Pre-Lent 2 - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Find Meaning in the “Theater of Pain”

1. The weaknesses of our bodies sustained by Christ’s strength

2. The weaknesses of our souls sustained by Christ’s grace

In a magazine on leadership, a pastor wrote about a story from his younger days in the ministry. He said that in his early 30's he began to experience sharp pain from migraine headaches. The thing about these headaches is that they became predictable, almost down to the very hour. The pastor remarked how the headaches would come during the month of May in every even-numbered year. They came on around 1:00 in the morning every other night and lasted about three weeks. Then they stopped until the next year. The pastor said he had four sequences of migraines that matched this schedule.

He went to see a specialist for more answers and to his surprise he found out that it was quite a common problem for young men in leadership roles. The specialist said that these incidents were marked by two commonalities – young men who were not at peace with themselves and had unresolved relationship issues. It turns out for the pastor that the relationship most unsettled was actually his relationship with God. When he took the time to draw nearer to God for his own personal faith, the physical pain subsided. When looking back on the problem, the pastor summarized his quest woth one question that needed answering: What does God want to teach me while I’m in the theater of pain?

That’s an interesting way to phrase the situation, but it’s also appropriate. We know God is loving. We know God is powerful. Why would He use pain to instruct? The very idea of our God connected to a theater of pain sounds absurd. And yet, the pastor learned the lesson and grew in his faith through it. The Lord used the pain to bless him, as He continues to do for so many others. Today, we explore that question for ourselves – how do we find meaning in the “theater of pain,” through another example, this time from the Bible and from the life of the Apostle Paul. We read from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

But he [Jesus] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Paul was on the defensive here. He knew the Corinthians well. He helped establish the congregation. He lovingly admonished them in his first letter over a number of open and immoral sins. Yet, after all he had done for them, as a pastor, leader, and fellow Christian; near the end of his second letter here he was on the defensive. Paul was on the defensive because new teachers had entered the congregation. Paul called them “super-apostles,” or to put it another way, “teachers above and beyond.” He gave them this title because they spoke so much about their greatness. Paul was on the defensive because the Corinthians were listening to these false teachers and ignoring Paul. He was old news to them. He wasn’t relevant anymore. His message didn’t resonate with them. He wasn’t worth the time.

But the danger was that these super-apostles were not really apostles of Christ. Paul expressed his concerns for the Corinthians in this way, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted-- you may well put up with it!

Part 1

So, on the defensive, both for his ministry and for the faith of the Corinthians, Paul gets personal. He takes a page out of the playbook of these super-apostles and boasts about his accomplishments. If anyone wanted to measure Paul’s worth based on qualities, or things given to God in the name of the ministry, he had quite a resume. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul doesn’t hold back in his experiences as an apostle: 

·       in labors more abundant,

·       in stripes above measure,

·       in prisons more frequently,

·       in deaths often.

·       From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.

·       Three times I was beaten with rods;

·       once I was stoned;

·       three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;

·       in journeys often,

o   in perils of waters,

o   in perils of robbers,

o   in perils of my own countrymen,

o   in perils of the Gentiles,

o   in perils in the city,

o   in perils in the wilderness,

o   in perils in the sea,

o   in perils among false brethren;

·       in weariness and toil,

·       in sleeplessness often,

·       in hunger and thirst,

·       in fastings often,

·       in cold and nakedness

·       besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.  

When the world measures the value of a person’s faith, it’s always done in terms of what they have gone through. Within that system, Paul was an apostle of the highest order. Even the highly regarded super-apostles, praised for their accomplishments, couldn’t hold a candle to Paul. And yet, at the very end of Paul’s list he says this, 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

This was a lesson for the Corinthians, but also a confession from Paul. He didn’t want to boast. He wished he didn’t have to defend his apostleship – he had given plenty of evidence in the past to the Corinthians of his love for them, evidence that was so quickly forgotten. And he was concerned for the danger they were hastening after. So Paul did compare. He did boast. But, most important of all – he boasted of his weakness, because in His weakness the power of Christ was exalted.

Almost all of the ordeals that Paul mentioned dealt with his physical life. As Paul transitioned into chapter 12 he mentioned a specific physical ailment that he had. He doesn’t describe it in detail, other than calling it a “thorn in his flesh” and something delivered from Satan. Paul says he pleaded with the Lord three times to relieve this ailment, but the Lord chose not to. And in a direct message, Christ told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

With everything that Paul endured as an apostle, we don’t know why he spoke most directly of this “thorn in the flesh.” He had been through a number of things that many of us will never experience. It might sound easy to say on the surface that none of these things should have been an issue for Paul at all. It might be easy to criticize him as if he didn’t trust in the Lord enough. But those responses are as incorrect as they are heartless. Paul wasn’t complaining that the physical problems are more important than spiritual. He wasn’t doubting God’s grace or strength. Rather, like all sinful and forgiven mortal humans, Paul felt the connection between his body and his soul.

Ultimately, all believers know what is most important in life, and all believers trust that nothing can take away the love of Christ that promises eternal life. But it’s natural to feel the pain of physical burdens too. What happens to our natural bodies has an effect of the status of our souls. And as children of God who trust that He works everything for the best in our lives, we ponder the same questions about finding meaning in the theater of pain. Paul tells us what he learned. His strength was found in His almighty and powerful Savior and that strength was displayed to its fullest extent in the moments where Paul suffered the most. By grace we can say the same.

Like Paul, you can boast in your weaknesses. Don’t be like the super-apostles. They tried to mask their weaknesses in the vanity of their own strength. But, that thin veil was sure to rip apart under extreme trial. What might your thorn in the flesh be? You don’t have to feel ashamed about it. Don’t worry if others ignorantly try to minimize your struggles. Only you will ever know the full extent of its effect. But also learn and accept the greater lesson by faith. Whatever you go through, God is stronger. You become a stronger person too, the greater your weaknesses are evident, not because of who you are, but because of who Jesus is. And so in any state, there is always hope in His name.

Part 2

God is in control and cares for our physical lives. He is able to use His almighty power to take away our problems. Yet, there is so much more to our relationship with God than just these simple points. And without a deeper understanding of God grace, as well as His power, we will never find an answer to that question of understanding the theater or pain. Remember, Jesus said no to Paul’s prayer of deliverance three times. Remember, Paul did not boast in his mission of deliverance being accomplished, but instead in his abundant weaknesses. And most of all, remember what Jesus said to Paul. “My grace is sufficient.”

Grace is not a gift for our bodies. It’s a blessing that applies to the soul. Grace is what changes our hearts so that we can say with Paul, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” Grace may not change any of the details of our physical lives. To the untrained observer, there may seem to be no change. And yet, grace moves obstacles that are insurmountable to our own efforts. This is part of the amazing miracle of God’s love in Christ. It defies observation just as much as it defies Satan’s ploys. It seems ordinary and insufficient but in reality it unlocks untold treasures of eternity. And so just as Jesus said, so Paul believed. “My grace is sufficient for you.” We’ve described grace to some extent. Let us move on to the second feature of that promise that defies expectation – Christ’s grace is sufficient. 

The thought of sufficiency means to bring an activity to completion, and not only to end it, but to complete it in the best way possible. This was the same word spoken by Christ on the cross, at the height of his physical and spiritual suffering – in the moment of being forsaken by His righteous Father, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” Literally, it is sufficient. Jesus completed the task that was necessary for the salvation of the world – in the fullest way possible and in the best way possible. He was the acceptable sacrifice. Through faith, our sufficiency flows from Christ’s. Just as the Father put His divine approval on Jesus as the payment for sin, so also Jesus now has the power to declare that His love and mercy is approved to cover your problems. No matter what you face, whether a pain of body or soul, you are made complete in Christ’s grace.

Now the third amazing aspect of this promise. My grace is sufficient for you. Here’s where we see more than just the power of God’s grace. Sure, it can cover any sin, it can erase any mistake, it can blot out any transgression, it can heal any disease, or bind up any broken heart. But, I propose this is where it means the most – that it for you. If Christ was not for you, nothing else would matter. Grace becomes tender and personal when we see that God promises it for you. That’s when we can finally lower our defenses and trust God, when we see Him as both divine Lord and merciful Savior, who knows and calls us each by name.

So, how do we understand the theater of pain that so often afflicts our bodies and souls? Paul’s answer is surprising but also spot on. When I am weak, then I am strong. Not because of any boast I can make of my life. But because my sufficiency is from Christ. When He says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” I can trust that, because He verified that promise with His own life.

That doesn’t mean you won’t feel pain, or you won’t be touched by sorrow. Quite the contrary in fact. You might suffer more for being one of Christ’s. But, what it does mean is that you are complete, no matter how you might feel like your lacking. And it means you have a truth worth hanging onto – for eternity in fact. Amen.

Transfiguration Sunday - Exodus 3:1-6

Theme: The Significance of the Sacred

1. God’s Reveals Himself
2. A Departure not an Arrival
3. Sinners are Sanctified

Dear friends in Christ,

Is anything sacred?

Philosophers, theologians, historians, and many others have asked that question throughout history. The idea of something sacred holds much mystery and fascination for people. For religious people, the sacred is connected to the spiritual. Others doubt or question the sacred in this sense because the spiritual eludes our observation and understanding. But, no matter how we define the sacred, we all have it in some way. The simplest way to understand the sacred is what is in most important to each of us. What do you honor or value more than anything else? The answer to that question reveals what is sacred to you.

Another reason people question this is that there are so many cheap things that are sacred. Money, possessions, power, control, and experiences are often what people hold dearest to their hearts – yet they are hollow of true holiness. The Bible doesn’t pose the question, “Is anything sacred?” Rather, it cuts to the point by declaring again and again that God is sacred. The Bible’s idea of sacredness in the person of God does not disappoint or leave us wanting more. It fulfills our lives. Today’s text from God’s Word is a glimpse into the sacred, as defined, described, and given by God Himself. We read from Exodus 3:1-6: 

Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 Then the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. 3 So Moses thought: I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn't the bush burning up? 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, "Moses, Moses!" "Here I am," he answered. 5 "Do not come closer," He said. "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then He continued, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God. (HCSB)

Part 1: God Reveals Himself

The Transfiguration of Christ is an event about the sacred. What greater example is there in the Bible of Jesus displaying His glory and holiness? It was present both in His divine conversation with Moses and Elijah and also in His physical appearance. Here in Exodus, we see a similar display through the burning bush. And on top of this all, God Himself tells Moses, "Do not come closer," "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Here we see the sacred. But what makes it so?

First, we see that God reveals Himself. Even in religious contexts, the sacred is so often relegated to worldly things. We see this in the great religions of the world, with certain branches of Christianity notwithstanding. In the most popular religions of the world, the sacred centers on worldly things that are perceived to be special in some way. Things like: relics, shrines, pilgrimages, buildings, monuments, and even people (called saints) who are considered to be holy. Yet, no matter the pomp or circumstance these are still earthly things.

Even secularists, who claim no official religious creed have their own versions of the mundane sacred. For many it is natural world. Beautiful and spectacular as it may be, yes, even the world itself is still worldly.

The Bible says the truly sacred is about God revealing Himself, and it should be respected as such. It’s not that Moses’ removal of his sandals somehow made him holy enough to approach God. Instead, God was teaching Moses to be respectful of His presence. How does that play out in our lives? Well, God doesn’t show Himself in a burning bush. Jesus isn’t walking the earth anymore. To answer this in our lives, we ask again, the overarching question – How does God reveal Himself to us?

The answer is clear and we have learned in from our youth – God reveals Himself in His Word. God tells us 2 Timothy 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2Ti 3:15 NKJ) A subset of that revelation through the Bible is the Sacraments – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. God gives special characterizations to these blessings which indicate that they reveal His presence to us. Therefore, we appropriately called them Sacraments, meaning “sacred acts.”  

Part 2: More about a Departure than an Arrival

The second aspect we see about the sacred is another Transfiguration theme. In the Scripture accounts for today we certainly see displays of God’s glory. But maybe you didn’t realize that we also see a theme of departure.   

Our text here is pretty obvious. It comes from the book of Exodus, meaning departure. God is calling Moses here for the purpose of freeing His people from Egypt. The meaning of Moses’ call would be realized when Israel, as a nation, departed Egypt and returned to the Promised Land. Two weeks ago we read the account from Exodus where they crossed the Red Sea, what was perhaps the most dramatic event along the way home.

Inside this text we also see a personal exodus for Moses. Up unto this point he has tried to manipulate God’s plan in His life. He murdered and hid. He denied and doubted. But here the LORD was not going to have any more excuses. It was time for Moses to step out of his shell of self-reliance and trust God.

The other themes of departure in the Gospel and Epistle accounts are not as easy to see, but they are certainly there. In Luke 9:31 we’re told what Jesus, Moses, and Elijah talked about; who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. You may have guessed that the Greek word for “departure” in these verses is literally “exodus.” Yes, Jesus was on the brink of His own departure when He was transfigured on the mountain. This exodus was His death on the cross. Ultimately, the exodus from Egypt was a picture of this exodus from Jesus. Time and time again throughout the Old Testament the prophets of God would remind the people how God delivered them from Egypt; not just as a history lesson, but as reason to hope that God would also fulfill His Messianic promise. When Jesus went to the cross, He delivered all people from sin, death, guilt, and shame. He departed this life so that we could all share in eternal life.

And, yes, we also see the theme of departure in Peter’s retelling of the Transfiguration. 2 Peter 1:14-15 says, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me. 15 And I will also make every effort that you may be able to recall these things at any time after my departure. Again, the Greek word for exodus. We see our lives in Peter’s. As sinners, we know that we all face death, if the world lasts long enough. We will go through that same departure that Christ endured. Yet, for the believer, as Peter confesses, this does not leave us in despair. Because Christ died on our behalf, we have hope that death cannot conquer us. We are content by faith, to “lay aside the tent” of our bodies, just as Peter did – because of our confidence in Jesus.

You see, the sacred is more about a departure than an arrival. The sacred things of the world, the shrines, the relics, the holy places – they all have significance through those who arrive. Worship at the shrine. See the relic. Take a pilgrimage to the holy place. But, with God things are different. Holiness is not bound up in our ability to arrive. Instead, it’s about departure. First Christ’s, which paid for sin and gave me a place in heaven. And then my departure, when I leave this sad world to be in My Father’s house forever.

Sinners are Sanctified

So, we too, like Moses come before the Lord’s holiness with respect. We seek to remove the sandals of pride, self-righteousness, pre-conceived notions, and personal opinions. As 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

But we also recognize the last point of our sermon – that holy ground sanctifies sinners. That which is truly sacred, namely revealed by God and focused on the departure through Christ our Savior, is able to redeem and restore fallen sinners like us. We respect and obey God, but we do not worry about whether or not we can come to Him. In Jesus we are given access because Jesus is the justifier of the ungodly.

And with that cleansing, we are given new purpose in our lives. Take Moses as the example. Through this moment with God Moses became a new person. He wasn’t completely perfect to be sure, but he was changed. He was able to follow God’s will. He clung tightly to God’s revelation in power and in word. He led God’s people. He made intercession for sins in God’s name. Moses was changed. The Holy ground sanctified him through God’s presence, power, and mercy.

The same thing could be said of Peter, James, and John on the mountaintop. They were sinful and foolish. James and John argued about being greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Peter didn’t know what to say on the mountain. He would obviously later deny His Lord and Savior in the most critical moment. But Jesus’ message to them was not one of failure but one of purpose. They were forgiven and cleansed of their sin and their lives were changed to serve and glorify God. That’s holiness in action. It has the ability to change a sinner’s life.

And so, we come to ourselves. Is anything sacred? If you look at my life, if I look at yours, we probably can’t find much. We’re spiritually disgusting and dirty. We don’t deserve to approach God’s glory and we know it, even if we try to act differently sometimes. But like all the others, even we are forgiven and cleansed in Christ. He shows us the glory of God in the Word and Sacraments – things that seem ordinary and common on the outside but hold divine power and eternal blessings. He has atoned for our transgressions by offering up His life – the departure of His soul and body as well as the departure of His Father’s blessing because of our sins. Jesus was forsaken and despised on our behalf. But as surprising, joyful, and glorious as His resurrection from the grave was, so also our sanctification is surprising, joyful, and glorious. Holy ground is still here – wherever the unconditional grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is proclaimed. And on that ground all sinners find a haven from sin’s storms. Amen.

Epiphany 4 - Romans 13:8-10

How to tell the difference between Legalism and Love

• ·       Start with God’s Love 
• ·       Test by God’s Word
• ·       Recover through God’s Son 

Romans 13:8-10 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9  For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10  Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

                   

You might be surprised to learn about the context in which the verses of our text are situated. At the beginning of Romans 13 Paul spoke about Christian conduct in the public forum, especially with respect to secular leaders. By introducing the thoughts of verses 8-10, Paul demonstrates that the law of God has a bearing on how we live and interact in the world around us. The end of chapter 13 talks about the Lord’s final day of judgment, and serves as a reminder that we should all be ready by repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus.

It’s a strange combination of themes in this chapter, but perhaps one that makes more sense than we may think. We live in a culture that discourages the inter-mixing of our Christian faith with regular life. We have been raised to keep church and state separate, and there are good reasons for this distinction. However, our culture has taken it to an extreme where Christians are routinely maligned and even persecuted for living their faith in Christ and being examples to the world of what God’s inspired Word says. Many of the commandments that Paul lists here are still considered by our society to good for all people to follow. Most, but not all. There are obvious areas in our nation where some of these commandments are blatantly disregarded, or even worse, the sins condemned in them are openly celebrated. It’s in those areas where we need to pay attention, because we will be threatened to suppress our faith.

This lingering question of how to live as a Christian in a society that does not uphold God’s Word is a difficult one. At times it can feel like we’re constantly back-peddling from assaults against our faith. A major challenge before us as we witness to our world is that we aren’t perfect either. We, who claim to believe in and support these commandments, are just as bad as anyone else at keeping them. That’s a major problem. At the very beginning of our text, Paul tells us Christians to “owe no one anything except to love one another,” yet from the onset we cannot keep that single command, let alone the many others that follow.

The world to which we witness is well aware of this also. It’s easy to point out the hypocrisy of Christians. We preach a moral standard from God, which we believe all people should follow, yet we can’t do ourselves. The technical term for such behavior is hypocrisy when it’s intentional. The more subtle, less obvious form is called legalism. Legalism is following the commands of God outwardly. It’s doing what is good, not out of love for others, but as a way to look better than others. Think of it as doing the right thing for the wrong reason. The Bible describes legalism as following the letter of the law, but not the Spirit; with spirit meaning either the proper intent or the very person of God who inspired and gives meaning to the Word (Paul used this thought twice in Romans). Legalism is hypocrisy, the very type of hypocrisy that we Christians are most susceptible to. And its presence in our lives is all too common.

When Paul tells us to owe no one anything except love, legalism is the glaring blemish on our record. What he says in our text seems like a hopeless endeavor. No matter how hard we try, or how well we’re doing, there will always be some form of legalism that trips us up. But, the application of this text is not discouraging – when we see it in the proper way. True enough, if we focus entirely on our lives, our thoughts, our actions, our efforts, our goodness – we find no comfort. But, there is something greater here than legalism – there is love. Love from God and for sinners like us. Yes, even Christians and believers are still sinners, and therefore, yes, we need and long for the love of God. We see today, more than our own mistakes, the difference between legalism and love. We start with God’s love. We test by God’s Word. And we recover through God’s Son.

Part 1: Start with God’s love  

When we look at God’s commandments, we often feel burdened, defeated, and desperate. This is natural, because the law convicts us of our sins. The law is the impassable barrier between us and God. That is all true about the law and important to know. But, you can also look at the law from a different perspective. Not your own, but God’s. That’s what I want you to think about immediately today, because that’s the perspective that is given. In contrast to all the condemning notions of the law that we are so familiar with, Paul tells us that the law is about love. Love is the fulfillment, the summation of the law. This is God’s perspective. This is also how we can see the law by faith in Jesus.

When you start with God’s love, you can see the law as love in your life. From the very first verse we recognize how important this is. Paul writes, Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. When I think about myself in light of that verse, I have no hope. I am not completely blameless, that is, owing nothing. I have tremendous debts and obligations before the law. I also do not love in a fulfilling way. But, when I see this verse from the perspective of my Savior, Jesus, I have hope. Jesus assumed my debt and freed me from my obligations. I can truly be someone who owes nothing because of Jesus. Think of the parable of the unmerciful servant. In my life, I am unmerciful, not extending free forgiveness to others. Yet, Jesus comes into my life through His Word and forgives me of my much greater debt – free of charge! I owe nothing now, through Jesus, and I can show true love in light of the law. Because of God’s love for sinners, there is hope even here. 

Consider the last verse as well. Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. If I only see myself in that verse, I have nothing. When I see Jesus in it, I have everything. Another way to learn this is by a passage like John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.” The most common way that passage is interpreted by people is to think of service from person to person; like a firefighter, police officer, or soldier who literal puts their life on the line to save others. Self-sacrifice and love are inherently connected. However, in this verse, Jesus was speaking about Himself. He was describing love from God to people, the kind He would display just hours after He first spoke these words by offering His life on the cross. When we see Jesus’ love, as given by God the Father, we have much more hope that love is the fulfillment of the law. Focusing first and foremost on Jesus also curbs the desire for prideful legalism to enter our hearts.

Part 2: Test by God’s Word

It’s so important to always think of God, and what He does, first. But at some point, what God performs must apply to my life or it doesn’t mean anything for me. When it comes to using God’s love in my life – the next step beckons me to test by His Word.

Here we see that God’s love is not generic and vague. God’s love fulfills the law. Sometimes we struggle to define love. What does it look like? Who can do it? How does it happen? There are so many differing answers to these questions out in the world. But God simplifies it and gives us one answer – love fulfills the law. If whatever thought, word, and action is being tested, if it doesn’t seek to fulfill God’s law it’s not love. Examples are given through the well-known commandments that are listed. But so many of life’s situations fall somewhere below these explicit commands and it takes knowledge and maturity in the Word of God to test things adequately. Because God lets us live in freedom and leaves many decisions to the individual, we don’t want to unduly shackle others with constraints that God Himself doesn’t give. Yet, we also don’t want to leave all matters of truth, morality, and justice up to each person to decide. Love fulfills the law.

Paul used another word in verse 9 saying, “All the commandments are summed up in one thought – love your neighbor as yourself.” There can be no love without the law, and no law can be fulfilled without love. When we question what we should do in life, or what love really is – God would have us go back again to His Word. It’s our measure or rule for life. It will never change in what it has to say to each and every person in the world. And as we seek to be Christians who are mindful of God’s love for sinners, and as we desire that all people come to know and receive that love by faith in Jesus, we must use the Word of God.

Part 3: Recover through God’s Son 

What I’ve said so far is true, and it is a good summary of what Paul is teaching here. In order to show love and avoid legalism, you must be led by God’s love in Christ and you must continually go back to His Word of truth. That is all very true and very important to Christian faith and life. However, there’s something so important, so incredibly vital, that must also be said. The last step is to recover through Jesus.

Why add this last step? Doesn’t it suffice to say, follow God’s love and God’s Word? That’s true, but this last step is so necessary because you will inevitably mess up the first two. There may be times where you succeed in keeping God’s grace a priority for your faith, and where you are faithful to His Word. But for every successful moment there will be plenty of accompanying mistakes along the way. No matter how strong your faith, no matter how faithful your confession, no matter how pristine your life is, no matter how confident a person you are – you will fail.

Recover through Jesus. Like resting your body after a long day of work or an excruciating exercise – rest your soul in God’s Son. Rest assured, you’ll need it in life! This last step is so important because it’s often the life-long and well-established Christians who succumb to legalism. Jesus warned near the end of His life, And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Lawlessness, especially that which leads to lovelessness, can happen to Christians much easier than we care to admit. And legalism is the vehicle that makes it happen. Legalism breeds under self-righteousness before God’s commandments. Legalism has the form and appearance of Godliness without the substance. And it’s a pitfall for many mature believers and disciples of God’s Word.

Don’t try to go it alone – find recovery in Jesus. You may know the path. You may desire the sanctified outcome. You may mentally be in-step with God’s Word. But to defeat the sinful pride of legalism, you will always need more. And that is freely given through Jesus. He shows you what true love is. He has given you true love through the cross and by faith. And in those most desperate moments of failure he renews and restores you by that same love. Love is the fulfillment of the law. How blessed we are by God to be able to say and believe that as truth, because Jesus is our Savior who made it so. Amen.

Epiphany 2 - Psalm 128

Theme: Stability isn’t Flashy, but it is Fulfilling

1. Stability in your family

2. Stability in your faith

One thing I really enjoy are Geico commercials. I don’t know what it is but I feel like they have perfected the art of advertising. I mean, you have to give them some credit that they are able to make something as bland as insurance entertaining and funny. That’s the thing about Geico commercials, they use humor. They play to the ironic and bizarre aspects of life. You may have seen on television that Geico is now offering a contest where people can vote on their favorite Geico commercial. Perusing the website brought back a few memories and lots of laughs.

One of the more recent Geico ad campaigns was focused on getting more from Geico. You might remember some of these commercials which usually contain a dialogue between two people doing some ordinary task. In one commercial there is yard work being done. In another, two neighbors are placing Christmas decorations around their yards. As one of the people is describing their savings from Geico, each back and forth scene change includes more items. As the insurance savings are described, the frame literally gets more and more items. It’s a clever way to reinforce their goal, get more savings with Geico.

A funny ad like that also plays to our emotions because we experience the same thing in life. Some people are better at things than we are. Some do have more. One person may think they’ve accomplished something well only to find out soon after that someone else has done it better. More and more is the direction we strive after.

When thinking about God’s work, we have to admit that He does it all the very best. No one is able to do more than He can, as the people humbly confessed of Jesus, “He does all things well (Mark 7:37).” Who would dare suggest that we could improve upon something God has done? Certainly, none of us. Yet, we often live as if we believe we can. We often get discontent with God’s way of doing things, with His order, His creation, and His plan. We often live and act like we know better, like we can improve upon His way. This isn’t part of a funny commercial. There is a limit to what is actually more. We’re reminded of that fact today in a Psalm about family and the blessings God provides through it. In today’s lesson we see that God’s plan – stability, isn’t flashy, but it is fulfilling. We read:

Psalm 128 A song of ascents. How happy is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways! 2 You will surely eat what your hands have worked for. You will be happy, and it will go well for you. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house, your sons, like young olive trees around your table. 4 In this very way the man who fears the LORD will be blessed. 5 May the LORD bless you from Zion, so that you will see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life 6 and will see your children's children! Peace be with Israel.

This psalm is the 9^th of 15 in a compilation called the songs of ascent. No one knows for sure what this title refers to but it’s generally thought to indicate that these were worship songs used on the way up to Jerusalem for certain festivals. As pilgrims from around Israel would file into Jerusalem they would sing these psalms as reminders of the LORD’s blessings. Blessing is really the key concept here. We see the blessings of family, children, a spouse, prosperity, occupation, and even peace. These are all blessings that focus on normal life. But it’s not really any of these things per se that the LORD hones in on. The overall theme is stability. Stability in my family life. Stability in my job. Stability in my society. And the key to this stability is that the LORD gives more. More than we expect and more than we deserve.

These blessings sound very special, and they are. But the danger is that they are equally easy to neglect and take for granted. So quickly, they also become afterthoughts in our pursuit of more or more. That’s because what we often pursue is based on what is flashy. Think of things that are trendy and popular – things we see other people having and we want. The flashiness of our desires really has discontentment and coveting at its core. And the more we get the more we want. This is the unsatisfied pursuit of blessings. Behind every proper blessing from God is also the potential of a curse if we misuse it from God’s intended purpose.

The more stable, moderating, and God-pleasing blessings are often forsaken as ordinary and undesirable. Yet, both God and experience teach us that the most stable blessings are also the most fulfilling. Work, Family, Society. These are the staples of life. Each of these three blessings are inherent to a healthy world. And each of the three are connected to the other. But, one thing they are not is flashy.

Instead of viewing work as a calling from the Lord to serve Him and others, it’s easy for us to see it as a chore and obligation. We let this mindset dominate our thinking and we put in minimum effort with a cynical attitude that it won’t make a difference anyway in the long run. We’re just there to punch the clock.

How many of us make genuine, quality time for our family? Amidst the busyness of life do we take time to have meaningful conversations with children, looking at each day as a gift from God to lead them closer to heaven? Is the Word of God heard in our homes? Are we able to press to pause button for just a few minutes to read it or to offer prayer? Have we established a habit for our children, for our marriages, that leads us to the foot of the cross? Or are we too busy streaming the next form of media, binging the latest show, or simply going our separate ways?

Most of us are concerned enough about our society. We listen to the news. We read the newspapers. We’re aware of what is going on. But, where is the hope? Talk about sad and despondent reports – every evening we’re consumed by all the wrong things that are happening in the world. Adding insult to injury there seems to be so little we can do to improve things and to right the wrongs. Maybe it’s just better to avoid it. Yet, we quickly forget the connection that God makes here between our personal lives and our society. We can make a big difference in the world in how we carry ourselves, whether or not we speak of and live our faith, and what we pass down to our children. The individual home is the foundation of our society. When one suffers, it reflects on the other.

All these amazing blessings and potential for a happy life at our fingertips – given by God. Yet, at the same time so many of them seem so far out of reach. Stability is key. It’s not flashy, but it is fulfilling. Through the stability of these seemingly common and ordinary blessings, we see the more of what God offers. In verses 1 and 2 the psalmist talks about happiness. How happy is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways! 2 You will surely eat what your hands have worked for. You will be happy, and it will go well for you. He builds on this thought by describing aspects of a happy home. These are tremendous blessings. Blessings from God. Blessings that bring fulfillment to our lives.

Yet, the LORD can give even more. The psalmist continues by saying, 4 In this very way the man who fears the LORD will be blessed. 5 May the LORD bless you from Zion. Happiness and blessedness are synonymous terms in the Bible. It is in these ways that God wants us to be happy. Not in that we get what we want or we see the fulfillment of our desires. Rather, that we humbly receive what He gives. Things like: a good job, a loving family, and a healthy society.

Yet, there’s also a reason why the two words are translated differently. There’s a reason why “happy” is used in verses 2-3 and “blessed” is used in verses 4-5. Those words mean something different too and they highlight what God gives that is far beyond what we can even receive. In verses 2 and 3, with the word happy, the psalmist is describing a word that refers to an important blessings, but blessings that are a normal part of life. In verses 4-5, with the word “blessed,” the psalmist uses a word that is only used in the Bible to refer to what God does and what God gives.

This is the progression. All blessings come from God. In that sense they are all at the root of truly fulfilling happiness. But, there’s an aspect of God’s grace and power that goes even beyond the typical blessing. It’s not about the object involved. In both words the LORD connects work, family, and society. The special power is in the One who gives. Jesus said in Matthew 7: Matthew 7:11 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

God is able to give more. Not in the sense that automatically comes to mind. Not in a flesh-gratifying, flashy, get ‘what I want and when I want it’ type way. But, in God’s own way, through God’s own power, and in His abundant mercy and grace. And always remember, these amazing blessings are always about stability. God doesn’t want your happiness to be fleeting or temporary. He wants you to have something that lasts. So often we pass up what God gives because it doesn’t seem to be what we want. But we lose so much more in the process.

The heart of the gospel, God’s love for sinners in His Son, is at the core of each of His blessings. He wants you to believe and trust that. And the gospel changes our perception of blessing and happiness by showing us how much more God can give. It causes us to take a difference perspective at what God gives. So, when it comes to your job, recognize it as a calling. Take time to thank Him for being able to work, for having a job no matter how miniscule or insignificant it may feel like. Look at it as opportunity to serve, not as a chore. See it as a way that God preserves and prospers your time of grace, to hear His Word, to repent in humility, and to receive pardon in Christ.

The gospel changes your perception of family. It leads you to make time for your family – for your kids. Not just time driving around to school or running errands. Not just time for soccer or basketball practice, or going out to eat. Make time to share and receive the God’s Word and sacrament with your children. Let the Word of Christ dwell in your home richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Show your family that they are a priority in your life, not by giving them whatever they want by using money or possessions to gain influence but by taking time to talk about life. Open up to one another – parent to child and child to parent. Bring each other closer to Jesus and therefore closer to heaven. Use forgiveness regularly. There is no greater gift. With all the things in life that we can’t take with us when we leave, you’d think we’d give a high priority to the one thing we can bring to heaven – each other. Yet, sharing and using the Word of God – the one thing needed, the way of salvation, is matter of stability and fulfillment – not style and flash. God’s gift of more in the gospel, His greater blessing, helps me trust that and re-shapes the way I treat my family.     

When it comes to society, I could tell you to be the change you want to see and it wouldn’t be a bad thing. But I can give you so much more than that. Give the world Jesus. It’s much simpler than trying to do everything yourself and trying to constantly prove to people how good you are. And what greater Friend can there be? A Savior – one who is not just concerned about bread, water, and lilies of the field or the sparrows. But one who has won heaven and a crown of life. One who speaks light and salvation. Yes, give the world Jesus. What more do we need? Yet, He is not flashy or stylish – He’s stable and fulfilling.

God is always about more. But it’s His more – not ours. It’s about the gospel of Christ – an eternal blessing of sins forgiven that only He can give. This blessing is for all – and it changes everything about life. Thanks be to Christ, our Savior, for being stable when we’re not, and for keeping us fulfilled. In His name and through His Word.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Epiphany 1 - Luke 2:41-52

Theme: Is Jesus Welcome in Your heart?

1. When He lingers longer than expected

2. When He instructs

3. When all you can do is trust

Luke 2:41-52 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously." 49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

We’re finally moving forward from a very popular holiday season in our lives. From Thanksgiving, to Christmas, to New Years, I’m sure many of you have had your fair share of guests in your home during the last few months. Did any of you have the awkward exchange of an acquaintance who over-stayed their welcome? We all know what it feels like. It’s great to have guests over. It’s a privilege to host. But we all have our limits too. Sometimes, it’s extremely difficult to show someone the door. We don’t want to be rude, but even good things have an end and sometimes we need our own personal or family space. Confronting the over-stayed welcome guest can be a troublesome task.

Mary and Joseph found themselves on a similar footing in this, the only account in the Bible from our Savior’s adolescent years. For them, it wasn’t that Jesus was an unwelcomed guest or that He was intruding too much. Rather, it was, as verse 43 tells us, that Jesus lingered too long in Jerusalem. Mary, Joseph, and the attendant family had journeyed to Jerusalem for the Passover festival but it was now time to head home. Not according to Jesus. He had unfinished business in Jerusalem – business of the highest and most pressing need. It wouldn’t be the last surprise from Him on a Passover in Jerusalem, either.

What we see in this story first of all is one of the bumps that comes along with sinful parents caring for a sinless child. There was a learning curve here. Mary and Joseph no doubt felt that they were in the right, yet Jesus’ actions were proven just as He was invested in fulfilling His Father’s business here on earth. Along with this somewhat minor lesson is a monumental teaching point for Mary, Joseph, and you. Put yourself in Mary and Joseph’s position and ask yourself, when your Savior does the unexpected, is He welcome in your heart?

It may not seem like this was the question that needed answering from Mary and Joseph, but it was. Their struggle with Jesus’ choice to stay in Jerusalem ultimately was a struggle about whether or not they would trust His will as their Savior. Did He have a place in their hearts in that manner? Does He have a place in our hearts or has He over-stayed His welcome? In three similar ways, that same question comes into our lives. 1. When Jesus lingers longer than expected. 2. When Jesus instructs 3. And when Jesus presents something that requires faith. We ask for the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us through His Word today.

Part 1: When Jesus lingers longer than expected

Maybe all that Mary and Joseph wanted was a heads up. Perhaps they were okay with any decision Jesus made so long as He let them know ahead of time. But, Jesus did what He did for a reason. It was a necessary reminder that He was not here for any ordinary purpose. Within that moment of surprise and anxiousness for Mary and Joseph was a built-in memory that would always remind them why Jesus was different.

In many ways, Jesus can be equally surprising to us. When He is, do we follow, trust, and obey Him or does He become an embarrassing burden? It’s commonplace to want Jesus on our terms – to fashion Him into the God we want or bind Him by our wishes and desires. Many people today accept Jesus – so long as fits into their terms and stays there. That is not faith. It is treating Jesus as an unwelcome guest.

This kind of thinking is often marked by preaching the positivity of Jesus. The mantra goes that Jesus loves all people, therefore He is constantly seeking the best for His followers and affirming their dreams and desires. If anything about the Christian faith veers of this course of self-fulfillment then it is quickly jettisoned from a person’s confession. This positivity is dangerous because it allows lies to enter a person’s heart while veiled under half-truths. Jesus does love all people. Jesus does want the best for us. Jesus wants all to be happy – that’s actually what the Biblical word “blessed” means. But, Jesus doesn’t do that by affirming all lifestyles. Jesus doesn’t always tell us yes. And Jesus does not bend His will to fit yours. In addition to what we perceive as positive things Jesus does, He also acts in truth and justice. What we need to understand about being a sinner is that what we want or what we call good will not always be true or just. If it was, we wouldn’t be a sinner.

What do you do when Jesus lingers longer than expected? This isn’t saying that Jesus remains in the Temple. Rather, it’s symbolic for the times when Jesus confronts us with something unpleasant to our ears; times when Jesus tells us no, or says with the full authority of God “Thou shall not…” Have we fallen into the seeker-salvation trap of wanting Jesus sometimes but not at other times? Does He become a burden when our friends aren’t Christians and we’re afraid of offending them by living our faith? Is it awkward when relatives don’t confess the Christian faith and we’d rather not have Jesus around if it means causing commotion? It’s so easy to treat the Lord of heaven and earth, our Savior and Redeemer, like a doormat in our hearts by accepting Him in certain circumstances and being ashamed of Him in others.

Mary and Joseph were in that same boat. Jesus confronted them as Lord, God, and Savior; not just as a child. And when Jesus lingered in the temple it was also a test of Mary and Joseph for the other times He would do something unexpected. Would they follow, trust, and obey? Do we?

Part 2: When He instructs

That test would be given in Jesus’ response to their rebuke. He replied in verse 49 "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" While Jesus had been instructing the teachers of the temple earlier, the true lesson was given in this question. For Jesus, the work before was not an optional thing – like so many approach religion today. For the majority of the world, even Christians, faith is a mere “take it or leave it” thing in life. And, that’s before we even question what kind of faith we’re talking about. Religion has been denigrated to the masses, becoming a mere social choice that is no more than wish-fulfillment thinking. Such is what we do when we get our hands on God’s creation. For Jesus, though, the principles of the Christian faith were not optional, they were His Heavenly Father’s business. Jesus found it absolutely necessary to follow through on His work, not just because He subjectively believed it and because others could believe what they wanted. Jesus believed this because it was a fact; and one that was absolutely necessary to accomplish. And finally, a fact one that equally applies to all people.

The test was whether Mary and Joseph believed the same. For us, the test is whether we do. When Jesus instructs, do we listen, or is not what we’re here for? When Jesus says it is necessary that He complete the Father’s business, do we agree? At another time Jesus said the same thing to His disciples, three times actually, He told them that “it was necessary” that He go to Jerusalem, suffer at the hands of the Pharisees, die on a cross, and rise again the third day. This was His Father’s business.

And don’t we all remember Peter’s famous rebuke at Jesus’ insinuation that these things were necessary. “Far be it from you Lord!” Peter said. And Jesus sadly but firmly judged – “Get behind Me, Satan!” Foolish Peter. Yet, isn’t that the same thing we do when we fail the test? Are we any better than Peter when Jesus instructs us of His Father’s business and we scoff at His Word as if it were a mere opinion? You can take whatever it is; whatever rubs you the worst in Bible, whatever is deemed most politically incorrect, whatever modern Christianity has moved on from – if we react the same way at what the Word of God (written or incarnate) instructs then we are no better – and we have failed the test. Jesus wants us to do more than recognizes that He instructs, but to believe it and to cherish it just as much as He did.

Part 3: When all you can do is trust

So, what was Mary and Joseph’s response to this test? It doesn’t sound so good. Verse 50: But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Even hearing an answer from Jesus baffled Mary and Joseph. They didn’t understand. But this was not a total failure of their faith, rather it was a description of what was at the root of the struggle. What sinner can witness the wonderful works of God and not be left with a puzzled countenance? Who stands in God’s presence without feeling inadequate? If we think we do, then we aren’t paying close enough attention.

Mary and Joseph’s response reminds us why some don’t follow Jesus. There comes a point for every disciples of Jesus, and often multiple points, where they come face to face with things that they can’t understand. And logically, it’s easy to see why so many turn away from Jesus. He isn’t a God that you can contain. He can’t be fashioned and molded like the other idols and false deities of the world. He defies understanding. In one sense that is an indictment of our sin. But, in another sense it’s a comforting thought. The God that invests His business in my salvation cannot be controlled. He power is infinite. His love transcends all human knowledge. His peace surpasses all understanding.

So, as far as the test is concerned, verse 50 is only the beginning of the answer. See the complete picture in the next verse: …His mother kept all these things in her heart. Once again, Mary shows her faith; not in what she is able to understand about God but what she trusts. The idea here for “keep” is to guard or treasure a truth in the deepest way possible. Think of it as hanging onto something at all costs. This was Mary’s faith. Was she perfect? No. Did she know it all? No. But she was not ashamed of her Savior, even in the most trying moments that defied her expectation. She trusted in Him. She trusted in what He could accomplish even if she couldn’t understand. And that is the true sign that Jesus is welcome is a believer’s heart; that he or she trusts Him in all things and cherishes the opportunity to listen to His voice.

Is Jesus welcomed in a trusting way, by faith, in your heart? Remember, He will surprise you. You won’t always understand. But, that’s not what it’s about. Hang onto, treasure, guard, and keep the simple fact that Jesus has accomplished God the Father’s business, the task of your salvation and the entrance right for you to be in heaven. Praise to be Jesus, and may you always trust in Him! Amen.

Epiphany - Ephesians 3:1-12

The Mystery of God’s Grace

1. Shrouded in sin

2. Revealed to all in Jesus

Ephesians 3:1-12 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles-- 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. (ESV)

The mystery genre is one of the most popular and enduring types of literature. We all have our favorite mystery books, or series. What makes it so popular? I found a website (bookish.com) that listed some of the must-haves in a great mystery. Some of the items on that list include:

·       A gripping first chapter

·       A human hero

·       A page-turning pace

·       A lot of clues

·       A spectacular twist

·       An elegantly simple solution

·       A story you want to read again      

You might add something else to that list, but I think most of us would agree that those components are what make mysteries so great. Today, we get a text from God’s Word that has the theme of mystery as well. What makes a good mystery in God’s eyes? How does He use the word, or the genre in His book? Well, you could actually take each of those qualities we listed and see it in the Bible too. A gripping first chapter. A human hero, and even more, that same human is also divine. A page-turning pace – maybe not so much to those of us who have read the Bible multiple times but it is an action-packed book. Lots of clues or what the Bible calls prophecies. Definitely a spectacular twist where Satan thought he had defeated God, only to be conquered by the open tomb. An elegantly simple solution – God saves us by the merits of His Son, no effort or works required on our part. And, finally, the Bible is certainly a story worth reading again and again.

Sounds like God’s Word might actually be a good mystery novel. Maybe in some details, but we know it’s also much more. For one thing, the Bible also contains many other genres of literature. Also, the Bible is not a novel, nor is it fiction. In many areas it might more accurately be called a history book. And yet, we see the clear theme of mystery here in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. The same idea pops up here and there throughout the Bible, but by no means is it a dominant theme across the book. These verses today are the most concentrated section in the Bible that speaks of God’s mystery. While we see some striking similarities between a good mystery novel and the Bible, there’s much more to the mystery that Paul speaks about. God’s mystery is not about page-turning suspense, or surprising twists – though both thoughts could apply. God’s mystery is ultimately about His grace. A mystery that remains elusive in sin, but one that becomes open and known by Christ Jesus.

The reason God describes that blessed gift in terms of a mystery is because He’s speaking about it from a human perspective. In fact, at the root of this mystery are some very human issues.

First, we see our sins. The grace of Christ is a mystery to us because we are sinful. That seems a bit out of place, because isn’t grace, especially the grace of our Savior, meant for underserving sinners? Even Jesus said that those who thought they were righteous on their own didn’t need grace. Grace is specifically given to the unworthy. How is it, then, that grace is such a mystery to those who need it and to those for whom it is meant?

Such is the effect of our sin. Paul writes to the Corinthians about this fact, and what it means in terms of a mystery. 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 

God’s grace in Christ is a mystery to sinners because sin blinds us from understanding it and from reaching God on our own. It’s certainly not that grace isn’t intended for sinners. It very much is. The truth of the matter is that without God’s power, we cannot even perceive that grace in Christ exists. That’s where the Holy Spirit’s work comes in and why it is vital to our Christian lives. The Spirit reveals, namely shows us the meaning of the mystery, so that we can understand and believe in Christ’s grace for us.

The second human issue we see that makes grace a mystery is a specific effect of sin on our lives – a dangerous desire to hoard this gift of God from others. The sinful attitudes of some Jewish believers in the Church led them to discredit the work of Christ for Gentiles. There was either a denial that Jesus was Savior for the Gentiles or there were added requirements that Gentiles had to keep in order to be part of the church – requirements based in Old Testament ceremonial laws. Paul knew these restrictions well, having grown up as a Pharisee. But Paul also knew the Gentile population well as one who has born as a Roman citizen and as the chief messenger of God’s grace to the Gentiles. Paul’s message was clear – the grace of Christ must no longer be a mystery to the Gentiles. Salvation has been revealed for them, just as for the Jews, with no strings attached. He says in verse 6: This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

This is really the message of Epiphany – that salvation is for all people. Of course, it wasn’t only at Epiphany, or through Paul, that God first made this clear. Even the Old Testament prophets declared that God’s grace would be for the Gentiles. In fact, the very first promise of a Savior given to Adam and Eve included all their descendants. The problem was that certain Christians wanted to restrict God’s grace for their own selfish motives – sometimes deliberately, sometimes in ignorance.

For Paul, this mystery of the Gentiles was deeply connected to the mystery of Christ in the gospel. In fact, they are two sides to the same coin if you will. The revelation from God that the Gentiles were co-heirs of salvation was simply a narrower picture of salvation in Christ for the entire world. And it was the same inward sinful heart that threatened both promises and that caused them to be shrouded in mystery from the start.

Four times in our text Paul uses the word “mystery” and each use goes back and forth between referring to the gospel of Christ and the truth that Gentiles would be saved. To have one is to have the other, just as to restrict one is to restrict the other. This is what made the nationalistic factions within the early Church such a dangerous issue. It struck right to the heart of the gospel. If Christ was not the Savior of all nations, how could anyone have confidence that He was their Savior – whether Jew or Gentile? If Jesus was only for the Jews then God lied about promising to save all people.  

Instead, though, Paul could boast that his mission was “to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” Now that Christ has come and completed the work of salvation, there is no need for the mystery to endure. The story of salvation is complete. All people have an equal view of God’s grace in Christ through the Scriptures. No more should anyone be shrouded in ignorance or unbelief. Paul stressed the importance of this so much that he spoke of being a witness to “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” That’s how powerful the grace of Christ is when open for all to see. Even the hosts of heaven marvel and rejoice over it and see it for the precious gift that it is.

Some might call this a great story – and it is. The story of Jesus has twists and turns. There were moments that were shrouded in mystery. There were stunning proclamations and acts performed by God. And no one could have suggested that God Himself would come as a human and lay down His life for a rebellious people – talk about a twist! And yet, Jesus did all that and even more.

But, there’s much more to this mystery than a stirring plot and a surprise at the end. More than a mystery, it’s a story of God’s love – and that’s a simple thing to understand. That’s the entire point of Epiphany – revealing the simplicity of God’s love in Christ. The Church father Augustine once said, “The Bible is shallow enough for a child not to drown, yet deep enough for an elephant to swim.” Within these grand works of our Savior, which in reality no mortal mind can fully comprehend, is the simplicity of grace – the love of God our Father in His Son, revealed by the Holy Spirit through the Word. It doesn’t get any simpler, or more powerful, than that, and that’s what God wants all people to know.   

At another time Jesus spoke of mystery when He said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants (Matthew 11:25).” That’s really what makes a good mystery from God. It’s not about all the literary bells and whistles that fascinates the human ear. It’s not about the daring twists and turns that swirl our emotions. It’s simply about His love for sinners. The mystery that has been revealed is all about what God has done. For some, who are wiser or more learned in their own eyes, that may not seem to be good enough, or worth the time and effort to listen. But, for a sinful child of God who needs grace, there is no greater treasure, and no more endearing message. This is our Epiphany word – that God has revealed His grace in Jesus to all people! Amen.