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God is Making Us Righteous: A Sermon on Romans 8:10-13
God is making us… Righteous
Romans 8:10-13
† I.H.S. †
May the Grace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus be evident in your life that you may know God will fulfill His promises to you.
The Lenten Journey
Time for another Pastor Parker Poignant Parable – that comes from experience this week!
Our Lenten Journey in the Kingdom of God is like the 405 freeway. You know that there is major construction you will encounter, though you don’t know where it will be today! It will be a mess, but you will eventually get to your destination!
Some things in our lives need to be demolished. Some things need to be widened (though they seem too wide already). Things generally need to be rebuilt, and things need to be smoothed out and repaved. The hardest part is that we have to deal with someone else making all the decisions that affect our journey!
But eventually, we will get to our destination.
Each week of Lent, we will see what God has promised to do and is doing in our lives…
Some of it will be unexpected, some may seem like it is going too slow, or the detour doesn’t make sense…
And on occasion – there will be some major demolition needed…
But getting us to the final destination – and getting the work done, is the promise.
The promise is on the cover of the bulletin. It is a promise that Paul taught the church in Ephesus about when he wrote,
“And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the day of Christ Jesus.” Amen? AMEN!
As we realize God is in charge of the work and in charge of getting us to our destination, perfect and mature… and on time – His time; we find His peace
The Problem with Journeys
If you ask anyone living between Long Beach and Irvine, the 405 has been a mess, is a mess, and will be a mess until Jesus returns.
Sort of like life. I’ve had to drive it 4-5 times in the last two weeks, and probably a dozen since December – and you never know where the construction will happen or what ramps will be closed or open.
It’s a mess – as is life.
Sometimes we think everything will be perfect, and then something is screwed-up. Sin enters the picture and demolishes a bridge or closes the on-ramp we thought we would use. Or someone sins, accidentally, of course, and everything in life slows down to a crawl.
You know – something like the sins happening between the Ukraine and Russia….. and the related sins – like the spreading of gossip and fear.
And sooner or later, we will get frustrated by the work, the need for it, frustrated by delays, and our reactions! Like how we react when someone cuts us off on the freeway while traffic is going 20 mph.
Our lack of understanding – which leads to frustration – leads us into sin…
God’s work – done… and yet not done.
This is where we need to remember God is at work! And the job is going to get done in His time!
After all, God is far more in control than CalTrans!
We just need to trust in Him – to believe in our heart that He’s doing what He promised to do…. Hear again from Romans,
10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
God has a destination for every single one of us in mind. That destination is His side, with Him forever. He is in charge of the journey, including the detours and the slowdowns. Remember his promise that all things work for good for those who love God..? That includes all the stops, detours, and frustrations of the journey. For God uses them to teach us to trust in Him, depend on Him, to believe in our heart that He is making us right with the Father.
That is what the cross is all about – the point in this journey where God made us righteous.
This is a done deal!
We are made right with God – we are being drawn to His side…
Believing, trusting, depending on Him means we let Him be in charge of the journey – even if it reminds us of the 405 freeway or the 5 into LA.
That’s why Paul reminds us that “Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” Romans 10:8-13 (NLT2)
Saying that God gives generously to us is simply saying that if He does not spare Jesus but offers Him on the cross. He did not spare His body but allowed His blood to be spilled; how much more will He make certain what He started at the cross comes to completion.
He has made you righteous – He has made you right with Him. And though you don’t know how long the journey will be, we are confident in His finishing the work – on the day we arrive and see Him face to face.
And until then – no matter how bad the 405 is, no matter how high the price of gas, no matter how many closures – we can live in His peace and in the presence of the Holy Spirit – until we get home… AMEN!
The Maintenance Man: A Modern Parable
Devotional Thought of the Day:
Very rarely will I post another person’s work on my blog, but this parable reflects a real life event in their life. And perhaps, as good parables do….. our lives as well. As you read it, consider who you might be, and as needed, approach God’s throne of grace…and maybe bring a friend, a pastor, a professor, a maintenance man, and find the stone who the builders rejected. To the one who wrote this, thank you my friend, for helping us see.
The Maintenance Man
Well, the stones were all square. That’s what they had in common. And they all
(or at least some of them) got walked on. And yes, they were different sizes, to form a
pattern, but each one had its place, fitting neatly into the matrix of the walkway. Anne
liked how they all fit together, and so she felt a little guilty when she accidentally kicked
one loose. Locomotion required some serious willpower these days, and she hauled
her hesitant feet behind her into the building. Muttering, a maintenance man shook his
head in annoyance at all the cementing he’d have to do to replace that chipped stone.
Unaware of his displeasure, the young lady continued toward the building. She
wasn’t convinced this whole thing was a good idea, but in the face of her obvious
incompetence, she would obey the wishes of friends and administrators. They had
noticed the permanently blank look on her face, her listlessness, and her habit of
assuming failure, and they had particularly urged her to do this. Her response had been
one of apathy and resignation. “I suppose I’ll go, but I don’t know what good it’ll do.”
Mentally she had added, “or why they bother now.”
She knew right where the Pastor’s office was, and she followed the familiar path
there. As Anne walked in, the church secretary forced the corners of her mouth up just
a little bit. With as much work as the Pastor had given her, it was the best she could do.
Anne smiled back to encourage the older woman.
“The Pastor is with someone right now. Do you have an appointment?” His
calendar lay open on her desk.
“No.”
The secretary hated this part of her job. So many people were turned away. “He
is very busy today. Would you like to make an appointment for another day? I think we
could probably fit you in sometime next week, even though things are pretty hectic
around here.”
“No, thank you. I think I’ll just wait, if you don’t mind.”
“He probably won’t have time for you.”
“I shouldn’t be long.”
“OK. Whatever you’d like to do.” The secretary turned back to her typing. Better
not to think about it.
Presently, the study door opened and the pastor emerged from his office with the
new organist. They were chuckling to themselves, and joking about the old, worn organ
the church had.
“Thanks, Pastor. We’ll have a go at these. If the choir can learn them well, I
think they can lead the congregation on Sunday.”
“I’d appreciate that. Oh, and also, the elders think the services are too long, so
let’s try to pick up the tempo a bit on Sunday.”
“We’re already moving at a good clip, but if there’s no other way …”
“Thanks! Have a good day!”
“You too. Bye.”
Anne shook her head to clear the cobwebs.
“Excuse me, Pastor?”
“I’m really pressed for time right now. What do you need?”
Anne followed him into the study. The pastor gave a mental groan as she closed
the study door behind her. Anne noticed. Some things never change.
“What can I do for you?” His office seemed smaller. Perhaps it was the mounds
of paper that had accumulated on his desk and on the floor next to his desk.
“Well, I’ve been having some trouble concentrating – my grades are getting lower
and lower – my advisor told me to come and see you before I flunk out.”
“Why? Did the Professor seem to think there was something I could help you
with?” His brain silently translated, “Couldn’t it have waited till after Easter?”
Anne didn’t really believe he could help her at all, unless he happened to be
carrying something sharp. She was always in somebody’s way. But she answered him
politely. “He thought you might be able to get a handle on why my act isn’t together. I
wasn’t so sure, but I promised him I’d come see you.”
“Anne, we’ve talked about this before, and I’m afraid I just don’t have anything
else to say. Until you do something about your attitudes, things are never going to
change. It’s that simple. You come to church in jeans, you never smile, and all you
seem to care about is home – whether your mom called, your dad’s new girlfriend, or
how much he’s been drinking. You’d think you were the only person jin the world who’s
lived through their parents’ divorce. Take some advice, OK? Go back to the dorm,
have some dinner, and crack the books. Let your brothers and sisters worry about your
parents. The best thing you can do for your grades is buckle down and study.”
Anne didn’t have any brothers or sisters, but somehow she didn’t think that would
matter to him. “Well, I won’t take up any more of your time. Please tell the professor I
came to see you.”
“OK. I’ve really got to go now. See you Sunday!” Pastor hurried out of the
office. He had to get to the flower shop before it closed to pick up those extra palms. If
they ran out tomorrow, the elders would be upset with him. Yes, he had things to do.
Anne showed herself out. Walking slowly, she was deep in debate with herself.
Right, toward the river, or left, toward town? She decided on left, and forced her body in
that direction.
The maintenance man saw her, and hurried to finish the hedges he had begun
when she arrived. Exhausted, he decided to leave the walkway til Monday and head
home. He had a blister on his hand, but at least the hedges would look nice for Palm
Sunday. He kicked the errant walkway stone back into its hole, stomped it down good,
and packed up his things. Anyway, the sky was clouding up.
Somewhere in the back of Anne’s mind it registered. Through the cloudiness,
thunder. Although it tried, the realization didn’t manage to worm its way forward until
her cheek felt the first trickles of the downpour. Weary from the struggle to make her
feet obey, she sought shelter in a nearby drug store.
Greeting cards, prescription drugs, vitamins, magazines – the signs intruded on
her foggy consciousness. Stopping in front of the non-prescription drugs, she tried to
look like she was shopping. The clerk eyed her suspiciously.
Then, as if a breeze blew through her mind, the fog cleared, and she understood.
Smiling, she selected the generic sleeping aids.
The clerk wanted her out of his store. “That’ll be three dollars and forty-six
cents.” She was barely to the counter. Handing him three-fifty, she left without her
change.
Leaning up against a nearby post, Anne was suddenly calm. At least she
wouldn’t be in anybody’s way anymore. Finally spotting a water fountain, she
swallowed the contents of the bottle she had just purchased, sat down on a nearby
bench, and dozed off with the rain dripping off her fingers.
The Professor seemed angry when the pastor spotted him walking into church
the next morning.
“I know she isn’t here yet, but Anne asked me to tell you that she came into see
me yesterday.”
“Yes.” His voice lowered, and took an edge to it. “Well, she won’t be coming any
more. They found her on a bench about two blocks from here.” The Professor paused
to let his words take effect. “Her parents are flying in tomorrow from Ohio. Apparently
she decided to get rid of her insomnia for good.”
The verdict had been handed down.
“She never mentioned any insomnia.”
“You never asked.”
The gavel hit the bench.
The pastor looked disgusted. The Professor left. He didn’t think he’d be back.
Slowly walking out the front door, he stopped half0way down the crumbling path. There
was mud all over, and, dep in thought, he traced something in it with his toe. Then he
shook the wet earth off his feet.
The sentence had been pronounced.
After all, it really is difficult to get good help these days. He called to the
maintenance man, just arriving for church.
“You shouldn’t have left that loose stone, you know. Now all the soil’s washed
out from underneath and the whole thing will need replacing.”
The maintenance man scowled and didn’t answer. He walked in, muttering
greetings to the Pastor as he passed, who scowled and muttered back. Now the pastor
had yet another sermon to prepare this week, and he didn’t have time to deal with
maintenance men.
Closing thought, from the words of another battered and chipped stone, named Paul. ” 19 You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God. 20 You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone. 21 Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord. 22 And you are part of that building Christ has built as a place for God’s own Spirit to live.”Ephesians 2:19-22 (CEV)
We Can Know the Wonderful Things!
We Can Know the Wonderful Things!
1 Cor. 2:1-12
† In Jesus Name †
As the grace of God enfolds you, as the mercy and peace comes through like a cleansing wave, may you realize the greatest blessing is simply… beyond your imagination!
A Pastor Parker Parable….
It is time for another of “pastor parker’s parables!”
Side note – it’s been a good year for parables already – this is the fourth one and we are only 6 weeks into the year! So this one seems clearly appropriate!
You see, the Parable is, “The Kingdom of God is revealed like…. (long pause) a Parable!
Told you it was somewhat appropriate!
Parables are simply word pictures that we enter into, stories with the purpose of teaching us, introducing us to deeper truths that we might be able to think through on your own.
They start our simple, like the parable of the sower, and the basic teaching that sometimes things grown, sometimes they do not. The reasons growth doesn’t happen is explained, as is the glory that when things do grow, oh my, do they grow!
That’s the simple story, basic truth, but with an application that takes it far further. In that case Jesus was talking about how people would receive His message – the news of the depth of God’s love, that was about to be revealed to them in a way that would be beyond belief.
Do you remember the old Jack Nicholson quote, “You can’t handle the truth!?” Parables are tools to help those who can’t handle the truth, and that is everyone, as to them is revealed the very glory of God, revealed to us in Jesus birth, death, resurrection and His glorious message that God is with us!
Such is what St. Paul is trying to explain to the church in Corinth – as He is going to spend the entire letter refocusing them on what is important in life, the very mystery of God.
A Time for simplicity
As Paul starts out the chapter, he talks about forgetting everything but one thing – Jesus Christ, and His crucifixion. Nothing else! That is enough to focus on, keeping it simple. Jesus is God, Born of Mary, was crucified for your sin, rose from the dead and is in Heaven with the Father – there to plead for us.
It is the basic story of our faith, the part that we need to focus on, as we talk to people about Jesus – about faith – about Christianity! Too often we get focused on other things, the things we want to save people from, the sins they have, or the bizarre ideas about Christianity or the universe, or just life.
St Peter says it this way, “15 Simply proclaim the Lord Christ holy in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NJB)
Paul talks of this being so critical of a message, that the responsibility of giving it clearly caused him anxiety, and to become an introvert it was so heavy. It caused him to use plain and simple language, this man who would be a professor in any university, in the religion department or philosophy department or languages.
Yet this message is too critical – like the parable it has to begin simply.
Why? Because if it was easily recognized, Paul wouldn’t be able to say what he says in verses 7 and 8, “No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.”
They may have understood the first part of the parable, the clearer lessons that were seen at the time of the Old Testament. They were able to see that, and waxed eloquently on those things. The Greeks were able to do this to, learning basic ideas like God is just, and that they tried to draw conclusions about God and the universe based on their limited knowledge. With all of their wisdom, with all of the wisdom of the world today, we might understand the basics of the parable, but can we see the plan that God had hidden in plain sight of all? Not at all! Indeed much of their work obscures anything of the cross. As does the work of some today, who think they are wise.
So instead of speaking eloquently, Paul realized what the Old Testament prophets said was right – that’s why he said,
9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”– 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
And let me tell you, God has conceived some pretty amazing things….anyone interested in knowing one? Nah…..
Paul said just to focus on Jesus, and the cross…
A Time for Wisdom
But there is a time, among mature believers, to discuss that which is revealed to us, the very mystery of God – hear verse 7 again…
No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.
Did you hear that?
God’s plan is for our ultimate glory – and that’s been His plan – all along
That is even more mind blowing than anything else you can hear. More mind blowing winning the lottery. Understand that God is going to bring us into His glory, is more mind-blowing than finding out your wife is pregnant. Way more mind blowing! Take my word for it – I’ve had to deal with both this week!
(did you get that – okay – back to the sermon)
God’s plan for us – since the beginning – to share in His glory – no wonder we can’t see it clearly – no wonder just the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of our relationship with Him.
No eye could have pictured this – when all around us we see sin.
Ears that have rejoiced when hearing the words, “I love you”, hear it from God, the creator of the universe, as He comes and abides with us, and makes our hearts come alive…
and everything, everything, working out for good for us, because we are loved by God, and He calls to us.
That is why Jesus was nailed to the cross, that’s why we are here, it is why we listen to sermons, to know of this love, a love for us. That is the wonderful thing He has freely given, this relationship that we’ve believed was impossible.
That’s the deep thing of the parable, that makes it like the kingdom of God. The deep meaning is all about Jesus Christ – the crucified one, who came to bring us home to God the Father.
Knowing the depth of this mystery – Christ in you – the hope of Glory the apostle told the Colossians – we find ourselves in peace… God’s peace.
Which has been His plan since the beginning.
AMEN?
Where He Lives (with us) Is Glorious!
Where He Lives Is Glorious!
Isaiah 11:1-10
† Jesus, Son, Savior †
As you experience the grace and mercy of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, may you realize you dwell, even now, in His glorious presence!
The Irony of Looking for What is Already Here…
It’s time for another of Pastor Parker’s Parables.
The Kingdom of God is like setting up a Christmas tree a couple hours before the company arrives.
You have set it up every year in the same place, and you know how it all fits together! You get the stand to work this time, on just the 6th attempt. You place the lights on it carefully, having laid them all to test them. On goes all the ornaments, even that ugly indestructible, hideous one you got years ago. It was your Christmas present as a married couple from that one friend, so you put It on. (Maybe this year it will finally be crushed when you take the tree down!)
You finished decorating, you go to plug it in, and somehow the cord is 6 inches short… it won’t reach the wall outlet! In 10 minutes, your company is due to arrive! You head out to the garage; absolutely, positively sure there is a power strip right on the workbench, where it is supposed to be! You look, it is not there, you start to move things around… and…where is it! Anxiety starts to build!
You hear a car stop at the curb, oh no! You will never get it find it now! You look out, whew! It isn’t’ your guests, it’s the neighbor’s kids and grandkids. (you don’t even complain that they are parked in front of your house, you are so relieved…) You go back to the work bench – still trying to figure out where that dang power strip is…
And you realize it is in your hand. You picked it up, to move it out of the way so that you could find it….and it never left your hand…
Now the car with your friends arrives, as you are laughing maniacally, half embarrassed, half relieved, completely drained by the stress that leaves you…
Ready to enjoy the friends that you’ve been working to prepare the house for.
That’s the kingdom of heaven, that moment where the realization that what you need is here….right here.. even though you couldn’t see it.
That is our message of advent, as we focus on the peace and rest we have been given, because our long expected Jesus, is here. The rest and peace and glory that was prophesied to arrive with Him, that we struggle to remember is here…..
The struggle with Injustice in a dog eat dog world
As we look at the message in Isaiah, we begin to see what the Jewish people were expecting in the coming of Christ. I love the description of the peace that will exist between natural enemies, and predators, and even those who would innocently invade the area of others.
There is no more dog eat dog world, it is gone. There is no need to be on the defensive, to be anxious over those who could get hurt. There is no need to guard what we say, wondering how others might use it against us.
There is peace, and there is rest. It is a way that is foreign to us, for we will truly be able to be still, and just know that He is God….
Think about it, we will not have to worry anymore if our rights are going to be violated, or if someone is going to make our life more of a challenge. How many of us are ready to have nothing to complain about? No one to blame for why our lives are not as wonderful as they could be. Nothing holding us back.
I almost wonder how we will adjust… ( I mean – what will we post on facebook !)
Cynicism is no longer an art form, for many it is a survival mechanism. To throw away everything Luther told us about putting the best construction on what other’s say and do – and assume what they say and do is about their best – not our best interests. Of course, should someone point out that our words and deeds aren’t so loving, we might get upset.
And the Israelites were expecting the Messiah to change all that! They needed to someone who had all the wisdom, all the knowledge, the understanding and the ability to make this all right. Someone not just as wise as Solomon, or as aware of God’s heart as David, or with the gift of miracles like Elijah, but the one who they pointed to!
I love how Isaiah describes Jesus, 700 plus years before He is born of Mary
3 He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. 4 He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited.
That’s the promise of the word of God, promised to be fulfilled when the Messiah arrived on the scene…
So two thousand years later… why don’t we live in this peace? Why do we struggle with things that destroy it? Paranoia, Defensiveness, anxieties, resentment and thirst for revenge?
Simply put, it’s because the Kingdom of God is like putting up a Christmas tree…
Has this happened yet?
You have been baptized (if you have not – we can take care of that!) you have been welcome into the community of God’s people. Your sins have been forgiven and you are reminded of that quite often around here, because we need to be.
We, especially here at Concordia realize what a great God we have, for He has been lifted up on a cross, our flag of hope – our banner of victory, and we have seen the nations rally around Him, proclaiming His glory.
We live in God’s Kingdom, so why aren’t we aware of life being the way Isaiah prophesied? Why do we live still on edge, on guard, and battling anxiety? Why do we resent other, and desire revenge? Why do we feel we have to protect what is ours? Why can’t we see this Kingdom of God?
I suppose it is gooder grammar to ask why don’t we see this Kingdom of God?
It is here, you are reminded of it when you pray, which is why St Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. You can’t deny someone being there..if you are having a conversation with Him!
You know you are baptized, so heed Martin Luther’s advice and start each day knowing what is yours – the very gift of the Holy Spirit, the wiping away of all sins from your life, the healing of heart and soul. End each day as well remembering your baptism, for then you will know God is with you, and that you can sleep in peace.
Come to His table, and as one song tells us, taste of that glory, the bread of forgiveness, the win of His peace. Know that all struggle with can be left here as well.
Fellowship with others, as we learn the scriptures together, as we measure the height and depth of width and breath of His incredible love for us.
Know He has come, He is here…realize that you can entrust God with the world, with the justice He has promised, with the fact that nothing can prevail against His love. Be free to love those around you, even those you struggle with whom you struggle. God is here…right here… all the time.
That is why you live in the peace of God, which will guard you heart and mind in Christ Jesus. AMEN?
