Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–9; Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost; September 1, 2024;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today? “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children— (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6–9, ESV)

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Okay, this text says, "O Israel, listen to the statutes and rules that I'm teaching you." So, what in the world does this have to do with us? In fact, why should we spend any time at all listening to the moldy rules that God set up for the people of Israel? Hey, if you spend very much time arguing about the question of homosexuality you get this very question. They always want to compare the Old Testament laws about foods and other things with God's requirement for marriage to be between a man and woman. The question you always hear is: "If laws for bidding homosexual behavior are still binding, then so is every obscure Old Testament law (stoning of adulterers, not mixing seed in the field, etc.)" It seems like a very logical question. But it flatly ignores the biblical distinction between ceremonial, civil, and moral laws in the Old Testament. Ceremonial laws were binding on Israel as part of God's covenant with them. The civil laws only applied to the nation of Israel at the time. Only the moral laws including those about homosexual behavior carry over into the new covenant era. This is because God's moral nature never changes. His requirements for human behavior in the moral sphere are permanent. I usually like to point it out this way. Can you give me a list of 10 things that describe God's requirements for human behavior in a way that's easy to understand? Of course this is the 10 Commandments. This is the very reason we study these first in confirmation classes. If you asked the question "Does Jesus want us to keep the 10 Commandments" the only valid answer is yes. Jesus and St. Paul uphold God's moral requirement for people. For example, St. Paul referring to Jesus' words:

For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:9–10, ESV)

And the example of that is the Gospel reading for today is about what defiles people not being what they eat but what's in the heart.

God is deadly serious about his moral requirements for human beings. His requirements are for all people for all time. Sometimes we Christians fall into the trap of thinking that God does not require us to be morally pure. But if you look over the 10 Commandments and especially Martin Luther's explanations you can't come away with the idea that God expects anything less than perfect obedience. Anytime Christians say in relation to the 10 Commandments something like "I do the best I can, and let God worry about the rest" we are making light of God's moral requirements for human beings. God clearly requires perfection when it comes to moral behavior. If you think any different you only must listen to a few interchanges between God and his people regarding his moral requirements. Listen to Deuteronomy 4:

Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anything that the Lord your God has forbidden you. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:23–24, ESV)

Or just look at what you memorized for confirmation class, used as part of Dr. Martin Luther's explanation of all the commandments:

You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:5–6, ESV)

And will God make these threats of his wrath very clear, his people know that God is always ready to forgive.

‘The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’” (Numbers 14:18, ESV)

God goes to great lengths to remind his people in the Old Testament that he is indeed their God. From our text today, "For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?" Repeatedly he speaks of his love for them, his nearness to them. He is their God, and they are his people. He is the one who brought them out of Egypt and save them from Pharaoh's bondage. He is the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. He continues to love them, and he is always near them.

God is near to his people for their benefit. He heals broken hearts. He forgives sins and gives comfort. He protects from those who are their enemies. And… He promises to save them by coming himself as their Messiah, called Immanuel, which means "God with us". The ultimate coming "near" of God.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)

This promise is fulfilled in Jesus. He is God and man together in human flesh. The ultimate expression of God with us, God "near" us. This is God very "near". Through trust in him we have salvation, that is reconciliation with God. Punishment we deserve, for our imperfect obedience, is laid on Jesus on the cross. He is our great deliverer and Savior. Those who have "met" Jesus through faith, love him. Listen to the apostle John:

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:15-16, 19, ESV)

This is God near not only to his Old Testament people but to you and me. In Galatians 3 St. Paul makes the connection between us, God's children through faith, and the children of Abraham.

Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” (Galatians 3:7–9, ESV)

So, in the face of our inability to keep God's commandments perfectly, as he demands, we have God's promises to his people. The promises given to Israel for deliverance from sin and God's love and nearness. God near his people is a reality for us.

What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,” (2 Corinthians 6:16–17, ESV)

This is God's nearness to us. Here in this place. He comes in his Word and Sacraments. He comes to us in the gathered "body of Christ". Those of faith who are gathered all around us. In Holy Baptism he gives us access to this family through his adoption as sons (and daughters). In the Lord's supper we are near to God as he comes to us in his body and blood, "with Angels archangels and all the company of heaven". And he comes near to forgive. All of this is our connection to Immanuel, "God with us", who comes to save. Jesus Christ our Savior whose life death and resurrection reconciles us to God.

How does this "nearness of God" play out in our lives. Through the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness that Jesus gives, his nearness to us means that we can joyfully bear the fruit of obedience: The Apostle John:

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:5–11, ESV)

This is "good news" that we must share. God commanded his people, Israel, to make known his nearness to their children and their children's children. And this is also ours to give to our children and our children's children. Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Mark 6:34; The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost; July 21, 2024;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

When [Jesus] went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34, ESV)

Grace and Peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jesus had compassion. That God himself would have compassion on human beings is a radical statement. The Greek gods, the Roman gods, didn’t have compassion. Human beings, they say, were created for their amusement. Those gods took advantage, taunted, deceived and belittled people. But the true God has compassion. Jesus, God himself in human flesh, has compassion.

The Gospel, the Good News of Jesus, literally bleeds compassion. He does more than feed the people, although he did that, he feeds them with the Good News. Jesus immediate reaction to this compassion is to teach.

[Jesus] began to teach them many things.

Like Mary sitting at Jesus feet, listening to his teaching. Despite Martha’s insistence that she should be helping take care of all their guests, Jesus says what is important.

Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:42b, ESV)

That is Jesus having compassion. Repeatedly we see his compassion.

The word compassion in Greek is σπλαγχνίζομαι. It is onomatopoeia. That means it sounds like what it means. Splunk. You have heard of spelunking? It is cave exploring. You go deep into the bowels of the earth (something I would never do!). The word itself has to do with the bowels. When pagans would make an offering, they would splat the internal organs on the altar for sacrifice. splunk. The word speaks to the place Jesus’ compassion is found. Deep seated. Down in his bowels. It is compassion that led to great action. This compassion led Jesus to the cross. That is a picture of real compassion. Jesus’ shed his blood, for the sake of those on whom he had compassion. It shows his σπλαγχνίζομαι goes way beyond daily bread. Jesus’ compassion is about the forgiveness of sins. The cross was the only way for that to be accomplished. He teaches sinners about their sin and how he will accomplish forgiveness. He puts his compassion to practice as he takes the place of sinners on the cross. He suffers the pain and humiliation of a the very public spectacle of crucifixion (Despite the pictures of it, Jesus was likely total nude on the cross). He suffers the dreadful punishment of sinners. And it is not only physical torment; he suffers hell for sinners. He dies the death of sinners. Jesus, God and man, dies for sinners. Jesus is buried in the grave of sinners.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, ESV)

That is σπλαγχνίζομαι.



Jesus loves people. He created us as complete human beings. He understands our needs and wants, he created them, after all. But it is deeper than that. He became a human. He was hungry, he was thirsty, he cried, and he laughed. The world, corrupted by sin, fell on him full force. The gods of the old world sometimes appeared as human, but not like Jesus. He was human, completely and fully. Just think a little bit about what that really means. Jesus had compassion, σπλαγχνίζομαι, for people in dire straits. He saw suffering from illness, hunger, poverty, mistreatment, loneliness, directionlessness, depression, anger, hate, murder, plagued by demons, and facing death. Compassion was his response. It is the same as you feel when you see these things, only more. Because he was not only a man, but also God, he had God’s compassion. And God’s compassion always leads to action. Jesus healed, cast out demons, feed people, fought back against injustice, and even raised the dead. Jesus is God doing his proper work. That is, setting things back in order, curing the real problem for human beings, sin, death and hell. Compassion would have it no other way.

So, the question comes up, “If Jesus was so full of σπλαγχνίζομαι, why didn’t he just heal everyone, why didn’t he cure all the lepers, why didn’t he raise all the dead?” After all the people he did miracles for were only a handful of humanity. It is a great question. Why God, did I have to suffer through a divorce? Why did my parents die from cancer? You have similar questions of your own. The answer is: I don’t know. What I know is faulty, corrupted by sin, and self-centered. But God is driven by love and compassion. God has complete and perfect knowledge. God is never self-centered. You see that clearly in Jesus.

For our sake [the Father] made [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

And being found in human form, [Jesus] humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, ESV)

We have all played the game, “If I was God for a day.” Well, thank God, I’m not God. By the way, I thank God that you are not God, too. He does all things perfectly. That means when we suffer all the things that living in a world broken by sin, we can be assured that God only allows all those things to happen for our benefit, our perfect benefit, that is. After all he says in his Word,

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)

“All things” that means the death of loved ones, illness, anything that happens to you for “for good”.

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:19, ESV)

Faith is the call to believe despite what it looks like and the heart ache it causes. That doesn’t mean we understand why, it only means we put our trust in Jesus knowing that he is faithful and full of compassion, σπλαγχνίζομαι. What better place to place your trust in the One who has shown himself faithful. He went to the cross to save you from sin, death and hell, will he not be faithful in all things?

And, even more. Although Jesus didn’t heal everyone, although he didn’t raise everyone from death, he will. It is what we mean when we confess the creed, “The resurrection of the body”. That is where God’s compassion comes full circle.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:18–25, ESV)

Just think about the “glory to be revealed to us.” That means we’ll see the reason for everything that has happened to us. How everything worked together for our good, that is, toward our salvation. Even the smallest thing we thought was terrible will have had the purpose of bringing us to be with Jesus forever. Not to mention all the good things. It will be the biggest “ah ha” moment of all time. The God who has σπλαγχνίζομαι will be responsible for all of it.

Well, for now, it isn’t easy to experience all these troubles in our lives. We will often plead God for a different outcome. There will be many times when we don’t see any possible good from them. There will be many times when we struggle to be at peace. It is specifically those times when God calls us to lean on him, the God of σπλαγχνίζομαι, compassion. Jesus has complete understanding of what it means to be human, to suffer as humans do.

And it isn’t only that. Human compassion is a good thing. We are compassionate towards one another. How comforting it is to have a friend hold your hand when you are suffering. And many people are even very good at showing compassion. As good as it is, as necessary as it is, God’s compassion in Jesus is very different. Jesus shows compassion that has a faint reflection in the compassion of people. But his is perfect. That’s easy to say, but what do I mean? Jesus compassion is perfect because it is founded in a promise. That promise is that our suffering will come to an end. It is the promise of the resurrection. Jesus died on the cross was buried and will come again. He comes to put all suffering to an end. That is what his σπλαγχνίζομαι is, a compassion that says, it is only for a little while.

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

That’s what forgiveness is, a promise of the redemption of our bodies, healing, life from death, no more suffering, no more pain. We as the chosen people of God, will live again in these physical bodies, as pinchable as your flesh is now. And then, it will be without what we constantly know, suffering, pain and sorrow. It is so pervasive that our physical experience can’t comprehend what that really means. But this is what I do know.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8)

We can only imagine what the joy of our redeemed bodies will be like, and that will fall well short of reality.

Jesus shows σπλαγχνίζομαι, compassion. It is a real, tangible thing. Suffering for a purpose is countered by compassion. We are not left alone to suffer. He gives gifts through his church that give us comfort and strength, in faith, to stand. And Jesus’ compassion is available. You know the time and place. You know your brothers and sisters in Christ who act, in the Holy Spirit, on Jesus’ behalf. You hear God’s comforting words of the Gospel. You open your mouth and receive the One Who Has Compassion. You are bathed in the promises of God at the font. It isn’t complicated. It is found in everyday ordinary things. No visions necessary. No complicated prayers necessary (Just think about the Lord’s Prayer, how simple it is). A hug of support from a brother or sister in Christ. You sit and open your ears. You stand (kneel in the future) and take Jesus’ compassion through an open mouth. You remember your baptism, even though you might not actually remember it, where God adopted you.

That is σπλαγχνίζομαι. It is found fully in Jesus Christ, in his cross, in Holy Bapism, in fellow Christians, in his Word, and water and wine. Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

2 Corinthians 12.1-10; Seventh Sunday after Pentecost; July 7, 2024;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:1-10, ESV)

Grace and peace to you from Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Conceit is a dangerous thing. In the scramble to get along in this world a little conceit seems to go a long way. It was Andy Warhol who said that in the future everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes. I think he really meant that to be a good thing about the future. But now that we are here, I’m not so sure. Isn’t a lot of what’s going on in the world today based on conceit?

A cell phone means I’m so important I can’t afford to miss a single call. No matter what conversation is taking place, that cell phone call takes priority. Everyone rolls their eyes at the guy who takes a call during a movie, but if the little thing starts giggling in your pocket (or mine) we are all (except Jay and Greg) very likely to answer it too. Whatever the call is, it’s more important, I’m more important, than whatever you are doing with me right now. I’m more important than the commotion caused by my need to answer the phone. In fact, when was the last time you went to a large gathering of people, and you didn’t hear the phone ring?

Internet influencers are very popular. They spout their opinions about everything from politics to makeup. What they are called tells it all. Influencers influence. There are thousands of internet influencers. It’s as if their opinions are worth more than others simply because they have a podcast. They believe their opinions are more important because they have a following on the net. If you aren’t an influencer, if you don’t have a podcast, you simply don’t matter.

And don’t get me started on Facebook. Just the name alone has conceit in it; my “face” out there for the world to see. Full disclosure, the church has a Facebook page. I have one too. I’ve said I use it to keep in touch with friends. I tell myself that I’ve gotten in touch with some friends that I hadn’t seen in years. I’ve not really spoken to them. I just know what they had for breakfast. If you know what X is (formally twitter) Twitter is… In 140 characters describe what you are doing right now. (Actually, it is never true, because you’ve interrupted whatever you are doing to send a twitter message!) As if everyone in the world wants to know what I’m doing right now. By the way, I don’t eat breakfast. With X you are never out of touch ‘cause your ‘tweets’ (are they still called tweets?) come and go from your cell phone. It’s a way to ‘publish’ your text messages “What am I doing right now” to the world. And it’s all based on conceit. Really it is. My life is important enough that everyone should know what I’m doing. I’ve got drama and intrigue enough to spare and everyone should be interested in my life. I’ve got it all! Look at me! I deserve to be famous. There was a poll that said that most young adults believe that fame is a reasonable way for a person with no talent to make a living. That’s what conceit is. I’m worth all attention.

Well, I guess it’s a good thing we are immune to conceit in the church, right? Hardly, God does something great, and we are the first to take the credit. It is one of my pet peeves. Someone asked how big your church is. “Well, we worship around 100 people every Sunday.” No! We worship God, in Trinity and Unity, the one who saved us from sin, death and hell through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We don’t worship people! I think in a way we try to say, “we must be doing something right because we have certain people, well known Synod figures who attend our church.” It is especially hard for pastors to set aside themselves when things are going well in a congregation. After all there is a certain character trait in all pastors that makes them want to be the center of attention. If we didn’t have it, we couldn’t be a pastor. And yet, the work that happens in the church is God’s work, not the pastors. If a church is growing as God would have it grow it is doing so because the Holy Spirit is working through Word and Sacrament. But people want to give credit to people. Pastors want to take credit for themselves. Let’s make this very personal. In my sinful nature I want to take credit for all the good things that have happened here at Life in Christ. My conceit tells me I’m the reason. The Holy Spirit convicts me of my sin and shows me the forgiveness of the cross. Please remember, nothing good that happens here is because of me, rather the Holy Spirit works through God’s Word and Sacrament, convicting people of their sin and showing them their Savior, Jesus Christ. To God be all the Glory for His Work in the church. I am only trying to be faithful to what I have been given to do. At least that’s what I say in public. So much for the pastor’s confession.

How about you? Where does your conceit lie? Do you look to the culture around you to determine what’s good for you? Do you want your fifteen minutes of fame? Do you want credit for your support of the church, as if the church would collapse without you? Does everything have to be done your way; because you are just conceited enough to think that your way is the only right way? Do you count your faithfulness to the church through all its trouble the reason this church is still here? You see folks, here’s the rub, isn’t it? There are a great many good things that you have done and do on a regular basis for this church. But instead of seeing them as God working through you, you want to take the credit. Better yet, you want someone else to recognize you for doing it. When was the last time you were disgusted because you didn’t get a thank you. Do you see the sin here? You see when we read this text, we tend to look at Paul as if he had some special predisposition to the sin of conceit. We think that God had to do something to prevent him from taking credit where no credit was due. But Paul is simply human. His temptation to conceit is no different from yours or mine. So here we are, you, me, St. Paul pointing to ourselves asking for credit that isn’t ours to take.

Whenever we talk about our story of sin, we find the same story in the Garden. Conceit was at the heart of what Adam and Eve did when they disobeyed God.

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6, ESV)

“the tree was to be desired to make one wise.” Eve wanted that wisdom for herself. She wanted to make her own decisions about right and wrong. She wanted to have control of herself, and take the credit for herself. She didn’t want to be dependent on God, or Adam or anyone. Conceit is to think of yourself more highly than you ought. She thought of herself more important than God. And Adam, well he was standing right by her the whole time egging her on. He wanted it, too. He just made his wife do it first.

That’s conceit, really; placing ourselves above God; thinking of ourselves more highly than God; putting God in his place, below us. We do it all the time. And it is a dangerous place to be. If we want to be on our own before God, we can do that. But imagine standing before God in the final judgment. He says, “Do you have anything to say in your defense?” What can we offer? Half righteous works that we did for our own benefit? Gifts that we gave to the church with a grudging heart or in hopes of receiving accolades from others? None of that will stand up to a judge who demands perfection. When we stand on our own, when we are taking credit, all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags, polluted by sin. And the wages of sin is death, eternal death.

So now you see what St. Paul is talking about. God beat down his sin with a healthy dose of the law. For him it came in this “thorn in the flesh.” It kept him humble. It kept him focusing on Jesus Christ crucified for the forgiveness of his sin. It kept reminding him that all that God was doing was God’s doing. After all it is God’s doing that really matters isn’t it? We are filled with conceit. Jesus humbled himself on the cross and shed his blood to cleanse us of all our sin. We are full of ourselves. Jesus thought of nothing but us as he bled and died. We take credit. Jesus gives all glory to God the Father and submits to God’s will perfectly. Even to death on the cross. We think we know what’s best. Jesus takes the difficult road to the cross, the only way for sinners to be saved. It is there on the cross that your sin is forgiven. It is there on the cross that God does something about your self-centered conceit. It is there on the cross that God washes you clean through Jesus’ blood. It is there on the cross the God himself in Jesus Christ suffers the eternal punishment you deserve for thinking more of yourself than others and God. You are his baptized, loved, forgiven child. Through the washing of water and the Word you are dead to the sin of conceit.

Consider Paul’s words in Romans, he is speaking about God’s work for you in Jesus, through Holy Baptism:

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:8-11, ESV)

So, what do we do? What does it mean to be dead to sin? Work hard and give the credit to God. Do what’s necessary for the church to continue doing its work, let the Word proclaimed here be foremost. Make sure Jesus Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sin is proclaimed from this pulpit. (Yes, that means holding your preachers accountable!). Give generously to the budget of the church and for missionaries in all parts of the world. Care for your neighbors when they need it, no matter what the need is. Feed your family. And most importantly, tell people about the forgiveness that God has for them in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Confess your conceit in all these things. Take your sin to Jesus. He will wash you in his blood shed on the cross. Open your mouth and receive the forgiveness that God pours into you through Jesus’ body and blood. And then rejoice in what he is doing in his church through you, despite your sin. Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Luke 8.26-39; The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost; June 30, 2024;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.” (Luke 8:28–56, ESV)

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Well, it is a great account of our Lord, healing people in great need of healing. I noticed a few things about what’s going on here. First, Jesus is clearly identified for who he is. Legion the demons yells out at him, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” and later when Jesus is going to leave he tells the man to tell what God had done for him. The man recognized God’s work in Jesus by telling everyone what Jesus had done for him. Although we wouldn’t use this as a proof that Jesus is God, it clearly shows the man knew who was helping him and that God was working through Jesus.

Secondly, I noticed that the first guy who Jesus was helping really needed help. It seems to me that lots of people tried to help him and failed. I’m not sure they locked him in chains and kept watch over him just to protect themselves. He had family and friends that didn’t want him to hurt himself. Even if they were very selfish in trying to help him by confining him, they couldn’t do anything anyway because he broke the chains and ran back to the desert. This guy living naked in the graveyard, foaming at the mouth, screaming at the top of his lungs, was quite helpless and in great danger. The danger was very real.

Notice also how everything is in turmoil in the account. Jesus comes ashore; he’s confronted in a loud voice. There’s a herd of pigs nearby (they are not necessarily quiet animals). There’s the description of the man’s activities, and the argument with the demons called Legion. They are begging with Jesus and he’s telling them what they are going to do. “Please don’t cast us into hell! We don’t want to go there yet! Can’t we live in those pigs? We won’t be too much trouble there?” I think Jesus just waved his hand and pointed to the herd. Off went the many demons thinking they had won a victory against Jesus. But instead, the pigs were sent screaming into the lake to drown; noise, anger, death, drowning pigs what a commotion that must have been. No wonder the folks who saw it were afraid. Now the contrast is really what this reading is all about. The pig herders ran off to tell everyone what happened. When everyone comes to see Jesus the man who had the demons is dressed, in his right mind and sitting a Jesus’ feet. He’s learning from Jesus. Hanging on Jesus words, it reminds me of Mary and Martha. Remember Martha busy in the kitchen working a frenzy to get everything ready and Mary sitting quietly at Jesus feet listening. Jesus says it is the one thing needful. What Mary needed, what the man who no longer had a legion of demons needed, what you and I need… is to listen to Jesus, to sit at his feet and take in his Word.

The last thing to see here is how everyone is afraid. The pig herders are afraid. The town’s people ask Jesus to leave because they are afraid. In the face of Jesus power and his ability and in recognition that he’s connected to God in some great way people are afraid of him and just want him to go away.

So that’s what we see in this account. Now the interesting thing is this one is right in the middle of two other accounts that have the same kinds of things happening. Right before this Luke tells us that Jesus and his disciples were boating across the lake and were caught in a storm. The waves were crashing over the boat, the disciples were in grave danger. They were helpless, the boat was going to sink, and they were going to die. Jesus was sleeping. They wake him up and he calms the storm. They are afraid. “Do you have no faith?” Jesus says.

After the Legion account Jesus is waking through crowds of people. They’ve come because of all that they’d heard about him. Some want to be healed, some want to see the guy who casts out demons, some want to see what’s so special about a guy from Galilee. He was “almost crushed” by the crowd as he was trying to move along. A man named Jairus comes and asks Jesus to heal his sick daughter. She’s helpless, too, because she is dying. On the way another helpless person touches Jesus’ robe because she is just sure that if she does Jesus can heal her 12 years bleeding illness. Jesus calms the crowd to find out who touched him. She was healed by faith in Jesus. Then news of the little girl’s death comes to Jairus. “Master, don’t bother the teacher anymore, your little girl is dead.” Think of the sense of helplessness that must have fille him standing there with the person who he was sure was his last hope, and the delay caused by the crowds and a sick woman cost him his daughter. Think of the fear of facing his wife… and seeing his little girl dead…. well, you know the story, Jesus arrives at the house and the mourners are shouting the grief of death. Jesus quiets them and raised the girl to her mother’s arms. And again, everything is calm.

Do you see the pattern? Chaos, trouble, helplessness, Jesus, calm. In fact, in these four short stories (that actually happened!) Jesus shows that he’s more powerful than nature, Satan and his demons, sickness and even death.

Chaos, trouble, helplessness… that is where we are most of the time in our lives isn’t it? Surgery doesn’t just cause us pain; it takes away our ability to care for ourselves and we must depend on someone else. It may even mean a change in how we’ve always done things. The wind blows and the house creaks and the water rise. We panic about all the stuff we’re going to lose in the storm. We send out storm spotters to watch so we can scurry to cover and protection. Murderers live closer than we care to even talk about. News of father killing mothers and unborn children leave us wagging our heads and feeling well out of control. Drug dealers are selling to our kids. Talk about helpless… and danger. My heart aches for the families that will be hurt when Satan’s handiwork comes to its fullness. Death hovers over us. We’ve not done a funeral here but sooner or later a casket will be set before this altar with broken hearts. All these dangers are real. We get sick, we can’t control or even predict the weather, there’s real evil out there, and people die every day. Satan is constantly trying to get us to focus on our troubles instead of Jesus. We need money for the roof. So be it. The roof isn’t more important than God’s word proclaimed under it. We think we’ve got to do something to make people give more money to fix it… well remember that everything is in God’s hands…

Chaos, trouble, helplessness… Jesus. Jesus on the cross. He hung on the cross because of all that chaos, trouble and helplessness would be all that our lives were about if we were left in our sin.

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.” (Galatians 3:23, ESV)

That’s a way of saying that whatever we get, chaos, trouble, helplessness we deserve because of sin. But that’s not what God wants. This story of Jesus casting out Legion and sending them drowning in the lake is to show us that Jesus is in control. The healing of Jairus’ daughter show us that God is in control. Jesus suffered, he cried out in pain, he was helpless, there on the cross bearing our sin. He lay in the coldness of death in the tomb, but he overcame it all. He is in control of it all, the whole time. Nothing is more powerful than our God and Savior Jesus Christ, not even chaos, trouble, pain, death, taxes and church budgets.

Jesus brings us here… to be calm; to receive his word; very specifically his word about sin. It’s not a word of judgment. It’s a word of forgiveness. The chaos we face, and oh boy, do we face it, isn’t to punish us, it’s to remind us that He has it in his hands. He can and does control all things. He’ll take care of all things when he takes care of you. Psalm 46 says it…

though the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam… though kingdoms totter… be still and know that I am God.

That man that Jesus saved from the Legion of demons was dressed, in his right mind and sitting at Jesus feet, listening to his word. Jairus’ daughter got up at once, even though she had been dead. That’s what God wants for you.

Are you afraid of what Jesus can do and does? Well, join the crowds… what Jesus does is frightening. Fear is a natural reaction to God’s Word. But dear brothers and sisters in Christ, your panic, and planning, and fighting, and trying to control others is never going to change your life (or this church). That’s trying to chain up chaos. The chains just get broken, and we end up living in the cemetery again. If you want calmness in your life and among us here in the church, it is only going to come through the gifts that God gives: Sitting at Jesus feet, listening to him, eating his meal, his very body and blood, pouring water, and in the name of Jesus receiving the forgiveness of our sins.

That’s what the man had to say about Jesus. Jesus said, “Go home and declare how much God had done for you.” He says that to you do. So, let’s start right here. Say this with me:

“Jesus is in control. Jesus has forgiven my sin.” Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Job 38:1-11; The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost; June 23, 2024;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

How can you summarize the book of Job? Theodicy is the word most scholars use, that means a writing about why people suffer. As one Jewish scholar put it, “When bad things happen to good people.”

You can really see it in the book of Job. Job is a righteous man, and yet he suffers the loss of everything he has; his children, his livestock, his home, everything. And if this isn’t enough, his wife and friends pile it on. They all insist that Job has obviously done something sinful and that is the reason God is punishing him. The text of his friend’s speeches goes on and on, page after page. They are summed up by Job’s wife when she says, “you are guilty, just give up.”

Then his wife said to [Job], “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” (Job 2:9, ESV)

With people like that in your life, who needs enemies?

But Job maintains his innocence. And the author agrees. The book leaves no doubt about it. It starts with,

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1, ESV)

It isn’t a treatise on Original Sin. Job was certainly a sinful person. The point of the book is not about that issue, but to set up Job as a faithful man of God. It sets up the question,

“Why is this happening to Job?”

The book tells us exactly why. It has to do with conversations between God and Satan. God says,

And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” (Job 1:8, ESV)

And Satan responds, “Well, that’s because you are protecting him. If you wouldn’t do that and allow some trouble in his life he’d curse you, just like other people.”

So, God allows Satan to do all the bad things that happen to Job that we read in the book, with the noted exception that Job himself is not to die.

Over and over Job pleads with God to tell him why all this is happening, and God is silent. It is never revealed to him why he is suffering. Through it all Job maintains his innocence. He pleads for a mediator. “If I could just put my case to God in person, he’d relent.”

And finally, God does answer. But it isn’t the answer Job is expecting. It starts with our text for today.

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?” (Job 38:1–11, ESV)

This is only the tip of the iceberg. It goes on for two chapters. God points out his creation to show his power and control of the universe. He asks Job particularly if he was there when God set up the bounds of creation. Job realizes how little he understands about God, himself, and the vast difference between divine and human knowledge. You could sum it up with this saying,

There are two fundamental principles of human enlightenment.
1. There is a god.
2. You are not him.

Job is often touted for his patience. But really, he should be commended for his humility.

Then Job answered the LORD and said: “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.” (Job 40:3–5, ESV)

So, what is the point of suffering? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do bad things happen to Christians?

The Apostle Paul talks about this.

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

Suffering builds endurance, character and hope. There is the saying, “No pain, no gain.” In a sense it is quite true. But there is more to what Paul says than first meets the eye. He ends with hope. For Christians hope linked to faith isn’t a misty vague future that we wish for. It is a certainty. Christian hope is founded in the promises of God in Jesus Christ. The promise that suffering will end and what comes after is even greater than we can imagine.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18, ESV)

Suffering then builds reliance on God, and him only.

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling… What he means is that there is no reason for boasting when you consider that it is God, and only God, who works in you to saves you. That is, humility to accept God’s actions for what they are, beyond our understanding. It is indeed God alone who works salvation in you, through faith in Christ Jesus.

As innocent as Job was (not counting for original sin), Jesus was even more so, in fact perfectly so. Jesus was sinless. A perfect person. And yet, Jesus suffered even more than Job. His ultimate suffering was on the cross. The cross was an inhuman form of torture. It didn’t just kill, it caused great pain for hours or even days. It played the innate desire to live against certain suffocation. Death only came after exhaustion proved greater than instinct. Added to it was humiliation on public display. The naked body of the victim hung next to the main thoroughfare of town.

But Jesus suffering was so much more than the physical suffering of the cross. His was the punishment of everyone. The punishment of hell for all people. From the hymn “My Song is Love Unknown”

Here might I stay and sing–
no story so divine!
Never was love, dear King,
never was grief like Thine.
This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend. (LSB 430)

And through faith in this unknowable suffering of Jesus for us, we have the forgiveness of sin, eternal salvation.

Let’s face it. We all suffer. From a paper cut to an incurable disease; from a lover’s tiff to divorce; from a lecture from the boss to getting fired. Suffering is the common denominator of human existence. And, even worse is the fact that we most often suffer because of our own fault, our own sin. I think this is one of the reasons why God chose to save the world through the suffering of Jesus. We can relate. Even though Jesus’ suffering was far greater, we know what suffering is, because we bear it. We know, in part, what our sins cost Jesus in suffering.

The appearance of God in the whirlwind is the turning point of the book of Job. God appears and Job reacts in humility and faith. “Thy will be done.” In other words, “you are God, I am not.”

Suffering doesn’t always lead us to the end of our rope. But every suffering is a pointer to Jesus, a reminder that he suffered for us.

We think, like Job, that if we just knew the reason for our suffering, we could deal with it. We search every crevasse of our lives for an answer. When we can’t find one, we may fall into despair, that too is like Job. Sometimes, there is simply no earthly answer. Sin is the answer. It is so pervasive that no one can avoid its reach. Sin so thoroughly invades everything in our lives. No part is untouched. And so, we suffer. St. Paul calls it groaning.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22–23, ESV)

And there it is, hope. The effect of our suffering. Paul says, “we wait eagerly”. That’s hope. Every suffering we endure pushes us toward hope, “and hope does not put us to shame.” Paul explains a few chapters earlier. Hope and faith go hand in hand. Faith makes hope sure and certain. Faith in the work of Jesus to forgive our sins, produces a certain hope in our “adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” In other words, an end to all suffering.

Paul has one more thing to say about suffering. In 2 Corinthians he talks about his own. He had a thorn in the flesh that he begged Jesus to remove from him. We have no idea what it was, scholars have debated it for centuries. I personally think it was a speech impediment. Jesus didn’t remove it.

But [Jesus] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10, ESV)

The weakness that Paul suffered with, whatever it was, made it perfectly clear that Christ was in his work. Because of the thorn, Jesus shown thru as the reason behind Paul’s words. When Paul was weak, Christ was revealed as the power behind him. Paul reacted, “I am content”; “Thy will be done.”; “you are God, I am not.”

Our suffering, even the self-inflicted kind, is temporal. That means there will be a time when it is not. It makes us even more eagerly anticipate the resurrection. It shows Jesus at work in us. When we appear weak, Jesus is strong. When suffering is strong, Jesus is stronger.

we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope Hope has its foundation in faith in Jesus Christ, and his redeeming work on the cross. His forgiveness that makes hope sure and certain. Amen.

The peace of God, that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:14-21; The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost; June 16, 2024;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:14–21, ESV)

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I have never been there, but I’m told that people will stand staring up at the “Creation of Adam” for hours. This painting is the very center of the work that Michelangelo labored for 4 years, lying on his back on a very high scaffold much of the time, to create. The ceiling is considered one of the greatest artistic works ever accomplished in human history. No projected image can do it justice.

You’ve probably seen a print of this great work of art, on a poster, greeting card, or even a coffee mug. In the picture two hands stretching out toward each other. There in the picture is God and Adam reaching out. As you look at the picture your eyes are constantly drawn to the hands then the fingers and finally you realize that it is the focal point. The tension of the whole painting really is found in the tiny space that exists between the two fingers. It’s a beautiful work of art, God the creator reaching out to give life to Adam. In his arms you see the future promise of abundant life as he carefully cradles in Eve. And all of heaven looks on with joy. Adam rests there on the ground, from which he came, ready to receive the gift of life from God himself. And then there is that gap, it’s just about to happen… Heaven and earth, eternity and time, God and man are just about to collide in the creative work of God. Time stands still as you look at the picture you and you wait for it to happen… If you are standing on the floor of the Sistine Chapel looking up your neck would begin to ache. But actually, you might rather have your neck ache than to look around you at the whole world and all that’s going on around us, and find that it’s your heart that aches instead.

The picture has a tiny gap between God and man, but here around us we see a much larger gap. You don’t have to look very far to see the results of what happened after God created human beings. The evidence of the human fall from grace is all around us, and it makes your heart and mind ache. Human beings have certainly fallen a long way from the touch of their creator. High schools are like war zones; unborn children die by the thousands every day; hate explodes in violence; on and on, it makes your head spin and your heartache. We are not lying peacefully on the ground like Adam. Our activity shows just how far we have fallen from the touch of God.

It is amid all that activity that Paul gives these words to us:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

He says to us “Behold!” The word is there even though some translators leave it out. It’s a little word (even smaller in Greek ἰδοὺ), but it means a lot. “Behold!” Paul says because he wants us to notice what God is doing. He wants us to see God’s creative work again.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

A new Adam!

“The old has passed away and behold the new has come!”

Look at what God is doing amid all of the turmoil of the world. He is bringing a new creation into being. Just like the picture we looked at before, God is reaching out his had to human beings again. That’s the message of reconciliation: that God is doing something about the heartache that we feel because of sin and death.

Paul wrote those words to the Church at Corinth. It was a Church in a whirlwind of activity, not all of it godly. At one time they were divided into factions. Some people followed Peter, other Apollos and others still declared allegiance to Paul. At another time sexual immorality plagued them. Still another, unhealthy Communion practices, and lawsuits, denial of the resurrection of the dead, and many more. All these problems caused Paul’s heart to ache. Paul longed for the work of God for healing and correcting. He spent 5 years writing, teaching, sending emissaries, and even personal visits. But after all that he found that he himself was under attack. False teachers were calling into question Paul’s life and ministry. They demanded proof of Paul’s credentials. And even though Paul had plenty to give he directs the Corinthian Christians not to himself, but to Jesus instead.

“The love of Christ compels us!”

“Behold!” Look at what He has done among you already. “See what God has already done, the new has come!”

The “Creation of Adam” painstakingly painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel focuses on the gap between God and man, the space between their fingers. But Paul focuses on the connection: God reaching out to human beings with a human hand, becoming a human being himself. “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ.” In Jesus Christ, God is present in his own creation. He doesn’t fly above his creation looking on and allowing it to destroy itself. He comes into the world to seek and restore. He takes on human flesh and becomes man in Jesus Christ. He reaches out his hand to gather the world and reconcile it to himself. And it’s not just that he comes, he comes to reconcile.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21, ESV)

He took upon himself the task of closing the gap created by human sin. Sin requires death as its punishment. Jesus Christ took that punishment to the cross. He removes the barrier that lies between God and man. He becomes sin in God’s eyes as he hangs on the cross. God’s anger over our sin is all placed on Jesus, and he suffers eternal punishment for us. He suffers eternal separation from God: that is what hell is. And God opens his heart to us. We can now experience eternal love and connection with God. We are no longer enemies but friends. Behold!

That is the wonderful creative work of God, making all things new.

That’s what makes Paul see everything differently. Paul knows what Jesus Christ has done to reconcile the world to God, and that changes his heartache to hope. He knows that the Church at Corinth is a place where God promises to be and be at work, creating everything new. Paul knows that none of the problems that they were facing were beyond God’s reach. Not only had God reconciled the world, (and that included the Church of Corinth) but he had given the message of reconciliation to Paul. Paul doesn’t live or speak for himself, instead he lives for and speaks for God. As he lives and speaks to people, he watches the hand of God reach out and touch them and bring about new life. God, through the message of reconciliation, brings people back into relationship with himself, and he brings them back into relationship with one another. Paul sees that reconciliation even though there is fighting among God’s people. Because it is the work of God, creating all things new among them. God has reached his hand into a fallen world and done it. “Behold! The work of God,” says Paul.

“Behold!” God is at work right here at the Church of Grand Marias. We look and see the wonderful creative work of God right here. He continues to reach out his hand and bring about a new creation. He continues to send his message of reconciliation through messengers. The world is full of all kinds of activity. Your heart can ache at the trouble you find in the papers. But it’s not only out there, some of the activity in the church can cause your heart to ache too. There’s plenty of activity that happens in the church… not all of it godly. There’s confusion over how to worship God, lack of unity in the practice of the Lord’s Supper, disagreement about the teachings of the church, petty arguments over unimportant things, arguments about money, and many more. Over time these kinds of problems can burden the hearts of God’s people. But that’s exactly why it is such a blessing to have Paul’s words today. His letter causes us to stop and say “Behold!” Paul intervenes and points us to Jesus and the wonderful Good News of how he has reconciled us to God.

It’s not some ceiling that you must crane your neck to see. It’s right here with God’s presence. He comes to us right here today with his message of reconciliation. He comes proclaiming his word of forgiveness. He comes in his body and blood at this altar. He comes as pastors that he has called and sent proclaim the message that is given to proclaim. God reaches out his hand in reconciliation, to touch us, and make us a new creation. The hand he does it with isn’t like the hand of God in the painting. This hand is pierced and bloody. There is no anger, dispute, harsh feeling, or hurt that can’t be forgiven when placed into the hand of God in Jesus Christ.

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Our hearts no longer ache but are filled with hope. And the message has been given to you to proclaim to those who you find around you. There are lots of ways to do it. You don’t have to leave your job, your home or your family to become a missionary or a pastor to do it. God performs his wonderful reconciliation anywhere his people are found. It happens wherever there are people who no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them.

On the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, you can see and image of God creating man. It’s a beautiful picture. You and I may never see it in person, because it’s too far away. Right here, right now you have something more beautiful that’s been created. It’s God’s new creation in you. It’s God hand reaching out to you to reconcile you to him. It removes separation and restores. Behold and see God’s new creation in you, that makes hearts ache less and hope more. Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 130; The Third Sunday after Pentecost; June 9, 2024;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared. Psalm 130:3-4

Grace and peace to you from Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

What would happen if God kept score? What would happen if the Lord and a divine score card where every deed, both good and bad were tallied up? Every time you sin, count that one for Mary; Count that one up for Bob. Every time you do something completely perfect, completely selfless, with pure motives... What would happen? Would you win or would you lose? Well, that's how we would run the world. That's how we would keep things going and keep evil in check. After all, that would be fair, right? You get what you pay for, you get what's coming to you.

But if God kept score, we would all languish in hell forever. The law of God makes this perfectly clear. Sometimes God's word does that to you, you hear a sermon, you read a text and the law slams you between the eyes and backs you up in the corner. If God kept score, you would be lost, you would lose. If God kept score, I would be lost, I would lose.

“If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3)

That is the question. The answer is very clear. No one! Not a single one of us could stand if God kept score. None of us can stand up to the perfection that is required of God's perfect law.

That is why the psalmist cries out,

“Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord!” (Psalm 130:1)

As we look upon the cross, the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ we see that he dies for us. He dies for you. He dies for me. You are in the crowd shouting "Crucify him!" You are Herod who wanted to see a show. You are Pilate com committed Jesus to death. You are the soldiers who pierced his hand and feet and side and hung him on the tree. You are the disciples who scattered at the first sign of danger. It is your sins that nailed him there. They are real and they killed the son of God.

If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? (Psalm 130:3).

Left to ourselves we are lost, condemned creatures. Left to ourselves we are dead in our trespasses and sins. Left to ourselves... BUT we are not left to ourselves! That is the Gospel! The wonderful message of Salvation in Jesus Christ.

But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared (130:4).

We learn two things from seeing God die on the cross. First, we learn that our sins put him there. Second, we learn the God forgives. Forgiveness is a word we say as if it costs nothing. Yet it is the most expensive word ever to be spoken. That word, forgiveness, cost Jesus Christ, the son of God, his very life. That word sent him from his Father's side, to earth, to live, and walk, and teach, and give. That word led him to be beaten, mocked, pierced and crucified. That word led him to be killed, especially for you.

But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared.

When Jesus cried out from the cross, "It is finished." He paid the price of that word forgiveness. he cried out of the depths. He was abandoned and smitten by God, and afflicted. He bore all this so that you can be forgiven. So that you would not have to endure the very suffering of Hell that he endured for you. It is in the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and only in him that we have forgiveness. It is only in his death that we can rejoice in forgiveness.

The Psalmist prays,

He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities [from all their sins] (130:8)

God redeemed you, bought you back from Satan's hold. God dragged you out of the pit of hell. That work of forgiveness continues in you every single day. The word of Absolution, "I forgive you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" is the sweetest sound you can hear. Ever so much sweeter when we hear it spoken directly to a troubling sin. Look forward to that gift. Long for it. Ask for it as often as possible. Flee from sin to God's Word of forgiveness. Don't let the sun go down on your sins. The tree of death is the tree of life for you.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

It was your sins that put Him on the cross, but it was also God’s love that put Him on the cross. Jesus could have come down. He could have given in and gone His own way. But He stayed the course. He said Amen to God’s love for you. And His love for His Father meant that His love for you would never end.

If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared (Psalm 130:3–4)

God forgives. He gives you Himself. He washes you and makes you clean. He feeds you with His very body and blood. He puts the word of absolution into your ears. You will not die, but live, and proclaim the great works of God. Truly this is Good Friday. For the greatest good was accomplished by Jesus Christ today. Your life. Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.