Isaiah 55:1-5.                          Being satisfied???                               31/7/11

 (1)  "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. {2} Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. {3} Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. {4} See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples. {5} Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendour."

 Today we have another reading that is very clear in its meaning for us and our world today. Again, as much as we might like to think we can find satisfaction and fulfilment in many different ways; the point is very clearly made that this is not the case. It again makes the point that there can be no life and satisfaction apart from taking God and his Word seriously.

 Thereby this reading here challenges the very philosophy which rules over us at this time; and sadly even us who are Christians have come under that same influence. We too have been taken in by the same subtle, but very destructive, idea that has permeated throughout our whole society.

 This philosophy, of course, is that money and what is gained by it, is the be all and end all of life. It is what has become all important for our survival; our security; and our happiness. It alone satisfies. So it dictates what we do and don’t do: what our ethics and morals are: and what and who is and is not important: and I could go on. But the almighty dollar is what has become the basis and centre of life: it has become our god: big time.

 But for all of that, are we satisfied, happy and at peace with life and those around us? Has it given us what we really need in life, and has it lived up to all that it has promised us? No! Of course not! And sadly far from it. In fact, the more that we are becoming obsessed by economics, the more that it is only making things worse for us. For sadly the more we focus our attention in this area, the more we find ourselves under pressure and struggling: and the more we are finding emptiness, dissatisfaction and corruption.

 Now sadly our whole country and western world seems to be bent on going down the same track, and the results are becoming more and more evident: the morality of our nation is declining rapidly: Peace of mind, contentment, harmony, sense of community and all the rest are fast disappearing. As it disappears, we are continuing all the harder to seek after more and more money, by fair or foul means, thinking that this is the answer. But along with that we are becoming more and more selfish and self-centred; and so the process continues, and gets worse and worse. At the same time, the things that we so desperately need, like love, friendship, happiness, peace of mind, security, hope, and meaning of life, are disappearing more and more.

 Now this should not surprise us here, for here again, our text reminds us that these things that are important, cannot be bought with money: That which truly satisfies and gives life, cannot be purchased and had through money and selfishness. As much as that is a bitter pill for our modern human race to swallow, that is the fact of the matter. The things that are important and valuable for us cannot be obtained through the financial and material things of life: that is the reality of the situation, whether we like it or not: whether we want to submit to God or not.

 Now in response to this situation we can keep on going down the track we have taken in recent years: and we can continue to struggle and sweat, cheat and ignore God, most of the time; but if we do we need to remember that we will keep going further and further down the track of emptiness, futility and bitterness.

 On the other hand we can heed what our Lord is saying to us here again this morning. As we do, we will find answers that are truly remarkable. Here we have a message that puts a whole different slant on this whole subject; and it is a real encouragement to us who are seeking after real satisfaction from life. Because here there is no, ‘having a certain amount of money’ or enough knowledge, or being good enough, or anything else, in order for us to have that which we really need. There are no strings attached: no ‘just a little bit more’. All our Lord says, is come and receive. Come and you can have all you need and a lot more. Come and you can have all the security in life that you could ever hope to have, and more: Security that ensures peace of mind throughout this life and into eternity as well. Come and you can have all the love, friendship and joy that will fill your every day, in every way.

 The Lord has it all there for us: everything that is important and fulfilling for us; and he promises that it will satisfy those ever so important needs that we have. It is all there for us, if only we would wake up and accept it: if only we would allow God to give it to us.

 Our Lord has come to us and not only promised to give us all of this, but he bound himself in a contract to make it all available to us: a contract that he would never break from his side. Through our Lord Jesus Christ and his life, death and resurrection, that contact was permanently etched into history: signed with his blood, so that no one can dispute it: Made available to every single human being here on earth. Through and in our connection with Jesus Christ now we have available to us the very best that God has to offer: as an absolute guarantee. He will never leave us or forsake us.

 At our baptisms he signed that contract with each one of us personally, and gives us that assurance again and again every time we come to the Lord’s Table: because there he gives us his very body and blood, which he shed on that cross, so that we can be sure that he loves us, forgives us, and has eternal life in heaven for us. So we can go from here and know that in and with our Lord Jesus, there is true life, prosperity, love, peace and ever so much more: Enough to satisfy us to the full as well as to share with those around us. We are also then able to go forward every day knowing that our Lord goes with us: that he cares, and has the very best in mind for us and for others. Even when things are at the very worst from an earthly point of view, we know that he is there with us: that he cares, and is using that situation for good. At the same time we know that he has won eternal life for us, and that no one and nothing can separate us from this love.

 As we daily listen to his Word: his guidance and direction; we also find that he leads us down paths that yes, may be very interesting, even if difficult, but they are always paths that lead to what is good and right. As we live each moment of life knowing that our Lord is there with us and for us, he will bring blessing to us and through us to others, and we will not be left feeling empty and searching for more. Take it from me, with God in control, life is anything but boring and empty and meaningless: he gives more than enough to fill each and every day. Sure the situations we may face and the world we live in will not always be easy, because sin is ever around us, but we have the assurance that he is there with us through it all, and it never ceases to amaze me how in the thick of it, he gives that peace and security and hope that we need and cannot find anywhere else. And yes, even in the midst of my failures and weaknesses he still brings forward results and blessings that are way beyond what we could ever imagine possible. Our Lord does make a difference; a big difference.

 So let us not listen to the lies of our modern society, that are sending us down a road that is not for our good, and that leads to futility, unhappiness, dissatisfaction and emptiness: and ultimately destruction. Our Lord has what is needed to bring our lives and our countries back to what it should be and needs to be. With God there with us and for us, and we listening and following, every moment of every day, things will change: and they will change dramatically: that is his promise. As we take him seriously all the time, and not just now and again, we will begin to see the greatness of what he all promises us here. He will satisfy our many real needs.

 So listen again to what our Lord says:

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. {2} Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. {3} Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

This is the word of the Lord. To him be all glory and honour now and always. AMEN.

 Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52.      The Kingdom of Heaven??                 24/7/11

 (31)  He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. {32} Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." {33} He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

{44} "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. {45} "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. {46} When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. {47} "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. {48} When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. {49} This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous {50} and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. {51} "Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied. {52} He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."

 The kingdom of heaven is like ....the kingdom of heaven is like ....the kingdom of heaven is like .... Five times in this reading we are told that the kingdom heaven is like ...... Well what is that kingdom like? What do you here today think Jesus is talking about? I would venture to say that for many us this kingdom is something that is way out there somewhere: pie in the sky stuff: This kingdom for us is really something that has more to do with the next life than here and now, and so perhaps are tempted not to think too much about what is said here.

 Yet the message here is exactly the opposite. For what Jesus is emphasising to all of us here is, that here in God’s kingdom we have something that is vitally important to us, here and now. Here we have something that we need to think seriously about: All of us. The issue in fact is something that is so important and valuable that it can't be put off, ignored or left till later on. So it has everything to do with life here and now. To put off, ignore or seek to leave serious thinking about this issue to later on, is placing ourselves in great danger. And above all, it is denying ourselves the greatest treasure of all: One that is worth everything in life to us. This treasure – this kingdom talk has a great deal to do with life here, now and tomorrow; in our work and in our play; as well as in eternity. Jesus is here calling us to take seriously this whole matter: to get a bit excited about it; and to look to these things as important; vitally important.

 So can you see what the issue here is for us today? Can you see what Jesus is wanting us to think about; what it is that is so important and valuable in life for us; what it is that we surely would be selling all we have; our heart, soul and life for? That is the serious question we are faced with in our reading today.

 Yet how many of us are like the man in this supposedly true story of a gold fossicker. He had a claim which he had staked and in which he spent many hour working; seeking to find his fortune that would set him up for the rest of his life. Thinking all along the way, that if only he could strike it rich, then he could have it all; security, pleasure and all he wanted and needed.

 So he worked hard picking, digging, shovelling and all the rest. But he was continually frustrated; for all he kept coming up with was great stones that he would throw in a heap in the corner of his claim. Finally he gave up in despair not having found any gold. He sold his claim for a pittance and moved on with nothing.

 Now the new owner happened to working by that heap of stones, and happened to hit one of the rocks with his pick, and the shell of the rock shattered, revealing a nice lump of gold in the middle. The whole pile of stones that the first man had dug up was worth a fortune, and was there for the taking, but the first fossicker just didn't realize the value of what he had and let it go.

 Now sadly it would seem that so many today are doing exactly the same thing: They have infinite riches right there in front of them; and it is there for the taking, and yet they are overlooking, ignoring and pushing it aside. The kingdom of heaven is right here in the midst of us today: here for you, me and all the others around us. God's activity, involvement, riches, life and everything else is right here for us all. And what are we doing about it?

 Ho hum - gosh life is difficult – look we had better get on with our day to day work and make a few more dollars; then we can then have this and do that; by the way there is a football match to watch or a trip up-country that we have to do; there is school work that has to be done that is so important; and the thinking goes on. So look you understand if I give Church a miss this week. I'm that busy; I have to go here and do that; I am not feeling so good; and the excuses keep rolling. Anyway the services are not that interesting and I don't really understand the liturgy and all that; I mean, what has it got to do with my work tomorrow and my feeling good about things.

 O yes, off course I believe and all that, so look I am OK. Look when it comes to Bible Study and all the rest, well I’ll get around to it sometime. And prayer; well what is the use; he doesn't seem to be listening anyway. Then when we get comments like; ‘If there is a God, why did he allow that tsunami, or that accident to happen, or that child to die, or whatever’, then because we ourselves don't know, we are left in a turmoil and are unsure. Or when we hear all sorts of ideas and twists as to what ‘christian’ is all about we either go along with anything and everything or we just give it all away.

 In all of this, what are we doing in our thinking and living? We are piling up a heap of stones in the corner of our lives. We are still going; still fossicking away trying to find the elusive riches of life that will give us real satisfaction, meaning and purpose. But somehow the riches of the kingdom keep eluding us. The importance of God's kingdom is still out there somewhere; or in our thinking maybe it not there at all; but we will keep on going just in case.

 However, this morning again, we are reminded that the kingdom of God is here now. God is involved and active in our world. He does reign supreme and is vital for the meaning, purpose, peace and happiness in life. He does give to us all that we need for this life and the next. This kingdom is here for each one of us now and always. Yes perhaps his power, relevance and all the rest is somewhat hidden in the midst of our liturgical language, and the difficulties and tragedies of life. Perhaps we can't always see the riches, importance and value of Jesus and his death on the cross and his Church as we live out our daily life. But it is still all there; and there for you and me, whether we can see it or not.

 It is here that Jesus is encouraging us to see to it that nothing distracts us from the importance of God and what he has and is doing for us. He wants us to see that nothing is more valuable for us and for our lives here and now than what Jesus Christ has done for us through his death on the cross and our association with him. God and what has to say is of great significance for us and our welfare and ultimate happiness in this life; and of absolute significance when it comes to eternity.

 So back to the initial question at the beginning; what is this kingdom of heaven like? It is God's presence and activity in our world; and this is primarily in and through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross that is of such importance. Nothing should distract us and get in the way of our clinging to him and holding on to him for dear life. That being the case, we will place worship and what has to give us through it as of utmost importance. The Word and Sacraments are things that are most important in life for us and therefore we will surely give up everything else in order to have a part in this. This will be more important than all these other things that our modern world tries to thrust on us as being what life is all about.

That is what the kingdom of heaven is like. It does have everything to do with life for us now and always. So may this great and gracious God and his involvement, and activity in our lives be very much a part your life and thinking now and forever. AMEN.

 
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Romans 8:12-25.                     The groaning of life!!                                      17/7/11

 (12)  Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. {13} For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, {14} because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. {15} For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." {16} The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. {17} Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. {18} I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. {19} The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. {20} For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope {21} that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. {22} We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. {23} Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. {24} For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? {25} But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

 Our reading here this morning speaks of the frustration and groaning of life. This we are told here is something that extends right across the whole of creation. Now we need little reminding that this is the case: we see it constantly as we go about life each and every day: we ourselves experience it all along the way. We enter life with pain and we leave it with pain, and in between it is constantly there to a greater or lesser degree. This groaning too extends to all creatures, as we see when we look around us. Not just as we look to the tsunamis and other great disasters, but right down to the droughts and environmental degradations. All are frustrated because something has gone horribly wrong. We long to have it all go well for us, but it doesn’t.

 It is there, isn’t it? Both the frustration and groaning, as well as the longing, are there as we seek to have a better life. It is not just the poor and sick that experience this: It is there in each and every one of us, as well as in all creation. Some time ago I listened to the show on TV which dealt with the fact that even the millionaires, that seem to have it all, experienced this same frustration. Even for the positive, go-getters as well as the ‘super-Christians’ in life, if they are honest with themselves will admit that this is the case.

 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

 Here we have a very deep and profound statement that helps us to understand this frustration. To assist us in understanding this we need to remember that in the beginning all things were created perfect and designed in such a way that everything worked together and was effective in every way, for the good of mankind. All of creation was dependent on humanity, and for the good of humanity; and in the beginning all worked effectively together.

 However, with the fall of Adam into sin: through the selfishness of humanity and its desire to go against God’s will and do its own things, humanity has now failed to be and do what it was intended for, and that has also effected all of creation as well. None of it, now works together effectively, and is continually frustrated because it does not do and achieve what it was designed to. All kinds of things that are a part of creation and for our good now become part of the curse of mankind. That which is intended for good is now turned and used for destructive and evil purposes. The result is continued frustration and groaning.

 However it is here that we are reminded that this frustration is now a part of God’s will for our lives and for creation itself. He does not simply allow us to enjoy the fruits of our evil intent, but to be frustrated by it all. Frustrated to the point where we look for something more; something better: In the hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay. And oh how we long for this freedom. If only things could be better. If only there was no more sickness, tragedies and death. If only we could be free from these things. If only we could have heaven on earth. However because of the sinfulness of humanity this will never be.

 Yet it is here at this point that we remember that God himself has provided a way out for us. Despite the fact that we want to ignore God and what he has to say to us, and as a result he should send us to Hell for all eternity, instead he sends Jesus into our world to take the punishment that we deserve on himself, by dying on the cross. Thereby forgiveness of sins is made possible for all. In his resurrection three days later he assures us that he truly is God come to us to provide a way our for us; and that just as he was raised from the dead so also will all those who are connected to him.

 So through baptism we are connected to our great God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There he washes us clean from our sin and accepts us as his very own sons and daughters and gives us his Spirit so that we can grow into this faith that has now been given to us. As we continue to live and grow in this faith, we are continually strengthened and encouraged through Jesus’ body and blood which he shed on the cross for us, so that in the midst of a sinful, frustrated world, we can keep our focus on that which has made it possible for us to be finally liberated from this bondage to decay. We can have hope now in the midst of a frustrated and hopeless world.

 Now that there is this sure hope of freedom from this bondage to decay; and that all will not end in disaster, we can have hope. As we look to Jesus we now know that what we see and experience around us is not the end of the story. Many of our frustration and hurts are still there; but now our groaning are as the pains of childbirth: they are hurts that now focus us on the sure hope of something far better ahead. We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

 Now through God’s Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion God’s Spirit is at work testifying with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. So now even though life is still not what it should be; and in reality will never be this side of eternity, we go forward with confidence and hope. Yes we will still share in his sufferings but we now have that sure promise that we will also share in his glory.

It is in this hope that we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

 This we readily see in life all the time. When everything goes well for us we do not look to the important things in life: we do not long to be with God in heaven. We are quite happy here on earth, thank you very much. However when the frustrations and groans are there; then we hope for that which we really need: The greater the groaning, the greater the yearning for that which we have been assured is ours. Because of Christ and his death and resurrection we can now consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

 Therefore, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

 So now in the midst of the frustrations and groaning of life we can know that all is not lost. Instead we can seek to live and be people who are God’s children doing that which is right and good. Yes we will continue to struggle and decay in this world and in our own lives, but we will continue to look forward in hope. With our eyes focussed on Jesus and his death on the cross and his resurrection, we will be able to go forward with confidence and certainty: Patiently taking each day as it comes, knowing that God is using us for a greater good and that he has this eternal inheritance for us. So he now is our hope and our salvation; to him be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

 Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Isaiah 55:10-13.                      God's Word - never fails!                                10/7/11

 (10)  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, {11} so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. {12} You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. {13} Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."

Here in today’s reading God is using something we all know, to make a very important point with regard to God’s Word – the Bible and what it does in life today. Just as the rain waters the earth and brings life and growth, so does his Word give life and growth to us as Christians.

 Now in the last week we have had a very good amount of rain. At the same time the prolonged drought that our land has experienced over the past years is still fresh in many people’s minds. So we know how important the rains are for our land and life in general. Here again it never ceases to amaze me what difference that rainwater makes to life. A good rain changes things so much: life and growth immediately starts to take place: the lifeless surroundings become a picture of splendour: even the human spirit seems to lift; and I could go on.

 But above all, it is again one area of life that we humans have no control over; thankfully. I know I don't have to tell you this. God and his Word has the power to make it rain and to withhold rain in accord with his plan. In this there is an important lesson for us all. In fact it is the very example that God’s Word here uses to explain an even greater truth.

 You see, God wants us to understand that His Word too, is powerful and never fails to achieve what he sets it out to do. It has within it the power to accomplish great things in our lives and in our community’s life, as well as in our country. This I believe is something we need to think seriously about today; because I am not so sure that we are so confident in God's Word and its power to do anything in our lives and in the lives of people around us.

 What happens is that we do not always see results; and especially the spectacular. We get our Bible off the shelf, blow the dust off of it, read it for a few minutes and are disappointed when nothing much happens. Then are tempted to think that perhaps the Word is not so good: it is just a heap of ancient words.

 Or we half listen to the sermon and then are disappointed when it does nothing much for us. Or when we use Scripture to speak to others and drop bits and pieces out which we think are unpalatable, and then wonder why we get no great response. Or we think that it is up to us to argue and convince others into accepting and believing in Jesus. In this way sadly, so often we are neglecting to give that Word its due respect and honour.

 Think about it; in our day there is a sad lack of the use of God's Word, even in our own lives. I wonder how many of you really listened to what God was saying to you in the readings a few moments ago. How many of you spend time reading your Bible daily and meditating on what God has to say to you through it? How many of you go on to use that Word to speak to others around you; allowing that Word to achieve results in the lives of those out there who very much need it?

 No, instead, so often we turn to the knowledge that this world has to offer, to assist us, without any thought to God and what he has to say to us: seeming to think that human wisdom will solve all our problems and give us everything we need; even when it comes to growth in the church. So the university lecturer is of more value and importance to us than God and what he has to say.

 Yes, perhaps the reason we are not seeing a spectacular Christian scenery today, is that there is a drought on the use of God's Word. More often than not, using a farming analogy, we are trying to use chemical sprays to water our spiritual crops, rather than the life giving Word. Without God's Word reigning supreme in our hearts and lives, and across our country, is it any wonder that life looks rather barren, empty and hostile. Without that which gives life, hope and growth nothing of any real consequence can happen; and we will be left uncertain and unsure; we will experience frailty and be in great danger: our country, community and our own lives will not have real meaning, purpose and vitality if the Word of God is not there. Five or ten points of rain every few weeks is not going to grow you much grass at all, if any.

 We here today are the ones who need to again recapture the importance what the Lord is saying here in this reading. God's Word has power and it never fails to produce what it was sent out to do. It is a lively Word – a living Word – a Word that can accomplish great things in the hearts and lives of all; transforming barren, empty and frail lives into something far more in line with what we really need; and above all will give our lives the growing harmony with the Lord and Saviour that is needed.

 This Word will makes us very aware of the sinfulness of each and every one of us, and then it will point us to Jesus and his death on the cross and there see God’s answer to our sinfulness. For there on the cross we see God in Jesus taking our sin on himself and being punished in our place, and then in return extends his forgiveness and acceptance of us as his very own. Through baptism his Word makes that forgiveness and acceptance personal for each of us. Then through Holy Communion he together with the Word gives us his very body and blood which he shed on the cross, so that week by week we can know for sure that we are loved, forgiven and that Jesus goes with us into our everyday life. So now we know that we are members of God’s family for all eternity. His Word thereby gives and sustain life for us in a very real way.

 Yes, it will also be a challenging Word. It won't let us live complacently in sin. It will speak harshly to those who think that they can live and do as they please. And it will condemn those who think that they can reject the Bible and the God who stands by that Word. This Word has and will continue to get the results in the hearts and lives of people who hear it, because it is God's Word; and where that Word is, there God is; and where God is, something always happens; the landscape changes.

 Yes, there are times when nothing much good seems to happen. The untimely rains that fall during harvest seem more harmful, rather than good. At other times too, it seems to fall at the wrong time and do nothing much at all. To our perception, it seems all wrong. But we know that the rain has achieved what it set out to do; even if it was to spoil the harvest so that we learn again to look beyond own self-sufficiency, to the Lord: to bring us to our knees so that we learn again to rely on God himself.

 Yes, God's Word also at times seems to be doing nothing; achieving nothing; being virtually of no use at all. At other times it seems to be sparking rejection and hostility and so do more harm than good. But the promise is here, that where the Word is in use, it will never fail to do what the Lord intended it to do. It will do everything he wants it to do. We may not see the results here and now; but they are there. Where the Word is in use, it will bring the changes that are good and fruitful, and for the long term benefit of his kingdom.

 However, as I mentioned before, if the Word is not used, how can it do good? How can it give life, and be of help to you or others and enable you to grow and sparkle if it is hardly ever used and allowed to be a part of everyday life. How can our community and country change and become more like it should be if we don't make use of that which can change it. That Word of God is the big rains – the good soaking rains than brings results: it is the constant rains throughout the season that continues the growth.

We here need to allow this Word to soak right through our hearts and lives. Then I promise you, as our Lord does, that things will happen: the landscape of your life will change, for the better. Then as you go on and use that Word in your dealings with others, there too it will never fail – it will do everything the Lord wants it to. Now, there is a challenge for each one us. But as we take it up and allow God's Spirit to work in our lives, pointing us ever to the Lord Jesus Christ, I guarantee there will be great blessing. The drought is over - let the rain continue. To God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

 Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Matthew 11:16-19; 25-30.                  Not playing the game??          3/7/11

(16)  "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: {17} "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' {18} For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' {19} The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

{25} At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. {26} Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. {27} "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. {28} "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 "To what can I compare this generation? Yes, this generation of ours, too, wants to play it own games. This generation too, wants to be able to set its own agenda and do its own thing. This generation of you and me, also wants to be able to be wise and learned rather than simply accept what has been passed on to us. We too, want God to fit in with our way of thinking, rather than the other way around.

 As a result, we wonder why life is such a struggle and a battle: We wonder why there is that constant load on our shoulders, that is weighing us down; why it seems such a burden to do that which we think is right and good and to be seen doing so; and why we struggle to understand what the truth really is.

 Yet here Jesus says to each one of us; "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children..... Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 Oh, if only it were so simple! If only we could be like that! If only we could truly get it all together! If only.......!

Yes, if only we would stop playing games. If only we would stop wanting to play our own tune, expecting God to dance as we please. For this is exactly what Jesus is referring to when he says; They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'

 Many of the Jews at that time were like we are today; they had twisted Scripture into a whole series of rules and regulations, and the whole basis of which became, if we live by them, God will dance to our tune. They prided themselves in the fact that they were diligently following Moses’ Law, but failed to look to and trust in the God who stood behind them. They arrogantly looked to themselves and what they believed and did, rather than look to God and the help that they really needed; which only he could give.

 So when John the Baptist came preaching the need for repentance because the Messiah was coming; they rejected him. They weren’t going to dance to that tune, because they were doing very well, thank you. John instead should have been preaching something like; ‘because you are doing so well God will now bless you by sending the Messiah to set up this new and glorious Israel.’ But, since he preached a message that they did not want to hear they rejected him as having a demon.

 Then when Jesus came along eating and drinking, they said, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." Jesus told them that in his presence, God’s kingdom was coming, so they should repent and believe. He performed miracle after miracle for them so that they could know that he definitely was from God, but they did not want to see and hear, because he was not dancing to the tune that they wanted him to. They didn’t want Jesus and what he had for them, they instead wanted everything to go their way.

 So wisdom is proved right by her actions. The reaction of those Jews to John and Jesus proved that they simply wanted them to dance to the Israelites tune and not God’s tune. They wanted God to do what fitted their understanding; which again was a twisted understanding of the Scriptures. They had placed themselves at the centre of God’s Word, not God and what he really had to say. In their wisdom and learning they twisted Scripture to suit their thinking, not the other way around.

 Then in those verses in between what we have before us, Jesus condemns those Jews for not repenting as a result of the miracles which he had done amongst them. Their rejection of God in their midst, meant that they would face God’s judgement. Their religiosity and sincerity was not enough. Their focus on their good achievements was all wrong. So for their unwillingness to look to God and what he had for them, Jesus condemns them. Serious consequences indeed!

 Then Jesus went on to say; "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

 There he clearly states that, contrary to their way of thinking, God’s ways were infinitely greater. He contrasts the wise and learned human being with the Lord of heaven and earth. He thereby asks the question of us; Who do we really think we are, by setting ourselves up as the knowledgeable and learned ones? After all Jesus’ Father is the Lord over all things in heaven and on earth. He is the one we need to turn to, and look to for all that we need for life.

 This understanding is clearly given and revealed in the little children. The babe simply trusts that its being, help and safety comes from beyond themselves. They know that they are cared for and loved, without it being up to them. They don’t play games with God; they trust what is given and said.

 That then is what the Lord Almighty looks for in us. That we too will simply look to him and trust that he has that which is right and good for us. We will simply receive from him that which he has to give, rather than impose our will on him. We will understand that we as sinful, selfish human beings, are simply unable to play the game by our own rules, or by changing the rules as we go along, to suit ourselves and in order to be popular in the world around us.

This then has a lot to say to us and our church at this time, as we seek to bring enormous change into what we not only do, but also what our theology is. For much is being said and done today which is no longer in accord with Scripture as it has been passed down to us.

Yes, we need to remember that the Lord is God and that he constantly is seeking to renew us and help us to be his witnesses to the world around us. But he is a God who does not change; what he has said is what we need, even today, in order to go forward as his people. Therefore Jesus Christ and his Word and Sacraments are still the very centre and core of the Christian Faith. It is the Holy Spirit working through the Word and Sacraments that creates and sustains faith in Jesus Christ. What God has to give us in worship is far more important than what we can do for him. The Office of the Ministry is as valid today as it always has been; and rightly called and prepared men are still just as necessary as they have been throughout the last two thousand years. God’s view on homosexuality and marriage has not changed, just because of our governments changing views. These are just some of the many issues that are important for us today.

We are not to impose our wisdom and learning on these issues; playing games with God and his Word. Let us accept what he has given us on these issues in his Word, and which has been passed down throughout the history of the Church, in simple childlike faith.

Hear again what Jesus has to say; "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

By looking to him and trusting what he has given us, not only makes life much easier for us, but it is that then which is being a part of our Lord’s game. It is not us trying to get God to play our games, but us being a part of that which is given to us, to make life easy for us. But then most importantly all glory goes to our great God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For to him alone belongs all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish