Palm Sunday (Ps) April 1st

Psalm 148:1-14
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD!
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 148:1–14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Praise the LORD! He has come to his people. They have will reject him. They will kill him. But for now let us praise the LORD. He is the Son of David. He is the one by whom all things were created. All of Creation join in the praise of this one. He is the one who has come to save his people from their sins.

The Psalmist reminds us to praise the LORD. All his saints should praise him because he has raised them up. All the stars should praise him because he called them forth. All the Kings should praise him because he has given them their position. Old men and children should praise him because he has given them life. All of Creation should join in on the praise of Christ our LORD.

Praise the LORD! Here the Psalmist does not point us to his deliverance from Egypt. The Psalmist does not point us to Noah and the rainbow. The Psalmist does not point us to the rule of King David. The Psalmist points us to the one who has created all things. Therefore, all creation should praise the LORD. This is the Word made flesh. And he is getting ready to do something great.

Jesus Christ is coming to redeem his people from their sins. He has come to die for the forgiveness of the sins of the world. He is coming to remove the curse which has been brought upon all Creation. Jesus Christ will make all things new. Praise the LORD! Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest! Praise the LORD!

Palm Sunday (GA)

Matthew 5:43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 5:43–48). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Greatest gift we have been given is LOVE. Love your enemies. Those who only love the people who love them have no reward. Sinners will treat people the way thy treat them. But the Gold rule says Treat others as you desire them to treat you. This means to treat your enemies and those who love you the same way. You need to treat them all the way you desire to be treated.

It is not good to just treat nicely your friends. Do not take this to mean you should treat everyone evil and that way you don't have to treat your enemies any better. But Love is the great gift. God the Father has shared his love with you. God the Father will deliver you from eternal persecution and torment. He has sent his son to die on the cross for the forgiveness of all your sins.

You have been redeemed and God continues to provide for all your needs in body and spirit. He is the one who has created you. he is the one who gives the rain on the good and the evil. Therefore, follow Jesus Christ. Take up your cross and follow your savior. This means we will have to go through suffering, just as Christ went through rejection and suffering. Christ died for you while you were yet his enemies.

Jesus commands us to act like our Heavenly Father. We need to love each other we grace and mercy. We need to forgive our brother from our heart. We also need to Love our Neighbor. The greatest gift the Holy Spirit has given us is the Love of God which does surpass all understanding.

Palm Sunday (OTA)

2 Samuel 6:5-15
5 And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. 6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?” 10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the LORD into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
12 And it was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. 14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (2 Sa 6:5–15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I was asked once concerning this text which was holier to God, Uzzah or the Mud? Was the Mud really cleaner than the sinner Uzzah? Another interesting question would be whether Uzzah went to Heaven even though God struck him down for his error? Didn't he deserve a chance to repent of his sin?

Uzzah is a sinful human being. He was born in iniquity. He was conceived in sin. God reminds people repeatedly that they are sinful human beings. Sinful people die if they would come into the presence of that which is purely holy. Uzzah has touched something that was pure and holy. Uzzah's sin would corrupt the Ark of the Lord.

Mud, stones, dirt, rocks, grass, and the ground all do exactly what they were created to do. They do not disobey the laws that are given to them. They can be mistreated and trampled upon by others but they are some of the most pure of God's creation. So some would argue that based on creation the Mud is cleaner than Uzzah. The ground does what it was designed to do. Humans on the other hand do not do even what they are told more or less what they were designed to be.

I do not know whether God took Uzzah into heaven after he killed him. This would be beyond what scripture has told us. But we know that even though we are unclean, God does reach out to touch us. Jesus Christ reaches out to cleanse the unclean. He reaches out to heal the sick. God reaches out in wrath and God reaches out in mercy. Jesus Christ even though he is Holy, when he touches the unclean he makes them holy.

Fear the Lord as King David does. Do good whenever you take six steps. God has made you to be his holy temples. He has touched you to make you holy. Do not defile yourself and make yourself unclean. But listen to his word. Do what you were designed to do. Do what you have been called to do. And know that when you stumble, God will reach out and pick you up.

Palm Sunday (NTA)

Philippians 2:5-11
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Php 2:5–11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Son of God took on flesh and became human like one of us. Jesus Christ was true God and true Man. Jesus Christ became the servant of all. Jesus Christ was given a name above every name. At his name every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD. He is the LORD of all.

What is in a name? Why were you named? What did people think of when they gave you that name? I know people who name their children for some very strange reasons. But God names his children for specific reasons. Jesus was given his name because of what he would do. You shall call his name Jesus because he will save his people. Do not name your children Abel because it means worthless or vanity. Give your children a good name.

God has given his children a great name. He has sealed it upon them in Baptism. He has placed his own name upon us. God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit has placed his name upon you to claim you as his very own. Did you ever wonder why Jesus never had a last name? Because our Last names or Family names provide us with lineage. Jesus Christ was the Son of God. He has passed on his family name to us. Let us give glory to His/our Father for passing this name on to each of us.

Palm Sunday (NT)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 13:1–13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The gift of the Holy Spirit to all of us is Love. The Holy Spirit has shown us the Love of God. The Holy Spirit has revealed the truth of the Gospel to Christians everywhere. Many people desire gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some desire tongues to speak. But one should be concerned with what one says. People should worry about what their witness proclaims. St Paul concerns himself with one great thing Love. No, wait he preaches Christ crucified.

We often search after the things of the world. There are many people in this world that would give up their worldly things and give to charity for others to love them. People like to be looked up to. People like to hear others say nice things about them. This is one of those occasions when people will look at motives. Motives for doing good deeds can be very different. Some people do good deeds out of Love for their neighbor. Some people do it out of love for God. Others do it for the love of the people or the mob.

Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sins. Jesus Christ has provided the sacrifice to make us clean. Jesus Christ has redeemed his people from their transgressions. The Holy Spirit has called us by faith. He has enlightened us with his gifts. God has done all these things for you. If we do not have this love in our lives we are nothing but lost and condemned human beings. Jesus Christ gives us life and salvation. We show this same love to one another. The Love of God is the greatest gift given to us and we can give to others.

Palm Sunday (OT)

2 Samuel 6:1-23
1 David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. 3 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, 4 with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark.
5 And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. 6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?” 10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the LORD into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
12 And it was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. 14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.
16 As the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 18 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts 19 and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house.
20 And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” 21 And David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.” 23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (2 Sa 6:1–23). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

It is the LORD of Hosts who has come to his people. He has set King David over all of Israel. King David loves the LORD of hosts. He honors him by dancing before the Ark of the LORD. He brings the Ark of the LORD up to the great city of Jerusalem. David will not be allowed to build God a temple, but he was able to pitch a Tent for the Ark of the LORD.

There are two interesting twists in this text. Uzzah who is just trying to help make sure the Ark of the LORD does not fall into the mud is struck dead. Then there is Michal who desires her husband to be a little more deceit in public. So should we try to help the LORD? Should we dance in church? There are all kinds of rules to follow. God has commanded his people not to ever touch the Ark of the LORD. Those who touch the Ark shall surely die. Do all things in praise of the LORD.

Jesus Christ enters the city of Jerusalem. He the colt or donkey is not recorded to have tripped at any occasion. But His disciples frequently fail him. Jesus Christ enters Jerusalem with praise. The Ark of the LORD comes in a similar way, all the people give praise to God. The Ark of the LORD comes to where it belongs, just as the Son of David returns to Jerusalem to be crucified.

Palm Sunday (CL)

Matthew 21:1-11
1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5  “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 21:1–11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The thing that has always confused me a little about this text is why both animals? The disciples bring a donkey and a colt. I remember going to a rodeo one summer and seeing a many stand up riding on two horses at the same time. I thought that was really cool. But a Donkey and it's colt with cloaks over top of both of them. This seems a little amazing. But some things have to be done in order to fulfill what the prophet had spoken.

Jesus Christ comes into Jerusalem as the King of Israel. He comes with shouts of praise. They say he is the Son of David. He is the Holy one of the LORD. They lay their cloaks in the road like rolling out the red carpet. The crowds even cut branches from trees to make a bigger carpet. All the people praise him as King which stirs up the entire city of Jerusalem. Is this the King of Israel? Is this the Son of David? Is this the Holy One of Israel?

Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God comes into Jerusalem with praise. He will leave Jerusalem with mocking. He comes into to being carried by two animals. He will leave carrying his own cross and instrument of death. He comes to his city as a King and he leaves the city finally crowned with thorns. Jesus Christ is the Holy One of God who will be crucified for the forgiveness of the sins of the World. But this does not explain why a donkey and a colt? The only answer left is simple, It is the fulfillment of Holy Scripture. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of All Scripture and the Salvation of God.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Ps) March 25th

Psalm 50:1-23
1  The Mighty One, God the LORD,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2  Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines forth.
3  Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
before him is a devouring fire,
around him a mighty tempest.
4  He calls to the heavens above
and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5  “Gather to me my faithful ones,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6  The heavens declare his righteousness,
for God himself is judge! Selah
7  “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.
8  Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9  I will not accept a bull from your house
or goats from your folds.
10  For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11  I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.
12  “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and its fullness are mine.
13  Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?
14  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15  and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
16  But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to recite my statutes
or take my covenant on your lips?
17  For you hate discipline,
and you cast my words behind you.
18  If you see a thief, you are pleased with him,
and you keep company with adulterers.
19  “You give your mouth free rein for evil,
and your tongue frames deceit.
20  You sit and speak against your brother;
you slander your own mother’s son.
21  These things you have done, and I have been silent;
you thought that I was one like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.
22  “Mark this, then, you who forget God,
lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
23  The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 50:1–23). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

God is coming to be with his people. God is no longer going to keep silent. God can not be deceived. God knows your sins and he will visit them upon you. Jesus Christ is the word made flesh. He has come to forgive us of our sins and transgressions. Jesus Christ has provided the sacrifice for the forgiveness of all our sins. But Jesus Christ also came into the flesh to reveal the truth of God to people who had long made up their own truth.

For many Christians today we think we know what is right and wrong. We think we know how to live our lives according to God's will. Most of us would say, "I have done pretty well and led a Godly life. I have not done anything really bad or evil." But God knows everything you have done. Do not think God is like the police officer that didn't catch you speeding. He is not like the shop attendant who is cheated by the marketplace, or by a good steal. God knows all the things you have done and he well testify for himself whether you are good or evil.

Judge for yourselves whether you have been holy as the Lord our God is holy. Judge for yourselves whether when the master returns he will call you a good and faithful servant. Jesus Christ is the one Good and Faithful servant of God. He has died for your sins. He is the one who we turn to for salvation. God has provided you with all your needs for this body and life. He has also provided you with Salvation through his Son our LORD Jesus Christ. God will hold your sins against you, but we lay them at the foot of the cross because he paid the price for those sins.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (GA)

Matthew 16:13-23
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 16:13–23). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus predicts his death and resurrection. Jesus Christ has to teach his disciples that he will sufer and die. He needs to remind his disciples that all these things must take place to fulfill scripture. It would be difficult for any of us to stand in Peter's place.

If I told you that I needed to die in order to save someone else or prevent the world coming to an end, what would you say? Most of us would say there must be another way. We will come up with reasons why this thought process is wrong. We may even go to the extent of placing me in some kind of psychiatric care.

But this is simply because we do not have our mind set things greater or the things of God. Jesus Christ had to repeat this message to his disciples, because this is what it means to be the Christ the son of the Living God. The Son of God must be handed over to the Chief Priests Scribes and Pharisees to be crucified die and buried. He will then rise on the third day. Why must these things take place, because he is the sacrifice for the forgiveness of all sins.

The Son of God has the plan of God in mind. The Son of Man has the plan for mankind in mind. The Son of Jonah has the things of man on his mind. The Son of Jonah would definitely be wrapped up in his own issues. Thus, God continues to remind us of his plan for the forgiveness of your sins.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (OTA)

Zechariah 8:1-13
1 And the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying, 2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath. 3 Thus says the LORD: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain. 4 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. 5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. 6 Thus says the LORD of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, declares the LORD of hosts? 7 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, 8 and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.”
9 Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built. 10 For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor. 11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts. 12 For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. 13 And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Zec 8:1–13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The LORD is going to return to his city. He is going to come back for justice. These people know that God left his City before the city was destroyed and the temple with it. But God will return. He will come with jealousy and wrath. Jesus Christ comes with jealousy for the way people have treated his father's house. Jesus has also come with wrath placed upon his shoulders.

But here may be the other turn. God is going to set neighbor against neighbor. God is going to have nation rise against nation. There is going to be great distress for the people of God. They will face times of trouble and struggle.

But you also have the part about Old men and Young children. They play in the street and enjoy life. These people do not seem like when God comes to the city with wrath they are distressed. Well God reminds us he will always preserve for himself a remnant. Just as Zechariah proclaims a return to the land of Israel and rebuilding of the temple, so those who face the wrath of God will also find a remnant.

God will have his people return to the land and be happy for a while, but when their hearts become hardened again and turn away, he will come with wrath. God comes to his people to save them. But those who do not believe will find themselves in a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jesus Christ has made the sacrifice for the forgiveness of the sins of those who believe in him. There will be a remnant for God to live forever in Peace with God.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (NT)

1 Corinthians 12:1-11
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 12:1–11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I have been intrigued lately by this passage, because it reminds us what the gift of the Spirit really is. Many people today struggle with understanding the work of the Holy Spirit. Most of us know the Father as creator and we kind of think of him as the ultimate director of the Trinity. The Son is the one who reveals the plan of God in multiple ways, but most importantly through his Incarnation. But where does the Holy Spirit fit into all this.

This text reminds us of the true work and power of the Holy Spirit. Most people think they have accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts. People believe they have initiated the conversation with the Son of God and call to the Father in prayer. But as someone wrapped up in the Holy Spirit, it is he who points us to Christ and the Father.

Maybe the Confession should be changed from "who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified" to "who provides us the ability to worship the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son". It is only through the gift of the Holy Spirit that we can confess Christ or believe in him.

This is the intriguing thing. When people look for the gift of the Spirit, they look for healing, speaking in tongues, and prophesying. But when I read this text, the gift of the Spirit we should be looking for is Faith. Do I believe in Jesus Christ and call him Lord? If the answer is yes, then you have been given the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit. Thus, One can say he is the Lord and giver of Life. The Holy Spirit has saved you from your sins, granted through Christ's Sacrifice. But without the Holy Spirit you would not have this gift of Forgiveness.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (OT)

Zephaniah 1:7-18
7 Be silent before the Lord GOD!
For the day of the LORD is near;
the LORD has prepared a sacrifice
and consecrated his guests.
8 And on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice—
“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons
and all who array themselves in foreign attire.
9 On that day I will punish
everyone who leaps over the threshold,
and those who fill their master’s house
with violence and fraud.
10 “On that day,” declares the LORD,
“a cry will be heard from the Fish Gate,
a wail from the Second Quarter,
a loud crash from the hills.
11 Wail, O inhabitants of the Mortar!
For all the traders are no more;
all who weigh out silver are cut off.
12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
and I will punish the men
who are complacent,
those who say in their hearts,
‘The LORD will not do good,
nor will he do ill.’
13 Their goods shall be plundered,
and their houses laid waste.
Though they build houses,
they shall not inhabit them;
though they plant vineyards,
they shall not drink wine from them.”
14 The great day of the LORD is near,
near and hastening fast;
the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter;
the mighty man cries aloud there.
15 A day of wrath is that day,
a day of distress and anguish,
a day of ruin and devastation,
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness,
16 a day of trumpet blast and battle cry
against the fortified cities
and against the lofty battlements.
17 I will bring distress on mankind,
so that they shall walk like the blind,
because they have sinned against the LORD;
their blood shall be poured out like dust,
and their flesh like dung.
18 Neither their silver nor their gold
shall be able to deliver them
on the day of the wrath of the LORD.
In the fire of his jealousy,
all the earth shall be consumed;
for a full and sudden end
he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Zep 1:7–18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The Day of the LORD appears to be at hand. The Day of Judgment when God will send his wrath upon the people. This Day of Trumpets and Day of wrath will come with fire. Zephaniah gives us a picture of battlements and military strength, while the people of Israel find pain and torment.

There is much that could be taught here. But I find the phrase interesting, "The LORD will not do good, nor will he do ill." Does this mean the LORD will merely sit on the sidelines. The people of God have put him on the bench. Eventually God will come to be the Judge. He will return the balance to all things. He is our Master not our servant.

Many pagan religions treat the gods like servants of men. They call upon their gods when they need something. When humans no longer call upon them, they will stop existing. Therefore, the people of nothing to worry about when God sits on the sidelines. But we do not have a God that sits on the sidelines.

We have a God that gets involved with his people. We have a God that comes to meet his people in a time of slavery. We have a God that comes down to become one of us. He does desire to get involved in our lives. He does so to save us from our sins. But here Zephaniah reminds us that he also comes to judge. And so he shall show his wrath to those who place him on the sidelines, when he finally gets involved.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (NTA)

Romans 14:1-12
1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ro 14:1–12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Which day are we to worship our LORD Jesus Christ? Should we eat red meat on Fridays during lent? Or maybe we should all become Vegetarians like Adam and Eve once were? St Paul reminds us that we all must serve our one Master Jesus Christ. We are not to pass judgment upon others, but we should continue to strengthen one another in the true Faith.

We should not despise our brother because of his activities. But would should continue to worship together and call upon the name of the Lord together. All of us will face the LORD and be forced to give an account on the last Day. This means whether we eat or drink or worship or don't worship, God will have us confess his name and call for us to give an account of our own activity.

Jesus Christ has given his account before the Judge as he stood silent before Pilate and Caiaphas. He stood silent before his accusers because he was taken on not his sins but our sins. Christ took on our sins and he plead guilty so that we would be declared innocent. But it is our task to believe and listen to his Word.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (CL)

Matthew 25:14-30
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 25:14–30). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Seems like an interesting text for the season of Lent. But this was one of the last teachings Jesus gives to his disciples before he goes to die. As he prepares his disciples for Holy Week he reminds them of the coming of their Master. He reminds the disciples of Judgment Day. So during this season of Lent how have you used the talents God has given you.

I find this text fascinating in the English, because you have this play on words between Talent meaning skill and Talent meaning a coin (the common persons yearly wages). So you could ask what have you done with your skills this Lent. Or you could ask what have you done with your money this lent? Spent more money on Fish Sandwiches? Have you doubled it or preserved the treasure in which your master has given you.

Most of us are lucky to maintain or hold on to the treasure our Master has given us. Some us slip into unbelief and sin. Others study diligently just to maintain their skill set or understanding of Scripture.

God has entrust each of us with a great treasure. He has given each of us Faith in His Son our Lord in whom we have the forgiveness of sins. Jesus Christ was cast out of the city as a wicked and slothful servant. He found himself among people gnashing their teeth at him and spitting in his face. He does this to give us his treasure, his inheritance, and everlasting life. Look God has given you a treasure and even though he may be going to his death he will return. How will you be found by your Lord and Master?

The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Ps) March 18th

Psalm 116:1-19
1 I love the LORD, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserves the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling;
9 I will walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
10 I believed, even when I spoke:
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 I said in my alarm,
“All mankind are liars.”
12 What shall I render to the LORD
for all his benefits to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD,
14 I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.
You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD!
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 116:1–19). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

We should call upon the name of the LORD in every time of trouble pray praise and give thanks to him for all he has done for us. When we are in need of salvation or forgiveness we call to the Lord for mercy. When we are need of help or healing we call upon him for pity and healing. When we find ourselves in trouble or danger we call upon him for protection.

The LORD hears all who call upon his name. He hears our prayers and he will answer them. Sometimes it will be like the Gibeonites calling for help from their enemies and protection. Other times it may be like the Mother of the Sons of Zebedee and we need to be taught another lesson. What ever the answer may be God hears our prayers.

But God continues to teach us that all men are liars. I am sure most women will agree with this statement, but all mankind are liars. All of us have sinned and turned our backs on God. We have convinced ourselves at times God is unable to do something.

God is all powerful. God is all knowing. God is gracious and merciful and longs for all people to be saved. Therefore, God sent his only Son Jesus Christ into the flesh. Jesus Christ went to the cross to be lifted up for our healing. He suffered our penalty and curse for sin. He answers your prayer or request for forgiveness.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent (GA)

Matthew 18:15-20
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 18:15–20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Let us forgive our brother in our heart. Jesus teaches his disciples how to deal with people who sin against them. But more importantly how to point out the sins of others. Jesus Christ has forgiven us all our sins. He has claimed the victory over death and the devil.

But during our life Christians will often wrong fellow Christians. Christians are all sinners. Thus, we need to repent of our sins. We teach each other where we have fallen short by disobeying the Law of the LORD. Then when we listen to the Law, we repent of our sins.

Go to each other and teach one another what God calls a sin. St Paul says, he would not know what coveting was if not for the Law. We would not know what any sin was, unless the Law taught us. Read the Law. Teach the Law. Call each other to repentance, and when they listen, you have gained a brother.

Sins: Homosexuality, Adultery, disobeying the laws of the land or household, stealing, lying, cheating, cursing, swearing falsely or by something you can not control, and so on.
Forgiveness: Only through Jesus Christ's death upon the cross on Good Friday.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent (OTA)

Isaiah 51:17-23
17 Wake yourself, wake yourself,
stand up, O Jerusalem,
you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD
the cup of his wrath,
who have drunk to the dregs
the bowl, the cup of staggering.
18 There is none to guide her
among all the sons she has borne;
there is none to take her by the hand
among all the sons she has brought up.
19 These two things have happened to you—
who will console you?—
devastation and destruction, famine and sword;
who will comfort you?
20 Your sons have fainted;
they lie at the head of every street
like an antelope in a net;
they are full of the wrath of the LORD,
the rebuke of your God.
21 Therefore hear this, you who are afflicted,
who are drunk, but not with wine:
22 Thus says your Lord, the LORD,
your God who pleads the cause of his people:
“Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering;
the bowl of my wrath you shall drink no more;
23 and I will put it into the hand of your tormentors,
who have said to you,
‘Bow down, that we may pass over’;
and you have made your back like the ground
and like the street for them to pass over.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Is 51:17–23). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Drink up for tomorrow we die. Drink it down to the dregs for it is our celebration. Heave you ever heard someone say, "I would rather go to Hell because it will be more fun!" "Or the parties must be better in Hell than in Heaven!" Drink up and take your full of it for tomorrow and every day after you will die.

Each and everyone of your sins has been fermenting for a long time. Think of them like grapes that have been juiced. They have been fermenting and aging into a sweet wine. This will fill the cup of your wrath. Awake or arise and drink your full for this is the price of your sins.

We have drunk the fruits of our rebellion. We drink of the fruits of our sins. We drink to the dregs not sweet wine, but fruit of our sins. Can you drink of this cup? Can you take up your cross? Christ has taken up his Cross and died. He has drank the cup of wrath down to the dregs for each of us. He drinks it to every last drop so that we are free from all our sins. He has given us new life.

Take and drink of another cup. Drink of the cup of the new Testament which contains the blood of Christ shed for the forgiveness of your sins.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent (OT)

Joshua 10:1-15
1 As soon as Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard how Joshua had captured Ai and had devoted it to destruction, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, 2 he feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were warriors. 3 So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, 4 “Come up to me and help me, and let us strike Gibeon. For it has made peace with Joshua and with the people of Israel.” 5 Then the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered their forces and went up with all their armies and encamped against Gibeon and made war against it.
6 And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, “Do not relax your hand from your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us.” 7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. 8 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.” 9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having marched up all night from Gilgal. 10 And the LORD threw them into a panic before Israel, who struck them with a great blow at Gibeon and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah. 11 And as they fled before Israel, while they were going down the ascent of Beth-horon, the LORD threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword.
12 At that time Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel,
“Sun, stand still at Gibeon,
and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”
13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped,
until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.
Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. 14 There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD heeded the voice of a man, for the LORD fought for Israel.
15 So Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Jos 10:1–15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Gibeon had made peace with the people of Israel and they became allies. Gibeon was now in trouble because of this relationship. So Joshua took the people of Israel up to fight against their mutual enemies. The LORD God gave them victory. This story has two amazing twists.

First, the LORD stands by their side. "The LORD threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword." The LORD protects them in their time of battle.

Second, the LORD gives them time. The LORD makes the sun to slow and gives them daylight to defeat their enemies. If darkness would fall people would be able to easily hide, since they did not have night vision goggles back then. The LORD remains by their side.

Gibeon makes a request for the people of Israel. The Sons of Israel continue to call upon God in their time of need. God does not shy away, but he answers them. God has given his people victory. God continues to give his people victory over their enemies. God answers the requests of his people and does what is right.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent (NTA)

1 Corinthians 9:1-2, 19-27
1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 9:1–2). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 9:19–27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

How do you train to be a soldier for God? Do you run everyday? Do you lift weights and practice fencing? Soldiers practice fighting with other soldiers so that when they face the enemy they will kill or destroy the enemy. Soldiers fight with armor and weapons to raze buildings to the ground and kill other humans.

Soldiers of the cross fight not only against princes of this world, but against demons. Christians need to fight with the full armor of God. They need to be well trained like any athlete or soldier.

How do you train for battle with demons and unbelief? Just like St Paul teaches us. We train by practicing. We train by reading scripture and strengthening our faith. We lift weights of doctrine. We practice by attacking one another in training combat. We ask questions and study for the time will come when each of us will have to stand and fight.

But we do not fight alone. We fight with the sword of the word of God. We fight with the Jesus Christ on our side.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent (NT)

1 Corinthians 9:1-27
1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?
8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?
Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 9:1–27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The worker is worth his wages. The man who works for the harvest should share in the fruits of the harvest. Is Paul really complaining about his salary, or is he paving the way for others? Most people complain about their salaries, and that they are not getting paid what they are worth. Whether you are a professional athlete or a person working on the line in a factory, how much are people really worth.

St Paul reminds us that soldiers of the gospel should be paid for their work. Jesus told his disciples not to take anything with them when he sent them out by twos. He knew that where they were welcomed all would be provided for them. So St Peter and the other Apostles seem to have everything provided, but St Paul and Barnabas seem to be different.

Those who are soldiers for Christ deserve to be paid. They should be given there bounty in the harvest. But St Paul says this should not be an obstacle for believers. Believers will give willingly to those who serve them. If not maybe we should take a lesson from Jesus sending out the disciples, shake off the dust of your feet and let your blessing return to you.

The Gospel is a free gift given to all by Christ. But just as we pray we share that gift with on another. Share in the fruits of the harvest and share in Faith with Christ.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent (CL)

Matthew 20:17-28
17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 20:17–28). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Later on, the mother of the sons of Zebedee will see those at Jesus right and left when he comes into his Kingdom. But here she makes what some might think of as a grad request of the LORD. God asks her in return if they are wiling to drink the same cup he drinks. He drinks the cup of God's wrath. This cup Jesus will later in the garden ask to be taken from him.

All of Jesus disciples will eventually drink the same cup he drinks. We drink the cup of his blood poured out for us and for our forgiveness. This cup reminds us that Christ was handed over to sinners and crucified for our forgiveness. This is why they are going to Jerusalem. God sends his son to be servant of all, to lay down his life for all.

Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of all sins. He truly has heard the cry of sinners and has had mercy upon them. But those who desire to be with him in his Kingdom must drink of the same cup he drinks. Christians will suffer persecution for their faith. Christ has told his disciples to take up their cross and follow him. So are you able to drink the cup he drinks? God willing we are.

The Third Sunday in Lent (Ps) March 11th

Psalm 18:25-50
25 With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
26 with the purified you show yourself pure;
and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
27 For you save a humble people,
but the haughty eyes you bring down.
28 For it is you who light my lamp;
the Lord my God lightens my darkness.
29 For by you I can run against a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.
30 This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?—
32 the God who equipped me with strength
and made my way blameless.
33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer
and set me secure on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You have given me the shield of your salvation,
and your right hand supported me,
and your gentleness made me great.
36 You gave a wide place for my steps under me,
and my feet did not slip.
37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them,
and did not turn back till they were consumed.
38 I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise;
they fell under my feet.
39 For you equipped me with strength for the battle;
you made those who rise against me sink under me.
40 You made my enemies turn their backs to me,
and those who hated me I destroyed.
41 They cried for help, but there was none to save;
they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them.
42 I beat them fine as dust before the wind;
I cast them out like the mire of the streets.
43 You delivered me from strife with the people;
you made me the head of the nations;
people whom I had not known served me.
44 As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me;
foreigners came cringing to me.
45 Foreigners lost heart
and came trembling out of their fortresses.
46 The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be the God of my salvation—
47 the God who gave me vengeance
and subdued peoples under me,
48 who delivered me from my enemies;
yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me;
you rescued me from the man of violence.
49 For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,
and sing to your name.
50 Great salvation he brings to his king,
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his offspring forever.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 18:25-50). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I could not imagine having the power or strength to pull back a bow of bronze. But the Lord has given him strength to fight. The Lord has made him a soldier ready for battle. The Lord is our sure foundation and strength. He is the one who allows us to stand.

The Lord is our strength. Often times we end up praying to Lord to destroy our enemies, but do not put our trust in the Lord. We like to look at politicians that are attacking one another and say the other guy is so much worse than we are. God knows where your heart is. God is the one who has made you and given you strength.

The might of the soldier is not found in his own strength, but it is the Lord that lifts them over walls and through the trenches. The Lord is the one who gives us the adrenaline when we need it. It is the LORD who gives me my solid foundation. He has given me strength beyond my imagination.

God has the power to kill and to make alive. He is the one who gives us strength and light when all else fails. Jesus Christ has given us the power to live. He is the one who was sacrificed to win the greatest military battle ever. He has defeated our enemy and delivered us from bondage to Satan and Sin. God is our champion.

The Third Sunday in Lent (GA)

Matthew 19:16-30
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 19:16-30). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Many of us have something that continues to separate us from pure devotion to God. In the past people have followed Jesus words literally and sold everything they have. They have left their family and responsibilities behind them to devote their lives completely to God. Some have done this behind stone walls and other have done this in desert places. But even these people have not kept the commandments.

For the young rich man it was money that he still held onto? For some it may be family and friends? For others this time of year it may be basketball? What is your idol that you put your trust in? I like to think of it as a security blanket that people carry with them everywhere they go. Sometimes we even cloth it in responsibility. We need to take care of the future of our children and our retirement. Why? Will not God your Father take care of you.

But even if these things do not trouble us, what must I do to be saved? Somebody told me that the only thing a person offers to his salvation is sin. But how can a rich man be saved? All things are possible with God. God has given you grace. He graciously offers you faith to believe in him. He graciously provided his Son as the perfect sacrifice for your sins. He graciously takes care of everything.

But this does not mean we live separate from others. This means that we work in their midst without worry or anxiety or stress, because we know that God has taken care of everything. Do not worry where the sacrifice is for your sins, God will provide. Do not worry about your financial situation, God will provide. Do not worry about what you will eat or drink, God will provide. God is there to provide for you and your family. We have faith in him even through tough times. Because he has made us and continues to keep all his promises.

The Third Sunday in Lent (OTA)

Isaiah 22:15-25
15 Thus says the Lord God of hosts, “Come, go to this steward, to Shebna, who is over the household, and say to him: 16 What have you to do here, and whom have you here, that you have cut out here a tomb for yourself, you who cut out a tomb on the height and carve a dwelling for yourself in the rock? 17 Behold, the Lord will hurl you away violently, O you strong man. He will seize firm hold on you 18 and whirl you around and around, and throw you like a ball into a wide land. There you shall die, and there shall be your glorious chariots, you shame of your master’s house. 19 I will thrust you from your office, and you will be pulled down from your station. 20 In that day I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, 21 and I will clothe him with your robe, and will bind your sash on him, and will commit your authority to his hand. And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. 22 And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. 23 And I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honor to his father’s house. 24 And they will hang on him the whole honor of his father’s house, the offspring and issue, every small vessel, from the cups to all the flagons. 25 In that day, declares the Lord of hosts, the peg that was fastened in a secure place will give way, and it will be cut down and fall, and the load that was on it will be cut off, for the Lord has spoken.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 22:15-25). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

This is one of those texts when most people will simply pick up on the change in office and the Key of the house of David. The Key of the house is the authority and power of the house. Thus, Jesus gives the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to the Church and its people. The office of the steward is the one who is not the King or Ruler but the one given the responsibility to act that way for a time.

But why does Eliakim get elevated in this way? What about this peg that is placed in a secure place? I think these things speak to the truth of the Christian Church. I have heard people say that we need another Walther or Luther or even Chemnitz. But isn't that the same as the people putting their trust in Eliakim. Eliakim was a very wise man and was entrusted to lead the people in truth. St Peter was entrusted by Jesus to lead the Apostles. But both of these men fall short. They will be removed and another will take there place.

In the same way one could say the Pastor of a congregation has been clothed with robe and sash and has been give authority to lead and teach Christ's people. They have been given the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to use them wisely. But the person in that office should not think to highly of himself. He is only a steward not the King. Each of these stewards can be replaced and will eventually be the removed peg.

So I guess I still just told you about the office that constantly changes and the key of the house of David. But these are all done to point us to the true God. The God who has the power to kill and make alive does this through the proclamation of Law and Gospel. You are dead in your transgressions and alive in faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Third Sunday in Lent (NTA)

1 Corinthians 12:1-11
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Co 12:1-11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

This is probably one of my favorite confessional verses. I have long been reminding people, that we do not choose God but he chooses us. God has called his people out of darkness kicking and screaming. St Paul has reminded people repeatedly that we do not get to select God. We take no part in our salvation. We do not even take part in our so called confession of faith.

Jesus told Peter, "Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven." It is God who builds us up upon his Cornerstone. St Paul also says, "by grace you have been saved." The Holy Spirit cries in our heart, "Abba, Father!" The Holy Spirit places the words in our mouth. Without the Holy Spirit we would not be able to confess the name of Christ.

St Paul tells the Corinthians about the gifts of the Spirit. The Spirit offers gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love. The greatest of these is Faith, wait no it is LOVE. The greatest commandment is LOVE the LORD your God with all your Heart with all your soul and with all your mind. But here in The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of FAITH. St Paul will tell us, by Faith you have been saved. This is a gift from God.

No one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will never say "Jesus be cursed." You have been given the true gift of the Holy Spirit. You have been given faith. I can not say it any better than Luther.

"I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my LORD or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one common, true faith. Daily in this Christian church the Holy Spirit abundantly forgives all sins—mine and those of all believers. On the Last Day the Holy Spirit will raise me and all the dead and will give to me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true."
Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord : The confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (355–356). Minneapolis: Fortress Press.