I've already had one weighty post today over at Four and Twenty Blackbirds but, as I am in an introspective sort of mood, I figure I will do one more. I'll do it here partially because I know it's something that I'd bump heads with some of the Blackbirds over.
Birth Control is not evil.
There. I said it. Birth Control (provided it is a preventative and not a destructive method) is not evil. Now, if it violates your conscience to use BC, by all means, don't - and defy anyone who mocks you for following your conscience. However, I would like to make a defense of an appropriate, Christian use of birth control.
First, I will admit that there are negative social ramifications of birth control - people will point to that quite often as why it is bad. I don't buy it - BC is a tool, and in a sinful world every tool has negative ramifications. Guns protect our families, and guns make it much easier even for the unskilled to kill, murder, and maim as criminals. Antibiotics are a great healing tool, but we also end up promoting super-bugs from their misuse. The modern Supermarket provides us access to a wonderful assortment of tasty foods where we can have more delight in our daily bread than Solomon did, yet we also get fat on processed food. It's a sinful world, everything, every single blessing can be turned and twisted into something evil and wicked. That's the breaks in a sinful world.
We can't operate simply out of an approach of fear - an approach that something can be misused preventing its right use - that's the trap of legalism and Pietism. "People are misusing the Sacrament, better take it away". . . . That doesn't work. Blessings will be abused. I categorically reject the argument that abuse means all should avoid. Rather - there should be a focus on a right use.
"But then," my straw man might ask, "what of the verses in Scripture like Genesis 1:28 that tell man to be fruitful and multiply, what of the verses that speak of all the blessings that children are!" To that I would respond in two ways.
First, if I were being smarmy, I would respond, "But what of the verses where Virginity is praised, what of the verses where Paul says that he wishes all people were as he were - if we are Virgins we aren't having any kids (one notable exception - but I would argue that exception serves to prove the rule)." We do see places in Scripture where people are expressly encouraged and praised for behavior that doesn't lead to children (and of course, the quick counter to that is that this isn't shown in the context of marriage -- true, but if there are examples where people are shown to be God-pleasing where they aren't multiplying, we can discuss God pleasing non-multiplication). We cannot make children the end-all of the Christian life, anymore than we should make the obtaining of any blessing the end-all of Christian life.
However, if I were being less smarmy and combative and snide, I would probably point to the Genesis 1:28 as well - but the whole verse - "And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth, and subdue it and have dominion over the birds of the heaves and over every living thing that moves over the earth." Now no, I'm not going to fall into the overpopulation gambit (i.e. we have filled the earth type of arguing - sorry but there still is room here, that doesn't work well) - rather this. The second part of the verse deals with having dominion - deals with having control.
God has given us reason - and reason like all tools can be used to wrong ends. However, what is the proper use of reason - so that under the Word of God we might rightly exercise control over God's creation. This includes ourselves. This includes the making of tools to aid in that control over creation.
I myself, and my wife, are part of that creation. It is my duty to exercise dominion over my family, that aspect of creation that has been given expressly to me and no other by God to me to the best of my abilities. I will use the tools at my disposal so to do, so long as they are not clearly contrary to God's Word.
Now, I will not argue against the fact that birth control is misused - but here we get to the title of the post. The real question is "Why". With any action, with any decision, we have to ask why. Are we acting out of love or acting out of fear? Are we working for the gain of others or for selfish gain.
We are told we are not to kill. Yet, we do not condemn the soldier who in his duty kills. In fact, as Lutherans we say that it is good, right, and salutary for the soldier to go forth and in the exercise of his vocation to kill and destroy. The why of an action is important.
Likewise, with birth control, the "Why" needs to be discussed. Is birth control being used out of love or out of fear? Is it being used to show care and compassion to the family, or out of selfish desires? There are reasons when having kids might literally be a bad thing - and out of love for family and spouse, I believe I have the right to exercise dominion and say, "I will seek to prevent". If God wills otherwise - so be it - the Lord of Life can defeat latex. I act, but also in humility.
"But, but, but," stammers the straw man, who is so convenient for me today, "Scripture clear says that children are a blessing. How can you turn down God's blessings!" In this life we are always faced with choices between blessings. Material things are blessings - must the father work 80 hours a week to have more stuff - must both parts work to have more stuff - must the acquiring of blessings be the end all, be all of existence? Of course not - we have been given reason so that in subservience to God's Word so that we might attempt to act wisely. There may come a time when 80 hours a week is done out of love and should be done - there may come a time when it would merely be selfish and is to be avoided. There may come a time when mom taking a job is a blessing, and others when it is selfish. Why is important.
Or an example for Pastors. If you receive a call to another congregation, and they offer you $20,000 a year more in salary (and let's toss in better perks to boot) - MUST you accept the call? It's Divine - it's a God pleasing option for you - must you accept these additional blessings? Of course not - using your reason you may choose to decline - but let your decision be made out of love and hope, not fear.
Let us in all things ponder why we act - and let our actions be ones of love. Right now, my wife and I use birth control. She is in school - school is very important to her. That education is important to her, and I believe it is wise so that even if she never has to work, should something happen to me she would have a means of support. It is a sign of my love for her that I will do my best to see that she goes through school (even though it saps my material blessings. . . stinking fees). At this time, this includes the use of birth control so that she can focus on School. Is it wrong to do so? No - for we know that if a child comes (which we actually thought was a very present and real possibility for around 4 days around a year ago), we will give thanks to God to receive the child for the blessing it is. But my mind and conscience has me act this way - and it is not a way that is forbidden - and it is done out of love. Therefore, I will act, and I will let none bind my conscience.
Also, I would urge my fellow pastors to be moderate in binding peoples consciences on this matter. It is true, we live in a day and an age where life is not respected, where children are not viewed as a blessing but rather merely a burden, where people are selfish. But this is not just our day and age, and indeed this is not just a result of the advent of birth control - for so it has been in every day and age since the fall (why else do you think you had child sacrifice so popular among the wicked, why else do you think the Spartans exposed the weak who would be a "burden" - and why else do you think that Paul warns that being married itself is a burden as well). Fighting the tool will not defeat the problem that causes the tool's misuse, any more than gun control will prevent the scourge of crime - rather, it will only wrongly bind and burden the consciences of Christians acting within their Christian liberty.
I submit that you should chiefly encourage people to think about children and decisions regarding them not as the world does, but as Scripture does - that children (all children) are a blessing, that we should view them as such, that God has promised to provide us daily bread, however many of "us" there happen to be in our family. Then we will be prepared to make decisions with a proper why - a why based on love for neighbor and not fear springing from the thoughts and ways of the world. And then. . . let them act - even if it is not the precise way in which you would act. You might wish that they were as you are, but even Paul doesn't bind people to be as he is.
May God have mercy on us all, who so wantonly abuse the gifts of His creation!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Lent 2 Sermon
Lent 2 – Matthew 15:21-28 – March 8th, 2009
In the Name of Christ the Crucified +
One of the great myths, the sacred cows of society today is that we as a people have advanced, have evolved, have become better over the course of time – that we in our ever expanding wisdom know so much more than our pathetic forefathers did. This is the myth of the modern world, that we are modern, that we are improving more and more and ever better and better. I, though, am a historian, and to me, it is obvious that this is not the case, that we are no better morally than our grandfathers or our ancestors of 500 years ago. I’m not going to say that we are getting worse all the time either – rather this. Sinful fallen people remain sinful fallen people, and the same temptations we have faced since the days of Adam and Eve are the same ones which we face today.
That is why we can understand the dangers shown in our Gospel text today, that is why the same lessons apply to us. Two contrasting approaches to life are shown to us today in this text. On the one hand we see people living life according to the world’s standards, judging by what the world sees as appropriate, good, and right – and on the other hand we see a person who lives by faith, trusting that God will do what is meet, right, and salutary. These are the two options in the text, they are the same two options that we ourselves see, that we ourselves choose between, that we struggle with to this day. Do we live thinking like the world, accommodating it’s sin, or do we instead in faith determinedly cling to Christ?
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Jesus had been having a go around with the Pharisees and the Scribes prior to our reading – the Pharisees who thought that they were better than others because they kept their unique customs and traditions, the Scribes who would honor God with their lips but despise Him in their hearts. And Jesus seemingly takes a break from having to deal with the Scribes and Pharisees, and He heads north to the coast – to a foreign land. His disciples follow Jesus to this neighboring country, and then we have this most amazing pair of examples laid out for us.
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” Now, this is fantastic and wonderful. Behold how the gospel has spread! Even in this foreign land, this woman has heard the Word of God proclaimed! She knows who Christ is. Did you hear her – she calls Him Lord, she acknowledges Him as God. She calls Him Son of David – she acknowledges Him as the promised Messiah, great David’s Greater Son – even though she is a foreigner. Think on that – Son of David – even though she is not a Jew, even though she has no pipe dreams of a Jewish kingdom. In fact, an earthly Jewish kingdom would probably be bad for her, as the Canaanite people were viewed as little more than dogs by the Jews in Christ’s day. But she has heard, and by that Word she was brought to faith, and in faith she calls out to Christ for mercy.
Dear friends, there is nothing more beautiful, more wondrous than a person in faith calling out to God for mercy. She gets it – she understands – she knows her need for the Savior and she knows who that Savior is. This is the happy ending, the happy conclusion, the happy faith that we pray that all people throughout the world would come to. But as always, with things in this life, sin can get in the way. And we see this come up. Note what Jesus does at first – But He did not answer her a word. At first Jesus doesn’t say anything. Now, at this point, many preachers, many more fine than me, will begin looking at this text as focusing on the need for a patient faith, for us to remember that God works on His own time table and not ours – that faith trusts that Christ will act in our best interests when He deems it best for us. All of this is true. We see this truth demonstrated often – we see it in the 10 lepers who head towards town and only as they are walking are they healed. We see it again and again in the Scriptures – faith waits upon God, even when it seems God is silent. But with this text, there is an interesting twist – when Jesus is silent, we hear the disciples fail.
And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” They came and begged. . . they begged. Send her away. Get rid of her – she is annoying us. Two prayers are set forth before Christ – one by this foreign woman who calls out for mercy, the other the haughty prayers of the disciples to do away with this woman. I always feel a little shocked when I read this verse – I pray for a living, it is part of my duty as Pastor to see to prayer, and this prayer of the disciples is vile and gross and wicked and evil. Whereas they should have been rejoicing, whereas they should have glorified God that even amongst the people of Tyre and Sidon, the ancient enemies of Israel, their Lord and Master was acknowledged and believed in, they don’t. And they fail. Instead of praying for mercy, instead of praise, they show forth hatred and disdain. And it wasn’t even as though she was complaining about something small and petty – an ingrown toenail. No, it’s a demon. She wants help against a demon. Still, the disciples would turn her away. They would rather let a demon run rampant then have this poor woman aided.
Why? Why did the disciples show such disdain? The reason is simple. Instead of thinking like a Christian, instead of viewing things in terms of faith, they were thinking like typical people of the world and following the world, they fail. If you were born and raised a Jew at that time period, you would be born and raised to view Canaanites, and especially Canaanite women with utter contempt. The disciples thought like people of the world, not as people of faith. They failed. I read this verse, and I am disgusted. Then I think, and I am disgusted with myself as well.
Do you think that we in Modern America are immune to our prejudices? Do you think that we haven’t been taught to despise people on the basis of their race or nationality or color, or even gender? Oh sure, we could point to the points where we here were the victims of it – we can go back to 1917 – back then the German church in town wasn’t too popular – but I would wager when it comes to bias, when it comes to hatred and anger – every one of us can give just as good as we get. And who we hate can change. What if I had showed up here 30 years ago in the middle of the cold war with a thick Russian accent – what would you have thought then? Or if I were middle eastern today? Or what if Pastor Brown had shown up and he was actually. . . Brown. And there are other things – how quick we can be to despise the poor or someone who just doesn’t “look” right, or if we hear that someone had done some jail time, or even if they come from “that” family. Whatever it is, it seems the capacity of fallen man to hate is limitless. We too often can write people off just as quickly as the disciples do – and it’s wrong and vile. We play the world’s games, we think along the way the people in the world do – and in so doing we fall in to great sin and hatred and vice and shame.
Our Lord wants to contrast the difference between the hate of the world and the life of faith – He wants to show the disciples and us today how radically different the life of faith is from the attitudes of the world. And so, He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Fine, you disciples wish to think you are high and mighty – so be it. See, alright, is this the type of God you want? Cold and haughty to others? The woman persists. But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” There, another answer of harshness, almost like one kid at school picking on another to fit in – is that what you crave disciples? And a vile response at that – Jesus basically called her a female dog, you know what He called her. Is that the type of God you wish for, o Disciples?
But this woman, this faithful, faithful woman, she knows and recognizes the One True God as He is. Our God is not a God of our petty hatreds but a God of steadfast love and mercy. She knows that He will show mercy. She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Yes, Lord. What powerful words of faith. Amen. That’s what she says – Amen, Lord, what you have said is true. I am a dog, I am worthy of nothing, nothing which I ask of you. There is no good in me that I should have rights to demand anything of You. But you are the Master, and I know that when I hang around Your table crumbs will fall to me, and I will be satisfied by Your generosity. You are the God of undying love, and You will show love even to unworthy me. And Jesus confirms for us that this is the right answer, that this woman demonstrates our faith, for He answers her saying, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Jesus recognizes and commends her faith – and puts the disciples to shame.
This lent, we are focused once again on Repentance, for repentance is the life of faith. Repentance beats down everything that would distract us from Christ’s Mercy. This woman’s repentance was clear – she was not focused on the prejudices of the world, for the Canaanites were no fans of the Jews – she was not focused on her pride, but rather in faith confessed her sin and lack and unworthiness. Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table. In faith she turned away from all these things and turned to Christ alone, seeking from Him alone mercy and salvation. And Christ delivers. Even over and against the powers of a demon, Christ delivers. Of course Christ will cast out this demon, He is here to wreck havoc and chaos amongst Satan’s kingdom. This is the battle He wages all this Lent, this is the battle that reaches its climax on Good Friday. And throughout this season we are called to repent – to turn our eyes away from our sinful and selfish desires, from our hatreds and petty squabbles and to see with the repentant eyes of faith, to behold our Lord win us freedom from our sin. When we look in faith, we will with repentant hearts confess our sins and call out to Christ for mercy, and then we will behold nothing but Christ, we will be as Paul, determined to know nothing but Christ and Him Crucified – for Christ is merciful, and He is determined to give you the gifts of life and salvation which He wins for you by His death upon the Cross. God grant that by the power of His Word we are so corrected to see only Him through the eyes of Faith. In the Name of Christ the Crucified +
In the Name of Christ the Crucified +
One of the great myths, the sacred cows of society today is that we as a people have advanced, have evolved, have become better over the course of time – that we in our ever expanding wisdom know so much more than our pathetic forefathers did. This is the myth of the modern world, that we are modern, that we are improving more and more and ever better and better. I, though, am a historian, and to me, it is obvious that this is not the case, that we are no better morally than our grandfathers or our ancestors of 500 years ago. I’m not going to say that we are getting worse all the time either – rather this. Sinful fallen people remain sinful fallen people, and the same temptations we have faced since the days of Adam and Eve are the same ones which we face today.
That is why we can understand the dangers shown in our Gospel text today, that is why the same lessons apply to us. Two contrasting approaches to life are shown to us today in this text. On the one hand we see people living life according to the world’s standards, judging by what the world sees as appropriate, good, and right – and on the other hand we see a person who lives by faith, trusting that God will do what is meet, right, and salutary. These are the two options in the text, they are the same two options that we ourselves see, that we ourselves choose between, that we struggle with to this day. Do we live thinking like the world, accommodating it’s sin, or do we instead in faith determinedly cling to Christ?
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Jesus had been having a go around with the Pharisees and the Scribes prior to our reading – the Pharisees who thought that they were better than others because they kept their unique customs and traditions, the Scribes who would honor God with their lips but despise Him in their hearts. And Jesus seemingly takes a break from having to deal with the Scribes and Pharisees, and He heads north to the coast – to a foreign land. His disciples follow Jesus to this neighboring country, and then we have this most amazing pair of examples laid out for us.
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” Now, this is fantastic and wonderful. Behold how the gospel has spread! Even in this foreign land, this woman has heard the Word of God proclaimed! She knows who Christ is. Did you hear her – she calls Him Lord, she acknowledges Him as God. She calls Him Son of David – she acknowledges Him as the promised Messiah, great David’s Greater Son – even though she is a foreigner. Think on that – Son of David – even though she is not a Jew, even though she has no pipe dreams of a Jewish kingdom. In fact, an earthly Jewish kingdom would probably be bad for her, as the Canaanite people were viewed as little more than dogs by the Jews in Christ’s day. But she has heard, and by that Word she was brought to faith, and in faith she calls out to Christ for mercy.
Dear friends, there is nothing more beautiful, more wondrous than a person in faith calling out to God for mercy. She gets it – she understands – she knows her need for the Savior and she knows who that Savior is. This is the happy ending, the happy conclusion, the happy faith that we pray that all people throughout the world would come to. But as always, with things in this life, sin can get in the way. And we see this come up. Note what Jesus does at first – But He did not answer her a word. At first Jesus doesn’t say anything. Now, at this point, many preachers, many more fine than me, will begin looking at this text as focusing on the need for a patient faith, for us to remember that God works on His own time table and not ours – that faith trusts that Christ will act in our best interests when He deems it best for us. All of this is true. We see this truth demonstrated often – we see it in the 10 lepers who head towards town and only as they are walking are they healed. We see it again and again in the Scriptures – faith waits upon God, even when it seems God is silent. But with this text, there is an interesting twist – when Jesus is silent, we hear the disciples fail.
And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” They came and begged. . . they begged. Send her away. Get rid of her – she is annoying us. Two prayers are set forth before Christ – one by this foreign woman who calls out for mercy, the other the haughty prayers of the disciples to do away with this woman. I always feel a little shocked when I read this verse – I pray for a living, it is part of my duty as Pastor to see to prayer, and this prayer of the disciples is vile and gross and wicked and evil. Whereas they should have been rejoicing, whereas they should have glorified God that even amongst the people of Tyre and Sidon, the ancient enemies of Israel, their Lord and Master was acknowledged and believed in, they don’t. And they fail. Instead of praying for mercy, instead of praise, they show forth hatred and disdain. And it wasn’t even as though she was complaining about something small and petty – an ingrown toenail. No, it’s a demon. She wants help against a demon. Still, the disciples would turn her away. They would rather let a demon run rampant then have this poor woman aided.
Why? Why did the disciples show such disdain? The reason is simple. Instead of thinking like a Christian, instead of viewing things in terms of faith, they were thinking like typical people of the world and following the world, they fail. If you were born and raised a Jew at that time period, you would be born and raised to view Canaanites, and especially Canaanite women with utter contempt. The disciples thought like people of the world, not as people of faith. They failed. I read this verse, and I am disgusted. Then I think, and I am disgusted with myself as well.
Do you think that we in Modern America are immune to our prejudices? Do you think that we haven’t been taught to despise people on the basis of their race or nationality or color, or even gender? Oh sure, we could point to the points where we here were the victims of it – we can go back to 1917 – back then the German church in town wasn’t too popular – but I would wager when it comes to bias, when it comes to hatred and anger – every one of us can give just as good as we get. And who we hate can change. What if I had showed up here 30 years ago in the middle of the cold war with a thick Russian accent – what would you have thought then? Or if I were middle eastern today? Or what if Pastor Brown had shown up and he was actually. . . Brown. And there are other things – how quick we can be to despise the poor or someone who just doesn’t “look” right, or if we hear that someone had done some jail time, or even if they come from “that” family. Whatever it is, it seems the capacity of fallen man to hate is limitless. We too often can write people off just as quickly as the disciples do – and it’s wrong and vile. We play the world’s games, we think along the way the people in the world do – and in so doing we fall in to great sin and hatred and vice and shame.
Our Lord wants to contrast the difference between the hate of the world and the life of faith – He wants to show the disciples and us today how radically different the life of faith is from the attitudes of the world. And so, He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Fine, you disciples wish to think you are high and mighty – so be it. See, alright, is this the type of God you want? Cold and haughty to others? The woman persists. But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” There, another answer of harshness, almost like one kid at school picking on another to fit in – is that what you crave disciples? And a vile response at that – Jesus basically called her a female dog, you know what He called her. Is that the type of God you wish for, o Disciples?
But this woman, this faithful, faithful woman, she knows and recognizes the One True God as He is. Our God is not a God of our petty hatreds but a God of steadfast love and mercy. She knows that He will show mercy. She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Yes, Lord. What powerful words of faith. Amen. That’s what she says – Amen, Lord, what you have said is true. I am a dog, I am worthy of nothing, nothing which I ask of you. There is no good in me that I should have rights to demand anything of You. But you are the Master, and I know that when I hang around Your table crumbs will fall to me, and I will be satisfied by Your generosity. You are the God of undying love, and You will show love even to unworthy me. And Jesus confirms for us that this is the right answer, that this woman demonstrates our faith, for He answers her saying, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Jesus recognizes and commends her faith – and puts the disciples to shame.
This lent, we are focused once again on Repentance, for repentance is the life of faith. Repentance beats down everything that would distract us from Christ’s Mercy. This woman’s repentance was clear – she was not focused on the prejudices of the world, for the Canaanites were no fans of the Jews – she was not focused on her pride, but rather in faith confessed her sin and lack and unworthiness. Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table. In faith she turned away from all these things and turned to Christ alone, seeking from Him alone mercy and salvation. And Christ delivers. Even over and against the powers of a demon, Christ delivers. Of course Christ will cast out this demon, He is here to wreck havoc and chaos amongst Satan’s kingdom. This is the battle He wages all this Lent, this is the battle that reaches its climax on Good Friday. And throughout this season we are called to repent – to turn our eyes away from our sinful and selfish desires, from our hatreds and petty squabbles and to see with the repentant eyes of faith, to behold our Lord win us freedom from our sin. When we look in faith, we will with repentant hearts confess our sins and call out to Christ for mercy, and then we will behold nothing but Christ, we will be as Paul, determined to know nothing but Christ and Him Crucified – for Christ is merciful, and He is determined to give you the gifts of life and salvation which He wins for you by His death upon the Cross. God grant that by the power of His Word we are so corrected to see only Him through the eyes of Faith. In the Name of Christ the Crucified +
The First Use of the Law
Traditionally we will talk about 3 uses of the Law.
1 - The Curb - the threat of punishment keeps general wickedness contained by fear of punishment.
2 - The Mirror - the Law shows and makes plain one's sin, so one know of one's need for a Savior.
3 - The Rule (or Trellis) - In a Christian, the Law provided direction for the new man.
A lot of times as Christians we key in on the second or third use. We think of the 2nd rule as the theological use - this is the typical use of a sermon where our sin becomes clear. Or we will focus on the third use - the instructive use of the Law - this is how we "ought to be."
I think we forget that as regards our lives here on earth, in time, that first use, the Curb, still holds a major impact. Part of the reason for this is that Christ and Grace doesn't mean that temporal punishments are done away with. If I knock off a bank, I'll still end up in the pokey even should I repent.
However, what about the simple, petty things that we do every day - the non-spectacular sins. If I am curt towards my wife, that might upset her. If I glare at a person who annoys me, that might come back to bite me. There are social and political consequences that result from our actions - and simply put, "You ought to forgive me" is true, but show me the person in this life who forgives perfectly.
We are told in Scripture that perfect love casts out fear, for fear deals with punishment. Yes, it is true that we will not receive punishment from God, for Christ has paid for all. Yes, is it true that we ourselves should be quick to forgive and forego punishment for those who wrong us (indeed, strive, strive for this!). But this is also true - we remain sinners in a sinful world - and our sin, even the small and unthinking ones have real consequences.
We would do well, once in a while, to remember the practical and tangible effects and consequences of our sin. Bruises are real, be they physical or emotional, and the bruised often swing back. This is good for neither. This is why Scripture can rightly warn even believers of this truth (think on Proverbs, if you will).
What it remains is this. I think the simplest approach is as this - A Christian is to strive to neither GIVE offense nor TAKE offense. Provoke not your neighbor to wrath, and be not wrathful yourself.
It's hard to do, but in this life, this is the struggle we must fight against sin.
1 - The Curb - the threat of punishment keeps general wickedness contained by fear of punishment.
2 - The Mirror - the Law shows and makes plain one's sin, so one know of one's need for a Savior.
3 - The Rule (or Trellis) - In a Christian, the Law provided direction for the new man.
A lot of times as Christians we key in on the second or third use. We think of the 2nd rule as the theological use - this is the typical use of a sermon where our sin becomes clear. Or we will focus on the third use - the instructive use of the Law - this is how we "ought to be."
I think we forget that as regards our lives here on earth, in time, that first use, the Curb, still holds a major impact. Part of the reason for this is that Christ and Grace doesn't mean that temporal punishments are done away with. If I knock off a bank, I'll still end up in the pokey even should I repent.
However, what about the simple, petty things that we do every day - the non-spectacular sins. If I am curt towards my wife, that might upset her. If I glare at a person who annoys me, that might come back to bite me. There are social and political consequences that result from our actions - and simply put, "You ought to forgive me" is true, but show me the person in this life who forgives perfectly.
We are told in Scripture that perfect love casts out fear, for fear deals with punishment. Yes, it is true that we will not receive punishment from God, for Christ has paid for all. Yes, is it true that we ourselves should be quick to forgive and forego punishment for those who wrong us (indeed, strive, strive for this!). But this is also true - we remain sinners in a sinful world - and our sin, even the small and unthinking ones have real consequences.
We would do well, once in a while, to remember the practical and tangible effects and consequences of our sin. Bruises are real, be they physical or emotional, and the bruised often swing back. This is good for neither. This is why Scripture can rightly warn even believers of this truth (think on Proverbs, if you will).
What it remains is this. I think the simplest approach is as this - A Christian is to strive to neither GIVE offense nor TAKE offense. Provoke not your neighbor to wrath, and be not wrathful yourself.
It's hard to do, but in this life, this is the struggle we must fight against sin.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Trust me. . .
Robert Benne writes a critique of the ELCA's statement on homosexuality that got me thinking about something. Towards the end he mentions the paper's use of the idea of "trust" - that we are to "trust" that things get done rightly.
Here is a question (one that is most cynical) - when a person calls upon you to "trust" them in this sinful world, aren't they likely trying to be taking advantage of you? The car salesman who says, "trust me, this vehicle is in tip-top shape" - the lawyer who says, "trust me, I can win you this lawsuit" - the kid who says, "trust me, I'll be home at nine, give me the car keys".
There is a place in the Christian life for trust. We learn right off in the Catechism that we are to "fear, love, and TRUST in God above all things." Our trust should be given to God. In this life, and especially when it comes to things theological, the proof is in the pudding, as it were.
When I say something to my congregation, my rationale should never be "trust me, I'm a pastor" - but rather I should point to the Word, for we know that we can trust God. That is why we are the people of the Word - that is where we can be sure that things are truly trustworthy - for God is worthy of trust. In fact, as preachers we should encourage our hearers to demand that we demonstrate our statements from Scripture - and if we cannot show where Scripture speaks, we servants of the Word ought be silent ourselves.
Beware especially of the theologian whose main point is "trust me" - for we are called to cling to Christ and His Word.
Here is a question (one that is most cynical) - when a person calls upon you to "trust" them in this sinful world, aren't they likely trying to be taking advantage of you? The car salesman who says, "trust me, this vehicle is in tip-top shape" - the lawyer who says, "trust me, I can win you this lawsuit" - the kid who says, "trust me, I'll be home at nine, give me the car keys".
There is a place in the Christian life for trust. We learn right off in the Catechism that we are to "fear, love, and TRUST in God above all things." Our trust should be given to God. In this life, and especially when it comes to things theological, the proof is in the pudding, as it were.
When I say something to my congregation, my rationale should never be "trust me, I'm a pastor" - but rather I should point to the Word, for we know that we can trust God. That is why we are the people of the Word - that is where we can be sure that things are truly trustworthy - for God is worthy of trust. In fact, as preachers we should encourage our hearers to demand that we demonstrate our statements from Scripture - and if we cannot show where Scripture speaks, we servants of the Word ought be silent ourselves.
Beware especially of the theologian whose main point is "trust me" - for we are called to cling to Christ and His Word.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Lent 1 Sermon
A day late. . .
Lent 1 – March 1st, 2009 – Matthew 4:1-11
In the Name of Christ the Crucified +
We generally think of the hymn “A Mighty Fortress” as a reformation song. When we think of it, we think of the end of October, leaves falling off the trees and the air getting colder – and yet we sing it every year this first Sunday in Lent – it's the hymn of the day for this Sunday. And in reality, A Mighty Fortress is a hymn that shows what the season of Lent is all about. Lent is a season where in humility we admit, we recognize, we confess our sin – and then behold in awe and wonder our Lord Christ Jesus stride forth to combat Satan in order to wrest us away from Satan’s Kingdom of sin and death unto the Kingdom of Heaven. It is in the season of Lent in general, it is in texts like our Gospel text today where we see what it means when we say that God is our Mighty Fortress.
Christ Jesus does not look like a Mighty Fortress when we see Him at the beginning of our text. And Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Forty days and forty nights, our Lord held His fast – which is the basis of treating Lent as a time of fasting, a time where we too spend forty days of self-denial. But think to yourself what Christ must have looked like in this text. He has been out in the wilderness, out in the desert for 40 days. His hair would have been dirty and windblown and matted. He had been fasting – He would have looked haggard and worn. He would have been weak, frail even. This isn't our typical idea of what a Mighty Fortress looks like. Instead, He looks weak and worn.
Satan thinks our Lord looks weak as well, and Satan decides he is going to try to tangle with Christ. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” So what's the temptation there? He's Jesus, He could do this with ease. We see plenty of examples where Christ will make bread to feed the masses – what's the temptation here? Satan is making an appeal, or at least trying to appeal to Christ's vanity. “Jesus, look at yourself. You are the Son of God – why are You looking like this. . . clean yourself up a bit, have something to eat. End your suffering – You are the Christ – command these stones to become loaves of bread and satisfy Yourself.” Do you see Satan's temptation now? There is a reason why Christ is so haggard, so worn here in the desert – and that is because we sinful human beings are often so haggard and worn, we are run down and worn down, not just by lack in this life, but by the burden of sin. Think on the burdens in your life, the temptations you face, the weight you bear. Know that Christ is determined to share in those burdens, to take His place by your side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit. Christ Jesus has come precisely to be worn, to be broken, even to be crucified and die so that He might swallow-up in Himself all the vileness of sin, everything Satan can throw at you. This is what the Lord promised Eve in our Old Testament lesson – that the Messiah will come and will suffer, will have His heel bruised, all so that He can crush the head of the serpent. That is why our Lord replies, “It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.'” No, Satan, Christ Jesus will not be a bread-devouring king, He will not be One who satisfies His own belly – rather He will do what God in His Word said – and that is grind you, o wicked serpent, under His heel.
Likewise, dear friends, when Satan tempts you to avoid the difficulties you must face as a Christian, learn from our Lord's example here. As Christians we cling to the Word – and the Word has told us what we are to do, and also told us that the tempter is defeated by Christ – so we cling to Christ and His Word, in our own daily struggles against Satan.
Satan will try another angle of attack. Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down, for it is written, 'He will command His angels concerning You,' and 'On their hands they will bear You up, lest You strike Your foot against a stone.'” Alright, if Jesus wants to live by the Word, Satan will throw the Word in Christ's face. This hits home a point that we can forget today. Satan will try to twist God's Word – Satan will try to play with it and monkey with it so that we fall into false doctrine. Same thing we saw in Genesis – Did God really say – still happens today. Satan loves twisting God's Word. Look, Christ, You have a promise of protection – well, listen to the Word and let Yourself be protected! Moreover, look, we are at the top of the temple, the center of Jerusalem – think of the glory that will come when the Angels bear you safely to the ground – all of Jerusalem will laud you.
Satan tries the same thing against us today – he twists the Word of God on the forked tongue of false preachers to where preaching and teaching stops focusing on Christ, stops focusing on God's love for you in Christ and Him Crucified, and rather shifts to a focus on what stuff, what fame, what glory you can get from being a Christian, how people will laud and think you are wonderful. Anything and everything except Christ Crucified for you, a sinner.
Whereas that false doctrine that strokes our ego and vanity can sound so good to us, Christ doesn't bite. Jesus said to Him, “Again, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord Your God to the test.'” No, Satan, your messing with God's Word will not fool Me – for Scripture is plain and clear that we are not to test God in this way – that we are not to try to use God's Word against Him. Likewise, we here today are to pay attention to what people say about God's Word and see if their conclusions are in line with what Scripture as a whole teaches, with what we learned in the Catechism, with what we confess in the Creed – and if it doesn't, we are to reject it. Being a Christian isn't about hearing what we like, but rather learning more and more of God's love and mercy to us.
Satan tries one more tact. The old, evil foe is full of guile, and he really wants to mess things up. Satan brings one more temptation – Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me.” Satan tries to cut a deal with Jesus. “Alright, I know what you want, Jesus – you want the world back. You want all these people who have sinned and who are bound in my kingdom, bound to sin. I even know, that You will fight me to win them back – but neither of us want that. Here, let's be reasonable – I'll let You have them back, Jesus, without a fight – just fall down and worship me.” Do you see what Satan offers – Satan offers a Crossless Christianity. “Here Jesus, You can have all Your people, but You don't need to go to the cross.” This can be a tempting idea for us too – if we ignore the Cross we never have to think about our sin, we can just assume that we are good people, never worry or struggle against our sin – never think about our Lord's struggles to win the victory over sin. We can be tempted to turn Christianity into a feel good, self-congratulatory society, where we all pat each other on the back about how we are the best of the best. But we are called by God to confront our sin, for our Lord Jesus Christ is determined to face sin.
We hear this shown forth in Christ's curt response to Satan. “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God and Him only shall you serve.'” Christ our Lord knows the Word, Christ our Lord knows that the focus of our life is God Almighty. We learned in the Catechism the having no other gods before God is shown by fearing, loving, and trusting in God above all things. And so, as Christians, we in trembling humility acknowledge and confess our sin – that is part of our worship of God. We trust in His salvation, we believe His Word and strive to do things His way, and above all things we trust in Him and His love for us. We trust and love because we see what He does for us. We see Christ our Lord stand up to Satan in our text today, we see Him beat down all the temptations which Satan throws at us. Christ is indeed victorious over Satan – we see Him fighting down Satan here at His temptation – we will see the culmination of our Lord's Battle come Good Friday and Easter, when our Lord's Cross crushes Satan, when His Resurrection wins us from death to life.
But dear friends, what you should remember today is that this fight that Christ fights against Satan is not just a past fight. Our Lord fought down Satan's temptations so that He can be with you now and aid you now in fighting down temptation in your own life. Think on Baptism – Christ joined you unto Himself. Think on the Supper which we will receive – Christ gives you His own Body and Blood. Yes, this is for forgiveness, but it is also to strengthen you and bolster you against the attacks of Satan, it is for the strengthening of your faith, it is to fill you will Christ's love so that you can show forth His love all of your days. Luther has us sing rightly – Christ is by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit – and it is Christ in us, it is the Holy Spirit in us as well who take up the struggle against sin for us, who give us the strength to repent of our past sin and to beat down our sinful nature each day. This is why we gather here – so Christ can deal with the sins of our past by the forgiveness won upon the Cross and prepare us for the struggles of our future, filling us with the same life He showed on Easter, until we reach eternity with Him and share fully in His victory over Satan.
Thus we see today a clear example of how Christ fights for us. This is the same fight He fought on the Cross to win us forgiveness, the same fight He won at the resurrection to give us life, the same fight that He wages in our lives now when He forgives and strengthens us through His Word and Sacraments. This is the awesome battle that your God wages on your behalf, for He will never, never abandon you to the Evil Foe, but rather, He will hold the field forever. Christ Jesus is our Mighty Fortress, and so we face this life with boldness and confidence, knowing that He accomplishes all things for us. In the Name of Christ the Crucified.
Lent 1 – March 1st, 2009 – Matthew 4:1-11
In the Name of Christ the Crucified +
We generally think of the hymn “A Mighty Fortress” as a reformation song. When we think of it, we think of the end of October, leaves falling off the trees and the air getting colder – and yet we sing it every year this first Sunday in Lent – it's the hymn of the day for this Sunday. And in reality, A Mighty Fortress is a hymn that shows what the season of Lent is all about. Lent is a season where in humility we admit, we recognize, we confess our sin – and then behold in awe and wonder our Lord Christ Jesus stride forth to combat Satan in order to wrest us away from Satan’s Kingdom of sin and death unto the Kingdom of Heaven. It is in the season of Lent in general, it is in texts like our Gospel text today where we see what it means when we say that God is our Mighty Fortress.
Christ Jesus does not look like a Mighty Fortress when we see Him at the beginning of our text. And Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Forty days and forty nights, our Lord held His fast – which is the basis of treating Lent as a time of fasting, a time where we too spend forty days of self-denial. But think to yourself what Christ must have looked like in this text. He has been out in the wilderness, out in the desert for 40 days. His hair would have been dirty and windblown and matted. He had been fasting – He would have looked haggard and worn. He would have been weak, frail even. This isn't our typical idea of what a Mighty Fortress looks like. Instead, He looks weak and worn.
Satan thinks our Lord looks weak as well, and Satan decides he is going to try to tangle with Christ. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” So what's the temptation there? He's Jesus, He could do this with ease. We see plenty of examples where Christ will make bread to feed the masses – what's the temptation here? Satan is making an appeal, or at least trying to appeal to Christ's vanity. “Jesus, look at yourself. You are the Son of God – why are You looking like this. . . clean yourself up a bit, have something to eat. End your suffering – You are the Christ – command these stones to become loaves of bread and satisfy Yourself.” Do you see Satan's temptation now? There is a reason why Christ is so haggard, so worn here in the desert – and that is because we sinful human beings are often so haggard and worn, we are run down and worn down, not just by lack in this life, but by the burden of sin. Think on the burdens in your life, the temptations you face, the weight you bear. Know that Christ is determined to share in those burdens, to take His place by your side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit. Christ Jesus has come precisely to be worn, to be broken, even to be crucified and die so that He might swallow-up in Himself all the vileness of sin, everything Satan can throw at you. This is what the Lord promised Eve in our Old Testament lesson – that the Messiah will come and will suffer, will have His heel bruised, all so that He can crush the head of the serpent. That is why our Lord replies, “It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.'” No, Satan, Christ Jesus will not be a bread-devouring king, He will not be One who satisfies His own belly – rather He will do what God in His Word said – and that is grind you, o wicked serpent, under His heel.
Likewise, dear friends, when Satan tempts you to avoid the difficulties you must face as a Christian, learn from our Lord's example here. As Christians we cling to the Word – and the Word has told us what we are to do, and also told us that the tempter is defeated by Christ – so we cling to Christ and His Word, in our own daily struggles against Satan.
Satan will try another angle of attack. Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down, for it is written, 'He will command His angels concerning You,' and 'On their hands they will bear You up, lest You strike Your foot against a stone.'” Alright, if Jesus wants to live by the Word, Satan will throw the Word in Christ's face. This hits home a point that we can forget today. Satan will try to twist God's Word – Satan will try to play with it and monkey with it so that we fall into false doctrine. Same thing we saw in Genesis – Did God really say – still happens today. Satan loves twisting God's Word. Look, Christ, You have a promise of protection – well, listen to the Word and let Yourself be protected! Moreover, look, we are at the top of the temple, the center of Jerusalem – think of the glory that will come when the Angels bear you safely to the ground – all of Jerusalem will laud you.
Satan tries the same thing against us today – he twists the Word of God on the forked tongue of false preachers to where preaching and teaching stops focusing on Christ, stops focusing on God's love for you in Christ and Him Crucified, and rather shifts to a focus on what stuff, what fame, what glory you can get from being a Christian, how people will laud and think you are wonderful. Anything and everything except Christ Crucified for you, a sinner.
Whereas that false doctrine that strokes our ego and vanity can sound so good to us, Christ doesn't bite. Jesus said to Him, “Again, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord Your God to the test.'” No, Satan, your messing with God's Word will not fool Me – for Scripture is plain and clear that we are not to test God in this way – that we are not to try to use God's Word against Him. Likewise, we here today are to pay attention to what people say about God's Word and see if their conclusions are in line with what Scripture as a whole teaches, with what we learned in the Catechism, with what we confess in the Creed – and if it doesn't, we are to reject it. Being a Christian isn't about hearing what we like, but rather learning more and more of God's love and mercy to us.
Satan tries one more tact. The old, evil foe is full of guile, and he really wants to mess things up. Satan brings one more temptation – Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me.” Satan tries to cut a deal with Jesus. “Alright, I know what you want, Jesus – you want the world back. You want all these people who have sinned and who are bound in my kingdom, bound to sin. I even know, that You will fight me to win them back – but neither of us want that. Here, let's be reasonable – I'll let You have them back, Jesus, without a fight – just fall down and worship me.” Do you see what Satan offers – Satan offers a Crossless Christianity. “Here Jesus, You can have all Your people, but You don't need to go to the cross.” This can be a tempting idea for us too – if we ignore the Cross we never have to think about our sin, we can just assume that we are good people, never worry or struggle against our sin – never think about our Lord's struggles to win the victory over sin. We can be tempted to turn Christianity into a feel good, self-congratulatory society, where we all pat each other on the back about how we are the best of the best. But we are called by God to confront our sin, for our Lord Jesus Christ is determined to face sin.
We hear this shown forth in Christ's curt response to Satan. “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God and Him only shall you serve.'” Christ our Lord knows the Word, Christ our Lord knows that the focus of our life is God Almighty. We learned in the Catechism the having no other gods before God is shown by fearing, loving, and trusting in God above all things. And so, as Christians, we in trembling humility acknowledge and confess our sin – that is part of our worship of God. We trust in His salvation, we believe His Word and strive to do things His way, and above all things we trust in Him and His love for us. We trust and love because we see what He does for us. We see Christ our Lord stand up to Satan in our text today, we see Him beat down all the temptations which Satan throws at us. Christ is indeed victorious over Satan – we see Him fighting down Satan here at His temptation – we will see the culmination of our Lord's Battle come Good Friday and Easter, when our Lord's Cross crushes Satan, when His Resurrection wins us from death to life.
But dear friends, what you should remember today is that this fight that Christ fights against Satan is not just a past fight. Our Lord fought down Satan's temptations so that He can be with you now and aid you now in fighting down temptation in your own life. Think on Baptism – Christ joined you unto Himself. Think on the Supper which we will receive – Christ gives you His own Body and Blood. Yes, this is for forgiveness, but it is also to strengthen you and bolster you against the attacks of Satan, it is for the strengthening of your faith, it is to fill you will Christ's love so that you can show forth His love all of your days. Luther has us sing rightly – Christ is by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit – and it is Christ in us, it is the Holy Spirit in us as well who take up the struggle against sin for us, who give us the strength to repent of our past sin and to beat down our sinful nature each day. This is why we gather here – so Christ can deal with the sins of our past by the forgiveness won upon the Cross and prepare us for the struggles of our future, filling us with the same life He showed on Easter, until we reach eternity with Him and share fully in His victory over Satan.
Thus we see today a clear example of how Christ fights for us. This is the same fight He fought on the Cross to win us forgiveness, the same fight He won at the resurrection to give us life, the same fight that He wages in our lives now when He forgives and strengthens us through His Word and Sacraments. This is the awesome battle that your God wages on your behalf, for He will never, never abandon you to the Evil Foe, but rather, He will hold the field forever. Christ Jesus is our Mighty Fortress, and so we face this life with boldness and confidence, knowing that He accomplishes all things for us. In the Name of Christ the Crucified.
3rd Use of the Law and Enthusiasts, the Liturgy
Sometimes we can downplay the Third Use of the Law - we shouldn't but it can happen. I hear about it. No, the third use isn't Gospel, no, it doesn't aid our salvation - and I'd even argue that the third use is always accompanied by the 2nd use, for whenever I see and study what I am to do, I am also reminded of what heretofore I had failed to do.
But the third use of the law is still something we need - lest we become enthusiasts and seek to try to please God on our own terms. That's the main thrust that the Solid Declaration gives. . . even after regeneration, we listen to God's Word. I would say even in the garden, God gave to Adam a Word of Law.
However, the thought I have today is this. If we minimize the idea of the third use of the law, do we end up opening up a way for us to write off the liturgy. What I have seen is that the people who tend to disdain the third use point out how it isn't needed for salvation, that the renewed person should have all that He needs in Christ - what need of the third use.
This sounds like a lot of what I have heard in those who disdain and minimize the liturgy. What need do Christians have for an "order" (note: a legal sounding word) of worship, when they have the Spirit?
But what we must remember is that we were not only created by the Word but we are continually shaped by the Word. This is true in our life, whether it is dealing with the third use, or whether it is a liturgy which ensures that our worship is not done in our own image but in accordance with God's Word.
What do you think - is there a connection in thought? A lot of the guys who disdain the third use seem liturgical. . . but there seems to be a disconnect there.
But the third use of the law is still something we need - lest we become enthusiasts and seek to try to please God on our own terms. That's the main thrust that the Solid Declaration gives. . . even after regeneration, we listen to God's Word. I would say even in the garden, God gave to Adam a Word of Law.
However, the thought I have today is this. If we minimize the idea of the third use of the law, do we end up opening up a way for us to write off the liturgy. What I have seen is that the people who tend to disdain the third use point out how it isn't needed for salvation, that the renewed person should have all that He needs in Christ - what need of the third use.
This sounds like a lot of what I have heard in those who disdain and minimize the liturgy. What need do Christians have for an "order" (note: a legal sounding word) of worship, when they have the Spirit?
But what we must remember is that we were not only created by the Word but we are continually shaped by the Word. This is true in our life, whether it is dealing with the third use, or whether it is a liturgy which ensures that our worship is not done in our own image but in accordance with God's Word.
What do you think - is there a connection in thought? A lot of the guys who disdain the third use seem liturgical. . . but there seems to be a disconnect there.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Invocation in Lent?
Alright, so I pulled open the Lutheran Service Builder - and it suggests that the Invocation may be omitted in Lent.
Anyone have anything on this custom - I've never heard of that one - and I had heard a lot of regional variations.
Anyone have anything on this custom - I've never heard of that one - and I had heard a lot of regional variations.
A Litugical Bum
So, I have tried to establish a daily Matins service here. . . and it never caught on with anyone (other than when Jay Hobson would be here studying with me over the summer, then it would be he and I) - so after 3 years of a published set time - Matins has become the daily devotion I do when I get in.
Since the advent of the Treasury of Daily Prayer, I have ended up moving into my office for this devotional time. I'll sing everything through to the readings (including the given Psalm) - and then close with prayer. . . omitting the rest of the service (the Venite works well as a solo, the Te Deum. . . not so much. . . and I'd butcher Matins' Benedictus).
But I realized that I am a bit of a liturgical bum since I got the treasury. It has nice, easy access to all the seasonal antiphons and the like. . . but I just sick with the common. I know how to sing it, I like it. Same thing if I want some variation and go to Morning Prayer. . . which happens around 2 or 3 times a year. . . maybe. . . if I want to sing the Benedictus because I know that one.
I'm not quite sure what to make of all this - there probably is no point. But, what of y'all - seasonal antiphons - are they are part of your usage of the daily offices - daily or if used on Sunday?
Since the advent of the Treasury of Daily Prayer, I have ended up moving into my office for this devotional time. I'll sing everything through to the readings (including the given Psalm) - and then close with prayer. . . omitting the rest of the service (the Venite works well as a solo, the Te Deum. . . not so much. . . and I'd butcher Matins' Benedictus).
But I realized that I am a bit of a liturgical bum since I got the treasury. It has nice, easy access to all the seasonal antiphons and the like. . . but I just sick with the common. I know how to sing it, I like it. Same thing if I want some variation and go to Morning Prayer. . . which happens around 2 or 3 times a year. . . maybe. . . if I want to sing the Benedictus because I know that one.
I'm not quite sure what to make of all this - there probably is no point. But, what of y'all - seasonal antiphons - are they are part of your usage of the daily offices - daily or if used on Sunday?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
This too shall pass away
One of the things we need to remember is that earthly blessings pass away. Now, we generally think of these earthly blessings in terms of wealth - things along the lines of "the rich fool" and his barns completed on his death bed. And yes indeed, wealth is a temporal blessing, and our lives should not be focused on acquiring it.
I wonder sometimes if we don't substitute other temporal blessings in the place of wealth, other blessings that become our focus and predominate our lives - only we feel more pious about it because it isn't "money" we are craving. My friend and classmate Ben Harju became ill and had to resign from his call (you may read things at his blog. I have to say I am humbled by his example - being the pastor of his congregations in Iowa was a blessing - but it was one that faded away. Perhaps when he is recovered he will receive another call, perhaps not. That is the way of blessings in this life. I wonder if sometimes we pastors don't remember that our time as a pastor is but brief. . . and temporary. Eternally, I am not defined by my vocation, however much of a blessing it is.
I also listened to an excellent discussion on Issues, Etc about contraception (note: that's the mp3 link) where many good points about the cultural impact of contraception we made. Now, both guests (Pastor Walther and Pastor Curtis) were a touch more hardline against contraception than I am (that's another post), they both ended up keying in on how we are turning away from the blessing of children today. While that is true - we do disdain children (I saw a commercial for Essure, a permanent feminine birth control on tv last night - and the ad was all about the fear of having another kid) - I am also left to wonder if perhaps we can elevate children and family too highly.
My wife is a blessing. She has been my wife for 1.67 years now. But the simple fact is this - she will not always be my wife. Death (or the return of Christ) will someday overtake us and part us. We get this, even if to us now it isn't a pleasant thought. In fact, my lovely bride wanted the hymn "Who Knows When Death May Overtake Me" sung at our wedding. Hopefully, if mere death and not Christ's return is the cause of the cessation of this blessing that day is far off. . . but it may not be. If something were to happen, should I shake my fist angrily, or rejoice for the blessing that my wife is that I in no way deserved, even for the briefest of time? And when we are reunited in heaven, it won't be a matter of being reunited as husband and wife, but as members of the body of Christ - a joyous reunion, but not to the same state as we were here on earth. Indeed, it will be a better one, where the faltering image of Christ's love for the Church that is earthly marriage will be seen more clearly!
The same thing with children. Yes, children are a blessing, but they are not the blessing that defines us. Craving children like another craves wealth is still a matter of craving an earthly relationship. And the two ideas go hand in hand - look at Job. God not only restored his wealth, but gave him new children to be a blessing to him. But even children are just a temporal thing. In deed, in eternity I will not relate to my parents the way that I do now. . . June and Greg (whom I would never address as such now) will be fellow members of the Body of Christ.
Other blessings too are temporary. The congregation you've grown up in, your country (America is a fantastic blessing, but we aren't going to be singing the Star Spangled Banner for eternity), your stuff - even the temple in Jerusalem passes away. We will be on to the new, to that which eye has not seen nor ear heard, but knowing that we will be like Christ - and thus far, far more blessed than the blessings we have now.
What is the point of all this? It is the heart of the sinful nature to take the blessings which God gives and turn them into idols, turn them into the focus, the end-all-be-all of life, the greatest good. Do not simply be on the look out for wealth as this only idolatrous blessing - and our Lord did not come to simply bring peace to our earthly blessings, but a sword that can cut through even the blessing of family (see Matt 10:35-37).
See the blessing in all things, but let them be simply that - blessings which enrich your life today and then pass away - blessings that you are to be stewards of, blessings which you have been given various duties of service towards - but even from that pleasing labor, one day you too shall rest. As for seeking joy or perfection in the things of this life - vanity of vanities, all is vanity!
Come, let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
I wonder sometimes if we don't substitute other temporal blessings in the place of wealth, other blessings that become our focus and predominate our lives - only we feel more pious about it because it isn't "money" we are craving. My friend and classmate Ben Harju became ill and had to resign from his call (you may read things at his blog. I have to say I am humbled by his example - being the pastor of his congregations in Iowa was a blessing - but it was one that faded away. Perhaps when he is recovered he will receive another call, perhaps not. That is the way of blessings in this life. I wonder if sometimes we pastors don't remember that our time as a pastor is but brief. . . and temporary. Eternally, I am not defined by my vocation, however much of a blessing it is.
I also listened to an excellent discussion on Issues, Etc about contraception (note: that's the mp3 link) where many good points about the cultural impact of contraception we made. Now, both guests (Pastor Walther and Pastor Curtis) were a touch more hardline against contraception than I am (that's another post), they both ended up keying in on how we are turning away from the blessing of children today. While that is true - we do disdain children (I saw a commercial for Essure, a permanent feminine birth control on tv last night - and the ad was all about the fear of having another kid) - I am also left to wonder if perhaps we can elevate children and family too highly.
My wife is a blessing. She has been my wife for 1.67 years now. But the simple fact is this - she will not always be my wife. Death (or the return of Christ) will someday overtake us and part us. We get this, even if to us now it isn't a pleasant thought. In fact, my lovely bride wanted the hymn "Who Knows When Death May Overtake Me" sung at our wedding. Hopefully, if mere death and not Christ's return is the cause of the cessation of this blessing that day is far off. . . but it may not be. If something were to happen, should I shake my fist angrily, or rejoice for the blessing that my wife is that I in no way deserved, even for the briefest of time? And when we are reunited in heaven, it won't be a matter of being reunited as husband and wife, but as members of the body of Christ - a joyous reunion, but not to the same state as we were here on earth. Indeed, it will be a better one, where the faltering image of Christ's love for the Church that is earthly marriage will be seen more clearly!
The same thing with children. Yes, children are a blessing, but they are not the blessing that defines us. Craving children like another craves wealth is still a matter of craving an earthly relationship. And the two ideas go hand in hand - look at Job. God not only restored his wealth, but gave him new children to be a blessing to him. But even children are just a temporal thing. In deed, in eternity I will not relate to my parents the way that I do now. . . June and Greg (whom I would never address as such now) will be fellow members of the Body of Christ.
Other blessings too are temporary. The congregation you've grown up in, your country (America is a fantastic blessing, but we aren't going to be singing the Star Spangled Banner for eternity), your stuff - even the temple in Jerusalem passes away. We will be on to the new, to that which eye has not seen nor ear heard, but knowing that we will be like Christ - and thus far, far more blessed than the blessings we have now.
What is the point of all this? It is the heart of the sinful nature to take the blessings which God gives and turn them into idols, turn them into the focus, the end-all-be-all of life, the greatest good. Do not simply be on the look out for wealth as this only idolatrous blessing - and our Lord did not come to simply bring peace to our earthly blessings, but a sword that can cut through even the blessing of family (see Matt 10:35-37).
See the blessing in all things, but let them be simply that - blessings which enrich your life today and then pass away - blessings that you are to be stewards of, blessings which you have been given various duties of service towards - but even from that pleasing labor, one day you too shall rest. As for seeking joy or perfection in the things of this life - vanity of vanities, all is vanity!
Come, let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Sunday's Sermon
Quinquagesima Sunday – February 22nd, 2009 – Luke 18:31-43
+ In the Name of Christ Jesus, the Light of the World +
So here we are, the last Sunday of Epiphany, the Last Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the Last Sunday before our observation of Lent begins. By next Sunday, we will be into a season of penitence – of solemn repentance where we ponder the struggles that Christ faces in His contest to win us from the power of sin, death, and the Devil by His crucifixion. And so, it is no surprise that we would have for our Gospel lesson today, Christ our Lord telling the Disciples precisely what He would be facing in His own Lent, in the first Lent.
“And taking the twelve, He said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging Him, they will kill Him, and on the third day He will rise.’” Christ pulls the disciples aside – tells them bluntly, “I will be crucified, and then I will rise.” Things that we are quite familiar with. In fact, Jesus just basically spoke the 2nd Article of the Creed which we just confessed ourselves. Jesus lays out the Christian faith – this is what the people of God believe – that Christ Jesus suffers, dies, and rises for our sake. This is true of those in the Old Testament, those who hearkened to the Words of the Messiah who was to come to deliver His people – this is true of us in the End of Days, who listen to the Words both of the Prophets and the Apostles – the Holy Scriptures inspired by the Holy Spirit, which all point to this truth – which all point to this faith – God Almighty dies for me, a sinner: God Almighty rises for me. Our faith is that God intervenes in our life, and that simply out of His great love for us, He has mercy upon us and wins for us salvation. Old or New, from Adam till now, that has been the faith of the people of God, that has been what we believe.
“But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.” Before that first Lent, before that first Easter – the disciples really didn’t get it, they didn’t understand that Christ Jesus would truly take His place among sinful men, that He would take up the death that man deserved in man’s place. They didn’t understand the depths to which God would go to show them mercy. They didn’t see it – they were blind. They couldn’t grasp it, they couldn’t get their hands around it. It didn’t make sense to them. God is God – God is Almighty and Powerful and Wonderful and Glorious. The Messiah is Almighty and Powerful and Wonderful and Glorious. How could this almighty Christ be delivered over to the Romans – how could this powerful Christ be mocked when He can end it – how could this wonderful Christ be flogged like a criminal – how could this glorious Christ be put to death? None of this made sense to the disciples at that time – they saw only our Lord’s Power and Glory – and thus they were blinded to who Christ Jesus truly is.
“As He drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired of them what this meant. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’” Now we see a man who is physically blind, who cannot see – who doesn’t know that Jesus is coming. Rather, he just hears the crowds, the commotion, and asks what is going on. What follows in our Gospel lesson, dear friends, is not planned, is not staged. It simply happens. “And he cried out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ This blind man simply calls out for mercy. He doesn’t have visions of Christ’s power or might or glory – rather this blind man knows that there is one chief way that he can relate to Jesus – on the basis of Mercy.
“And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent.” This man calling for mercy is told to be silent. Doesn’t that seem odd? You would at least think that this crowd might have sensed an opportunity to see a healing, to see something wondrous. Instead, they try to drown out this man’s call for mercy. They don’t want mercy here, they don’t want this interaction with Christ to be a “mercy” thing. Dear friends, this is nothing new. Think for a moment on the word mercy. We say it all the time in service – we sing it, we pray it, it is the central theme of how we approach God here in the Church. But what about in life in general? Out in the world we don’t mind being the ones that show mercy – but how many times when you walk out those doors do you like being the one asking for mercy? How many times in this past week did you like seeking another’s mercy? We in general don’t, for when we need mercy, it means we are in the wrong. When we need mercy, it means things are outside of our control. The world never likes needing mercy – it might like tossing out cash to the poor sops – that can make us feel good, but the world never likes needing mercy.
And sadly, this is seeping into American Christianity. It’s easy to find people who will talk at length about how God is Awesome and Powerful. We like that. But what about this – that God is merciful to me, a sinner? That has become less and less a focus of American Christianity across the board. Check the billboards – how many of them invite you to receive mercy for your sin? Check the book stores – how many of the books are about the wonders of God’s mercy in loving you, the sinner? That’s not what popular, that’s not what sells. It doesn’t now, and it didn’t in Christ’s day either. The crowds wish to drown out that poor blind man and his cry for mercy.
But our Lord, Christ Jesus, hears. “And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he came near, He asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?” He said, ‘Lord, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.’” Jesus hears the cry for mercy, and Jesus is merciful. Why? Because that is who He is. Jesus shows mercy – He had just told the disciples that He is the Merciful One, the God who will bear up our infirmities, the one who will bear the scorn of sin and die and then rise so that we know that we too will rise again – that even if in this lifetime here our eyes, or aches and pains are not healed, we know that they will on the Last Day – and it has to happen this way because God is merciful to us – He is merciful and must show mercy to us – that is who He is.
And this, dear friends, is our faith. This is what we believe. Jesus says to this man, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” Attend to the words of Christ. He doesn’t say the “size of your faith” or the “strength of your faith” has made you well. We tend to think of faith immediately as my faith, the fact that I believe. That’s not the point that Christ is making – rather this – what the man believed IN is right – he believed in Christ, he trusted in Christ’s mercy – and that faith proved true. The man didn’t heal himself – Jesus did. And we know that the formerly blind man knew that Jesus was responsible completely and totally for his healing because we are told, “And immediately he recovered his sight and followed Him, glorifying God.” The man believed throughout – but he is healed only when Christ speaks, when Christ acts. And he understands that he is healed at Christ’s action because when he sees again, what does he do? He glorifies not the strength of his faith, but rather glorifies God.
This is the Christian faith – that we look to God for mercy and give thanks for that mercy, glorifying His Name. This is the faith that you are a part of, that you are baptized into. This is what we do here in this place in worship – same thing as this man here. We cry out to God for mercy – and He gives us mercy. We confess, we receive forgiveness. We sing Lord have Mercy, and then we hear His Word of Mercy read from the lectern and preached from the pulpit. When we have communion, we call out “Lamb of God, who takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us” – and then He does have mercy and feed us His Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins. Everything in the Church, everything in the Christian faith – the faith of those who receive mercy and everlasting life, everlasting healing of both body and soul, is nothing less than the truth that God is merciful to us, that we poor sinners receive mercy from Christ, to which we respond with renewed hearts that cry out thanks and praise.
So, it is with remembering this that we prepare to enter the ancient Christian season of Lent. God’s mercy is freely given to us – but we will see what it cost our Lord – for we were purchased not with gold or silver, but with our Lord’s precious Blood. Our sin held us in bondage, and Christ fights to free us. In the weeks to come, we will see our Lord Christ Jesus fight off all the power of sin, death, and the devil in order to free us. And seeing all that Christ does, we will know why He does it – because God desires to be merciful to you, and He will shower His mercy upon you. In fact, this is how we know that Christ Jesus is God, it is how He reveals His Divinity to us most fully – He is love, so He’s determined to show us love, so He is determined to have mercy upon us – for which we give Him thanks. In the Name of Christ Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.
+ In the Name of Christ Jesus, the Light of the World +
So here we are, the last Sunday of Epiphany, the Last Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the Last Sunday before our observation of Lent begins. By next Sunday, we will be into a season of penitence – of solemn repentance where we ponder the struggles that Christ faces in His contest to win us from the power of sin, death, and the Devil by His crucifixion. And so, it is no surprise that we would have for our Gospel lesson today, Christ our Lord telling the Disciples precisely what He would be facing in His own Lent, in the first Lent.
“And taking the twelve, He said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging Him, they will kill Him, and on the third day He will rise.’” Christ pulls the disciples aside – tells them bluntly, “I will be crucified, and then I will rise.” Things that we are quite familiar with. In fact, Jesus just basically spoke the 2nd Article of the Creed which we just confessed ourselves. Jesus lays out the Christian faith – this is what the people of God believe – that Christ Jesus suffers, dies, and rises for our sake. This is true of those in the Old Testament, those who hearkened to the Words of the Messiah who was to come to deliver His people – this is true of us in the End of Days, who listen to the Words both of the Prophets and the Apostles – the Holy Scriptures inspired by the Holy Spirit, which all point to this truth – which all point to this faith – God Almighty dies for me, a sinner: God Almighty rises for me. Our faith is that God intervenes in our life, and that simply out of His great love for us, He has mercy upon us and wins for us salvation. Old or New, from Adam till now, that has been the faith of the people of God, that has been what we believe.
“But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.” Before that first Lent, before that first Easter – the disciples really didn’t get it, they didn’t understand that Christ Jesus would truly take His place among sinful men, that He would take up the death that man deserved in man’s place. They didn’t understand the depths to which God would go to show them mercy. They didn’t see it – they were blind. They couldn’t grasp it, they couldn’t get their hands around it. It didn’t make sense to them. God is God – God is Almighty and Powerful and Wonderful and Glorious. The Messiah is Almighty and Powerful and Wonderful and Glorious. How could this almighty Christ be delivered over to the Romans – how could this powerful Christ be mocked when He can end it – how could this wonderful Christ be flogged like a criminal – how could this glorious Christ be put to death? None of this made sense to the disciples at that time – they saw only our Lord’s Power and Glory – and thus they were blinded to who Christ Jesus truly is.
“As He drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired of them what this meant. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’” Now we see a man who is physically blind, who cannot see – who doesn’t know that Jesus is coming. Rather, he just hears the crowds, the commotion, and asks what is going on. What follows in our Gospel lesson, dear friends, is not planned, is not staged. It simply happens. “And he cried out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ This blind man simply calls out for mercy. He doesn’t have visions of Christ’s power or might or glory – rather this blind man knows that there is one chief way that he can relate to Jesus – on the basis of Mercy.
“And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent.” This man calling for mercy is told to be silent. Doesn’t that seem odd? You would at least think that this crowd might have sensed an opportunity to see a healing, to see something wondrous. Instead, they try to drown out this man’s call for mercy. They don’t want mercy here, they don’t want this interaction with Christ to be a “mercy” thing. Dear friends, this is nothing new. Think for a moment on the word mercy. We say it all the time in service – we sing it, we pray it, it is the central theme of how we approach God here in the Church. But what about in life in general? Out in the world we don’t mind being the ones that show mercy – but how many times when you walk out those doors do you like being the one asking for mercy? How many times in this past week did you like seeking another’s mercy? We in general don’t, for when we need mercy, it means we are in the wrong. When we need mercy, it means things are outside of our control. The world never likes needing mercy – it might like tossing out cash to the poor sops – that can make us feel good, but the world never likes needing mercy.
And sadly, this is seeping into American Christianity. It’s easy to find people who will talk at length about how God is Awesome and Powerful. We like that. But what about this – that God is merciful to me, a sinner? That has become less and less a focus of American Christianity across the board. Check the billboards – how many of them invite you to receive mercy for your sin? Check the book stores – how many of the books are about the wonders of God’s mercy in loving you, the sinner? That’s not what popular, that’s not what sells. It doesn’t now, and it didn’t in Christ’s day either. The crowds wish to drown out that poor blind man and his cry for mercy.
But our Lord, Christ Jesus, hears. “And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he came near, He asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?” He said, ‘Lord, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.’” Jesus hears the cry for mercy, and Jesus is merciful. Why? Because that is who He is. Jesus shows mercy – He had just told the disciples that He is the Merciful One, the God who will bear up our infirmities, the one who will bear the scorn of sin and die and then rise so that we know that we too will rise again – that even if in this lifetime here our eyes, or aches and pains are not healed, we know that they will on the Last Day – and it has to happen this way because God is merciful to us – He is merciful and must show mercy to us – that is who He is.
And this, dear friends, is our faith. This is what we believe. Jesus says to this man, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” Attend to the words of Christ. He doesn’t say the “size of your faith” or the “strength of your faith” has made you well. We tend to think of faith immediately as my faith, the fact that I believe. That’s not the point that Christ is making – rather this – what the man believed IN is right – he believed in Christ, he trusted in Christ’s mercy – and that faith proved true. The man didn’t heal himself – Jesus did. And we know that the formerly blind man knew that Jesus was responsible completely and totally for his healing because we are told, “And immediately he recovered his sight and followed Him, glorifying God.” The man believed throughout – but he is healed only when Christ speaks, when Christ acts. And he understands that he is healed at Christ’s action because when he sees again, what does he do? He glorifies not the strength of his faith, but rather glorifies God.
This is the Christian faith – that we look to God for mercy and give thanks for that mercy, glorifying His Name. This is the faith that you are a part of, that you are baptized into. This is what we do here in this place in worship – same thing as this man here. We cry out to God for mercy – and He gives us mercy. We confess, we receive forgiveness. We sing Lord have Mercy, and then we hear His Word of Mercy read from the lectern and preached from the pulpit. When we have communion, we call out “Lamb of God, who takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us” – and then He does have mercy and feed us His Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins. Everything in the Church, everything in the Christian faith – the faith of those who receive mercy and everlasting life, everlasting healing of both body and soul, is nothing less than the truth that God is merciful to us, that we poor sinners receive mercy from Christ, to which we respond with renewed hearts that cry out thanks and praise.
So, it is with remembering this that we prepare to enter the ancient Christian season of Lent. God’s mercy is freely given to us – but we will see what it cost our Lord – for we were purchased not with gold or silver, but with our Lord’s precious Blood. Our sin held us in bondage, and Christ fights to free us. In the weeks to come, we will see our Lord Christ Jesus fight off all the power of sin, death, and the devil in order to free us. And seeing all that Christ does, we will know why He does it – because God desires to be merciful to you, and He will shower His mercy upon you. In fact, this is how we know that Christ Jesus is God, it is how He reveals His Divinity to us most fully – He is love, so He’s determined to show us love, so He is determined to have mercy upon us – for which we give Him thanks. In the Name of Christ Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.
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