Month: November 2014

Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Date: Pentecost XXIV (Proper 29) + 11/23/14

On the last Sunday of the Church Year, the last word is about judgment day. We have spent three Sundays in Matthew chapter 25. All of this resulted from the disciples’ question back in chapter 24, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” Jesus began to answer by saying, “See that no one leads you astray” because many false prophets, preachers, predictors of the future will come. Many people today have questions about a so-called judgment day and of the second coming, the return of Christ. It is a common mistake that people race to the Book of Revelation thinking that’s what this mysterious book is all about. Today we urge people rather to “race to” this chapter of Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus gives the clear answer. Continue reading “Eternal Life”

Text: Zephaniah 1:7-16 / Matthew 25:14-30
Date: Pentecost XXIII (Proper 28a) + 11/16/14

“Be silent.” “Be silent before the Lord God! For near (very near) is the day of the Lord.” St. Paul wrote, “we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped” (Rom 3:19). Jesus concludes the Parable of the Talents with the words, “cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Mt 25:30). And thank you for not giggling as we then said, “This is the Gospel of the Lord.” For the Gospel of salvation through the forgiveness of sins to be applied to anyone the Law of God must first say, “Be silent” “so that every mouth may be stopped.” For you have nothing to say, no worthiness or righteousness in yourself with which to bargain with God.

If you don’t believe that, hear the word of the Lord, for the day of the Lord is near. What is that day? “On that day I will punish all who have sinned and fallen short of my glory; I will punish those who are complacent” who do not really take my word to heart, both for good and for ill. “The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast,” a day of wrath (dies irae), a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry.” “In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

On that day, says our Lord, “it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.” God the creator has entrusted His creation to mankind, to have dominion over it, “to work it and keep it” (Gen 2:15). So what do we do with it? What have we done?

The parable is about God’s people, His Christians who work and keep what He has given bringing forth good fruits of their labor. These receive the praise and honor and benediction, “Well done, good and faithful servant…. Enter into the joy of your master.” Because you have allowed God to change you, to cause you to repent, to see your real need and to despair of your own powers or abilities (blessed are the poor in spirit), that Day of the Lord, the last day will not be one of punishment, of darkness and gloom, distress and anguish, weeping or the gnashing of teeth, but will be bright with the light of the grace and glory and salvation of God. Remain faithful over the little He has given you and you will receive the crown of life.

Those who hear only the Law of God, however, who consider God to be only a wrathful judge will hear just what they expect, “You wicked and slothful servant!” and will be cast into the outer darkness, eternal separation from God with no hope of return. So the Law and the Gospel together speak today saying there still is hope. Turn from your proud, spiritually blind ways and turn to the Lord God who is merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Notice that neither of the first two servants in the parable were invited to enter “heaven” or “the kingdom,” but to “enter into the joy of your master.” In other words they were already citizens and members of the kingdom of heaven here by faith in their Savior, enjoying His provision and gifts just like you are albeit through tears and struggle. What they longed for, what we are to long for, is the final joy of being rid of sin which hangs on until sin itself is ended and we attain the fullness of salvation.

Dear fellow baptized and redeemed by Christ, we are ready every day to enter the joy of our master. Until then let us joyfully use the gifts God has given us to His glory and the benefit of our neighbors, however impressive or however simple they may be, according to our particular vocation or station in life. It is our witness and works of mercy in our life together, the fellowship of the faithful that our Master and Lord and gracious God desires from you and for you. May you live in the joyful hope of hearing that final benediction on that day of the Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your master.”

Text: Matthew 25:6
Date: Pentecost XXII (Proper 27) + 11/9/14

I always remind people, “God is in the business of blessing.” Most often I say this to a pastor who is considering whether to accept or return a new call. When you remember that God is in the business of blessing, this means you are freed to choose either one for whatever reasons. So it is for young people trying to decide which direction, which school or which vocation in life to pursue, or for one of the many other decisions we are called upon to make as we wend our way through and to an unknown future. Now certainly it is easier to believe that God is in the business of blessing when times are good, when things are going well, when you are happy with your circumstances. It is a little more difficult, however, to see God’s blessings when things go wrong, when troubles increase or when death approaches and seems to be the final, unavoidable winner. Continue reading “Midnight Voices”