Clothe Yourself With Good Things

Above all, clothe yourselves with love,
which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:14

"As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." Col 3:12 NRSV

We are not to be doormats. We are to stand firmly on the truth, which is the Word of God. Jesus, and in the end his disciples, did not back down from the truth. They stood firmly on God's Word and on His promises.

But, neither are we to be bullies asserting our rights over the rights of others. Paul encourages the Colossians to treat one another with compassion and kindness. We are to try to have empathy for others; to, as the saying goes: "walk a mile in the shoes of others." We are to listen to all sides with humility; humbling ourselves so that we do not put our needs over the needs of others, and with empathy so that we can act with compassion and kindness to those who are suffering.

May God reconcile us to Himself and to one another, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is Risen!

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19

The sheer insanity of it all! Can you imagine what it would have been like to have witnessed your beloved friend and teacher put to death. How gut-wrenchingly horrific to watch the agony of this one you love. This man that you followed around the countryside; who taught you; who ate with you; who healed the sick and cast out demons before your very eyes is gone. He is dead.

Now, here he is. Alive! Standing before you! Just as he promised, He lives! Watching the movie "Risen" yesterday, it struck me that once the disciples witnessed him alive, they had no alternative; but, to go and share this good news. Who wouldn't? Sure they could've tried to kept their lips sealed to protect themselves. They did not have to tell anyone about this miraculous return of their beloved friend from the dead. But, how would one keep such a secret. Impossible! It is just too marvelous! The news must be shared. And, it was shared. Like mad men; yet, not mad; filled with the Spirit, those first followers of Jesus went out and shared the marvelous news of his death, his resurrection, and his ascension. The good news is that because he is risen and so shall we!

I hear often about churches dying. I wonder why; how can this be? How can a church die when they have such good news to share. Maybe, because the good news isn't being shared. Think about it for a minute. Those who witnessed Jesus alive have his death were few. Yet, from those few the good news has spread  around the world. Even in the smallest of congregations there are at least a dozen who worship God. Don't keep him in the sanctuary. Don't hide your love of God. Go out and tell the world that; although, he was hung a cross until dead, he is risen!

He lives!

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Tradition would tell me this blog would be best for Easter. But, it is good news for every day! I doubt those first disciples quit telling the story during the forty days. One never knows when someone who has not heard the story needs to hear it.

Love One Another

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-36

Some of you may remember the Beatles song "All You Need Is Love." Love, love, love... Is that all we need? No, it is not. But, when we love one another, we will strive to make sure that all of our neighbors needs for daily life will be met. We will not let them go hungry, or without shelter, or without warmth, or any of the necessities to support physical life.

Jesus had just humbly knelt to wash the feet of his beloved disciples; Judas had just left to betray the one who loved him; when Jesus gave the command to love another even as he loved them. Love, in this sense, is not just a noun. It is a verb. We are to humble ourselves and to actively love and show care and concern for the people around us; indeed, even around the whole world, even as Jesus went forth and died for the world.

This is his commandment: that we are to love one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Lift High The Cross

 

But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

Matt 16:23-25

 

God grant that we should lift high the cross and follow in the footsteps of Jesus, while knowing that there will be things that must be left behind to die in order that we might live in Christ. 

 

God's Peace - Pr.

I Saw You

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!”  Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:47-49 NRSV

Some of us take a long time before we make the move to get to know Jesus. It is sometimes even longer before we begin to actually follow him. It was not so with the first disciples. They pretty much dropped everything immediately to get to know him and to follow him. Nathanael was amazed that Jesus knew who he was before he met him. This knowledge was enough to get Nathanael to want to know Jesus.

It might take us some time to even begin to get an inkling as to who this Jesus is. But, it takes no time for Jesus to get to know us. Whether we know him or not. He knows us. He has always known us. He is always with us. He knows what we are doing even before we do it. He is the Son of God, after all. Won't you take the time to get to know the King of Israel; the King of Kings?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Storms

Luke 8:22-25 NRSV
Jesus calms the disciples and the seas. He commands even the winds and the waters. They listen to him. But, there is something else we need to remember. The storm did not begin until they were out on the sea with Jesus.

Following Jesus is no guarantee that there will not be storms in your life. In fact, it might guarantee even a few more. If you truly follow Jesus you will face obstacles and opposition of all kinds. Jesus never promised that we would not have troubling or stormy times. Only that with him, we would weather them. We would live. We can live in peace knowing that the one who has power over all things is with us always.

There is no need to fear the storms. The one who commands the winds and the waves is with you and for you. But, sometimes, you will need to experience a few storms on the sea before you can reach the other side.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 15:22-33 Saints at Zion

Romans 15:22-33 NIV
St. Paul was a bit of a traveler. He would like to have been everywhere and all at the same time. But, that was and is not humanly possible. There are times in our ministry when we all have to prioritize needs. There are times we may have to say no, I cannot come because I have to be elsewhere. No one person can do everything for everybody no matter how much we'd like to. When tragedy strikes I often have to leave whatever it is that I am doing or whomever I am with to minister to others who are experiencing major traumatic events in there lives. Sometimes, I just have to trust others to do some of the things I would normally do. It is called delegating. But, before delegating we are responsible to ensure that they are capable of carrying on the ministry to which they are called. We need to train others to help others in need. We need to make disciples. We really are not in this alone. We have many brothers and sisters in Christ to work with us for the glory of God.

We rejoice, not only when we can finally visit and pray with someone we have longed to see; but, we also rejoice in the knowledge that when we cannot be there ourselves; another saint or saints have been equipped to minister to those in need. I rejoice; because, I am never afraid to leave my congregation when I have to travel somewhere. They are in good hands. The saints (disciples) at Zion know their gifts and are fully capable of using them whether I am here or away.

Thanks be to God! That is how the Body of Christ works!

May the God of peace be with you all. Amen

Pr. J

Romans 12:1-2 Transformed Not Conformed

Romans 12:1-2 NIV
Do not be conformed to the world. Be transformed in Christ.

Our discipleship small group has been discussing the difference between being conformed and transformed. Many within the church appear to be conforming to certain standards that they feel appropriate for a Christian. This is adds up to nothing more than good works and we all know that works without faith is not worth a hill of beans. Conformation is only an outward action. In order for our lives to be effective witnesses to and for Christ, we must abide in Christ and Christ in us. We must be transformed. We cannot be witnesses to the world; we cannot make disciples for Christ, unless we are disciples first. And, disciples are not those who have conformed to the world's standards of Christianity or anything else. Disciples are those who have been transformed by the loving, living, abiding presence of Jesus the Christ.

Be transformed. Be a disciple. Make a disciple.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 22 The Lord Said

Acts 22
Because, the Lord said. The Lord said to Paul, "Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles." (vs 21) This was Paul's defense for proclaiming the Good News. Of all the people in the world, Paul's history was such that he would be the last one that anyone would expect to be a follower of Jesus, doing the Lord's will. He was both a Roman and a Jew. He persecuted Christians; standing by and approving of Stephen's death. But, the ascended Lord, Jesus, came to him. The Lord, Jesus, sent him to proclaim the Good News.

So what do you do when the Lord sends you? Do you go as Paul went, even in the face of hardship, persecution; even if you might have to face death? Or, is your reaction more like Moses' first reaction when he made excuses and tried to reject God's call to go to the people to save them. Moses did not want to God; but, he ultimately went because the Lord said.

God knows who is capable. God knows who and how He has been preparing those whom He will send. Paul's history made him an unlikely candidate to be sent by God according to human understanding. But, it was exactly his history that prepared him for that mission. God knows what He is doing. He does not send unless He prepares us first.

Those first disciples were ordinary men. They were not perfect. They were not all highly educated. But, God prepared them. They followed Jesus around for three years, learning, being disciple. The Lord is preparing you. The Lord said, "Go and make disciples of all people." Will you listen? Will you go?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 20:7-12 Preaching Till Midnight

Acts 20:7-12 NIV
When my sons were young teens, they would attend the Lutheran Church that we belonged to on Sunday mornings with me. In the evening the oldest son and sometimes the younger would attend Worship at a Non-denominational Church where some of their friends attended. I think they preferred the music and the fact you didn't have to try to follow a bulletin or any order of Worship. They weren't old enough to drive so I would drop them off and pick them up. (Yes, I did attend with them on a couple of occasions.) The problem was that one could never tell how long the services would last or when to pick them up. More than once, I found myself waiting in the parking lot until close to midnight. They did not have stained glass windows so I could see inside the church through the clear panes. The front pews on those late nights usually had children sleeping on them. On one occasion, at least, the children resting in the pews were my sons.

Many Lutherans have a pretty low tolerance for a service that last longer than hour. I have found that my own tolerance for sitting in the pew for long periods is directly related to how well the preacher can proclaim the Gospel. Does he/she actually know the Law and Gospel? Does he/she actually believe it?

Paul could be a little long-winded. In fact, I am amazed at how long-winded even some of his letters were in light of the fact that there were no typewriters or computers. On one particular Sunday, Paul was preaching in an upper room where a young man was apparently sitting on the third-story window ledge. About midnight, this young man fell asleep and fell out of the window. Don't worry. He lived. They went back upstairs; broke bread and Paul continued to preach until daylight.

Seem a little extreme? When one is hungry for the Word and another is eager to share it so as to make disciples nothing is too extreme. Go and make disciples...

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 18:18-28 Go Out

Acts 18:18-28 NIV
The message of the kingdom is spreading. Paul is busy going from community to community encouraging disciples so that when he leaves the sharing of the Gospel will continue to grow and edify the church, giving glory to God.


I also heard this story from some of the speakers here at the NALC Mission Festival over the last day. It was a good reminder that some of us are definitely not called to be chaplains to a congregation; but, evangelists. It was a reminder that we are called to go out into the world proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus to all people. If we think that going to Worship on Sundays whether it is in a traditional building or a house church, let us all think again. Being a Christian, is being a follower and disciple of Christ. We need to leave those safe sanctuaries and share the Good News that all might inherit their place in the presence and Kingdom of God.


God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 14:21-28 Entrust the Elders to God

Acts 14:21-28 NIV


Zion Lutheran, Skanee, MI

Their mission complete, Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch via the very cities which their lives had been threated. In spite of the previous threats, they went to encourage the disciples in those places and to appoint elders for them in each church to carry on the ministry which had begun. These leaders of the church leave. They leave these churches after entrusting them and their elders to the Lord.

I know that it is hard for some today to believe; but, there are multitudes of smaller congregations, even house churches, without traditional clergy shepherding them. At the present time, for whatever reason, there is no other option. Some of these people and places are very remote. I have heard, at times, that congregations like this should just shut their doors since there are not enough of them to sustain a ordained Pastor to lead them. They should drive to the nearest viable congregation. That is just so totally wrong on so many levels. There are enough people in this world, to be able to grow the church (every single congregation) and not diminish it; to fill up every sanctuary; every living room. Rather than shut doors and combine congregations under one roof; what would be wrong with filling each of them up? Think it not possible? Remember, the church we know today began with 12 disciples doing mission. By the power of the Holy Spirit, it spread throughout the world. Yes, indeed, if we think the church is just about maintaining the building and the status quo; then, yes, the doors might probably need to be shut. The church is about proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom to all people. The church is about growth in the Kingdom.

So what can we do for all those small congregations who might appear to some to be dying? First of all, we can pray for them. We can trust that the elders of those congregations are in God's care and under His guidance. Do not discourage; rather, encourage them. We can visit them often to encourage them and strengthen them with the word of God so that their faith and faithfulness might grow.

May God help us to remember that the mission of the church is to reach out to all people, teaching them all that Jesus taught us and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May God help us to remember that the Church is bigger than us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 2:1-12 The Gift of Hearing

Acts 2:1-12 NIV
When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, how was it that each and everyone one of the people in the crowd heard them in their native language?

Rev. Karlo Keljo was an amazing teacher. He was one of my all-time favorites. I still think of him often. He once posed this question to us. "How is it that every one heard in their own language, after all there were a multitudes of different speaking people present? If those disciples were all speaking at the same time in different languages how could anyone have heard anything at all?" Scripture tells us that the disciples received the gift of speaking in tongues. Karlo taught that at that same time the disciples received this gift, the people received what Karlo called the "gift of hearing." No matter what language was spoken, he proposed, everyone still heard it in their own language and understood.

I speak English and yet there are times that I am absolutely astounded that there are some people who listen that just don't seem to hear what I am saying. There are also others, who hear something other than what I meant to say. Usually, the understanding is prompted by the Holy Spirit; but, not always. When I first began my ministry, I was interning under three different clergy at a multiple of sites. After preaching at one particular congregation so that one of the pastors could evaluate my preaching; he called to say that one of the members of his congregation had requested that she get my notes as the sermon had helped her so much with a terrible difficulty she was facing. I asked him how she said that they had helped. What did I say that had helped her so much? When he told me, my response was that I should not give her my notes because I hadn't said that. Whatever she thought she heard was purely a gift from God and my notes might ruin that message for her. I attributed it to the "Gift of hearing." From my lips to her ears, the Holy Spirit was at work so that she received the message that God knew she needed to go on that day. I cannot explain the work of the Holy Spirit. I just know that it is the Holy Spirit who opens our ears and our eyes and our hearts to a greater understanding of God's Word and His will for us.

Receive the Holy Spirit and know God more fully.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 21:1-14 Fishing For Men

John 21:1-14 NIV
Sometimes things that happen to us will remind us of something that happened in the past. I often run into people who I know that I know; but, their names or even how it is I have come to know them slips my mind. Then they say something or do something and it all comes back.

After he had risen from the dead, his disciples did not recognize him when he called to them from the shore. When then let down their nets on the right side of the boat and were unable to haul the catch in because it was so large; they remembered that this had happened before. It was when Jesus had first called them to follow him; when they had first met him, that they had been instructed to let down their nets. When the catch was so large that they could not haul it all in, Jesus told them that he would now teach them to fish for men. (Luke 5:1-11)  He did just that. For three years, they followed him learning all that they needed to know to fish for men and now that Jesus' work is over; with the help of God, their work of fishing for people is just beginning in earnest.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 13:31-35 Smile On Your Brother; Love One Another

John 13:31-35 NIV
My shoulders are totally messed up. I have problems with the rotator cuffs. Some days they are fine. Others not so good. I see a masseuse twice a month for them. I've been noticing recently; though, that the days when they are really hurting are days when I have been witnessing a lot of disrespect rather than love. It's as though the weight of the problems that this disrespect causes is resting on my shoulders. Of course, it is not. But, just the same, it feels like it and I do end up dealing with a lot of the consequences, one way or another.

So much nastiness... Neglect, abuse, rudeness, abrasiveness... I ask you, is this the way that we should love one another? Jesus loves us so much that he was willing to die for us. Yet, we love our neighbor so little that we cannot even express little tokens of kindness like saying thank-you or please or excuse me, let alone actually go out of our way to help and support them in their time of need.

Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that your are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (vs 35)

In addition to an occasional massage, I've recently decided I should start singing out loud whenever people start acting really bad. My singing usually makes people smile (yes, it is that bad) and I'm thinking smiling is a really good alternative to what I've been witnessing. As I read the lesson for today, a song sung by the Youngbloods in the 60's came to mind.

Love is but the song we sing,
And fear's the way we die
You can make the mountains ring
Or make the angels cry
Know the dove is on the wing
And you need not know why
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now.

Smile, right now... because, you don't have to listen to me sing it! Be kind and love one another, today and everyday.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 12:20-22 Do You Want To See Jesus?

John 12:20-22 NIV
We want to see Jesus. At least, I do. What about you? Do you want to see Jesus? Do you want to walk with him? Do you want to talk to him? How about listen to him and follow?

Some Greeks (probably proselytes or Gentiles) went to Philip and told them that they wanted to see Jesus. These Greeks were probably proselytes or Gentiles; but, not full members of the Jewish faith community. Outsiders wanted to see Jesus.

Over the years, I have had people tell me that they desire to see Jesus. They are usually people who genuinely look for the coming of God in full glory (very faithful disciples) or outsiders to the faith (non-Christians). I don't hear it too often from your average run of the mill baptized Christian. What then is our faith all about, if it is not about seeing Jesus face to face, in His Kingdom? Is the church (visible church) really just a social club? Or, is it a place where we come in anticipation of being in His presence more fully and being filled with His word?

The bottom line is that these Greeks who did not know Jesus, wanted to meet him. Do you? You can, you know. He is present in the Word and Sacraments. He can be seen in your neighbors and even those you might consider your enemies. (See Matt 25:31-46) He is with you now and always. May God open the eyes of the world that all who seek Jesus, might see him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 6:60-71 Follower or Not?

John 6:60-71 NIV

Jesus had many followers. He had many more disciples than just the twelve. But, not all of them believed. Some thought his teachings were to difficult to keep, so they ended up leaving him.

It is not so different today. There are many who claim to be followers; disciples of Jesus. But, they follow for a time and find that his teachings are too difficult; carrying one's cross is a bit harder than anticipated; and, so they leave the church or worship sporadically in order to keep up the appearance of having genuine faith; of following Jesus. Either, you follow Jesus or you do not. Choosing when and where and how you will follow just doesn't work. There is only one way. Jesus is the Way!

The words that Jesus spoke are spirit and life. Receive them and live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 6:22-24 Finidng Jesus

John 6:22-24 NIV
What are you looking for? How hard would you look to find it?

The crowd was looking for Jesus. They knew he hadn't left in the boat with the disciples. They had not see him walk on the water to join the disciples in their boat. They wanted to find him. They wanted to see him. They wanted to hear him. They wanted to be healed by him. So, the whole crowd got into boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. They were trying hard to follow him.

How far would you go to find Jesus? You really don't have to go far. It's not that hard to find him. He is with you now and always. You just have to open your eyes and ears and heart and let him in.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 1:29-42

John 1:29-42 NIV
"Look, the Lamb of God!"

Twice, John see Jesus' and witnesses to those around him that Jesus is the Lamb of God. He testifies that Jesus is God's Chosen One. Because of John's testimony Andrew and his brother Simon Peter became followers Jesus. They became his disciples.

Have you told anyone about the "Lamb of God" lately? How many disciples can say it was your testimony that pointed them to Jesus? Remember the "Great Commission"?

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of  the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (John 21:19-20)

Go and witness to the love of God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Go and witness to what He has done for us in giving His life for us. Go and make disciples for surely the "Lamb of God" the great "I AM" is with you always.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 18:31-34 Do You Get It?

Luke 18:31-34 NIV
I don't know if you've noticed; but, the disciples often didn't understand what Jesus was talking about. He had to explain things to them in more detail and even then sometimes they didn't really get it. Some of us still have that problem today. Sometimes we have to actually experience something to really understand it. We endure many things before we completely understand things like empathy; even before we can know what really love, joy or peace is. 

Today, we read that Jesus tells the disciples about his impending execution and resurrection. The disciples don't quite get it. But, they will; once he has risen from the dead.

He is risen! He is risen for you! Do you get it?

God's Peace - Pr. J