6th Sunday of Easter, 5/17/20
1 Peter 3:15-22
How Does Christ’s Resurrection Impact Your Daily Life?
I. It’s the assurance of your salvation.
II. It’s the power in your witnessing.
You’re in a conversation with someone who isn’t particularly close to you. And the other person is the one doing the vast majority of the talking. You’re able to get in an occasional, “I see,” or “Ah-ha,” but that’s about it. It’s apparent that the other person isn’t seeking your advice, approval, or any other discernable response from you, and it isn’t long before you begin to wonder to yourself, “And you’re telling me this because…?” You fail to see the purpose for all these words filling your auditory canal. They’re just words, filling the air around you with sound. That’s it.
More than a month ago we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord. That celebration was different this year than any year we’ve ever experienced from this standpoint: we weren’t able to celebrate it together here in worship as we wanted to, as we would have loved to. But we rejoiced, nonetheless. Our Easter celebration is a highlight of our church year, arguably the pinnacle of our annual worship experience.
But what’s your response to the resurrection of Christ today? Like most Christians, you’d probably state that your Easter joy still lives in your heart, but it isn’t as intense as it once was. In fact, things in your life quickly returned to normal, and, by “normal” I mean you returned to taking one day at a time in the midst of this pandemic that drags on and on with no apparent end in sight. It’s back to facing each day’s problems one after another with the hope of finding a solution or at least a suitable coping mechanism.
Today’s sermon text is from 1 Peter, a letter that was originally written to Christians facing severe suffering for their faith. It would have been easy for them to come to the conclusion that embracing the resurrection of Jesus not only wasn’t helping them; it was the reason they were suffering. So, what good was Christ’s resurrection for them?
We might want to ask ourselves the same question. What difference does believing in the resurrection of Jesus make? How does Christ’s resurrection impact your daily life? Peter answers that question for us today. It’s my prayer that the Holy Spirit works through these words in order to cause you to embrace the resurrection of Jesus every day of your life.
Part I.
I don’t know about you, but lately my head has been spinning. A month ago, I tried to take in as much information as I could on this pandemic so that I could make the best decisions, but not anymore. I’ve begun limiting it. More than once I’ve stated, “I don’t want to hear any more information. I’ve heard enough.”
And yet, if you took a rather quick poll, asking people, “What’s the greatest problem you’re facing today?”, I’m sure the overwhelming majority of people would reply with “COVID-19” or at least something related to it. It’s on the minds of everyone.
Peter gently reminded the original readers of these words and you and me that a pandemic isn’t the greatest problem we face. The judgment of God is. Even when we get past our current crisis, the judgment of God still looms. Listen again to what Peter wrote, “[Jesus] was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.” This section of Peter’s letter is packed with doctrine. The verse I just read speaks about the doctrine we confess when we state in the Apostles’ Creed, “He descended into hell.” I’ll give you this short explanation. After Jesus rose again on Easter, he immediately descended into hell in order to proclaim his victory over Satan. But notice what Peter also states, “God patiently waited in the days of Noah.” God used Noah to proclaim that judgment was coming, and he gave the people 120 years to prepare. But they considered Noah’s words to be a lot of hot air, just noise filling the air. The Lord wanted all people to repent and believe in his message of forgiveness and salvation, but they refused.
And then the judgment came. Judgment will come sooner or later for us as well. This pandemic is not the worst thing we’ll ever face, not even close. The Bible declares, “[God] will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed” (Acts 17:31). How can we possibly endure that judgment of God?
Because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Christ’s resurrection is our solid confidence every day of our lives, including on the day we stand before God. Recall how often Peter uses the word “save” in this short portion of his letter. Save us from what? The judgment of God. Joining those souls in hell to which Peter refers. The resurrection of Jesus is our solid guarantee that he has accomplished that work of saving us. We have forgiveness for every sin.
And that means Satan has no power over us to condemn us forever. As our risen Savior, Jesus entered hell, proclaimed his victory on Satan’s home court, and walked right out of hell triumphant. Satan couldn’t touch him. And Satan won’t be able to touch us either in the judgment. The resurrection of Jesus is our solid guarantee.
But how can we be sure? Peter answers to that question, too. He states, “This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” The water of the flood, by which he saved Noah and his family, symbolizes baptism which saves us also. But how can a little water over the head of an infant save? Peter answers that question, too. “It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” The power of Christ’s resurrection is in the word of God at baptism. At your baptism, the risen Savior brought you the salvation he won for you. It washed your sins away.
And with your sins washed away, you have the blessings of a clean conscience. No sin can condemn you. No threat of hell can hold you. The resurrection of Jesus guarantees it. Now what can be more practical for your daily life than that?
How does Christ’s resurrection impact your daily life? It’s the assurance of your salvation.
No one knows where our world is heading over the next twelve months or so. I’ve heard that a vaccine could be ready sometime over the next 6 to 12 months. But I’ve also heard we’re heading for the most deadly winter we’ve ever seen. And I’m afraid. I’m unsettled. I don’t know what to think. How about you?
But let’s not miss the bigger picture. This current crisis is another reminder of where this world is headed—ultimately to destruction on the Last Day when Jesus returns. It’s another sign of the end times. But your God has everything in his hands. He’s directing all of history to that final day when your Lord Jesus will return and judge all people. But you have nothing to fear. In fact, you have every reason to rejoice. Because your God has prepared you for that judgment by faith in Jesus. Your baptism is his seal of ownership on you. You belong to him by the resurrection of Jesus no matter what happens in this life. So, live confidently! Let the resurrection of Jesus drive all fears and doubts from your hearts. The resurrection of Christ is your assurance of salvation.
Part II.
That’s some awesome news, isn’t it? Victory for us eternally no matter what happens here! Now that Christ’s resurrection has impacted your life and mine, what should we do with that saving truth?
Look what the disciples did with it. They waited in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on them as Jesus promised and then they set the world on fire with the message of Jesus, crucified for the sins of the world but risen from the dead.
Peter calls on us to do the same. He says it like this, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” “Always be prepared.” Always be ready to state what you believe about Jesus and what it means for you. Don’t think you have to recite every truth of the Bible. Just tell someone what Jesus means to you.
“But do this with gentleness and respect.” I’m not so sure that fire and brimstone sermons fit that description and neither does speaking down to someone with the truth of God’s word. Be gentle and respectful.
Even if you suffer for it. Consider the apostles. Only John died a natural death. The rest suffered martyrdom for witnessing to others about Jesus. That’s what Jesus meant to them. That’s what his resurrection meant to them. It impacted their lives daily and they shared that impact with others daily.
What does Christ’s resurrection mean for your daily life? It’s the power in your witnessing.
Times of hardship are some of the best opportunities to do just that. I know life right now isn’t easy, but you have the power of the risen Lord Jesus living in you and with you. While the world is quickly falling apart, you have a message of forgiveness, hope, and salvation. Look for opportunities to share it, gently and with respect. State the message of a crucified and risen Jesus. And see the impact you have on the daily life of someone else. The risen Lord Jesus promises to bless your efforts at doing just that! Amen.
May 11, 2020
Here’s Just What You Need!
5th Sunday of Easter, 5/10/20
John 14:1-12
Here’s Just What You Need!
I. Comfort for today
II. Hope for tomorrow
It was never easy. Cancellations of every event. Practicing social distancing. Closing businesses. Sheltering at home. And now we’re staying safe and realizing the terrible economic impact this pandemic is having on our lives. This whole thing was never easy, but is it getting more difficult for you? I’m guessing that’s true about your patience. We just want to be done with this. And the longer this drags on, the more impatient we become.
We feel this deep need for things to get back to whatever is “normal” for us. I need to get back to work. I need to get a haircut. I need to see my family and friends. I need to take a weekend away or go on a vacation. I just need to be able to schedule something next month with the confidence that I’m going to be able to do it. And, as you watch this recorded service, I hope you’re thinking, “I need to worship in church. I need to receive Holy Communion.”
But, even if this pandemic ordeal were over today and everything went back to normal tomorrow, how long would you be content? I’ll bet it wouldn’t be as you as you think it would be right now. And I say that with confidence because I know from personal experience. Too often, when I get what I think I need, it doesn’t take very long before my situation changes slightly, and I begin to think I need something else. And much of that is due to the fact that this world, and my life, and your life, are full of trouble. And as soon as this trouble ends, another will take its place.
Jesus knows that today. And he knew it when he spoke these words of our text to his disciples in the upper room on the night before his death. And so, he gave his disciples what they needed, just what they needed. And he gives that to us, his disciples, today. Here’s just what you need! Let’s see what that is as we ponder these words of our Lord.
Part I.
“Trust me; I know what I’m doing.” In the mid-1980s there was a satirical TV police series entitled “Sledge Hammer” in which the main character, Sledge Hammer, spoke that phrase right before something catastrophic happened. In the series finale, his partner told him, “Sledge, you can’t disarm that nuclear bomb.” To which Sledge Hammer replied, “Trust me; I know what I’m doing.” You can guess what happened. The bomb detonated and the series ended.
Jesus spoke these words of our text from John 14 on the most catastrophic night of his life. It also happened to be the most
catastrophic night in the life of his 12 disciples as well. From a personal standpoint, the events in John 13 were devastating to both. First, Jesus informed the group that one of them was a mole, a double agent of the worst kind. Eleven of the disciples couldn’t believe it. In fact, each of them wondered if he was the backstabber of the Lord. The heart of Jesus went out to his betrayer. He gave him every opportunity to turn from his evil plan. He even indicated who it was—Judas Iscariot.
But the tragic drama wasn’t over. There was another chapter to it. This one involved the denial of Jesus. When all his disciples asserted their loyalty to him, Jesus informed them that they would all desert him. When Peter insisted he would go to death for Jesus, Jesus informed him that his resolve would wilt under pressure, and he would even deny three times that he ever knew Jesus. It was a tragic night.
But it got worse. Jesus informed them, “I am going to prepare a place for you. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus intended to comfort his disciples with this divine information, but they only heard one thing: Jesus is leaving us. And we don’t know where he’s going.
The disciples’ world was crashing in on them. Their “normal” had just been pulled out from under them. Their hopes, their dreams, their calendars, their jobs, just crumbled in front of them. And what does Jesus tell them? “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” In effect, he was telling them, “Trust me; I know what I’m doing.”
And that meant he would leave them, not so that they would never see him again, but so that they could be with him forever in a place that he would prepare for them. They thought they needed Jesus to stay with them right now. Jesus knew that they really needed him to leave them so that they could be together forever.
And then he added these words of comfort, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.”
First, he told the disciples to trust him for who he is. The disciples still didn’t grasp that Jesus is true God. Somehow, they were under the impression that he was less than the Father. Jesus asserted his full deity once again. He implored them, “Trust me. I’m God.” And that meant that nothing they were facing now is beyond his knowledge or his control. It’s OK; he’s got this!
And if they still had trouble trusting him on the basis for who he is, then he stated, “At least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.” They had witnessed countless miracles, from changing water into wine, to calming a storm, to healing all sorts of sick people, even to raising several people from the dead. He told them, “Trust me because of what you have seen me do.” And imagine what they would see him do over the next 60 hours or so. He would be crucified to their great horror. But they would learn he would die for their sins. Then he would rise again just as he said to assure them of their forgiveness and eternal life. And those are blessings that could never be taken from them no matter what they were facing in life. Those great blessings brought them comfort.
Here’s just what you need—comfort for today.
How often has it happened in your life, that you were going through something difficult and this hardship wasn’t going away? But you didn’t despair. You knew that your Lord was still watching over you and that he knew what you were facing. And you knew that he told you in his word that he was doing what was best for you at that time, but from your perspective, it just wasn’t enough. You needed him to do more.
I can’t count how many times I’ve felt and thought that way. How about you? And it’s often because we fail to see the big picture. We’re so consume with what’s right in front of us that we fail to keep in mind the big picture of our life with Jesus. That was exactly the situation for the disciples on this night. When Jesus pleaded with them to trust him, he wanted them to put their doubts aside and trust him for what they really needed—forgiveness and eternal life. And that’s exactly what Jesus accomplished in the few days that followed. And there’s your comfort, too. I don’t know how so many of the things in your life are going to turn out. But I do know this: you have forgiveness for your sins and eternal life in the heaven which Jesus has prepared for you. There’s your comfort for today!
Part II.
I know things have been tough for the past eight weeks or so. But I’m also amazed each day by the ways—small and large—that this pandemic has also been a blessing. For instance, I probably wouldn’t have made the effort to record our services and make them available on our web site if this pandemic hadn’t occurred. It’s also helped me think of creative ways to keep in touch with you and creative ways to get work done. I’m guessing that many of you have experienced such blessings, too.
The disciples couldn’t imagine a life without Jesus visibly present. So, when he told them of his departure, they were alarmed. How would they possibly live without him? What hope would they have for the future?
Jesus answered those questions with these words, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
There you have it. Just what they needed—hope for the future. He told them first that, in the future, they would do the things he had been doing. Just what did he mean? Most likely he was referring to his miracles. In the coming weeks, the disciples would receive the power from Jesus to perform miracles, just as Jesus did. Those miracles were a stamp of authority on the message that the disciples would share—that Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world and had risen again.
In fact, Jesus declared that they would do greater things than Jesus did. How can that be? Once Pentecost occurred, the disciples would take the good news about Jesus far and wide. The church on earth would grow by leaps and bounds. There would be Christians from every nation, tribe, language and people. Amazing! Jesus didn’t accomplish that while he was on earth, but the disciples would, by the power of the risen Lord Jesus. And that’s just what they needed
Here's just what you need—hope for tomorrow.
I remind you that things looked very bleak for the disciples and for the kingdom of God as Jesus spoke these words of our text. But in truth, everything was going exactly according to God’s plan—his plan to work out your salvation and mine, the world’s salvation. And nothing could stop that plan from being fulfilled. That plan included amazing blessings in the future for these disciples. And they happened just as Jesus said. That’s because our Lord God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and eternal. Every event—past, present and future—lies before him. And that includes your tomorrow and your eternity with him in heaven. So why be impatient or fearful about tomorrow? Here’s just what you need—hope for tomorrow. Your tomorrow is already in front of our Savior. It’s all in his hands. So, trust him, just as he called for his disciples to do. He won’t let you down. He can’t let you down. He will bless you in wonderful ways. Trust him! Amen.
John 14:1-12
Here’s Just What You Need!
I. Comfort for today
II. Hope for tomorrow
It was never easy. Cancellations of every event. Practicing social distancing. Closing businesses. Sheltering at home. And now we’re staying safe and realizing the terrible economic impact this pandemic is having on our lives. This whole thing was never easy, but is it getting more difficult for you? I’m guessing that’s true about your patience. We just want to be done with this. And the longer this drags on, the more impatient we become.
We feel this deep need for things to get back to whatever is “normal” for us. I need to get back to work. I need to get a haircut. I need to see my family and friends. I need to take a weekend away or go on a vacation. I just need to be able to schedule something next month with the confidence that I’m going to be able to do it. And, as you watch this recorded service, I hope you’re thinking, “I need to worship in church. I need to receive Holy Communion.”
But, even if this pandemic ordeal were over today and everything went back to normal tomorrow, how long would you be content? I’ll bet it wouldn’t be as you as you think it would be right now. And I say that with confidence because I know from personal experience. Too often, when I get what I think I need, it doesn’t take very long before my situation changes slightly, and I begin to think I need something else. And much of that is due to the fact that this world, and my life, and your life, are full of trouble. And as soon as this trouble ends, another will take its place.
Jesus knows that today. And he knew it when he spoke these words of our text to his disciples in the upper room on the night before his death. And so, he gave his disciples what they needed, just what they needed. And he gives that to us, his disciples, today. Here’s just what you need! Let’s see what that is as we ponder these words of our Lord.
Part I.
“Trust me; I know what I’m doing.” In the mid-1980s there was a satirical TV police series entitled “Sledge Hammer” in which the main character, Sledge Hammer, spoke that phrase right before something catastrophic happened. In the series finale, his partner told him, “Sledge, you can’t disarm that nuclear bomb.” To which Sledge Hammer replied, “Trust me; I know what I’m doing.” You can guess what happened. The bomb detonated and the series ended.
Jesus spoke these words of our text from John 14 on the most catastrophic night of his life. It also happened to be the most
catastrophic night in the life of his 12 disciples as well. From a personal standpoint, the events in John 13 were devastating to both. First, Jesus informed the group that one of them was a mole, a double agent of the worst kind. Eleven of the disciples couldn’t believe it. In fact, each of them wondered if he was the backstabber of the Lord. The heart of Jesus went out to his betrayer. He gave him every opportunity to turn from his evil plan. He even indicated who it was—Judas Iscariot.
But the tragic drama wasn’t over. There was another chapter to it. This one involved the denial of Jesus. When all his disciples asserted their loyalty to him, Jesus informed them that they would all desert him. When Peter insisted he would go to death for Jesus, Jesus informed him that his resolve would wilt under pressure, and he would even deny three times that he ever knew Jesus. It was a tragic night.
But it got worse. Jesus informed them, “I am going to prepare a place for you. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus intended to comfort his disciples with this divine information, but they only heard one thing: Jesus is leaving us. And we don’t know where he’s going.
The disciples’ world was crashing in on them. Their “normal” had just been pulled out from under them. Their hopes, their dreams, their calendars, their jobs, just crumbled in front of them. And what does Jesus tell them? “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” In effect, he was telling them, “Trust me; I know what I’m doing.”
And that meant he would leave them, not so that they would never see him again, but so that they could be with him forever in a place that he would prepare for them. They thought they needed Jesus to stay with them right now. Jesus knew that they really needed him to leave them so that they could be together forever.
And then he added these words of comfort, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.”
First, he told the disciples to trust him for who he is. The disciples still didn’t grasp that Jesus is true God. Somehow, they were under the impression that he was less than the Father. Jesus asserted his full deity once again. He implored them, “Trust me. I’m God.” And that meant that nothing they were facing now is beyond his knowledge or his control. It’s OK; he’s got this!
And if they still had trouble trusting him on the basis for who he is, then he stated, “At least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.” They had witnessed countless miracles, from changing water into wine, to calming a storm, to healing all sorts of sick people, even to raising several people from the dead. He told them, “Trust me because of what you have seen me do.” And imagine what they would see him do over the next 60 hours or so. He would be crucified to their great horror. But they would learn he would die for their sins. Then he would rise again just as he said to assure them of their forgiveness and eternal life. And those are blessings that could never be taken from them no matter what they were facing in life. Those great blessings brought them comfort.
Here’s just what you need—comfort for today.
How often has it happened in your life, that you were going through something difficult and this hardship wasn’t going away? But you didn’t despair. You knew that your Lord was still watching over you and that he knew what you were facing. And you knew that he told you in his word that he was doing what was best for you at that time, but from your perspective, it just wasn’t enough. You needed him to do more.
I can’t count how many times I’ve felt and thought that way. How about you? And it’s often because we fail to see the big picture. We’re so consume with what’s right in front of us that we fail to keep in mind the big picture of our life with Jesus. That was exactly the situation for the disciples on this night. When Jesus pleaded with them to trust him, he wanted them to put their doubts aside and trust him for what they really needed—forgiveness and eternal life. And that’s exactly what Jesus accomplished in the few days that followed. And there’s your comfort, too. I don’t know how so many of the things in your life are going to turn out. But I do know this: you have forgiveness for your sins and eternal life in the heaven which Jesus has prepared for you. There’s your comfort for today!
Part II.
I know things have been tough for the past eight weeks or so. But I’m also amazed each day by the ways—small and large—that this pandemic has also been a blessing. For instance, I probably wouldn’t have made the effort to record our services and make them available on our web site if this pandemic hadn’t occurred. It’s also helped me think of creative ways to keep in touch with you and creative ways to get work done. I’m guessing that many of you have experienced such blessings, too.
The disciples couldn’t imagine a life without Jesus visibly present. So, when he told them of his departure, they were alarmed. How would they possibly live without him? What hope would they have for the future?
Jesus answered those questions with these words, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
There you have it. Just what they needed—hope for the future. He told them first that, in the future, they would do the things he had been doing. Just what did he mean? Most likely he was referring to his miracles. In the coming weeks, the disciples would receive the power from Jesus to perform miracles, just as Jesus did. Those miracles were a stamp of authority on the message that the disciples would share—that Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world and had risen again.
In fact, Jesus declared that they would do greater things than Jesus did. How can that be? Once Pentecost occurred, the disciples would take the good news about Jesus far and wide. The church on earth would grow by leaps and bounds. There would be Christians from every nation, tribe, language and people. Amazing! Jesus didn’t accomplish that while he was on earth, but the disciples would, by the power of the risen Lord Jesus. And that’s just what they needed
Here's just what you need—hope for tomorrow.
I remind you that things looked very bleak for the disciples and for the kingdom of God as Jesus spoke these words of our text. But in truth, everything was going exactly according to God’s plan—his plan to work out your salvation and mine, the world’s salvation. And nothing could stop that plan from being fulfilled. That plan included amazing blessings in the future for these disciples. And they happened just as Jesus said. That’s because our Lord God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and eternal. Every event—past, present and future—lies before him. And that includes your tomorrow and your eternity with him in heaven. So why be impatient or fearful about tomorrow? Here’s just what you need—hope for tomorrow. Your tomorrow is already in front of our Savior. It’s all in his hands. So, trust him, just as he called for his disciples to do. He won’t let you down. He can’t let you down. He will bless you in wonderful ways. Trust him! Amen.
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