Ezekiel 33:7-11.                 You have a responsibility!                             10/9/17

Also Romans 13:8-14, & Matthew 18:15-20.

⁷ “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. ⁸ When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. ⁹ But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

¹⁰ “Son of man, say to the Israelites, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?”’ ¹¹ Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’

I am sure that most of us have heard the saying that: 'the only problem with the church is the people in it." Now in one sense, it is so true. It often seems as though we are continually facing the situation where someone or other has done something wrong: whether that be within the congregation, in the family, or out in the community or business world. Somebody or other has fouled up somewhere. Irrespective of where, it almost always reflects badly on the church somewhere or somehow.

Now none of this should really surprise us. We live in a sinful world where even we ourselves are constantly failing to be the people that we know we should be and are constantly falling. All of us are far from perfect. So there will always be problems and failings. But it is how we deal with it all that is important. It is here that our readings this morning have some very important advice for us.

The first point that comes out, is that each one of us have a responsibility in this matter; each one of us needs to listen to what God is telling us here. No matter where we stand in regard to the issue at hand – whether victim, perpetrator, or spectator. So often when it comes to a problem in the church as well as outside in the community we merely want to sit back and criticize from a distance.

Even when we ourselves are involved it all too often is seen as the problem is out there. It is the other person’s fault; he wronged me; he calls himself a Christian and yet he does this or that; or look what so and so has done, and so what I did is not so bad; he or she is not as good as they should be or claims to be; and we could go on and on.

Yes, we are always quick to see and criticize the faults and failings out there – in the other person. But how often aren't we doing this for very selfish reasons. By highlighting their failures, it doesn't make me look so bad. Deep down, probably, thinking it takes the focus off of our own failures and blame.

But each of our readings remind us that when we think about failures and the things that can and do go wrong, then we must first of all look here, to ourselves. We are to see what our responsibility is in the situation. We are to think about what and how God wants us to behave and act, whether it is our fault or not.

In the second reading, we were reminded of what should underlie our whole approach to life and to the failures and problems that we face. "You shall love your neighbour as yourself. “Love does no wrong to a neighbour;" even when they have wronged us. Love always thinks of the other person first - not self. It thinks of how and what is needed in order to help that person in the situation whatever it is. It thinks about what Jesus would have done. And instead of trying to destroy that person before others and God, our concern is to be, to build them up. In particular to bring them into a right understanding before God.

That is why we are told in the first reading to warn those who do evil of the consequences of their actions - they will die because of their sin. We are to warn them of the need to change their ways. And if we don't and we fail to give that warning then we are told that we will held responsible for their death. Out of love for that person and seeking their welfare before God we are to show them their fault.

At the same time out of love for God and that person we are to seek to live life in accord with God's will - so others will not be tempted. Here remember also our second reading mentions being subject to governing authorities. They have an essential role to play in governing for the welfare and good of our society. They need our prayers, support and challenges so that they do what is best, and not just what is popular.

So continually these readings this morning are speaking of our responsibility; of what we are to do in the face of the difficulties and challenges of life. Instead of pointing the finger, we are urged to get alongside one another and build relationships. Especially our relationship with God Almighty himself.

Now secondly here, we need to remember that life is not simply about how good our lives are. As much as that is important. It is not our goodness or failings that determines our rightness with God. Yet so often that is the impression that Christians so often seem to give.

We praise people for the good they have done, and so often give the idea that this is what will get them to heaven. Or on the other hand we condemn a person who has done something wrong and evil. Not even giving them a chance to know of the forgiveness of sins that there for them through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.

This is where all of us need to focus our attention - on the Lord Jesus and what he has done for us. There alone in him we find what is needed in order for us to be able to face life in our troubled world. There in him we find the where with all to be able to get on and work in the midst of the failures of us all.

God had and has given us a way to live that is good and right, and which would ensure that we have none of the troubles and disasters that we are constantly facing. All of which off course, are of our own making as human beings. We have ignored what God has to say and give us, and have instead chosen to do our own thing.

So constantly we all bring on ourselves and one another all these terrible things that we face in this life. No matter how hard we try it is always there; and there is no way out of this awful mess that we face. It is a hopeless situation with only one conclusion death and destruction and finally, all hell.

Except for the fact that God in his love for us sent is only begotten Son into our world to give us a way out. He takes the punishment that we deserve on himself, and therefore, for God’s forgiveness to be extended to each and every one of us. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross God now accepts all those who believe in him to be fully forgiven and accepted as his very own perfect people.

 Then in response to what he has done for all our sin and failures and all the rubbish that comes our way, there we find also our responsibility as we now go on living in this sinful world. We give thanks to him for all the good that has been extended to us and that is there in our lives. We respond to his love and forgiveness by obeying our authorities and keeping his commandments.

When another sins against us, as people who have been saved by Jesus Christ, we seek to show them their fault and lead them to confession and forgiveness Because of Jesus we now think of our actions and reactions toward good and evil all in terms what it does mean for our relationship with God.

When we think of the wrong that we or others have done we think of rejection he must feel; and then seek and encourage forgiveness. As our Lord has forgiven us we now seek to extend that same love to others. Thinking always of our need for the help and forgiveness that only comes from God.

In all of this we need to remember that our Lord is present with us, each and every moment of our lives. He is alongside of us all the time. In particular, 'where two or three come together in His name.' As we gather together as fellow Christians, he is there to help us to get over our petty differences. He is there to help us beyond simply pointing fingers and looking down on others for their failings. He is there to also help us forgive even the most serious hurts.

When there is major conflict and differences of opinion he is there with his Word to lead us to the truths that he would have us uphold and live by. Even there he gives us the strength on those occasions when we need to reject a person who does not listen to our warning and the need to be guided by what God has clearly told us. He is always there with us and for us; helping us to live, love and forgive as he would have us. He is also there ready to forgive us when we fail and fall.

So let us be determined to go from here today remembering all our Lord has and continues to do for us. Let us not merely concentrate on others faults and condemn them; but help them to overcome them and to build their relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instead of merely focussing on the goodness of people or more particularly theirs and our lack of it, let us keep in mind the greatness of our God and what he has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. This is now the responsibility that is ours. So may God go with you in this regard and bless all you do in Jesus name. To him be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish