Roger's Postings

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

John 20:1-18. He is Risen Indeed!! 4/4/10

(John 20:1-18) Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. {2} So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" {3} So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. {4} Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. {5} He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. {6} Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, {7} as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. {8} Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. {9} (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) {10} Then the disciples went back to their homes, {11} but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb {12} and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. {13} They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." {14} At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. {15} "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." {16} Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). {17} Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" {18} Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.


He is risen! He is risen indeed! The Lord Jesus has risen from the dead and lives and reigns eternally. This is the greatest news that mankind has ever heard or could possibly know. This is the one bit of news that truly turns our world upside down.

But – but even today – we are still like those first women and disciples. We in our world and society are frantically running around trying to find some hope. They are still searching for that something that will give their lives the spark that they are seeking. They are still looking for something in which they can place their hope in that will deliver – so that they can have that sense of peace and security that they know is needed in their lives. As a result, we find many this weekend off seeking to find God – or so they say – to find him in nature: to find him in an enjoyable long weekend. Hoping against hope that there they might find some happiness, or at least that they can shut out and escape from those terrible fears and insecurities in their life.

Even within the church many are still searching for our Lord; and don’t know where to find him. Sadly, for many of these people, Jesus has been taken away and put elsewhere. They have taken our Lord away and placed him in a distant heaven, absent from us his people. They tell us that he is not here – except in our thinking. They tell us that we need to find him and accept him. So the focus is placed on us, and not him – on what we must do; and all kinds of other things. Or else he is relegated to still lying in a tomb of empty religiosity; where the popular thinking is, ‘I have my faith so I can get on with life doing what I want.’ So we go through the motions – when we feel that we need it; and then hope that somehow God will help us out when we run into trouble.

Even we ourselves, from time to time, wonder about it all: we have our doubts and times of struggle: we ponder how seriously to take it all? There are those times when we look for God to be at work for us and to help us; and He does not seem be there. We don’t quite know where our Lord is or where we should be; or what in the church we need to take seriously; or which group and what thinking is right.

There is the temptation to hold Jesus at a distance: almost as if we don’t want a living active Lord in our lives. Because while he is out there, we don’t need to change our lives: we don’t need to be too committed: we can still live as we please, rather than as God would have us. The result is that we stay scared, lonely and unsure.

In all of these ways, we are like those first disciples looking for the dead rather than the living. We then, like those first women of Easter, are asked, ‘why are you crying?’ Why are you puzzled and wondering? Why are you searching? Who is it you are searching for?



For, “I am here” says Jesus – I have risen from dead. You can be sure that I am for real. And this is his message for us here today. He has been raised from the dead. He is alive. His death on the cross was for good reason; our forgiveness. God does accept us as his very own. Eternal life is now ours. We can believe it, and so trust that he is for us and with us: That he is important and active today and always.

Now we don’t need to search for him anymore. Nor doubt that he is alive and of utmost importance. We have the witness of Scripture over and over again. We have the witness of Mary, Peter and John. We have Thomas and many other disciples passing on this message. And these were those same people who only hours before were denying him, running scared and hiding away; and here initially were searching and doubting. But from this point onwards and especially after Pentecost, went forward boldly to proclaim him as the risen Lord. Even to the very people who had Jesus crucified: risking and even giving their lives up to do so: they now knew he was alive: he was who he said he was: God come to our aid; that through his death he has won forgiveness for us; and that salvation and eternal life is now ours.

On top of that, we need to remember Jesus’ very own words as well; where he said time and time again, that he would die and rise again three days later; and it happened just as he said. Then we have the words of the Old Testament which were written hundreds of years before Jesus even walked this earth. There too it was written, on many different occasions: all stating that our Saviour would die and that he would rise again; and that he would continue to be active amongst his people through the ages.

Also, Jesus has been living and active throughout the years since his death and resurrection. We have Pentecost and the spread of the Church throughout the world, and its continued growth even today, extremely rapidly in places like China, Africa and South America. So, just as it was written – he is not dead but has risen; he is alive and active, yesterday, today and forever. There is no need to search for him or to live as though is distant and unconcerned.

He is here with us today and every day in, with and under the ordinary things of life. He is with us every time his Word is spoken, through the Bible, preaching, an encouraging word of a fellow believer. He is here in church today and in every service. He is here in the bread and wine of Holy Communion; and in the waters of baptism: He is here in every loving action of his people: He is here in every needy person in our community. He is very much alive and active even in our history and our lives. Every good is a reminder that he is alive and here really with us and for us.

Today he is saying, [names]; I am here for you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. [names] I forgive you all your sins. [names] take and eat my body and blood given for you. [names] my blessing I give you. [names], I care for you and I am with you. To all of us, over and over again, he says, ‘I am here – I here with you and for you.’

Yes believe you me, Jesus is not dead – as he was not 2,000 years ago on that first Easter morning; so he is today. He is risen – he is risen indeed! He has risen, so that we can be sure that his death on the cross for our sins was for real, and that he truly is our Lord and saviour. Now we know that we are loved, saved and belong. Now we know who and what is important in life. Now we can live life with new joy and commitment. Now we can love – giving our all for the benefit of other, just as Jesus has done for us. Now we have a real hope – a lasting hope – one that endures into all eternity. All because our Lord has died for us and is now risen from dead.

This is Good News! This is amazing news! Too good to keep to ourselves: So like those early women and disciples, let us go from here knowing that Jesus is alive and with us – that he is for real: And let us share this good news with others. For he is risen! He is risen indeed! Our Lord Jesus has risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Matthew 27:27-31. Crown of thorns!! 2/4/10

{27} Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. {28} They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, {29} and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. {30} They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. {31} After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

Today as our focus is drawn to Jesus death on the cross and in particular the crown of thorns that was placed on the head of our Lord and the attitude and actions that surround it. Again, we cannot help but be astounded at how crude, sadistic and arrogant we as human beings are: and on the other how this crown of thorns truly signified our Lords attitude and actions toward us. Again, this surely draws us to humble submission and absolute awe and gratitude toward our God for what he has done for us.

Think about what is happening here to Jesus. He has just been found innocent of any charges against him; and yet Pilate washes his hands and allows to Jews to have him crucified. Now men hover around him and make fun of him. Even worse than that, they cruelly and sadistically dress him up in a purple robe and a crown of thorns and hoot and jeer this one who in reality is the true king of the whole world. This went on all the way to the cross.

He did nothing against the soldiers, or anyone for that matter, and yet they take the opportunity to physically and emotionally beat him up. The whole issue of bullying was obviously just as prevalent then as it is now. Just because the opportunity is there to have fun at someone else’s expense, and can make themselves look great by beating up on someone else and putting them down, they take it.

Simply because he agreed with Pilate when he asked him if he was the ‘king of the Jews,’ they now ‘drag him through the mud.’ They put a crown of thorns on his head and mock him intensely. A crown of thorns; can you imagine that? Not just the symbolism of it, but the reality of having the long, spiky thorns being pushed and smashed into your scalp, causing excruciating pain and blood to flow freely. What a way to hail someone was to be king of the Jews. What a way to crown some one for such an important position as a king.

Again, we can look with scorn on these people who did this: we can look at them as being something less than human, but the reality is that we are no different. We today are no better. Have you taken any notice of the media in recent months and it s revelation of the bullying that is going on today amongst our young people. It is horrific what we can and do do to our fellow human beings. Remember our young people are only copying what we adults have taught them and encouraged them to do.

But not only is bullying there in us all and comes out often in very sneaky and sadistic ways, but the attitude that we have to this one who is ‘king of the Jews’ is even more of a concern. Do we accept him fully as king in our lives, or do we also put a ‘crown of thorns’ on him. Every time we do what we want to do in our lives rather than do what our Lord would want, are we not ramming another spiky thorn into our Lord’s head? Every time we change God’s Word to suit ourselves and popular opinion, are we not doing the same? Are we not making a mockery of our Lord when we stay home from church, simply because we want to do something else? Here I could go on and on, but the reality of our lives is just as bad. And we should know better.

But this again highlights the fact that there is a serious flaw in our nature: sin. It has infected each and every one of us. All of us are turned in on ourselves: all of us make a mockery of our relationships with one another and with our God: all of us bring death on ourselves and one another because of our sin. Not one of us can hold our heads up. We are all responsible for the crown of thorns on our Lord’s head.

But again, when we look to the central character here, Jesus, we find that which is truly amazing. He not only allowed this to happen to him, but he came into our world knowing that this was the way it would be. Jesus allows rejection, mockery, suffering and even death to be placed on himself. Even though he is the king of the Jews; Even though he is God almighty himself, he allows the crown of thorns to not only be placed on his head, but to have the spikes rammed into his skull. This is absolutely extraordinary!

This is unbelievable that Jesus; God’s Son, should allow this to happen to himself. Particularly when we consider that not one of us is without sin. Every one of us is responsible for the bullying, mockery, the thorny spikes and the death that he suffered. Yet he does!

He takes the crown of thorns on himself and he goes to the cross. There on the cross; his throne, the sign over his head acknowledges for all: here is Jesus the King of the Jews; the King of us all. He takes his place there on his throne and rules over us all. He declares once more, God’s judgement for the sins of us all: death. But then comes the most amazing declaration of all: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Remember that included you and I. He dies our death so that God would forgive us. With his crown of thorns on his head, he makes this most amazing pronouncement and then does what is necessary for this to be a possibility. The King truly does reign supreme, even though it goes against everything that we human beings would consider to be reasonable and acceptable. We look for a theology glory, but find a theology of the cross that is truly remarkable and awe-inspiring.

But I guess the question is, are we going to accept all of this? Are we prepared to acknowledge that we are responsible for his death? Are we willing to receive the forgiveness that he extends to us? And are we prepared to take up the way of suffering that comes from following the Lord Jesus? Important questions for us to ponder over and come to terms with. To reject and turn our backs on what we have before us now, is to place this salvation and hope that has been extended to us, in jeopardy.

But remember, here the King has had his crown placed on him and has taken up his position on the throne and declared this most wondrous good news. To him alone then, belongs all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

More sermons can be found on http://rnatze.blogspot.com/

Luke 22:19-20. A New Covenant 1/4/10

(Luke 22:19-20) And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." {20} In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

This night, some 2,000 years ago, Jesus set down a new covenant: a new contract for his people. A covenant whereby we can be absolutely sure that God loves us, forgives us and has won eternal life for us: that we are in a new and permanent relationship with God for all eternity. So here, Jesus begins a whole new understanding and basis for life with our God.

This covenant or contract between God and us has eternal consequences, so we need to think carefully as to what it is all about. Especially, since it incorporates and involves you and me personally; and our attitude toward it means eternity in either heaven or hell. That being the case we had best take it very seriously.

Now of course today we don’t value contracts and legal documents all that highly anymore – do we? As much as we are a legal society and have documents coming out of our ears, we are constantly looking for the loopholes and wanting our legal boffins to get us off the hook when we break our side of the bargain. The other side, of course, are expected to not slip up at all. Too often, the contracts we enter into today we want for our benefit only, and we fail to realize they are there for both parties. Covenants and contracts are important for our ongoing welfare and security. Without them, we would be in big trouble. Even if many times they are broken and taken advantage of - they are still very important. The more they are upheld by all the better off we all are.

Now here, this covenant that Jesus establishes, is even more important than all others. As here, we have that which has eternal consequences: life and death – heaven and hell; as well as the small details of life that are important. This covenant sets out our relationship with God; and either we are a part of this covenant with God or not. We cannot sit in no-mans land on this one. We are either for him or against him.

This contract is very much akin to a marriage covenant, where two people publicly join themselves to each other, for life: promising to live in a loving relationship for as long as they live. There we long for that assurance that we are loved, for life, and belong to a relationship where we can feel safe and secure. This is something that we so much want in life; And despite the fact that so many are living in de-facto relationships, they still know and want that ongoing love and sense of belonging. Now we know that this relationship can be broken – as we see all too often today. We also see that this breakdown has dire consequences – great hurt occurs; and on many occasions this relationship is broken for good.

However when that covenant is upheld as vitally important and lived every day in light of its importance, we can see that it gives great joy, peace, contentment and much more. There is a harmony, richness and security in that relationship that is truly fantastic.

Now here Jesus establishes a relationship between God and us that surpasses this greatly. Here despite ourselves – despite our sinfulness and rebellion our Lord commits himself to this relationship. He comes to us and says, ‘I will be your God – I will love you and forgive you - help you and be faithful to you for all of life.’ But he doesn’t just say this, but he then goes on from his side to sign this contract: he signs it with his very own blood – there on cross, and rises again three days later so that we can be absolutely sure.

So here we have God himself, in and through Jesus Christ binding himself to us; assuring us that he loves, forgives and accepts us as very own. There he says, ‘I am here to be in a close personal relationship with you for all of eternity - each one of you – and it is all signed, sealed and delivered.

In this Last Supper, he gives to his people that covenant relationship. He gives to them something which enables them, and therefore us also, to carry with us as a constant reminder of all this. Here is something more, than say simply a marriage certificate, which says that we are in this covenant relationship.

No, here he gives himself to us so that we can be sure that he loves us and is for us. At every Communion service he tells us, “here is my very body and blood which was shed on the cross: my very presence is here with you so that you can be sure.” He doesn’t just give us some bread and wine, and say ‘remember’ that I love you and died for you: but says, “here IS my body – here IS my blood,” ‘here I am with you.’ ‘I am really and truly here for you – to assure you that I love you, forgive you, and have eternal life for you.’ And as an extension of that, he throughout our gatherings, joins us: he participates with us; speaks to us through his Word: listens to us in our prayers; and helps us through our fellow brothers and sisters. He is there to live in that close personal relationship with us every day; to be our God and our friend. And it is this that he established on that night when he was betrayed – before he goes to the cross and dies in our place, and then rises again three days later.

So here, we have something that is absolutely essential for us and our wellbeing. It is the greatest – God promising and giving himself to us; assuring us that he is with us and for us. He has made that covenant with us and shares that with us every time we come forward in Holy Communion; so that we can know for sure that it is so.

Now that Jesus has established and does all of this, surely we will live in that relationship; seek to make the most it; and find peace and assurance in it. Surely, we will not walk away from all of this and go back to living as if God is some distant and uncaring being out there somewhere: that he doesn’t have much at all do with us and our daily life. Surely if he has made us part his family; committing himself fully to us – we will now live in that relationship, and enjoy all the benefits, joys and security of it all; rather than go out and try to get through life on our own without God’s friendship and help.

And since this is the meal where he personally comes to us and gives himself to us, we surely will take every opportunity possible to be there; and to participate in it. In your marriage, do you go your own way, and not eat with your spouse for weeks on end – not talking to them and being in a close relationship with them. No, that is ridiculous! So also with our Lord – surely! We now will want to be with him. We will want to live in a close personal relationship with him – listening to him - seeking his guidance and help as we go through life. He has done so much for us - dying for us, forgiving us, and gaining eternal life for us; doing everything to regain us into his family. This surely is the greatest and most valuable thing that has ever happened in our lives. We will want to stay close to this one who has done so much for us.

So to conclude, in the Lord’s Supper our God has set down this new covenant so that we can be sure that he is now with us and for us. In this way Holy Communion now becomes very important for us, in that there we are reminded that our Lord gives us his very body and blood so that we can constantly be reassured that he forgives us and is here amongst us. So let us now make the most of living in this covenant relationship. It is the best that there is.
To God be the glory – great things he has done. To him be honour, glory and praise now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, March 26, 2010

Philippians 2:5-11. The cross is central!! 28/3/10

(5) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: {6} Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, {7} but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. {8} And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! {9} Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, {11} and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Here we are now at Palm Sunday, the linking Sunday between Lent and Easter. Here in the coming of the King we are drawn to that which makes for greatness; first of all in Jesus, but then also for us. In this reading, we are told that, Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. For it is there alone that we can be a part of greatness. There then, we find that which is important for us to think about. Death and the cross is central: to Christ and to us.

But hang on, I can hear humanity cry! That is not greatness! That surely is not what Life is all about! Surely, our greatness is in being more and more like God. That is the striving of every religion across the globe: to be more like God; or to find the god that is within in us; and the like. In fact, the whole of humanity is striving to be equal with God, in terms of being able to extend life out as long as we possibly can; or to be able to create life and all kinds of good things for ourselves and for our glory. We are constantly seeking to do all kinds of things, so that we can do away with God in our lives and to be self-sufficient. We consider equality with God as something that is to be grasped. For there we believe that we can have life in all of its greatness.

However, here God is telling us that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who even though being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
Here it is spelt out quite clearly that Jesus Christ was by his very nature God. He was in every way equal to the Father, having the same glory and power. However, he did not consider this equality with God something to be grasped. Even though he was in every way God, he did not regard this as something that must be held onto at all costs. In fact, he was willing to give up his privileges and take on the form of a servant.

He gave away everything he had, because of the will of the Father, and for our good. His whole focus was not on himself and his achievements and glory. We are told that he made himself nothing: he gave up everything that we would consider important. In other words, in order to accomplish salvation for humanity, he did not always and fully use his divine nature. In fact, he took on himself the very nature of a servant. He places himself in humble obedience to his Father and takes on the form of a lowly, frail, expendable servant.

He does this by being made in human likeness. He became fully a human being like you and I, except that he was without sin; and came to live in our fallen and sinful world; being tempted just as we are; going through all that we go through, and even more in his suffering and death. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! So he becomes like us in every way and then even willingly gave up his life for the sake of humanity. He allowed himself to be executed on the cross, taking God’s judgement for the sin of humanity, on himself, so that we might have forgiveness for our sin, and the assurance of life and salvation.

There we have the very basest and most important form of Jesus Christ’s coming into our world. He gave up everything, becoming the lowest of the low, and suffering the very worst that can happen to anyone; to the point of becoming totally forsaken by his Father. All this he did for you and me, and the salvation of humanity.

There it is that we have true greatness. There it is that we have the pivotal point and the pivotal event in all of history. Jesus death on the cross for the sins of humanity is the central and most important happening that has ever and will ever take place. There is true greatness. There is the one thing that is truly important for us.
As a result of what Jesus did there, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

After going to the lowest of low for us, God then lifts him up to the highest place possible. He is placed at the right hand of his throne. As God and man he is now lifted up and placed as the key focus of all. There he is given the name that is above every name. So great is the title that now belongs to Jesus that universal honour must be given to him. At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. The angels and all those who are saved will give him honour and glory. So also, will the devil and all those who have rejected Jesus, have to finally and grudgingly, fall on their knees before him and acknowledge that he truly is Lord of all.

Yes, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus Christ now has the title which places his name above all others. When the name Jesus Christ is spoken, every knee will bow, because God has highly honoured this name above every other name in acknowledgement of what Jesus has done for the salvation of the world. He is Lord over all lords and King over all kings. He is the greatest. He and his death on the cross is central and most important: that is the greatest.

Here we are also, in giving honour and glory to Jesus and his death on the cross, giving the glory of God the Father. So close is the relationship between Jesus and the Father, that when the Son is glorified so is the Father. When every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Father also receives glory and honour.

So, now in the humiliation and exaltation of Jesus we can see what is central to the Christian Faith. The cross is what is all important.

It is here that we need to again return to the first verse of our text: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. How on earth can we do what Jesus has done? Surely, there is no way that we can follow that? Yet that is the call! That is the expectation!

It is here that we need to look, not to ourselves and what we can do, but to God and that which he himself has given to us in this regard. Let us remember that he has given us baptism, which connects us to the Lord Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection.

In our baptism we have been confronted by the fact that we were nothing, and incapable of becoming equal with God in any way shape or form. Because of sin, we were already the lowest of the low, and unable to lift ourselves out of the muck that we were in. We were already dead in our sin, even if we were humanly alive, and deserved to be forsaken by God completely and cast into hell for eternity. So as we where brought to the baptismal font we were acknowledging this depravity and hopelessness of our nature. But there however, we find that Christ himself has descended right down to our level to provide a way out for us.

We were there at the Baptismal Font because of God’s promise that even though we were dead and deserved to be forsaken by God, that there through baptism God would join us to Christ and his death on the cross and to his resurrection. So in baptism we died with Christ because of our sin, but were also raised to new life with Christ and are therefore also connected in a hidden way to his exaltation. We have forgiveness of sins and also the assurance of salvation and eternal life with our Lord and Saviour. So it is there in Christ and his death on the cross that we find that which is central and of basic importance to us and to our salvation.

Now that being the case, we too no longer need to consider equality with God something to be grasped. Even though we are God’s children we can make ourselves nothing and take the very nature of a servant; giving ourselves in obedience and submission to God, and for the wellbeing of the people around about us. At the name of Jesus our knee can bow, and our tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
For to God alone, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, belongs all glory and honour, now and always.
AMEN

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Matthew 27:27-31. Crown of thorns!! Lent 2010

{27} Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. {28} They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, {29} and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. {30} They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. {31} After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

This evening our focus is drawn to the crown of thorns that was placed on the head of our Lord and the attitude and actions that surround it. Again, we cannot help but be astounded at how crude, sadistic and arrogant we as human beings are: and on the other how this crown of thorns truly signified our Lords attitude and actions toward us. Again, this surely draws us to humble submission and absolute awe and gratitude toward our God for what he has done for us.

Think about what is happening here to Jesus. He has just been found innocent of any charges against him; and yet Pilate washes his hands and allows to Jews to have him crucified. Now men hover around him and make fun of him. Even worse than that, they cruelly and sadistically dress him up in a purple robe and a crown of thorns and hoot and jeer this one who in reality is the true king of the whole world.

He did nothing against the soldiers, or anyone for that matter, and yet they take the opportunity to physically and emotionally beat him up. The whole issue of bullying was obviously just as prevalent then as it is now. Just because the opportunity is there to have fun at someone else’s expense, and can make themselves look great by beating up on someone else and putting them down, they take it.

Simply because he agreed with Pilate when he asked him if he was the ‘king of the Jews,’ they now ‘drag him through the mud.’ They put a crown of thorns on his head and mock him intensely. A crown of thorns; can you imagine that? Not just the symbolism of it, but the reality of having the long, spiky thorns being pushed and smashed into your scalp, causing excruciating pain and blood to flow freely. What a way to hail someone was to be king of the Jews. What a way to crown some one for such an important position as a king.

Again, we can look with scorn on these people who did this: we can look at them as being something less than human, but the reality is that we are no different. We today are no better. Have you taken any notice of the media in recent months and it s revelation of the bullying that is going on today amongst our young people. It is horrific what we can and do do to our fellow human beings. Remember our young people are only copying what we adults have taught them and encouraged them to do.

But not only is bullying there in us all and comes out often in very sneaky and sadistic ways, but the attitude that we have to this one who is ‘king of the Jews’ is even more of a concern. Do we accept him fully as king in our lives, or do we also put a ‘crown of thorns’ on him. Every time we do what we want to do in our lives rather than do what our Lord would want, are we not ramming another spiky thorn into our Lord’s head? Every time we change God’s Word to suit ourselves and popular opinion, are we not doing the same? Are we not making a mockery of our Lord when we stay home from church, simply because we want to do something else? Here I could go on and on, but the reality of our lives is just as bad. And we should know better.

But this again highlights the fact that there is a serious flaw in our nature: sin. It has infected each and every one of us. All of us are turned in on ourselves: all of us make a mockery of our relationships with one another and with our God: all of us bring death on ourselves and one another because of our sin. Not one of us can hold our heads up. We are all responsible for the crown of thorns on our Lord’s head.

But again, when we look to the central character here, Jesus, we find that which is truly amazing. He not only allowed this to happen to him, but he came into our world knowing that this was the way it would be. Jesus allows rejection, mockery, suffering and even death to be placed on himself. Even though he is the king of the Jews; Even though he is God almighty himself, he allows the crown of thorns to not only be placed on his head, but to have the spikes rammed into his skull. This is absolutely extraordinary!

This is unbelievable that Jesus; God’s Son, should allow this to happen to himself. Particularly when we consider that not one of us is without sin. Every one of us is responsible for the bullying, mockery, the thorny spikes and the death that he suffered. Yet he does!

He takes the crown of thorns on himself and he goes to the cross. There on the cross; his throne, the sign acknowledges for all: here is Jesus the King of the Jews; the King of us all. He takes his place there on his throne and rules over us all. He declares once more, God’s judgement for the sins of us all: death. But then comes the most amazing declaration of all: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Remember that included you and I. He dies our death so that God would forgive us. With his crown of thorns on his head, he makes this most amazing pronouncement and then does what is necessary for this to be a possibility. The King truly does reign supreme, even though it goes against everything that we human beings would consider to be reasonable and acceptable. We look for a theology glory, but find a theology of the cross that is truly remarkable and awe-inspiring.

But I guess the question is, are we going to accept all of this? Are we prepared to acknowledge that we are responsible for his death? Are we willing to receive the forgiveness that he extends to us? And are we prepared to take up the way of suffering that comes from following the Lord Jesus? Important questions for us to ponder over and come to terms with. To reject and turn our backs on what we have before us now, is to place this salvation and hope that has been extended to us, in jeopardy.

But remember, here the King has had his crown placed on him and has taken up his position on the throne and declared this most wondrous good news. To him alone be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Philippians 3:4-14. Jesus Christ the most valuable thing in life
21/3/10
(4) If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: {5} circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; {6} as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. {7} But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. {8} What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ {9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. {10} I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. {12} Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. {13} Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, {14} I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

This morning Paul has some great encouragement for us today. Here he is reminding us to think about and take seriously that which is important and valuable in life. And this message is so very important for us living in this day and age, when all sorts of things are being held up as being what we really need in life. So it is so very easy to be distracted from that which is truly important and valuable. That being the case we too need to set our sights on our goal and run for it; striving our hardest so as not to miss out on what is essential for our lives.

Because this is something that is ipmortant, I will begin by telling a little story that will hopefully help us to understand the message that Paul is trying to get across here.

Sam’s big day had come. It was athletics day which determined who would be going to represent the country at the Olympics. Sam had been preparing himself for the 800 metres for many, many months now. In fact he was almost sick of training; but he knew that it was important for him if he was to win the race.
The team coach had spent hours pointing out all the things that Sam needed to keep in mind if he was to do well: the special techniques for getting off the blocks; arm movements; and all the rest. Above all he was reminded again and again to keep his eyes fixed ahead on the finishing line; that it was detrimental to his running to look around at the other runners, etc.
Well come the big day, Sam was determined that he would do well. In fact, he was out to impress everyone. As he limbered up he said to the coach that he was going to give it his best shot. He got down on the starting blocks, and got away to a good start. Into the race a little way, he couldn’t help glancing across at the other runners around him. He noticed Bill was still running strongly, but that Tom was already struggling. Then out of the corner of his eye, Sam caught sight of Julie, the prettiest girl there; she was in the process of the long jump. She distracted his thoughts completely. Sam slowed right up and walked over to watch.
He’d forgotten the long hours of practice; the Olympics, and all the rest. At the critical time, he had lost sight of what he was all on about, and blew it all, good and proper. In fact, he did not even finish the race, much to the hoots and jeers of everyone.

Now we here today would say that this is a ridiculous story. That nobody would be that stupid. No of course we wouldn’t, would we: Except in that one area of our life which is far more serious and more important? There we are not just as silly as Sam; but far worse than that.

When it comes to eternal life in heaven or hell, we think we can play fast and loose and it doesn’t matter. ‘What is the big deal about keeping close to the Lord Jesus Christ and our focus centred on him at all times?’ Here we think we can take it or leave it as we please. So what if we get distracted by the things of this world. Here we will stop a little here and there along the way. ‘What does it matter if we miss church for a few weeks, or don’t continue in our study of God’s Word?’ What is the big deal if we go along with our friends in doing something that we know is wrong, or do a shonky business deal on someone; especially the tax-man?’ ‘She’ll be right!’ ‘We’ll get by!’ ‘No big deal!’

Let us be clear about this: when we do these kinds of things, we are even more stupid than young Sam. Here we are placing ourselves in a position where we will possibly loose out on something far more important than the Olympics. We are placing our eternal salvation in great danger. Any one of those things can lead us to let slip that which has been passed on to us as of utmost importance. It is so easy to loose sight of Jesus Christ and all that he has and continues to do for us, and place it elsewhere, and so lose out on eternal life in heaven. We can see around us that so many have done just that.

No, let us take note of what Paul has to say here in this reading. He places knowing Jesus Christ as the most important thing in life. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ {9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. {10} I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Now we here have learnt how important it is to know the Lord Jesus Christ and to trust in his saving work. We have been told again and again that it is not our goodness that makes us acceptable to God; and that there is salvation in nobody else: That Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life.

Paul here, instead of being like so many today who say that Christianity is a load of garbage; he says everything else is a lot of trash by comparison. He is not saying that these things don’t have their place, but it is a matter of which comes first: which is most important; and which we need to focus mostly on.

Now we here all know deep down where Jesus Christ comes in all of this. We know that he has done so much for us. We know what it cost him – his awful death on the cross and being totally forsaken by his Father; and all for us. It is he alone who has rescued us from sin, death and an eternity in hell, and made it possible for us instead to be with him in heaven.

For this reason, we know and can surely see the value of him being a big part of our lives. We know particularly that as a result of his life death and resurrection that he makes a big difference when it comes to the end of this life and we have to face the Judge. At the same time we know that he is important for our lives now: for we are assured, that we are loved and cared for; that there is now meaning and purpose to life: and we also know that there are now directions for living our lives that are good and helpful, rather than destructive. So for every part of our lives we now surely know that he is so important and valuable. That being the case we will then not want to let go of him and take our focus off of him, and finish up back on the road to eternal damnation: back to living a confused, lonely and unhappy life.

Surely, now we will keep our eyes and minds fixed on that which is truly important. Like the runner, we will fix the focus of our lives on our goal and finishing line. And of course, this is nothing other than, as Paul says here, knowing Jesus Christ our Lord and experiencing his power in our lives. On top of that to live each day in that sure hope of eternal life with our God in heaven.

Surely, we will now ensure that nothing will distract us from this goal. Each and every day we will seek to keep our focus on our Lord Jesus. Not just on Sunday morning, or a little bit now and again: But even when we are working and playing; wherever we are, we will remember that Jesus is there with us in all of those places; and that he is more important than each and every one of them. We will keep the value of who he is and what he has done in the forefront of our minds.

So let us all not be as stupid as young Sam and allow other aspects of life to distract us from that which is most important of all. Remember it is so easy for many of these other things to get in our way and distract us from this which is of utmost importance: from spending time thinking, listening, reading, receiving and living in light of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. No instead, let us be like Paul and “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. And may the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep our hearts, minds and lives centred on our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, March 12, 2010

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. Jesus welcomes those who know they are in trouble
8/4/10
(1) Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. {2} But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." {3} Then Jesus told them this parable: "There was a man who had two sons. {12} The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. {13} "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. {14} After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. {15} So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. {16} He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. {17} "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! {18} I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. {19} I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' {20} So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. {21} "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' {22} "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. {23} Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. {24} For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. {25} "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. {26} So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. {27} 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' {28} "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. {29} But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. {30} But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' {31} "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. {32} But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"

“This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them.” This was the accusation that was thrown at Jesus, and continues to be thrown at his Church throughout history. And unfortunately, often this accusation came and comes from people within the church itself: by those who consider themselves good and respectable. ‘How on earth can we associate with those riff raff? Look who they are and what they have done. Surely God cannot associate with them.’ Yet it is just there that we have the great aspect of Jesus Christ and what he was on about. He was willing to reach out to the outcast – to the ones who knew they were in trouble, with no way out; to accept those who just don't measure up in the eyes of a self- righteous society: who had walked away from God; but who longed to return. He is like the Father who welcomes his lost Son in this parable that he told.
As we think about this parable, how much comfort that gives to us here today: unless of course we want to continue to be like the older son. We know that too often we want to do own thing, without considering what our Lord would have us do: we have been disobedient and self-seeking and self- righteous; and as a result deserve to have nothing more than pig’s swill to live on; even when we live on the family estate.
In many ways, we are no different to children when they have done something wrong; or failed do something that they should have done.
There, we are often like little Johnny. Johnny had grabbed the garden rake and raced off to play with it. But as he went past dads brand new Commodore Sports Sedan, in a hurry, the rake scraped down the whole side of the car, leaving a big long scar. Johnny froze – ‘Oh no!’ He thought – ‘I have done it now.’ He flew back and hid the rake behind all the other garden tools. But as he came back past the car, the scratch looked 2 inches wide. ‘I'm in big trouble now.’ But then he suddenly thought of a way out. He raced off and got some water and dirt, and mixed it up into mud, and quickly plastered it over the side of the car; and then went and hid behind the wood shed. When he heard dad come out from the house he peeked around the corner, and saw the disappointment and ire on his fathers face when he saw the mud and the scratch beneath.
Johnny knew that he had messed up badly and he wasn't game to go inside. But when it got dark he became even more afraid, and knew that he had to go inside. So he snuck up to the back door and quietly opened it, and crept up the passage toward his bedroom. When at that moment he heard his dad call his name, he nearly went through the floor; but went on pretending that he didn't hear a thing. But he was puzzled by the fact that dad’s voice sounded as though he was pleased that Johnny was home.
When he heard dad come into his room, he was still expecting the big wooden spoon in dad’s strong hand, but it wasn't. Instead he gave Johnny a big hug - happy that he was home. Yes, he was still upset that the car was scratched, and that he had tried to cover it up, and that he wasn't prepared to own up to his misdemeanour. But he was glad his son knew that the one safe place he had, was home. And he wanted to make sure that his son always knew that he was welcome and that he was still a part of the family.

Now in many ways, we often are little different than Johnny. When we have done things wrong, we try to cover them up; hide the evidence and all the rest; and then still try to sneak our way into heaven. There are things that we have done in past, or that have happened to us, and we still carry the scars and guilt of those things with us, even today. We have tried to cover these things up in a number of different ways: we try to pretend that it didn't happen: we make a deliberate effort to do something which suggests that we are not like that: we put the blame on someone else: we keep ourselves busy and push the thought to the back of our minds: and there are many other ways that we try to cover up the fact that there are these blemishes and scars in our lives. But they are still there!

As much as we try to hide ourselves and these things from God: hiding behind our work, our social activities, pretending that we don't have time: avoid reading our Bibles; having our devotional time so as to avoid having to face the real issues in our lives: by moving to a church that does not makes us face these issues: and yes even when we do set foot in church, we think of other things, so that we do not hear. All because we know that deep down the problem is still there and we don't want to face the consequences. Then we try to invent all kinds of schemes whereby we think we can sneak our way into heaven.

When we cannot avoid hearing God speak to us, we pretend that we didn't hear or understand. We know that we are guilty and we know what we deserve, so we will do all we can to avoid having to face the real issues. As a result, hurt and shame continues to eat away inside: festering away, causing discomfort and harm.

But despite all of this, Jesus comes to us, arms open wide. He is ready and prepared to give us a great big hug and say 'it is alright now.' Jesus said that when he would be lifted up on the cross, then he would draw all people to himself. And yes there on that cross, Jesus dealt with all our guilt, shame, failure; all our sin; taking the punishment for it all on himself. The result is that now our heavenly Father waits patiently to receive us, his disobedient children, back into his family

As we look to cross and see the goodness and kindness of God toward us, surely our hard and wayward hearts melt; and we are able to acknowledge our guilt and shame, and turn back to our loving Lord. This Lenten season our Lord reaches out again to each and every one of us, wanting to welcome us back into his family. And no matter who we are, or what is hidden in our past, he is still there ready and waiting with open arms. Already the feast is prepared for you and me.

Yes, our loving Lord, welcomes us outcastes and wants us to share in all the good things of his kingdom. In fact every time we come here into the Lord’s House he reminds us that he has washed us clean and welcomed us into his family, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Then through the service, he reminds us again and again of his love for us through our Lord Jesus Christ: and then invites us to his Table so that we can join that welcome home feast; and there receive that absolute assurance that every single sin has been taken care of. Because there we receive Jesus Christ himself – his very body and blood - so that we can be quite sure that we are forgiven, loved, and that he has something better in mind for us. It is there every time we come here into God’s House that we surely are extended the Lord's loving embrace which says, ‘Welcome. Welcome back into God's wonderful family.’
So yes, the accusation that is held against Jesus and his church is true: he does welcome outcastes and sinners, and even eats with them. Thank God it is true! Because there at last we find, that someone truly accepts us; despite our past - whatever it might have been – and he welcomes us into his family. We have been naughty, spoilt children: in fact even his enemies; but thank the Lord that as we face our sin squarely - bring out in open in contrition and repentance – we are then given the assurance that it has all been erased from our lives. Thank God, that he has assured us of his forgiveness and of the Father's welcome every time we gather for worship and receive Holy Communion. This is Good News - this is great news.

So let us go from here then and live as people who have been forgiven and welcomed back into God family; recognising that we have been given another chance; and that the same chance has been given to others as well. So let us welcome them too; recognising that we all have been given everything we have. We all were lost, but now are found – were dead but now made alive. Thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ; to him be glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish