It's been a while since I posted anything here. This sermon was preached yesterday. Included is a paragraph toward the end of the sermon that I took from a sermon posted on this list by Pr. Michael Harmon of Newell, IA. Pastor Ron Rock Beecher, IL ++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++
Seeing the Glory of God! 5th Sun. in Lent, A Sun., April 10, 2011 Zion Lutheran Church, Beecher, IL Sermon Text John 11:17-27, 38-53 Old Testament Reading Ezekiel 37:1-14 Epistle Reading Ephesians 5:8-14 Gospel Reading John 11:17-27, 38-53 In the name of Jesus. [Amen.] Our sermon is based on the Gospel reading of the day. Dear friends in Christ Jesus, Oh great! Now you show up!! How many times have we said that to someone who appears on the scene just after your need for their help no longer exists? For example, one time I stopped by a friends home just after he and his wife had struggled to get their old, broken washing machine out of the basement. My friend thought that Id purposely let him and his wife suffer and struggle he even getting his fingers smashed as they lifted the bulky washing machine up the basement stairs. I, however, I thought that my sense of timing was spot on! In a way, as we consider todays Gospel reading, were almost surprised that Mary and Martha dont greet Jesus in that same way as He comes to their town of Bethany. Were surprised that one of them doesnt approach Him and say: Oh great. Now You show up!! We wonder this, because were well acquainted with this story before us found only in Johns Gospel. Its the story of Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha all three of whom were dear friends of Jesus. Earlier in John, chapter 11 (but not read for us in todays Gospel reading) Lazarus had taken gravely ill. In fact, his recovery was uncertain. Because of that, the sisters had sent word to Jesus begging Him to come to help their brother. But, also as John records for us, Jesus didnt drop what He was doing and immediately go to see Lazarus. Instead, and in spite of the fact that were told that Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. (John 11:5, ESV) in spite of that, were told that he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. (John 11:6, ESV) The Lord delayed going, explaining: It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. (John 11:4, ESV) So, two days after Jesus was told of Lazarus illness, He then set out to go to those who He loved. Todays Gospel reading picks up with Jesus arriving in Bethany but by then it was too late or so, some would have thought. For, by that time, Lazarus had been dead and in the grave for four days! Now, tell me What would you have told Jesus had you been Martha with Lazarus your brother now dead? Wait dont answer that. Ill tell you what Lets take this from the hypothetical to the real world of your own life. Whats often your attitude toward Jesus when things dont go right, that is, when things in your life dont go the way that you you think that they ought to go? Thats what I thought! You, just like my friend with the washing machine was with me, you, too, are all so often ready to nail Jesus with your wrath: Oh great! Now You show up!! We often think Jesus is purposely making us suffer and struggle in our lives whether its at the loss of a job within difficult family situations or sickness or even when we stand shoulder to shoulder with Mary and Martha at the grave of a dear loved one. In our sinful, self-centered attitude toward everything we think that God ought to be our servant that He should be at our beck and call and should always drop everything and come to our rescue. And besides that when He comes arunnin we expect Him to rescue us in the way that we think is best! Im right about that arent I? But, Marthas words werent the sarcastic Oh great. Now You show up! comment that my friend gave to me. Not at all! Rather, Martha said: Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you. (John 11:21-22, ESV) Martha, in faith, realized that if Jesus was present that if Jesus was now on the scene even this scene of a man whod been dead for 4 days Martha realized that there was hope and plenty of it! There was hope for her beloved brother for her sister, Mary and even for herself! You know how it turned out. Jesus, were told, deeply moved by His love for them (v. 38) approached the tomb and said to those nearby: Take away the stone! Then Martha, aware of what normally occurs after death, tried to stop Jesus pleading that they all be spared from the smell of decay. Jesus replied back to her: Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God? (v. 40) And with that the stone was removed Jesus offered a prayer to the heavenly Father and then the voice that has no master the voice that all in heaven on earth and under the earth must obey the voice of the almighty Lord of Life, Himself beckoned: Lazarus, come out! (v. 43) Oh and you gotta believe this! Its a very good thing that Jesus spoke only to Lazarus for if Jesus hadnt been specific, and only said: Come out! well, the entire cemetery would have been emptied of graves! Among those present that day who would who could deny that the glory of God was revealed in all its majesty and splendor? Lazarus, dead and buried for four days, came forth gladly obeying the voice of the Lord Jesus. Also remember, John tells us that when Lazarus appeared before them his hands and feet (were still) bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. (v. 44) You see, things happen immediately when Jesus speaks. Lazarus came forth before the bindings on his hands and feet were removed! Yeah, with the simple words, Lazarus, come out!, Jesus showed the glory of God. He showed His power over our worst enemy death! Dear people of God Our God isnt the God of the dead but of the living. Hes the Living God and apart from Jesus Christ all should fear death. But with faith in Christ Jesus as Martha had theres hope aplenty and fear and despair must necessarily be gone! In Christ our future isnt bleak but bright. It isnt terror but truth. And it isnt gloom but eternal joy! Sometimes our loving Savior allows grief and sadness to be a part of our lives. He does that, so that in the end, when He rescues us or gives us the strength to endure, well see along with Mary and Martha the glory of God. We too will marvel how our God can and will remove our sadness and replace it with gladness. We also see the glory of God in other ways as well. Every time we see a Baptism every time we humbly receive His Supper every time we hear of Gods love that so deeply moved Him that He sent Jesus to suffer, die, and rise three days later for our salvation when these things happen in our midst we see the glory of God! In His Word and blessed Sacraments, He speaks and calls out to those who are dead in their trespasses. He calls them forth to walk with Him in holiness and righteousness throughout time and into eternity! Dear beloved of God Always remember this true account of Mary, Martha, Lazarus and, of course, Jesus. As you go through the thick and thin of life constantly remind yourself that nothing happens in your life without the Lords knowledge and without His permission. And, always believe that through it all, you will eventually see the glory of God shining forth as He delivers you by His grace. Then youll gratefully say: Oh, great! Now you show up. Just as You promised! Thanks be to God! [Amen.] The peace of God that passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. [Amen.] ` ____________________________________________________________ Groupon.com Official Site 1 huge daily deal on the best stuff to do in your city. Try it today! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4da36c8074e606dd064st02vuc
