a baby wrapped in linen rags, their redeemer. This is how the Lord works. He does the impossible in the most unlikely ways. He declared grace, favor, mercy, forgiveness to sinners, to you. He gives you grace upon grace, doing the impossible for you and in you. Merry Christ-mass 

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

Matt. 25:14-30, Stay Awake!

Nov. 13, 2011; 22nd Sunday of Trinity; Texts: Zeph. 1:7-16; I Thess 5:1-11; Matt. 25: 14-30; Title: Stay Awake! (Rev. Tim Beck)

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.  So that after all we’ve already said in the service explaining the liturgy, so that you do not sleep, this is a short sermon. Keep awake because the Day of Judgment will arrive, even if folks in the neighborhood laugh at the claim. Scripture says the Day will come like a thief in the night (Mt. 24:43).  Unbelievers will be judged (Zeph. 1:7-16).  Believers will experience liberation and peace forever and ever.

          For that reason let us prepare. How shall we who believe prepare? Let us pray for the unbelieving. Let us proclaim the Savior to the world. Let us look forward to the day we shall see our Lord face to face. And let us ask the right questions today. Is the best question, “What hour will our Lord return?” The church prefers to ask “What time is it now?” Do you see the difference in the questions? We don’t aim to decipher the hour by magic numbers, fret about lovely homes left behind or listen to the “nutters” predict a particular day and hour. The church that believes lives each hour trusting Jesus; and the church that believes lives as sojourners, traveling to a better home. Like Abraham, we see a better country from afar; we’re heading there not knowing when our Lord will return. So we prepare for both delay and his immediate return.

          That’s the perspective of faith, faith in the eternal and infinite Lord Jesus Christ. This perspective overcomes our temporal and finite trials. Our trials will end when our Lord returns at the right time, as He came in the fullness of time. The first coming ended God’s wrath against sin and sinner, when Jesus paid the penalty of our sin. We look ahead in part by looking back at the benefits of His cross bestowed in Baptism. You were justified. You were brought you out of slavery and adopted as children of God. You now call God “our Father” as His holy priesthood. Even now you are seated with Christ in heavenly places. So as we receive Jesus’ body and blood today, we worship with the angels and saints around the divine throne. This is your Savior’s doing when you were baptized into Christ (Rm 6:3). His word preached trust into your heart and you died to sin and rose to new life. You received a living faith from the One who already brought you into eternity. His life now flows into you even as His blood flowed for you. He will sustain you in mortal combat against death, the devil, and your flesh. Come that Great Day, death shall die, the devil is bound and your body will be transfigured. 

Until then, Jesus Christ sustains your faith through His word and sacraments. By this pilgrim faith, you serve your neighbor until the Lord calls you home.  Husbands provide for wives, mothers change diapers, children obey their parents, employees work honestly and this pleases the Father, because of faith. The church prays and speaks the Word into the world of unbelief, because the time is short. When love suffers for faith’s sake, for Christ’s sake, we rejoice that the Lord calls many out of darkness into His glorious light. In this way remain awake for Christ’s return. Wear the helmet of salvation soberly and confess in hope, even confess your shortcomings in faith and hope. Then receive Him who forgave all your sin. Receive Him who says, “take, eat, take, drink, this is my body, this is my blood for the forgiveness of sin.” So encourage one another, building each other up in the most holy faith. In Jesus your Saviour, you will conquer all temporal, finite, and futile works of sin and the devil. You will outlive the grave. Today Jesus Christ grants you the eternal, the infinite, the perfect, the holy. Oh Lord, come quickly, maranatha! 

The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Amen)

Trinity 14, Is. 55:6-9

Sept. 18, 2011; 14^th Sunday of Trinity, Texts: Is. 55:6-9; Phil 1:12-14, 19-30; Mt. 20:1-16;

Title: Seekers vs. the Sought Out; Rev. Tim Beck

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Seek the Lord while he may be found. This word from God is clear. It tells us three things. It commands, warns, and promises. 1) This sentence commands, “Seek the Lord.” We are His creation, He is God. He is God! Therefore, what are we to do but arrange our lives around what pleases Him?  2) This sentence warns, “While, seek the Lord while…” The Lord will not always be willing to be found. There is a Day of Judgment. So we should fear now. We should also turn and run the right direction, the righteous direction. 3) This sentence promises, “God is near, ready to hear whoever calls on Him.” God can be found! Hearing this, we have reason to rejoice. And that’s the bottom line, the reason to seek, that God wills to be found.

          First, the commandment is common sense. “Seek the Lord.”  With zeal, we seek lost cars in parking lots, lost children in grocery stores, misplaced papers, lost computer files and misplaced tickets to the ball game. But when it comes to the greatest matters, the eternal score, what’s the batting average in common sense, in a common seeking? As they say, where is common sense if it is so common? Why do folks, including us, spend so little time seeking the LORD? How well do you know the Bible? Do you read it daily? If we agree that we ought to seek the Lord, we also need ask, “where does God chose to be found?”  A couple years ago, after service an elderly visitor at Mt. Zion looked and looked for her car in our parking lot, walking in circles round and round with another member from our congregation. Finally, she called the police and said it was stolen. When the officer arrived, he listened to the woman, glanced across the street and asked, “Is that it?” It’s not enough to seek; we need to look in the right place. When Israel sought divine favor from idols the Lord said the heavens were shut against their prayers. And if we, like them, create a god, whether a doting grandfather god or the Star-wars force, or the forever changing face of culture, will the true God hear? Is there any point praying to the woman whose bumper-sticker says a goddess is driving? There’s a reason Isaiah cries, “Seek the Lord!”  He says this because the Lord was not being sought, despite the religiosity of Israel. 1,000 years later the Apostle Paul quotes Psalms 14, written 400 years before Isaiah, “There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God.” (Rm 3:11) That’s our world too, and the will of the devil, and the will of our sinful nature. We don’t live in a world of common sense when it comes to seeking God, and seeking Him where He may be found. That’s why Isaiah seeks seekers of repentance: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the evil man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord.

          Why is that so important? Because secondly, 2) the sentence warns, “God will not always be near to be found.” There is a Day of Judgment. Hearing this, we should not only fear, we should turn and run the right direction, toward righteousness. Seeking the Lord is more than the anxious cry, the desperation of one adrift at sea begging God “I’ll do anything if you rescue me…” unless I see land. Let the wicked forsake his way. Let the wicked bear the fruit of repentance, as John the Baptist said. That’s not common sense to the world, the devil or our sinful nature either, to turn around and run uphill... and ultimately, not to our own efforts, but to a cross. As for repentance in our world for example, if a politician admits fault, what happens? He loses votes. That suggests it is not better to change direction. For example, if a pastor preaches “church is not about ‘me’ it is foremost about God,” how often does he hear this downstream drift, “boring!” For example, if we believe “blessed are the rich in spirit” not “blessed are the poor in spirit” what happens? We will not find the Lord while He can be found. That’s why God mercifully drives us to repentance with the law. The law teaches common sense, what pleases the LORD, before it is too late. But there’s a problem here. While the law teaches us what pleases God and teaches us to fear, can it give us the goodness of God, His mercy, His love? Only the gospel can do that, by giving us the righteousness of God, His righteousness not against us, but for us. We are not told, run to the law for comfort and strength, although the law is righteous. To run to the righteousness of the law is to hit a brick wall on the nose, full tilt. We are told, run to Christ’s righteousness for you, imputed to you, given freely to you. That’s what we are to seek, that is, the heavenly Father’s uncommon sense.

          Thirdly, 3) this sentence promises “the Lord is near, ready to hear whoever calls on Him.”  The Lord Jesus Christ means to be found! Hearing this, we have reason for joy. We have reason to rejoice because the true God sends a personal invitation. He didn’t use the U.S.P.S sixth class mail. He came and said, “Here am I.”  Certainly, when Isaiah preached these words he spoke of what was to come. Isaiah, like all the prophets until John the Baptist looked forward to the Christ. At the same time, the prophets taught how to seek, and where, when, why, what and whom; seek the coming Christ, who came to them in His Word. They were told to seek by believing the promise, receiving what the Lord revealed for faith. And to this day the repentant received the benefit of the promise, namely forgiveness, and hence life.

          Consider how folks of old were to seek the Lord. In ancient days the patriarchs offered sacrifices, God appointed sacrifices. They didn’t wave offerings before unknown goddesses, but to the Lord of the promise. Moses was given not only commandments but a definite form of worship promising grace, mercy, and peace on the basis of the coming one. The prophets affirmed the coming promise with signs, calling for repentance and announcing forgiveness. At last in the fullness of time, God sent His Son, born of woman, born under the law, born to fulfill the law, born to be the sacrifice for all who violated the law. God’s uncommon sense provided an uncommon salvation, a righteousness we can call our own, a righteousness received by faith, a righteousness that makes us uncommon. For God revealed himself lifted up, on a cross. This is where He wills to be found; for if you have seen Jesus then you have seen God as the Father, as your Father. In the days of His sojourn, Jesus commanded, warned, and promised. He said, “Turn from your evil ways,” then bid us turn toward his beckoning face.  He declared to those smitten by the law, “Whoever calls on my name shall be    saved. I forgive you all your sin.” Today He speaks through the same word, granting salvation in the ways He promises to be present.

          That’s how, where, and when God can be found… in His word that invites us and at the same time carries us over the threshold to His wedding feast. He reveals what we do not seek and gives what we cannot find. This God goes to the market place not for cheap labor, but to find all who have no way to make a living. There He proclaims, Ho, every one that thirsts, come to the waters, and he that has no money, come! buy and eat; yes, come! buy wine and milk without money and without price.  (Isa. 55:1)

          We enter His vineyard at quitting time and He pays us with what he earned. Otherwise, how could we sinners, we rebels, find the true God? We choose wrong ways because we do not understand His way. That’s why He revealed the righteous way nailed high on a tree for all to see. If we look first in self-help books to become rich, filled, and proud, He mercifully turns us toward a criminal’s crucifixion; then gives us His word with common water, and with bread and wine; and supplies pastors who proclaim and administer these gifts. He fills our lives with Himself, bringing us into His fellowship, bringing us into His presence. He does even more by His uncommon sense, in ways that are not our ways, but are ways that bring us into divine life, to share His eternal life. As the dear Martin Luther said, Grace and life were given you; but it meant bitter work for Him.  It cost Him much.  He earned it at the greatest expense with His own blood, body, and life.  For to put down God’s wrath, judgment, conscience, hell, death, and everything evil and to gain everything good could not be done without satisfying divine justice, paying for sin, and really overcoming death.  (SL 11, 422)

          The boss who did the work gives away his profit. So hold out your hands, the workman who does not labor is generously paid. God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense pours out the earnings of another for you, for you who cannot pay enough or even find work.  He washes away your pollution from guilt and shame, promising in forgiveness resurrection life, a perfect, righteous life, a life of fellowship in the LORD; for He gave you a new name in Holy Baptism, the uncommon identity of “saint.” This grace makes no sense to us sinners, until named saints. That’s why the admonition, seek the Lord while he may be found. First the law teaches us the LORD is God. It tells us what we must do, and threatens punishment.  Then the promise reveals how, what, where, why, when, and whom to seek. The promise not only shows these things, it delivers them to us. What uncommon grace! No wonder the Apostle Paul responded in this way: to live is Christ, and to die is gain. That’s an extraordinary word too, revealing this wonder of grace, namely faith. Faith receives the Saviour, and despite Paul’s suffering, rejoices. Consider the uncommon joy Paul has because He belongs to Christ. Consider how much hope he has in this life and for the next. That joy is ours too through uncommon mercy. Jesus Christ comes to feed your faith with His very presence, his bodily presence promising forgiveness.

          Better than signs old, of sacrifice, tabernacle, and prophesies pointing ahead, the ascended Jesus Christ gives Himself to you today, free and fully. He promises to be found where He tells you to seek Him. He gives Himself to you now. He promises that one day you shall see Him as He is.  Ho, every one that thirsts, come to the waters, and he that has no money, come! buy and eat; yes, come! buy wine and milk without money and without price.  (Isa. 55:1)

The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Amen)

13th Sunday of Trinity, Texts: Genesis 50:15-21

Sept. 11, 2011; 13^th Sunday of Trinity, Texts: Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 14:5-9; Matthew 18:21-35; Title: Forgiven to Forgive and so to Live. Rev. Tim Beck

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We pray daily, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” “O heavenly Father, forgive us because we’re not loved you with our whole heart. Forgive us when we turn from your good to please ourselves. Forgive us because we think evil, and doubted your good will. Forgive us the damage we caused and the debt we owe, forgive all, as we forgive, so we are taught to pray.”  Forgive, bearing the cost of those who hurt us, who do us ill, who think evil of us, who damage our reputation, and who make us pay for their wrongs.  Is this how you forgive, or have you lashed out in tongue or deed? Is this how you forgive, obeying God’s word despite the cost? Is this how you forgive, trusting God will work all things to good? Or must we pray, “Our heavenly Father, forgive us so much more.” And give us strength so that we too forgive.

          Does He give strength to forgive?  Are we strengthened from having been forgiven, completely forgiven, not only for what we have done, also for what we shall do, and for our very nature of sin? Are we enabled to forgive because we are saved not by law but by grace? The answer is yes. And those who believe grace become witnesses of grace. On the other hand, those who refuse to forgive inevitably choose to live by law. For example, in Jesus’ parable, the man who owes the national debt says he can           pay it back.  He sticks with the law, even in desperation. And when forgiven, he throttles another servant for a few bucks; and as he wished, is returned to the law. He must pay. We can resent losing money. As a boy I punched my best friend for $10. I saw it floating around some construction debris first, finders, keepers, but he got it first, so he got it good.  How can we forgive? The short answer is in having been forgiven. The short answer includes all that is given to the forgiven, since forgiveness not only takes away sin; it opens the door to reconciliation, restoration, and renewal. 

          But you know I like long answers. So let’s not start with our text about Joseph but review his entire life; better yet, let’s start with Joseph’s parents. Do you recall that Joseph’s father Jacob, also called Israel, had two wives? Jacob only wanted one. But his father-in-law tricked him into marrying Leah, and then made Jacob work another 7 years to get Rachael. Leah had children, but Rachel none. Then they both gave Jacob their maids to see who would win the mass production race. At last, Rachel bore Joseph and Jacob rejoiced, in front of his other children. A few years later, Joseph was given a multicolored linen coat, unlike his brothers. Joseph showed it off. The coat reminded his brothers who dad loved best. His father selected him as the heir of the promised seed, the Messiah. It didn’t work out that way, Jacob’s way, but that is still a part of Joseph’s story. You know what’s next. Joseph’s brothers envied and resented him. They hated him because Joseph told father about their misdeeds. He even told them his dream; his brothers would bow themselves to him, their little brother. So they coldly planned his murder. By a lucky chance, they sold him into slavery instead. His distant cousins bought him and packed him off to far away Egypt.

          At this point, who needed to forgive and who needed forgiveness? If your circle “all of the above” on your multiple choice test, you get an “A.” What did Joseph do after getting dumped in Egypt? Did he say “Forget them!” And by forgetting, give up on the promise of the Messiah, promised from his father’s line? Joseph believed in what the promise promised, so he did not lose hope. He believed that from the line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob… the promised Saviour from sin would come. Therefore, Joseph waited for the Lord. And God blessed Joseph, so that all he did caused his master, the Egyptian named Potiphar, to prosper. Potiphar prospered and put Joseph over all he possessed, except his wife, but then Potiphar’s wife said to Joseph, let’s sleep together. He refused again and again.  He would not be disloyal to his master, and begged Potiphar’s wife to love her husband.  Joseph gave godly advice, but she slandered him and Joseph was cast into prison, wearing shackles and a metal collar around his neck. How could Joseph forgive this double trouble? How could Joseph not turn his           back on God, who by all appearances deserted him? Ah – the promise! But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison, and Joseph was put in charge of what went on inside the prison.  And whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

          One day, two of Pharaoh’s imprisoned servants had God-sent dreams. Joseph asked of God, and then interpreted those prophetic dreams. Then he asked the chief butler of Pharaoh: When it shall be well with you, show kindness to me and mention me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this prison. For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have done nothing that they should put me into the prison.  But the butler forgot Joseph, until Pharaoh had a dream, a vision about seven years of abundance and seven years of famine. Then the butler remembered Joseph. Joseph interpreted the dream and was raised to second in command in Egypt. For seven years he stored surplus grain in government storehouses. Then when the famine hit, his brothers came to buy grain, and his dream came true. Not recognizing him, they bowed before the master of Egypt. If you were Joseph, what would you do, if you stored up 20 + years of bitterness and resentment? But that wasn’t what Joseph put into the storehouse of his heart. Joseph, as one who believed the promise, the promise of forgiveness, had already forgiven. So his thoughts turned away from his hurt to the needs of others.      

          And he wondered what else had his brothers done to the rest of his family? Had they confessed to Jacob how they sold Joseph and set the old man’s heart at rest? Or had they, these 21 years, kept the evil secret, refusing to repent? Was Jacob dead by grief, had they killed Benjamin, his youngest brother by Rachael, who no doubt was favored by Jacob. Joseph questioned them and the brothers said, “We are honest men!” So Joseph tested them. He harbored no grudge, but knew if they did not repent all was lost. So he applied the law, calling them spies, accusing them of evil intent. He threatened them with punishment for a crime they did not commit until finally, their consciences cried out, We are truly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he begged us, and we would not hear. Therefore this distress has come upon us… His blood is required of us. His blood is required. That’s the law, and that’s the cause of repentance, admission of guilt. With this admission, Joseph is overjoyed. He reveals himself and tells his brothers they are forgiven. He is their deliverer to provide for their families. His sufferings were God’s doing      to preserve the promise in Israel. What faith in the promise, in Christ! As one forgiven, Joseph believed the promise made to Abraham; those who believe are justified before God. Soon, Father Jacob takes his household to Egypt, for the Lord promised to bring His people back, for the sake of the promise. Years later, Joseph closes Jacob’s eyes in death. And when Joseph’s brothers saw that their Father was dead, they said, perhaps Joseph will hate us, and will pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.   

          What? After receiving Joseph’s continual care for years? Why did Joseph’s brothers fear their blood was still required? After their repentance, did they fail to believe in grace?  Joseph said the evil done him was the means of preserving the promised seed because he saw all things through the coming Christ. He knew his great grandfather Abraham was justified by faith, not by works. He heard that history sitting on the knee of his grandfather Issac. He knew the sins of his father, yet how the promise kept Jacob in faith. Then when Joseph’s suffering brought good to the ones who did him evil, he is content. He is content, not justifying himself by the law, but living as one justified by Christ. Joseph knows his sin. His contentment is in being forgiven, which gives power to forgive. As for Jesus’ parable, have you repented your sin? Did He not pay the universal debt of sin?  There you were forgiven all, and that changes everything, if you believe. For example, because we are forgiven, we believe what others mean for evil the Living Lord turns to good. If the Father gives life through the death of His Son, will not God take the evil done us and use it for good for the one that did us wrong?

          What if Joseph said, “Off with their heads!”  God would have destroyed Joseph to preserve his brothers.  But Joseph led his brothers to repentance, having already forgiven them. Then he blessed them.  That’s how we triumph over evil. We may even see the salvation of our enemies. That’s how God loved us. Which leaves us with a question, did Joseph’s brothers receive the benefits of grace? When Jacob died this is what his brothers said…  So they sent a messenger to Joseph saying, your father did command before he died, saying, so shall you say to Joseph, Forgive, I pray you now, the trespasses of your brothers, and their sin, for they did to you evil. And now, we pray you; forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father. And Joseph wept when they said this to him.

          Literally, your father commands you to forgive now! The Hebrew is explicit. What is translated as “please” isn’t a humble request, but urgency, “do it now.” In the name of the promise, in the name of Jacob, they command Joseph to forgive – but forgiveness is not the           law. It is grace. How sad, they could have rejoiced for years, instead they were imprisoned with fear. No wonder Joseph wept.  Joseph blessed them for years, but they didn’t see it. His brothers, who disbelieved, asked not for grace, but for law. God the Father, for Christ’s sake, forgave you all your sin.  He wants you to live in peace, rejoicing in Christ, not held captive by the law. That’s why He announces forgiveness to you and me again and again; so that you are confident of His grace, certain of His loyalty toward you. That’s why we come to receive assurance in His body and blood, in eating and drinking Him who died and rose. His gift of peace grants strength to do what we cannot do in the flesh. We who believe the promise of Christ crucified for us, forgive. And his brothers also went and fell down before his face and they said, Behold, we are your servants. And Joseph said to them, Fear not, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it to good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not fear. I will nourish you and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spoke kindly to them. Jesus Christ, far greater than Joseph, paid the national debt we owe. He will provide for us and our little ones.

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

Trinity 12, Romans 13:1-10

Sept. 4, 2011; 12^th S. of Trinity; Texts: Psalm 32:1-7; Ezek. 33:7-9; Rm. 13:1-10; Mt. 18:1-20; Title: The Authority of Love; Rev. Tim Beck  

            Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Have you wondered how the church leavens society? Have you wondered how the church is empowered to serve? Have you wondered why the church took on that trouble?          Have you noticed how each of today’s texts is troubling? The Lord says to Ezekiel, If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.  By divine inspiration, the Apostle Paul says. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. The Lord Jesus says, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone, and more things that cause trouble. 

          Who likes trouble, except Rose Gaffeny? She was a Bodega Bay rancher who loved it. Once, friends who knew her rule, spread a picnic on her ranch property without asking. When she came home, she drove her truck over their checkered tablecloth, plates, food, and basket.  That’s how she said, “don’t do it again.” Did she do some good? Can telling others what’s bad, do something good? If I’m a policeman, do I really have to tell folks to stop doing bad? If I’m a parent, do I really have to make my kids do as they’re told? If I’m a pastor, do I really have to preach the law?  And don’t forget the flip side: If I’m a policeman, do I really get to protect the defenseless? If I’m a parent, do I really rejoice when my kids make the right decisions? If I’m a pastor, do I really get to preach the grace of God too? There’s this reason for sticking our nose where it belongs - besides the issue of eternal judgment, there’s this universal word - love. Owe no man anything but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.  Love fulfills the law… the law. 

          Where is that word, “love,” to be applied? Love happens in God-given structures - the orders of creation – that’s where the law is to be fulfilled. Ezekiel addresses civil society, including the police; family, including parents; and the church, including pastors; Paul and Jesus teach more of the same.  They speak the law about these fundamental, God created orders for this reason: Cain slew Abel as the first family at war. Pharaoh made slaves of Israel, rejecting God’s civil order. Look what our race did to Jesus when it came to the order of worship. You see it. How well has the government earned your trust you?  How many broken families live on your block?  If folks say they’re spiritual seekers, why aren’t they here? As for you, do you fulfill the law after waiting two hours at the DMV for a piece of paper, and your agent is rude? At home, are you always eager to help, serve, and support your spouse, children and parents; or would you rather watch TV? Do you love God so much that you knock on every door in your block, say “I love Jesus,” and invite neighbors to church? Listen to the law. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  But we fail the task. Most of the time, we don’t even want the task.

          So how does the church find love for those around them?  What empowered second century Christians in Rome to take the abandoned babies and abandoned old folks off the streets and into their homes? Why did sixth century Christians, captured as slaves by Celtic barbarians, when they escaped, return to tell their captors of Christ crucified? Why did 19^th century Christians freely give their lives in far away lands, building orphanages, hospitals, schools, and churches? And all these works go on today. There is a word, but not a law word. It is a gospel word, and not the word “love,” except in one direction, fulfilled in one particular act, and applied in infinite generosity.  This word fulfilled the law for the deficient, for the corrupted, the polluted, for God’s enemies, for the rebellious, for sinners, for us all. This word announced Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who fulfilled the law of love, bore the torment of our hate and the punishment of our sin. In Him the Father forgives; and that gift not only frees us from an impossible command, it is the means by which the church is freed to love.

          The mystery of godliness, of justification, is this: God’s undeserved love declared sinners righteous. God’s unearned love reconciled, redeemed, and then regenerates the unlovely and the unloving. There’s the magnificent declaration by the divine judge, “justified!”  Then there’s faith in the pardon, and release from the prison house of sin. That declaration frees us for a holy life, by the power of the Holy Spirit.   That declaration enlightens us to God’s good in the orders of creation. That declaration contains our future glory, including the cure of the creations’ futility (see Romans 8). When faith receives this gift, “you are declared righteousness,” something inevitably happens. Like a pear tree bearing pears, faith bears fruit. What is faith’s fruit? Love is faith’s fruit. Love is what the Holy Spirit works in the justified, in those who believe God’s love. Declared righteous, we are joined to the love of God in Christ Jesus. Declared righteous, we are grafted onto the tree of life. That’s where the church finds courage to live as Christ’s own in the created orders, in the order of worship, family and civil society.       

          Our imperfect lives, we who are simultaneously saint and sinner, are regarded by God as fulfilling the law – for Christ’s sake. Since Jesus Christ fulfilled the law on our behalf, since we are credited with His righteous love, the law no longer accuses us before God. The justified know the Father is no parent continually reproving his child for every fault.  Hence, we are free to love. The breakfast tray you brought mom on mother’s day, you left a mess, raw egg and flour on the floor, sticky on the cabinets. But your older brother cleaned it up, and you got the credit.    For Christ fulfilled the law. Therefore, God the Father reckons our insufficient love as perfect, through repentance and faith in Christ. When the law points out every failure to love in the civil realm, in family, and in Christ’s church, justification liberates the faithful to serve. While the law calls us to daily repentance the gospel absolves, and absolution empowers us as Christ’s own, knowing we are accepted by God as our dear Father. On one hand, in the kingdom of the left, the civil kingdom, the kingdom of law, we are obligated. Here there is only labor. You must pay your taxes. By government decree, this Labor Day weekend, we honor hard work. And as Christians, we also labor to mortify our flesh, to resist sin in an ungodly world. On the other hand, in the kingdom of the right, the spiritual kingdom, we are bid to “Come, eat and drink, inherit the kingdom of God.”  Here there is no labor, only gift. And that gift transforms our relationship to the law, so that we might freely love. Having been justified, then being regenerated and daily renewed by the Holy Spirit through the Word, Christians see the orders of creation as good, and the place where we love. Christians, confident that Christ fulfilled the law, voluntarily subordinate ourselves to the authorities which God instituted.

          In families, wives subordinate themselves to husbands who love them as Christ loved the church. In civil society, rulers set aside self-interest to seek the good of the people, while citizens support the appointed magistrates.  In the spiritual kingdom, the church receives her Lord in word and sacrament, and that is each pastor’s joy, and each member’s peace, receiving Christ’s love. This is how, by faith, we love in the Orders of Creation, despite our failure to fully love. We see the Lord’s good will is to gather a flock and set pastors over them. We see how parents are indispensable to their children’s welfare. We see that civil government exists to provide stability for the sake of the church.  And the church serves in these created orders through love. And the church picks up the pieces when society rebels against what’s good. That’s why Christians opened their homes to the human refuse of Rome, and sacrificed themselves for the spiritually dead in places like Ireland, and provide for the needy now.     

          Remember last week’s text? We are to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Today’s texts describe where Christians bear a cross of faithfulness in their various vocations in the orders of creation.  For example, remember 9-11? We’re grateful for the civil order, for fire, police and others who serve the nation, including those called to wield a sword for our protection. When disaster strikes, we thank God for his ordained authorities appointed for our physical safety and civil peace. But if our leaders flaunt sin and act irresponsibly, remember Moses and Pharaoh? Although Pharaoh enslaved the Hebrews and murdered their infant boys, he was ordained by God to rule, and to fall.  Moses, called to an impossible task to deliver Israel from Egypt, believed the highest authority is never out of control. He remained faithful by the grace of God. So we, like our coins still say, trust in God, while serving the civil realm through Christ’s love. We trust in God, while sticking with families. We trust in God, not neglecting fellowship in the church. We trust in God, because He forgave all our sin through Jesus Christ.          

          Does justification teach you how to live?   Does this doctrine empower the church in the world? For example, since in costly love, God’s Son died for sinners, we know the extent of his love for sinners like us. Will he not sustain the faithful in the civil realm? If the civil realm rejects love, when you must appeal to Caesar, and when civil remedies fail, do you not remain in the all powerful hands of Him who loves most and best?  For example, since Jesus forgave your sin, do not parents find strength to forgive prodigal children, and those children find hope to return? For example, since you were baptized into Christ, is not your present life and future secure in the banquet that is to come? You have freedom to love because the LORD loves His church. He gave His life for her, justifying her, and only then sent her into the world to proclaim peace. That’s why Jesus did not tell the Roman foreign-fascist occupying centurion to bug off.  Instead he healed the centurion’s servant. Jesus did not strike down the High Priest who in arrogant blasphemy demanded    the death of God’s chosen one, he called for repentance. Jesus did not curse Pontius Pilate when Pilate perverted justice for his own political fears. Instead, Jesus witnessed to the truth. In a love that fulfilled the just demands of the law, Jesus laid down his life for the unjust. That’s God’s love, Jesus fulfilling the law for sinners. Jesus subordinated Himself to the Father’s authority, out of love for the Father, and we received mercy; by faith we receive mercy and become conduits of mercy. 

          Where do you share God’s love? You are appointed to various vocations in work, family, and worship. In these as those justified by Christ, you love; even if on occasion it might mean driving over someone’s picnic. Ezekiel cried out when danger approached, when no one wanted to listen. So too you, citizen, cry out when the State legislates immorality, rejecting God’s created orders. You cry out for family members when they are weak, caring for them. You who are in communion with Christ, we have fellowship one with another.  For the Lamb bore willingly the cost of sin. He cried, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  That’s perfect love, and the love that fulfills us.   For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Rm 5)

          Christ died for us, when we hated the good.    Christ died for us, since we failed in love. Christ died for us, and we were absolved. Christ died, and restores us by Word, Spirit, and water. He brings the love of God into our frail lives. Christ reconciled us to God as Father. He justified us. As the justified, He sanctifies us for lives of love in our various vocations. And in our vocations, we who cannot fulfill the law continually return to justification. We don’t trust in our deeds to win God’s approval, or even in His work in us.  We return to that wonderful declaration, that the Father reckoned us righteous for Christ’s sake. There we find liberty to love. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God.  He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  (I Jn. 4:7-9)

          Declared righteous, you have liberty, and through faith, faith’s fruit of love grows. That’s not troubling, since Jesus Christ took the trouble to love.

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