+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: Matthew 28:18
Theme: All Authority To Save
Dear family, friends, and loved ones of Clyde, John, Barry, Robert, Trevor, Kevin, and especially you, Cora;
There’s no preparing for the surreal-ness of death. It hits us with mysterious, inscrutable perplexity- even when we “expect” it. Only through the promises of God can the shock be properly absorbed. Christ has overcome death and He has the final word. Humans will always have questions about the circumstances of dying. Why now? Why in this way? Why so much struggle or so little? Why so much pain or hardly any at all? Why seemingly unnecessary drama or not more warning? Why did it drag on or why didn’t we have another chance to say goodbye? The questions are valid, but we can only peer so deeply into the wisdom of God. Every death is a reminder that we are only mortals and we should be prepared to depart this life at any moment. Clyde’s death was a blessed one; quietly….in the night. He has now been received into the eternal paradise of God. Thanks be to God for His immeasurable love.
We’re not gathered here today under false pretenses. We’re not here to whitewash Clyde’s life history; to build him up in death into something he wasn’t in life. We’re here to recognize the reality of God’s work in the case of one specific man and reflect on what it means for us as well. It wasn’t altogether easy to convince Clyde to do something he didn’t want to do. Cora could tell us a few things about that; the boys too. You can try to topple a steam engine off its tracks, but you’ll need a few friends. But we’re here because the strength of God always reaches beyond human weakness and the compassion of God extends beyond human comprehension.
We might say that spiritually, Clyde was somewhat of a late-bloomer. It’s not a recommended example to follow. But no one can say Clyde wasn’t mature when he was baptized. Some might wonder if Cora finally wore him down? But those in the know understand it was nothing to do with her nagging, and everything to do with her faithfulness. God was working through that. Once you pass 70 years of marriage you probably know whether pressure is going to work or not. My part in the process spanned only ten years. Some careful conversations were had around the topic. Clyde taught me the wisdom of knowing when to stop and when to explore a little bit further. I hope you noted the wording in the obituary. Clyde “requested to be baptized”. It wasn’t a rash decision. He didn’t make it on whim or under duress. The full consequences of baptism are now his eternally.
So what counts is God’s perspective on the matter. Clyde was tenacious. He was persistent. But no one can outlast God or wear Him down. People may die trying, but it’s all in vain in the end. God draws us with a tireless, thoughtful, and genuine love. The Good Shepherd searches for the one lost sheep. You can’t outrun Him, or outwit Him. And you cannot hide. He knows how to warm the coldest hearts, soften the toughest exteriors, and cut doors into solid walls of pride. God doesn’t coerce or intimidate us, but the Holy Spirit is resolute in convicting us of our sins and Christ is absolutely unwavering in His attentiveness. The Scripture we heard earlier sums it up well, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”1
Raising five boys while farming in the Mallee was no easy task. Clyde was generous and helpful with his neighbours. He had a sharp wit, a good sense of humor, and loved a good joke. He was blessed to be a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather- if he had lived any longer…. who knows? But Clyde was still a sinner in need of God’s grace. In that regard, he was no different than any of us. Placing ourselves completely at the mercy of Christ is the only way to God’s favour. Sin cannot be excused, denied, or negotiated. It can only be repented of. Salvation is by grace, through faith. There is no other way.
Clyde has no worries now. For us, there’s grieving left to be done. It’s not something to be made light of, avoided, or denied. But death has no final power over believers. We feel sorrow but we are not in despair. The Scripture says, “We do not want you to be uniformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.”2Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though He dies.”3 And again He said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”4 That authority was proven by His crucifixion and resurrection. His death was the sacrifice for your sins, mine, and Clyde’s.
It’s okay for family members to feel relief when a loved one dies, and not only when they’ve enjoyed exceptional longevity. The stresses of coping with frailty become cumulative. Uncertainty weighs on our hearts and minds. So, relief is not an incongruous emotion at the time of grief. Cora, Clyde’s journey here has ended. All the challenges you tackled together, the joys, the sorrows, the difficult times, and the times full of laughter, all form the collection of memories of your shared life. Death brings an irreplaceable loss. Life will not be the same. No one can understand exactly how radically your life will change. When a believer dies, one piece of the body of Christ transitions from the temporal to the eternal. The church is collectively diminished in the here and now, and we all suffer that. But in the bigger picture, the kingdom is increased.
So, the magnificent thing about Christian truth is we don’t have to get caught up in the melancholy of looking back. We look forward with great anticipation. Clyde is absent from our lives, but he is present in a more important place. He is in the presence of the Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, angels, and believers who have gone before. He’s not bothered about the trivial and mundane details of our lives. He awaits the bodily resurrection of the dead, but his soul already enjoys a profound peace and bliss which we have no applicable words to describe. The Scripture simply says, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”5 And that we will see God “face to face”6
Clyde was blessed to have his mental faculties right to the end. He knew what was going on. Think of what it means that he’s now been released from all the limitations of sin! He has been crowned with life. He is home. Thanks be to God! Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Christian Burial of (Edwin) Clyde Manuel
18 September 2017
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Romans 8:38-39
2 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
3 John 11:25
4 Matthew 28:18-19
5 Revelation 21:4
6 1 Corinthians 13:12
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost (A) 2017
+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.
Text: Matthew 18:27
Theme: “He Forgave The Debt”
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
God is merciful. But no one plays Him as the fool. Jesus vividly illustrates these truths today in response to Peter’s question about the limits of forgiveness. In the parable, the greater debtor is pardoned but doesn’t extend the forgiveness to a fellow debtor who owes far less. The man in question owed 10,000 talents to the king. One talent was equal to about 20 years’ wages for a common laborer. A blue-collar worker might only earn two talents in a lifetime. But this man owed ten thousand talents, the equivalent of tens of millions of dollars. Hopelessly indebted, he could never repay the king. The Holy Spirit wants us to understand that spiritually, we are hopelessly indebted also.
In contrast, a fellow servant of his owed him a hundred denarii. A denarius was about a day’s wage. It was not an insignificant amount for someone who lived at that income level. But in comparison to what was owed to the king it was miniscule. It wouldn’t even be taken into account in financial insolvency negotiations. So, the hypocrisy and cold-heartedness of this debtor is dramatically revealed. Graciously pardoned, he refuses to show compassion to a fellow debtor. His ruthlessness does not go unnoticed. His actions are promptly reported to the king. The king then renders the punishment that was due him. Note that both pleas are the same, “Have patience with me, and I will repay you.”1 The responses, however, are diametrically opposed.
The history of humanity is one long saga about the need for reconciliation, the need for pardoning of debts. Not, of course, that sinful human beings necessarily see it that way. If people don't realise something is broken they won't seek to fix it. How many marriages, business partnerships, and general friendships have come to a sudden and surprise end for one party or another because they didn't know the relationship was broken! Sometimes ignorance is the cause, other times denial, and in other cases the self-absorption is so extreme all perspective is lost. Most important is a clear understanding of the need to be reconciled with God. Sin separates us from Him. Our debt is enormous. Forgiveness is a necessity. Ignorance is no excuse. Consider what the apostle said, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst.”2
If forgiveness was easy it wouldn't require divine facilitation. The Son of God did not come to mend things that were not broken. He did not come to pay debts that we could handle on our own. Christ was committed all the way to death on the cross. He humbled Himself beyond human capacity or understanding. Mending seriously damaged relationships requires commitment. Shattered trust is not rebuilt overnight. How could early Christians forgive Paul after his ruthless persecution of the church? How could Jacob forgive Laban for cheating him out of his wife? How could Joseph forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery? How could David forgive Saul for trying to put him to death? How can we forgive those who have hurt us deeply? We cannot do it under our own power. The Holy Spirit must carry a burden that’s too heavy for us to bear.
When someone seeks forgiveness from us we do not have the option to deny them. If we do, we are essentially claiming jurisdiction that belongs to God alone. That is the meaning of the central part of the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”3Even if we suspect the request for forgiveness is compromised by hypocrisy, we still give the benefit of the doubt. Even if we wonder about the authenticity of the repentance, our gracious willingness to forgive may soften the heart of the one who has sinned against us. It’s never our place to seek restitution or revenge. Civil authorities have that responsibility. Spiritually, our desire for retaliation must be left in the hands of God. The Scripture says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”4 And again, “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”5
Dear friends, forgiveness is not only relevant for the life hereafter. It governs all of our relationships. Why do we cherish the institution of marriage- husband and wife united together- and support the expression of sexuality within those parameters? Why do we value life from the time of conception to the time of death and seek to support those who are in the most vulnerable conditions? Why do we seek to speak truthfully to and about our neighbour, not gossiping or slandering? Why do we strive to protect and support our neighbours regarding their possessions and livelihood? Paul says today not to “quarrel over opinions.”6 Our concern is authentic, genuine love, not trivial matters. The Ten Commandments are not arbitrary demands, they are parameters of love. They take us beyond ourselves. Think of what the apostle said, “None of us lives to himself, and none of dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”7
Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”8 These aren’t just words, He is the merciful one par excellence. From the cross the Man who is perfect love said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”9 What does the Scripture say about Stephen when he was put to death for the faith? “And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”10 The Psalmist writes, “Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity.”11 And the Lord says through Isaiah, “God has blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.”12 God announces this forgiveness to you publicly, clearly, and definitively in the absolution in the Divine Service. The Holy Spirit showers you with this forgiveness in your baptism. Jesus dispenses this forgiveness to you through His body and blood in the Lord’s Supper.
Dear friends, God has forgiven us a debt that cannot be measured or valued. What price can be placed on an eternity in God’s presence? How can we make a valuation on rescue from hell, protection from Satan, and triumph over death? It’s exactly the incomparableness of God’s mercy that Jesus is illustrating today. The debt has been paid. The punishment has been taken. Jesus Christ was crucified for us. He is risen. We have no encumbrances. God is always merciful. Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost
17 September 2017
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Matthew 18:29 2 1 Timothy 1:15
3 See Matthew 6:12 4 1 Peter 4:8
5 Colossians 3:13 6 Romans 14:1
7 Romans 14:7-8 8 Matthew 5:7
9 Luke 23:34 10 Acts 7:60
11 Psalm 32:2 12 Isaiah 44:22
Text: Matthew 18:27
Theme: “He Forgave The Debt”
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
God is merciful. But no one plays Him as the fool. Jesus vividly illustrates these truths today in response to Peter’s question about the limits of forgiveness. In the parable, the greater debtor is pardoned but doesn’t extend the forgiveness to a fellow debtor who owes far less. The man in question owed 10,000 talents to the king. One talent was equal to about 20 years’ wages for a common laborer. A blue-collar worker might only earn two talents in a lifetime. But this man owed ten thousand talents, the equivalent of tens of millions of dollars. Hopelessly indebted, he could never repay the king. The Holy Spirit wants us to understand that spiritually, we are hopelessly indebted also.
In contrast, a fellow servant of his owed him a hundred denarii. A denarius was about a day’s wage. It was not an insignificant amount for someone who lived at that income level. But in comparison to what was owed to the king it was miniscule. It wouldn’t even be taken into account in financial insolvency negotiations. So, the hypocrisy and cold-heartedness of this debtor is dramatically revealed. Graciously pardoned, he refuses to show compassion to a fellow debtor. His ruthlessness does not go unnoticed. His actions are promptly reported to the king. The king then renders the punishment that was due him. Note that both pleas are the same, “Have patience with me, and I will repay you.”1 The responses, however, are diametrically opposed.
The history of humanity is one long saga about the need for reconciliation, the need for pardoning of debts. Not, of course, that sinful human beings necessarily see it that way. If people don't realise something is broken they won't seek to fix it. How many marriages, business partnerships, and general friendships have come to a sudden and surprise end for one party or another because they didn't know the relationship was broken! Sometimes ignorance is the cause, other times denial, and in other cases the self-absorption is so extreme all perspective is lost. Most important is a clear understanding of the need to be reconciled with God. Sin separates us from Him. Our debt is enormous. Forgiveness is a necessity. Ignorance is no excuse. Consider what the apostle said, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst.”2
If forgiveness was easy it wouldn't require divine facilitation. The Son of God did not come to mend things that were not broken. He did not come to pay debts that we could handle on our own. Christ was committed all the way to death on the cross. He humbled Himself beyond human capacity or understanding. Mending seriously damaged relationships requires commitment. Shattered trust is not rebuilt overnight. How could early Christians forgive Paul after his ruthless persecution of the church? How could Jacob forgive Laban for cheating him out of his wife? How could Joseph forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery? How could David forgive Saul for trying to put him to death? How can we forgive those who have hurt us deeply? We cannot do it under our own power. The Holy Spirit must carry a burden that’s too heavy for us to bear.
When someone seeks forgiveness from us we do not have the option to deny them. If we do, we are essentially claiming jurisdiction that belongs to God alone. That is the meaning of the central part of the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”3Even if we suspect the request for forgiveness is compromised by hypocrisy, we still give the benefit of the doubt. Even if we wonder about the authenticity of the repentance, our gracious willingness to forgive may soften the heart of the one who has sinned against us. It’s never our place to seek restitution or revenge. Civil authorities have that responsibility. Spiritually, our desire for retaliation must be left in the hands of God. The Scripture says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”4 And again, “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”5
Dear friends, forgiveness is not only relevant for the life hereafter. It governs all of our relationships. Why do we cherish the institution of marriage- husband and wife united together- and support the expression of sexuality within those parameters? Why do we value life from the time of conception to the time of death and seek to support those who are in the most vulnerable conditions? Why do we seek to speak truthfully to and about our neighbour, not gossiping or slandering? Why do we strive to protect and support our neighbours regarding their possessions and livelihood? Paul says today not to “quarrel over opinions.”6 Our concern is authentic, genuine love, not trivial matters. The Ten Commandments are not arbitrary demands, they are parameters of love. They take us beyond ourselves. Think of what the apostle said, “None of us lives to himself, and none of dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”7
Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”8 These aren’t just words, He is the merciful one par excellence. From the cross the Man who is perfect love said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”9 What does the Scripture say about Stephen when he was put to death for the faith? “And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”10 The Psalmist writes, “Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity.”11 And the Lord says through Isaiah, “God has blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.”12 God announces this forgiveness to you publicly, clearly, and definitively in the absolution in the Divine Service. The Holy Spirit showers you with this forgiveness in your baptism. Jesus dispenses this forgiveness to you through His body and blood in the Lord’s Supper.
Dear friends, God has forgiven us a debt that cannot be measured or valued. What price can be placed on an eternity in God’s presence? How can we make a valuation on rescue from hell, protection from Satan, and triumph over death? It’s exactly the incomparableness of God’s mercy that Jesus is illustrating today. The debt has been paid. The punishment has been taken. Jesus Christ was crucified for us. He is risen. We have no encumbrances. God is always merciful. Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +
Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost
17 September 2017
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt
1 Matthew 18:29 2 1 Timothy 1:15
3 See Matthew 6:12 4 1 Peter 4:8
5 Colossians 3:13 6 Romans 14:1
7 Romans 14:7-8 8 Matthew 5:7
9 Luke 23:34 10 Acts 7:60
11 Psalm 32:2 12 Isaiah 44:22
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