FOUNDATIONS FOR PEACE

11/26-28/2005
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – New Ulm, MN
Mark 13:32-37
Pastor Don Sutton

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35″Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” Mark 13:32-37

Introduction
The calendar and cold temperatures, the geese and other birds flying south, the squirrels nesting and the traces of snow tell us that winter is here. The result is your storm windows are on; the weather stripping, in place; the furnace, checked and ready. The lawn is raked and the garden is cleaned up. The oil has been changed and the tires rotated on the car. Warm clothes have replaced summer clothes. Your snow blower is ready and so are your shovels. You’re ready for winter.

While you may be ready for winter, are you ready for Jesus’ return? Just as there are signs that winter is here, Jesus said signs will signal his second coming. He said that there will wars and rumors of wars; famines, earthquakes & pestilence; false teachers and fake christs; people falling from faith and love fading away; persecutions and great problems for the Church. Such signs are here and have been here for some time. These signs tell us that Jesus could come any day. Jesus said of his second coming, “…The sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”(MK13:24-27) Jesus IS coming again. Are you ready for his return?

What makes a person ready? … A repentant spirit that acknowledges one’s sinfulness and is saddened by it … faith in Jesus Christ as one’s Savior … the desire to live for the Lord . In view of the certainty of Jesus’ return, God speaks to people through the Gospel reading for today and in love he says to us, “BE READY FOR JESUS RETURN!” God emphasizes two important aspects for readiness for Jesus return – 1) being aware that the time is unknown, and, 2) being awake and watchful.

1. Being Aware that the Time Is Unknown
One of the great areas of curiosity for many Christians has to do with the end times, Jesus’ return and eternity. Such curiosity also affected Jesus’ disciples. They had asked Jesus about the destruction of the temple, Jesus’ second coming and the end of the universe. One aspect of the disciple’s question was “when” – “When, Lord, will this happen.”

Jesus’ answer was, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father … “(v.32,33) The angels know a lot of things. They have to in order to keep straight their ministry to God’s people. But they don’t know when Jesus will come. Jesus said, that even he, in his humiliation, didn’t know the time of his return. Sometimes this is puzzling to people. After all, if Jesus is God, then he knows all things. And if he doesn’t know all things, how can he be God? The truth is that Jesus Christ is true God and true man in one person. From eternity, Jesus’ divine nature has had all knowledge including the time of his return. When God the Son took on the human nature the divine nature of Jesus shared the knowledge of all with his human nature. But according to Philippians 2:6,7, in his humiliation, Jesus chose not to flaunt those qualities including his knowledge. Then Jesus chose not to know the time or day of his return. Now he does.

But not only did the angels in heaven and the Son of Man not know the time of Jesus’ return when he spoke of it in our text, you and I do not know it either. “You do not know when that time will come.”(v.33)
Jesus said that his return will be like that of the rich man who travels to a far away place, leaving his house and property to the management of his servants. The owner doesn’t tell the servants exactly when he will return, but the owner will come back. The servants better be ready every day. (It’s like when my mom went on vacation when my brother and I were in college. Sometimes, when she would return was uncertain. So we never knew exactly when to clean, do dishes, and wash clothes. After mom came home early a time or two, we discovered that taking care of things on a daily basis was best.)

Are you ready for Jesus’ return? One of the keys to being ready is realizing that Jesus could come any day. Jesus might come today. The problem people sometimes battle is thinking that Jesus’ return is way in the future – 2100 AD, 2500 AD, 2800 AD, but not today. As a result we do not always deal with what is really important – seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We have may have unresolved sin but don’t turn from it. We may deal with the urgent at the expense of the important. We may give high priority to the possessions, pleasures and people of this world, but do little to pursue the eternal prize which Jesus has won for us. We may neglect our spiritual health so that should Jesus come soon, we are found spiritually dead and end up eternally damned.

Jesus IS coming. The day is unknown. Therefore, be ready. Treat each day as if it were THE DAY of Jesus’ coming. Jesus also tells us to be ready by being spiritually awake and alert.

2. Being Awake and Watchful
“Be on guard! Be alert!……Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Jesus mentions sleeping. We need sleep on a daily basis to keep our minds alert and our bodies productive. Regular sleep at the appropriate times is good. There are times, however when people physically sleep, but shouldn’t be doing so – in class, on the job, while driving a car, etc. Spiritually speaking, there is also good sleep and bad sleep. Jesus invited people to come to him in faith for rest from the burden of sin’s guilt and the law’s damnation and through that faith he would give them rest, a spiritual sleep that’s good – forgiveness and life. But here, Jesus uses the idea of sleep to refer to something bad.

When Paul wrote to the Romans, God told the Roman Christians “…wake up from your slumber…So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”(13:11-14) God said that when believers are busy thinking about how they can satisfy the sinful nature, they are spiritually asleep. Does this happen to us? Do we desire to get rich? Do we lust and or engage in sinful sex? Drink illegally and get drunk? Complain about seeming unfairness in our blessings verses those of someone else? Worry over things we should entrust to God? Stir up controversy rather than seek peace? These things serve the sinful nature and are signs of sinful spiritual sleep. Jesus says to us, “Don’t be found sleeping when I return.”

Rather than being spiritually asleep, be spiritually awake. This comes by using the word of God and praying persistently. As we use the Word of God, through that word the Holy Spirit awakens us to the awareness of sin. He shows us that our righteous acts are as filthy rags before a holy God. He shows us we deserve the wages of sin – death and hell. But at the same time, the Spirit through the Gospel awakens us to our Savior and the blessings which one finds in him. He awakens us to see that the holiness that we don’t have by ourselves, we have through faith in Christ because he was holy for us. He awakens us to see that the judgment we deserve was taken from us because the Son of God, Jesus, suffered and died for us on the cross. He moves us to repent of sin and cling to Jesus in faith. He awakens us to see that we, through Jesus, are not enemies of God, but rather sons and daughters of the King for time and for eternity. The Holy Spirit awakens us so that with continued use of God’s Word coupled with persistent prayer, “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”(ICor1:8) ….. Use God’s word and be awake!….

Be watchful! When Jesus said this, he used words that include the thought of being able to decide what is good and what is not in the eyes of God. Sometimes we Christians make decisions that may seem alright in our eyes, but are sinful in God’s eyes; seem good for us, but hurt others; may be right in part, but not as a whole. We live in a world where we are bombarded with all kinds of messages, many of which are not pleasing to God or good for us. Therefore, know well God’s word so that you have sound, God-pleasing principles with which to decisions for God’s glory, your good and the good of others. Then you will be able to catch the devil when he is sneaking up on you or your sinful nature when it is rising up on you. God’s word reminds and reinforces what we need to be watchful so we are ready for Jesus’ return.

When you awaken in the morning, say a little prayer thanking God for getting you through the night. Ask him to help you use and think about his word. Ask him to help you see your sin, but also your Savior. Pray that he give you a stronger faith. Ask that he help you carry out the tasks he has given you, to discern between good and evil, and to enable you to live that day as if it is the Last Day. If it is, it’s no problem, not with Jesus as your Savior. When you go to bed at night, be spiritually awake in Jesus. Then, should you physically awaken to the sound of the trumpet call of God and the shout of the arch-angel gathering God’s people from the ends of the earth, you will be ready – ready IN JESUS to live WITH JESUS forever. Amen.

November 12-14, 2005
Philemon 4-7
St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church – New Ulm, MN

Introduction“Happy birthday,” mom says as her 10-yr.-old birthday boy bounds down the steps for breakfast. …. “Now don’t forget to share the treats,” mom says as she stuffs the bag of mini Snickers Bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into her son’s backpack and sends him off to school.

Perhaps you recall times you were expected to share with others. Today as we consider a small portion of the Apostle Paul’s short letter to Philemon we consider the encouragement, “Share Your Faith.”

1. Paul Shared His Faith with Onesimus
As the Apostle Paul writes to Philemon, Paul is writing from Rome where he is under house arrest. Paul is awaiting trial before the emperor. Under house arrest, Paul can’t go and do whatever he wants to. But many people come to him. One person who came into contact with Paul was a man named Onesimus. He was a slave who had run away from his master, Philemon, who lived in the city of Colossae in what today would be SW Turkey.

Because of time, I’m not going to venture into the issue of slavery except to say that there was an inhuman kind of slavery practiced by much of the world at that time but forbidden by God. There was also the slavery God allowed among Christians that was much more humane and temporary unless the slave wanted to continue in the employment of the master and become a member of the master’s household. In view of Paul’s Letter to the Colossians where God commanded masters to treat slaves in a humane, respectful, and fair manner, I assume Onesimus was in the latter type of slavery.

When Onesimus first met Paul, Onesimus was not a Christian. Scripture does not provide much detail about Onesimus’s conversion except in verse 10 where Paul wrote, “I appeal to you for my Son Onesimus who became my son while I was in chains.” After Oensimus got away from Philemon he ended up in Rome and maybe worked for someone who visited Paul or possibly served the Roman government.

Can you imagine Paul visiting with Onesimus, “Tell me about yourself?” Maybe at first there wasn’t much info coming. But after Onesimus became intrigued with Paul’s words and his loving way, Onesimus probably told Paul more. Eventually it came out that he was a run-away slave. He was in a mess. In spite of this, at times Onesimus may have reveled in his new-found freedom.

But can’t you picture Paul perhaps picking up on this and responding with something like, “Onesimus, you think you have found freedom, but you live in bondage”? “You are under God’s curse of sin that is over everyone who isn’t perfect as God demands. You are a slave of the devil. You are en enemy of God. You have no hope and no future. Your destiny is hell. Your only hope is Jesus. He is the Christ whom God promised long ago. He was conceived by a miracle of the Holy Spirit and born in Bethlehem of a virgin named Mary. The holiness and obedience God wants from you but you don’t have, Jesus had it and gave it for you. The curse for sin you deserve, he took upon himself when he suffered and died on a cross at a place outside of Jerusalem called Calvary. On the third day of death, he rose again. His resurrection is God’s way of saying, ‘I forgive you. I have eternal life for you, even the resurrection of the body.’ Through faith in Jesus this forgiveness and eternal life are yours and mine. ” Onesimus was in a mess but Paul still shared his faith with Onesimus. By God’s grace Onesimus believed.

What do you do when you meet people who are in the messes of life? Maybe it’s an alcoholic or a meth user. Possibly it’s someone who is dabbling in all kinds of deadly religions and philosophies. Possibly it’s the person who has had numerous intimate relationships but is messed up and lonely. Perhaps it’s the person who lives to get and have and just doesn’t seem to get what life and happiness are all about. You
may meet them at work or at school or while traveling or next door or at some event or even in your own home. They are there. Do you try to avoid these people? Do you run? Do you ignore their need for Jesus? Do you fail to see that these people need Jesus and his love?

Remember that we Christians are to share the good news with others. When we don’t disobey and disrespect God, and deserve the same destiny of which Paul warned Onesimus. But we have experienced the same saving grace as did Onesimus. We have the same forgiveness of sins won by the same Jesus. We have the same saving faith as worked by the Holy Spirit. We have the same eternal life and the same heavenly Jerusalem to which we can look forward. God wants us to share this faith we have with others. Share it.

You will likely need to build a relationship with them like Paul probably did with Onesimus. You will need to patiently love that person. In your love you will likely need to listen and you may hear things that embarrass you and are foreign to your Christian way of life. You may need to ask gently a probing question or two and then listen some more. You will want to ask God’s help in this process. You may need to wait until they ask you, “What do you believe?” Or, “How do you cope.” Or, “What should I do?” You may have to say, I can’t live your live for you but Jesus makes a difference for me.” Then share your faith as Paul did with Onesimus.

2. Philemon Shared His Faith with Fellow Christians
Also share your faith as did Philemon who shared his faith with fellow believers. Philemon not only was master of Onesimus, he was a leader in the Christian church in Colossae. Philemon and Paul were close. Paul addresses him as our dear brother and co-worker. From the opening verses of Paul’s Letter to Philemon we know that in his own home Philemon provided a gathering place for Christians.

Paul indicates that Philemon shared his faith and love with fellow Christians. “4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints… 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” It was plain to Paul and to every Christian with whom Philemon came into contact that Philemon believed in Jesus and the love of Jesus lived in him. His faith in Jesus guided Philemon’s life and produced love for his fellow Christians. Through what Philemon did and said he gave Paul joy and encouragement, and refreshed the hearts of his fellow Christians.

But as Paul writes to Philemon there is an unsettled issue – the issue of Onesimus. In running away Onesimus had wronged God and Philemon. Onesimus robbed Philemon of his service and showed disrespect. Philemon at least had the right to restitution from a run-away slave and at most had right to prosecution and punishment of Onesimus.

So Paul wrote, “6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” What Paul is a saying is, “Philemon, I am praying that you will share your faith in yet another way – in that of forgiving Onesimus and welcoming him as a Christian brother – so that you may fully understand the blessings we have in Christ including the full and free forgiveness of sins.” What testimony Philemon’s forgiveness of Onesimus would be to God and to his fellow Christians. Philemon’s faith and love would be saying, “God’s grace to me gives me power to forgive someone who has sinned against me and to accept and love as a brother someone who is different from me.”

Sharing your faith with your fellow Christians is something we are also to do in the encouragement we give and the love we show. The sad thing is that too often we Christians treat one another as if we are
enemies. Christian husbands and wives say and do hurtful things to one another. Brothers and sisters fight with one another as if their hearts are filled with hatred. Children in school make fun of those who are different than they are and sometimes treat one another as lepers. Unless we know you some of us Christians won’t give you the time of day and won’t reach out visitors. We Christian can get into “back-biting and back-stabbing” of fellow Christians. And how often don’t we find ourselves bearing grudges for years because “ “Pastor So-n-so” said this to me and I didn’t like it or “Teacher Such-n’such” was unfair to me or this Christian sister didn’t do this or this Christian brother did that, and I just can’t forgive him or her.” When Christians need encouragement we get tight-lipped. We fail to heed the Lord’s command, “Love each other as I have loved you (Jn15:12).”

The Lord has loved us with an undeserved love. Love moved him to be our substitute under the law being the Lord, our Righteousness and being the sacrifice for our sin on Calvary’s cross. As John wrote in his First Letter, “This is love: not that we loved him but that he loved us and sent his Son as atoning sacrifice for our sins (4:10).” Therefore, as Jesus said in John 5:24, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” Now God wants us to love in like manner.

Share your faith as you show your Christian love. When people are hurting, tell that you care. Remind them of God’s presence and love. Help in ways you can. Accept and respect one another as fellow members of God’s family. Forgive one another as God in Christ forgave you. Express appreciation for one another. Pray for one another and encourage each other by letting one another know that you’re doing that. Warmly welcome one another. Make an effort to greet warmly welcome those whom you don’t know. Share your faith as you show your love.

Share your faith as Paul did with an unbeliever named Onesimus, as Philemon did with his fellow Christians in Colossae, as our forefathers at St. Paul’s must have done.

Amen.