“Show and Tell to a Friend”

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“Show and Tell to a Friend” – John 1:29-42

2nd Sunday after the Epiphany – Life Weekend – January 14 & 15, 2017

We, in the church, are in the Epiphany time of the church year, I like to call it the season of “Show and Tell.” Remember those days in school? Notice how this happens 3 times in our Scripture reading.

John the Baptizer did a “Show and Tell” to his friends, Andrew and John in verse 29, we read, “The next day (the day after Jesus’ baptism) John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ ” and in verses 35-36, “The next day (3 days in a row – Is this an example of “the third time’s the charm?”) John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ ” Note that for John and the disciples who were with him, they had: 1) witnessed the baptism of Jesus; 2) the next day John had pointed to Jesus and repeated to his disciples the importance of Jesus and what had happened at Jesus’ baptism; and 3) now, on the 3rd day, John says it again: “Look, the Lamb of God!” How often are we willing to repeat the “show and tell” of Jesus to our friends?

There’s a ridiculous story told of an angry customer who called the manager of a repair shop. “I asked you to send someone to fix our doorbell,” the man complained, “and you said you would see to it immediately, but it’s been two days and our doorbell is still broken!” The manager replied, “We did send a man, I’m sure!” Then he called to a workman in the back of the shop, “Hey, Dan, didn’t you go around to do that job at 160 Vine St.?” “Yes, I sure did, I went there,” Dan called back, “I rang the doorbell for 10 minutes, there wasn’t any answer, so I decided they must not be home!”

Yes, very ridiculous, and yet I tell it to make an important point. When we “show and tell about Jesus to a friend,” especially to those who are un-churched or inactive and we give up after only trying one or maybe two times, we’re just like the repairman expecting the doorbell to work before it was repaired! God’s Word plainly says: “the mind of sinful man… is hostile to God.” (Romans 5:6-7) Our natural inclination is to reject God and His Word. And yet God continues to bring unbelievers into His kingdom through the repeated invitations of His sons / daughters.

Oh, that we were always filled with the excitement and “I-can’t-wait-to-tell” that we show when our favorite sports team wins “the big game;” or like the young lady who receives an engagement ring; or the grandparents and parents of a new-born baby news” events in our lives.

Notice how excited John was about his invitation to his friends: “Behold / Look!” was John’s repeated message. Would the un-churched and the in-actives in our area be more likely to respond to our invitations if we showed more excitement about God, His Word and His Church?

And did you notice also that John did not point to Jesus as “the One who will make you feel good” / “the One who will make you rich and popular” / “the One who will take all your aches and pains away”– but “Look! the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John’s excitement, his invitation was about Jesus, who like the sacrificial lambs, would be “sacrificed” on the cruel cross; not promising “ease and comfort” in this life, but “forgiveness of sins” which means LIFE in it’s fullness – regardless of what happens in this earthly life.

This weekend we observe The Sanctity of Life. We know that life can be hard. Sin in the world is the reason. That is why God’s people experience: unwanted pregnancies – terminal illness – chronic disease. They experience the pain, suffering, and difficult decisions that these bring. Is death the solution? There are those who say “yes.” That is why we have: abortion – assisted suicide – euthanasia. It becomes too easy to view people as burdens who would be “better off dead.”

Many in our society think of death as a solution to many of the problems we face and a means of escaping responsibilities: death for unwanted pregnancies; death for the old and sick; death for the suffering or handicapped; death for all those whose lives fail to meet “convenient standards of quality” as presently defined by the majority. This “escape from responsibilities” is cloaked in “fine-sounding” phrases provided by the “Father of Lies” – we hear: “freedom of choice” / “death with dignity” / “kind or merciful death” (euthanasia).   There is dangerous talk about “the quality of life,” as if life in this world should have a certain “quality” – free from all suffering or troubles. IN CONTRAST, Christians, who “Look to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” see “life” differently. The world sees nothing good coming from suffering. IN CONTRAST – Faith sees that the greatest of all good came to us through suffering – “The Lamb of God,” Jesus, faithfully and fully suffered and died in our place – to give us life – “the abundant life” in the midst of suffering!

Esther Parsons, an elderly lady had severe emphysema. Esther had been a widow for many years. Her faith was strong and it sustained her through the long ordeal. She was eager and ready to depart and to be with Christ. Although patient in her affliction, she wondered why God had not yet called her home. “Why am I still here, Pastor?” she would ask; “Why hasn’t the Lord taken me to heaven?” Her pastor answered, “I don’t know, but I DO KNOW that God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you upon the cross. Trust in God’s purpose, even though we cannot perceive that purpose now. Look to the cross and believe in Jesus’ love.” Finally, her long struggle ended, and Esther went home to live with Jesus. A few weeks after her death, her pastor was back in the same ICU visiting another member. As he left the unit, a young Asian nurse’s aide stopped him in the hallway. “Are you Esther Parson’s pastor?” she asked. “Yes, I am.” The young lady continued: “I want you to know that I am a Christian today because of her. I never had the chance to talk to her, but I saw her faith. I saw the way that Jesus loved her and the strength that He gave her, and now I am a believer too. I just wanted you to know.”

We live by faith and not by sight, trusting in the promises and purposes of God. From the world’s point of view, the life of an old woman racked with pain and struggling for every breath, doesn’t seem to be worth much. But for those with saving faith in Jesus there is always a purpose and plan, founded in the love of the God who sent His Son to die on the cross for us.

When John, the baptizer, pointed his two disciples to Jesus, “… they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), where are You staying?’ ‘Come,’ (Jesus) replied, ‘and you will see.’ So they went and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with Him.” Jesus always welcomes everyone into a PERSONAL relationship with Him. And Jesus ALWAYS HAS TIME for us. (It takes time to develop friendships, time spent together.)

And note the third example of “show and tell to a friend”, we read: “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’ And he brought him to Jesus.” (v.40-42a) Note the urgency (“The first thing Andrew did”), and the excitement (“We have found the Messiah”). It is so easy to put off the good intentions – and before we know it, time goes by and our intentions never get done.

Such simple invitations: (by John) “Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (by Jesus) “Come and see.” (by Andrew) “We have found the Messiah!” God works through our simple invitations too: “Won’t you come with me?” (to Sunday worship, to Bible Class, to adult instruction classes, to speak with Pastor, etc.)

What would Holy Cross be like if in the next weeks and months each of us would “show and tell to a friend about Jesus?” Who are you befriending in order to “bring them to Jesus?” God can and DOES work through our words and actions of invitation. May God strengthen us again this week as we “show and tell about Jesus to a friend.”

See you in worship this coming weekend – for the 2nd grader Bible presentations and God’s gracious blessings of Word and Sacraments!

Pastor Myers

 

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“The Blessings of His Name” (Numbers 6:22-27)

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“The Blessings of His Name” Numbers 6:22-27

New Year’s Eve – 2016 / New Year’s Day 2017

We’ve all heard store clerks tell us, “Have a nice day” / “Happy Holidays” / “Merry Christmas” / “Happy New Year.” TV and radio personalities speak some of the same wishes into microphones and cameras – we hear them from so many different sources; but does it really MEAN anything to us? And more importantly, does it DO anything for us?

In bold contrast, carefully note what God tells us about the words of the Benediction: “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them, The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.’ So they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:23-27)

In this way, God places His all-important NAME on us, His people. A comparison would be that of “putting our name” upon our check. An unsigned check is void and worthless until the owner‘s “name” has been placed upon it. Our lives, our years, our purpose in living are “void and worthless” until God places His Name upon us.

What will the days of 2017 hold for us? Will the days be productive or painful? Will the nights be restless or refreshing? Will there be health or sickness? Birth or death? Prosperity or poverty? Drawing closer to loved ones or farther apart?

Looking back at 2016, there were some real surprises, both good and bad. We live in a broken world: violent crimes; international instability; uncertain economy; earthquakes, snow storms and other natural disasters; homes and marriages broken because of infidelity, addictions, gambling, selfishness; heart attacks, strokes, accidents, cancer, many without warning.

Amidst all of this, God’s Blessing is that he KEEPS us. With Martin Luther (his explanation to the 1st article of the Apostles’ Creed) we confess: “I believe that God richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life… He defends me against all danger, and guards and protects me from all evil.” We seldom see how God works “behind the scenes” protecting, preserving, and warding off danger. We sometimes hear of those who missed the flight that tragically crashed – or come upon an accident that if they wouldn’t have been delayed, they would’ve been in the midst of it! “The LORD bless you and keep you.”

The 2nd part of the Benediction: “The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen.” How frightening it would be to have the Almighty Creator angry with us; what if God “frowned or scowled” at us? And yet this is exactly what our sins deserve! But because of our Savior, Jesus; whose NAME we receive in our baptism and through “the Blessing” of the Benediction. God treats us FAR BETTER than we deserve! “(God) does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our sins. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear (love and trust) Him.” (Psalm 103:10-11)

And the 3rd part of the Benediction: “The LORD look upon you with favor and give you peace.” When someone is talking to you; if you turn your back, refuse to look at them there is certainly NO BLESSING! But God “turns His face toward us;” we always get His full and undivided attention. What a Blessing to know that in these days of distractions and interruptions; God always “looks upon His children with favor;” we can talk to Him at any time and have His full attention! And He gives us “peace.”

“Peace” is the assurance that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) It is the “peace that passes all understanding, that keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philemon 4:7)

The New Year, and each new day, brings its share of uncertainties. If we had to walk through a dangerous area late at night, we would feel much safer if an armed police officer walked at our side. As God has “placed His name upon us” (our baptism, His Word, the Absolution, the Lord’s Supper, the Benediction) we have far more protection than this!

Therefor with joy and thanksgiving we eagerly continue receiving “the Blessing” of God’s name upon us as the Lord continues to bless us in this New Year.

See you this next weekend as we receive God’s gracious blessings and live as God’s dear children during the week!

Pastor Myers

 

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