"Crèche" (Advent Midweek 3)

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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:

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18).

 

People throughout the world decorate this Advent season – and even last month – with Christmas trees, evergreens, and electric lights. Even non-Christians decorate. But there is a decoration that is distinctively Christian. There is a decoration that captures the true story and true message of Christmas. Tonight, we will look at how the creche, a model of the nativity scene, helps us prepare for the coming of Christ.

 

The creche is an explicitly Christian symbol because it presents the people involved in the birth of Christ, such as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi, and even the angels and some farm animals. Prince of Peace is blessed to have so many nativity scenes. In fact, we use the creche as a witness to define the real reason for the season. 

 

The word “creche” derives from Latin and means “nursery.” In fact, even today, it is the French word for nursery or childhood center. And in many other European countries, “creche” refers to a nursery school where infants and other young children are cared for during the day while their parents are at work.

 

This word “creche” has been transferred from this context of baby care to the scene which the greatest Baby in history was attended by His mother and guardian as well as the shepherds and in most cases, the Magi. But, here in America, the creche is most associated with the Biblical nativity scene in which figures are arranged to depict the event of Jesus’ birth.

 

The creche has been a decoration for Advent and Christmas for centuries. It has been depicted in frescos, paintings and reliefs. It has been reenacted with living people and animals since at least the 1300s. 

 

But it is most common to see plaster statues or wooden figures of the Holy Family and their guests.

 

By the 1800s, many Christian churches, including Lutherans, began embracing the use of creches in their churches. Eventually, Christians began using them at their homes.

 

The creche is a visible representation of the people who attended the birth of Jesus as depicted in the accounts of Matthew 2 and Luke 2. The creche provides us with a visible and tangible representation of the setting and event of Christ’s birth. It enables us to see with our eyes and touch with our hands the scenario in which Christ’s first advent occurred. Since God has created us with multiple senses, the creche engages our abilities to see and touch to support the hearing of His Word, the events of the birth of the Messiah.

 

You see, the advent of our Lord didn’t happen in a spiritual fantasy land but in real time among real people in this very real creation. St. John affirms the reality of the incarnate Christ, writing: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life … that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1, 3).

 

But I will admit that I have an issue with the creche, or nativity scene. Many of you may know what I am going to say. Take a look at our creche under the Christmas tree. Who is missing? The Magi. But I am kind enough to have the Magi on the outskirts of the sanctuary. Why do you think the Magi are over there and not with the rest of the scene?

 

Well, it’s because the Magi did not arrive in Bethlehem at the birth of the Christ Child. They actually arrived some months later. So, that’s why I have them make their arrival on the day of Epiphany. And when they did finally arrive, they didn’t see Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:12), but saw Jesus being held in Mary’s arms inside a house (Matthew 2:11). 

 

However, the creche reveals that the very Son of God was born in a very earthly setting, laid in a manger, with livestock surrounding and hay abounding. He was laid in a feeding trough. God entered this world as a small and helpless infant, dependent upon His mother for food and protection. The creche attests to the reality that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). This humble setting displays the One “who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7).

 

The creche points us to the ongoing humiliation of Jesus for our salvation that He being fully God became man in order to die for us. “And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross” (Philippians 2:8). 

 

Remember, Jesus did not remain in the manger. He would grow up to be “despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. … But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:3, 5).

 

Jesus came in humble circumstances to share our humanity and become the Savior for sinners. The creche reminds us of His humble beginnings on earth.

 

The creche attests to what Christmas is all about. It presents in visible and tangible form the people and events of Jesus’ birth described in Matthew and Luke. This decoration of the nativity scene prepares us to celebrate the advent of the Baby who was born to save His people from their sins.

 

Amen. Come Lord Jesus.

 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

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

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

"The Source of Eternal Salvation" (Hebrews 5:7-9)

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In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9).

 

What is it that we are gathered here tonight to celebrate – the death of an innocent man? Is that truly a cause for celebration? Is it that the Lord knows what we go through because He has tasted the bitterness of extreme suffering and death? Why are we here tonight?

 

The reading of the Passion tells us the facts of tonight, but it is tonight’s epistle that opens our eyes to see what these facts mean. These are the facts: Jesus of Nazareth is nailed to a wooden cross. He suffers. He lacks breath. He speaks, “It is finished” (John 19:30). He dies. What makes Good Friday, good? What is there to celebrate? Why should there be any joy in the death of Jesus?

 

To this question, the Book of Hebrews gives us the answer: “[Jesus] was heard because of His reverence. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:7-9).

 

If we want to truly understand what Good Friday meant to Jesus, it is “reverent submission.” Jesus is clear that the events of Good Friday came to Him from His Father. He received the gifts His Father gave, even the gift of suffering and the gift of death. As He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will”(Matthew 26:39). 

 

Now, Jesus is fully and completely God, but even as God, He learned as He became fully man. He learned obedience from what He suffered. And what does God require of all of us? He requires obedience. He requires the obedience that we refuse to render.

 

God loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son so that you could have eternal life by faith in Him. Jesus came in human flesh so that He would be the Man who would be man enough to be obedient to God the Father.

 

The eternal Son of God took on our human flesh knowing that He would suffer and die for all of humanity. He took on our human flesh knowing that the only way for mankind to be reconciled to God was through the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins. So, Jesus said to His Father: “Your will be done.”

 

Tonight is a day of celebration, because God provided us Jesus as our substitute, who was perfectly obedient to God the Father, even through extreme agony. So, all of the obedience we have failed to render to God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ goes forth to render on behalf of all – for you, for me.

 

As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, the darkness of the world’s sin wrapped around Him and the horror of the world’s damnation washed over Him, but He remained completely attuned and perfectly submissive to His Father’s holy will for us. Jesus learned the full cost of that obedience, carrying it beyond anyone else has ever taken. “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). And “being made perfect” through the cross and tomb, He “became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). The high priests of old had to offer sacrifices year after year, but Jesus, the Great High Priest, His blood “cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

 

But is there a caveat here? Salvation is only for those who obey Jesus? Yes. But you and I are poor, miserable sinners. How do we obey Jesus? Well, we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him and “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 3:23). Faith is obedience to God and is worked in us by God’s grace through His Means of Grace – Word and Sacrament. Just as our faith is not our doing, but God’s. So is how we obey. We learn to obey as God’s gift through the Holy Spirit so that we can live with God and for God through faith’s obedience.

 

This is the joy of Good Friday. God has given us the source of salvation – the only source of salvation – and that is faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s gift of salvation for you! Through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in you, you know that your sins have been completely paid for on the cross of Jesus, that your death has been destroyed in His dying, and that you will pass with your Lord through the gate of death to a joyful resurrection. Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

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

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

Sermon for Palm Sunday: "The Right Mindset" (Philippians 2:5-11)

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:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Philippians 2:5-6).

 

The Apostle Paul knew well the mindset of human beings. We are selfish and conceited. We look to our own interests.

 

Our natural mindset is to want things our way. I deserve it. I want it my way. By nature, we are self-centered and self-focused. We think of self first.

 

Now, this is nothing new. In fact, this is as old as humanity itself as this has been man’s mindset since the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We want what we want, and we want it now, and we want it the easy way. 

 

§  Instead of being patient in saving up money through hard work and sacrifice, we would much rather strike it rich through the lottery, sports betting, casino gambling.

§  Instead of paying off those student loans through sacrifice and determination, we would much rather have someone else pay off our financial debts. 

§  Credit cards are super easy, so I can get whatever I want even if I don’t have the money. Now, credit cards are great to get points and rewards, but only if you pay them off each month. If not, credit card interest rates can easily lead to financial ruin. 

 

But what’s the issue with all these illustrations? It’s all about self: me, me, me.

 

You see, the natural human mindset is sinful. It doesn’t want to fear, love, and trust in God above all things. It doesn’t want to love our neighbor as yourself. Now, sin does do something. It destroys Christian congregations and unity in the one true Christian faith. It does destroy personal and family relationships. 

 

This natural human mindset even believes you can be your own god. So, we think that we do not need the true God directing us in how we live. I know God says that abortion is murder, but I have the right to choose myself. I know God says that He created man male and female, but what about how I feel inside? This natural human mindset says that we can direct our own lives.

 

This is what Paul was aware of when he encouraged the Philippians to a whole new mindset.

 

It is only Christ Jesus who brings us to His mindset. Christ transforms our mindset by taking the form of a servant and being born in our likeness. This mindset that Christ calls us to have is that of a servant. As Christ served us, He calls us to serve one another. Now, we could never serve one another as Christ served us. He is God after all. He served us despite being rejected, mocked, and hated.

 

Christ served us as “He humbled Himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Death on the cross was for criminals. Through Him taking upon Himself yours and my sins – the sins of the entire world – He became the chief of sinners, yet Himself without sin. He allowed the sin of the entire world to be nailed through His flesh and bone. He suffered the agony of the world’s sin in a slow and suffering death.

 

But with His shed blood and His death, Christ atoned for our sins of being self-centeredness, envy, and pride. In fact, every single sin of yours and mine – and the entire world – was paid for through Christ’s cross. 

 

Through Christ’s atoning death and bodily resurrection, we, by grace through faith in Him, have a new mindset: we are forgiven in Jesus Christ.

 

The Holy Spirit leads us with this new mindset to worship the Savior that we didn’t even think that we needed, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

 

When Christ comes again in all glory and dominion, descending from the clouds, like it or not, every knee will bow before Jesus. Those with saving faith and those who scorned Jesus. In awe or in terror, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

 

Because Christ has redeemed us from our sin, through His atoning suffering and death, we, in Christ, now live the mindset of Christ.

 

We now look to Jesus as the Holy Spirit enables us to live humbly. We look to Jesus day after day, week after week. We look to Jesus today as He forgives you through His Means of Grace: Absolution, His Word, and at His altar. Now forgiven, you have eternal life now, so you live a life that is not seeking recognition, but a life that is for others. You share the good news of salvation in Christ with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors! You welcome them to hear this good news here at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church!

 

With the mindset of Christ, rather than having “selfish ambition or conceit, [we live] in humility as we count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). So now, through the Holy Spirit, we look not only to our own self-interests, but also to the interests of others. In Christ, we want to be of help to others in need. In Christ, we want to witness Him to them through our actions and our words. 

 

On this Palm Sunday, the Passion of Our Lord Sunday, Jesus was on the march toward Calvary, a march that began in Bethlehem and continued to the Jordan River. A march that led to His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. To the shouts of “hosanna,” Jesus was welcomed as a king, but by Thursday, He would be betrayed and delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, then on Friday, He would be mocked, spit upon, flogged, and killed. 

 

But the King of kings would not remain dead in the grave. He would rise again, so that we can live our lives to His glory and praise Him as He has destroyed the power of our evil foes: sin, eternal death, and the devil.

 

As we begin Holy Week, we glorify our Lord as we gather here again on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and of course, the reason we receive His gifts on Sunday, the Resurrection of Our Lord on Easter.

 

May the Lord always keep you in the right mindset – His mindset – as we love God and serve our neighbor. Amen.

 

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

 

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

Sermon for the Circumcision and Name of Jesus: "He Was Called Jesus" (Luke 2:21)

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:

Happy Eighth Day of Christmas! On the Eighth Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Eight maids a-milking. These eight maids a-milking represent the eight beatitudes that Christ spoke as part of His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.

 

Now, tucked between the “Gloria in Excelsis” of Christmas Day and the “Nunc Dimittis” spoken by Simeon 40 days after Christ’s birth, we have a single verse. It looks insignificant, but that single verse is extremely significant for Jesus, and for us and our salvation.

 

 “And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21).

 

Nine months earlier, the angel Gabriel came to the virgin Mary and said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:30-33).

 

By God’s ceremonial Law command, every male child was to be circumcised on the eighth day. And by circumcision, the child was incorporated into God’s covenant with Israel, dating back to Abraham. The circumcision and naming of a child on the eighth day would be equivalent to a Christian Baptism today. However, as important as Baptism’s are for Christians, the circumcision wasn’t a temple event. The circumcision was done locally, wherever the family lived and without any fanfare. It was like when a nurse comes to a mother’s hospital room and asks her to verify the information about her child to go on the birth certificate. The baby is being held by his mother as the faither smiles joyfully, but there is little to any fanfare.

 

On the eighth day, following the birth of their firstborn, Joseph and Mary did precisely what the angel Gabriel commanded. As faithful Jews, they did as the Lord had commanded them. So, on the eighth day of Jesus’ earthly life, they incorporated their Son into the Abrahamic covenant, which also included the official ceremony of the Child being given His name: “He was called Jesus” (Luke 2:21).

 

There are some names we like and some names that you and me may call “iffy.” Typically, children are named after a favorite uncle or aunt, grandfather, or grandmother. Children are typically named in honor of a special relationship we have or had with a person. In other words, the significance of a name can change depending on our experiences with a person or persons who bear that name.

 

Only God’s Name never changes its meaning. And God’s Name is Jesus. Literally, “Yahweh Saves.” Jesus is Lord of lords. Jesus is King of kings. Jesus is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

 

As the angel Gabriel said to Joseph, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).

 

The Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, is He who alone paid the redeeming price of His life for the sins of the world. Jesus, “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).

 

Because of what Christ alone has done for us and for our salvation, through inspiration, St. Paul tells us, “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name, so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

 

And oddly enough, although Joseph and Mary named their Child Jesus, it wasn’t them who named their Son. It was God Himself, through the angel Gabriel. Jesus, who is fully God from eternity, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, He named Himself, since He came as the Savior from the powers of sin, eternal death, and Satan’s tyranny.

The Second Commandment teaches us: “You shall not misuse the Name of the Lord your God.” And we begin the Lord’s Prayer with: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.” So, we ought to not misuse God’s Name, but hold His Name sacred. We ought to call upon God’s Name in times of trouble, whether it is doubt, despair, or sickness. When we call upon His name, He promises to deliver you.

 

We also ought to call upon God’s Name in praise and thanksgiving. This is what we do at each Divine Service. Here, we praise God’s Name when we say the Gloria Patri: “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.”

 

Indeed, the Prophet Isaiah also gives God other names: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Isaiah also gives God another name: “Immanuel.” “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14), which means God with us.

 

But the Name above all Names is Jesus. For in the Name Jesus, we are told of His purpose: Yahweh Saves. He will save His people from their sins.

 

We, too, have been given a name. We are called Christians, meaning followers of Christ. St. Paul writes, “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).

 

So, through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, we have been given Christ’s Name. And we have become heirs according to the promise. We have been re-created as children of God. Our sins are forgiven through Jesus Christ alone. And so, we live in repentance and faith in Him, for He is our Savior. Our Savior, who is called Jesus. Amen.

 

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

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

Sermon for Pentecost 25: "Don't Forget Your Calling" (Matthew 25:14-30)

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: “For [the kingdom of heaven] will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability” (Matthew 25:14-15a).

 

Our Scripture from last week, this week, and next week are focusing on the return of Jesus and His judgment of the living and the dead. We could call these weeks “pre-Advent,” since the focus is on Christ’s coming. We began this theme last week with the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Today, this theme continues with the Parable of the Talents.

 

The focus on Christ’s return leads to several attitudes among Christians. On one hand, we long for His return and the full realization of His reign over the new heavens and new earth. So, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus. On the other hand, this reality also causes many of us to hope for His delay, so that those in our family and others in our lives who are living apart from Jesus could have time to hear and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, we pray fervently for God to work through His Church to bring more into His fold. So, preaching these last weeks of the Church Year – to which I call “pre-Advent” – is both about an expectant hope for Jesus to return and an urgency in the Church’s mission to proclaim the good news of salvation to the lost. Today, on this 25^th Sunday after Pentecost, Christ is warning His Church – you and me – to not forget who your Master is, so that you would be counted among His good and faithful servants.

 

Again, Jesus says to us: “For the [kingdom of heaven] will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away” (Matthew 25:14-15).

When the Master went away, He entrusted His servants with a stewardship. First thing to know here is that the Master is Jesus, who went away as He bodily ascended into heaven. But the mission wasn’t over. The Master entrusted His servants, which are you and me, with talents, which are various gifts He has placed in our lives.

 

As the Master went away, the one who received five talents made five talents more. The one who received two talents made two talents more. But the one who received one talent dug his talent into the ground and hid his Master’s money.

 

So, what’s a “talent”? Well, a talent was a unit of money. A silver talent was worth about 7,300 denarii. A gold talent could be even 30 times more valuable than a silver talent. Remember, a denarius equaled one day’s wage. So, receiving just one talent is a sizeable amount of money.

 

Now, when we use this term “talent” for an ability or a skill, that is the meaning that Christ is using in this parable, for we all have considerable abilities and skills given to us by God. These talents include intellectual and physical abilities that we are born with and those that in time develop and mature. These talents include many opportunities God provides for us in serving Him and our neighbor.

 

So, after a long time and “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), the Master returns and He came to settle the accounts with His servants. Each servant came forward. The first servant said to his Master: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more” (Matthew 25:20). Then the second servant said to his Master: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more” (Matthew 25:22). To these first two servants, the Master says to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master” (Matthew 25:21, 23).

 

Now, notice what the Master pronounces here: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” You see, they had been faithful with their respective talents, and this was all their Master asked of them. They traded with the talents that were entrusted to them. 

 

And what exactly was entrusted to them in these talents? The Gospel. It’s Christ’s ministry. It is Christ’s mission: the Great Commission in baptizing and teaching all they knew in order to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). It is their faithfulness to the Gospel that these servants are commended for, rather than their accomplishments.

 

But then we come to the third servant. When it was his turn to settle his account, he said to his Master, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours” (Matthew 25:24-25).

 

Often times, our response is like that third servant. We don’t take risks. We would rather do what is safe. We would rather do what is easy. It’s safe being a Christian within these walls, but when we leave the church building, how often would you rather do what is easy by not showing you fruits of faith to others. The safe way, by hiding your Christian faith is the path of least resistance. Our fallen sinful nature would rather do safe things, rather than hard things, like discussing your Christian faith, inviting those living apart from Jesus to a Bible Study or devotions, or inviting your lapsed family member or your neighbor to church.

 

In recent years, there has been a growing cultural view that safety is our highest value. We demand guarantees of safety. But for those who live for safety alone, end up living joyless lives. This concern for safety can easily become a form of idolatry. This concern for safety is what so many fear, love, and trust in. By living for safety, we fear for our own personal wellbeing more than trusting God.

 

Now, this doesn’t mean that we seek out danger. That would be just stupid. But if we do God’s mission, if we do what He has entrusted us to do, most likely danger will seek us. Opposition will seek us, because this fallen world hates Jesus, and so you will be hated for Jesus’ sake. This is what we are to expect out there beyond these church walls in the mission field of West Salem, Bangor, Onalaska, La Crosse, Holmen, La Crescent, and Sparta. Hatred and opposition of Jesus is expected. So, it is a hazardous path following Jesus in this fallen sinful world, but this path is led by Jesus who always leads those who follow Him to eternal life.

 

With regard to these three servants, the first two servants differ only as to the number of talents; otherwise they are identical, and both double their number. The contrast is between those who acted and the one who did not. This third servant rejected his Master by refusing to serve Him in any way.

 

By refusing His Master, this third servant’s talent was taken away from him. Since he hid his faith from the world, by living in accord with the fallen world, this servant was cast into the outer darkness of hell where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30).

 

In the Parable of the Tenants, this third servant played it safe. He didn’t tell others about Jesus. He didn’t show his fruits of faith. And we must confess that we often play it safe as well. For this, repent and receive Christ’s forgiveness. Turn to Christ and proclaim His saving grace to others who are desperate to hear it.

 

As we may desire to play it safe, there is One Servant who never played it safe. His mission was supremely perilous. This Servant knew that to advance the kingdom of God took sacrifice, His Sacrifice. It involved ridicule and danger. The Apostle Paul wrote: “[Jesus Christ] though he was in the form of God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).

 

Jesus Christ took the hazardous path. He took the way of sorrows and it cost Him His life. God the Father sent Him on this mission that we – in our fallen sinful nature – could not accomplish, and He did it all for you. Through His death, He delivers to you who have repentant faith, pardon for your sin and idolatry. And His death was not the final word. His bodily resurrection is the stamp of approval of His mission and ministry. To Christ, God the Father said: “Well done, good and faithful Servant.”

 

Remember, the Master has entrusted you with His property, which is the proclamation of the good news of salvation to all people, to baptize and teach the good news. But you may still be thinking: “I can’t do much. What can I do?” To this, the Master says, “I give to you according to your ability.”Today, our Master is here to strengthen your weak faith. Today, our Master is here to strengthen your ability to use your talents out in the mission field of this fallen world. Today, our Master is here to strengthen you through His Word and Sacrament. You see, it is not you alone doing the work, it is the Holy Spirit that He gives you in the Means of Grace that does His work in you!

 

The point of today’s parable is don’t neglect your Master who has given you various talents that He has entrusted to you to use in proclaiming the mission of God. The other point of this parable is to not forget who you are: you are a servant of this Master. This is your vocation, your calling. So, as you wait for the Master’s return, we are to serve Him and our neighbor. In this time of waiting, we use our lives for Him and His will. And when He returns, He will treat you the same way that He treats all of His servants who serve Him. He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. For everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance” (Matthew 25:20, 23, 29a). Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

 

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

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +

Sermon for Lenten Midweek 1: "The Second Commandment" (Exodus 20:7)

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:

This evening we continue our study on God’s Law, The Ten Commandments. Last week, the First Commandment instructed our hearts to have a perfect fear, love, and trust in God. You see, trust in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is the foundation for our life and every Commandment.

 

The First Commandment is all about our hearts – where we place our trust. This evening, we move to our mouths and tongues – the Second Commandment. So, how does your mouth show what’s in your heart? How does your tongue confess the trust of your heart?

 

God commands us: “You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain” (Exodus 20:7a). To this, Luther says in his Large Catechism: “It means misusing the name when we call upon the Lord God – no matter how – in order to deceive or do wrong of any kind.”

 

For several centuries before Christ’s Incarnation, as a way to not break this Commandment, Jews developed a prohibition against vocalizing the divine Name of God known as the “Tetragrammaton,” the Hebrew four letter name “YHWH.” 

 

Even to this day, pious Jews continue avoiding the divine Name when reading the Hebrew Scriptures and instead vocalize “Adonai,” meaning “Lord,” as a substitute. The thought was that by not vocalizing the divine Name, there are fewer opportunities to misuse it. This practice has continued in English Bible translations where the word “Lord” replaces “YHWH.” Now, nothing in the Scriptures prohibits Christians from vocalizing the divine Name, but Christians have been influenced by this Jewish tradition. Is this what God means by “You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain”? Not exactly. You see, we are not to avoid His Name, but we are to speak His Name, just not in vain.

 

The Apostle Paul writes: “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). 

Did you see how the heart and tongue are tied together? What you trust in your heart comes out what you say with your mouth. And what you say with your mouth reveals what you trust in your heart. In fact, God takes this Commandment so seriously that He adds a threat to it: “For the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

 

So, when you curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by God’s Name, you are using God’s Name in an empty or frivolous way.

 

First, what does God mean by “Name”? Jesus commands His disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Is this what God means by “Name”? Well, the “Name” is not the titles “Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Spirit,” but the singular divine Name that these Three Persons of the one God share. Jesus revealed to us the mystery of YHWH to be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The oneness of the Persons is taught in their sharing of the same Name. The Apostle Paul understands that the crucified and risen Jesus possesses the divine Name because that is “the name that is above every name,” at which “every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:9-10).

 

So, the Name is YHWH, the One God in three Persons: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But how might we take the name of the Lord your God in vain?

 

We often use God’s Name to cover up our wrongdoing when we say: “God forgives me” not of repentance, but only to cover up our sin. How often do we cover up our sin? How often do we choose not to confess the sin, but try to gloss over it and forget about it?

 

How often do you dress yourself with God’s Name claiming to be right? “God said I could!” How often do we try to justify and lie by calling on God’s Name and using His Name as a cloak for our shame? I have heard many say: “I am doing the work of God” when they are promoting sin and vice.

 

In the same way, Christians are to avoid flippant use of any names or titles for God in interjections such as “O my God!” Or for those who text: “OMG.” Or using “Jesus Christ” as an interjection. Instead, we are to hallow God’s Name by confessing Jesus as Lord and worship Him.

 

Remember, “the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His Name in vain” (Exodus 20:7b). But the promise is greater than the threat. Not only does God tell us what not to do with His Name, but He also tells us what to do. And this is a wonderful, gracious, and merciful invitation. God gives you His Name for you to use. 

 

You see, God wants you to call upon His Name in trouble. He says: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15). God says, “Here is My Name. I want you to have it and use it well. Call upon Me, because I want to deliver you and help you.”

 

You see, when you are in any trouble – whether it is doubt, despair, or sickness – God promises to deliver you. And when He delivers you, He does it for His honor and glory. So, we can say, “Lord God, protect me!” and “Help me, dear Lord Jesus!”

 

Now, sin is our true trouble. And when you call upon God for rescue from sin, He always delivers you from your trouble of sin. He doesn’t do this just because you called Him. He does this because of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. That’s why God the Father sent His only Son to the cross. Jesus bore and honored God’s Name for you. Jesus was cursed to remove the curse from you. Jesus Himself called upon His Father to deliver you from eternal trouble: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Because of Jesus, we are forgiven.

 

Another way we keep God’s Name is by calling upon His Name in praise and thanksgiving. We keep His Name as we give thanksgiving to Him at meals and other prayers. We give praise and thanksgiving to His Name by simply responding to His life-giving Word by confessing with our tongues to others of the forgiveness and salvation we have in Jesus. Also, here in the Church’s liturgy, we praise the Lord through speaking the Gloria Patri to which we confess that it is YHWH who is praised in none other than the one God who has revealed Himself to be the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as we say, “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.”

 

You see, in our liturgy, God graciously teaches us how to call upon Him. Here, God tenderly invites us to pray, praise, and give thanks.

 

God teaches us how to use His Name by honoring His Name and keeping His Name constantly on our lips. So, true honor to God and His Name is that we use our mouths to call upon Him for our needs and in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Amen.

 

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

 

+ SOLI DEO GLORIA +