+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: Luke 4:30
Theme: Christ’s Forbearance
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Attempted homicide! It’s not the way we expect most gospel accounts to end. Sometimes the biblical narrative takes surprising twists. How quickly admiration can turn to rage! The hometown lynch mob was after Jesus. They sought to silence Him by casting Him down the cliff. Perhaps stoning was also on the agenda? But His time had not yet come so He passed through their midst and went on His way. And so we are privy to one episode in this divine saga, this Messianic struggle to renovate humanity. The nexus of refusal and persuasion, of offence and grace, of apprehension and peace is a preview of things to come. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”1
But the Redeemer is not so easily deterred. His focus is more resolute than all the apathy and chaos of the human race. He will not be derailed from His destiny at the cross. But the suffering, agony, and sacrificial death of Jesus cannot be appreciated for what it is until the need becomes apparent. A personal encounter of opposing beliefs is required. Sinful humans face a holy God. The encounter is not personal until, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the abstraction is removed.
Think of church in the synagogue today. The Sabbath quickly turned sour. Apparently the people of Nazareth were expecting commendation from Jesus. Instead they received rebuke. He made it personal. All people are under the wrath of God. God’s wrath is just. That is, it is justified and justifiable. No one can cry foul for being punished for their sins. No one can say they do not deserve the threat of eternal damnation. But the prospect, when taken seriously, is more than we can bear. The condemnation appears too harsh. “Since our nature is corrupted by sin and is worthy and deserving of God’s wrath and damnation, God owes us neither His Word, nor his Spirit, nor his grace.”2 In short, God owes us nothing. Yet our expectations are often huge. We often expect God’s leniency.
God is not lenient. He is forgiving. God is not indulgent. He is absolving. Never do the Scriptures give us the impression that He lowers His standards or bends His own rules when He sees how thoroughly we fail to remain obedient to Him. Ignorance is no excuse before Him. Wicked intentions elicit harsh condemnation. A holy God does not tolerate sinful humans. But the concept is too abstract when disconnected from the person of Christ.
Guilt and shame are words that relate to our sinfulness. Carefully defining the meaning of words is important. Guilt is a more abstract concept than shame. If I am accused of guilt, or guilt is attributed to me, it may have little effect on me if I don’t believe the allegation is valid. My heart may become hardened even more. But if I am ashamed that means my heart has been reached. The first stage of repentance is happening. Of course, if I feel guilty than I am also experiencing remorse and the words are used synonymously. The words are not as important as the realities they describe. God’s words actually create their own reality.
In Christ, the holiness of God takes on tangible dimensions; and so does forgiveness. What was an abstract idea, a holy God who doesn’t tolerate sinners- but a God easily thought of as distant and aloof- now becomes very concrete as the life of Jesus is portrayed before our very eyes. The Bible says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.”2 St. John gives this witness of the incarnation, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched- this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it”4
You see, God does not abandon His creation. He does not stand aloof from it. He redeems it through Jesus. He dies for it, covering the price for our transgressions. He rises again that He might guarantee us incorruptible life. These truths are measures of His love. Jeremiah reminds us that the heavenly Father knew him before his conception and set him apart. It’s no different for you. That’s the mystery of His love.
The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is the superlative biblical chapter on love. In the triumvirate of faith, hope, and love, the supremacy of love is singled out by the apostle. When love prevails all things are possible. Offences are forgotten, hatred is dissolved, long-held grudges are even laid to rest. When love triumphs fractured relationships are restored, bitter rivals become companions, despair is transformed to hope. If this were not so and if it were not possible then the entire substance of biblical truth would be found to be hollow. But it was the grave that was found to be empty not the promises of the crucified Lord who greeted His followers alive with scars in His flesh to steady their incredulous faith.
Love has prevailed. The evidence often appears dark and distant; a shadow of hope, a glimmer of optimism. We yearn to be fully embraced by its power. The devil still has his little day in the sun. The power of sin is broken, but like a mighty river whose source has dried up, its consequences keep flowing through the channels human lives. If the headwaters of the Mississippi River were suspended it would still take more than three months for the last drop of water to reach the end. A person walking at a leisurely pace could walk across the Australian continent in that time. Sin remains a scourge, the effects of which we cannot avoid in this mortal life.
Yet, love prevails. Love prevailed for the people of Nazareth that day. They just couldn’t see the cross in the distance. They couldn’t yet understand that they, too, needed this Saviour. They may have been looking for a hometown hero they could brag about but not one who would supply their greatest need. We’re no different until the Holy Spirit transforms our perspective. It’s something He has to keep doing again, and again, and again. Baptism is underpinned by the promise that love has conquered. Baptismal water washes the punishment for sin from all the tributaries and rivulets of our lives. Holy Communion send, peace, and forgiveness coursing through our veins.
Love triumphs every time a repentant soul cherishes God’s decree of absolution. Love triumphs every time those who are wise in the ways of the world are made weak by the foolishness of the cross. Love triumphs every time those who feel weak in their inner spiritual life are made strong by the truth of Christ’s life lived on our behalf. Love triumphs every time a believer closes his eyes in death and opens those eyelids in eternity. Many times attempts were made to end the Messiah’s life. He patiently and humbly endured them all until the appointed time. Then what seemed to be the end was only the beginning. Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
31 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Luke 13:34
2 Formula of Concord XI
3 Hebrews 1:3
4 1 John 1:1-2
5 See Isaiah 53:3
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Monday, January 25, 2016
Third Sunday After Epiphany (C) 2016
+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: Luke 4:16
Theme: “He Stood Up To Read”
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Words were spoken. Life was created. God was rejected. Promises were decreed. The Word was enfleshed. Blood was spilled. Words were written. The Spirit was dispatched. Heaven was recovered. This narrative of God’s creation, redemption, and restoration through Christ constitutes the entire biblical witness. The details and mysteries of the individual believer’s place in this storyline constitute our daily life before God. God speaks to us and through His speaking we are transformed. Why, because He speaks with authority.
It was a remarkable Sabbath in Nazareth. The subject, apex, and fulfillment of Holy Writ was Himself the reader of the Scriptures that day. Jesus turned to Isaiah and the one of whom Isaiah spoke read about Himself. It was akin to reading one’s own autobiography. But it was more. It was similar to being taught by one who had lived the material of instruction. But it was more. It was a spoiler alert: A revealing of the end of the story. But it was more. And in a preview of Holy Week, it was first received with acclamation and then rejected with vehement condemnation. In the person of Jesus, the new Adam, the human race was given rebirth. In the work of Jesus, who was always in concord with His Father, the human race was reconciled.
Jesus, the Word of Life, stands to interpret the word of Scripture. Christians are people of the book. Not in a pedantic manner. We do not worship the Bible. But apart from the Scriptures we worship nothing but idols. The only Christ we can know with certainty is the Jesus of the Bible. Departure from the biblical description of Christ- additions or deletions- results in endless speculation and controversy. If I claim to have inside knowledge about the blessings or work of Christ, who could prove me right or wrong; Such claims are like feelings. They can’t be objectively verified or dismissed. Who is to say I’m not being misled by the devil. Any promptings of the Holy Spirit we believe to be beneficial to our faith must be in complete harmony with the revealed teaching of Holy Scripture. God promises to speak to us through His word.
If believers don’t make a habit of hearing God’s word every Sabbath Satan will make sure they hear something else. He broadcasts ceaseless interference with God’s truth. When God’s word tells us we are sinners, we’d do best to believe it. We may find enough tangible evidence of our faults, foibles, and failings, but we can swiftly makes excuses, passing the blame and downplaying the gravity. Sins become flaws in our eyes and transgressions become lapses. God’s perfect law tells us unequivocally that our guilt makes us worthy of condemnation. The law is the Spirit’s tool, convicting us and working shame and regret in our hearts. Imagine if your sins were on display for the world to see how quickly you would seek to disappear into obscurity!
But thankfully, Christians are people of the book. What did the Israelites do when they had returned from exile in Babylon? Nehemiah tells us, “On the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law (the first five books of the Old Testament) before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon…”1 God’s word is meant to be heard. What advice does the seasoned apostle Paul give to the young pastor Timothy? “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”2 Again he says, “You have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in rightesousness.”3 These Scriptures are also made tangible to us in water, bread, and wine. The apostle says today, “In one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”4
The immediate context of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth is the fact of His baptism. His ministry is now public. There is no turning back. He is journeying to the cross. The same is true for us. We are baptized and there is no turning back. God has made His claim on us.
You can rise each morning, remember you are baptized, and marvel that the Scripture has been fulfilled. The Messiah has come. The Redeemer has bought you back with His blood. The Saviour spared you from hell’s fury. The Deliverer has rescued you from Satan’s power. Freedom is decreed to you. The Good News is proclaimed. Your spiritual blindness is healed. Your deafness is cured. The year of the Lord’s favour is announced to you. You have His forgiveness, blessing, and peace. The Lamb of God slain for you on the altar of the cross lives. He has conquered and we participate in His victory.
But many others still live in the defeat of sin even if they don’t understand the bondage they are in. We are freed- in Christ- to serve them in a manner that reflects Christ’s power over sin. Doing so requires a change in mindset that only the Holy Spirit can direct. Very practical realities come into play here. The tendencies of our human nature are very difficult to modify. Think of the typical reaction to being asked to participate in something or commit to it. The first questions we tend to ask ourselves silently follow along the lines of “What’s in it for me?” “Is it something I would benefit from?” “Is it something I would enjoy?” “What are my fears?” “Is it out of my comfort zone?” These are natural questions. They are relevant and not unimportant. But they are not the decisive questions. The first question Christians should ask is “How could my participation in this benefit others?” “If I would invest my time and energy in this way, even stepping out of my comfort zone, would others be helped in a way that is consistent with God’s calling?”
God promises to supply what we lack. Our personal comfort never comes before compassion. Self-interest never outstrips sacrifice. Fear of failure never trumps possibility of assistance. Possibility of inconvenience never surmounts belief that God’s will is done. Of course we know that in practice they often do because we are weak. But they are never taught as the way of Christian life. God has given such great and glorious blessings that all earthly riches pale in comparison.
Think of the holy blessings that were given today in such a humble setting. Nazareth was never highly regarded. A ‘backwater town’ it was neither the place where dreams were fulfilled nor where royals were bred. But on one Sabbath its synagogue was graced by the One who men esteemed not.5 He stood up to read. He rose up to save. He stands to intercede. Life and peace and grace are ours in Him. Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Third Sunday After Epiphany
24 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Nehemiah 8:2-3
2 1 Timothy 4:13
3 2 Timothy 3:15-16
4 1 Corinthians 12:13
5 See Isaiah 53:3
Text: Luke 4:16
Theme: “He Stood Up To Read”
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Words were spoken. Life was created. God was rejected. Promises were decreed. The Word was enfleshed. Blood was spilled. Words were written. The Spirit was dispatched. Heaven was recovered. This narrative of God’s creation, redemption, and restoration through Christ constitutes the entire biblical witness. The details and mysteries of the individual believer’s place in this storyline constitute our daily life before God. God speaks to us and through His speaking we are transformed. Why, because He speaks with authority.
It was a remarkable Sabbath in Nazareth. The subject, apex, and fulfillment of Holy Writ was Himself the reader of the Scriptures that day. Jesus turned to Isaiah and the one of whom Isaiah spoke read about Himself. It was akin to reading one’s own autobiography. But it was more. It was similar to being taught by one who had lived the material of instruction. But it was more. It was a spoiler alert: A revealing of the end of the story. But it was more. And in a preview of Holy Week, it was first received with acclamation and then rejected with vehement condemnation. In the person of Jesus, the new Adam, the human race was given rebirth. In the work of Jesus, who was always in concord with His Father, the human race was reconciled.
Jesus, the Word of Life, stands to interpret the word of Scripture. Christians are people of the book. Not in a pedantic manner. We do not worship the Bible. But apart from the Scriptures we worship nothing but idols. The only Christ we can know with certainty is the Jesus of the Bible. Departure from the biblical description of Christ- additions or deletions- results in endless speculation and controversy. If I claim to have inside knowledge about the blessings or work of Christ, who could prove me right or wrong; Such claims are like feelings. They can’t be objectively verified or dismissed. Who is to say I’m not being misled by the devil. Any promptings of the Holy Spirit we believe to be beneficial to our faith must be in complete harmony with the revealed teaching of Holy Scripture. God promises to speak to us through His word.
If believers don’t make a habit of hearing God’s word every Sabbath Satan will make sure they hear something else. He broadcasts ceaseless interference with God’s truth. When God’s word tells us we are sinners, we’d do best to believe it. We may find enough tangible evidence of our faults, foibles, and failings, but we can swiftly makes excuses, passing the blame and downplaying the gravity. Sins become flaws in our eyes and transgressions become lapses. God’s perfect law tells us unequivocally that our guilt makes us worthy of condemnation. The law is the Spirit’s tool, convicting us and working shame and regret in our hearts. Imagine if your sins were on display for the world to see how quickly you would seek to disappear into obscurity!
But thankfully, Christians are people of the book. What did the Israelites do when they had returned from exile in Babylon? Nehemiah tells us, “On the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law (the first five books of the Old Testament) before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon…”1 God’s word is meant to be heard. What advice does the seasoned apostle Paul give to the young pastor Timothy? “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”2 Again he says, “You have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in rightesousness.”3 These Scriptures are also made tangible to us in water, bread, and wine. The apostle says today, “In one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”4
The immediate context of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth is the fact of His baptism. His ministry is now public. There is no turning back. He is journeying to the cross. The same is true for us. We are baptized and there is no turning back. God has made His claim on us.
You can rise each morning, remember you are baptized, and marvel that the Scripture has been fulfilled. The Messiah has come. The Redeemer has bought you back with His blood. The Saviour spared you from hell’s fury. The Deliverer has rescued you from Satan’s power. Freedom is decreed to you. The Good News is proclaimed. Your spiritual blindness is healed. Your deafness is cured. The year of the Lord’s favour is announced to you. You have His forgiveness, blessing, and peace. The Lamb of God slain for you on the altar of the cross lives. He has conquered and we participate in His victory.
But many others still live in the defeat of sin even if they don’t understand the bondage they are in. We are freed- in Christ- to serve them in a manner that reflects Christ’s power over sin. Doing so requires a change in mindset that only the Holy Spirit can direct. Very practical realities come into play here. The tendencies of our human nature are very difficult to modify. Think of the typical reaction to being asked to participate in something or commit to it. The first questions we tend to ask ourselves silently follow along the lines of “What’s in it for me?” “Is it something I would benefit from?” “Is it something I would enjoy?” “What are my fears?” “Is it out of my comfort zone?” These are natural questions. They are relevant and not unimportant. But they are not the decisive questions. The first question Christians should ask is “How could my participation in this benefit others?” “If I would invest my time and energy in this way, even stepping out of my comfort zone, would others be helped in a way that is consistent with God’s calling?”
God promises to supply what we lack. Our personal comfort never comes before compassion. Self-interest never outstrips sacrifice. Fear of failure never trumps possibility of assistance. Possibility of inconvenience never surmounts belief that God’s will is done. Of course we know that in practice they often do because we are weak. But they are never taught as the way of Christian life. God has given such great and glorious blessings that all earthly riches pale in comparison.
Think of the holy blessings that were given today in such a humble setting. Nazareth was never highly regarded. A ‘backwater town’ it was neither the place where dreams were fulfilled nor where royals were bred. But on one Sabbath its synagogue was graced by the One who men esteemed not.5 He stood up to read. He rose up to save. He stands to intercede. Life and peace and grace are ours in Him. Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Third Sunday After Epiphany
24 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Nehemiah 8:2-3
2 1 Timothy 4:13
3 2 Timothy 3:15-16
4 1 Corinthians 12:13
5 See Isaiah 53:3
Monday, January 18, 2016
Second Sunday After Epiphany (C) 2016
+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: John 2:11
Theme: The Life of the Party
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
In God’s presence life is sustained. In His absence death is inevitable. It is truly a miracle that life -any life- exists at all. After millennia of accumulated human knowledge we have no power to commence life from inert material. We can analyze processes and enhance their function but we cannot create life. That takes a miracle. That ability separates us categorically from God. It’s fascinating to think that in heaven the whole concept of miracles will cease to exist. God’s life-sustaining magnificence will be on display at all times. Something to look forward to!
With an eye towards the future life God still calls us to attend to the present. Today we find people enjoying life at a wedding celebration- some perhaps a little more than they should. We hear a number of times of Jesus being invited to social functions. This wedding celebration is exceptional because Jesus uses the occasion to broach the topic of His divinity. When the wine ran out He supplied more. And it was better.
Jesus never proffered dull signs of His deity but this was about as low key as it comes. It wasn’t a dramatic miracle. The stormy sea was not calmed. The blind were not sighted. The dead were not raised. But subtlety does not equal trivialness. The laws of nature were radically circumvented. Divine intervention was undeniable. This Messianic vintner extended the banquet celebration. It was enough to awaken faith in His disciples. Still, no one understood yet that Jesus wasn’t merely the life of the party. They were in the presence of the Bridegroom who sits at the head of the table at the heavenly feast. Their guest was Himself, the personification of hospitality. Veiled in human attire they didn’t recognize it yet.
Today’s wedding of Cana account contains a tense moment between Jesus and His mother. We see that she oversteps the mark in the assumption she made about Jesus’ response to the lack of wine. As such, Mary shows congruence with fallen humanity. Sinful humans always think they know better than God even if they don’t intend to initially. Remember, we’re called to repent not just for careless actions. We’re called to repudiate the entire orientation of our sinful nature. Consider how the Lutheran Confessions say it, “It is an established truth that Christians must regard and recognize as sin not only the actual transgression of God’s commandments but also, and primarily, the abominable and dreadful inherited disease which has corrupted our entire nature. In fact, we must consider this as the chief sin, the root and fountain of all actual sin.”1 There is no way for us to circumvent this reality.
When the promises of God are despised we are made vulnerable to His judgment. God promises that the Holy Spirit works through the word and sacraments. He offers no other means. Satan too, can mimic the Spirit’s approach. The Scripture says, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”2 Satan never presents his opinions as lies. (Who, except those who have already aligned themselves with evil would deliberately follow lies?) Satan must mimic the truth. He even uses Scripture to set the bait. But he cannot outwit the Lord and we should have confidence in this fact. The Scripture says, “Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”3
The presence of the Holy Spirit in your life may not seem dramatic from human perspective. Perhaps, like your daily routine, you consider your spiritual life to be rather pedestrian. Maybe you’ve never felt prompted by the Spirit. Maybe you struggle to offer up your prayers or often feel uninspired to listen to His word. Never think this means His work lacks validity. The authentic presence of God need not be melodramatic or showy. He often works methodically to build the spiritual structure, which is your faith. A skyscraper is built one section at a time. It doesn’t come premade from IKEA. A Blue Whale is sustained by millions of tiny krill. It does swallow a single, large portion of food. Faith is built up in this way too. Through constant exposure to the word, through the continual attention of the Holy Spirit, through the regular support of other Christians faith is sustained and strengthened.
You are baptized for a purpose. You are equipped for a mission. It may not be a mission in some exotic place. It may not seem thrilling or praise-worthy. It may not gain you notoriety or fame. But it is consecrated work because it is sanctified by a holy God. Much of your waking day is lived at the threshold; the conflict zone where the influences of evil are engaged in struggle with God’s truth and light. This happens in the real lives of real people. Hearts, and minds, and wills are stretched to the limit. Adultery competes with fidelity; lust with loyalty. Deceit strives against honesty; lies against truth. Selfishness rivals with contentedness; greed with temperance. Power-grabbing contests with submission; control with sacrifice. Lawlessness contends with obedience; anarchy with stability.
These struggles aren’t caused by differences in perspective; they are ignited and rage because of sin. Christians acknowledge these facts for what they are and act accordingly. You might be the only voice of reason, the only presence of purity, the only source of strength, the only foundation of hope for someone. Of course it’s not you; you’re a vessel of the living God. You are called to be His mouthpiece. The more the church falls silent the more other voices will crowd out the truth. God demands that we don’t mix the sacred with the profane. That is, we don’t mingle falsehood with His truth. We don’t try to smuggle in human opinion under the guise of divine decree. We don’t invest our hope in created things but in God’s promises.
The Bible is full of encouragement to persevere in the midst of struggle. Paul said he could not help but preach the gospel. Isaiah says today, “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shine out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.”4 His word will not return empty and we cling to that promise even when the evidence seems otherwise.
For most people in ancient times daily life was a struggle. There was very little leisure time. That’s why weekly observance of the Sabbath and participation in things like wedding celebrations were so important. Respite from the hardships of life was essential. Today people enjoyed it in the presence of Jesus as a dinner guest. Believers find their eternal rest in Him. The greatest threats cannot harm us. Jesus Christ was hung from a cross so that you wouldn’t be hung out to dry at the judgment. He rose from the dead and that means our decayed corpses won’t be left lying in the grave. Manifest sinners that we are, believers are, nevertheless, declared righteous and holy because of His blood shed for us. The wine from His table is better than that supplied at Cana. It carries forgiveness that opens the door to eternal life.
Jesus may not have been the first viticulturist (Noah is the first one mentioned in the Bible5, though Adam was undoubtedly the first.) but He will certainly be the last. His heavenly banquet awaits all the faithful. There will be no need for miracles. The final vintage is a ceaseless supply of His lavish provision.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Second Sunday After Epiphany
17 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Formula of Concord
2 2 Corinthians 11:14
3 1 Corinthians 12:3
4 Isaiah 62:1
5 Genesis 9:20
Text: John 2:11
Theme: The Life of the Party
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
In God’s presence life is sustained. In His absence death is inevitable. It is truly a miracle that life -any life- exists at all. After millennia of accumulated human knowledge we have no power to commence life from inert material. We can analyze processes and enhance their function but we cannot create life. That takes a miracle. That ability separates us categorically from God. It’s fascinating to think that in heaven the whole concept of miracles will cease to exist. God’s life-sustaining magnificence will be on display at all times. Something to look forward to!
With an eye towards the future life God still calls us to attend to the present. Today we find people enjoying life at a wedding celebration- some perhaps a little more than they should. We hear a number of times of Jesus being invited to social functions. This wedding celebration is exceptional because Jesus uses the occasion to broach the topic of His divinity. When the wine ran out He supplied more. And it was better.
Jesus never proffered dull signs of His deity but this was about as low key as it comes. It wasn’t a dramatic miracle. The stormy sea was not calmed. The blind were not sighted. The dead were not raised. But subtlety does not equal trivialness. The laws of nature were radically circumvented. Divine intervention was undeniable. This Messianic vintner extended the banquet celebration. It was enough to awaken faith in His disciples. Still, no one understood yet that Jesus wasn’t merely the life of the party. They were in the presence of the Bridegroom who sits at the head of the table at the heavenly feast. Their guest was Himself, the personification of hospitality. Veiled in human attire they didn’t recognize it yet.
Today’s wedding of Cana account contains a tense moment between Jesus and His mother. We see that she oversteps the mark in the assumption she made about Jesus’ response to the lack of wine. As such, Mary shows congruence with fallen humanity. Sinful humans always think they know better than God even if they don’t intend to initially. Remember, we’re called to repent not just for careless actions. We’re called to repudiate the entire orientation of our sinful nature. Consider how the Lutheran Confessions say it, “It is an established truth that Christians must regard and recognize as sin not only the actual transgression of God’s commandments but also, and primarily, the abominable and dreadful inherited disease which has corrupted our entire nature. In fact, we must consider this as the chief sin, the root and fountain of all actual sin.”1 There is no way for us to circumvent this reality.
When the promises of God are despised we are made vulnerable to His judgment. God promises that the Holy Spirit works through the word and sacraments. He offers no other means. Satan too, can mimic the Spirit’s approach. The Scripture says, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”2 Satan never presents his opinions as lies. (Who, except those who have already aligned themselves with evil would deliberately follow lies?) Satan must mimic the truth. He even uses Scripture to set the bait. But he cannot outwit the Lord and we should have confidence in this fact. The Scripture says, “Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”3
The presence of the Holy Spirit in your life may not seem dramatic from human perspective. Perhaps, like your daily routine, you consider your spiritual life to be rather pedestrian. Maybe you’ve never felt prompted by the Spirit. Maybe you struggle to offer up your prayers or often feel uninspired to listen to His word. Never think this means His work lacks validity. The authentic presence of God need not be melodramatic or showy. He often works methodically to build the spiritual structure, which is your faith. A skyscraper is built one section at a time. It doesn’t come premade from IKEA. A Blue Whale is sustained by millions of tiny krill. It does swallow a single, large portion of food. Faith is built up in this way too. Through constant exposure to the word, through the continual attention of the Holy Spirit, through the regular support of other Christians faith is sustained and strengthened.
You are baptized for a purpose. You are equipped for a mission. It may not be a mission in some exotic place. It may not seem thrilling or praise-worthy. It may not gain you notoriety or fame. But it is consecrated work because it is sanctified by a holy God. Much of your waking day is lived at the threshold; the conflict zone where the influences of evil are engaged in struggle with God’s truth and light. This happens in the real lives of real people. Hearts, and minds, and wills are stretched to the limit. Adultery competes with fidelity; lust with loyalty. Deceit strives against honesty; lies against truth. Selfishness rivals with contentedness; greed with temperance. Power-grabbing contests with submission; control with sacrifice. Lawlessness contends with obedience; anarchy with stability.
These struggles aren’t caused by differences in perspective; they are ignited and rage because of sin. Christians acknowledge these facts for what they are and act accordingly. You might be the only voice of reason, the only presence of purity, the only source of strength, the only foundation of hope for someone. Of course it’s not you; you’re a vessel of the living God. You are called to be His mouthpiece. The more the church falls silent the more other voices will crowd out the truth. God demands that we don’t mix the sacred with the profane. That is, we don’t mingle falsehood with His truth. We don’t try to smuggle in human opinion under the guise of divine decree. We don’t invest our hope in created things but in God’s promises.
The Bible is full of encouragement to persevere in the midst of struggle. Paul said he could not help but preach the gospel. Isaiah says today, “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shine out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.”4 His word will not return empty and we cling to that promise even when the evidence seems otherwise.
For most people in ancient times daily life was a struggle. There was very little leisure time. That’s why weekly observance of the Sabbath and participation in things like wedding celebrations were so important. Respite from the hardships of life was essential. Today people enjoyed it in the presence of Jesus as a dinner guest. Believers find their eternal rest in Him. The greatest threats cannot harm us. Jesus Christ was hung from a cross so that you wouldn’t be hung out to dry at the judgment. He rose from the dead and that means our decayed corpses won’t be left lying in the grave. Manifest sinners that we are, believers are, nevertheless, declared righteous and holy because of His blood shed for us. The wine from His table is better than that supplied at Cana. It carries forgiveness that opens the door to eternal life.
Jesus may not have been the first viticulturist (Noah is the first one mentioned in the Bible5, though Adam was undoubtedly the first.) but He will certainly be the last. His heavenly banquet awaits all the faithful. There will be no need for miracles. The final vintage is a ceaseless supply of His lavish provision.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Second Sunday After Epiphany
17 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Formula of Concord
2 2 Corinthians 11:14
3 1 Corinthians 12:3
4 Isaiah 62:1
5 Genesis 9:20
Monday, January 11, 2016
First Sunday After Epiphany (C) 2016
+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: Luke 3:22
Theme: Double Vision: The Son and the Spirit
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Christmas doesn’t fade it grows. It steadily uncovers its glory like a rose opening its petals. The Child of Bethlehem has a destiny. He will be the King of Calvary. The journey in between is what will occupy our attention during the next two seasons of the Church Year. Today is the First Sunday after Epiphany. Epiphany is a transitional season. As the wonder and mystery of the nativity sinks deeper into our hearts the identity of the Messiah becomes more clearly revealed in the Epiphany season. Epiphany means ‘revelation’ or ‘showing forth’. In the Epiphany season we focus on a number of events that demonstrate Jesus was no ordinary man, but the divine Son of God. The events include the visit of the Magi, Jesus’ baptism, His turning the water into wine at the wedding in Cana, His preaching in Nazareth, and the transfiguration on the mountain.
The initial event of our transition is the visit of the Magi. The Magi did not come to the manger. They came to the house. It was their visit that triggered Herod’s ruthless decree to kill the baby boys in Bethlehem less than two years of age. It was an indication of the inevitable conflict that would come with Jesus’ presence in the world. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, but the peace that He brings can only be achieved through confrontation with sin.
We should not be surprised, then, that in today’s gospel reading about Jesus’ baptism there is a clear warning about judgment. Luke says, “His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor.”1 Christ threshes the great harvest for the kingdom of His Father. The Father has given Him the authority to judge. It’s an image common to an agricultural society; it is, nevertheless, a stunning one. It runs in parallel with other harvest images of judgment such as in Revelation 14, “‘Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.’ The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath.”2
There is no question about the intent of the message. The great sorting out of good and evil, the separation of sin and righteousness, the dividing of unbelief and faith, the parting of light from darkness transpires through agency of Christ. The scope is universal. There are no spectators. All must pass through the sieve of divine discernment. Christ threshes thoroughly and precisely. He makes no mistakes. He caters to no favourites. He yields to no biases. All lives lie open before Him. All motives are transparent to His sight. He separates the sheep from the goats never erring. He divides the wheat from the chaff leaving no contamination.
Dear friends, if the divine judgment against sin were not a divine certainty there would be no need for the gospel. There would be no need for the sacrificial intercession of Jesus on behalf of the human race. If sin did not make all believers deserving of hell there would be no need for a Saviour. The Child, whose birth we have just celebrated, is the Redeemer who was crucified. He rose again on the third day bringing forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe. This Saviour is present for us in our every need. And yet, the ranks of those who are uninterested continue to grow. Perhaps we are too well acquainted with the gospel?
There is a spiritual parallel to the common wisdom that familiarity breeds contempt. Familiarity can also dull the spiritual senses and lead to apathy. We see it all around us. We know it in our families. We see it in the rapid decline of Christianity in western culture. Materialism presses on us. Secularism tugs at us. Self-promotion and dishonesty are encouraged as means of making progress in society. Even Christians are drawn into the mindset that our lives are ends in them themselves. Spirituality is brokered as a commodity. Even God is used as a means to validate individual opinions. There is no end to the expressions of sinfulness.
Only the Holy Spirit can overcome this infirmity. Undoubtedly that’s why Jesus instructed His disciples to pray for the Holy Spirit. We find Him featuring prominently today at Jesus’ baptism. The appearance of the Holy Spirit in bodily form is significant. This action is unique. The Spirit appears in this way to give clear witness to Christ and bring glory to His name. The voice of the Father is heard audibly. The baptism of Jesus is an epiphany for the Holy Trinity. Those who long to look on the face of God see His perfect image in the person of His Son. When the disciples wanted reassurance, Philip said to Jesus, “‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us’ Jesus answered: ‘Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.”3
So what was important about Jesus’ baptism? Jesus’ baptism was not for His own benefit, but for ours. He had no need to be cleansed from sin. It was necessary, however, that He stand in solidarity with humanity. All of Jesus’ redemptive work involved surrogacy. He did not come to save His own skin, but ours. He had no need to be reconciled to the Father, but we do. He had no need to endure suffering and death, but it was essential for our salvation.
In baptism we become the beneficiaries of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We are reconciled to the heavenly Father. And we are empowered to love our neighbour from a new, freed, perspective.
The love of our neighbour is not theoretical or optional. In life under the cross it is where the rubber meets the road. Relationships are not reconciled through avoidance or the harboring of resentment. Honesty, humility, and the willingness to forgive is the only way forward. Love goes the distance. But human love needs the strength of divine empowerment. Often we can hardly hold up under our own frailty let alone carry the burdens of others. Everyone has limited capacity. But we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In the hour of need He supplies us. When we realize everything depends Him everything changes. Darkness is turned to light. Crippling loads become light as a feather. What seemed to be drudgery can even become purposeful and gratifying.
Christ is the divine Lover and He always supplies what we lack. Remember what the Scripture says when He was on the threshold of His death. “When Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”4 What does it mean that He loved them to the end except that He went to the cross! There can be no deeper love than complete sacrifice. At the cross any sentimentality of Christmas is turned to pure reverence. On Easter morning it transitions to pure joy. May the Holy Spirit increase your confidence and joy throughout this season of Epiphany! Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
First Sunday After Epiphany
10 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Luke 3:17
2 Revelation 14:18-19
3 John 14:8-9
4 John 13:1
Text: Luke 3:22
Theme: Double Vision: The Son and the Spirit
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Christmas doesn’t fade it grows. It steadily uncovers its glory like a rose opening its petals. The Child of Bethlehem has a destiny. He will be the King of Calvary. The journey in between is what will occupy our attention during the next two seasons of the Church Year. Today is the First Sunday after Epiphany. Epiphany is a transitional season. As the wonder and mystery of the nativity sinks deeper into our hearts the identity of the Messiah becomes more clearly revealed in the Epiphany season. Epiphany means ‘revelation’ or ‘showing forth’. In the Epiphany season we focus on a number of events that demonstrate Jesus was no ordinary man, but the divine Son of God. The events include the visit of the Magi, Jesus’ baptism, His turning the water into wine at the wedding in Cana, His preaching in Nazareth, and the transfiguration on the mountain.
The initial event of our transition is the visit of the Magi. The Magi did not come to the manger. They came to the house. It was their visit that triggered Herod’s ruthless decree to kill the baby boys in Bethlehem less than two years of age. It was an indication of the inevitable conflict that would come with Jesus’ presence in the world. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, but the peace that He brings can only be achieved through confrontation with sin.
We should not be surprised, then, that in today’s gospel reading about Jesus’ baptism there is a clear warning about judgment. Luke says, “His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor.”1 Christ threshes the great harvest for the kingdom of His Father. The Father has given Him the authority to judge. It’s an image common to an agricultural society; it is, nevertheless, a stunning one. It runs in parallel with other harvest images of judgment such as in Revelation 14, “‘Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.’ The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath.”2
There is no question about the intent of the message. The great sorting out of good and evil, the separation of sin and righteousness, the dividing of unbelief and faith, the parting of light from darkness transpires through agency of Christ. The scope is universal. There are no spectators. All must pass through the sieve of divine discernment. Christ threshes thoroughly and precisely. He makes no mistakes. He caters to no favourites. He yields to no biases. All lives lie open before Him. All motives are transparent to His sight. He separates the sheep from the goats never erring. He divides the wheat from the chaff leaving no contamination.
Dear friends, if the divine judgment against sin were not a divine certainty there would be no need for the gospel. There would be no need for the sacrificial intercession of Jesus on behalf of the human race. If sin did not make all believers deserving of hell there would be no need for a Saviour. The Child, whose birth we have just celebrated, is the Redeemer who was crucified. He rose again on the third day bringing forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe. This Saviour is present for us in our every need. And yet, the ranks of those who are uninterested continue to grow. Perhaps we are too well acquainted with the gospel?
There is a spiritual parallel to the common wisdom that familiarity breeds contempt. Familiarity can also dull the spiritual senses and lead to apathy. We see it all around us. We know it in our families. We see it in the rapid decline of Christianity in western culture. Materialism presses on us. Secularism tugs at us. Self-promotion and dishonesty are encouraged as means of making progress in society. Even Christians are drawn into the mindset that our lives are ends in them themselves. Spirituality is brokered as a commodity. Even God is used as a means to validate individual opinions. There is no end to the expressions of sinfulness.
Only the Holy Spirit can overcome this infirmity. Undoubtedly that’s why Jesus instructed His disciples to pray for the Holy Spirit. We find Him featuring prominently today at Jesus’ baptism. The appearance of the Holy Spirit in bodily form is significant. This action is unique. The Spirit appears in this way to give clear witness to Christ and bring glory to His name. The voice of the Father is heard audibly. The baptism of Jesus is an epiphany for the Holy Trinity. Those who long to look on the face of God see His perfect image in the person of His Son. When the disciples wanted reassurance, Philip said to Jesus, “‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us’ Jesus answered: ‘Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.”3
So what was important about Jesus’ baptism? Jesus’ baptism was not for His own benefit, but for ours. He had no need to be cleansed from sin. It was necessary, however, that He stand in solidarity with humanity. All of Jesus’ redemptive work involved surrogacy. He did not come to save His own skin, but ours. He had no need to be reconciled to the Father, but we do. He had no need to endure suffering and death, but it was essential for our salvation.
In baptism we become the beneficiaries of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We are reconciled to the heavenly Father. And we are empowered to love our neighbour from a new, freed, perspective.
The love of our neighbour is not theoretical or optional. In life under the cross it is where the rubber meets the road. Relationships are not reconciled through avoidance or the harboring of resentment. Honesty, humility, and the willingness to forgive is the only way forward. Love goes the distance. But human love needs the strength of divine empowerment. Often we can hardly hold up under our own frailty let alone carry the burdens of others. Everyone has limited capacity. But we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In the hour of need He supplies us. When we realize everything depends Him everything changes. Darkness is turned to light. Crippling loads become light as a feather. What seemed to be drudgery can even become purposeful and gratifying.
Christ is the divine Lover and He always supplies what we lack. Remember what the Scripture says when He was on the threshold of His death. “When Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”4 What does it mean that He loved them to the end except that He went to the cross! There can be no deeper love than complete sacrifice. At the cross any sentimentality of Christmas is turned to pure reverence. On Easter morning it transitions to pure joy. May the Holy Spirit increase your confidence and joy throughout this season of Epiphany! Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
First Sunday After Epiphany
10 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Luke 3:17
2 Revelation 14:18-19
3 John 14:8-9
4 John 13:1
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Funeral for Verna Gerlach 5 January 2016
+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: Psalm 143:10
Theme: Led by the Spirit
Dear family, friends, and loved ones of Verna, and especially you, Pauline, Chris, Marlene, and Raelene, her daughters,
The prayer of a believer never falls on deaf ears. Psalm 143, which includes Verna’s confirmation text, is a fervent plea. Whether uttered in desperation, or in quiet reflection, the Almighty has made a promise to hear. And if He were not true to His promises we would all be without hope! But as it is we are gathered here today to witness the fulfillment of God’s promises to Verna. The Lord Jesus says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”1 Verna has been crowned with life. She rests from her earthly toil. She enjoys divine peace. Thanks be to God!
God blessed Verna with a long and active life. She saw a lot of change during her lifetime. Tractors replaced horses on the farm. Computers replaced typewriters in the office. Appliances and gadgets of every sort radically changed the daily routine. Not all the change was good. Technology left some people less connected from others and more isolated. Families started meeting together and eating together less and less. Jobs became more of a means to a financial end instead of vocations of service. Societal values have shifted radically during Verna’s lifespan too.
Truth is not held to be an objective reality underpinned by the presence of the Almighty God but simply whatever you deem it to be. Life itself is believed by many to be the result of the random probability that inert material organized itself into complex systems without any rhyme or reason to the process. The deeper meaning of life is increasingly drained of purpose and replaced by the race to acquire more material stuff. A hollowness of soul is encroaching on our culture. Verna was witness to this transition.
We’re accustomed to associating change with progress, invention, and improvement. In regards to technology this is often true. But spiritually things are different. In this fallen world change is ultimately characterized by decay because sin is running its course. When sin is fully mature it results in death. There can be no progress or improvement in the conception of human life. Each infant conceived is unchanged in its human nature from those conceived ten years ago, a hundred years ago, or a thousand years prior. All are born sinners. All need a Saviour. When we reflect on the death of another it’s always an opportune time to consider our own mortality. No one is immune to the consequences of sin. No one is exempt from the power of death. It has the capacity to radically change everything in an instant. Recognizing this truth is always a call to humility and repentance.
But Verna understood, as do all Christians, that one thing does not change. The unfailing love of God in Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God is immune to decay. He possesses immortal, unending life. That life is mediated through His Son and extended to believers through the Spirit. He says, “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.”2 And again, “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.”3 Verna was led by God’s good Spirit. God’s promises were Verna’s rock and her fortress. Christ was her Good Shepherd.
Verna was faithful in her life of bearing the cross. She was regular in her attendance in God’s house where her faith was strengthen by the gospel and by the reception of Jesus’ body and blood in Holy Communion. In that strength she went about her daily vocation as a wife, mother, and grandmother with dedication and reliability. She worked hard on the fruit blocked, loved her garden, and kept her mind sharp well into old age playing cards. In all these activities Verna still understood that she was journeying through this life to a better, permanent life to come.
That journey can only reach its destination through divine intervention. Verna was saved by grace through faith. Christ carried her sins to the cross and buried them in His tomb. His resurrection proved that He has the power to resurrect her also. The Holy Spirit led her over every hill and through every valley. Through prosperity and adversity He attended her. Verna has now crossed the threshold. She has received her baptismal inheritance. The place in heaven prepared for her is now occupied.
Even though we can rejoice that Verna now rests from her labours grief is still real. It has no cure, humanly speaking. It’s necessary for us to acknowledge loss. It reminds us that life is fragile; that each day is a gift. It reminds us of our own mortality. Most importantly, it reminds us of our need for Christ, the Immortal One. The most eloquently spoken human words can never alleviate the pain of sorrow. Only One has the authority to truly cheer our hearts. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.”4 He says, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”5
The prayers of Verna Gerlach have been answered. Thanks be to God for His incomparable love! In Christ’s most holy name, amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Christian Burial of Verna Gerlach
5 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Revelation 2:10 2 John 5:26 3 Romans 8:11 4 John 11:25-26 5Revelation 1:17-18
Text: Psalm 143:10
Theme: Led by the Spirit
Dear family, friends, and loved ones of Verna, and especially you, Pauline, Chris, Marlene, and Raelene, her daughters,
The prayer of a believer never falls on deaf ears. Psalm 143, which includes Verna’s confirmation text, is a fervent plea. Whether uttered in desperation, or in quiet reflection, the Almighty has made a promise to hear. And if He were not true to His promises we would all be without hope! But as it is we are gathered here today to witness the fulfillment of God’s promises to Verna. The Lord Jesus says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”1 Verna has been crowned with life. She rests from her earthly toil. She enjoys divine peace. Thanks be to God!
God blessed Verna with a long and active life. She saw a lot of change during her lifetime. Tractors replaced horses on the farm. Computers replaced typewriters in the office. Appliances and gadgets of every sort radically changed the daily routine. Not all the change was good. Technology left some people less connected from others and more isolated. Families started meeting together and eating together less and less. Jobs became more of a means to a financial end instead of vocations of service. Societal values have shifted radically during Verna’s lifespan too.
Truth is not held to be an objective reality underpinned by the presence of the Almighty God but simply whatever you deem it to be. Life itself is believed by many to be the result of the random probability that inert material organized itself into complex systems without any rhyme or reason to the process. The deeper meaning of life is increasingly drained of purpose and replaced by the race to acquire more material stuff. A hollowness of soul is encroaching on our culture. Verna was witness to this transition.
We’re accustomed to associating change with progress, invention, and improvement. In regards to technology this is often true. But spiritually things are different. In this fallen world change is ultimately characterized by decay because sin is running its course. When sin is fully mature it results in death. There can be no progress or improvement in the conception of human life. Each infant conceived is unchanged in its human nature from those conceived ten years ago, a hundred years ago, or a thousand years prior. All are born sinners. All need a Saviour. When we reflect on the death of another it’s always an opportune time to consider our own mortality. No one is immune to the consequences of sin. No one is exempt from the power of death. It has the capacity to radically change everything in an instant. Recognizing this truth is always a call to humility and repentance.
But Verna understood, as do all Christians, that one thing does not change. The unfailing love of God in Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God is immune to decay. He possesses immortal, unending life. That life is mediated through His Son and extended to believers through the Spirit. He says, “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.”2 And again, “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.”3 Verna was led by God’s good Spirit. God’s promises were Verna’s rock and her fortress. Christ was her Good Shepherd.
Verna was faithful in her life of bearing the cross. She was regular in her attendance in God’s house where her faith was strengthen by the gospel and by the reception of Jesus’ body and blood in Holy Communion. In that strength she went about her daily vocation as a wife, mother, and grandmother with dedication and reliability. She worked hard on the fruit blocked, loved her garden, and kept her mind sharp well into old age playing cards. In all these activities Verna still understood that she was journeying through this life to a better, permanent life to come.
That journey can only reach its destination through divine intervention. Verna was saved by grace through faith. Christ carried her sins to the cross and buried them in His tomb. His resurrection proved that He has the power to resurrect her also. The Holy Spirit led her over every hill and through every valley. Through prosperity and adversity He attended her. Verna has now crossed the threshold. She has received her baptismal inheritance. The place in heaven prepared for her is now occupied.
Even though we can rejoice that Verna now rests from her labours grief is still real. It has no cure, humanly speaking. It’s necessary for us to acknowledge loss. It reminds us that life is fragile; that each day is a gift. It reminds us of our own mortality. Most importantly, it reminds us of our need for Christ, the Immortal One. The most eloquently spoken human words can never alleviate the pain of sorrow. Only One has the authority to truly cheer our hearts. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.”4 He says, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”5
The prayers of Verna Gerlach have been answered. Thanks be to God for His incomparable love! In Christ’s most holy name, amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Christian Burial of Verna Gerlach
5 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Revelation 2:10 2 John 5:26 3 Romans 8:11 4 John 11:25-26 5Revelation 1:17-18
Monday, January 4, 2016
Funeral for Art Schubert 4 January 2016
+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: John 14:3
Theme: A Place Where I Am
Dear family, friends, and loved ones of Arthur, and especially you, Verna,
Here we are at that place of inevitability; but nonetheless that place we’re never quite ready for. There is no practice for grief. Yes, we begin to grieve already in advance. Sometimes it’s long before we’re certain of the finality. Still, the moment is unique to every grieving spouse, every grieving child; every grieving friend. Genuine heartache is integral to our humanness. There will be some things to help pass the hours and fill the void but there are no replacements. To pretend otherwise is to misunderstand both the meaning of a person’s life and the significance of their death.
Grief stings. It hurts. It has no human cure. Only divine intervention can truly ease the pain of grief. And yet in the midst of sorrow we can give thanks. We can rejoice. Art has entered into his eternal rest. He suffers no more pain. He endures no more anxiety. He has no worries or cares. More importantly, the power of sin over him has been broken. The promise of his baptism has come to fruition. He has been awarded the crown of life. Thanks be to God!
The Scripture says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to be born and a time to die.” 1 But is also says that the last enemy to be destroyed is death2. Now either that is most important truth ever uttered or it is the greatest lie ever told. But it would not be a singular or isolated truth or lie. For death itself does not exist without subjects and it does not exist without a master. The fear of death lies with Satan. It is a powerful fear because it is guttural and tangible.
We should not underestimate how powerfully this can affect us. Some think God should spare us from all pain and ultimately death. They may claim God is either too inept too apathetic. There is a measure of human logic to this reasoning. But we can’t paint God into a box. He is actually being authentic by bringing believers into the next life in this way. God is just and His wrath over sin had to be pacified. His wrath cannot triumph over His compassion. It has been appeased by the blood of His Son. The death of Christ is what makes our deaths meaningful. It is His resurrection that gives victory in the face of what appears to be a defeat. For the Christian death is a seamless transition from time into eternity.
Dear friends, we can look back over life, assessing regrets and cherishing accomplishments. We lament failures and rejoice in successes. We may be filled with gratitude for blessings or resentment for wrongs that were never rectified. To be occupied with these things is typical of what it means to be human. But at that hour when the angels draw near, when our niche in heaven’s abode is almost complete, when our mortality has just about reached its limits; at that moment when the memories come flooding in life an ocean’s tide, nothing can bring peace to the soul save for the words of Him who stepped out of death’s grip, defying the power of the grave. He says, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”3
The Scriptures help us to dispel popular misperception about death. Art has no interest in looking down on us. His soul is in the presence of Christ. His body awaits the great and awesome day of the resurrection of all flesh. He has no duty of care; no obligation to us who remain. Christ handles those things. He has neither concerns, nor queries, nor need for amusement. He is at peace and his joy knows no limits. He has been released from all the consequences of sin. There are no barriers to His enjoyment of divine love. We must be finished with all childish ideas that the saints in heaven are endlessly occupied with trivial pursuits like hobbies or personal interests, or that heaven will be boring or tedious. When we behold the face of God the enthrallment will sufficiently occupy all of our senses to the fullest capacity.
Art was devoted in his walk of faith. He was seldom absent from God’s house of worship. Here he was repeatedly strengthened by the forgiveness of sins proclaimed from the Scriptures and offered in the Lord’s Supper. The promise God first made to Him in his baptism has now been fulfilled. Redeemed by Christ’s blood, Art was declared righteous, like all repentant sinners, because of Jesus’ sacrificial death. Not his piety, not his good deeds, not his support for the mission of the church carried him over the threshold, but only the sheer mercy of God. No one is saved in any other way.
Grief is never something to be ignored or dismissed lightly. But it does not rule because death does not have the last word. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.”4 He says, “I am going there to prepare a place for you…that you also may be where I am.”5 That “place” is described in this way, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”6 Verna, may you be comforted especially with these truths.
Art Schubert is in that place. It’s more than a place where believers are kept safe. It’s the place where vitality and life know no bounds. It’s the place where the Saviour is met face to face. Thanks be to God that Art has taken his place in the assembly of the saints! May the Holy Spirit substantiate this truth in our hearts! Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Christian Burial of Art Schubert
4 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6, 7, 4, 2 2 See 1 Corinthians 15:26
3 Revelation 1:17-18 4 John 11:25-26 5John 14:2-3 6Revelation 21:4
Text: John 14:3
Theme: A Place Where I Am
Dear family, friends, and loved ones of Arthur, and especially you, Verna,
Here we are at that place of inevitability; but nonetheless that place we’re never quite ready for. There is no practice for grief. Yes, we begin to grieve already in advance. Sometimes it’s long before we’re certain of the finality. Still, the moment is unique to every grieving spouse, every grieving child; every grieving friend. Genuine heartache is integral to our humanness. There will be some things to help pass the hours and fill the void but there are no replacements. To pretend otherwise is to misunderstand both the meaning of a person’s life and the significance of their death.
Grief stings. It hurts. It has no human cure. Only divine intervention can truly ease the pain of grief. And yet in the midst of sorrow we can give thanks. We can rejoice. Art has entered into his eternal rest. He suffers no more pain. He endures no more anxiety. He has no worries or cares. More importantly, the power of sin over him has been broken. The promise of his baptism has come to fruition. He has been awarded the crown of life. Thanks be to God!
The Scripture says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to be born and a time to die.” 1 But is also says that the last enemy to be destroyed is death2. Now either that is most important truth ever uttered or it is the greatest lie ever told. But it would not be a singular or isolated truth or lie. For death itself does not exist without subjects and it does not exist without a master. The fear of death lies with Satan. It is a powerful fear because it is guttural and tangible.
We should not underestimate how powerfully this can affect us. Some think God should spare us from all pain and ultimately death. They may claim God is either too inept too apathetic. There is a measure of human logic to this reasoning. But we can’t paint God into a box. He is actually being authentic by bringing believers into the next life in this way. God is just and His wrath over sin had to be pacified. His wrath cannot triumph over His compassion. It has been appeased by the blood of His Son. The death of Christ is what makes our deaths meaningful. It is His resurrection that gives victory in the face of what appears to be a defeat. For the Christian death is a seamless transition from time into eternity.
Dear friends, we can look back over life, assessing regrets and cherishing accomplishments. We lament failures and rejoice in successes. We may be filled with gratitude for blessings or resentment for wrongs that were never rectified. To be occupied with these things is typical of what it means to be human. But at that hour when the angels draw near, when our niche in heaven’s abode is almost complete, when our mortality has just about reached its limits; at that moment when the memories come flooding in life an ocean’s tide, nothing can bring peace to the soul save for the words of Him who stepped out of death’s grip, defying the power of the grave. He says, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”3
The Scriptures help us to dispel popular misperception about death. Art has no interest in looking down on us. His soul is in the presence of Christ. His body awaits the great and awesome day of the resurrection of all flesh. He has no duty of care; no obligation to us who remain. Christ handles those things. He has neither concerns, nor queries, nor need for amusement. He is at peace and his joy knows no limits. He has been released from all the consequences of sin. There are no barriers to His enjoyment of divine love. We must be finished with all childish ideas that the saints in heaven are endlessly occupied with trivial pursuits like hobbies or personal interests, or that heaven will be boring or tedious. When we behold the face of God the enthrallment will sufficiently occupy all of our senses to the fullest capacity.
Art was devoted in his walk of faith. He was seldom absent from God’s house of worship. Here he was repeatedly strengthened by the forgiveness of sins proclaimed from the Scriptures and offered in the Lord’s Supper. The promise God first made to Him in his baptism has now been fulfilled. Redeemed by Christ’s blood, Art was declared righteous, like all repentant sinners, because of Jesus’ sacrificial death. Not his piety, not his good deeds, not his support for the mission of the church carried him over the threshold, but only the sheer mercy of God. No one is saved in any other way.
Grief is never something to be ignored or dismissed lightly. But it does not rule because death does not have the last word. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.”4 He says, “I am going there to prepare a place for you…that you also may be where I am.”5 That “place” is described in this way, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”6 Verna, may you be comforted especially with these truths.
Art Schubert is in that place. It’s more than a place where believers are kept safe. It’s the place where vitality and life know no bounds. It’s the place where the Saviour is met face to face. Thanks be to God that Art has taken his place in the assembly of the saints! May the Holy Spirit substantiate this truth in our hearts! Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Christian Burial of Art Schubert
4 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6, 7, 4, 2 2 See 1 Corinthians 15:26
3 Revelation 1:17-18 4 John 11:25-26 5John 14:2-3 6Revelation 21:4
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Second Sunday after Christmas (C) 2016
+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: John 1:1-4
Theme: Word and Life
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
The beginning of John’s gospel is weighty. The Holy Spirit cuts to the quick. “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.”1 He’s not introducing casual information in hope that uninterested mortals might pause to satisfy their curiosity. There’s no small talk to build rapport in the manner we might talk about the weather, our plans for New Year, or the outcome of the game. He moves immediately to the heart of the message: The Babe of Bethlehem is the Messiah; the Eternal Word; the Source and Author of life; the only Light that pierces the spiritual darkness. He is the immortal God in human vesture. He is full of grace and truth.
John fully intends his listeners to ponder the deeper questions of existence. How did everything come to be? What’s our place in it? What does the future hold? What lies beneath the surface, beyond the horizons, and behind the threshold? How can we make sense of our existence even as we plod along in our daily routines?
The starting point is our status in relation to God. We have no power to sustain life. We have no ability to be redeemed by obedience to the God’s law. “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”2 Paul reminds us that long before the law was given sin and death were in the world. The knowledge of God was written on the heart, it was etched on the will. Sin and death were unalterable, immovable parts of reality. Even in their longevity the ancients were aware of their mortality. When wickedness increased in the early generations God said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal.”3 Sin brought death. It was inevitable. Aside from a couple of notable exceptions- namely Enoch and Elijah- who were swept into the presence of the divine, all would succumb to its curse.
Nothing has changed. Today our society struggles to distinguish between civility and Christianity. This is nothing new. Scholars in the church have long argued about whether the ancient pagan philosophers were saved by their ethical integrity. Were Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle redeemed by virtue of their contribution to society? Can any altruistic person be pardoned by God in spite of steadfast unbelief? The Scripture has a clear answer.
Dear friends, do not be deceived. There are many who seek the prosperity of our society, contributing sacrificially and tirelessly to the improvement of systems and conditions that benefit the lives of many. These investments are to be commended. Yet they steadfastly deny the final judgment, accountability to the Almighty, and the inevitability of life either with God or eternally separated from Him. The Scripture says flatly that they walk in darkness. They are the blind leading the blind. Like us they are called to repentance.
Without knowledge of God’s true disposition towards us it’s impossible to make sense of the contradiction of life. One day the warmth of the sun brings a smile to the face. The next day it brings terror to the heart. One day its heat dissipates a cold chill. The next it facilitates a destructive fire. One day the passion of a lover binds one closely to the spouse. The next day it turns to lust for another and tears the union apart. One day a child is born, cherished by its parents. The next day a child is aborted, its life deemed worthless. One day a neighbour is commended, praised for her virtue and support. The next, day condemned, slandered for her failure to agree with one’s opinions. These are the contrasts and inconsistencies of life. Unbelievers experience them too but view them from a different perspective. They trapped within the framework of the law.
You see, the gospel is not a Christianized version of a universal code of ethical standard. It’s not a platform for the progress of temporal prosperity. It’s not one in a long list of human ideologies meant to facilitate an understanding of how the human psyche can be pacified or gratified in the face of life’s prosperities and adversities. It’s not a plan for self-help or a formula for do-it-yourself achievement. The gospel is the light that shines in the darkness.
The gospel breaks in upon us like the sudden rays of the sun through a dark cloud; like the nativity angels to the shepherds in dark fields. It asks no questions. It makes no demands. It calculates no exertions. It judges no motives. It takes count of no failures. It measures no transgressions. It comes dripping with grace. It comes laden with peace. It comes bearing forgiveness. It proclaims boldly and clearly the unparalleled news that in Jesus Christ the power of sin has been overthrown. The infant of Bethlehem will sit on the throne of heavenly Zion. “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”Isaiah 9:7
“He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.”Ephesians 1:4 Think how mind-blowing that is: Before the creation of the world! Baptism is the point at which God’s eternal plan becomes truly meaningful for the believer. God is no longer only the Creator and Judge, He also becomes the Redeemer. You become a heir to His kingdom. And you become the ongoing focus of His attentive love.
Each Sunday the Holy Spirit continues to meet you in the promise of your baptism. He keeps you connected with the source of life. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”John 1:14 Come and eat the body of the incarnate One. Come, drink His precious blood. In this sacrament we see His glory. With the eyes of faith we touch and taste His forgiveness.
Dear friends, death is not the answer nor does it have the final say. Death is not the solution; a convenient method of escape for those no longer able to cope with the burdens of this life. Nor is it the last word. Its power to silence has been broken. “For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”1 Corinthians 15:25-26The crucifixion has robbed death of its power. The risen Jesus lives, never to die again.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Second Sunday After Christmas
3 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 John 1:3-4
2 John 1:17
3 Genesis 6:3
4 Colossians 3:12-14
5 1 Corinthians 13:12
6 John 1:14
Text: John 1:1-4
Theme: Word and Life
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
The beginning of John’s gospel is weighty. The Holy Spirit cuts to the quick. “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.”1 He’s not introducing casual information in hope that uninterested mortals might pause to satisfy their curiosity. There’s no small talk to build rapport in the manner we might talk about the weather, our plans for New Year, or the outcome of the game. He moves immediately to the heart of the message: The Babe of Bethlehem is the Messiah; the Eternal Word; the Source and Author of life; the only Light that pierces the spiritual darkness. He is the immortal God in human vesture. He is full of grace and truth.
John fully intends his listeners to ponder the deeper questions of existence. How did everything come to be? What’s our place in it? What does the future hold? What lies beneath the surface, beyond the horizons, and behind the threshold? How can we make sense of our existence even as we plod along in our daily routines?
The starting point is our status in relation to God. We have no power to sustain life. We have no ability to be redeemed by obedience to the God’s law. “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”2 Paul reminds us that long before the law was given sin and death were in the world. The knowledge of God was written on the heart, it was etched on the will. Sin and death were unalterable, immovable parts of reality. Even in their longevity the ancients were aware of their mortality. When wickedness increased in the early generations God said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal.”3 Sin brought death. It was inevitable. Aside from a couple of notable exceptions- namely Enoch and Elijah- who were swept into the presence of the divine, all would succumb to its curse.
Nothing has changed. Today our society struggles to distinguish between civility and Christianity. This is nothing new. Scholars in the church have long argued about whether the ancient pagan philosophers were saved by their ethical integrity. Were Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle redeemed by virtue of their contribution to society? Can any altruistic person be pardoned by God in spite of steadfast unbelief? The Scripture has a clear answer.
Dear friends, do not be deceived. There are many who seek the prosperity of our society, contributing sacrificially and tirelessly to the improvement of systems and conditions that benefit the lives of many. These investments are to be commended. Yet they steadfastly deny the final judgment, accountability to the Almighty, and the inevitability of life either with God or eternally separated from Him. The Scripture says flatly that they walk in darkness. They are the blind leading the blind. Like us they are called to repentance.
Without knowledge of God’s true disposition towards us it’s impossible to make sense of the contradiction of life. One day the warmth of the sun brings a smile to the face. The next day it brings terror to the heart. One day its heat dissipates a cold chill. The next it facilitates a destructive fire. One day the passion of a lover binds one closely to the spouse. The next day it turns to lust for another and tears the union apart. One day a child is born, cherished by its parents. The next day a child is aborted, its life deemed worthless. One day a neighbour is commended, praised for her virtue and support. The next, day condemned, slandered for her failure to agree with one’s opinions. These are the contrasts and inconsistencies of life. Unbelievers experience them too but view them from a different perspective. They trapped within the framework of the law.
You see, the gospel is not a Christianized version of a universal code of ethical standard. It’s not a platform for the progress of temporal prosperity. It’s not one in a long list of human ideologies meant to facilitate an understanding of how the human psyche can be pacified or gratified in the face of life’s prosperities and adversities. It’s not a plan for self-help or a formula for do-it-yourself achievement. The gospel is the light that shines in the darkness.
The gospel breaks in upon us like the sudden rays of the sun through a dark cloud; like the nativity angels to the shepherds in dark fields. It asks no questions. It makes no demands. It calculates no exertions. It judges no motives. It takes count of no failures. It measures no transgressions. It comes dripping with grace. It comes laden with peace. It comes bearing forgiveness. It proclaims boldly and clearly the unparalleled news that in Jesus Christ the power of sin has been overthrown. The infant of Bethlehem will sit on the throne of heavenly Zion. “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”Isaiah 9:7
“He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.”Ephesians 1:4 Think how mind-blowing that is: Before the creation of the world! Baptism is the point at which God’s eternal plan becomes truly meaningful for the believer. God is no longer only the Creator and Judge, He also becomes the Redeemer. You become a heir to His kingdom. And you become the ongoing focus of His attentive love.
Each Sunday the Holy Spirit continues to meet you in the promise of your baptism. He keeps you connected with the source of life. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”John 1:14 Come and eat the body of the incarnate One. Come, drink His precious blood. In this sacrament we see His glory. With the eyes of faith we touch and taste His forgiveness.
Dear friends, death is not the answer nor does it have the final say. Death is not the solution; a convenient method of escape for those no longer able to cope with the burdens of this life. Nor is it the last word. Its power to silence has been broken. “For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”1 Corinthians 15:25-26The crucifixion has robbed death of its power. The risen Jesus lives, never to die again.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Second Sunday After Christmas
3 January, 2016
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 John 1:3-4
2 John 1:17
3 Genesis 6:3
4 Colossians 3:12-14
5 1 Corinthians 13:12
6 John 1:14
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