Roger's Postings

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Luke 13:6-9. Grace for another year! 31/12/10

(6) Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. {7} So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' {8} "'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. {9} If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"

Here we are at the change of years once again: one year concluding and another beginning. Now, often this is a time when we think back over the past year and look at the achievements, happenings; and the disappointments; and often, wonder and dwell on what might-have-been. Here also, more often than not, we reflect with a sense of sadness at things that have happened and of things that did not work out as they should have. But at the same time we look to the coming year and wonder what might be in store for us there and if things might somehow change for the better. Here we think about how we are going to fare in a life which seems to give so many disappointments, and hoping with a sense of optimism as we think to the future.
However, the end of the Year is often time when many simply look to New Years Eve as a time to drink and have a good time: another chance to blot out the past and to escape the realities of the future. Here is another chance to merely live for the moment and for a few fleeting pleasures.
Our reading here, however, gives us another perspective; or rather puts into perspective, the way we need to look to view the end of one year and the beginning of another. Yes, perhaps it is a very sobering perspective, as it also relates to other thoughts that we have at this time. Certainly, it makes us sit back and take a second look at ourselves and how we view life. But it also helps us to realize how grateful we should be that we have this opportunity to even face and be able to carry on into another year.

Certainly, we can not help but understand the message that we have here in this reading. The picture that is used here is very clear; and even when it is translated to our own lives, the clear message is still there. We might want to protest about the picture it paints of us, and we might not like the implications of it for us; but we can not fail to get the idea that Jesus has for us: Particularly of the grace that is extended to us as we enter another New Year. Though we do not deserve to be allowed another year, through Jesus and his love for us, life has been extended: we have much to be thankful for.
Our situation today is in many ways very little different from that of the people Jesus was speaking to here. We too, are looking out there for our scapegoats: it is the stupid government’s fault that we are in a mess today; if only we hadn't had this extended drought and now the floods: if only my husband or wife was a little more understanding: if only someone out there would have or will do something different; something better, then all will be well. We too often, are looking beyond ourselves at the faults and failings of others as the cause of all our problems, and then sit back smug in our own self assurance; just as those people of Jesus' day did. They were saying, ‘look at those people suffering - gee they must have been bad people; or it is them who are causing us to be oppressed by a foreign country.
But to that insinuation that it is the evil out there that is the cause of all of our problems, Jesus says, No, and unless you repent, you too will perish. So he places the focus squarely back on each individual: you and me. Unless we have a good hard look at ourselves and recognise that we are sinners to the core, and turn back to God; then we deserve more and worse. In fact, we don't deserve to see the light of another year.
Now before we start protesting that we are not too bad or that we are better than most, or that at least we are making a reasonable effort; Jesus gives us this parable that we have before us. So let us look at this picture that Jesus is putting before us. The owner of an orchard goes out as usual in the fruit season and inspects his crop. When he gets to the fig tree, he sees that it has again failed to produce any fruit. For three years now, this tree has not given him any fruit whatsoever. So one can almost hear the chainsaw start up in his mind. The tree is just not worth having. Why should it waste good soil, water and effort? So we would agree when he says to the gardener to get rid of that useless tree.
But the gardener, Jesus, pleads with the owner to give the tree another chance. Give it another year. He promises to give it special attention – digging and fertilizing around it; and then if doesn't bear fruit then maybe it can go.
There, is a rather simple, but graphic picture, isn't there? However, we need to remember that this is a picture that is painted of you and me. God comes to us again at the end of this year and he looks at us; and in reality, he sees nothing good. He finds nothing in the way of the fruit that he wants from us. We might like to think that we haven't done too badly; even if it is not a lot. Surely, there is something there!
But when God looks, what does he find? Nothing! Nothing whatsoever! Yes, there were some tiny withered up woody specks that should have been good fruit. There were those things we think were good works; but as Scripture says, Our best efforts are as a filthy, stained pair of old underpants: Not only just not good enough, but in fact revolting. Our last year’s efforts of living up to God's expectations were just not acceptable.
Sure God has brought a lot of good out of last year. There have been a lot of good happenings, despite the difficulties and tragedies. We have been richly blessed, no matter what we might think. But we can't claim to have done that ourselves. We only deserve to be cut off from God: the axe taken to us; and be discarded to Hell.

But thankfully, Jesus has stepped in and offered us a reprieve. He has extended his grace toward us, and allows us another year here on earth: he offers again all his goodness and mercy. He reminds us again here tonight of his love, forgiveness, peace, joy, power and all the rest, as we go forward. In the coming year he will see to it again that the Holy Spirit is there digging around our roots; in an attempt to help us grow and bear fruit. Sure, that might mean that he will make things a little uncomfortable from time to time, as he tries to get rid of some of those false supports and some of those other things that we hang on to and see as so important in our daily living. But often these things in reality may only be leading us away from living and being the people that God wants us to be. He may allow us to suffer the consequences of our own bad habits, so that we can see our faults and failings and so weed them out of our lives.

At the same time, he will provide every opportunity for us to avail ourselves of the fertilizer of his Word and Sacraments to help us grow. Many people today might call my preaching, the reading of the Bible and devotions, a load of manure; a heap of you-know-what; but that is the goodness that we need if we are going to avoid the axe. We need to hear again and again the Good News of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and what he means for us now as we live out our lives every day. It is all laid on for us as we are about to begin another year. But the question is, will we make use of it? Will we allow him to work so that he can bear fruit in our lives? He gives us the chance; these things are provided for us.
So if that is the picture that confronts us again as we end this year, and begin another new year, let us not ignore its importance. As we conclude this year and begin another, let us do it with thankfulness for the grace that the Lord Jesus has extended to us again. And as we look forward, let us not presume on our Lord's slowness to punish, but make every effort to make use of the means that the Holy Spirit presents to us; so that we can grow more and more into being the people that God wants us to be, and that we bear the fruit that he desires. Let us continually look to Jesus Christ and the help that he gives to us. We have been given another chance, so let us go forward into 2011 with repentance, thankfulness, and the desire to live and be what God wants us to be; all the time giving thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus for all that he is and has done for us.
Now finally I would like to encourage you as we conclude one year and face another, with the words of Paul to the Colossians: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. {13} Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. {14} And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. {15} Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. {16} Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. {17} And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:12-17)
Amen.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Hebrews 2:10-18. Why did Jesus come?? 26/12/10

(10) In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. {11} Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. {12} He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." {13} And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." {14} Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- {15} and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. {16} For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. {17} For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. {18} Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Christmas: What a great time of the year! A happy, joyous occasion, when we are able to relax and enjoy life for a while, with a break from our work and the partaking of some of the niceties of life. This is the season of festivity and goodwill: A time for the giving and receiving of gifts and good wishes; and now it is almost the bigger and better that will somehow make Christmas more special for us. Very much at the heart of it all however is us; Christmas is about us and what we do, our giving, attitude and the like. That is what makes Christmas, Christmas. Of course, that is if we listen carefully to what people are saying, this is no longer the underlying message of Christmas today, but is the message that has been presented by the world, once again.

Yes, for many, there is that knowledge that somehow Jesus is connected to this. Jesus is somehow the reason for the season. But it seems that more and more, it is not Jesus and who he is and what he came for that is central to Christmas: it is what we do and make of Christmas that makes Christmas special. Sadly, even within many churches this same thinking seems to be a growing trend.
So with this thinking about we need to again reassess what Christmas really is all about. Why is it that we can take Christ and Carol singing and the like out of Christmas and still have Christmas? Most importantly, why did Jesus come and be born all those many Christmases ago? What really is the reason for the season?

Now I am sure that when we are confronted with these questions, we can and will very quickly give answers that are probably fairly close to the mark. We can readily state that Christmas began with Jesus being born in a manger and that somehow through that, God loves us and thinks that we are special. In fact, we are so special and he loved us so much that he even went to the cross to show us what is meant by true love and what can be achieved when we live and love like Jesus did.

Sadly, more and more we are listening to Satan’s lies and shifting the focus away from Jesus and his death on the cross, to us as the centre of life and to what we do as of utmost importance. Our Christianity is even becoming more and more selfish and self-centred. Scripture tells us again and again that this rebellion against God is what brings problems and death on ourselves and our human race. This going against God and what he has to say to us in his Word is what has brought hardship and judgment on ourselves: and not one of us is exempt. Every one of us deserves everything that comes our way and more. We deserve death and God’s harshest judgement; in fact to be totally forsaken by God himself. That is why we fear death and try to find a way to avoid it. But we can’t. We are in slavery to death and we can’t get around it, as hard as what we try, or as much as we try to avoid thinking about it.. We are in big trouble indeed.

But that is exactly where the true message of Christmas comes in. That brings us to the real reason for Jesus’ coming to earth. God knows how dire our situation is, and comes to do something about it. Not because we deserve it, or that somehow we are good enough for him to do so. We had even destroyed that image of God that we were created with. But his love for us, despite all of this, meant that he wanted to do that which was necessary to rectify the situation.

So he sends Jesus to be born, as one of us. As our reading says: For this reason he had to be made like us in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

He came born as a human being; the same in every way as you and I are, except for him having no original sin. He lived a normal, if not lowly existence. Born in a stable; his first bed a feed trough; soon after having to flee his home country and go to Egypt as a refugee: grew up as a carpenter; tested in the desert with temptations that we all would have succumbed to; rejected by his friends and village people; Hounded by the religious leaders of the day; and is put to death unjustly in the most horrible way. Yes, he was very much a human being as you and I.

Yet in the midst of this humanity, he was able to keep himself from falling into temptation and sinning, and so was able to be both a merciful and faithful high priest and the perfect sacrifice which takes away the sin of the world. He was able to offer himself to God the Father as the sacrifice which is able to atone; to make right that which is wrong, for the sins of the people. There is the reason for the season.

And, since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Yes, there is even more to his coming as a human being. By his death on the cross, he was able to destroy both him who drags us into problems and death, and the reason those things bind us up and get us all uptight and distraught. Through his death, he destroyed the devils power; for his power lay in being able to not only lead us into temptation and trouble, but he could then lay ‘the guilts’ on us and drag us down into despair and hopelessness. Then in particular, he is able to use death as his final conquering fear. Death is the end consequence of sin, and death is the punishment and rejection that we deserve for it. That is the power of death. That is the fear that is laid before us.

However, through Jesus death on the cross, that fear and certainty of death as punishment and condemnation has been broken. Jesus was punished in our place. He made atonement for the sins of all people. Now it is not our sin that condemns us. The only thing that now separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus is our rejection of him and what he has made available to us. The power and fear of death has been destroyed. Forgiveness of sins and the assurance of life and salvation is now set before all.

Now we have been brought back into the family of God and assured that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. And this is you and I that he is talking about. We are through baptism joined to Jesus Christ and all that he has done for us through his death on the cross, and thereby are assured that we are a part of God’s family now and forever. To God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ then, be all glory and honour now and always.

So what really is the reason for the season? Yes, Jesus came for the express purpose of dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. His suffering and death is the reason for the season. There is the greatness of Jesus and what he came for. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. In Jesus suffering and death, he brought to completion what God had sent him to do. There is the perfection and greatness of Jesus Christ. There is the real meaning of Christmas.

All we are thereby left to do is to give all glory and honour to him who has done all of this for us. All we can do is now to focus on him and acknowledge that he alone is the author and perfector of our faith. He alone is the one who is all important in life. So to him then be all glory and honour now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Luke 2:8-20. Good News of great joy!! 25/12/10

(8) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. {9} An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. {10} But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. {11} Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. {12} This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." {13} Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, {14} "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests."

This Christmas we again have presented to us, that most startling message of the angels; "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Yes today we have again been brought good news of great joy: News that surely turns our world upside down.

Yet as I stand up here and look at your faces, one really has to wonder. Good news! What good news? Where is the good news of great joy? No; that is most unfair of me! You are here, which does mean that there is something very special about the message of Christmas. You could be at home partying on/sleeping in, or enjoying the gifts you have received, or preparing the special lunch that you have in mind. But no, you are here, and so you do recognise that there is much more to Christmas than those things; as good as they might be. You have come to receive more of and to be reassured again of this good news of great joy and in turn gives glory to God in the highest.

This thought though, had me thinking, why is it that we are not over the moon at this good news of great joy? But then, as I thought about this, this is just the way it is. Let me explain. If as you entered church here today each of you were given a million dollars, I can imagine the atmosphere and happiness that would be evident. But then what about 12 months time when we all gathered back here again. Certainly, there would not be the same euphoria and happiness. However, the impact of that fortune would have changed your lives and given you much deeper sense of life and trappings of good things, that is not so upfront and out-there, but nevertheless would be ingrained into the character and life of each of you. As well, each of you would express those underlying feelings in different ways depending on your individual circumstances; health, family situations and the like. The appreciation, however, for what you had receive would still be there, as would the underlying security, and the changed lifestyle.

Now I know that illustration has its shortfalls and limitations, because the gift itself is not all encompassing and in fact can have disastrous results. The same could be said if we used the illustration of say a cancer patient who has been told his sickness is terminal, but then out of the blue he is given the news that he is completely and guaranteed clear. The same joy would be there initially, but it would shift to a different level as time goes by. That too does not mean that this person is any less happy for his changed circumstances, and it does not lessen the change of his life’s situation or necessarily his appreciation of it. No doubt, he would be ever so thankful and have a whole different outlook on life, never-the-less.

Now when we go back to thinking of our spiritual lives, no doubt the situation is the same. The angel’s message of; "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord’: has impacted our lives greatly and continues to do so day by day, year by year. Sure, the way we express that joy as each day goes by may be different, but the reality and depth of it may, and in most people, is nevertheless just as great. Here again we need to remember that first and foremost it is who God is and what he has done and continues to do that is of paramount importance. So the gift and the Good News is there no matter who we are and how great our joy is or is not.

The good news of great joy that is proclaimed, is the news of God’s activity in our world. This good news of what HE has and is doing, is what makes it truly good news of great joy. For when God Almighty himself does something, he does it properly. It is something that is truly good, right and it truly is a reality. When he says it is; it is. When he says it is for all people: it is for all people. [ Of course, many people have chosen not to receive it. They don’t want it. But he has made it available to all.]

So, what is this good news of great joy that will be for all the people?
What is it that will make us truly joyous in the midst of the aches, pains and troubles of this world? What is it that would make us infinitely happier than a million dollars or healing from a terminal illness? What is there that will remove the guilt that lies deep within us as a result of our selfishness and rebellion? What will take away the terror of death and the facing of a holy and just God? The angel says; Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

There is the answer to all our hopes and all our fears. There in Jesus, we find the great joy that our hearts and lives yearn for. In Jesus, God came to be with us. God with us, not to condemn and destroy. Nor to simply show us how to live as God expects us to, and to tell us to ‘lift our game’ if we want to be with God in heaven. Nor did he come to be with us, simply to say, she’ll be right mate, it doesn’t matter what you think, say or do.

No Jesus, came to be with us to take our sin and the punishment that was meant to come our way because we have chosen to go against God and what he has to say to us, and because we have placed ourselves and what we think, say, and do as of utmost importance. So Jesus came into our world to die in our place, so that we might be forgiven and assured of God’s acceptance despite who we are and what we have done. God came to be with us so that we might be with him in eternity.

Again, this is not some fanciful thinking, made up be some wise guy, years ago. This is not some fairy story or myth from years long gone. No, this is God’s good news to you and me. This is what the God who created the world and keeps it going, says. This is the one who said way back in Old Testament times that he would send his Messiah to be born in Bethlehem, and who would then go on to die on the cross and rise again three days later. This is the God who has given and fulfilled many promises that he had made down through the ages. Here now, this God tells us that he has this, good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. So if he says so; it is so. There is forgiveness of sins, life and salvation for all in Christ Jesus.

Now that truly is Good News! That is Good News of the greatest joy. There we have that which now truly does change things for us, and which turns our world upside down. Now we too can join with the angels in praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.

That again is the reason we gather here together week after week and year after year. This Good News of great joy, brings us back again and again with an underlying joy, peace and hope which is beyond understanding. Yes, we know deep down that this is the greatest thing that has ever and will ever happen in our lives. We have been rescued from hell, here and in eternity, and brought into the wonderful world that God has always intended for his people.

At the same time as having this Good News of great joy there in our lives, we also know that we are for a short while called on to live on in this world with all its troubles and hardships. We are here now to be and to share the good news of ‘God with us’ with the people around about us in our daily lives so that they too can know of this Good News of great joy. That, today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to them; he is Christ the Lord.

So to live on here with that as our task, means that life will not always be easy. The shine will be taken off of our great joy. We will not always have the new enthusiasm and joy that comes initially; but deep down it is still there and under girds all that we say and do. But that is a part of why we gather together week after week, so that we can again be strengthened and encouraged in this regard, and that we might also give glory to God in the highest for the great things he has indeed done.

So, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests." AMEN

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, December 17, 2010

Isaiah 7:10-16. Do you really want Christmas?? 19/12/10

(10) Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, {11} "Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights." {12} But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test." {13} Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? {14} Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. {15} He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. {16} But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

Christmas is only a few days away now, but the question is do we really want it? Do we really want Christmas? Yes, I am sure we do. Well we certainly want the presents, dinner, drinks, the family get togethers and all of that; but when it comes to the real meaning of Christmas; well, I wonder if that is not a different matter. Do we really want to be reminded that the Lord God Almighty is with us? Do we really want to know that God in Jesus has comes to you and me personally to transform our lives and to help and guide us in a whole new life? Or do still prefer to live life our own way, doing things without the constraints of having to consider where God fits into the picture: simply wanting to be selfish, self-centred people? Do we really want God with us or not is the question?

In thinking this question through, our reading before us fits well. You see, like Ahaz we are quite happy to say we want God with us and that he is for real. But in our everyday life, we see and act as though this is something that is far from reality. He is with us in truth, but we live and act as if everything relies on us and our planning.

King Ahaz here, was very much in this mode. He was a very young and practical man. But here he had two great armies bearing down on him and he knew that if he didn’t get a strong and powerful ally on his side, he was in trouble. So he planned on getting another strong neighbouring country to help him out. He figured to himself that this was the only way that he and Israel were going to survive. So he set about doing a few deals so that he could get out of trouble. He bent the rules: even those that God had set before Israel, so that he could be seen to be onside with those he wanted to please. No great drama. As soon as Israel was on top again, all would be well.

But the Lord through Isaiah urges Ahaz not to go down that track at all: Instead, to rely on his God for deliverance and help. After all, he can do far more than any human army; without Israel having to compromise its own stand in life. Isaiah even goes so far as to tell Ahaz to ask God for a sign, great or small, and then he would know that God will help him out: that he can be trusted. So Ahaz has no need to get uptight about the impending dangers.

But Ahaz, like us; ‘Oh, no, no we can’t put God to the test. He expects us to do what we can. He has given us a brain to use; and we have got to be practical about these things. And you know, we don’t want to be left looking the fool. Look I can and I must do my bit. I have got my pride you know.

In this regard, we need to take a lesson from Ahaz and what happened. He went ahead and called on the Assyrians to help him out. They gave him all the promises in the world, but then came in and ripped Israel off completely. That which he trusted in, in earthly terms, proved to become his downfall. The Assyrians took over Israel and made them completely sub-servient to them. All because they refused to listen to and take the Lord God Almighty seriously.

Now there is a message there for us today. How many are there today who have put their trust in money and material possessions, and have by that money been dealt a cruel blow. Or who have sought full security in their farms, businesses, or whatever, and through those very means found nothing but trouble and heartache. Or who have looked to education and a good job and there not found the satisfaction and fulfilment they had sought, but the very opposite. So already, there is a lesson for us.

But the remarkable thing in this whole reading, and which we need to keep in mind, is that the Lord still gave them a sign. He continued to remind Ahaz and his people that the Lord was still present and active in life, for the good for his people and the destruction of those who chose to ignore him and go against what he has to say to them.

Now the sign he gave was not some big spectacular stars flashing in the sky: a message in neon lights for all see: But a woman; a virgin, giving birth to a child and naming him Immanuel. That was to be the sign that the Lord was still with them despite the fact they were determined to go their own way. This sign was to show throughout history, that God was more anxious to help, than Ahaz and we also are of being helped. It was to remind them and us again and again that there is another way out of the predicament that we have gotten ourselves into. Now sure this sign didn’t mean that everything was going to go Ahaz’s way, or ours. But it was a sign and a promise that God was with them and had not forgotten them. That he had not turned his back on them, but they on him.

Now today in a different context we have the same sign before us here. Despite our unwillingness to heed God’s active and helping presence, he still reminds us over and over again, every year, that he is with us. This Christmas that same sign is held up for all to see. That same assurance of God’s love, power and trustworthiness is there for us. The same guarantee that victory is there for us over our enemies: particularly that of sin, death and the power of the devil; which can destroy our spiritual lives. The birth of the baby Jesus to the virgin, Mary is that wonderful sign and promise that all of this is there for each and every one of us. But it is more than simply a historical sign. Immanuel – God with us – is both his name and his being for us even today.

So now, as we face our troubles and hardships of life, we are assured that there is another presence here with us that makes all the difference. So instead of merely relying on our own strength and wisdom, we have another great power to assist us. Now instead of turning to money and other sources of power to come to our aid, we now know that there is One that we can truly rely on. Yes, we need to seek to do the best we can in any given situation, because we now know and trust that the Lord is with us always. But we also now know that he is there with us even in the rough and tough of our life, seeking to use it all for good and positive purposes. Jesus death on the cross clearly indicates that God is right there with us in the very depths of life to bring about good for his people. That surely is a tremendous comfort and help to us; particularly in those times when we find it hard to see where there can be anything good.

Now sure, from time to time that will also mean that we will be reminded and convicted of our sin and the need for us to change and mend our lives, and to do things differently than what we see in the world around us. But once again, it will still be there for our benefit and for the good of the people around us. It is a necessary part of our life that we be reprimanded, corrected and redirected because many times our ways are far from good and honourable.

So this Christmas again, there is that sign given to us that God is with us. Whether we want him to be a part of our personal Christmas or not, Jesus will still be there. Whether we want this Christmas and the coming year to be different or not, God Almighty himself will still be there and at work in our world. To ignore him and struggle on under our own strength, is to do so to our own detriment. However to place our faith and hope in him, and to trust in him, is to open up a whole new perspective to life: one that gives meaning, purpose and hope for us and our future: one that does give true joy, peace and goodwill to this festive season and the years beyond. It is all there for you and me. It is all there in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. He is the sign that we all need in order to go forward and face the future confidently. So look to him; trust him; and allow him full reign this coming week and beyond. And a very blessed Christmas to you all in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, December 10, 2010

James 5:7-10. Worth waiting for!! 12/12/10

(7) Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. {8} You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. {9} Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! {10} Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Be patient and keep your hopes up until the Lord comes. That is the call here. Christmas is coming. Not only has it come 2,000 years ago, but it has come ever since and is almost on us once again. Now I am sure you know that very well. But that is just the point; they have come and gone again and again, and each time it seems as though its significance is becoming less and less and the focus moves more away from the true meaning of it all. So Christmas has become a nice time, but a frustrating and at times meaningless toil. The peace, hope and joy of this season for many is simply a mask that covers a far different reality underneath.

But it is here into this situation that we are called on to remember that the Lord is coming a second time as well; so don't lose heart - don't give in. It will all work out in the end; in its proper time. The true meaning and significance of Christmas will all come to pass as has been promised, just as it did the first Christmas, followed by Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection three days later. So just be patient - just keep on keeping on.

But this is where we have trouble, isn’t it? That one quality most of us lack today is just that, patience. We want all that God has given and promised and we want it now. Our focus has turned in on ourselves and the result is that our patience wears very thin on many occasions: we very easily lose heart and want to throw the towel in. We want everything to go well for us and we don't like facing hassles and troubles. We don’t want what is good for us. Only what makes things easy and nice for us here and now. So our patience runs out time and time again, and it happens in every aspect of our lives.

Now to help us in this regard our reading here uses a farming scene as an example. Now I would like to modify it a little and place it right into what is happening today, to help us understand its message; and use different aspects of it to get its point for us.

The 20 plus bag wheat crop looked magnificent as it waved in the breeze with its heads dropping low from the weight of the grain. After years of drought, this looked like the year that would get them through. It was almost ready to harvest when the menacing storm clouds rolling in from the north, sending shivers down the farmer’s spine. As the clouds dump their water and hail, despair takes over, and the farmer’s patience runs out. However, in most cases, the farmer will keep at it next because he knows that eventually there will be a good harvest.

Or else, another illustration for us would be the young child at this time of the year. He has a present sitting under the Christmas tree with his name on it, which has been given to him early by his aunt and uncle. This young child doesn't want to wait to open this present. Christmas day is too far away. The present is too much of a temptation, and he wants to have a peek, so he pesters and pesters, hoping his parents will give in. He wants the thrill, the joy, the gift, now, not later. His patience and his parents patience runs very thin. But eventually Christmas Day comes.

So it is also, too often, for us, when it comes to the things of God. We want all the good things that he has promised and we want it now. Forgiveness, peace, contentment, healing, freedom from hassles, and health, wealth and happiness, as well as all those other things he has promised us in his Word. But when we can't see them: when we can't have it all right now; then we lose heart and start to give way to thoughts that it is perhaps not for real. We skip church because we have more interesting or important things to do; like work, sport, or time to ourselves or whatever. Then gradually these things become more and more of a habit; and life’s important issues get less and less attention. Then when we are questioned about it, we start citing instances when we have been let down by the Church or God, and our impatience, more and more, gives way to many other thoughts and failings.

But, yes it is not easy. I would be the first one to acknowledge that. It is so hard not to be caught up in this attitude; particularly in light of a lot of thinking that is about in our day and age, and devastation that the farmer must feel at this time. We are an "instant" society today - instant coffee, instant TV pictures, instant service, instant relief from pain, and I could go on. We are living in what one person said was an analgesic society: constantly looking for the quick fixes – the quick relief from the pain and hurts of life – the easy way out of a difficult relationship, and more. With a society like that, it is hard for us all. We too then get caught up with this thinking, and suffer as a result.

If God does not respond instantly to our need and prayer, we become impatient and forget that God has eternity in mind, and what is truly good for us and others. It is we who think in terms simply of here and now – to hang with the future. The Lord however is not in such hurry. He has eternity at his disposal, and he knows what is best for us and his kingdom in the long term. And everything fits into that plan. Here we need to remember that ultimately he has heaven in mind for each one us. That is his plan for you and me, and that he assures us is well worth the wait. Remember what Paul tells us – ‘the sufferings of this age are not worth comparing with the greatness of the next.’

That is why God can says and encourages us here us to be patient. The Lord's coming is not far off - not compared to eternity. Again, in this reading he encourages by way of an example from a life many of us know well. Again, the farmer when he sows his crop, doesn't instantly get the header out of the shed, ready to take the harvest off the next day. He patiently waits for the weeks and months to go by. Sure, he grizzles from time to time, as the weather turns bad or something else goes wrong. But he doesn't throw the towel in. He hangs in there; sprays when it needs to be done, and the like. He stays there through thick and thin, and doesn't give in half way through: In fact most of the time he looks forward optimistically. He knows there will mostly be a harvest; and quite often it will be a good one. So he looks forward in hope, even when the prospects are not looking good. He is still hopeful that the harvest will be better than expected.

Now that surely is the kind of attitude we can have in our spiritual lives as well. In fact, even more so; for there we have that certain hope of being with God in heaven, because we are connected to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection. Through our baptism, we are washed clean from our sin and joined to his family of faith.

Having become a Christians, doesn't however mean that we have heaven immediately. Nor does it mean freedom from the hassles of life in a sinful world. Nor does it necessarily mean that we will now have the very best in this life. However, now we can hang in there all the way through, knowing that the difficulties will still be there, but that no matter how bad they may be in this life, they are not the end. There is still further hope ahead for us.

All the way through we have that assurance that the Lord is with us and for us. His life, death and resurrection is our guarantee of it. At the same time, we also have work to do as his people, and that means that our life will be far from easy. We will need to take up the cross to do so. But as we worship every Sunday we will be strengthened and uplifted by God's Word and our fellow-believers around us. As we come to the Lord's Table and receive Jesus’ very body and blood, we will be further assured of his forgiveness and his presence with us always. That surely enables us to keep on going; to keep our hopes up; and so face the tasks and difficulties ahead, no matter how hard they might be. Each day with Jesus as the focus and basis of what we are on about, we are able to look beyond the short-term pleasures and quick-fixes: beyond the instant pain-relievers and instant church-growth principles: instant health, wealth and happiness; to that which is of greatest benefit to others; to God and to his kingdom.

At the same time knowing that the Lord will surely come again, and come as judge to vindicate those whose trust and hope is in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection, and that he will take us home to be with him in heaven, surely is now both a comfort and encouragement for us to be patient and to persevere. No matter how tough life is, there is a better life ahead for those who look to Jesus and believe in him. But it is also reminder that if we believe in him, patience and perseverance in living out the Christian life will be there also. His coming as judge alerts us to the need of being diligent in who and what we place our hope and trust in, as well as how we live our lives each day: lest our haphazard - take-it- or leave it attitude catches us short, and our impatience and slackness leads us to finally forgetting what is ultimately important.

So don't lose heart as life continues to drag on, and things continue to be far from easy. Keep your eyes and heart set firmly on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the sure hope of his coming again. As surely as this Christmas will come; so will he come again: Be patient then until he does. Hold fast to the Lord Jesus who holds you fast, and you will endure in him. Here again remember, that to him alone belongs all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Friday, December 03, 2010

Romans 15:4-13. Turn to Jesus in thankfulness 5/12/10

(5) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, {6} so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. {7} Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. {8} For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs {9} so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." {10} Again, it says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." {11} And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples." {12} And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." {13} May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This Sunday we are reminded that Advent is a time when God seeks to draw us to turn to him in thankfulness for what we are reminded he has done for us in the coming of Jesus into our world. Now surely, as we think of the wonderful event that we are about to celebrate, how can we be anything but thankful? This event has turned life upside down for us and given us every reason to be full of hope, peace and joy. Yet what do we hear and see?

Again and again, we and others complain about all kinds of things. Even though we have so much, we are not satisfied. We are given and have so much, and yet our only thought seems to be that we want more and more while being prepared to give less and less in order to have it. We feel that we have a right to have and expect all that we want for ourselves. Then with that as our attitude, there is little or only token thankfulness for what we have. Therefore, if we think about it, the only one we really want to thank and praise is ourselves. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will recognise that sadly this is the attitude that is becoming more and more prevalent as time goes on, in many of our lives.


Perhaps we need to be put into the position of say the Sudanese refugees, or those who are being terrorised and have been driven from their homes and loved ones by bombings and war. Or perhaps in the place of many people in other parts of the world who are barely surviving through the lack of the basic necessities of life. Maybe, then we might learn to be more thankful. Thankful for the little we have, rather than ungrateful for the excess we now have. This however is only thinking of the material things of life, which anyway are only here today and gone tomorrow.

But with that being our attitude toward the things of this world, we need then to give serious consideration as to whether this is not also our attitude with regard to the spiritual aspect of our lives as well. Has thankfulness to God also slipped from our lives, and its place taken up by the praising of the achievements of mankind and ourselves in particular? I think so.

Sadly, this tendency has crept into our own Church and our own lives. So maybe we need to look again at what God has done for us and what the real situation would be for us without the Lord Jesus and what he has done for us. Then I am sure we would all be much more thankful in every aspect of our lives. Particularly thankful however to God for all he has done for us.

Now, there are many today who feel that they deserve God’s favour and goodness. If he has created us then surely he is responsible for our wellbeing. Since he made us in his image, and we are told that he is an all loving God, then he should surely bless us and keep us. Yes, these people would probably add, ‘of course we need to live a reasonably good life;’ as long we try; as long as we are sincere. Yes, as long as they do that, then if something tragic happens, well then, it has to be God’s fault. At the very least, he should have protected them.

For many today their lives are so centred on themselves, they really see no great need for God other than as someone to give them what they want and to accept them into heaven at end of life, or as someone to blame when things go wrong. In the meantime, they want to live by and for themselves: making their own rules – and even if they consider God’s laws, it is their living by them that counts. So underneath – if not obviously – they pat themselves on the back and are thankful to themselves for what they have and achieve.

Now in the face of that sort of thinking, we need to look to and take seriously what God has to say in his Word, and in so doing we will find that things are quite different and pride shattering. There, we truly find that what the Lord expects is perfection. He says, “Be holy as I the Lord your God are holy.’ It is there also, that we find, that it is our turning our backs on God and what he has to say, that is the cause of all that is wrong in this world. In other words, it is humanities fault that we face all that is bad and wrong in our lives, not his. It is there also that we find that it is because of our sin that we cannot stand in God’s presence; and in fact, that his holiness would burn us to nothing if we did. So we are unable to even come close to deserving to be in heaven or have him even look on us with any kindness. When we look to ourselves, we are in the biggest trouble of all – with no way out.

That then, is what makes Christmas so amazing; so special; so joyful. God comes to us – into our world – however not to destroy us – but to provide a way out for us, despite ourselves. His Son Jesus comes to us – so that God would punish him instead of us. His life, death and resurrection turns our whole situation in life around. Now when God looks at you and me he sees, not our imperfections, but Jesus and thereby accepts us as his very own. Now it is possible for us to be in God’s presence and to enjoy the very best of everything that God has in mind for us. Not because of anything in us – but because of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.

Now that surely is something that really is worth being thankful about. Surely we would be infinitely more thankful than the Sudanese refugee or the starving person would be if we gave them our luxurious living for the rest their days here on this earth. What joy surely is ours, to know that we will not be punished with eternal death because of all that we are and do; but instead be given the very best of everything for all eternity, because of Jesus! Surely, Jesus then is now seen as the very source and centre of our life, salvation and everything else. Surely!


Even when it comes to looking at what we have or do not have, or the difficulties we may be facing, or the life we are living, it is Jesus we look to now in order to understand and make sense of it. When we look to him and what he says we find that Jesus is seeking to use whatever the situation we are facing, to keep us close to him and mindful of what he has done for us. So, in the good things of life and especially even in the bad, we find our Lord with us and working in the midst of it all, for good. In this way, we then recognise that again it is by God’s grace alone that we are anything worthwhile and that we can do and have anything that is good and right. So our hope, peace and joy increases. As does our thankfulness to our God for all that he has and continues to do for us in Christ Jesus.

Here also let us remember that everyone who turns their backs on all this and thinks that they can go back to living and focussing on themselves and patting themselves on their backs, and think that it is somehow their work; their goodness and the like that makes them acceptable and so thank themselves instead of the Lord, look out! They will reap their own rewards. They will lose out entirely. God will punish them in Hell. A sobering thought for us today.

However, let us go from here now, mindful and focussed, not on ourselves, but on our Lord Jesus Christ. Being ever appreciative for what he has done for us and made available to us. And let us allow our thankfulness for this to be seen in all that we say and do: Singing our praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. And may this God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish