Ezekiel 33:7-11.                 You have a responsibility!                             10/9/17

Also Romans 13:8-14, & Matthew 18:15-20.

⁷ “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. ⁸ When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. ⁹ But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

¹⁰ “Son of man, say to the Israelites, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?”’ ¹¹ Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’

I am sure that most of us have heard the saying that: 'the only problem with the church is the people in it." Now in one sense, it is so true. It often seems as though we are continually facing the situation where someone or other has done something wrong: whether that be within the congregation, in the family, or out in the community or business world. Somebody or other has fouled up somewhere. Irrespective of where, it almost always reflects badly on the church somewhere or somehow.

Now none of this should really surprise us. We live in a sinful world where even we ourselves are constantly failing to be the people that we know we should be and are constantly falling. All of us are far from perfect. So there will always be problems and failings. But it is how we deal with it all that is important. It is here that our readings this morning have some very important advice for us.

The first point that comes out, is that each one of us have a responsibility in this matter; each one of us needs to listen to what God is telling us here. No matter where we stand in regard to the issue at hand – whether victim, perpetrator, or spectator. So often when it comes to a problem in the church as well as outside in the community we merely want to sit back and criticize from a distance.

Even when we ourselves are involved it all too often is seen as the problem is out there. It is the other person’s fault; he wronged me; he calls himself a Christian and yet he does this or that; or look what so and so has done, and so what I did is not so bad; he or she is not as good as they should be or claims to be; and we could go on and on.

Yes, we are always quick to see and criticize the faults and failings out there – in the other person. But how often aren't we doing this for very selfish reasons. By highlighting their failures, it doesn't make me look so bad. Deep down, probably, thinking it takes the focus off of our own failures and blame.

But each of our readings remind us that when we think about failures and the things that can and do go wrong, then we must first of all look here, to ourselves. We are to see what our responsibility is in the situation. We are to think about what and how God wants us to behave and act, whether it is our fault or not.

In the second reading, we were reminded of what should underlie our whole approach to life and to the failures and problems that we face. "You shall love your neighbour as yourself. “Love does no wrong to a neighbour;" even when they have wronged us. Love always thinks of the other person first - not self. It thinks of how and what is needed in order to help that person in the situation whatever it is. It thinks about what Jesus would have done. And instead of trying to destroy that person before others and God, our concern is to be, to build them up. In particular to bring them into a right understanding before God.

That is why we are told in the first reading to warn those who do evil of the consequences of their actions - they will die because of their sin. We are to warn them of the need to change their ways. And if we don't and we fail to give that warning then we are told that we will held responsible for their death. Out of love for that person and seeking their welfare before God we are to show them their fault.

At the same time out of love for God and that person we are to seek to live life in accord with God's will - so others will not be tempted. Here remember also our second reading mentions being subject to governing authorities. They have an essential role to play in governing for the welfare and good of our society. They need our prayers, support and challenges so that they do what is best, and not just what is popular.

So continually these readings this morning are speaking of our responsibility; of what we are to do in the face of the difficulties and challenges of life. Instead of pointing the finger, we are urged to get alongside one another and build relationships. Especially our relationship with God Almighty himself.

Now secondly here, we need to remember that life is not simply about how good our lives are. As much as that is important. It is not our goodness or failings that determines our rightness with God. Yet so often that is the impression that Christians so often seem to give.

We praise people for the good they have done, and so often give the idea that this is what will get them to heaven. Or on the other hand we condemn a person who has done something wrong and evil. Not even giving them a chance to know of the forgiveness of sins that there for them through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.

This is where all of us need to focus our attention - on the Lord Jesus and what he has done for us. There alone in him we find what is needed in order for us to be able to face life in our troubled world. There in him we find the where with all to be able to get on and work in the midst of the failures of us all.

God had and has given us a way to live that is good and right, and which would ensure that we have none of the troubles and disasters that we are constantly facing. All of which off course, are of our own making as human beings. We have ignored what God has to say and give us, and have instead chosen to do our own thing.

So constantly we all bring on ourselves and one another all these terrible things that we face in this life. No matter how hard we try it is always there; and there is no way out of this awful mess that we face. It is a hopeless situation with only one conclusion death and destruction and finally, all hell.

Except for the fact that God in his love for us sent is only begotten Son into our world to give us a way out. He takes the punishment that we deserve on himself, and therefore, for God’s forgiveness to be extended to each and every one of us. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross God now accepts all those who believe in him to be fully forgiven and accepted as his very own perfect people.

 Then in response to what he has done for all our sin and failures and all the rubbish that comes our way, there we find also our responsibility as we now go on living in this sinful world. We give thanks to him for all the good that has been extended to us and that is there in our lives. We respond to his love and forgiveness by obeying our authorities and keeping his commandments.

When another sins against us, as people who have been saved by Jesus Christ, we seek to show them their fault and lead them to confession and forgiveness Because of Jesus we now think of our actions and reactions toward good and evil all in terms what it does mean for our relationship with God.

When we think of the wrong that we or others have done we think of rejection he must feel; and then seek and encourage forgiveness. As our Lord has forgiven us we now seek to extend that same love to others. Thinking always of our need for the help and forgiveness that only comes from God.

In all of this we need to remember that our Lord is present with us, each and every moment of our lives. He is alongside of us all the time. In particular, 'where two or three come together in His name.' As we gather together as fellow Christians, he is there to help us to get over our petty differences. He is there to help us beyond simply pointing fingers and looking down on others for their failings. He is there to also help us forgive even the most serious hurts.

When there is major conflict and differences of opinion he is there with his Word to lead us to the truths that he would have us uphold and live by. Even there he gives us the strength on those occasions when we need to reject a person who does not listen to our warning and the need to be guided by what God has clearly told us. He is always there with us and for us; helping us to live, love and forgive as he would have us. He is also there ready to forgive us when we fail and fall.

So let us be determined to go from here today remembering all our Lord has and continues to do for us. Let us not merely concentrate on others faults and condemn them; but help them to overcome them and to build their relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instead of merely focussing on the goodness of people or more particularly theirs and our lack of it, let us keep in mind the greatness of our God and what he has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. This is now the responsibility that is ours. So may God go with you in this regard and bless all you do in Jesus name. To him be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Matthew 16:21-28.          Standing at the crossroads!!                          3/9/17

(21)  From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. {22} Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" {23} Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." {24} Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. {25} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. {26} What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? {27} For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. {28} I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

This reading here today places us all at the crossroads of life. Do we here also want to take the easy and glorious road through life; just as Peter is suggesting to Jesus? Or will we listen to our Lord when he tells us that we are to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him? Are we going to listen to our Lord or are we going to allow Satan to direct our lives for us?

Might I suggest; by what I see around about, Satan has by enlarge, enticed much of the church today to follow the easy road. We don’t want to face the road and the theology of the cross and suffering: we want the easy and comfortable road that allows us to enjoy health, wealth and happiness: we don’t want to be challenged: and we don’t want to live a life of suffering, ridicule and rejection. In other words, we would much rather travel on the wide and easy road that leads to Hell, along with the bulk of the people around us.

Sadly, there are so many that seem to be wanting to gain the whole world no matter the cost. ‘We have to have all that the world is telling us that we need, or else we will not be truly fulfilled and happy.’ We don’t stop and think that a sinful, selfish world will only give us more and more heartache and disaster, no matter how hard it tries. At the end of the day we also need to consider what Jesus says here is the end result of this pursuit: this person forfeits his soul.

But I guess the challenging question then in this regard is: do we really care? It would seem that for most people, they have this idea that they can ‘have their cake and eat it as well.’ They seem to think that they can live as they please; allow Satan full reign; and yet at the end God will still allow them all into heaven. It doesn’t matter what God himself says about these things, as long as we think we are OK, then we are. Sadly, this kind of thinking has come right into the heart of the church and all too often into our own lives.

For so many, they are no longer at the crossroad, that have gone down the road that is broad and easy; the freeway of life; and there is little chance of them being able to get off. Jesus and the cross is not central; denial and suffering are not a part of the equation. They want life, but they want it their way; and are heading down the road of forfeiting their soul.

This being the case we need to carefully consider what our Lord is saying to us here. The first thing that he says is that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Here again then he makes the point that it is absolutely essential for us and for our salvation that he dies on the cross. This is no incidental issue. He must die so that forgiveness of sins and eternal life can be ours.

God’s Word is quite clear, that because we have chosen to do as we please, instead of heeding what God has told us, we have brought all kinds of difficulties and disasters on ourselves. Because we have sinned we will surely die. However, God in his love for has done through Jesus Christ what is necessary for us to have a way out. All who trust in him alone then has the certain hope of salvation and eternal life.

Then at our baptisms we were joined to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection and so can be sure that we have been placed on the road to eternal life. If we stay on the road that he has laid down for us, we can be sure that we will find life, even though we will suffer and have to carry our cross through this life.

It is here then that we need to take careful note, for Jesus says that if we now as Christians, want to save our life: in other words, to have a comfortable, easy road where we do as we please, we will lose it. We will be turning our life off of the road that he has set for us and turning to the broad free way to Hell. Jesus here speaks in the strongest possible terms: we cannot have the way of the world without losing our life.

Instead he says whoever loses his life for me will find it. Whoever is prepared to give up getting their own way and doing their own thing, and then allow Christ’s life and what he says is good and important for us, to be what is all important for us; then we will find life. We will have that sure and certain hope that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

So we can deny ourself and take up our cross and follow him. Now in many ways this is a positive statement: it is something that we can do. It is so, because first of all, our Lord Jesus is suggesting that we follow where he himself has been before. We know that we would dearly like to be where he is now; in heaven with his Father. But at the same time we know that as we stick with him in the things he has told us are important, we are on the road to get there. As we follow the path he went down and that he tells us we are to go, we know that it will not always be easy. In fact, he promises that ours will also be one of denial and cross-bearing.

However, as we do follow we have his sure promise that he will never leave us or forsake us and that lo he with us always. In fact, he promises that he will help us carry our burdens, as well as help us in our living as his people. Also as we follow him we know that we live under the joy of the Gospel: The Good News of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us in his life, death and resurrection. We know that there is forgiveness of sins there for all the mistakes that we make along the way.

So we can go forward in the midst of the difficulties and struggles of life. We can live boldly and confidently in the midst of what at times looks like failure. We can put aside our selfish fears and live for the benefit of others. We can take all the mud that is thrown at us and know that he will use it for good. We can follow the road ahead and know that because of Jesus Christ the destination is sure.

Also we can and will seek to live as we are encouraged to in the second reading from Romans 12.

(9)  Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. {10} Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. {11} Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. {12} Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. {13} Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. {14} Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. {15} Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. {16} Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. {17} Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. {18} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. {19} Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. {20} On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." {21} Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Yes, we recognise that this is not the way our world or our sinful selves want to live; but we deny ourselves and take up his cross and follow the Lord Jesus, because that is what he has called for from us. We know that it is good for us and for our society for us to do so, even though we so often struggle to do so. Because of the love and salvation that he has extended to us, this is what we now seek to do, despite our inability to always do so.

Let us remember that it is there in and with him, as we go down that sometimes difficult and dark road, that we find that there it is, what life is all about. There it is that we find real meaning and purpose and there in the Lord Jesus we find life eternal. Yes, with all this in mind we find that we have gone over the crossroads and are down that road that our Lord leads us on. Let’s not turn back! Let’s not listen to Satan’s lies! But instead deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all glory and honour, now and always.  AMEN

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish