"Eyewitnesses of His Majesty" (2 Peter 1:16-21)

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Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen! Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

 

“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).

 

The attacks of Satan and the fallen world come upon the flock of Christ’s Church sooner or later. And this attack is as old as Eden: “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1) asked Satan in the form of a serpent.

 

False teachers under the control of Satan were disparaging the reliability of Peter. And not just Peter, but the other apostles, and even the message of the Old Testament prophets.

 

Thanks be to God that Peter came to realize the deadly peril of these false teachers, since they were denying the power and coming of Jesus the Christ. You see, these false teachers, these heretics, were leading people to doubt that Jesus is fully and completely God, and that Jesus works on the behalf of all people’s lives. These false teachers, these heretics, were leading people to think that Jesus was never coming back and that they were not accountable to Jesus for their beliefs and their own lives. Does this sound familiar? Remember those words of the serpent: “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). But as we know, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a).

 

These heretics were making up “cleverly devised myths” (2 Peter 1:16) and they believed that if they would tell these lies long enough and loudly enough, then more and more people would start to believe the lie, no matter how shocking and no matter how outrageous.

 

So, like the Apostle Paul, Peter knew that the foundation of all Christian doctrine was the message of the prophets and the apostles. And without that sure bedrock, the Christian faith would come crashing down.

 

And so, with this in mind, Peter tells of a moment in time that changed his life. Peter tells of the Transfiguration of Our Lord upon that mountaintop. After Jesus went on a retreat by Himself, six days later He “took with Him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a mountain by themselves” (Matthew 17:1). There, Jesus was transfigured before them. Jesus was glowing with the brightness of the presence of God Himself. Jesus’ face shone like the sun. And His clothes shone white; whiter than today’s Clorox could ever bleach them!

 

There, upon that mountaintop, surrounding the shining Messiah was a bright cloud that Peter calls the “Majestic Glory” (2 Peter 1:17).

 

In the Old Testament times, “the glory of the LORD” referred to an appearance of God in cloud and fire to mark a significant moment in His plan of salvation. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. God appeared to the people of Israel and to the Egyptian army as a pillar of cloud and fire. God appeared in a cloud at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. Through this “glory,” God signaled His approval and His presence among His people.

 

There, upon that mountaintop, surrounding Jesus was “a bright cloud” (Matthew 17:5) and from that bright cloud, God the Father demonstrated His approval of His only-begotten Son saying: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5).

 

Like a lawyer making his case, Peter declares: “We ourselves heard this very voice from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:18). In the Greek, Peter is even more forceful than the ESV. Literally, Peter is saying, “We, we heard the voice!” This “hemeis ekousamen” is a double-second-person plural showing further credibility as Peter emphasizes that this voice was not just heard by him, but by also James and John!

 

We, too, also have a problem with our old Adam, our old sinful nature, because, so often, we are not convinced by the Word of God. And Peter, too, fell into this temptation. For after hearing Jesus say that He must be crucified and rise from death, Peter rebuked Him saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you” (Matthew 16:22). And after Jesus said Peter would deny that he ever knew Him, what did Peter say? “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death”(Matthew 22:33). But what did Peter end up doing? He denied that he ever knew Jesus and at once a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered Jesus saying to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times” (Matthew 22:61). 

 

We, too, are prone to such temptations and such failings. Satan whispers to you: “Can you really trust the testimony of men who lived two-thousand years ago?” Others may say, “Jesus didn’t do enough for you, you must do good works to please God.” Even, others may say, “You know, God is still speaking but only through your feelings and your desires, so don’t trust those old words of the Bible.”

 

We each face so many temptations. And the Old Adam in all of us is often all too willing to listen and deny the eternal truth of which the Bible speaks. We do like to get credit for being a “good Christian” by doing “good works.” We would rather enjoy following those who preach “cleverly devised myths” rather than following the Word of the prophets and the apostles. And when those moments come: repent! Repent and ask Jesus for your forgiveness.

 

Now, Peter was not just an eyewitness. He was also an earwitness. He saw the “Majestic Glory,” but he also heard the voice of God the Father.

 

There were three times in Christ’s earthly ministry where God the Father boomed His voice over His only-begotten Son. First, at His Baptism in the Jordan, where John the Baptist anointed Jesus for His work of salvation. Second, upon the Mount of Transfiguration to the delight of three terrified men and two great prophets: Moses and Elijah. And third, during Holy Week, when God the Father confirmed that Christ’s work was indeed bringing Him glory. 

 

Each time God the Father’s voice was boomed, He forcefully proclaimed His love, His approval, and His pleasure in His only-begotten Son for His determination to go to the cross for sinful mankind.

 

This plan of salvation was not a “cleverly devised myth” of man, but this plan was the will of God from eternity. This plan called for sacrificial blood to be spilled. This plan called for a perfect sacrifice: a sacrifice without sin, stain, or blemish. This blood of the Son of God would become a light to the world, glowing from the very face of Jesus upon the Mount of Transfiguration.

 

This plan of salvation is the will of God the Father and Jesus carries out the plan until it is finished. 

 

For Peter, James and John who witnessed the glory of God’s Son and heard the voice of God the Father, their faith would often become shaky, to put it mildly. They often heard from their Lord, “O you of little faith.” Yours and my faith can also get shaky at times. For we often get disappointed by the subtle, hidden way in which Christ comes: the manger, the cross, in Scripture, the absolution, and the Lord’s Supper. Sometimes, we ask for more. But there He is. Jesus came in lowly form. He died a sinner’s death, yet without sin. We hear His voice in His Word, in the absolution, in the Lord’s Supper. And not only that, we receive Christ’s very body and blood under bread and wine for the forgiveness of our sins and for the strength of our faith.

 

Yes, Peter was blessed to have witnessed and heard what happened that day upon that holy mountain. And He certainly never forgot that moment. And He doesn’t want us to forget either. As soon as Christ, the Son of Man, was raised from the dead, Peter and the other apostles and disciples told of what Christ has done for them, for us, and for our salvation.

 

For us, let us never take for granted the “Majestic Glory” that we witness and hear at each Divine Service as we receive the fruits of Christ’s cross: forgiveness of our sins, life and salvation! God’s plan of salvation is finished! So let us give thanks for what the Lord has done! For His Word is sure and certain. With Peter, we too, are eyewitnesses to His Majesty! Amen.

 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

 keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.  

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

"You are Salt and Light" (Matthew 5:13-20)

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Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen! Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

 

Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth. … You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13a, 14a).

 

Last week, Jesus described how blessed are those who have faith in Him. Today, Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount as He declares that those who trust in Him are salt and light.

 

Salt is a preservative. Salt keeps food from spoiling. Salt is also used as a seasoning as it gives food more flavor. I, for one, like to always add salt to my fries, even before I even taste them. I am a fan of salt.

 

Now, what if you find yourself in a dark room. What do you do to bring light to that dark space? You could open the shades or curtains if there is daylight outside. You could flip a switch and let electricity light the room. You could light a candle. Or you could turn on a traditional flashlight or click the flashlight on your smartphone.

 

Although there are many ways to bring light to a dark room, there is only one way to pierce the darkness of sin and unbelief. This one way is Jesus. He is the Light of the world. Jesus alone is the Light that scatters the darkness of sin and unbelief. And it was the Holy Spirit who enlightened us to trust in Jesus.

 

When the disciples heard Jesus say to them, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19), they were changed. You see, Jesus called them with authority, as only God can. And so, they listened and followed Jesus. We, too, had this change as we were taken out of the fallen world of sin and darkness and were brought the Light of Christ through Holy Baptism. For as St. Paul says in Ephesians 5:8: “For at one time you were in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

 

Now, light can also be painful. Maybe you have been awakened from a dead sleep by a bright light. Maybe you were awakened during REM and now you have that twitch. Being awakened by the light hurts. We say, “Turn it off!” That is how many reacted when they heard the Light of the World speak. You see, sin loves darkness. No wonder so many crimes happen at night and in the shadows. 

Light casts out darkness. And darkness is associated with evil, with danger, with the condition of being lost and unable to find one’s way. 

 

The world we live in, well, it’s in bad shape. It needs salt. It needs some preserving. It needs some flavor. The world is also a dark place. And there is a great need for light, so that people can see the truth and see what God is really like. 

 

And Jesus today calls us salt and light. 

 

He says, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house” (Matthew 5:13-15).

 

Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” So, what do you think about that? How do you respond to that proclamation? What are we to do? Well, we are to believe it.

 

But what happens if you don’t believe that you are salt and light? Well, that’s not the brightest idea, because what Jesus says is, well, always true. But if you don’t believe it, then, Jesus gives us the answer to that. He says, if you don’t believe that, then you will be “thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matthew 5:13b). That doesn’t sound like too much fun.

 

So, what are we to do? We should believe Jesus, because this is what Jesus says we are.

 

You see, our identity is created and preserved by the very Word of Jesus, who has also declared everyone in Christ to be blessed.

 

Now, we should not narrow the meaning of “salt” too precisely, because we can get caught up on what it means to be salty. “Salt” is parallel with “light,” and it is true that salt served many useful functions in the ancient world. And it is clear that the earth is evil, corrupt, and deficient. The earth needs to be salted: people need to be called to repent and believe the Good News that in Jesus “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

 

For, if Christ’s disciples – you and me – would become tasteless – by living unrepentant lives, then how would the earth be salted?

 

Jesus calls us salt and light. As salt and light, Jesus is giving us our vocation. He is declaring who we are in Christ.

 

You see, followers of Jesus do not just believe differently than unbelievers; we live differently. The truth is, if we can’t be easily distinguished from the unbelieving world, it’s either because they are becoming like us – which would be a great thing – or most likely, we are behaving like them – a very bad thing. If that’s the case, there’s as much wrong with us as with the unbelieving world.

 

To this, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

 

Shades in windows are good for privacy, but don’t draw down the shades of your faith as you live through life. And a covered lamp is a waste of light – and a pretty stupid way to waste that light – and so is concealed faith.

 

We can’t hide our faith. We must live out our faith. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, St. James writes: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:14-17).

 

It is one thing to say you have faith. It’s another thing to live out that faith.

 

Now, what is expected when you flip a light switch? You expect Electricity to give power to the light and for the light to shine. Likewise, that Word that brought the light of faith to you and me is also the Word that enables us to bring that light of Christ to the world.

 

Again, Jesus declares that you and I are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This is our blessing in Christ and our responsibility in Christ. Again, following Jesus is not just for our personal benefit, but for the benefit of our neighbor. Being salt and light, Jesus calls us to be the hope in this dark world. 

 

So, Jesus calls us to do good works that are public and visible and done with one purpose in mind: that others may glorify the heavenly Father. And to glorify the heavenly Father, one must know Him rightly. And one can only know the heavenly Father rightly through the right knowledge of His only-begotten Son.

 

These good works are done in ordinary ways as we live out our daily vocations. But in these ordinary ways, Jesus calls us to be extraordinary as we are called to live lives of remarkable purity, faithfulness, piety, love, and generosity. So, we don’t live lives in the same ways that non-Christians do. We are called by Jesus to be extraordinary husbands and wives, remarkable neighbors and employees, powerful friends and citizens. So, how is this seen in action? Some may say going on a mission trip is a good work. But so is shoveling your neighbor’s sidewalk, or having devotions with them, or inviting them to church, or holding your temper, or not lying, or by confessing your sins and asking for forgiveness, instead of blaming others or finding excuses for your actions. You see, through our words and deeds, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be like salt and light in this darkness.

 

Again, both words and deeds are necessary. Words without deeds will not be heard. Deeds without words will bring no one to praise the Father in heaven.

 

Christ’s apostles were often dim in reflecting the Light of Christ, and so are we. Thanks be to God that He is patient and does not so quickly discard us when we fail. While we were still stuck in the mire of sin, God showed His love for us as He sent His Son Jesus to live our life and to suffer the death we all deserve because of our sins. On Good Friday, His lifeless body was laid in a cold, dark tomb. But in the bright light of Easter, Jesus threw open the door of the grave and death! He opened salvation to all who would believe in Him.

 

So, when we fail to be salt and light, the Holy Spirit leads us to repent as we renounce the ways of sin and darkness, as we are forgiven for the sake of Jesus’ cross, and we strive anew as we follow Him.

 

When we love as Christ loves, people will take notice. And that may lead others to see the Light of Christ, the light of hope in this dark world. And we can do nothing apart from Jesus, who declares us salt and light. So, listen to Jesus. All of God’s blessings belong to you. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Amen.

 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

 keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.  

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

"The Paradox: The Word of the Cross" (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)

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Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen! Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:22-25).

 

Throughout this Epiphany season, Jesus is revealing His glory. Through inspiration, Peter said of Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus turned a persecutor of the faith into the greatest defender of the faith. And Christ’s ultimate glory is Him crucified onto a cross as He died for our sins. This is what Lutheran pastors preach. We preach the Word of the Cross: Christ crucified for sinners. It is by this Word of the Cross is how God saves.

 

Now, back in October, Kurt, Willie and I were working on how to get a portion of our church parking lot lit. As you know, it tends to get dark at night, and when it is October, it gets darker earlier each night until the winter solstice each December 21^st. 

 

So, here we are, trying to figure out how to make the parking lot brighter until we noticed something off the end of the church’s canopy. It was a light! But the light didn’t work and hasn’t worked for years. So, we all tried to learn more about this light. Then Willie climbed the ladder and found out that the power to that dead light was still live. The next question was how to replace that light with a new light and not shock Willie in the process. So, Kurt and myself made our way to the circuit breaker boxes and began flipping switches: Canopy – nope; Emergency Lights – nope; Entry/office – nope; Narthex – nope; Barn – nope. We were at whit’s end. We were puzzled.

 

We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. You know that phrase “Christ crucified,” that phrase too, sounds like utter nonsense. How is that a good thing? That sounds more like defeat than a victory!

 

“Christ crucified” is a paradox. That seems so contrary to anything good! That word “Christ” also means “Messiah” and a messiah is someone who is of royal dignity. And the word “crucified” tells of an executed criminal, who has lost any and all claims to human dignity or any positive status at all!

 

But “Christ crucified” is what we preach. “Christ crucified” is certainly a stumbling block.

 

To Jews, a crucified Messiah was certainly an obstacle in coming to faith in Jesus. In fact, as Deuteronomy 21 tells us, anyone who has been crucified was seen as repugnant, unacceptable, and cursed by God. So, for Jews, crucifixion on a cross was the most shameful death imaginable.

 

To Greeks, who are entangled in a culture enamored by power and success, “Christ crucified” also made no sense. How could a crucified criminal ever be considered as the Savior of the world? Now, Greeks were known for their worldly wisdom, but they were not alone. Romans, too, also thought any worship of a crucified Messiah as ridiculous. In fact, Romans spoke of Christians as “worshipping a dead man” – which was utterly absurd!

 

For all nonbelievers, mankind is the measure of all things. For nonbelievers, they demand evidence that falls within the parameters of their own lived experience. 

 

Even with the differences between Jews and Greeks of yesteryear, St. Paul says that they are very much alike. He says that both Jews and Greeks have much in common. For they both have a common quest for impressive signs of outward success, whether that be a display of power, such as the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, or ejecting the Romans from Palestine, to today’s modern demands for health and wealth. 

 

The Jews demanded signs. They demanded Jesus give them a powerful sign to prove His Messianic claims. And Jesus gave them many signs. He healed the sick; He opened the eyes of the blind; He raised the dead; He preached good news to the poor in spirit. But they wanted different signs.

 

These Jews of Jesus’ earthly ministry demanded Jesus to do signs according to their own demands. You see, they wanted to be in control. They wanted Jesus to do their bidding. They wanted a Disney Genie-kind of Jesus who just grants their wishes.

 

So, in response to their demands, Jesus said: “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:39-40).

 

In other words, if you really want a sign, look to what will soon happen. He says, “Look to My death and resurrection!” Look to the word of the cross!

 

For the Greeks, they have demands too. Now, not signs, but they demand wisdom. They wish to hear from a great teacher. They wish to learn pithy sayings. But, what wisdom is there from a dead Messiah? Again, “Christ crucified” is just foolishness. “Christ crucified” is just silly. “Christ crucified” is just a waste of time.

 

On top of this, the Greeks weren’t that interested in learning from a dead man about the problems of sin and guilt. You see, the Greeks and Romans believed they had sin and guilt all figured out. They believed they had all the answers.

 

The Word of the Cross is certainly foolishness to the worldly wise who are perishing, but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God.

 

For the Jews and Greeks of yesteryear, they were seeking what is known today as the Theology of Glory. This Theology of Glory emphasizes human achievement and worldly success as paths to God’s favor and His glory. It’s all about personal glory, easy answers, self-improvement, wealth and comfort. It downplays sin and suffering. In John 14, Philip spoke to Jesus with this Theology of Glory saying: “Show us the Father” (John 14:8). Jesus then set Philip aside and said, “How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me?”(John 14:9b-10). Philip was looking for signs and wisdom, but Jesus said to just look to Him saying, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). What Jesus is saying to Philip and us is that God can only be found through suffering and the cross.

 

We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. We preach the Theology of the Cross. True signs and true wisdom is only found in Christ the crucified.

 

For sure, the power of God through the Theology of Glory is certainly visible in creation, but the Theology of the Cross, which is the grace of God is only found through His cross and His Means of Grace: His Word and Sacraments. For, the grace of God certainly appears weak and foolish to unbelievers. But for us, it is the true power of God.

 

Jesus preached the Theology of the Cross. He preached that suffering is central to understanding God and the human condition. He preached that He must die to atone for the sins of the world – yours and my sins of all of human history. Jesus preached that through His atoning death that He would put an end to eternal death. He preached that through His death and bodily resurrection He would give us forgiveness, life, and salvation. So, it is only through the Word of the Cross that we receive the forgiveness of yours and my sins.

 

By the Word of the Cross, God outsmarted and overpowered all human wisdom and all human power. And it was from those Jews and Greeks of yesteryear that God would grow His Church as a new race, a royal priesthood. He made us all one in Christ Jesus!

 

So, if you are looking for signs and wonders as a display of God’s power, you will find that power displayed in Christ the crucified. And if you are on a quest for wisdom, you will find God’s wisdom perfectly revealed in the Word of the Cross.

 

For as God’s Word proclaims in Isaiah 55: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

 

So, did we ever figure out which circuit breaker switch was connected to that canopy light? Well, after flipping the breakers for the canopy, the emergency lights, the narthex, the barn, we came to another switch, a switch that just seemed that it couldn’t possibly work, it said “Cross.” So, we flipped it. It was the one. Always look to the cross. It seemed like folly, but it was the wisdom of God. We have light and salvation through the Word of the Cross! We preach Christ crucified and risen for sinners, because for us who are being saved, it is the power of God! Amen.

 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

 keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.  

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

"The Great Reversal" (Acts 9:1-22) - The Conversion of St. Paul

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Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen! Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

Jesus said to Ananias: “Go, for [Paul] is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).

 

Today, the one holy Christian and apostolic Church rejoices to remember the conversion of St. Paul, when Christ brought him out of darkness and began to make him a witness to the Light!

 

Paul had been utterly convinced that it was a fraud, a dangerous fraud. Paul believed that it was his calling and his duty to halt the deception spread by those belonging to “The Way” wherever he found it. Paul was not satisfied in scattering only the Jerusalem believers. He was determined to destroy the Christian Church everywhere. So, he went to the high priest of the Sanhedrin and asked for the authority to round up Christians and bring them back bound to Jerusalem to be imprisoned, tried in a kangaroo court and executed.

 

Paul had already caused so much suffering for the Christians in Jerusalem and in the surrounding area. But in his zeal, it was not enough to stamp out Christianity in Jerusalem. Paul wanted to stamp out Christianity completely.

 

So, with zeal for upholding the honor of the God of Israel, Paul received letters of authority from the Sanhedrin to stamp out Christianity in Damascus, some 150 miles northeast of Jerusalem. And Damascus had a large Jewish population, and it was a city where persecuted Jewish believers in Jesus sought refuge.

 

Just when these Christians thought they were safe, Paul rides toward Damascus with the intention to “bring them bound to Jerusalem” (Acts 9:2). His intention is go to the synagogues in Damascus, because he would find Christians worshipping there.

 

Yet, as he went on his way, Paul’s certainties soon crumbled. A bright light knocked him flat on his face and blinded his sight. Then, Paul heard a voice. A voice of unspeakable tenderness and mercy addressing him saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4)

Up to this moment, I have been referring to this man as Paul – and he would be known by that name throughout history. One thing to note here, Jesus did not change this man’s name. My name is Peter, but I also know that Pedro and Pierre are also my name in the Spanish and French languages. The same is true about Saul and Paul. Saul is the Hebrew equivalent to Paul in Greek or Latin. So, when this man was among Jews, he would be known as Saul, but among Gentiles, he would be known as Paul.

 

Now, this “Saul, Saul” is like when Jesus said, “Martha, Martha” (Luke 10:41) or “Jerusalem, Jerusalem” (Matthew 23:37). This expression is of loving concern, for Jesus knew Paul believed he was doing the right thing. 

 

In loving concern, Jesus confronts Paul with his sin. The risen, glorified Jesus came to Paul in a flash of blinding light. This blinding light brought Paul to his knees. In his blindness, Paul said, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5a). Now, this is not an expression of faith by Paul, but of respect. Up to this very moment, Paul was still convinced that his mission was pleasing God.

 

Then the One Paul dared to declare a fraud spoke to him saying, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5b).

 

Although Paul’s physical sight was gone, he began at last to see things clearly. In persecuting Christians, he was persecuting the God he had sworn to defend. 

 

Jesus continued saying to Paul: “Rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do” (Acts 9:6).

 

The Levite guards who traveled with Paul stood speechless as they heard the voice of Jesus but saw no one. 

 

From this moment on, Paul was under the orders of Jesus. His first order was to go into Damascus and wait for further instructions.

 

Paul, a Pharisee of Pharisees, was brought down. His proud self-righteousness shattered. His blindness led him toward repentance and contrition. And for three days Paul didn’t eat nor drink in his remorse.

 

“Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias” (Acts 9:10a). In a similar, but much lesser way, Jesus calls out to Ananias – a man Paul was likely to arrest – a man who knew Paul’s reputation – a man who knew why Paul was coming to Damascus – to come to Paul to lay his hands on him and give him a washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit in Holy Baptism, so that Paul would be brought out of the darkness and into God’s marvelous light. For as 1 Samuel 2:6 says: “the LORD kills and brings to life; He brings down to Sheol and rises up.”

 

Jesus reveals to Ananias that this former persecutor of God would become God’s “chosen instrument” to carry out God’s will before the Gentiles and Jews. Paul was an expert on God’s Law, but now he has fully experienced God’s grace. 

 

Paul had been God’s enemy, but now the triune God graciously transforms Paul into a true child of God. It was by God’s grace that Paul was reconciled to God and not only that, but Paul would become Christ’s great apostle as he would bring this gift of reconciliation to the world.

 

Jesus would equip Paul to be an eyewitness to the fact of His bodily resurrection. Through this divine calling, Jesus made Paul an equal among the other apostles.

 

Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul now believes, and now being filled with the Holy Spirit through his baptism into Christ, he would not delay in preaching the good news. Paul would preach that Jesus is from eternity God, who was active in the creation of the universe and took upon Himself human flesh as the promised Messiah, the Redeemer of the world.

 

What happened to Paul when he was blinded and later regained his sight through the washing and rebirth of Holy Baptism was a conversion. And conversion means turning. 

 

In this encounter with the risen Lord Jesus, Paul’s life would begin to turn around. Instead of opposing and fighting Christians, the formerly persecuting and hate-filled man would become the Lord’s “chosen instrument” to bring to all people the joy and light of Christian hope – from a man who would be considered least likely to serve His plan of salvation. “Jesus is Lord” would become Paul’s constant message. “Christ crucified, risen, and returning in glory” would become Paul’s constant theme. Who could have ever imagined a persecutor of Christianity becoming a defender of Christianity? Only the God of grace!

 

Now, you may not have ever participated in the organized persecution of Christians as Paul did, but we are every bit as dependent on God’s saving grace as Paul was.

 

You and I came into this life with a fallen, sinful nature that has a way of always turning toward the self, rather than to the Lord. We, by nature, have a mind that is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law and will never submit to God’s law. We are, by nature, enemies of God.

 

Yet, just as Jesus was not content to let Paul continue on his road to hell, Jesus does not want to see any of us lost. So, like Paul, Jesus has come to us.

 

Just as He did for Paul, Jesus came to you personally to give you the new life that He purchased for you on the cross and through His bodily resurrection. By water and the Word, Jesus shined His light into our dark hearts. And having paid our ransom on the cross, He comes to us personally as He unshackles our bondage to sin and death.

 

Just as Jesus cared for Paul, He also cares for you as He continues to come to us in His Word and at His Table as He comforts us with His forgiveness, which strengthens us in His grace as He gives us peace. 

 

Like Paul, we did not have earn salvation through our merit, since salvation is the free gift of God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus alone.

 

From persecutor of the faith to defender of the faith, Paul would never cease to marvel at this grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in welcoming even a servant such as he. If this “chief of sinners” can be the Lord’s, so can any sinner. If Jesus can turn around someone like Paul, then who is there beyond the hope of repentance? There is not one! Through the work of the Holy Spirit, there is always hope for the unrepentant sinner to come to repentance and faith. For that, all glory to the Savior’s grace, all glory to the triune God alone, who turns and captures hearts to do His bidding! Amen.

 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

 keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.  

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

"The Great Confessions" (Acts 4:8-13) - The Confession of St. Peter

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Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen! Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

 

In this season of Epiphany, we celebrate the revelation of Jesus to the world as God’s only Son, and our only Savior from the power of sin, death, and the devil. But today, in particular, we celebrate the confession of St. Peter, which is not really about Peter, but about his confession.

 

To His apostles, Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29a). And this has been the question put to every person ever since. Who is Jesus?

 

Peter and the other apostles had seen Jesus do ordinary things. They saw Him eat and drink, grow tired and sleep, tell stories, and even pray. But they’d also seen Him do things that no other human being could ever do. They saw Jesus walk on water as though it were dry land! They saw Jesus command the winds and they obeyed! They saw Jesus multiply five loaves of bread and two fish to feed the vast multitudes. They heard Jesus speak words of truth that cut to the heart like no one ever could. Who is Jesus?

 

On that day in Caesarea Philippi, Peter spoke up for the Twelve and for all Christians of all ages saying, “You are the Christ!” (Mark 8:29b).

 

What Peter is saying on the behalf of the other apostles is that Jesus is the One for whom they and all of Israel have long waited. He is saying, “Jesus, You are the promised King of Israel from David’s line. Jesus, You are one of us, yet, You are so much more. Jesus, You are the Son of the living God!”

 

That is a great confession! Then Jesus says, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood had not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).

 

This confession was a real turning point in Christ’s ministry. This great confession of faith at Caesarea Philippi is certainly worth remembering. But could there be a greater confession?

 

In our First Reading this morning from Acts 4, this same Peter speaks another confession as he and John stand before the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews and boldly speaks: “Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead – by Him” (Acts 4:10) we healed a lame man. This time, Peter’s life is on the line. Yes, his confession at Caesarea Philippi was certainly a great confession, but could this confession before the Sanhedrin be a greater confession?

 

Certainly, Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi took divine insight, but it didn’t take much courage. It didn’t take much courage to confess in front of Jesus and the others. To tell Jesus that He was the Christ was more like the “Sunday School answer.” Peter, then, had nothing to fear. But Peter, now, has much to fear. This confession to the Sanhedrin could mean his life is cut short.

 

And Peter doesn’t stop here, He continues with an even greater confession saying, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Such courage!

 

In our collect for today, we prayed: “Heavenly Father, You revealed to the apostle Peter the blessed truth that Your Son Jesus is the Christ. Strengthen us by the proclamation of this truth that we too may joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else.” This prayer is also a confession.

 

But do we always joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus? This is easy for us to confess on a Sunday morning or Monday evening here in the friendly confines of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, but what about out there? We are like Peter at Caesarea Philippi in here. But what is it like out there?

 

It certainly takes more courage to confess Jesus as the Christ out there, especially when the world is practically pagan. Many places of work openly mock Jesus. Many places of education openly mock Jesus. 

 

What about to your non-Christian friends or family? Do you joyfully confess Christ to them?

 

It certainly takes more courage than Peter at Caesarea Philippi for us to say to our non-believing friends and family that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. 

 

So, was Peter’s confession before the Sanhedrin his greater confession?

 

Certainly, Peter’s confession before the Sanhedrin was great – and it was indeed braver, because it could have cost him his life. 

 

But in the end, it was no greater than his confession at Caesarea Philippi. They are both great and greater as both confessions confessed Jesus to be the Christ.

 

Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi was great because Jesus is the suffering Christ, the Son of the living God. Peter’s confession before the Sanhedrin was great because Jesus, who was crucified, raised and ascended, saves us.

 

You see, both of Peter’s confessions were great, because Jesus is great.

 

So, no matter how you confess Jesus to your family or friends to help them understand His truth more fully, you are making a great confession.

 

But there is no greater confession than the one that so many of us made without even saying a word – it was when the Holy Spirit brought us to confess the triune God through our Baptism. This morning, Bella, though with words, made that great confession as the Holy Spirit brought her to the waters of Holy Baptism.

 

And we also make a great confession each time we, among our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ meet at the Communion rail to receive Christ’s Body and Blood for the forgiveness of our sins as we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again.

 

As we confess Jesus to be the Christ, this is the confession Christ Himself uses to build His Church. You see, those gates of hell do not stand a chance against this confession. Through this confession, the Holy Spirit still calls and gathers, enlightens and sanctifies believers. And through it, Jesus binds hearts to Him and builds up His Church as the very temple of God upon earth.

 

Today, is not only the day we remember St. Peter’s great confessions, as today is also Sanctity of Life Sunday. As fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we not only confess Jesus as our Redeemer, but we also confess Jesus as our Creator. We confess with the Psalmist: “I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

 

Every single human being, from the least to the greatest, was carefully handmade by God. He planned our all our days even before He skillfully knit us together in our mother’s wombs. So, we confess that all life is precious from conception to natural death. We confess that all lives have value. We confess that Jesus purchased all lives – those born and unborn – “with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), which was His holy precious blood. Jesus bore the shame of the cross to grant us peace with God.

 

For “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved” (Romans 10:9-10). 

 

So, let us all joyfully confess Jesus to be the Christ, the Creator and Redeemer, the Savior of the world! Amen.

 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

 keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.  

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +